however heavy may be the
burden you have to bear, does it not at once become light beneath the gaze
of that FATHER'S eye?

The thought of GOD is never wearisome; why not always cherish it? Go on,
without trembling, beneath the Eye of GOD; never fear to smile, love,
hope, and enjoy all that makes life sweet.

GOD rejoices in our pleasures as a mother in the joys of her child.

What is contrary to GOD'S Will, grieves Him, and does you harm, that alone
you need fear,--the thought that will stain your soul; the wish that
troubles your heart; that unwholesome action, that will weaken your
intellect, and destroy your peace.

Never long for what GOD sees fit to deny.

GOD, beside you, will repair your blunders, provide means whereby you may
atone for that sinful action by one more virtuous, wipe away the tears
caused by some unmerited reproof or unkind word.

You have only to close your eyes for a moment, examine yourself, and
softly murmur, "LORD, help me!"

Can you not hear GOD'S Voice speaking to you? What! when He says: _Bear
this, I am here to aid thee_; you will refuse?

He says: _Continue another half-hour the work that wearies thee_; and you
would stop?

He says: _Do not that_; and you do it?

He says: _Let us tread together the path of obedience_; and you answer:
No?

WEDNESDAY

SELF-RENUNCIATION

Do not be afraid of that word _Renunciation_. To you, perhaps, it only
means, weariness, restraint, ennui.

But it means also, love, perfection, sanctification.

* * * * *

Who cannot renounce, cannot love.

Who cannot renounce, cannot become perfect.

Who cannot renounce, cannot be made holy.

* * * * *

_Self-renunciation_ means devotion to our duty, going on with it in spite
of difficulties, disgust, ennui, want of success.

_Self-renunciation_ is self-sacrifice, under whatever form it presents
itself,--_prayer_, _labor_, _love_ ... all that would be an obstacle, not
merely to its accomplishment, but its perfection.

_Self-renunciation_ is to root out all that encumbers the heart, all that
impedes the free action of the Holy Spirit within--longings after an
imaginary perfection or well-being, unreal sentiments that trouble us in
prayer, in work, in slumber, that fascinate us, but the result of which is
to destroy all real application.

_Self-renunciation_ is to resist all the allurements of the senses, that
would only give plea