Who is there that in all things serveth Me with so great care as the world and its lords are served withal? Be ashamed, Sidon, saith the sea. And if thou ask the cause, hear wherefore.
For a small income a long journey is undertaken; for everlasting life many will scarce once lift a foot from the ground.
The most pitiful reward is sought after; for a single bit of money sometimes there is shameful contention; for a vain matter and slight promise men fear not to toil day and night.
3. But alas! for an unchangeable good, for an inestimable reward, for the highest honour, and glory without end, they grudge even the least fatigue.
Be ashamed, therefore, thou slothful and complaining servant, that they are found to be more ready to destruction than thou to life.
They rejoice more in vanity than thou dost in the truth.
Sometimes, indeed, they are frustrated of their hope; but My promise deceiveth none, nor sendeth him away empty that trusteth in Me.
What I have promised, I will give; what I have said I will fulfil; if only any man remain faithful in My love even to the end.
I am the rewarder of all good men, and the strong approver of all who are devoted to Me.
4. Write thou My words in thy heart, and meditate diligently on them; for in time of temptation they will be very needful for thee.
What thou understandest not when thou readest, thou shalt know in the day of visitation.
