Letter 110. To a Religious

Another time you must open your heart fully, and without any sort of fear. It would be much more useful to you to confess what you have to say face to face, than in writing.

Those inclinations of which you speak are precious opportunities given you by God for exercising your faith by carefully repressing them. Let your prayers take the shape of the opposite affections, and directly that you find yourself falling, repair the fault by some act of gentleness, humility, or charity towards those people who excited it; it may be reluctance to obey, to submit yourself, to do them good, or to love them. As you know the side on which your enemies press you the hardest, you must keep special watch over that side of the fortress. Make your pride stoop, and force yourself to act contrary to your habits and inclinations, commending the effort to our Lord, and striving everywhere, and in everything, to soften your disposition, scarcely heeding anything save the achievement of this victory. I, for my part, will pray our Dear Lord that He would grant it you, and give you a triumphant entrance into Paradise. Be sure, my dear daughter, that He will do so, if you persevere in seeking His Holy Love, striving to live humbly before Him, kindly towards your neighbour, and patiently towards yourself. I am ever heartily yours, &c.

[7*3] CXIV.