CHAPTER XII.
That the grace of devotion is obtained by humility and renouncing ourselves.
The voice of the Beloved.
*THOU oughtest to seek the grace of devotion fervently, to ask it earnestly, to expect it patiently and with confidence, to receive it gratefully, to keep it humbly, to work with it diligently, and to commit the time and manner of this heavenly visitation to God, until it shall please him to come unto thee.
Thou oughtest chiefly to humble thyself, when thou feelest inwardly little or no devotion; and yet not be too much dejected.
*God often giveth in a moment that which he hath a long time denied.
He giveth sometimes in the end, that which in the beginning of prayer he deferred to grant.
*It is sometimes a little thing that hindereth and hideth grace from us;
If it may be called little, and not rather great, that hindereth so great good.