Desist from too much desire of knowing, because great distraction and deception are found in it.  Those who know, desire to seem and to be called wise.  There are many things of which the knowledge is of little or no value to the soul, and the man is very foolish who turns to other things than those which subserve his health.  Many words do not satisfy the soul; but a good life cools down the mind, and a good conscience affords great confidence towards God.

We might have great peace if we did not occupy ourselves with the words and deeds which are no concern of ours.  How can he remain long in peace who meddles with cares which are foreign to him, who seeks opportunities without, and recollects himself little or rarely?  Blessed are the simple, for they shall have much peace.

Without charity, an outward work is of value; but whatever is done from charity, however small and trivial it may be, becomes wholly fruitful.  For God weighs more the source from which an action comes than the work which it does.  He does much who loves much.  He does much who does the deed well.  He does well who serves the community rather than his own will.

That often seems to be charity which is rather carnality; for natural inclination, one’s own will, the hope of reward, and the liking for comfort are rarely absent.  But whoever has true and perfect charity seeks himself in nothing, but desires only the glory of God.  He envies no one, because he loves no joy of his own, nor cares to rejoice in himself; but wishes, above all good things, to find felicity in God.  Whoever has a spark of true charity feels at once that all earthly things are full Of vanity.

II.—­ADMONITIONS LEADING TO INWARD LIFE

“The kingdom of God is within you,” says the Lord.  Turn yourself with your whole heart to the Lord, and leave this miserable world, and your soul shall find rest.  Learn to despise outward things, and to give yourself to inward things, and you shall see the kingdom of God rise within you.  For the kingdom of God is peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, and is not given to the impious.  Christ shall come to you showing you His consolation, if you prepare within you a home fit for Him.  All His glory and beauty are from within, and it is there that He delights Himself.  He often visits the man of inward mind, with sweet colloquy, pleasant consolation, great peace, and most astounding familiarity.

If you know not how to contemplate high and celestial things, rest in the passion of Christ, and willingly dwell in His holy wounds.  For if you devoutly have recourse to the wounds of Jesus you will feel great comfort in trouble, care little for human contempt, and easily bear detracting words.  For Christ, in the world, was despised by men, and in His greatest need was deserted, among insults, by His friends.  Christ willed to suffer and to be despised, and shall you dare to complain of anything?  Christ had enemies and detractors, and do you wish to have all friends and benefactors?  Whence shall your patience be crowned if you have suffered no adversity?  If you desire to suffer nothing contrary to you, how shall you be the friend of Christ?