Part 2
7: ON DEFECTS AND INFIRMARIES
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 nearer and more intimate alliance with him, that it may
avail itself of an eternal strength.
A
direct contest and struggle with temptations rather serves to augment them; and
withdraws the soul from that adherence to God, which it should ever be its principal
occupation to strive after and maintain.
The surest and safest method of
conquest is simply to turn away from the evil, and draw yet nearer and closer
to our Sure Refuge: a little child, on perceiving a monster, does not wait to
fight with it, and will scarcely turn its eyes towards it; but quickly shrinks
into the bosom of its mother, in total confidence of safety: so, likewise,
should the soul turn from the dangers of temptation to its God. "God is in
the midst of her”, saith the psalmist, "she shall not be moved; God shall
help her, and that right early". The name of the Lord is a strong tower,
to which the righteous flee and are safe”.
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