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Of too much Familiarity.

God is different from the judgment of men, and that often offendeth Him which pleaseth them.

If there be any good in thee, believe that there is much more in others, that so thou mayest preserve humility.

It hurteth thee not to submit to all men: but it hurteth thee most of all to prefer thyself to any of them.

The humble enjoy continual peace, but in the heart of the proud is envy, and frequent indignation.


CHAPTER VIII.

OF TOO MUCH FAMILIARITY.

LAY not thy heart open to every one, but treat of thy affairs with the wise, and such as fear God.

Converse not much with the young, nor with strangers.

Flatter not the rich; neither do thou appear willingly before the great.

Keep company with the humble, with the devout, and with the virtuous; and confer with them of things that edify. Be not familiar with any woman; but commend all good women in general to God.

Desire to be familiar with God alone and His Angels, and avoid the acquaintance of men.

2. We must have love towards all, but familiarity with all is not expedient.