5. No man is worthy of heavenly comfort, unless he have diligently exercised himself in holy compunction. If thou desirest true contrition of heart, enter into thy secret chamber, and shut out the tumults of the world, "Commune with your own heart, and in your chamber, and be still." In thy chamber thou shalt find what abroad thou shalt too often lose. The more thou visitest thy chamber, the more thou wilt enjoy it; the less thou comest thereunto, the more thou wilt loathe it. If in the beginning of thy conversion thou art content to remain in it, and keep to it well, it will afterwards be to thee a dear friend, and a most pleasant comfort. 6. In silence and in stillness a religious soul advantageth itself, and learneth the mysteries of Holy Scripture. There it findeth rivers of tears, wherein it may wash and cleanse itself; that it may be so much the more familiar with its Creator, by how much the farther off it liveth from all worldly disquiet. Whoso therefore withdraweth himself from his acquaintance and friends, God will draw near unto him with His holy angels. It is better for a man to live privately, and to have regard to himself, than to neglect his soul, though he could work wonders in the world. It is commendable in a Religious person, seldom to go abroad, to be unwilling to see or to be seen. 7. Why art thou desirous to see that which it is unlawful for thee to have? The world passeth away and the lust thereof. The lusts of the flesh draw us to rove abroad; but when the time is past, what carriest thou home with thee but a burdened conscience and distracted heart. A merry going forth bringeth often a mournful return; and a joyful night maketh often a sad morning. So all carnal joy enters gently, but in the end it bites and stings to death. What canst thou see elsewhere, that thou canst not see here? Behold the Heaven and the earth and all the elements; for of these are all things created. 8. What canst thou see anywhere that can long continue under the sun? Thou thinkest perchance to satisfy thyself, but thou canst never attain it. Couldst thou see all things present before thine eyes, what were it but a vain sight? Lift up thine eyes to God in the highest, and pray Him to pardon thy sins and negligences. Leave vain things to the vain; but be thou intent upon those things which God hath commanded thee. Shut thy door upon thee, and call unto thee Jesus, thy Beloved. Stay with Him in thy closet; for thou shalt not find so great peace anywhere else. If thou hadst not gone abroad and hearkened to idle rumours, thou wouldst the better have preserved a happy peace of mind. But since thou delightest sometimes to hear new things, it is but fit thou suffer for it some disquietude of heart.