Part II, Chapter IX

Of the Dryness Which We Sometimes Experience in Meditation

Should it happen, Philothea, that you feel no relish or comfort in meditation, I conjure you not to disturb yourself on that account; but sometimes open the door of your heart to vocal prayer, complain of yourself to our Lord, confess your unworthiness, and beseech him to assist you. Kiss your crucifix if you have it at hand, saying to him those words of Jacob, “I will not let thee go, O Lord! till thou hast given me thy blessing,” or those of the Cananean woman, “Yea, Lord! I am a dog; but yet the dogs eat of the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.”

At other times, take up some spiritual book, and read it with attention till your affections are moved, or endeavor to excite fervor in your heart by some posture of exterior devotion, such as prostrating yourself on the ground, crossing your hands before your breast, or embracing a crucifix; provided you be alone or in some private place. But if, after all, you should receive no comfort, be not disturbed, no matter how excessive the dryness may be; but continue to remain in a devout posture in the presence of God. How many courtiers enter a hundred times a year into the prince’s presence-chamber without hopes of speaking to him, but merely to be seen by him, and to pay him their homage. So ought we, my dear Philothea, to come to holy prayer, purely and merely to pay our homage, and testify our fidelity to God. Should it please his divine Majesty to speak to us and entertain himself with us by his holy inspirations and interior consolations, it would certainly be an honor above our merits, and the source of the sweetest consolation; but should it not please him to grant us this favor, but leave us without taking any more notice of us than as if we were not in his presence, we must not therefore depart, but continue with respect and devotion in presence of his adorable Majesty. Observing our diligence, our patience, and perseverance, he will, when we come again before him, favor us with his consolations, and make us experience the sweetness of his holy prayer. Yet, if he should not do so, let us assure ourselves, Philothea, that we are highly honored by being permitted to appear in his presence.

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