Christian. What then shall I do, Lord?
*Christ. In every thing attend unto thyself, what thou dost, and what thou sayest; and direct thy whole intention unto this, that thou mayest please me alone, and desire to seek nothing besides me.
Of the sayings and doings of others, judge not rashly, neither do thou entangle thyself with things not committed unto thee: and doing thus, thou shalt be little or seldom troubled.
Yet do not esteem highly of thyself, or account thyself to be especially beloved, if thou be in great devotion and sweetness; for the profiting and perfection of a man consists not in these things.
2. Christ. Wherein then Lord?
Christian. In offering thyself with thy whole heart unto the will of God, not seeking thine own, neither in great nor little, neither in time nor in eternity.
So that thou keepest one and the same even countenance with thanksgiving, both in prosperity and adversity, weighing all in an equal balance.
If, when inward comfort is withdrawn from thee, thou preparest thy heart to suffer greater things; and dost not justify thyself, as tho’ thou oughtest not to suffer these so great afflictions, but justifiest me in whatsoever I appoint, [♦]and praisest my holy name; then thou walkest in the true and right way of peace.
[♦] duplicate word “and” removed
And if thou attainest to the full contempt of thyself, then shalt thou enjoy abundance of peace.