EpifieofS.Pau/ lo TON. Secondly, if Chria haue giuenhimfelfefor vr', we muff receiue this gift and the benefit ofit, feeing a gift not receiued , is tono purpofe or profit. And the meanes to receiue Chrifi, and applie himwith all his benefits is,t.to knowhim, for darkeneffe comprehendeth himnot; and he cameto his ovine, but they not knowing him receiued him not, but crucified him, whom had they knowne they would neuerhauecrucified the Lordof glory. 2. By prizing the gift abouc gold, filuer , pearles, elleeming the precious blood of the immaculate Lambe, abouc euery corruptible thing vnder the funne: all which cannot redeemeour fouie. 3. Byopening the dooreofthe heart , purified by faith , to entertains him, while he offreth himfelfewith all his merits in the word and facta- ments; and this not asa firanger,by gluing a nights lodging, but as our husband and head, never to be departed. Confider that now Chrift flandech atthe doore ofthy heart andknotiteth, and vfeth reafons ( as once he did, Cant.5.) from the great paines and forrowes whichbe un- derwent tocome to thee: he waited when it will once be, that for thine ownegoodthouwilt openvnto him: that he ttiaybringhis father with him to fuppe with thee,and impart vnto theeknowledge,fan6lification, and the refl of the graceswhich accompany faluation.Oh therefore ne- uer aduenture to trie what a fearefull thing it is,that he fhould depart in difpleafure, or that thou fhouldefi not know the day of thy vifiration: but receiuebim whileli he is neare,that thou neuer know what an heauy thing it is to feeke repentance with tearer perhaps too late ; or how vn- comfortable a thing it is,to feeke him when he is greiued at thy vnkind delaies,and will not fo eafily be found. Thirdly, if Chrifi hau.e gluon himfelfe fo willingly to fuch a curled death foxvs, wemud alfo in wayof thankefulneffe gifle our felues veto him. He gaue his body, his foule, his glory, and all for vs : we mull not thinkemuch to part with body, goods,name,iiberry,or life it felfc, for his fake when hecalleth vs voto it; the laweofthankefuinefferequireth that we fhould part with fuch things as in comparifon are but trifles for him,whothinketh not his dearell things too good for vs : & therather, becau.fe when we haue done all wecan,we can neuer be fufficietly thák- full for this greatefl gift that euer was giuen to the formes of men, we canneuer fpeake fufficiently of ir, nor euer wade deepe enough into the oceanof tbat loue,that prelenteth vs with fuch a gift as this is. Howfo- euer therefore the fight ofthe blood ofbulls and pates would more af- fe6t many,then this moll pretious blood , which they tread vnder their feete, yet let chofethat looke for part in it vnco faluation, account this pretiou.s,yea.and-their glory, and reioyce that the wifedome of God hathleft them meanes.by the word and Sacraments, wherein-- Chrifi is daily CHaa.s.r4. Wem509 uff re. eefue this gift and makeour. belt benefit of it. Meanes. I 2 3 We rruft ;:iuc our 'clues ro him who croc himfclfe for ca. w
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