_That too much familiarity is to be shunned._ LAY not thy heart open to every one; but treat of thy affairs with the wise and such as fear God. Converse not much with young people and strangers. Flatter not the rich; neither do thou appear willingly before great persons. Keep company with the humble and simple, with the devout and virtuous; and confer with them of those things that may edify. Be not familiar with any woman; but in general commend all good women to God. Desire to be familiar with God alone, and his angels, and fly the knowledge of men. We must have charity towards all; but familiarity with all is not expedient. CHAPTER VIII. _Of avoiding superfluity of words._ FLY the tumult of the world as much as thou canst: For we are quickly defiled and enthralled with vanity. I could wish that I had oftentimes held my peace, and that I had not been in company. *Why are we so fond of conversation, when notwithstanding we seldom return to silence without hurt of conscience? *We willingly talk of those things which we most love or desire, or of those which we feel most contrary and troublesome to us. But alas! often times in vain, and to no end; for this outward comfort doth obstruct the inward consolation. Therefore we must watch and pray, lest our time pass away idly. 2. If it be lawful and expedient for thee to speak, speak those things that may edify. However, devout conversation upon spiritual subjects, doth greatly further our spiritual growth, especially where persons of one mind and spirit are joined together in God. CHAPTER IX. _The obtaining of peace, and zeal for improvement._ *WE might enjoy much peace, if we would not busy ourselves with the words and deeds of others, in which we have no concern. How can he live long in peace, that meddles with the cares of others, and little or seldom recollecteth himself within his own breast? Blessed are the single-hearted, for they shall enjoy much peace. 2. We are too much taken up with our own passions, and too ♦solicitous for transitory things. ♦ “sollicitous” replaced with “solicitous” We are not inflamed with a fervent desire to grow better every day; and therefore we remain cold and indifferent. 3. If we were dead unto ourselves, and disengaged from low affections, then we should relish divine things: But when any adversity befalleth us, we turn ourselves to human comforts. 4. If we would endeavour, like men of courage, to stand in the battle, we should surely feel the assistance of God from heaven: *For he furnishes us with occasions of striving, that we may conquer. If we place our progress in religion, only in outward observances, our devotion will quickly be at an end. But let us lay the axe to the root, that being freed from passions, we may find rest to our souls. CHAPTER X.