CHAPTER XXII.
That self-love most hindereth our attainment of the supreme love.
Christ.SON, thou oughtest to give all for all, and to retain nothing of thyself.
Know, that the love of thyself doth hurt thee more than any thing in the world.
According to the love and affection thou bearest to it, every thing cleaves unto thee more or less.
If thy love be pure, thou shalt not be in bondage to any thing.
Covet not that which thou mayst not have. Be not willing to have that which may deprive thee of inward liberty.
It is strange that thou committest not thyself wholly unto me, from the bottom of thy heart, with all things that thou canst desire or have.
2. Why dost thou consume thyself with vain grief? Why art thou tired with needless cares?