There she findeth rivers of tears, and may be so much the more familiar with her Creator, by how much the farther off she liveth from all worldly tumult. 5. Why art thou desirous to see that which is unlawful for thee to enjoy? For the world passeth away, and the desire thereof. Our sinful desires draw us to rove abroad: but when the time is passed, what carriest thou home with thee, but a burdened conscience, and a dissipated heart! A merry going out often bringeth a mournful return, and a joyful evening a sad morning. So all carnal joys enter pleasantly, but in the end bite and sting to death. What canst thou see elsewhere, which thou canst not see here? Behold the heaven and the earth, and all the elements; for of these are all things created. 6. What canst thou see any where, that can long continue under the sun? Thou thinkest perhaps to satisfy thyself, but thou canst never attain it. Shouldst thou see all the things of this world, what were it but a vain sight? Lift up thine eyes to God in the highest, and pray to him to pardon all thy sins. *Leave vain things to the vain, but be thou intent upon those things which God commandeth thee. Shut thy door upon thee, and call unto thee _Jesus_ thy beloved. Stay with him in thy closet; for thou shalt not find so great peace any where else. Hadst thou not gone abroad, and harkened to idle rumours, thou mightest the better have remained in peace: but so long as thou delightest to hear novelties, thou must endure trouble of heart. CHAPTER XVI. _Of compunction of heart._ IF thou wilt make any progress, keep thyself in the fear of God, and use not too much liberty. Keep all thy senses under discipline, and give not thyself over to trifling mirth. 2. The levity of our minds, and want of concern for our faults, make us lose the sense of our inward state, and often laugh when we have cause to weep. There is no true liberty, nor right gladness, but in the fear of God, and a good conscience. Happy is he, that can avoid all distracting impediments, and recollect himself in holy compunction. Happy is he, that can abandon all that may defile or burthen his conscience. Resist manfully: one custom overcometh another. 3. Busy not thyself in matters which appertain to others: neither trouble thyself with the affairs of thy betters. Still have an eye to thyself first, and be sure to admonish thyself before any of thy friends. If thou hast not the favour of men, be not grieved at it; but grieve that thou dost not carry thyself so warily and circumspectly as becometh the servant of God. *It is often better and safer that a man hath not many consolations in this life, especially worldly ones. But that we have not at all, or seldom, divine consolations, is our own fault, because we do not altogether forsake vain comforts.