§ 1. Patience.

AND in order to do penance in a way most pleasing to God during all the rest of thy life, thou must bear with a meek and gentle heart all the adversities and annoyances which, by His permission, come upon thee and are inflicted by creatures. The Lord is accustomed to gladden at first with many consolations one who is converted to Him, offering him, as it were, assiduously the spiritual milk and white bread of grace; but afterwards, taking away that sweet nourishment, He gives him solid food, and black bread, leads him by a very difficult and dark road, and tries him with daily tribulations and unspeakable anxieties; insomuch that he seems to himself to be utterly abandoned and rejected by God, and in a manner given up to Satan. Meanwhile, he is also grievously afflicted by evil passions rising up within him, and by the persecution of men.

If this should happen to thee. see that thou bear thyself manfully and wisely; trusting firmly in thy God, who out of true love thus chastises thee or permits thee to be chastised. Shake not off from thy 117shoulders the cross which He imposes on thee; for it is wholly salutary, and far more for thy good than a great abundance of spiritual sweetness. Since thy Lord is a most skilful physician, He burns, cuts, and offers thee bitter potions that He may heal thee. Knowing this, endure patiently whatever is painful to thee; suffer every affliction for the honour and love of God, for the remission of thy sins.

Never murmur against God, nor blame His works and His judgments, since although these are hidden and unknown, and even incomprehensible to thee, they are yet ever just and most righteous. Think not that anything happens in the world by chance and without the providence of God; but in all things attend wisely to the divine dispensation, without which not even one leaf falls from the tree. God, who created all things, governs also and rules all things, from the highest angelic spirit to the vilest worm of the earth. If thou dost undoubtingly believe this, thou wilt be able more easily to keep thy mind even and undisturbed amid the various circumstances of the present life.