Page:Plutarch - Moralia, translator Holland, 1911.djvu/153

Rh and in the meanwhile to serve God with a pure and undefiled heart: Also, to limit and set out a certain time, wherein we would not make a lie, observing precisely not to speak any vain and idle word, either in earnest or in bourd.

With these and such-like observations also I acquainted and furnished my soul, as being no less affected to religion and godliness than studious of learning and philosophy: Namely, first enjoined myself to pass a certain few holy-days without being angry or offended upon any occasion whatsoever; no less than I would have vowed to forbear drunkenness, and abstain altogether from wine, as if I sacrificed at the feast Nephalia [wherein no wine was spent], or celebrated the solemnity Melisponda [in which honey only was used.] Thus, having made an entrance; I tried afterwards a month or two by little and little what I could do, and ever I gained more and more time, exercising myself still to forbear sin with all my power and might. Thus I proceeded and went forward daily, blessing myself with good words and striving to be mild, quiet and void of malice, pure and clean from evil speeches and lewd deeds: but principally from that passion which for a little pleasure and the same not very lovely, bringeth with it great troubles and shameful repentance in the end. Thus with the grace of God assisting me somewhat (as I take it) in this good resolution and course of mine, experience itself approved and confirmed my first intent and judgment, whereby I was taught, That this mildness, clemency and debonair humanity is to none of our familiars who live and converse daily with us, so sweet, so pleasant and agreeable as to ourselves who have these virtues and good qualities within us.