CHAPTER XII.

_How we are to be affected, and what we are to say, in every thing which we desire._

_Christ._ SON, say thus, in every thing; Lord if it be pleasing to thee, let this be thus.

Lord, if it be to thy honour, let this be done in thy name.

Lord, if thou seest it expedient for me, and knowest it to be profitable, then grant me to use this unto thy honour;

But if thou knowest it will be hurtful unto me, and not profitable to the health of my soul, take away this desire from me:

For every desire proceedeth not from the Holy Ghost, though it seemeth unto man right and good.

It is hard to judge rightly, whether a good spirit, or the contrary, incline thee to desire this or that, or whether thou art not moved by thine own spirit.

Many are deceived in the end, who at first seemed to be led by a good spirit.

2. Always therefore, whatsoever seemeth desirable to thee, let it be desired and prayed for in the fear of God, and with humility of heart.

And above all, thou oughtest to resign thyself, and to commit the whole unto Me, and say,

“Lord, thou knowest what is best, let this or that be done as thou pleasest.”

Give what thou wilt, and how much thou wilt, and when thou wilt.

Deal with me as thou thinkest good, and as best pleaseth thee, and is most for thy honour.

Set me where thou wilt, and deal with me in all things according to thy will.

I am in thy hand; turn me, and turn me again, which way soever thou pleasest.

Behold, I am thy servant, prepared for all things; for I desire not to live unto myself, but unto thee: and O that I could do it worthily and perfectly!

3. Grant me thy grace, O most gracious Jesus, that it may be with me, and labour with me, and continue with me unto the end.

Grant me always to desire and will that which is most acceptable unto thee, and best pleaseth thee.

Let thy will be mine, and let my will ever follow thine, and agree perfectly with it.

Let my will and nill be all one with thine, and let me not be able to will or nill any thing else, but what thou willest or nillest.

4. Grant that I may die to all things that are in the world, and for thy sake love to be contemned, and not be known in this world.

Grant that above all things that can be desired, I may rest in thee, may quiet my heart in thee.

Thou art the true peace of the heart, thou art the only rest; out of thee all things are troublesome and unquiet.

In this very peace, that is in thee, the one eternal good, may I sleep and rest. _Amen._”