Be a true son of affliction.
Write down every evening whether thou hast kept these rules."
Among the Latin meditations is one headed "Deus mihi amandus est quid": "God is to be loved because—" And then follow various grounds for gratitude and love:
"Because He created me,
Of sound body and mind,
In a middle station of life, and in the bosom of His Church;
Preserves me alive and well;
Has not given me over to the power of the devil;
Gives all things necessary for life;
In various ways, and wonderfully, has delivered me from death;
Raised up for me good parents, teachers, friends;
Gives me food, shelter, books, good health,
clothing, friends, and a not dishonourable name;
Has mercifully withheld hurtful things when I asked them;
Before the foundations of the world determined to give His Son for me,
And gave Him in time to flesh, infirmities, scorn, sorrows, poverty, and death;
Imparts Him to me in the word, and in the holy supper."
Among the "rules for a holy life," written in English, the following may be quoted:
"Mortify thy five senses till crucified with Christ;
Sit at Christ's feet; cast away thy own will; consult His at every word, morsel, motion; ask His leave even in lawful actions.
Renounce thyself in all that can hinder thy union with God. Desire nought but His love.
Mortify all affection toward inward, sensible, spiritual delights in grace; they rather please and comfort than sanctify.
The life of God consists not in high knowledge, but profound meekness, holy simplicity, and ardent love to God.