Although I am so weak and unworthy in myself, God uses me for the good
of others. The many defects of our temperament, should not hinder our
labors in behalf of others. These faults have nothing to do with the
grace, which operates effectively on the souls for whom we labor. God
reveals himself, through the fathers and mothers in Israel, and thus
increases confidence in them; while, at the same time, their weaknesses
forbid placing too much dependence on them.
Although our Lord acquaints us with his designs regarding others, and
the aid we may render them, yet this should not give us the least
desire to aid them, only in the order of his providence. Neither
should we be arrested in his work, although the souls we aid repulse
the effort. God will make good the results in due time. It implies
great death to self, never to put our hand selfishly to the work of the
Lord, as it does, also, never to go a step out of the path in which he
leads us. When we mingle self, we retard, rather than advance, his
work. Nature is so corrupt that it deeply infests spiritual things,
and so subtle as to conceal itself under all artifices.
I do not know why I have written you thus. God knows, and that is
sufficient.