文集（教會史以外） 第 8 章

A. Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth. The Lord lifts up all who fall, and raises up all who are cast down. By the Lord the steps of a man are directed, and he shall desire his way. With the Lord is mercy, and with him plentiful redemption. Embrace discipline, lest at any time the Lord be angry, and you perish from the just way. Strait and narrow is the way that leads to life. The soul that sins, it shall die. The soul of the just is the seat of wisdom. A wise man, hearing, shall be wiser. The turning away of the little ones shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them. The tongue of the just is choice silver.

The friend of fools shall become like them. He who walks in the right path and fears God is despised by him who walks in a shameful way. To follow the Lamb wherever he goes specially befits virginity. The covetous man is not satisfied with money, and he who loves riches takes no fruit from them. Coming to the service of God, stand fast in justice and in the fear of Christ, and prepare your soul for temptation. Before ruin the heart is exalted, and before glory it is humbled. Bear one another's burdens, and so you shall fulfil the law. The natural man does not perceive the things that are of the Spirit of God. He refuses to be Abel whom the malice of Cain does not try. The love of God is never idle.

He who casts away discipline will soon feel ruin. A friend is proved in time of need. Love of the world is contempt of God. Love of the world lays up treasure for death. There is one stroke by which any sinner is corrected, and another by which he is condemned. Great joys cannot be attained except through great labours. He hastens to death who quickly passes judgement on anyone. To love belongs to sons, to fear belongs to servants. Among men the heart is weighed from words, but with God words are weighed from the heart. Water is turned into wine for us when sacred history is changed for us into spiritual understanding. The covetous man is properly the cause of his own misery, bringing upon himself the thirst of avarice.

Prosperity provides a friend, adversity proves him. The covetous man does nothing right except when he dies. To the covetous man what he has is as much lacking as what he does not have. Avarice always makes men hateful, generosity makes them renowned. Avarice is not quenched by the riches desired, but increased. Before conversion a throng of sins goes before; after conversion a throng of temptations follows. Every virtue needs the help of another virtue. You cannot love right things unless you are humbled for Christ's sake. You cannot attain humility except by great contrition of both the inner and the outer man. Hard faith demands robust years.

Unless the affections of the flesh are taken away by the law of the mind, they lead every man to perdition. It is too hard a thing to serve after having ruled. From the Lord all good things are altogether to be sought. The practice of the virtues constitutes the perfection of conduct. Before the face of God nothing wicked stands unpunished. The way of life is conveyed more clearly and better by works than by words. Ambition has compelled many mortals to become false. B. Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things. Blessed is he who has regard for the needy and the poor; in the evil day God will deliver him.

Blessed is he who shall take and dash his little ones against the rock. The arms of sinners shall be broken, but the Lord strengthens the just. The good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst after justice, for they shall be filled. Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and the Lord shall be his confidence. Blessed is the man who is found without blemish, who has not gone after gold, nor put his hope in money and treasures. Blessed is the man who is always fearful, but he who is hard of mind shall fall into evil. He rises well at dawn who seeks good things. It is good for a man when he has borne the yoke from his youth.

The Lord is good to those who hope in him, to the soul that seeks him. All malice is small compared to the malice of a woman. Blessed is he who has part in the first resurrection. Blessed is the man who endures temptation, for when he has been proved, he shall receive the crown of life. To speak well and to live ill is nothing else than to condemn oneself. He has good understanding who does what he rightly understands. He who knows not how to give a kindness unjustly asks for one. The mind of the good, the harder the things it endures for the truth, the more surely does it hope for the rewards of eternity. It is more blessed to give than to receive. If you cannot do good, yet do not blame it or hinder it.

A good conscience keeps its own splendour in the darkness. The brevity of the present life is to be weighed by all. The best war is waged when the spirit opposes the flesh. He is a strong warrior who can overcome himself. He gives doubly pleasing who quickly pays what he owes. Be gentle to the meek and stern to the proud. The heart of a wicked woman is a cruel beast. To drink and eat is granted to no one for the filling of gluttony, but for the restraining of hunger and thirst. He is not good whom the wickedness of evil men has not tested. C. Charity is not to be extorted from anyone, but to be sought out with kindnesses. Charity is patient, is kind.

Charity covers a multitude of sins. No one ought to prefer his loved ones to Christ. The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims the works of his hands. With the elect you shall be elect, and with the perverse you shall be perverted. A contrite and humbled heart God will not despise. The sinner watches the just man, and seeks to put him to death. In the hand of the Lord is a cup of pure wine, full of mixture. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his mercy endures for ever. When he gives sleep to his beloved, behold, the inheritance of the Lord. God keeps all who love him, and all sinners he will destroy. When you give alms, let not your left hand know what your right hand does.

Heaven and earth shall pass away, but the words of God shall not pass away. If a blind man leads a blind man, both fall into the pit. The thought of the human heart is prone to evil from its youth. Care brings the greatest sins to cease. When a man's ways please the Lord, even his enemies are turned to peace. The thoughts of the just are judgements. The heart of the king is in the hand of God; wherever he wills, he inclines it. Consider the works of God, that no one can correct him whom he has despised. A golden ring in a swine's snout is a woman fair and foolish. The heart of man disposes his way, but it is the Lord's to direct his steps.

The heart of the wise is where there is sorrow, and the heart of fools where there is gladness. The heart that knows the bitterness of its own soul, in its joy a stranger shall not share. Turn to the Lord, and forsake your sins. The grey hairs of man are his understanding, and the age of old age is an unspotted life. To whom much is given, much is required of him. Be strengthened in the Lord, and in the might of his power. With the heart one believes unto justice, but with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. The flesh lusts against the spirit, and the spirit against the flesh. The body that is corrupted weighs down the soul, and presses down the mind that muses on many things. Evil conversations corrupt good morals.

