OF MACARIUS

I. MACARIUS was born in the province of Thebais, about the year of our Lord 3O1, when Diocl"esian and Maximian were in possession of the empire. 2. Whoever it was that first seasoned this holy vessel of mercy with the heavenly odour of Divine grace, it seems plain from the following homilies, that he was educated like Timothy, in the Holy Scriptures, and that his acquaintance with those Sacred Writings was not merely literal or speculative, but that it was a true and practical knowledge, able to save his soul; _for whatever things he spoke or wrote came from himself, and were (as we are informed of the writings of the late Dr. Henry More,) purely the genuine emanations of his own mind, a description of his own heart and soul. 3. So remarkable above his years was the progress he had made by that time he was thirty, that he was called, out of mere respect, the young old man. At forty years of age was he honored from above with the gifts of healing, and by the church on earth with the degree of presbyter. 4. Nor were the favors of heaven, or the honors of the church bestowed in vain upon him: the success of or his ministration, as presbyter, immediately appeared, for about this time, viz. A. D. 341, in the reign of Valens, the emperor, a storm of persecution was raised by Lucius, the Arian, which raged to that degree, as even to exceed the persecutions of _the pagans. It began with the most infamous assaults upon virgins, and persons of note and character in the church for chastity. It proceeded to the banishment of citizens, to racks, slaughters, and flames; by means of which Christians were destroyed without number. And to drop other particulars, at his command our holy Egyptian, together with others of the holy fathers, were banished and transported into a certain island, where they soon converted all the inhabitants from their pagan superstition, to the faith and worship of the true God. 5. His settled abode was generally after this (as indeed it was before,) in Seeds. Here did he preside, like another Samuel, over the colleges and schools of the prophets; superintending not merely the common or inferior monks, but the very heads or governors amongst them. His first settling here was at the age of thirty, where, off and on, he spent sixty years; during which time he thoroughly acquainted himself with all the exercises of religious solitude. 6. Having thus served his Master faithfully for ninety years, he was received up into the reward of his labors. He died on the 15th of January, A. D. 391. Thus lived, and thus died, the great Macarius of Egypt, if he can so properly be said to die, whose very life in the flesh was a constant death to this present evil world; and consequently whose release from the corruptible body that presseth down the soul, must evidently be an advantage to that angelic life, which he so early had begun to experience in this earthly tabernacle. But, notwithstanding this, his death, his name will live, and GOD be glorified, on his account, both in heaven and earth. 7. There is visibly to be distinguished in our author, a rich, sublime, and noble vein of piety, but that perfectly serious, sober, and unaffected; natural and lively, but sedate and deep withal. Whatever he insists upon is essential, is durable, is necessary. What he continually labors to cultivate in himself and others is, the real life of GOD in the heart and soul, that kingdom of GOD, which consists in righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. He is ever quickening and stirring up his audience, endeavoring to kindle in then a steady zeal, an earnest desire, and inflamed ambition, to recover that Divine image we were made in; to be made conformable to CHRIST our Head; to be daily sensible more and more of our living union with him as such; and discovering it, as, occasion requires, in all the genuine fruits of an holy life and conversation, in such a victorious faith as overcomes the world, and working by love, is ever fulfilling the whole law of GOD, He seems indeed never to be easy, but either in the height, or breadth, or length of Divine love, or at least in the depths of humility,

AN EXTRACT FROM THE HOMILIES OF MACARIUS. HOMILY 1.

An allegorical explication of the vision described in the prophet Ezekiel. 1. THE blessed prophet Ezekiel having seen a vision from GOD, full of glory, made a relation of it, and committed it to writing; a vision full of mysteries, surpassing utterance. For he saw in a plain the chariot of the cherubim, four spiritual living creatures; each of which had four distinct faces: one the face of a lion, another that of an eagle, the third of an ox, and the last the face of a man. To every face there were wings, so that there were no hinder parts to any of them, nor any thing behind at all. Their necks were full of eyes, and their bellies in like manner were thick set with eyes; neither was there any one part about them at all free from eyes. There were also wheels to every face, a wheel within a wheel. And the Spirit was in the wheels. And he saw as it were the likeness of a man, and under his feet as it were a work of sapphire. And the chariot bore the cherubim, and the living creatures the Lord that sat upon them. Whithersoever they would go, it was straight. forward. And he saw under each cherub as it were the hand of a man supporting and carrying. 2. And this that the prophet saw, was true and certain. But the thing it signified, or shadowed forth beforehand, was a matter mysterious and divine, that very mystery which had been hid from ages and generations, but was made manifest at the appearing of CHRIST. For the mystery which he saw, was that of the human soul as she is hereafter to receive her Lord, and become herself the very throne of his glory. For the soul that is thought worthy to partake of the spirit of his light, and is irradiated by the beauty of his ineffable glory, (he having by that spirit prepared her for his own seat and habitation) becomes all light, all face, and all eye: neither is there any one part in her but what is full of these spiritual eyes of light; that is, there is no part in her darkened: but she is all entirely wrought into light and spirit, and is all over full of eyes, having no hinder part, or any thing behind; but appears to be altogether face, by reason of the inexpressible beauty of the glory of the light of CHRIST, that rides and sits upon her. 3. And as the sun is altogether of one likeness, without any hinder part or defect, but is all throughout bedecked with light, without the least variety of part; or as the light is all over of an exact likeness with itself, and admits of no distinction of first or last: so the soul that is thoroughly illuminated by the inexpressible beauty of the glory of the light of the face of CHRIST, and partakes of the Holy Spirit in perfection, and is thought worthy to become the mansion and the throne of GOD, becomes all eye, all light, and all face, and all glory, and all spirit; CHRIST himself who governs and drives, and carries and supports her, thus preparing her, and thus gracing and adorning her with spiritual beauty. For " the hand (says the text,) of a man was under the cherub;" because he it is that rideth in her, and directs her way. 4. But another way, it is applied to the church of the saints in heaven. And as it is said that the living creatures were exceeding high, full of eyes, and that it was impossible for any one to comprehend the number of the eyes, or the height; and as to behold and wonder at the stars in heaven was given to all men, hut to know or - comprehend the number of them was not given: so may I affirm also of the church of the saints in heaven, that to enter in and enjoy it, is granted to all that will but strive; but to know and comprehend the exact number there, is reserved for GOD alone. 5. The rider therefore is carried about in this chariot, and throne of living creatures that are all eye, or in other words, by every particular soul that is once become his throne or seat, and is perfect eye and light, he having placed himself thereon, and governing it with the reins of the Spirit, and directing her in the way, as be sees best. For as the spiritual living creatures went not whither they were willing of themselves, but at the discretion and pleasure of him that sat upon them, and directed the way: thus also does the same person hold the reins, drive and conduct the soul by his Spirit. Thus do they take their course even in heaven, not when they please, or as they are inclined themselves. And when this body is thrown off, he still manages the reins, and orders every motion of the soul in wisdom. And again, whenever he pleases, he comes into the body, and into the thoughts of the heart; and when he pleases, into the ends of the earth, and discovers to her mysteries without a veil. O the noble and good, and only true Charioteer Thus too shall our very bodies be honored in the resurrection, the soul being thus glorified, and mixing with the Spirit in this present life. But the soul which still lives in the darkness of sin, belongs not to the body of light; but is indeed the body of darkness, and still sides with the faction of darkness. They only that have the life of light, that is, the power of the Holy Ghost, belong to the light. The soul in itself is a creature intellectual, and beautiful, and great, and wonderful, and a noble likeness and image of God. And it was through the transgression, that the affections of darkness gained entrance into it. 6. It remains then that whatsoever the soul mixes with, the same is it united to i very motion of the will. If therefore it has the light T GOD within itself, and lives therein, it belongeth to the light of rest; or if it has the darkness of sin, it inherits condemnation. But the soul that is desirous to live with GOD, in rest and light eternal, ought to come to CHRIST the true high-priest, to be slain and become dead to the world, and to its former life of darkness, and be removed to another life altogether divine. 7. As a person that is dead in a city, neither hears the voice of them that inhabit it, nor any sounds whatever; but is disposed of in some other place, where no voices and cries of that city come; so the soul, after it is once slain and dead in that city of corrupt affections, where it lives at present and converses, hears no more within itself, the clamor and bustle of the spirits of darkness; but is translated into the city of goodness and peace, into the city of the light of the Godhead, and there it lives and hears, and there it is wholly taken up, and talks, and reasons, and there does it work the works that are. spiritual, and worthy of God. 8. Let us therefore pray that we may be slain by his power, and become dead to the world of wickedness, of darkness, and receive the life of the heavenly Spirit, and be translated from the evil state of darkness into the light of CHRIST, and be refreshed in life to all ages. 9. Sin detains and stops and hinders the soul, that it should not come near to GOD and carry off the victory. But where the Lord himself takes the reins of the soul into his hands, that person never fails of victory, because he skillfully governs and directs the chariot of the soul, into an heavenly and divine sense at all times. For neither does he war against sin, but as he has the supreme power in himself, he works himself the victory. 1O. The cherubim then are driven not whither they are inclined of themselves to go, but the way which he that holds the reins directs. Which way soever he is willing, there it is they go, and he carries them. " For there was (says the text) under them, the hand of a man." The holy souls are led and directed in their way, by the Spirit of CHRIST, guiding them where he -pleases; sometimes into heavenly contemplation, sometimes into temporal things; where his pleasure is, there do they wait upon him. 11. Do You, therefore, who hearest these things, look well to thyself, whether you art possessed of them in thy own soul. And if you art not, you oughtest to have continual grief and sorrow of heart, and anxiety, as one separated hitherto by death, from the kingdom. And as one that is wounded, cry to the Lord without intermission, and ask in faith, that he would make thee also. worthy of this true life. 12. For as the body is not supplied from its own nature with meat, drink, and cloathing, but has the universal supply of life from without, being quite naked of itself; so the soul cannot attain to everlasting life,. from its own nature, but from the Divine nature; from his Spirit, from his light it is maintained in spiritual meat and drink, and the heavenly clothing, which are the life of the soul. For the Divine nature contains in it. the very bread of life, and the living water, and the wine which cheereth the heart of man, and the oil of gladness, and the whole variety of the food of the heavenly Spirit, and the, heavenly robes of light, which are of God. In these does the eternal life of the soul consist. Wo to the body, when it shall stand upon the bottom of its own nature, because it corrupts and dies! And wo to the soul, if it shall presume upon the strength of its nature, and trust to nothing, but its own works, not having the fellowship of the Divine Spirit, because it dies of course, not being thought worthy of the eternal life of the Godhead. 13. If therefore you art become the throne of GOD, and the heavenly Charioteer has seated himself upon thee, and thy soul is become all over a spiritual eye; and you art nourished with that food of the Spirit, and have been made to drink of the living water, and art clothed with the garments of light; lo, then you livest indeed, even the life which is truly eternal; thy soul being at rest with the Lord; lo you art in actual possession, and have received these things from the Lord in truth, that you might live the true life. But if you art conscious to thyself of nothing of all this, lament and grieve, and mourn, because as yet you have not any share of the spiritual and eternal riches, neither have received the true life. 14. Be in pain, therefore, and entreat the Lord night and day, because you art sunk into the calamitous poverty of sin. But would to GOD that any had a quick sense of this pain, by reason of this their want! And that we- might not live on in security, as if we were full Because he that is troubled in good earnest, and seeks and prays to the Lord without ceasing, shall soon obtain redemption and the heavenly riches, as the Lord has said in the parable with relation to the unjust judge and the widow, " How much more shall GOD avenge them that cry to him night and day I tell you of a truth, that he will avenge them speedily." To whom he glory and power, for ages. Amen.

