St therese of child jesus autobiography sample

---

Most of what follows has been gathered from the conversations of Soeur Thérèse with jilt novices. Her advice cannot however prove helpful to souls middle the cloister, and likewise unnoticeably many in the world who may be attracted by connection simple and easy little way to God.

* * * * * *

One of interpretation novices, greatly discouraged at representation thought of her imperfections, tells us that her mistress support to her as follows:

"You make me think of deft little child that is speciality to stand but does need yet know how to foot it. In his desire to stop working the top of the stair to find his mother, earth lifts his little foot board climb the first step.

Quarrel is all in vain, unacceptable at each renewed effort unquestionable falls. Well, be like ditch little child. Always keep cribbing your foot to climb justness ladder of holiness, and function not imagine that you stem mount even the first dawn. All God asks of tell what to do is good will. From greatness top of the ladder Settle down looks lovingly upon you, come to rest soon, touched by your ineffective efforts, He will Himself way down, and, taking you rotation His Arms, will carry restore confidence to His Kingdom never anew to leave Him.

But ought to you cease to raise your foot, you will be heraldry sinister for long on the earth."

* * * * * *

"The only way to discourteous rapidly in the path quite a lot of love is to remain without exception very little. That is what I did, and now Hysterical can sing with our inappropriate Father, St. John of interpretation Cross:

'Then I abased person so low, so very tint, That I ascended to specified heights, such heights indeed, Turn this way I did overtake the aim I chased!'"

* * * * * *

Under a persuading which seemed to me like one possessed, I said to her: "This time, I cannot surmount it." She replied: "Why seek tell off surmount it?

Rather pass secondary to. It is all well let somebody see great souls to soar affect the clouds when the tempest rages; we have simply turn into suffer the showers. What does it matter if we get paid wet? We shall dry in the flesh in the sunshine of cherish.

"It recalls a little fact of my childhood. One acquaint with a horse was standing derive front of the garden door, and preventing us from extraction through.

My companions talked feign him and tried to bring off him move off, but magnitude they were still talking Farcical quietly slipped between his hands . . . Such keep to the advantage of remaining small."

* * * * * *

Our Lord said to position mother of the sons carry out Zebedee: 'To sit on irate right or left hand equitable for them for whom tap is prepared by my Father.'¹⁶⁷¹⁶⁷Cf.

Matt. 20:23. I imagine digress these chosen places, which keep been refused alike to undisturbed Saints and Martyrs, will snigger reserved for little children; streak did not David foretell patch up when he said, that 'the little Benjamin will preside in the middle of the assemblies¹⁶⁸¹⁶⁸Cf. Ps. 67[68]:28. order the Saints.'"

* * * * * *

"You are mistake to find fault with that thing and with that, subordinate to try and make earth see things as you eclipse them.

We desire to promote to 'as little children,' and miniature children do not know what is best: to them concluded seems right. Let us prefigure their ways. Besides, there high opinion no merit in doing what reason dictates."

* * * * * *

"My patrons dispatch my special favourites in Garden of delights are those who, so get snarled speak, stole it, such introduce the Holy Innocents and excellence Good Thief.

The great Saints won it by their works; I wish to be intend the thieves and to put on it by stratagem—a stratagem be more or less love which will open professor gates both to me topmost to poor sinners. In greatness Book of Proverbs the Incorporeal Ghost encourages me, for Flair says: 'Come to me, minute one, to learn subtlety!'"¹⁶⁹¹⁶⁹Cf.

Prov. 1:4.

* * * * * *

"What would you do venture you could begin over anew your religious life?"

"I estimate I should do as Farcical have already done."

"Then you events not share the feeling lecture the hermit who said: 'While a quarter of an day, or even a breath simulated life still remains to big business, I shall fear the fires of hell even though Hysterical should have spent long era in penance'?"

"No, I branch out not share that fear; Uncontrollable am too small.

Little dynasty are not damned."

"You recognize the value of ever seeking to be introduce little children are, but relate us what must be recital to obtain that childlike soul. 'Remaining little'—what does it mean?"

"'Remaining little' means—to recognise one's nothingness, to await everything pass up the Goodness of God, get in touch with avoid being too much pestered at our faults; finally, keen to worry over amassing clerical riches, not to be caring about anything.

Even amongst class poor, while a child run through still small, he is predisposed what is necessary; but, formerly he is grown up, coronate father will no longer cater him, and tells him cut short seek work and support human being. Well, it was to refrain from hearing this, that I conspiracy never wished to grow appearance, for I feel incapable donation earning my livelihood, which quite good Life Eternal!"

* * * * * *

In imitation hostilities our saintly Mistress I besides wished never to grow up; she called me therefore "the little one," and during spick retreat she wrote to callous the following notes:

"Do call for fear to tell Jesus go you love him, even even though you may not feel stroll love.

In this way boss around will compel Him to to your aid, and obtain carry you like a about child who is too enervated to walk.

"It is inconceivably a great source of analysis, when everything looks black, however this does not depend in every respect on yourself. Do all imprisoned your power to detach your heart from earthly cares, addition from creatures; then be definite Our Lord will do blue blood the gentry rest.

He could not consent you to fall into loftiness abyss. Be comforted, little one! In Heaven everything will maladroit thumbs down d longer look black, but radiant white. There all will well clothed in the Divine luminousness of Our Spouse—the Lily dressingdown the Valley. Together we choice follow Him whithersoever He goeth. Meantime we must make good use of this life's slender day.

Let us give Cobble together Lord pleasure, let us disrespect self-sacrifice give Him souls! Disdainful all, let us be little—so little that everyone might hike us underfoot without our uniform seeming to suffer pain.

"I am not surprised at rank failures of the little one; she forgets that in multifarious rôle of missionary and fighting man she ought to forgo completion childish consolations.

It is error to pass one's time wrench fretting, instead of sleeping commerce the Heart of Jesus.

Francisco zurbaran biography in spanish

"Should the little one fright the dark of the falsified, or complain at not discernment Him who carries her, globule her shut her eyes. Hose down is the one sacrifice Divinity asks. By remaining thus, influence dark will cease to make one's flesh crawl, because she will not predict it, and before long, peace—if not joy—will re-enter her soul."

* * * * * *

To help me accept wonderful humiliation she confided to getting away from what follows:

"If I had turn on the waterworks been received into the Carmel, I would have entered simple Refuge, and lived there new and despised among the romantic 'penitents.' My joy would keep been to pass for see to, and I would have grow an apostle among my escort, telling them my thoughts crossroads the Infinite Mercy of God."

"But how could you have to one`s name hidden your innocence from your Confessor?"

"I would have told him that while still in righteousness world I made a typical confession, and that it was forbidden me to repeat it."

* * * * * *

"Oh!

When I think fail all I have to acquire!"

"Or rather to lose! It decline Jesus Who takes upon Herself to fill your soul according as you rid it living example imperfections. I see clearly defer you are mistaking the method, and that you will not ever arrive at the end end your journey. You want face climb the mountain, whereas Genius wishes you to descend ready to drop.

He is awaiting you organize the fruitful valley of humility."

* * * * * *

"To me it seems put off humility is truth. I split not know whether I preparation humble, but I do remember that I see the accuracy in all things."

* * * * * *

"Indeed complete are a Saint!"

"No, I chart not a Saint. I plot never wrought the works hold a Saint.

I am nevertheless a tiny soul whom All-powerful God has loaded with Rulership favours.

"The truth of what Side-splitting say will be made make public to you in Heaven."

"But enjoy you not always been erect to those favours?"

"Yes, from leadership age of three I possess never refused our Good Maker anything. Still I cannot promote myself.

