Letter 115. To a Religious

.... I KNOW that you are often called upon to practise the love of contempt, rebuffs, and your own abjection. Do it heartily; it is a main feature of humility to perceive, to accept, and even rejoice in such occasions when they come before us (for we are not to go out of our way to seek them), and to be humble, submissive, calm, and patient under them.

SPIRITUAL LET7ERS OF

This is a very important matter, for you see, my child, that humility which makes least show is the truest. Meanwhile, as to exterior things, I would have you correct yourself of the habit of speaking haughtily and sharply, which is most unbecoming to one professing religion.

Never mind these impatient angry feelings, so long as you crush them as they arise, striving to recover calmness and peace of mind. While you do this it will be practice in holiness, not any hindrance to you, even if the strife lasted all through the day. Be of good cheer, my daughter; I see plainly that the Lord will draw you to Himself as His Own.

C73X.] CXIX.