HOMILY 2. That GOD alone is able to deliver us out of the bondage of the wicked ruler.

1. LET us beseech GOD that he would divest us of the old man, because he alone is able to take away sin from us, they being stronger than us, that have taken us captive, and detain us prisoners in their own kingdom. But he has promised to rescue us from this sore bondage. As when the sun shines, and the wind blows, the sun indeed has a distinct nature of his own, and the wind likewise another nature, and yet no man is able to make an actual separation of the wind from the suns unless GOD alone shall make the wind to cease, that it may blow no longer;-even so is sin blended with the soul, although both retain their own nature. It is impossible therefore to separate the soul from sin, unless GOD make a calm, and put a stop to this evil wind, which dwells in the soul and body. 2. And again, as a man that sees a bird flying may desire also to fly himself, but not having wings, it is impossible he should fly;-just so a man may be willing to be pure, and without blame, and without spot, and to be always with GOD; but he has not wherewithal to compass it. He is willing to fly up into the divine air, and into the liberty of the Holy Spirit; but, unless he receive wings for his purpose, he can never do it. 3. Let us therefore beseech GOD that he would give us " the wings of the dove," his Holy Spirit, that so " we may fly to him and be at rest;" and that he would separate the evil wind, and cause it to cease from usj both in soul and body: for he only is able to bring it to pass. It is only " the Lamb of GOD that takes away the sin of the world." He alone it is that showed this mercy to them that believe in him, that they are redeemed from sin. And for those that wait for him, and hope in him, and seek after him, will he work this unspeakable salvation. 4. As in a dark and cloudy night a boisterous wind blows, and searches and shakes every plant and seed, so man also, when he is fallen under the power of the devil, and is in the midst of the night and darkness, is ruffled, and shocked, and tossed about by the dreadful wind of sin that blows. It moreover searches his whole nature, his soul, his thoughts, and mind. And all the members of his body share in the commotion; and nothing is left free from it; neither is there the least part, either of soul or body, but what suffers from the sin that dwells in us. There is also the day of light, and the divine wind of the Holy Spirit, that breathes upon souls, and refreshes them that are in the light; and pierces through the whole substance of the soul and its thoughts; and withal gently fans and refreshes all the members of the body with divine and inexpressible rest. 5. The Lord has also put on them the raiment of the kingdom of light, surpassing all description,-the garments of faith, of hope, of love, of joy, of peace, of goodness, of kindness,-and all the other robes of light and life; the divine, living robes of that rest which is unspeakable: that as GOD himself is love, and joy, and peace, and kindness, and goodness, so may the new man be through grace. 6. And as the kingdom of darkness and sin are hid in the souls of sinners, until the day of the resurrection, at which time their very bodies also shall be covered over with the darkness which lies now hid in the soul,-thus also does the kingdom of light now enlighten and reign in the souls of the saints; but is hid from the eyes of men till the day of the resurrection; at which time the body itself shall be covered and glorified by the light of the Lord, that the body may reign together with the soul; which even now is actually refreshed and enlightened with the light eternal, Glory be to his mercies and tender compassion, for that he has pity on his servants, and enlighteneth and delivers them out of the kingdom of darkness, and vouchsafes his own light to them, and his own kingdom: to whom be glory and power, for ages! Amen.

HOMILY 3. Christians ought to go over the course of this world with care, that they may attain the praise of God.

1. WHAT shall GOD do with him that gives himself up to the world, and is deceived by the pleasures of it, or drawn away with the hurry of earthly distractions The man upon whom he bestows the succors of his grace, is he who divorces himself from gross pleasures, and at all times forcibly urges his mind towards the Lord, both denying himself, and seeking after the Lord only. This is the person whom GOD takes into his special care, that keeps himself disentangled from the snares of this world; that " works out his salvation with fear and trembling;" that with the utmost heed passes through all the toils of the world, both seeking after the Lord for his assistance, and hoping in his mercy to be saved through grace. 2. As iron, or lead, or gold, or silver, when cast into the fire is freed from that hard consistency which is natural to it, being changed into softness, and so long as it continues in the fire, is still dissolved from its native hardness-after the same manner the soul that has renounced the world, and fixed its desires only upon the Lord, and has received that heavenly fire of the Godhead, and of the love of the Spirit, is disentangled from all love of the world, and set free from all the corruption of the affections; it turns all things out of itself, and is changed from the hardness of sin, and melted down in a fervent and unspeakable love for that heavenly Bridegroom alone, whom it has received. 3. But I tell thee, that if these very brethren, so. much desired by him, draw back from that love, he too is turned away from them. For that very thing is the soul's life and refreshment,-namely, the hidden and unspeakable communion of the heavenly King. For if the love of that fellowship which is in the flesh causes a separation from father, mother, and brethren, and sets one at liberty from all love besides, how much more shall they, as many as have been thought worthy to partake of that Holy Spirit, who is the heavenly object of our love, come entirely off from the love of the world, and all things else appear to them as impertinent superfluities, in that they have been perfectly overcome with heavenly desire, and united to the falling down of it There are their desires, there are their thoughts employed; there do they live, there do their thoughts rove up and down; there is the mind continually taken up, being overcome with divine and heavenly love, and spiritual desire. 4. What remains then, beloved brethren, but that, having such good things laid before us, and so great promises being made us by the Lord, we throw off all impediments, renounce all love of the world, and give ourselves wholly to that only good; that so we may obtain that unspeakable love of the Spirit, which the blessed Paul has exhorted us to hasten after; saying, "Follow after charity;" that we maybe changed from our own hardness by the hand of the Most High, and may come to the spiritual sweetness and rest, having been wounded with the love of the Divine Spirit. For the Lord bears an exceeding friendly affection for man, waiting with compassion for the time when we shall entirely turn to-him. For though through the abundance of ignorance, and childishness, and corruption we are turned away from life, and multiply impediments upon ourselves, yet he is touched with abundance of compassion for us-suffering long till we return to him, and are* enlightened in our inward man, that our faces may not be covered with shame at the day of judgment. 5 Lo! his bowels yearn, and he bears long; and though we sin, he holds his hand, waiting for our repentance; and he is not ashamed to receive us- again when we fall, as the prophet has said: " Shall they fall, and not arise; shall he turn away, and not return" Only, let us be sober, seeking assistance from Him, and he, for his part, is ready to save us. For he accepts this warm effort of our will, and the forwardness that proceeds from a good purpose; but the whole regulation of it he works in us himself. 6. Let us therefore, beloved, as the children of God; having put off all carelessness and sloth, be brave, and ready to follow after him, never adjourning from day to day; for we know not the time of our departure out of the body. The promises made to us are great, and beyond expression; insomuch that all the glory and beauty of heaven and earth, with all the furniture,, and variety, riches, splendor, and delight of the visible creation, bear no proportion to the treasure of one single soul. 7. How then shall we stand out against such promises, and not be willing to come entirely to him, and devote ourselves to him, to love him only, and to admit of neither rival nor partner with him But, behold, notwithstanding all these things, and the great glory that has been given, and the tender compassions of our Lord, from the beginning, towards us; and notwithstanding his inexpressible goodness to us, demonstrated by his suffering upon the cross; yet do we still refuse to depart from our own will, and from the love of the world, and from engagements and habits which are evil. And yet, after all, lo! he continues to be kind, cherishing and preserving us invisibly, not delivering us over according to our sins, to the power of evil, nor yet suffering us to perish by the deceitfulness of the world; but, through his great kindness and long-suffering, looking down upon us, expecting when it will be that we turn to him. 8. But if it appears to us impossible to turn from a multitude of sins, let us call to mind how our Lord, when conversing with mankind, by his goodness restored the blind to their sight, cured the sick, healed every kind of disease, raised the dead that were gone down into corruption, made the deaf to hear, cast a legion of devils out of one man, and recovered him to his right mind; how much more will he convert the soul that turns to him, and petitions him for mercy, and bring it into the cheerful state of freedom from passions, into an establishment of every virtue, and a renovation of the mind from the deadness of infidelity, and ignorance, and want of fear. 9. For if he was moved with so much compassion towards bodies which die, and readily did for every one what he requested; how much more to an immortal soul, that is subject neither to dissolution nor corruption, yet labors under the disease of ignorance, and malice, and of infidelity and want of fear; but comes notwithstanding to the Lord, seeking to him for help, and desiring to receive from him the grace of his Spirit for its redemption, salvation, and delivery from every corrupt affection. 1O. Therefore has he admonished us to beg of him the gift of grace with boldness, without intermission, and without fainting. For it was for the sake of sinners that he came into the world, that he might turn them to himself, and heal them that believe on him. Only let us withdraw ourselves from the deceits of the world, and reject all wicked and vain thoughts, and ever cleave to him to the uttermost of our power; and he is ready to supply us with his help. For he is merciful, and quickening, and healing the disorders that were incurable, and working redemption for them that call upon him, and hang upon him with application and desire. To such a soul as this does GOD vouchsafe his help, which looks upon all things else as superfluous, and acquiesces in nothing that this world affords; but expects to rejoice in the rest of his benignity. And thus, having through faith attained to the heavenly gift, and daily advancing in goodness, and continuing in the way of righteousness to the last, it is thought worthy to partake of eternal salvation.

HOMILY 4. There is a wide difference between Christians and the men of this world.

