distaste, and dryness of spirit in prayer or at other times; thinking that you have to endure all this very often, and must take it in good part, and be careful never to be the cause of it yourself; and all your delight must be to suffer with your dear and loving Jesus, and out of love to Him. Be not inconstant in what you commence, wishing one thing one day, and another thing the next, but persevere and be steadfast; and be sure that, by using these means (yet always making efforts with the gentleness we have described), it is impossible but that you should endure even to the end; for without this peace you cannot live even an hour, for it would be an intolerable suffering to you.
CHAPTER IX.
That we ought not to seek Pleasures, nor the things which gratify our Tastes; but God Alone.
ALWAYS choose toil, and love to be without the consolations of particular friendships and favours, which do not bring any profit with them to the soul; and rejoice to be ever subject to, and dependent on the will of others.
Let every thing be a means of leading you to
