state: so that he was careful for nothing and feared nothing, desiring

but one only thing of GOD, viz., that he might not offend Him.

That he had no scruples; for, said he, when I fail in my duty, I

readily acknowledge it, saying, I am used to do so: I shall never do

otherwise, if I am left to myself. If I fail not, then I give GOD

thanks, acknowledging that it comes from Him.

THIRD CONVERSATION

Faith working by love. þ Outward business no detriment. þ Perfect

resignation the sure way.

He told me, that the foundation of the spiritual life in him had been a

high notion and esteem of GOD in faith; which when he had once well

conceived, he had no other care at first, but faithfully to reject every

other thought, that he might perform all his actions for the love of

GOD. That when sometimes he had not thought of GOD for a good while, he

did not disquiet himself for it; but after having acknowledged his

wretchedness to GOD, he returned to Him with so much the greater trust

in Him, by how much he found himself more wretched to have forgot Him.

That the trust we put in GOD honours Him much, and draws down great

graces.

That it was impossible, not only that GOD should deceive, but also that

He should long let a soul suffer which is perfectly resigned to Him, and

resolved to endure everything for His sake.

That he had so often experienced the ready succours of Divine Grace upon

all occasions, that from the same experience, when he had business to

do, he did not think of it beforehand; but when it was time to do it,

he found in GOD, as in a clear mirror, all that was fit for him to do.

That of late he had acted thus, without anticipating care; but before

the experience above mentioned, he had used it in his affairs.

When outward business diverted him a little from the thought of GOD, a

fresh remembrance coming from GOD invested his soul, and so inflamed and

transported him that it was difficult for him to contain himself.

That he was more united to GOD in his outward employments, than when he

left them for devotion in retirement.

That he expected hereafter some great pain of body or mind; that the

worst that could happen to him was, to lose that sense of GOD, which he

had enjoyed so long; but that the goodness of GOD assured him He would

not forsake him utterly, and that He would give him strength to bear

whatever evil He permitted to happen to him; and therefore that he

feared nothing, and had no occasion to consult with anybody about his

state. That when he had attempted to do it, he had always come away

more perplexed; and that as he was conscious of his readiness to lay

down his life for the love of GOD, he had no apprehension of danger.

That perfect resignation to GOD was a sure way to heaven, a way in which

we had always sufficient light for our conduct.

That in the beginning of the spiritual life, we ought to be faithful in

doing our duty and denying ourselves; but after that unspeakable

pleasures followed: that in difficulties we need only have recourse to

JESUS CHRIST, and beg His grace, with which everything became easy.

That many do not advance in the Christian progress, because they stick

in penances, and particular exercises, while they neglect the love of

GOD, which is the end. That this appeared plainly by their works, and

was the reason why we see so little solid virtue.

That there needed neither art nor science for going to GOD, but only a

heart resolutely determined to apply itself to nothing but Him, or for

His sake, and to love Him only.

FOURTH CONVERSATION

The manner of going to God. þ Hearty renunciation. þ Prayer and praise

prevent discouragement. þ Sanctification in common business. þ Prayer

and the presence of God. þ The whole substance of religion. þ

Self-estimation þ Further personal experience.

He discoursed with me very frequently, and with great openness of heart,

concerning his manner of going to GOD, whereof some part is related