the Will of God. For thus will they be holy and just, and you—whatever may happen in a contrary manner—will remain calm and contented; for, as nothing can take place except it be appointed by the Supreme Will, if you will the same, you will come at all times both to will and to have all that happens and all that you desire.
This cannot be understood of your own sins or of those of others, for these God wills not, but it does apply to every chastisement which arises from these or other causes, though it be so severe and searching as to reach to the bottom of the heart, and to wither the very roots of the natural life; for this is the cross with which God is sometimes pleased to favour His nearest and dearest friends.
And what I say of the endurance which we must exercise on all occasions, must be understood also of those remains of any trouble which the Lord wills us to bear, even after we have used all lawful means to be freed from it.
And even in using these means we should be guided by the Providence and Will of God, Who has ordained them, that we might use them according to His Will, and not to please ourselves. Neither should we desire nor love relief from trials, beyond that limit which His service requires and His Will appoints.
