,illustration 99,,gold ,,dust99 ,a ,collection of ,golden ,counsels for the ,sanctification of ,daily ,life ,,translated ,,and ,,abridged ,,from ,,the ,,french ,,by ,e4 ,l4 ,e4 ,b4 ,,edited ,,by ,,charlotte ,m4 ,,yonge ,,grosset ,,dunlap ,,publishers ,,new ,,york ,printed in the ,united ,states of ,america ,to ,e4 ,b4 ,h4 ,this little book is most lovingly dedicated ,,preface ,this little book is a translation from a collection of devotional thoughts published in ,france under the title of ,paillettes d',or4 ,it is necessarily a selection1 since the gold dust which suits ,french readers requires a fresh sifting for the ,english2 but the value of most of the thoughts seems to me well to deserve the term of gold4 ,there are many who will much enjoy having this little collection on their table1 so as to be able to take it up and dwell upon some one of its grains at leisure times throughout the day's business4 ,c4 ,m4 ,,yonge4 ,feb4 #ab1 #ahhj4 ,,introduction ,in the south of ,france1 during the summer1 little children and old and infirm poor who are incapable of hard work1 in order to earn a livelihood1 employ themselves in searching the beds of dried up rivers for ,paillettes d',or1 or golden dust1 which sparkles in the sun1 and which the water carries away as it flows4 ,what is done by these poor people and little children for the gold dust ,,god has sown in those obscure rivers1 we would do with those counsels and teachings which ,,god has sown almost everywhere1 which sparkle1 enlighten1 and inspire for a moment1 then disappear1 leaving but regret that the thought did not occur to collect and treasure them4 ,who is there that has not experienced at some time in his life those teachings so soft and gentle1 yet so forcible1 which make the heart thrill1 and reveal to it suddenly a world of peace1 joy1 and devotion8 ,it may have been but a word read in a book1 or a sentence overheard in conversation1 which may have had for us a two-fold meaning1 and1 in passing1 left us touched with an unknown power4 ,it was the smile on the lips of a beloved one whom we knew to be sorrowful1 that spoke to us of the sweet joy of resignation4 ,it was the open look of an innocent child that revealed to us all the beauty of frankness and simplicity4 ,oh6 if we had but treasured all the rays of light that cross our path and sparkle but for a moment2 oh6 if we had but engraved them on our hearts6 what a guide and comfort they would have been to us in the days of discouragement and sorrow2 what counsels to guide our actions1 what consolations to soothe the broken heart6 ,how many new means of doing good6 ,it is this simple work of gathering a little from every source--from nature1 from books1 above all1 from mankind itself--that is the intention of one of your fellow-creatures1 dear souls1 you who long so to make your lives more holy and devout6 ,and in the same way as the gold dust1 gathered and accumulated from the river's bed1 was the means of bringing a little profit to the hearth1 so would we endeavor to carry a little joy to your hearts1 and peace to your souls4 ,gather1 then1 these little counsels2 gather them with watchfulness2 let them for a moment penetrate deep into your heart2 then scatter them abroad again1 that they may go with their good words to the help of others4 ,they will not be importunate1 will not even ask to be preserved2 they do not desire fame2 all that they seek is to convey a transient blessing4 ,,gold ,,dust ,i4 ,my ,,lord6 exclaimed once a devout soul1 give me every day a little work to occupy my mind2 a little suffering to sanctify my spirit2 a little good to do to comfort my heart4 ,,ii4 ,if by our deeds we become saints1 true it is1 that by our deeds also we shall be condemned4 ,yes1 it is little by little that we press onward1 either towards salvation or eternal ruin2 and when at last we reach the gate of glory1 or that of perdition1 the cry escapes our lips1 ,already6 ,the first backward step is almost imperceptible2 it was those tiny flakes of snow1 seeming to melt as they touch the earth1 but falling one upon another1 that have formed that immense mass which seems ready to fall and crush us4 ,ah6 if ,i tried to trace back to what first led to that act of sin1 the thought that produced the desire1 the circumstance that gave rise to the thought1 ,i should find something almost imperceptible2 perhaps a word with a double entendre ,i had heard1 and at which ,i had smiled2 a useless explanation1 sought out of mere curiosity2 a hasty look1 cast ,i knew not wherefore1 and which conscience prompted me to check2 a prayer neglected1 because it wearied me2 work left undone1 while ,i indulged in some day-dream that flitted before my fancy4444 ,a week later the same things occur1 but this time more prolonged2 the stifled voice of conscience is hushed4 ,yet another week4444 ,alas6 let us stop there2 each can complete the sad story for himself1 and it is easy to draw the practical conclusion4 ,,iii4 ,a young girl1 in one of those moments when the heart seems to overflow with devotion1 wrote thus in her journal3 ,if ,i dared1 ,i would ask ,,god why ,i am placed in the world2 what have ,i to do8 ,i know not2 my days are idly spent1 and ,i do not even regret them4444 ,if ,i might but do some good to myself or another1 if only for the short space of a minute in each day6 ,a few days later1 when in a calmer mood she re-read these lines1 she added1 ,why1 nothing is easier6 ,i have but to give a cup of cold water to one of ,,christ',s little ones4 ,even less than that3 a word of advice2 something lent to another2 a little vexation patiently borne2 a prayer for a friend offered to ,,god2 the fault or thoughtlessness of another repaired without his knowledge--,,god will recompense it all a thousand-fold6 ,,iv4 ,alms given in secret2 that is the charity which brings a blessing4 ,what sweet enjoyment to be able to shed a little happiness around us6 ,what an easy and agreeable task is that of trying to render others happy4 ,,father6 if ,i try to please and imitate ,thee thus1 wilt ,thou indeed bless me8 ,thanks6 thanks6 be unto ,thee4 ,v4 ,is it fair always to forget all the good or kindness shown to us by those with whom we live1 for the sake of one little pain they may have caused us1 and which1 most likely1 was quite unintentional on their part8 ,,vi4 ,when you sometimes find in books advice or example that you think may be of service1 you take care to copy and consult it as an oracle4 ,do as much for the good of your soul4 ,engrave in your memory1 and even write down1 the counsels and precepts that you hear or read2 444 then1 from time to time1 study this little collection1 which you will not prize the less that you have made it all yourself4 ,books written by others in time become wearisome to us1 but of those we write ourselves we never tire4 ,and it will be yours1 this collection of thoughts chosen because you liked them2 counsels you have given yourself2 moral receipts you have discovered1 and of which1 perhaps1 you have proved the efficacy4 ,happy soul6 that each day reaps its harvest4 ,,vii4 ,do you wish to live at peace with all the world8 ,then practise the maxims of an influential man1 who1 when asked1 after the ,revolution1 how he managed to escape the executioner's axe1 replied1 ,i made myself of no reputation and kept silence4 ,would you live peaceably with the members of your family1 above all with those who exercise a certain control of you8 ,use the means employed by a pious woman1 who had to live with one of a trying temper1 and which she summed up in the following words3-- ,i do everything to please her4 ,i fulfil all my duties with a smiling face1 never revealing the trouble it causes me4 ,i bear patiently everything that displeases me4 ,i consult her on many subjects of which1 perhaps1 ,i may be the better judge4 ,would you be at peace with your conscience8 ,let your ,guardian ,angel find you at each moment of the day doing one of these four things which once formed the rule of a saintly life3 7#a47 praying2 7#b47 laboring2 7#c47 striving after holiness2 7#d47 practising patience4 ,would you become holy8 ,try to add to the above actions the following virtues3 method1 faith1 spiritual combat1 perseverance4 ,finally1 if you would live in an atmosphere of benevolence1 make it your study to be always rendering others service1 and never hesitate to ask the same of them4 ,in offering help1 you make a step towards gaining a friend2 in asking it1 you please by this mark of your confidence4 ,the result of this will be a constant habit of mutual forbearance1 and a fear to be disobliging in matters of greater importance4 ,,viii4 ,when teaching or working with others1 never laugh or make fun of their awkwardness4 ,if it is caused by stupidity1 your laughter is uncharitable2 if from ignorance1 your mockery is1 to say the least1 unjust4 ,teach the unskilful with gentleness2 show him the right way to work2 and ,god1 ,who sees all your efforts1 will smile on your patience1 and send you help in all your difficulties4 ,,ix4 ,when the heart is heavy1 and we suffer from depression or disappointment1 how thankful we should be that we still have work and prayer left to comfort us4 ,occupation forcibly diverts the mind2 prayer sweetly soothes the soul4 ,then1 writes one who had been sorely tried1 ,i tell my griefs to ,god1 as a child tells its troubles to its mother2 and when ,i have told all ,i am comforted1 and repeat with a lightened heart the prayer of ,s4 ,francoise de ,chantal 7who certainly suffered more than ,i71 ',thy will be done for ever and ever1 ,o ,,lord1 without if or but2' 444 and then1 for fear a murmur may arise in my heart1 ,i return immediately to my work1 and become absorbed in occupation4 ,x4 ,he who is never satisfied with anything1 satisfies no one4 ,,xi4 ,are there many who try to be of some little help or comfort to the souls with whom they are brought in contact through life8 ,poor souls1 that1 perhaps1 have no longer strength or will to manifest the longing they experience1 and who languish for want of help1 without being aware that they are perishing4 ,oh1 mingle sometimes with your earthly help the blessed ,name of ,,god2 and if there remain one little spark of life in the soul1 that ,name will rekindle it1 and carry comfort and resignation2 even as air breathed into the mouth of any one apparently dead1 rushes into the lungs1 and revives the sufferer1 if but one breath of life remains4 ,souls6 ,souls6 ,i yearn for ,souls6--,this is the cry of the ,,saviour2 and for their sakes ,he died upon the ,cross1 and remains until eternity their ,intercessor4 ,souls6 ,souls6 ,i must win ,souls6--,it is the cry of ,satan2 and to obtain them he scatters gold to tempt them1 multiplies their pleasures and vanities1 and gives the praise that only infatuates4 ,souls6 ,souls6 we long for ,souls6--,let this be our aim1 readers and writers of these our ,paillettes2 and for the sake of even one soul1 let not fatigue1 expense1 or the criticism of the world1 deter us4444 ,,xii4 ,how few there are who would thus dare to address ,,god each night3 ,,lord1 deal with me to-morrow as ,i have this day dealt with others2 444 those to whom ,i was harsh1 and from malice1 or to show my own superiority1 exposed their failings2 others1 to whom1 from pride or dislike1 ,i refused to speak1--one ,i have avoided1 another ,i cannot like because she displeases me2 ,i will not forgive1--to whom ,i will not show any kindness4444 ,and yet let us never forget that1 sooner or later1 ,god will do unto us even as we have done unto them4 ,,xiii4 ,grant me1 ,o ,,lord1 said a humble soul1 that ,i may pass unnoticed through the world4 ,this should be the wish1 or rather the aim1 of all true devotion4 ,small virtues require the praise of man to sustain them1 just as little children require encouragement to walk or stand alone4 ,but true virtue goes quietly through the world1 scattering good around1 and performing noble deeds1 without even the knowledge that what it does is heroic4 ,,xiv4 ,s4 ,chantal one day was excusing herself to ,s4 ,francois de ,sales for having spoken hastily to some one1 on the plea that it was in the cause of justice4 ,the ,saint replied1 ,you have been more just than righteous2 but we should be more righteous than just4 ,,xv4 ,a devout woman once wrote thus3 ,in my own family ,i try to be as little in the way as possible1 satisfied with everything1 and never to believe for a moment that any one means unkindly towards me4 ,if people are friendly and kind to me1 ,i enjoy it2 if they neglect me1 or leave me1 ,i am always happy alone4 ,it all tends to my one aim1 forgetfulness of self in order to please ,,god4 ,,xvi4 ,learning is not without its effect upon the soul2 it either lends it wings to bear it up to ,,god1 or leaves behind it tiny sparks1 which little by little consume the whole being4 ,if you would ascertain all the good or ill you have derived from all those hours devoted to historians1 poets1 novelists1 or philosophers1 put to yourself these questions3 ,since acquiring this knowledge1 am ,i wiser8 am ,i better8 am ,i happier8 ,wiser8--,that is to say1 more self-controlled1 less the slave of my passions1 less irritated by small vexations1 braver in bearing misfortunes1 more careful to live for eternity8 ,better8--,more forbearing towards others1 more forgiving1 less uncharitable1 more reticent in opposing the faults of others1 more solicitous for the happiness of those around me8 ,happier8--,that would mean more contented with my station in life1 striving to derive all possible benefits from it1 to beautify rather than to alter it8 ,have ,i more faith in ,,god1 and more calmness and resignation in all the events of life8 ,if you cannot reply in the affirmative1 then examine your heart thoroughly1 and you will find there1 stifling the good that ,,god has implanted1 these three tyrants that have obtained dominion over1 you3 7#a47 ,pride2 7#b47 ,ambition2 7#c47 ,self-conceit4 ,from them have sprung3 dissatisfaction and contempt of your life and its surroundings1 restlessness1 a longing for power and dominion over others1 malice1 habitual discontent1 and incessant murmurings4 ,have you any further doubts8 ,then inquire of those with whom you live4 ,ah6 if this be indeed the sad result1 then1 whatever may be your age1 close1 oh6 close those books1 and seek once more those two elements of happiness you ought never to have forsaken1 and which1 had you made them the companions of your study1 would have kept you pure and good4 ,i refer to prayer and manual labor4 ,,xvii4 ,listen to the story of a simple shepherd1 given in his own words3 ,i forget now who it was that once said to me1 ',jean ,baptiste1 you are very poor8'--,true4--',if you fell ill1 your wife and children would be destitute8'--,true4 ,and then ,i felt anxious and uneasy for the rest of the day4 ,at ,evensong wiser thoughts came to me1 and ,i said to myself3 ,jean ,baptiste1 for more than thirty years you have lived in the world1 you have never possessed anything1 yet still you live on1 and have been provided each day with nourishment1 each night with repose4 ,of trouble ,,god has never sent you more than your share4 ,of help the means have never failed you4 ,to whom do you owe all this8 ,to ,,god4 ,jean ,baptiste1 be no longer ungrateful1 and banish those anxious thoughts2 for what could ever induce you to think that the ,hand from which you have already received so much1 would close against you when you grow old1 and have greater need of help8 ,i finished my prayer1 and felt at peace4 ,,xviii4 ,the work of the ,sower is given to each of us in this world1 and we fall short of our duty when we let those with whom we are brought in contact leave us without having given them a kind thought or pious impression4 ,nothing is so sad as the cry1 ,i am useless6 ,happily none need ever be so4 ,a kind word1 a gentle act1 a modest demeanor1 a loving smile1 are as so many seeds that we can scatter every moment of our lives1 and which will always spring up and bear fruit4 ,happy are those who have many around them 444 they are rich in opportunities1 and may sow plenteously4 ,,xix4 ,few positions in life are so full of importunities as that of the mother of a family1 or mistress of a house4 ,she may have a dozen interruptions while writing one letter1 or settling an account4 ,what holiness1 what self-control1 is needed to be always calm and unruffled amid these little vexations1 and never to manifest the slightest impatience6 ,leaving the work without apparent annoyance1 replying with a smile upon the lips1 awaiting patiently the end of a long conversation1 and finally returning calmly to the yet unfinished work--all this is the sign of a recollected soul1 and one