CHAPTER XXX.

_That our peace is not to be placed in men._

*_Christ._ SON, if thou placest thy peace in any one, because he thinketh like thee, and liveth with thee, thou shalt be unstable and entangled,

But if thou hast recourse unto the ever-living and eternal truth, a friend going from thee or dying shall not grieve thee.

*The love of thy friend ought to be grounded in me; and for me he is to be beloved, whosoever he be who is dear to thee in this life.

No friendship can avail, or continue without me; neither is that love true and pure, which is not knit by me.

Thou oughtest to be so dead to such affections toward men, that thou shouldst wish to be without all friendship purely human.

2. But he that attributeth any good unto himself, hindereth God’s grace from coming unto him.

For the grace of the Holy Ghost ever seeketh an humble heart.

When thou casteth thine eyes on creatures, the sight of thy Creator is taken from thee.

Learn to overcome thyself in all things for the love of thy Creator; and then thou shalt be able to attain to divine knowledge.

How little soever the thing be, if it be loved and regarded inordinately, it defileth the soul, and hindereth the enjoyment of the supreme good.