V.The Lesson of a DaisyI saw her from afar, poor child; she looked dreamy as she leaned against the window, and held in her hand a daisy, which she was questioning by gradually pulling it to pieces. What she wanted to ascertain I cannot tell; I only heard in a low murmur, falling from her pale lips, these words:"a little, a great deal, passionately, not[pg 133]at all,"as each petal her fingers pulled away fell fluttering at her feet.I could see her from a distance, and I felt touched.Poor child, why do you tell a flower the thought that troubles you? have you no mother?Why be anxious about the future? have you notGodto prepare it for you, as tenderly as eighteen years ago your mother prepared your cradle?Finally, when the daisy was all but gone, when her fingers stopped at the last petal, and her lips murmured the wordlittle, she dropped her head upon her arms, discouraged, and, poor child, she wept!Why weep, my child? is it because this word does not please you?Let me, let me, in the name of the simple daisy you have just destroyed, give you the experience of my old age.[pg 134]Oh! if you only knew what it costs to havemuchof anything!A great deal of witoften results in spitefulness which makes us cruel and unjust, in jealousy that torments, in deception that sullies all our triumphs, and pride which is never satisfied.A great deal of heartcauses uneasiness which vexes, pain that rends asunder, grief that nearly kills ... sometimes even the judgment is deceived.A great deal of attractivenessmeans often a consuming vanity, overwhelming deception, an insatiable desire to please, a fear of being unappreciated, a loss of peace, domestic life much neglected.A great deal of wealth and successis the cause of luxury that enfeebles, loss of calm, quiet happiness, loss of love, leaving only the flattery that captivates.No, no, my child, never long for[pg 135]a great dealin this life, unless it be for much forbearance, much goodness.And if it should beGod'sWill to give youmuchof anything, then, oh, pray it may never be to your condemnation!IsPassionatelythe word you long for? Passionately! oh, the harm that is done by that word! there is something in the thought of it that makes me shudder. Passionately means transport, frenzy, excess in everything.The life that the wordpassionatelydescribes must be a life full of risks and dangers; and if, by little short of a miracle, nothing outwardly wrong appears, the inner life must resemble a palace ravaged by fire, where the stranger sees nothing but cracked walls, blackened furniture, and drapery hanging in shreds.[pg 136]My child, I would prefer for you the wordsnot at all, as applied to fortune, external charms, and all that goes by the name of glory, success, and fascination in the world. I know it may seem a hard sentence, involving a continual self-denial, and exacting incessant hard labor to obtain the bare necessities of life for those we love.But do not be afraid of it.Godnever leaves His creatures in absolute need.Godmay deprive a face of beauty, a character of amiability, a mind of brilliancy, but He will never take away a heart of love; with the faculty of loving, He adds the power of prayer, and the promise always to listen to and answer it.As long as we can love and pray, life has charms for us.Love produces devotion, and devotion brings happiness, even though we may not understand it.In prayer we feel we are beloved;[pg 137]and the love ofGod, oh, if only you knew how it compensates for the indifference of our fellow-creatures!There now only remains to us the last words of the daisy,a little! the loving fatherly answerGodhas given to your childish curiosity.Accept it, and make it the motto of your life!A little; moderation in wealth and fortune, a condition that promises the most peaceful life, free from anxiety for the future—doubtless requiring daily duties, but permitting many innocent enjoyments.A little; moderation in our desires, contentment with what we possess, making the most of it, and repressing all vain dreams of a more brilliant position, a more extended reputation, a more famous name.A little; the affection of a heart[pg 138]devoted to duty, and kindling joy in the family circle, composed of kindred to love, friends to cheer, poor to succor, hearts to strengthen, sufferings to alleviate.A little; a taste for all that is beautiful,—books, works of art, music, not making us idly dream of fame, but simply providing enjoyment for the mind, all the more keen, as the daily toil renders the occasions rare.Do you see, my child, how much may lie beneath those simple words,a little, that the daisy gave you, and that you seem so much to despise!Never scorn anything that seems wanting in brilliancy, and remember to be really happy we must have—Morevirtuethan knowledge,Morelovethan tenderness,Moreguidancethan cleverness,Morehealththan riches,Morereposethan profit.[pg 139]VI.Each day is like a furrow lying before us; our thoughts, desires, and actions are the seed that each minute we drop into it, without seeming to perceive it. The furrow finished, we commence upon another, then another, and again another; each day presents a fresh one, and so on to the end of life ... sowing, ever sowing. And all we have sown springs up, grows and bears fruit, almost unknown to us; even if by chance we cast a backward glance we fail to recognize our work.Behind us angels and demons, like gleaners, gather together in sheaves all that belongs to them.Every night their store is increased. They preserve it, and at the last day will present it to their Master.Is there not a thought in this that should make us reflect?[pg 140]VII."Learn of Me, for I Am Meek and Lowly of Heart"This is a simple rule of life for me, requiring no more than I am able; but I feel it unites me toGod, makes me more devout, more faithful to duty, more ready for death. Since I have made it my rule, it has been to me a source of consolation, enlightenment, and strength; and yetGodalone knows how full of pain my life has been!Dear friends, who, like myself, long to become holy, I commend this sentence to you in all its simplicity; listen, for it comes from the loving Heart ofJesus, it fell from His gentle Lips:—"Learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly of heart."[pg 141]I. Be Meek1. MEEK TOWARDS GODLiving from day to day beneath His Eye, and where all things are ordered by a Divine Providence.As carefully as a mother arranges the room where her child will pass the day, doesGodprepare each hour that opens before me. Whatever has to be done, it is His Will that I should do it; and in order that it should be done well, He provides the necessary time, intelligence, aptitude, and knowledge.Whatever of suffering presents itself, He expects me to bear it, even though I may not see any reason for it; and if the pain be so sharp as to call forth a cry, He gently whispers,"Courage, My child, for it is My will!"If anything occurs to hinder my work, anything goes contrary to my[pg 142]plans and projects, He has ordained it so on purpose, because He knows that too much success would make me proud, too much ease would make me sensual; and He would teach me that the road to heaven is notsuccess, butlabor and devotion.With such thoughts as these all rebellion is hushed! With what peace, what joy, our work may be begun, continued, interrupted, and resumed!With what energy we reject those enemies that assail us at every hour,—idleness, haste, preoccupation, success, want of perseverance under difficulties!Does the past sometimes rise up to trouble me with the thought of the many years spent withoutGod?Ah! no doubt the shame and grief are sharp and keen, but why need they disturb my peace of mind?Has notGodpromised His pardon for His blessedSon'ssake, to all who[pg 143]truly repent and unfeignedly believe His Holy Gospel? Have I made a full avowal and entire submission? and am I not willing to fulfil whatever I am advised inGod'sName to do for the future?Does the future in its turn seem to frighten me? I smile at the foolish fancies of my imagination; is not my future inGod'sHands?What, when all that will befall me to-morrow, next year, ten years, twenty years hence, is ordained by Him, shall I distress myself with the thought that it may not be good for me!Lord!be Thou my Guide, and choose my lot as may seem best to Thee![pg 144]2. MEEK UNDER ALL CIRCUMSTANCESEvents are messengers of either Divine goodness or justice.Each has a mission to fulfil; and as it comes fromGod, why not let it be accomplished in peace?Painful, heart-rending, though they may be, they are still the Will ofGod. Watch them as they come, with a little trembling, perhaps even terror, but never let them destroy in the least degree my faith and resignation.To be meek under these circumstances, does not mean awaiting them with a stoic firmness which proceeds from pride, or hardening one's self against them to the point of repressing all trembling. No!Godallows us sometimes to anticipate, postpone, or even when possible flee them; at any rate, we may try to soothe and soften them a little.TheGood Father, when He sends[pg 145]them, sends at the same time the means by which they may be endured, and perhaps averted.Remedies, in sickness.Love, in trouble.Devotion, in privations.Comfort, in weakness.Tears, in sorrow.Godhas created all these; and knowing perhaps that I may fail to find them, He has given commandment to some privileged servants to love, console, soothe, and help me, saying to them,—"Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it as unto Me."Oh! welcome then the friendly voice that in the midst of trouble speaks to me of hope; I will receive with gratitude the care that affection presses upon me.With thankfulness I accept thetimedevoted to me,privationborne for my[pg 146]sake; and I will prayGodto bless these kind friends, and ask Him to say to them words such as these:"All that thou hast done for Mine, I will repay thee a hundred-fold."3. MEEK TOWARDS OTHERSThis may seem even more difficult, for it so often appears to us as if others were actuated by malice.But how often it is only the result of temperament, pride, thoughtlessness; seeking their own pleasure without a thought of the harm they are doing me; then why be unhappy about it? I need only to be on my guard.Never stand in the way of others (when it is not the case of a duty to be fulfilled), and if they sometimes are an obstacle in yours, remove them gently, but do not harm them.Yielding, submitting, retiring, giving up, this should be our conduct[pg 147]towards the members of our family, and those we call our friends.The more facility you give them for doing what they think right, the more you enter into the feelings they have of their own importance, leaving them a free course of action, so much the more will you be likely to be useful to them, and retain your own peace of mind.It is astonishing how those we never press open their hearts to us!Do not try to examine too minutely the actions of others, or the motives that actuate them; if they are wanting in tact, appear not to notice it, or, better still, try to think they have made a mistake.The best remedy for the dislike we feel towards any one is to endeavor to try to do them a little good every day; the best cure for their dislike to us is to try to speak kindly of them.Are those around you wicked? be[pg 148]cautious, but do not lose heart;Godwill not let them harm you.How easy forGodto stay the consequences of slander and calumny!Godis the shield, interposing between others, circumstances, and myself.4. MEEK TOWARDS SELFThis does not imply self-complacency, self-indulgence, self-justification, but simply encouragement, strength, and fortitude.Encouragementin some wearisome, monotonous, unrecognized work, with a thought like this:"Godis watching me, and wishes me to do this."This labor occupies my mind, perfects my soul, and shields me from mischief.Encouragement such as this, in the midst of sadness and isolation, when no one thinks of us, or gives us the smallest token of sympathy,"Is not my duty sufficient for me? God[pg 149]requires it of me, and it will lead me to heaven."Strengthto rise again after some failure, some humiliating fault, some depressing weakness; rise again lovingly, confidingly, and with the thought,"Never mind, it is a goodFather, a kind Master, with Whom I have to deal."Confess your sin, humble yourself, and while awaiting the assurance of pardon go on with your daily work with the same zeal as before.Fortitudeagainst the desertion and forgetfulness of others.We have two things to fortify us,—Prayer and Labor.One to cheer us,—Devotion.These remedies are always at hand.[pg 150]II. Be HumbleI. HUMBLE WITH GODResting always in His presence, like a little child, or even a beggar, who knowing nothing is due to him, still asks, loves, and awaits, feeling sure that hour by hour, in proportion to our need,Godwill provide all that is needful, and even over and above what is absolutely necessary. Live peacefully under the protection of Divine Providence; the more you feel your insignificance, weakness, sickness, misery, the more right you have to the pity and love ofGod.Onlyprayfervently; let your prayer be thoughtful and reverent, sweet and full of hope. The poor have nothing left to them butprayer; but that prayer, so humble, so pleading, ascends toGod, and is listened to with Fatherly love!Do not have a number of varied[pg 151]prayers, but let the"OurFather"be ever on your lips and in your heart.Love to repeat toGodthe prayer thatChristHimself has taught, and for His sake is always accepted.Look upon yourself as a hired servant ofGod, to whom He has promised a rich reward at the end of the day He callslife; each morning hold yourself in readiness to obey all His commands, in the way He wills, and with the means He appoints.The command may not always comedirectfrom the Master; it would be too sweet to hear onlyGod'sVoice: but He sends it by means of His ambassadors; these go by the names ofsuperiors,equals,inferiors, sometimesenemies.Each has received the mission (without knowing it) to make you holy; one by subduing your independence, another by crushing your pride, a third by spurring your slothfulness.[pg 152]They will, though fulfillingGod'scommand, do it each in his own way, sometimes roughly, sometimes maliciously, sometimes in a way hard to bear ... what does it matter, so long as you feel that all you do, all you suffer, is the will ofGod?Do your duty as well as you can, as you understand it, as it is given to you; say sometimes toGod,"My Master, art Thou satisfied with me?"and then, in spite of ennui, fatigue, repugnance, go on with it faithfully to the end.Then, whether praise or blame be yours, you will, good faithful servant, at least have peace.2. HUMBLE TOWARDS OTHERSLook upon yourself as the servant of all, but without ostentation, or their having any knowledge of it.Repeat to yourself sometimes the[pg 153]words of the Blessed Virgin Mary:"Behold the handmaid of theLord,"and those of ourLord,"I came not to be ministered unto, but to minister;"and then act towards others as if you were their slave, warning, aiding, listening; abashed at what they do for you, and always seeming pleased at anything they may require you to do for them.Oh! if you knew the full meaning of these words, all they signify of reward in heaven, of joy and peace on earth, how you would love them!Oh! if you would only make them the rule of your life and conduct, how happy you would be yourself, and how happy you would make others!Happy in the approval of conscience, that whispers,"You have done asChristwould have done."Happy in the thought of the reward promised to those who give even a cup of cold water in the name ofJesus[pg 154]Christ; happy in the assurance thatGodwill do for you what you have done for others.Oh! what matters then ingratitude, forgetfulness, contempt, and scorn? They will pain, no doubt, but will have no power to sadden or discourage.Precious counsel, inspired byChristHimself, I bless you for all the good you have done me!When first those words found entrance to my heart, they brought with thempeaceandstrengthto stand againstdeception,desertion,discouragementand theresolute willto live a life more devoted toGod, more united to Him, more contented, and ever pressing onward towards heaven. Once more, I bless you!Precious counsels, enlighten, guide, and lead me.[pg 155]VIII.A Simple PrayerOJesu! in the midst of glory forget not the sadness upon earth!Have mercy upon those to whomGodhas sent the bitter trial of separation from those they love!Have mercy on that loneliness of heart, so full of sadness, so crushing, sometimes full of terror!Have mercy upon those struggling against the difficulties of life, and faint with discouragement!Have mercy on those whom fortune favors, whom the world fascinates, and who are free from care!Have mercy on those to whom Thou hast given great tenderness of heart, great sensitiveness!Have mercy on those who cease to love us, and never may they know the pain they cause![pg 156]Have mercy on those who have gradually withdrawn from Holy Communion and Prayer, and losing peace within, weep, yet dare not return to Thee!Have mercy on all we love; make them holy even through suffering! if ever they estrange themselves from Thee, take, oh, take all my joys, and decoy them with the pleasures back again to Thee!Have mercy on those who weep, those who pray, those who know nothowto pray!To all, OJesus, grant Hope and Peace!IX.Simple Counsels for a Young GirlYes, very simple. Listen my child, and may they sink deep into your heart, as the dew sinks in the calyx of the flower.[pg 157]These are my counsels:—Distrust the lovethat comes too suddenly.Distrust the pleasurethat fascinates so keenly.Distrust the wordsthat trouble or charm.Distrust the bookthat makes you dream.Distrust the thoughtyou cannot confide to your mother.Treasure these counsels, and sometimes as you read them, ask yourself,"Why?"Guardian Angel of the child we are addressing, teach her the reason of these sentences that seem to her so exaggerated!X.A Recipe for Never Annoying Our FriendsThis was made by one who had suffered much for many years from numberless little worries,[pg 158]occasioned by a relative, whose affection no doubt was sincere and devoted, but also too ardent, and wanting in discretion.There must be moderation in all things, even in the love we manifest, the care we take to shield them from trouble.This recipe consists of but four simple rules, very clear, very precise. Behold them:—1.Always leave my friend something more to desire of me.If he asks me to go and see him three times, I go but twice. He will look forward to my coming a third time, and when I go, receive me the more cordially.It is so sweet to feel we are needed, and so hard to be thought importunate.2.Be useful to my friend as far as he permits, and no farther.An over-anxious affection becomes tiresome, and a multiplicity of[pg 159]beautiful sentiments makes them almost insupportable.Devotion to a friend does not consist in doingeverythingfor him, but simply that which is agreeable and of service to him, and let it only be revealed to him by accident.We all love freedom, and cling tenaciously to our little fancies; we do not like others to arrange what we have purposely left in disorder; we even resent their over-anxiety and care for us.3.Be much occupied with my own affairs, and little, very little, with those of my friend.This infallibly leads to a favorable result. To begin with, in occupying myself with my own affairs, I shall the more speedily accomplish them, while my friend is doing the same.If he appeals to me for help, I will go through fire and water to serve him, but ifnot, then I do both myself and[pg 160]him the greater service by abstaining. If, however, I can serve him without his knowledge of it, and I can see his need, then I must be always ready to do it.4.Leave my friend always at liberty to think and act for himself in matters of little importance.Why compel him to think and act with me? AmIthe type of all that is beautiful and right? Is it not absurd to think that because another acts and thinks differently to myself, he must needs be wrong? No doubt I may not always say,"You are right,"but I can at any rate let himthinkit.Try this recipe of mine, and I can answer for it your friendship will be lasting.[pg 161]XI.Beneath the Eye of God, God OnlyAs you read these words, are you not conscious of an inward feeling of peace and quietness?Beneath God's Eye!there is something in the thought like a sheltering rock, a refreshing dew, a gleam of light.Ah! why always such seeking for some one toseeme, tounderstand,appreciate,praiseme?The human eye I seek is like the scorching ray that destroys all the delicate colors in the most costly material. Every action that is done, only to be seen of others, loses its freshness in the sight ofGod, like the flower that passing through many hands is at last hardly presentable.Oh, my soul! be as the desert flower that grows, blooms, and flourishes[pg 162]unseen, in obedience toGod'sWill, and cares not whether the passing bird perceives it, or the wind scatters the petals, scarcely formed.On no account neglect the duty you owe to friendship, relatives, society, but remember each day to reserve some portion of it for yourself andGodonly.Remember always to do some actions that can be known to none butGod.Ah! how sweet to haveGodas our only Witness.It is the high degree of holiness.The most exquisite happiness.The assurance of an entry into heaven hereafter.The mother that reserves all that is most costly for her child, the child that prepares in secret some surprise[pg 163]for its mother, do not experience a joy more pure, more elevating, than the servant ofGod, who lives always inGod'sPresence, Whom alone they would please, or the loving heart that enclosing alms to some destitute family writes upon the cover these words only,"In the name of the Good and GraciousGod."The following lines were found on some scraps of paper belonging to some stranger: ... They have just told me of a poor destitute woman; I gave them ten pence for her; it was my duty to set an example. And now, myGod, for Thee, for Thy sake only, I mean to send her five shillings, which I shall deduct from my personal expenses.... To-morrow Henry is coming to see me, that poor Henry I loved so[pg 164]dearly, but who has grown cold towards his old friend. He wished to grieve me, and little knows that I found it out. Help me,Lord, to remember I have forgiven him, and help me to receive him cordially.Thou alone knowest all I have suffered.... What a happy day was yesterday! happy with regard to heavenly things, for alas! my poor heart suffered.Yesterday was a festival. The snow outside kept every one at home by their own firesides, and I was left lonely.... Ah, yes, my heart felt sad, but my spirit was peaceful; I tried to talk toGod, just as if I could really see Him at my side, and gradually I felt comforted, and spent my evening with a sweet sense ofGod'sPresence.... What I said, what I wrote, I know not; but the remembrance of[pg 165]yesterday remains to me as some sweet, refreshing perfume.
V.The Lesson of a DaisyI saw her from afar, poor child; she looked dreamy as she leaned against the window, and held in her hand a daisy, which she was questioning by gradually pulling it to pieces. What she wanted to ascertain I cannot tell; I only heard in a low murmur, falling from her pale lips, these words:"a little, a great deal, passionately, not[pg 133]at all,"as each petal her fingers pulled away fell fluttering at her feet.I could see her from a distance, and I felt touched.Poor child, why do you tell a flower the thought that troubles you? have you no mother?Why be anxious about the future? have you notGodto prepare it for you, as tenderly as eighteen years ago your mother prepared your cradle?Finally, when the daisy was all but gone, when her fingers stopped at the last petal, and her lips murmured the wordlittle, she dropped her head upon her arms, discouraged, and, poor child, she wept!Why weep, my child? is it because this word does not please you?Let me, let me, in the name of the simple daisy you have just destroyed, give you the experience of my old age.[pg 134]Oh! if you only knew what it costs to havemuchof anything!A great deal of witoften results in spitefulness which makes us cruel and unjust, in jealousy that torments, in deception that sullies all our triumphs, and pride which is never satisfied.A great deal of heartcauses uneasiness which vexes, pain that rends asunder, grief that nearly kills ... sometimes even the judgment is deceived.A great deal of attractivenessmeans often a consuming vanity, overwhelming deception, an insatiable desire to please, a fear of being unappreciated, a loss of peace, domestic life much neglected.A great deal of wealth and successis the cause of luxury that enfeebles, loss of calm, quiet happiness, loss of love, leaving only the flattery that captivates.No, no, my child, never long for[pg 135]a great dealin this life, unless it be for much forbearance, much goodness.And if it should beGod'sWill to give youmuchof anything, then, oh, pray it may never be to your condemnation!IsPassionatelythe word you long for? Passionately! oh, the harm that is done by that word! there is something in the thought of it that makes me shudder. Passionately means transport, frenzy, excess in everything.The life that the wordpassionatelydescribes must be a life full of risks and dangers; and if, by little short of a miracle, nothing outwardly wrong appears, the inner life must resemble a palace ravaged by fire, where the stranger sees nothing but cracked walls, blackened furniture, and drapery hanging in shreds.[pg 136]My child, I would prefer for you the wordsnot at all, as applied to fortune, external charms, and all that goes by the name of glory, success, and fascination in the world. I know it may seem a hard sentence, involving a continual self-denial, and exacting incessant hard labor to obtain the bare necessities of life for those we love.But do not be afraid of it.Godnever leaves His creatures in absolute need.Godmay deprive a face of beauty, a character of amiability, a mind of brilliancy, but He will never take away a heart of love; with the faculty of loving, He adds the power of prayer, and the promise always to listen to and answer it.As long as we can love and pray, life has charms for us.Love produces devotion, and devotion brings happiness, even though we may not understand it.In prayer we feel we are beloved;[pg 137]and the love ofGod, oh, if only you knew how it compensates for the indifference of our fellow-creatures!There now only remains to us the last words of the daisy,a little! the loving fatherly answerGodhas given to your childish curiosity.Accept it, and make it the motto of your life!A little; moderation in wealth and fortune, a condition that promises the most peaceful life, free from anxiety for the future—doubtless requiring daily duties, but permitting many innocent enjoyments.A little; moderation in our desires, contentment with what we possess, making the most of it, and repressing all vain dreams of a more brilliant position, a more extended reputation, a more famous name.A little; the affection of a heart[pg 138]devoted to duty, and kindling joy in the family circle, composed of kindred to love, friends to cheer, poor to succor, hearts to strengthen, sufferings to alleviate.A little; a taste for all that is beautiful,—books, works of art, music, not making us idly dream of fame, but simply providing enjoyment for the mind, all the more keen, as the daily toil renders the occasions rare.Do you see, my child, how much may lie beneath those simple words,a little, that the daisy gave you, and that you seem so much to despise!Never scorn anything that seems wanting in brilliancy, and remember to be really happy we must have—Morevirtuethan knowledge,Morelovethan tenderness,Moreguidancethan cleverness,Morehealththan riches,Morereposethan profit.[pg 139]VI.Each day is like a furrow lying before us; our thoughts, desires, and actions are the seed that each minute we drop into it, without seeming to perceive it. The furrow finished, we commence upon another, then another, and again another; each day presents a fresh one, and so on to the end of life ... sowing, ever sowing. And all we have sown springs up, grows and bears fruit, almost unknown to us; even if by chance we cast a backward glance we fail to recognize our work.Behind us angels and demons, like gleaners, gather together in sheaves all that belongs to them.Every night their store is increased. They preserve it, and at the last day will present it to their Master.Is there not a thought in this that should make us reflect?[pg 140]VII."Learn of Me, for I Am Meek and Lowly of Heart"This is a simple rule of life for me, requiring no more than I am able; but I feel it unites me toGod, makes me more devout, more faithful to duty, more ready for death. Since I have made it my rule, it has been to me a source of consolation, enlightenment, and strength; and yetGodalone knows how full of pain my life has been!Dear friends, who, like myself, long to become holy, I commend this sentence to you in all its simplicity; listen, for it comes from the loving Heart ofJesus, it fell from His gentle Lips:—"Learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly of heart."