s in our health, in
our humors, in our internal and external dispositions; in fine,
persons whom GOD would humble by many pains and labors, as well within
as without. After this we should not wonder that troubles,
temptations, oppositions and contradictions happen to us from men. We
ought, on the contrary, to submit ourselves to them, and bear them as
long as GOD pleases, as things highly advantageous to us.

That the greater perfection a soul aspires after, the more dependent
it is upon Divine grace.

[2]Being questioned by one of his own society (to whom he was obliged
to open himself) by what means he had attained such an habitual sense
of GOD, he told him that, since his first coming to the monastery, he
had considered GOD as the end of all his thoughts and desires, as the
mark to which they should tend, and in which they should terminate.

That in the beginning of his noviciate, he spent the hours appointed
for private prayer in thinking of GOD, so as to convince his mind of,
and to impress deeply upon his heart, the Divine existence, rather by
devout sentiments, and submission to the lights of faith, than by
studied reasonings and elaborate meditations. That by this short and
sure method, he exercised himself in the knowledge and love of GOD,
resolving to use his utmost endeavor to live, in a continual sense of
His Presence, and if possible, never to forget Him more.

That when he had thus in prayer filled his mind with great sentiments
of that infinite Being, he went to his work appointed in the kitchen
(for he was cook to the society); there having first considered
severally the things his office required, and when and how each thing
was to be done, he spent all the intervals of his time, as well before
as after his work, in prayer.

That when he began his business, he said to GOD, with a filial trust
in Him, "O my GOD, since Thou art with me, and I must now, in
obedience to Thy commands, apply my mind to these outward things, I
beseech Thee to grant me the grace to continue in Thy Presence; and to
this end do Thou prosper me with Thy assistance, receive all my works,
and possess all my affections."

As he proceeded in his work, he continued his familiar conversation
with his Maker,--imploring His grace, and offering to Him all his
actions.

When he had finished, he examined himself how he had discharged his
duty; if he found _well_, he returned thanks to GOD; if otherwise, he
asked pardon; and without