CHAPTER IV.

_Of a pure mind, and simple intention._

*SIMPLICITY and purity, are the two wings by which a man is lifted up above all earthly things.

*Simplicity is in the intention; purity in the affection: simplicity tends to God; purity apprehends and tastes him.

*No good action will hinder thee, if thou be inwardly free from inordinate affection.

If thou intend and seek nothing but the will of God, and the good of thy neighbour, thou shalt enjoy internal liberty.

*If thy heart was right, then every creature would be a looking-glass of life, and a book of holy doctrine.

There is no creature so little and abject, that represents not the goodness of God.

2. If thou wert inwardly pure, thou wouldst see and understand all things without any impediment.

A pure heart penetrateth heaven and hell.

Such as every one is inwardly, so he judgeth outwardly.

If there be joy in the world, surely a man of a pure heart possesseth it. And if there be any where tribulation and affliction, an evil conscience feels it.

*As iron put into the fire loseth its rust, and becometh all bright like fire; so he, that wholly turneth himself unto God, is purified from all _slothfulness_, and is changed into the likeness of God.

3. When a man beginneth to grow lukewarm, then he is afraid of a little labour:

But when he once beginneth to overcome himself, then he esteemeth those things light, which before seemed grievous unto him.