Mother Prioress evinced surprise at hearing her speak in this
strain, and she continued: "I am speaking of infidelity in the
matter of pride. If, for example, I were to say: 'I have acquired
such or such a virtue and I can practise it'; or again: 'My God,
Thou knowest I love Thee too much to dwell on one single thought
against faith,' straightway I should be assailed by the most
dangerous temptations and should certainly yield. To prevent this
misfortune I have but to say humbly and from my heart: 'My God, I
beseech Thee not to let me be unfaithful.'

"I understand clearly how St. Peter fell. He placed too much
reliance on his own ardent nature, instead of leaning solely on
the Divine strength. Had he only said: 'Lord, give me strength to
follow Thee unto death!' the grace would not have been refused him.

"How is it, Mother, that Our Lord, knowing what was about to
happen, did not say to him: 'Ask of Me the strength to do what is
in thy mind?' I think His purpose was to give us a twofold
lesson--first: that He taught His Apostles nothing by His presence
which He does not teach us through the inspirations of grace; and
secondly: that, having made choice of St. Peter to govern the
whole Church, wherein there are many sinners, He wished him to
test in himself what man can do without God's help. This is why
Jesus said to him before his fall: 'Thou being once converted
confirm thy brethren';[23] that is, 'Tell them the story of thy
sin--show them by thy own experience, how necessary it is for
salvation to rely solely upon Me.'"

* * * * * *