PREFACE

TO THE

SECOND PART.

I

have now gone through the greater half of my task, the negative part of our Baptismal Vow, and of our Duty. The greater half I call it, because our nature stands not in æquilibrio, in an indifference betwixt good and evil, but is depraved and ill inclined: and the way to virtue will be smooth and pleasant, when once by grace and love we have renounced our sins, and our vicious propensities are both subdued and rectified.

If therefore thou hast entered and liked this Cloister so far, thou mayest safely advance further, and go through what remains; if thou hast approved and observed its rules hitherto, the rest cannot but be acceptable and easy to

thee. As a traveller in a strange enemy-country meets with many hardships and dangers, but at home amongst friends delights in journeying: so the Love of JESUS among the works of the Devil, the sinful lusts and vanities of this world, might meet with difficulties and a rugged way; but now conversing with faith and good works, the holy will of GOD and His glorious rewards, it will proceed with joy, and a pleasant speedy

progress.

I have called the Love of JESUS "THE REFORMED MONASTERY," partly to work upon thy fancy, that by thy Christian profession thou mightest think thyself as entered into a new state of life, and cloistered in from loose company and sinful enjoyments: and also to give thee to understand that though thou art not under any severe monastic engagements, yet by thy being a disciple and servant of JESUS thou art bound to be strict and watchful over thyself; to use those remedies against sins and temptations, and those proper helps to devotion, which are useful and subservient to virtue and religion, and will assist thee to secure thy duty and thy happiness. Old heresies we know often revive and appear under a new dress; and it may serve the ends of true goodness and piety to

diversify Christian instructions, and to bring them forth under new and different forms. What one is not moved by withal may affect another; and the very novelty of a name or method may make that to be looked upon which otherwise would pass unregarded.

I know that I have fallen very short of what my subject could bear; and perhaps some will think that I have not been full enough in my particulars and in my directions: but my only design was to beget and entertain Divine Love in our souls, well knowing that that love afterwards would soon enlarge our hearts and our knowledge, and guide us right in all cases. If I can but teach thee, reader, to love JESUS with all my heart, I am sure I have brought thee into the easiest and only safe way to Heaven. "He hath taught the best of religion and to the best purpose, who hath taught others to love it." (Erasmus.) And they certainly love it, and obey it too, that truly love its Author, the blessed JESUS. If we truly love Him we shall afterwards refuse Him nothing. Where a man gives his heart, he will neither refuse his hand nor his knee, neither service nor worship; where he gives his soul and affections, he will willingly bestow all the rest. GOD shall certainly command us, and

all that we can dispose of, without any reservation, if we secure our love to Him. Therefore Love is called "the bond of perfectness." It is the only qualification that can make us true Christians. "No other virtue but may consist with some sin; love alone is contrary to all: no other grace can resist all temptations; love alone hath that unlimited power." Nothing but love can enable us to discharge all obligations; "Love is the fulfilling of the law." All other gifts and virtues without love cannot fit a man for Heaven, nor make him dear to GOD: but love can do it of itself, Love JESUS sincerely and affectionately, and then you shall be sure to live here to Him, and hereafter with Him to eternity.

As there are dragons that are bright and glittering, and have precious stones in their heads; as there are comets that have the light and the elevation of stars; so there are vicious persons, false Christians that are endowed with excellent parts, and are eminent in some virtues; but it profiteth nothing without love. S. Paul saith, "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels; though I have the gift of prophecy and understand all mysteries; though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains; though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and