The Stableness of Everlastingness

The world itself compels us to despise the world

that is so full of wretchedness;

in which is –

abiding malice,

destroying persecution,

swelling wrath,

fretting lust,

false blaming for sin,

and bitterness of slander;

where all things are confused and withouten order;

where neither righteousness is loved nor truth approved;

where faithfulness is unfaithful,

and friendship cruel,

that stands in prosperity and falls in adversity.

There are yet other things that should move us

to the despising of the world:

the changeableness of time;

the shortness of this life;

death sure;

the chance of death unsure;

the stableness of everlastingness

and the vanity of things present;

the truth of joys to come.

Choose what thou wilt.

If thou love the world, with it thou shalt perish;

if thou love Christ, with Him thou shalt reign.

~ Richard Rolle of Hampole, Hermit [1290-1349]