Keep Constant, Quiet, and Resigned
If from the chaos of nothing His omnipotence has produced so many wonders, what will He do in thy soul—created after His own image and likeness—if thou keepest constant, quiet, and resigned, with a true knowledge of thy nothing?
Happy soul, which, even when it is disturbed, afflicted, and disconsolate, keeps steady there within, without going forth to seek exterior comfort.
Afflict not thyself too much, and with inquietude, because these sharp martyrdoms may continue; persevere in humility, and go not out of thyself to seek aid—for all the good consists in being silent, suffering, and holding patience with quiet and resignation; there wilt thou find the divine strength to overcome so hard a warfare.
In a word: the men who are scientific entertain themselves in the knowledge of the things of the world; and the wise live swallowed up in God Himself.
Reason enlightened in the wise is a high and simple elevation of spirit, whereby he sees—with a clear and sharp sight—all that is inferior to him, and what concerns his life and estate. This renders the soul simple, illustrated, uniform, spiritual; introverted and abstracted from every created thing.
'Tis a great property of a wise man to do much and say little.
Wisdom is discovered in the works and words of the wise; because he, being absolute master of all his passions, motions, and affections, is known in all his doings—like a quiet and still water, in which wisdom shines with clearness.
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