that waits upon ,,god4 ,oh6 what blessings are shed around them by such patient souls 444 but1 alas6 how rarely they are to be met with6 ,,xx4 ,there are times in one's life when all the world seems to turn against us4 ,our motives are misunderstood1 our words misconstrued1 a malicious smile or an unkind word reveals to us the unfriendly feelings of others4 ,our advances are repulsed1 or met with icy coldness2 a dry refusal arrests on our lips the offer of help4444 ,oh1 how hard it all seems1 and the more so that we cannot divine the cause6 ,courage1 patience1 poor disconsolate one6 ,,god is making a furrow in your heart1 where ,he will surely sow ,his grace4 ,it is rare when injustice1 or slights patiently borne1 do not leave the heart at the close of the day filled with marvellous joy and peace4 ,it is the seed ,,god has sown1 springing up and bearing fruit4 ,,xxi4 ,that which costs little is of little worth4 ,this thought should make us tremble4 ,in our self-examination we may experience at times a certain satisfaction in noticing the little virtues we may possess1 above all1 those that render us pleasing in the eyes of others4 ,for instance1 we may like to pray at a certain place1 with certain sentiments1 and we think ourselves devout2 we are gentle1 polite1 and smiling towards one person in particular2 patient with those we fear1 or in whose good opinion we would stand2 we are devoted1 charitable1 generous1 because the heart experiences an unspeakable pleasure in spending and being spent for others2 we suffer willingly at the hands of some one we love1 and then say we are patient2 we are silent1 because we have no inclination to speak2 shunning society because we fail to shine there1 and then fancy that we love retirement4 ,take these virtues that give you such self-satisfaction1 one by one1 and ask yourself at what sacrifice1 labor1 or cost1 above all1 with what care you have managed to acquire them4444 ,alas6 you will find that all that patience1 affability1 generosity1 and piety are but as naught1 springing from a heart puffed up with pride4 ,it costs nothing1 and it is worthless4 ,as self-sacrifice1 says ,de ,maistre1 is the basis and essence of virtue1 so those virtues are the most meritorious that have cost the greatest effort to attain4 ,do not look with so much pride on this collection of virtues1 but rather bring yourself to account for your faults4 ,take just one1 the first that comes1 impatience1 sloth1 gossip1 uncharitableness1 sulkiness1 whatever it may be1 and attack it bravely4 ,it will take at least a month1 calculating upon three victories every day1 not indeed to eradicate it1--a fault is not so short-lived1--but to prevent its attaining dominion over you4 ,that one subdued1 then take another4 ,it is the work of a lifetime2 and truly to our faults may we apply the saying1 ,quand il n'y en a plus1 il y en a encore4 ,happy should ,i think myself1 said ,s4 ,francis de ,sales1 if ,i could rid myself of my imperfections but one-quarter of an hour previous to my death4 ,,xxii4 ,,before ,,holy ,,communion ,,jesus ,my child1 it is not wisdom ,i require of thee1 it sufficeth if thou lovest ,me well4 ,speak to ,me as thou wouldst talk to thy mother if she were here1 pressing thee to her heart4 99 99 99 99 99 ,hast thou none for whom thou wouldst intercede8 ,tell ,me the names of thy kindred and thy friends2 and at the mention of each name add what thou wouldst have ,me do for them4 ,ask much fervently2 the generous hearts that forget themselves for others are very dear unto ,me4 ,tell ,me of the poor thou wouldst succor1 the sick thou hast seen suffering1 the sinful thou wouldst reclaim1 the estranged thou wouldst receive to thy heart again4 ,pray fervently for all mankind4 ,remind ,me of ,my promise to hear all prayers that proceed from the heart2 and the prayer offered for one who loves us1 and is dear to us1 is sure to be heartfelt and fervent4 99 99 99 99 99 ,hast thou no favors to ask of ,me8 ,give ,me1 if thou wilt1 a list of all thy desires1 all the wants of thy soul4 ,tell ,me1 simply1 of all thy pride1 sensuality1 self-love1 sloth2 and ask for ,my help in thy struggles to overcome them4 ,poor child6 be not abashed2 many that had the same faults to contend against are now saints in heaven4 ,they cried to ,me for help1 and by degrees they conquered4 ,do not hesitate to ask for temporal blessings1--health1 intellect1 success4 ,i can bestow them1 and never fail to do so1 where they tend to make the soul more holy4 ,what wouldst thou this day1 ,my child8444 ,if thou didst but know how ,i long to bless thee6444 99 99 99 99 99 ,hast thou no interests which occupy thy mind8 ,tell ,me of them all4444 ,of thy vocation4 ,what dost thou think8 ,what dost thou desire8 ,wouldst thou give pleasure to thy mother1 thy family1 those in authority over thee8 what wouldst thou do for them8 ,and for ,me hast thou no ardor8 ,dost thou not desire to do some good to the souls of those thou lovest1 but who are forgetful of ,me8 ,tell ,me of one in whom thou hast interest2 the motive that actuates2 the means thou wouldst employ4 ,lay before ,me thy failures1 and ,i will teach thee the cause4 ,whom wouldst thou have to help thee8 ,the hearts of all are in ,my keeping1 and ,i lead them gently wheresoever ,i will4 ,rest assured1 all who are needful to thee1 ,i will place around thee4 ,oh6 ,my child1 tell ,me of all thy weariness3 who has grieved thee8 treated thee with contempt8 wounded thy self-love8 ,tell ,me all1 and thou wilt end by saying1 all is forgiven1 all forgotten 444 and ,i1 surely ,i will bless thee6444 ,art thou fearful of the future8 ,is there in thy heart that vague dread that thou canst not define1 but which nevertheless torments thee8 ,trust in ,my ,providence4444 ,i am present with thee1 ,i know all1 and ,i will never leave thee nor forsake thee4 ,are there around thee those seemingly less devout than formerly1 whose coldness or indifference have estranged thee from them without real cause8444 ,pray for them4 ,i can draw them back to thee if they are necessary to the sanctification of thy soul4 ,what are the joys of which thou hast to tell ,me8 ,let ,me share thy pleasures2 tell ,me of all that has occurred since yesterday to comfort thee1 please thee1 to give thee joy6 ,that fear suddenly dispelled1 that unexpected success1 that token of affection1 the trial that proved thee stronger than thou thoughtest4444 ,my child1 ,i sent it all2 why not show some gratitude1 and simply thank thy ,,lord8 ,gratitude draws down a blessing1 and the ,great ,benefactor likes ,his children to remind ,him of ,his ,goodness4 ,hast thou no promises to make to ,me8 ,i can read thy heart2 thou knowest it2 thou mayst deceive man1 but thou canst never deceive ,god4 ,be sincere4 ,art thou resolved to avoid all occasions of sin8 ,to renounce that which tempts thee2 never again to open the book that excites thine imagination8 ,not to bestow thine affection on one who is not devout1 and whose presence steals the peace from thy soul8 ,wilt thou go now and be loving and forbearing towards one who has vexed thee8444 ,good1 ,my child6444 ,go1 then1 return to thy daily toil2 be silent1 humble1 resigned1 charitable2 then return to ,me with a heart yet more loving and devoted1 and ,i shall have for thee fresh blessings4 ,,xxiii4 ,there will soon be none left1 said ,s4 ,francis de ,sales1 who will love poor sinners but ,,god and myself4 ,oh6 why do we fail in love towards those poor sinful ones6 ,are they not very much to be pitied8 ,when they are prosperous1 pray for them2 but when misfortune comes 7and trouble weighs heavily upon the wicked71 death depriving them of the only beings they did not hate1 afflicting them with a loathsome disease1 delivering them up to scorn and misery--oh6 then1 when all this comes upon them1 love them freely4 ,it is by affection alone that we can reach the worst characters1 and the souls that are steeped in sin4 ,how many have died impenitent1 who1 if only some one had cared for them and shown them love1 might have become at last saints in heaven6 ,oh6 the sins that are committed1 oh6 the souls we suffer to wander from ,,god1 and all because we are so wanting in love towards them4 ,,xxiv4 ,let us always be on our guard against ,prejudice4 ,some women have a way 7of which they themselves are unconscious7 of turning the cold shoulder to some one member of their family4 ,for what reason8 ,they cannot say1 simply because the cause is never very clearly defined and in this lies all the mischief4 ,perhaps an air of indifference they may have fancied1 and which arose merely from fatigue1 or trouble that could not be confided to them4 ,a word misinterpreted1 because heard at a time when they felt discontented1 and their morbid imagination made everything appear in a false light4 ,some scandal to which they ought never to have listened1 or1 at least1 should have endeavored to fathom1 going direct to the person concerned and seeking an explanation4 ,and behold the result3 they in their turn become cold1 reserved1 and suspicious1 misinterpreting the slightest gesture 444 in a few days arises a coldness1 from the feeling they are no longer beloved2 then follow contempt and mistrust1 finally1 a hatred that gnaws and rends the very heart4 ,it all springs up imperceptibly1 till at last the family life is one of bitterness and misery4 ,they console1 or better still1 excuse themselves1 with the thought of their suffering1 never considering how much pain they give to others1 nor where the fault lies4 ,,xxv4 ,let it rest6 ,ah6 how many hearts on the brink of anxiety and disquietude by this simple sentence have been made calm and happy6 ,some proceeding has wounded us by its want of tact2 let it rest2 no one will think of it again4 ,a harsh or unjust sentence irritates us2 let it rest2 whoever may have given vent to it will be pleased to see it is forgotten4 ,a painful scandal is about to estrange us from an old friend2 let it rest1 and thus preserve our charity and peace of mind4 ,a suspicious look is on the point of cooling our affection2 let it rest1 and our look of trust will restore confidence4444 ,fancy6 we who are so careful to remove the briers from our pathway for fear they should wound1 yet take pleasure in collecting and piercing our hearts with the thorns that meet us in our daily intercourse with one another4 ,how childish and unreasonable we are6 ,,xxvi4 ,of all the means placed by ,providence within our reach1 whereby we may lead souls to ,him1 there is one more blessed than all others1--intercessory prayer4 99 99 99 99 99 ,how often1 in the presence of one deeply loved1 but1 alas6 estranged from ,,god1 the heart of mother or wife has felt a sudden impulse to say an earnest word1 propose an act of devotion1 to paint in glowing colors the blessings of faith and the happiness of virtue 444 and she has stopped1 deterred by an irresistible fear of how the words may be received2 and she says to herself1 poor woman1 ,to-morrow ,i shall be braver4 99 99 99 99 99 ,poor mother6 poor wife6 go and tell to your ,heavenly ,,father all you would1 but dare not1 say to the loved one who gives you so much pain4 ,lay that sin-sick soul before the ,,lord1 as long ago they laid the paralytic man who could not1 or perhaps would not1 be led to ,him4 ,plead for him with the long-suffering ,,saviour1 as you would plead with an earthly master1 upon whom depended all his future welfare1 and say to ,him simply1 ,,lord1 have patience with him yet a little longer4 ,tell ,,god of all your anxiety1 your discouragements1 the means employed for success4 ,ask ,him to teach you what to say and how to act4 ,one sentence learned of ,,god in prayer will do more for the conversion of a soul than all our poor human endeavors4 ,that sentence will escape our lips involuntarily4 ,we may not remember that we have said it1 but it will sink deep into the heart1 making a lasting impression1 and silently fulfilling its mission4 99 99 99 99 99 ,you are1 perhaps1 surprised1 after many years1 to see such poor results4 ,ah6 how little can you judge6444 ,do you know what you have gained8 ,in the first place1 time--often a physical impossibility to sin1 which you may attribute to chance1 but which was1 in reality1 the work of ,providence2 and is it nothing1 one sin the less1 in the life of an immortal soul8444 ,then a vague uneasiness which will soon allow of no rest1 a confidence which may enable you to sympathize1 more liberty left you for the exercise of religious acts2 you no longer see the contemptuous smile at your acts of devotion4 ,is all this nothing8 ,ah6 if1 while on your knees praying for the one you would have reconciled to ,,god1 you could but see what is passing in his soul1--the wrestlings1 the remorse he strives vainly to stifle2 if you could see the work of the ,holy ,spirit in the heart1 gently but firmly triumphing over the will1 how earnestly1 how incessantly1 would you continue to pray6 ,only have patience to wait--perseverance not to grow weary4 ,it is the want of patience that often makes us exacting towards those we desire to help4 ,more haste1 less speed1 is an old saying2 the more we are exacting1 the less likely are we to succeed4 ,men like to act freely1 and to have the credit of their actions4 ,it is because we have not learned to persevere that the work seems never to progress4 ,courage1 then6 the ground may seem too dry for cultivation1 but each prayer will be as a drop of water2 the marble may be very hard1 but each prayer is like the hammer's stroke that wears away its roughness4 ,,xxvii4 ,the sweet peace of ,,god bears the outward token of resignation4 ,when the ,holy ,spirit dwells within us everything seems bright4 ,everything may not be exactly as we would wish it1 but we accept all with a good grace4444 ,for instance1 some change in our household or mode of living upsets us4 ,if ,,god is with us1 ,he will whisper1 ,yield cheerfully thy will2 in a little while all will be forgotten4 ,some command or employment wounds our pride2 if ,,god is with us1 ,he will say to us1 ,be submissive1 and ,i will come to thine aid4 ,we may dislike a certain neighborhood2 the society there may be repulsive to us1 and we are about to become morbid3 ,,god will tell us to continue gracious and smiling1 for ,he will recompense the little annoyances we may experience4 ,if you would discern in whom ,,god',s ,spirit dwells1 watch that person1 and notice whether you ever hear him murmur4 ,,xxviii4 ,i ,,want ,,to ,,be ,,holy ,heavenly ,father1 aid ,thy child1 who longs to become holy6 ,but then1 ,i must be patient under humiliation1 let myself be forgotten1 and be even pleased at feeling myself set aside4 ,never mind6 ,i am resolved2 ,i wish to be holy6 ,but ,i must never excuse myself1 never be impatient1 never out of temper4 ,never mind6 ,i am resolved2 ,i wish to be holy6 ,then ,i must continually be doing violence to my feelings1--submitting my will always to that of my superiors1 never contentious1 never sulky1 finishing every work begun1 in spite of dislike or ennui4 ,never mind6 ,i am resolved2 ,i wish to be holy6 ,but then1 ,i must be always charitable towards all around me2 loving them1 helping them to the utmost of my power1 although it may cause me trouble4 ,never mind6 ,i am resolved2 ,i wish to be holy6 ,but ,i must constantly strive against the cowardice1 sloth1 and pride of my nature1 renouncing the world1 the vanity that pleases1 the sensuality that rejoices me1 the antipathy that makes me avoid those ,i do not like4 ,never mind6 ,i am resolved2 ,i still wish to be holy6 ,then1 ,i shall have to experience long hours of weariness1 sadness1 and discontent4 ,i shall often feel lonely and discouraged4 ,never mind6 ,i am resolved2 ,i wish to be holy6 for then ,i shall have ,thee always with me1 ever near me4 ,,lord1 help me1 for ,i want to be holy6 99 99 99 99 99 ,,how ,,to ,,become ,,holy ,oh6 it is quite easy1 if ,i fulfil every duty to the best of my ability2 and many who had no more to do than ,i have become saints4 ,one day is the same as another4 ,prayer1 worldly business1 calls to be devout1 charitable1 and faithful1--these are the duties that each hour brings in its turn2 and if ,i am faithful in their fulfilment1 ,,god will be always ready to help me1 and then what signifies a little ennui1 pain1 or misfortune8 99 99 99 99 99 ,,the ,,sanctification ,,of ,,daily ,,duties ,i will perform them as in ,,god',s sight1 conscious that ,he is present1 and smiling on my efforts4 ,i will perform each as if ,i had but one to accomplish1 striving to render it as perfect as possible4 ,i will fulfil each duty as if upon that one alone depended my salvation4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,motives ,,for ,,sanctifying ,,my ,,actions ,,god expects me to honor ,him by that action4 ,,god has attached a special blessing to that action1 and awaits its fulfilment to bestow it4 ,,god notes each action2 and of them all hereafter ,i must give an account4 ,,god will see that ,i love ,him1 if ,i strive to fulfil every duty1 in spite of weariness and trouble4 ,i honor ,,god by this action2 and ,i1 poor1 weak1 sinful child1 am allowed to glorify ,him1 in place of those who blaspheme and rebel against the ,divine will4 ,,xxix4 ,they say there is nothing which communicates itself so quickly amongst the members of a family as an expression of coldness or discontent on the face of one of its members4 ,it is like the frost that chills us4 ,this is not altogether true2 there is something which is communicated with equal rapidity and greater force--,i mean the smiling face1 the beaming countenance1 the happy heart4 ,,xxx4 ,,little ,,worries ,there is not a day in our lives that we are not distressed by some one of those numberless little worries that meet us at every step1 and which are inevitable4 ,the wound made may not be deep2 but the constant pricks1 each day renewed1 imbitter the character1 destroy peace1 create anxiety1 and make the family life1 that otherwise would be so sweet and peaceful1 almost unendurable4 ,life is full of these little miseries4 ,each hour brings with it its own trouble4 ,here are some of the little worries3 ,an impatient word escapes our lips in the presence of some one in whose estimation we would stand well4 ,a servant does his work badly1 fidgets us by his slowness1 irritates us by his thoughtlessness1 and his awkward blunders make us blush4 ,a giddy child in its clumsiness breaks something of value1 or that we treasure on account of its associations2 we are charged with a message of importance1 and our forgetfulness makes us appear uncourteous1 perhaps ungrateful2 some one we live with is constantly finding fault1 nothing pleases them4 ,if1 when night comes1 we find we have not experienced these little worries1 then we ought to be grateful to ,,god4 ,each of these1 and many more1 are liable to befall us every day of our life4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,how ,,to ,,bear ,,little ,,worries ,in the first place1 expect them4 ,make them the subject of our morning prayers1 and say to ourselves1 ,here is my daily cross1 do ,i accept willingly8 ,surely6 for it is ,,god ,who sends it4 ,after all 444 these little troubles1 looked at calmly1 what are they8 ,ah1 if there were never any worse6 ,secondly1 we must be prepared for them4 ,you know1 if you wish to break the force of a blow falling on you1 you naturally bend the body2 so let us act with regard to our souls4 ,accustom yourself1 wrote a pious author1 to stoop with sweet condescension1 not only to exigencies 7that is your duty71 but to the simple wishes of those who surround you--the accidents which may intervene2 you will find yourself seldom1 if ever1 crushed4 ,to bend is better than to bear2 to bear is often a little hard2 to bend implies a certain external sweetness that yields all constraint1 sacrificing the wishes1 even in holy things1 when they tend to cause disagreements in the family circle4 ,submission often implies an entire resignation to all that ,,god permits4 ,the soul that endures feels the weight of its trouble4 ,the soul that yields scarcely perceives it4 ,blessed are those docile ones2 they are those whom ,,god selects to work for ,him4 ,,xxxi4 ,,to ,,obtain ,,peace ,approach the ,blessed ,sacrament1 ,o restless soul1 in search of peace1 and1 humbly kneeling there1 pour forth bravely1 slowly1 and with earnest desire1 the following prayer3-- ,o ,,jesus1 gentle and humble of heart1 hear me6 ,from the desire of being esteemed1 ,from the desire of being loved1 ,from the desire to be sought1 ,deliver me1 ,,jesus4 ,from the desire to be mourned1 ,from the desire of praise1 ,from the desire of preference1 ,from the desire of influence1 ,from the desire of approval1 ,from the desire of authority1 ,from the fear of humiliation1 ,from the fear of being despised1 ,from the fear of repulse1 ,from the fear of calumny1 ,from the fear of oblivion1 ,from the fear of ridicule1 ,from the fear of injury1 ,from the fear of suspicion1 ,deliver me1 ,,jesus4 ,that others may be loved more than myself4 ,,jesus grant this desire4 ,that others may be more highly esteemed4 ,that others may grow and increase in honor1 and ,i decrease4 ,,jesus1 grant me to desire it4 ,that others may be employed1 and ,i set aside4 ,,jesus1 grant me to desire this4 ,that others may attract the praise1 and myself be forgotten4 ,that others may be preferred in all4 ,grant me the utmost holiness of which ,i am capable1 then let others be holier than myself4 ,,jesus1 grant me to desire it6 ,oh1 if ,,god hearkens1--and hearken ,he surely will1 if your prayer has been sincere1--what joy in your heart1 what peace on your countenance1 what sweetness will pervade your whole life6 ,more than half one's troubles arise from an exaggerated idea of one's own importance1 and the efforts we make to increase our position in the world4 ,lacordaire says1 that the sweetest thing on earth is to be forgotten by all1 with the exception of those who love us4 ,all else brings more trouble than joy2 and as soon as we have completed our task here1 and fulfilled our mission1 the best thing for us to do is to disappear altogether4 99 99 99 99 99 ,let us each cultivate carefully and joyously the portion of soil ,providence has committed to our care4 ,let us never be hindered or distracted by ambitious thoughts1 that we could do better1 or a false zeal tempting us to forsake our daily task with the vain desire to surpass our neighbors4444 ,let this one thought occupy our minds4 ,to do well what is given us to do1 for this is all that ,,god requires at our hands4 ,it may be summed up in four words1--simply1 zealously1 cheerfully1 completely4 99 99 99 99 99 ,then if we are slighted1 misunderstood1 maligned1 or persecuted1 what does it matter8 ,these injuries will pass away2 but the peace and love of ,,god will remain with us forever1 the reward of our faith and patience4 ,the love of ,,god6 ,who can describe all the joy1 strength1 and consolation it reveals8 ,never has human love1 in its brightest dreams1 been able to form any idea of all the sweetness the love of ,,god imparts to the soul1 and which is brought still nearer to us in the ,blessed ,sacrament4 ,i can well understand the words of a loving soul3 ,with heaven so near1 and daily communion with our ,,god1 how can we ever repine6 ,,xxxii4 ,,after ,,holy ,,communion ,,our ,,father ,,which ,,art ,,in ,,heaven ,o ,,jesus6 it is ,thou ,who biddest me say1 ,,father6 ,my ,father6 ,oh how that ,name rejoices my heart6 ,my ,father6 ,i can no longer feel alone2 and whatever may happen to me this day1 ,i feel ,i am protected1 comforted1 beloved4 ,,jesus6 let me dwell on the sweetness of those words3 ,my ,father6 ,i need not lift my eyes to heaven1 ,thou art within me1 and where ,thou dwellest heaven must be4 ,yes6 heaven is within me6 heaven with all its peace and love2 and if ,i keep free from guile this day1 my day will be one of heavenly joy1 and in addition1 the privilege of suffering for ,thee4 ,,hallowed ,,be ,,thy ,,name ,to hallow ,thy ,name1 ,o ,,lord1 is to pronounce it with reverence and awe4 ,to-day ,i will pray more fervently1 try to realize ,thy ,presence1 ,thy ,goodness1 ,thy ,love2 and my heart shall be a sanctuary into which nothing shall penetrate that could be displeasing unto ,thee4 ,to hallow ,thy ,name is to call upon it fervently1 to have it constantly upon my lips2 above all1 before taking an important step1 when there are difficulties to be overcome1 ,i will softly whisper the ,invocation1 which is the secret of all holy living6 ,,jesus1 meek and humble of heart1 have pity upon me4 ,,thy ,,kingdom ,,come ,o ,,jesus1 ,thy kingdom is within my heart1 reign there in all ,thy sovereignty and power1 reign there absolutely6 ,my ,king6 what dost ,thou require of me to-day8 ,thy commandments1 my rule of life1 my daily duties1--these are ,thy commands that ,i will promise to obey2 more than that1 ,i will regard all in authority over me as ,thine ,ambassadors1 speaking to me in ,thy ,name4 ,what matters the tone or the harshness of the order8 ,what does it signify if some unexpected command upsets all my previous plans8 ,it is ,thy ,voice ,i hear1 ,thou ,,lord1 ,whom ,i will obey always1 and in all things4 ,thy kingdom is also in the hearts of others2 and there would ,i see ,thee reigning4 ,then to whom can ,i speak of ,thee this day8 ,what counsels can ,i give8 ,what moments may ,i seize1 in which1 without wounding the feelings1 or parading my zeal1 ,i may be allowed to speak a few words of piety8 ,,lord1 let me have the opportunity to help another to love ,thee6 ,,thy ,,will ,,be ,,done ,,in ,,earth1 ,,as ,,it ,,is ,,in ,,heaven ,yes1 yes6 ,thy ,will be done6 ,thy sweet all-perfect ,will6 ,what wilt ,thou send me to-day8 ,humiliation8 ,provocation8 ,sufferings8 ,a fresh rending of the heart8 ,a disappointment8 ,shall ,i see myself misjudged1 falsely suspected1 despised8 ,i accept beforehand all that ,thou sendest me2 and if through weakness ,i weep1 suffer it to be so2 if ,i murmur1 check me2 if ,i am vexed1 correct me2 if hopeless1 encourage me4 ,yes1 yes6 ,let ,thy sweet and holy ,will be done6 ,even1 ,o ,,lord1 if to glorify ,thee1 ,i must be humiliated1 suffering1 useless1 and forsaken1 still1 ,,lord1 stay not ,thine ,hand1 ,i am wholly ,thine4 ,,give ,,us ,,this ,,day ,,our ,,daily ,,bread ,how blessed1 ,o ,,lord1 to depend only upon ,thee 444 behold me1 ,thy child1 waiting with outstretched hand to receive ,thy benefits4 ,grant me my temporal blessings1--clothing1 nourishment1 shelter 444 but not too much of anything2 and let me have the happiness of sharing my blessings with those poorer than myself to-day4 ,grant me the blessing of intelligence1 that ,i may read1 or hear one of those golden counsels that elevate the soul1 and lend wings to the thoughts4 ,grant me the loving heart1 ,o my ,,father6 that ,i may feel for a moment how ,i love ,thee1 and ,thy love towards me2 let me sacrifice myself for the welfare of another4 ,give me the ,bread of ,life1 the ,holy ,eucharist6 ,i have just received it1 ,,lord6 ,grant me again ere long that great blessing4 ,and then1 give all these blessings to those ,i love1 and who love me6 ,,forgive ,,us ,,our ,,trespasses1 ,,as ,,we ,,forgive ,,them ,,that ,,trespass ,,against ,,us ,when ,i pronounce the word of pardon1 what a weight seems lifted from my heart4 ,i will not only banish every feeling of hatred1 ,i will efface every painful remembrance4 ,o ,,god1 if ,thou forgivest me1 as ,i forgive others1 what mercy for me6 ,thou seest ,i bear no malice1 that ,i forget all injuries4444 ,i have been offended by words2 ,i forget them2 by actions1 ,i forget them2 by omissions1 thoughts1 desires2 they are all forgotten4 ,ah6 in all these ways ,i have offended ,thee1 and ,thou wilt forget1 even as ,i have forgotten4 ,i will be very merciful1 so that ,thou mayst have mercy upon me4 ,,lead ,,us ,,not ,,into ,,temptation1 ,,but ,,deliver ,,us ,,from ,,evil ,now1 as ,i leave ,thine altar1 ,i go to encounter temptation4 ,o ,,saviour6 help me1 keep me1 and warn me of my danger6 ,let me shun all occasions of evil1 and if by weakness or allurements ,i am led into paths of sin1 if ,i fall1 oh6 rescue me speedily1 that ,i may fall upon my knees1 confessing my sin1 and imploring pardon4 ,sin6 this is the evil from which ,i beseech ,thee to deliver me2 other troubles that may happen1 ,i accept2 they are sent to try me and to purify1 and come from ,thee2 but sin1 ,i have no pleasure in it6 ,oh6 when in the hour of temptation ,i fall away1 ,,lord1 hearken to the cry that ,i now raise to ,thee in all sincerity2 ,i will it not6 it is not wilful6 ,i go from ,thy ,presence1 but1 ,,jesus1 ,thou art with me6 ,in work1 in prayer1 in suffering1 let all be done in ,thee6 ,,xxxiii4 ,mother1 asked a child1 since nothing is ever lost1 where do all our thoughts go8 ,to ,,god1 answered the mother gravely1 who remembers them forever4 ,forever6 said the child4 ,he bent his head1 and1 drawing closer to his mother1 murmured1 ,i am frightened6 ,which of us have not felt the same8 ,,xxxiv4 ,one more solemn thought3 ,how old are you8 ,nineteen4 ,have you reckoned the number of minutes that have elapsed since your birth8 ,the number is startling3 nine millions1 three hundred and thirty-three thousand1 two hundred4444 ,each of those minutes has flown to ,,god2 ,,god has examined them and weighed them1 and for them you must give account4 ,each minute bears its own impress 7as a coin bears the impress of the ,sovereign71 and only those marked with the image of ,,god will avail you for eternity4 ,is not this thought one to make you tremble8 ,i never could understand1 writes ,guerin1 the feeling of security some have that their works must find favor with ,,god--as if our duties were confined to the narrow limits of this little world4 ,to be a good son1 statesman1 or brother1 is not all that is required of us2 ,,god demands far more than this from those for whom ,he has destined a crown of glory hereafter4 ,,xxxv4 ,one great characteristic of holiness is never to be exacting1 never to complain4 ,each complaint drags us down a degree in our upward course4 ,by complaining1 ,i do not mean the simple imparting of our troubles to others4 ,complaint savors always of a little bad temper1 and a slightly vindictive spirit4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the saints were never exacting4 ,contented with their lot1 they never desired anything that was withheld from them4 ,i have asked1 said a holy soul1 for something ,i thought needful2 they have forgotten to answer me1 or perhaps would not bestow it4 ,why need ,i be disquieted8 ,if it were really necessary1 ,,god would quickly provide means to obtain it4 ,how few could enter into this feeling2 and yet it is but the echo of ,,christ',s own words1 ,your ,,father in ,heaven knoweth that ye have need of all these things4 ,,xxxvi4 ,joy in life is like oil in a lamp4 ,when the oil gets low the wick is consumed1 emitting a black vapor1 and sending forth only a lurid glow1 which does not give light4 ,a life without joy passes away unprofitably1 shedding around it only gloom and sorrow4 ,if every morning in a simple prayer1--in those fifteen minutes' meditation 7which only seem hard when we do not practise it71--we opened our hearts to ,,god1 as we open our windows to the sun and air1 ,,god would fill it with that calm1 sweet joy which elevates the soul1 prevents it feeling the weight of troubles1 and makes it overflow with benevolence4 ,but joy does not mean levity1 witty sayings1 or repartee 444 it is habitual serenity4 ,through a clear atmosphere we can always see the sky2 it seems so light and full of elasticity4 ,a serene sky is always pure 444 clouds may pass across it1 but they do not stain it4 ,so it is with the heart that early in the morning opens to receive ,,god',s ,peace4 ,,xxxvii4 ,you are never out of temper1 was once said to a woman well known to be much tried at home2 is it that you do not feel the injustice1 the annoyances8--,i feel them as much as you do1 she replied2 but they do not hurt me4--,you have1 then1 some special balm8--,yes2 for the vexations caused by people1 ,i have affection2 for those of circumstances1 ,i have prayer2 and over every wound that bleeds1 ,i murmur the words1 ',thy ,will be done4' ,,xxxviii4 ,,my ,,daily ,,cross ,if ,i have no cross to bear to-day1 ,i shall not advance heavenwards4 ,a cross 7that is1 anything that disturbs our peace7 is the spur which stimulates1 and without which we should most likely remain stationary1 blinded with empty vanities1 and sinking deeper into sin4 ,a cross helps us onwards1 in spite of our apathy and resistance4 ,to lie quietly on a bed of down may seem a very sweet existence1 but pleasant ease and rest are not the lot of a ,christian2 if he would mount higher and higher1 it must be by a rough road4 ,alas1 for those who have no daily cross6 ,alas1 for those who repine and fret against it6 99 99 99 99 99 ,,what ,,will ,,be ,,my ,,cross ,,to-,,day8 ,perhaps that person1 with whom ,providence has placed me1 and whom ,i dislike1 whose look of disdain humiliates me1 whose slowness worries me1 who makes me jealous by being more beloved1 more successful1 than myself1 whose chatter and lightheartedness1 even her very attentions to myself1 annoy me4 ,or it may be that person that ,i think has quarrelled with me1 and my imagination makes me fancy myself watched1 criticised1 turned into ridicule4 ,she is always with me2 