unless he has within him the witness of a good conscience.†
And yet always the security of the saints was full of the fear of God. Neither were they the less anxious and humble in themselves, for they shined outwardly with great virtues and grace. But the security of bad men arises from pride and presumption, and in the end it turns to a man's own deceiving.  Never promise yourself security in this life, although you seem to be a good religious man, or a devout hermit. Often those who have been greater in the esteem of men have fallen into the heavier peril by over confidence. Therefore to many it is more profitable not to be altogether free from temptations, but to be often assaulted lest they should be too secure, and so perhaps be puffed up with pride, or else too freely yield to wordly comforts.
Oh, how good a conscience would he keep, who did never seek after transitory joy, nor ever entangle himself with this world! Oh, how great peace and quietness would he possess, who did cut off all vain anxiety, and think only upon divine things, and such as are profitable for his soul, and place all his hope in God!.
No man is worthy of heavenly comfort, unless he has diligently exercised himself in holy contrition. If you desire to be truly contrite in
