grieveth thus on account of others, much more will so do for himself; he who thus weepeth
for the sins of others will not pass by his own transgressions unwept, or rather, he will not
quickly sin. But this is dreadful, that when we are ordered so to grieve for them that sin, we
do not even exhibit any repentance for our own sins, but when sinning remain without
feeling, and have care for and take account of anything, rather than our own sins. For this
cause we rejoice with a worthless joy, which is the joy of the world, and straightway quenched,
and which brings forth griefs innumerable. Let us then grieve with grief which is the mother
of joy, and let us not rejoice with joy which brings forth grief. Let us shed tears which are
the seeds of great joy, and not laugh with that laughter, which brings forth the gnashing of
teeth for us. Let us be afflicted with affliction, from which springs up ease, and let us not
seek luxury, whence great affliction and pain is born. Let us labor a little time upon the earth,
that we may have continual enjoyment in heaven. Let us afflict ourselves in this transitory
life, that we may attain rest in that which is endless. Let us not be remiss in this short life,
lest we groan in that which is endless.
See ye not how many are here in affliction for the sake of worldly things? Consider that
thou also art one of them, and bear thy affliction and thy pain, feeding on the hope of things
to come. Thou art not better than Paul or Peter, who never obtained rest, who passed all
their life in hunger and thirst and nakedness. If thou wouldest attain the same things with
them, why journeyest thou along a contrary road? If thou wouldest arrive at that City, of
which they have been deemed worthy, walk along the path which leadeth thither. The way
of ease leadeth not thither, but that of affliction. The former is broad, the latter is narrow;
along this let us walk, that we may attain eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord, with whom,
to the Father, together with the Holy Ghost, be honor, might, power, now and ever, and
world without end. Amen.
452
Philippians 4:10-14