[pg 141]I. Be Meek1. MEEK TOWARDS GODLiving from day to day beneath His Eye, and where all things are ordered by a Divine Providence.As carefully as a mother arranges the room where her child will pass the day, doesGodprepare each hour that opens before me. Whatever has to be done, it is His Will that I should do it; and in order that it should be done well, He provides the necessary time, intelligence, aptitude, and knowledge.Whatever of suffering presents itself, He expects me to bear it, even though I may not see any reason for it; and if the pain be so sharp as to call forth a cry, He gently whispers,"Courage, My child, for it is My will!"If anything occurs to hinder my work, anything goes contrary to my[pg 142]plans and projects, He has ordained it so on purpose, because He knows that too much success would make me proud, too much ease would make me sensual; and He would teach me that the road to heaven is notsuccess, butlabor and devotion.With such thoughts as these all rebellion is hushed! With what peace, what joy, our work may be begun, continued, interrupted, and resumed!With what energy we reject those enemies that assail us at every hour,—idleness, haste, preoccupation, success, want of perseverance under difficulties!Does the past sometimes rise up to trouble me with the thought of the many years spent withoutGod?Ah! no doubt the shame and grief are sharp and keen, but why need they disturb my peace of mind?Has notGodpromised His pardon for His blessedSon'ssake, to all who[pg 143]truly repent and unfeignedly believe His Holy Gospel? Have I made a full avowal and entire submission? and am I not willing to fulfil whatever I am advised inGod'sName to do for the future?Does the future in its turn seem to frighten me? I smile at the foolish fancies of my imagination; is not my future inGod'sHands?What, when all that will befall me to-morrow, next year, ten years, twenty years hence, is ordained by Him, shall I distress myself with the thought that it may not be good for me!Lord!be Thou my Guide, and choose my lot as may seem best to Thee![pg 144]2. MEEK UNDER ALL CIRCUMSTANCESEvents are messengers of either Divine goodness or justice.Each has a mission to fulfil; and as it comes fromGod, why not let it be accomplished in peace?Painful, heart-rending, though they may be, they are still the Will ofGod. Watch them as they come, with a little trembling, perhaps even terror, but never let them destroy in the least degree my faith and resignation.To be meek under these circumstances, does not mean awaiting them with a stoic firmness which proceeds from pride, or hardening one's self against them to the point of repressing all trembling. No!Godallows us sometimes to anticipate, postpone, or even when possible flee them; at any rate, we may try to soothe and soften them a little.TheGood Father, when He sends[pg 145]them, sends at the same time the means by which they may be endured, and perhaps averted.Remedies, in sickness.Love, in trouble.Devotion, in privations.Comfort, in weakness.Tears, in sorrow.Godhas created all these; and knowing perhaps that I may fail to find them, He has given commandment to some privileged servants to love, console, soothe, and help me, saying to them,—"Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it as unto Me."Oh! welcome then the friendly voice that in the midst of trouble speaks to me of hope; I will receive with gratitude the care that affection presses upon me.With thankfulness I accept thetimedevoted to me,privationborne for my[pg 146]sake; and I will prayGodto bless these kind friends, and ask Him to say to them words such as these:"All that thou hast done for Mine, I will repay thee a hundred-fold."3. MEEK TOWARDS OTHERSThis may seem even more difficult, for it so often appears to us as if others were actuated by malice.But how often it is only the result of temperament, pride, thoughtlessness; seeking their own pleasure without a thought of the harm they are doing me; then why be unhappy about it? I need only to be on my guard.Never stand in the way of others (when it is not the case of a duty to be fulfilled), and if they sometimes are an obstacle in yours, remove them gently, but do not harm them.Yielding, submitting, retiring, giving up, this should be our conduct[pg 147]towards the members of our family, and those we call our friends.The more facility you give them for doing what they think right, the more you enter into the feelings they have of their own importance, leaving them a free course of action, so much the more will you be likely to be useful to them, and retain your own peace of mind.It is astonishing how those we never press open their hearts to us!Do not try to examine too minutely the actions of others, or the motives that actuate them; if they are wanting in tact, appear not to notice it, or, better still, try to think they have made a mistake.The best remedy for the dislike we feel towards any one is to endeavor to try to do them a little good every day; the best cure for their dislike to us is to try to speak kindly of them.Are those around you wicked? be[pg 148]cautious, but do not lose heart;Godwill not let them harm you.How easy forGodto stay the consequences of slander and calumny!Godis the shield, interposing between others, circumstances, and myself.4. MEEK TOWARDS SELFThis does not imply self-complacency, self-indulgence, self-justification, but simply encouragement, strength, and fortitude.Encouragementin some wearisome, monotonous, unrecognized work, with a thought like this:"Godis watching me, and wishes me to do this."This labor occupies my mind, perfects my soul, and shields me from mischief.Encouragement such as this, in the midst of sadness and isolation, when no one thinks of us, or gives us the smallest token of sympathy,"Is not my duty sufficient for me? God[pg 149]requires it of me, and it will lead me to heaven."Strengthto rise again after some failure, some humiliating fault, some depressing weakness; rise again lovingly, confidingly, and with the thought,"Never mind, it is a goodFather, a kind Master, with Whom I have to deal."Confess your sin, humble yourself, and while awaiting the assurance of pardon go on with your daily work with the same zeal as before.Fortitudeagainst the desertion and forgetfulness of others.We have two things to fortify us,—Prayer and Labor.One to cheer us,—Devotion.These remedies are always at hand.[pg 150]II. Be HumbleI. HUMBLE WITH GODResting always in His presence, like a little child, or even a beggar, who knowing nothing is due to him, still asks, loves, and awaits, feeling sure that hour by hour, in proportion to our need,Godwill provide all that is needful, and even over and above what is absolutely necessary. Live peacefully under the protection of Divine Providence; the more you feel your insignificance, weakness, sickness, misery, the more right you have to the pity and love ofGod.Onlyprayfervently; let your prayer be thoughtful and reverent, sweet and full of hope. The poor have nothing left to them butprayer; but that prayer, so humble, so pleading, ascends toGod, and is listened to with Fatherly love!Do not have a number of varied[pg 151]prayers, but let the"OurFather"be ever on your lips and in your heart.Love to repeat toGodthe prayer thatChristHimself has taught, and for His sake is always accepted.Look upon yourself as a hired servant ofGod, to whom He has promised a rich reward at the end of the day He callslife; each morning hold yourself in readiness to obey all His commands, in the way He wills, and with the means He appoints.The command may not always comedirectfrom the Master; it would be too sweet to hear onlyGod'sVoice: but He sends it by means of His ambassadors; these go by the names ofsuperiors,equals,inferiors, sometimesenemies.Each has received the mission (without knowing it) to make you holy; one by subduing your independence, another by crushing your pride, a third by spurring your slothfulness.[pg 152]They will, though fulfillingGod'scommand, do it each in his own way, sometimes roughly, sometimes maliciously, sometimes in a way hard to bear ... what does it matter, so long as you feel that all you do, all you suffer, is the will ofGod?Do your duty as well as you can, as you understand it, as it is given to you; say sometimes toGod,"My Master, art Thou satisfied with me?"and then, in spite of ennui, fatigue, repugnance, go on with it faithfully to the end.Then, whether praise or blame be yours, you will, good faithful servant, at least have peace.2. HUMBLE TOWARDS OTHERSLook upon yourself as the servant of all, but without ostentation, or their having any knowledge of it.Repeat to yourself sometimes the[pg 153]words of the Blessed Virgin Mary:"Behold the handmaid of theLord,"and those of ourLord,"I came not to be ministered unto, but to minister;"and then act towards others as if you were their slave, warning, aiding, listening; abashed at what they do for you, and always seeming pleased at anything they may require you to do for them.Oh! if you knew the full meaning of these words, all they signify of reward in heaven, of joy and peace on earth, how you would love them!Oh! if you would only make them the rule of your life and conduct, how happy you would be yourself, and how happy you would make others!Happy in the approval of conscience, that whispers,"You have done asChristwould have done."Happy in the thought of the reward promised to those who give even a cup of cold water in the name ofJesus[pg 154]Christ; happy in the assurance thatGodwill do for you what you have done for others.Oh! what matters then ingratitude, forgetfulness, contempt, and scorn? They will pain, no doubt, but will have no power to sadden or discourage.Precious counsel, inspired byChristHimself, I bless you for all the good you have done me!When first those words found entrance to my heart, they brought with thempeaceandstrengthto stand againstdeception,desertion,discouragementand theresolute willto live a life more devoted toGod, more united to Him, more contented, and ever pressing onward towards heaven. Once more, I bless you!Precious counsels, enlighten, guide, and lead me.[pg 155]VIII.A Simple PrayerOJesu! in the midst of glory forget not the sadness upon earth!Have mercy upon those to whomGodhas sent the bitter trial of separation from those they love!Have mercy on that loneliness of heart, so full of sadness, so crushing, sometimes full of terror!Have mercy upon those struggling against the difficulties of life, and faint with discouragement!Have mercy on those whom fortune favors, whom the world fascinates, and who are free from care!Have mercy on those to whom Thou hast given great tenderness of heart, great sensitiveness!Have mercy on those who cease to love us, and never may they know the pain they cause![pg 156]Have mercy on those who have gradually withdrawn from Holy Communion and Prayer, and losing peace within, weep, yet dare not return to Thee!Have mercy on all we love; make them holy even through suffering! if ever they estrange themselves from Thee, take, oh, take all my joys, and decoy them with the pleasures back again to Thee!Have mercy on those who weep, those who pray, those who know nothowto pray!To all, OJesus, grant Hope and Peace!IX.Simple Counsels for a Young GirlYes, very simple. Listen my child, and may they sink deep into your heart, as the dew sinks in the calyx of the flower.[pg 157]These are my counsels:—Distrust the lovethat comes too suddenly.Distrust the pleasurethat fascinates so keenly.Distrust the wordsthat trouble or charm.Distrust the bookthat makes you dream.Distrust the thoughtyou cannot confide to your mother.Treasure these counsels, and sometimes as you read them, ask yourself,"Why?"Guardian Angel of the child we are addressing, teach her the reason of these sentences that seem to her so exaggerated!X.A Recipe for Never Annoying Our FriendsThis was made by one who had suffered much for many years from numberless little worries,[pg 158]occasioned by a relative, whose affection no doubt was sincere and devoted, but also too ardent, and wanting in discretion.There must be moderation in all things, even in the love we manifest, the care we take to shield them from trouble.This recipe consists of but four simple rules, very clear, very precise. Behold them:—1.Always leave my friend something more to desire of me.If he asks me to go and see him three times, I go but twice. He will look forward to my coming a third time, and when I go, receive me the more cordially.It is so sweet to feel we are needed, and so hard to be thought importunate.2.Be useful to my friend as far as he permits, and no farther.An over-anxious affection becomes tiresome, and a multiplicity of[pg 159]beautiful sentiments makes them almost insupportable.Devotion to a friend does not consist in doingeverythingfor him, but simply that which is agreeable and of service to him, and let it only be revealed to him by accident.We all love freedom, and cling tenaciously to our little fancies; we do not like others to arrange what we have purposely left in disorder; we even resent their over-anxiety and care for us.3.Be much occupied with my own affairs, and little, very little, with those of my friend.This infallibly leads to a favorable result. To begin with, in occupying myself with my own affairs, I shall the more speedily accomplish them, while my friend is doing the same.If he appeals to me for help, I will go through fire and water to serve him, but ifnot, then I do both myself and[pg 160]him the greater service by abstaining. If, however, I can serve him without his knowledge of it, and I can see his need, then I must be always ready to do it.4.Leave my friend always at liberty to think and act for himself in matters of little importance.Why compel him to think and act with me? AmIthe type of all that is beautiful and right? Is it not absurd to think that because another acts and thinks differently to myself, he must needs be wrong? No doubt I may not always say,"You are right,"but I can at any rate let himthinkit.Try this recipe of mine, and I can answer for it your friendship will be lasting.[pg 161]XI.Beneath the Eye of God, God OnlyAs you read these words, are you not conscious of an inward feeling of peace and quietness?Beneath God's Eye!there is something in the thought like a sheltering rock, a refreshing dew, a gleam of light.Ah! why always such seeking for some one toseeme, tounderstand,appreciate,praiseme?The human eye I seek is like the scorching ray that destroys all the delicate colors in the most costly material. Every action that is done, only to be seen of others, loses its freshness in the sight ofGod, like the flower that passing through many hands is at last hardly presentable.Oh, my soul! be as the desert flower that grows, blooms, and flourishes[pg 162]unseen, in obedience toGod'sWill, and cares not whether the passing bird perceives it, or the wind scatters the petals, scarcely formed.On no account neglect the duty you owe to friendship, relatives, society, but remember each day to reserve some portion of it for yourself andGodonly.Remember always to do some actions that can be known to none butGod.Ah! how sweet to haveGodas our only Witness.It is the high degree of holiness.The most exquisite happiness.The assurance of an entry into heaven hereafter.The mother that reserves all that is most costly for her child, the child that prepares in secret some surprise[pg 163]for its mother, do not experience a joy more pure, more elevating, than the servant ofGod, who lives always inGod'sPresence, Whom alone they would please, or the loving heart that enclosing alms to some destitute family writes upon the cover these words only,"In the name of the Good and GraciousGod."The following lines were found on some scraps of paper belonging to some stranger: ... They have just told me of a poor destitute woman; I gave them ten pence for her; it was my duty to set an example. And now, myGod, for Thee, for Thy sake only, I mean to send her five shillings, which I shall deduct from my personal expenses.... To-morrow Henry is coming to see me, that poor Henry I loved so[pg 164]dearly, but who has grown cold towards his old friend. He wished to grieve me, and little knows that I found it out. Help me,Lord, to remember I have forgiven him, and help me to receive him cordially.Thou alone knowest all I have suffered.... What a happy day was yesterday! happy with regard to heavenly things, for alas! my poor heart suffered.Yesterday was a festival. The snow outside kept every one at home by their own firesides, and I was left lonely.... Ah, yes, my heart felt sad, but my spirit was peaceful; I tried to talk toGod, just as if I could really see Him at my side, and gradually I felt comforted, and spent my evening with a sweet sense ofGod'sPresence.... What I said, what I wrote, I know not; but the remembrance of[pg 165]yesterday remains to me as some sweet, refreshing perfume.
