Letter 139. To a Young Lady. on Meekness

TO A YOUNG LADY. ON MEEKNESS.

May God’s Blessing be on you, my dear child; I send these few words according to my promise.

You should make a special point of asking God every morning to give you, before all else, that true spirit of meekness which He would have His children in, possess. You must also make a firm resolution to practise yourself in this virtue, especially in your intercourse with those two persons to whom you chiefly owe it. You must make it your main object to conquer yourself in this matter; call it to mind a hundred times during the day, commending your efibrts to God. It seems to me that no more than this is needed in order to subject your soul entirely to His Will, and then you will become more gentle day by day, trusting wholly in His Goodness. You will be very happy, my dearest child, if you can do this, for God will dwell in your heart, and where He reigns all is peace. But if you should fail, and commit some of your old faults, do not be disheartened, but rise up and go on again, as though you had not fallen. This life is short, it is given to us for no other end than the attainment of a better life, and you will make a good use of it if you are meek and gentle towards those with whom God has bound you. Pray for my soul, that God may draw it to Himself. I am, &c.

[ 797.3 CXLIV.