of conscience become a mere matter of routine, and fruitless in consequence of a slothful way of using it.
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
Of Two Rules for Living in Peace.
ALTHOUGH he who lives according to what has been already laid down will abide continually in peace, I will in this last chapter give two rules, which are also included in what has been said, by keeping which, you will live as quiet as is possible in this wicked world.
One is, to endeavour more and more to keep the door of your heart closed against desires, for desire is the long beam of the cross, and of anxiety, which will encumber you according to the greatness of the desire. And if the desires be for many things, the more will be the beams, which are prepared for many crosses. Then, when difficulties and obstacles in the way of the gratification of the desires arise, in these behold the other beam which forms the arms of the cross, to which is nailed the soul that yields to desires.
Whoever then would not have the cross, let him not desire, and if he finds himself on the