V.The Lesson of a DaisyI saw her from afar, poor child; she looked dreamy as she leaned against the window, and held in her hand a daisy, which she was questioning by gradually pulling it to pieces. What she wanted to ascertain I cannot tell; I only heard in a low murmur, falling from her pale lips, these words:"a little, a great deal, passionately, not[pg 133]at all,"as each petal her fingers pulled away fell fluttering at her feet.I could see her from a distance, and I felt touched.Poor child, why do you tell a flower the thought that troubles you? have you no mother?Why be anxious about the future? have you notGodto prepare it for you, as tenderly as eighteen years ago your mother prepared your cradle?Finally, when the daisy was all but gone, when her fingers stopped at the last petal, and her lips murmured the wordlittle, she dropped her head upon her arms, discouraged, and, poor child, she wept!Why weep, my child? is it because this word does not please you?Let me, let me, in the name of the simple daisy you have just destroyed, give you the experience of my old age.[pg 134]Oh! if you only knew what it costs to havemuchof anything!A great deal of witoften results in spitefulness which makes us cruel and unjust, in jealousy that torments, in deception that sullies all our triumphs, and pride which is never satisfied.A great deal of heartcauses uneasiness which vexes, pain that rends asunder, grief that nearly kills ... sometimes even the judgment is deceived.A great deal of attractivenessmeans often a consuming vanity, overwhelming deception, an insatiable desire to please, a fear of being unappreciated, a loss of peace, domestic life much neglected.A great deal of wealth and successis the cause of luxury that enfeebles, loss of calm, quiet happiness, loss of love, leaving only the flattery that captivates.No, no, my child, never long for[pg 135]a great dealin this life, unless it be for much forbearance, much goodness.And if it should beGod'sWill to give youmuchof anything, then, oh, pray it may never be to your condemnation!IsPassionatelythe word you long for? Passionately! oh, the harm that is done by that word! there is something in the thought of it that makes me shudder. Passionately means transport, frenzy, excess in everything.The life that the wordpassionatelydescribes must be a life full of risks and dangers; and if, by little short of a miracle, nothing outwardly wrong appears, the inner life must resemble a palace ravaged by fire, where the stranger sees nothing but cracked walls, blackened furniture, and drapery hanging in shreds.[pg 136]My child, I would prefer for you the wordsnot at all, as applied to fortune, external charms, and all that goes by the name of glory, success, and fascination in the world. I know it may seem a hard sentence, involving a continual self-denial, and exacting incessant hard labor to obtain the bare necessities of life for those we love.But do not be afraid of it.Godnever leaves His creatures in absolute need.Godmay deprive a face of beauty, a character of amiability, a mind of brilliancy, but He will never take away a heart of love; with the faculty of loving, He adds the power of prayer, and the promise always to listen to and answer it.As long as we can love and pray, life has charms for us.Love produces devotion, and devotion brings happiness, even though we may not understand it.In prayer we feel we are beloved;[pg 137]and the love ofGod, oh, if only you knew how it compensates for the indifference of our fellow-creatures!There now only remains to us the last words of the daisy,a little! the loving fatherly answerGodhas given to your childish curiosity.Accept it, and make it the motto of your life!A little; moderation in wealth and fortune, a condition that promises the most peaceful life, free from anxiety for the future—doubtless requiring daily duties, but permitting many innocent enjoyments.A little; moderation in our desires, contentment with what we possess, making the most of it, and repressing all vain dreams of a more brilliant position, a more extended reputation, a more famous name.A little; the affection of a heart[pg 138]devoted to duty, and kindling joy in the family circle, composed of kindred to love, friends to cheer, poor to succor, hearts to strengthen, sufferings to alleviate.A little; a taste for all that is beautiful,—books, works of art, music, not making us idly dream of fame, but simply providing enjoyment for the mind, all the more keen, as the daily toil renders the occasions rare.Do you see, my child, how much may lie beneath those simple words,a little, that the daisy gave you, and that you seem so much to despise!Never scorn anything that seems wanting in brilliancy, and remember to be really happy we must have—Morevirtuethan knowledge,Morelovethan tenderness,Moreguidancethan cleverness,Morehealththan riches,Morereposethan profit.[pg 139]VI.Each day is like a furrow lying before us; our thoughts, desires, and actions are the seed that each minute we drop into it, without seeming to perceive it. The furrow finished, we commence upon another, then another, and again another; each day presents a fresh one, and so on to the end of life ... sowing, ever sowing. And all we have sown springs up, grows and bears fruit, almost unknown to us; even if by chance we cast a backward glance we fail to recognize our work.Behind us angels and demons, like gleaners, gather together in sheaves all that belongs to them.Every night their store is increased. They preserve it, and at the last day will present it to their Master.Is there not a thought in this that should make us reflect?[pg 140]VII."Learn of Me, for I Am Meek and Lowly of Heart"This is a simple rule of life for me, requiring no more than I am able; but I feel it unites me toGod, makes me more devout, more faithful to duty, more ready for death. Since I have made it my rule, it has been to me a source of consolation, enlightenment, and strength; and yetGodalone knows how full of pain my life has been!Dear friends, who, like myself, long to become holy, I commend this sentence to you in all its simplicity; listen, for it comes from the loving Heart ofJesus, it fell from His gentle Lips:—"Learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly of heart."[pg 141]I. Be Meek1. MEEK TOWARDS GODLiving from day to day beneath His Eye, and where all things are ordered by a Divine Providence.As carefully as a mother arranges the room where her child will pass the day, doesGodprepare each hour that opens before me. Whatever has to be done, it is His Will that I should do it; and in order that it should be done well, He provides the necessary time, intelligence, aptitude, and knowledge.Whatever of suffering presents itself, He expects me to bear it, even though I may not see any reason for it; and if the pain be so sharp as to call forth a cry, He gently whispers,"Courage, My child, for it is My will!"If anything occurs to hinder my work, anything goes contrary to my[pg 142]plans and projects, He has ordained it so on purpose, because He knows that too much success would make me proud, too much ease would make me sensual; and He would teach me that the road to heaven is notsuccess, butlabor and devotion.With such thoughts as these all rebellion is hushed! With what peace, what joy, our work may be begun, continued, interrupted, and resumed!With what energy we reject those enemies that assail us at every hour,—idleness, haste, preoccupation, success, want of perseverance under difficulties!Does the past sometimes rise up to trouble me with the thought of the many years spent withoutGod?Ah! no doubt the shame and grief are sharp and keen, but why need they disturb my peace of mind?Has notGodpromised His pardon for His blessedSon'ssake, to all who[pg 143]truly repent and unfeignedly believe His Holy Gospel? Have I made a full avowal and entire submission? and am I not willing to fulfil whatever I am advised inGod'sName to do for the future?Does the future in its turn seem to frighten me? I smile at the foolish fancies of my imagination; is not my future inGod'sHands?What, when all that will befall me to-morrow, next year, ten years, twenty years hence, is ordained by Him, shall I distress myself with the thought that it may not be good for me!Lord!be Thou my Guide, and choose my lot as may seem best to Thee![pg 144]2. MEEK UNDER ALL CIRCUMSTANCESEvents are messengers of either Divine goodness or justice.Each has a mission to fulfil; and as it comes fromGod, why not let it be accomplished in peace?Painful, heart-rending, though they may be, they are still the Will ofGod. Watch them as they come, with a little trembling, perhaps even terror, but never let them destroy in the least degree my faith and resignation.To be meek under these circumstances, does not mean awaiting them with a stoic firmness which proceeds from pride, or hardening one's self against them to the point of repressing all trembling. No!Godallows us sometimes to anticipate, postpone, or even when possible flee them; at any rate, we may try to soothe and soften them a little.TheGood Father, when He sends[pg 145]them, sends at the same time the means by which they may be endured, and perhaps averted.Remedies, in sickness.Love, in trouble.Devotion, in privations.Comfort, in weakness.Tears, in sorrow.Godhas created all these; and knowing perhaps that I may fail to find them, He has given commandment to some privileged servants to love, console, soothe, and help me, saying to them,—"Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it as unto Me."Oh! welcome then the friendly voice that in the midst of trouble speaks to me of hope; I will receive with gratitude the care that affection presses upon me.With thankfulness I accept thetimedevoted to me,privationborne for my[pg 146]sake; and I will prayGodto bless these kind friends, and ask Him to say to them words such as these:"All that thou hast done for Mine, I will repay thee a hundred-fold."3. MEEK TOWARDS OTHERSThis may seem even more difficult, for it so often appears to us as if others were actuated by malice.But how often it is only the result of temperament, pride, thoughtlessness; seeking their own pleasure without a thought of the harm they are doing me; then why be unhappy about it? I need only to be on my guard.Never stand in the way of others (when it is not the case of a duty to be fulfilled), and if they sometimes are an obstacle in yours, remove them gently, but do not harm them.Yielding, submitting, retiring, giving up, this should be our conduct[pg 147]towards the members of our family, and those we call our friends.The more facility you give them for doing what they think right, the more you enter into the feelings they have of their own importance, leaving them a free course of action, so much the more will you be likely to be useful to them, and retain your own peace of mind.It is astonishing how those we never press open their hearts to us!Do not try to examine too minutely the actions of others, or the motives that actuate them; if they are wanting in tact, appear not to notice it, or, better still, try to think they have made a mistake.The best remedy for the dislike we feel towards any one is to endeavor to try to do them a little good every day; the best cure for their dislike to us is to try to speak kindly of them.Are those around you wicked? be[pg 148]cautious, but do not lose heart;Godwill not let them harm you.How easy forGodto stay the consequences of slander and calumny!Godis the shield, interposing between others, circumstances, and myself.4. MEEK TOWARDS SELFThis does not imply self-complacency, self-indulgence, self-justification, but simply encouragement, strength, and fortitude.Encouragementin some wearisome, monotonous, unrecognized work, with a thought like this:"Godis watching me, and wishes me to do this."This labor occupies my mind, perfects my soul, and shields me from mischief.Encouragement such as this, in the midst of sadness and isolation, when no one thinks of us, or gives us the smallest token of sympathy,"Is not my duty sufficient for me? God[pg 149]requires it of me, and it will lead me to heaven."Strengthto rise again after some failure, some humiliating fault, some depressing weakness; rise again lovingly, confidingly, and with the thought,"Never mind, it is a goodFather, a kind Master, with Whom I have to deal."Confess your sin, humble yourself, and while awaiting the assurance of pardon go on with your daily work with the same zeal as before.Fortitudeagainst the desertion and forgetfulness of others.We have two things to fortify us,—Prayer and Labor.One to cheer us,—Devotion.These remedies are always at hand.[pg 150]II. Be HumbleI. HUMBLE WITH GODResting always in His presence, like a little child, or even a beggar, who knowing nothing is due to him, still asks, loves, and awaits, feeling sure that hour by hour, in proportion to our need,Godwill provide all that is needful, and even over and above what is absolutely necessary. Live peacefully under the protection of Divine Providence; the more you feel your insignificance, weakness, sickness, misery, the more right you have to the pity and love ofGod.Onlyprayfervently; let your prayer be thoughtful and reverent, sweet and full of hope. The poor have nothing left to them butprayer; but that prayer, so humble, so pleading, ascends toGod, and is listened to with Fatherly love!Do not have a number of varied[pg 151]prayers, but let the"OurFather"be ever on your lips and in your heart.Love to repeat toGodthe prayer thatChristHimself has taught, and for His sake is always accepted.Look upon yourself as a hired servant ofGod, to whom He has promised a rich reward at the end of the day He callslife; each morning hold yourself in readiness to obey all His commands, in the way He wills, and with the means He appoints.The command may not always comedirectfrom the Master; it would be too sweet to hear onlyGod'sVoice: but He sends it by means of His ambassadors; these go by the names ofsuperiors,equals,inferiors, sometimesenemies.Each has received the mission (without knowing it) to make you holy; one by subduing your independence, another by crushing your pride, a third by spurring your slothfulness.[pg 152]They will, though fulfillingGod'scommand, do it each in his own way, sometimes roughly, sometimes maliciously, sometimes in a way hard to bear ... what does it matter, so long as you feel that all you do, all you suffer, is the will ofGod?Do your duty as well as you can, as you understand it, as it is given to you; say sometimes toGod,"My Master, art Thou satisfied with me?"and then, in spite of ennui, fatigue, repugnance, go on with it faithfully to the end.Then, whether praise or blame be yours, you will, good faithful servant, at least have peace.2. HUMBLE TOWARDS OTHERSLook upon yourself as the servant of all, but without ostentation, or their having any knowledge of it.Repeat to yourself sometimes the[pg 153]words of the Blessed Virgin Mary:"Behold the handmaid of theLord,"and those of ourLord,"I came not to be ministered unto, but to minister;"and then act towards others as if you were their slave, warning, aiding, listening; abashed at what they do for you, and always seeming pleased at anything they may require you to do for them.Oh! if you knew the full meaning of these words, all they signify of reward in heaven, of joy and peace on earth, how you would love them!Oh! if you would only make them the rule of your life and conduct, how happy you would be yourself, and how happy you would make others!Happy in the approval of conscience, that whispers,"You have done asChristwould have done."Happy in the thought of the reward promised to those who give even a cup of cold water in the name ofJesus[pg 154]Christ; happy in the assurance thatGodwill do for you what you have done for others.Oh! what matters then ingratitude, forgetfulness, contempt, and scorn? They will pain, no doubt, but will have no power to sadden or discourage.Precious counsel, inspired byChristHimself, I bless you for all the good you have done me!When first those words found entrance to my heart, they brought with thempeaceandstrengthto stand againstdeception,desertion,discouragementand theresolute willto live a life more devoted toGod, more united to Him, more contented, and ever pressing onward towards heaven. Once more, I bless you!Precious counsels, enlighten, guide, and lead me.[pg 155]VIII.A Simple PrayerOJesu! in the midst of glory forget not the sadness upon earth!Have mercy upon those to whomGodhas sent the bitter trial of separation from those they love!Have mercy on that loneliness of heart, so full of sadness, so crushing, sometimes full of terror!Have mercy upon those struggling against the difficulties of life, and faint with discouragement!Have mercy on those whom fortune favors, whom the world fascinates, and who are free from care!Have mercy on those to whom Thou hast given great tenderness of heart, great sensitiveness!Have mercy on those who cease to love us, and never may they know the pain they cause![pg 156]Have mercy on those who have gradually withdrawn from Holy Communion and Prayer, and losing peace within, weep, yet dare not return to Thee!Have mercy on all we love; make them holy even through suffering! if ever they estrange themselves from Thee, take, oh, take all my joys, and decoy them with the pleasures back again to Thee!Have mercy on those who weep, those who pray, those who know nothowto pray!To all, OJesus, grant Hope and Peace!IX.Simple Counsels for a Young GirlYes, very simple. Listen my child, and may they sink deep into your heart, as the dew sinks in the calyx of the flower.[pg 157]These are my counsels:—Distrust the lovethat comes too suddenly.Distrust the pleasurethat fascinates so keenly.Distrust the wordsthat trouble or charm.Distrust the bookthat makes you dream.Distrust the thoughtyou cannot confide to your mother.Treasure these counsels, and sometimes as you read them, ask yourself,"Why?"Guardian Angel of the child we are addressing, teach her the reason of these sentences that seem to her so exaggerated!X.A Recipe for Never Annoying Our FriendsThis was made by one who had suffered much for many years from numberless little worries,[pg 158]occasioned by a relative, whose affection no doubt was sincere and devoted, but also too ardent, and wanting in discretion.There must be moderation in all things, even in the love we manifest, the care we take to shield them from trouble.This recipe consists of but four simple rules, very clear, very precise. Behold them:—1.Always leave my friend something more to desire of me.If he asks me to go and see him three times, I go but twice. He will look forward to my coming a third time, and when I go, receive me the more cordially.It is so sweet to feel we are needed, and so hard to be thought importunate.2.Be useful to my friend as far as he permits, and no farther.An over-anxious affection becomes tiresome, and a multiplicity of[pg 159]beautiful sentiments makes them almost insupportable.Devotion to a friend does not consist in doingeverythingfor him, but simply that which is agreeable and of service to him, and let it only be revealed to him by accident.We all love freedom, and cling tenaciously to our little fancies; we do not like others to arrange what we have purposely left in disorder; we even resent their over-anxiety and care for us.3.Be much occupied with my own affairs, and little, very little, with those of my friend.This infallibly leads to a favorable result. To begin with, in occupying myself with my own affairs, I shall the more speedily accomplish them, while my friend is doing the same.If he appeals to me for help, I will go through fire and water to serve him, but ifnot, then I do both myself and[pg 160]him the greater service by abstaining. If, however, I can serve him without his knowledge of it, and I can see his need, then I must be always ready to do it.4.Leave my friend always at liberty to think and act for himself in matters of little importance.Why compel him to think and act with me? AmIthe type of all that is beautiful and right? Is it not absurd to think that because another acts and thinks differently to myself, he must needs be wrong? No doubt I may not always say,"You are right,"but I can at any rate let himthinkit.Try this recipe of mine, and I can answer for it your friendship will be lasting.[pg 161]XI.Beneath the Eye of God, God OnlyAs you read these words, are you not conscious of an inward feeling of peace and quietness?Beneath God's Eye!there is something in the thought like a sheltering rock, a refreshing dew, a gleam of light.Ah! why always such seeking for some one toseeme, tounderstand,appreciate,praiseme?The human eye I seek is like the scorching ray that destroys all the delicate colors in the most costly material. Every action that is done, only to be seen of others, loses its freshness in the sight ofGod, like the flower that passing through many hands is at last hardly presentable.Oh, my soul! be as the desert flower that grows, blooms, and flourishes[pg 162]unseen, in obedience toGod'sWill, and cares not whether the passing bird perceives it, or the wind scatters the petals, scarcely formed.On no account neglect the duty you owe to friendship, relatives, society, but remember each day to reserve some portion of it for yourself andGodonly.Remember always to do some actions that can be known to none butGod.Ah! how sweet to haveGodas our only Witness.It is the high degree of holiness.The most exquisite happiness.The assurance of an entry into heaven hereafter.The mother that reserves all that is most costly for her child, the child that prepares in secret some surprise[pg 163]for its mother, do not experience a joy more pure, more elevating, than the servant ofGod, who lives always inGod'sPresence, Whom alone they would please, or the loving heart that enclosing alms to some destitute family writes upon the cover these words only,"In the name of the Good and GraciousGod."The following lines were found on some scraps of paper belonging to some stranger: ... They have just told me of a poor destitute woman; I gave them ten pence for her; it was my duty to set an example. And now, myGod, for Thee, for Thy sake only, I mean to send her five shillings, which I shall deduct from my personal expenses.... To-morrow Henry is coming to see me, that poor Henry I loved so[pg 164]dearly, but who has grown cold towards his old friend. He wished to grieve me, and little knows that I found it out. Help me,Lord, to remember I have forgiven him, and help me to receive him cordially.Thou alone knowest all I have suffered.... What a happy day was yesterday! happy with regard to heavenly things, for alas! my poor heart suffered.Yesterday was a festival. The snow outside kept every one at home by their own firesides, and I was left lonely.... Ah, yes, my heart felt sad, but my spirit was peaceful; I tried to talk toGod, just as if I could really see Him at my side, and gradually I felt comforted, and spent my evening with a sweet sense ofGod'sPresence.... What I said, what I wrote, I know not; but the remembrance of[pg 165]yesterday remains to me as some sweet, refreshing perfume.
