to stay the consequences of slander and calumny!

GOD is the shield, interposing between others, circumstances, and myself.

4. MEEK TOWARDS SELF

This does not imply self-complacency, self-indulgence, self-justification,
but simply encouragement, strength, and fortitude.

_Encouragement_ in some wearisome, monotonous, unrecognized work, with a
thought like this: "GOD is watching me, and wishes me to do this." This
labor occupies my mind, perfects my soul, and shields me from mischief.

Encouragement such as this, in the midst of sadness and isolation, when no
one thinks of us, or gives us the smallest token of sympathy, "Is not my
duty sufficient for me? God requires it of me, and it will lead me to
heaven."

_Strength_ to rise again after some failure, some humiliating fault, some
depressing weakness; rise again lovingly, confidingly, and with the
thought, "Never mind, it is a good FATHER, a kind Master, with Whom I have
to deal." Confess your sin, humble yourself, and while awaiting the
assurance of pardon go on with your daily work with the same zeal as
before.

_Fortitude_ against the desertion and forgetfulness of others.

We have two things to fortify us,--_Prayer and Labor_.

One to cheer us,--_Devotion_.

These remedies are always at hand.

II. BE HUMBLE

I. HUMBLE WITH GOD

Resting always in His presence, like a little child, or even a beggar, who
knowing nothing is due to him, still asks, loves, and awaits, feeling sure
that hour by hour, in proportion to our need, GOD will provide all that is
needful, and even over and above what is absolutely necessary. Live
peacefully under the protection of Divine Providence; the more you feel
your insignificance, weakness, sickness, misery, the more right you have
to the pity and love of GOD.

Only _pray_ fervently; let your prayer be thoughtful and reverent, sweet
and full of hope. The poor have nothing left to them but _prayer_; but
that prayer, so humble, so pleading, ascends to GOD, and is listened to
with Fatherly love!

Do not have a number of varied prayers, but let the "Our FATHER" be ever
on your lips and in your heart.

Love to repeat to GOD the prayer that CHRIST Himself has taught, and for
His sake is always accepted.

Look upon yourself as a hired servant of GOD, to whom He has promised a
rich reward at the end of the day He calls _life_; each morning hold
yourself in readiness to obey all His commands, in the way He wills, and
with