world, because he despised whatsoever was delightsome in it; and for the love of Christ, patiently suffered Sixtus to be taken from him, whom he most dearly loved.

He overcame, therefore, the love of man by the love of the Creator: and he rather chose the divine good pleasure than human comfort.

See thou also learn to forsake thy intimate and beloved friend, for the love of God. Be not grieved when thou art forsaken by a friend, knowing that we all, at length, must be separated from one another.

When a man trusteth in himself, he easily slideth into human comfort; but a true lover of Christ betakes not himself to human comfort, but rather sustains hard exercises and great labour for Christ.

3. When, therefore, spiritual comfort is given thee from God, receive it thankfully; but know it is the gift of God, not thy desert.

Be not puffed up, neither do thou presume vainly; but be rather more humble for the gift, and more wary in all thy actions.

4. David in the presence of the divine grace, said, "I said in my prosperity, I shall never be removed." But, in the absence of it, having experienced what was in himself, he adds, "Thou didst turn thy face from me, and I was troubled."

Yet doth he not despair, but more earnestly prayeth unto the Lord, and saith, "Then cried I unto thee, O Lord; and gat to my God right humbly."

Lastly, he receiveth the fruit of his prayer, and witnesseth that he was heard, saying, "The Lord

hath heard me, and taken pity on me: the Lord is become my helper."

But wherein ? "Thou hast turned," saith he, my heaviness into joy, thou hast compassed me about with gladness."

5. Whereupon, therefore, can I hope, or wherein ought I to trust, but in the great mercy of God alone, and in the only hope of everlasting grace?

For whether I enjoy the presence of good men, or religious brethren, or faithful friends, or holy books, or excellent treatises, or sweet songs and hymns, all these help little, and have little relish, without the grace of God.

At such a time there is no better remedy than patience, and renouncinng my own will, according to the will of God.

Temptation going before, is wont to be a sign of ensuing comfort.

And to those that are proved by temptations, heavenly comfort is promised. "To him that shall overcome," saith he, "will I give to eat of the tree of Life."

6. Divine comfort is given, that a man may be stronger to bear adversity. There followeth temptation, lest he should grow proud thereof.

The devil sleepeth not, neither is the flesh as yet dead; therefore cease not to prepare thyself to the battle; for on thy right hand and on thy left are enemies that never rest.

CHAPTER X.

Of Thankfulness for the Grace of God.

WHY seekest thou rest, since thou art born to labour.

Dispose thyself to patience, rather than to comfort; and to the bearing of the cross, rather than to joy.

What worldly man would not willingly receive spiritual joy and comfort, if he could always have it. For spiritual comfort exceeds all the delights of the world, and all the pleasures of the flesh.

2. False freedom of mind and trust in ourselves, are very contrary to heavenly visitations.

God doeth well in giving thee consolation: but man doeth evil in not returning all again unto God with thanksgiving. And, therefore, the gifts of grace cannot flow into us, because we are not thankful to the Giver.

For grace ever attendeth him that is thankful; and from the proud shall be taken that which is given to the humble.

I willingly accept that grace, whereby I may ever become more humble and careful, and more ready to renounce myself.

Give unto God that which is God's, and ascribe unto thyself that which is thine own: that is, give thanks to God for his grace; and acknowledge that nothing is thine, but only sin, and the punishment due thereto.

3. Set thyself always in the lowest place; and the highest shall be given thee: for thou canst not be in the highest till thou hast been in the lowest.

The chief saints before God are the least in their own eyes: and how much the more glorious, so much the more humble.

4. Be therefore thankful for the least gift; so shalt thou receive greater. If thou consider the worth of the Giver, no gift will seem little or of mean esteem. For that is not little which is given by the most high God.

Yea, if he should give punishment and stripes, we ought to be grateful; for he doth it always for our welfare, whatsoever he permitteth to befal us.

He that desireth to keep the grace of God, let him be thankful for the grace given, and patient for the taking away thereof. Let him pray that it may Let him be wary and humble, lest he

return. lose it.

CHAPTER XI.

That there are few who love the Cross of Christ.

JESUS hath many lovers of his heavenly kingdom, but few bearers of his cross.

He hath many desirous of comfort, but few of tribulation. He findeth many companions of his table, but few of his abstinence.

All desire to rejoice with him, but few will suffer for him.

Many praise and bless him, as long as they receive

comforts from him. But if he leave them but awhile, they fall into complaint or dejection.

2. But they that love Jesus for Jesus, bless him in all tribulation, as well as in the greatest comfort. And although he should never give them comfort, yet they would ever praise him, and always give him thanks.

3. O how powerful is the pure love of Jesus! But where may one be found that is willing to serve God gratis?

4. It is hard to find any one that is stripped of the love of all earthly things.

For where is any one to be found that is indeed free from all affection to creatures.

If a man should give all his substance, yet it is as nothing. And if he should do great penances, yet are they but little. And if he should attain to all knowledge, he is yet far off.

And if he should be very fervent in devotion, yet there is wanting one thing which is most necessary

for him.

What is that? That when he hath done all which he knoweth ought to be done, he knows that he hath done nothing.

5. Let him not think that a great thing, which others may think so: but according to truth let him affirm himself to be an unprofitable servant; as our Saviour hath said, "When ye have done all things that are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants."

Yet no man richer, no man more powerful, no man more free, than he that can leave all things, and set himself in the lowest place.