Confess your sins one to another, and pray for one another, that you may be saved. Although God can do all things, yet he cannot make evil, because it is nothing. He who believes that God can grant all things merits to obtain what he asks the sooner. Against God there is no counsel, neither great nor small. A cause that is not foreseen does not allow anyone to advance to better things. God does not seek forced service. The guardian of chastity is the virtue of humility. He quickly falls into greater crimes who counts the small ones as nothing. The head of discord is that which strives to make private property out of what is common. Continence is a virtue not of the body but of the mind. A deed needs counsel.

By concord small things grow, by discord the greatest fall apart. Whatever advantages we have seem small while we possess them; but when they are gone, it becomes plain how great they were. Virginity of the flesh, though it be a heavenly virtue, profits no one without virginity of the mind. An evil habit is scarcely, or never, overcome. They change their sky, not their soul, who run across the sea. The love of money grows as much as the money itself grows. Bring whatever help you can to the wretched and the needy. The abundance of virtues stands like a single body. They commit an equal crime, both he who slanders another and he who gladly listens to the slanderer. Those things must be cut off with pain which cannot be lightly healed.

Whose works anyone does, his son he is called. To whom it is pleasing to be called a son of God, let him venerate God as a Father, doing his will. The greatest captivity is where souls are led captive. He falls with open eyes who indeed knows how to speak rightly, but scorns to live rightly. He who desires to know how great God's grace is toward him, let him look at others; and by however much more he perceives himself to have in health, or understanding, or in the possession of any thing, by so much let him know himself to be the richer in God's grace. A common disease must be driven away in common. Correct yourself first, you who would be a ruler of others. It befits everyone to weigh carefully what is fitting.

He has compassion on no one who knows not how to have pity on himself. When the head is sick, the whole body labours at the same time. D. The Lord looks down from heaven upon the sons of men, to see if there is one who understands or seeks God. The Lord examines the just and the wicked; but he who loves iniquity hates his own soul. The Lord shall give the word to those who preach with great power. The Lord will give strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace. The Lord knows the thoughts of men, that they are vain. The Lord is sweet and upright; therefore he will give a law to those who go astray in the way. God is a just judge, strong and patient. The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory.

God shall come manifestly, and shall not keep silence. The rich have been in want and have hungered, but they who seek the Lord shall not be deprived of any good. Delight in the Lord, and he will give you the requests of your heart. Turn away from evil, and do good. Give, and it shall be given to you. Forgive, and you shall be forgiven. God is not the God of the dead, but of the living. The labourer is worthy of his wage. You shall love the Lord your God with your whole heart, and with your whole soul, and your neighbour as yourself. God is faithful and without any iniquity. The Lord makes poor and makes rich, he humbles and exalts. The Lord puts to death and gives life, brings down to the grave and brings back.

Fear God, and keep his commandments; this is the whole of man. Cast not away the discipline of the Lord, nor faint when you are corrected by him. Love justice, you who judge the earth. The riches of salvation are wisdom and knowledge. The learning of a man is known by his patience. God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. God is charity, and he who abides in charity abides in God, and God in him. No one has ever seen God. The love of the neighbour works no evil. The day of the Lord shall come like a thief in the night. To those who love God all things work together for good. While we have time, let us do good to all, but especially to those of the household of the faith.

He who seeks God seeks joy. Discretion is the mother of the virtues. Discipline or mercy is much weakened if one is held without the other. The wickedness which one conceives in childhood is corrected with difficulty. Nothing evil is to be imputed to God, since he uses even evil itself for good. It is difficult for anyone to recognise the grace of health except through the discipline of sickness. Delicacies and a variety of feasts are the fuel of lust. He cannot console the grieving who does not enter into the grief. He is bound by a double guilt who both commits wicked things in himself, and corrupts others by his wickedness.

He who lies long in sins, if he should wish to be converted, will also long endure the troubles of diabolical temptation. God is therefore said to create evils, because he also sends scourges for our sins. The divine word, as it exercises the prudent with mysteries, so it cherishes the simple with its surface. He pleases God more who offers him pure hands than he who offers full ones. We are deprived of arrogance with more difficulty than of gold and gems. It is the guilt of a double sin both not to be holy as you are believed to be, and to feign that you are holy. While the unjust rage, the just are purified. It is most difficult for a man to conquer himself. Prolonged idleness supplies nourishment to the vices.

The bountiful and generous man pleases all mortals. Do not call half a deed complete. He who wishes to imitate Christ has always something to learn. The words of doctrine profit few without deeds. Do not contend with words about doubtful matters. Call back the discordant; as a supporter, stand by the deserving. True riches are all the goods of the virtues. He is to be called rich for whom a small use suffices. E. The Lord is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens. Wait for the Lord, act manfully, and let your heart take courage, and wait for the Lord. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity. Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.

Be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. Be merciful, as your Father also is merciful. By your words you shall be justified, and by your words you shall be condemned. With the same measure with which you measure, it shall be measured back to you. Deliver those who are led to death, and cease not to free those who are dragged to destruction. The worship of God is an abomination to the sinner. Want and shame come to him who forsakes discipline, but he who heeds the one who reproves shall be glorified. There is a way that seems just to a man, but its ends lead to death. The horse is prepared for battle, but victory is given by the Lord. A boy is known by his pursuits.

There is a shame that brings sin, and there is a shame that brings glory. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life, says God almighty. Let us amend for the better what we have sinned through ignorance. Drunkenness and surfeiting are to be detested by every Christian. Abundance of food inflames the flesh to harmful desires. God abhors that alms which is offered out of plunder. To blush at evil belongs to wisdom, but to blush at good belongs to folly. He errs most easily who cares not in what direction he may more rightly go. Equally needy is he who has not enough, and he for whom no abundance suffices. To will the same things and to reject the same things, that at last is firm friendship.

