_Of the desire of everlasting life, and how great rewards
are promised to those who fight valiantly._
_Christ._ SON, when thou perceivest the desire of everlasting bliss
given thee from above, open thy heart wide, and receive this holy
inspiration with thy whole soul.
Give most ardent thanks to the heavenly goodness, that dealeth
with thee so favourably, visiteth thee mercifully, stirreth thee up
fervently, sustaineth thee powerfully, lest through thine own weight
thou fall down to the things of earth.
Neither dost thou obtain this by thine own thought or endeavour, but by
the mere condescension of heavenly grace:
To the end that thou mayst make a farther progress in holiness and
humility, and prepare thyself for future battles:
And that thou mayst cleave unto me with the whole affection of thy
heart, and serve me with fervent desire.
2. Ask not that which is delightful and profitable unto thee, but that
which is acceptable to me, and for my honour.
For if thou judgest aright, thou oughtest to prefer and follow my
appointment, rather than thine own desire.
I know thy desire, and have heard thy frequent groans.
Thou wouldst now enjoy the everlasting habitation; and thy heavenly
country, replenished with all joy, now delights thee.
But that hour is not yet come; as yet there is another time, a time of
war, a time of labour and trial.
Thou desirest to be filled with the supreme good, but thou canst not
attain it for the present.
I am the supreme good: patiently wait for me, until the kingdom of God
come.
3. Now therefore be humbly obedient unto all, and regard not who said
or commanded this:
But take great heed, that whether thy superior, inferior, or thine
equal, require any thing of thee, or insinuate their desire, thou take
it all in good part, and endeavour to fulfil it with a sincere will.
Let one seek this, another that; let him glory in this, the other in
that, and be praised a thousand times; but do thou neither rejoice
in this, nor in that, but in the contempt of thyself, and in my good
pleasure and honour alone.
This art thou to wish, that whether it be by thy life or by thy death,
God may be always glorified in thee.