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[ 1] IT is the highest Wisdom, by de∣spising the world to arrive at Heaven: for they are blessed whose daily exercise it is to converse with God by Prayer and Obe∣dience; by Love and Patience.
[ 2] It is the extremest folly to labour for that which will bring torment in the end, and no satisfaction in the little en∣joyment of it: to be unwearied in the pursuit of the world, and to be soon tir'd in whatsoever we begin to do for Christ.
[ 3] Watch over thy self, counsel thy self, reprove thy self, censure thy self, and judge thy self impartially; what∣ever thou dost to others, do not neglect thy self. For every man profits so much as he does violence to himself.
[ 4] They that follow their own sensua∣lity, stain their Consciences, and lose the grace of God; but he that endeavours to please God, whatever he suffers, is be∣loved of God. For it is not a Question, Whether we shall or shall not suffer: but whether we shall suffer for God, or for the World; whether we shall take pains in Religion, or in sin, to get Hea∣ven, or to get riches.
[ 5] What availeth knowledg without the fear of God? A humble ignorant man is better than a proud scholar, who studies natural things, and knows not himself. The more thou knowest, the more grie∣vously thou shalt be judged. Many get no profit by their labour, because they con∣tend
for knowledge rather than for holy life; and the time shall come, when it shall more avail thee to have subdu'd one lust, than to have known all mysteries.
[ 6] No man truly knows himself, but he groweth daily more contemptible in his own eyes. Desire not to be known, and to be little esteem'd of by men.
[ 7] If all be well within, nothing can hurt us from without: for from inordi∣nate love and vain fear comes all unqui∣etness of spirit and distraction of our senses.
[ 8] He to whom all things are one, who draweth all things to one, and se∣eth all things in one, may enjoy true peace and rest of Spirit.
[ 9] It is not much business that di∣stracts any man, but the want of purity, constancy, and tendency towards God. Who hinders thee more than the un∣mortified desires of thy own heart? As soon as ever a man desires any thing inordinately, he is presently dis∣quied in himself. He that hath not wholly subdued himself is quickly tempted nad overcome in small and trifling things. The weak in spirit is he that is in a manner subject to his appe∣tite,
and he quickly falls into indignation and contention and envy.
[ 10] He is truly gerat that is great in Charity, and little in himself.
[ 11] WE rather often believe and speak evil of others, than good. But they that are truly vertuous do not easily credit evil that is told them of their neighbours. For if o∣thers may do amiss, then may these also speak amiss. Man is frail and prone to evil, and therefore may soon fail in words.
[ 12] Be not rash in thy proceedings, nor confident and pertinacious in thy conceits. But consult with him that is wise, and seek to be instructed by a bet∣ter than thy self.
[ 13] The more humble and resign'd we are to God, the more prudent we are in our affairs to men, and peaceable in our selves.
[ 14] The proud and the covetous can never rest.
[ 15] Be not asham'd to be, or to be
esteem'd poor in this world; for he that hears God teaching him, will find that it is the best wisdom to withdraw all our affections from secular honour and troublesome riches, and to place them upon eternal treasures, and by pa∣tience, by humility, by suffering scorn and contempt, and all the Will of God, to get the true riches.
[ 16] Be not proud of well doing•…•… for the judgment of God is far differing from the judgment of men.
[ 17] Lay not thy heart open to every one, but with the wise and them that fear God. Converse not much with young people and strangers. Flatter not the rich, neither do thou willingly or lightly appear before great Personages. Never be partaker with the persecutors.
[ 18] It is easier, and safer, and more pleasant, to live in obedience, than to be at our own disposing.
[ 19] Always yield to others when there is cause; for that is no shame, but honour: but it is a shame to stand stiff in a foolish or weak argument on re∣solution.
[ 20] The talk of worldly affairs hin∣dereth much; although recounted with a
fair intention: we speak wllingly, but seldom return to silence.
[ 21] WAtch and pray, lest your time pass without profit or fruit. But devout dis∣courses do greatly further our spiritual progress, if persons of one mind and spirit be gathered together in God.
