MORNING.

10. He who relies more on his own industry, or his own reason, than on the subjective discipline of Jesus Christ, will rarely and slowly be an illuminated man, because God wills that we be entirely subject to Him, and that we surpass all reason through inflamed love. To do well always, and yet to hold little of oneself, is the sign of a small mind. He who is humble of heart and simple in Spirit dwells in a multitude of peace; the proud and inflated are never satisfied. For true peace of mind is not found by following passions or going after one’s own concupiscences, but by resisting them. Delight in the Lord, and He will give you the petitions of your heart. If there is joy in the world, the man of an empty and small heart tastes this; and if there is, conversely, tribulation or anguish anywhere, he also knows this better through a full conscience.

11. My son, because you know these things and have read them all, you will be blessed if you practice them. He who has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me, and I will love him, and I will manifest myself to him, and I will make him sit with me on the high throne of my Father.

O most generous, O most honey-flowing Lord Jesus, lamp of eternal glory, sweetness of my wandering soul! Now my desire becomes straight, not infected by personal convenience. As You have said and promised, so let it be, and may it happen that I merit it. Before You now is my mouth without voice, and my sigh speaks to You. Until when does my most desired Messiah cease to come? Let Him come to me, an orphan, and make me glad; let Him send His hand and rescue this wretched one from all anguish. O how long and bitter is this procrastination from the nest of my eternal dwelling!

But come, for without You there will be no glad day or hour, because You are my joy, and without You my table is insipid. Oh, oh, my Immanuel, honey and milk are under Your tongue! Distill, most watchful Lord, as Your hungry little worm licks; for You sprinkle the honeycombs of eternal life. By explaining Yourself in the love of a most wholesome and wholehearted desire, wound my heart with Your dart, that I may learn to taste with the inner mouth of the heart how sweet it is to love, and to melt and swim in the love of You. If anyone loves here, he surely knows what this cry shouts.