V.The Lesson of a DaisyI saw her from afar, poor child; she looked dreamy as she leaned against the window, and held in her hand a daisy, which she was questioning by gradually pulling it to pieces. What she wanted to ascertain I cannot tell; I only heard in a low murmur, falling from her pale lips, these words:"a little, a great deal, passionately, not[pg 133]at all,"as each petal her fingers pulled away fell fluttering at her feet.I could see her from a distance, and I felt touched.Poor child, why do you tell a flower the thought that troubles you? have you no mother?Why be anxious about the future? have you notGodto prepare it for you, as tenderly as eighteen years ago your mother prepared your cradle?Finally, when the daisy was all but gone, when her fingers stopped at the last petal, and her lips murmured the wordlittle, she dropped her head upon her arms, discouraged, and, poor child, she wept!Why weep, my child? is it because this word does not please you?Let me, let me, in the name of the simple daisy you have just destroyed, give you the experience of my old age.[pg 134]Oh! if you only knew what it costs to havemuchof anything!A great deal of witoften results in spitefulness which makes us cruel and unjust, in jealousy that torments, in deception that sullies all our triumphs, and pride which is never satisfied.A great deal of heartcauses uneasiness which vexes, pain that rends asunder, grief that nearly kills ... sometimes even the judgment is deceived.A great deal of attractivenessmeans often a consuming vanity, overwhelming deception, an insatiable desire to please, a fear of being unappreciated, a loss of peace, domestic life much neglected.A great deal of wealth and successis the cause of luxury that enfeebles, loss of calm, quiet happiness, loss of love, leaving only the flattery that captivates.No, no, my child, never long for[pg 135]a great dealin this life, unless it be for much forbearance, much goodness.And if it should beGod'sWill to give youmuchof anything, then, oh, pray it may never be to your condemnation!IsPassionatelythe word you long for? Passionately! oh, the harm that is done by that word! there is something in the thought of it that makes me shudder. Passionately means transport, frenzy, excess in everything.The life that the wordpassionatelydescribes must be a life full of risks and dangers; and if, by little short of a miracle, nothing outwardly wrong appears, the inner life must resemble a palace ravaged by fire, where the stranger sees nothing but cracked walls, blackened furniture, and drapery hanging in shreds.[pg 136]My child, I would prefer for you the wordsnot at all, as applied to fortune, external charms, and all that goes by the name of glory, success, and fascination in the world. I know it may seem a hard sentence, involving a continual self-denial, and exacting incessant hard labor to obtain the bare necessities of life for those we love.But do not be afraid of it.Godnever leaves His creatures in absolute need.Godmay deprive a face of beauty, a character of amiability, a mind of brilliancy, but He will never take away a heart of love; with the faculty of loving, He adds the power of prayer, and the promise always to listen to and answer it.As long as we can love and pray, life has charms for us.Love produces devotion, and devotion brings happiness, even though we may not understand it.In prayer we feel we are beloved;[pg 137]and the love ofGod, oh, if only you knew how it compensates for the indifference of our fellow-creatures!There now only remains to us the last words of the daisy,a little! the loving fatherly answerGodhas given to your childish curiosity.Accept it, and make it the motto of your life!A little; moderation in wealth and fortune, a condition that promises the most peaceful life, free from anxiety for the future—doubtless requiring daily duties, but permitting many innocent enjoyments.A little; moderation in our desires, contentment with what we possess, making the most of it, and repressing all vain dreams of a more brilliant position, a more extended reputation, a more famous name.A little; the affection of a heart[pg 138]devoted to duty, and kindling joy in the family circle, composed of kindred to love, friends to cheer, poor to succor, hearts to strengthen, sufferings to alleviate.A little; a taste for all that is beautiful,—books, works of art, music, not making us idly dream of fame, but simply providing enjoyment for the mind, all the more keen, as the daily toil renders the occasions rare.Do you see, my child, how much may lie beneath those simple words,a little, that the daisy gave you, and that you seem so much to despise!Never scorn anything that seems wanting in brilliancy, and remember to be really happy we must have—Morevirtuethan knowledge,Morelovethan tenderness,Moreguidancethan cleverness,Morehealththan riches,Morereposethan profit.
I saw her from afar, poor child; she looked dreamy as she leaned against the window, and held in her hand a daisy, which she was questioning by gradually pulling it to pieces. What she wanted to ascertain I cannot tell; I only heard in a low murmur, falling from her pale lips, these words:"a little, a great deal, passionately, not[pg 133]at all,"as each petal her fingers pulled away fell fluttering at her feet.
I could see her from a distance, and I felt touched.
Poor child, why do you tell a flower the thought that troubles you? have you no mother?
Why be anxious about the future? have you notGodto prepare it for you, as tenderly as eighteen years ago your mother prepared your cradle?
Finally, when the daisy was all but gone, when her fingers stopped at the last petal, and her lips murmured the wordlittle, she dropped her head upon her arms, discouraged, and, poor child, she wept!
Why weep, my child? is it because this word does not please you?
Let me, let me, in the name of the simple daisy you have just destroyed, give you the experience of my old age.
Oh! if you only knew what it costs to havemuchof anything!
A great deal of witoften results in spitefulness which makes us cruel and unjust, in jealousy that torments, in deception that sullies all our triumphs, and pride which is never satisfied.
A great deal of heartcauses uneasiness which vexes, pain that rends asunder, grief that nearly kills ... sometimes even the judgment is deceived.
A great deal of attractivenessmeans often a consuming vanity, overwhelming deception, an insatiable desire to please, a fear of being unappreciated, a loss of peace, domestic life much neglected.
A great deal of wealth and successis the cause of luxury that enfeebles, loss of calm, quiet happiness, loss of love, leaving only the flattery that captivates.
No, no, my child, never long for[pg 135]a great dealin this life, unless it be for much forbearance, much goodness.
And if it should beGod'sWill to give youmuchof anything, then, oh, pray it may never be to your condemnation!
IsPassionatelythe word you long for? Passionately! oh, the harm that is done by that word! there is something in the thought of it that makes me shudder. Passionately means transport, frenzy, excess in everything.
The life that the wordpassionatelydescribes must be a life full of risks and dangers; and if, by little short of a miracle, nothing outwardly wrong appears, the inner life must resemble a palace ravaged by fire, where the stranger sees nothing but cracked walls, blackened furniture, and drapery hanging in shreds.
My child, I would prefer for you the wordsnot at all, as applied to fortune, external charms, and all that goes by the name of glory, success, and fascination in the world. I know it may seem a hard sentence, involving a continual self-denial, and exacting incessant hard labor to obtain the bare necessities of life for those we love.
But do not be afraid of it.Godnever leaves His creatures in absolute need.Godmay deprive a face of beauty, a character of amiability, a mind of brilliancy, but He will never take away a heart of love; with the faculty of loving, He adds the power of prayer, and the promise always to listen to and answer it.
As long as we can love and pray, life has charms for us.
Love produces devotion, and devotion brings happiness, even though we may not understand it.
In prayer we feel we are beloved;[pg 137]and the love ofGod, oh, if only you knew how it compensates for the indifference of our fellow-creatures!
There now only remains to us the last words of the daisy,a little! the loving fatherly answerGodhas given to your childish curiosity.
Accept it, and make it the motto of your life!
A little; moderation in wealth and fortune, a condition that promises the most peaceful life, free from anxiety for the future—doubtless requiring daily duties, but permitting many innocent enjoyments.
A little; moderation in our desires, contentment with what we possess, making the most of it, and repressing all vain dreams of a more brilliant position, a more extended reputation, a more famous name.
A little; the affection of a heart[pg 138]devoted to duty, and kindling joy in the family circle, composed of kindred to love, friends to cheer, poor to succor, hearts to strengthen, sufferings to alleviate.
A little; a taste for all that is beautiful,—books, works of art, music, not making us idly dream of fame, but simply providing enjoyment for the mind, all the more keen, as the daily toil renders the occasions rare.
Do you see, my child, how much may lie beneath those simple words,a little, that the daisy gave you, and that you seem so much to despise!
Never scorn anything that seems wanting in brilliancy, and remember to be really happy we must have—
Morevirtuethan knowledge,Morelovethan tenderness,Moreguidancethan cleverness,Morehealththan riches,Morereposethan profit.
Morevirtuethan knowledge,
Morelovethan tenderness,
Moreguidancethan cleverness,
Morehealththan riches,
Morereposethan profit.
VI.Each day is like a furrow lying before us; our thoughts, desires, and actions are the seed that each minute we drop into it, without seeming to perceive it. The furrow finished, we commence upon another, then another, and again another; each day presents a fresh one, and so on to the end of life ... sowing, ever sowing. And all we have sown springs up, grows and bears fruit, almost unknown to us; even if by chance we cast a backward glance we fail to recognize our work.Behind us angels and demons, like gleaners, gather together in sheaves all that belongs to them.Every night their store is increased. They preserve it, and at the last day will present it to their Master.Is there not a thought in this that should make us reflect?
Each day is like a furrow lying before us; our thoughts, desires, and actions are the seed that each minute we drop into it, without seeming to perceive it. The furrow finished, we commence upon another, then another, and again another; each day presents a fresh one, and so on to the end of life ... sowing, ever sowing. And all we have sown springs up, grows and bears fruit, almost unknown to us; even if by chance we cast a backward glance we fail to recognize our work.
Behind us angels and demons, like gleaners, gather together in sheaves all that belongs to them.
Every night their store is increased. They preserve it, and at the last day will present it to their Master.
Is there not a thought in this that should make us reflect?
