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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..97da0eb --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #63294 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/63294) diff --git a/old/63294-0.txt b/old/63294-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 50531af..0000000 --- a/old/63294-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,5171 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Thoughts of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, by -Saint Thérèse of Lisieux and Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Thoughts of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus - -Author: Saint Thérèse of Lisieux - Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus - -Release Date: September 25, 2020 [EBook #63294] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THOUGHTS OF SAINT THERESE *** - - - - -Produced by Michael Gray, Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon - - - - -THOUGHTS -OF SAINT THÉRÈSE -OF THE CHILD JESUS - - -Nihil Obstat -REMIGIUS LAFORT, S. T. D. -_Censor_ - -Imprimatur -JOHN CARDINAL FARLEY -_Archbishop of New York_ - - -NEW YORK, _October_ 22, 1915 - - - -[Picture of Saint Thérèse] -SAINT THÉRÈSE OF THE CHILD JESUS -_The Little Flower of Jesus_ - - - -THOUGHTS -OF SAINT THÉRÈSE OF THE CHILD JESUS - - -THE LITTLE FLOWER OF JESUS -CARMELITE OF THE MONASTERY -OF LISIEUX, 1873-1897 - - -TRANSLATED FROM THE FRENCH -"PENSÉES" BY AN IRISH CARMELITE - - - - -NEW YORK • PUBLISHED BY -P. J. KENEDY & SONS • 1915 - - - -COPYRIGHT, 1915 -BY P. J. KENEDY & SONS - - - -THE•PLIMPTON•PRESS -NORWOOD•MASS•U•S•A - - - -TO -PETITE THÉRÈSE -AND -MÈRE AGNÈS DE JÉSUS - - -A LITTLE TRIBUTE OF -REVERENT AND LOVING GRATITUDE -FROM CARMEL OF KILMACUD - -_June_ 9, 1914 - - - -CONTENTS - -LOVE OF GOD -LOVE OF OUR NEIGHBOUR -FAITH -HOPE -HUMILITY -DETACHMENT -MORTIFICATION -OBEDIENCE -POVERTY -CONFIDENCE -SELF-ABANDONMENT -GRATITUDE -ZEAL -SIMPLICITY -PRAYER -HOLY COMMUNION -SUFFERING -THE DIRECTION OF SOULS -THE BLESSED VIRGIN -VARIOUS SUBJECTS -PRAYER FOR THE BEATIFICATION OF THE SERVANT OF GOD - - - -THOUGHTS -OF SAINT THÉRÈSE -OF THE CHILD JESUS - - - -LOVE OF GOD - - -JESUS! . . . I would so love Him! Love Him as never yet He has -been loved. . . - -IV LETTER TO MÈRE AGNÈS DE JÉSUS -(_Her sister Pauline_.) - - -THE science of love! Sweet is the echo of that word to the ear -of my soul. I desire no other science. _Having given all my -substance for it_, like the spouse in the Canticles, _I think -that I have given nothing._ [1] - -HISTOIRE D'UNE AME, CH. VIII - -[1] Cant., viii, 7. - - -WITHOUT love, deeds, even the most brilliant, count as nothing. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. VIII - - -ONE evening, at a loss for words to tell Jesus how I loved Him -and how much I wished that He might be everywhere served and -glorified, I reflected with pain that not one act of love would -ever mount upwards from out of the depths of hell. Then I cried -out that willingly would I consent to see myself plunged into -that place of torment and blasphemy, in order that He might be -loved there eternally. That could not really glorify Him since -He desires only our happiness, but love makes one want to say a -thousand foolish things. If I spoke thus, it was not that I did -not long for heaven; but then, my heaven was none other than -_Love_, and in my fervour I felt that nothing could separate me -from the Divine object of my love. . . - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. V - - -SEEING the eternal recompense so disproportionate to the -trifling sacrifices of this life, I longed to love Jesus, to -love Him ardently, to give Him a thousand proofs of tenderness -while yet I could do so. . . - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. V - - -THE love of God reveals itself in the very simplest soul who -resists His grace in nothing, as well as in the most sublime. -Indeed, the characteristic of love being to humble itself, if -all souls resembled those of the holy Doctors who have -enlightened the Church, the good God would not seem to descend -low enough in coming to them. But He has created the infant who -knows nothing and can only wail; He has created the poor savage -who has but the natural law for guidance, and it is even unto -their hearts that He deigns to stoop. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. I - - -IN order that Love may be fully satisfied it must needs stoop to -very nothingness and transform that nothing into fire. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XI - - -IN times of aridity when I am incapable of praying, of -practising virtue, I seek little opportunities, mere trifles, to -give pleasure to Jesus; for instance a smile, a pleasant word -when inclined to be silent and to show weariness. If I find no -opportunities, I at least tell Him again and again that I love -Him; that is not difficult and it keeps alive the fire in my -heart. Even though this fire of love might seem to me extinct I -would still throw little straws upon the embers and I am certain -it would rekindle. - -XVI LETTER TO HER SISTER CÉLINE - - -ON _the day of my conversion_ Charity entered into my heart and -with it a yearning to forget self always; thenceforward I was -happy. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. V - - -I DO not will that creatures should possess a single atom of my -love; I wish to give all to Jesus, since He makes me understand -that He alone is perfect happiness. All shall be for Him, all! -And even when I have nothing to offer Him I will give Him that -nothing. - -II LETTER TO MÈRE AGNÈS DE JÉSUS - - -OUR Lord is more tender than a mother, and well do I know more -than one maternal heart! I know a mother is ever ready to -forgive the little involuntary failings of her child. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. VIII - - -I KNOW of one means only by which to attain to perfection: LOVE. -Let us love, since our heart is made for nothing else. Sometimes -I seek another word to express Love, but in this land of exile -_the word which begins and ends_ [2] is quite incapable of -rendering the vibrations of the soul; we must then adhere to -this simple and only word: TO LOVE. - -But on whom shall our poor heart lavish its love? Who shall be -found that is great enough to be the recipient of its treasures? -Will a human being know how to comprehend them, and above all -will he be able to repay? There exists but one Being capable of -comprehending love; it is Jesus; He alone can give us back -infinitely more than we shall ever give to Him. - -LETTER TO HER COUSIN MARIE GUÉRIN - -[2] St. Augustine. - - -THERE is one ONLY THING to do here below: to love Jesus, to win -souls for Him so that He may be loved. Let us seize with jealous -care every least opportunity of self-sacrifice. Let us refuse -Him nothing--He does so want our love! - -VI LETTER TO HER SISTER CÉLINE - - -WHEN we really love, we rejoice in the happiness of the loved -one and make every sacrifice to procure it for him. - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - -TRUE love is nourished by sacrifice, and the more the soul -denies itself natural satisfactions, the stronger and the more -disinterested becomes its tenderness. - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - -THE good God does not need years to accomplish His work of love -in a soul; one ray from His Heart can, in an instant, make His -flower bloom for eternity. . . - -VI LETTER TO HER SISTER CÉLINE - - -LOVE can supply for length of years. Jesus, because He is -Eternal, regards not the time but only the love. - -V LETTER TO MÈRE AGNÈS DE JÉSUS - - -I DESIRE no sensible consolation in loving; provided Jesus feel -my love that is enough for me. Oh! to love Him and to make Him -loved . . . how sweet it is. . . - -V LETTER TO MÈRE AGNÈS DE JÉSUS - - -O JESUS, I ask of Thee only Peace! . . . Peace, and above all -LOVE--love without bound or limit. Jesus, let me for Thy sake -die a martyr; give me martyrdom of soul or body. Ah! rather give -me both the one and the other! - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. VIII - - -I HAVE no longer any desire unless it be to love Jesus even to -folly! Yes, LOVE it is that draws me. I can say these words of -the canticle of our Father, St. John of the Cross: - -In the inmost cellar -Of my Beloved have I drunk; and when I went forth -Over all the plain -I knew nothing, -And lost the flock I followed before. -My soul is occupied -And all my substance in His service; -Now I guard no flock, -Nor have I any other employment: -My sole occupation is love. - -(_Spiritual Canticle, Trans. D. Lewis._) - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. VIII - - -OH! if souls weak and imperfect as mine, felt what I feel, not -one would despair of reaching the summit of the mountain of -Love, since Jesus does not demand from us great deeds, but only -self-surrender and gratitude. - -_I have no need,_ saith He, _of the goats of thy flocks . . . If -I were hungry I would not tell thee . . . Offer unto God the -sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving._ [3] - -See then, all that Jesus asks of us! He has not need of our -works but only of our _love_. This very God who declares that He -needs not to tell us if He were hungry, did not hesitate to -_beg_ of the Samaritan woman a little water . . . He thirsted!!! -But in saying: "_Give me to drink_," [4] it was the love of His -poor creature that the Creator of the universe besought. He -thirsted for Love! - -And now, more than ever is Jesus athirst. He meets with none but -the ungrateful and the indifferent among the disciples of the -world; and amongst _His own_ disciples He finds, alas! very few -hearts that surrender themselves without any reserve to the -tenderness of His infinite Love. