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Rh fidence in Thy infinite Mercy, I leave myself entirely in Thy Hands. Do with me as Thou pleasest, for Thou art my only Lord; even if Thou slay me, yet my hope will I keep alive in Thee."

HE third assault is of vain-glory and presumption. In this matter, you must not permit yourself in any imaginable way to be drawn into the very least complacency in yourself, or in your works. Let your delight be in your Lord Alone, in His Mercy, and in the works of His Life and Passion.

Abase yourself ever more and more in your own eyes, even to your last breath; and of every good deed done by you, which may come before you, recognize God Alone for its Author. Have recourse to Him for help, but do not expect it on account of your own merits, however many and great be the battles in which you have been victorious. Ever preserve a spirit of holy fear, acknowledging sincerely that all your precautions would be in vain, if God did not gather you under the shadow of His wings, in Whose protection alone you will confide.