Letter 140. To a Lady

My Dearest Child,

I had noticed the little disturbance which has troubled you during the last few days, and tne struggles in your heart between the desire to give up your own way and the contrary inclination to follow your individual liking.

Well, dear child, you will soon see that the worst thing you have done is to have been so troubled at your own folly; for if you had not been so perturbed by your first failure, but had gently recollected yourself and kept yourself in hand, you would not have fallen the second time. But the best thing to do now is to take courage, and confirm all your good resolutions, especially the resolution not to be anxious, or at all events to put away anxiety as soon as you discover its existence.

Your expression, “ I am tom to pieces,” was not quite what it should have been. Dear child, we must strive to be indulgent to our neighbours, and humble ourselves, not over-ready to think that they are too well off, and ourselves not sufficiently blessed. Alas I we shall always find something to do, some enemies to resist I Do not be surprised at this, but when you are harassed by such evil inclinations, turn your inward gaze to the Crucified Saviour. “Lord, Thou Who art all sweetness, soften the asperity of my heart through Thine Own Meekness.” Try to divert your mind for a time from the cause of irritation and then prepare to conquer yourself God will help you. Ever yours, 6:c.

[798.3 CXLV.