Even _less_ than that: a word of advice; something lent to another; a little vexation patiently borne; a prayer for a friend offered to GOD; the fault or thoughtlessness of another repaired without his knowledge--GOD will recompense it all a thousand-fold! IV. Alms given in secret; that is the charity which brings a blessing. What sweet enjoyment to be able to shed a little happiness around us! What an easy and agreeable task is that of trying to render others happy. FATHER! if I try to please and imitate Thee thus, wilt Thou indeed bless me? Thanks! thanks! be unto Thee. V. Is it fair always to forget all the good or kindness shown to us by those with whom we live, for the sake of _one_ little pain they may have caused us, and which, most likely, was quite unintentional on their part? VI. When you sometimes find in books advice or example that you think may be of service, you take care to copy and consult it as an oracle. Do as much for the good of your soul. Engrave in your memory, and even write down, the counsels and precepts that you hear or read; ... then, from time to time, study this little collection, which you will not prize the less that you have made it all yourself. Books written by others in time become wearisome to us, but of those we write ourselves we never tire. And it _will_ be yours, this collection of thoughts chosen because you liked them; counsels you have given yourself; moral receipts you have discovered, and of which, perhaps, you have proved the efficacy. Happy soul! that each day reaps its harvest. VII. Do you wish to live at peace with all the world? Then practise the maxims of an influential man, who, when asked, after the Revolution, how he managed to escape the executioner's axe, replied, "I made myself of no reputation and kept silence." Would you live peaceably with the members of your family, above all with those who exercise a certain control of you? Use the means employed by a pious woman, who had to live with one of a trying temper, and which she summed up in the following words:-- "I do everything to please her. "I fulfil all my duties with a smiling face, never revealing the trouble it causes me. "I bear patiently everything that displeases me. "I consult her on many subjects of which, perhaps, I may be the better judge." Would you be at peace with your conscience? Let your Guardian Angel find you at each moment of the day doing one of these four things which once formed the rule of a saintly life: (1.) praying; (2.) laboring; (3.) striving after holiness; (4.) practising patience. Would you become holy? Try to add to the above actions the following virtues: method, faith, spiritual combat, perseverance. Finally, if you would live in an atmosphere of benevolence, make it your study to be always rendering others service, and never hesitate to ask the same of them.