1. THE world of Christians, and their way of life, and their mind, and discourse, and practice, is one thing; and that of the men of this world, another. And the difference between them is very wide. For the children of this world are tossed to and fro by unsettled seasonings, by earthly desires, and a variety of gross imaginations, whereby SATAN is continually sifting the whole sinful race of men. 2. For the word that was spoken to Cain by his Maker, “You shall go mourning and trembling, and be tossed about upon' the earth," is a type and image of all sinners, as to their inward state. For thus is the race of Adam tossed about with the incessant suggestions of fear and dread, and every kind of disturbance, the prince of this world tossing to and fro the soul that is not born of God; and variously disturbing the thoughts of mankind, as corn that is continually shifted about in a sieve; and shaking and ensnaring them all in worldly deceits, and the lusts of the flesh, with fears and troubles. 3. As from one Adam the whole race of mankind was spread over the earth,-so one taint in the affections was derived down into the sinful stock of men; and the prince of malice is sufficiently able to shift them all in restless, and gross, and vain, and troublesome reflections. For as one and the same wind is enough to stir, and shake all plants and seeds whatever,-so the prince of wickedness, as an hidden and blustering wind, tosseth to and fro all the race of men upon earth, and, carries them about with unsettled thoughts, and enticing them with the lusts of the world, fills every soul with ignorance, blindness, and oblivion, if it is not born from above. 4. For in this do true Christians differ from the whole race of mankind besides. They have their heart and mind constantly taken up with the thoughts of heaven; and, through the presence and participation of the Holy Spirit, do behold, as in a glass, the good things which are eternal, being born of GOD from above, and thought worthy to become the children of GOD in truth and power; and being arrived, through many conflicts and labors, to a settled and fixed state, to an exemption from trouble, to perfect rest, are never sifted more by unsettled and vain thoughts. Herein are they greater and better than the world; their mind and the desire of their soul are in the peace of CHRIST, and the love of the Spirit; a they have passed from death to life." Wherefore the alteration peculiar to Christians does not consist in any outward fashions, but in the renovation of the mind, and the peace of the thoughts, and the love of the Lord, even the heavenly love. Herein Christians differ from all men besides. The Lord has given them truly to believe on him, and to be worthy of those spiritual good things. For the glory, and the beauty, and the heavenly riches of Christians are inexpressible, and purchased only with labor, and pains, and trials, and many conflicts. But the whole is owing to the grace of God. 5. Now if the sight of. even an earthly king is desired by all men, (except those persons that are spiritual, who look upon all his glory as nothing, through their having experimentally known another heavenly glory;) if, I say, the men of this world are so desirous to behold an earthly king, with his splendor and glory-how much more are those upon whom that dew of the Spirit of life has dropped, and wounded their hearts with love for CHRIST; bound fast to that beauty, and the unspeakable glory, and the inconceivable riches of the true and eternal King; with desire and long-suffering after whom they are captivated, turning wholly to him, to obtain those unspeakable good things, which through the Spirit they actually behold already; and for whose sake they esteem all the glories, and honors, and riches of earthly kings as nothing 6. For they arc wounded with the Divine beauty; their desire is towards the heavenly King; and placing him only before their eyes in the abundance of their affection, they, for his sake, disengage themselves from all love of the world, and draw back from every earthly clog, that so they may be able ever to retain in their hearts that only desire. And they that are Christians in truth and power, rejoice at their departure out of the flesh, because they have " that house which is not made with hands." And therefore, if the house of the body be destroyed, they are in no fear; for they have the heavenly "house of the Spirit," and that "glory which is incorruptible." 7. Let us therefore strive by faith to be possessed of that clothing, that when we resume the body, there be nothing wanting which may glorify our flesh in that day. For every one, so far as he has been thought worthy by faith to be made partaker of the Holy Spirit, in the same proportion shall his body also be glorified in that day. For that which the soul has treasured up within, in this present life, shall then be made manifest outwardly in the body. 8. For as the trees that have got over the winter do, by an invisible power, put forth from within, and shoot out leaves., and flowers, and fruits, as their clothing.and in like manner, as the flowers of the grass come out of the bosom of the earth, and the earth is covered and clothed-so, in the, day of the resurrection, and through the power of the a Sun of Righteousness," there shooteth out from within the glory of the Holy Spirit, covering the bodies of the saints, which glory they had before, within hidden in their souls. For whatever (the soul) has at present, the same comes forth at that time outwardly in the body. 9. Therefore ought every -one of us to strive, and be diligent in all virtue, and to believe and to seek it of the Lord; that the inward man may be made partaker of that glory in this present life, and have that holiness of the Spirit, that we may have at the resurrection wherewith to cover our naked bodies, and refresh us to all eternity in the kingdom of heaven. For CHRIST will come down from heaven, and raise to life all the kindred of Adam that have slept from the beginning of the world and he shall separate them all into two divisions; and them that have his own mark, that is, the seal of the Spirit, he shall place on his right hand. And then shall the bodies of these -be surrounded with a Divine glory from their good works, and themselves shall be full of the glory of the Spirit, which they had in their souls in this present life. So that, being thus glorified in the Divine light, and snatched away to " meet the Lord in the air, we," as it is- written, "shall ever be avith the Lord," reigning with him world without end. Amen.

HOMILY 5. Concerning those things that happen to Christians in the time of prayer, and concerning the degrees of perfection.

1. A MAN goes in to bow the knee, and his heart is filled with a Divine power, and his soul rejoiceth with the Lord, as the bride with her bridegroom. The inward man is snatched away to yet farther devotion, into the unfathomable depth of that world in much sweetness, insomuch that his hole mind is estranged, being raised and carried off thither; so that, for that time, there is a cloud of oblivion upon the thoughts of the earthly wisdom; for his thoughts are filled with Divine and heavenly things, things infinite and incomprehensible, certain wonderful things, which are impossible to be uttered. 2. Sometimes the love flames out and kindles with greater strength; but at other times more slow and gentle. As the same fire at certain seasons burns with a stronger heat and flame, but at others abates and burns dim, so this lamp (of grace) sometimes burns and shines out, when, it is more strongly enkindled by an extraordinary infusion of the love of GOD; but again it is imparted in measure, and then the light is comparatively dull. 3. At another season the light which was shining in the heart, has disclosed a yet more inward, profound, and concealed light, insomuch that the whole man being absorbed in that sweetness and contemplation, was master of himself no longer, but was to this world as a mere fool and barbarian, by reason of the superabundant love and sweetness of the hidden mysteries: so that the person being for that time set at liberty, arrives to such degrees of perfection, as to become pure and free from sin. But after all this, grace has withdrawn itself, and the veil of the adverse power has come upon him; it appears in past however, and he stands in one of the lower rounds of perfection. And one that is rich in grace, at all times, by night and by day, continues in a perfect state, free and pure, ever captivated with love, and elevated to God. 4. But if a man should have these things always present before him, he would not be able to undertake-the dispensation of the word. Neither could he bear to hear, or have any concern for himself or the morrow; but purely to sit in a corner in a state of elevation: so that the perfect degree of all has not been given, that a man may be in a capacity to attend the care of the brethren, and the ministration of the word. Nevertheless, " the middle -tall of partition is broken down, and death is overcome." 5. Grace, even in this present life, operates thus: it calms all the members and the heart, so that the soul, out of the abundance of joy, seems like a little child, conscious of no ill; and the roan no longer condemns the Gentile, or the Jew, or the man of the world. But the inward man looks upon all with an eye of purity, and rejoices over the whole world, and desires to respect and love all, the Gentiles as the Jews. At another time, as the son of a king, he confides in the Son of GOD as his own father, and the doors are opened to him, and he goes into many mansions. And the farther he goes in, they are again opened to him in proportion, from one hundred mansions to an hundred others, and he is rich: and the more he is enriched, there are again others, and those newer wonders, discovered to him. And he is entrusted, as the son and heir, with things that cannot be spoken by human nature, nor pronounced by the mouth and tongue. Glory be to GOD! Amen.

HOMILY 6. The gifts of grace are preserved by an humble mind, and a ready will; but destroyed by pride and sloth.

1. THE souls that are lovers of truth and of GOD, and desirous to put on CHRIST completely, though they may suffer in some measure a state of emptiness; yet being wholly nailed to the cross of CHRIST, they perceive, day after day, an experimental sense of their advances towards the spiritual Bridegroom. And being wounded with an heavenly desire, and hungering after righteousness, they have an insatiable longing for the Spirit to shine out upon them. And though they are thought worthy to receive, through faith, the knowledge of Divine mysteries, or are made partakers of the gladness of heavenly grace, yet they have no confidence in themselves: but the more of spiritual gifts they enjoy, the more insatiable is the heavenly desire they are filled with; the more they are sensible of the spiritual progress in themselves, the more hungry and thirsty are they after the increase of grace; and the richer they spiritually are, by so much the more do they seem to themselves to be in want, and are carried out with a spiritual desire after the heavenly Bridegroom, as says the wise man, a They that eat me shall yet be hungry, and they that drink me shall yet be thirsty." 2. Souls like these, that have a fervent and insatiable love for the Lord, are thought worthy of the redemption from vile affections, and receive the irradiation and presence of the Holy Spirit, which is unspeakable, and the mystical fellowship in the fullness of grace. But as many souls as are destitute of manly vigor and activity, are still but as in the flesh, having never entertained any hopes of receiving the sanctification of their heart through patience and long-suffering, nor of enjoying the fellowship of the Spirit, with the utmost sensation and assurance: these, after having been once thought worthy of Divine grace, have yet been insensibly circumvented by the evil one, and so have given themselves over to carelessness and remissness. And the reason is evident; after they have received the grace of the, Spirit, and actually enjoyed the comfort of grace in rest and spiritual sweetness, they trust in it; they are lifted up, and take no farther care, being neither of a contrite heart, nor humble mind; neither have they waited with all diligence and faith, to be perfectly filled with grace but instead of that, they were full, they were completely satisfied, and rested in the first consolation of grace. The progress such souls made tended more to elevation than humility; so that they were stripped again of that very gift, which before was vouchsafed to them, through their careless contempt of any thing farther, and the vain swelling of their own opinion. 3. The soul that is truly a lover of GOD, and a lover of CHRIST, though it does righteous works without number, demeans itself however, as if it had wrought just nothing at all, through the insatiable love it bears to the Lord. And though by fastings and by watchings it has even macerated the body, it applies itself to the pursuit of the virtues still, as if it never had begun before to take the least pains about them. Though it has been thought worthy of the several gifts of the Spirit, or favored with revelations and heavenly mysteries; yet, by reason of its immense love for the Lord, does it seem to itself as if it had just nothing in possession: but hungering and thirsting through faith and love, it is carried on insatiably in the persevering spirit of prayer-to the mysteries of grace, and to every degree of virtue. And being wounded by the heavenly Spirit, continually exciting an inflamed desire after the heavenly Bridegroom, and longing to be completely admitted to the mystical and inexpressible communion with him in the sanctification of the Spirit; having the face of the soul unveiled, and looking with a steady eye upon the heavenly Bridegroom, face to face, in the light which is spiritual, and not to be expressed; it mixes with him in all the fullness of assurance; becomes conformable to his death, ever waiting in the abundance of desire to die for the sake of CHRIST, and expecting to obtain, under the conduct of the Spirit, an entire redemption from sin, and the darkness of the affections that being purified by the Spirit, sanctified in soul and body, it may be made a vessel clean prepared for the susception of the heavenly ointment, and the residence of CHRIST, the true and heavenly King. And then is the soul filled with the heavenly life, and becomes the pure habitation of the Holy Spirit. 4. But these are heights which the soul does not reach all at once;, but through many labors and conflicts, with variety of trials and temptations, it receives spiritual growth and improvement, till at last it comes to an entire exemption from its old affections; holding out, with a cheerful and noble obstinacy against every succeeding temptation, it is then thought worthy of great honors and spiritual gifts, and becomes an inheritor of the heavenly kingdom in CHRIST JESUS our Lord to whom be glory for ever. Amen.

HOMILY 7. Tins Homily teaches us how the soul ought to demean herself in holiness and purity, towards her Bridegroom. JESUS CHRIST.