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XI - -[3] _Cf._ Ps. xlix, 9, 12, 14. -[4] John, iv, 7. - - -Since ever I have known Love's mighty power -Thus hath it wrought its work within my soul-- -Whate'er it findeth there, or good or ill, -It turneth all to gain; its living flame -Transforms my soul into its very self. [5] - -[5] St. John of the Cross. - - -HOW sweet is the way of Love! True, one may fall, one may not be -always faithful, but Love, knowing how to draw profit from all, -very quickly consumes whatsoever may displease Jesus, leaving -naught but humble and profound peace in the innermost soul. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. VIII - - -THINKING one day of those who offer themselves as victims to the -Justice of God in order to turn aside the punishment reserved -for sinners by taking it upon themselves, I felt this offering -to be noble and generous, but I was far from feeling moved to -make it. - -"O my Divine Master," I cried in the depths of my heart, "shall -Thy Justice alone receive victims of holocaust? Has not Thy -Merciful Love also need of them? On all sides it is ignored, -rejected . . . the hearts on which Thou wouldst lavish it turn -to creatures, seeking happiness in miserable and fleeting -affections instead of casting themselves into Thine arms, into -the ineffable furnace of Thine Infinite Love. - -"O my God, must Thy Love--disdained--remain within Thy Heart? -Methinks that if Thou shouldst find souls offering themselves as -victims of holocaust to Thy Love, Thou wouldst consume them -rapidly; that Thou wouldst be glad not to restrict the flames of -infinite tenderness pent up within Thee. - -"If Thy Justice--the Justice which Thou dost exercise on earth-- -be pleased to find voluntary victims on which to discharge its -weight, how much the more must Thy Merciful Love also desire its -victims, since _Thy Mercy reacheth even to heaven_. [6] - -"O Jesus, that happily I may be that holocaust consume Thy -little victim in the fire of Divine Love." - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. VIII - -[6] _Cf_. Ps. xxxv, 6. - - -AH! since that day love penetrates me and surrounds me; this -_Merciful Love_ each moment renews and purifies me, leaving in -my heart no trace of sin. No, I cannot fear Purgatory; I know -that I do not merit even to enter with the Holy Souls into that -place of expiation, but I know too that the fire of Love is more -sanctifying than the fire of Purgatory, I know that Jesus cannot -will needless suffering for us, and that He would not inspire me -with the desires I feel if He were unwilling to fulfil them. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. VIII - - -TO offer oneself as a Victim to Divine Love is not to offer -oneself to sweetness--to consolation; but to every anguish, -every bitterness, for Love lives only by sacrifice; and the more -a soul wills to be surrendered to Love, the more must she be -surrendered to suffering. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII - - -IN order to love Jesus, to be His victim of love, the more weak -and miserable we are, the more fitting are we for the operations -of this consuming and transforming Love . . . The sole desire to -be victim suffices; but we must consent to remain always poor -and without strength, and there lies the difficulty, for _where -shall be found the truly poor in spirit? He must be sought afar -off_, [7] saith the author of the _Imitation_ . . . He did not -say that we must seek him amongst great souls, but afar off, -that is to say in lowliness, in nothingness . . . Oh! let us -keep _afar off_ from all that glitters, let us love our -littleness, and be satisfied to feel nothing, then shall we be -truly poor in spirit, and Jesus will come to seek us how far -soever we may be; He will transform us into flames of Love! . . . - -VI LETTER TO SÅ’UR MARIE DU SACRÉ-CÅ’UR -_(Her sister Marie.)_ - -[7] _Cf._ Imit., II, xi, 4. - - -TO be truly a Victim of Love requires absolute self-surrender. -_The soul is consumed by Love only in so far as she surrenders -herself to Love._ - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - -IT appears to me that for Victims of Love there will be no -judgment, but rather, that the good God will hasten to -recompense with eternal delights His own Love, which He will see -burning in their hearts. - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - -AT any cost I will cull the palm of Saint Agnes; if not by -shedding my blood then it must be by Love. . . - -IV LETTER TO MÈRE AGNÈS DE JÉSUS - - -O MY God, Thou knowest I have never desired but to love Thee -alone. I seek no other glory. Thy Love has gone before me from -my childhood, it has grown with my growth, and now it is an -abyss the depths of which I cannot fathom. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XI - - -LOVE attracts love, mine rushes forth unto Thee, it would fain -fill up the abyss which attracts it; but alas! it is not even as -one drop of dew lost in the Ocean. To love Thee as Thou lovest -me I must borrow Thy very love--then only, can I find rest. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XI - - -JUST as a torrent sweeps along with it unto the depths of the -sea whatsoever it encounters on its course, even so, my Jesus, -does the soul which plunges into the boundless ocean of Thy Love -draw after her all her treasures. Lord, Thou knowest that for me -these treasures are the souls it has pleased Thee to unite to -mine. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XI - - -CHARITY gave me the key to my vocation. I understood that the -Church being a body composed of different members, the most -essential, the most noble of all the organs would not be wanting -to her; I understood that the Church has _a heart_ and that this -heart is burning with love; that it is love alone which makes -the members work, that if love were to die away apostles would -no longer preach the Gospel, martyrs would refuse to shed their -blood. I understood that love comprises all vocations, that love -is everything, that it embraces all times and all places because -it is eternal! - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XI - - -O MY Well-Beloved! I understand to what combats Thou hast -destined me; it is not on the battle field that I shall -fight . . . I am prisoner of Thy Love; freely have I riveted -the chain which unites me to Thee and separates me for ever -from the world. My sword is LOVE; with it _I shall chase the -stranger from the kingdom, I shall make Thee to be proclaimed -King_ in the souls of men. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, APPENDIX - - -_LOVE!_ . . . that is what I ask . . . I know but one thing -now--_to love Thee_, O Jesus! Glorious deeds are not for me, I -cannot preach the Gospel, shed my blood . . . what does it -matter? My brothers toil instead of me, and I, _the little -child_, I keep quite close to the royal throne, _I love_ for -those who fight. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XI - - -HOW shall I show my love since love is proved by deeds? Well,-- -_the little child will strew flowers_ . . . she will embalm the -Divine Throne with their fragrance, will sing with silvery voice -the canticle of love. - -Yes, my Beloved, it is thus that my life's brief day shall be -spent before Thee. No other means have I of proving my love than -to strew flowers; that is, to let no little sacrifice escape me, -not a look, not a word, to avail of the very least actions and -do them for Love. I wish to suffer for Love's sake and for -Love's sake even to rejoice; thus shall I strew flowers. Not one -shall I find without shedding its petals for Thee . . . and then -I will sing, I will always sing, even if I must gather my roses -in the very midst of thorns--and the longer and sharper the -thorns the sweeter shall be my song. