There, then, it behooves you to turn your eyes during these great troubles,

and to rejoice that he has esteemed you worthy of suffering affliction for

his word rather than of chastisement for your sins, which we should all

deserve did he not support us by his grace. And if he promises to console

poor sinners who received patiently correction from his hand, be confident

that the aid and comfort of his Holy Spirit will not fail you, when reposing

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your trust on him you shall accept the condition to which he has subjected

ibis children. And wait not till the great ones of this world point out to

you the way, who most frequently corrupt their brethren and cause them

to backslide rather than further their progress. What is more, let not each

man look on his fellow to say like Peter: And this man, what of him? but

let each man follow as he shall be called, seeing that each must give an

account for himself. Look rather at the invincible courage of so many

martyrs who have been set before us as an example, and take heart to join

yourselves to so goodly a company; which for this reason the Apostle

compares to an immense and thick cloud, as if he said their numbers are so

vast as in a manner to blind our eyes. What is more, without going further,

the examples which God every day offers us being duly considered, as

they deserve, should be sufficient to fortify us against the stumbling

blocks thrown in our way by the baseness of many.

 

We have here briefly touched on what should be your conduct during this

fiery trial. The main point is that each of you should diligently exercise

himself in the reading of the word, and that you mark and retain the

exhortations that are addressed to you by the mouth of God, to serve him

with all perseverance, never wearying, whatever befall you.

If we could make manifest to you the care and compassion which actuate

us for you, the desire and the good-will are not wanting to us for that

purpose, just as we are convinced that the dangers which are impending

over ourselves affect and stir you up to recommend us to the keeping of

God, whom we entreat that of his infinite goodness he would make you

feel that he is a protector both of the body and the soul; that he would

govern you by his Holy Spirit, that he would support you by his power,

that he would triumph in your persons, by scattering all the counsels,

enterprises, and strength of his enemies, and your own.  [Letter to the brethren of France]