Right sadness speaks thus: “I am miserable, vile, and abject; nevertheless God will exercise his mercy towards me, for virtue will be perfected in infirmity.”
240.
When our Lord was upon the cross even his enemies declared Him King; when souls are upon the cross they are declared queens.
241.
Ah! do not examine whether what you do is much or little, whether it is done well or ill, provided it be not sin, and provided you have an upright intention to do it for God. Do everything as perfectly as you can; but, once an action is performed, think no more of it, but rather of what there is to be done.
242.
We should equally resolve upon two things: first, to bring the utmost fidelity to the fulfilment of our exercises; second, to be in no way troubled, disquieted, or astonished if we sometimes fail; for the first comes from our fidelity, which should always be earnest and constantly increasing, and the latter comes from our infirmity.
243.
We must, then, correct our poor heart gently and quietly, and not add to its trouble by the severity of our reprimands. “My heart, my friend,” we should say, “in the name of God, take courage; let us keep on and be more watchful in future; let us turn to our Helper and our God.” Alas! we must be charitable to our poor soul, and refrain from severity as long as we see that its offences are not deliberate.