Chapter I.—In God Alone is the Hope and Joy of Man.
1. Let me know Thee, O Thou who knowest me; let me know Thee, as I am known. 813 O Thou strength of my soul, enter into it, and prepare it for Thyself, that Thou mayest have and hold it without “spot or wrinkle.” 814 This is my hope, “therefore have I spoken;” 815 and in this hope do I rejoice, when I rejoice soberly. Other things of this life ought the less to be sorrowed for, the more they are sorrowed for; and ought the more to be sorrowed for, the less men do sorrow for them. For behold, “Thou desirest truth,” 816 seeing that he who does it “cometh to the light.” 817 This wish I to do in confession in my heart before Thee, and in my writing before many witnesses.