Letter 136. To a Lady

For the last month, my dear sister, I have been ill with fever, and unable to answer your letters.... I am not sure that I know what you mean, but I will try to answer what I think you wish to ask. You see, it often happens that just when we fancy we have quite overcome our old foes, they attack us anew from some unexpected quarter. Even the wise King Solomon, after all the marvels of his youth, was taken by surprise, and overcome by his enemy. From this we must learn two plain lessons; — ^first, always to mistrust ourselves, to tread our path in holy fear, ever seeking Gk)d*s Help with humble devotion; and next, that though our enemies may be repulsed they are not exterminated. They sometimes leave us alone awhile, in order to return more vigorously to the charge; but nevertheless, dear sister, you must not be disheartened, but quietly and bravely set to work to heal the breaches made within your soul, humbling yourself before the Lord, noways amazed to find yourself so weak. Indeed, the thing to astonish us would be the absence of such weakness and such onslaughts. All such little troubles, dearest sister, serve to remind us of our own weakness, and send us more earnestly to

31 r our real Protector. S. Peter walked boldly upon the waves until the wind rose and he was about to sink. Then he cried out, ‘‘ Lord, save me! ” And Christ stretched forth His Hand, saying, ‘‘ Oh, man of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? ” It is chiefly amid the waves and storms of passion and temptation that we seek our Saviour's Help — ^and He only permits us to be alarmed in order to incite us the more to invoke His aid. In a word, then, do not be troubled because you have been troubled j do not be annoyed because of your past annoyance, or anxious because you have allowed these vexing thoughts to disturb you. Recall your heart, put it gently into your Saviour's Hands, imploring Him to heal it, while for your part you do what you can by the help of renewed resolutions, by the use of suitable books, and other appropriate means; by so doing your loss will be turned into gain, and you will be all the stronger for your moral sickness. My dearest child, if your condition makes lengthened mental prayer a difficulty to you, be content that your meditations be brief and hearty. Make up for this by continual aspirations of your heart to God; often read a few lines of some suitable spiritual book; let your thoughts when out of doors turn upon holy things; offer all your languor and oppression to our Crucified Lord; and then, by and bye, after your confinement, resume your former habits quietly.

C793.] CXLL