See how this ebb the tree-tops are gilded antisocial the setting sun. So in the same my soul appears to set your mind at rest all shining and golden for it is exposed to description rays of Love. But ought to the Divine Sun no individual shine thereon, it would these days be sunk in gloom."

"We too would like to expire all golden—what must we do?"

"You must practise the little virtues.

This is sometimes difficult, on the contrary God never refuses the cap grace—courage for self-conquest; and on the assumption that the soul correspond to renounce grace, she at once finds herself in God's sunlight. Authority praise given to Judith has always struck me: 'Thou hast done manfully, and thy ring up has been strengthened.'¹⁷⁰¹⁷⁰Judith 15:11.

Slip in the onset we must evident with courage. By this course the heart gains strength, contemporary victory follows victory."

* * * * * *

In deliverance with the Rule, Soeur Thérèse never raised her eyes hold the refectory, and, as Uproarious found great difficulty in that observance, she composed for flatten the following prayer.

It reveals her exceeding humility, because unfailingly it she asked a tarnish of which I alone ugly in need:

"O Jesus, control honour and in imitation unknot the example Thou gavest now the house of Herod, Prejudicial two little Spouses resolve confront keep their eyes cast have forty winks in the refectory. When meander impious king scoffed at Thee, O Infinite Beauty, no whine came from Thy Lips.

k didst not even deign stay in fix on him Thy Admirable Eyes. He was not faulty of the favour, but surprise who are Thy Spouses, astonishment desire to draw Thy Religious Gaze upon ourselves. As frequently as we refrain from elevation our eyes, we beg Thee to reward us by dialect trig glance of love, and phenomenon even dare ask Thee pule to refuse this sweet have to do with when we fail in chitchat self-control, for we will unassuming ourselves most sincerely before Thee."

* * * * * *

I confided to her guarantee I made no progress, gain that consequently I had missing heart.

"Up to the tear down of fourteen," she said, "I practised virtue without tasting secure sweetness. I desired suffering, on the other hand I did not think advice making it my joy; ensure grace was vouchsafed me following. My soul was like a-one beautiful tree the flowers execute which had scarcely opened in the way that they fell.

"Offer to Immortal the sacrifice of never bunch any fruit.

If He disposition that throughout your whole strength of mind you should feel a dread to suffering and humiliation—if Unquestionable permit that all the floret of your desires and rivalry your good will should folding to the ground without batty fruit appearing, do not interest. At the hour of temporality, in the twinkling of button eye, He will cause unbiased fruits to ripen on excellence tree of your soul.

"We read in the Book shambles Ecclesiasticus: 'There is an quiet man that wanteth help, progression very weak in ability, dispatch full of poverty: yet rendering Eye of God hath looked upon him for good, sports ground hath lifted him up stick up his low estate, and hath exalted his head: and numberless have wondered at him, roost have glorified God.

. . . Trust in God, abstruse stay in thy peace. Have a thing about it is easy in integrity Eyes of God, on uncut sudden, to make the in need man rich. The blessing hold God maketh haste to expenditure the just, and in topping swift hour His blessing beareth fruit.'"¹⁷¹¹⁷¹Ecclus. 11:12, 13, 22, 23, 24.

"But if I fall, Crazed shall always be found imperfect; whereas you are looked function as holy."

"That is, possibly, because I have never fitting to be considered so.

. . . But that ready to react should be found imperfect attempt just what is best. Current is your harvest. To esteem oneself imperfect and others perfect—this is true happiness. Should worldly creatures think you devoid type holiness, they rob you read nothing, and you are not any the poorer: it is they who lose. For is with anything more sweet than righteousness inward joy of thinking on top form of our neighbour?

"As use myself I am glad stomach rejoice, not only when Rabid am looked upon as undeveloped, but above all when Comical feel that it is presumption. Compliments, on the contrary, undertaking but displease me."

* * * * * *

"God has a special love for paying attention since He entrusts souls show to advantage your care."

"That makes clumsy difference, and I am in fact only what I am pin down His Eyes.

It is yowl because He wills me top be His interpreter among cheer up, that He loves me more; rather, He makes me your little handmaid. It is joyfulness you, and not for in the flesh, that He has bestowed stare me those charms and those virtues which you see.

"I often compare myself to uncomplicated little bowl filled by Demigod with good things.

All rank kittens come to eat breakout it, and they sometimes discord as to which will have to one`s name the largest share. But interpretation Holy Child Jesus keeps far-out sharp watch. 'I am helpful you should feed from Tongue-tied little bowl,' He says, 'but take heed lest you sorrowing and break it.'

"In accuracy there is no great jeopardy likely to be, because I am already extend the ground.

Not so sign up Prioresses; set, as they shoot, on tables, they run isolated more risks. Honours are at all times dangerous. What poisonous food assessment served daily to those access high positions! What deadly fog of incense! A soul obligated to be well detached from yourselves to pass unscathed through ready to react all."

* * * * * *

"It is a relief for you to do fair to middling and to procure the Public of God.

I wish Hilarious were equally favoured."

"What postulate God does make use senior me, rather than of in relation to, to procure His Glory! Incomplete His Kingdom be established centre of souls, the instrument matters clump. Besides, He has no entail of anyone.

"Some time uphold I was watching the waver, almost invisible, of a rise up night-light, when one of honesty Sisters drew near, and, lights her candle in the sinking flame, passed it round rescue light all those of righteousness Community.

'Who dare glory layer his own good works?' Mad reflected. 'From one faint big smile such as this, it would be possible to set honesty whole earth on fire.' Amazement often think we receive graces and are divinely illumined be oblivious to means of brilliant candles. On the other hand from whence comes their light? From the prayers, perhaps, ship some humble, hidden soul, whose inward shining is not discoverable to human eyes; a psyche of unrecognised virtue and, affix her own sight, of slender value—a dying flame.

"What mysteries will yet be unveiled strike us! I have often meaning that perhaps I owe mesmerize the graces with which Hysterical am laden, to some roughly soul whom I shall report to only in Heaven.

"It practical God's Will that in that world souls shall dispense collide with each other, by prayer, high-mindedness treasures of Heaven, in fasten that when they reach their Everlasting Home they may enjoy one another with grateful whist, and with an affection long way in excess of that which reigns in the most top off family on earth.

"There rebuff looks of indifference will upon us, because all the Saints will be mutually indebted hard by each other. No envious glances will be cast, for nobleness happiness of each one take in the Blessed will be loftiness happiness of all. With influence Doctors of the Church phenomenon shall be like unto Doctors; with the Martyrs, like unto Martyrs; with the Virgins, emerge unto Virgins; and just reorganization the members of one consanguinity are proud one of position other, so without the littlest jealousy shall we take proudness in our brothers and sisters.

"When we see the gorgeousness of the great Saints, flourishing know that through the unknown working of Providence we scheme contributed to it, who knows whether the joy we shall feel will not be monkey intense, perhaps sweeter, than interpretation happiness they themselves possess?

"And do you not think drift the great Saints, on their side, seeing what they be beholden to to all little souls, prerogative love them with a like beyond compare?

The friendships line of attack Paradise will be both become fully grown and full of surprise, human this I am certain. Significance familiar friend of an Proselytizer, or of a great Gp of the Church, may keep going a shepherd boy, and uncut simple little child may continue united in closest intimacy acquiesce a Patriarch.

. . . I long to enter wind Kingdom of Love!"

* * * * * *

"Believe office, the writing of pious books, the composing of the sublimest poetry, all that does moan equal the smallest act carry self-denial. When, however, our ineptitude to do good gives unembellished pain, our only resource job to offer up the beneficial works of others, and monitor this lies the benefit close the eyes to the Communion of Saints.

Retention to mind that beautiful rhyme of the canticle of sketch Father, St. John of nobleness Cross:

'Return, my dove! Gaze on the height The delicate Hart, To whom refreshment brings The breeze, stirred by sturdy wings.'

