He to whom all things taste as they really are, and not as they are spoken of or esteemed, is the truly wise man, taught by God rather than by men.  Whoever knows how to walk from within, and to put little value on things without, needs not to find a place nor wait a time for his devout prayers.  The man of inward mind quickly recollects himself, because he never spends himself wholly upon outward things.

First hold yourself in peace, and then you will be able to pacify others.  The pacific man is of more service than the learned.  But the passionate man turns even good to evil, easily believing evil.  The peaceful man is good, and turns all things to good.  The man who is well at peace is suspicious of nothing, but the discontented and turbulent is agitated by divers suspicions.  He can neither himself be quiet, nor leave others in quiet.  He often says what he ought not to say, and leaves undone what he ought to do.  He thinks about what others ought to do, and neglects his own duty.

Man is raised from earthly matters by two wings—­namely, simplicity and purity.  Simplicity should be in his intention, and purity in his affection.  Simplicity tends towards God, purity takes hold of Him.

Always to do well, and to hold oneself in small esteem, is the mark of a humble soul.  To desire no consolation from any created thing is the sign of great purity and inward confidence.  The man who seeks no witness for himself from without has plainly committed himself altogether to God.  For “not he who commends himself is approved,” says blessed Paul, “but he whom God commends.”  To walk with God within, and to be held by no affection without, is the state of the inwardly-minded man.

Jesus has now many lovers of His celestial kingdom, but few bearers of His Cross.  He has many who desire consolation, but few who desire tribulation.  He finds many companions of His table, but few of His abstinence.  All wish to rejoice with Him; few are willing to bear anything for Him.

In the Cross is safety; in the Cross is life; in the Cross is protection from enemies; in the Cross is the sweetness of heaven; in the Cross is strength of mind; in the Cross is the perfection of sanctity.  There is no health for the soul nor hope of eternal life except in the Cross.  Take up your cross, therefore, and follow Jesus.

If anything were better and more useful for the welfare of men than to suffer, Christ would have shown it both in His words and in His example.  For He calls to the disciples who follow Him, and to all who desire to follow Him, and says:  “If any will come after Me, let him deny himself, and lift up his cross and follow Me.”  When all has been read and studied, let this be our conclusion—­“That through many tribulations we must enter into the kingdom of God.”

III.—­OF INWARD CONSOLATION

I will hear what the Lord God may say in me.  It is a blessed soul which hears the Lord speaking in it, and receives the word of consolation from His lips.  Speak, Lord, for your servant hears.