There are good, God-fearing persons who still fall into certain faults, and it is better to bear with them than to be hard on them.

. . . [T]hese [ideas] are only suggestions of the evil spirit who, to jeopardize your salvation, suggests to you extraordinary works that are beyond your strength, under the fine pretext of practicing, on your own, the spiritual and corporal works of mercy . . .

[I]f the gentleness of your spirit needs a dash of vinegar, borrow a little from Our Lord's spirit. O Mademoiselle, how well He knew how to find a bittersweet remark when it is needed!

If you say that a good reputation serves to benefit the neighbor more, I admit that. However, since it should be based on a good life, it is, therefore, preserved by the practice of virtue and not by human intrigue.

In this way, through experience they will be formed adequately, will be encouraged, and will be capable of rendering service to God.

Put your trust in Him and following His example, always act humbly, graciously, and in good faith.

Is it not better to fail after asking advice than to risk acting on our own?