CHAPTER I.

_Of the inward speech of Christ unto a faithful soul._

_Christian._ I WILL hear what the Lord God will speak in me. Blessed is the soul that heareth the Lord speaking _in her_, and receiveth from his mouth the word of comfort.

Blessed are those ears that receive the whispers of the divine voice, and listen not to the whisperings of the world.

Blessed indeed are those ears that hearken not to the voice which soundeth outwardly, but unto the truth which teacheth inwardly.

Blessed are the eyes which are shut to outward things, but open to those that are internal.

Blessed are they that delight to be at leisure for God, and rid themselves of all worldly impediments.

2. Consider these things, my soul, and shut up the door of thy sensual desires, that thou mayest hear what the Lord God speaketh in thee.

*_Christ._ I am thy peace, thy life, and thy salvation.

*Keep thyself with me, and thou shalt find peace.

Leave all transitory, and seek everlasting things.

What are all temporal things, but snares? And what do all creatures avail thee, if thou be forsaken by thy Creator?

Forsake therefore all earthly things, and labour to please thy Creator, and be faithful unto him, that thou mayst attain true happiness.