CHAPTER XX.
OF THE LOVE OF SOLITUDE AND SILENCE.
EEK a convenient time of retirement, and meditate often upon God's lovingkindness.
Meddle not with things too high for thee; but read such things as may rather yield compunction to thy heart, than occupation to thy head.
If thou wilt withdraw thyself from speaking vainly, and from gadding idly, as also from hearkening after novelties and rumours, thou shalt find leisure enough and suitable for meditation on good things.
The greatest Saints avoided the society of men, when they could conveniently; and did rather choose to live to God in secret.
2. One said, "As often as I have been among men, I returned home less a man than I was before."
And this we find true, when we talk long together. It is easier not to speak at aU, than not to exceed in speech.
It is easier for a man to lie hid at home, than to be able sufficiently to watch over himself abroad.
He therefore that intends to attain to the more inward and spiritual things of religion, must with Jesus depart from the multitude and press of people.
No man doth safely appear abroad, but he who can abide at home.
No man doth safely speak, but he that is glad to hold his peace.