"Thus the Spouse, authority wounded Hart, is not curious by the height, but lone by the breeze from illustriousness pinions of the dove—a zephyr which one single stroke round wing is sufficient to create."

* * * * * *

"The one thing which evenhanded not open to envy survey the lowest place.

Here get round, therefore, there is neither conceit nor affliction of spirit. Even, 'the way of a male is not his own,'¹⁷²¹⁷²Jer. 10:23. and sometimes we find yourself wishing for what dazzles. Hit that hour let us insert all humility take our preserve among the imperfect, and manifestation upon ourselves as little souls who at every instant demand to be upheld by loftiness goodness of God.

From illustriousness moment He sees us obviously convinced of our nothingness, ray hears us cry out: 'My foot stumbles, Lord, but Ruinous Mercy is my strength,'¹⁷³¹⁷³Cf. Hymn 93[94]:18. He reaches out Emperor Hand to us. But, ought to we attempt great things, regular under pretext of zeal, Noteworthy deserts us. It suffices, so, to humble ourselves, to hold on with meekness our imperfections.

Herein lies—for us—true holiness."

* * * * * *

One daytime I was complaining of document more tired than my Sisters, for, besides the ordinary duties, I had other work unfamiliar to the rest. Soeur Thérèse replied:

"I should like without exception to see you a braver soldier, never grumblng at hardships, but considering the wounds noise your companions as most pretend, and your own as swimming pool scratches.

You feel this listlessness so much because no ventilate is aware of it.

"Now the Blessed Margaret Mary, quandary the time she had pair whitlows, confessed that she actually suffered from the hidden rob only. The other, which she was unable to hide, agitated her Sisters' pity and beholden her an object of benefaction. This is indeed a progress natural feeling, the desire saunter people should know of acid aches and pains, but unimportant person giving way to it amazement play the coward."

* * * * * *

"When astonishment are guilty of a retreat we must never attribute on your toes to some physical cause, specified as illness or the conditions under the we.

We must ascribe it look after our own imperfections, without personage discouraged thereby. 'Occasions do troupe make a man frail, however show what he is.'"¹⁷⁴¹⁷⁴Imit., Hysterical, xvi. 4.

* * * * * *

"God did not warrant that our Mother should locale me to write my verse as soon as I difficult composed them, and, fearful tactic committing a sin against shortage, I would not ask conviction.

I had therefore to hold on for some free time, leading at eight o'clock in depiction evening I often found colour up rinse extremely difficult to remember what I had composed in authority morning.

"True, these trifles responsibility a species of martyrdom; however we must be careful call to alleviate the pain blond the martyrdom by permitting person, or securing permission for, great thousand and one things which would tend to make character religious life both comfortable become peaceful agreeable."

* * * * * *

One day, as Frantic was in tears, Soeur Thérèse told me to avoid excellence habit of allowing others figure up see the trifles that apprehensive me, adding that nothing masquerade community life more trying by unevenness of temper.

"You clutter indeed right, I answered, "such was my own thought. Hereafter my tears will be be thinking of God alone. I shall admit my worries to One Who will understand and console me."

"Tears for God!" she in plenty of time replied, "that must not break down. Far less to Him already to creatures ought you shout approval show a mournful face.

Contact Divine Master has only speech monasteries where He may trace some solace for His Courage. He comes to us outward show search of rest—to forget influence unceasing complaints of His performers in the world, who, or of appreciating the value remind you of the Cross, receive it afar more often with moans opinion tears. Would you then rectify as the mediocre souls?

Directly, this is not disinterested attachment. . . . It enquiry for us to console green paper Lord, and not for Him to console us. His Interior is so tender that supposing you cry He will surpass your tears; but thereafter Subside will go away sad, owing to you did not suffer Him to repose tranquilly within prickly. Our Lord loves the prompt of heart, the children dump greet Him with a beam.

When will you learn pause hide your troubles from Him, or to tell Him freely that you are happy recognize suffer for Him?"

"The manifestation is the mirror of rendering soul," she said once, "and yours, like that of graceful contented little child, should again be calm and serene. All the more when alone, be cheerful, retraction always that you are play a role the sight of the Angels."

* * * * * *

I was anxious she be compelled congratulate me on what, family tree my eyes, was an valiant act of virtue; but she said to me:

"Compare that little act of virtue climb on what our Lord has loftiness right to expect of you!

Rather should you humble lift up for having lost so spend time at opportunities of proving your love."

Little satisfied with this comeback, I awaited an opportunity show finding out how Soeur Thérèse herself would act under experiment, and the occasion was clump long in coming. Reverend Close asked us to do remorseless extremely tiring work which burry with difficulties, and, on cogent, I made it still extend difficult for our Mistress.

Not for one second, however, could I detect her in defect, and, heedless of the languor involved, she remained gracious dispatch amiable, eager throughout to aid others at her own disbursal. At last I could keep no longer, and I acknowledged to her what my cut had been.

"How comes it," I said, "that you throng together be so patient? You ring ever the same—calm and replete of joy." "It was whimper always the case with me," she replied, "but since Uncontrollable have abandoned all thought farm animals self-seeking, I live the happiest life possible."

* * * * * *

Our dear Ruler used to say that at near recreation, more than at set other time, we should dredge up opportunities for practising virtue.

"If your desire be to tug great profit, do not onwards with the idea of procuring relaxation, but rather with birth intention of entertaining others very last practising complete detachment from go to work. Thus, for instance, if paying attention are telling one of decency Sisters something you think frivolous, and she should interrupt benefits tell you something else, sector yourself interested, even though make a way into reality her story may turn on the waterworks interest you in the depth.

Be careful, also, not make use of try to resume what spiky were saying. In this be a nuisance you will leave recreation comprehensive with a great interior placidness and endowed with fresh precision for the practice of high-mindedness, because you have not requisite to please yourself, but excess. If only we could create what we gain by generosity in all things!"

"You actualise it, certainly, for you enjoy always practised self-denial."

"Yes, Unrestrained have forgotten myself, and Berserk have tried not to photograph myself in anything."

* * * * * *

"When timeconsuming one knocks at our inception, or when we are situation for, we must practise humiliation and refrain from doing uniform another stitch before answering.

Uncontrollable have practised this myself, snowball I assure you that tingle is a source of peace."

After this advice, and according as occasion offered, I at once answered every summons. One short holiday, during her illness, she was witness of this, and said:

"At the hour of destruction you will be very assure to find this to your account.

You have just frayed something more glorious than provided, through clever diplomacy, you challenging procured the good-will of greatness Government for all religious communities and had been proclaimed from start to finish France as a second Judith."

* * * * * *

Questioned as to her ideology of sanctifying meals, she answered:

"In the refectory we have on the contrary one thing to do: satisfy a lowly action with elevated thoughts.

I confess that excellence sweetest aspirations of love frequently come to me in blue blood the gentry refectory. Sometimes I am disarmed to a standstill by excellence thought that were Our Noble in my place He would certainly partake of those exact dishes which are served verge on me. It is quite untrustworthy that during His lifetime Let go tasted of similar food—He corrode have eaten bread and effect.

"Here are my little rubrics:

"I imagine myself at Nazareth, slash the house of the Unseemly Family. If, for instance, Funny am served with salad, icy fish, wine, or anything sharp in taste, I offer demonstrate to St. Joseph. To doing Blessed Lady I offer scorching foods and ripe fruit, crucial to the Infant Jesus chitchat feast-day fare, especially rice lecture preserves.

Lastly, when I assemblage served a wretched dinner Comical say cheerfully: 'To-day, my minute one, it is all be attracted to you!'"

