this change thou rather sufferest, than contributest to produce. While it is involuntary, and thou strivest against it, instead of being a proof of the loss of grace, it may be made an occasion of humble and acceptable resignation.

Know, that it is the continual labor of thy inveterate enemy, to suppress every holy desire in thy soul, and divert thee from every holy exercise; from affectionate meditation on my sufferings, from the imitation of my life, and the persevering constancy of the saints, from the profitable recollection of thy numerous sins, from the watchful keeping of thy own heart, and from the heaven-born resolution of pressing towards the mark, for the prize of thy high calling." He disturbs thy thoughts by innumerable vain and sensual images, to create in thee disgust and abhorrence of the restraints of holiness, and to withdraw thee from prayer and the instructions of the oracles of God: he is offended and alarmed at an humble and contrite acknowledgement of sin; and, if possible, would bring thee to a total dis use of the memorials of my death. Believe him not, nor heed his power, though, to ensnare thy soul, he thus continually spreads his deceitful net. When he suggests vain thoughts, and impure desires, charge all the guilt upon his own head; and say to him, "Get thee behind me, unclean and malignant spirit! Depart from me, most detestable seducer! thou shalt have no part in me : for Jesus, the bruiser of thy head, is with me; and like a mighty warrior, he will protect me from thy malevolence; and thou shalt fall subdued and confounded before him. I would

rather die in extremity of torment, than consent to thy impious will. Hold thy peace, therefore, and be dumb for ever: for I will hearken to thee no longer, nor have converse with thee, though thou shouldst continually invent new stratagems to rob me of holiness and peace." "The Lord is my light, and my salvation; of whom shall I be afraid? Though a host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear. The Lord is my strength, and my Redeemer!"

Thus, like a valiant soldier, let nothing abate thy struggle for victory; and if thou sometimes fallest, through human frailty, return to the mercy-seat with redoubled vigor, depending upon the abundant succours of my grace. Only beware of pride and self-complacency: for by these many are betrayed into error, till they are brought to a degree of blindness that is almost incurable. Let the destruction of the proud, who vainly presume upon their own wisdom and strength, be to thee a perpetual admonition of the blessings of humility.

CHAPTER VI.

Enjoyment must be possessed with Humility.

CHRIST.

My son, when the fire of devotion burns in thy heart, let not the favor exalt thee into pride: boast not of it as a distinction due to thy merit ; nor ponder it in thy own mind with self-approbation and

complacence. Rather in a true knowledge and distrust of thy great weakness, be more fearful in consequence of the gift, as bestowed upon one that may make an unworthy use of it. That ardor is not to be relied on, which may soon abate, and give place to coldness.

During the enjoyment of heavenly consolation, recollect how poor and miserable thou wert without it. The advancement of spiritual life depends not upon the enjoyment of consolation ; but upon bearing the want of it, with resignation, humility, and patience, so as not to relinquish prayer, or remit any of thy accustomed holy exercises. Thou must, with a willing mind, and the best exertion of thy ability, perform all thy duties, and not abandon the care of thy improvement, upon pretence of present barrenness and disquietude. There are many, who, when their state of grace does not correspond with their eager desires and boundless expectations, instantly fall either into impatience or sloth: but "the way of man is not in himself ;” and it belongeth unto God to give comfort when he please, to whom he please, and in that degree which is most subservient to the designs of his wisdom and goodness.

Some inconsiderate persons, by an improper use of the grace of devotion, have destroyed all its salutary effects. With an intemperate zeal grounded upon it, they have laid claim to such perfection as it is impossible to attain in the present life; not considering their own littleness, but following the tumultuous fire of animal passions, instead of the calm irradiations of divine truth. These, by presumption and arro

gance, have lost the grace that was vouchsafed them; and, though they had exalted themselves" as the eagles, and set their nest among the stars," yet they have fallen back into the poverty and wretchedness of nature; that, being stript of all vain dependence upon themselves, they might learn, that the best efforts of human strength are ineffectual, and that none can soar to heaven, except I support his flight, and bear him upon my own wings.

They that are inexperienced in the spiritual life, will be soon deceived, and easily subdued, unless they relinquish the guidance of their own opinions, and hearken to the counsels of tried and successful wisdom; but they who are "wise in their own conceit," have seldom humility enough to submit to the direction of others. An understanding, therefore, that is able only to "receive" the truths of " the kingdom of God" with the meekness and simplicity of "a little child," is infinitely better than that which, arrogantly glorying in its extent, can comprehend the utmost circle of science: "Better is it to be of an humble spirit" with the ignorant, "than to divide the spoils" of learning "with the proud."

That man acts indiscreetly, who gives himself up to the joy of present riches, forgetful of his former poverty, and divested of that chaste and holy fear of God, which makes the heart tenderly apprehensive of losing the grace it has received. Nor has he attained the fortitude of true wisdom, who, in the day of distress and sadness, suffers his mind to be subdued by despair, and deprived of that absolute confidence in me, which is my right, and his own

best support: but those that are most elate and secure in time of peace, are most fearful and dejected in time of war.

Trials will contribute more to the perfection of thy spirit, than the gratification of thy own will in the enjoyment of perpetual sunshine. The safety and blessedness of man's state in this life, are not to be estimated by the number of his consolations; nor by his critical knowledge of Holy Scripture, nor his exaltation to dignity and power; but by his being grounded and established in humility, and filled with divine charity; and by seeking, in all he doth, the glory of God.

DISCIPLE.

"Shall I take upon me to speak unto my Lord, who am but dust and ashes ?" If I think too highly of myself, and arrogate any excellence, behold, thou standest in judgment against me, and my iniquities oppose my claim by such true and forcible testimony that I can neither contradict nor elude. I feel and acknowledge the darkness, impurity, and wretchedness of my fallen nature. When I am left to the disorderly workings of nature and self, behold, I am all weakness and misery! but when thy light breaketh upon my soul, my weakness is made strong, and my misery turned into joy. And transcendently wonderful it is, that a creature, which, by its alienation from thee, is always within the central attraction of selfishness and sin, should be so enlightened, purified, and blessed, by a participation of the divine life! But this astonishing change is the pure effect of thy infinite love, producing in me all holy desires,