*7. Indeed it is not of man to bear and love the cross, to keep the body under, to fly honours, to suffer reproaches gladly, to despise himself, and to rejoice in being despised, to bear all adversities and losses, and to desire no prosperity in this world.
If thou considerest thyself, thou art able to perform nothing of this.
But if thou trustest in the Lord, strength shall be given thee from heaven, and the world and flesh shall be made subject to thy command.
Neither shalt thou fear the devil, if thou art armed with faith, and bearest the cross of Christ.
8. Set therefore thyself, like a faithful servant of Christ, to bear manfully the cross of thy Lord.
Prepare thyself to bear many adversities; for so it will be with thee, wheresoever thou be; and so surely wilt thou find it, wheresoever thou hidest thyself.
*Drink of the cup of the Lord gladly, if thou wilt be his friend.
As for comforts leave them to God; let him do therein as shall best please him.
Set thou thyself to suffer tribulations, and account them the greatest comforts; for the sufferings of this life are not worthy of the glory which is to come, although thou alone couldst suffer them all.
*9. When thou shalt come to this, that tribulation shall be sweet unto thee for Christ, then think it well with thee, for thou hast found a paradise upon earth.