1. This Is the First Step

WHEN we have the same will and the same mind as God, we are at the First Rung of the Ladder of Holiness. Goodwill is, in fact, the foundation of all the virtues, according to the Prophet David :

" O Lord, to Thee have I fled : teach me to do Thy will, for Thou art my God. Thy good Spirit shall lead me into the right land" — the land of Truth and Virtue.

Goodwill, united to the will of God, triumphs over the devil

Love's Gradatory and all sin, for it is full of the Grace of God, and is the first offering due to Him if we desire to live for Him. A man of Goodwill has God ever in view, desiring to love and serve Him, now and in Eternity. In this consists his inner life and occupation, keeping him at peace with God, with himself, and all things else. Therefore at the birth of the Christ the Angels sang: " Glory to God on high, and on earth peace to men of good will." But Goodwill cannot be sterile in good works, for "A good tree brings forth good fruit," says our Lord.

Love's Gradatory