Chapter XVIII. Of his public profession of faith, and of his delivering… must ever be ordered for the Glory of God; that is, that one must pray continually: wherefore talk not with anyone unless he doth admit the truth.
(8) Thou shalt never study to take a degree in Theology, nor strive therefor, because:
(l.) I care not to follow after gain or preferment or reputation, and knowledge I may have 60 equally well without a degree. (2.) The common life of an university is carnal and is for them that savour carnal things. (3) In many respects thou mayest be hindered from promoting the spiritual health of thy neighbour, from prayer, from purity of mind and from contemplation. (4) One must be present at many vain lectures and be in the company of a multitude of men, by which things a man is defiled and turned from his path.
Thou shalt never busy thyself with law or medicine save when occasion ariseth and when thou canst do some good thereby, for: (l) These studies have no nourishment in them, but do turn aside the mind; yet for the sake of peacemaking, or in case of necessity, or when some urgent cause ariseth one may meddle with law; and with medicine also for the sake of one's own bodily health or that of a fellow man. (2) These be worldly matters in which it is convenient rather to take the counsel of others, than to give advice. (3) The study of medicine is forbidden to Divines, Monks, and them that do long after the Law of God.
Thou shalt not give medicine of doubtful virtue, nor prescribe any medicine whatever for a disease the nature whereof is uncertain, nor give a potion to any sick man save under most urgent necessity when no other adviser may be had; otherwise thou shalt never intrude thyself: thou seest how greatly good men do rejoice in being freed from practising this art.
Thou shalt not advise upon, nor busy thyself with causes concerning matters of opinion or controversy unless: (1) It be clearly apparent to thee that otherwise some falsehood might 61 be propagated; or (2) for Charity's sake; or (3) the whole cause be that of righteousness; or (4) it be most certainly for the curbing of evil manners; or (5) to prevent the oppression of the poor; or (6) unless thou canst intervene and yet preserve an equal mind. After such interference withdraw thyself so that there remain to thee no care for the residue of the matter.
Likewise take good heed that thou be careful not to be moved by friendship, or kinship, or hatred, and if thy friend or kinsman, or one that was aforetime thine enemy be concerned, search thy heart to know if thou wouldest act in the same manner if he were a stranger or not thine enemy. It is evident, as Virgil saith, that the happiness of the dweller in the country is that "he hath not looked upon the iron rigour of the law and the mad turmoil of the Forum."
Thou shalt not appear before a spiritual officer or judge, as a favour to any friend or kinsman or other man, nor at all unless the most urgent call of duty require it. If such case of necessity urge thee, thou oughtest to send a deputy, and not to go thyself, because by this is quietness of mind disturbed if thou dost intrude thyself into the affairs, the tumult and tempest of the world. In all other conditions let the dead bury their dead. Thou shalt not