Letter 124. To a Friend

If you would have nothing mar your life, do not seek reputation or this world’s glory. Do not cleave to human friendships and consolations. Do not “love your life,” but despise all that ministers to mere natural inclinations. Bear all bodily pain or sickness cheerfully, and in perfect submission to God’s Will. Be indifferent to the opinion of men. Be much given to silence, and you will find inward peace — there is no other secret by which either you or I can gain that peace, save by bearing calmly with man’s judgments. Do not be anxious as to what the world thinks of you; wait for God’s Judgment, and your patience will bear witness against those who have judged you. Those who ride in the ring (at a tournament) think less of the bystanders than how best to ride so as to win the prize. Bethink you for Whom you work, and then those who trouble you now will have but little power to do so. Your most humble, &c.

r773.3 cxxix.