23. On the good conversation of the humble christian

" Fnge, dilecte mi, fifge.^^'^ " Flee awn//, O my hclovcciy 1 . Why should I flee away ? Because of the many danf^ers which surround thee in the world, and which fall on those who converse therein.

He that would give himself up to the service of God, must love solitude, prayer, study, and labour ; and so by useful employments, preserve his soul from the perils of vice, spend his lime with fruit, and edify his ncifjhbour.

But he that loves the world, and willingly converses therein, seldom keeps his heart, unspotted, and always returns to his peaceful retreat, with less devotion than when he went out.

Pious and modest conversation is pleasing to all ; but harsh and inconsiderate words wound the ears of our friends.

He that loves virtue, speaks the truth, but he that makes use of lying speech, deceives his neighbour, and renders himself odious.

He that is truly humble, seeks not praise for the good he has done ; but refers to God all the good that there is in his actions, and attributes to himself only what is evil.

The liar drives Christ from his heart; and he that would fathom the mysteries of reliii:ion, confounds himself, and justly falls into error : but he that speaks frankly and straight forward, is honoured and loved by all.

2. We are all brethren, created by the same God ; we are all sinners, born of guilty parents ; but, by the grace of Christ, we are called to the faith : we are regenerated by the same baptism ; and we are all but one body in Christ. Let no one, then, despise or ridicule, or oficnd his neighbour in any thing : — we ought rather, in conformity to the will of God, to help and instruct him, as far as we are able ; doing to him as we would be done by, were we in want.

He that by words of edification, confirms the weak in the faith, feeds the sick with the bread of heaven.

He that consoles the afllicted, gives a cup of life to the thirsty.

He that calms the wrath of his brother by meek words, withholds a dog from biting, by anointing his tongue with honey. o o He that checks a wandering tongue, brings much peace to his devout brethren.

He that prefers himself before others, shows but little judgment, and deserves confusion.

He that humbles himself in all things, deserves to receive more abundant grace and honour.

By prayer the pious and humble man breaks the snares of the evil one, and escapes ; while the proud, led on by vain glory, falls into his toils, and perishes.

From which may the pious Jesus ever preserve us, and conduct us to the joys of heaven ! Amen. o o