Each one begins to be evil at the very time when he could become good. From another's peril the wise man corrects and amends himself. He grants the prayer its effect according to the life of the one who prays. He is an excellent teacher who himself does the good things he teaches. Holy speech becomes more precious than gold. It must rightly be known by all that Being belongs properly to God. He who is without learning will suffer darkness everywhere. The elect are few, but many are called. He is like an empty vessel who lacks the care of souls. F. The Lord is faithful in all his words, and holy in all his works. The Lord is a firm support to those who fear him. The river of God is filled with water.

The Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many. The children of this world are wiser in their own generation than the children of light. Make for yourselves friends of the mammon of iniquity, that when you fail, they may receive you into eternal dwellings. It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. The thief comes only to steal and to kill and to destroy. Break your bread to the hungry, and bring the needy and the wandering into your house. In vain is the net cast before the eyes of the winged. The lips of a harlot are a dripping honeycomb, and her throat is smoother than oil; but her end is bitter as wormwood.

Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain; the woman who fears God, she shall be praised. God scourges every son whom he receives. He lends to the Lord who has mercy on the poor. The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the just, bold as a lion, shall be without dread. Almsgiving shall be great confidence before God for all who do it. No one can lay another foundation besides that which is laid, which is Christ Jesus. It is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into this world to save sinners. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Faith without works is dead.

Fornicators and adulterers God will judge. If a brother helps a brother, both shall be comforted. The fever of the body is heat, but the fever of the soul is avarice and lust. The strongest fast is bread and water. The scourge of God then washes away guilt, when it has changed one's life. He seems to commit fraud against God who, having abandoned the resolve of the spiritual life, returns to the world. To provide for the future pertains especially to those to whom the care over others has been committed. Cold and hunger can be driven off by simple clothing and food. For the faithful, night is changed into day; but for the unfaithful, even the light itself becomes dark. The mind does not desire a woman's beauty before the bodily eye does.

Frequently those are overcome by prosperity who could not be overcome by adversity. The strength of the just is to conquer the flesh, to extinguish the pleasure of the present life. The strength of the reprobate is to love transitory things without ceasing, and to endure unfeelingly against the scourges of the Creator. The devil ought not to be dreaded, who can do nothing except what he is permitted. To strive in vain, and by wearying oneself to gain nothing but hatred, is the utmost madness. In vain is labour spent for the health of the body, unless the salvation of the soul is obtained. We more easily renounce the world than ourselves. More faithful and more pleasing is the service which is rendered by love rather than by fear. Lust tames iron minds.

He shall one day be handed over to the inextinguishable flame who here neglected to quench the fires of his avarice and malice. Easy pardon is to be given to him who does not sin on purpose. Stronger is he who subdues his desires than he who subdues enemies. The fierce and restless man, ever exercising his tongue in quarrels, is likened to a dog. We commit fornication against the Lord when by adulterous thoughts we stray from his chaste love. He who is given over to foul and unclean lusts imitates the pleasure of a filthy swine. He easily offends who desires to please not the best, but the worst. Do not be quick to display the brave deeds of your life. Happy is he who can seize everlasting rest.

Happy are the eyes that behold the joys of heaven. An iron mind is often overcome by wicked words. Every tree is known by its own fruits. The end of the commandment is the love of Christ. G. Taste and see that the Lord is sweet: blessed is the man who hopes in him. Glorious things are said of you, O city of God. The Lord will give grace and glory. The generation of the upright shall be blessed. There shall be joy in heaven over one sinner doing penance, more than over ninety-nine just persons who need no penance. A stone is heavy and the sand burdensome, but the anger of a fool is heavier than both. A wise son is the glory of his father.

Glory and honour and peace to everyone who works good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. This is our glory, the testimony of our conscience. The twofold love makes men near to God. It is a great offence to be unwilling to appease him whom you have offended. A great destruction of the Church is the neglected provision of monasteries. By the gesture of the body the disposition of the mind is shown. The word of God is a sword sharp on both sides, penetrating soul and body. The gravest kind of enmity is to bless with the lips and to curse with the heart. To boast and grow proud over temporal advantages is a sign of a foolish mind. It is more glorious to bear an injury by keeping silent than to avenge it by answering.

Complete joys are nowhere on earth. He who is given over to gluttony and lust is likened to senseless beasts. What is freely given by God must also be freely given to men. A steadfast mind has no doubtful opinion. Grave is the sin from which someone takes an example for sinning. No one ought to make common goods his own private property. He brings gifts pleasing to God who breaks evil vows. He who rejoices in the Lord tastes the sweetest honey. A great crime must be overcome by great zeal. Worldly glory is to be loved by no one at all. The grace of God alone makes those whom it wills to merit high things. H. Man is like grass, his days as the flower of the field.

Man, though he was in honour, was likened to senseless beasts, and was made like to them. Man is made like to vanity; his days pass away like a shadow. Put your confidence in the Lord with your whole heart. Man looks on the face, but God beholds the heart. The inheritance hastened to in the beginning shall lack a blessing at the end. Honour the Lord with your substance, and give to the poor of the first-fruits of your harvest. Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in the time of visitation. God loves a cheerful giver. It is now the hour for us to rise from sleep. Man is born to labour, the bird to flight.

A heretical man, after one and a second admonition, avoid. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of God. To sin is human, but to persevere in sin is diabolical. Each one ought to turn to good things with the same zeal with which he wrought evil. Let him who clung continually to evil, once converted, do the same in good. Honesty and sobriety are to be sought after in all things. Honour shown to God makes those who show it worthy of eternal glory. If you wish to have honour and command, I will give you a great one: rule yourself. To honour parents pertains to all men. To the humble and faithful the mysteries of the divine law are open, but to the proud and unfaithful they are hidden.

