And if thou didst seriously consider in thy heart the future punishments of hell and purgatory, I believe thou wouldst willingly endure labour and pain, and fear no kind of austerity.
But because these things reach not the heart, and we still love the things which flatter us, therefore we remain cold and very sluggish.
6. It is oftentimes a want of spirit, which makes the wretched body so easily complain.
Pray therefore humbly to our Lord, that he may give thee the spirit of compunction: and say with the prophet: Feed me, Lord, with the food of tears, and give me drink of tears in measure.
Chap. XXII.
Of the consideration of the misery of man.
1. Thou art miserable wherever thou art, and which way soever thou turnest thyself, unless thou turn thyself to God.
Why art thou troubled because things do not succeed with thee according to thy will and desire?
Who is there that has all things according to his will?
Neither I, nor thou, nor any man upon earth.