CHAPTER2 Truth Speaks Inwardly Without the Sound of Words

BOOK THREE
INTERNAL CONSOLATION
chapter1-the-inward-conversation-of-christ-with-the-faithful-soul
chapter2-truth-speaks-inwardly-without-the-sound-of-words
chapter3-listen-humbly-to-the-words-of-god-many-do-not-heed-them
chapter4-we-must-walk-before-god-in-humility-and-truth
chapter5-the-wonderful-effect-of-divine-love
chapter6-the-proving-of-a-true-lover
chapter7-grace-must-be-hidden-under-the-mantle-of-humility
chapter8-self-abasement-in-the-sight-of-god
chapter9-all-things-should-be-referred-to-god-as-their-last-end
chapter10-to-despise-the-world-and-serve-god-is-sweet
chapter11-the-longings-of-our-hearts-must-be-examined-and-moderated
chapter12-acquiring-patience-in-the-fight-against-concupiscence
chapter13-the-obedience-of-one-humbly-subject-to-the-example-of-jesus-christ
chapter14-consider-the-hidden-judgments-of-god-lest-you-become-proud-of-your-own-good-deeds
chapter15-how-one-should-feel-and-speak-on-every-desirable-thing
chapter16-true-comfort-is-to-be-sought-in-god-alone
chapter17-all-our-care-is-to-be-placed-in-god
chapter18-temporal-sufferings-should-be-borne-patiently-after-the-example-of-christ
chapter19-true-patience-in-suffering
chapter20-confessing-our-weakness-in-the-miseries-of-life
chapter21-above-all-goods-and-all-gifts-we-must-rest-in-god
chapter22-remember-the-innumerable-gifts-of-god
chapter23-four-things-which-bring-great-peace
chapter24-avoiding-curious-inquiry-about-the-lives-of-others
chapter25-the-basis-of-firm-peace-of-heart-and-true-progress
chapter26-the-excellence-of-a-free-mind-gained-through-prayer-rather-than-by-study
chapter27-self-love-is-the-greatest-hindrance-to-the-highest-good
chapter28-strength-against-slander
chapter29-how-we-must-call-upon-and-bless-the-lord-when-trouble-presses
chapter30-the-quest-of-divine-help-and-confidence-in-regaining-grace
chapter31-to-find-the-creator-forsake-all-creatures
chapter32-self-denial-and-the-renunciation-of-evil-appetites
chapter33-restlessness-of-soul’s directing-our-final-intention-toward-god
chapter34-god-is-sweet-above-all-things-and-in-all-things-to-those-who-love-him
chapter35-there-is-no-security-from-temptation-in-this-life
chapter36-the-vain-judgments-of-men
chapter37-pure-and-entire-resignation-of-self-to-obtain-freedom-of-heart
chapter38-the-right-ordering-of-external-affairs-recourse-to-god-in-dangers
chapter39-a-man-should-not-be-unduly-solicitous-about-his-affairs
chapter40-man-has-no-good-in-himself-and-can-glory-in-nothing
chapter41-contempt-for-all-earthly-honor
chapter42-peace-is-not-to-be-placed-in-men
chapter43-beware-vain-and-worldly-knowledge
chapter44-chapter-do-not-be-concerned-about-outward-things
chapter45-all-men-are-not-to-be-believed-for-it-is-easy-to-err-in-speech
chapter46-trust-in-god-against-slander
chapter47-every-trial-must-be-borne-for-the-sake-of-eternal-life
chapter48-the-day-of-eternity-and-the-distresses-of-this-life
chapter49-the-desire-of-eternal-life-the-great-rewards-promised-to-those-who-struggle
chapter50-how-a-desolate-person-ought-to-commit-himself-into-the-hands-of-god
chapter51-when-we-cannot-attain-to-the-highest-we-must-practice-the-humble-works
chapter-52-a-man-ought-not-to-consider-himself-worthy-of-consolation-but-rather-deserving-of-chastisement
chapter53-god’s-grace-is-not-given-to-the-earthly-minded
chapter54-the-different-motions-of-nature-and-grace
chapter55-the-corruption-of-nature-and-the-efficacy-of-divine-grace
chapter56-we-ought-to-deny-ourselves-and-imitate-christ-through-bearing-the-cross
hchapter57-a-man-should-not-be-too-downcast
chapter58-high-matters-and-the-hidden-judgments-of-god-are-not-to-be-scrutinized
chapter59-all-hope-and-trust-are-to-be-fixed-in-god-alone

The Second Chapter
Truth Speaks Inwardly Without the Sound of Words

The Disciple
SPEAK, Lord, for Thy servant heareth.”2626 1 Kings 3:9. “I am Thy servant. Give me understanding that I may know Thine ordinances2727 Ps. 118:125. . . . Incline my heart to Thine ordinances2828 Ps. 118:36. . . . Let Thy speech distil as the dew.”2929 Deut. 32:2.

85 The children of Israel once said to Moses: “Speak thou to us and we will hear thee: let not the Lord speak to us, lest we die.”3030 Exod. 20:19.

Not so, Lord, not so do I pray. Rather with Samuel the prophet I entreat humbly and earnestly: “Speak, Lord, for Thy servant heareth.” Do not let Moses or any of the prophets speak to me; but You speak, O Lord God, Who inspired and enlightened all the prophets; for You alone, without them, can instruct me perfectly, whereas they, without You, can do nothing. They, indeed, utter fine words, but they cannot impart the spirit. They do indeed speak beautifully, but if You remain silent they cannot inflame the heart. They deliver the message; You lay bare the sense. They place before us mysteries, but You unlock their meaning. They proclaim commandments; You help us to keep them. They point out the way; You give strength for the journey. They work only outwardly; You instruct and enlighten our hearts. They water on the outside; You give the increase.

They cry out words; You give understanding to the hearer.

Let not Moses speak to me, therefore, but You, the Lord my God, everlasting truth, speak lest I die and prove barren if I am merely given outward advice and am not inflamed within; lest the word heard and not kept, known and not loved, 86 believed and not obeyed, rise up in judgment against me.

Speak, therefore, Lord, for Your servant listens. “Thou hast the words of eternal life.”3131 John 6:69. Speak to me for the comfort of my soul and for the amendment of my life, for Your praise, Your glory, and Your everlasting honor.