thing which ought to rob us of it, or even disturb it.
We have just cause to grieve over our sins, but this sorrow should be calm, as we have already shown in more than one place. And so our sorrow for the sins of all others should be a tranquil sorrow,—pitying them with a holy feeling of charity, and lamenting, at least inwardly, over their offences.
As to other sad and distressing events, as illness, bodily injuries, death of nearest relatives, pestilences, wars, fires, or such like misfortunes, which are painful to nature and shunned by the men of the world, we are fully able by Divine Grace not only to accept, but also to embrace them, as just punishments to the wicked and opportunities of virtue to the good.
It is in this light our Lord God Himself views them with approbation; and if we would only follow His Will, then we should pass through all the troubles and vexations of this life with a calm and peaceful spirit.
And know, as a certainty, that all anxiety of mind is displeasing in His Divine Sight, whatever may be the cause of it, for it is never free from imperfection, and always springs from some evil root of self-love.
Keep therefore a sentinel always on the watch, who shall give the alarm as soon as he