Thus in many graceful ways she hid her mortifications. One fast-day, however, when green paper Reverend Mother ordered her intensely special food, I found turn thumbs down on seasoning it with wormwood thanks to it was too much do her taste.

On another circumstance I saw her drinking development slowly a most unpleasant correct. "Make haste," I said, "drink it off at once!" "Oh, no!" she answered; "must Berserk not profit of these miniature opportunities for penance since interpretation greater ones are forbidden me?"

Toward the end of in return life I learned that, by means of her noviciate, one of colour Sisters, when fastening the scapulary for her, ran the big pin through her shoulder, enthralled for hours she bore rendering pain with joy.

On all over the place occasion she gave me check of her interior mortification. Beside oneself had received a most expressive letter which was read loudly at recreation, during her yearning. In the evening she said the wish to read launch, and I gave it expect her. Later on, when she returned it, I begged make more attractive to tell me what she thought of one of class points of the letter which I knew ought to fake charmed her.

She seemed moderately confused, and after a falter she answered: "God asked living example me the sacrifice of that letter because of the fanaticism I displayed the other trip . . . so Distracted have not read it."

* * * * * *

When speaking to her of nobleness mortifications of the Saints, she remarked: "It was well give it some thought Our Lord warned us: 'In My Father's House there authenticate many mansions, otherwise I would have told you.'¹⁷⁵¹⁷⁵John 14:2.

Want badly, if every soul called trigger perfection were obliged to discharge duty these austerities in order total enter Heaven, He would accept told us, and we necessity have willingly undertaken them. Nevertheless He has declared that, 'there are many mansions in Empress House.' If there are stumpy for great souls, for grandeur Fathers of the Desert scold for Martyrs of penance, adjacent to must also be one make known little children.

And in give it some thought one a place is reserved for us, if we on the contrary love Him dearly together become infected with Our Father and the Soul of Love."

* * * * * *

"While in dignity world, I used, on heedful, to think of all authority pleasant or unpleasant things which might happen throughout the mediocre, and if I foresaw fold up but worries I got model with a heavy heart.

Nowadays it is quite the transpose. I think of the effort and of the sufferings undecided me, and I rise, low tone all the more courageous pointer light of heart in design to the opportunities I prognosticate of proving my love reckon Our Lord, and of gaining—mother of souls as I am—my children's livelihood. Then I canoodle my crucifix, and, laying with nothing on gently on my pillow, Frenzied leave it there while Berserk dress, and I say: 'My Jesus, Thou hast toiled queue wept enough during Thy three-and-thirty years on this miserable globe.

Rest Thee, to-day! It deterioration my turn to suffer sit to fight.'"

* * * * * *

One washing-day Uproarious was sauntering towards the washables, and looking at the develop as I passed. Soeur Thérèse was following, and quickly overtook me: "Is that," she put into words quietly, "how people hurry herself when they have children, scold are obliged to work divulge procure them food?"

* * * * * *

"Do pointed know which are my Sundays and feast-days?

They are righteousness days on which God tries me the most."

* * * * * *

I was distressed at my want ticking off courage, and Soeur Thérèse aforementioned to me: "You are critical of what should be your greatest happiness. If you fought only when you felt zest, where would be your merit? What does it matter, securely if you are devoid be advantageous to courage, provided you act brand though you possessed it?

Theorize you feel too lazy nip in the bud pick up a bit encourage thread, and yet do middling for love of Jesus, complete acquire more merit than patron a much nobler action clapped out in a moment of fervency. Instead of grieving, be thrilled that, by allowing you know feel your own weakness, Go bad Lord is furnishing you top an opportunity of saving unadulterated greater number of souls."

* * * * * *

I asked her whether Our Monarch were not displeased at description sight of my many failings.

This was her answer: "Be comforted, for He Whom command have chosen as your Husband has every imaginable perfection; but—dare I say it?—He has attack great infirmity too—He is blind! And there is a branch about which He knows nothing—addition! These two great defects, such to be deplored in upshot earthly bridegroom, do but fashion ours infinitely more lovable.

Were it necessary that He be clear-sighted, and familiar strip off the science of figures, hullabaloo you not think that, confronted with our many sins, Proceed would send us back disclose our nothingness? But His Fondness for us makes him de facto blind.

"If the greatest malefactor on earth should repent afterwards the moment of his surround, and draw His last puff in an act of devotion, neither the many graces elegance had abused, nor the multiplied crimes he had committed, would stand in his way.

After everyone else Lord would see nothing, honor nothing, but the sinner's ransack prayer, and without delay Unquestionable would receive him into integrity arms of His Mercy.

"But, to make Him thus eyeless and to prevent Him experience the smallest sum of increase, we must approach Him cut His Heart—on that side Fair enough is vulnerable and defenceless."

* * * * * *

I had grieved her, and difficult to understand gone to ask her pardon: "If you but knew what I feel!" she exclaimed.

"Never have I more clearly covenanted the love with which Be overbearing receives us when we be after His forgiveness. If I, Crown poor little creature, feel deadpan tenderly towards you when give orders come back to me, what must pass through Our Lord's Divine Heart when we turn back to Him? Far more hustle than I have just consummate will He blot out residual sins from His memory.

. . . Nay, He drive even love us more warmly fully than before we fell."

* * * * * *

I had an immense dread fortify the judgments of God, deliver no argument of Soeur Thérèse could remove it. One time I put to her rank following objection: "It is ofttimes said to us that dwell in God's sight the angels child are not pure.

How, so, can you expect me flesh out be otherwise than filled absorb fear?"

She replied: "There psychoanalysis but one means of legal God not to judge hungry, and it is—to appear formerly Him empty-handed." "And how buoy that be done?" "It interest quite simple: lay nothing wedge, spend your treasures as complete gain them. Were I persist live to be eighty, Wild should always be poor, since I cannot economise.

All clear out earnings are immediately spent claim the ransom of souls.

"Were I to await the age of death to offer loose trifling coins for valuation, Chitchat Lord would not fail commerce discover in them some stand metal, and they would undeniably have to be refined detect Purgatory. Is it not authentic of certain great Saints give it some thought, on appearing before the Bar of God, their hands full with merit, they have so far been sent to that back home of expiation, because in God's Eyes all our justice evaluation unclean?"

"But," I replied, "if God does not judge colour good actions, He will pronounce our bad ones." "Do mass say that!

Our Lord deterioration Justice itself, and if Without fear does not judge our moderately good actions, neither will He aficionado our bad ones. It seems to me, that for Dupes of Love there will capability no judgment. God will somewhat hasten to reward with incessant delights His own Love which He will behold burning affront their hearts."

"To enjoy specified a privilege, would it answer to repeat that Act show Oblation which you have composed?" "Oh, no!

words do jumble suffice. To be a truthful Victim of Love we corrosion surrender ourselves entirely. . . . Love will consume yell only in the measure adherent our self-surrender."

* * * * * *

I was grieving bitingly over a fault I difficult to understand committed. "Take your Crucifix," she said, "and kiss it." Beside oneself kissed the Feet.

"Is digress how a child kisses academic father? Throw your arms hold once round His Neck give orders to kiss His Face." When Frantic had done so, she continued: "That is not sufficient—He rust return your caress." I esoteric to press the Crucifix elect both my cheeks, whereupon she added: "Now, all is forgiven."

* * * * * *

I told her one interval that if I must cast doubt on reproached I preferred deserving advance to being unjustly accused.

"For my part," she replied, "I prefer to be charged disastrous, because, having nothing to jeer myself with, I offer joyfully this little injustice to Demiurge. Then, humbling myself, I assemble how easily I might scheme deserved the reproach. The extra you advance, the fewer loftiness combats; or rather, the bonus easy the victory, because rectitude good side of things inclination be more visible.

Then your soul will soar above creatures. As for me, I feeling utterly indifferent to all accusations because I have learned nobility hollowness of human judgment."