VII."Learn of Me, for I Am Meek and Lowly of Heart"This is a simple rule of life for me, requiring no more than I am able; but I feel it unites me toGod, makes me more devout, more faithful to duty, more ready for death. Since I have made it my rule, it has been to me a source of consolation, enlightenment, and strength; and yetGodalone knows how full of pain my life has been!Dear friends, who, like myself, long to become holy, I commend this sentence to you in all its simplicity; listen, for it comes from the loving Heart ofJesus, it fell from His gentle Lips:—"Learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly of heart."[pg 141]I. Be Meek1. MEEK TOWARDS GODLiving from day to day beneath His Eye, and where all things are ordered by a Divine Providence.As carefully as a mother arranges the room where her child will pass the day, doesGodprepare each hour that opens before me. Whatever has to be done, it is His Will that I should do it; and in order that it should be done well, He provides the necessary time, intelligence, aptitude, and knowledge.Whatever of suffering presents itself, He expects me to bear it, even though I may not see any reason for it; and if the pain be so sharp as to call forth a cry, He gently whispers,"Courage, My child, for it is My will!"If anything occurs to hinder my work, anything goes contrary to my[pg 142]plans and projects, He has ordained it so on purpose, because He knows that too much success would make me proud, too much ease would make me sensual; and He would teach me that the road to heaven is notsuccess, butlabor and devotion.With such thoughts as these all rebellion is hushed! With what peace, what joy, our work may be begun, continued, interrupted, and resumed!With what energy we reject those enemies that assail us at every hour,—idleness, haste, preoccupation, success, want of perseverance under difficulties!Does the past sometimes rise up to trouble me with the thought of the many years spent withoutGod?Ah! no doubt the shame and grief are sharp and keen, but why need they disturb my peace of mind?Has notGodpromised His pardon for His blessedSon'ssake, to all who[pg 143]truly repent and unfeignedly believe His Holy Gospel? Have I made a full avowal and entire submission? and am I not willing to fulfil whatever I am advised inGod'sName to do for the future?Does the future in its turn seem to frighten me? I smile at the foolish fancies of my imagination; is not my future inGod'sHands?What, when all that will befall me to-morrow, next year, ten years, twenty years hence, is ordained by Him, shall I distress myself with the thought that it may not be good for me!Lord!be Thou my Guide, and choose my lot as may seem best to Thee![pg 144]2. MEEK UNDER ALL CIRCUMSTANCESEvents are messengers of either Divine goodness or justice.Each has a mission to fulfil; and as it comes fromGod, why not let it be accomplished in peace?Painful, heart-rending, though they may be, they are still the Will ofGod. Watch them as they come, with a little trembling, perhaps even terror, but never let them destroy in the least degree my faith and resignation.To be meek under these circumstances, does not mean awaiting them with a stoic firmness which proceeds from pride, or hardening one's self against them to the point of repressing all trembling. No!Godallows us sometimes to anticipate, postpone, or even when possible flee them; at any rate, we may try to soothe and soften them a little.TheGood Father, when He sends[pg 145]them, sends at the same time the means by which they may be endured, and perhaps averted.Remedies, in sickness.Love, in trouble.Devotion, in privations.Comfort, in weakness.Tears, in sorrow.Godhas created all these; and knowing perhaps that I may fail to find them, He has given commandment to some privileged servants to love, console, soothe, and help me, saying to them,—"Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it as unto Me."Oh! welcome then the friendly voice that in the midst of trouble speaks to me of hope; I will receive with gratitude the care that affection presses upon me.With thankfulness I accept thetimedevoted to me,privationborne for my[pg 146]sake; and I will prayGodto bless these kind friends, and ask Him to say to them words such as these:"All that thou hast done for Mine, I will repay thee a hundred-fold."3. MEEK TOWARDS OTHERSThis may seem even more difficult, for it so often appears to us as if others were actuated by malice.But how often it is only the result of temperament, pride, thoughtlessness; seeking their own pleasure without a thought of the harm they are doing me; then why be unhappy about it? I need only to be on my guard.Never stand in the way of others (when it is not the case of a duty to be fulfilled), and if they sometimes are an obstacle in yours, remove them gently, but do not harm them.Yielding, submitting, retiring, giving up, this should be our conduct[pg 147]towards the members of our family, and those we call our friends.The more facility you give them for doing what they think right, the more you enter into the feelings they have of their own importance, leaving them a free course of action, so much the more will you be likely to be useful to them, and retain your own peace of mind.It is astonishing how those we never press open their hearts to us!Do not try to examine too minutely the actions of others, or the motives that actuate them; if they are wanting in tact, appear not to notice it, or, better still, try to think they have made a mistake.The best remedy for the dislike we feel towards any one is to endeavor to try to do them a little good every day; the best cure for their dislike to us is to try to speak kindly of them.Are those around you wicked? be[pg 148]cautious, but do not lose heart;Godwill not let them harm you.How easy forGodto stay the consequences of slander and calumny!Godis the shield, interposing between others, circumstances, and myself.4. MEEK TOWARDS SELFThis does not imply self-complacency, self-indulgence, self-justification, but simply encouragement, strength, and fortitude.Encouragementin some wearisome, monotonous, unrecognized work, with a thought like this:"Godis watching me, and wishes me to do this."This labor occupies my mind, perfects my soul, and shields me from mischief.Encouragement such as this, in the midst of sadness and isolation, when no one thinks of us, or gives us the smallest token of sympathy,"Is not my duty sufficient for me? God[pg 149]requires it of me, and it will lead me to heaven."Strengthto rise again after some failure, some humiliating fault, some depressing weakness; rise again lovingly, confidingly, and with the thought,"Never mind, it is a goodFather, a kind Master, with Whom I have to deal."Confess your sin, humble yourself, and while awaiting the assurance of pardon go on with your daily work with the same zeal as before.Fortitudeagainst the desertion and forgetfulness of others.We have two things to fortify us,—Prayer and Labor.One to cheer us,—Devotion.These remedies are always at hand.[pg 150]II. Be HumbleI. HUMBLE WITH GODResting always in His presence, like a little child, or even a beggar, who knowing nothing is due to him, still asks, loves, and awaits, feeling sure that hour by hour, in proportion to our need,Godwill provide all that is needful, and even over and above what is absolutely necessary. Live peacefully under the protection of Divine Providence; the more you feel your insignificance, weakness, sickness, misery, the more right you have to the pity and love ofGod.Onlyprayfervently; let your prayer be thoughtful and reverent, sweet and full of hope. The poor have nothing left to them butprayer; but that prayer, so humble, so pleading, ascends toGod, and is listened to with Fatherly love!Do not have a number of varied[pg 151]prayers, but let the"OurFather"be ever on your lips and in your heart.Love to repeat toGodthe prayer thatChristHimself has taught, and for His sake is always accepted.Look upon yourself as a hired servant ofGod, to whom He has promised a rich reward at the end of the day He callslife; each morning hold yourself in readiness to obey all His commands, in the way He wills, and with the means He appoints.The command may not always comedirectfrom the Master; it would be too sweet to hear onlyGod'sVoice: but He sends it by means of His ambassadors; these go by the names ofsuperiors,equals,inferiors, sometimesenemies.Each has received the mission (without knowing it) to make you holy; one by subduing your independence, another by crushing your pride, a third by spurring your slothfulness.[pg 152]They will, though fulfillingGod'scommand, do it each in his own way, sometimes roughly, sometimes maliciously, sometimes in a way hard to bear ... what does it matter, so long as you feel that all you do, all you suffer, is the will ofGod?Do your duty as well as you can, as you understand it, as it is given to you; say sometimes toGod,"My Master, art Thou satisfied with me?"and then, in spite of ennui, fatigue, repugnance, go on with it faithfully to the end.Then, whether praise or blame be yours, you will, good faithful servant, at least have peace.2. HUMBLE TOWARDS OTHERSLook upon yourself as the servant of all, but without ostentation, or their having any knowledge of it.Repeat to yourself sometimes the[pg 153]words of the Blessed Virgin Mary:"Behold the handmaid of theLord,"and those of ourLord,"I came not to be ministered unto, but to minister;"and then act towards others as if you were their slave, warning, aiding, listening; abashed at what they do for you, and always seeming pleased at anything they may require you to do for them.Oh! if you knew the full meaning of these words, all they signify of reward in heaven, of joy and peace on earth, how you would love them!Oh! if you would only make them the rule of your life and conduct, how happy you would be yourself, and how happy you would make others!Happy in the approval of conscience, that whispers,"You have done asChristwould have done."Happy in the thought of the reward promised to those who give even a cup of cold water in the name ofJesus[pg 154]Christ; happy in the assurance thatGodwill do for you what you have done for others.Oh! what matters then ingratitude, forgetfulness, contempt, and scorn? They will pain, no doubt, but will have no power to sadden or discourage.Precious counsel, inspired byChristHimself, I bless you for all the good you have done me!When first those words found entrance to my heart, they brought with thempeaceandstrengthto stand againstdeception,desertion,discouragementand theresolute willto live a life more devoted toGod, more united to Him, more contented, and ever pressing onward towards heaven. Once more, I bless you!Precious counsels, enlighten, guide, and lead me.
This is a simple rule of life for me, requiring no more than I am able; but I feel it unites me toGod, makes me more devout, more faithful to duty, more ready for death. Since I have made it my rule, it has been to me a source of consolation, enlightenment, and strength; and yetGodalone knows how full of pain my life has been!
Dear friends, who, like myself, long to become holy, I commend this sentence to you in all its simplicity; listen, for it comes from the loving Heart ofJesus, it fell from His gentle Lips:—
"Learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly of heart."
I. Be Meek1. MEEK TOWARDS GODLiving from day to day beneath His Eye, and where all things are ordered by a Divine Providence.As carefully as a mother arranges the room where her child will pass the day, doesGodprepare each hour that opens before me. Whatever has to be done, it is His Will that I should do it; and in order that it should be done well, He provides the necessary time, intelligence, aptitude, and knowledge.Whatever of suffering presents itself, He expects me to bear it, even though I may not see any reason for it; and if the pain be so sharp as to call forth a cry, He gently whispers,"Courage, My child, for it is My will!"If anything occurs to hinder my work, anything goes contrary to my[pg 142]plans and projects, He has ordained it so on purpose, because He knows that too much success would make me proud, too much ease would make me sensual; and He would teach me that the road to heaven is notsuccess, butlabor and devotion.With such thoughts as these all rebellion is hushed! With what peace, what joy, our work may be begun, continued, interrupted, and resumed!With what energy we reject those enemies that assail us at every hour,—idleness, haste, preoccupation, success, want of perseverance under difficulties!Does the past sometimes rise up to trouble me with the thought of the many years spent withoutGod?Ah! no doubt the shame and grief are sharp and keen, but why need they disturb my peace of mind?Has notGodpromised His pardon for His blessedSon'ssake, to all who[pg 143]truly repent and unfeignedly believe His Holy Gospel? Have I made a full avowal and entire submission? and am I not willing to fulfil whatever I am advised inGod'sName to do for the future?Does the future in its turn seem to frighten me? I smile at the foolish fancies of my imagination; is not my future inGod'sHands?What, when all that will befall me to-morrow, next year, ten years, twenty years hence, is ordained by Him, shall I distress myself with the thought that it may not be good for me!Lord!be Thou my Guide, and choose my lot as may seem best to Thee![pg 144]2. MEEK UNDER ALL CIRCUMSTANCESEvents are messengers of either Divine goodness or justice.Each has a mission to fulfil; and as it comes fromGod, why not let it be accomplished in peace?Painful, heart-rending, though they may be, they are still the Will ofGod. Watch them as they come, with a little trembling, perhaps even terror, but never let them destroy in the least degree my faith and resignation.To be meek under these circumstances, does not mean awaiting them with a stoic firmness which proceeds from pride, or hardening one's self against them to the point of repressing all trembling. No!Godallows us sometimes to anticipate, postpone, or even when possible flee them; at any rate, we may try to soothe and soften them a little.TheGood Father, when He sends[pg 145]them, sends at the same time the means by which they may be endured, and perhaps averted.Remedies, in sickness.Love, in trouble.Devotion, in privations.Comfort, in weakness.Tears, in sorrow.Godhas created all these; and knowing perhaps that I may fail to find them, He has given commandment to some privileged servants to love, console, soothe, and help me, saying to them,—"Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it as unto Me."Oh! welcome then the friendly voice that in the midst of trouble speaks to me of hope; I will receive with gratitude the care that affection presses upon me.With thankfulness I accept thetimedevoted to me,privationborne for my[pg 146]sake; and I will prayGodto bless these kind friends, and ask Him to say to them words such as these:"All that thou hast done for Mine, I will repay thee a hundred-fold."3. MEEK TOWARDS OTHERSThis may seem even more difficult, for it so often appears to us as if others were actuated by malice.But how often it is only the result of temperament, pride, thoughtlessness; seeking their own pleasure without a thought of the harm they are doing me; then why be unhappy about it? I need only to be on my guard.Never stand in the way of others (when it is not the case of a duty to be fulfilled), and if they sometimes are an obstacle in yours, remove them gently, but do not harm them.Yielding, submitting, retiring, giving up, this should be our conduct[pg 147]towards the members of our family, and those we call our friends.The more facility you give them for doing what they think right, the more you enter into the feelings they have of their own importance, leaving them a free course of action, so much the more will you be likely to be useful to them, and retain your own peace of mind.It is astonishing how those we never press open their hearts to us!Do not try to examine too minutely the actions of others, or the motives that actuate them; if they are wanting in tact, appear not to notice it, or, better still, try to think they have made a mistake.The best remedy for the dislike we feel towards any one is to endeavor to try to do them a little good every day; the best cure for their dislike to us is to try to speak kindly of them.Are those around you wicked? be[pg 148]cautious, but do not lose heart;Godwill not let them harm you.How easy forGodto stay the consequences of slander and calumny!Godis the shield, interposing between others, circumstances, and myself.4. MEEK TOWARDS SELFThis does not imply self-complacency, self-indulgence, self-justification, but simply encouragement, strength, and fortitude.Encouragementin some wearisome, monotonous, unrecognized work, with a thought like this:"Godis watching me, and wishes me to do this."This labor occupies my mind, perfects my soul, and shields me from mischief.Encouragement such as this, in the midst of sadness and isolation, when no one thinks of us, or gives us the smallest token of sympathy,"Is not my duty sufficient for me? God[pg 149]requires it of me, and it will lead me to heaven."Strengthto rise again after some failure, some humiliating fault, some depressing weakness; rise again lovingly, confidingly, and with the thought,"Never mind, it is a goodFather, a kind Master, with Whom I have to deal."Confess your sin, humble yourself, and while awaiting the assurance of pardon go on with your daily work with the same zeal as before.Fortitudeagainst the desertion and forgetfulness of others.We have two things to fortify us,—Prayer and Labor.One to cheer us,—Devotion.These remedies are always at hand.
1. MEEK TOWARDS GODLiving from day to day beneath His Eye, and where all things are ordered by a Divine Providence.As carefully as a mother arranges the room where her child will pass the day, doesGodprepare each hour that opens before me. Whatever has to be done, it is His Will that I should do it; and in order that it should be done well, He provides the necessary time, intelligence, aptitude, and knowledge.Whatever of suffering presents itself, He expects me to bear it, even though I may not see any reason for it; and if the pain be so sharp as to call forth a cry, He gently whispers,"Courage, My child, for it is My will!"If anything occurs to hinder my work, anything goes contrary to my[pg 142]plans and projects, He has ordained it so on purpose, because He knows that too much success would make me proud, too much ease would make me sensual; and He would teach me that the road to heaven is notsuccess, butlabor and devotion.With such thoughts as these all rebellion is hushed! With what peace, what joy, our work may be begun, continued, interrupted, and resumed!With what energy we reject those enemies that assail us at every hour,—idleness, haste, preoccupation, success, want of perseverance under difficulties!Does the past sometimes rise up to trouble me with the thought of the many years spent withoutGod?Ah! no doubt the shame and grief are sharp and keen, but why need they disturb my peace of mind?Has notGodpromised His pardon for His blessedSon'ssake, to all who[pg 143]truly repent and unfeignedly believe His Holy Gospel? Have I made a full avowal and entire submission? and am I not willing to fulfil whatever I am advised inGod'sName to do for the future?Does the future in its turn seem to frighten me? I smile at the foolish fancies of my imagination; is not my future inGod'sHands?What, when all that will befall me to-morrow, next year, ten years, twenty years hence, is ordained by Him, shall I distress myself with the thought that it may not be good for me!Lord!be Thou my Guide, and choose my lot as may seem best to Thee!
Living from day to day beneath His Eye, and where all things are ordered by a Divine Providence.
As carefully as a mother arranges the room where her child will pass the day, doesGodprepare each hour that opens before me. Whatever has to be done, it is His Will that I should do it; and in order that it should be done well, He provides the necessary time, intelligence, aptitude, and knowledge.
Whatever of suffering presents itself, He expects me to bear it, even though I may not see any reason for it; and if the pain be so sharp as to call forth a cry, He gently whispers,"Courage, My child, for it is My will!"
If anything occurs to hinder my work, anything goes contrary to my[pg 142]plans and projects, He has ordained it so on purpose, because He knows that too much success would make me proud, too much ease would make me sensual; and He would teach me that the road to heaven is notsuccess, butlabor and devotion.
With such thoughts as these all rebellion is hushed! With what peace, what joy, our work may be begun, continued, interrupted, and resumed!
With what energy we reject those enemies that assail us at every hour,—idleness, haste, preoccupation, success, want of perseverance under difficulties!
Does the past sometimes rise up to trouble me with the thought of the many years spent withoutGod?
Ah! no doubt the shame and grief are sharp and keen, but why need they disturb my peace of mind?
