Let us endeavour to do our best: beware of the poisonous reptiles — that is to say, the bad thoughts and aridities which are often permitted by God t… - Teresa of Ávila

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Let us endeavour to do our best: beware of the poisonous reptiles — that is to say, the bad thoughts and aridities which are often permitted by God to assail and torment us so that we cannot repel them. Indeed, perchance we feel their sting! He allows this to teach us to be more on our guard in the future and to see whether we grieve much at offending Him.