MY SON, always commit thy cause to me, I will dispose well of it in due time.
Wait for my appointment, and thou shalt find it will be for thy good.
O Lord, I do most cheerfully commit all things unto thee, for my effort can avail little.
Would that I might not be too much set upon future events, but give myself up unhesitatingly to thy good pleasure.
2. My son, oftentimes a man vehemently pursues something he desireth, and when he hath arrived at it, he beginneth to be of another mind; for man’s affections do not long continue fixed on one object but rather do urge him from one thing to another.
It is therefore no small advantage for a man to forsake himself even in the smallest things.
3. The true progress of a man consisteth in the denying of himself; and he that is thus self-denied, liveth in great liberty and security.
But the old enemy,1 who always sets himself against all who are good, ceaseth at no time from tempting, but day and night lieth grievously in wait, to cast the unwary, if he can, into the snare of deceit.
Therefore “Watch ye, and pray,” saith our Lord, “that ye enter not into temptation.”2
1. 1 Pet. 5:8
2. Matt. 26:41