This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
Of the Want of all Comfort.
77

In this case thou oughtest not to be cast down; but to resign thyself calmly to God's will, and whatever comes upon thee, to endure it for the glory of Jesus Christ; for after winter followeth summer, after night the day, and after a tempest a great calm.

CHAPTER IX.

OF THE WANT OF ALL COMFORT.

IT is no hard matter to despise human comfort when we have comfort from above.

It is much, and very much, to be able to lack both human and divine comfort; and, for God's honour, to be willing cheerfully to endure desolation of heart; and to seek oneself in nothing, nor to regard one's own merit.

What great matter is it, if at the coming of grace thou be cheerful and devout? this hour is wished for by all men.

He rideth easily enough whom the grace of God carrieth.

And what marvel if he feel not his burden, who is borne up by the Almighty, and led by the Sovereign Guide?

2. We are always willing to have something for our comfort; and a man doth not without difficulty strip himself of self.

The holy martyr Laurence and his priest overcame the world, because whatsoever seemed delightsome