1. IF a glorious prince should take a liking to a poor woman that has nothing, and have her brought home to him for his spouse, she ought ever after to show all good will to this husband, and retain a constant love for him. But if she transgresses the bounds of decency and duty, then she is turned out of doors with disgrace and reproach, and is full of sorrow; reflecting from how great wealth she is fallen, and what glory she has lost. Thus also the soul, which CHRIST, the heavenly Bridegroom, shall espouse to himself, ought to please CHRIST, her lover; carrying herself in the house of this heavenly Spouse with a fair deportment, and a grateful sense of the grace bestowed upon her. Lo! such a soul is actually invested with the full command of all her Lord's goods, and her body becomes the glorious tabernacle of his Godhead. But if she do not the things that are pleasing to him, and is not perfectly observant of his will, then with reproach and disgrace is she disrobed of all her honor, as no way proper for the communion of the heavenly King. And after that, there commences an universal grief and lamentation over that soul among all the saints and intellectual spirits: angels, powers, apostles, prophets,, and martyrs, mourn for her. For as " there is joy in heaven," as the Lord has said, " over one sinner that repenteth," so is there great grief and mourning in heaven over one soul that falls from eternal life. 2. We must therefore strive, and with the utmost prudence take care to "work out our salvation with fear and trembling." Whosoever therefore you are, that have been made partakers of the Spirit of CHRIST, look upon yourselves in no case whatever, whether small, or great, to be above advice; neither do any despite to the Spirit of grace, that you may be never excluded from the life which you have been made to partake of. Let us therefore beg of GOD, that we, as many as have been partakers of his grace, may minister acceptably in the service of the Spirit, according to his will; that thus serving him according to his will with a spiritual service, we may inherit eternal life. 3. But can a man fall that has the gift of grace Answ. If he grow careless, he certainly falls. For his enemies are never idle, or backward in the war. How ought you then never to desist from seeking after GOD For the damage which you sustain by your neglect is exceeding great, though you may seem to be even established in the mystery of grace. 4. Are the perfect liable to affliction or war, or are they entirely free from care Answ. An enemy never respites any from the war. And SATAN is perfectly void of mercy: wherefore neither is he backward to set upon any man whatever, though he does not attack all in the same measure and degree. 5. But there is need of much pains and labor, that a man may seek and lay the foundations, till' such a time as the fire shall come into the hearts of men, and purge away the thorns. And thus do they begin to be sanctified, giving glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, for ever. Amen.

HOMILY 8. That spiritual men are liable to temptations and a fictions.

1. As the experienced husbandmen, in a year of plenty, expect a time of dearth; and on the other hand, when dearth and difficulties overtake them, they are not dejected; as knowing there will come a change. So in the spiritual state, when the soul falls into divers temptations, it is not surprised as at a strange or unusual thing, neither does it despond, because it knows that they conic by permission, that it may be tried and disciplined by the evil that befalls it. Neither again, when it abounds in wealth and ease, is it free from apprehension, but expects a change. 2. For when a man is rich in grace, there is yet a remnant of corruption with him: he has one however that takes his part, and that comes to his assistance. Whenever therefore any one is in afflictions, and the storm of corrupt affections thickens upon him, yet ought he not to quit his hope. For then sin gains ground. But when a man retains his hope in GOD, sin crumbles as it were, arid dries away. 3. As a well that runs, and has all about it nothing but moist grounds, when the heat comes on, both itself and its adjacent bogs are dried up; thus it is with the servants of GOD, in whom grace abounds; that dries up the concupisence, not only that which is from the wicked one, but that also which is natural; because that now the men of GOD are greater than the first Adam. 4. Christians therefore belong to another world, are the sons of the heavenly Adam, a new generation, the children of the Holy Spirit, the bright and glorious brethren of CHRIST, perfectly like their Father, the spiritual and glorified Adam, of that very, city, of the same kind, and of the self-same power. He himself says, " Ye are not of this world, even as I am not of this world." 5. Yet a fear they still have upon them, not indeed that of novices, that live in a dread of wicked spirits; but a fear and concern how they may best employ the spiritual gifts they are entrusted with. And such a one as this looks upon himself to be despicable beyond all sinners. This reflection is as deeply rooted in him, as if it were his very nature. The more he advances in the knowledge of GOD, so much the less is he in his own eyes. And though he learns never so much; he is still as one that knows nothing. But these things are wrought in the soul by the ministration of grace. The case is not unlike that of an infant in the arms of a young man; the bearer carries it about whithersoever he pleases: so does grace also carry the mind about, and bear it upwards into the very heatens, to the perfect world, and eternal rest.

HOMILY 9. Concerning the spiritual unction and glory of Christians.

1.'THE Christians, who are come the nearest to the King, are at all times devoted to the cross of CHRIST; and when they are anointed with the heavenly unction, they commence kings and prophets of the heavenly mysteries. For if the anointing oil that came from an outward plant, had so much virtue that the persons anointed with it, were constituted kings thereby; how much more do they who are anointed with the sanctifying and cheering oil of gladness, the heavenly and spiritual oil, receive the sign of that incorruptible kingdom, and everlasting power, the earnest of the Spirit, the very spirit of holiness and comfort It is called the Comforter, by reason of that comfort and support it bestows upon them that are in afflictions. These being anointed from the tree of life, JESUS CHRIST, from the heavenly plant, are thought worthy to come to perfection; to the kingdom, and the adoption, being admitted to the secret councils of the heavenly King, and having free access to the Almighty, entering into his very palace, where are angels, and the spirits of the holy persons, though at the same time they live in this present world. For though they have not actually received the inheritance prepared for them in that world, they are secure from the earnest of the Spirit, which they have received, as if they were already crowned, and in possession of the kingdom. Nor does •it seem a strange thing to them that they shall reign together with CHRIST, through the overflowing presence of the Spirit. For what reason Even because though in the flesh, they have a relish of its sweetness, and that effectual working of his power. 2. For they that are to reign in the world to come, are before-hand acquainted with the mysteries of grace. Indeed since man transgressed the commandment, the devil has covered the whole soul with a dark veil. But when grace comes, the veil is thrown off; so that the soul becoming pure, and regaining its proper nature, a creature free from blame or spot, for ever after beholds with a clear sight the glory of the true light, and the true Sun of Righteousness flashing with his bright beams upon the heart itself. 3. For as when the heavens are done away, the righteous for ever after shall live in the kingdom, and light, and glory, beholding nothing else but after what manner CHRIST in glory is evermore at the right hand of the Father; so these also that are now taken out of. the World, behold all the beauties and the wonders which are wrought there. For we that are upon earth, have our indenization in heaven; all our transactions, and our whole civil conduct, is in that world as to our mind, and the inner man. For as the outward eye, when clear, perfectly beholds the sun; so the mind that is perfectly cleansed, ever beholds the glory of the light of CHRIST, and is present with the Lord night and day, just as the body of our Lord, being joined to the Godhead, is ever present with the Holy Ghost. But these are heights men do not immediately attain to, nor without labor and affliction) and conflict, 4. But the unsteady and unskillful, whenever grace operates, imagine presently they have no more sin. Whereas they that have discretion, cannot deny, that even we who have the grace of GOD, may be molested again with evil thoughts, For we have often had instances of some among the brethren, that have experienced such a degree of joy and grace, as to affirm, that for five or six years running, they had no sin in them; and yet after all, when they thought themselves freed entirely from it, the corruption that lurked within, was stirred up anew, and they were well nigh burnt up. 5. There is need therefore of great discernment, that a person may by experience know that things are really thus. I tell you moreover, that even the apostles were not altogether without apprehension. For with that joy and gladness had.they also a fear and trembling, proceeding from grace itself, and not from corrupt nature. But that very grace was their security, that they might riot turn aside.

HOMILY 10: Concerning the treasure of Christians, that is, CHRIST and the Holy Spirit, variously exercising them towards perfection.

1. IF any one in this world is possessed of a treasure, with that treasure he purchases whatever he has a mind to. Whatsoever he is desirous of he compasses with ease, and readily procures all possessions that suit his inclinations. So also they who have found the heavenly treasure of the Spirit, the Lord shining in their hearts, fulfill that entire extent of goodness there is in the commandments of the Lord, from that treasure that is within them, CHRIST; and by means of that do they amass together a large store of heavenly wealth. For by means of the heavenly treasure do they work every virtue in the -whole circle of righteousness, and every commandment of the Lord, by the help of the invisible riches of the grace within them. 2. Whoever therefore possesses within himself this heavenly treasure of the Spirit, he fulfils in this spirit all the righteousuess of the commandments, and the complete practice of the virtues, without blame, and in purity; moreover without compulsion or difficulty. Then let us beseech GOD, and seek diligently unto him, and pour out our supplications before him, that he would freely grant unto us the treasure of his Spirit, that we may be enabled to walk in all his commandments without reproof, and without blemish, and fulfill all the righteousness of the Spirit in purity and perfection. 3. For he that is poor, and naked, and a beggar, can purchase nothing in the world: but he that has a treasure at command, without trouble, is master of what possession he pleases. So the soul that is naked, and destitute of GOD, cannot, would it ever so fain, produce any of the fruits of the Spirit of righteousness in truth and reality, before it actually partakes of the Spirit itself. 4. It behooves every one therefore to oblige himself by force to petition the Lord, that he may receive the heavenly treasure of the Spirit, so as without difficulty to be able to perform all the commandments of the Lord, blameless and in purity; which before, even with violence, he could never do. ror being poor and destitute of the communication of the Spirit, how should he come by such spiritual possessions But the soul which, by faith and much patience, has. found the Lord, the true treasure, produceth the fruits of the Spirit, and performs all the righteousness and commandments of the Lord, which the Spirit has commanded, in and by it, with purity, and free from blame. 5. We ought therefore to beg of GOD with earnestness of heart, that he would grant unto us his riches, the true treasure of CHRIST, in our hearts, in the power and efficacy of the Spirit. And thus. having found first within-ourselves salvation and eternal life, we shall then profit others also, producing from that treasure of CHRIST within us, all the goodness of spiritual discourses, and declaring heavenly mysteries. For so it pleases the good will of the Father, that he should dwell with every one that believeth. --He that loves me, (says CHRIST,) shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him." And again, " We will come unto him, I and my Father, and make our abode with him." Thus did the infinite kindness of the Father's will: Thus was the inconceivable love of CHRIST pleased. And thus did the unspeakable goodness of the Spirit promise. Glory be to the tender mercies of the Holy Trinity; which surpass all expression! 6. Let us illustrate in some measure by examples the methods of the Spirit in the soul. At a certain time then are they elated, as at a royal banquet, and rejoice with joy and gladness not to be expressed. At another season are they as the bride, thatin communion with the bridegroom enjoys Divine pleasures. At other times they are as the angels, which are not clogged with this earthly tabernacle. 7. At other times, they are in grief and lamentation for all mankind, and interceding for the whole stock of Adam. They take up a wailing and a weeping for it; the love of the Spirit.for the human nature kindling and flaming out within them. At other times the joy and love of the Spirit inflames them to that degree, that were it possible, they would snatch up every man into their own bowels, not making the least distinction of the bad from the good. 8. At other times they are humbled so far below every other person in the self-abasement of the Spirit, as to think themselves inferior to, and less than all. At other times they are like a strong man, that, having put on the royal armor, and coming down in battle upon his enemies, fights valiantly against them, and overcomes them. For in like manner, he too that is spiritual takesthe heavenly weapons of the Spirit, and comes upon his enemies and fights them, and treads them under his feet. At other times does the soul rest in great silence, and calmness and peace, being given up to spiritual pleasure, and rest unspeakable. At other times it is instructed by grace in a sort of understanding and wisdom not to be described, and a knowledge of the Spirit that is past finding out, in such things as it is impossible for the tongue to utter. So very various is the way of grace in them, and such variety is there in the manner after which it conducts the soul, refreshing it according to the will and pleasure of God. And with equal variety does it exercise her, thereby to restore her perfect and blameless, and pure to our heavenly Father. 9. These several refreshments of grace are expressed indeed very differently. However, there is no intermission of their influence; but one operation continually succeeds another. For when the soul is thoroughly.tlcansed from all its corrupt affections, and is united, by an ineffable communion, to the Spirit, the Comforter, and is thoroughly mixed with the Spirit, and is become spirit itself: then is it all light, all eye, all spirit, all joy, all rest, all gladness, all love,. all bowels, all goodness, and clemency. As a stone in the bottom of the sea is every way surrounded with water; so are these every way drenched with the Holy Spirit, and made like to CHRIST himself, possessing unalterably within themselves the virtues of the power of the Spirit, being blameless within and without, and spotless, and pure. For being brought to perfection by the Spirit, how is it possible they should outwardly produce the fruits of sin But at all times, and in every instance, do the fruits of the Spirit shine brightly out in their whole deportment. 1O. And therefore let us also beseech GOD, and believe in love, and abundant hope, that the self-same Spirit may govern and lead us into all the will of GOD; and may refresh us with all the variety of the rest he gives that by the means of such an administration, and the exercise of grace, and spiritual improvement, we may come to the perfection of the fullness of CHRIST, as the apostle expresses it, « That ye might be filled with all the fullness of God." And again, "Till we all come unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of CHRIST." The Lord has promised to all that believe in him, and ask in truth, that he will, give to them the mysteries of the ineffable communion of the Spirit; and therefore let us, having entirely devoted ourselves to the Lord, make haste to attain the good things we have before-mentioned, being consecrated both in soul and body, and nailed to the cross of CHRIST, and giving glory to the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, unto ages. Amen.