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XI - - -SÅ’UR Thérèse de l'Enfant Jésus often spoke of a well-known toy -with which in childhood's days she had amused herself: a -kaleidoscope; in form somewhat like a small telescope; on -looking through, one sees an endless succession of pretty and -many-coloured designs, varying at each turn of the kaleidoscope. - -"This toy," she said, "aroused my admiration and I used to -wonder what could produce so pleasing a phenomenon; when one -day, after serious examination, I saw there were simply a few -tiny scraps of paper and of wool cut no matter how, and thrown -here and there. I pursued my investigation and discovered three -mirrors inside the tube: I had there the key to the problem. - -"This was for me the image of a great mystery. As long as our -actions, even the least of them, remain within the focus of -Love, the Blessed Trinity, which is figured by the three -mirrors, reflects them, and endows them with a wondrous beauty. -Jesus, looking at us through the little lens, that is to say, as -it were through Himself, finds all our actions pleasing to Him. -But if we leave the ineffable centre of Love, what will He see? -Mere straws . . . actions sullied and nothing worth." - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - -THIS little prayer which includes all my desires I ask you to -say for me each day: - -"Merciful Father, in the name of Thy sweet Jesus, of the Blessed -Virgin and of the Saints, I pray Thee that my sister be fired -with Thy spirit of love, and that Thou wilt grant her the grace -to make Thee greatly loved." - -If God should take me soon to Himself, I ask you to continue -each day this same prayer, for in Heaven my desire will be the -same as upon earth; to love Jesus and to make Him loved. - -III LETTER TO HER MISSIONARY "BROTHERS" - - -SHE was looking at the sky one day when some one remarked to -her: - -"Very soon you will dwell beyond the blue sky; with what love -you contemplate it!" - -She merely smiled, but afterwards said to the Mother Prioress: - -"Mother, our Sisters little know what I suffer! Looking at the -blue sky I was thinking only of the beauty of the material -heavens; _the other is more and more closed to me_ . . . I was -at first distressed by that remark, then an interior voice -answered: 'Yes, through love thou didst look at the heavens. -Since thy soul is wholly consecrated to Love, all thy actions, -even the most indifferent, bear the impress of this divine -seal.' I was instantly consoled." - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII - - -UNTIL two days before her death she wished to be alone at night, -however, notwithstanding her entreaties, the Infirmarian used to -rise several times to visit her. On one occasion she found our -little invalid with hands clasped and eyes raised to Heaven. - -"But what are you doing?" she asked; "you should try to sleep." - -"I cannot, dear Sister, I suffer too much! then I pray. . ." - -"And what do you say to Jesus?" - -"I say nothing, _I love Him!_" - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII - - -A SISTER was speaking to her of the happiness of Heaven: Thérèse -interrupted, saying: - -"It is not that which attracts me. . ." - -"What is it then?" - -"Oh! it is LOVE! To love, to be beloved, and _to come back to -earth to make_ LOVE _loved_." - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII - - -LOVE alone have I ever given to the good God, with love He will -repay me. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII - - -ALL that I have written regarding my desire of suffering is most -true; oh! I do not repent of having surrendered myself to Love. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII - - -JESUS! Jesus! if it be so sweet to desire Thy Love, what will it -be to possess and to enjoy it for ever! - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XI - - -O JESUS! could I but tell all _little souls_ of Thine ineffable -condescension! . . . I feel that if it were possible to find one -more weak than mine Thou wouldst take delight in showering upon -her greater favours still, provided that she abandoned herself -with entire confidence to Thine Infinite Mercy. - -But why these desires, O my Beloved, to impart the secrets of -Thy Love? Is it not Thyself alone Who hast made them known to me -and canst Thou not reveal them to others? Yes, I know it and I -implore Thee to _do_ so: _I beseech Thee to let Thy divine gaze -rest upon an immense number of little souls, I beseech Thee to -choose in this world a Legion of little victims worthy of Thy -Love!_ - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XI - - -HER last words--looking at her crucifix: - -"OH! . . . I LOVE HIM! . . . MY GOD, I . . . LOVE . . . THEE!!!" - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII - - -O MY God, Most Blessed Trinity, I desire to love Thee and to -make Thee loved, to labour for the glory of Holy Church by -saving souls still on earth and by delivering those who suffer -in purgatory. I desire to accomplish Thy Will perfectly, and to -attain to the degree of glory which Thou hast prepared for me in -Thy Kingdom, in one word, I desire to be a saint, but I know -that I am powerless, and I implore Thee, O my God, to be Thyself -my sanctity. - -Since Thou hast so loved me as to give me Thine only Son to be -my Saviour and my Spouse, the infinite treasures of His merits -are mine, to Thee I offer them with joy, beseeching Thee to see -me only as in the Face of Jesus and in His Heart burning with -Love. - -Again, I offer Thee all the merits of the Saints--in Heaven and -on earth--their acts of love and those of the holy Angels; and -finally I offer Thee, O Blessed Trinity, the love and the merits -of the Holy Virgin, my most dear Mother; it is to her I entrust -my oblation, begging her to present it to Thee. - -Her Divine Son, my well-beloved Spouse, during His life on -earth, told us: "_If you ask the Father anything in My Name He -will give it to you._" [8] I am then certain that Thou wilt -hearken to my desires . . . My God, I know it, the more Thou -willest to give the more dost Thou make us desire. Immense are -the desires that I feel within my heart, and it is with -confidence that I call upon Thee to come and take possession of -my soul. I cannot receive Thee in Holy Communion as often as I -would; but, Lord, art Thou not Almighty? . . . Remain in me as -in the Tabernacle--never leave Thy little Victim. - -I long to console Thee for the ingratitude of the wicked and I -pray Thee take from me the liberty to displease Thee! If through -frailty I fall sometimes, may Thy Divine glance purify my soul -immediately, consuming every imperfection--like to fire which -transforms all things into itself. - -I thank Thee, O my God, for all the graces Thou hast bestowed on -me, and particularly for making me pass through the crucible of -suffering. It is with joy I shall behold Thee on the Last Day -bearing Thy sceptre--the Cross; since Thou hast deigned to give -me for my portion this most precious Cross, I have hope of -resembling Thee in Heaven and seeing the sacred stigmata of Thy -Passion shine in my glorified body. - -After exile on earth I hope to enjoy the possession of Thee in -our eternal Fatherland, but I have no wish to amass merits for -Heaven, I will work for Thy Love alone, my sole aim being to -give Thee pleasure, to console Thy Sacred Heart, and to save -souls who will love Thee for ever. - -At the close of life's evening I shall appear before Thee with -empty hands, for I ask not, Lord, that Thou wouldst count my -works . . . All our justice is tarnished in Thy sight. It is -therefore my desire to be clothed with Thine own Justice and to -receive from Thy Love the eternal possession of Thyself. I crave -no other Throne nor other Crown but Thee, O my Beloved! . . . - -In Thy sight time is nothing, one day is as a thousand years. -[9] Thou canst in an instant prepare me to appear before Thee. - -That I may live in one Act of perfect Love, I OFFER MYSELF AS A -VICTIM OF HOLOCAUST TO THY MERCIFUL LOVE, imploring Thee to -consume me without ceasing, and to let the tide of infinite -tenderness pent up in Thee, overflow into my soul, that so I may -become a very martyr of Thy Love, O my God! - -May this martyrdom, having first prepared me to appear before -Thee, break life's thread at last, and may my soul take its -flight, _unretarded_, into the eternal embrace of Thy Merciful -Love. - -I desire, O Well-Beloved, at every heart-beat to renew this -Oblation an infinite number of times, _till the shadows retire_ -[10] and I can tell Thee my love eternally face to face! - -[_Signed_] - -MARIE-FRANÇOISE-THÉRÈSE -DE L'ENFANT JÉSUS ET DE LA SAINTE FACE -_Rel. Carm. ind._ - -Feast of The Most Holy Trinity. -The 9th of June in the year of grace, 1895. - - -[8] John, xvi, 23. -[9] _Cf_. Ps. lxxxix, 4. -[10] Cant., iv, 6. - - - -LOVE OF OUR NEIGHBOUR - -THERE are moments when we are so wretched within, that we must -needs hurry away from ourselves. The good God does not oblige us -to remain at such times in our own company; indeed He often -permits that it should be displeasing to us just that we may -leave it. And I see no other means of going out of ourselves -than by going to visit Jesus and Mary, that is, hastening to -deeds of charity. - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - -I APPLIED myself above all to practise quite hidden little acts -of virtue; thus I liked to fold the mantles forgotten by the -Sisters, and sought a thousand opportunities of rendering them -service. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. VII - - -HAD I been rich I never could have borne to see a poor person -hungry without giving him to eat. It is the same in my spiritual -life: knowing there are souls on the point of falling into Hell, -I give them my treasures according as I earn anything, and I -have never yet found a moment to say: "Now I am going to work -for myself." - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - -I FEEL that when I am charitable it is Jesus alone who acts in -me; the more I am united to Him the more do I love all my -Sisters. If, when I desire to increase this love in my heart, -the demon tries to set before my eyes the faults of one or other -of the Sisters, I hasten to call to mind her virtues, her good -desires; I say to myself that if I have seen her fall once, she -may well have gained many victories which she conceals through -humility; and that even what appears to me a fault may in truth -be an act of virtue by reason of the intention. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. IX - - -TRUE Charity consists in bearing with all the defects of our -neighbour, in not being surprised at his failings, and in being -edified by his least virtues; Charity must not remain shut up in -the depths of the heart, for _no man lighteth a candle and -putteth it under a bushel, but upon a candlestick, that it may -shine to all that are in the house._ [1] It seems to me that -this candle represents the Charity which ought to enlighten and -make joyful, not only those who are dearest to me, but _all who -are in the house_. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. IX - -[1] _Cf_. Matt., v, 15. - - -THERE is no artist who does not like his work praised, and the -Divine Artist of souls is pleased when we do not stop at the -exterior, but penetrating even to the inmost sanctuary which He -has chosen for His dwelling, we admire its beauty. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. IX - - -I OUGHT to seek the company of those Sisters who according to -nature please me least. I ought to fulfil in their regard the -office of the Good Samaritan. A word, a kindly smile, will often -suffice to gladden a wounded and sorrowful heart. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. X - - -OH! what peace inundates the soul when she rises above natural -sentiment. No joy can compare with that known to one who is -truly poor in spirit. If he ask with detachment for some -necessary thing, and it is not only refused him, but an attempt -made besides to deprive him of what he already has, he follows -the counsel of our Lord: "_And if a man will contend with thee -in judgment and take away thy coat, let go thy cloak also unto -him._" [2] - -To yield up our cloak means, I think, to renounce our last -rights, to consider oneself as the servant, the slave of others. -When we have abandoned our mantle it is easier to walk, to run; -therefore Jesus adds: "_And whosoever will force thee one mile, -go with him other two_." [3] - -It is not enough that I should give to whosoever may ask of me, -I must forestall their desires, and show that I feel much -gratified, much honoured in rendering service; and if they take -a thing that I use, I must seem as though glad to be relieved of -it. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. IX - -[2] Matt., v, 40. -[3] Matt., v, 41. - - -IF it is hard to give to whoever asks, it is still harder to let -what belongs to us be taken, without asking it back, or rather, -I ought to say it _seems_ hard; for _the yoke of the Lord is -sweet and light:_ [4] when we accept it we feel its sweetness -immediately. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. IX - -[4] _Cf_. Matt., xi, 30. - - -WHEN Charity is deeply rooted in the soul it shows itself -exteriorly: there is so gracious a way of refusing what we -cannot give, that the refusal pleases as much as the gift. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. IX - - -TO want to persuade our Sisters that they are in the wrong, even -when it is perfectly true, is hardly fair, as we are not -responsible for their guidance. We must not be _Justices of the -peace_, but only _angels of peace_. - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - -JESUS wills that we give alms to Him as to one poor and needy. -He puts Himself as it were at our mercy; He will take nothing -but what we give Him from our heart, and the very least trifle -is precious in His sight. He stretches forth His Hand, this -sweet Saviour, to receive of us a little love, so that in the -radiant day of Judgment He may be able to address to us those -ineffable words: "_Come, ye blessed of My Father; for I was -hungry, and you gave Me to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me -to drink; I was a stranger, and you took Me in; sick and you -visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me._" [5] - -XV LETTER TO HER SISTER CÉLINE - -[5] Matt., xxv, 34-36. - - -IF I were still to live, the office of Infirmarian is the one -which would please me most. I would not ask for it, but if it -came direct by obedience I should think myself highly privileged. -It seems to me that I would discharge its duties with a tender -love, thinking always of our Saviour saying: "_I was sick and -you visited me._" [6] The Infirmary bell should be for you as -Heavenly music. You ought purposely to pass along beneath the -windows of the sick to give them facility in calling you and -asking your services. Ought you not to consider yourself like -a little slave whom everyone has a right to command? If you -could but see the Angels who from the heights of Heaven watch -you battling in the arena! They await the end of the combat to -cover you with flowers and wreaths. The good God does not -disdain these combats, unknown and therefore all the more -meritorious. "_The patient man is better than the valiant, and -he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh cities._" [7] - -By our little acts of charity practised in the shade we convert -souls far away, we help missionaries, we win for them abundant -alms; and by that means build actual dwellings spiritual and -material for our Eucharistic Lord. - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - -[6] Matt., xxv, 36. -[7] Prov., xvi, 32. - - -A NOVICE remarked to SÅ“ur Thérèse: "I do not like to see others -suffer, especially saintly souls." She replied instantly: - -"Oh! I am not like you: to see saints suffer never moves me to -pity! I know they have the strength to endure, and they thus -give great glory to God: but those who are not holy, who know -not how to profit by their sufferings, oh! how I pity them; they -do indeed arouse my compassion, and I would do all I could to -comfort and help them." - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - -SEEING her extreme weakness the doctor ordered some -strengthening remedies; SÅ“ur Thérèse was distressed at first on -account of their high price: then she said to us: "I am no -longer grieved about taking these costly remedies, for I have -been reading that St. Gertrude rejoiced at the thought that all -would be to the advantage of those who do us good, since our -Lord has said: '_As long as you did it unto one of these My -least brethren you did it unto Me_.'" [8] - -She added: "I am convinced of the uselessness of medicine for -the purpose of curing me, but I have made a compact with the -good God, that He is to allow some poor Missionaries to profit -by it, who have neither time nor means to take care of -themselves." - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII - -[8] Matt., xxv, 40. - - -REMEMBERING that _Charity covereth a multitude of sins,_ [9] I -draw from this fruitful mine opened to us by our Lord in His -sacred Gospels. I search the depths of His adorable words and -cry out with David: "_I have run in the way of Thy commandments -when Thou didst enlarge my heart_." [10] And charity alone can -enlarge my heart . . . - -O Jesus! since this sweet flame consumes it I run with delight -in the way of Thy new Commandment, and therein will I run until -the blessed day when with Thy Virgin train I shall follow Thee -through Thy boundless Realm singing Thy _New Canticle_ which -must surely be _the Canticle of LOVE_. