But even then, you should be on your guard
against your own judgment, placing a certain restraint on your
sentiments of confidence and love, or friendship, which, in order to
be lasting, must be calm, devoid of that impetuosity which acts
violently on the heart. It should be the work of time, shedding its
sweet influence on the duties of life, rendering their accomplishment
less laborious and more fruitful.
Those who love each other with a sincere Christian affection,
willingly sacrifice to duty the pleasure of being together, or rather
their great pleasure consists in doing God's will; with noble courage
they rise superior to all other considerations, and mutually inspire
each other with a holy zeal, imposing silence upon the voice of their
affections, in presence of the voice of their conscience.
Such is the manner in which persons should love each other; such are
the affections that God blesses and rewards. You are deeply indebted
to Divine Providence if it has sent you one whom you can love in this
way, for this is one of the most precious gifts of God's mercy.
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