Page:The Labyrinth of the World and the Paradise of the Heart.pdf/333

Rh the throne of the world; indeed, if one of the godly sits on it (and experience has proved this), many flatterers and hypocrites mix with the band of the godly, and through this admixture the piety of the others also cools; and, on the other hand, in time of open persecution only the godly serve God, and with full ardour. It must also be considered that in such circumstances many conceal themselves under the covering of the common welfare, piety, honesty, privileges; but could we look through them thoroughly, it would be found that they seek kingdoms, privileges, glory, not for Christ, but for themselves. Therefore the true Christian lets all such matters befall, as they can and will. To him who is alone in the dwelling of his heart, God and His grace are sufficient.

6. Neither do the temptations that surround the Church trouble an enlightened soul. The godly know that triumph will at last be theirs. They know also that they cannot obtain it without a victory, nor obtain a victory without fighting, nor a fight without foes and hard conflict with them. They therefore bravely endure what may befall them or others; for they are certain that victory is God's, who will guide all things whither He designs them; be it even that rocks, mountains, a sea or abyss