CHAPTER X.

_Of thankfulness for the grace of God._

WHY seekest thou rest, since thou art born to labour?

*Dispose thyself to patience, rather than to comfort; and to the bearing of the cross, rather than to joy.

What worldly man would not willingly receive spiritual joy and comfort, if he could always have it?

For spiritual comforts exceed all the delights of the world, and pleasures of the flesh.

2. False freedom of mind, and trust in ourselves are very contrary to heavenly visitations.

God doth well in giving his grace of consolation; but man doth evil in not returning all again unto God with thanksgiving.

And therefore the gifts of grace cannot flow in us, because we are not thankful to the giver, and return them not wholly to the fountain.

For grace ever attendeth him that is thankful; and from the proud shall be taken that which is given to the humble.

All that is high is not holy; nor all that is sweet, good; nor every desire pure; nor every thing that is dear unto us, grateful to God.

*I willingly accept that grace, whereby I may ever become more humble and careful, and more ready to renounce myself.

He that is taught by the gift of grace, and instructed by the withdrawing thereof, will not dare to attribute any good to himself, but will acknowledge himself poor and naked.

Give unto God that which is God’s, and ascribe unto thyself that which is thine own; that is, give thanks to God for his grace, and acknowledge that nothing is thine, but only sin, and the punishment due thereto.

3. Set thyself always in the lowest place, and the highest shall be given thee; for thou canst not be in the highest, till thou hast been in the lowest.

The chief saints before God are the least in their own eyes: and how much the more glorious, so much the more humble.

Those that are firmly settled and grounded in God, can no way be proud.

4. Be therefore thankful for the least gift, so shalt thou receive greater.

Let the least appear unto thee very great, and the most contemned as an especial gift.

If thou considerest the worth of the Giver, no gift will seem little, or of too mean esteem. For that is not little which is given by the most high God.

Yea, if he should give punishment and stripes, it ought to be grateful; for he doth it always for our welfare, whatsoever he permitteth to befal us.

*He that desireth to keep the grace of God, let him be thankful for the grace given, and patient for the taking away thereof. Let him pray that it may return. Let him be wary and humble, lest he lose it.