The greater number listen more willingly to the world, than to God; and follow sooner the desires of the flesh, than the good-will of God.
The world promises things temporal and of small value, and is served with great eagerness: I promise things most excellent and everlasting, and men's hearts are not moved!
Who is there that serves and obeys me in all things, with that great care, with which the world and its lords are served? Be ashamed, O Sidon, saith the sea.
And if thou ask why? hear the reason.
For a small living, men run a great way; for eternal life many will scarce once move a foot from the ground.
An inconsiderable gain is sought after; for one penny sometimes men shamefully quarrel; they are not afraid to toil day and night for a trifle, or some slight promise.
4. But, alas! for an unchangeable good, for an inestimable reward, for the highest honour and never-ending glory, they are unwilling to take the least pains.
Be ashamed then, thou slothful servant, that art so apt to complain, seeing that they are more ready to labour for death than thou for life.
They rejoice more in running after vanity, than thou in the pursuit of truth.