CHAPTER IX.
Of another Thing from which the Understanding must he preserved in order to exercise a Right Judgment.
THE other danger against which the understanding must be on its guard is curiosity; because, when we suffer it to be filled with hurtful, idle, and frivolous thoughts, we destroy its power of apprehending that which closely relates to the true mortification of ourselves and to our perfection.
On this account, you must become as one dead to all earthly things which do not concern you, though they may be harmless in themselves.
Ever restrain your understanding as much as possible, and love to keep it low.
Let the news and the fashions of the world—whatever they may be, great or small—be to you as though they were not; and, should they come in your way, reject them and drive them from you. Even in your desire to know heavenly things, preserve a sober and humble spirit, caring only to know Christ Crucified, His Life, and His Death, and whatever He requires of you.
Keep other things far from you, and in this way you will become well-pleasing to God; for He loves and counts as dear to Him those who