This is to withdraw utterly from evil: out of the love of God, no longer to wish to sin. To fear men more than God is not of the Christian religion. A spiritual friend is an heir and a kinsman. Thus the last very often become the first. Remember to appease quickly those whom you have hurt. He wages dreadful wars who spurns the covenants of peace. Endure the Lord as one who chastens, yet love in him what is dear. Alas! how rare is faith now found among all. I. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Good understanding to all who do it. The wicked walk round about. In God we shall do mightily, and he himself will bring our enemies to nothing.

The Lord sends his angels round about those who fear him, and he will deliver them. The just shall be in everlasting remembrance; he shall not fear evil tidings. In your patience you shall possess your souls. The wicked, when he has come into the depth of sins, will hold them in contempt. Into a malevolent soul wisdom will not enter, nor will it dwell in a body subject to sins. By the envy of the devil death entered into the world. Hell and destruction are before the Lord; how much more the hearts of the sons of men. Among the proud there are always quarrels, but those who do all things with counsel are governed by wisdom. In all your works remember your last end, and you shall never sin. At the end of a man is the laying bare of his works.

In the day of good things be not unmindful of evil. Pride is the beginning of all sin. Every idle man is full of desires. In much talking sin shall not be lacking. In every place the eyes of the Lord behold the good and the evil. In all things let us show ourselves as ministers of God. In this very thing a man sins, that he would wish to sin if he could do so unpunished. Earnest supplication forbids a clean heart to sleep. God must be invoked continually, that he may deign to grant us both the will and the ability to act well. We are permitted to suffer all the troubles of diabolical temptation for this reason, that we may know how to have compassion and to grieve with all who endure the same troubles.

Those making a long journey need greater foresight than those setting out a short way. So also monks, continually serving God, need more to be provided for than the rest who live freely. A finite labour, however great it may be, cannot be compared to an infinite one. The invisible things of God are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made. God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the strong. The beginning of good things is the confession of the evil ones. In vain is the flesh afflicted, if the mind does not struggle against pleasures. True innocence is that which harms neither itself nor others. The angry man, when he has ceased to be angry, is then most angry with himself. The angry man, even though he should raise the dead, pleases no one.

The wicked are more unhappy when they have accomplished what they desired than if they could not fulfil what they desire. More unhappy are those who do an injury than those who suffer it. The fire of carnal concupiscence, the longer it is allowed to burn, the more difficultly is it extinguished. One ungrateful man harms many wretched ones. He gives a benefit twice to the needy who gives it quickly. To need few things are lacking; to avarice all things. To love enemies is indeed a heavy precept, but a great reward. The improvident soldier boasts himself strong in peace. The least sins are forgiven to those who have strictly wept for the greater ones. To hope for good things amid evils none is wont but the innocent.

He labours in vain in many things who strives to offer God his own goods rather than himself. He labours in vain who honours the blind. He does a great injury to the Creator who loves any creature more than him. Money gathered either commands or serves each man. The envious man wastes away at another's rich possessions. Anger hinders the mind so that it cannot discern the truth. He who pursues impious things cannot be prudent in Christ. The needy man is found full of envy above all. For God to harden is nothing else than not to have mercy. Fattened flesh rarely tastes heavenly things. Amid feasts chastity is preserved with difficulty.

Almost all the weak indeed wish to be borne with by others, but they themselves refuse to bear with others. The infirmity of the flesh, if it is patiently endured, is like a purifying fire. Glory awaits those who wage laborious contests. I. The Lord is near to those who are of a troubled heart, and he will save the humble of spirit. Cast your care upon the Lord, and he will sustain you. The judgements of the Lord are true, justified in themselves. The just shall flourish like the palm tree; like a cedar of Lebanon he shall be multiplied. You are just, O Lord, and your judgement is right. The path of the just goes forward like a shining light, and grows even to perfect day. The harshest judgement shall be made upon those who are in charge.

The just man lives by faith. He does not lose the name of just who through penance always rises again. Fasting is not a perfect virtue, but the foundation of many virtues. Human righteousness is so frail that it stands rather upon the remission of sins than upon the perfection of virtues. We must continually consider how great is the grace of God that is with us. L. Let the heart of those who seek the Lord rejoice. The law of the Lord is unspotted, converting souls. The just man shall be glad in the Lord, and shall hope in him, and all the upright of heart shall be praised. Light is risen to the just, and joy to the right of heart. The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner.

Because you shall eat the labours of your hands, blessed are you, and it shall be well with you. Wide and spacious is the way that leads to death. Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. The law was given by Moses; grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. Let us lift up our hearts with our hands to God. A roaring lion and a hungry bear is a wicked prince over the poor people. The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge. A lamp despised in the thoughts of the rich is prepared for the appointed time. A peaceable tongue is a tree of life. The letter kills, but the spirit gives life.

Let another praise you, and not your own mouth. Speak the truth every man with his neighbour, for we are members one of another. If the tongue is not restrained, it by no means lies still where it has fallen, but ever slips toward worse things. The wolf coming in reveals with what spirit each shepherd stood over the keeping of the flock. The lamp of the body is the eye, but the light of the mind is spiritual wisdom. Tears do not demand pardon, but earn it. He who is greedy of human praise rejects the gift of divine reward. Persistent labour conquers all things. Glad things rather than sad ones corrupt certain men. Steady labour suppresses the heats of the flesh. He is to be called free in whom no vice reigns.

By long practice one must learn what it befits each man to speak or to keep silent about. Flee base gain as you would loss. A fickle and inconstant man differs nothing from the birds. Although your life may please many, it ought not to please yourself. Gain cannot be made without another's loss. The virtue of abstinence drives out the onset of lust. Nothing checks hidden pride more than open fault. A wanton youth has need to be admonished often. Do not undo the ancient laws by transgressing them. He duly praises God who truly loves him. He remains worthy of praise who strives to be kind. He girds his loins who restrains the desires of the flesh.

