There is nothing new nor strange unto them that have experience in the way of God; for the great saints and ancient prophets had oftentimes experience of such vicissitudes.
5. For which cause, one, while he was in divine grace, said, "I said in my prosperity, I shall never be moved."
But in the want of it, he adds, "Thou didst turn Thy face from me, and I was troubled."
Yet in the midst of all this he doth not by any means despair, but more earnestly beseecheth the Lord, and saith, "Unto Thee, Lord, will I cry, and I will pray unto my God."
At length, he receiveth the fruit of his prayer, and testifieth that he was heard, saying, "The Lord hath heard me, and taken pity on me; the Lord has become my helper."
But wherein? "Thou hast turned," saith he, "my sorrow into joy, and Thou hast compassed me about with gladness."
If great saints were so dealt with, we that are weak and poor ought not to despair, if we be sometimes hot and sometimes cold; for the Spirit cometh and goeth according to the good pleasure of His own will. For which cause holy Job saith, "Thou visitest him early in the morning, and suddenly Thou provest him."
6. Whereupon then can I hope, or wherein ought I to trust, save in the great mercy of God alone, and in the only hope of heavenly grace?
For whether I have either religious brethren, or faithful friends; whether holy books, or beautiful
