2. It is great wisdom not to be rash in thy proceedings, nor to stand stifly in thine own opinion. It is wisdom not to believe every thing which thou hearest, nor presently to relate again to others what thou hast heard, or dost believe. Consult with a wise and conscientious man, and seek to be instructed by a better than thyself, rather than to follow thine own inventions. *A good life maketh a man wise according to God, and giveth him experience in many things. The humbler one is, and more resigned unto God, the more prudent and contented shall he be in all things. CHAPTER V. _Of reading the holy scriptures._ TRUTH, not eloquence, is to be sought for in holy scripture. *All scripture is to be read by the same spirit wherewith it was written. We ought to read plain and devout books as willingly as high and profound ones. Let not the authority of the writer, whether he be of great or small learning, but the love of pure truth, draw thee to read. *Search not who spake this, but mark what is spoken. 2. Men pass away; but the truth of the Lord remaineth for ever. God speaks unto us sundry ways, without respect of persons. Our own curiosity often hindereth us in reading the scriptures, when we will examine and discuss that which we should rather pass over without more ado. If thou desire to profit, read humbly, simply, and faithfully. Enquire willingly, and hear with silence the words of holy men: dislike not the parables of the elders, for they are not spoken without cause. CHAPTER VI. _Of avoiding vain hopes and pride._ HE is vain that putteth his trust in man or creatures. Be not ashamed to serve others for the love of Jesus Christ; nor to be esteemed poor in this world. Presume not upon thyself, but place thy hope in God. *Do what lieth in thy power, and God will assist thy good-will. *Trust not in thy knowledge, nor in any living creature; but rather in the grace of God; who helpeth the humble, and humbleth the proud. 2. Glory not in wealth, nor in friends; but in God, who giveth all things, and desireth to give thee himself above all. Value not thyself for the strength or beauty of thy body, which is spoiled and disfigured with a little sickness. Pride not thyself in thy natural gifts or wit, lest thereby thou displease God. 3. Esteem not thyself better than others, lest in the sight of God thou be accounted worse than they. Be not proud of thy good works: for the judgment of God is far different from the judgment of men. If there be any good in thee, believe that there is much more in others. It hurts thee not, if thou thinkest thyself worse than all men: but it hurts thee much, to prefer thyself before any one man. *The humble enjoy continual peace; but in the heart of the proud is envy and frequent indignation. CHAPTER VII.