often happeneth, that those who are too violent in the beginning, do founder in the midst of meditation: as travellers making too much speed in their setting forth, are tired in the midst of their journey.
THE FIFTH DOCUMENT.
Amongst all documents this is chiefly to be observed, that when in meditation we cannot presently perceive that sweetness of devotion we expect, not, therefore, to wax pusillanimous, or leave off from the exercise begun, but patiently, with longanimity, expect the coming of our Lord: seeing it beseemeth the excellency of the Divine Majesty, the utility and baseness of man's condition, the importance of the business we have in hand, to stay awhile before the gates of his sacred palace. If he cometh presently, after a little expectation, with many thanks, let us with gratitude entertain this undeserved favor: if he maketh longer delays, let us humble ourselves before him, and confess that we do not deserve this grace: if he vouchsafest not to come at all, let us bear it patiently with a quiet mind, and content ourselves, that we have offered ourselves, with all we have, unto him, for a grateful sacrifice; that we have denied our own proper wills, resigning them unto his power; that we have crucified all our inordinate appetites; that we have fought against our passions and vices; and
