¹ Since I have already spoken at length about morals and the disciplines of moral life, you ask again, my son, eager to learn, to be further taught. Have you not heard what is written: “To whom few things are not sufficient, many will not benefit”?

² I wrote to you previously about seriousness and modesty, of which, as someone once said, even their security makes me fearful. Yet, since admonition serves as a safeguard to some, a comfort to others, and a means of perfecting the character of many—being understood and followed by those who comprehend its value—this is why they must be frequently taught and instilled, most beloved son, so that through certain literary delights, they may overcome the bitterness of their internal conflicts.

³ Therefore, conquer this bestial war: namely, the desires and pride. Be useful in humility, lowly in authority, simple in faith, learned in morals, sharp in judging others, lenient in your own faults, pure in friendship, shrewd against deceit, unyielding in softness, gentle in harshness, flexible in clarity, straightforward in complexities, pleasant in bitterness, somber in joy, discordant in necessities, constant in truths, stern in sweetness, sweet in bitterness, strong in tribulations, weak in disagreements. Be slow to anger, swift to learn, “slow to speak”, as Saint James says, and likewise “quick to listen.” Be effective in foresight, sluggish in vengeance, cautious in speech, prompt in action. Be amiable to the virtuous, repellent to the dishonorable, gentle with the weak, harsh with the foolish, upright with the righteous, humble with the fallen. Be sober everywhere, chaste everywhere, modest always, patient within reason, never greedy, always generous, if not with wealth, then with spirit. Be diligent in fasting, vigilant in wakefulness, discreet in duties, steadfast in studies, constant in storms, joyful in sorrows, bold in the cause of truth, timid in contentions. Be submissive to the good, invincible to the wicked, mild in generosity, tireless in charity, just in all things. Be compassionate to the worthy, merciful to the poor, mindful of benefits, forgetful of injuries, a lover of moderation, indifferent to wealth, a humbler of arrogance, a revealer of honest thoughts. Be obedient to elders, competitive with the young, equal among peers, a rival to the perfect, without envy toward the better, without resentment toward those ahead, without disparagement toward those who lag behind, and agreeable with those who challenge you. Even when weary, do not falter. Weep and rejoice together with fervor and hope. Always fear for the end, even when secure in progress.

⁴ Behold, beloved boy and sweet servant, your guideline: if you become such a person, you will be truly blessed. For you will remain steadfast in prosperity and adversity alike, ready for all circumstances, attending to each matter with balance—nurturing growth, quelling decline, alleviating despair, sharpening the rebuked. Always diligent, always growing, always acquiring. Always striving for the heights, always running toward the prize, always desiring the heavenly, always thirsting for the divine. Here is the teaching; grant it your following, if you can, that you may attain happiness and power. By fleeing childish desires, may you bring your body under the dominion of the spirit and offer yourself as a surety for your sins, fighting in this brief life for the eternal reward. O, how fortunate, how blessed, how marvelous you will be, young one, if you fulfill all this! For if you diligently occupy your mind and actions with these things, you will neither have time for idle, aimless, or shameful thoughts, but as one who always begins anew, you will gather within yourself treasures to enjoy forever. You will be called a man of singular purpose and a seeker of unique rewards, an outstanding negotiator of the eternal kingdom. Therefore, turn yourself wholly to these pursuits, for you have the means to exercise your youth in them. Virtue, efficiency, and zeal must be exercised in righteous endeavors, in case, when applied to contrary pursuits, they are squandered in the struggle for the kingdom of heaven, which the violent seize by force.