lee the tumult of men as much as you can;† for the talk of wordly affairs is a great hindrance, although they be talked of with sincere intention; for we are quickly defiled and enthralled with vanity. Oftentimes I could wish that I had held my peace and that I had not been among men.
But why do we so willingly speak and talk with one another, when we seldom return to silence without hurt of conscience?† The reason we so willingly talk is because by discoursing one with another we seek to receive comfort one of another, and desire to ease a heart over-wearied with conflicting thoughts; and we very willingly talk and think of those things which we love most or desire; or of those which we feel are contrary to us. But, alas, oftentimes in vain, and to no end! For this outward comfort is the cause of no small loss of inward and divine comfort. Therefore we must “watch and pray” †, lest our time pass away idly. If it be lawful and expedient to speak, speak those things that may edify. An evil custom and neglect of our own good often makes us set no watch before our mouth.† Yet devout discourses of spiritual things greatly further our spiritual growth, especially when persons of one mind and spirit are gathered together in God.† •
