Then shall every affliction, patiently undergone, delight us; and the mouth of iniquity shall be stopped. Then shall the devout rejoice, and the profane mourn. Then shall he more rejoice that hath mortified his flesh, than he that hath abounded in all pleasure. Then shall the poor attire shine gloriously, and the precious robes appear vile. 4. Suppose thou hadst hitherto lived always in honour and delights, what would this avail thee, if thou wert to die this instant? All therefore is vanity, but to love God, and serve him only. For he that loveth God with all his heart, is neither afraid of death, nor judgment, nor hell. CHAPTER XIX. _Of the zealous amendment of our whole life._ *WHEN one that was in great anxiety of mind, often wavering between fear and hope, once humbly prostrated himself in prayer, and said, O if I knew that I should persevere! He presently heard within him an answer from God, which said, If thou didst know it, what wouldst thou do? Do what thou wouldst do then, and thou shalt be safe. And being herewith comforted and strengthened, he committed himself wholly to the will of God, and his anxiety ceased: Neither had he any mind to search curiously farther what should befall him; but rather laboured to understand what was the perfect and acceptable will of God, for the beginning and accomplishing every good work. 2. Hope in the Lord, and do good, saith the prophet, and inhabit the land, and thou shalt be fed. One thing there is that draweth many back from a spiritual progress, and diligent amendment; the dread of the difficulty, or labour of the combat. But they improve most that endeavour most to overcome those things, which are grievous and contrary to them. For there a man improveth more, and obtaineth greater grace, where he more overcometh himself and mortifieth himself in spirit. 3. Gather some profit to thy soul wheresoever thou be; so if thou seest or hearest of any good examples, stir up thyself to the imitation thereof. But if thou seest any thing worthy of reproof, beware thou dost not the same. And, if at any time thou hast done it, labour quickly to amend it. 4. Be mindful of the profession thou hast made, and have always before thine eyes the remembrance of thy Saviour crucified. Thou hast good cause to be ashamed, looking upon the life of Jesus Christ, seeing thou hast as yet no more endeavoured to conform thyself unto him, though thou hast walked a long time in the way of God. A religious person that exerciseth himself seriously and devoutly in the most holy life and passion of our Lord, shall there abundantly find whatsoever is necessary and profitable for him; neither shall he need seek any better thing out of Jesus. *O if Jesus crucified would come into our hearts, how quickly and fully should we be instructed in all truth! An Extract of the CHRISTIAN PATTERN: