The eternal Son of God came into the world, only for the sake of this new birth, to give God the glory of restoring it to all the dead sons of fallen _Adam_. All the mysteries of this incarnate, suffering, dying Son of God, all the price that he paid for our redemption, all the washings that we have from his all cleansing blood poured out for us, all the life that we receive from eating his flesh and drinking his blood, have their infinite value, their high glory, and amazing greatness in this, because nothing less than these supernatural mysteries of a God-man could raise a new creature out of _Adam_’s death, which could be again a living temple, and habitation of the Spirit of God.
All that Christ was, did, suffered, dying in the flesh, and ascending into heaven, was for this sole end, to purchase for all his followers, a new birth, new life, and new light, in and by the Spirit of God restored to them, and living in them, as their support, comforter, and guide into all truth. And this was his word, LO, I AM WITH YOU ALWAY, EVEN UNTO THE END OF THE WORLD.
An Extract of the CHRISTIAN PATTERN:
Or, a treatise on the imitation of Christ. Written in Latin by _Thomas a Kempis_.
The PREFACE.
I. AS _it is impossible for any one to know the usefulness of this treatise, till he has read it in such a manner as it deserves; instead of heaping up commendations of it, which those who have so read it do not want, and those who have not will not believe; I have transcribed a few plain directions, how to read this (or indeed any other religious book) with improvement._
II. _Assign some stated time every day for this pious employment. If any indispensable business unexpectedly robs you of your hour of retirement, take the next hour for it. When such large portions of each day are so willingly bestowed on bodily refreshments, can you scruple allotting some little time daily, for the improvement of your immortal soul?_
III. _Prepare yourself for reading by purity of intention, whereby you singly aim at your soul’s benefit; and then, in a short ejaculation, beg God’s grace to enlighten your understanding, and dispose your heart for receiving what you read; and that you may both know what he requires of you, and seriously resolve to execute his will when known._
IV. _Be sure to read not cursorily and hastily; but leisurely, seriously, and with great attention; with proper intervals and pauses, that you may allow time for the enlightnings of Divine Grace. Stop every now and then to recollect what you have read, and consider how to reduce it to practice. Farther, let your reading be continued and regular, not rambling and desultory. It shews a vitiated palate, to taste of many dishes, without fixing upon, or being satisfied with any: not but that it will be of great service to read over and over those passages, which more nearly concern yourself, and more closely affect your own practice or inclinations; especially if you add a particular examination upon each._
V. _Labour for a temper correspondent to what you read; otherwise it will prove empty and unprofitable, while it only enlightens your understanding, without influencing your will, or inflaming your affections. Therefore intersperse here and there pious aspirations to God, and petitions for his grace. Select also any remarkable sayings or advices, treasuring them up in your memory to ruminate and consider on: which you may either in time of need draw forth, as arrows from a quiver against temptation, against this or that vice which you are more particularly addicted to; or make use of as incitements to humility, patience, the love of God, or any other virtue._
VI. _Conclude all with short ejaculation to God: that he would preserve and prosper this good seed sown in your heart, that it may bring forth its fruit in due season. And think not this will take up too much of your time, for you can never bestow it to so good advantage._
An Extract of the CHRISTIAN PATTERN.