his title we commence a series of short counsels for each day of
the week, which will be as a friendly whisper, the voice of a Guardian
Angel, inspiring, as occasion presents itself, some good action, some
self-denial, some little sacrifice.

We recommend that it should be placed on the writing-table, in the book we
most frequently turn to, or wherever it is most likely to meet the eye.
What is so often the one thing wanting to some devout person devoted to
doing good? Simply to be _reminded_.

MONDAY

CHARITY

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.

TUESDAY

THE DIVINE PRESENCE

Never separate yourself from GOD. How sweet it is to live always near
those who love us!

You cannot see GOD, but He is there; just as if some friend were separated
from you by a curtain, which does not prevent his seeing you, and which at
any moment may unfold and disclose him to your view.

When the soul is unstained by sin, and if we remain still and recollected,
we can perceive GOD'S presence in the heart, just as we see daylight
penetrating a room. We may not be always conscious of this Presence, but
imperceptibly it influences all our actions. Oh!