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 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.