Oh service worthy to be embraced and always wished for, which leads to the supreme good, and procures a joy that will never end.
Chap. XI.
That the desires of our heart
are to be examined and moderated..
1. Son, thou hast many things still to learn, which thou hast not yet well learned.
What are these things, O Lord?
That thou conform in all things thy desire to my good pleasure, and that thou be not a lover of thyself, but earnestly zealous that my will may be done.
Desires often inflame thee, and violently hurry thee on; but consider whether it be for my honour, or thy own interest that thou art more moved.
If thou hast no other view but me, thou wilt be well contented with whatever I shall ordain; but if there lurk in thee any thing of self-seeking, behold this is it that hinders thee, and troubles thee.
2. Take care then not to rely too much upon any desire which thou hast conceived before thou hast consulted me, lest afterwards thou repent, or be displeased with that which before pleased thee, and which thou zealously desiredst as the best.