Lacordaire, in preparing for a retreat in the country, said he only required for his realization of a dream of happiness and solitude, three things,--(1) GOD; (2) a friend; (3) books. _God!_--We never fail to find Him when we are pure, holy, and fulfilling hourly our duty. _A Friend!_--Responds always to the heart's call, if only that heart be loving and devoted. _Books!_--Oh! if only this little book of _Gold Dust_ might be allowed to form one of the numbers of those that are carried away, far from the world's turmoil, and read in order to gain a little help and peace! It will take up _so_ little room! GOLD DUST _SECOND PART_ I. THE FRIENDLY WHISPER Under this title we commence a series of short counsels for each day of the week, which will be as a friendly whisper, the voice of a Guardian Angel, inspiring, as occasion presents itself, some good action, some self-denial, some little sacrifice. We recommend that it should be placed on the writing-table, in the book we most frequently turn to, or wherever it is most likely to meet the eye. What is so often the one thing wanting to some devout person devoted to doing good? Simply to be _reminded_. MONDAY CHARITY Be good-natured, benevolent, keep up a cheerful expression of countenance, even when alone. That clumsiness, those brusque, rude manners, let them pass without notice. When wishes contrary to your own prevail, yield without ill-humor, or even showing your effort; you will give pleasure, and thus be pleased yourself. Try to please, to console, to amuse, to bestow, to thank, to help. That is all in itself so good! Try to do some good to the souls of others! An earnest word, some encouragement, a prayer softly breathed. Overcome your dislike and aversion to certain persons; do not shun them, on the contrary go and meet them. GOD goes before you. Be courteous even to the troublesome individual who is always in your way. GOD sends him to you. Forgive at once. Do you believe harm was intended? If so, is it not the greater merit? Do not refuse your alms, only let your motives be pure; and in giving, give as to GOD. Do not judge the guilty harshly; pity, and pray for them. Why imagine evil intentions against yourself? cannot you see how the thought troubles and disquiets you? Check the ironical smile hovering about your lips; you will grieve the object of it. Why cause any one pain? Lend yourself to all. GOD will not suffer you to be taken advantage of if you are prompted by the spirit of Charity. TUESDAY THE DIVINE PRESENCE Never separate yourself from GOD. How sweet it is to live always near those who love us! You cannot see GOD, but He is there; just as if some friend were separated from you by a curtain, which does not prevent his seeing you, and which at any moment may unfold and disclose him to your view.