Has notGodpromised His pardon for His blessedSon'ssake, to all who[pg 143]truly repent and unfeignedly believe His Holy Gospel? Have I made a full avowal and entire submission? and am I not willing to fulfil whatever I am advised inGod'sName to do for the future?
Does the future in its turn seem to frighten me? I smile at the foolish fancies of my imagination; is not my future inGod'sHands?
What, when all that will befall me to-morrow, next year, ten years, twenty years hence, is ordained by Him, shall I distress myself with the thought that it may not be good for me!
Lord!be Thou my Guide, and choose my lot as may seem best to Thee!
2. MEEK UNDER ALL CIRCUMSTANCESEvents are messengers of either Divine goodness or justice.Each has a mission to fulfil; and as it comes fromGod, why not let it be accomplished in peace?Painful, heart-rending, though they may be, they are still the Will ofGod. Watch them as they come, with a little trembling, perhaps even terror, but never let them destroy in the least degree my faith and resignation.To be meek under these circumstances, does not mean awaiting them with a stoic firmness which proceeds from pride, or hardening one's self against them to the point of repressing all trembling. No!Godallows us sometimes to anticipate, postpone, or even when possible flee them; at any rate, we may try to soothe and soften them a little.TheGood Father, when He sends[pg 145]them, sends at the same time the means by which they may be endured, and perhaps averted.Remedies, in sickness.Love, in trouble.Devotion, in privations.Comfort, in weakness.Tears, in sorrow.Godhas created all these; and knowing perhaps that I may fail to find them, He has given commandment to some privileged servants to love, console, soothe, and help me, saying to them,—"Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it as unto Me."Oh! welcome then the friendly voice that in the midst of trouble speaks to me of hope; I will receive with gratitude the care that affection presses upon me.With thankfulness I accept thetimedevoted to me,privationborne for my[pg 146]sake; and I will prayGodto bless these kind friends, and ask Him to say to them words such as these:"All that thou hast done for Mine, I will repay thee a hundred-fold."
Events are messengers of either Divine goodness or justice.
Each has a mission to fulfil; and as it comes fromGod, why not let it be accomplished in peace?
Painful, heart-rending, though they may be, they are still the Will ofGod. Watch them as they come, with a little trembling, perhaps even terror, but never let them destroy in the least degree my faith and resignation.
To be meek under these circumstances, does not mean awaiting them with a stoic firmness which proceeds from pride, or hardening one's self against them to the point of repressing all trembling. No!Godallows us sometimes to anticipate, postpone, or even when possible flee them; at any rate, we may try to soothe and soften them a little.
TheGood Father, when He sends[pg 145]them, sends at the same time the means by which they may be endured, and perhaps averted.
Remedies, in sickness.
Love, in trouble.
Devotion, in privations.
Comfort, in weakness.
Tears, in sorrow.
Godhas created all these; and knowing perhaps that I may fail to find them, He has given commandment to some privileged servants to love, console, soothe, and help me, saying to them,—
Oh! welcome then the friendly voice that in the midst of trouble speaks to me of hope; I will receive with gratitude the care that affection presses upon me.
With thankfulness I accept thetimedevoted to me,privationborne for my[pg 146]sake; and I will prayGodto bless these kind friends, and ask Him to say to them words such as these:"All that thou hast done for Mine, I will repay thee a hundred-fold."
3. MEEK TOWARDS OTHERSThis may seem even more difficult, for it so often appears to us as if others were actuated by malice.But how often it is only the result of temperament, pride, thoughtlessness; seeking their own pleasure without a thought of the harm they are doing me; then why be unhappy about it? I need only to be on my guard.Never stand in the way of others (when it is not the case of a duty to be fulfilled), and if they sometimes are an obstacle in yours, remove them gently, but do not harm them.Yielding, submitting, retiring, giving up, this should be our conduct[pg 147]towards the members of our family, and those we call our friends.The more facility you give them for doing what they think right, the more you enter into the feelings they have of their own importance, leaving them a free course of action, so much the more will you be likely to be useful to them, and retain your own peace of mind.It is astonishing how those we never press open their hearts to us!Do not try to examine too minutely the actions of others, or the motives that actuate them; if they are wanting in tact, appear not to notice it, or, better still, try to think they have made a mistake.The best remedy for the dislike we feel towards any one is to endeavor to try to do them a little good every day; the best cure for their dislike to us is to try to speak kindly of them.Are those around you wicked? be[pg 148]cautious, but do not lose heart;Godwill not let them harm you.How easy forGodto stay the consequences of slander and calumny!Godis the shield, interposing between others, circumstances, and myself.
This may seem even more difficult, for it so often appears to us as if others were actuated by malice.
But how often it is only the result of temperament, pride, thoughtlessness; seeking their own pleasure without a thought of the harm they are doing me; then why be unhappy about it? I need only to be on my guard.
Never stand in the way of others (when it is not the case of a duty to be fulfilled), and if they sometimes are an obstacle in yours, remove them gently, but do not harm them.
Yielding, submitting, retiring, giving up, this should be our conduct[pg 147]towards the members of our family, and those we call our friends.
The more facility you give them for doing what they think right, the more you enter into the feelings they have of their own importance, leaving them a free course of action, so much the more will you be likely to be useful to them, and retain your own peace of mind.
It is astonishing how those we never press open their hearts to us!
Do not try to examine too minutely the actions of others, or the motives that actuate them; if they are wanting in tact, appear not to notice it, or, better still, try to think they have made a mistake.
The best remedy for the dislike we feel towards any one is to endeavor to try to do them a little good every day; the best cure for their dislike to us is to try to speak kindly of them.
Are those around you wicked? be[pg 148]cautious, but do not lose heart;Godwill not let them harm you.
How easy forGodto stay the consequences of slander and calumny!
Godis the shield, interposing between others, circumstances, and myself.
4. MEEK TOWARDS SELFThis does not imply self-complacency, self-indulgence, self-justification, but simply encouragement, strength, and fortitude.Encouragementin some wearisome, monotonous, unrecognized work, with a thought like this:"Godis watching me, and wishes me to do this."This labor occupies my mind, perfects my soul, and shields me from mischief.Encouragement such as this, in the midst of sadness and isolation, when no one thinks of us, or gives us the smallest token of sympathy,"Is not my duty sufficient for me? God[pg 149]requires it of me, and it will lead me to heaven."Strengthto rise again after some failure, some humiliating fault, some depressing weakness; rise again lovingly, confidingly, and with the thought,"Never mind, it is a goodFather, a kind Master, with Whom I have to deal."Confess your sin, humble yourself, and while awaiting the assurance of pardon go on with your daily work with the same zeal as before.Fortitudeagainst the desertion and forgetfulness of others.We have two things to fortify us,—Prayer and Labor.One to cheer us,—Devotion.These remedies are always at hand.
This does not imply self-complacency, self-indulgence, self-justification, but simply encouragement, strength, and fortitude.
Encouragementin some wearisome, monotonous, unrecognized work, with a thought like this:"Godis watching me, and wishes me to do this."This labor occupies my mind, perfects my soul, and shields me from mischief.
Encouragement such as this, in the midst of sadness and isolation, when no one thinks of us, or gives us the smallest token of sympathy,"Is not my duty sufficient for me? God[pg 149]requires it of me, and it will lead me to heaven."
Strengthto rise again after some failure, some humiliating fault, some depressing weakness; rise again lovingly, confidingly, and with the thought,"Never mind, it is a goodFather, a kind Master, with Whom I have to deal."Confess your sin, humble yourself, and while awaiting the assurance of pardon go on with your daily work with the same zeal as before.
Fortitudeagainst the desertion and forgetfulness of others.
We have two things to fortify us,—Prayer and Labor.
One to cheer us,—Devotion.
These remedies are always at hand.
II. Be HumbleI. HUMBLE WITH GODResting always in His presence, like a little child, or even a beggar, who knowing nothing is due to him, still asks, loves, and awaits, feeling sure that hour by hour, in proportion to our need,Godwill provide all that is needful, and even over and above what is absolutely necessary. Live peacefully under the protection of Divine Providence; the more you feel your insignificance, weakness, sickness, misery, the more right you have to the pity and love ofGod.Onlyprayfervently; let your prayer be thoughtful and reverent, sweet and full of hope. The poor have nothing left to them butprayer; but that prayer, so humble, so pleading, ascends toGod, and is listened to with Fatherly love!Do not have a number of varied[pg 151]prayers, but let the"OurFather"be ever on your lips and in your heart.Love to repeat toGodthe prayer thatChristHimself has taught, and for His sake is always accepted.Look upon yourself as a hired servant ofGod, to whom He has promised a rich reward at the end of the day He callslife; each morning hold yourself in readiness to obey all His commands, in the way He wills, and with the means He appoints.The command may not always comedirectfrom the Master; it would be too sweet to hear onlyGod'sVoice: but He sends it by means of His ambassadors; these go by the names ofsuperiors,equals,inferiors, sometimesenemies.Each has received the mission (without knowing it) to make you holy; one by subduing your independence, another by crushing your pride, a third by spurring your slothfulness.[pg 152]They will, though fulfillingGod'scommand, do it each in his own way, sometimes roughly, sometimes maliciously, sometimes in a way hard to bear ... what does it matter, so long as you feel that all you do, all you suffer, is the will ofGod?Do your duty as well as you can, as you understand it, as it is given to you; say sometimes toGod,"My Master, art Thou satisfied with me?"and then, in spite of ennui, fatigue, repugnance, go on with it faithfully to the end.Then, whether praise or blame be yours, you will, good faithful servant, at least have peace.2. HUMBLE TOWARDS OTHERSLook upon yourself as the servant of all, but without ostentation, or their having any knowledge of it.Repeat to yourself sometimes the[pg 153]words of the Blessed Virgin Mary:"Behold the handmaid of theLord,"and those of ourLord,"I came not to be ministered unto, but to minister;"and then act towards others as if you were their slave, warning, aiding, listening; abashed at what they do for you, and always seeming pleased at anything they may require you to do for them.Oh! if you knew the full meaning of these words, all they signify of reward in heaven, of joy and peace on earth, how you would love them!Oh! if you would only make them the rule of your life and conduct, how happy you would be yourself, and how happy you would make others!Happy in the approval of conscience, that whispers,"You have done asChristwould have done."Happy in the thought of the reward promised to those who give even a cup of cold water in the name ofJesus[pg 154]Christ; happy in the assurance thatGodwill do for you what you have done for others.Oh! what matters then ingratitude, forgetfulness, contempt, and scorn? They will pain, no doubt, but will have no power to sadden or discourage.Precious counsel, inspired byChristHimself, I bless you for all the good you have done me!When first those words found entrance to my heart, they brought with thempeaceandstrengthto stand againstdeception,desertion,discouragementand theresolute willto live a life more devoted toGod, more united to Him, more contented, and ever pressing onward towards heaven. Once more, I bless you!Precious counsels, enlighten, guide, and lead me.
I. HUMBLE WITH GODResting always in His presence, like a little child, or even a beggar, who knowing nothing is due to him, still asks, loves, and awaits, feeling sure that hour by hour, in proportion to our need,Godwill provide all that is needful, and even over and above what is absolutely necessary. Live peacefully under the protection of Divine Providence; the more you feel your insignificance, weakness, sickness, misery, the more right you have to the pity and love ofGod.Onlyprayfervently; let your prayer be thoughtful and reverent, sweet and full of hope. The poor have nothing left to them butprayer; but that prayer, so humble, so pleading, ascends toGod, and is listened to with Fatherly love!Do not have a number of varied[pg 151]prayers, but let the"OurFather"be ever on your lips and in your heart.Love to repeat toGodthe prayer thatChristHimself has taught, and for His sake is always accepted.Look upon yourself as a hired servant ofGod, to whom He has promised a rich reward at the end of the day He callslife; each morning hold yourself in readiness to obey all His commands, in the way He wills, and with the means He appoints.The command may not always comedirectfrom the Master; it would be too sweet to hear onlyGod'sVoice: but He sends it by means of His ambassadors; these go by the names ofsuperiors,equals,inferiors, sometimesenemies.Each has received the mission (without knowing it) to make you holy; one by subduing your independence, another by crushing your pride, a third by spurring your slothfulness.[pg 152]They will, though fulfillingGod'scommand, do it each in his own way, sometimes roughly, sometimes maliciously, sometimes in a way hard to bear ... what does it matter, so long as you feel that all you do, all you suffer, is the will ofGod?Do your duty as well as you can, as you understand it, as it is given to you; say sometimes toGod,"My Master, art Thou satisfied with me?"and then, in spite of ennui, fatigue, repugnance, go on with it faithfully to the end.Then, whether praise or blame be yours, you will, good faithful servant, at least have peace.
Resting always in His presence, like a little child, or even a beggar, who knowing nothing is due to him, still asks, loves, and awaits, feeling sure that hour by hour, in proportion to our need,Godwill provide all that is needful, and even over and above what is absolutely necessary. Live peacefully under the protection of Divine Providence; the more you feel your insignificance, weakness, sickness, misery, the more right you have to the pity and love ofGod.
Onlyprayfervently; let your prayer be thoughtful and reverent, sweet and full of hope. The poor have nothing left to them butprayer; but that prayer, so humble, so pleading, ascends toGod, and is listened to with Fatherly love!
Do not have a number of varied[pg 151]prayers, but let the"OurFather"be ever on your lips and in your heart.
Love to repeat toGodthe prayer thatChristHimself has taught, and for His sake is always accepted.
Look upon yourself as a hired servant ofGod, to whom He has promised a rich reward at the end of the day He callslife; each morning hold yourself in readiness to obey all His commands, in the way He wills, and with the means He appoints.
The command may not always comedirectfrom the Master; it would be too sweet to hear onlyGod'sVoice: but He sends it by means of His ambassadors; these go by the names ofsuperiors,equals,inferiors, sometimesenemies.
Each has received the mission (without knowing it) to make you holy; one by subduing your independence, another by crushing your pride, a third by spurring your slothfulness.
They will, though fulfillingGod'scommand, do it each in his own way, sometimes roughly, sometimes maliciously, sometimes in a way hard to bear ... what does it matter, so long as you feel that all you do, all you suffer, is the will ofGod?
