Rule 14.

On the Timeliness of Each Case Taken Separately

One should not confuse that which is not related to one another; but for each deed or word it is necessary to know its own time.

(Matthew 9:14-15): "Then the disciples of John came to Him and said, 'Why do we and the Pharisees fast much, and Your disciples do not fast? And Jesus said to them, Can the sons of the bridal chamber grieve while the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast," and so on.

(Galatians 4:31-5:1): "Therefore, brethren, we are not the children of slaves, but of free women. Stand therefore in the freedom which Christ has given us, and do not again be subjected to the yoke of slavery."

Rule 15.

On the hope of other people's merits

One should not rely on the merits of others, neglect one's own.

(Matthew 3:8-9): "Bring forth the worthy fruit of repentance, and do not think to say within yourselves, 'Our father is Abraham.'

Rule 16.

About those who think that they can take advantage of the fact that they live with virtuous and God-pleasing people, while they do not correct themselves

Those who live with people pleasing to God, but do not correct their own way of thinking, do not receive any benefit for themselves, although they apparently live like these people.

(Matthew 25:1-4): "Then the kingdom of heaven will be like unto the ten virgins, who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Of these, five were wise and five were foolish. The foolish took their lamps, and did not take oil with them. And the wise, together with their lamps, took the oil in their vessels." To this he adds a little later about the foolish virgins (Matt. 25:11-12): "After the other virgins also come, and say: Lord! God! open to us. And he answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.

(Luke 17:34-35, 37): "I say to you, In that night there will be two on the same bed: the one will be taken, and the other will be left; And they said to him, Where is it, Lord? And he said to them, 'Where there is a carcass, there the eagles will be gathered.'

Rule 17.

How one should dispose of oneself in the reasoning of the present tense