when He will, and how much He will, and whom He will; as it shall please Him, and no more.
Some unadvised persons, in their over-earnest desire of the grace of a devoted life, have overthrown themselves; because they attempted more than they were able to perform, not weighing the measure of their own weakness, but following the desire of their heart rather than the judgment of their reason.
And because they presumed on greater matters than was pleasing to God, they therefore quickly lost His grace.
They who had built themselves nests in heaven were made helpless and vile outcasts; to the end that being humbled and impoverished, they might learn not to fly with their own wings, but to trust under My feathers.
They that are yet but novices and inexperienced in the way of the Lord, unless they govern themselves by the counsel of discreet persons, may easily be deceived and broken to pieces.
3. And if they will rather follow their own notions than trust to others who are more experienced, their end will be dangerous, at least if they are unwilling to be drawn away from their own conceit.
It is seldom the case that they who are wise in their own eyes endure humbly to be governed by others.
Better it is to have a small portion of good sense, with humility and a slender understanding, than great knowledge of science with vain self-complacency.
Better it is for thee to have little, than much of that which may make thee proud.
