We know how it is in ordinary life. A servant sometimes, or even a son will do what the master or father has commanded, and do it at the right time; but will do it perhaps with excitement and rudeness of feeling, without true cordiality of heart and that laborious care, which might reasonably be expected. It is true, that we have here the essentials of a visible and operative cooperation; but it is evident, that we have not that higher inward and mental cooperation, which God requires. We must cooperate cordially. If we are associated with others, we must be willing to take the first place or the last place, to act as leader or servant just as God chooses. We must also take any part of the work, which God sees fit to impose upon us; that which is esteemed low and degrading, as well as that which is more agreeable to refinement of taste and to prevailing notions of honor and dignity. In every thing of this kind, and in every thing else which can properly be included in the MANNER of doing what God imposes, we are required to follow cheerfully and unhesitatingly the indications of the Divine Will. Otherwise there is no true co-operation.
— edited from The Interior or Hidden Life (2nd edition, 1844) Part 3, Chapter 5.
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