thou wilt see how much easier it is to gain heaven than earth, — to please and serve me than the world. Thou wilt learn too the wretchedness of those who walk in ways that are so difficult; because there is toil, and contrition, and unhappiness in the ways of those who have not known the way of peace; but my ways are ways that are beautiful and easy. Why, then, do you love vanity, and seek after lying? Why do you weary yourselves in the way of iniquity? How long will you be dull of heart, O sons of men that are liars in the balances? What will it profit you to gain the whole world, and to suffer the loss of your soul?
Man. Lord, whither shall I go away from thee? Thou hast the words of eternal life. Thy testimonies are exceedingly trustworthy. Blessed is the man whom thou instructest, O Lord, and teachest him out of thy law. Show me thy ways, and teach me thy paths. Lead me into the path of thy commandments, for this have I desired, and remove from me the way of iniquity.
Christ. Hear my words, for they are spirit and life. It is I who teach thee what is profitable. Blessed is the man who hears me and keeps my words; but all men are vain, in whom there is not the knowledge of God. Behold, by precepts few and easy, I will instruct thee in this way, in which thou shalt go. I will lead thee by the paths of equity, which when thou shalt nave entered, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not meet a stumbling-block. Hearken, then, diligently to my words, and lay them up in thy heart. For if thou wilt keep my commandments, they will keep thee.
Man. Speak, Lord, for thy servant heareth. But give me also understanding, that I may learn thy commandments, and keep them with my whole heart. Teach me to do thy will, for thou art my God, that I may not deserve to be beaten with many stripes, as a servant who knows, but does not, the will of his Lord.
§ 3. Consideration of the end of our creation.
Christ. Before all things, consider often and seriously within thyself the end of thy creation. For thou knowest that there can be no regular application of means without knowledge of the end. Think, therefore, to what end thou wert made a man, and formed to my own image and likeness; why thou hast received, in preference to all other living creatures, so noble a gift as that of reason; why brought into this world, as
