CHAPTER44 Chapter Do Not Be Concerned About Outward Things

BOOK THREE
INTERNAL CONSOLATION
chapter1-the-inward-conversation-of-christ-with-the-faithful-soul
chapter2-truth-speaks-inwardly-without-the-sound-of-words
chapter3-listen-humbly-to-the-words-of-god-many-do-not-heed-them
chapter4-we-must-walk-before-god-in-humility-and-truth
chapter5-the-wonderful-effect-of-divine-love
chapter6-the-proving-of-a-true-lover
chapter7-grace-must-be-hidden-under-the-mantle-of-humility
chapter8-self-abasement-in-the-sight-of-god
chapter9-all-things-should-be-referred-to-god-as-their-last-end
chapter10-to-despise-the-world-and-serve-god-is-sweet
chapter11-the-longings-of-our-hearts-must-be-examined-and-moderated
chapter12-acquiring-patience-in-the-fight-against-concupiscence
chapter13-the-obedience-of-one-humbly-subject-to-the-example-of-jesus-christ
chapter14-consider-the-hidden-judgments-of-god-lest-you-become-proud-of-your-own-good-deeds
chapter15-how-one-should-feel-and-speak-on-every-desirable-thing
chapter16-true-comfort-is-to-be-sought-in-god-alone
chapter17-all-our-care-is-to-be-placed-in-god
chapter18-temporal-sufferings-should-be-borne-patiently-after-the-example-of-christ
chapter19-true-patience-in-suffering
chapter20-confessing-our-weakness-in-the-miseries-of-life
chapter21-above-all-goods-and-all-gifts-we-must-rest-in-god
chapter22-remember-the-innumerable-gifts-of-god
chapter23-four-things-which-bring-great-peace
chapter24-avoiding-curious-inquiry-about-the-lives-of-others
chapter25-the-basis-of-firm-peace-of-heart-and-true-progress
chapter26-the-excellence-of-a-free-mind-gained-through-prayer-rather-than-by-study
chapter27-self-love-is-the-greatest-hindrance-to-the-highest-good
chapter28-strength-against-slander
chapter29-how-we-must-call-upon-and-bless-the-lord-when-trouble-presses
chapter30-the-quest-of-divine-help-and-confidence-in-regaining-grace
chapter31-to-find-the-creator-forsake-all-creatures
chapter32-self-denial-and-the-renunciation-of-evil-appetites
chapter33-restlessness-of-soul’s directing-our-final-intention-toward-god
chapter34-god-is-sweet-above-all-things-and-in-all-things-to-those-who-love-him
chapter35-there-is-no-security-from-temptation-in-this-life
chapter36-the-vain-judgments-of-men
chapter37-pure-and-entire-resignation-of-self-to-obtain-freedom-of-heart
chapter38-the-right-ordering-of-external-affairs-recourse-to-god-in-dangers
chapter39-a-man-should-not-be-unduly-solicitous-about-his-affairs
chapter40-man-has-no-good-in-himself-and-can-glory-in-nothing
chapter41-contempt-for-all-earthly-honor
chapter42-peace-is-not-to-be-placed-in-men
chapter43-beware-vain-and-worldly-knowledge
chapter44-chapter-do-not-be-concerned-about-outward-things
chapter45-all-men-are-not-to-be-believed-for-it-is-easy-to-err-in-speech
chapter46-trust-in-god-against-slander
chapter47-every-trial-must-be-borne-for-the-sake-of-eternal-life
chapter48-the-day-of-eternity-and-the-distresses-of-this-life
chapter49-the-desire-of-eternal-life-the-great-rewards-promised-to-those-who-struggle
chapter50-how-a-desolate-person-ought-to-commit-himself-into-the-hands-of-god
chapter51-when-we-cannot-attain-to-the-highest-we-must-practice-the-humble-works
chapter-52-a-man-ought-not-to-consider-himself-worthy-of-consolation-but-rather-deserving-of-chastisement
chapter53-god’s-grace-is-not-given-to-the-earthly-minded
chapter54-the-different-motions-of-nature-and-grace
chapter55-the-corruption-of-nature-and-the-efficacy-of-divine-grace
chapter56-we-ought-to-deny-ourselves-and-imitate-christ-through-bearing-the-cross
hchapter57-a-man-should-not-be-too-downcast
chapter58-high-matters-and-the-hidden-judgments-of-god-are-not-to-be-scrutinized
chapter59-all-hope-and-trust-are-to-be-fixed-in-god-alone

The Forty-Fourth
Chapter Do Not Be Concerned About Outward Things

The Voice of Christ
MY CHILD, there are many matters of which it is well for you to be ignorant, and to consider yourself as one who is dead upon the earth and to whom the whole world is crucified. There 167 are many things, too, which it is well to pass by with a deaf ear, thinking, instead, of what is more to your peace. It is more profitable to turn away from things which displease you and to leave to every man his own opinion than to take part in quarrelsome talk. If you stand well with God and look to His judgment, you will more easily bear being worsted.

The DiscipleTo what have we come, Lord? Behold, we bewail a temporal loss. We labor and fret for a small gain, while loss of the soul is forgotten and scarcely ever returns to mind. That which is of little or no value claims our attention, whereas that which is of highest necessity is neglected—all because man gives himself wholly to outward things. And unless he withdraws himself quickly, he willingly lies immersed in externals