| 3. "In everything take heed to yourself what you do, and what you say; and direct all your purpose to this, that you please Me alone, and desire or seek nothing apart from Me. But, moreover, judge nothing rashly concerning the words or deeds of others, nor meddle with matters which are not committed to you; and it may be that you will be disturbed little or rarely. Yet never to feel any disquiet, nor to suffer any pain of heart or body, this belongs not to the present life, but is the state of eternal rest. Therefore count not yourself to have found true peace, if you have felt no grief; nor that then all is well if you have no adversary; nor that this is perfect if all things fall out according to your desire. Nor then reckon yourself to be anything great, or think that you are specially beloved, if you are in a state of great fervour and sweetness of spirit; for not by these things is the true lover of virtue known, nor in them does the profit and perfection of man consist." | |