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CHAP. II. Though the Soul perceive it self deprived of Discourse, or Ratiocination, yet it ought to persevere in Prayer, and not be afflict∣ed, because that is its greater Felicity.
6. THoul't find thy self, as all other Souls that are called by the Lord, to the in∣ward way, full of Confusion and Doubts, be∣cause in Prayer thou hast failed in Discourse: It will seem to thee that God does no more assist thee as formerly, that the exercise of Pray∣er is not in thy power; that thou losest time, whilst hardly and with great trouble thou can'st make one single Ejaculation as thou was wont to do.
7. How much confusion, and what perplexities will that want of enlarging thy self in mental Discourse raise in thee? And if in such a juncture thou hast not a ghostly Father, expert in the My∣stical Way, thoul't certainly conclude that thy Soul is out of order, and that for the security of thy Conscience, thou standest in need of a gene∣ral Confession; and all that will be got by that care, will be the shame and confusion of both. O how many Souls are called to the inward way, and the Spiritual Fathers for want of Un∣derstanding their case, instead of guiding and