all my efforts to separate are frustrated2 by some mysterious power she is always present1 always near4 99 99 99 99 99 ,this is my heaviest cross2 the rest are light in comparison4 ,circumstances change1 temptations diminish1 troubles lessen2 but those people who trouble or offend us are an ever-present source of irritation4 ,,how ,,to ,,bear ,,this ,,daily ,,cross ,never manifest1 in any way1 the ennui1 the dislike1 the involuntary shudder1 that her presence produces2 force myself to render her some little service--never mind if she never knows it2 it is between ,,god and myself4 ,try to say a little good of her every day1 of her talents1 her character1 her tact1 for there is all that to be found in her4 ,pray earnestly for her1 even asking ,,god to help me to love her1 and to spare her to me4 ,dear companion6 blessed messenger of ,,god',s mercy6 you are1 without knowing it1 the means for my sanctification1 and ,i will not be ungrateful4 ,yes6 though the exterior be rude and repellent1 yet to you ,i owe it that ,i am kept from greater sin2 you1 against whom my whole nature rebels 444 how ,i ought to love you6 ,,xxxix4 ,who is anxious for a beloved one's eternal welfare8 ,we interest ourselves for their success1 their prosperity2 we ask ,,god to keep them from harm and misfortune2 we try to start them well in the world1 to make them of reputation1 to procure them pleasure4 ,to spare them trouble1 we sacrifice our own ease and enjoyment4444 ,oh1 that is all very beautiful1 very right2 but what should we do for the soul8 ,do we pray to ,,god that this soul may become humble1 pure1 devoted8 ,do we take as much pains to procure him the little devotional book that will really help him1 as we should to obtain a transient pleasure8 ,do we help him1 unseen1 towards that act of charity1 humiliation1 or self-renunciation8 ,have we courage not to spare the soul the trial that we know will purify8 ,does it seem too hard for you8 ,ah6 then you do not know what real love is4 ,does not ,,god love us8 ,yet ,,god lets us suffer2 even sends the suffering4 ,love is given us to help us onwards1 nearer to ,,god4 ,the most blessed is that which draws us nearest to ,him2 and in proportion as it leads to ,,god we realize its blessedness4 ,the essence of true love is not its tenderness1 but its strength1 power of endurance1 its purity1 its self-renunciation4 ,the mistake we make is when we seek to be beloved1 instead of loving4 ,what makes us cowardly is the fear of losing that love4 ,never forget this3 ,a selfish heart desires love for itself2 a ,christian heart delights to love--without return4 ,,xl4 ,to learn never to waste our time is perhaps one of the most difficult virtues to acquire4 ,a well-spent day is a source of pleasure4 ,to be constantly employed1 and never asking1 ,what shall ,i do8 is the secret of much goodness and happiness4 ,begin1 then1 with promptitude1 act decisively1 persevere2 if interrupted1 be amiable1 and return to the work unruffled1 finish it carefully--these will be the signs of a virtuous soul4 ,,xli4 ,are you full of peace8 ,pray6 ,prayer will preserve it to you4 ,are you tempted8 ,pray6 ,prayer will sustain you4 ,have you fallen8 ,pray6 ,prayer will raise you4 ,are you discouraged8 ,pray6 ,prayer will reassure and comfort you4 ,,xlii4 ,the young are seldom forbearing1 because they so little understand the frailties of poor human nature4 ,oh6 if you could only witness the terrible struggles passing in the heart of that friend whose vivacity annoys you1 whose fickleness provokes you1 whose faults sometimes even make you blush4444 ,oh6 if you saw the tears that are shed in secret1 the vexation felt against self 7perhaps on your account71 you would indeed pity them4 ,love them6 make allowances for them6 never let them feel that you know their failings4 ,to make any one believe himself good1 is to help him almost in spite of self to become so4 99 99 99 99 99 ,forbearance is even more than forgiveness2 it is excusing1 putting always the best construction upon everything2 above all1 never showing that some proceeding has wounded us2 speaking of any one who has vexed us thus3 ,she did not think1 else she would have acted differently2 she never meant to pain me1 she loves me too much2 she was perhaps unable to do otherwise1 and yet suffers at the thought of having displeased me4 ,for a wounded heart no balm is so efficacious as forbearance4 ,to forbear is to forget every night the little vexations of the past day2 to say every morning3 ,to-day ,i shall be braver and calmer than yesterday4 ,forbearance even sometimes leads us to detect in ourselves a little want of good nature1 condescension1 and charity4 ,to forbear is not only freely to forgive1 but to meet half-way1 with extended hand1 those who timidly ask for pardon4 ,,xliii4 ,my friend1 do you know why the work you accomplish fails either to give pleasure to yourself or others8 ,it is because it is not cheerfully done1 and therefore appears discolored4 ,a joyous heart amid our work imparts to duty a brilliancy that charms the eyes of others1 while it prevents those feeling wounded who cannot perform it equally well4 ,joy1 with us1 is like a lever1 by which we lift the weights that without its help would crush us4 ,a workman once said3 ,if ,i were to leave off singing1 ,i should be quite unequal to my business4 ,then sing always2 let your heart sing as in its earliest years4 ,the refrain of the heart1 which perhaps never passes the lips1 but which echoes in heaven1 is this sentence3-- ,i love and ,i am beloved6 ,,xliv4 ,what regret we sometimes feel1 after the death or departure of friends1 at never having shown them the respect1 the gratitude1 we felt towards them1 and how from the depths of our heart we are filled with tenderness and affection for them6 ,it may have been that at times we could not speak1 because we thought too much of how to say it4 ,another time we lost the opportunity1 because we were always shirking it4 ,deep devotion is sometimes a little erratic2 always afraid of doing too little1 doing it badly or inopportunely4 ,oftener still the tokens of affection are checked1 because we think we could show it in some better way2 we put off till brighter days the dreams we cherished1 the sweet yearning to open the heart to the loved ones1 and let them see for once what a large place they fill there4 ,alas6 the days fly past1 suddenly comes death1 or1 sadder still1 separation without hope of return1 leaving the bitter thought3 ,others will show them better than ,i have done1 how dear1 how valued1 they are4 ,ah6 when we can be loving to-day1 never let us say1 ,i will love to-morrow2 when we have the opportunity of being grateful1 never put off1 for one hour1 the proof of our gratitude6 99 99 99 99 99 ,,conclusion ,lacordaire1 in preparing for a retreat in the country1 said he only required for his realization of a dream of happiness and solitude1 three things1--7#a7 ,,god2 7#b7 a friend2 7#c7 books4 ,god6--,we never fail to find ,him when we are pure1 holy1 and fulfilling hourly our duty4 ,a ,friend6--,responds always to the heart's call1 if only that heart be loving and devoted4 ,books6--,oh6 if only this little book of ,gold ,dust might be allowed to form one of the numbers of those that are carried away1 far from the world's turmoil1 and read in order to gain a little help and peace6 ,it will take up so little room6 ,,gold ,,dust ,,second ,,part ,i4 ,,the ,,friendly ,,whisper ,under this title we commence a series of short counsels for each day of the week1 which will be as a friendly whisper1 the voice of a ,guardian ,angel1 inspiring1 as occasion presents itself1 some good action1 some self-denial1 some little sacrifice4 ,we recommend that it should be placed on the writing-table1 in the book we most frequently turn to1 or wherever it is most likely to meet the eye4 ,what is so often the one thing wanting to some devout person devoted to doing good8 ,simply to be reminded4 ,,monday ,,charity ,be good-natured1 benevolent1 keep up a cheerful expression of countenance1 even when alone4 ,that clumsiness1 those brusque1 rude manners1 let them pass without notice4 ,when wishes contrary to your own prevail1 yield without ill-humor1 or even showing your effort2 you will give pleasure1 and thus be pleased yourself4 ,try to please1 to console1 to amuse1 to bestow1 to thank1 to help4 ,that is all in itself so good6 ,try to do some good to the souls of others6 ,an earnest word1 some encouragement1 a prayer softly breathed4 ,overcome your dislike and aversion to certain persons2 do not shun them1 on the contrary go and meet them4 ,,god goes before you4 ,be courteous even to the troublesome individual who is always in your way4 ,,god sends him to you4 ,forgive at once4 ,do you believe harm was intended8 ,if so1 is it not the greater merit8 ,do not refuse your alms1 only let your motives be pure2 and in giving1 give as to ,,god4 ,do not judge the guilty harshly2 pity1 and pray for them4 ,why imagine evil intentions against yourself8 cannot you see how the thought troubles and disquiets you8 ,check the ironical smile hovering about your lips2 you will grieve the object of it4 ,why cause any one pain8 ,lend yourself to all4 ,,god will not suffer you to be taken advantage of if you are prompted by the spirit of ,charity4 ,,tuesday ,,the ,,divine ,,presence ,never separate yourself from ,,god4 ,how sweet it is to live always near those who love us6 ,you cannot see ,,god1 but ,he is there2 just as if some friend were separated from you by a curtain1 which does not prevent his seeing you1 and which at any moment may unfold and disclose him to your view4 ,when the soul is unstained by sin1 and if we remain still and recollected1 we can perceive ,,god',s presence in the heart1 just as we see daylight penetrating a room4 ,we may not be always conscious of this ,presence1 but imperceptibly it influences all our actions4 ,oh6 however heavy may be the burden you have to bear1 does it not at once become light beneath the gaze of that ,,father',s eye8 ,the thought of ,,god is never wearisome2 why not always cherish it8 ,go on1 without trembling1 beneath the ,eye of ,,god2 never fear to smile1 love1 hope1 and enjoy all that makes life sweet4 ,,god rejoices in our pleasures as a mother in the joys of her child4 ,what is contrary to ,,god',s ,will1 grieves ,him1 and does you harm1 that alone you need fear1--the thought that will stain your soul2 the wish that troubles your heart2 that unwholesome action1 that will weaken your intellect1 and destroy your peace4 ,never long for what ,,god sees fit to deny4 ,,god1 beside you1 will repair your blunders1 provide means whereby you may atone for that sinful action by one more virtuous1 wipe away the tears caused by some unmerited reproof or unkind word4 ,you have only to close your eyes for a moment1 examine yourself1 and softly murmur1 ,,lord1 help me6 ,can you not hear ,,god',s ,voice speaking to you8 ,what6 when ,he says3 ,bear this1 ,i am here to aid thee2 you will refuse8 ,he says3 ,continue another half-hour the work that wearies thee2 and you would stop8 ,he says3 ,do not that2 and you do it8 ,he says3 ,let us tread together the path of obedience2 and you answer3 ,no8 ,,wednesday ,,self-,,renunciation ,do not be afraid of that word ,renunciation4 ,to you1 perhaps1 it only means1 weariness1 restraint1 ennui4 ,but it means also1 love1 perfection1 sanctification4 99 99 99 99 99 ,who cannot renounce1 cannot love4 ,who cannot renounce1 cannot become perfect4 ,who cannot renounce1 cannot be made holy4 99 99 99 99 99 ,self-renunciation means devotion to our duty1 going on with it in spite of difficulties1 disgust1 ennui1 want of success4 ,self-renunciation is self-sacrifice1 under whatever form it presents itself1--prayer1 labor1 love 444 all that would be an obstacle1 not merely to its accomplishment1 but its perfection4 ,self-renunciation is to root out all that encumbers the heart1 all that impedes the free action of the ,holy ,spirit within--longings after an imaginary perfection or well-being1 unreal sentiments that trouble us in prayer1 in work1 in slumber1 that fascinate us1 but the result of which is to destroy all real application4 ,self-renunciation is to resist all the allurements of the senses1 that would only give pleasure to self1 and satisfy the conscience1 by whispering1 ,it is no sin4 ,self-renunciation1 in short1 is destroying1 even at the risk of much heart-rending1 all in our heart1 mind1 imagination1 that could be displeasing to ,,god4 ,renunciation is not one single action1 that when once accomplished we experience relief2 it means a constant sacrifice1 restraint1 resisting1 rending1 each hour1 each moment1 during our whole life4 ,but is not this a worry1 a continual torment8 ,no2 not if the moving spring be love or godly fear4444 ,do you consider it a trouble when you make yourself less comfortable to make room for a friend who visits you8 ,well6 there are times when ,,god would make you sensible of ,his ,presence4 ,he is with you1 and to retain ,him close1 ,who is all ,purity1 will you not be more modest in your behavior8 ,if you would receive ,him into your heart at ,holy ,communion1 will you not make room for ,him1 by rooting out that affection ,he has pointed out to you as dangerous1 that interest1 that desire1 that worldly1 sensual attachment8 ,oh6 if you only really loved4 ,would you call it torture or constraint1 the energy with which you shatter some poisoned cup you were almost enticed to drink8 ,well6 when encountering the attractive enjoyment1 the material delight1 which might lead you astray1 or the siren voice which would allure you from your duty for a moment--then when conscience whispers1 ,beware1 444 would you be cowardly8 ,alas1 it is slowly and surely that the stream carries on to destruction the blossom that has fallen into its current4 ,it is little by little that pleasure leads on to sin the heart that lets itself be lulled by its charms4 ,,thursday ,,submission ,as soon as you awake in the morning1 try to realize ,,god stretching forth ,his ,hand towards you1 and saying1 ,dost thou really desire that ,i should watch over thee this day8 and you lift up your hands towards this kind ,,father1 and say to ,him1 ,yes1 yes1 lead me1 guide me1 love me2 ,i will be very submissive6 ,beneath ,,god',s protecting ,hand1 is it possible that you can be sorrowful1 fearful1 unhappy8 ,no2 ,,god will allow no suffering1 no trial1 above what you are able to bear4 ,then pass through the day1 quietly and calmly1 even as when a little child you had your mother always beside you4 ,you need only be careful about one thing1 never to displease ,god1 and you will see how lovingly ,,god will direct all that concerns you--material interests1 sympathies1 worldly cares2 you will be astonished at the sudden enlightenment that will come to you1 and the wondrous peace that will result from your labor and your toil4 ,then1 welcome trial1 sickness1 ennui1 privations1 injustice 444 all of it can only come directed by ,,god',s ,hand1 and will wound the soul only in order to cleanse some spot within4 ,would your mother have given you a bitter dose merely for the sake of causing you suffering8 ,if your duty is hard1 owing either to its difficulty or the distaste you feel towards it1 lift your heart to ,,god and say1 ,lord1 help me1 444 then go on with it1 even though you seem to do it imperfectly4 ,should one of those moments of vague misgivings1 that leave the soul as it were in utter darkness1 come to overwhelm you1 call upon ,,god1 as a child in terror cries out to its mother4 ,if you have sinned1 oh6 even then be not afraid of the merciful ,,god1 but with eyes full of tears1 say to ,him1 ,pardon me 444 and add softly1 chastise me soon1 ,o ,,lord6 ,yes1 yes1 dear one1 be always at peace1 going on quietly with your daily duties 444 more than that1 be always joyous4 ,and why not8 ,you who have no longer a mother to love you1 and yet crave for love1 ,,god will be as a mother4 ,you who have no brother to help you1 and have so much need of support1 ,,god will be your brother4 ,you who have no friends to comfort you1 and stand so much in need of consolation1 ,,god will be your friend4 ,preserve always the childlike simplicity which goes direct to ,,god1 and speak to ,him as you would speak to your mother4 ,keep that open confidence that tells ,him your projects1 troubles1 joys1 as you tell them to a brother4 ,cherish those loving words that speak of all the happiness you feel1 living in dependence upon ,him1 and trusting in ,his ,love1 just as you would tell it to the friend of your childhood4 ,keep the generous heart of childhood which gives all you have to ,,god4 ,let ,him freely take whatever ,he pleases1 all within