We interest ourselves for their success, their prosperity; we ask GOD to keep them from harm and misfortune; we try to start them well in the world, to make them of reputation, to procure them pleasure. To spare them trouble, we sacrifice our own ease and enjoyment.... Oh, that is all very beautiful, very right; but what should we do for the soul? Do we pray to GOD that this soul may become humble, pure, devoted? Do we take as much pains to procure him the little devotional book that will really help him, as we should to obtain a transient pleasure? Do we help him, unseen, towards that act of charity, humiliation, or self-renunciation? Have we courage not to spare the soul the trial that we know will purify? Does it seem too hard for you? Ah! then you do not know what real love is. Does not GOD love us? Yet GOD lets us suffer; even sends the suffering. Love is given us to help us onwards, nearer to GOD. The most blessed is that which draws us nearest to Him; and in proportion as it leads to GOD we realize its blessedness. The essence of true love is not its _tenderness_, but its strength, power of endurance, its purity, its self-renunciation. The mistake we make is when we seek to be beloved, instead of loving. What makes us cowardly is the fear of losing that love. Never forget this: A selfish heart desires love for itself; a Christian heart delights to love--without return. XL. To learn never to waste our time is perhaps one of the most difficult virtues to acquire. A well-spent day is a source of pleasure. To be constantly employed, and never asking, "What shall I do?" is the secret of much goodness and happiness. Begin, then, with promptitude, act decisively, persevere; if interrupted, be amiable, and return to the work unruffled, finish it carefully--these will be the signs of a virtuous soul. XLI. Are you full of peace? _Pray!_ Prayer will preserve it to you. Are you tempted? _Pray!_ Prayer will sustain you. Have you fallen? _Pray!_ Prayer will raise you. Are you discouraged? _Pray!_ Prayer will reassure and comfort you. XLII. The young are seldom forbearing, because they so little understand the frailties of poor human nature. Oh! if you could only witness the terrible struggles passing in the heart of that friend whose vivacity annoys you, whose fickleness provokes you, whose faults sometimes even make you blush.... Oh! if you saw the tears that are shed in secret, the vexation felt against self (perhaps on your account), you would indeed pity them. Love them! make allowances for them! never let them feel that you know their failings. To make any one believe himself good, is to help him almost in spite of self to become so. * * * * *