^

130 SPIRITUAL TORRENTS.

much time in solitude ; the second, that when its vigour of love is exhausted, as it often is in this way, it has not the same strength in times of dry-ness ; it finds it difficult to remain so long in prayer ; it readily shortens the time; its thoughts wander to exterior objects ; then it is discouraged and cast down, thinking that all is lost, and does every-thing in its power to restore itselif to the presence and favour of God.

But if such persons were strong enough to live an even life, and not to seek to do more in sea-sons of abundance than in times of barrenness, they would satisfy every one. As it is, they are troublesome to those around them, to whom they cannot condescend, making it a favour to lay themselves out for the satisfaction of others : they preserve an austere silence when it is unnecessary, and at other times talk incessantly of the things of God. A wife has scruples about pleasing her husband, entertaining him, walking with him, or seeking to amuse him, but has none about speaking uselessly for two hours with religious devotees. This is a horrible abuse. We ought to be diligent in the discharge