THIRD MANSIONS

In which there are two chapters.

Chapter I

Treats of the insecurity from which we cannot escape in this life of exile, however lofty a state we may reach, and how good it is for us to walk in fear.

36. … My God, let us die with thee, as Saint Thomas said, for life without thee is nothing but death many times over…

38-39. We all say we desire it [Deeper growth into the last of the mansions] but if the Lord is to take complete possession of the soul more than that is necessary. [Matt 19:16-32]

39. Enter then, enter within yourselves, my daughters; and get right away from your own trifling good works, for these you are bound, as Christians, to perform, and, indeed, many more. …[However], Do not ask for what you do not deserve. For we have offended God, and however faithfully we serve him, it should never enter our heads that we can deserve anything.

39. Whenever I hear people making so much [so much busyness, and “Christian productivity”,and “service”, to God] of their times Of aridity, I cannot help thinking that they are somewhat lacking in it. [aka, fleeing from The Wall and the pain by becoming busy little good little Christians]

41. [No matter what good works we do, or how many, or how busy we get with “Christian “things, especially when we should be sitting in the pain of aridity] We are told… And realize that we have in no way obliged our Lord to grant us such favors.

41. What can we do for so generous of God… Without counting ourselves fortunate and being able to repay him something of what we owe him for the way he has served us… Without asking him once more for gifts and favors?

41. These periods of heredity may teach you to be humble, and not make you restless, which is the aim of the devil.

41. Be sure that, where there is true humility, even if God never granted the soul favors, he will give it peace and resignation to his will, with which it may be more content than others are with favors.

41. It is to the weakest that his divine majesty gives favors [And unfortunately and bracket I believe they would not exchange for all the fortitude given to those who go forward in aridity. [fortitude is better]

41. We are fonder of spiritual sweetness then of crosses [and it is processed that he asked us to carry Luke 9:23].

41. Test test, all Lord, that thou who knowest all truth, that we may know ourselves.