for those from whom you expected protection and assistance, and you will then know that one must not trust to human support; but if you wish never to be deceived, you must place all your confidence in God alone.
Losses and disgrace may be (and often are, thanks be to God) the means and cause of our conversion. They excite us to do penance, and make us feel how just is God, and that afflictions are the best victims we can offer to appease Him. They try us when we feel a natural repugnance to them; they sanctify us if we accept with humble submission both evils and remedies together; we suffer troubles, and acquire merit by our patience; occasions of conflict and victory — suffering and longanimity — knowledge and practice, go hand in hand together. They are the merciful means of softening our stony hearts, and whoever resists or is insensible to the chastisements which God sends for his instruction and conversion, his mind and will will be enveloped in impenetrable darkness. I tremble if I dare to say so — I tremble for his salvation.
Flechier.
