He told me that the foundation of the spiritual life in him, had
been a high notion and esteem of GOD in faith; which when he had once
well conceived, he had no other care at first, but faithfully to
reject every other thought, that he might perform all his actions for
the love of GOD. That when sometimes he had not thought of GOD for a
good while, he did not disquiet himself for it; but after having
acknowledged his wretchedness to GOD, he returned to Him with so much
the greater trust in Him, as he had found himself wretched through
forgetting Him.
That the trust we put in GOD, honors Him much, and draws down great
graces.
That it was impossible, not only that GOD should deceive, hut also
that He should long let a soul suffer which is perfectly resigned to
Him, and resolved to endure everything for His sake.
That he had so often experienced the ready succors of Divine Grace
upon all occasions, that from the same experience, when he had
business to do, he did not think of it beforehand; but when it was
time to do it, he found in GOD, as in a clear mirror, all that was fit
for him to do. That of late he had acted thus, without anticipating
care; but before the experience above mentioned, he had used it in his
affairs.
When outward business diverted him a little from the thought of GOD, a
fresh remembrance coming from GOD invested his soul, and so inflamed
and transported him that it was difficult for him to contain himself.
That he was more united to GOD in his outward employments, than when
he left them for devotion in retirement.
That he expected hereafter some great pain of body or mind; that the
worst that could happen to him was, to lose that sense of GOD which he
had enjoyed so long; but that the goodness of GOD assured him He would
not forsake him utterly, and that He would give him strength to bear
whatever evil He permitted to happen to him; and therefore that he
feared nothing, and had no occasion to consult with anybody about his
state. That when he had attempted to do it, he had always come away
more perplexed; and that as he was conscious of his readiness to lay
down his life for the love of GOD, he had no apprehension of danger.
That perfect resignation to GOD was a sure way to heaven, a way in
which we had always sufficient light for our conduct.
That in the beginning of the spiritual life, we ought to be faithful
in doing our duty and denying ourselves; but after that, unspeakable
pleasures followed; that in difficulties we need only have recourse to
JESUS CHRIST, and beg his grace; with that everything became easy.
That many do not advance in the Christian progress because they stick
in penances, and particular exercises, while they neglect the love of
GOD, which is the end. That this appeared plainly by their works,
and was the reason why we see so little solid virtue.
That there needed neither art nor science for going to GOD, but only a
heart resolutely determined to apply itself to nothing but Him, or for
His sake, and to love him only.
