_Wherein firm peace of heart and true profiting consisteth._
_Christ._ SON, I have said, _Peace I leave with you, my peace I give
unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you_.
All desire peace, but all care not for those things that appertain unto
peace.
My peace is with the humble and meek of heart; thy peace doth consist
in much patience.
If thou wilt hear me, and follow my voice, thou mayest enjoy much peace.
_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If, when inward comfort is withdrawn from thee, thou preparest thy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.