Never stand in the way of others (when it is not the case of a duty to be fulfilled), and if they sometimes are an obstacle in yours, remove them gently, but do not harm them. Yielding, submitting, retiring, giving up, this should be our conduct towards the members of our family, and those we call our friends. The more facility you give them for doing what they think right, the more you enter into the feelings they have of their own importance, leaving them a free course of action, so much the more will you be likely to be useful to them, and retain your own peace of mind. It is astonishing how those we never press open their hearts to us! Do not try to examine too minutely the actions of others, or the motives that actuate them; if they are wanting in tact, appear not to notice it, or, better still, try to think they have made a mistake. The best remedy for the dislike we feel towards any one is to endeavor to try to do them a little good every day; the best cure for their dislike to us is to try to speak kindly of them. Are those around you wicked? be cautious, but do not lose heart; GOD will not let them harm you. How easy for GOD to stay the consequences of slander and calumny! GOD is the shield, interposing between others, circumstances, and myself. 4. MEEK TOWARDS SELF This does not imply self-complacency, self-indulgence, self-justification, but simply encouragement, strength, and fortitude. _Encouragement_ in some wearisome, monotonous, unrecognized work, with a thought like this: "GOD is watching me, and wishes me to do this." This labor occupies my mind, perfects my soul, and shields me from mischief. Encouragement such as this, in the midst of sadness and isolation, when no one thinks of us, or gives us the smallest token of sympathy, "Is not my duty sufficient for me? God requires it of me, and it will lead me to heaven." _Strength_ to rise again after some failure, some humiliating fault, some depressing weakness; rise again lovingly, confidingly, and with the thought, "Never mind, it is a good FATHER, a kind Master, with Whom I have to deal." Confess your sin, humble yourself, and while awaiting the assurance of pardon go on with your daily work with the same zeal as before. _Fortitude_ against the desertion and forgetfulness of others. We have two things to fortify us,--_Prayer and Labor_. One to cheer us,--_Devotion_. These remedies are always at hand. II. BE HUMBLE I. HUMBLE WITH GOD Resting always in His presence, like a little child, or even a beggar, who knowing nothing is due to him, still asks, loves, and awaits, feeling sure that hour by hour, in proportion to our need, GOD will provide all that is needful, and even over and above what is absolutely necessary. Live peacefully under the protection of Divine Providence; the more you feel your insignificance, weakness, sickness, misery, the more right you have to the pity and love of GOD.