the means He appoints.

The command may not always come _direct_ from the Master; it would be too
sweet to hear only GOD'S Voice: but He sends it by means of His
ambassadors; these go by the names of _superiors_, _equals_, _inferiors_,
sometimes _enemies_.

Each has received the mission (without knowing it) to make you holy; one
by subduing your independence, another by crushing your pride, a third by
spurring your slothfulness.

They will, though fulfilling GOD'S command, do it each in his own way,
sometimes roughly, sometimes maliciously, sometimes in a way hard to bear
... what does it matter, so long as you feel that all you do, all you
suffer, is the will of GOD?

Do your duty as well as you can, as you understand it, as it is given to
you; say sometimes to GOD, "My Master, art Thou satisfied with me?" and
then, in spite of ennui, fatigue, repugnance, go on with it faithfully to
the end.

Then, whether praise or blame be yours, you will, good faithful servant,
at least have peace.

2. HUMBLE TOWARDS OTHERS

Look upon yourself as the servant of all, but without ostentation, or
their having any knowledge of it.

Repeat to yourself sometimes the words of the Blessed Virgin Mary: "Behold
the handmaid of the LORD," and those of our LORD, "I came not to be
ministered unto, but to minister;" and then act towards others as if you
were their slave, warning, aiding, listening; abashed at what they do for
you, and always seeming pleased at anything they may require you to do for
them.

Oh! if you knew the full meaning of these words, all they signify of
reward in heaven, of joy and peace on earth, how you would love them!

Oh! if you would only make them the rule of your life and conduct, how
happy you would be yourself, and how happy you would make others!

Happy in the approval of conscience, that whispers, "You have done as
CHRIST would have done."

Happy in the thought of the reward promised to those who give even a cup
of cold water in the name of JESUS CHRIST; happy in the assurance that GOD
will do for you what you have done for others.

Oh! what matters then ingratitude, forgetfulness, contempt, and scorn?
They will pain, no doubt, but will have no power to sadden or discourage.

Precious counsel, inspired by CHRIST Himself, I bless you for all the good
you have done me!

When first those words found entrance to my heart, they brought with them
_peace_ and _strength_ to stand against _deception_,