Wherefore holy Job says: Thou dost visit him early in the morning, and on a sudden thou triest him. Job vii.
6. Wherein then can I hope, or in what must I put my trust, but in God's great mercy alone, and in the hope of heavenly grace!
For whether I have with me good men, or devout brethren, or faithful friends, or holy books, or fine treatises, or sweet singing and hymns: all these help little, and give me but little relish, when I am forsaken by grace, and left in my own poverty.
At such a time there is no better remedy than patience, and leaving myself to God's will.
7. I never found any one so religious and devout, as not to have sometimes a subtraction of grace, or feel a diminution of fervour.
No saint was ever so highly wrapt and illuminated, as not to be tempted at first or at last.
For he is not worthy of the high contemplation of God, who has not, for God's sake, been exercised with some tribulation.
For temptation going before, is usually a sign of ensuing consolation.
For heavenly comfort is promised to such has have been proved by temptations.