Christ.SON, thou art not a valiant and prudent lover.
Christian. Wherefore, Lord?
Christ. Because thou givest over thy undertakings for a small difficulty, and too greedily seekest after comfort.
A valiant lover standeth firmly in temptations, and giveth not credit to the crafty persuasions of the enemy.
2. A prudent lover considereth not so much the gift of his lover, as the love of the giver.
He regardeth the love more than the value, and valueth his beloved above all his gifts.
A generous lover resteth not in the gift, but in me above every gift.
3. Know that thy ancient enemy doth ever strive to hinder thy desire to good, and to divert thee from all religious exercises; to wit, from the devout memory of my passion, from the profitable remembrance of thy sins, from the guard of thine own heart, and from the firm purpose of profiting in virtue.
He injecteth many evil thoughts, that he may cause a weariness in thee, to drive thee from prayer and holy reading.
Humble prayer is displeasing unto him; and if he could, he would cause thee to cease from receiving the sacrament.