states are found in the apostle Paul. He tells
us, "And lest I should be exalted above measure, through the abundance
of revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the
messenger of Satan to buffet me." He prayed thrice, and it was said to
him, "My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect
in weakness." He proved also another state when he thus expressed
himself, "Oh, wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the
body of this death?" To which he replies, "I thank God, it is done
through Jesus Christ our Lord." It is He who conquers death in us
through His own life. Then there is no longer a sting in death, or
thorn in the flesh, capable of paining or hurting any more.

At first indeed, and for a pretty long time after, the soul sees that
nature wants to take some part with it in its trials; then its fidelity
consists in withholding it, without allowing it the least indulgence,
till it leaves everything to go on with God in purity as it comes from
Him. Till the soul be in this state, it always sullies, by its own
mixture, the operation of God; like those rivulets which contract the
corruption of the places they pass through, but, flowing in a pure
place, they then remain in the purity of their source. Unless God
through experience, makes known His guidance to the soul, it can never
comprehend it.

Oh, if souls had courage enough to resign themselves to the work of
purification, without having any weak and foolish pity on themselves,
what a noble, rapid and happy progress would they make! But few are
willing to lose the earth. If they advance some steps, as soon as the
sea is ruffled they are dejected; they cast anchor, and often desist
from the prosecution of the voyage. Such disorders doth selfish
interest and self-love occasion. It is of consequence not to look too
much at one's own state, not to lose courage, not to afford any
nourishment to self-love, which is so deep-rooted, that its empire is
not easily demolished. Often the idea which a man falsely conceives of
the greatness of his advancement in divine experience, makes him want
to be seen and known of men, and to wish to see the very same
perfection in others. He conceives too low ideas of others, and too
high of his own state. Then it becomes a pain to him to converse with
people too human; whereas, a soul truly mortified and resigned would
rather converse with the worst, by the order of Providence, than with
the best