as to how well we have spoken, but as to how religiously we have lived.

Tell me, where are all those Doctors and Masters, with whom thou wast well acquainted, whilst they lived and flourished in learning?

Now others occupy their places and perhaps do scarce ever think of those who went before them. In their lifetime they seemed something, but now they are not spoken of.

6. O, how quickly doth the glory of the world pass away! O that their life had been answerable to their learning! then had their study and reading been to good purpose.

How many perish by reason of vain learning, who take

little care to serve God.

And because they rather choose to be great than humble, they become vain in their imaginations.

He is truly great who is great in charity.

He is truly great that is little in himself, and that maketh no account of any height of honour.

He is truly wise, that accounteth all earthly things as dung, that he may gain Christ.

And he is truly learned, that doeth the will of God, and forsaketh his own will.

CHAPTER IV.

OF WISDOM AND FORETHOUGHT IN OUR ACTIONS.

good of others.

E must not give ear to every saying or suggestion, but warily and patiently ponder things according to the will of God.

But alas; such is our weakness, that we often rather believe and speak evil than

The perfect do not easily credit everything spoken; for they know that human frailty is prone to evil, and very subject to error in words.

2. It is great wisdom not to be rash in thy doings, nor to stand stiffly in thine own conceits.

As also not to believe every thing which thou hearest, nor immediately to relate again to others what thou hast heard or dost believe.

Consult with him that is wise and of sound judgment, and seek to be instructed by one better than thyself, rather than follow thine own inventions.

A good life maketh a man wise according to God, and giveth him experience in many things.

The more humble a man is in himself, and the more resigned unto God, the more wise and peaceful shall he be in all things.

CHAPTER V.

OF READING THE HOLY SCRIPTURES.

RUTH, not eloquence, is to be sought for in
Holy Scripture.

Each part of the Scripture is to be read

with the same Spirit wherewith it was

written.

We should rather search after our soul's profit in the Scriptures than after subtle arguments.

We ought to read plain and devout books as willingly as those which are profound.

Let not the authority of the writer be a stumbling block, whether he be of great or small learning; but let the love of pure truth draw thee to read. Enquire not who spoke this or that, but mark what is spoken.

2. Men pass away, but the truth of the Lord endureth for God speaks unto us in sundry ways without respect of

ever.

persons.

Our own curiosity often hinders us in reading the Scriptures, when we examine and discuss that which we should rather pass over without more ado.

If thou desire to profit, read with humility and faithfulness; nor ever desire the reputation of learning.

Hear with silence the words of holy men. Let not the parables of the Elders displease thee, for they are not given without cause.

CHAPTER VI.

OF INORDINATE AFFECTIONS.

LY the tumult of the world as much as thou canst; for the talk of worldly affairs is a great hindrance, although it be done with sincere intention; For we are quickly defiled, and enthralled by vanity.

The man that is not perfectly dead to himself is quickly tempted and overcome in trifling things.

The weak in spirit, and he that is carnal and prone to the things of sense, can hardly withdraw himself altogether from earthly desires.

Therefore he is often afflicted when he goeth about to withdraw himself from them; and is easily angered when he is opposed.

2. And if he hath followed his appetite, he is presently disquieted with remorse; for that he hath yielded to his passion, which helpeth him not to obtain the peace which he sought.

Therefore true quietness of heart is gotten by resisting our passions, not by obeying them.

There is no peace in the heart of a carnal man, nor in him that is given to outward things, but in the spiritual and devout man.

CHAPTER VII.

OF VAIN HOPE AND PRIDE.

E is vain that putteth his trust in man, or in

creatures.

Be not ashamed to serve others for the love of JESUS Christ; nor to be esteemed poor in this world.

Presume not upon thyself, but place thy hope in God. Do what lieth in thy power, and God will assist thee. Trust not in thine own knowledge, nor in the skill of any living creature; but rather in the grace of God, Who helpeth the humble, and bringeth down those that are proud.

2. Glory not in wealth if thou have it, nor in friends because they are powerful; but in God Who giveth all things, and Who desireth to give thee Himself above all.

Esteem not thyself for the height of thy stature nor for the beauty of thy person, which may be disfigured and destroyed by a little sickness.

Please not thyself in thy natural gifts or wit, lest thereby thou displease God, to Whom appertaineth all the good whatsoever thou hast.

3. Esteem not thyself better than others, lest in the sight of God, Who knoweth what is in man, thou be accounted

worse.

Be not proud of well-doing; for the judgment of God is different from the judgment of men, and that often offendeth Him which pleaseth them.

If there be any good in thee, believe that there is much more in others, that so thou mayest preserve humility.