IT IS a very great thing to obey, to live under a superior and not to
be one's own master, for it is much safer to be subject than it is to
command. Many live in obedience more from necessity than from love.
Such become discontented and dejected on the slightest pretext; they
will never gain peace of mind unless they subject themselves
wholeheartedly for the love of God.
Go where you may, you will find no rest except in humble obedience to
the rule of authority. Dreams of happiness expected from change and
different places have deceived many.
Everyone, it is true, wishes to do as he pleases and is attracted to
those who agree with him. But if God be among us, we must at times give
up our opinions for the blessings of peace.
Furthermore, who is so wise that he can have full knowledge of
everything? Do not trust too much in your own opinions, but be willing
to listen to those of others. If, though your own be good, you accept
another's opinion for love of God, you will gain much more merit; for I
have often heard that it is safer to listen to advice and take it than
to give it. It may happen, too, that while one's own opinion may be
good, refusal to agree with others when reason and occasion demand it,
is a sign of pride and obstinacy.
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