Chap. I Of the Internal Speech of Christ to a Faithful Soul
1. I will hear what the Lord God speaketh in me. Psalms lxxxiv.
[USCCB: Psalms lxxxv. 9.]
Happy is that soul, which heareth the Lord speaking within her: and from his mouth receiveth the word of comfort.
Happy ears, which receive the veins of the divine whisper, and take no notice of the whisperings of the world.
Happy ears indeed, which hearken to truth itself teaching within, and not to the voice which soundeth without.
Happy eyes, which are shut to outward things, and attentive to the interior.
Happy they who penetrate into internal things, and endeavour to prepare themselves more and more by daily exercises to the attaining to heavenly secrets.
Happy they who seek to be wholly intent on God, and who rid themselves of every worldly impediment.
Mind these things, O my soul, and shut the doors of thy sensuality, that thou mayest hear what the Lord thy God speaks within thee.
2. Thus saith thy Beloved: I am thy salvation, thy peace, and thy life: keep thyself with me, and thou shalt find peace.
Let alone all transitory things, and seek things eternal.
What are all temporal things, but deceit? and what will all things created avail thee, if thou be forsaken by the Creator?
Cast off then all earthly things, and make thyself agreeable to thy Creator, and faithful to him, that so thou mayest attain to true happiness.