Chapter 3: Human consolation weakens that which is Divine

Gertrude received another plain testimony, although she did not understand it very well at first, that contradictions and privation of consolation in suffering greatly increase merit. On a certain day, about the Feast of Pentecost, as she suffered such severe pain in her side that those who were present feared her last hour had arrived, her Beloved, the true Consoler of her soul, retired from her, and thus increased her suffering, although the cares and attentions of those who surrounded her were redoubled; whereas, when she was less carefully attended, this loving Lord remained near her, to solace the severity of her pain by His presence : thus making her understand, that when we are deprived of human consolation, the Divine Mercy re gards us most favourably.

Towards evening, as the Saint was worn out by acute suffering, she sought to obtain some mitigation of it from our Lord ; but He raised His right arm, and showed her the pain she had endured all day as a precious ornament on His bosom. As this ornament appeared so perfect and so complete in every part, she rejoiced, hoping that her suffering -would now cease ; but our Lord replied : '• What you suffer after this will add brightness to this ornament ". And certainly, although it was garnished with precious stones, the gold appeared dark and dull. -2e suffered afterwards was not so grievous in itself ; was more tried by being deprived of consolation, than by the acuteness of the pain.