10. Of her watchings and struggle against sleep

It seems very wonderful and almost in credible to many, how the weak flesh could last in so many sufferings and pains, which for so long a time was nourished by neither food nor drink nor sleep. But if we remember the divine power, which makes possible the impos sible, [we can understand that] the maid was able to bear all things in Him Who strengthened her ; for that which is be yond nature was brought to pass by the work of God. Witnesses are the many martyrs and virgins thrown into the flames, who by God's ordering and pro tection were found not only very patient in their torments, but even full of joy ; and what is more, they remained un- ST. LYDWINE of SCHIEDAM harmed amid blows, swords, and fires. The hand of God then is not shortened, nor the arm of the Almighty feeble to save them that hope in Him; but in every place and time the Lord is near them that call upon and love Him in truth. In this feeble servant of God therefore let the work of the Divinity be acknowledged, and the weakness of man cease to distrust. Which, while it depends upon its own opinions for natural reasons, very often fails and is blinded in its search. For nature must needs be silent when the divine speaks ; and earthly things yield when the things of Heaven are treated. This virgin, then, lying so long on the bed of pain, was not forgetful of her Creator, but mindful of the name of the Lord day and night, she gave herself fervently to holy meditations and prayers; and especially at the time of the Divine Office and the celebration of the High Mass. Whence how strongly she struggled against and overcame sleepi ness, is worth the telling and pleasant to hear. It is commonly the habit of many men, to be more tempted to sleep at the time of the Divine Office, whether from their own weakness or from the ST. LYDWINE of SCHIEDAM suggestion of the devil, who ever strives to oppose man's salvation and devout prayers. When therefore the scholar of Christ, having learnt to pray often, felt herself more than usually weighed down and tempted by the spirit of torpor and drowsiness at the time of the Divine Office, although she was wont to sleep very little at that period, never theless she grieved much within herself over this temptation of sloth, and dared not yield to it. Her confessor therefore fearing that danger threatened her if she did not sleep, urged her with a view to her health not to resist drowsiness any more, but whatever feast might come at whatever time or hour to set herself to sleep. On a certain Easter Sunday, then, when the same temptation coming grievously molested her; she mindful of the Lord very strongly re sisted the drowsiness, according to what is written. " Resist the devil and he will fly from you." Having then gained this one victory over sleep, she was so strengthened against it by God, that she never slept after that until her death, nor was ever tempted with drowsiness. For as the holy angels, resisting the first temptation of pride, were confirmed in ST. LYDWINE of SCHIEDAM grace, and those who consented were cast out of Heaven, so to this victorious virgin was given the gift of inviolable fortitude in many watchings and in stripes afflicting her beyond measure; by which she was proved as gold is tried in a burning furnace (Wisdom iii 6).