An unusual sickness seeks also an unusual kind of medicine. M. Great is our Lord, and great is his power, and of his wisdom there is no number. God is wonderful in his saints. Great is the Lord, and exceedingly to be praised, and of his greatness there is no end. The earth is full of the mercy of the Lord. Great are the works of the Lord, sought out according to all his wills. The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting and even to everlasting upon them that fear him. The sinner shall borrow and not pay again, but the just shows mercy and gives. God loves mercy and truth. Many are the tribulations of the just, and out of them all will the Lord deliver them.

Many are the scourges of the sinner, but mercy shall encompass him that hopes in the Lord. The Lord is compassionate and merciful, patient and plenteous in mercy. The death of sinners is most wicked, and they that hate the just shall offend. Better is a little to the just than the great riches of sinners. Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. The hireling sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees. Obedience is better than victims. Better are the wounds of one that loves than the deceitful kisses of one that hates. The patient man is better than the valiant, and he that rules his spirit than he that takes cities.

Better is a dry morsel with joy than a house full of victims with strife. Music in mourning is an unseasonable tale. Better is the iniquity of a man than a woman doing good. It is better to be humbled with the meek than to divide spoils with the proud. It is better to go to the house of mourning than to the house of feasting. It is better to be rebuked by a wise man than to be deceived by the flattery of fools. The memory of the just is with praises, but the name of the wicked shall rot. Remember your Creator in the days of your youth. The life of man upon earth is a warfare, and his days are like the days of a hireling. Death and life are in the hands of the tongue. The constant prayer of a just man avails much.

A little leaven corrupts the whole lump. The world passes away, and its concupiscence; but he that does the will of God abides for ever. It is better not to have what you may give than shamelessly to ask what you may bestow. It is better to be well conquered than to conquer ill. It is better to do beforehand what is to come than afterward to repent of an ill deed done. It is no lie when of insensible things we speak mystically as of sensible ones. It is to be wondered at and lamented that many, as though religious, abstaining from certain foods, soon, as though wicked, strive in every way to do the very worst things.

No less to be wondered at and lamented is this also: that very many, pretending to visit holy and far-off places for the pardon of their sins, when they have returned become much worse than before. The morals and pursuits of rulers are perceived by the character of their subjects also. Greater crimes ought to be slowly believed when they are heard, and more swiftly punished when they are truly proved. It is better to have holy rusticity than sinful eloquence. The soft and dissolute man is to be called not a man but a woman. A woman giving herself to virtue may be called a man. It is better to make a divorce with man than with God. The hand of the poor man is the treasury of Christ.

He keeps the Sabbath badly who rests from good works. A great part of understanding is to know what you do not know. It is a great security of heart not to covet what belongs to another. The bravery of any soldier is not recognized except in war. That death is not to be reckoned evil which a good life has preceded. When the wicked man feigns himself good, then is he the worst. By ruling badly the highest rule is lost. An evil conscience nowhere rests secure. He who is dead to this world knows nothing save to live to Christ. It is a great struggle to conquer the youthful flesh. The greatest plague arises when the shepherd is childish. A light and frail mind quickly suffers the scandals of the flesh.

A mind accustomed to evils is scarcely rescued from them. Blind lust is to be called death and destruction. That is most to be sought which is always to be kept. N. The Lord knows the way of the just, and the way of the wicked shall perish. Be not emulous of him who prospers in his way, of the man who does injustices. Do not become like the horse and the mule, who have no understanding. Trust not in iniquity, and covet not robberies. Unless the Lord keep the city, in vain does he watch that keeps it. A king is not saved by much strength. Put not your trust in princes, in the sons of men, in whom there is no salvation. None is good but God alone.

Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. They that are well have no need of a physician, but they that are sick. Unless a man be born again of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. No man can serve two masters. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can an evil tree bring forth good fruit. It must needs be that scandals come, but woe to that man by whom the scandal comes. The disciple is not above his master. There is nothing covered that shall not be revealed, nor hidden that shall not be known. No man putting his hand to the plough and looking back is fit for the kingdom of God. Do not delay to be converted to the Lord.

Praise is not seemly in the mouth of a sinner. Do not neglect the discipline of the Lord, neither be wearied when you are rebuked by him. Do not rebuke a scorner, lest he hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you. There is no just man upon earth that does good and sins not. The just man knows the souls of his beasts, but the bowels of the wicked are cruel. A friend is not recognized in good times, nor is an enemy hidden in bad. Put not a stumbling-block before the blind. God does not will the death of the sinner, but that he be converted and live. Nothing is done on earth without a cause. The Lord knows who are his. Not only are they guilty who do evil, but those who consent to the doers.

No man is crowned except he who has lawfully striven. Be not overcome by evil, but overcome evil in good. Love not the world, nor the things that are in the world. Wonder not if the world hates you. Let no man seek his own, but only that which is another's. Let us not love in word nor in tongue, but in deed and in truth. God is not a respecter of persons, but in every nation he that fears God and works justice is acceptable to him. Nothing is more unhappy than the happiness of those who sin. A glistening skin betrays a filthy soul. There is no secure gladness in knowing many things in the divine pages, but in keeping what is known.

To know and to be able to do good things, before unknown and impossible, shows the gifts of heavenly grace. Nothing is so easy that it does not become difficult if you do it unwillingly. No one sins against another before he sins against himself. God never forsakes a mind that truly acknowledges its sins. He scarcely knows what toil is who has never striven to contend against spiritual wickednesses. Negligence and idleness draw a man to ruin. Unless a man be founded in faith and hope, he does not ascend to the worship of true charity. To no one does evil or good befall for his own sake alone, but that others may at the same time be corrected or consoled through him.

