2. Be not careful for the shadow of a great name, or for the friendship of many; nor for the affection of particular men. For these things distract and greatly darken the heart. I would willingly utter my words, and reveal my secrets unto thee, if thou didst diligently observe my coming, and open the door of thy heart unto me. Be careful and watch in prayer, and humble thyself in all things. CHAPTER XX. _Wherein firm peace of heart and true profiting consisteth._ _Christ._ SON, I have said, _Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you_. All desire peace, but all care not for those things that appertain unto peace. My peace is with the humble and meek of heart; thy peace doth consist in much patience. If thou wilt hear me, and follow my voice, thou mayest enjoy much peace. _Christian._ What then shall I do, Lord? *_Christ._ In every thing attend unto thyself, what thou dost, and what thou sayest; and direct thy whole intention unto this, that thou mayest please me alone, and desire to seek nothing besides me. Of the sayings and doings of others, judge not rashly, neither do thou entangle thyself with things not committed unto thee: and doing thus, thou shalt be little or seldom troubled. Yet do not esteem highly of thyself, or account thyself to be especially beloved, if thou be in great devotion and sweetness; for the profiting and perfection of a man consists not in these things. 2. _Christ._ Wherein then Lord? _Christian._ In offering thyself with thy whole heart unto the will of God, not seeking thine own, neither in great nor little, neither in time nor in eternity. So that thou keepest one and the same even countenance with thanksgiving, both in prosperity and adversity, weighing all in an equal balance. If, when inward comfort is withdrawn from thee, thou preparest thy heart to suffer greater things; and dost not justify thyself, as tho’ thou oughtest not to suffer these so great afflictions, but justifiest me in whatsoever I appoint, ♦and praisest my holy name; then thou walkest in the true and right way of peace. ♦ duplicate word “and” removed And if thou attainest to the full contempt of thyself, then shalt thou enjoy abundance of peace. CHAPTER XXI. _Of the excellent liberty which humble prayer sooner gaineth than reading._ _Christian._ LORD, it is the work of a perfect man, never to slacken his mind from the attentive thought of heavenly things, and to pass without care among many cares; not like a dull sluggard; but by a free mind, adhering to no creature with inordinate affection.