A manuali [sic] of divine considerations delivered and concluded by ... Thomas White ; translated out of the original Latine copie.

22. Meditation. Of Perseverance.

1. COnsider, that the misery which perseverance endureth can∣not be grievous, for what is grie∣vous is short: how shamefull is it therefore, and reproachfull, to be overcome onely as it were by con∣tinuance of time, and importunitie of matters of little moment?

2. Besides that, the inconstant man condemneth himself, either for that he inconsiderately did begin, or that he now without just cause doth leave off: both of them the part of an unwise man, and who is not master of his own actions. More over, he is scorned by all men, nor hath any one any good esteem

of the event of what he under∣taketh.

3. Adde to these, that for the most part he loseth the reward of the labours which he hath past, which were greater then th••se to come, because the greatest difficul∣tie is in the beginning; as also great hopes, and near at hand, for light ensuing difficulties.

4. Again consider, that nature her self, and whatsoever doeth well, acteth better by perseverance then force; and that those things more throughly penetrate the soul, or any other externall matter, which are imprinted sweetly, and by custome, then those that are applied by a sud∣dain change: for that alwayes which is violent is corruptive, and contra∣ry to nature.

5. Lastly, weigh, how that all and every opposition against which per∣severance resisteth, are but light, nor can come upon thee but one at one time; from whence it proceeds, that unlesse thy minde be troublesome

in the thoughts, and remembrance, in the things themselves there is no∣thing that deserveth either flight or fear.

Conclude, not to change that good which thou hast timely un∣dertaken; for not the beginnings, but the end of the Action is crowned. Not to fear difficulties, before they set upon thee, and thou shalt find them much lighter: for they terrifie more in the amuse∣ment of our fancies, then when they are present. Cast thy thought upon our Lord, and fearing no∣thing, proceed with constancy and alacrity. Goe on, and do some∣thing dayly, and take care onely for that which this day is to be done, and taken care for.