24. On prudent conversation, and brotherly compassion

" Physician, heal thy self ^ 1 . Keep in mind these words, before thou admonish or rebuke thy neighbour ; lest haply, in reproving him indiscreetly or uniustly, thou commit a greater fault than his.

The just and prudent man watches his opportunity, and seeks to learn the character and habits of the person to whom he wishes to fTive advice, lest he drive away or hurt him whom he would correct.

The mouth of the wise and discreet man is worthy of honour, and is like a solid vessel enriched with o o gold, failed with balm and odoriferous perfumes.

The sanctity of thy words, and the regularity of thy morals, edify those who are attached to the things of this world, — excite the indifferent, — rebuke the negligent, — bring the wandering heart to compuncti(m, — instruct the ignorant, and inflame the fervour of the devout. For the liA'ely example of good men persuades more effectively to contempt of the world, and amendment of life, than the verbose eloquence of worldly learning.

2. It must not be thought, that a desire to instruct and correct others, is a proof of ability or virtue ; but to govern oneself well, to receive reproof with pious humility, and to labour fervently in the reform of one's own heart ; — this is great wisdom both before God and men. liCarn to put a favourable intero o pretation on what is doubtfnl ; — never to pass jnflirmont on what is unknown ; — to avoid all open evil ; to beware of giviiif^ scandal ; — to bear patiently with the defects or faults of thy brethren ; — and to commit to the mercy of God what thou canst not correct.

Reflect that God has borne, and still bears with thee every day in a great many weaknesses ; and notwithstanding thou dost not amend them, though thou often declarest thy intention, and that thou hast the will to do so. But His mercy still bears with and awaits thee, to lead thee to penance, and to teach thee thy own infirmities, so that thou mayest humbly sue for pardon, and learn not to despise or rashly condemn thy neighbour.

Be then patient and merciful to thy brother in few things, as God is to thee in many things.

The devout and humble man speaks little, lest his much speaking should be hurtful to internal recollection.

The proud man speaks harshly, and the passionate man disturbs the soul of those he corrects ; as he, himself, is disturbed when corrected. But the meek bears patiently with those he would correct, — makes use of entreaty rather than reproach, — is compassionate for their sins, — and shows himself, indeed, the friend of their souls.

He that seeks to be first, exposes himself to many perils, and becomes despicable.

The lover of vain glory, keeps not long silence, lest he pass for ignorant : he is ashamed of mean and servile employments ; he cannot bear to put himself in the last place, or to sit on the lowest seat. And vet it is the hiohest honour to practice humility in all things, — to place oneself beneath other men, and voluntarily to fulfil the office of servant to others, for the sake of Christ, who has said, "I am in the midst of you, as he that serveth."* Learn then, young man, to be silent, if thou vvouldst not be covered with confusion, when speaking in the presence of thy elders.

For it is more profitable to be silent, than to speak foolishly.

3. It is a great art to know how to receive correction in silence, and much wisdom to speak modestly and in season ; and to say nothing before eidightened men, but what is just and fit.

The fool knows not how to observe either time, or purpose, or order ; moreover he often suffers much disquietude from the humiliations his own unadvised diso o o course has justly drawn upon him.

The presumptuous young man, who speaks inconsiderately, is like the fool that stands on a precipice. If he receive advice with docility, correction in silence and commands with submission, there will be great hope that he may make much progress in virtue, and one day flourish like the lily of the valleys.

Great is the pride of him who persists in his own designs, contrary to the will of God, and who refuses submission to the wise couni sels of the aged.

Since it is difficult for man in all his words and actions to keep always within the bounds of moderation, and to watch over his soul ; hence it is that religious persons love solitude, and seek retreat andsilence, to give themselves up to prayerapart fromthetumuh of the world.