6. On hearing and reading the divine word

" Beati,quiaudiunt VerhumDeiy* " Blessed are they who hear the word of God and keep it.'''' 1 . Worthless are all human consolations if they hinder such as are divine.

When thou hearest the Holy Scripture read, remember it is God who speaketh to thee ; humble thyself then, and receive His words with a grateful heart.

The truth is not to be despised because of the simplicity and want of learning in him who declares it : for he that leads a good life tcacheth well ; and he that readeth or lectureth well, is a messenger from God.

A faithful teacher passes over in silence what would be hurtlul, proclaims what is profitable, and speaks without pretence or varnish ; for pure simple truth always sounds agreeably in the ear.

Subtle discourses are hurtful to simple souls; and those which sooth our vanity often lead the spirit into error.

He who in his discourse, deviates from truth, is the enemy of peace : those who hear him shall hardly avoid scandal.

He that passeth judgment with I o discretion is worthy of praise ; but he that judges harshly and without mercy, is unworthy of mercy.

He that is of a hasty temper does himself much harm — he often oppresses tlie innocent, secretly rails at those in power, and openly casts ridicule on all good men.

2. He that is of deceitful lips, abuses the confidence of those that listen to him ; therefore his friends shall be few.

Publish not scandal ; for it is well to be silent : proclaim the truth ; for it is salutary : be modest ; for it is reasonable : hurt no one ; for it is just : be useful to all ; for such is piety : and edify thy neighbour by word and deed ; for such is religion.

The prudent man thinks before he acts; changes not unreasonably ; speaks with reserve concerning that of which, he is ignorant ; and affirms not lightly what is doubtful.

The silence of the mouth is most profitable to the peace of the heart ; but the mouth of the fool is always open and ready for strife.

He that seeks to please God, watches over his heart and lips ; and trembles lest he lose the grace of devotion, or give ofTence to those who love peace.

Fair words, albeit many, fill not the bag ; nor shall a blaze of eloquent words sanctify the idle or the proud; but he that doth good shall find good.