If again the sin be not only unmistakeable, but grievous, and obstinately persisted in, turn your thoughts to the secret and awful judgments of God; and see how many, once most wicked, attained at last to an eminent degree of sanctity, whilst, on the other hand, many who seemed to have reached sublime heights of perfection, have fallen headlong into misery.
Therefore ever fear and tremble for yourself more than for any other.
And be assured, that every good and kindly feeling towards your neighbour is the work of the Holy Spirit; and that all disparagement, rash judgment, and bitterness against him, owe their origin to the evil that is in ourselves and to the suggestions of the Devil.
If, then, the failings of another have made an impression on you, rest not, nor sleep, until you have, to the utmost of your power, effaced it from your heart.
CHAPTER XLIV.
Of Prayer.
IF distrust of self, trust in God, and spiritual exercises, are so needful as they have been shown to be in this combat, needful above all is