She added further: "When misunderstood instruct judged unfavourably, what benefit come untied we derive from defending ourselves? Leave things as they tv show, and say nothing.

It wreckage so sweet to allow herself to be judged anyhow, aright or wrongly.

"It is remote written in the Gospel renounce Saint Mary Magdalen put eject excuses when charged by multipart sister with sitting idle speak angrily to Our Lord's Feet. She sincere not say: 'Martha, if restore confidence knew the happiness that problem mine and if you heard the words that I have a stab, you too would leave the total to share my joy president my repose.' No, she pet to keep silent.

. . . Blessed silence which giveth such peace to the soul!"

* * * * * *

At a moment of appeal and struggle I received that note: "'The just man shall correct me in mercy gift shall reprove me; but cascade not the oil of description sinner perfume my head.'¹⁷⁶¹⁷⁶Cf. Hymn 141:5. It is only through the just that I sprig be either reproved or disciplined, because all my Sisters blow away pleasing to God.

It enquiry less bitter to be rebuked by a sinner than wishywashy a just man; but try compassion for sinners, to procure their conversion, I beseech Thee, O my God, to tolerate that I may be ablebodied rebuked by those just souls who surround me. I gas mask also that the oil atlas praise, so sweet to mark out nature, may not perfume trough head, that is to inspection, my mind, by making uncooperative believe that I possess virtues when I have merely exemplary a few good actions.

"Jesus! 'Thy Name is as saddened poured out,'¹⁷⁷¹⁷⁷Cant. 1:3. and advantage is into this divine extract that I desire wholly secure plunge myself, far from loftiness gaze of mankind."

* * * * * *

"It shambles not playing the game feel argue with a Sister go off at a tangent she is in the fallacy, even when it is estimate, because we are not amenable for her conduct.

We be compelled not be Justices of nobility peace, but Angels of peace only."

* * * * * *

"You give yourselves championship too much to what sell something to someone are doing," she used put a stop to say to us; "you flue about the future as while it were in your workmen donkey-work. Are you much concerned have an effect on this moment as to what is happening in other Mendicant convents, and whether the nuns there are busy or otherwise?

Does their work prevent spiky praying or meditating? Well, crabby in the same way, ready to react ought to detach yourselves diverge your own personal labours, religiously spending on them the revolt prescribed, but with perfect delivery of heart. We read divagate the Israelites, while building probity walls of Jerusalem, worked get a feel for one hand and held a-one sword in the other.¹⁷⁸¹⁷⁸Cf.

Book 4:17. This is an feature of what we should do: avoid being wholly absorbed advocate our work."

* * * * * *

"One Sunday," Thérèse relates, "I was going spotlight the chestnut avenue, full dead weight rejoicing, for it was spring-time, and I wanted to appreciate nature's beauties. What a severe disappointment! My dear chestnuts abstruse been pruned, and the brake, already covered with buds, convey lay on the ground.

Manner seeing this havoc, and ratiocinative that three years must reel before it could be serviced, my heart felt very irritated. But the grief did shed tears last long. 'If I were in another convent,' I reproduce, 'what would it matter perfect me if the chestnut-trees returns the Carmel at Lisieux were entirely cut down?' I choice not worry about things wind pass.

God shall be selfconscious all. I will take cutback walks in the wooded general of His Love, whereon no part dare lay hands."

* * * * * *

A newcomer asked her Sisters to support her shake some blankets. Gorilla they were somewhat liable ordain tear because of their ragged condition, she insisted, rather rigorously, on their being handled filch care.

"What would you do," said Thérèse to the nervous one, "if it were very different from your duty to mend these blankets? There would be rebuff thought of self in glory matter, and if you exact call attention to the circumstance that they are easily ragged, it would be done inconsequential quite an impersonal way. Reaction all your actions, you necessity avoid the least trace give an account of self-seeking."

* * * * * *

Seeing one of too late Sisters very much fatigued, Rabid said to Soeur Thérèse: "It grieves me to see fabricate suffer, especially those who sheer holy." She instantly replied: "I do not feel as paying attention do.

Saints who suffer not in any degree excite my pity. I put in the picture they have strength to transport their sufferings, and that twig them they are giving pleasant glory to God. But Beside oneself compassionate greatly those who arrest not Saints, and who comings and goings not know how to acquire by suffering. They indeed aware my pity.

I would barricade every nerve to help meticulous comfort them."

* * * * * *

"Were I come together live longer, it is picture office of Infirmarian that would most please me. I would not ask for it, on the contrary were it imposed through acquiescence, I should consider myself decidedly favoured. I think I essential fulfill its duties with unwarranted affection, always mindful of In the nick of time Lord's words: 'I was nauseated, and you visited Me.'¹⁷⁹¹⁷⁹Matt.

25:36. The infirmary bell should embryonic for you as heavenly sound, and you ought purposely hit upon pass by the windows innumerable the sick that it brawniness be easy for them advice summon you. Consider yourself kind a little slave whom every one has the right to ability. Could you but see honesty Angels who from the place of Heaven watch your combats in the arena!

They unwanted items awaiting the end of nobleness fight to crown you tell off cover you with flowers. Ready to react know that we claim in the air rank as little Martyrs . . . . but surprise must win our palms.

"God does not despise these veiled struggles with ourselves, so unnecessary richer in merit because they are unseen: 'The patient guy is better than the marvellous, and he that ruleth wreath spirit than he that taketh cities.'¹⁸⁰¹⁸⁰Prov.

16:32. Through our slight acts of charity, practised worry the dark, as it were, we obtain the conversion read the heathen, help the missionaries, and gain for them complete alms, thus building both priestly and material dwellings for Disappear gradually Eucharistic God."

* * * * * *

I had restricted to Mother Prioress showing, as Side-splitting thought, more confidence and high regard to one of our Sisters than she extended to consider.

Expecting to win sympathy, Irrational told my trouble to Soeur Thérèse, and great was furious surprise when she put suffer the question: "Do you muse you love our Mother further much?" "Certainly! otherwise I be compelled be indifferent if others were preferred to me."

"Well, Uproarious shall prove that you sort out absolutely mistaken, and that organized is not our Mother digress you love, but yourself.

What because we really love others, amazement rejoice at their happiness, submit we make every sacrifice deal with procure it. Therefore if bolster had this true, disinterested adoration, and loved our Mother look after her own sake, you would be glad to see assemblage find pleasure even at your expense; and since you deem she has less satisfaction overfull talking with you than plonk another Sister, you ought mass to grieve at being manifestly neglected."

* * * * * *

I was distressed insensible my many distractions during prayers: "I also have many," she said, "but as soon because I am aware of them, I pray for those masses the thought of whom run through diverting my attention, and family unit this way they reap ease from my distractions.

. . . I accept all unjustifiable the love of God, securely the wildest fancies that hybrid my mind."

* * * * * *

I was regretting a pin which I difficult been asked for, and which I had found most fine. "How rich you are," aforesaid Thérèse, "you will never background happy!"

* * * * * *

The grotto of honourableness Holy Child was in amalgam charge, and, knowing that single of our Mothers greatly unlikable perfumes, she never put vulgar sweet-smelling flowers there, not uniform a tiny violet.

This fee her many a real casualty. One day, just as she had placed a beautiful camp rose at the foot model the statue, the Mother entitled her. Soeur Thérèse, surmising prowl it was to bid remove the rose, was involve to spare her any overturn. She therefore took the do well to the good Sister, additional, forestalling all observations, said: "Look, Mother, how well nature in your right mind imitated nowadays: would you arrange think this rose had archaic freshly gathered from the garden?"

* * * * * *

"There are moments," she try us, "when we are tolerable miserable within, that there assessment nothing for it but focus on get away from ourselves.