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. IX - -[9] Prov., x, 12. -[10] Ps., cxviii, 32. - - - -FAITH - -WHAT helps me most when I picture to myself the interior of the -Holy Family is to think of a quite ordinary life. - -The Blessed Virgin and St. Joseph knew well that Jesus was God, -but wondrous things were nevertheless hidden from them and like -us they lived by faith. Have you not noticed what is said in the -sacred text: "_And they understood not the word that He spoke -unto them_," [1] and these other words no less mysterious: "_His -father and mother were wondering at those things which were -spoken concerning Him_"? [2] Does not this imply that they heard -of something new to them, for this wondering suggests a certain -astonishment? - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - -[1] Luke, ii, 50. -[2] Luke, ii, 33. - - -DURING her temptations against faith she wrote: "I strive to -work by faith though bereft of its consolations. I have made -more acts of Faith in this last year than during all the rest of -my life. - -"On each fresh occasion of combat, when the enemy desires to -challenge me, I conduct myself valiantly: knowing that to fight -a duel is an unworthy act, I turn my back upon the adversary -without ever looking him in the face; then I run to my Jesus and -tell Him I am ready to shed every drop of blood in testimony of -my belief that there is a Heaven, I tell Him I am glad to be -unable to contemplate, while on earth, with the eyes of the -soul, the beautiful Heaven that awaits me so He will deign to -open it for eternity to poor unbelievers." - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. IX - - -HE whose Heart ever watcheth, taught me, that while for a soul -whose faith equals but a tiny grain of mustard seed, he works -miracles, in order that this faith which is so weak may be -fortified; yet for His intimate friends, for His Mother, He did -not work miracles until He had put their faith to the test. Did -He not let Lazarus die though Martha and Mary had sent to tell -Him that he was sick? At the marriage at Cana, the Blessed -Virgin having asked Him to come to the assistance of the Master -of the house, did He not reply that His hour was not yet come? -But after the trial, what a recompense! Water changed to wine, -Lazarus restored to life. . . - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. VI - - -A SISTER said to her that beautiful Angels clothed in white -robes, and of joyous and resplendent countenance, would bear -away her soul to Heaven. She replied: "These imaginations do not -help me: I can draw no sustenance except from the Truth. God and -the Angels are pure Spirits, no one can see them as they really -are, with corporal eyes. That is why I have never desired -extraordinary favours. I would rather await the Eternal Vision." - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - -"I HAVE asked God to send me a beautiful dream to console me -when you are gone," said a novice. - -"Ah! that is a thing I should never do--ask for -consolation! . . . Since you wish to be like me you well -know that I say: - - Oh! fear not, Lord, that I shall waken Thee: - I await in peace th' eternal shore. . . - -"It is so sweet to serve the good God in the dark night of -trial; we have this life only in which to live by faith." - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - - -HOPE - -TIME is but a shadow, a dream; already God sees us in glory and -takes joy in our eternal beatitude. How this thought helps my -soul! I understand then why He lets us suffer . . . - -VIII LETTER TO HER SISTER CÉLINE - - -A DAY . . . an hour . . . and we shall have reached the port! My -God, what shall we see then? What is that life which will never -have an end? . . . Jesus will be the soul of our soul. -Unfathomable mystery! _"Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, -neither hath it entered into the heart of man what great things -God hath prepared for them that love Him."_ [1] And this will -all come soon--yes, very soon, if we ardently love Jesus. - -VI LETTER TO HER SISTER CÉLINE - -[1] I Cor., ii, 9. _Cf_. Is., lxiv, 4. - - -LIFE is passing, Eternity draws nigh; soon shall we live the -very life of God. After having drunk deep at the fount of -bitterness, our thirst will be quenched at the very source of -all sweetness. - -_Yes, the figure of this world passeth away,_ [2] soon shall we -see new heavens; a more radiant sun will brighten with its -splendours, ethereal seas and infinite horizons . . . We shall -no longer be prisoners in a land of exile, all will be at an end -and with our Heavenly Spouse we shall sail o'er boundless -waters: now our _harps are hung upon the willows that border the -rivers of Babylon,_ [3] but in the day of our deliverance what -harmonies will then be heard! With what joy shall we not make -every chord of our instruments to vibrate! Today, _we weep -remembering Sion . . . how shall we sing the songs of the Lord -in a strange land?_ [4] - -V LETTER TO HER SISTER CÉLINE - -[2] I Cor., vii, 31. -[3] _Cf_. Ps. cxxxvi, 2. -[4] _Cf_. Ps., cxxxvi, 1, 4. - - -HOW I thirst for Heaven--that blessed habitation where our love -for Jesus will have no limit! But to get there we must -suffer . . . we must weep . . . Well, I _wish_ to suffer all -that shall please my Beloved, I wish to let Him do just as He -wills with His _"little ball."_ - -V LETTER TO SR. MARIE DU SACRÉ-CÅ’UR - - -OH! What mysteries will be revealed to us later . . . How often -have I thought that I perhaps owe all the graces showered upon -me to the earnest prayer of a little soul whom I shall know only -in Heaven. It is God's will that in this world by means of -prayer Heavenly treasures should be imparted by souls one to -another, so that when they reach the Fatherland they may love -one another with a love born of gratitude, with an affection -far, far exceeding the most ideal family affection upon earth. - -There, we shall meet with no indifferent looks, because all the -Saints will be indebted to each other. - -No envious glances will be seen; the happiness of every one of -the elect will be the happiness of all. With the Martyrs we -shall be like to the Martyrs; with the Doctors we shall be as -the Doctors; with the Virgins, as the Virgins; and just as the -members of a family are proud of one another, so shall we be of -our brethren, without the least jealousy. - -Who knows even if the joy we shall experience in beholding the -glory of the great Saints, and knowing that by a secret -dispensation of Providence we have contributed thereunto, who -knows if this joy will not be as intense and sweeter perhaps, -than the happiness they will themselves possess. - -And do you not think that on their side the great Saints, seeing -what they owe to quite little souls, will love them with an -incomparable love? Delightful and surprising will be the -friendships found there--I am sure of it. The favoured companion -of an Apostle or a great Doctor of the Church, will perhaps be a -young shepherd lad; and a simple little child may be the -intimate friend of a Patriarch. Oh! how I long to dwell in that -Kingdom of Love . . . - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - -A SISTER showed her a photograph representing Joan of Arc -consoled in the prison by her Voices. SÅ“ur Thérèse said: "I too -am consoled by an interior voice. The Saints encourage me from -above, they say to me: 'So long as thou art in fetters thou -canst not fulfil thy mission; but later, after thy death--_then_ -will be the time of thy conquests.'" - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - -IN Heaven the good God will do all I wish, because I have never -done my own will upon earth. - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - -EVEN now I know it; yes, all my hopes will be fulfilled . . . -yes . . . the Lord will work wonders for me which will surpass -infinitely my immeasurable desires. - -VIII LETTER TO MÈRE AGNÈS DE JÉSUS - - - -HUMILITY - - -IT appears to me that humility is the truth. I know not whether -I am humble, but I know that I see the truth in all things. - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - -I HAVE understood what true glory is. He whose _Kingdom is not -of this world_ [1] showed me that the only enviable royalty -consists in loving _to be unknown and esteemed as nothing_, [2] -and finding our joy in contempt of self. I wished that like the -Face of Jesus, mine might be _as it were hidden and despised_. -[3] _That none upon earth might esteem me_. I thirsted to suffer -and to be forgotten. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. VII - -[1] John, xviii, 36. -[2] _Imit_., I, ii, 3. -[3] Is., liii, 3. - - -JESUS made me understand that the true, the only glory is that -which will last for ever; that to attain to it we need not -perform wonderful deeds, but rather, those hidden from the eyes -of others and from self, so that _the left hand knoweth not what -the right hand doth_. [4] - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. IV - -[4] Matt., vi, 3. - - -THÉRÈSE is weak, very weak; of this she has new and salutary -experience every day. But Jesus takes pleasure in teaching her -how to _glory in her infirmities_. [5] It is a great grace this, -for herein is found peace and tranquillity. When we see -ourselves so miserable, we wish no longer to look at self but -only on the Well-Beloved. - -II LETTER TO HER COUSIN MARIE GUÉRIN - -[5] II Cor., xi, 5. - - -I AM a _very little_ soul who can offer only _very little_ -things to the good God; yet, it often happens that these little -sacrifices which give such peace to the heart escape me; but -that does not discourage me, I bear with having a little less -peace and I try to be more watchful another time. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. X - - -VEILED in the white Host, O my Well-Beloved, how meek and humble -of heart dost Thou show Thyself to me! Thou couldst not stoop -lower to teach me humility, and I, to respond to Thy Love, -desire to put myself in the lowest place and share Thy -humiliations, that I may _have part with Thee_ [6] in the -Kingdom of Heaven. - -I beseech Thee, my Jesus, to send me some humiliation every time -that I shall attempt to put myself above others. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, APPENDIX - -[6] John, xiii, 8. - - -WHAT pleases the good God in my little soul is to see me love my -littleness and my poverty, it is seeing the blind trust that I -have in His Mercy. - -VI LETTER TO SR. MARIE DU SACRÉ-CÅ’UR - - -TO draw near to Jesus we must be so little . . . Oh! how few -souls aspire to be little and unknown. . . - -XIV LETTER TO HER SISTER CÉLINE - - -I AM no longer surprised at anything, nor do I grieve at seeing -that I am frailty itself; on the contrary I glory in it, and -expect to discover new imperfections in myself each day. These -lights concerning my nothingness do me more good, I affirm, than -lights regarding faith. - -HIST D'UNE AME, CH. IX - - -WHEN we commit a fault we must not think it due to a physical -cause, such as illness or the weather, we must attribute this -fall to our imperfection, but without ever growing discouraged. - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - -SINCE Jesus has gone back to Heaven I can follow Him only by the -path He has traced. Oh how luminous are His footprints-- -diffusing a divine sweetness . . . I have but to glance at the -holy Gospels and immediately I inhale the fragrance of the life -of Jesus, and I know which side to take. Not to the first place -do I run but to the last. I let the Pharisee go up, and full of -confidence I repeat the humble prayer of the publican. Above all -I copy the example of Magdalene; her amazing, or rather, her -loving audacity, which so touched the Heart of Jesus, charms my -own. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XI - - -WITH a simplicity that delights me my little Sisters, the -novices, tell me of the interior combats I arouse in them, in -what way they find me trying; they are no more embarrassed than -if it were question of some one else, knowing that by acting -thus, they greatly please me. - -Ah! truly it is more than a pleasure, it is a delicious feast -which replenishes my soul with joy. How can a thing so -disagreeable to nature give such happiness? Had I not -experienced it I could not have believed it. - -One day when I had an ardent desire for humiliation, it happened -that a young postulant so fully satisfied it, that the thought -of Semei cursing David came to my mind and I repeated interiorly -with the holy King: _Yes, it is indeed the Lord who has -commanded him to say all these things to me._ [7] - -Thus the good God takes care of me. He cannot always offer me -the strength-giving bread of exterior humiliation, but from time -to time He permits me to feast upon _the crumbs that fall from -the table of the children_. [8] How great is His Mercy! - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. X - -[7] Kings, xvi, 10. -[8] Mark, vii, 28. - - -ALL creatures might incline towards the little flower, admiring -it and overwhelming it with their praise, but never would that -add a shadow of vain satisfaction to the true joy of knowing -itself to be a mere nothing in the sight of God. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. IX - - -BECAUSE I was little and weak, Jesus stooped down to me and -tenderly instructed me in the secrets of His Love. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. V - - -I AM too little to have any vanity, I am also too little to know -how to turn beautiful phrases so as to make it appear that I -have a great deal of humility. I prefer to acknowledge simply -that _He that is mighty hath done great things to me_; [9] and -the greatest is His having shown me my littleness, my powerlessness -for all good. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. IX - -[9] Luke, i, 49. - - -THE only thing not subject to be envied is the lowest place, it -is therefore this lowest place alone which is without vanity and -affliction of spirit. Still, _the way of a man is not always in -his power_ [10] and sometimes we are surprised by a desire for -that which glitters. Then, let us take our place humbly amongst -the imperfect, deeming ourselves little souls whom the good God -must sustain at each moment. As soon as He sees us truly -convinced of our nothingness and we say to Him: _My foot hath -slipped: Thy mercy, O Lord, hath held me up,_ [11] He stretches -out His Hand to us; but if we _will_ attempt to do something -grand, even under pretext of zeal, He leaves us alone. It is -enough therefore that we humble ourselves, and bear our -imperfections with sweetness: there, for us, lies true sanctity. - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - -[10] _Cf_. Jer., x, 23. -[11] _Cf_. Ps., xciii, 18. - - -THE most eloquent discourses would be incapable of inspiring one -act of love without the grace that moves the heart. - -See a beautiful, rose-tinted peach, of so sweet a savour that no -craft of confectioner could produce nectar like it. Is it for -the peach itself that God has created this lovely colour and -delicate velvety surface? Is it for the sake of the peach that -He has given it so delicious a flavour? No, it is for us; what -alone belongs to it and forms the essence of its existence is -its stone; it possesses nothing more. - -Thus is Jesus pleased to lavish His gifts on some of His -creatures, that through them He may draw to Himself other souls; -but in His mercy He humiliates them interiorly, and gently -constrains them to recognize their nothingness and His -Omnipotence. These sentiments form in them, as it were, a kernel -of grace, which Jesus hastens to develop for that blessed day -when clothed with a beauty, immortal, imperishable, they shall -without danger have place at the Celestial banquet. - -XVI LETTER TO HER SISTER CÉLINE - - -THE Apostles, without Jesus, laboured long--a whole night-- -without taking any fish; their toil was pleasing to Him but He -wished to show that He alone can give anything. He asked only an -act of humility: _"Children, have you any meat?"_ [12] and St. -Peter confesses his helplessness: _"Lord we have laboured all -night and have taken nothing."