A single word, spoken in the spirit of Christ, with humility and
sweetness, will have more weight, in correcting others, than many words
uttered in our own spirit. The reason is this: when passion mingles
with correction, although the truth may be spoken, Jesus Christ does
not cooperate with us. Therefore, the person is not corrected by what
we say, but, being opposed to the manner of correction, is more
confirmed in the evil. In proportion as Jesus Christ speaks by us,
without us, or without the minglings of self, his word is efficacious,
and turns the heart of the person to whom we speak, to receive what we
say. I know there are some who resist, knowingly, _his_ word, but our
passionate zeal does not correct them.
It is important to wait the moment of God to collect others. We may
see real faults, but the person may not be in a state to profit by
being told their faults. It is not wise to give more than one can
receive. This is what I call _preceding_ the _light_,--the light
shines so far in advance of the person, that it does not benefit him.
Our Lord said to his apostles, "I have many things to say to you, but
you cannot bear them now."
The prophet says, the Lord carries his children in his arms, as a
nurse. A nurse could wish that the child could walk alone, but she
waits in patience the time. Let us do the same, and never discourage
the weak. Let us not destroy the good grain with the tares. Who does
not admire "the long suffering patience of God?" And I may add to St.
Paul's words, all unworthy as I am, and of those who admire it, how few
imitate it! If those to whom God has given so much grace, have so many
faults themselves, with how much patience should they bear with those
who are less favored.