cerity and goodness of the friends of God is known, whereby the true are severed from false servants.
A REMEDY FOR THE SECOND TEMPTATION.
Against the temptation of importune and unprofitable cogitations, which are wont to vex those that pray, and disquiet them with no small molestation, this is the remedy; to resist them manfully, provided always, the resistance be not joined with too much violence and anxiety of spirit. Seeing this work dependeth not so much of our strength, as Almighty God's grace and profound humility; wherefore, when any one is beset with these temptations, let him confidently turn himself to God without any scruple or anxiety of mind, (seeing this is no fault, or at least, a very small one,) with great submission and devotion of heart, saying, behold, Lord, behold what I am! what other thing can be looked for from this ordure, but such filthy savours? what other fruit can be expected from this earth, which thou didst curse in the beginning of the world, but thorns and thistles? what good can it bring forth, except thou. Lord, dost purge it from all corruption? this being said, let him return to continue his meditations with patience, expecting the visitation of our Lord, who is never wanting to the humble of spirit.
