The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life draw us to the love of the world; but the pains and miseries that justly follow them cause a hatred and loathing of the world.
5. But, alas, the fondness for vicious pleasures overcometh the mind of him who is given to the world; and he esteemeth it a delight to be ever under thorns, because he hath neither seen nor tasted the sweetness of God, and the inward pleasantness of virtue.
But they who perfectly contemn the world, and study to live to God under holy discipline, these are not ignorant of the divine sweetness promised to those who truly forsake the world. They also very clearly see how grievously the world erreth, and how it is in many ways deceived.
CHAPTER XXI.
THAT WE ARE TO REST IN GOD ABOVE ALL THINGS.
BOVE all things, and in all things, my soul, thou shalt rest in the Lord alway, for He Himself is the everlasting rest of the saints.
Grant me, most sweet and loving Jesus, to rest in Thee, above all creatures, above all health and beauty, above all glory and honour, above all power and dignity, above all knowledge and subtility, above all riches and arts, above all joy and