sure to self, and satisfy the conscience, by
whispering, "_It is no sin._" _Self-renunciation_, in short, is
destroying, even at the risk of much heart-rending, all in our heart,
mind, imagination, that could be displeasing to GOD.

Renunciation is not one single action, that when once accomplished we
experience relief; it means a constant _sacrifice_, _restraint_,
_resisting_, _rending_, each hour, each moment, during our whole life.

But is not this a worry, a continual torment? No; not if the moving spring
be love or godly fear....

Do you consider it a trouble when you make yourself less comfortable to
make room for a friend who visits you?

Well! there are times when GOD would make you sensible of His Presence. He
is with you, and to retain Him close, Who is all Purity, will you not be
more modest in your behavior?

If you would receive Him into your heart at Holy Communion, will you not
make room for Him, by rooting out that affection He has pointed out to you
as dangerous, that interest, that desire, that worldly, sensual
attachment?

Oh! if you only _really_ loved.

Would you call it _torture_ or _constraint_, the energy with which you
shatter some poisoned cup you were almost enticed to drink?

Well! when encountering the attractive enjoyment, the material delight,
which might lead you astray, or the siren voice which would allure you
from your duty for a moment--then when conscience whispers, "_Beware_," ...
would you be cowardly?

Alas, it is slowly and surely that the stream carries on to destruction
the blossom that has fallen into its current.

It is little by little that pleasure leads on to sin the heart that lets
itself be lulled by its charms.

THURSDAY

SUBMISSION

As soon as you awake in the morning, try to realize GOD stretching forth
His Hand towards you, and saying, _Dost thou really desire that I should
watch over thee this day?_ and you lift up your hands towards this kind
FATHER, and say to Him, "Yes, yes, lead me, guide me, love me; I will be
very submissive!"

Beneath GOD'S protecting Hand, is it possible that you can be sorrowful,
fearful, unhappy?

No; GOD will allow no suffering, no trial, above what you are able to
bear.

Then pass through the day, quietly and calmly, even as when a little child
you had your mother always beside you.

You need only be careful about _one_ thing, _never to displease God_, and
you will see how lovingly GOD will direct all that concer