can
only
say,
that,
at
this
point,
it
is
most
important
that
all
natural
operation
should
cease,
that
God
may
act
alone
:
"
Be
still,
and
know
that
I
am
God,"
is
His
own
word
by
David
(Ps.
xlvi.
lo).
But
man
is
so
attached
to
his
own
works,
that
he
cannot
believe
God
is
working,
unless
he
can
feel,
know,
and
distinguish
His
operation.
He
does
not
see
that
it
is
the
speed
of
his
course
which
prevents
his
seeing
the
extent
of
his
advancement;
and
that
the
operation
of
God
becoming
more
abundant,
ab-sorbs
that
of
the
creature,
as
we
see
that
the
sun,
in
proportion
as
he
rises,
absorbs
the
light
of
the
stars,
which
were
easily
distinguishable
before
he
appeared.
It
is
not
the
want
of
light,
but
an
excess
of
light,
which
prevents
our
distinguishing
the
stars.
It
is
the
same
here
;
man
can
no
longer
distinguish
his
own
operation,
because
the
strong
light
absorbs
all
his
little
distinct
lights,
and
makes
them
fade
away
entirely,
because
God's
excess
surpasses
them
all.
So
.that
those
who
accuse
this
degree
of
prayer
of
being
a
state
of
idleness^
are
greatly
deceived
;
and
only
speak
thus
from
want
of
experience.
Oh,
if
they
would
only
prove
it
!
in
how
short
a
time
they
