CHAPTER XII.

_That the grace of devotion is obtained by humility and renouncing ourselves._

_The voice of the Beloved._

*THOU oughtest to seek the grace of devotion fervently, to ask it earnestly, to expect it patiently and with confidence, to receive it gratefully, to keep it humbly, to work with it diligently, and to commit the time and manner of this heavenly visitation to God, until it shall please him to come unto thee.

Thou oughtest chiefly to humble thyself, when thou feelest inwardly little or no devotion; and yet not be too much dejected.

*God often giveth in a moment that which he hath a long time denied.

He giveth sometimes in the end, that which in the beginning of prayer he deferred to grant.

*It is sometimes a little thing that hindereth and hideth grace from us;

If it may be called little, and not rather great, that hindereth so great good.

But if thou removest this, be it great or small, thou shalt have thy desire.

2. For, as soon as ever thou hast delivered thyself to God with thy whole heart, and seekest not this or that for thine own pleasure or will, but fixest thyself wholly upon him, thou shalt find thyself united and at peace.

For nothing will relish so well, and please thee so much, as what pleases the divine will.

Then shall he see, and be filled and wonder, and his heart shall be enlarged within him; because the hand of the Lord is with him, and he hath put himself wholly into his hands for ever.

Behold, so shall the man be blessed that seeketh God with his whole heart, and busieth not his soul in vain.

This man obtaineth a high degree of divine union, in receiving the holy eucharist.

Because he respecteth not his own devotion and comfort; but above all devotion and comfort, the honour and glory of God.