2. As often as I have been amongst men, said one, I have returned less a man: this we often experience when we talk long.
It is easier to be altogether silent, than not to exceed in words.
It is easier to keep retired at home, than to be able to be sufficiently upon one's guard abroad.
Whosoever, therefore, aims at arriving at internal and spiritual things, must, with Jesus, go aside from the crowd.
No man is secure in appearing abroad, but he who would willingly lie hid at home.
No man securely speaks, but he who loves to hold his peace.
No man securely governs, but he who would willingly live in subjection.
No man securely commands, but he who has learned well to obey.
3. No man securely rejoiceth, unless he has within him the testimony of a good conscience.