_ [13] It is enough! The Heart of -Jesus is touched . . . . Perhaps if the Apostle had taken a few -little fishes the Divine Master would not have worked a miracle; -but he had _nothing_, and so through God's power and goodness -his nets were soon filled with great fishes. - -That is just our Lord's way. He gives as God, but He _will_ have -humility of heart. - -XVII LETTER TO HER SISTER CÉLINE - -[12] John, xxi, 5. -[13] Luke, v, 5. - - -TO think ourselves imperfect, and others perfect--that is -happiness. That creatures should recognize we are without virtue -takes nothing from us, makes us no poorer; it is they who by -this lose interior joy; for there is nothing sweeter than to -think well of our neighbour. - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - -IT is a great joy to me, not only when others find me imperfect, -but above all when I feel that so I am: compliments, on the -contrary, cause me nothing but displeasure. - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - -A NOVICE confided to her that she made no progress and felt -quite discouraged. - -"Till the age of fourteen," said Therese, "I practised virtue -without feeling its sweetness. I wished for suffering but had no -thought of finding my joy therein; that is a grace which has -been granted me later. My soul was like a beautiful tree whose -blossoms no sooner opened than they fell. - -"Offer to the good God the sacrifice of never gathering the -fruits of your labours. If He so will that during your whole -life you feel a repugnance to suffer and to be humiliated, if He -permit that all the flowers of your desires and of your -good-will fall to earth without fruit, be not troubled. At the -moment of your death He will know well how to bring to -perfection, in the twinkling of an eye, beautiful fruits on -the tree of your soul. - -"We read in the Book of Ecclesiasticus: _'There is an inactive -man that wanteth help, is very weak in ability, and full of -poverty: yet the eye of God hath looked upon him for good, and -hath lifted him up from his low estate, and hath exalted his -head: and many have wondered at him and have glorified God._ - -_'Trust in God, and stay in thy place. For it is easy in the -eyes of God, on a sudden to make the poor man rich. The blessing -of God maketh haste to reward the just, and in a swift hour His -blessing beareth fruit!'"_ [14] - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - -[14] Ecclus., xi, 12, 13, 22, 23, 24. - - -"YOU have always been faithful to divine grace, have you not?" - -"Yes, since the age of three I have refused nothing to the good -God. Yet not mine the glory. See how the setting sun this -evening gilds the topmost branches of the trees; even so does my -soul appear to you--all bright and gilded, because it is exposed -to Love's rays. If the Divine Sun withheld from me His rays, my -soul would immediately become obscured and enveloped in -darkness." - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - -"YOU really are a saint!" some one said to her. - -"No, I am not a saint; I have never done the works of the -Saints. I am a very, very little soul on whom the good God has -outpoured the abundance of His grace. You will see in Heaven -that I am telling you the truth." - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - -SHE said to the Prioress: "Mother, I feel that if I were -unfaithful, if I committed but the very slightest infidelity, -fearful troubles would follow, and I could no longer accept -death with resignation." - -And as the Mother Prioress showed surprise at hearing her speak -thus, she continued: - -"I mean an infidelity springing from pride. For instance, if I -said: 'I have acquired such or such a virtue, I am able to -practise it,' or, 'O my God, I love Thee too well--Thou knowest -it--to dwell on one single thought against faith,' I feel that I -should forthwith be assailed by the most dangerous temptations -and should certainly be overcome by them. - -"To avoid this calamity I have but to say humbly from the depths -of my heart: 'O my God, I implore of Thee, suffer me not to be -unfaithful!' - -"I very well understand how St. Peter fell. He depended too -confidently on the fervour of his feelings, instead of relying -solely upon Divine strength. Had he said to Jesus: 'Lord, give -me the strength to follow Thee even unto death,' that strength, -I am quite sure would not have been refused him." - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - -"OH! when I think of all I have to acquire!" exclaimed a novice. - -"Say, rather, to _lose_. Jesus, it is, who charges Himself with -the care of filling your soul according as you free it from its -imperfections. I plainly see that you are taking the wrong road, -you will never arrive at the end of your journey. You wish to -scale a mountain and the good God wants to make you descend: He -is waiting for you low down in the fertile valley of humility." - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - -"WHEN I receive a reproof," said another, "I would rather have -deserved it than be wrongfully accused." - -"As for me," replied Thérèse, "I prefer being blamed unjustly, -then I have no cause for self-reproach and I offer this -unmerited blame to the good God with joy, then I humble myself -at the thought that I should be quite capable of doing that of -which I was accused." - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - -WHEN we are not understood, and are unfavourably judged, what -good is there in defending ourselves? Let us leave it so and say -nothing, it is so sweet to let ourselves be judged no matter -how! It is not told in the Gospels that Saint Magdalen gave any -explanation when blamed by her sister for sitting inactive at -the feet of Jesus. She did not say: "Martha, if thou didst but -know my happiness, if thou didst but hear the words I hear, thou -too wouldst lay all else aside, to share my joy and my repose." -No, she chose rather to be silent . . . O blessed silence which -gives to the soul such peace! - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - -IN a moment of temptation and combat a novice received this -note: - -_"The just man shall correct me in mercy and reprove me; but let -not the oil of the sinner anoint my head_. [15] I cannot be -corrected or tried except by the just, inasmuch as all my -Sisters are pleasing to God. It is less bitter to be reproved by -a sinner than by the just; but _through compassion for sinners_, -to obtain their conversion, I pray Thee, O my God, that I may be -bruised by the just souls who are round about me. Again, I beg -that the oil of praise, so sweet to nature, _anoint not my -head_, that is to say, enervate not my mind, by making me -believe that I possess virtues which I have only with difficulty -practised several times. - -"O my Jesus! _Thy Name is as oil poured out;_ [16] it is in this -divine perfume that I wish to be wholly bathed, far away from -the notice of creatures." - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - -[15] Ps., cxl, 5. -[16] Cant., i, 2. - - -AT the close of her life she was able to say: "I used so to rise -above all things, that I drew strength from humiliations." - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII - - -"GOD has a special love for you," remarked a young Sister, -"since to you He entrusts other souls." - -"That does not add anything to me, and I am only really just -what I am in God's sight . . . It does not follow that He loves -me more, because He wills that I should be His interpreter to -you; rather, He makes me your little servant. It is for you and -not for me that He has given me the charms and virtues apparent -to you. - -"Often I compare myself to a little bowl which God fills with -good things of every kind. All the _kittens_ come to it to take -their share, and sometimes there is a contest as to which shall -have most. But the Child Jesus is there, keeping watch: 'I am -very willing that you drink from my little bowl' saith He, 'but -take care lest you overturn it and break it.' - -"Truth to tell, the danger is not great, because I am placed on -the ground. It is otherwise with Prioresses: they, being set on -tables run many more risks. Honours are always dangerous. - -"Oh! how poisonous the praises served up day by day to those who -hold high places. What baneful incense! And how necessary it is -that the soul be detached from self, that so she may escape -unharmed." - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - -TO help a novice to accept a humiliation she said to her in -confidence: "If I had not been received into Carmel I would have -entered a Refuge, to live there unknown and despised in the -midst of the poor penitents. To pass for such in the eyes of all -would have been my happiness. I should have been the apostle of -my companions telling them what I think of the Mercy of the good -God." - -"But how would you have been able to hide your innocence from -your Confessor?" - -"I would have told him that while in the world I had made a -general confession and had been forbidden to do so again." - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - -ONE day they brought her some