HOMILY 11. Christians that are willing to improve and increase, ought to force themselves to every thing that is good.

1. He that is desirous to come to the Lord, and to become the mansion-house of CHRIST, and to be filled with the Holy Spirit, that so he may bring forth the fruits of the Spirit, and perform the commandments of CHRIST in purity; ought to begin first with believing in the Lord, to give himself entirely up to the directions of his commandments, and to bid an universal farewell to the world, that so his mind may not be engrossed by any of the things that do appear. 2. He ought ever to continue instant in prayer, in the faith and expectation of the Lord, waiting at all times for his help, with the full bent of his mind continually, fixed upon it. Then ought he to force himself upon every good work, and to all the commandments of the Lord. For instance, let him force himself to be of a lowly mind before all men, and let him esteem himself worse than they, not seeking honor, or praise, or glory from any one; but setting the Lord ever before his eyes, desirous of pleasing him only, in meekness of heart, as the Lord himself prescribes, "Learn of me, for I am meek and lowly of heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls." 3. In like manner let him accustom himself to be merciful, kind, tender-hearted, and good to the utmost of his power, as our Lord expresses it, " Be ye merciful, even as your heavenly Father is merciful." 4. Above all things, let him keep inviolably in mind the humiliation of our Lord, and his manner of life, his meekness of conversation, as the standard that is never to be overlooked, And thus the things which he does now by violence, and with a reluctant heart, he will in time do freely, by being ever mindful of the Lord, and in, much love waiting for him. For the Lord observing how he forces himself, and even wrests his heart, though never so unwilling, shows mercy to him, and redeems him from his enemies, and from the sin that dwells in -him, filling him with the Spirit. And thus for the future, without compulsion or difficulty, does he perform the commands of the Lord in truth. Or rather, the Lord himself does his own commandments in him; and then he brings forth the fruits of the Spirit in purity. 5. But first he ought thus to force himself to that which is good; and though his heart be ever so much against it, to wait continually for mercy; to force himself to show compassion, to endure contempt with a courageous patience; and though he is set at nought, not to be moved with indignation, as it is written, " Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves;" to force himself to prayer,. if he have not the spiritual prayer. And thus does GOD, beholding him in these conflicts, grant unto him the true prayer of the Spirit, the true love, the meekness of truth, the bowels of mercies, yea, all the fruits of the Spirit. 6. Yet if, any one forces himself to pray only for the gift of prayer, but exerts no such vigor after meekness, and humility, and love, and the other commandments of the Lord, this is sometimes granted him; but then it is apart by itself, just according to his petition. But in his Behavior he is exactly as he was before; without meekness, for he sought it not; without humility, because he asked nat for it; nor has he a love for all men; forasmuch as he never had any concern or agony in the offering up of his prayer for it. And in the execution -of the work he is upon, he has not faith and confidence towards GOD, because indeed he has not discovered that he wants it; neither has he labored to obtain from the Lord a steady and true affiance in him.. 7. Therefore it behooves every one, as he forces himself to prayer, so also to an assurance in God; to humility, to meekness, sincerity, and simplicity; to all patience and long-suffering, with joy. Thus ought he, by an habitual violence, to esteem himself as nothing; to break himself of unprofitable discourse; ever to meditate upon the things of GOD, and to declare them with his mouth, and with his heart. The same way should he proceed to conquer " all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and. clamor, and evil speaking;" to conform to our Lord's whole deportment; to an universal good conversation; to all the humility of meekness, so as neither to be exalted, nor high-minded, nor puffed up, nor to speak against any man. 8. All these ought he to bring himself to by downright force, that is desirous to be well-pleasing to CHRIST; that so, (when he shall behold this forwardness and full intention of his, in thus compelling himself to all goodness,) he may impart his whole self to him, the Lord himself performing all these things within him in purity, without trouble, and without compulsion, which before he was not able, not even with force and violence, to observe. Then all these exercises of virtue become to him as nature. For the Lord, when he comes, and is in him, and he in the Lord, performs in him his own commands without labor, filling him with the fruits of the Spirit. 9. Whoever therefore is willing to please GOD in truth, and receive from him the heavenly grace, and to grow up and be perfected in the Holy Spirit, ought to force himself upon all the commandments of GOD, and to bring his unwilling heart in subjection to them, according as it is written, "Therefore hold I straight all thy commandments, and all false ways I utterly abhor." For as a man, in order to perseverance in prayer, acts with violence and constraint, till he can bring himself to it; so also, in all instances, if he has a willing mind, he is violent and pressing with himself. Nay, and after he has obtained his petition, and is come to taste of GOD, and is made partaker of the Holy Ghost, he takes pains to improve the gift imparted to him. 1O. The Spirit itself then teaches him the true prayer, the true love, the true meekness-which before he forced himself to, and sought after, and which took up his whole thoughts. And being thus grown up, and consummated in GOD, he is thought worthy to become the heir of the kingdom: for the humble man never falls. For whence should he fall, who is below all Self-elevation is a great abasement; but self-abasement is a great exaltation, and honor, and dignity. 11. And thus the commandments of GOD being fulfilled by us through his Spirit, and that Spirit perfecting us in itself, and being itself completed in us, when once cleansed from all the pollution and stain of sin, it will then present our souls to CHRIST as beautiful brides, pure and blameless: we, on the one hand, reposing ourselves in GOD, in his kingdom,-and GOD, on the other, taking up his rest in us to endless ages! Glory be to his mercies, and compassion, and love; for that he has vouchsafed to admit the race of mankind unto so great honor, to be the sons of his heavenly Father, and declared them to be his own brethren. To him be glory for ever! Amen.

HOMILY 12. Christ alone is able to heal the soul, and to adorn her with the robe of grace.

1. IF any one is naked for want of the heavenly clothing, which is the power of the Spirit, (as it is said, " Now if any man have not the Spirit of CHRIST, he is none of his,") let him weep, and entreat the Lord that he may receive the spiritual clothing which is from heaven; that he may have a covering for his soul, disrobed of the Divine power.. For he is clothed with vile affections, that is not clad with the garment of the Spirit. 2. For as in the things that are seen, if any one is naked, he is in much confusion and disgrace,-and even friends turn away from their friends that are naked, thus does GOD turn away from the souls that are not clothed with the garment of the Spirit, in the full assurance of faith, as not "having put on the Lord JESUS CHRIST" in power and in truth. 3. The very first man, when he beheld himself naked, was ashamed. So great is the dishonor that attends nakedness! If therefore, in relation only to the body, the being naked exposes us to so much shame; how much rather is the soul that is unclothed of the Divine power, that is not clad with the raiment not to be described-immortal and spiritual, the Lord JESUS CHRIST, himself,-covered over with shame and dishonorable affections! Every one that is unclothed of that Divine glory, ought to be ashamed of himself, and to acknowledge the disgrace he is under; as Adam was ashamed with respect to his body being naked, though he made himself a covering of fig-leaves. Let therefore such a soul ask of CHRIST, who clothes it with glory which surpasses all expression, without making to itself any covering of vain thoughts, or being deluded with an opinion of its own righteousness. 4. For if any one stands only upon his own righteousness, (not looking for the righteousness of GOD, which is the Lord, who, as the apostle speaks, is made to us righteousness and redemption,) the pains he takes are vain and fruitless. For such an opinion of his own righteousness is at the last day plainly laid open as a filthy rag, as says the prophet, "All our righteousness is as filthy rags." Let us therefore beg of GOD, and entreat him that we may put on the garment of salvation, our Lord JESUS CHRIST. Glory be to his tender mercies and compassion, which surpass all expression and utterance! 5. As the woman that was diseased with an issue of blood, when she had touched the hem of our Lord's garment, was healed immediately, and the impure fountain of her blood was dried up-so every soul that has the incurable wound of sin, the fountain of unclean and wicked thoughts, if she will come to CHRIST, recovers her health; and that fountain which sends forth impure thoughts, only through the power of JESUS, abates and is dried up. 6. To him alone this is possible. For as that woman who had spent all she was worth upon those that had promised to heal her, was yet cured by no man, till such time as she came to the Lord, and touched his hem-so is it with the soul that has been wounded from the be, ginning with this incurable wound of sinful affections; which none of the righteous, neither the fathers, nor the prophets, or patriarchs have been able to cure. 7. Moses came, but was not able to give perfect health. The priests, the gifts, tithes, new-moons, washings, sacrifices, whole burnt-offerings, and every other branch of righteousness, were punctually observed under the law; and yet the soul could not be healed, and cleansed from the impure fountain of sinful thoughts. Neither could all its righteousness avail any thing, till such time as the Savior came himself, the true Physician, who healeth freely-who gave himself a ransom for the race of mankind. He alone wrought the great and saving redemption, and cure of the soul: he it was.that set, it free from the state of bondage, and brought it out of darknesA, having glorified it with his own light. He has dried up the fountain of unclean thoughts; for " behold," says the Scripture, " the Lamb of GOD, which takesaway the sin of the world!" 8. Its own medicines out of the earth, that is, its own righteous actions, were not able to heal it of so great a plague. But by the heavenly and Divine nature, the gift of the Holy Spirit, was man capable of recovering health, being purified in his heart by the Holy Ghost. Let us therefore have faith in him, and come to him in truth, that he may speedily perform his healing operation within us:-for he has promised to " give to them that ask him, his Holy Spirit; and to open to them that knock; and to be found of them that seek him:" and he that promised cannot lie. To him be glory and might for ever! Amen.

