9. On the edifying demeanor of an humble brother

^^ Humilibus autem Deus dat gratiam"* *' God givcth grace to the humble."

1 . A person consecrated to God, ought to be adorned with humility and modesty in all his Avords and actions, and should never be occupied in trifles.

There is every reason to believe o o o o that a younCT man engaged in the service of God, will lead a holy life, when, during his novitiate, he practices humility, and speaks little, particularly in the presence of his elders.

He that does not accustom himself to listen, and who learns not to keep silence, will seldom attain a reputation among men of knowledge and wisdom.

Many pass for ignorant, for this only reason, that they are of rude manners.

To obey promptly, to pray frequently, to meditate devoutly, to work diligently, to study cheerfully, to fly the tumult, of the world, to love solitude, are the virtues that impart true devotion and inward peace, to souls consecrated to God.

We read in Genesis, " That God had respect to the offerings of Abel, but rejected those of Cain ;" and why ? because Abel was innocent and humble, Cain envious and perverse.

Be then as Abel, in bearing patiently with everything irksome and grievous; strive not like Cain, lest thou lose the peace of thy soul, and the reputation of a good name. For it is better to lose thy property, than to offend God, to outrage thy brother, and to wound charity.

2. If thou wouldst gain treasure in heaven, cast away the burthen of earth. If thy aim be eternal glory, despise the passing grandeur of this world.

If thou desire peace, beware of the house of contention, and the root of wrath. If thou wouldst be great in heaven, be as a little one on earth.

Seek not to be justified in the eyes of man ; for ail human praise is delnsiv'C, when the witness of a bad conscience accuseth.

The bold and the babbler are alike blame-worthy ; both overstep the bounds of rectitude.

Many among the strong have perished, for they presumed too much on their own strength : but many of the weak are strengthened, for they call on the name of the Lord, and put their trust in Ilim.

The humble and the meek are loved by all — but the stern and severe man is shunned by his neighbours.

The patient and the silent man triumphs over his enemies by condescension and charity.

He that willingly lends his service to others, and sympathizes with them in their sorrows, increases the number of his friends. He that cannot keep silence in season, shall be covered with confusion before many.

3. He that knows how lo advance in virtue, to amend himself, and to deserve esteem by the practice of virtue is wise, and possesses true knowledge.

He is strong in power who vigorously resists his vices. He is a sovereign lord who reigns over the depraved affections of his heart He is a brave soldier, and armed at point, who by the arms of continence subdues his flesh : — but he that lives chastely on earth, deserves a place among the angels of heaven.

The chaste man is the friend of God, the companion of angels, the brother of virgins, the beloved fellow-citizen of the saints. He that joins humility to chastity, triumphs over the evil one, while he puts to flight the immodest.

That prelate is truly eminent, who rules over himself with the rod of virtue, and gives a good example to those subject to him.

He that imitates the virtuous is worthy of their praise : and that man is truly noble and free, who is ennobled by virtue.

Fair and comely is he who is unsullied by sin ; but howsoever adorned the sinner be outwardly, he still is foul and hideous within.

He that is full of the grace of God, and covets not worldly honours, is both rich and happy; but ignorance and folly is the lot of him who rejects what is beneficial, and embraces what is injurious, to his soul.

To seek the things which are eternal, and to despise such as " perish in the using," — this is divine wisdom.

4. Wise is he who departeth not from the doctrine of the holy fathers and doctors of the church, and who preserveth in its integrity, the deposit of the faith.

The love of God, and the keeping of His commandments — this is true and honourable wisdom.

If any one apply for instruction, point out to him the path of humility, and walk thyself before him.

He that is truly humble, knows not vanity — disclaims praise — rejoices in contempt — and keeps no place in his memory for wrong or insult. o o