XV. 4.

13 St. Luke X. 42 ; “ Maria optimam partem elegit, quae non
auferetur ab ea.”

Chap, xvil]

The cross.

Ill

and converse with us, why should we choose to minister
to Him in one way rather than in another ? Not
that I mean that we have any choice as to the labour we
shall perform, but you should practise them all, for the
decision does not rest with you but with our Lord.
But if, after many. years’ trial. He makes it clear what
place each one is to fill, it would be a strange humility
for you to choose for yourself. Leave that to the Master
of the house : He is wise and powerful and knows
what is best for you and for Himself.^®

6. You may be sure that if we do all we can and
prepare ourselves for contemplation with all the per-
fection I have described, that if He does not grant it
to us (though I believe, if our humility and detachment
are sincere. He is sure to bestow this gift). He is keeping
back these consolations in reserve only to give them to
us all at once in heaven. As I said elsewhere. He wishes
to treat us as valiant women, giving us the cross His
Majesty ever bore Himself. What truer friendship can
He show than to choose for us what He chose for Him-
self ? Besides, perhaps we should not have gained so
rich a reward by contemplation. His judgments are

Escorial, ch. xxviii. How much is gained by preparing our-
selves for contemplation and the bad result of making our own
choice.

Life, ch. xii. 5-8, 12 ; ch, xxii. 13, 15-19.

Life, ch. xi. 16-20. On the Cross, ch. xv. 17 ; ch. xxvii. 4.
Castle, M. ii, ch. 1. 15, 17. W ay of Perf. ch. vii. 7.

II2 THE WAY OF PERFECTION. [CHAP. XVIII.

His own — we have no right to interfere with them.
It is well the decision does not rest with us, for, thinking
it a more peaceful way, we should all immediately become
contemplatives ! What a gain is ours, if, for fear of
losing by it, we do not seek to gain by what we think
is best ; since God never permits the truly mortified
soul to lose aught, save for its greater gain !