ambition to excel others in virtue! What exact discipline then flourished! How great reverence and obedience observed they in all things!
Their footsteps yet remain to testify that they were indeed holy and perfect men; who fighting valiantly trod the world under their feet.
Among us he is greatly accounted of, who is not a transgressor, and who can with patience endure.
6. O the lukewarmness and negligence of our times! that we so quickly decline from the ancient fervour, and are come to that pass, that very sloth and lukewarmness of spirit make our life tedious unto us.
Would to God the desire to grow in virtues did not wholly sleep in thee, who hast often seen the examples of devout persons.
CHAPTER XIX.
OF THE EXERCISES OF A RELIGIOUS PERSON.
HE life of a Religious person ought to excel in all virtues; that he may be inwardly such as he outwardly seemeth to men.
And truly there ought to be much more within, than is perceived without. For God beholdeth us; whom we are bound most highly to reverence wheresoever we are, and to walk in purity like angels in His sight.
Daily ought we to renew our purposes, and to