[ 22] We should enjoy more peace, if we did not busie our selves with the words and deeds of other men, which appertain not to our charge.
[ 23] He that esteem's his progress in Religion, to consist in exteriour Obser∣vances, his devotion will quickly be at an end: but to free your selves of pas∣sions is to lay the axe to the root of the tree, and the true way of peace.
[ 24] It is good that we sometimes be contradicted and ill thought of, and that we always bear it well, even when we deserve to be well spoken of. Perfect peace and security cannot be had in this world.
[ 25] All the Saints have profited by tribulations; and they that could not bear temptations became reprobates, and fell from God.
[ 26] Think not all is well within when all is well without; or that thy being pleas'd is a sign that God is pleas'd: but suspect every thing that is prosperous, unless it promotes Piety, and Charity and Humility.
[ 27] Do no evil, for no interest, and to please no man, for no friendship, and for no fear.
[ 28] God regards not how much we do, but from how much it proceeds. He does much that loves much.
[ 29] Patiently suffer that from others which thou canst not mend in them, un∣til God please to do it for thee; and re∣member that thou mend thy self, since thou art so willing others should not of∣fend in any thing.
[ 30] Every man's vertue is best seen in adversity and temptation.
[ 31] BEgin every day to repent, not that thou shouldst at all defer it, or stand at the door, but because all that is past ought to seem little to thee, becanse it is so in it self: begin the next day with the same zeal, and the same fear, and the same humility, as if thou hadst never begun before.
[ 32] A little omission of any usual ex∣ercise of piety cannot happen to thee without some loss and considerable de∣triment, even though it be upon a con∣siderable cause.
[ 33] Be not slow in common and usual acts of Piety and Devotion, and quick and prompt at singularities: but having first done what thou art bound to, pro∣ceed to counsels and perfections, and the extraordinaries of Religion, as you see cause.
[ 34] He that desires much to hear news is never void of passions and secu∣lar desires, and adherences to the world.
[ 35] Complain not too much of hin∣derances
of Devotion: If thou let men alone, they will let thee alone; and if you desire not to converse with them, let them know it, and they will not desire to converse with thee.
[ 36] Draw not to thy self the affairs of others, neither involve thy self in the suits and parties of great Personages.
[ 37] Know that if any trouble happen to thee, it is what thou hast deserved, and therefore brought upon thy self. But if any comfort come to thee, it is a gift of God, and what thou didst not deserve. And remember, that oftentimes when thy body complains of trouble, it is not so much the greatness of trouble, as lit∣tleness of thy spirit, that makes thee to complain.
[ 38] He that knows how to suffer any thing for God, that desires heartily the Will of God may be done in him, that studies to please others rather than him∣self, to do the will of his Superior, not his own, that chuseth the least portion, and is not greedy for the biggest, that takes the lowest place, and does not murmur secretly; he is in the best con∣dition and state of things.
[ 39] Let no man despair of mercy or
success so long as he hath life and health.
[ 40] Every man must pass through fire and water before he can come to refreshment.
[ 41] SOon may a man lose that by neg∣ligence which hath by much la∣bour & a long time and a migh∣ty grace scarcely been obtain'd. And what shall become of us before night, who are weary so early in the morning? Wo be to that man who would be at rest, e∣ven when he hath scarcely a foot-step of holiness appearing in his conversation.
[ 42] So think, and so do, as if thou wert to die to day, and at night to give an account of thy whole life.
[ 43] Beg not a long life, but a good one; for length of days often times pro∣longs the evil, and augments the guilt. It were well if that little time we live, we would live well.
[ 44] Entertain the same opinions and thoughts of thy sin, and of thy present state, as thou wilt in the day of sorrow.
Thou wilt then think thy self very mise∣rable and very foolish, for neglecting one hour, and one day of thy Salvation: Think so now, and thou wilt be more provident of thy time and of thy talent. For there will a time come, when every careless man shall desire the respite of one hour for Prayer and Repentance, and I know not who will grant it. Hap∣py is he that so lives, that in the day of death he rejoyces, and is not amazed.