and around you4 ,will only what ,he wills1 desiring only what is in accordance with ,his ,will1 and finding nothing impossible that ,he commands4 ,do you not feel something soothing and consoling in these thoughts8 ,the longer you live1 the better you will understand that true happiness is only to be found in a life devoted to ,,god1 and given up entirely to ,his ,guidance4 ,no6 no6 none can harm you1 unless it be ,,god',s ,will1 and if ,he allows it2 be patient and humble1 weep if your heart is sore1 but love always1 and wait 444 the trial will pass away1 but ,,god will remain yours forever4 ,,friday ,,prayer ,oh1 if you only knew what it is to pray6 oh1 if ,,god would only give you the grace to love prayer6 ,what peace to your soul1 what love in your heart6 ,what joy would shine in your countenance1 even though the tears streamed from your eyes6 ,prayer1 as the first cry escapes the lips1 indicates to ,,god that some one would speak to ,him1 and ,,god1 so good and gracious1 is ever ready to listen 7with all reverence we say it71 with the prompt attention of a faithful servant1 ,he manifests ,himself to the soul with ineffable love1 and says to it1 ,behold ,me1 thou hast called ,me1 what dost thou desire of ,me8 ,to pray is to remain1 so long as our prayer lasts1 in the ,presence of ,,god1 with the certainty that we can never weary ,him1 no matter what may be the subject of our prayer1 or at those times when we are speechless1 and as in the case of the good peasant quoted by the ,cure d',ars1 we are content to place ourselves before ,,god1 with only the recollection of ,his ,presence4 ,to pray is to act towards ,,god as the child does to its mother1 the poor man towards the rich1 eager to do him good1 the friend towards his friend1 who longs to show him affection4 ,prayer is the key to all celestial treasures2 by it we penetrate into the midst of all the joy1 strength1 mercy1 and goodness ,divine1 444 we receive our well-being from all around us1 as the sponge plunged into the ocean imbibes without an effort the water that surrounds it 444 this joy1 strength1 mercy1 and goodness become our own4 ,oh1 yes6 if you knew how to pray1 and loved prayer1 how good1 useful1 fruitful1 and meritorious would be your life6 ,nothing so elevates the soul as prayer4 ,,god1 so condescending to the soul1 raises it with ,him to the regions of light and love1 and then1 the prayer finished1 the soul returns to its daily duties with a more enlightened mind1 a more earnest will4 ,it is filled with radiance divine1 and sheds of its abundance upon all who approach4 ,if you would succeed in your study1 with the success that sanctifies1 pray before commencing4 ,if you would succeed in your intercourse with others1 pray before becoming intimate4 ,nothing so smooths and sweetens life as ,prayer4 ,there is the solitary prayer1 when the soul isolated from all creatures is alone with ,,god and feels thus towards ,him3 ,,god and ,i2 ,god to love2 ,i to adore1 praise1 glorify1 thank4 ,god to bestow1 ,i humbly to receive1 to renounce1 ask1 hope1 submit6444 ,ah6 who can tell all that passes between the soul and its ,,god8 ,there is the united prayer of two friends1 bound together by a holy friendship1 their desires and thoughts are one1 and as one they present themselves before ,,god1 crying1 ,have mercy upon me6 ,there is the prayer of two hearts separated by distance1 made at the same hour in the same words4 ,soothing prayer1 that each day reunites those two sad hearts torn by the agony of parting1 and who in ,,god',s ,presence1 strengthened with the same ,,holy ,,spirit1 recover courage to tread the road to heaven1 each in its appointed sphere4 ,then there is ,public ,prayer1 that which has the special promise of ,,god',s ,presence2 prayer so comforting to the feeble1 guilty soul1 who can cry in very truth1 ,my prayer ascends to ,,god1 supported by the prayers of others4 ,oh6 if you knew how to pray1 and loved prayer1 how happy and faithful would be your life6 ,,saturday ,,earnestness ,you love ,,god1 do you not1 dear one1 whom ,,god surrounds with so much affection8 ,yes1 yes6 ,i love ,him6 ,and how do you prove to ,him your love8 ,i keep myself pure and innocent1 so that ,his ,eye falling upon me may never see anything that displeases ,him4 ,i keep myself calm and quiet1 and force myself to smile that ,he may see ,i am contented4 ,that is right1 but that is not enough4 ,i think often of how much ,i owe ,him1 and apply myself diligently to the work ,he has given me to do2 ,i bear patiently with those ,i dislike1 with troubles that irritate me2 when ,i am weak ,i call upon ,him1 when timid ,i draw near to ,him1 when sinful ,i implore pardon1 and strive to do my duty more faithfully4 ,that is right1 but that is not enough4 ,i lend myself to the importunities of others4 ,i am as a slave to those who need me1 and take care never to judge any one harshly4 ,that is right1 but still it is not enough4 ,ah6 then what more can ,i do1 good angel1 thus addressing me1 what can ,i do to show my love to ,,god8 ,devote thyself to doing good to the souls of others4 ,oh1 if you knew how it pleases ,,god to see you laboring for them6 ,it is like the joy of a mother1 every time she sees some one benefiting her child4 ,how thankful she is to those who nursed it in sickness1 spared it pain1 showed it some token of affection1 a counsel1 a warning1 that gave it pleasure1 by a kind word1 a plaything1 a smile6 ,all this you may do in that circle1 more or less extended1 in which you live4 ,leave to ,,god',s minister1 if you will1 the work of converting souls1 and limit your efforts to doing good by bringing yourself into communion with them4 ,to do so1 means sweetly1 unconsciously1 softly1 speak to them of ,,god1 carry them to ,,god1 lead them to ,,god4 ,this may be done by gently1 tenderly--by inference as it were--speaking to them of ,,god1 thus leading them towards ,him1 bringing them into contact with ,him4 ,hearts are drawn together by talking of their kindred pursuits1 souls by speaking of heavenly things4 ,it is not necessary for this purpose to pronounce the name of ,,god2 it will suffice that the words shall lift the soul beyond this material world and its sensual enjoyments1 and raise them upwards to that supernatural atmosphere necessary to the real life4 ,speak of the happiness of devotion1 the charm of purity1 the blessing of the few minutes' meditation at the feet of ,,jesus1 the peace procured by entire resignation to ,providence1 and the sweetness of a life spent beneath ,,god',s ,fatherly ,eye1 the comfort the thought of heaven brings in the midst of trouble1 the hope of the meeting again above1 the certainty of eternal happiness4 ,this is doing good to others1 drawing them nearer to ,,god1 and teaching them more and more of holiness4 ,limit your efforts to this2 later on ,i will tell you what more you may do4 ,,sunday ,,sympathy ,welcome with joy each week the day that ,,god has called ,his day4 ,to each day of the week ,,god has given its special mission1 its share of pleasure and of pain1 necessary to purify and fortify and prepare us for eternity4 ,but ,sunday is a day of ,love4 ,on ,saturday we lay aside our garments faded and stained by toil1 and on ,sunday we array ourselves in garments1 not only fresher1 but more choice and graceful4 ,why not prepare the heart1 even as we do the body8 ,during the week has not the heart been wearied with petty strife and discontent1 interests marred1 bitter words8 ,then1 why not shake off all this1 that only chills affection8 ,on the ,saturday let us forgive freely1 press the hand warmly1 embrace each other2 and then peace being restored within1 we await the morrow's awakening4 ,sunday is ,,god',s day of truce for all4 ,that day1 laying aside all revenge and ill-feeling1 we must be filled with forbearance1 indulgence1 and amiability4 ,oh6 how good for us to feel obliged to be reconciled1 and each ,sunday renews the obligation4 ,let us leave no time for coldness and indifference to grow upon us 444 it only engenders hatred1 and that once established in the heart1 oh6 how hard is it to cast out again6 ,it is like a hideous cancer whose ravages no remedies can stay4 ,it is as the venomous plant that the gardener can never entirely eradicate4 ,only by a miracle can hatred be destroyed4 ,at once then let us place a barrier in our hearts against the approach of coolness or indifference1 and each ,saturday night the head of the family shall thus address us3 ,children1 to-night we forgive1 to-night we forget1 and to-morrow begin life afresh in love1 one towards another4 ,,ii4 ,when ,i have sinned1 wrote a pious soul1 ,i feel chastisement will fall upon me1 and as if ,i could hide myself from ,,god',s ,eye4 ,i shrink into myself1 and then ,i pray1 ,i pray1 and the chastisement not being sent1 ,i again expand4 ,chastisement is like a stone threatening to crush me2 ,prayer is the hand that withholds it while ,i make atonement4 ,oh6 how can those live peacefully who never pray8 ,,iii4 ,,our ,,dead ,they are not all there--our dead--buried in the churchyard1 beneath the grave1 o'ershadowed by a cross1 and round which the roses bloom4 ,there are others which nothing can recall2 they are things which belong to the heart alone1 and there alas6 have found a tomb4 ,peace surrounds me to-day2 and here in my lone chamber ,i will invoke them1 my much-loved dead4 ,come6 99 99 99 99 99 ,the first that present themselves are the sweet years of childhood1 so fresh1 so guileless1 so happy4 ,they were made up of loving caresses1 bountiful rewards1 and fearless confidence3 the words1 pain1 danger1 care1 were unknown2 they brought me simple pleasures1 happy days without a thought for the morrow1 and only required from me a little obedience4 ,alas6 they are dead 444 and what numberless things have they carried with them6 ,what a void they have left6 ,candor1 lightheartedness1 simplicity1 no longer find a place within6 ,family ties1 so true1 so wide1 so light1 have all vanished6 ,the homely hearth1 the simple reward earned by the day's industry1 maternal chidings1 forgiveness so ingenuously sought1 so freely given1 promises of amendment1 so sincere1 so joyously received4444 ,is this all gone forever8 can ,i never recall them8 ,the vision that follows is that of my early piety1 simple and full of faith1 which was as some good angel o'ershadowing me with its snowy wings1 and showing me ,,god everywhere1 in all1 and with all4 ,the good ,,god1 ,who each day provides my daily bread6 ,the ,,god1 ,who spared my mother in sickness1 and relieved her when she suffered--,,god1 ,who shielded me from harm when ,i did right6 ,the ,,god1 ,who sees all1 knows all1 and is ,omnipotent1 ,whom ,i loved with all my heart4 ,alas6 faithful1 simple piety1 thou art dead2 in innocence alone couldst thou live6 ,next comes the love of my earliest years4 ,love in childhood1 love in youth1 so full of true1 simple joy1 that initiated me in the sweet pleasure of devotion1 that taught me self-denial in order to give pleasure1 that destroyed all egotism1 by showing me the happiness of living for others4 ,love of my childhood1 love of my youth1 so pure1 so holy1 on which ,i always reckoned when they spoke to me of trouble1 loneliness1 depression 444 thou also art dead4 ,an involuntary coolness1 an unfounded suspicion never cleared1 an ill-natured story 444 all these have destroyed that child of ,heaven4 ,i knew it was tender1 and ,i cherished it1 but ,i could not believe it to be so frail4 ,i could make a long list of all the dead enshrined in my heart6 ,oh1 you who are still young1 upon whom ,,god has lavished all the gifts that are lost to me1--candor1 simplicity1 innocence1 love1 devotion 444 guard1 oh1 guard these treasures1 and that they may never die1 place them beneath the shelter of ,prayer4 ,,iv4 ,,the ,,spiritual ,,life ,what a sweet life is that6 ,the maintaining1 strengthening it1 has a softening influence2 and it is a labor that never wearies1 never deceives1 but gives each day fresh cause for joy4 ,in the language of devotion1 it is called the interior life2 and it is our purpose to point out minutely its nature1 excellence1 means1 and hindrances4 ,let no one think the interior life is incompatible with the life domestic and social1 which is often so engrossing2 just as the action of the heart maintained by the constant flow of blood in no way affects the outward movements1 so is it with the life of the soul1 which consists chiefly in the action of ,,god',s ,,holy ,,spirit within1 that never hinders our social duties1 but on the contrary is a help towards fulfilling them more calmly1 more perfectly4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,nature ,,of ,,the ,,interior ,,life ,the interior life is an abiding sense of ,,god',s ,presence1 a constant union with ,him4 ,we learn to look upon the heart as the temple where ,,god dwells1 sometimes glorious as above1 sometimes hidden as in the ,holy ,eucharist2 and we act1 think1 speak1 and fulfil all our duties1 as in ,his ,presence4 ,its aim is to shun sin1 and cultivate a detachment from all earthly things by a spirit of poverty2 sensual pleasures by purity and mortification2 pride by humility2 dissipation by recollection4 ,as a rule1 people are prejudiced against an interior life4 ,some are afraid of it1 and look upon it as a life of bondage1 sacrifice1 and restraint3 others despise it1 as nothing but a multiplicity of trifling rules1 tending only to narrow-mindedness and uselessness1 and fit only for weak minds4 ,in consequence they are on their guard against it1 and avoid the books that treat of it4 ,they would serve ,,god no doubt1 but they will not subject themselves to the entire guidance of ,his ,spirit2 in short1 it is far easier to bring a soul from a state of sin to that of grace1 than it is to lead a busy1 active1 zealous person to the hidden1 contemplative life of the soul4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,excellence ,,of ,,the ,,interior ,,life ,,god dwelling within us1 the life of ,,christ ,himself1 when on earth1 living always in ,his ,,father',s ,presence4 ,it is the life of which ,s4 ,paul speaks when he says1 nevertheless ,i live2 yet not ,i1 but ,,christ liveth in me4 ,all saints must lead this life1 and their degree of holiness is in proportion to the perfection of their union with ,,god4 ,,christ animates their souls1 even as the soul animates the body4 ,they own ,,christ as ,master1 ,counsellor1 and ,guide2 and nothing is done without submitting it to ,him1 and imploring ,his aid and approval4 ,,christ is their strength1 their refuge1 their defender4 ,they live in constant dependence upon ,him1 as their ,father1 ,protector1 and all-powerful ,king4 ,they are drawn to ,him1 as the child is drawn by love1 the poor by need4 ,they let themselves be guided by ,him1 as the blind let themselves be led by the child in whom they confide2 they bear all suffering that comes from ,him1 as the sick1 in order to be healed1 bear suffering at the hands of a physician2 and they lean on ,him1 as the child leans on its mother's breast4 ,it lifts them above the troubles and miseries of life2 the whole world may seem a prey to calamities2 themselves1 deprived of their goods through injustice or accident2 they lose their relations through death1 their friends through treachery or forgetfulness1 their reputation and honor from slander1 a serious illness deprives them of health1 their happiness is destroyed by hardness and temptations4444 ,ah6 no doubt1 they will have these trials1 no doubt they must shed bitter tears1 but still ,,god',s peace will remain to them1 the peace that passeth all understanding2 they will realize ,,god has ordered it1 guided it with ,his ,hand ,divine1 and they will be able to exclaim with joy1 ,thou art left to us1 and ,thou art all-sufficient6 99 99 99 99 99 ,,acts ,,of ,,the ,,interior ,,life #a4 ,see ,god1 that is to say1 be always realizing ,his ,presence1 feeling ,him near1 as the friend from ,whom we would never be separated1 in work1 in prayer1 in recreation1 in repose4 ,,god is not importunate1 ,he never wearies1 ,he is so gracious and merciful1 ,his ,hand directs everything1 and ,he will not suffer us to be tempted above that we are able4 #b4 ,listen to ,god3 be attentive to ,his counsels1 ,his warnings2 we hear ,his ,voice in those ,gospel words that recur to our minds1 in the good thoughts that suddenly dawn on us1 the devout words that meet us in some book1 on a sheet of paper1 or falling from the lips of a preacher1 a friend1 or even a stranger4 #c4 ,speak to ,god3 hold converse with ,him1 more with the heart than the lips1 in the early morning's meditation1 ejaculatory prayer1 vocal prayer1 and above all in ,holy ,communion4 #d4 ,love ,god3 