CHAPTER XLIX.
OF THE DESIRE OF EVERLASTING LIFE, AND HOW GREAT REWARDS ARE PROMISED TO THOSE THAL STRIVE RESOLUTELY.
Y son, when thou feelest the desire of
eternal bliss to be given thee from
above, and longest to depart out of
the tabernacle of this body, that
thou mayest contemplate My brightness
without shadow of turning; open thy heart wide, and
receive with thy whole desire this holy inspiration.
Give greatest thanks to the heavenly goodness, which treateth thee with such condescension, visiting thee mercifully, stirring thee up fervently, powerfully sustaining thee, lest through thine own weight thou sink to earthly things.
For thou dost not obtain this by thine own thought or endeavour, but by the mere condescension of heavenly grace and divine favour; to the end that thou mayest make progress in all virtue, and obtain greater humility, preparing thyself for future conflicts, and endeavour to cleave unto Me with the whole affection of thy heart, and to serve Me with fervent willingness.
2. My son, oftentimes the fire burneth, but the flame ascendeth not up without smoke.
So likewise the desires of some men burn towards heavenly things, and yet they are not free from the temptation of carnal affection.
And therefore it is not altogether purely for the