[ 45] He that would die comfortably, may serve his ends by first procuring to himself a contempt of the would, a fer∣vent desire of growing in grace, love of discipline, a laborious repentance, a prompt obedience, self-denial, and to∣leration of every cross accident for the love of Christ, and a tender Charity.
[ 46] While thou art well thou maies•…•… do much good, if thou wilt; but when•…•… thou art sick, neither thou nor I can tel what thou shalt be able to do: It is no•…•… very much, nor very good. Few me•••• mend with sickness, as there are but few•…•… who by travel and a wandering life be∣come devout.
[ 47] Be not troubled nor faint in the•…•… labours of mortification, and the auste∣rities
of Repentance; for in Hell one hour is more intollerable than a hundred years in the house of Repentance: and try; for if thou canst not endure God punishing thy follies gently, for a while, to amend thee, how wilt thou endure his vengeance for ever to undo thee?
[ 48] In thy Prayers wait for God, and think not every hearty Prayer can pro∣cure every thing thou askest. Those things which the Saints did not obtain without many prayers, and much la∣bour, and showrs of tears, and a long protracted watchfulness and industry, do thou expect also in its own time, and by its usual measures. Do thou valiantly, and hope confidently, and wait pati∣ently, and thou shalt find thou wilt not be deceived.
[ 49] Be careful thou dost not speak a lie in thy prayers, which, though not observed, is frequently practis'd by care∣less persons, especially in the forms of Confession, affirming things which they have not thought, professing sorrow which is not, making a vow they mean not.
[ 50] If thou meanest to be devout, and to enlarge thy Religion, do it rather by
increasing thy ordinary devotions then thy extraordinary. For if they be not re∣gular, but come by chance, they will not last long. But if they be added to your ordinary offices, or made to be daily, thy spirit will by use and custom be made tender, and not willing to go less.
[ 51] HE is a truly charitable and good man, who, when he receives in∣juries, grieves rather for the malice of him that injures him, than for his own suffering; who willingly prays for him that wrongs him, and from his heart forgives all his fault; who stays not, but quickly asks pardon of others for his errours or mistakes; who sooner shews mercy than anger; who thinks better of others than himself; who offers vio∣lence to his appetite, and in all things endeavours to subdue the flesh to the spirit. This is an excellent abbreviature of the whole duty of a Christian.
[ 52] No man can have felicity in two states of things. If he takes it in God here, in him he shall have it hereafter,
for God will last for ever. But if he takes felicity in things of this world, where will his felicity be when this world is done? Either here alone or hereafter must be thy portion.
[ 53] Avoid those things in thy self which in others do most displease thee. And remember that as thine eye ob∣serves others, so art thou observed by God, by Angels, and by men.
[ 54] He that puts his confidence in God onely, is neither over-joyed in any great good things of this life, nor sor∣rowful for a little thing. Let God be thy love and thy fear, and he also will be thy Salvation and thy refuge.
[ 55] Do not omit thy Prayers for want of a good Oratory or place to pray in, nor thy duty for want of temporal encouragements. For he that does both upon God's account, cares not how or what he suffers, so he suffer well, and be the friend of Christ; nor where nor when he prays, so he may do it frequent∣ly, fervently and acceptably.
[ 56] Very often remember and medi∣tate upon the wounds and stripes, the shame and the pain, the death and the burial of our Lord Jesus; for nothing
will more enable us to bear our Cross pa∣tiently, injuries charitably, the labour of Religion comfortably, and censuring words and detractions with meekness and quietness.
[ 57] Esteem not thy self to have pro∣fited in Religion, unless thou thinkest well of others, and meanly of thy self: Therefore never accuse any but thy self; and he that diligently watches himself will be willing enough to be silent con∣cerning others.
[ 58] It is no great matter to live lo∣vingly with good-natur'd, with humble and meek persons: but he that can do so with the froward, with the wilful and the ignorant, with the peevish and per∣verse, he only hath true charity: al∣ways remembring, that our solid true peace, and peace of God, consists rather in complying with others than in being complied with, in suffering and for∣bearing rather than in contention and victory.
