The man that is not perfectly dead to himself is soon tempted and soon overcome by small things and things of little price.
In withstanding passions and not in serving them, standeth peace of heart.
There is no peace in the heart of the carnal man nor in him that is all given to outward things; but in the fervent, spiritual man is peace.
OF SHUNNING TOO GREAT FAMILIARITY
Show not thy heart to every man but bring thy cause to him that is wise and feareth God.
Converse rarely with young people and strangers.
Flatter not rich men and seek not great men; but keep company thyself with meek and simple men and talk of such things as will edify.
Be not familiar to any woman; but generally commend all good women to God.
Desire to be familiar with God and with his angels and avoid knowledge of men. Love is to be given to all men, but familiarity is not expedient.
It happeneth some times that a person unknown shineth by his bright fame, whose presence offendeth and maketh dark the eyes of the beholders. We often hope to please others by our being and living with them, but often we displease them through the bad manners they find in us.