Be good-natured, benevolent, keep up a cheerful expression of countenance,
even when alone.
That clumsiness, those brusque, rude manners, let them pass without
notice.
When wishes contrary to your own prevail, yield without ill-humor, or even
showing your effort; you will give pleasure, and thus be pleased yourself.
Try to please, to console, to amuse, to bestow, to thank, to help. That is
all in itself so good!
Try to do some good to the souls of others! An earnest word, some
encouragement, a prayer softly breathed.
Overcome your dislike and aversion to certain persons; do not shun them,
on the contrary go and meet them. GOD goes before you.
Be courteous even to the troublesome individual who is always in your way.
GOD sends him to you.
Forgive at once. Do you believe harm was intended? If so, is it not the
greater merit?
Do not refuse your alms, only let your motives be pure; and in giving,
give as to GOD.
Do not judge the guilty harshly; pity, and pray for them.
Why imagine evil intentions against yourself? cannot you see how the
thought troubles and disquiets you?
Check the ironical smile hovering about your lips; you will grieve the
object of it. Why cause any one pain?
Lend yourself to all. GOD will not suffer you to be taken advantage of if
you are prompted by the spirit of Charity.