HOMILY 13. That no man, unless he is strengthened by CHRIST, is able to get clear of the stumbling-blocks of SATAN. And what they ought to do, that are desirous of the Divine glory.

1. THEY in whom is the Divine law ingrafted in the heart, having the eyes of their mind enlightened, are able to get clear of the stumbling-blocks of the wicked one. But they that are not honored with the word of GOD, being vainly puffed up, imagine that by their own freewill they can cut off all occasions of sin, which yet is condemned through the mystery of the cross alone. 2. For it is impracticable to go upon the asp and the basilisk, and to tread upon the lion and the draGOD, unlass we are first enabled by him that said to the apostles, " Behold, I give you power to tread on serpents, and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy." For were the human nature able, without the complete armor of the Holy Spirit, to stand against the wiles of the devil, we had never been told by the apostle, "The GOD of peace shall bruise SATAN under your feet shortly." He therefore that is desirous to be made partaker of the Divine glory, ought, with an insatiable affection, with his whole heart and strength, night and day to seek help from God. 3. Wherefore endeavor all you can to become the child of GOD, without blame, and to enter into that rest, " whither the forerunner CHRIST is entered for us." Do your utmost that your name be written in the church in heaven with the first-born; that you may be found "at the right hand of the Majesty on high." Study to enter into the holy city, the peaceful Jerusalem. Pour out tears day and night, according to him that said, " Every night wash I my bed, and water my couch with my tears." For "they that sow in tears shall reap in joy." Wherefore the prophet expresses himself with confidence, "Hold not thy peace at my tears." 4. Seek him only who said, " I am come to send fire on earth, which I would it were already kindled." For this burning of the Spirit it is that kindles up new life in the heart. This Divine fire is used to enlighten souls, and to try them as the pure gold in the furnace, but to consume sin as thorns and stubble. This inflamed the heart of Cleopas and his companion, as our Savior was talking to them after the resurrection. This burns up the beam in the inward eye, and restores the mind to its purity, that so, upon recovering its native power of seeing, it may incessantly behold the wonders of God. Let us pray this fire that it would come to us also; that we, walking at all times in the light, may never,-no, not for a moment, " dash our feet against a stone;" but, as lights shining in the world, may hold forth the word of eternal life;" that, enjoying the good things of GOD, we may rest with the Lord in life, glorifying the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost. To whom be glory for ever! Amen.

HOMILY 14. Concerning the truth and excellency of the soul; and hour it is tempted by SATAN, and obtains deliverance.

1. Do not slightly regard the intellectual nature of the soul. The immortal soul is a vessel of great price. Observe how great the heaven is and the earth, and yet GOD took not any great complacency in them; but in thee only. Behold thy own worth and high descent, that the Lord should come on an embassy, and that not by angels, but in his own person, on purpose to recall thee that hadst been lost; and to restore to thee the original formation of Adam in his purity. For man was Lord of all, from heaven above to the depths beneath, and pure from sin, (the image) and likeness of God. But through the transgression he is fallen, and wounded, and dead. 2. Quest. Is the natural concupiscence rooted out by the coming of the Holy Spirit Sin is rooted out, and man receives the original formation of Adam in his purity. Through the power of the Spirit, he comes up to the first Adam; yea, is made greater than him. 3. Quest. Is SATAN let loose to a certain degree, or makes he war as he pleases Ans. If he were permitted to war at pleasure he would put an end to all. If the silversmith and the goldsmith put on fire by rule, for if there is more than enough, the gold and silver is lost; and if man has skill enough to proportion his burdens to his beast, suitable to the strength they have to carry: how much more does GOD, who knows the capacities of men, loosen the reins of the adverse power in different degrees In the same proportion, therefore, as any one is able to receive and sustain the fight, so far is SATAN let loose upon him. 4. Quest. Does SATAN ever he still, and is man freed from the war or, has he war as long as he lives Ans. SATAN at no time sleeps. As long as anyone lives in this world, and wears flesh, he finds war. But, when-the fiery darts of the wicked one shall be quenched, what then is there that hurts the man Since he has the King to befriend him, one that gives an helping hand, he receives no manner of damage. For when a man has passed through all degrees) and is become the king's friend, can he after that be liable to injury from any one 5. Christians are clothed with the Spirit, and are at rest. And though war arises from without, they are inwardly fortified with the power of the Lord, and are no more concerned for SATAN. Just so, when he tempted our Lord in the wilderness for forty days, what real hurt was it, that he could outwardly approach his body for within was God. In like manner Christians, though outwardly they are tempted; yet inwardly are they. filled with the Divine nature, and so nothing injured. These degrees, if any man attain to, he is come to the perfect love of CHRIST, and to the fullness of the Godhead. But he that is not so, still inwardly retains the war. He is one hour refreshed in prayer, and another in a state of affliction: for so is the will of the Lord; because he is as yet but an infant, he trains him up to the battle: and there spring up in him both light and darkness, and rest. and affliction: and -that, whatever gifts he has, for many of the brethren have had the gifts of healing, and revelation and prophecy; however, not having attained to perfect charity, the war came upon them, and they fell. Indeed, if any one comes to perfect love, he is for ever after bound and captivated by grace. But if any one make but small advances towards this, he is still in bondage to fear, and to war, and to falling.

HOMILY 15. Concerning the worth and condition of the Christian.

1. Know, O magi, thy high descent and worth: hots precious you art as the brother of CHRIST, the friend of the king, the spouse of the heavenly Bridegroom. For whosoever shall discover the worth of his soul, he is also able to discover the power and the mysteries of the Divine nature, and thereby to be the more abased; for asmuch as by the power of GOD it is that any one sees his fall. But in the same manner that he passed through sufferings and the cross, and so was glorified, and sat down on the right hand of the Father, so does it behove you also to suffer with him, and to be crucified with him, and so to rise again, and sit together, and to be joined together with CHRIST, and for ever to reign together with him. 2. Christianity, therefore, is no trivial matter: it is a great mystery. Consider therefore well thy high descent, that you art called to royal dignity, " a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, and an holy nation." For the mystery of Christianity is foreign to this world. The glory of a king, which is seen, and his riches, are earthly, and corruptible, and passing away: but that kingdom, and those riches, are Divine things, things heavenly and glorious, never passing away; for they reign together with the heavenly King in the church in heaven. And he truly is" the first-born from the dead:" but then are they the first-born also. Yet are they in their own eyes, the very least of all, and greatly set at nought. Nay, this is become to them as it were natural, and riveted into them to esteem themselves nothing. 3. Quest. Do they then not know that they are possessed of something which they had not before Ans. They do: but still they look upon themselves to be of no esteem. Though with GOD they are precious, yet with themselves they are not so: but just as if they had known nothing at all. 4. Quest. How is it that the apostle says, " Though I have all knowledge, and all prophecy, and speak with the tongues of angels, I am nothing" Ans. In respect of that charity; which is perfect, are these but small matters; and he that is in any of these degrees may fall. 1 have seen men that have been admitted to the whole circle of gifts, and been partakers of the Spirit, and these very persons, not having attained to perfect charity, have fallen. One of the noble order sold all his goods, set them that were slaves at liberty; was himself a person of prudence and understanding; yet, in the midst of all, by conceiving an opinion of himself, he fell in the event into scandalous impurities and endless mischiefs, Another, in time of persecution, yielded up his body, and was hung up, and his senses taken away; afterwards he was thrust into prison. There attended him one of the women according to the faith; and having contracted familiarity with her, even while in custody, he fell into fornication. See! the rich man that sold his goods, and he that gave up his body to martyrdom, how they fell! Another, that lived with me in the same house, and prayed with me, was rich in grace. There was given him the gift of healing, and he not only cast out devils,, but healed likewise those that were afflicted with grievous sicknesses, purely by putting his hands upon them. After this, growing careless, he was puffed up, and fell into the very lowest depths of sin. See I even he that had the gift of healing fell.. You see how they fall before they come to perfect love. But he that arrives at this is plunged all over, and carried off captive into another world. 5. Quest. What is the meaning of those words, "Which eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither have they entered into the heart of man" Ans. At that time the great men, and the righteous, and the kings, knew that the Redeemer was to come: but that his blood was to be poured out upon the cross, they neither knew nor had heard, neither had it entered into their heart, that there was to be the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost; and that Christians were to receive the Comforter, and be clothed with power from on high, and be filled with the Godhead, and mixed together with the Holy Spirit: this they knew nothing of, neither had it entered into their heart. For Christians now grow rich in a quite different way, and are carried up into the Godhead. But though possessed of so much joy and comfort, they are yet in fear and trembling. Quest. What fear and trembling Ans. A jealous fear, that they make no false step in any one instance; but harmonize with grace. For a lean does not immediately arrive at perfection. First, he enters the lists and fights with SATAN, and after a long course and fight he carries off the trophies of victory, and becomes a Christian. For if merely by hearing a man is made perfect without any further trouble; then even those that frequent the theatre, and whoremongers, shall all go into the kingdom. But this cannot be: the way is strait and narrow: we must go through this rugged way, and hold out with patience, and be afflicted, and so enter into life. 6. But this is the way to GOD, viz. to travel the road of life in much patience, in hope, in humbleness of mind, in poverty of spirit, in meekness; and through these is a man possessed of righteousness within. himself. But, the righteousness we are speaking of is the Lord himself. These commandments are as marks of the royal way, leading them that travel in it up to the heavenly city. For, says he, " Blessed are the poor in spirit; blessed are the meek; blessed are the merciful; blessed are the peace-makers." This is Christianity. Glory be to the tender mercies of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, for ever! Amen.

HOMILY 16. The misery of the soul, when, by reason of sin, the Lord cdoes not dwell in her.

1. Wo to that way, wherein none walks, neither heareth in it the voice of man! for it is become a receptacle of beasts. Wo to the soul, when the Lord walks not in her, neither driveth out of her the spiritual beasts of wickedness with his voice! Wo to the house, when the master of it does not inhabit it! Wo to the earth, when it has no husbandman to till it! Wo to the ship, when it has no pilot; for then it is tossed about with the waves and storms! Wo to the soul, when it has not the true Pilot in her! for then, being in the sea of darkness, tossed about by the waves of unruly passions, at the mercy of wicked spirits, it obtains in the end destruction. Wo to the soul, when it wants CHRIST to till it with care, that it may bring forth the good fruits of the Spirit! For lying waste, and being full of thorns and thistles, in the end it is burnt with fire. Wo to the soul, when it has not CHRIST, the Master, dwelling in it! for then is it a wilderness; yea, is, filled with the ill savour of disorderly affections, the sink of all corruption. 2. As in Egypt, during the three days' darkness, the son saw not his father, neither the brother his brother, the darkness concealing them; so when Adam had transgressed the commandment, the veil of darkness came upon his soul, and now he saw not his true and heavenly Father, and neither his brother, the Lord, nor his friends and kindred, the holy angels. And even to this time, they, upon whom CHRIST; the Sun of Righteousness, has not risen, and in whom the eyes of the soul have not been opened, are under the same darkness of.sin, and have not eyes to behold their Father. 3. For this every one ought to know, that there are. eyes within these outward eyes, and a sense of hearing more inward than this of the outward ear. And as these eyes of ours sensibly behold and know the face of a friend, or one we love; so do the eyes of a faithful soul, enlightened with Divine light, see the true Friend, the Bridegroom, the Lord. And thus beholding the only beauty, which surpasses expression, it is wounded with Divine love; it is directed to all the virtues of the Spirit; and obtains the boundless and never-failing love of her Lord.