[ 59] Simplicity in our intentions and purity of affections are the two wings of a Soul, investing it with the robes and resemblances of a Seraphim. Intend the honour of God principally and sin∣cerely,
and mingle not thy affections with any creature, but in just subordi∣nation to God, and to Religion, and thou shalt have joy, if there be any such thing in this World. For there is no joy but in God, and no sorrow but in an evil conscience.
[ 60] Take not much care what or who is for thee, or against thee; the judg∣ment of none is to be regarded if God's judgment be otherwise. Thou art nei∣ther better nor worse in thy self for any account that is made of thee by any but by God alone: secure that to thee, and he will secure all the rest.
[ 61] BLessed is he that understands what it is to love Jesus, and con∣tends earnestly to be like him. Nothing else can satisfie, or make us perfect. But be thou a bearer of his Cross, as well as a lover of his Kingdom. Suffer tribu∣lation for him, or from him, with the same spirit thou receivest consolation: follow him as well for the bitter Cup of
his passion as for the Loaves; and re∣member, that if it be a hard saying, Take up my Cross and follow me, it is a harder saying, Go ye Cursed into everlasting fire.
[ 62] No man can always have the same spiritual pleasure in his Prayers. For the greatest Saints have sometimes suffered the banishment of the heart, sometimes are fervent, sometimes they feel a barrenness of Devotion: for this Spirit comes and goes. Rest therefore only in God, and in doing thy duty: and know that if thou beest over-joyed to day, this hour will pass away, and temptation and sadness will succeed.
[ 63] In all afflictions seek rather for Patience than for Comfort: if thou pre∣servest that, this will return. Any man would serve God, if he felt pleasure in it always; but the vertuous does it when his Soul is full of heaviness, and regards not himself, but God, and hates that con∣solation that lessens his compunction, but loves any thing whereby his is made more humble.
[ 64] That which thou dost not under∣stand when thou readest, thou shalt un∣derstand in the day of thy visitation: for
there are many secrets of Religion which are not perceived till they be felt, and are not felt but in the day of a great ca∣lamity.
[ 65] He that prays, despairs not. But sad is the condition of him that cannot pray. Happy are they that can and do, and love to do it.
[ 66] He that will be pleased in his prayers, must make his prayers his Rule. All our duty is there set down, because in all our duty we beg the Divine Assi∣stance: and remember, that you are bound to do all those duties, for the do∣ing of which you have prayed for the Divine Assistance.
[ 67] Be doing actions of Religion as often as thou canst, and thy worldly pleasures as seldom, that if thou beest surprised by sudden death, it may be odds but thou mayest be taken at thy Prayers,
[ 68] Watch, and resist the Devil in all his Temptations and Snares. His chief designs are these; to hinder thy desire in good; to put thee by from thy Spiri∣tual imployment, from Prayers, especi∣ally from the Meditation of the Passion, from the remembrance of thy Sins, from
humble Confession of them, from spee∣dy Repentance, from the custody of thy Senses and of thy Heart, from firm pur∣poses of growing in grace, from read∣ing good Books, and frequent receiving the Holy Sacrament. It is all one to him, if he deceives the by a lye or by truth; whether he amaze or trouble thee by love of the present, or fear of the future. Watch him but in these things, and there will be no part left unarmed in which he can wound thee.
[ 69] Remember how the Proud have fallen, and they who have presumed up∣on their own strength have been disgra∣ced; and that the boldest and greatest∣talkers in the days of peace, have been the most dejected and pusillanimous in the day of temptation.
[ 70] No man ought to think he hath found Peace, when nothing troubles him; or that God loves him, because he hath no enemy; nor that all is well, because every thing is according to his mind; nor that he is a holy person, be∣cause he prays with great sweetness and comfort. But he is at Peace who is re∣conciled to God; and God loves him, when he hath overcome himself; and
all is well, when nothing pleases him but God, being thankful in the midst of his afflctions; and he is holy, who, when he hath lost his comfort, loses no∣thing of his duty, but is still the same, when God changes his face towards him.