God's attributes being infinite and our intellects limited and also
darkened by the fall, we see these attributes only in part and "as afar
off and through a glass." In contemplating His awful sanctity, we are
overwhelmed with fear and forget His ineffable mercy. Our views are also
greatly influenced by our natural temperaments, whether joyous or sad,
and change with our environments and moods.
As the blue firmament is ever the same, so is the great God Himself--"the
King of Ages immortal and invisible, without change or shadow of
vicissitude." But as the clouds that hang as veils of the sanctuary are
movable and variegated, now dark and gloomy and again brilliant in silver
or gold, now opening into vistas of the firmament above and again closing
in darkness, except when arrows of light pierce them and show their
outlines, so are we variable and inconstant and need spiritual direction
adapted to our peculiar wants. The naturally joyous, hopeful and
sometimes presumptuous, need that wholesome fear of the Lord which is
"the beginning of wisdom." The constitutionally severe, scrupulous and
almost despairing, need to remember God's tender paternal character and
to learn that "His mercies are above all His works." To such souls this
little book must prove invaluable. Its theology is sound, as the various
episcopal approbations testify. Hence its statements can be entirely
trusted. The fact that it has passed through twenty editions in French is
sufficient evidence of its appreciation in that country. May it continue
its holy mission of light and consolation and joy in this country and act
like the angelic messenger to Peter in prison, liberating the soul from
the chains of doubt and despondency, illuminating her by the light of
God's holy truth and bringing her out of the darksome prison into the
company of the confiding, prayerful, joyous saints of God.
+P. J. RYAN.