The Practice of the Presence of God H e told me that the foundation of the spiritual life in him had been a high notion and esteem
all that was fit for him to do. That of late he had acted thus, without anticipating care; but before the ex perience above mentioned, he had been full of anxious care in his af fairs. 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 dif ficult for him to contain himself. That he was more united to God in his regular duties than when he left them for devotion and 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 that 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 occa sion to consult with anybody about his state. That when he had attempt ed 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 per fect resignation to God was the sure way to heaven, a way in which we had always sufficient light for our conduct. That in the beginning of the spirit ual 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 that every thing 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 little solid virtue. That there needed neither art nor science for going to God, but only a heart resolutely determined to ap ply itself to nothing but Him, or for His sake, and to love Him only. He discoursed with me frequently, and with great openness of heart, concerning his manner of going to God, whereof some part is related already. THE KING'S BUSINESS Fourth Conversation November 25, 1667
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 h a v in g acknowledged his wretchedness to God, he returned to Him with so much the greater trust in Him as he had found himself wretched through forgetting Him. That the trust we put in God hon ors 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 succors 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, 16
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