3. O how powerful is the pure love of Jesus, which is mixed up with no self-interest, or self-love!
Are not all those to be called mercenary, who are ever seeking consolations?
Do they not show themselves to be rather lovers of themselves than of Christ, who are always thinking of their own profit and advantage?
Where shall one be found who is willing to serve God for nought?
4. Rarely is any one found so spiritual as to be stripped of all earthly things.
For where is any man to be found that is indeed poor in spirit, and thoroughly void of all leaning on creatures? "From afar, yea from the ends of the earth, is his value."
If a man should give all his substance, yet it is nothing.
And if he should practise great repentance, still it is little.
And if he should attain to all knowledge, he is still afar off.
And if he should be of great virtue, and of very fervent devotion, yet there is much wanting; especially one thing, which is most necessary for him.
What is that? That leaving all, he forsake himself, and go wholly from himself, and retain no self-love.
And when he hath done all that is to be done, so far as he knoweth, let him think that he hath done nothing.
5. Let him not think that of great weight, which is greatly esteemed; but let him in truth pronounce himself to be an unprofitable servant, as the Truth
