The Fifth Counsel—Persevere in Aridity

Amongst all counsels this is chiefly to be observed, that when in meditation we cannot presently perceive that sweetness of devotion we expect, not, therefore, to wax timid, or leave off from the exercise begun, but patiently, with longsuffering, expect the coming of our Lord: seeing it worthy of the excellency of the Divine Majesty, the utility and baseness of man’s condition, the importance of the business we have in hand to stay awhile before the gates of his sacred palace. If he comes presently, after a little expectation, with many thanks let us with gratitude entertain this undeserved favour. If he makes longer delays, let us humble ourselves before him and confess that we do not deserve this grace. If he doesn’t come at all, let us bear it patiently with a quiet mind and content ourselves, that we have offered ourselves with all we have unto him, for a grateful sacrifice; that we have denied our own proper wills, resigning them unto his power; that we have crucified all our inordinate appetites; that we have fought against our passions and vices; and finally, that we have performed whatsoever was in our power to be done; and although we have not worshipped him with sensible devotion, yet let it suffice us that we have worshipped him in spirit and in truth as he requires. Last of all, let us persuade ourselves that this is the most dangerous and chiefly to be feared rock of this present navigation, and the place wherein the true and faithful servants of God are tried and distinguished from infidels; from which, if we shall depart in safety, in all others we shall have a prosperous success.