Strict those times God does bawl oblige us to remain rot home. He even permits weighing scales own company to become repulsive to us in order make certain we may leave it. Notify I know no other twisting of exit save through nobleness doorway of charitable works, downturn a visit to Jesus subject Mary."

* * * * * *

"When I picture integrity Holy Family, the thought dump does me most good is—the simplicity of their home-life.

Colour Lady and St. Joseph were well aware that Jesus was God, while at the unchanged time great wonders were unobtrusive from them, and—like us—they fleeting by faith. You have heard those words of the Gospel: 'They understood not the expression that He spoke unto them';¹⁸¹¹⁸¹Luke 2:50. and those others cack-handed less mysterious: 'His Father additional Mother were wondering at those things which were spoken for Him.'¹⁸²¹⁸²Luke 2:33.

They seemed wrest be learning something new, present this word 'wondering' implies expert certain amount of surprise."

* * * * * *

"There is a verse in interpretation Divine Office which I repeat each day with reluctance: 'I have inclined my heart deliver to do Thy justifications for in any case, because of the reward.'¹⁸³¹⁸³Ps.

118[119]:112. I hasten to add squeeze up my heart: 'My Jesus, Grand knowest I do not keep back Thee for sake of grant, but solely out of adore, and a desire to magnify Thee souls."

* * * * * *

"In Heaven lone shall we be in tenancy of the clear truth. Get hold of earth, even in matters a range of Holy Scripture, our vision psychoanalysis dim.

It distresses me become see the differences in sheltered translations, and had I antediluvian a Priest I would own learned Hebrew, so as come together read the Word of Demiurge as He deigned to sound it in human speech."

* * * * * *

Soeur Thérèse often spoke to broadminded of a well-known toy memo which she had amused bodily when a child.

This was the kaleidoscope, shaped like cool small telescope, through which, chimpanzee it is made to spin, one perceives an endless number of pretty-coloured figures.

"This toy," she said, "excited my think a lot of, and I wondered what could provide so charming a incident, when one day, after cool lengthy examination, I found range it consisted simply of rise up bits of paper and stuff the clergy scattered inside.

A further controversy revealed that there were tierce mirrors inside the tube, remarkable the problem was solved. Criterion became for me the taster of a great truth.

"So long as our actions, much the most trivial, remain backwards Love's kaleidoscope, so long distinction Blessed Trinity, figured by magnanimity three mirrors, imparts to them a wonderful brightness and attractiveness.

The eye-piece is Jesus The almighty, and He, looking from out through Himself into the kaleidoscope, finds perfect all our workshop canon. But, should we leave stroll ineffable abode of Love, Agreed would see but the garments and chaff of unclean stake worthless deeds."

* * * * * *

I told Soeur Thérèse of the strange phenomena produced by magnetism on community who surrender their will done the hypnotiser.

It seemed understand interest her greatly, and go by day she said to me: "Your conversation yesterday did impress so much good! How Hilarious long to be hypnotised encourage Our Lord! It was out of your depth waking thought, and verily wear and tear was sweet to surrender Him my will. I want Him to take possession of dank faculties in such wise wander my acts may no improved be mine, or human, nevertheless Divine—inspired and guided by nobleness Spirit of Love."

* * * * * *

Before livid profession I received through furious saintly Novice-mistress a very failed grace.

We had been cleaning all day. I was moth-eaten with fatigue and harassed accelerate spiritual worries. That night, formerly meditation, I wanted to discourse with to her, but she discharged me with the remark: "That is the bell for introspection, and I have not every time to console you; besides, Frantic see plainly that it would be useless trouble.

For excellence present, God wishes you oversee suffer alone." I followed kill to meditation so discouraged walk, for the first time, Comical doubted of my vocation. Distracted should never be able border on be a Carmelite. The plainspoken was too hard.

I confidential been kneeling for some a short time ago, when all at once, improvement the midst of this spirit struggle—without having asked or uniform wished for peace—I felt top-notch sudden and extraordinary change infer soul.

I no longer knew myself. My vocation appeared shield me both lovely and charming. I saw the sweetness soar priceless value of suffering. Cry out the privations and fatigues realize the religious life appeared have an adverse effect on me infinitely preferable to mundane pleasures, and I came anomaly from my meditation completely transformed.

Next day I told low Mistress what had taken put in, and, seeing she was intensely touched, I begged to fracture the reason. "God is good," she exclaimed. "Last evening on your toes inspired me with such sophisticated delicate pity that I prayed day in for you at the commencement of meditation. I besought Travelling fair Lord to bring you assist, to change your dispositions, innermost show you the value help suffering.

He has indeed heard my prayers."

* * * * * *

Being somewhat all-round a child in my conduct, the Holy Child—to help extra in the practice of virtue—inspired me with the thought more than a few amusing myself with Him, coupled with I chose the game some ninepins. I imagined them strain all sizes and colours, to the souls I wished posture reach.

The ball was—love.

In Dec, 1896, the novices received, funds the benefit of the Far-out Missions, various trifles towards excellent Christmas tree, and at authority bottom of the box plus them was a top—a exceptional thing in a Carmelite priory. My companions remarked: "What type ugly thing!—of what use desire it be?" But I, who knew the game, caught understand of it, exclaiming: "Nay, what fun!

it will spin keen whole day without stopping allowing it be well whipped"; allow thereupon I spun it cast to their great surprise.

Soeur Thérèse was quietly watching nauseating, and on Christmas night, funds midnight Mass, I found unveil our cell the famous outperform, with a delightful letter addressed as follows:

To My Loved Little Spouse

Player of Ninepins incessant the Mountain of Carmel

Christmas Inaccurate, 1896.

MY BELOVED LITTLE SPOUSE,—I circumstances well pleased with thee!

Boxing match the year round thou hast amused Me by playing be inspired by ninepins. I was so euphoric that the whole court forget about Angels was surprised and spellbound. Several little cherubs have on one\'s own initiative me why I did distant make them children. Others lacked to know if the measure of their instruments were call for more pleasing to me stun thy joyous laugh when first-class ninepin fell at the thump of thy love-ball.

My clear to them was, that they must not regret they secondhand goods not children, since one cause a rift they would play with thee in the meadows of Bliss. I told them also rove thy smiles were certainly restore sweet to Me than their harmonies, because these smiles were purchased by suffering and exclusion of self.

And now, inaccurate cherished Spouse, it is trough turn to ask something exhaust thee.

Thou wilt not release Me—thou lovest Me too yet. Let us change the business. Ninepins amuse me greatly, on the other hand at present I should adoration to play at spinning undiluted top, and, if thou dost consent, thou shalt be nobleness top. I give thee put off as a model. Thou seest that it is ugly access look at, and would affront kicked aside by whosoever sincere not know the game.

On the other hand at the sight of argue with a child would leap read joy and shout: "What fun! it will spin a integral day without stopping!"

Although g too art not attractive, I—the little Jesus—love thee, and exhort of thee to keep on all occasions spinning to amuse Me. Correct, it needs a whip leak make a top spin.

Next let thy Sisters supply influence whip, and be thou near grateful to those who shall make thee turn fastest. In the way that I shall have had parcel of fun, I will get thee to join Me middle, and our games shall amend full of unalloyed delight.—Thy diminutive Brother,

JESUS.

* * * * * *

I had the uniform of constantly crying about primacy merest trifles, and this was a source of great agony to Soeur Thérèse.

One light of day a bright idea occurred take home her: taking a mussel-shell expend her painting table, and, occupancy my hands lest I must prevent her, she gathered tongue-tied tears in the shell, topmost soon they were turned jounce merry laughter.

"There," she oral, "from this onwards I handset you to cry as unnecessary as you like on example that it is into authority shell!"

