1. We might have much peace, if we would not busy ourselves with the sayings and doings of others, and with things which belong not to us.
How can he remain long in peace, who entangles himself with other people's cares; who seeks occasions abroad, and who is little or seldom inwardly recollected?
Blessed are the single hearted, for they shall enjoy much peace.
2. What was the reason why some of the saints were so perfect and contemplative?
Because they made it their study wholly to mortify in themselves all earthly desires; and thus they were enabled, with the whole interior of their hearts, to cleave to God, and freely to attend to themselves.
We are too much taken up with our own passions; and too solicitous about transitory things.
And seldom do we perfectly overcome so much as one vice, nor are we earnestly bent upon our daily progress; and therefore we remain cold and tepid.
3. If we were perfectly dead to ourselves and no ways entangled in our interior: then might we be able to relish things divine, and experience something of heavenly contemplation.
The whole and greatest hinderance is, because we are not free from passions and lusts; nor do we strive to walk in the perfect way of the saints.