3. They spent all their time profitably: every hour seemed short which they spent with God: and through the great sweetness of divine contemplation, they forgot even the necessity of their bodily refreshment.
They renounced all riches, dignities, honours, friends, and kindred; they desired to have nothing of this world; they scarce allowed themselves the necessaries of life: the serving the body even in necessity, was irksome to them.
They were poor, therefore, as to earthly things: but very rich in grace and virtues.
Outwardly they wanted, but inwardly they were refreshed with divine graces and consolations.
4. They were strangers to the world: but near and familiar friends to God.
They seemed to themselves as nothing, and were despised by this world: but in the eyes of God they were very valuable and beloved.
They stood in true humility, they lived in simple obedience, they walked in charity and patience: and therefore they daily advanced in spirit, and obtained great favour with God.
They were given as an example for all religious: and ought more to excite us to make good progress, than the number of the lukewarm to grow slack.