HOMILY 17. God executes the dispensations of his grace upon mankind, after a two fold manner.

1. THE wisdom of GOD being infinite and incomprehensible, he executes the dispensations of his grace upon mankind, after an unsearchable manner, with great variety, that they may be manifest that seek him with all their heart, and endure all manner of danger and labor upon his account. Some are prevented with the favors and gifts of the Holy Spirit, immediately, as soon as they ask, without toil, and sweat, and fatigue; GOD affording them grace, not by chance, but by a wisdom that exceeds all expression. Let these who so quickly obtain the Divine grace, be sensible of the benefit and kindness that has been shown them, and of the sweetness of GOD, according to the proportion of grace received, without any pains of their own: let them give proof of their diligence and their conflict, and make a suitable return for those gifts, by giving their wholeselves to the love of the Lord, doing his will only, and Evithdrawing themselves perfectly from all carnal desire. 2. On others, (though they have withdrawn from the world, and persevere in prayer, and fasting and diligence) GOD does not immediately bestow his grace and rest, and the gladness of the Spirit, but withholds the gift, that he may see whether-they thought him the faithful and true GOD, who has promised, to give to then that ask, and to open to them that knock, the door of life; that he may observe whether they endure to the end, asking and seeking; or whether through remissness, they fall off, not holding on to the end. 3. For some that receive not in a little time, are the more desirous after heavenly things; and every day adds to their former industry, and speed, and struggle, and hunger and thirst after that which is good; nothing, dispirited, by the trials that are present with their souls, nor turning to impatience, or despair; yea, the more the Lord puts them upon the trial, so much the more eager, diligent, and obstinate they are, in seeking after the gift of GOD; being fully assured that GOD cannot lie, who has promised to give his grace, to them that continue to ask. 4. Wherefore suitably to this assurance, do they make an estimate of themselves `wherein they are deficient,; whether it be in labor, or conflict, or application, or any other point, and when they make this scrutiny; with all the exactness they are able, they force and urge themselves, all they can, to do what is well-pleasing to the Lord; as having this full confidence, that GOD, -who is true, will not deprive them of the gift of the Spirit, if they persevere to the end in the expectation of him: but they shall receive the heavenly grace, while they continue in the flesh, and shall obtain eternal life. z5. And thus do they direct their eye to the Lord, looking for him only with, great desire, and ever waiting for the consolation of-grace, and taking no comfort in any thing of this world. At the same time the Lord himself is already, after an hidden manner, present with them, and succors, and preserves them, and is their support Although they have not obtained the grace of the Spirit, and the refreshment of the heavenly gift; yet let them not fear; they that take up such an intention, and endeavor, and pains, and desire of virtue, and continue in it to the end, shall of a truth obtain life, and the everlasting kingdom. 6. Let not therefore any of the brethren be lifted up against his brother, so as to say, I have the spiritual gift, and you have not. For you know not what the morrow may bring forth; or what end his will be, and what your own. But let every one, looking Well to himself, sift his conscience at all times, and prove the work of his heart, what application and conflict he has in his mind towards God. And aiming at the perfect mark of liberty, and freedom from disorderly affections, let him run without intermission, never placing his confidence in any gift, or in any act of righteousness. Glory and worship be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, for ever! Amen.

HOMILY 18. Concerning the progress of a Christian.

1. As many lights and burning lamps are kindled by the fire, but all the lamps and lights are lighted up from one nature. Thus Christians also are lighted up from one nature, and shine, from the Divine fire, the Son of God; and have these lamps flaming in their hearts, and shine before him while on earth, even as he himself. 2. Christians therefore are lights that have the oil in themselves, that is, " the fruits of righteousness." But if they are not lighted up from the light of the Godhead in themselves, they are nothing. The Lord was a burning light through the Spirit of the. Godhead abiding substantially in him, and inflaming his heart according to his human part. 3. For as a rotten bag that is filled with pearls, so are Christians also, who being outwardly despicable, have in the " inward man the pearl of great price." But others are like whited sepulchres, without indeed they are beautiful; but within are full of dead mens' bones. They are dead before GOD, and clothed with all manner of shame and filth, and the darkness of the enemy. 4. The Christian ought at all times to be mindful of God. For it is written, " You shall love the Lord thy GOD with all thy heart;" that he may not only love the Lord, when he goes into his oratory, but that even when walking, and in company, and when eating, he may retain the memory of GOD, and a natural affection for him. Indeed to what thing soever the heart of any one is linked, that is his god. If the heart at all times desires GOD, he is the Lord of the heart. But if any one that has outwardly renounced all, and is stript of his possessions, yet is wedded to himself, or to worldly desires; wheresoever his heart is chained, that is his god. And he is found to have come out of the world indeed through the broad gate, but through a wicket to have gone in again. 5. But if a man at all times cleave fast unto the Lord, and places his confidence and hope upon him; then none can hurt him: for though the devils are strong as the strong mountains, they are burnt by prayer, as wax by fire.. Yet in the mean time great is the struggle and fight that lies upon the soul against them. There are the rivers of dragons, and the mouths of lions. But the fire of love burneth up all. 6. As a man that is a complete worker of evil, is insatiable after mischief; so Christians that have been baptized into the Holy Spirit, are insatiable after God. Yet while they have a mixture of sin, they are liable to fear, and travel through frightful places. 7. For as merchants, though they have now a fair wind, and a smooth sea, are in fear, lest on a sudden there should be a contrary wind, and the sea grow tempestuous: so Christians, though they have in themselves the favorable wind of the Spirit blowing, yet are in concern, lest the wind of the adverse power should rise upon them, and stir up a tempest in their souls. There is need therefore of great industry, that we may come to the haven of rest, to the perfect world, to eternal life and pleasure, to the " city of the saints, to the heavenly Jerusalem, to the church of the first-born." 8. Nor ought we to be secure. For as a garden that is set with fruit-trees, and sweet-smelling plants, and all well laid out and contrived with beauty, and has withal a little wall for an hedge, to keep it; if -it should so fall out that a rapid river runs by it, and by little and little dissolves the foundation, having once gained entrance, it roots up all that was planted. Even thus is the heart of man; it has good thoughts and desires, but there are rivers of corruption ever approaching. And if the mind but a little give way to unclean thoughts; lo, the spirits of error have entered in, and overturned all the beauties that were there, and laid the soul waste. 9. As the eye is little beyond all the members, and yet contains the heaven, the stars, the sun, the moon, cities, and other creatures; for all these are seen under one, are formed and imagined in the pupil of the eye. Thus also the heart is a little vessel. And yet there are dragons, and there are lions, the poisonous beasts, and all the treasures of wickedness, and there are rugged ways, and precipices. In like manner there is GOD, there are the angels; there is the life and the kingdom; there is the light, there are the treasures of grace: there are all things. 1O. And yet many find them not. For as when the alarm of war is sounding, the wise-men, and the great ones were not there; but the poor, and the unlearned are sent forth; and they work a victory over their enemies, and receive from the king the rewards of their victory, and crowns, and dignities. Thus also is it in heavenly things. It is the poor and unlearned from the beginning, that love the truth, do what it requires, fight the good fight, and receive from GOD the grace of his Spirit. But the wise and great flee the war; neither do they make any progress, and consequently are left behind them who have fought and overcome. And the Lord has promised, a Where I am, there also shall these my servants be." And they shall reign together with the Father, and with the Son, and with the Holy Spirit, even to ages of ages Amen.

HOMILY 19. What kind of change CHRIST works in the Christian.

1. HE that comes to GOD, and desires to be the person that sitteth with CHRIST upon his throne, ought to come to him upon this very view, that he may be changed from his former state and conversation; that he may be a new man, who carries nothing of the old man about him: " For if any man be in CHRIST, he is a new creature." For our Lord JESUS CHRIST came for this very reason, that he might change, and renew, and create afresh this soul that had been perverted by vile affections, tempering it with his own Divine Spirit. He came to work a new mind, and a new soul, and new eyes, new ears, a new spiritual tongue; yea, to make them that believe in him new men, that he might pour into them the new wine, which is his Spirit. 2. For as the enemy, when he had gotten man into his own hands, wrought him anew for himself, having clothed him with vile affections, and poured into him the spirit of sin; so also the Lord, having redeemed him from the enemy, wrought him anew, and poured his own Spirit into him. For he that changed the nature of the burning fire to bedew them that were in the furnace; and for Daniel's sake tamed the nature of the lions, can also transform the soul that was grown wild by sin into his own goodness and peace by the Holy Spirit of promise. 3. For as the shepherd can heal a diseased sheep, and keep him from the wolves; so the true Shepherd is able to heal the sheep that was lost, even man from the leprosy of sin. The priests and levites, and the teachers that were before, were never able to heal the soul by their oblations of gifts and sacrifices; yea, they were not able to heal themselves. "For it was not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sin." But the Lord can heal every disease, and every sickness of the soul. And the true healing of the soul is from the Lord only. 4. The good shepherd therefore healeth the sheep. But the sheep itself can never heal the sheep. And unless man be healed, there is no entrance for him into the congregation of the Lord in heaven. Thus also was it said in the law through a shadow; "A leper shall not enter into the congregation of the Lord." But he commanded the leper to go to the priest, who was to bring him into the house of his tabernacle, put his hands upon the leprosy, the place marked with the infection, and heal it. After the same manner, CHRIST, the true high-priest of good things to come, in condescension to leprous souls, enters into the tabernacle of their body, takes care of their disorders, and healeth them. And thus will the soul be able to enter into the heavenly church of the saints of the true Israel. But every soul that bears the leprosy of sin in her affections, and will not come to the true high-priest, and be taken care of now, finds no admission into the camp of the saints. It behooveth- therefore the soul that truly beii- eth in CHRIST, to be changed from her present nature into another nature, which is Divine, and to be wrought new herself through the power of the Holy Spirit. And to obtain this, will be allowed to us who believe and love him in truth, and walk in all his holy commandments. 5. No man can of himself go over the sea, unless he have a vessel, which is able to go upon the waters; after the same manner is it impossible for the soul to pass over the sea of sin, and the abyss of the powers of darkness; unless it receive the Spirit of CHRIST that walks, and makes its way over all wickedness, -by means of which he will arrive by a quick and straight passage at the heavenly port of rest. 6. But as a ship stands in need of a pilot, in order to sail well; the Lord himself is a pilot to the faithful soul, and conveys it through all the waves of wickedness, and the strong winds of sin. without CHRIST, it is impossible for any one to get over the wicked sea of the powers, of darkness. "They mount up, (says the Psalmist,) to the heavens, and go down again to the depths." But he is well acquainted with the whole art of a pilot, and tramples upon their fierce waves. For he, says the apostle, "Having himself been tempted, is able to succor them that are tempted." 7. We ought therefore to believe faith our whole heart his unspeakable promises, to love - the Lord, and to be industrious in all virtues, and to beg continually, that we may receive the promise of his Spirit entirely and perfectly; that so our souls might be quickened whilst we are yet in the flesh. For unless the soul shall in this world receive the sanctification of the Spirit through much faith and prayer, and be made partaker of the Divine nature, (through which it will be able without blame and in purity to per form every commandmentj it is unfit for the kingdom of heaven. For whatever good a man has possessed in this world, the same shall in that day be his life, through the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost for ever! Amen.

