Chapter 5

Howbeit, though the tribulation itself be a means oftentimes to get
a man this first comfort in it, yet sometimes itself alone bringeth
not a man to it. And therefore, since unless this comfort be had
first, there can in tribulation no other good comfort come forth,
we must consider the means by which this first comfort may come.

Meseemeth that if the man of sloth or impatience or hope of worldly
comfort have no mind to desire and seek for comfort of God, those
who are his friends, who come to visit and comfort him, must before
everything put that point in his mind, and not spend the time (as
they commonly do) in trifling and in turning him to the fantasies
of the world. They must also move him to pray God to put this
desire in his mind. For when he once getteth it, he then hath the
first comfort--and, without doubt, if it be well considered, a
comfort marvellously great. His friends who thus counsel him must
also, to the attaining thereof, help to pray for him themselves,
and cause him to desire good folk to help him to pray for it. And
then, if these ways be taken to get it, I doubt not but the
goodness of God shall give it.