22. On the great merit of patience for the sake of Christ

" In patientid vestra possidebitis animas vestrasy* " III your patience you shall possess your soulsy * 1. When thou art addressed harshly, or reproved unjustly, give not way to the first emotion of anger nor reply sharply ; but keep silence, or speak humbly, or suffer with p'atience like Jesus : lor when they brought false witness against Him, He was silent, and when scourged. He murmured not.

Or if it be necessary or useful to justify thy actions, do it gently and with prudence, and in such a manner as Christ did : when rudely struck by the servant of the high priest, He answered meekly and reasonably ; so shalt thou edify others and be freed from confusion.

In every circumstance or contradiction of wicked tongues, be patient, and observe a pious silence towards those who oppose thee.

2 . In the spiritual interest of thy soul, never forget how precious a virtue is patience, which adorns the soul with all virtues, and leads to the martyr's glorious palm.

This, Christ hath taught in His words ; this, He hath exemplified in His passion ; — for when He was o o accused before the princes of the priesthood, and the ancients of the people, He answered nothing; putting in practice what He before taught, " Learn of me, because I am meek and humble of heart, and you shall find rest to your souls."* Thou canst not find elsewhere sure peace and true rest, but in God alone, in the practice of sincere humility, and of a mild indulgent patience which overcomes all adversaries.

Put then all thy hope in God, and not in any creature, great or small, for without God all is but vanity ; and with God all is good. o o