3. Be kind towards a tempted brother, and pray for an afflicted one as for thyself. Thy good, and my good, are cause of congratulation: thy evil and my evil of compassion. For we are all frail

men; and are therefore bound by charity to pray one for another. None can upbraid another with his failings, when he neglects himself. Because when one despises an imperfect brother, it is as if a blind man mocks the blind, a deaf one chides the deaf, and a foolish one scoffs at the foolish. Speak not evil of another, but rather look to thyself, and amend what thou hast done amiss. If thou judgest rightly, and wouldst correct thy neighbour, begin with thyself. And then proceed, not hurriedly, but modestly and discreetly. If thou lovest me sincerely, and as a brother, feel for me, as for thyself, and pray for me. Whoso chides another, and does not pray for and grieve with him, is a cruel enemy, not a good physician, but a troublesome tattler. Whoso prays for another as for himself, doeth a double good. The more he hath of brotherly love, the more willingly does he pray for him, that he may the more perfectly amend, and not offend the eyes of the weak. The more bitterly does he grieve, if he will not hear, and is angry with his adviser. Each one is to another either a fragrant rose, or a piercing thorn.

CHAPTER XVI.

Of Love of Christ, and Hatred of the World. "CONTINUE ye in My love." The voice of CHRIST is a voice sweet to hear, saving for all to obey. The love of CHRIST is the delight of the mind, the Paradise of the soul, it shuts out all the world, conquers the devil, closes hell, and opens Heaven.

The love of CHRIST and the love of the world are contrary, and have nothing in common, neither can they dwell together. The love of CHRIST is the chariot of Elias ascending to Heaven : the love of the world is the car of the devil drawing down to hell. Love of self is injury of self: forgetfulness of the world, the finding of heaven. More baneful is the flattering speech of a false friend, than the harsh reproof of the righteous. The thoughts of the crafty feign lies; the mind of the just proceeds rightly on all matters. Whoso lays a stumbling block in the way of another, will not escape. GOD the ruler and guide of all, suffers not His little sheep long to wander and bleat, but either recalls it, striking it with the rod of fear, or brings it back, looking on it with an eye of love.

2. Where peace and concord are, there are

1 S. John xv. 9.

GOD and all good things. Where strife and dissension, there the devil and all evil. Where humility, there is wisdom; where pride, there the root of evil. Conquer pride, and thou shalt find great peace. Where there are harsh words, there the bowels of charity are injured. Where solitude and silence, there is the quiet of monks. Where labour and discipline, there the advancement of the religious. Where laughter and dissoluteness, thence devotion flees. The idle and talkative, is seldom penitent, seldom free from sin. Where there is ready obedience, there is a joyful conscience. Where much idle talking, neglect of works. Where seeking one's own, a want of charity. Where the doctrine of CHRIST flourishes, there the salvation of the soul grows. Where there is concord of brethren, there is sweet melody. Where there is little thought of self, there the virtue of concord the longer reigns. Where discretion in the correction of other's faults is observed, none ought to complain, nor be angry with his superior. Hence, add moderation to all things, for it is a most lovely virtue. Where there is patience, there is great victory over enemies. Where confusion enters, peace quickly flees the house. Close the door of thy mouth, and weigh well thy words before thou speakest. Where faith and truth are, there is security of peace.

Where craft and wickedness, there foolish thought and blind prudence. Where charity, there the Where trifling suspicion, there

HOLY SPIRIT.

constant anger. Where a knowledge of truth, there joyfulness to the true-hearted. Where false rumours, there often deception of friends lies hid. Where humble confession, there is easy obtainment of pardon. Where earthly wisdom fails, there divine protection must be the more implored. Whosoever maliciously plans injustice, will meet an evil end. Much peace is there for him that doeth well, and prepareth himself for endurance. Woe to the wicked in his iniquity, and to the hypocrite in good: because his iniquity injures none more than himself. Where duplicity is, there is inconstancy, and great wickedness. It is well with the simple-minded, and the righteous without guile, because GOD is with him, directing all his works in the right way. Who will readily believe him that keepeth not his word? but he who changeth it for the better, breaks not the word of truth.

3. It is delightful to hear good news, but more praiseworthy to continue in work. The best resolve is amendment of life. The fruit of a good resolution is to abstain from sin, and advance in virtues. The fruit of devout prayer is to unite one's heart with GOD, in the fervour of the HOLY

GHOST. He devoutly prays, who excludes all vain thoughts from himself. He who places before him the image of the Crucified, quickly repels wicked suggestions. A lively remembrance of the Passion of CHRIST is a beautiful exercise of the imagination of the soul. Whoso daily dwells upon the sacred wounds of JESUS, minishes, cleanses, and heals the wounds of his mind. He who despises all of earth as mud, and longs not for its honours, acquires purity of heart, and can freely wait upon GOD. He praises and honours GOD best who deeply humbles himself, and carefully considers, mourns, and bewails his failings. A powerful cry in the ears of GOD, is true contrition of heart from the mouth of a humble sinner.

4. Whatever good thou doest, do it to the praise of GOD. Whoso simply and wholly, purely and freely refers his own virtues and all the good works of others to the praise and honour of God, by ascribing all to GOD, and nothing to his own merits or strength, but strips and bares himself of all, entirely treads under foot and kills pride, envy, and vain glory: whilst he robs himself of external glory and honour, who rejoices in himself and not in GOD, the chief good. Therefore the Blessed Virgin Mary rejoicing because of the high gifts bestowed upon her, says in her most devout