_desertion_,
_discouragement_ and the _resolute will_ to live a life more devoted to
GOD, more united to Him, more contented, and ever pressing onward towards
heaven. Once more, I bless you!

Precious counsels, enlighten, guide, and lead me.

VIII.

A SIMPLE PRAYER

O JESU! in the midst of glory forget not the sadness upon earth!

Have mercy upon those to whom GOD has sent the bitter trial of separation
from those they love!

Have mercy on that loneliness of heart, so full of sadness, so crushing,
sometimes full of terror!

Have mercy upon those struggling against the difficulties of life, and
faint with discouragement!

Have mercy on those whom fortune favors, whom the world fascinates, and
who are free from care!

Have mercy on those to whom Thou hast given great tenderness of heart,
great sensitiveness!

Have mercy on those who cease to love us, and never may they know the pain
they cause!

Have mercy on those who have gradually withdrawn from Holy Communion and
Prayer, and losing peace within, weep, yet dare not return to Thee!

Have mercy on all we love; make them holy even through suffering! if ever
they estrange themselves from Thee, take, oh, take all my joys, and decoy
them with the pleasures back again to Thee!

Have mercy on those who weep, those who pray, those who know not _how_ to
pray!

To all, O JESUS, grant Hope and Peace!

IX.

SIMPLE COUNSELS FOR A YOUNG GIRL

Yes, very simple. Listen my child, and may they sink deep into your heart,
as the dew sinks in the calyx of the flower.

These are my counsels:--

_Distrust the love_ that comes too suddenly.

_Distrust the pleasure_ that fascinates so keenly.

_Distrust the words_ that trouble or charm.

_Distrust the book_ that makes you dream.

_Distrust the thought_ you cannot confide to your mother.

Treasure these counsels, and sometimes as you read them, ask yourself,
"_Why?_" Guardian Angel of the child we are addressing, teach her the
reason of these sentences that seem to her so exaggerated!

X.

A RECIPE FOR NEVER ANNOYING OUR FRIENDS

This was made by one who had suffered much for many years from numberless
little worries, occasioned by a relative, whose affection no doubt was
sincere and devoted, but also too ardent, and wanting in discretion.

There must be moderation in all things, even in the love we manifest, the
care we take to shield them from trouble.

This recipe consists of but four simple rule