be devoted to ,him1 and ,him alone2 have no affection apart from ,him2 restrain the love that would estrange us from ,him2 lend ourselves to all1 out of love to ,him1 but give ourselves to ,him alone4 #e4 ,think of ,god3 reject whatever excludes the thought of ,him4 ,of course1 we must fulfil our daily duties1 accomplishing them with all the perfection of which we are capable2 but they must be done as beneath the ,eye of ,,god1 with the thought that ,,god has commanded them1 and that to do them carefully is pleasing in ,his sight4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,means ,,by ,,which ,,to ,,attain ,,the ,,interior ,,life #a4 ,great tenderness of ,conscience1 secured by constant1 regular1 and earnest confession to ,,god1 a hatred of all sin1 imperfection1 infidelity1 by calmly but resolutely fleeing every occasion of it4 #b4 ,great purity of heart1 by detachment from all earthly things1--wealth1 luxuries1 fame1 kindred1 friends1 tastes1 even life itself 444 not that we need fail in love to our kindred and friends1 but we must only let the thought of them abide in the heart as united to the love and thought of ,,god4 #c4 ,great purity of mind1 carefully excluding from it all useless1 distracting thoughts as to past1 present1 or future2 all preoccupation over some pet employment2 all desire to be known1 and thought well of4 #d4 ,great purity of action1 only undertaking what lies in the path of duty2 controlling natural eagerness and activity2 acting soberly1 with the help of the ,,holy ,,spirit1 the thought that by our deeds we glorify ,,god3 pausing for a moment1 when passing from one occupation to another1 in order to direct aright the intention2 and taking care to be always occupied in what is useful and beneficial4 #e4 ,great recollectedness and self-mortification2 avoiding1 as much as we can in keeping with our social position1 all dissipation1 bustle1 disturbance2 never allowing voluntarily1 useless desires1 looks1 words1 or pleasures1 but placing them under the rule of reason1 decorum1 edification1 and love2 taking care that our prayers be said slowly and carefully1 articulating each word1 and trying to feel the truth of what we are saying4 #f4 ,great care and exactitude in all the ordinary actions of life1 above all in the exercises of religion2 leaving nothing to chance or hazard2 beholding in everything ,,god',s overruling ,will1 and saying to one's self sometimes1 as the hour for such and such duty arrives1 ,i must hasten1 ,,god is calling me4 #g4 ,much intercourse with ,god2 speaking to ,him with simplicity1 loving ,him dearly1 always consulting ,him1 rendering to ,him an account of every action1 thanking ,him constantly1 and above all1 drawing near to ,him with joy in the ,holy ,eucharist4 ,one great help towards such sweet communion with ,,god1 will be found in a steady perseverance in the early morning's meditation4 #h4 ,much love for our neighbor1 because he is the much-loved child of ,,god1 praying for him1 comforting1 teaching1 strengthening1 and helping him in all difficulties4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,hindrances ,,to ,,the ,,interior ,,life #a4 ,natural activity1 always urging us on1 and making us too precipitate in all our actions4 ,it shows itself3-- ,in our projects1 which it multiplies1 heaps up1 reforms1 and upsets4 ,it allows of no rest1 until what it has undertaken is accomplished4 ,in our actions4 ,activity is absolutely necessary to us4 ,we load ourselves with a thousand things beyond our duty1 sometimes even contrary to it4 ,everything is done with impetuosity and haste1 anxiety and impatience to see the end4 ,in our conversation4 ,activity makes us speak without thinking1 interrupting rudely1 reproving hastily1 judging without appreciation4 ,we speak loudly1 disputing1 murmuring1 and losing our temper4 ,in prayer4 ,we burden ourselves with numberless prayers1 repeated carelessly1 without attention1 and with impatience to get to the end of them2 it interferes with our meditations1 wearies1 torments1 fatigues the brain1 drying up the soul1 and hindering the work of the ,,holy ,,spirit4 #b4 ,curiosity lays the soul open to all external things1 fills it with a thousand fancies and questionings1 pleasing or vexatious1 absorbing the mind1 and making it quite impossible to retire within one's self and be recollected4 ,then follow distaste1 sloth1 and ennui for all that savors of silence1 retirement1 and meditation4 ,curiosity shows itself1 when studies are undertaken from vanity1 a desire to know all things1 and to pass as clever1 rather than the real wish to learn in order to be useful--in reading1 when the spare time is given up to history1 papers1 and novels--in walking1 when our steps would lead us where the crowd go to see1 to know1 only in order to have something to retail2 in fact1 it manifests itself in a thousand little actions2 for instance1 pressing forward with feverish haste to open a letter addressed to us1 longing eagerly to see anything that presents itself1 always being the first to tell any piece of news4444 ,when we forget ,,god1 ,he is driven from the heart1 leaving it void1 and then ensues that wild craving to fill up the void with anything with which we may come into contact4 #c4 ,cowardice4 ,,god does not forbid patient1 submissive pleading1 but murmuring fears are displeasing to ,him1 and ,he withdraws from the soul that will not lean on ,him4 ,cowardice manifests itself when in the trials of life we rebel against the ,divine will that sends us illness1 calumny1 privation1 desertion2 when in dryness of soul we leave off our prayers and communions because we feel no sensible sweetness in them2 when we feel a sickness of the soul that makes us uneasy1 and fearful that ,,god has forsaken us4 ,the soul estranged from ,,god seeks diversion in the world2 but in the midst of the world1 ,,god is not to be found2 when temptations come1 wearied1 frightened1 and tormented1 we wander farther and farther away from ,him1 crying1 ,i am forsaken1 when the trial has really been sent in order to keep us on our guard1 prevent our becoming proud1 and offering us an opportunity for showing our love4 ,v4 ,,the ,,lesson ,,of ,a ,,daisy ,i saw her from afar1 poor child2 she looked dreamy as she leaned against the window1 and held in her hand a daisy1 which she was questioning by gradually pulling it to pieces4 ,what she wanted to ascertain ,i cannot tell2 ,i only heard in a low murmur1 falling from her pale lips1 these words3 a little1 a great deal1 passionately1 not at all1 as each petal her fingers pulled away fell fluttering at her feet4 ,i could see her from a distance1 and ,i felt touched4 ,poor child1 why do you tell a flower the thought that troubles you8 have you no mother8 ,why be anxious about the future8 have you not ,,god to prepare it for you1 as tenderly as eighteen years ago your mother prepared your cradle8 ,finally1 when the daisy was all but gone1 when her fingers stopped at the last petal1 and her lips murmured the word little1 she dropped her head upon her arms1 discouraged1 and1 poor child1 she wept6 99 99 99 99 99 ,why weep1 my child8 is it because this word does not please you8 ,let me1 let me1 in the name of the simple daisy you have just destroyed1 give you the experience of my old age4 ,oh6 if you only knew what it costs to have much of anything6 ,a great deal of wit often results in spitefulness which makes us cruel and unjust1 in jealousy that torments1 in deception that sullies all our triumphs1 and pride which is never satisfied4 ,a great deal of heart causes uneasiness which vexes1 pain that rends asunder1 grief that nearly kills 444 sometimes even the judgment is deceived4 ,a great deal of attractiveness means often a consuming vanity1 overwhelming deception1 an insatiable desire to please1 a fear of being unappreciated1 a loss of peace1 domestic life much neglected4 ,a great deal of wealth and success is the cause of luxury that enfeebles1 loss of calm1 quiet happiness1 loss of love1 leaving only the flattery that captivates4 ,no1 no1 my child1 never long for a great deal in this life1 unless it be for much forbearance1 much goodness4 ,and if it should be ,,god',s ,will to give you much of anything1 then1 oh1 pray it may never be to your condemnation6 99 99 99 99 99 ,is ,passionately the word you long for8 ,passionately6 oh1 the harm that is done by that word6 there is something in the thought of it that makes me shudder4 ,passionately means transport1 frenzy1 excess in everything4 ,the life that the word passionately describes must be a life full of risks and dangers2 and if1 by little short of a miracle1 nothing outwardly wrong appears1 the inner life must resemble a palace ravaged by fire1 where the stranger sees nothing but cracked walls1 blackened furniture1 and drapery hanging in shreds4 99 99 99 99 99 ,my child1 ,i would prefer for you the words not at all1 as applied to fortune1 external charms1 and all that goes by the name of glory1 success1 and fascination in the world4 ,i know it may seem a hard sentence1 involving a continual self-denial1 and exacting incessant hard labor to obtain the bare necessities of life for those we love4 ,but do not be afraid of it4 ,,god never leaves ,his creatures in absolute need4 ,,god may deprive a face of beauty1 a character of amiability1 a mind of brilliancy1 but ,he will never take away a heart of love2 with the faculty of loving1 ,he adds the power of prayer1 and the promise always to listen to and answer it4 ,as long as we can love and pray1 life has charms for us4 ,love produces devotion1 and devotion brings happiness1 even though we may not understand it4 ,in prayer we feel we are beloved2 and the love of ,,god1 oh1 if only you knew how it compensates for the indifference of our fellow-creatures6 99 99 99 99 99 ,there now only remains to us the last words of the daisy1 a little6 the loving fatherly answer ,,god has given to your childish curiosity4 ,accept it1 and make it the motto of your life6 ,a little2 moderation in wealth and fortune1 a condition that promises the most peaceful life1 free from anxiety for the future--doubtless requiring daily duties1 but permitting many innocent enjoyments4 ,a little2 moderation in our desires1 contentment with what we possess1 making the most of it1 and repressing all vain dreams of a more brilliant position1 a more extended reputation1 a more famous name4 ,a little2 the affection of a heart devoted to duty1 and kindling joy in the family circle1 composed of kindred to love1 friends to cheer1 poor to succor1 hearts to strengthen1 sufferings to alleviate4 ,a little2 a taste for all that is beautiful1--books1 works of art1 music1 not making us idly dream of fame1 but simply providing enjoyment for the mind1 all the more keen1 as the daily toil renders the occasions rare4 ,do you see1 my child1 how much may lie beneath those simple words1 a little1 that the daisy gave you1 and that you seem so much to despise6 ,never scorn anything that seems wanting in brilliancy1 and remember to be really happy we must have-- ,more virtue than knowledge1 ,more love than tenderness1 ,more guidance than cleverness1 ,more health than riches1 ,more repose than profit4 ,,vi4 ,each day is like a furrow lying before us2 our thoughts1 desires1 and actions are the seed that each minute we drop into it1 without seeming to perceive it4 ,the furrow finished1 we commence upon another1 then another1 and again another2 each day presents a fresh one1 and so on to the end of life 444 sowing1 ever sowing4 ,and all we have sown springs up1 grows and bears fruit1 almost unknown to us2 even if by chance we cast a backward glance we fail to recognize our work4 ,behind us angels and demons1 like gleaners1 gather together in sheaves all that belongs to them4 ,every night their store is increased4 ,they preserve it1 and at the last day will present it to their ,master4 ,is there not a thought in this that should make us reflect8 ,,vii4 ,,learn ,,of ,,me1 ,,for ,i ,,am ,,meek ,,and ,,lowly ,,of ,,heart ,this is a simple rule of life for me1 requiring no more than ,i am able2 but ,i feel it unites me to ,,god1 makes me more devout1 more faithful to duty1 more ready for death4 ,since ,i have made it my rule1 it has been to me a source of consolation1 enlightenment1 and strength2 and yet ,,god alone knows how full of pain my life has been6 ,dear friends1 who1 like myself1 long to become holy1 ,i commend this sentence to you in all its simplicity2 listen1 for it comes from the loving ,heart of ,,jesus1 it fell from ,his gentle ,lips3-- ,learn of ,me1 for ,i am meek and lowly of heart4 ,i4 ,,be ,,meek #a4 ,,meek ,,towards ,,god ,living from day to day beneath ,his ,eye1 and where all things are ordered by a ,divine ,providence4 ,as carefully as a mother arranges the room where her child will pass the day1 does ,,god prepare each hour that opens before me4 ,whatever has to be done1 it is ,his ,will that ,i should do it2 and in order that it should be done well1 ,he provides the necessary time1 intelligence1 aptitude1 and knowledge4 ,whatever of suffering presents itself1 ,he expects me to bear it1 even though ,i may not see any reason for it2 and if the pain be so sharp as to call forth a cry1 ,he gently whispers1 ,courage1 ,my child1 for it is ,my will6 ,if anything occurs to hinder my work1 anything goes contrary to my plans and projects1 ,he has ordained it so on purpose1 because ,he knows that too much success would make me proud1 too much ease would make me sensual2 and ,he would teach me that the road to heaven is not success1 but labor and devotion4 ,with such thoughts as these all rebellion is hushed6 ,with what peace1 what joy1 our work may be begun1 continued1 interrupted1 and resumed6 ,with what energy we reject those enemies that assail us at every hour1--idleness1 haste1 preoccupation1 success1 want of perseverance under difficulties6 ,does the past sometimes rise up to trouble me with the thought of the many years spent without ,,god8 ,ah6 no doubt the shame and grief are sharp and keen1 but why need they disturb my peace of mind8 ,has not ,,god promised ,his pardon for ,his blessed ,,son',s sake1 to all who truly repent and unfeignedly believe ,his ,holy ,gospel8 ,have ,i made a full avowal and entire submission8 and am ,i not willing to fulfil whatever ,i am advised in ,,god',s ,name to do for the future8 ,does the future in its turn seem to frighten me8 ,i smile at the foolish fancies of my imagination2 is not my future in ,,god',s ,hands8 ,what1 when all that will befall me to-morrow1 next year1 ten years1 twenty years hence1 is ordained by ,him1 shall ,i distress myself with the thought that it may not be good for me6 ,,lord6 be ,thou my ,guide1 and choose my lot as may seem best to ,thee6 #b4 ,,meek ,,under ,,all ,,circumstances ,events are messengers of either ,divine goodness or justice4 ,each has a mission to fulfil2 and as it comes from ,,god1 why not let it be accomplished in peace8 ,painful1 heart-rending1 though they may be1 they are still the ,will of ,,god4 ,watch them as they come1 with a little trembling1 perhaps even terror1 but never let them destroy in the least degree my faith and resignation4 ,to be meek under these circumstances1 does not mean awaiting them with a stoic firmness which proceeds from pride1 or hardening one's self against them to the point of repressing all trembling4 ,no6 ,,god allows us sometimes to anticipate1 postpone1 or even when possible flee them2 at any rate1 we may try to soothe and soften them a little4 ,the ,,good ,,father1 when ,he sends them1 sends at the same time the means by which they may be endured1 and perhaps averted4 ,remedies1 in sickness4 ,love1 in trouble4 ,devotion1 in privations4 ,comfort1 in weakness4 ,tears1 in sorrow4 ,,god has created all these2 and knowing perhaps that ,i may fail to find them1 ,he has given commandment to some privileged servants to love1 console1 soothe1 and help me1 saying to them1-- ,inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these ,my brethren1 ye have done it as unto ,me4 ,oh6 welcome then the friendly voice that in the midst of trouble speaks to me of hope2 ,i will receive with gratitude the care that affection presses upon me4 ,with thankfulness ,i accept the time devoted to me1 privation borne for my sake2 and ,i will pray ,,god to bless these kind friends1 and ask ,him to say to them words such as these3 ,all that thou hast done for ,mine1 ,i will repay thee a hundred-fold4 #c4 ,,meek ,,towards ,,others ,this may seem even more difficult1 for it so often appears to us as if others were actuated by malice4 ,but how often it is only the result of temperament1 pride1 thoughtlessness2 seeking their own pleasure without a thought of the harm they