I cannot compliment you, dear sir, and I am persuaded, that you will
expect from me, only the simplicity of the Christian. This simplicity
leads me to say, only what our Lord gives me. You need more of this
simplicity. The frequent self-returns you make, dwelling so much on
your unworthiness, although it may have the appearance of humility, is
only a refined self-love. True simplicity regards God alone; it has
its eye fixed upon him, and is not drawn towards self; and it is as
pleased to say humble as great things.
All our uneasy feelings and reflections, arise from self-love, whatever
appearance of piety they may assume. The lack of simplicity inflicts
many wounds. Go where we will, if we remain in ourselves, we shall
carry everywhere our sins and our distresses. If we would live in
peace, we must lose sight of self, and rest in the infinite and
unchangeable God. These self-returns have a tendency to establish the
soul more and more in itself, and hinder it from running into its great
original. But it is to this, God is calling you. You withhold from
God the only thing he desires--_the possession of your heart_. The
time is short; wherefore spend it in the compass and surroundings of
self? The single eye sees only God. You act as a person who being
called before a king, instead of regarding the king and his benefits,
is occupied only with his own dress and appearance. God wishes to
disarrange you--to destroy self; and you wish to preserve what he would
destroy. Be more afraid of self than of the evil one. It is the
spirit of Satan to exalt self above God, and this spirit is fostered by
these continual returns you make upon your own doings and misdoings,
which leaves no place in your mind for the occupation of God.