Letter 127. To a Lady Under Depression

What can I say to you, my dearest child, as to the return of your troubles, save that when the enemy assaults us anew, we must take up our arms afresh, and fight more earnestly than before? I do not see anything very important in that note. But, for God's Sake, beware of letting yourself grow mistrustful; His Heavenly Goodness does not let you fall into these mistakes because He forsakes you, but rather to humble you, and teach you to cling the tighter to His Guiding Hand. I highly approve of your sted-lastness in your spiritual exercises, in spite of all inward dryness and languor. Our only object is to serve God. because we love Him; and if He chooses us to ser\’e Him amid dryness and weariness rather than in sweetness, we ought to accept it willingly, believing that, though the one may be more acceptable to our taste, the other is more profitable to our soul.

As to your temporal concerns, since you have tried to put them into order, without success, you must now be patient and resigned, willingly accepting your Cross.

Be at peace, my dearest child; often* tell our Dear Lord that you desire to be whatever He wills you to be, and to suffer what He wills you to suffer.

Struggle diligently against your impatience, and strive to be amiable and gentle, in season and out of season, towards every one, however much they may vex and annoy you, and be sure God will bless your efforts.

Good night, dear child; may God Alone be your portion. In Him, I am, most heartily yours, &c.

1^777.1 CXXXII.