And that is caitiff praise that any wealth of the world makes: but that praise is of great price that no violence of sorrow can do away. The fifth asking was: _In what state men may most love GOD?_ I answer, in such state as it be that men are in most rest of body and soul, and least occupied with any needs or business of this world. For the thought of the love of JESUS Christ, and of the joy that lasts aye, seeks outward rest, so that it be not hindered by comers and goers, and occupation of worldly things; and it seeks within great silence from the annoyances of desires, and of vanities, and of earthly thoughts. And especially, all who love contemplative life they seek rest in body and soul. For a great Doctor says: "They are GOD'S throne who dwell still in one place, and are not running about, but in sweetness of Christ's love are fixed." And I have loved for to sit: for no penance, nor fantasy, nor that I wished men to talk of me, nor for no such thing: but only because I knew that I loved GOD more, and longer lasted within the comfort of love: than going, or standing, or kneeling. For sitting am I in most rest, and my heart most upward. But therefore, peradventure, it is not best that another should sit, as I did and will do to my death, save he were disposed in his soul, as I was. CHAPTER XI. Seven gifts of the Holy Ghost are in men and women who are ordained to the joy of heaven and lead their life in this world righteously. These they are: _Wisdom: Understanding: Counsel: Strength: Knowledge: Pity_ and the _Fear of GOD_. Begin we at _Counsel_, for thereof is most need at the beginning of our works, which we dislike not afterwards. With these seven gifts, the Holy Ghost touches separate men separately. _Counsel_ is doing away with the world's riches, delights, and all things with which men may be ensnared in thought or deed: and therewith (i.e. _Counsel_) be drawn inwardly to contemplation of GOD. _Understanding_ is, to know what is for to do, and what to leave (undone): and that which shall be given, to give it to them that have need, not to others that have no need. _Wisdom_ is forgetting of earthly things, and thinking of heaven, with discretion in all men's deeds. In this gift, shines contemplation, that is, as S. Austen says "A ghostly death of fleshly affection through the joy of a raised thought." _Strength_ is; enduring to fulfil good purpose, that it be not left, neither for weal nor for woe. _Pity is_: that a man be mild: and gainsay no holy Writ when it smites his sins, whether he understand it or not; but with all his might that he purge the vileness of sin, in himself and in others. _Knowledge_ is that (which) makes a man in good hope, not making him quake for his righteousness, but sorrowing for his sin; and that a man gather earthly good only to the honour of GOD, and to other men's advantage more than to his own. The _Fear of God_ is: that we turn not again to our sin for any egging on: and then is fear perfect in