§ 1. The Perfection consisting in Good Will.

IF them canst not be as perfect as thou wishest to be, humble thyself and be resigned. Congratulate in thy heart those who are perfect, glorifying God, and giving thanks to Him for their perfection. God often permits some fault or imperfection to adhere to His elect, who are most dear to Him, by means of which they may become vile in their own eyes, and remain humble. There are some who have acquired health and vigour of soul, and have risen to such a degree of virtue, that they would be ready to undergo death rather than offend God of their own will and knowledge; and yet, not being aware that they are strong, they are ever in fear and anxiety, and are fully persuaded that they are weak and ailing.

Our most wise and gracious Creator, out of His great faithfulness and the love He bears them, leaves them in this ignorance and fear as long as they live. For He clearly perceives them to be so frail that if they had ascertained that they were sound, they would immediately look upon themselves with vain complacency. It is good for them to endure this misery, 150under which they resign themselves humbly to God. However, the merciful Lord usually delivers them at the hour of death from this ignorance and this long darkness; giving them a firm confidence in Him, in which they depart happily out of this life.