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“Before a reproof[20] bear fruit it must cost something and be free from the least trace of passion.  Kindness must not degenerate into weakness.  When we have had good reason for finding fault, we must leave it, and not allow ourselves to worry over having given pain.  To seek out the delinquent for the purpose of consoling her, is to do more harm than good.  Left alone, she is compelled to look beyond creatures, and to turn to God; she is forced to see her faults and to humble herself.  Otherwise she would become accustomed to expect consolation after a merited rebuke, and would act like a spoilt child who stamps and screams, knowing well that by this means its mother will be forced to return and dry its tears.”

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“’Let the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, be ever in your mouth and in your hearts.’[21] If we find any one particular person disagreeable we should never be disheartened, much less cease our endeavour to reform that soul.  We should wield the sword of the Spirit, and so correct her faults.  Things should never be allowed to pass for the sake of our own ease.  We must carry on the war even when there is no hope of victory.  Success matters nothing, and we must fight on and never complain:  ’I shall gain nothing from that soul, she does not understand, there is nothing for it but to abandon her.’  That would be the act of a coward.  We must do our duty to the very end.”

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“Formerly, if any of my friends were in trouble, and I did not succeed in consoling them when they came to see me, I left the parlour quite heart-broken.  Soon, however, Our Lord made me understand how incapable I was of bringing comfort to a soul, and from that day I no longer grieved when my visitors went away downcast.  I confided to God the sufferings of those so dear to me, and I felt sure that He heard my prayer.  At their next visit I learned that I was not mistaken.  After this experience, I no longer worry when I have involuntarily given pain. . . .  I simply ask Our Lord to make amends.”

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“What do you think of all the graces that have been heaped upon you?”—­ “I think ‘the Spirit of God breatheth where He will.’"[22]

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“Mother,” she one day said to the Prioress, “were I unfaithful, were I to commit even the smallest infidelity, I feel that my soul would be plunged into the most terrible anguish, and I should be unable to welcome death.”

Mother Prioress evinced surprise at hearing her speak in this strain, and she continued:  “I am speaking of infidelity in the matter of pride.  If, for example, I were to say:  ’I have acquired such or such a virtue and I can practise it’; or again:  ’My God, Thou knowest I love Thee too much to dwell on one single thought against faith,’ straightway I should be assailed by the most dangerous temptations and should certainly yield.  To prevent this misfortune I have but to say humbly and from my heart:  ’My God, I beseech Thee not to let me be unfaithful.’