Such malice of the devil as is read to have been in Job will be against all men, if only it be permitted. No one in the Church does more harm than he who, acting perversely, holds rule. Not the multitude of sins, but impiety leads a man to despair. The life of a man is not in his own power. It will profit no one to be esteemed holy when he is not. Ask nothing that you will deny. Greatly to be lamented is the presumption that Christians presume to do those evils which the pagans abhor. For Christians destroy the monasteries of their God and his saints, while pagans venerate their own idols. Do not live one way in solitude and another in the marketplace.

To know or care for nothing, this is to live dead. He denies himself the thing who asks for what is difficult. Lay on no one what you yourself cannot bear. No one sins more dangerously than he who defends his sins. No one is noble save him whom virtue ennobles. Unless a man continually sets before himself the fear and love of God, he quickly slips into some sin. No one is able to measure himself sufficiently unless he considers another. Nothing is great among human affairs save a mind that despises great things. Neither man nor gold can give whatever makes one blessed, but the life of the blessed consists in the virtue of God. The eyes sin in nothing if the mind is willing to rule over them. It cannot be told how manifold is the craft of the enemy.

Believe nothing accomplished while anything remains to be done. It profits nothing to have learned good if you do not do it. Do not be willing to delay if you can convert someone. He is not to be praised who knows much, but he who lives well. The striving of fools always loves the company of fellows like themselves. O. The eyes of the Lord are upon the just, and his ears unto their prayers. The mouth of the just shall meditate wisdom, and his tongue shall speak judgment. The sinner shall watch the just man, and shall gnash upon him with his teeth. Whatever the Lord willed he has done, in heaven and on earth, in the sea and in all the deeps. Every kingdom divided against itself shall be made desolate. Every plant which my heavenly Father has not planted shall be rooted up.

Whosoever commits sin is the servant of sin. Everyone that asks receives, and he that seeks finds, and to him that knocks it shall be opened. Everyone that exalts himself shall be humbled, and he that humbles himself shall be exalted. Every tree that does not bring forth good fruit shall be cut down and cast into the fire. To everyone that has shall be given, but from him that has not, even that which he has shall be taken away. Every sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven to men, but the blasphemy of the Spirit shall not be forgiven. Pray that your flight be not in the winter or on the Sabbath. All things are possible to him that believes. At all times bless God, and ask of him to direct your ways. With all watchfulness keep your heart, for out of it life proceeds.

For every business there is a time and an opportunity. Do all things with counsel, and after the deed you will not repent. All wisdom is from the Lord God, and has been ever with him. Hatred stirs up strifes, and charity covers all sins. One and the same Spirit works all things, dividing to everyone according as he wills. Whatsoever you do in word or in work, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father through him. Be all of one mind in prayer, compassionate, lovers of brotherhood, merciful, modest, humble. Esteem it all joy when you fall into divers temptations. Everyone that hates his brother is a murderer.

We ought to obey God rather than men. Every best gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights. Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither has it entered into the heart of man, what things God has prepared for them that love him. To the clean all things are clean, but to the defiled and unbelieving nothing is clean. All things are lawful, but not all things are expedient. The whole life of unbelievers is sin. Idleness is the enemy of the soul. Every day is to be treated as if it were the last. An idle word is one that lacks either the reason of just necessity or the intention of usefulness. Compliance begets friends, truth begets hatred. Occasions cannot be lacking to those who are to perish.

He wholly errs who thinks to attain triumph through peace and ease. Every divine chastisement is either a purging of the present life or the beginning of the punishment to follow. By continual prayer vices are overcome. God is better praised and proclaimed by deed than by words. Wanton eyes are the betrayers of a lustful heart. Hidden faults, continually perpetrated, deserve that perverse kings and shepherds be set up. All proofs of faith are to be taken from things past. Everything that is just may rightly be called one. We must always pray that we be not seduced by the enemy. Be subject to every superior as to Christ. With how many cares does the mind have need at every hour!

The mouth that lies is said to slay the soul. P. The Lord is near to all that call upon him in truth. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. Keep your tongue from evil, and let not your lips speak deceit. The patience of the poor shall not perish unto the end. Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you. Everyone shall be perfect if he be as his master. God is able of stones to raise up children to Abraham. Strike your son with the rod, and you shall deliver his soul from death. Reproof profits more with a prudent man than a hundred stripes with a fool. The perverse are corrected with difficulty.

A prince that gladly hears words of lying has all his ministers wicked. By what things a man sins, by these also he is tormented. A double weight and a double measure, both are abominable before God. Tried virtue rebukes the foolish. For the sins of the people God makes a hypocrite to reign. The sinner, even a child of a hundred years, shall be accursed. The whole world shall fight against the senseless. Go not after your concupiscences. Try the spirits, whether they be of God. The prudence of the flesh is death, but the prudence of the spirit is life and peace. You ask and receive not, because you ask amiss. The fullness of the law is love.

Through many tribulations we must enter into the kingdom of God. Let those who sin be rebuked before all, that the rest may have fear. Those set in delights cannot consider how great is everlasting punishment. True peace is to be spoken of when the spirit and the flesh agree in every way. The peaceable man deserves to be called a son of God. Parents are to be loved and honoured insofar as they are subject to the supreme Father. He who is disobedient to his superiors and elders deserves, if he himself be set over any, to suffer the same from them. Any shepherd flees when he withdraws comfort from his subjects, or, seeing injustice, does not contradict it. They shall undergo equal punishment who have equally sinned.