Do your duty as well as you can, as you understand it, as it is given to you; say sometimes toGod,"My Master, art Thou satisfied with me?"and then, in spite of ennui, fatigue, repugnance, go on with it faithfully to the end.
Then, whether praise or blame be yours, you will, good faithful servant, at least have peace.
2. HUMBLE TOWARDS OTHERSLook upon yourself as the servant of all, but without ostentation, or their having any knowledge of it.Repeat to yourself sometimes the[pg 153]words of the Blessed Virgin Mary:"Behold the handmaid of theLord,"and those of ourLord,"I came not to be ministered unto, but to minister;"and then act towards others as if you were their slave, warning, aiding, listening; abashed at what they do for you, and always seeming pleased at anything they may require you to do for them.Oh! if you knew the full meaning of these words, all they signify of reward in heaven, of joy and peace on earth, how you would love them!Oh! if you would only make them the rule of your life and conduct, how happy you would be yourself, and how happy you would make others!Happy in the approval of conscience, that whispers,"You have done asChristwould have done."Happy in the thought of the reward promised to those who give even a cup of cold water in the name ofJesus[pg 154]Christ; happy in the assurance thatGodwill do for you what you have done for others.Oh! what matters then ingratitude, forgetfulness, contempt, and scorn? They will pain, no doubt, but will have no power to sadden or discourage.Precious counsel, inspired byChristHimself, I bless you for all the good you have done me!When first those words found entrance to my heart, they brought with thempeaceandstrengthto stand againstdeception,desertion,discouragementand theresolute willto live a life more devoted toGod, more united to Him, more contented, and ever pressing onward towards heaven. Once more, I bless you!Precious counsels, enlighten, guide, and lead me.
Look upon yourself as the servant of all, but without ostentation, or their having any knowledge of it.
Repeat to yourself sometimes the[pg 153]words of the Blessed Virgin Mary:"Behold the handmaid of theLord,"and those of ourLord,"I came not to be ministered unto, but to minister;"and then act towards others as if you were their slave, warning, aiding, listening; abashed at what they do for you, and always seeming pleased at anything they may require you to do for them.
Oh! if you knew the full meaning of these words, all they signify of reward in heaven, of joy and peace on earth, how you would love them!
Oh! if you would only make them the rule of your life and conduct, how happy you would be yourself, and how happy you would make others!
Happy in the approval of conscience, that whispers,"You have done asChristwould have done."
Happy in the thought of the reward promised to those who give even a cup of cold water in the name ofJesus[pg 154]Christ; happy in the assurance thatGodwill do for you what you have done for others.
Oh! what matters then ingratitude, forgetfulness, contempt, and scorn? They will pain, no doubt, but will have no power to sadden or discourage.
Precious counsel, inspired byChristHimself, I bless you for all the good you have done me!
When first those words found entrance to my heart, they brought with thempeaceandstrengthto stand againstdeception,desertion,discouragementand theresolute willto live a life more devoted toGod, more united to Him, more contented, and ever pressing onward towards heaven. Once more, I bless you!
Precious counsels, enlighten, guide, and lead me.
VIII.A Simple PrayerOJesu! in the midst of glory forget not the sadness upon earth!Have mercy upon those to whomGodhas sent the bitter trial of separation from those they love!Have mercy on that loneliness of heart, so full of sadness, so crushing, sometimes full of terror!Have mercy upon those struggling against the difficulties of life, and faint with discouragement!Have mercy on those whom fortune favors, whom the world fascinates, and who are free from care!Have mercy on those to whom Thou hast given great tenderness of heart, great sensitiveness!Have mercy on those who cease to love us, and never may they know the pain they cause![pg 156]Have mercy on those who have gradually withdrawn from Holy Communion and Prayer, and losing peace within, weep, yet dare not return to Thee!Have mercy on all we love; make them holy even through suffering! if ever they estrange themselves from Thee, take, oh, take all my joys, and decoy them with the pleasures back again to Thee!Have mercy on those who weep, those who pray, those who know nothowto pray!To all, OJesus, grant Hope and Peace!
OJesu! in the midst of glory forget not the sadness upon earth!
Have mercy upon those to whomGodhas sent the bitter trial of separation from those they love!
Have mercy on that loneliness of heart, so full of sadness, so crushing, sometimes full of terror!
Have mercy upon those struggling against the difficulties of life, and faint with discouragement!
Have mercy on those whom fortune favors, whom the world fascinates, and who are free from care!
Have mercy on those to whom Thou hast given great tenderness of heart, great sensitiveness!
Have mercy on those who cease to love us, and never may they know the pain they cause!
Have mercy on those who have gradually withdrawn from Holy Communion and Prayer, and losing peace within, weep, yet dare not return to Thee!
Have mercy on all we love; make them holy even through suffering! if ever they estrange themselves from Thee, take, oh, take all my joys, and decoy them with the pleasures back again to Thee!
Have mercy on those who weep, those who pray, those who know nothowto pray!
To all, OJesus, grant Hope and Peace!
IX.Simple Counsels for a Young GirlYes, very simple. Listen my child, and may they sink deep into your heart, as the dew sinks in the calyx of the flower.[pg 157]These are my counsels:—Distrust the lovethat comes too suddenly.Distrust the pleasurethat fascinates so keenly.Distrust the wordsthat trouble or charm.Distrust the bookthat makes you dream.Distrust the thoughtyou cannot confide to your mother.Treasure these counsels, and sometimes as you read them, ask yourself,"Why?"Guardian Angel of the child we are addressing, teach her the reason of these sentences that seem to her so exaggerated!
Yes, very simple. Listen my child, and may they sink deep into your heart, as the dew sinks in the calyx of the flower.
These are my counsels:—
Distrust the lovethat comes too suddenly.
Distrust the pleasurethat fascinates so keenly.
Distrust the wordsthat trouble or charm.
Distrust the bookthat makes you dream.
Distrust the thoughtyou cannot confide to your mother.
Treasure these counsels, and sometimes as you read them, ask yourself,"Why?"Guardian Angel of the child we are addressing, teach her the reason of these sentences that seem to her so exaggerated!
X.A Recipe for Never Annoying Our FriendsThis was made by one who had suffered much for many years from numberless little worries,[pg 158]occasioned by a relative, whose affection no doubt was sincere and devoted, but also too ardent, and wanting in discretion.There must be moderation in all things, even in the love we manifest, the care we take to shield them from trouble.This recipe consists of but four simple rules, very clear, very precise. Behold them:—1.Always leave my friend something more to desire of me.If he asks me to go and see him three times, I go but twice. He will look forward to my coming a third time, and when I go, receive me the more cordially.It is so sweet to feel we are needed, and so hard to be thought importunate.2.Be useful to my friend as far as he permits, and no farther.An over-anxious affection becomes tiresome, and a multiplicity of[pg 159]beautiful sentiments makes them almost insupportable.Devotion to a friend does not consist in doingeverythingfor him, but simply that which is agreeable and of service to him, and let it only be revealed to him by accident.We all love freedom, and cling tenaciously to our little fancies; we do not like others to arrange what we have purposely left in disorder; we even resent their over-anxiety and care for us.3.Be much occupied with my own affairs, and little, very little, with those of my friend.This infallibly leads to a favorable result. To begin with, in occupying myself with my own affairs, I shall the more speedily accomplish them, while my friend is doing the same.If he appeals to me for help, I will go through fire and water to serve him, but ifnot, then I do both myself and[pg 160]him the greater service by abstaining. If, however, I can serve him without his knowledge of it, and I can see his need, then I must be always ready to do it.4.Leave my friend always at liberty to think and act for himself in matters of little importance.Why compel him to think and act with me? AmIthe type of all that is beautiful and right? Is it not absurd to think that because another acts and thinks differently to myself, he must needs be wrong? No doubt I may not always say,"You are right,"but I can at any rate let himthinkit.Try this recipe of mine, and I can answer for it your friendship will be lasting.
This was made by one who had suffered much for many years from numberless little worries,[pg 158]occasioned by a relative, whose affection no doubt was sincere and devoted, but also too ardent, and wanting in discretion.
There must be moderation in all things, even in the love we manifest, the care we take to shield them from trouble.
This recipe consists of but four simple rules, very clear, very precise. Behold them:—
1.Always leave my friend something more to desire of me.If he asks me to go and see him three times, I go but twice. He will look forward to my coming a third time, and when I go, receive me the more cordially.
It is so sweet to feel we are needed, and so hard to be thought importunate.
2.Be useful to my friend as far as he permits, and no farther.
An over-anxious affection becomes tiresome, and a multiplicity of[pg 159]beautiful sentiments makes them almost insupportable.
Devotion to a friend does not consist in doingeverythingfor him, but simply that which is agreeable and of service to him, and let it only be revealed to him by accident.
We all love freedom, and cling tenaciously to our little fancies; we do not like others to arrange what we have purposely left in disorder; we even resent their over-anxiety and care for us.
3.Be much occupied with my own affairs, and little, very little, with those of my friend.
This infallibly leads to a favorable result. To begin with, in occupying myself with my own affairs, I shall the more speedily accomplish them, while my friend is doing the same.
If he appeals to me for help, I will go through fire and water to serve him, but ifnot, then I do both myself and[pg 160]him the greater service by abstaining. If, however, I can serve him without his knowledge of it, and I can see his need, then I must be always ready to do it.
4.Leave my friend always at liberty to think and act for himself in matters of little importance.Why compel him to think and act with me? AmIthe type of all that is beautiful and right? Is it not absurd to think that because another acts and thinks differently to myself, he must needs be wrong? No doubt I may not always say,"You are right,"but I can at any rate let himthinkit.
Try this recipe of mine, and I can answer for it your friendship will be lasting.
XI.Beneath the Eye of God, God OnlyAs you read these words, are you not conscious of an inward feeling of peace and quietness?Beneath God's Eye!there is something in the thought like a sheltering rock, a refreshing dew, a gleam of light.Ah! why always such seeking for some one toseeme, tounderstand,appreciate,praiseme?The human eye I seek is like the scorching ray that destroys all the delicate colors in the most costly material. Every action that is done, only to be seen of others, loses its freshness in the sight ofGod, like the flower that passing through many hands is at last hardly presentable.Oh, my soul! be as the desert flower that grows, blooms, and flourishes[pg 162]unseen, in obedience toGod'sWill, and cares not whether the passing bird perceives it, or the wind scatters the petals, scarcely formed.On no account neglect the duty you owe to friendship, relatives, society, but remember each day to reserve some portion of it for yourself andGodonly.Remember always to do some actions that can be known to none butGod.Ah! how sweet to haveGodas our only Witness.It is the high degree of holiness.The most exquisite happiness.The assurance of an entry into heaven hereafter.The mother that reserves all that is most costly for her child, the child that prepares in secret some surprise[pg 163]for its mother, do not experience a joy more pure, more elevating, than the servant ofGod, who lives always inGod'sPresence, Whom alone they would please, or the loving heart that enclosing alms to some destitute family writes upon the cover these words only,"In the name of the Good and GraciousGod."The following lines were found on some scraps of paper belonging to some stranger: ... They have just told me of a poor destitute woman; I gave them ten pence for her; it was my duty to set an example. And now, myGod, for Thee, for Thy sake only, I mean to send her five shillings, which I shall deduct from my personal expenses.... To-morrow Henry is coming to see me, that poor Henry I loved so[pg 164]dearly, but who has grown cold towards his old friend. He wished to grieve me, and little knows that I found it out. Help me,Lord, to remember I have forgiven him, and help me to receive him cordially.Thou alone knowest all I have suffered.... What a happy day was yesterday! happy with regard to heavenly things, for alas! my poor heart suffered.Yesterday was a festival. The snow outside kept every one at home by their own firesides, and I was left lonely.... Ah, yes, my heart felt sad, but my spirit was peaceful; I tried to talk toGod, just as if I could really see Him at my side, and gradually I felt comforted, and spent my evening with a sweet sense ofGod'sPresence.... What I said, what I wrote, I know not; but the remembrance of[pg 165]yesterday remains to me as some sweet, refreshing perfume.
As you read these words, are you not conscious of an inward feeling of peace and quietness?
Beneath God's Eye!there is something in the thought like a sheltering rock, a refreshing dew, a gleam of light.
Ah! why always such seeking for some one toseeme, tounderstand,appreciate,praiseme?
The human eye I seek is like the scorching ray that destroys all the delicate colors in the most costly material. Every action that is done, only to be seen of others, loses its freshness in the sight ofGod, like the flower that passing through many hands is at last hardly presentable.
Oh, my soul! be as the desert flower that grows, blooms, and flourishes[pg 162]unseen, in obedience toGod'sWill, and cares not whether the passing bird perceives it, or the wind scatters the petals, scarcely formed.
On no account neglect the duty you owe to friendship, relatives, society, but remember each day to reserve some portion of it for yourself andGodonly.
Remember always to do some actions that can be known to none butGod.
Ah! how sweet to haveGodas our only Witness.
It is the high degree of holiness.
The most exquisite happiness.
The assurance of an entry into heaven hereafter.
The mother that reserves all that is most costly for her child, the child that prepares in secret some surprise[pg 163]for its mother, do not experience a joy more pure, more elevating, than the servant ofGod, who lives always inGod'sPresence, Whom alone they would please, or the loving heart that enclosing alms to some destitute family writes upon the cover these words only,"In the name of the Good and GraciousGod."
The following lines were found on some scraps of paper belonging to some stranger: ... They have just told me of a poor destitute woman; I gave them ten pence for her; it was my duty to set an example. And now, myGod, for Thee, for Thy sake only, I mean to send her five shillings, which I shall deduct from my personal expenses.
... To-morrow Henry is coming to see me, that poor Henry I loved so[pg 164]dearly, but who has grown cold towards his old friend. He wished to grieve me, and little knows that I found it out. Help me,Lord, to remember I have forgiven him, and help me to receive him cordially.
Thou alone knowest all I have suffered.
... What a happy day was yesterday! happy with regard to heavenly things, for alas! my poor heart suffered.
Yesterday was a festival. The snow outside kept every one at home by their own firesides, and I was left lonely.... Ah, yes, my heart felt sad, but my spirit was peaceful; I tried to talk toGod, just as if I could really see Him at my side, and gradually I felt comforted, and spent my evening with a sweet sense ofGod'sPresence.... What I said, what I wrote, I know not; but the remembrance of[pg 165]yesterday remains to me as some sweet, refreshing perfume.