1. By thinking frequently of the good qualities of our friend, of the favors he has done us, of the warmth of his affection for us and the proofs he has given us of it. Therefore we meditate on the Person, the life and the sufferings of Christ, His Blessed Mother and the Saints. Can I make my meditations more fervent and more loving? For the same purpose we should read spiritual books and make ourselves familiar with devotional literature, carry on spiritual conversations when it can be done with profit, and collect notes of edifying matters for future use. 2. By emptying our hearts of all human attachments that God may fill them entirely. The Lord is a jealous lover. Perfect detachment from creatures is the condition of perfect love of God. 3. By making frequent acts of perfect resignation to the Divine will. For friendship between two persons consists mainly in union of wills. _Colloquy._ Ask earnestly for an increase of love of God, and resolve to avoid all that may hinder it. MEDITATION VI The Interior Spirit Is Fostered by the Holy Ghost _1st Prelude._ Imagine you hear Christ say: “You shall receive the power of the Holy Ghost coming upon you” (Acts i, 5). _2nd Prelude._ Ask earnestly that the Holy Ghost may effect in you a thorough renovation of spirit. _POINT I. Consider what the Holy Ghost did for the Apostles._ Though they had been taught by Christ for three years, they had still understood His doctrine very imperfectly; their affections were still earthly, set on worldly greatness; their dispositions were cowardly. What did they need? A copious infusion of light and strength. We are in a similar situation. They obtained this grace by earnest prayer: “All these were persevering with one mind in prayer” (ib. 14). In due time the effect followed: “And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost” (ib. ii, 4). From that moment they understood all the doctrine correctly; and, after being scourged before the council, “They indeed went from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were accounted worthy to suffer reproach for the name of Jesus” (ib. v, 41). This was only the beginning of their heroic lives. _POINT II. Consider what the Holy Ghost does in the Church to-day._ The work of sanctification of the faithful, begun by the descent of the Holy Ghost upon the Apostles, was to be continued till the end of time, and is so continued in us. Just as He has given us sanctifying grace in Baptism, and has constantly increased the same in a multitude of various ways up to the present day, so He is determined to continue this Divine work in our hearts, and to lead us to the practice of all the virtues proper to our state of life.