16. On Reading and Vocal Prayers

While reading in this stage, if one feels a little withdrawal of mind, he ought to cease, and to remain in stillness, reading but little, and not going on once he finds himself drawn inward. As soon as the soul is called to inner silence, it ought to forbear burdening itself with vocal prayers, except for a very few. Even in these, if it finds any difficulty, and feels itself drawn to silence, it should abide silent, and not strive or use any effort against it, unless the prayers be a duty laid upon us, in which case it is right to go on with them. But if they are not, let them be stopped as soon as the inward drawing is felt.

At no time should the soul vex or fetter itself, rather, let it surrender itself to be led by the Spirit of God. In this way it will find satisfaction in all its devotions in a more excellent way.