Page:Lifeofsaintcatha.djvu/68

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find in it supreme happiness. Hence when we entertained any fear concerning ourselves or our Brethren, she would often say — "What do you wish to do with yourselves; let Providence act; amid your greatest dangers the divine eye watches over you; and it will ever protect you." This virtue of hope her divine Spouse had infused into her soul, when he said to her I will think on thee.

I remember that, being on board of a ship with her and many other persons, the wind lowered into a dead calm towards midnight, and the pilot became extremely anxious. We were in a dangerous channel; if the wind had taken us sideways, we might have been thrown on some neighboring islands or floated into the open sea. I gave notice to Catherine of our danger. She answered in her ordinary tone: "Why do you annoy yourself with that, or suffer yourself to be distracted ? "I remained silent and became re-assured; but soon the wind veered in the direction dreaded by the pilot; I mentioned it to Catherine: " Let him change the helm, in the name of God, " said she, " and let him sail in the direction of the wind that Heaven will send him." The pilot obeyed and we returned backward, but she prayed with her head bent forward, and we had not advanced farther than a bow shot, when the favorable wind that had forsaken us blew freshly, and we arrived at the hour of Matins, at the desired port, while singing the Te Deum, This narrative should not be placed here, in the order of time, but I relate it because it serves and explains my subject. Yes, whoever reflects, must see that the second verity follows as a consequence from the first, if a soul recognizes that she is nothing in herself, and that she exists solely by God, she will not confide in herself in any action, but in the agency of God alone. She will put all her trust in the Lord,