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The most exquisite happiness.
The a.s.surance 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 for its mother, do not experience a joy more pure, more elevating, than the servant of G.o.d, who lives always in G.o.d'S Presence, Whom alone they would please, or the loving heart that enclosing alms to some dest.i.tute family writes upon the cover these words only, "In the name of the Good and Gracious G.o.d."
The following lines were found on some sc.r.a.ps of paper belonging to some stranger: ... They have just told me of a poor dest.i.tute woman; I gave them ten pence for her; it was my duty to set an example. And now, my G.o.d, for Thee, for Thy sake only, I mean to send her five s.h.i.+llings, which I shall deduct from my personal expenses.
... To-morrow Henry is coming to see me, that poor Henry I loved so 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 to G.o.d, just as if I could really see Him at my side, and gradually I felt comforted, and spent my evening with a sweet sense of G.o.d'S Presence.... What I said, what I wrote, I know not; but the remembrance of yesterday remains to me as some sweet, refres.h.i.+ng perfume.
Perhaps at the Last Day all that will remain worth recording of a life full of activity and zeal will be those little deeds that were done solely beneath the Eye of G.o.d....
My G.o.d, teach me to live with an abiding sense of Thy Presence, laboring for Thee, suffering for Thee, guided by Thee, ... and Thee alone!
XII.
MY DUTY TOWARDS G.o.d
PRAYERS.
Slow, recollected, persevering.
Peaceful, calm, resigned.
Simple, humble, trusting.
Always reverent, as loving as possible.
Charitable. Have I not always opportunity to give? to thank?
SUBMISSION.
To my lot and to my duty: they come from G.o.d, are ordained by G.o.d, lead me to G.o.d, to neglect them is to estrange myself from Him.
To the Guide of my soul: He has received the Holy Spirit in order to show me the way; he has G.o.d'S Spirit to guide him.
To my Parents: they have G.o.d'S authority.
To circ.u.mstances: they are arranged and sent by G.o.d.
LABOR.
Begun cheerfully.
Continued perseveringly.
Interrupted and resumed patiently.
Finished perfectly and devoutly.
Repose and care for the body, as in G.o.d'S Sight, under G.o.d'S protection.
DUTY TOWARDS MY NEIGHBOR
GOOD EXAMPLE.
By modest demeanor and simple dress.
By a smiling face and pleasing manner.
Always striving to give pleasure.
Faithfully fulfilling every duty.
GOOD WORDS.
Zealous without affectation, encouraging, consoling, peaceful, joyful, loving. These are possible every day.
GOOD DEEDS.
Service rendered by alms, by industry, by influence.
Ills remedied, by excusing, justifying, protecting, defending, concealing faults and mistakes; if possible, by repairing them.
Joys provided, for the _mind_, by a joyous manner; for the _heart_, by loving thanks; for the soul, by a word of Heaven.
MY DUTY TOWARDS MYSELF
COURAGE.
In trials and adversity, disturbance, sickness, failure, humiliations.
Worries that trouble without reason.
