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61 " SHUN the gossip of men as much as possible, for discussion of worldly affairs, even though sincere, is a great distraction inasmuch as we are quickly ensnared and captivated by vanity. "
― Thomas à Kempis , The Imitation of Christ
62 " To account nothing of one's self, and to think always kindly and highly of others, this is great and perfect wisdom. "
63 " Many things there are to know which profiteth little or nothing to the soul. "
64 " There is naturally in every man a desire to know, but what profiteth knowledge without the fear of God? "
65 " Quickly enough we feel and reckon up what we bear at the hands of others, but we reflect not how much others are bearing from us. "
66 " Many are secretly seeking their own ends in what they do, yet know it not. "
67 " The more humble a man is in himself, and the more obedient towards God, the wiser will he be in all things, and the more shall his soul be at peace. "
68 " Therefore, neither confide in nor depend upon a wind-shaken reed, for “all flesh is grass” and all its glory, like the flower of grass, will fade away. You will quickly be deceived if you look only to the outward appearance of men, and you will often be disappointed if you seek comfort and gain in them. "
69 " Sometimes my sin is not what I do; it also describes what I don’t do when I know I should. "
70 " Who struggles more than those who strive to overcome themselves? "
71 " It is much safer to be subject than it is to command. Many live in obedience more from necessity than from love. Such become discontented and dejected on the slightest pretext; they will never gain peace of mind unless they subject themselves wholeheartedly for the love of God. "
72 " Take pains to be patient in bearing the faults and weaknesses of others, for you too have many flaws that others must put up with. "
73 " And whatsoever thou art not enabled to understand, that commit without anxiety to Almighty God. God deceiveth thee not; he is deceived who believeth too much in himself. God walketh with the simple, revealeth Himself to the humble, giveth understanding to babes, openeth the sense to pure minds, and hideth grace from the curious and proud. Human reason is weak and may be deceived; but true faith cannot be deceived. "
74 " The world promises things that are temporal and small, and it is served with great eagerness. I (Christ) promise things that are great and eternal, and the hearts of mortals are slow to stir. "
75 " ◊ Do what pleases others, not yourself. ◊ Choose to do and have less rather than more. ◊ Be a servant; seek the lowest place. ◊ Pray to become all that God wants you to be. "
76 " All perfection hath some imperfection joined to it in this life, and all our power of sight is not without some darkness. "
77 " If you wish to learn and appreciate something worth while, then love to be unknown and considered as nothing. Truly to know and despise self is the best and most perfect counsel. To think of oneself as nothing, and always to think well and highly of others is the best and most perfect wisdom. "
78 " Esoteric words neither make us holy nor righteous; only a virtuous life makes us beloved of God. I would rather experience repentance in my soul than know how to define it. "
79 " To have no opinion of ourselves, and to think always well and highly of others, is great wisdom and perfection. "
80 " Rest from inordinate desire or knowledge, for therein is found much distraction and deceit. "