leads to life. For there is a way which seems just to a man, but the ends thereof lead to death. Strait and narrow is the way that leads to life, and few there are that find it; but broad is the way that leads to destruction, and alas, how many are they that go in thereat! And why? Because they take no care, where the ways diverge, nay, rather among so many turnings and windings, to look for the right way, and to inquire for a guide that knows the way.
Hence it is that the wicked walk round about, and because they do not find the way of peace and truth, they perish miserably. I will therefore point out to thee, my son, what is good, and what the Lord require of thee; namely, to do judgment and justice, and to love mercy, and to walk carefully with thy God.
Man. I know, O Lord, that the way of a man is not his, neither is it in a man to walk and to direct his steps. Man is a stranger and a pilgrim upon the earth, and is ignorant of his end; he knows not when he comes into the world, nor when he goes out of it. Without thee we are like sheep going astray that have no shepherd. Seek, then, thy servant, O thou good shepherd! Direct me in thy truth, and teach me, for thou art God my Saviour, and see if there be in me the way of iniquity, and lead me in the eternal way.
§ 2. Christ the way of life, by keeping his commandments
Christ. Wouldst thou know the way? Behold, I am the way, the truth, and the life: the way, in being thy example; the truth, in giving thee my promise; the life, in being thy reward. He that follows me walks not in darkness, but shall have the light of life. I have given you an example, that you should follow my steps; that, as I have done, you should do also. Look into my life, therefore, and do according to the pattern which was shown thee on the mount; that is, learn of me, because I am meek and humble of heart; for I came not to do my own will, but the will of him that sent me; nay, I became obedient to God the Father unto death, even the death of the cross.
Go, then, also, my son, and do in like manner. Be humble and obedient; and if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. Now, the first and greatest commandment is, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with thy whole heart; and the second, thy neighbour as thyself. He that has my commandments, and keeps them, he it is that loves me. For the proof of
