A peaceable man turneth all things into good. He that is in peace, is not suspicious of any: But he that is discontented, is neither quiet himself, nor suffereth others to be quiet. He often speaketh that which he ought not to speak, and omitteth that which he ought to do. He considereth what others are bound to do; and neglects that which he is bound to do himself. *First therefore have a careful zeal over thyself, and then shew thyself zealous for thy neighbour’s good. 2. Thou knowest well how to excuse thine own deeds, and thou wilt not receive the excuses of others. It were more just to accuse thyself, and excuse thy brother. If thou wilt be borne with, bear also with another. Behold, how far thou art yet from true charity and humility, which knoweth not how to be angry with any, but one’s self. It is no great matter to live peaceable with the good and gentle; for every one willingly enjoyeth peace, and loveth those that are of his own mind: But to be able to live peaceably with unquiet and perverse men, or with the disorderly, or such as cross us, is a great grace. 3. Some there are that keep themselves in peace, and are in peace also with others. And there are some, that neither are in peace themselves, nor suffer others to be in peace; who are troublesome to others, but always more troublesome to themselves; And others there are, that keep themselves in peace, and labour to bring others unto peace. *Our whole peace in this life consisteth rather in humble _suffering_, than in not feeling _adversities_. *He that knows best how to suffer, will best keep himself in peace. He is a conqueror of himself, a lord of the world, a friend of Christ, and an heir of heaven. CHAPTER IV. _Of a pure mind, and simple intention._ *SIMPLICITY and purity, are the two wings by which a man is lifted up above all earthly things. *Simplicity is in the intention; purity in the affection: simplicity tends to God; purity apprehends and tastes him. *No good action will hinder thee, if thou be inwardly free from inordinate affection. If thou intend and seek nothing but the will of God, and the good of thy neighbour, thou shalt enjoy internal liberty. *If thy heart was right, then every creature would be a looking-glass of life, and a book of holy doctrine. There is no creature so little and abject, that represents not the goodness of God. 2. If thou wert inwardly pure, thou wouldst see and understand all things without any impediment. A pure heart penetrateth heaven and hell. Such as every one is inwardly, so he judgeth outwardly. If there be joy in the world, surely a man of a pure heart possesseth it. And if there be any where tribulation and affliction, an evil conscience feels it. *As iron put into the fire loseth its rust, and becometh all bright like fire; so he, that wholly turneth himself unto God, is purified from all _slothfulness_, and is changed into the likeness of God.