The Ciphers of Muirwood (Covenant of Muirwood, #2)

by Jeff Wheeler

“There was never an angry man who thought his anger was unjust.” —Richard Syon, Aldermaston of Muirwood Abbey

We all face difficulties, but they should not become our core. We grieve, we suffer, we weep. Challenges are experiences that help us to grow, like the winds that help strengthen the roots of the apple trees in the Cider Orchard. Storms are always temporary and should never distract us from the beautiful days that were before or will come after. Do not become so fixed on a single injustice that you can no longer remember others may be suffering near you. Like the healing of the body when it is ill, the healing of the heart requires patience. —Richard Syon, Aldermaston of Muirwood Abbey

All those who offer an opinion on any doubtful point should first clear their minds of every sentiment of dislike, friendship, anger, or pity. —Richard Syon, Aldermaston of Muirwood Abbey

The failure to master anger is the most common one among mastons. It is a wall that prevents the Medium from reaching us. For he that will be angry for anything will be angry for nothing. —Richard Syon, Aldermaston of Muirwood Abbey

As I have studied the tomes of the ages, I have discerned that our behavior flows from three main sources. Desire. Emotion. Knowledge. Is it not the sign of a true maston when all three are harmonized? When they are, great power comes from the Medium to aid us. —Richard Syon, Aldermaston of Muirwood Abbey

How much more grievous are the consequences of anger than the causes of it. A single word, spoken in enmity, can scar a heart for a lifetime. —Richard Syon, Aldermaston of Muirwood Abbey

It is said the greatest remedy for anger is delay. For mastons who cannot restrain their anger will wish undone what their temper and irritation prompted them to do. —Richard Syon, Aldermaston of Muirwood Abbey

The Medium is intent on your personal growth. That progress can be quick when you willingly allow it to lead you through every experience you encounter, whether it initially be to your individual liking or not. —Richard Syon, Aldermaston of Muirwood Abbey

Mastons learn that a peaceful conscience invites relief from anguish, sorrow, guilt, and shame. It provides a foundation for joy. It is of immeasurable worth. It is also incredibly rare. —Richard Syon, Aldermaston of Muirwood Abbey

An ancient Aldermaston once said this, which has helped me tame the feelings that offense inspires: When you are offended at any man’s fault, turn to yourself and study your own failings. Then you will forget your anger. —Richard Syon, Aldermaston of Muirwood Abbey

Belief and character are intermixed. Following the Medium’s whispers over time will forge a strong character that can be called upon in times of desperate need. Character is not developed in moments of temptation and trial. That is when it is intended to be used. —Richard Syon, Aldermaston of Muirwood Abbey

Anger, if not restrained, is frequently more hurtful to us than the injury that provoked it. —Richard Syon, Aldermaston of Muirwood Abbey

In the tome called the Hodoeporicon, there is a great proverb on anger that has always impressed me. In a controversy, the instant we feel anger we have already ceased striving for truth, and have begun striving for ourselves. —Richard Syon, Aldermaston of Muirwood Abbey

“Ovidius said we are slow to believe that which, if believed, would hurt our feelings.”

There are three things that a maston must do. By these three can one learn to govern oneself and ultimately the Medium. Speak the truth. Do not yield to anger. Give much when you are asked for little. By these three steps will one walk the path leading back to Idumea. —Richard Syon, Aldermaston of Muirwood Abbey

We must never give up what we most want in life for something we think we want now. All things received begin with a thought. Therefore, we must be cautious what we allow ourselves to think. —Richard Syon, Aldermaston of Muirwood Abbey