Storia do Mogor 359.3.1

359.3.1

On the contrary, we obey blindly, however many valid reasons we might have for declining to do so, and this, moreover, in spite of their persecuting us, calumniating us, menacing us, consigning us to the secular arm. Alas ! where, then, is the crime of the Capuchin fathers, that they are dealt with so unworthily ? I know not, gentlemen, unless it be their simplicity, sincerity, and too great kindness of heart. If we were less humble, less good-tempered, less obedient, justice might, perhaps, have been done to us. But God forbid that we should purchase the right to get back our mission at a price so ruinous ! Rather lose a thousand cures and a thousand lives, if we had them, than at any time to do the least thing unworthy of our ministry and our vows. God, who sees the depths of our hearts, and who sees that we work good (Rom. viii. 27), will espouse our cause, as has always happened unto this day by the working of His paternal bounty. We shall see what will come to pass through His divine grace. It will come in the course of time [239], and may happen in two years or thereabouts.