considering some points, such as the following:—
First, consider, that if you have brought upon yourself the evil under which you are suffering, you deserve to bear it; for, in such a case, every rule of justice requires you to bear patiently the punishment which you have yourself been the means of inflicting.
Secondly, if you are not to blame in this particular matter, think that there are many faults which you have committed, for which you have received no chastisement from God, nor have you punished yourself for them as you ought. And seeing that the Divine mercy has changed the punishment of these faults, which should have been eternal, or at least should last for ages in another world, into this light affliction, ought you not to receive it willingly, or even thankfully?
Thirdly, if the thought should come that the penance is a long one in comparison with the offence against the Divine Majesty—a thought which no one can ever lawfully indulge—you must remember, that it is only through the strait gate of much tribulation that any can enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.
Fourthly, think that were it possible to enter by an easier way, the law of love would not allow you to dream of doing so, seeing that the Son of God, with all His friends and His members,
