Of the imitation of Christ : four books . CHAPTER XV. That the grace of devotion is obtained by humility anddenial of HOU oughtest to seek the graceof devotion instantly, to ask itearnestly, to wait for it withpatience and confidence, to re-ceive it with thankfulness, tokeep it humbly, to work with it diligently, and to commit the term and manner of this heavenly visitation to God, until it shall please him to come unto thee. Thou oughtest especially to humble thyself, when thou feelest inwardly little or no devotion ; and yet not to be too much dejected, nor to grieve inordinately
Of the imitation of Christ : four books . CHAPTER XV. That the grace of devotion is obtained by humility anddenial of HOU oughtest to seek the graceof devotion instantly, to ask itearnestly, to wait for it withpatience and confidence, to re-ceive it with thankfulness, tokeep it humbly, to work with it diligently, and to commit the term and manner of this heavenly visitation to God, until it shall please him to come unto thee. Thou oughtest especially to humble thyself, when thou feelest inwardly little or no devotion ; and yet not to be too much dejected, nor to grieve inordinately. God often giveth in one short moment that which he for a long time hath denied : he giveth 398 I MIT ATI OX OF CHRLST. sometimes in the end, that which in the beginningof thy prayer he deferred to grant. 2. If grace were always presently given, andwere ever at hand with a wish, weak man couldnot well bear it. Therefore the grace of devotion is to be waitedfor with good hope and humble patience. Nevertheless, do thou impute it to thyself, andto thine own sins, when this grace is not giventhee, or when it is secretly taken
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