Chapter VIII. Of the Faith we should have in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar; and how we should Offer ourselves unto the Lord

STRIVE daily, that faith in the most Holy Sacrament may increase and grow in your soul, and never cease to excite admiration and joy at so incomprehensible a Mystery, considering how God manifests Himself under these mean and simple elements to make you more worthy; for "Blessed are they who see not and yet believe." Do not desire Him in this life ever to manifest Himself under any other form. Endeavour to inflame your will towards Him, and to become more and more ready ever to do His Will in all things. When you offer yourself to God in this Sacrament, you must be disposed and prepared to suffer, for love of Him, all torments, pains, and injuries which may happen to you, and all sickness, distaste, and dryness of spirit in prayer or at other times; thinking that you have to endure all this very often, and must take it in good part, and be careful never to be the cause of it yourself; and all your delight must be to suffer with your dear and loving Jesus, and out of love to Him. Be not inconstant in what you commence, wishing one thing one day, and another thing the next, but persevere and be steadfast; and be sure that, by using these means (yet always making efforts with the gentleness we have described), it is impossible but that you should endure even to the end; for without this peace you cannot live even an hour, for it would be an intolerable suffering to you.