Willingly enquire after and hear with silence the words of the saints: and be pleased with the parables of the ancients: for they are not spoken without cause.
Chap. VI.
Of inordinate affection.
1. Whensoever a man desires any thing inordinately, he is presently disquieted within himself.
The proud and covetous are never easy.
The poor and humble of spirit, live in much peace.
The man that is not yet perfectly dead to himself, is soon tempted and overcome with small and trifling things.
He that is weak in spirit, and in a manner yet carnal and inclined to sensible things, can hardly withdraw himself wholly from earthly desires.
And therefore he is often sad, when he withdraws himself from them: and is easily moved to anger if any one thwarts him.
2. And if he has pursued his inclinations, he is presently tormented with the guilt of his conscience: because he has followed his passion, which helps him not at all towards the peace he sought for.