#11 The Barometer

From Meditations on the Epistles of John, by Samuel Froehlich

The Father has, therefore, placed an absolutely accurate barometer in their hearts, by which they can, without fail, observe the atmospheric conditions of their spiritual life and keep themselves informed of them. Indeed, if they are very faithful, attentive and obedient, their barometer becomes so sensitive that every change is indicated in advance, that they may stand guard over and conduct themselves accordingly, and the more faithful they are, the more certain they may be that they can depend upon it. But as a barometer that is out of order no longer indicates changes in the weather, so also an unfaithful, an unsettled, indifferent, inconstant, a devious and distracted heart is no longer sensitive to every change that takes place in it. Then, one can sin without noticing it, and without being condemned because of it, and although it is not a good thing if we must be punished and smitten, yet it is still better if we are disciplined over each deviation and errancy than if we are insensitive and without feeling with regard to them.