ot easily all things that men tell, for they
know man's infirmity, ready to speak evil and careless enough in words.

Hereto it belongeth also not to believe every man's words, nor to tell
other men what we hear or carelessly believe.

Have thy counsel with a wise man and a man of conscience and seek rather
to be taught by thy betters than to follow thine own inventions.

Good life maketh a man wise in God's sight and expert in many things.

The more meek that a man is and the more subject to God the more wise
shall he be in all things--and the more patient.

OF READING THE SCRIPTURES

Truth is to be sought in holy writings, not in eloquence. Every holy
writing ought to be read with the same spirit wherewith it was made.

We ought in Scriptures rather to seek profitableness than subtle
language.

We ought as gladly to read simple and devout books as high and profound
ones.

Let not the authority of him that writeth, whether he be of great name
or little, change thy thought, but let the love of pure truth draw thee
to read.

Ask not who said this, but take heed what is said. Man passeth, but the
truth of the Lord abideth everlastingly.

God speaketh to us in diverse ways without respect to persons.

If thou wilt draw profit in reading, read meekly, simply and truly, not
desiring to have a reputation for knowledge.

OF INORDINATE AFFECTIONS

Whenever a man coveteth anything inordinately, anon is he disquieted in
himself.

The proud man and covetous hath never rest: the poor and the meek in
spirit dwell in peace.

The man that is not perfectly dead to himself is soon tempted and soon
overcome by small things and things of little price.

In withstanding passions and not in serving them, standeth peace of
heart.

There is no peace in the heart of the carnal man nor in him that is all
given to outward things; but in the fervent, spiritual man is peace.

OF SHUNNING TOO GREAT FAMILIARITY

Show not thy heart to every man but bring thy cause to him that is wise
and feareth God.

Converse rarely with young people and strangers.

Flatter not rich men and seek not great men; but keep company thyself
with meek and simple men and talk of such things as will edify.

Be not familiar to any woman; but generally commend all good women to
God.

Desire to be familiar with God and with his angels and avoid knowledge
of men. Love is to be given to all men, but familiarity is not
expedient.

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