Book IIL of J E s u s C H_R_i2J: ^^^

Divine Appointment, which always knows and chii- fes the bell. Could we but once arrive at tliis confide- rate Temper of mind, the Different Accidents of Life Would ceafe to be either uneafie, or extravagantly pleafant. The violent Shocks upon our Pafluons would be effedually prevented; becaufe thy Honour would take place above our own Appetites and miilaken In- terefts. Poverty and Shame would be accepc:^ble, as coming from the fame Hand with Riches and Honour. And even thofe things, which are moft agreeable to the Relifli and Inclinations of Human Nature, would pleafe and comfort us more, with the Conlldcration of their being beftowed by thee, the Author of ail our Happinefs ; than upon the Account of any Advan- tages to be had from the things themfelves. The Zeal for thy Honour in the extremity of Diftrefs, fhould fupport good Men more, and find greater regard frorri them than all the Wealth, or Glory, or other e:^ternal Bleffings, which thou at any time doft or can(t con- fer upon the mod profperous of the Sons of Men ia this World. So fmall is the Confideration of the greateft Gift, in comparifon of the Wife, the Good, the Almighty Giver and Difpofer of our Fortunes ; who orders all things for the befl:, and is in all, gur kindeft Friend, and conftant Eenefador.
Chap. XXV.
T/je Things which make for Peace.
Chrifi.'] rjEarken to me, my Son, and I will inform Jn thee in the right Way to true Peace and perfect Liberty.
D'tjciple.~] Be pieafed, Lord, fo to do ; for fueh In- ftrudlion will prove both acceptable and profitable co
N 2. ^ Chn
184 ^f tlje imitation Book in-
Chr/fi.'] Make it thy Bufinefs^rather to comply Vvkh the Deiires and Commands of others^ than to indulge thy own Inclinations. Chufe a moderate, nay^ a low Fortune, rather than Greatnefs and Abundance. Be humble, obedient, and condefcending in all thy Deportment. Let this be thy conftant Wifli and Prayer, That God would perform his Pleafure, and difpofe of thee and all thy Affairs, as to him feems molt convenient. The Man that hath brought him- felf to this Temper and Spirit, be affured is in the ready Way to Peace of Mind, and true Content,
Difciple.'] The Words my Lord hath fpoken are few in number, but full of Senfe, and of very compre- lienfive Extent ; and I can eafily difcern in this little Space the Grounds of great Perfedion in Virtue.. Did I but diligently obferve thefe Rules, how happi- ly would all exceffive Concern, and violent Diforder 2t any Accidents of Human Life be fupprefs'd, or quke prevented ? And if at any time hereafter I find my felf oppreffed with immoderate Cares or Refent- nients, thy Wifdom hath taught me to difcover the true Caufe of my Trouble^ and, that I fuffer for ne- gleding to comply with this Dodrine. But fuch Compliance, Lord thou knoweft, is not the Work, of Nature and meer Reafon : And therefore I implore the mighty Affiftances of thy Grace, to vi^hich no- thing is hard, for making thofe Improvements, which in the prefent State of Corruption^ are to Flefli and Blood impracticable. Nothing is more acceptable in thy fightj than the Conqueft of our Infirmities, and bold Advances in Goodnefs. Put forth thy Hand then, and what thou haft taught me to know, enable me to perform ; That I may both approve my own Obe- dience, and ( what without thee I cannot do ) fuc- cefsfully puifue my own Happinefs and Salvation.
C H A P.