“We read in the Book of Ecclesiasticus: ‘_There is an inactive man that wanteth help, is very weak in ability, and full of poverty: yet the eye of God hath looked upon him for good, and hath lifted him up from his low estate, and hath exalted his head: and many have wondered at him and have glorified God._ ‘_Trust in God, and stay in thy place. For it is easy in the eyes of God, on a sudden to make the poor man rich. The blessing of God maketh haste to reward the just, and in a swift hour His blessing beareth fruit!_’”[40] COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES “You have always been faithful to divine grace, have you not?” “Yes, since the age of three I have refused nothing to the good God. Yet not mine the glory. See how the setting sun this evening gilds the topmost branches of the trees; even so does my soul appear to you--all bright and gilded, because it is exposed to Love’s rays. If the Divine Sun withheld from me His rays, my soul would immediately become obscured and enveloped in darkness.” COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES “You really are a saint!” some one said to her. “No, I am not a saint; I have never done the works of the Saints. I am a very, very little soul on whom the good God has outpoured the abundance of His grace. You will see in Heaven that I am telling you the truth.” COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES She said to the Prioress: “Mother, I feel that if I were unfaithful, if I committed but the very slightest infidelity, fearful troubles would follow, and I could no longer accept death with resignation.” And as the Mother Prioress showed surprise at hearing her speak thus, she continued: “I mean an infidelity springing from pride. For instance, if I said: ‘I have acquired such or such a virtue, I am able to practise it,’ or, ‘O my God, I love Thee too well--Thou knowest it--to dwell on one single thought against faith,’ I feel that I should forthwith be assailed by the most dangerous temptations and should certainly be overcome by them. “To avoid this calamity I have but to say humbly from the depths of my heart: ‘O my God, I implore of Thee, suffer me not to be unfaithful!’ “I very well understand how St. Peter fell. He depended too confidently on the fervour of his feelings, instead of relying solely upon Divine strength. Had he said to Jesus: ‘Lord, give me the strength to follow Thee even unto death,’ that strength, I am quite sure would not have been refused him.” COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES “Oh! when I think of all I have to acquire!” exclaimed a novice.