07.00 On Defects and Infirmities

CHAPTER 7 On Defects and Infirmities SHOULD WE SO FAR GET OFF OUR guard, as again to wander among externals in search of happiness, or sink into dissipation, or commit a fault, we must instantly turn inward; for having departed thereby from our God, we should as soon as possible return unto him, and patiently suffer whatever sensations he is pleased to impress: for he has declared, "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten." On the commission of a fault, it is of great importance to guard against vexation and disquietude, which spring from a secret root of pride, and a love of our own excellence; we are hurt by feeling what we are; and if we discourage ourselves, or despond, we are the more enfeebled; and from our reflections on the fault, a chagrin arises, which is often worse than the fault itself. The truly humble soul is not surprised at its defects or failings; and the more miserable and wretched it beholds itself, the more doth it abandon itself unto God, and press for a nearer and more intimate alliance with him, that it may avail itself of an eternal strength. We should the rather be induced to act thus, as he himself hath said: " I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye."