A golden treatise of mentall praier with diuerse spirituall rules and directions, no lesse profitable then necessarie for all sortes of people. First composed by the venerable and blessed father, Fr. Peter de Alcantara, of the Seraphicall Order of S. Francis. Beatified the 18. of Aprill. 1622. Translated into English by G.VV. To vvhich is prefixed a breife relation of the life, and death of the same father vvritten by G.VV. of the same order and obseruance.

Of the first temptation, and the remedie therof.

TO him that wanteth spirituall cōsola∣tions, this is the remedie, that therfore he omitteth not his customarie exercises of prayer, although they seeme vnsauourie and of no fruite, but let him set him selfe in the presence of God, cominge before him as guilty of many greeuious sins, let him search diligently, the corners of his owne conscience, and consider whether or no through his owne default, he hath lost this grace, if so, let him beseech God almighty to pardon him for this sinne, admiringe the inestimable riches of his diuine patien∣ce in toleratinge vs so longe.

By this meanes he will reape no small fruite from his aridity of spirit, takinge from thence occasion of profounder hu∣militie when he considereth his owne ma∣lice and peruersnes in heapinge vp of sin, or of more ardent affection when he seeth God almighties goodnes in pardoninge the same. And although he enioyeth no pleasure at all in his exercises, let him not therfore absteine from the continuation of them, for it is not alwayes necessary, that it should be sweet and sauoury to the pre∣sent

tast, which wilbe hereafter profitable. Especially when it is often seen by expe∣rience that those who constantly perseuer in their intended exercises, not giuinge ouer in the time of this aridity, but conti∣nue them with what care and diligence possibly they are able, that these I say, de∣part from this table recreated with many heauenly consolations, and much spirituall ioy, seinge they find nothinge to be omit∣ted on their partes. It is but a small matter to protract prayer for a longe space when it floweth with consolations, but when these are taken away, not to desist, is an admirable act of vertue: for in this humili∣ty shineth, patience is eminent, and true perseuerance in good workes, is mani∣fested.

But it is necessary in the time, of aridity, to haue a greater care of himselfe, watch∣inge ouer himselfe with greater diligence, to discusse his conscience more sincerely, and to obserue all his wordes and actions more accurately. For then when alacrity and spirituall ioy (which is the principall oare of this nauigation) is absent, with greater vigilance the defect of grace is to be supplied.

When thou findest thy selfe to be in this state, thou oughtest to thinke, as S.

BERNARD admonisheth, that the sen∣tinells which did watch thee, are a sleepe, that the walls that did defend thee, are broken downe, and therfore the only hope of safegard to consist in armes, when all is gone which did otherwise pro∣tect thee, safety is to be sought with an ar∣med hand. O what deserued glory fol∣loweth such a soule, which winneth the triumphant lawrell after such a manner, she fighteth a combate with the enemie without either sword or buckler, is va∣lient without helpe, who although she be alone susteineth the wholl battaile, with as much courage, as though she were com∣passed round about with troopes of auxi∣liatorie forces.

This is the cheifest proofe, wherby the syncerity, and goodnes of the freindes of God is knowne, wherby the true are seue∣red from false seruantes.

Notes

• VVhat to doe in the time of drinesse of spirit.
• There-vvardof those vvho in the time of drinesse of spirit, doe not leave of ther vvonted exercises.