CHAPTER IX

OF READING

If thou desire to come to the love of God, and be kindled in thy desire for heavenly joys, and be brought to the despising of earthly things, be not negligent in meditating and reading holy scripture; and most in those places where it teaches manners, and to eschew the deceits of the fiend, and where it speaks of God’s love, and of contemplative life. Hard sayings may be left to disputers and to wise men used for a long time in holy doctrine.

It helps us truly mickle to profit in good. By this we know our defaults and good deeds; in which things we sin, and in which not; what we should do, and what forbear; and the most subtle deceits of our enemies are opened to us. They kindle to love, and prick to weeping. If we have delight in them as it were in all riches, they prepare us a table of delights.

But let not covetousness of the honour or favour or praise of men kindle us to knowledge of scripture, but only the intent to please God; that we may know how we should love Him, and teach our neighbour the same. We ought not to be holden wise anent the people but rather hide our knowledge than show it so as to be praised, as it is said: In corde meo abscondi eloquia tua, ut non peccem tibi, that is: ‘In my heart thy words, that I sin not towards thee,’ in void or vain showing.

Therefore the cause of our speaking should be only the praise of God and the edification of our neighbour, that it may be fulfilled in us: Semper laus ejus in ore meo. ‘Alway His praise be in my mouth,’ and that is, when we seek not our own honour and we speak not against His praise.