Thoughts on the Misery of Man

Is there anyone who has everything as he wishes? No one in the world, be it pope or king, who does not suffer trial and anguish. Surely then it is better for the man who suffers something for God.

The saints of God and all devout friends of Christ did not look to what pleases the body nor to the the things that are popular from time to time. Their whole hope and aim centered on the everlasting good. Their whole desire pointed upward to the lasting and invisible realm, lest hte love of what is visible drag them down to lower things.

How great is the fraility of human nature... today you confess your sins and tomorrow you again commit the sins which you confessed. Humble ourselves therefore and never think anything great of ourselves. Through neglect we may quickly lose that which by Gods grace we have acquired only through long, hard labour.