CHAPTER XXXIV.

_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.