That a man must not be too much cast down when he falleth into some
faults
“My Son, patience and humility in adversities are more pleasing to Me
than much comfort and devotion in prosperity. Why doth a little thing
spoken against thee make thee sad? If it had been more, thou still
oughtest not to be moved. But now suffer it to go by; it is not the
first, it is not new, and it will not be the last, if thou live long.
Thou art brave enough, so long as no adversity meeteth thee. Thou
givest good counsel also, and knowest how to strengthen others with thy
words; but when tribulation suddenly knocketh at thine own door, thy
counsel and strength fail. Consider thy great frailty, which thou dost
so often experience in trifling matters nevertheless, for thy soul’s
health these things are done when they and such like happen unto thee.
2. “Put them away from thy heart as well as thou canst, and if
tribulation hath touched thee, yet let it not cast thee down nor
entangle thee long. At the least, bear patiently, if thou canst not
joyfully. And although thou be very unwilling to hear it, and feel
indignation, yet check thyself, and suffer no unadvised word to come
forth from thy lips, whereby the little ones may be offended. Soon the
storm which hath been raised shall be stilled, and inward grief shall
be sweetened by returning grace. I yet live, saith the Lord, ready to
help thee, and to give thee more than wonted consolation if thou put
thy trust in Me, and call devoutly upon Me.
3. “Be thou more calm of spirit, and gird thyself for greater
endurance. All is not frustrated, though thou find thyself very often
afflicted or grievously tempted. Thou art man, not God; thou art flesh,
not an angel. How shouldst thou be able to remain alway in the same
state of virtue, when an angel in heaven fell, and the first man in
paradise? I am He who lifteth up the mourners to deliverance, and those
who know their own infirmity I raise up to my own nature.”
4. O Lord, blessed be Thy word, sweeter to my mouth than honey and the
honeycomb. What should I do in my so great tribulations and anxieties,
unless Thou didst comfort me with Thy holy words? If only I may attain
unto the haven of salvation, what matter is it what things or how many
I suffer? Give me a good end, give me a happy passage out of this
world. Remember me, O my God, and lead me by the right way unto Thy
Kingdom. Amen.