Book I, Chapter XX

Of the Love of Solitude and Silence

1. Seek a proper time to retire into thyself, and often think of the benefits of God. Let alone curiosities; read such matters as may rather move thee to compunction, than give thee occupation. If thou wilt withdraw thyself from superfluous talk and idle visits, as also from giving ear to news and reports, thou wilt find time sufficient and proper to employ thyself in good meditations. The greatest saints avoided the company of men as much as they could, and chose to live to God in secret.

2. As often as I have been among men, said one, I have returned less a man. Seneca, Epist. 7. This we often experience, when we talk long. It is easier to be altogether silent, than not to exceed in words. It is easier to keep retired at home, than to be able to be sufficiently upon one’s guard abroad. Whosoever, therefore, aims at arriving at internal and spiritual things, must with Jesus go aside from the crowd. No man is secure in appearing abroad, but he who would willingly lie hid at home: no man securely speaks, but he who loves to hold his peace: no man securely governs, but he who would willingly live in subjection: no man securely commands, but he who has learnt well to obey.

3. No man securely rejoiceth unless he has within him the testimony of a good conscience. Yet the security of the saints was always full of the fear of God. Neither were they less careful or humble in themselves, because they were shining with great virtues and grace. But the security of the wicked arises from pride and presumption, and will end in the deceiving themselves. Never promise thyself security in this life, though thou seemest to be a good religious man, or a devout hermit.

4. Oftentimes they that were better in the judgment of men, have been in greater danger by reason of their too great confidence. So that it is better for many not to be altogether free from temptations, but to be often assaulted; that they be not too-secure, lest, perhaps, they be lifted up with pride, or take more liberty to go aside after exterior comforts. O! how good a conscience would that man preserve, who would never seek after transitory joy, nor ever busy himself with the world! O! how great peace and tranquillity would he possess, who would cut off all vain solicitude, and only think of the things of God, and his salvation, and place his whole hope in God.

5. No man is worthy of heavenly comfort, who has not diligently exercised himself in holy compunction. If thou wouldst find compunction in thy heart, retire into thy chamber, and shut out the tumult of the world, as it is written (Psalms 4) Have compunction in your chambers. Thou shalt find in thy cell what thou shalt often lose abroad. Thy cell, if thou continue in it, grows sweet, but if thou keep not to it, becomes tedious and distasteful. If, in the beginning of thy conversion, thou accustom thyself to remain in it, and keep it well, it will be to thee afterwards a dear friend, and a most agreeable delight.

6. In silence and quiet the devout soul goes forward and learns the secrets of the Scriptures. There she finds floods of tears, with which she may wash and cleanse herself every night; that she may become so much the more familiar with her Maker, by how much the farther she lives from all worldly tumult. For God, with his holy angels, will draw nigh to him who withdraws himself from his acquaintance and friends. It is better to lie hid, and take care of one’s self, than, neglecting one’s self, to do even miracles. It is commendable for a religious man to go seldom abroad, to fly being seen, and not to desire to see men.

7. Why wilt thou see what thou must not have? The world pas set h, and its concupiscence. (1 John 2) The desires of sensuality draw thee abroad; but when the hour is past, what dost thou bring home but a weight upon thy conscience, and a dissipation of heart? A joyful going abroad often brings forth a sorrowful coming home; and a merry evening makes a sad morning; so all carnal joy enters pleasant, but in the end brings remorse and death. What canst thou see elsewhere, which thou seest not here? Behold the heaven and earth, and all the elements, for of these all things are made.

8. What canst thou see any where which can continue long under the Bun? Thou thinkest, perhaps, to be satisfied, but thou canst not attain to it. If thou couldst see all things at once before thee, what would it be but a vain sight? Lift up thy eyes to God on high, and pray for thy sins and negligences. Leave vain things to vain people; but mind thou the things which God has commanded thee. Shut thy door upon thee, and call to thee Jesus thy beloved. Stay with him in thy cell, for thou shalt not find so great a peace any where else. If thou hadst not gone abroad, nor hearkened to rumors, thou hadst kept thyself better in good peace; but since thou art delighted sometimes to hear news, thou must from thence suffer a disturbance of heart.

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