or a timid love with that which Holy Scripture says will banish fear.
From that proceeds the saying of the Wise Man, " He who is animated by charity is like unto an eagle who flies with rapidity, and who cleaves the air without hindrance."
In conclusion, the Apostle did he not say to the early Christians, Serve God with love, because to reach perfection joy and hope are the most efficacious means?
I feel so persuaded, O my God, that You graciously watch over those who hope in Thee, and that no one need require anything so long as they look up to Thee in all things, that I am determined for the future to lay at Your feet, all my anxieties and troubles. " In peace, in the selfsame I will sleep and rest For thou, O Lord, singularly hast settled me in hope " (Ps. iv.)
Men may deprive me of property and honour; sickness may take away my strength and other means of serving You; I may even lose Your grace by sin; but never, never will I lose my hope in Thee. I will cherish it unto that dreadful moment when all hell will be unchained to snatch my soul away. u No one hath hoped in the Lord and hath been confounded " (Eccles. ii. 1 1).
I know, alas! I know too well, that I am weak, headstrong, and changeable; I know what temptations can do against the firmest resolution; I have seen some stars from heaven fall; but all these shall not frighten me so long as I hope in Thee.
I hold myself in readiness to meet bravely all misfortunes, because my hope is not shaken. I hope, too, that You will help me to overcome every spiritual enemy, that You will defend me against every assault, and You will make me triumph over my fiercest passions.
