There are only two duties that our Lord requires of us,--the love of God,
and the love of our neighbour. And, in my opinion, the surest sign for
discovering our love to God is our love to our neighbour. And be assured
that the further you advance in the love of your neighbour, the further
you are advancing in the love of God likewise. But, oh me, how many
worms lie gnawing at the roots of our love to our neighbour! Self-love,
self-esteem, fault-finding, envy, anger, impatience, scorn. I assure you
I write this with great grief, seeing myself to be so miserable a sinner
against all my neighbours. Our Lord, my sisters, expects works.
Therefore when you see any one sick, compassionate her as if she were
yourself. Pity her. Fast that she may eat. Wake that she may sleep.
Again, when you hear any one commended and praised, rejoice in it as much
as if you were commended and praised yourself. Which, indeed, should be
easy, because where humility truly is, praise is a torment. Cover also
your sister's defects as you would have your own defects and faults
covered and not exposed. As often as occasion offers, lift off your
neighbour's burden. Take it off her heart and on upon yourself. Satan
himself would not be Satan any longer if he could once love his neighbour
as himself.
Endeavour, my daughters, all you can, to be affable to all. Demean
yourselves so that all who have to do with you may love your
conversation, so as to desire after your way of life. Let no one be
affrighted or turned away from the life of virtue and religion by your
gloom and morosity. This concerns religious women very much. The more
holy they are, the more affable and sociable should they study to be.
Never hold aloof from others because their conversation is not altogether
to your taste. Love them, and they will love you, and then they will
converse with you, and will become like you, and better than you. Let
not your soul coop itself up in a corner. For, instead of attaining to
greater sanctity in a proud, and disdainful, and impatient seclusion, the
devil will keep you company there, and will do your sequestered soul much
mischief. Bury evil affections in good works. Wherefore be accessible
and affable to all, and all in love. Love is an endless enchantment, and
spell, and fascination.