it descends into itself, and becomes viler and more contemptible in its own sight. But he that claims any goodness in himself, bars the entrance to the grace of God; for the Holy Spirit chooses, for the seat of his influence, a contrite and humble heart.

If thou wert brought to a true sense of thy own nothingness, and emptied of all selfish and earthly affections, I would, surely, with the treasures of grace, 66 come unto thee and make my abode with thee: " but while thou fondly gazest upon, and pursuest the creature, thou turnest from the presence and sight of the Creator. Learn, therefore, for the love of the Creator, to subdue this earth-born love of the creature, and thou wilt be qualified to receive the light of eternal truth. It matters not how inconsiderable the object of pursuit is in itself: while it is vehemently loved, and continually regarded, it corrupts the soul, and keeps it at an infinite distance from its supreme good.

CHAPTER XXX.

A Caution against vain Philosophy.

CHRIST.

Be not captivated, my son, by the subtlety and elegance of human compositions; for "the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power." Attend only to the truths of my word, which enlighten the understanding, and inflame the heart; which excite

compunction, and pour forth the balm of true consolation. Read my word, not for the reputation of critical skill and controversial wisdom, but to learn how to mortify thy evil passions: a knowledge of infinitely more importance than the solution of all the abstruse questions that have perplexed men's minds, and divided their opinions.

When, however, thou hast meekly and diligently read my word, still thou must also have recourse to me. I am he that teacheth man knowledge, and giveth that light and understanding to the prayerful which no human instruction can communicate. He who listeneth to my voice shall soon become wise, and be renewed in the spirit of truth. But, wo be to them who, instead of turning to me to learn my will, devote their time and labor to the vain theories of human speculation!

I am he, that exalteth the humble and simple mind, and imparteth to it, in a short time, such a perception of eternal truth, as it could not acquire by a life of study in the schools of men. I teach not, like men, with the clamor of uncertain words, or the confusion of opposite opinions; or with the strife of formal disputation, in which victory is more contended for than truth: I teach, in still and soft whispers, to relinquish earth, and seek after heaven; to relinquish carnal and temporal enjoyments, and sigh for spiritual and eternal; to shun honor, and to bear contempt; to place all hope and dependence upon me, to desire nothing besides me; and, above all in heaven and on earth, most ardently to love me.

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CHAPTER XXXI.

Of the Professions and Censures of Men.

CHRIST.

It is expedient for thee, my son, to be ignorant of many things; and to consider thyself as "crucified to the world, and the world to thee." Like one deaf, let what is said pass by thee unnoticed, that thou mayst keep thy thoughts fixed on "the things that belong unto thy peace." It is better to turn away from all that produces perplexity and disturbance, and to leave every one in the enjoyment of his own opinion, than to be held in subjection by contentious arguments. If thou wert truly "reconciled to God," and didst regard only his unerring judgment, thou wouldst easily bear the disgrace of yielding up the victory in the debates of men.

DISCIPLE.

Do thou, O Lord, "give me help from trouble; for vain is the help of man!" How often have I failed of support where I thought myself sure of it; and how often found it where I had least reason to expect it! Vain and deceitful, therefore, is all trust in man; but the salvation of the righteous, O Lord, is in thee! Blessed, therefore, be thy holy name, O Lord, my God, in all things that befall us! We are weak and unstable creatures, easily deceived, and suddenly changed.

Where is the man that, by his own most prudent care and watchful circumspection, is always able to

avoid the mazes of error and the disorders of sin? But he, O Lord, that puts his whole confidence in thee, and in singleness of heart seeks thee alone, will not easily be betrayed into either: and though he chance to fall into some unexpected trouble, and be ever so deeply involved in it; yet thy merciful hand will soon deliver him from it, or thy powerful consolations support him in it; for thou wilt not utterly forsake him that putteth his whole trust in thee. A comforter, that will continue faithful in all the distresses of his friend, is rarely to be found among the children of men; but thou, Lord, thou art most faithful at all times, and in all events; and there is none like unto thee in heaven or earth. O how divinely wise must be that holy soul, who could say, 'My heart is firmly established, for it is rooted in Christ! If this was my state, I should no longer tremble at the threats of wrath, nor be disturbed by the calumnies of envy.

Who can foresee future events? Who can guard against future evil? If those evils that are foreseen often hurt us, we cannot but be grievously wounded by those that are unforeseen. But, wretched creature that I am, why did I not provide more wisely for the security of my peace? Why have I given such easy credit to men like myself, who are all destitute both of wisdom and power, though many think us, and call us angels? Whom ought I to have believed? Whom, Lord, but thee! who art the truth, that can neither deceive nor be deceived! But "all men are liars;" so frail and inconstant, so prone to deceive in the use of words, that hasty credit is nev

er to be given, even to those declarations that wear the appearance of truth.

How wisely hast thou warned us, O Lord, to "beware of men!" How justly said, that “a man's enemies are those of his own house !" and how kindly commanded us to withhold belief, when it is said, "Lo, Christ is here: " or, "Lo, he is there!" I have learned these truths, not only from thy word, but at the expense of peace; and I pray that they may more increase the caution than manifest the folly of my future conduct.

With the most solemn injunctions of secrecy, one says to me, "Be wary, be faithful; and let what I tell thee be securely locked up in thy own breast:" and while I hold my peace, and believe the secret inviolate, this man, unable to keep the silence he had imposed, to the next person he meets, betrays both himself and me, and goes his way to repeat the same folly. From such false and imprudent spirits, protect me, O Lord! that I may neither be deceived by their insincerity, nor imitate their practices. Give truth and faithfulness to my lips, and remove far from me a deceitful tongue; that I may not do that to another, which I am unwilling another should do to me.

How peaceful and blessed a state must that man enjoy, who takes no notice of the opinions and actions of others; who does not indiscriminately believe, nor wantonly report, everything he hears; who, instead of unbosoming himself to all he meets, continually looks up to thee, the only Searcher of the heart; and who is not " carried about with every