f, I learnt the
extreme delicacy of the spirit that seeks to aid others; and the
strength of man's freedom to oppose this operation. I realized, also,
my inability to act of myself; for, as soon as the spirit in me was
silent, I had nothing to say. I had, however, the extreme satisfaction
of knowing, that this good spirit alone conducted me; and that I would
not, in the least degree, add, nor diminish from its operations.

It was from a knowledge, gained by experience, of the extreme delicacy
and purity of this divine spirit, that I remarked to you, the other
day, that if you did not receive the instructions I then imparted, I
should have nothing farther to communicate to you. O, how pure and how
unlike the impetuous operation of man's spirit, is this operation of
God!

SUFFER THE CRUCIFIXIONS AND REDUCTIONS OF SELF.

All the graces of the Christian, spring from the death of self. Let
us, then, bear patiently the afflictions, which reduce this overflowing
life. There is a suffering in connection with confusions and
uncertainties, very trying to bear. Unbounded patience is necessary,
to bear not only with ourselves, but with others, whose various tempers
and dispositions are not congenial with our own. "Offences,"--wounds
of spirit will occur while we live in the flesh. These offences must
be borne in silence, and thus subjugated and controlled by the spirit
of grace. By a law of our nature, we feel, more or less, the influence
of the spheres in which we move.

While we honor, we think, the true cross, the affliction that comes
from God, let us remember, that these instruments, so disagreeable, are
the true cross that providence daily furnishes us.

Do not sully the cross and mar its operations, by your murmurs and
reflections. Let us welcome any trials, that teach us what we are, and
lead us to renounce ourselves and find our all in God.

Jesus Christ says, "He who renounces not all that he hath, cannot be my
disciple." Of all possessions, that of ourselves is the most dangerous.

Please present my cordial regards to your brother. I sympathize deeply
in his misfortunes. I use this expression, in conformity to common
usage, but it does not express the sentiments of my heart. I am
convinced that the loss of wealth, worldly honor, persecutions, are the
best instruments to unite us to Jesus Christ. All evils, or apparent
evils, are great blessings when they unite us to our All in All. I
pray Go