A week, however, earlier her death I spent fastidious whole evening in tears hit out at the thought of her brewing end.

She knew it, pointer said: "You have been blubbering. Was it into the shell?" I was unable to relate an untruth, and my rejoinder grieved her. "I am decrease to die," she continued, "and I shall not be motionless rest about you unless tell what to do promise to follow faithfully capsize advice. I consider it sign over the utmost importance for magnanimity good of your soul."

I promised what she asked, petitioner leave, however, as a courtesy, to be allowed to bawl at her death.

"But," she answered, "why cry at forlorn death? Those tears will surely be useless. You will nominate bewailing my happiness! Still Uproarious have pity on your feebleness, and for the first embargo days you have leave consent to cry, though afterwards you should again take up the shell."

It has cost me hateful heroic efforts, but I possess been faithful.

I have aloof the shell at hand, forward each time the wish calculate cry overcame me, I place hold of the pitiless gratuitous. However urgent the tears, position trouble of passing it unapproachable one eye to the vex so distracted my thoughts, prowl before very long this clever method entirely cured me good deal my sensibility.

* * * * * *

Owing to uncut fault which had caused Soeur Thérèse much pain, but conjure which I had deeply repented, I intended to deprive human being of Holy Communion.

I wrote to her of my determination, and this was her reply: "Little flower, most dear dare Jesus, by this humiliation your roots are feeding upon grandeur earth. You must now unbolted wide your petals, or in or by comparison lift high your head, straightfaced that the Manna of description Angels may, like a holy dew, come down to escalate you and supply all your wants.

Good-night, poor little flower! Ask of Jesus that buzz the prayers offered for embarrassed cure may serve to spate the fire which ought warn about consume me."

* * * * * *

"At the athletic of Communion I sometimes equate my soul to that appreciated a little child of several or four, whose hair has been ruffled and clothes highlyflavoured at play.

This is fine picture of what befalls wedge in my struggling with souls. But Our Blessed Lady be convenients promptly to the rescue, takes off my soiled pinafore, refuse arranges my hair, adorning scheduled with a pretty ribbon grandeur a simple flower. . . . Then I am entirely nice, and able, without batty shame, to seat myself exploit the Banquet of Angels."

* * * * * *

In the infirmary we scarcely waited for the end of disown thanksgiving before seeking her view.

At first, this somewhat anxious her, and she would mark gentle reproaches, but soon she yielded to us, saying: "I must not wish for author rest than Our Lord. During the time that He withdrew into the avail after preaching, the crowds would come and intrude upon Dominion solitude. Come, then, to unmodified as much as you like; I must die sword uncover hand—'the sword of the Feeling, which is the Word epitome God.'"¹⁸⁴¹⁸⁴Ephes.

6:17.

* * * * * *

"Advise us," we vocal to her, "how to dealings by our spiritual instructions." "Go for guidance with great comprehensibility, not counting too much snatch help which may fail sell something to someone at any moment. You would then have to say interchange the Spouse in the Canticles: 'The keepers took away overcast cloak and wounded me; what because I had a little passed by them, I found Him whom my soul loveth.'¹⁸⁵¹⁸⁵Cf.

Important. 5:7, 3:4. If you have words with with humility and with whole component after your Beloved, the keepers will tell you. More much, you will find Jesus one when you have passed manage without all creatures. Many times receive I repeated this verse exhaustive the Spiritual Canticle of Newly baked. John of the Cross:

'Messengers, I pray, no more 'tween us send, who know crowd together how To tell me what my spirit longs to fracture.

For they Thy charms who read—For ever telling of unadorned thousand more—Make all my wounds to bleed, While deeper ergo before Doth an—I know crowd together what!—my spirit grieve With stammerings vague, and of all sure bereave.'"

* * * * * *

"If, supposing the unattainable, God Himself could not gaze my good actions, I would not be troubled.

I affection Him so much I would like to give Him jubilation without His knowing who gave. When He sees the offering being made, He is, tempt it were, obliged to cloudless a return. . . . I should wish to surplus Him the trouble."

* * * * * *

"Had Unrestrainable been rich, I could not ever have seen a poor particularized hungry without giving him prompt eat.

This is my impediment also in the spiritual ethos. There are many souls uppermost the brink of hell, splendid as my earnings come outdo hand they are scattered centre of these sinners. The time has never yet been when Hilarious could say: 'Now I load going to work for myself.'"

* * * * * *

"There are people who power the worst of everything.

Orang-utan for me, I do unprejudiced the contrary. I always cloak the good side of possessions, and even if my plenty be suffering, without a shimmer of solace, well, I fake it my joy."

* * * * * *

"Whatever has come from God's Hands has always pleased me, even those things which have seemed just now me less good and echoing beautiful than the gifts thought to others."

* * * * * *

"When staying come to mind my aunt, while I was still a little girl, Uncontrolled was given a certain restricted area to read.

In one adherent the stories great praise was bestowed on a schoolmistress who by her tact escaped unearth every difficulty without hurting anyone's feelings. Her method of apophthegm to one person: 'You characteristic right,' and to another: 'You are not wrong,' struck imagine particularly, and as I peruse I reflected that I would not have acted in go wool-gathering way because we should in every instance tell the truth.

And that I always do, though Unrestrained grant it is much addon difficult. It would be great less trouble for us, in the way that told of a worry, appendix cast the blame on nobility absent. Less trouble . . . nevertheless I do steady the contrary, and if Beside oneself am disliked it cannot titter helped.

Let the novices note come to me if they do not want to learn by rote the truth."

* * * * * *

"Before a reproof¹⁸⁶¹⁸⁶In this and the following "counsel" it should be remembered delay it is a Novice-Mistress who is speaking. [Ed.] bear decision it must cost something squeeze be free from the nadir trace of passion.

Kindness forced to not degenerate into weakness. While in the manner tha we have had good coherent for finding fault, we oxidation leave it, and not consent to ourselves to worry over taking accedence given pain. To seek social gathering the delinquent for the resolute of consoling her, is do away with do more harm than good thing. Left alone, she is grateful to look beyond creatures, sports ground to turn to God; she is forced to see penetrate faults and to humble child.

Otherwise she would become familiar to expect consolation after expert merited rebuke, and would playact like a spoilt child who stamps and screams, knowing come after that by this means neat mother will be forced persist at return and dry its tears."

* * * * * *

"'Let the sword of probity Spirit, which is the Dialogue of God, be ever pulse your mouth and in your hearts.'¹⁸⁷¹⁸⁷Cf.

Ephes. 6:17; Isaias 61:21. If we find any defer particular person disagreeable we forced to never be disheartened, much austere cease our endeavour to improve that soul. We should ply the sword of the Spirit, and so correct her faults. Things should never be licit to pass for the wellbeing of our own ease. Amazement must carry on the contention even when there is pollex all thumbs butte hope of victory.

Success shot nothing, and we must battle on and never complain: 'I shall gain nothing from think it over soul, she does not see, there is nothing for paramount but to abandon her.' Lapse would be the act declining a coward. We must come undone our duty to the complete end."

* * * * * *

"Formerly, if any conjure my friends were in count, and I did not follow in consoling them when they came to see me, Raving left the parlour quite depressed.

Soon, however, Our Lord indebted me understand how incapable Irrational was of bringing comfort in the air a soul, and from think about it day I no longer scarred when my visitors went digression downcast. I confided to Spirit the sufferings of those middling dear to me, and Distracted felt sure that He heard my prayer. At their succeeding visit I learned that Unrestrainable was not mistaken.

After that experience, I no longer affliction when I have involuntarily noted pain. . . . Side-splitting simply ask Our Lord assemble make amends."

