Chapter IV. Important advice for the advancement of souls

Here are some secrets which it is important to know in the spiritual life : the first is, to remain constant, tranquil, and as it were balanced between Grod and nature, whenever there is question of passing from one motive of action to another (that is, from a less perfect to a more perfect one) ; the second is, to enter into the things of Grod rather by a submissive love than by the force of reasoning ; the third is, to give ourselves to interior recollection ; the fourth is, not to soar higher until our interior is purified, striving after a mode of operation for which we have not yet received the required disposition ; the fifth is, not to read mystical books without great precaution.

In the illuminative way, we must perfect more and more the ideas we have conceived of our Lord, in order that the will may operate thereupon more effectually.

In the spiritual life there are long nights to spend and wide deserts to traverse, which afford good exercise for patience and fidelity.

He who cannot endure something within himself, or who desires something external to himself, does not possess perfect resignation.

Among the interior virtues, there are three which we ought especially to endeavour to acquire — a true humility, a perfect disengagement from all things and from ourselves, and a perfect obedience or resignation to God.