The Ascent of Mount CarmelChapter XVI. Of the first affection of the will. What joy is. Its diverse sources

The first of the passions of the soul and of the affections of the will is joy, which, in the sense I speak of, is nothing else but a certain satisfaction of the will joined to the appreciation of the object it regards; for the will has no joy except when it appreciates an object and is satisfied with it. This refers to active joy, to that joy which the soul feels when it clearly and distinctly perceives why it rejoices, and when it is in its own power to rejoice or not. For there is another joy, which is passive: when the soul finds itself rejoicing, without clearly perceiving—and sometimes even perceiving— why it rejoices, it being out of its power at that time to control, or not control, that joy. I shall speak of this hereafter.* I am now speaking of that joy, active and voluntary, which is derived from clear and ‘distinct perceptions of things.

2. Joy arises out of six different sources: temporal, natural, sensual, moral, supernatural, and spiritual good. I shall speak of these successively, for we have so to order the will with regard to them, that, unembarrassed by them, it may not omit to place the strength of its joy in God. And for this end there is one truth which we must take for granted, and lean upon as upon a staff, which must be thoroughly understood, for it is the light by which we are to be guided, in which this doctrine is to be regarded, and by which our joy in all these goods is to be directed unto God. That truth is this: The will ought to rejoice in nothing but in that which tends to the honour and glory of God; and that to serve Him in evangelical perfection is the greatest honour we can render Him: whatever is beside this is of no value nor of any use to man.