Yet doth he not despair, but more earnestly prayeth unto the Lord, and saith, Then cried I unto thee, O Lord, and gat me to my Lord right humbly.
Lastly, he receiveth the fruit of his prayer, and witnesseth that he was heard, saying, The Lord hath heard me, and taken pity on me: the Lord is become my helper.
But wherein? Thou hast turned, saith he, my heaviness into joy: thou hast compassed me about with gladness.
5. Whereupon therefore can I hope, or wherein ought I to trust, but in the great mercy of God alone, and in the only hope of heavenly grace?
For whether I enjoy the presence of good men, or religious brethren, or faithful friends, or holy books, or excellent treatises, or sweet songs and hymns, all these help little, and have little relish, when grace forsaketh me, and I am left in my own poverty.
At such a time there is no better remedy than patience, and renouncing my own will, according to the will of God.
Temptation going before, is wont to be a sign of ensuing comfort.
And to those that are proved by temptations, heavenly comfort is promised. He that shall overcome, saith He, I will give him to eat of the tree of life.
6. Divine comfort is given, that a man may be stronger to bear adversity.
There followeth temptation lest he should grow proud thereof.