epresents the effects of the vow of chastity, which, by breaking
human attachments, permits us to soar towards God with freedom and
rapidity. Third, a man who will feed the fire and moderate the
flight of the balloon upwards. This represents the right which the
vow of obedience places in the hands of the Superior, to nourish
the sacred fire, and direct the sublime movement of the soul and
foresee dangers. Fourth, the union of its component parts. This
represents the operations of charity, in causing all the members
of a community to have but one heart and one soul.

Possessing these four virtues, a religious Order soars in the
heights of perfection; but if one of these be wanting it falls
helplessly, and is no longer an object of edification, but of
scandal and ridicule.

When it happens that some members, losing the spirit of their
state, abandon their holy vocation, we may say with St. John:
"They went out from us; but they were not of us. For if they had
been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but that
they might be made manifest that they are not all of us" (1 John
ii.). They appeared to have the religious virtues, but in reality
one or all were wanting to them.

O God, do not permit that lukewarmness or an uncontrolled passion
will ever make me waver in my vocation. During life and at death I
wish to remain a faithful religious, so that I may find the
salvation which Thou hast promised by procuring Thy glory. As good
grain improves by pulling up the weeds, and the body becomes
healthy when purged of bad humours, pour into my soul the grace
and unction which others refuse, in order that, practising more
perfectly from day to day poverty, chastity, obedience, and
charity, and redoubling my ardour and zeal to my last hour, I may
obtain the priceless treasure promised to those who have quitted
all to follow Thee. Amen.

APPENDIX

THE PRACTICE OF FRATERNAL CHARITY (FATHER FABER)

1. OFTEN reflect on some good point in each of your brethren.

2. Reflect on the opposite faults in yourself.

3. Do this most in the case of those whom we are most inclined to
criticize.

4. Never claim rights or even let ourselves feel that we have
them, as this spirit is most fatal both to obedience and charity.

5. Charitable thoughts are the only security of charitable deeds
and words. They save us from surprises, especially from surprises
of temper.

6. Never have an aversion for another, much less mani