are doing me2 then why be unhappy about it8 ,i need only to be on my guard4 ,never stand in the way of others 7when it is not the case of a duty to be fulfilled71 and if they sometimes are an obstacle in yours1 remove them gently1 but do not harm them4 ,yielding1 submitting1 retiring1 giving up1 this should be our conduct towards the members of our family1 and those we call our friends4 ,the more facility you give them for doing what they think right1 the more you enter into the feelings they have of their own importance1 leaving them a free course of action1 so much the more will you be likely to be useful to them1 and retain your own peace of mind4 ,it is astonishing how those we never press open their hearts to us6 ,do not try to examine too minutely the actions of others1 or the motives that actuate them2 if they are wanting in tact1 appear not to notice it1 or1 better still1 try to think they have made a mistake4 ,the best remedy for the dislike we feel towards any one is to endeavor to try to do them a little good every day2 the best cure for their dislike to us is to try to speak kindly of them4 ,are those around you wicked8 be cautious1 but do not lose heart2 ,,god will not let them harm you4 ,how easy for ,,god to stay the consequences of slander and calumny6 ,,god is the shield1 interposing between others1 circumstances1 and myself4 #d4 ,,meek ,,towards ,,self ,this does not imply self-complacency1 self-indulgence1 self-justification1 but simply encouragement1 strength1 and fortitude4 ,encouragement in some wearisome1 monotonous1 unrecognized work1 with a thought like this3 ,,god is watching me1 and wishes me to do this4 ,this labor occupies my mind1 perfects my soul1 and shields me from mischief4 ,encouragement such as this1 in the midst of sadness and isolation1 when no one thinks of us1 or gives us the smallest token of sympathy1 ,is not my duty sufficient for me8 ,god requires it of me1 and it will lead me to heaven4 ,strength to rise again after some failure1 some humiliating fault1 some depressing weakness2 rise again lovingly1 confidingly1 and with the thought1 ,never mind1 it is a good ,,father1 a kind ,master1 with ,whom ,i have to deal4 ,confess your sin1 humble yourself1 and while awaiting the assurance of pardon go on with your daily work with the same zeal as before4 ,fortitude against the desertion and forgetfulness of others4 ,we have two things to fortify us1--,prayer and ,labor4 ,one to cheer us1--,devotion4 ,these remedies are always at hand4 ,,ii4 ,,be ,,humble ,i4 ,,humble ,,with ,,god ,resting always in ,his presence1 like a little child1 or even a beggar1 who knowing nothing is due to him1 still asks1 loves1 and awaits1 feeling sure that hour by hour1 in proportion to our need1 ,,god will provide all that is needful1 and even over and above what is absolutely necessary4 ,live peacefully under the protection of ,divine ,providence2 the more you feel your insignificance1 weakness1 sickness1 misery1 the more right you have to the pity and love of ,,god4 ,only pray fervently2 let your prayer be thoughtful and reverent1 sweet and full of hope4 ,the poor have nothing left to them but prayer2 but that prayer1 so humble1 so pleading1 ascends to ,,god1 and is listened to with ,fatherly love6 ,do not have a number of varied prayers1 but let the ,our ,,father be ever on your lips and in your heart4 ,love to repeat to ,,god the prayer that ,,christ ,himself has taught1 and for ,his sake is always accepted4 ,look upon yourself as a hired servant of ,,god1 to whom ,he has promised a rich reward at the end of the day ,he calls life2 each morning hold yourself in readiness to obey all ,his commands1 in the way ,he wills1 and with the means ,he appoints4 ,the command may not always come direct from the ,master2 it would be too sweet to hear only ,,god',s ,voice3 but ,he sends it by means of ,his ambassadors2 these go by the names of superiors1 equals1 inferiors1 sometimes enemies4 ,each has received the mission 7without knowing it7 to make you holy2 one by subduing your independence1 another by crushing your pride1 a third by spurring your slothfulness4 ,they will1 though fulfilling ,,god',s command1 do it each in his own way1 sometimes roughly1 sometimes maliciously1 sometimes in a way hard to bear 444 what does it matter1 so long as you feel that all you do1 all you suffer1 is the will of ,,god8 ,do your duty as well as you can1 as you understand it1 as it is given to you2 say sometimes to ,,god1 ,my ,master1 art ,thou satisfied with me8 and then1 in spite of ennui1 fatigue1 repugnance1 go on with it faithfully to the end4 ,then1 whether praise or blame be yours1 you will1 good faithful servant1 at least have peace4 #b4 ,,humble ,,towards ,,others ,look upon yourself as the servant of all1 but without ostentation1 or their having any knowledge of it4 ,repeat to yourself sometimes the words of the ,blessed ,virgin ,mary3 ,behold the handmaid of the ,,lord1 and those of our ,,lord1 ,i came not to be ministered unto1 but to minister2 and then act towards others as if you were their slave1 warning1 aiding1 listening2 abashed at what they do for you1 and always seeming pleased at anything they may require you to do for them4 ,oh6 if you knew the full meaning of these words1 all they signify of reward in heaven1 of joy and peace on earth1 how you would love them6 ,oh6 if you would only make them the rule of your life and conduct1 how happy you would be yourself1 and how happy you would make others6 ,happy in the approval of conscience1 that whispers1 ,you have done as ,,christ would have done4 ,happy in the thought of the reward promised to those who give even a cup of cold water in the name of ,,jesus ,,christ2 happy in the assurance that ,,god will do for you what you have done for others4 ,oh6 what matters then ingratitude1 forgetfulness1 contempt1 and scorn8 ,they will pain1 no doubt1 but will have no power to sadden or discourage4 ,precious counsel1 inspired by ,,christ ,himself1 ,i bless you for all the good you have done me6 ,when first those words found entrance to my heart1 they brought with them peace and strength to stand against deception1 desertion1 discouragement and the resolute will to live a life more devoted to ,,god1 more united to ,him1 more contented1 and ever pressing onward towards heaven4 ,once more1 ,i bless you6 ,precious counsels1 enlighten1 guide1 and lead me4 ,,viii4 ,a ,,simple ,,prayer ,o ,,jesu6 in the midst of glory forget not the sadness upon earth6 ,have mercy upon those to whom ,,god has sent the bitter trial of separation from those they love6 ,have mercy on that loneliness of heart1 so full of sadness1 so crushing1 sometimes full of terror6 ,have mercy upon those struggling against the difficulties of life1 and faint with discouragement6 ,have mercy on those whom fortune favors1 whom the world fascinates1 and who are free from care6 ,have mercy on those to whom ,thou hast given great tenderness of heart1 great sensitiveness6 ,have mercy on those who cease to love us1 and never may they know the pain they cause6 ,have mercy on those who have gradually withdrawn from ,holy ,communion and ,prayer1 and losing peace within1 weep1 yet dare not return to ,thee6 ,have mercy on all we love2 make them holy even through suffering6 if ever they estrange themselves from ,thee1 take1 oh1 take all my joys1 and decoy them with the pleasures back again to ,thee6 ,have mercy on those who weep1 those who pray1 those who know not how to pray6 ,to all1 ,o ,,jesus1 grant ,hope and ,peace6 ,,ix4 ,,simple ,,counsels ,,for ,a ,,young ,,girl ,yes1 very simple4 ,listen my child1 and may they sink deep into your heart1 as the dew sinks in the calyx of the flower4 ,these are my counsels3-- ,distrust the love that comes too suddenly4 ,distrust the pleasure that fascinates so keenly4 ,distrust the words that trouble or charm4 ,distrust the book that makes you dream4 ,distrust the thought you cannot confide to your mother4 ,treasure these counsels1 and sometimes as you read them1 ask yourself1 ,why8 ,guardian ,angel of the child we are addressing1 teach her the reason of these sentences that seem to her so exaggerated6 ,x4 ,a ,,recipe ,,for ,,never ,,annoying ,,our ,,friends ,this was made by one who had suffered much for many years from numberless little worries1 occasioned by a relative1 whose affection no doubt was sincere and devoted1 but also too ardent1 and wanting in discretion4 ,there must be moderation in all things1 even in the love we manifest1 the care we take to shield them from trouble4 ,this recipe consists of but four simple rules1 very clear1 very precise4 ,behold them3-- #a4 ,always leave my friend something more to desire of me4 ,if he asks me to go and see him three times1 ,i go but twice4 ,he will look forward to my coming a third time1 and when ,i go1 receive me the more cordially4 ,it is so sweet to feel we are needed1 and so hard to be thought importunate4 #b4 ,be useful to my friend as far as he permits1 and no farther4 ,an over-anxious affection becomes tiresome1 and a multiplicity of beautiful sentiments makes them almost insupportable4 ,devotion to a friend does not consist in doing everything for him1 but simply that which is agreeable and of service to him1 and let it only be revealed to him by accident4 ,we all love freedom1 and cling tenaciously to our little fancies2 we do not like others to arrange what we have purposely left in disorder2 we even resent their over-anxiety and care for us4 #c4 ,be much occupied with my own affairs1 and little1 very little1 with those of my friend4 ,this infallibly leads to a favorable result4 ,to begin with1 in occupying myself with my own affairs1 ,i shall the more speedily accomplish them1 while my friend is doing the same4 ,if he appeals to me for help1 ,i will go through fire and water to serve him1 but if not1 then ,i do both myself and him the greater service by abstaining4 ,if1 however1 ,i can serve him without his knowledge of it1 and ,i can see his need1 then ,i must be always ready to do it4 #d4 ,leave my friend always at liberty to think and act for himself in matters of little importance4 ,why compel him to think and act with me8 ,am ,i the type of all that is beautiful and right8 ,is it not absurd to think that because another acts and thinks differently to myself1 he must needs be wrong8 ,no doubt ,i may not always say1 ,you are right1 but ,i can at any rate let him think it4 ,try this recipe of mine1 and ,i can answer for it your friendship will be lasting4 ,,xi4 ,,beneath ,,the ,,eye ,,of ,,god1 ,,god ,,only ,as you read these words1 are you not conscious of an inward feeling of peace and quietness8 ,beneath ,god's ,eye6 there is something in the thought like a sheltering rock1 a refreshing dew1 a gleam of light4 ,ah6 why always such seeking for some one to see me1 to understand1 appreciate1 praise me8 ,the human eye ,i seek is like the scorching ray that destroys all the delicate colors in the most costly material4 ,every action that is done1 only to be seen of others1 loses its freshness in the sight of ,,god1 like the flower that passing through many hands is at last hardly presentable4 ,oh1 my soul6 be as the desert flower that grows1 blooms1 and flourishes unseen1 in obedience to ,,god',s ,will1 and cares not whether the passing bird perceives it1 or the wind scatters the petals1 scarcely formed4 99 99 99 99 99 ,on no account neglect the duty you owe to friendship1 relatives1 society1 but remember each day to reserve some portion of it for yourself and ,,god only4 ,remember always to do some actions that can be known to none but ,,god4 ,ah6 how sweet to have ,,god as our only ,witness4 ,it is the high degree of holiness4 ,the most exquisite happiness4 ,the assurance of an entry into heaven hereafter4 ,the mother that reserves all that is most costly for her child1 the child that prepares in secret some surprise for its mother1 do not experience a joy more pure1 more elevating1 than the servant of ,,god1 who lives always in ,,god',s ,presence1 ,whom alone they would please1 or the loving heart that enclosing alms to some destitute family writes upon the cover these words only1 ,in the name of the ,good and ,gracious ,,god4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the following lines were found on some scraps of paper belonging to some stranger3 444 ,they have just told me of a poor destitute woman2 ,i gave them ten pence for her2 it was my duty to set an example4 ,and now1 my ,,god1 for ,thee1 for ,thy sake only1 ,i mean to send her five shillings1 which ,i shall deduct from my personal expenses4 444 ,to-morrow ,henry is coming to see me1 that poor ,henry ,i loved so dearly1 but who has grown cold towards his old friend4 ,he wished to grieve me1 and little knows that ,i found it out4 ,help me1 ,,lord1 to remember ,i have forgiven him1 and help me to receive him cordially4 ,thou alone knowest all ,i have suffered4 444 ,what a happy day was yesterday6 happy with regard to heavenly things1 for alas6 my poor heart suffered4 ,yesterday was a festival4 ,the snow outside kept every one at home by their own firesides1 and ,i was left lonely4444 ,ah1 yes1 my heart felt sad1 but my spirit was peaceful2 ,i tried to talk to ,,god1 just as if ,i could really see ,him at my side1 and gradually ,i felt comforted1 and spent my evening with a sweet sense of ,,god',s ,presence4444 ,what ,i said1 what ,i wrote1 ,i know not2 but the remembrance of yesterday remains to me as some sweet1 refreshing perfume4 99 99 99 99 99 ,perhaps at the ,last ,day all that will remain worth recording of a life full of activity and zeal will be those little deeds that were done solely beneath the ,eye of ,,god4444 ,my ,,god1 teach me to live with an abiding sense of ,thy ,presence1 laboring for ,thee1 suffering for ,thee1 guided by ,thee1 444 and ,thee alone6 ,,xii4 ,,my ,,duty ,,towards ,,god ,,prayers4 ,slow1 recollected1 persevering4 ,peaceful1 calm1 resigned4 ,simple1 humble1 trusting4 ,always reverent1 as loving as possible4 ,charitable4 ,have ,i not always opportunity to give8 to thank8 ,,submission4 ,to my lot and to my duty3 they come from ,,god1 are ordained by ,,god1 lead me to ,,god1 to neglect them is to estrange myself from ,him4 ,to the ,guide of my soul3 ,he has received the ,holy ,spirit in order to show me the way2 he has ,,god',s ,spirit to guide him4 ,to my ,parents3 they have ,,god',s authority4 ,to circumstances3 they are arranged and sent by ,,god4 ,,labor4 ,begun cheerfully4 ,continued perseveringly4 ,interrupted and resumed patiently4 ,finished perfectly and devoutly4 ,repose and care for the body1 as in ,,god',s ,sight1 under ,,god',s protection4 ,,duty ,,towards ,,my ,,neighbor ,,good ,,example4 ,by modest demeanor and simple dress4 ,by a smiling face and pleasing manner4 ,always striving to give pleasure4 ,faithfully fulfilling every duty4 ,,good ,,words4 ,zealous without affectation1 encouraging1 consoling1 peaceful1 joyful1 loving4 ,these are possible every day4 ,,good ,,deeds4 ,service rendered by alms1 by industry1 by influence4 ,ills remedied1 by excusing1 justifying1 protecting1 defending1 concealing faults and mistakes2 if possible1 by repairing them4 ,joys provided1 for the mind1 by a joyous manner2 for the heart1 by loving thanks2 for the soul1 by a word of ,heaven4 ,,my ,,duty ,,towards ,,myself ,,courage4 ,in trials and adversity1 disturbance1 sickness1 failure1 humiliations4 ,worries that trouble without reason4 ,ill temper controlled1 in order not to pain others4 ,after failures1 to begin again4 ,in temptations1 to withstand them4 ,,order ,,and ,,method4 ,in my occupation1 each at its appointed hour4 ,in my recreation4 ,in all material things1 for my benefit4 ,shunning scruples and constraint as much as caprice and folly4 ,,nourishment4 ,pious thoughts1 read1 meditated upon1 and sometimes written4 ,books that elevate and excite love for all that is good and lovely4 ,conversations that refresh1 rejoice1 and cheer2 walks that expand the mind1 as well as strengthen the body4 ,,xiii4 ,,the ,,power ,,of ,,an ,,act ,,of ,,love ,,towards ,,god ,have you ever reflected upon this8 ,let us consider the exact words that describe it4 ,i love ,thee with all my heart1 with all my soul1 with all my strength1 because ,thou art so good1 so infinitely good6 ,try and repeat these words slowly1 so that each may penetrate deep into your heart4 ,do you not feel moved1 as if your whole being in these words went forth to ,,god1 offering to ,him life itself8 ,do you not feel1 in making this ,act of ,love1 you give far more than if you gave your wealth1 influence1 or time2 nay1 rather does not this very act seem to bring you riches1 strength1 opportunities1 all that you possess8 ,picture to yourself1 standing