I know not what it is, by what spirit we are led, or what we pretend to, who seem to be called spiritual persons; that we take so much pains, and have a greater solicitude for transitory and mean things; and scarce ever have our senses fully recollected to think of our own interior.
4. Alas! after a slight recollection, we presently get out of ourselves again; neither do we weigh well our works by a strict examination.
We take no notice where our affections lie; nor do we lament the great want of purity in all we do.
For all flesh had corrupted its way, and therefore the great flood ensued. Genesis vi. and vii.
As therefore our interior affection is much corrupted, it must needs be that the action which follows should be corrupted also; a testimony of the want of inward vigour.
From a pure heart proceeds the fruit of a good life.
5. We are apt to enquire how much a man has done; but with how much virtue he has done it, is not so diligently considered.
We ask whether he be strong, rich, beautiful, ingenious, a good writer, a good singer, or a good workman; but how poor he is in spirit, how patient and meek, how devout and internal, is what few speak of.
Nature looks upon the outward thing of a man, but grace turns herself to the interior.