HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. IX TRUE Charity consists in bearing with all the defects of our neighbour, in not being surprised at his failings, and in being edified by his least virtues; Charity must not remain shut up in the depths of the heart, for _no man lighteth a candle and putteth it under a bushel, but upon a candlestick, that it may shine to all that are in the house._ [1] It seems to me that this candle represents the Charity which ought to enlighten and make joyful, not only those who are dearest to me, but _all who are in the house_. HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. IX [1] _Cf_. Matt., v, 15. THERE is no artist who does not like his work praised, and the Divine Artist of souls is pleased when we do not stop at the exterior, but penetrating even to the inmost sanctuary which He has chosen for His dwelling, we admire its beauty. HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. IX I OUGHT to seek the company of those Sisters who according to nature please me least. I ought to fulfil in their regard the office of the Good Samaritan. A word, a kindly smile, will often suffice to gladden a wounded and sorrowful heart. HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. X OH! what peace inundates the soul when she rises above natural sentiment. No joy can compare with that known to one who is truly poor in spirit. If he ask with detachment for some necessary thing, and it is not only refused him, but an attempt made besides to deprive him of what he already has, he follows the counsel of our Lord: "_And if a man will contend with thee in judgment and take away thy coat, let go thy cloak also unto him._" [2] To yield up our cloak means, I think, to renounce our last rights, to consider oneself as the servant, the slave of others. When we have abandoned our mantle it is easier to walk, to run; therefore Jesus adds: "_And whosoever will force thee one mile, go with him other two_." [3] It is not enough that I should give to whosoever may ask of me, I must forestall their desires, and show that I feel much gratified, much honoured in rendering service; and if they take a thing that I use, I must seem as though glad to be relieved of it. HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. IX [2] Matt., v, 40. [3] Matt., v, 41. IF it is hard to give to whoever asks, it is still harder to let what belongs to us be taken, without asking it back, or rather, I ought to say it _seems_ hard; for _the yoke of the Lord is sweet and light:_ [4] when we accept it we feel its sweetness immediately. HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. IX [4] _Cf_. Matt., xi, 30. WHEN Charity is deeply rooted in the soul it shows itself exteriorly: there is so gracious a way of refusing what we cannot give, that the refusal pleases as much as the gift. HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. IX TO want to persuade our Sisters that they are in the wrong, even when it is perfectly true, is hardly fair, as we are not responsible for their guidance. We must not be _Justices of the peace_, but only _angels of peace_. COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES