For when the grace of God comes to a man, then he is strong and powerful for all things: and when it departs, then he is poor and weak, left as it were only to stripes.
In these he must not be dejected nor despair; but stand with an even mind, resigned to the will of God, and bear, for the glory of Jesus Christ, whatever shall befal him: because after winter, comes summer; after night the day returns; after a storm there follows a great calm.
Chap. IX.
Of the want of all comfort.
1. It is not hard to despise all human comfort, when we have divine.
But it is much, and very much, to be able to want all comfort, both human and divine: and to be willing to bear this interior banishment for God's honour, and to seek one's self in nothing, nor to think of one's own merit.
What great thing is it, if thou be cheerful and devout when grace comes? This hour is desirable to all.
He rides at ease, that is carried by the grace of God.
And what wonder, if he feels no weight, who is carried by the Almighty, and led on by the sovereign guide?
2. We willingly would have something to comfort us: and it is with difficulty that a man can put off himself.