True penance is to bewail the evils committed and not to commit the things to be bewailed. A public fault needs also a public penance. They shall sometime suffer the gravest punishments who refuse to bear small scourges for their crimes. A full belly easily disputes about fasts. Perfect hatred is that which lacks neither justice nor reason. Sin is added to sin when that which has been wickedly done is also wickedly defended. The proof of a good will is to be unwilling to sin when you are able. Care must be taken for all who for the love of God forsake lawful things, lest, living lukewarmly, they fall into unlawful ones. According to the quality of the hearers the sermon of teachers ought to be shaped.

To depraved morals the life of the good is always grievous. Certain sins pollute the soul, but certain ones extinguish it. Before you promise, deliberate, lest after promises in no way fulfilled you be called a liar. Danger is never overcome without danger. Prudence measures the issues of things. Those who do good are more to be praised than those who speak well. Money then becomes precious when, for the love of God, it is transferred to others and ceases to be possessed. Very many fear infamy, but few the guilt of conscience. Have peace with men, war with vices. One ought to command money, not to serve it. The poverty of the soul is greater than that of the body.

Let him who sins daily strive at once to repair himself. The perfect soldier very often weighs his strength. To a perverse mind its own fault is the greatest punishment. He who is quick to laughter is also borne quickly to anger. Be not prompt or ready for the figures of laughter. He who is intent on many things has the less sense for each one. The present life is brief, but the life to come is everlasting. Q. How good is the God of Israel to those who are of a right heart! Seek the Lord, and be strengthened; seek his face evermore. Seek the Lord, and your soul shall live. You that fear the Lord, praise him. You that love the Lord, hate evil.

As a father has compassion on his children, so has the Lord compassion on them that fear him, for he knows our frame. He who has not taken his soul in vain, nor sworn deceitfully to his neighbour, he shall receive a blessing from the Lord. Who is like the Lord our God, who dwells on high and looks down on the lowly things in heaven and on earth? They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. Seek first the kingdom of God and his justice, and all these things shall be added to you. He that perseveres unto the end, he shall be saved. The things that are impossible with men are possible with God. He that is of God hears the words of God.

What does it profit a man if he gain the whole world but suffer the loss of his own soul? Or what exchange shall a man give for his soul? He that shall say to his brother, You fool, shall be guilty of the fire of hell. He that hates his soul in this world keeps it unto life eternal. What God has joined together, let no man put asunder. He that is unfaithful in a little, is unfaithful also in much. It is like the crime of idolatry not to be willing to yield to God. Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near. He that follows justice is loved by the Lord. He that hides his crimes shall not be directed; but he that confesses and forsakes them shall obtain mercy.

He that loves discipline loves also wisdom. He that offers sacrifice of the substance of the poor is like one who sacrifices the son in the sight of his father. He that turns away his ear from hearing the law, his prayer shall be an abomination. The wicked man passes away like a tempest. The things you do not gather in youth, how shall you be able to have them in old age? He that is inclined to mercy shall be blessed. He that digs a pit for his brother shall himself fall into it. He that despises small things shall fall by little and little. He that is evil to himself, to whom will he be good? Whatsoever your hand is able to do, do it earnestly; for neither work, nor reason, nor wisdom shall be in the grave, whither you hasten.

He that spares the rod hates his son. They that fear God will not be unbelieving to his word. He that is soft and dissolute in his work is the brother of him that wastes his own works. What the wicked man fears shall come upon him. As is the ruler of a city, such are its inhabitants. He that keeps his commandment keeps also his own soul. He that stops his ear at the cry of the poor shall himself also cry, and shall not be heard. He that teaches a fool is like one who glues together a potsherd. They that instruct many unto justice shall be as stars for perpetual eternities. He that offends in one thing loses many good things. The greater you are, humble yourself in all things. He that fears the frost, the snow shall come upon him.

They that run in the stadium all run indeed, but one receives the prize. Whosoever will be a friend of this world becomes an enemy of God. He that thinks himself to stand, let him take heed lest he fall. He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the Churches. He that causes a sinner to be converted from the error of his way shall save his soul from death. He that eats not, let him not judge him that eats. He that has not care of his own, and especially of his household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. Whosoever are led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God. He that sees his brother suffering need and shuts up his bowels, how does the charity of God abide in him?

He that sows sparingly shall also reap sparingly. He that glories, let him glory in the Lord. The higher the step, the deeper the fall. What you do not wish to be done to you, do not do to another. He that is ignorant shall be ignored. The wolf coming in shows what kind of shepherd each is. What sort of man each one lies hidden within himself, an insult offered proves. What praise shall we earn for the pallor of fasting, if we are livid with envy? What virtue is there in not drinking wine, and being made drunk with wrath and hatred? What does it profit to thin the body by abstinence, if the mind swells with pride? He puts his goods into a bag with holes who does some good things and yet forsakes none of his accustomed studies of depravity.

He who remembers that he has perpetrated many unlawful things ought also, for penance, to abstain from lawful ones. Whosoever ponders what to vow to God, let him vow and render himself. How great a good health is, sickness shows. He who can succour one about to perish, if he does not succour him, shall be guilty of his death. He who can be corrected by gentle words ought not to be exasperated by rebuke. They who persevere chaste and as virgins are made equal to the angels of God. Whosoever continually strives to do some good things prays without ceasing. Whatsoever exceeds measure, the demons suggest. As much as anyone advances in humility and chastity, so much shall he draw near to God.

What it is wholly necessary to suffer, bear patiently. The things that are base to do are base also to speak of. The more the mind is divided among many works, the less it is for each one. As each one reads in what manner, so shall he have, whether good or bad; he shall always have them. As long as the evils done by himself do not displease a man, vices reign in him. He who has never learned to be subject can rightly rule over none. What is more unhappy than to be afflicted at the sight of the felicity of others? What each one has not experienced in himself, he believes with difficulty in another. Who is rich? He who covets nothing. And who is poor? The covetous. What is enough, to whom it falls, let him desire nothing more. What is the property of a fool?

