OF THE

IMITATION

O F

JESUS CHRIST

The FIRST BOOK.

СНАР. I.

Of the Contempt of the Vanities of the World.

H

E that followeth me, shall

not walk in darkness, but John vii. 12. fhall have the light of life, fays that Chrift, who declares himfelf the light of the world. The true importance and defign of which words is, doubtless, to instruct us, that the way to be truly enlightened, and to deliver ourselves from a blindness of heart, is to make his holy life the object of our imitation, and to form our difpofitions and actions upon the perfect model of that bright example. But how fhall we follow a pattern, which we but little think of? The firft ftep therefore

B

therefore toward thus copying after him, is the em→ ploying our thoughts, with great frequency and ferious attention, upon the perfections of this divine original.

2. The doctrine taught by Chrift, excels all the inftructions deliver'd to mankind, by all the holy men that ever lived. And every man, endued with a true christian spirit, will not fail there to find a hidden manna, like that of old, fitted both to nourish, and minister delight to his foul. The true reason then why men hear the gofpel, without any fenfible relish, or eager defire, is, that they are not endued with the fpirit of Chrift. This is a treasure found of them only who heartily defire to find it ; and a man muft refolve and endeavour to form his whole converfation upon the principles of that doctrine, before he can attain to a full understanding of its excellence, and feel an inward fatisfaction in the study of it.

3. And here indeed lies the true benefit of meditation and knowledge: for, without this, how poor and unprofitable a thing is fpeculation? What is a man the better, for entering into the fublime myfteries of the Trinity, and being able to difpute nicely upon that adorable union, if in the mean while he want that meeknefs and humility, without which he must needs lie under the difpleasure of the Trinity? Diftinctions and notions, tho' never fo fubtle or ferviceable to the truth, do not make a man juft and holy; but a circumfpect and confcientious life recommends us to the favour and love of God. I had rather be affected with a true penitent forrow for fin, than be able to refolve the moft difficult cafes about it. Suppose you had every word of the Bible

treasured

treasured пр in your memory, and a perfect comprehenfion of all the moral philofophy in the world; to what purpose serves this mighty stock of rules, if not drawn out into Ufe by benevolence to mankind, and humility and real goodnefs? Vanity of Vanities, all is Vanity, faid the Preach

er;

Ecclef. i. z. and his obfervation admits of that single exception, taken notice of in the conclufion of his book, love God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man. He who would ap- Chap. xii. 13. prove himself wife in good earneft, must

first by a juft contempt of this world, raise himself up to the defires and endeavours after the kingdom of heaven.

4. Vanity indeed it is, with great folicitude to feek, and place our hope and confidence in riches, which are fure to perish. Vanity, to cherish our ambition, and ftrive, by all poffible means, to attain a high and honourable station. Vanity, to indulge the defires of the flesh, and court thofe pleasures, which draw after them grievous and lafting pains. Vanity most exquifite, to be infinitely concerned for living long, and perfectly. indifferent, or but coldly affected, concerning living well. Vanity most fatal and stupid, to determine our thoughts and cares to this prefent life, and never look forward to that which is to come: to doat upon things that fly swiftly from us, and cling fast about imaginary and tranfitory delight; while we fuffer our felves by these to be detained and diverted from the purfuit of substantial and eternal joys.

5. Oh, turn this vehemence of defire upon the right object, and remember, to how little purpose it is placed on that which cannot give content; fince most true is that obfervation, which ought to make