CHAPTER X.
OF GRATITUDE FOR THE GRACE OF GOD.
HY seekest thou rest, since thou art born to labour?
Dispose thyself to patience rather than to comfort, and to the bearing of the cross rather than to gladness.
What worldling is there that would not willingly receive spiritual joy and comfort if he could always have it?
For spiritual comforts exceed all the delights of the world, and the pleasures of the flesh.
For all worldly delights are either vain or unclean; but spiritual delights alone are pleasant and honest, sprung from virtue, and infused by God into pure minds.
But no man can always enjoy these divine comforts according to his desire; for the time of temptation is not far away.
2. But false freedom of mind and great confidence in ourselves are very contrary to heavenly visitations.
God doeth well for us in giving the grace of comfort; but man doeth evil in not returning all again unto God with thanksgiving.
And therefore the gifts of grace cannot flow in us, because we are unthankful to the giver, and return them not wholly to the fountain.
For grace ever attendeth him that is duly thankful; and from the proud shall be taken that which is wont to be given to the humble.
