f you will make any progress keep yourself in the fear of God† and desire not too much liberty, but restrain all your senses under discipline, and give not yourself over to foolish mirth. Give yourself to contrition of heart, and you will find devotion. Contrition lays open many good things, which distraction is quick to destroy.
It is a wonder that any man can ever perfectly rejoice in this life, who considers and weighs his own state of exile and the many perils of his soul. Through levity of heart, and small concern for our failings, we become insensible of the sorrows of our souls; but often we vainly laugh, when we justly ought to weep. There is no true liberty or right joy but in fear of God accompanied by a good conscience.
Happy is he who can cast off all distracting hindrances, and gather himself to the one single purpose of holy contrition. Happy is he who can put away from him all that may defile his conscience or burden it. Strive manfully; one habit is vanquished of another.
If you can let others alone in their works, they likewise will gladly let you alone in yours. Busy not yourself in matters of others; neither entangle yourself with the affairs of your superiors. Have an eye to
