7. A fervently Religious man taketh and beareth well all that is commanded.
But he that is negligent and lukewarm hath tribulation, and on all sides is afflicted; for he is void of inward consolation, and is forbidden to seek outward comforts.
A Religious man who liveth not according to discipline, lieth open to great mischief, to the ruin of his soul.
He that seeketh liberty and ease, shall ever live in disquiet; for one thing or other must displease him.
8. O that we had nothing to do but always with our whole heart and mouth to praise the Lord God!
O that thou mightest never have need to eat, or drink, or sleep; but always to be praising God, and employing thyself in spiritual exercises. Thou shouldst then be more happy than thou art now, when for so many necessities thou art constrained to serve thy body.
Would God there were not these necessities, but only the spiritual refreshments of the soul, which, alas, we taste too seldom!
9. When a man cometh to that estate, that he seeketh not his comfort from any creature, then doth he begin perfectly to relish God. Then shall he be contented with whatsoever doth befall.
Then shall he neither rejoice in having much, nor be sorrowful for having little; but commit himself to God entirely and confidently, Who shall be unto him all in all; to Whom nothing doth perish nor die, but all things do live unto Him, and serve Him without delay.
