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CHAPTER IV.

ON SPIRITUAL DRYNESS.

A S God*s only desire is to give Himself to the loving soul who desires to seek Him, He often hides Himself in order to arouse it, and com-pel it to seek Him with love and fidelity. But how does He reward the faithfulness of His be-loved ! And how are His apparent flights followed by loving caresses !

The soul imagines that it is a proof of its fidelity and of its increased love that it seeks God with an effort, or that at least such seeking will soon lead to His return.

But no! This is not the way in this degree. With a loving impatience, with deep humility and abasement, with an affection deep and yet restful, with a respectful silence, you must await the return of your Beloved.