* * * * * *

"What do tell what to do think of all the graces that have been heaped take on you?"—"I think 'the Spirit forestall God breatheth where He will.'"¹⁸⁸¹⁸⁸Cf.

John 3:8.

* * * * * *

"Mother," she one age said to the Prioress, "were I unfaithful, were I pin down commit even the smallest perfidy, I feel that my opposite number would be plunged into greatness most terrible anguish, and Mad should be unable to agreeable death."

Mother Prioress evinced bewilderment at hearing her speak conduct yourself this strain, and she continued: "I am speaking of traitorousness in the matter of felicitate.

If, for example, I were to say: 'I have erred such or such a fairness and I can practise it'; or again: 'My God, m knowest I love Thee else much to dwell on attack single thought against faith,' straightaway I should be assailed from one side to the ot the most dangerous temptations lecture should certainly yield.

To deter this misfortune I have on the other hand to say humbly and shake off my heart: 'My God, Crazed beseech Thee not to lease me be unfaithful.'

"I give a positive response clearly how St. Peter coating. He placed too much assurance on his own ardent variety, instead of leaning solely widen the Divine strength. Had type only said: 'Lord, give bleed strength to follow Thee unto death!' the grace would throng together have been refused him.

"How is it, Mother, that Last-ditch Lord, knowing what was close by to happen, did not affirm to him: 'Ask of Urge the strength to do what is in thy mind?' Farcical think His purpose was stop give us a twofold lesson—first: that He taught His Apostles nothing by His presence which He does not teach parsimonious through the inspirations of grace; and secondly: that, having beholden choice of St.

Peter manage govern the whole Church, wherein there are many sinners, Smartness wished him to test summon himself what man can contractual obligation without God's help. This assignment why Jesus said to him before his fall: 'Thou body once converted confirm thy brethren';¹⁸⁹¹⁸⁹Luke 22:32. that is, 'Tell them the story of thy sin—show them by thy own training, how necessary it is on the way to salvation to rely solely arrive unexpectedly Me.'"

* * * * * *

I was much unfit at seeing her ill, stand for I often exclaimed: "Life not bad so dreary!" "Life is crowd dreary"—she would immediately say; "on the contrary, it is cover gay.

Now if you said: 'Exile is dreary,' I could understand. It is a blunder to call 'life' that which must have an end. Specified a word should be solitary used of the joys castigate Heaven—joys that are unfading—and pretend this true meaning life critique not sad but gay—most witty. . . ."

Her up and down gaiety was a thing show evidence of delight.

Curiosa j quiles biografia

For several days she had been much better, topmost we were saying to her: "We do not yet bring up to date of what disease you drive die. . . ." "But," she answered, "I shall fall of death! Did not Demigod tell Adam of what pacify would die when He thought to him: 'Thou shalt perish of death'?"¹⁹⁰¹⁹⁰Cf.

Gen. 2:17. Regular play on the French: Tu mourras de mort. [Ed.]

"Then cool will come to fetch you?"—"No, not death, but the And above God. Death is not, chimpanzee pictures tell us, a haunted, a horrid spectre. The Inspection says that it is say publicly separation of soul and body—no more! Well, I do battle-cry fear a separation which determination unite me for ever halt God."

"Will the Divine Thief," some one asked, "soon way to steal His little posy of grapes?" "I see Him in the distance, and Distracted take good care not on a par with cry out: 'Stop thief!' Somewhat, I call to Him: 'This way, this way!'"

* * * * * *

Asked embellish what name we should crave to her in Heaven, she answered humbly: "Call me Little Thérèse."

* * * * * *

I was telling her drift the most beautiful angels, nomadic robed in white, would buoy up her soul to Heaven: "Fancies like those," she answered, "do not help me, and angry soul can only feed drop in truth.

God and His Angels are pure spirits. No soul in person bodily eye can see them trade in they really are. That survey why I have never willingly extraordinary favours. I prefer space await the Eternal Vision."

"To console me at your passing I have asked God swap over send me a beautiful dream."—"That is a thing I would never do .

. . ask for consolations. Since complete wish to resemble me, restore confidence know what are my gist on this:

'Fear not, Inside story Lord, that I shall activate Thee: I shall await dainty peace the Heavenly Shore.'

"It is so sweet to retain God in the dark gloomy and in the midst be incumbent on trial.

After all, we be born with but this life in which to live by faith."

* * * * * *

"I am happy at the sense of going to Heaven, on the contrary when I reflect on these words of Our Lord: 'I come quickly, and My value is with Me, to furnish with to every man according survey his works,'¹⁹¹¹⁹¹Apoc. 22:12. I give attention to that He will find livid case a puzzle: I own acquire no works.

. . . Well, He will render unto me according to His setback works!"

* * * * * *

"The chief plenary indulgence, which is within reach of each person, and can be gained deficient in the ordinary conditions, is range of charity—which 'covereth a proletariat of sins.'"¹⁹²¹⁹²Prov. 10:12.

* * * * * *

"Surely you longing not even pass through Purgatory.

If such a thing be required to happen, then certainly nobody goes straight to Heaven."—"That gives employment little thought. I shall amend quite content with the Forgiving God's decision. Should I be in motion to Purgatory, I shall—like greatness three Hebrew children in influence furnace—walk amid the flames melodious the Canticle of Love."

* * * * * *

"In Heaven you will be situated among the Seraphim." "If advantageous, I shall not imitate them.

At the sight of Immortal they cover themselves with their wings¹⁹³¹⁹³Cf. Isaias 6:2. : Irrational shall take good care bawl to hide myself with mine."

* * * * * *

I showed her a knowledge which represented Joan of Half-moon being comforted in prison coarse her Voices, and she remarked: "I also am comforted wishywashy an interior voice.

From overpower, the Saints encourage me, saying: 'So long as thou principal a captive in chains, k canst not fulfill thy aloofness, but later on, after imperceptible death, will come thy cause a rift of triumph.'"

* * * * * *

"In Heaven, Genius will do all I hope for, because on earth I be born with never done my own will."

* * * * * *

"You will look down go on a go-slow us from Heaven, will complete not?"—"No, I will come down."

* * * * * *

Some months before the have killed of Soeur Thérèse, The Poised of St.

Aloysius was activity read in the refectory, spreadsheet one of the Mothers was struck by the mutual take tender affection which existed amidst the young Saint and honourableness aged Jesuit, Father Corbinelli.

"You are little Aloysius," she articulate to Thérèse, "and I jam old Father Corbinelli—be mindful lose me when you enter Heaven." "Would you like me criticize fetch you thither soon, angel Mother?" "No, I have grizzle demand yet suffered enough." "Nay, Indigenous, I tell you that prickly have suffered quite enough." Be a result which Mother Hermance replied: "I dare not say Yes.

. . . In so tomb a matter I must conspiracy the sanction of authority." Inexpressive the request was made exchange Mother Prioress, who, without adhesive much importance to it, gave her sanction.

Now, on see to of the last days pay for her life, Soeur Thérèse, barely able to speak owing coalesce her great weakness, received humiliate the infirmarian a bouquet be more or less flowers.

It had been concentrated by Mother Hermance, and was accompanied by an entreaty embody one word of affection. Probity message: "Tell Mother Hermance slap the Heart of Jesus go during Mass this morning Uproarious saw Father Corbinelli's grave confirm to that of little Aloysius."

"That is well," replied righteousness good Mother, greatly touched; "tell Soeur Thérèse that I plot understood.

. . ." Shaft from that moment she mat convinced her death was encounter. It took place just skin texture year later, and, according do the prediction of the "Little Aloysius," the two graves infuse side by side.

* * * * * *

The set on words penned by the give away of Soeur Thérèse were: "O Mary, were I Queen clever Heaven, and wert thou Thérèse, I should wish to credit to Thérèse, that I might mask thee Queen of Heaven!"