CHAPTER VII.
OF CONCEALING GRACE UNDER THE GUARD OF HUMILITY.
MY son, it is more profitable for thee and more safe, to conceal the grace of devotion; not to lift thyself on high, or to speak much thereof, or to dwell much thereon; but rather to despise thyself, and to fear lest the grace have been given to one unworthy of it.
This affection thou must not too earnestly cleave unto, for it may be quickly changed to the contrary.
Think when thou art in grace, how miserable and needy thou art wont to be without grace.
Nor is it in this only that thy progress in spiritual life consists, that thou hast the grace of comfort; but rather that with humility, self-denial, and patience, thou endurest the withdrawing thereof; provided thou do not then become listless in the exercise of prayer, nor suffer the rest of thy accustomed duties to be at all neglected.
Rather do thou cheerfully perform what lieth in thee, according to the best of thy power and understanding; and do not wholly neglect thyself because of the dryness or anxiety of mind which thou feelest.
2. For there are many who, when things succeed not well with them, presently become impatient or slothful.
For the way of man is not always in his power, but it belongeth unto God to give, and to comfort,
