rsons in
His service, and that religious ought not to respect themselves
less than people in the world, it conforms to all the requirements
of politeness as far as religious simplicity will permit; not that
politeness which is feigned and hypocritical, and which is merely
a sham expression of deceitful respect, but that politeness, the
flower of charity, which, manifesting exteriorly the sentiments of
a sincere affection and a true devotion, is accompanied with a
graceful countenance, benign and affable regards, sweetness in
words, foresight, urbanity, and delicacy in business. In fine,
that politeness which is the fruit of self-denial and humility no
less than of charity and friendship; which is the art of
self-restraint and self-conquest, without restraining others;
which is the care of avoiding everything that might displease, and
doing all that can please, in order to make others content with
us and with themselves. In a word, a mixture of discretion and
complaisance, cordiality and respect, together with words and
manners full of mildness and benignity.

VIII

THIRD CHARACTERISTIC

_To work harmoniously with those in the same employment, and not
to cause any inconvenience to them_

WHY should we cling so obstinately to our own way of seeing and
doing? Do not many ways and means serve the same ends provided
they be employed wisely and perseveringly? Some have succeeded by
their methods, and I by mine--a proof that success is reached
through many ways, and that it is not by disputing it is obtained,
nor by giving scandal to those we should edify, nor, perhaps, by
compromising the good work in which we are employed. The four
animals mentioned by Ezekiel joined their wings, were moved by the
same spirit and animated by the same ardour, and so drew the
heavenly chariot with majesty and rapidity, giving us religious an
example of perfect union of efforts and thoughts.

Charity avoids haughty and contemptuous looks, forewarns itself
against fads and manias, and in the midst of most pressing
occupations carefully guards against rudeness and impatience.
Careful of wounding the susceptibility of others, it neither
blames nor despises those who act in an opposite way. Religious
animated by fraternal charity are not ticklish spirits who are
disturbed for nothing at all, and who do not know how to pass
unnoticed a little want of respect, etc.; nor punctilious spirits,
who find pleasure in contradicting and making i