Because for a slight opposition you fail from your undertakings, and too eagerly seek consolation. A valiant lover stands firm in temptations, and gives no credit to the crafty persuasions of the enemy. As I please him in prosperity, so in adversity I displease him not.† A wise lover regards not so much the gift of Him who loves, as the love of Him who gives. He esteems affection rather than value, and sets all gifts below the Beloved. A noble-minded lover rests not in the gift, but in Me above every gift.
All is not therefore lost, if sometimes you have less feeling for Me than you would. That good and sweet affection which you sometimes feel is the effect of grace present, and a sort of foretaste of your native land of Heaven; but you must not lean to much on it, for it comes and goes. But to strive against evil motions of the mind, and to reject† with scorn a suggestion of the Devil is a notable sign of virtue and will have great reward.
Let no strange fancies trouble you, no matter what they may be, which
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