with thee but a burdened conscience and distracted heart.
A merry going forth bringeth often a mournful return; and a joyful night maketh often a sad morning.
So all carnal joy enters gently, but in the end it bites and stings to death.
What canst thou see elsewhere, that thou canst not see here? Behold the Heaven and the earth and all the elements; for of these are all things created.
8. What canst thou see anywhere that can long continue under the sun?
Thou thinkest perchance to satisfy thyself, but thou canst never attain it.
Couldst thou see all things present before thine eyes, what were it but a vain sight?
Lift up thine eyes to God in the highest, and pray Him to pardon thy sins and negligences.
Leave vain things to the vain; but be thou intent upon those things which God hath commanded thee.
Shut thy door upon thee, and call unto thee Jesus, thy Beloved.
Stay with Him in thy closet; for thou shalt not find so great peace anywhere else.
If thou hadst not gone abroad and hearkened to idle rumours, thou wouldst the better have preserved a happy peace of mind. But since thou delightest sometimes to hear new things, it is but fit thou suffer for it some disquietude of heart.