before you1 a child--a child perhaps who may have injured you deeply1 and yet whose sincerity at this moment you cannot doubt1 who is actuated neither by fear nor self-seeking1 but simply by a penitent heart1 and who comes to say to you words of love1 such as those above1 do you feel no emotion1 no feeling of pity8 ,i defy you to be without some emotion1 not to feel your arms extending1 perhaps in spite of you1 to embrace this poor child1 and not to answer1 ,i also love thee4 ,i have yet another test to put to you1 poor1 desolate1 guilty1 hopeless as you are1 seeing only within and around you1 fears1 terror1 and--ay1 let me say it--damnation4 ,i defy you to kneel and say these words 7laying a greater stress on them because of the repugnance you feel73 ,my ,god6 ,i love ,thee with all my heart1 with all my strength1 with all my soul1 above everything1 because ,thou art so good1 so infinitely good6 and then not to feel that ,,jesus is moved with compassion1 and not to hear ,his ,voice1 saying to you1 ,my child1 ,i love thee also6 ,o ,,jesus1 how can we find words in which to express the tenderness awakened in ,thine ,heart1 by a word of love from one of ,thy little ones6 ,that ,heart1 so tender1 gentle1 sensitive1 and loving6 ,a sentence of ,faber's may sound unnatural to us1 so little spiritually minded3 he says1 ,,god sometimes draws us to ,him1 and fills us with love for ,him1 not that ,he may love us1 that ,he always does1 but in order to make us feel how ,he loves us6 ,an ,act of ,love demands but a few moments4 ,the whole of the day1 even in the midst of labor1 we can multiply it infinitely1 and what wonders are wrought by each ,act6 ,,jesus ,himself is glorified1 and ,he sheds abundant grace upon the earth4 ,our ,guardian ,angel1 beholding us1 listens1 draws nearer1 and makes us feel we have done right4 ,the ,angels above experience a sudden joy1 and look upon us tenderly4 ,evil spirits feel their power diminished1 and there is a moment of rest from the temptation that surrounds us4 ,the choir of saints above renew their songs of praise4 ,each soul on earth feels the peace ,divine4 ,ah6 which of us each day would not renew these ,acts of ,love to ,,god6 ,ah6 all who read these lines1 pause for one moment1 and from the bottom of your heart exclaim1 ,my ,,god1 ,i love ,thee6 ,my ,,god1 ,i love ,thee6 ,,xiv4 ,,be ,,serious ,a statesman retiring from public life occupied himself in his latter days with serious thoughts4 ,the friends who came to visit him1 reproached him with being melancholy4 ,no1 he replied2 ,i am only serious4 ,all around me is serious1 and ,i feel the need that heart and mind should be in unison with my surroundings4 ,for1 he added1 with such solemnity as to impress all present1 ,,god is serious as ,he watches us4 ,,jesus is serious when ,he intercedes for us4 ,the ,,holy ,,spirit is serious when ,he guides us4 ,satan is serious when he tempts us4 ,the wicked in hell are serious now1 because they neglected to be so when on earth2 all is serious in that world whither we are wending4 ,oh1 my friends6 believe me1 it is all true2 let us at least at times be serious in our thoughts and in our actions4 ,,xv4 ,,consolation ,you distress yourself sometimes1 poor thing6 because amongst those who surround you1 there are one or two who worry and annoy you4 ,they do not like you1 find fault with everything you do1 they meet you with a severe countenance and austere manner1 you think they do you harm1 you look upon them as obstacles to your doing good4 ,your life passes away saddened and faded1 and gradually you become disheartened4 ,courage6 instead of vexing yourself1 thank ,,god2 these very persons are the means of preserving you from humiliating faults1 perhaps even greater sins4 ,it is like the blister the doctor applies1 to draw out the inflammation that would kill4 ,,god sees that too much joy1 too much happiness1 procured by those little attentions for which you are so eager1 would make you careless and slothful in prayer2 too much affection would only enervate1 and you would cling too much to earthly things2 so in order to preserve your heart in all its tenderness and simplicity1 ,he plants there a few thorns1 and cuts you off from all the pleasures you fancy yours by right4 ,,god knows that too much praise would cause pride1 and make you less forbearing to others1 and so ,he sends instead humiliations4 ,let them be1 then1 these persons who unconsciously are doing ,,god',s work within you4 ,if you cannot love them from sympathy1 love with an effort of the will1 and say to ,,god1 ,my ,,god1 grant that without offending ,thee1 they may work my sanctification4 ,i have need of them4 ,,xvi4 ,,holy ,,communion ,the result of a good ,communion is1 within1 a fear of a sin1 without1 a love for others4 ,holy ,communion is a great aid to sanctification4 ,,jesus visits the soul1 working in it1 and filling it with ,his ,grace1 which is shed on all around1 as the sun sheds forth its light1 the fire gives out its heat4 ,it is impossible but that ,,christ1 thus visiting the soul1 should not leave something ,,christ-like within1 if only the soul be disposed to receive it4 ,fire1 whose property is to give warmth1 cannot produce that effect unless the body be placed near enough to be penetrated with the heat4 ,does not this simple thought explain the reason that there is often so little result from our frequent ,communions8 ,do you long at each ,communion to receive the grace bestowed by ,,christ that shall little by little fit you for heaven hereafter8 ,will you1 receiving thus the ,,god of ,peace within1 have for those around you kind words that shall fill them with calmness1 resignation1 and peace8 ,will you1 receiving thus the ,,god of ,love1 gradually increase in tenderness and love that will urge you to sacrifice yourself for others1 loving them as ,,christ would have loved them8 ,will you1 receiving ,him you rightly name the ,gracious ,,god1 become yourself gracious1 gracious to sympathize1 gracious to forbear1 gracious to pardon1 and thus in a small way resemble the ,,god ,who gave ,himself for thee8 ,this should be your resolve when about to communicate4 ,resolved3 to obey ,,god',s ,commandments in all their extensiveness1 never hesitating in a question of duty1 no matter how hard it may be2 the duty of forgiving and forgetting some injustice or undeserved rebuke2 accepting cheerfully a position contrary to your wishes and inclinations2 application to some labor1 distasteful1 and seemingly beyond your strength4444 ,if your duty seems almost impossible to fulfil1 ask yourself1 ,is this ,,god',s ,will for me8 and if conscience answers yes1 then reply also1 ,i will do it4 ,all difficulties vanish after ,holy ,communion4 ,generous3 depriving yourself those days of ,communion of some pleasures which though harmless in themselves1 you know1 only too well1 enfeeble your devotion1 excite your feelings1 and leave you weaker than before4 ,generous means doing over and above what duty requires of us4 ,conscientious and upright3 not seeking to find out if some forbidden thing is really a sin or not1 and whether it may not in some way be reconciled to conscience4 ,oh6 how hurtful are these waverings between ,,god and the world1 duty and pleasure1 obedience and allurements4 ,did ,,jesus ,,christ hesitate to die for you8 and yet you hesitate6 ,coward6 ,humble and meek3 treading peacefully the road marked out for you by ,providence1 sometimes weeping1 often suffering1 but free from anxiety1 awaiting the loving support that never fails those who trust and renew their strength day by day4 ,living quietly1 loving neither the world nor its praise1 working contentedly in that state of life to which you are called1 doing good1 regardless of man's knowledge and approval1 content that others should be more honored1 more esteemed1 having only one ambition1--to love ,god1 and be loved by ,him4 99 99 99 99 99 ,if this be the disposition of your soul1 then be sure each ,communion will be blessed to you1 make you more holy1 more like ,,christ1 with more taste and love for the things of ,,god1 more sure of glory hereafter4 ,,xvii4 ,,after ,,holy ,,communion ,,self-,,sacrifice ,,lord6 take me and lead me whithersoever ,thou willest6 ,is it ,thy ,will that my life be spent in the midst of such incessant toil and tumult that no time is left for those brief moments of leisure of which ,i sometimes dream8 ,yes6 yes6 ,i wish it also6 ,is it ,thy ,will that lonely and sorrowful ,i am left on earth1 while those ,i loved have gone to dwell near ,thee above8 ,yes6 yes6 ,i wish it also6 ,is it ,thy ,will that unknown by all1 misunderstood even by those whose affection ,i prize1 ,i am looked upon as useless1 on account of my stupidity1 want of manner1 or bad health8 ,yes6 yes6 ,i wish it also6 ,thou art ,ruler4 ,o my ,,god6 only be ,thyself the ,guide1 and abide with me forever6 ,,my ,,memory ,my ,memory6 the mysterious book--reflection of that of eternity1 in which at each moment are inscribed my thoughts1 affections1 and desires4 ,into ,thy ,hands ,i commend it1 ,,lord1 that ,thou alone mayst write there1 ,thou alone efface6 ,leave there1 ,,lord1 the remembrance of my sins1 but efface forever the pleasures that led to them--were ,i to catch but a glimpse of their enticing sweetness1 ,i might again desire them4 ,leave there the sweet memories of childhood1 when ,i loved ,thee with such simplicity1 and my father1 my mother1 my family1 were my sole affections4 ,those days1 when the slightest untruthfulness1 or even the fear of having sinned1 left me no peace till ,i had confessed it to my mother4 ,those days1 when ,i always felt my ,guardian ,angel near me1 helping me in my work1 and soothing my little troubles6 ,leave me the remembrance of my first sense of the ,divine absolution1 when my heart overflowing with secret joy1 ,i cried1 ,i am forgiven1 ,i am forgiven6 ,and then the recollection of my first ,communion6 oh1 recall it to me1 ,,lord1 with its preparation so fearful1 yet so loving2 its joy so calm1 so holy1 yet so sweet1 that even now the thought of it fills mine eyes with tears6 ,leave me the remembrance of ,thy ,benefits6 each year of my life is crowned with blessings 444 at ten 444 fifteen 444 eighteen 444 twenty years 444 oh6 ,i can well recall all ,thy goodness to me1 my ,,god6 ,yes1 receive my memory1 blot out all that can estrange me from ,thee1 and grant that nothing apart from ,thee may again find a place there6 ,,my ,,mind ,oh6 by what false lights have ,i been dazzled6 ,they showed me prayer as wearisome2 religious duties too absorbing2 frequent ,communion as useless2 social duties as a heavy bondage2 devotion the lot of weak minds and those without affection4444 ,oh1 ,i knew well how false it was1 and yet ,i let myself be half-convinced6 ,when have ,i ever been more zealous in labor than those days when ,i had fulfilled all my religious duties8 ,when more loving and devoted than on the days of my ,communions8 ,when have ,i felt more free1 more happy1 than when having fulfilled all the duties of my social position8 ,,lord1 receive my mind1 and nourish it with ,thy ,truth6 ,show me that apart from ,thee1 pleasures of the senses leave behind only remorse1 disgust1 weariness1 and satiety4 ,pleasures of the heart cause anxiety1 bitterness1 rendings1 and fears4 ,pleasures of the mind produce a void1 vanity1 jealousy1 coldness1 and humiliations6 ,teach me that all must pass away 444 that nothing is true1 nothing is good1 nothing is eternal1 but ,thou1 ,thou only1 ,o my ,,god6 ,,my ,,will ,my deeds are the result of my will1 and it is the will only that makes them of any value4 ,oh1 then to begin with1 ,i will learn submission6 ,what ,i wish1 may not always be good for me2 what ,i am bidden must be right4 ,o ,,jesus6 grant me the grace of obedience1 and then let me be bidden many things3 works of piety1 works of charity1 self-renunciation1 brilliant deeds1 deeds that are ignored in my family life1 or wherever ,i may be1 there are numberless calls for all of these2 ,,lord1 behold ,thy servant6 may ,i be always ready when ,thou hast need of me6 ,,all ,,that ,i ,,have ,my ,,god1 how richly hast ,thou blessed me6 ,treasures of love1 ,i offer them to ,thee6 ,i have relations1 dear ones1 ,thou knowest how ,i love them4444 ,ah1 if it be ,thy ,will to take them from this world1 before me1 though ,i say it weeping1 still ,i say it1 ,thy ,will be done6 ,i have friends4444 ,if it be ,thy ,will they should forget me1 think ill of me1 leave me alone1 with that loneliness of heart so bitter and so keen 444 ,i yield them to ,thee6 ,i have worldly goods that give me a certain degree of comfort1 by affording me the means of helping others poorer than myself4444 ,should it be ,thy ,will to deprive me of them1 little by little1 till at last ,i have only the bare necessaries of life left 444 ,i yield them to ,thee6 ,i have limbs that ,thou hast given me4 ,if it be ,thy ,will that paralysis should fetter my arms1 my eyes no longer see the light1 my tongue be unable to articulate1 my ,,god1 ,i yield them to ,thee6 ,in exchange1 grant me ,thy ,love1 ,thy ,grace1 and then 444 nothing more1 only ,heaven6 99 99 99 99 99 ,o ,,jesus1 abandoned by all in the garden of ,gethsemane1 in need then of comfort and strength3 ,,jesus1 ,thou ,who knowest that at this moment there are some on earth who have no strength1 no comfort1 no support1 oh6 send to them some angel who will give them a little joy1 a little peace6 ,oh1 if only ,i might be that messenger6 ,what must ,i suffer1 ,,lord8 ,if an outward trouble or inward pain be needful to make of me but for one moment a consoling angel to some poor lonely heart1 oh6 however keen the pain1 or bitter the trouble1 ,i pray ,thee1 grant it to me1 ,,jesus6 ,o ,,jesus1 in search of lips to tell the love ,thou bearest for ,thy children2 lips to tell the poor and lonely they are not despised1 the sinful they are not cast away1 the timid they are not unprotected4 ,o ,,jesus6 grant that my lips may speak words of strength1 love1 comfort1 and pardon4 ,let each day seem to me wasted that passes without my having spoken of help and sympathy1 without having made some one bless ,thy ,name1 be it but a little child4 ,o ,,jesus6 so patient towards those who wearied ,thee with their importunity and ignorance6 ,,jesus1 so long-suffering in teaching1 and awaiting the hour of grace6 ,,jesus1 grant that ,i may be patient to listen1 to teach1 though over and over again ,i may have to instruct the same thing4 ,grant me help1 that ,i may always show a smiling face1 even though the importunity of some be keenly felt6 and if through physical weakness ,i manifest ennui or weariness1 grant1 ,o ,,jesus1 that ,i may speedily make amends1 with loving words1 for the pain ,i have caused4 ,o ,,jesus6 ,who with infinite tact didst await1 seated at the roadside1 the opportunity for doing good1 simply asking a small service of the poor ,samaritan woman ,thou wouldst save1 and draw to ,thee4 ,o ,,jesus6 grant that ,i may feel and understand all the pain that timidity1 shyness1 or reserve keep buried within the recesses of the soul4 ,grant me the tact and discretion that draws near without paining1 that asks without repulsing1 without humiliating1 and thus enable me to bring peace and comfort to the wounded heart4 ,o ,,jesus6 seeking some one as faithful dispenser of ,thy blessings1 grant much to me1 that ,i may have much to bestow on others4 ,grant that my hands may dispense ,thine alms1 that they may be as ,thine1 when ,thou didst wash the feet of ,thine ,apostles1 working for all1 helping all2 let me never forget that1 like ,thee1 ,i am placed on this earth to minister1 not to be ministered unto4 ,grant that my lips may speak comforting words and give forth cheering smiles1 that ,i may be as the well by the roadside1 where the weary traveller stoops to drink1 as the shade of the tree whose branches laden with fruit are extended over all that pass beneath4 ,o ,,jesus6 to ,whom all ,thy children are so dear1 and whatever they may be ,thou carest for them1 and rememberest they are the much-loved children of ,,god6 ,oh6 grant that in all my intercourse with others1 ,i may only see1 love1 and care for their souls1 that soul for whom1 ,o ,,god1 ,thou hast died1 who like myself can call ,thee ,,father1 and with whom1 near ,thee1 ,i hope to dwell1 throughout the ages of ,eternity4 ,transcriber's ,note ,removed an extraneous comma from this line3 ,self-renunciation99199 means devotion to our duty1 going on with it in spite of difficulties1 disgust1 ennui1 want of success4 ,standardized spelling in this line by removing hyphen from light-heartedness1 to match usage elsewhere in the book3 whose chatter and lightheartedness1 even her very attentions to myself1