“I have taught the prophets from the beginning,” says the Lord, “and until now I have not ceased to speak at all; but many are deaf and hard to My voice.  Many listen more willingly to the world than to God, and more easily follow the appetite of the flesh than God’s good pleasure.  The world promises small and temporary things, and is served with great eagerness; I promise supreme and eternal things, but the hearts of mortals are torpid.  Who serves and obeys Me in everything with so great care as the world and its lords are served?  Men run a long way for a trifling reward, but for eternal life many scarcely lift a foot once from earth.”

Lord God, you are all my good.  And who am I that I should dare to speak to you?  I am the poorest and least of your servants, a wretched little worm, far more miserable and contemptible than I know or dare to say, Yet remember me, Lord, because I am nothing, I have nothing, and am worth nothing.  Do not turn your face from me; do not defer your coming; do not withdraw your consolation, lest my soul become like a waterless land before you.  Lord, teach me to do your will; teach me to walk worthily and humbly in your presence; because you are my wisdom, who truly know me, and knew me before the world was made and before I was born in the world.

“Son, walk in My presence in truth, and seek Me always in the simplicity of your heart.  Whoever walks in My presence in truth will be kept safe from the assaults of evil, and truth will liberate him from those who lead astray and from the detractions of unjust men.  If truth shall have liberated you, then you will be truly free, and you will not care for the vain words of men.”

It is true, Lord, I pray that it may be done with me as you say.  Let your truth teach me and guard me, and keep me to a salutary end.  Let it liberate me from every evil affection and inordinate love, and I shall walk with you in great liberty of heart.

“I will teach you,” says Truth, “what things are right and pleasing in my Bight.  Think on your sins with great displeasure and sorrow, and never imagine yourself to be anything because of your good works.  You are really a sinner, liable to many passions and entangled in them.  Of yourself, you are always tending to nothingness; you quickly slip, you are quickly overcome, you are quickly disturbed, you quickly pass away.  You have nothing in which you can glory, but much for which you ought to hold yourself cheap; you are far more infirm than you are able to understand.

“Some do not sincerely walk before me, but, led by a certain curiosity and arrogance, wish to know my secrets, and to understand the high things of God, neglecting themselves and their welfare.  These often fall into great temptations and sins, when I resist them on account of their pride and curiosity.  Fear the judgments of God; be exceedingly afraid of the anger of the Omnipotent.  Do not discuss the works of the Highest, but scrutinise your iniquities, and see how gravely you have offended and how many good deeds you have neglected.