t is more profitable for you and safer to conceal the grace of devotion; not to lift yourself on high, nor to speak much of it, or to dwell on it; but rather to despise yourself, and to fear this grace, as given to one unworthy of it. This disposition must not be too earnestly held to, for it may be quickly changed to the contrary. When you are in grace, think how miserable and needy you would be without grace.
You progress in spiritual life less when you have the grace of comfort then when with humility, self-denial, and patience, you endure the withdrawing of grace; provided you do not then become listless in the zeal of prayer, nor neglect the rest of your accustomed duties. Cheerfully perform what lies in you, according to the best of your power and understanding; and do not, because of the dryness or anxiety of mind which you feel, wholly neglect yourself. For there are many who become impatient or slothful. For the way of man is not always in his power,† but it belongs to God to give, and to comfort, when He will, and how much He will, and whom He will; as it pleases Him, and no more.
Some unadvised persons, to gain the grace of devotion, have overdone; because they attempted more than they were able to perform, not