HOMILY 20. And art or wealth of this world, but the manifestation of CHRIST alone, is able to heal man.

1. HE that has made CHRIST his choice, ought to look upon all things in this world, as out of his way and foreign to him. For he that truly follows after the cross of CHRIST, having renounced all things, and even his own soul, ought to have his mind fixed upon the love of CHRIST; preferring the Lord before parents, brethren, wife, children, kindred, friends, and possessions. For this has CHRIST plainly declared in these words, "Every one that has not left father, or mother, or brethren, or wife, or children, or lands, and follows not me, is not worthy of Inc." For in no other is there found salvation and rest for mankind. 2. How many kings have there sprung from the race of Adam, whose thoughts have been lifted up by their royal power l' Yet not one of these has so much as known that corruption which from the transgression of the first man broke in upon the soul. There have also been several wise men in the world, and variety of artificers. But all these being held fast by the serpent dwelling within, and being sensible of the sin that cohabited with' them, because the captives and slaves of the wicked power, without gaining any advantage from their knowledge and skill. 3. The world therefore, thus stored with all manner of varieties, is like a rich man that is possessed of great and splendid houses, gold and silver, and possessions; but being distressed with pains and distempers, cannot with all that wealth, release himself of his infirmity. No application of any thing relating to this life, neither riches, nor strength rescue the soul from sin; nothing less than the appearance of CHRIST, that alone is able to cleanse both soul. and body. Wherefore having disengaged ourselves from the cares of this life, let us devote ourselves to the Lord, crying to him night and day. For this visible world, and the rest which it affords, the more they seem to cherish the body, so much the more do they sharpen the disorders of the soul, and increase her illness. 4. GOD has created both the heaven and the earth; the sun, and the moon, the waters, the trees, and all kinds of living, creatures. But in none of these does GOD take up his rest. The creation is under his command, but he has no where fixed his throne, nor vouchsafed communion with himself to any but man, in whom alone he is well pleased-to whom he has imparted himself, and in whom he has taken up his rest. Do you behold here the near relation of GOD to man, and of man to God Wherefore the soul having made trial of all the creatures, has not found any rest for herself but in the Lord alone. Nor has the Lord found pleasure in any other, but man only. 5. If you open your eyes towards the sun, you find his orb in the heaven, but his light and rays glancing full upon the earth, and the whole force of his light, and his brightness shooting down upon it. So likewise Both our Lord sit in person at the 11 right hand of the Father, above all principality and power;" but his eyes extended tothe hearts of men upon earth, that he may raise them to the place where he himself is; yea, " He has raised us up together with him, and made us sit together at his righthand in heavenly places." To' Him be glory for ever Amen.

HOMILY 21. An allegorical explanation of things done under the lain,

1. THE glory of Moses, which he had upon his face, was a type of the true glory. For whereas the Jews were not able to fix their eyes upon the face of Moses; so do Christians receive that glory of light within their souls; and the darkness bcares not the splendor of it. 2. They were manifested by circumcision, that they were the people of GOD: but here the peculiar people of GOD receive the sign of circumcision within, in their heart. For the heavenly sword cutteth off the unclean foreskin of sin. 3. Among them baptism sanctified the flesh; but with us is the baptism of the Holy Ghost, and of fire. 4. There was an outward tabernacle and an inward; and into the first the priests went at all times, accomplishing the service of God. Into the second, once a year, " went the high-priest only, with blood; the Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest." But we all enter into the " tabernacle not made with hands, whither the Forerunner is entered for us, CHRIST." 5. It is written in the law, that " the priest shall take two pigeons, and kill the one," but sprinkle the living one with her blood, and let it go, that it mayfly away free. This was a type and shadow of the truth. For CHRIST was slain, and his blood having sprinkled its, has made us to bear wings. He has " given us of his Holy Spirit," that we might fly without impediment into the Godhead. 6. To them was given the law written upon " tables of stone;" but to us, that "written upon the tables of the heart." For, says he, " I will put my laws into their heart, and in their mind will I write them." And in deed all those things were abolishable and temporary. But they are now accomplished in the inward man. 7. The Lord spoke to Moses, a to take a lamb without spot, and kill it, and with the blood of it to anoint the thresholds and the doors, that he that destroyed the firstborn of the Egyptians, should not touch them." For the angel that was sent, beheld the sign of the blood from afar, and withdrew. But he went into the houses which had not the sign, and " slew every first-born. He also commanded that leaven should be put away out of every house." Moreover, he commanded them to eat it a with their loins girt, and with their feet shod with sandals, and having staves in their hands." Thus does he command them with all haste to eat the passover of the Lordd at even, and not to break a bone of it before the Lord. They came out of Egypt, as the Egyptians were burying their first-born. And they had joy upon their freedom from the hard bondage. But these had grief and wailing for the destruction of their children. All these things are the mystery of the soul, redeemed by the coming of CHRIST. If the soul groan and cry to GOD, he sends the spiritual Moses to deliver her from the bondage of the Egyptians. First, it cries and groans, and then does it obtain the beginning of its redemption. But then does he command that all the old leaven be purged out of every house, to cast out as much as possible all the actions and " devices of the old man, which is corrupt;" his wicked thoughts, and sordid conceptions. The lamb ought to be slain and sacrificed, and the blood of it to stain the doors. For CHRIST, the true and immaculate Lamb, was slain, and with his blood are the thresholds of the heart anointed; that the blood of CHRIST, which Was shed upon the cross, might become life and redemption to the soul. Then, after the anointing is over, he commandeth them at even to eat the lamb, being girt about with girdles, and shQd with sandals, having staves in their hands, For unless the soul be prepared as much as in her lies, she is not allowed to eat of the Lamb. He brings the souls out of Egypt, and out of bondage, her first-born being slain in their coming out. For some part of the power of the spiritual Pharaoh is already fallen. Grief possesses the Egyptians; for they groan with grief at the salvation of the captives. Blessed is that soul which is redeemed from darkness! And wo be to that soul which does not cry and groan to him who is able to deliver her from those hard and bitter exactors. The children of Israel having kept the passover, depart. The soul advances forwards, having once received the life of the Holy Spirit, and tasted of the Lamb, and been anointed with his blood, and fed upon the true bread, the Living Word. 8. The pillar of fire and the pillar of the cloud go before, protecting them. The Holy Spirit supports these, cherishing them, and directing their souls in a sensible manner. Pharaoh, having knowledge that the people were fled, had the confidence, even after the slaughter of the first-born, to pursue after them, with the whole body of his people. How exact is the resemblance! when the soul has first made its escape, the power of GOD succors her, leading her into truth. But when the spiritual Pharaoh has notice that the soul is revolted, he pursues her hard with afflictions and temptations. Here is she tried; here is she tempted; here is her love towards him that brought her our of Egypt made manifest. She beholds the forces of the enemy coming upon her, and yet not having her in their power. For in the very midst, between: her and the Egyptians, does the Lord stand. Withal, she beholds before her the sea of affliction, and is unable to retire backward, having on that side also enemies ready prepared; nor yet can she advance forwards. She has therefore the sentence of death in her, by reason of the throng of the wicked spirits that surrounds her. Such is the way which GOD has appointed to lead to life, viz. To be in affliction, and in straits, and temptations; that thence the soul may afterwards make her way to the true land of the glory of the sons of God. When therefore the soul has no hope in herself, through the overbearing affliction, and the death before her eyes in that very juncture does she, with a strong hand; an high arm, through the shining forth of the Holy Spirit, break through the power of darkness; and passes through, escaping out of the frightful places, and having shot through the sea of darkness, and the all-devouring fire. These are the mysteries of the soul, which are brought to pass in the man who is industrious to come to the promise of life, and who is redeemed out of the kingdom of death, and made partaker of the Holy Spirit.

HOMILY 22. It is not enough for a man to be taken o from the delights of this world, unless he attain to the happiness of the other.

1. IF any man who has renounced this world, and is estranged from the delights of it, both possessions, and father and mother, for the sake of the Lord, and having crucified himself, becomes a stranger, poor and indigent; yet does not find in himself the Divine refreshment, in the room of the refreshment of this world,-arid instead of the delights which are temporary, the delights of the Spirit;-if, instead of this temporary and fleshly com.Inunion, he is riot acquainted with the communion of the heavenly Bridegroom-and instead of the joy of this world, he possesses not within, the joy of the Spirit, the consolation of the heavenly grace;-if, instead of this temporary fruition, he does riot possess that incorruptible fruition of God-this person is pitiable above all men he is deprived of the things here, and hath no enjoyment of the gifts divine. 2. He that has renounced this world, ought even now to pass in, through the Spirit, into another world, and there to have his conversation and his pleasures, and to enjoy the spiritual good things, being born of the Spirit, as the Lord has said, " He that believeth in me, is passed front death to life;" for as much as there is an- - other death besides that which is before our eyes, and another life besides that which does appear. For, says the Scripture, " She that lives in pleasure is dead while she lives:" and, " Let the dead bury their dead. For the dead shall not praise thee, O Lord; but we that are alive will bless thee." 3. The soul that is born of GOD, collecting all her thoughts, enters in unto the Lord, into " the house which is from heaven, not made with hands;" and all her thoughts become heavenly, and pure, and holy. For he that is once set free from the darkness of this world, finds thoughts pure and divine, because GOD has been pleased to make him partaker of the Divine nature. 4. If both your body and soul were spent every hour throughout your whole life for the sake of such good things, what would this amount to O the inexpressible compassion of GOD, that so freely grants himself to them that believe, to inherit GOD, and for GOD to dwell in the body of man, and the Lord to have man for his house For as GOD created heaven and earth for man to dwell in-so has he created both the body and soul of man for his own house; that he may dwell and rest in the body as in his own house, having the soul for his bride, made according to his image. "For I have espoused you," says the apostle, " to one husband, that -I may present you a chaste virgin to CHRIST." 5. This is the Lord; she is a servant. This is the Creator; she a creature. This is the Workman; she the workmanship. There is nothing common to both natures. But through his boundless, unutterable, and in conceivable love and tender compassion, has it pleased him to dwell in this work of his hands, his precious and choice work, " that we might be a kind of first-fruits of his creatures," for his wisdom and fellowship, for his own mansion-house, for his own precious and pure Bride. Wherefore promises such good things being set before us, and such made to us, and the good pleasure of the Lord towards us having been such:-Children! let us not be negligent, neither delay our quick return to eternal life, and to-devote ourselves to the good pleasure of the Lord, wholly and entirely. 6. Let us therefore beseech the Lord, that, by the power of his Godhead, he would redeem us from the darkness of our vile affections; and that, having vindicated his own image and work, he would make it to shine out. And thus shall we be thought worthy of the communion of the Spirit, giving glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, for ever. Amen.