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Sainte-Foi, Charles, 1806-1861

"Serious Hours of a Young Lady"

Hence, in order to ascertain whether
the natural inclination or aptitude you feel for any state of life is
from God or the effect of a deluded fancy, you need but compare your
natural aptitude with those you have received through divine grace;
and if you find them in perfect accord you may rest assured that they
are from God, for He is the author of nature as well as of grace. On
the contrary, should they disagree then you may safely conclude that
your natural desire or inclination is a delusion.
This last consideration should not be omitted, especially when there
is question of embracing the religious life; for the attraction by
which we feel ourselves drawn to a more perfect life is in itself a
gift of God, and one of His most precious gifts. As often as this
attraction reveals its presence in the heart, it singularly involves
the study of vocation. Hence, it is a most delicate and perilous
matter to deal with, for if this attraction comes from God and if the
soul repels it she prepares for herself lamentable delusions, and a
life fraught with bitterness and remorse.


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