To be unable yet willing to harm. What is the work of the prudent? When he is able, to be unwilling to harm. How near is the shore, yet in the heart of the sea a labyrinth! The more you are able, so much the more submit yourself to Christ. He who gives you much seeks the very same from you also. How good is the Lord to all that seek him! How dark is that love by which the Author of light is despised! R. Your kingdom, O Lord, is a kingdom of all ages. Praise becomes the upright. The Lord will redeem the souls of his servants, and none of them shall offend that trust in him. Reveal your way to the Lord, and trust in him, and he will do it. Judge rightly, you sons of men.

The kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent bear it away. Laughter is mingled with sorrow, and mourning takes hold of the end of joy. A soft answer breaks wrath. When the wicked reign there shall be the ruin of men. The king that sits on the throne of judgment scatters away all evil with his look. The king that judges the poor in truth, his throne shall be established for ever. A just king sets up the land, but a covetous man shall destroy it. A kingdom is transferred from nation to nation because of injustices. Be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new man, who according to God is created in justice and the holiness of truth. Religion clean and undefiled before God the Father is this:

to visit the fatherless and widows in their tribulation. Covetousness is the root of all evils. A religious man, if he is quickly angered, is also easily moved to penance. He cannot rightly judge the merits of others to whom the conscience of his own innocence affords no rule of judgment. Humble married folk more rightly follow the Lamb than proud virgins. Unless those strong of body devoutly serve God, from whom they have their strength, for this they shall suffer punishment. Whatever man has more than the beasts is to be ascribed to divine goodness. The kingdom of God is worth as much as you have. The ruin of the people is wicked priests.

Human reason earns as many heavenly crowns as the perverse thoughts it resists. The governance of souls is the art of arts. Plunderers of others' goods shall themselves one day be plundered unto destruction. Sudden fury admits nothing of reason. Those rebellious against divine goodness shall be handed over to diabolical power. Any obscure matter is to be explained by a comparison. Excessive remission and gentleness is reckoned before God as great cruelty. The reprobate are wearied in this world by their desires, and in the world to come by torments. The rustic tongue of a man who keeps a gentle heart is more pleasing to the Lord than the skilled tongue of the proud. Rare is the faith to be granted to a man, alas, to any!

A devout and righteous king strives to be what he is called; for the name of king admonishes that what is committed to him be ruled well. In adversity, be not so shaken that you are left in ruin. S. Serve the Lord in fear, and rejoice unto him with trembling. A sacrifice to God is a contrite spirit. Let the glory of the Lord endure unto the age of ages. Let the name of the Lord be blessed from this time forth and for evermore. The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord, and he is their protector in the time of tribulation. The Lord is gracious to all, and his tender mercies are over all his works. The Spirit breathes where he wills, and you hear his voice, but you know not whence he comes or whither he goes.

God is a Spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth. If your hand or your foot offends you, cut it off and cast it from you. For God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, that everyone who believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. If your brother sins against you, go and reprove him between you and him alone. The holy spirit of discipline flees from deceit, and withdraws itself from thoughts that are without understanding. The eyes of the wise are in his head. Think of the Lord in goodness, and seek him in simplicity of heart. A fool is not corrected by words.

A wise and discerning heart restrains itself from sins. Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child, and the rod of discipline shall drive it away. A deceitful balance is an abomination before God, but a just weight is his delight. The wise man endures like the sun, but the fool changes like the moon. God speaks once, and does not repeat it a second time. The wise man searches out the wisdom of all the ancients. Hidden wisdom and an unseen treasure: what profit is in either? The wise man makes himself known by few words. Seven times the righteous falls, and rises again; but the wicked shall fall headlong into evil. A harsh word stirs up fury. Dreams exalt the imprudent. A secure mind is like a continual feast.

To conceal the secret of a king is good; but to reveal the great works of God is honourable. The fool lifts up his voice in laughter. If we love one another, God abides in us, and his love is made perfect in us. If anyone says that he loves God and hates his brother, he is a liar. The spiritual man judges all things, and is himself judged by no one. As in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. The wisdom of this world is foolishness before God. The gifts and calling of God are without repentance. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's.

Men are so to be loved that their errors are not loved. The Watcher stands above, who beholds us and our deeds every day. To know is to approve in God's sight; but not to know is to reject. The highest nobility before God is to be renowned for virtues. The faults of subordinates must sometimes be overlooked, yet afterward, because they were overlooked, they must be pointed out. To escape the snares of Satan is not of him who wills nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy. Dissemblers and the crafty provoke the wrath of God. He seeks solitude who desires to live among the innocent. Likenesses drawn from various things must continually be set forth for our edification.

As a dog returns to its own vomit, so the imprudent man repeats his folly. As water extinguishes fire, so does almsgiving extinguish sin. To have the name of holiness without works profits no one. He is wise who teaches others more by deeds than by words. It is the salvation of the rich to relieve the needs of the poor. The strength of patience repels the arrows of insult. Those may be called scorpions who indeed do not resist the good to their face, but soon, when they have withdrawn, disparage them. He denies himself who, having put off the man of carnal life, puts on the spiritual and new man, that is, Christ. It is exceedingly foolish if we seek to please those whom we know not to please God.

It suffices for each one so to argue or to dictate that he be understood. Excess, both of words and of things, must be avoided. As honey is gathered from various flowers, so every virtue is to be gathered from various men. He who is intent upon secular letters cannot grasp the mysteries of sacred Scripture. He who reads sacred Scripture ought to attend to what is said mystically or according to the letter, what is said in part or for the whole. Meditation on sacred Scripture draws the mind back from harmful thought. As many foods avail nothing without salt, so all virtues avail nothing without love.