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Show ; r k rfi CHAPTER XXVI. Of avoiding curious inquiry respecting respect-ing the life of others. Son, be not curious, and give not way to useless cares. What is this or that to thee? Follow thou me. For what is it to thee whether that man be such or such, or whether this man do or speak this or that? Thou dost not need to answer for others, but thou shalt for thyself give an account. Why, therefore, dost thou meddle with them? Behold, I know all men, and see all things that are done under the sun; and I know how it is with every one what he thinks, what he would have, and at what his intention aims. To me, therefore, are all things to he committed; com-mitted; but do thou help thyself in good peace; and let the unquiet be as unquiet as he will. Whatsoever he shall do or say shall come upon himself him-self e because he cannot deceive me. Be not solicitous for the shadow of a great name, nor for acquaintance of a great man, nor tor particular love of individuals. For these things generate distractions and great darkness in the heart. I would gladly speak rny word to thee, and reveal my secrets, if thou would diligently observe my coming, and open to me the door of thy heart. Be circumspect, and watch in prayers and humble thyself in all things. CHAPTER XXIV. In what firm peace of the heart and true progress doth exist. Son, I have said:. Peace I leave to you, my peace I give to you; not as the world giveth do I give to you. Peace all desire; but all care not for those things which appertain to true peace. My peace is with the humble and meek of heart; thy peace shall be in much patience. If thou wilt hear me and follow my voice, thou mxyst enjoy much peace. 2. What, then, shall I do, Lord? 3. In everything attend to thyself, what thou art doing and what thou art studying; and direct thy whole at tention to this, htat thou mayst please me alone, and neither desire nor seek anythins out of me. And as far as the sayings or doings of others, judge nothing rascally, neither nei-ther busy thyself with things not committed com-mitted to thy care; and thus may it be brought about that thou shalt be little lit-tle or seldom disturbed. But never to feel any grief at all, nor to suffer any trouble of heart 'or body, is not the state of this present life, but of everlasting ever-lasting rest. Think not, therefore, that thou hast found true peace, if thou feel no burden; nor that all is well if thou have no adversary; nor that thou hast attained to perfection," if all things be done according to thy inclination. Neither Nei-ther do thou conceive a great notion of thyself, to be especially beloved, if thou experience great devotion and sweetness; sweet-ness; for it is not in such things as these that a true lover of virtue is known, nor doth the progress and perfection per-fection of a man consist in these things. 4. In what, then, O Lord? 5. In offering thyself with thy whole heart to the Divine Will; not seeking the things that are thine, either in little or great, either in time or eternity. So that with the same equal countenance counte-nance thou continue giving thanks both in prosperity and adversity, weighing all things in an equal balance. bal-ance. If thou come to be so valiant and long suffering in hope, that when interior comfort is withdrawn thou canst prepare thy heart to suffer still more; and dost not justify thyself, as if thou oughtest not to suffer such and i so great things, but acknowledgeest me to be just in all my appointments, and praisest my hold name; then thou walkest in the true and right way of peace and mayst entertain an undoubt-ing undoubt-ing hope to see my face again with great joy. And if thou arrive at an entire contempt con-tempt of thyself, know that then thou shalt enjoy abundance of peace, as much as is possible in this thy earthly sojourn. |