After the rapturous joy which succeeded confession and absolution, a period of desolation and dryness heavier than he had ever known at once set in.

Perhaps he had expected the very reverse of this.

At all events, it was not many days before it drew from him the complaint that in leaving Concord he had also left behind him the great interior sweetness which had buoyed him up.

On August 11 he writes: "How hard it has been for me to go through with all these solemn mysteries and ceremonies without experiencing any of those great delights which I have [before] felt.

Why is this?
Is it to try my faith?
O Lord! how long shall I be tried in this season of desolation?
Are these [delights] never to return?
Have I acted unworthily?
What shall I do to receive these blessings again ?" Then he resolves to make a novena, fasting the while on bread and water, to entreat their renewal.