CHAPTER XV.

The Diversity of Gifts.

DISCIPLE.

OPEN my heart, O Lord, in thy law, and teach me to walk in thy commandments. Give me understanding to know thy will; and to remember, with faithful recollection, and profound reverence, thy innumerable benefits, as well general as personal, that I may be always able worthily to praise thee, and give thee thanks. I know, and confess, that of myself I am not able to render thee due praise for thy smallest benefit: for I am less than the least of all thy mercies; and when I attempt to contemplate thine excellent majesty, my spirit fails, unable to sustain the vast idea.

All faculties of mind and body, all endowments of nature, and all advantages of grace, are the gifts of thy hand; and proclaim the infinite love and munificence of the Giver, from whom all good eternally proceeds: and though one receiveth more, and another less, yet it is all thine, and without thee the least portion cannot be enjoyed.

He that hath received great gifts hath no reason to glory, nor to exalt himself above others, nor to insult his brother who hath received less. He is the greatest and best, who ascribes least to himself, and is most devout and humble in the acknowledgement and praise of that infinite liberality from which every good and perfect gift proceeds: he only who esteems

himself vile, and most unworthy of receiving the least favor, is qualified to discern and bless the bounty which confers the greatest.

He that hath received sparingly, ought not, therefore, to be troubled, to murmur at, or envy the larger portion of his wealthy brother; but rather, in humble resignation to thy will, O God, extol that universal goodness, which is so abundantly, freely, voluntarily, and without respect of persons, dispensed to all. Thou art the inexhaustible fountain of good; and for all that flows from it, thou only art to be praised. Thou knowest what is fit to be given, and what to be withheld; and why one hath more, and another less, is not in us, but in thee only to discern, who hast weighed the ability and state of all creatures in thy righteous balance.

Therefore, O Lord God, I esteem it a signal mercy, that I do not possess many of those qualities and endowments which in the eyes of men appear glorious, and attract admiration and applause. Did we truly consider the divine economy of providence and grace, so far from being disquieted, grieved, and dejected, we should rather derive comfort, from considering that God has chosen the poor in spirit, the humble, the self-despised, and the despised of the world, for intimate friends, and the children of his family. Of this, the apostles are eminent instances, who were appointed to "sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel." These passed a life of indignity and opposition, without complaint; and even rejoiced to "suffer shame for the name of Je" and with ardent affection embraced that pov

sus;

erty which the world despises, and with unshaken patience endured those afflictions which the world abhors.

Nothing, therefore, should give so much joy to the heart of him that truly loveth thee, O God, and is truly sensible of thy undeserved mercies, as the perfect accomplishment of thy blessed will, not only in his temporal, but in his eternal state. He should feel so much complacency and acquiescence, as to be abased as willingly as others are exalted; to be as peaceful and contented in the lowest place, as others are in the highest; and as gladly to accept of a state of weakness and meanness, as others do of the most splendid honors, and the most extensive power. The accomplishment of thy will, and the glory of thy name, should transcend all other considerations, and produce more comfort and peace than all the personal benefits which have been, or can possibly be conferred.

I WILL now teach thee, my son, the way to peace, and to true liberty of spirit.

DISCIPLE.

Gracious Lord! do what thou hast condescended

to offer. Such instruction I shall rejoice to hear, for such I greatly need.

CHRIST.

1. Constantly endeavour to do the will of another, rather than thy own :

2. Constantly choose rather to want less, than to have more:

3. Constantly choose the lowest place, and to be humble to all and

4. Constantly desire and pray, that the will of God may be perfectly accomplished in thee, and concerning thee.

Verily, I say unto thee, he that doeth this, enters into the region of rest and peace.

DISCIPLE.

Lord! this short lesson teacheth great perfection; it is expressed in few words, but it is replete with truth and fruitfulness. If I could faithfully observe it, trouble would not so easily rise up within me ; for as often as I find myself disquieted and oppressed, I know I have wandered from the strait path which thou hast now pointed out. But do thou, O Lord! who canst do all things, and evermore lovest the improvement of the soul, increase the power of thy grace, that I may be enabled to fulfil thy word, and accomplish the salvation to which thou hast mercifully called me.

"O God, be not far from me: O my God, make haste for my help ;” for a multitude of evil thoughts have risen up within me, and terrible fears afflict my soul. How shall I pass them unhurt? How shall I break through them, and adhere to thee?

CHRIST.

I will go before thee, and humble the lofty spirits that exercise dominion over thee: I will break the doors of thy dark prison, and reveal to thee the secrets of my law.

DISCIPLE.

A Prayer against Evil Thoughts.

Do, O Lord! what thou hast graciously promised lift up the light of thy countenance upon my soul, that every thought which is vain and evil may vanish before it. This is my strength and comfort, to fly to thee in every tribulation, to confide in thy support, to call upon thee from the lowest depths of my heart, and patiently to wait for the superior consolations of thy Spirit.

O most merciful Jesus! restrain my wandering thoughts that are carried out after evil, and repulse the temptations that so furiously assault me.

A Prayer for Divine Illumination.

Fight thou my battles; and with thine Omnipotent arm scatter all my enemies, those deceitful lusts, and malignant passions, that are continually at work to betray and destroy me.. In thy power may I obtain peace, that my purified soul, as a living temple consecrated to thee, may resound with songs of thankfulness and praise! Rebuke the storms that rise within me. Say to the sea, "Be still ;" and to the north wind, "Blow not;" and a heavenly calm shall instantly succeed.

Send forth thy light and thy truth, that they may