The man that is not perfectly dead to himself is soon tempted and soon overcome by small things and things of little price. In withstanding passions and not in serving them, standeth peace of heart. There is no peace in the heart of the carnal man nor in him that is all given to outward things; but in the fervent, spiritual man is peace. OF SHUNNING TOO GREAT FAMILIARITY Show not thy heart to every man but bring thy cause to him that is wise and feareth God. Converse rarely with young people and strangers. Flatter not rich men and seek not great men; but keep company thyself with meek and simple men and talk of such things as will edify. Be not familiar to any woman; but generally commend all good women to God. Desire to be familiar with God and with his angels and avoid knowledge of men. Love is to be given to all men, but familiarity is not expedient. It happeneth some times that a person unknown shineth by his bright fame, whose presence offendeth and maketh dark the eyes of the beholders. We often hope to please others by our being and living with them, but often we displease them through the bad manners they find in us. OF SHUNNING MANY WORDS Avoid noise and the press of men as much as thou mayest: for talking of worldly deeds, though they be brought forth with true and simple intention, hindereth much: for we be soon defiled and led into vanity. I have wished myself ofttimes to have held my peace and not to have been among men. Why speak we and talk we together so gladly, since seldom we come home without hurting of conscience? We talk so oft together because by such speaking we seek comfort each from the other and to relieve the heart that is made weary with many thoughts; and we speak much of such things as we love or desire or such things as we dislike. But, alas, it is ofttimes vainly and fruitlessly, for such outward comfort is a great hindering to inward and heavenly consolation. Therefore we ought to watch and pray that our time pass not idly by. OF FLEEING FROM VAIN HOPE AND ELATION He is vain that putteth his hope in men or in other created things. Be not ashamed to serve other men for the love of Jesus Christ and to be considered poor in this world. Stand not upon thyself but set thy trust in God. Do what in thee is and God shall be nigh to thy good will. Trust not in thine own knowledge nor in the skill of any man living; but rather in the grace of God that helpeth meek folk and maketh low them that are proud. Rejoice thee not in riches if thou have any, nor in friends if they be mighty; but in God that giveth all things and above all things desireth to give Himself. Rejoice not for thy greatness nor for the beauty of that body which is corrupted and disfigured with a little sickness. Please not thyself for thy ability or for thy wit lest thou displease God of whom cometh all the good that thou hast naturally.