ears of corn. She took one so -laden with grain that it leaned down upon its stalk, and having -looked at it for a long time she said to the Mother Prioress: - -"Mother, this ear of corn is an image of my soul: the good God -has laden me with graces for myself and for many others! . . . -Oh! I wish ever to bow down beneath the abundance of Heaven's -gifts, recognizing that all comes from above." - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII - - -WHAT do you think of all the graces which have been poured down -upon you? - -"I think that the Spirit of God breatheth where He will." [17] - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - -[17] John, iii, 8. - - -A SISTER said that in Heaven she would be a beautiful flower, -resplendent with light. - -"Oh no," she replied, "you know how in pretty bouquets they -conceal some moss to make the flowers stand out; well, I shall -be a little bit of moss to set off the beauty of the elect." - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - -DURING her last agony the Mother Prioress encouraged her with -these words: - -"My child, you are quite ready to appear before God because you -have always understood the virtue of humility." - -Then of herself she gave this beautiful testimony: - -"Yes, I feel it, my soul has never sought but the truth . . . -yes, I have understood humility of heart!" - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII - - - -DETACHMENT - - -IF the impossible were possible and that God Himself did not see -my good actions, I would not grieve about it. I love Him so much -that I should like to be able to give Him pleasure without His -knowing that it was I . . . Knowing and seeing it, He is, in a -way, bound to repay me . . . I would not give Him the trouble. - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - -THE glory of Jesus . . . that is my whole ambition; my own I -abandon to Him; and if He seem to forget me, well, He is at -liberty to do so since I am mine no more, but His. He will more -quickly tire of making me wait, than I, of waiting! - -VII LETTER TO MÈRE AGNÈS DE JÉSUS - - -THERE is no stay, no support to seek out of Jesus. He alone -changeth not. What happiness to think that He can never change! - -V LETTER TO MÈRE AGNÈS DE JÉSUS - - -THE sole happiness upon earth consists in hiding oneself and -remaining in total ignorance of created things. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. VIII - - -FAR from dazzling me all the titles of nobility appear to me but -empty vanity. I have understood those words of the _Imitation_: -_"Be not solicitous for the shadow of a great name."_ [1] I have -understood that true greatness is found not in the name but in -the soul. - -The Prophet tells us that _the Lord God shall call His servants -by_ ANOTHER NAME; [2] and we read in St. John: _"To him that -overcometh, I will give . . . a white counter, and in the -counter a new name written, which no man knoweth but he that -receiveth."_ [3] It is in Heaven, therefore, that we shall know -our titles of nobility. Then _shall each one receive from God -the praise that he merits,_ [4] and he who upon earth will have -made choice of being the poorest and the most unknown for love -of our Lord, he will be the first, the noblest and the richest. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. VI - -[1] _Imit._, III, xxiv, 2. -[2] Is., lxv, 15. -[3] Apoc., ii, 17. -[4] _Cf_. I Cor., iv, 5. - - -I THANK my Jesus for making me walk in darkness; in it I am -wrapped in profound peace. Willingly I consent to stay, during -the whole of my religious life, in this sombre tunnel into which -He has made me enter; I desire only that my darkness may win -light for sinners. - -IV LETTER TO MÈRE AGNÈS DE JÉSUS - - -IN this world we must not become attached to anything--not even -things the most innocent, for they fail us at the moment when we -are least expecting it. The eternal alone can satisfy us. - -I LETTER TO SR. MARIE DU SACRÉ-CÅ’UR - - -THIS prayer she bore upon her heart on the day of her -Profession: - -"O Jesus, my Divine Spouse, grant that the robe of my baptism be -never sullied! Take me, rather than suffer me here below to -stain my soul by committing the slightest wilful fault. May I -never seek nor ever find but Thee alone! May all creatures be -nothing to me, and I nothing to them! May no earthly thing -disturb my peace! - - . . . . . . . - -"Grant that I fulfil my engagements in all their perfection; -that none concern themselves about me; that I may be trodden -underfoot, forgotten, as a little grain of sand. I offer myself -to Thee, O Well-Beloved, that Thou mayst ever perfectly -accomplish Thy holy will in me, without let or hindrance from -creatures." - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. VIII - - -WITH jealous care all must be kept for Jesus; it is so good to -work for Him, and for Him alone! How joyous then the heart and -how buoyant the spirit! . . . - -VI LETTER TO MÈRE AGNÈS DE JÉSUS - - -I HAVE never wished for human glory, contempt it was, that had -attraction for my heart; but having recognized that this again -was too glorious for me, I ardently desire to be forgotten. - -VII LETTER TO MÈRE AGNÈS DE JÉSUS - - -IF you only knew to what a degree I wish to be indifferent to -the things of the earth! What matters to me all created beauty? -I should be truly unfortunate were I to possess it. Oh! how -great, how noble, seems my heart when I look at it in relation -to this world's goods, since all of them put together could -never satisfy it; but when I consider it with reference to -Jesus, how _small_ it then appears to me. - -II LETTER TO MÈRE AGNÈS DE JÉSUS - - -YES, I now am able to say I have received the grace of being no -more attached to the goods of mind and heart than to those of -earth. If it happens that I repeat to my Sisters some thought of -mine which pleases them, I think it quite natural that they -should look on it as their own; this thought belongs to the Holy -Ghost not to me, seeing that St. Paul tells us _that without the -Spirit of Love we cannot give to God the name of Father_. [5] -The Holy Spirit assuredly is free to use me as the means of -conveying a good thought to a soul and I may not consider this -thought as my property. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. X - -[5] _Cf_. Rom., viii, 15. - - -"THERE is one only means of constraining the good God not to -judge us at all, it is to appear before Him with our hands -empty." - -"But how?" they asked her. - -"It is quite simple: keep nothing whatever in reserve, give away -your gains according as you earn. As for me, if I live to be -eighty I shall be always poor; I know not how to save up, all -that I have goes immediately to ransom souls." - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - -THE further you advance the fewer combats will you have, or -rather, the easier will your conquests be, because you will look -at the good side of things. Your soul will then rise above -creatures. Anything that may be said to me now, leaves me -absolutely indifferent, for I have realized how little stability -there is in human judgments. - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - -TO write books of devotion, to compose the most sublime poetry, -is of less worth than the least act of self-renunciation. - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - -"ONE Sunday," Thérèse tells us, "I went right joyously on my way -towards the alley of chestnut trees; it was the spring-time, and -I meant to enjoy the beauties of nature. O cruel disappointment! -My dear chestnut trees had been pruned, and the branches, -already loaded with verdant buds, lay strewn upon the ground! It -was heartrending to view this destruction, and to think that -three years must pass ere I could see it repaired . . . My -distress however did not last. 'If I were in another monastery,' -thought I, 'what difference would it make to me if the chestnut -trees in the Carmel of Lisieux were cut down altogether? I will -fret no more about transitory things; my Well-Beloved shall take -the place of all else for me . . . I will wander ever in the -groves of His love, which none may touch!'" - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - -SHE said to her novices: "You are too much taken up about what -you are doing, you torment yourselves concerning the future as -if you had the care of it . . . Are you at this moment -preoccupied with what is passing in other Carmels, as to whether -the nuns are pressed or not? Do their labours hinder your prayer -or meditation? Very well, so, too, ought you to be detached from -your personal work, employing conscientiously therein the time -directed, but with disengagement of heart. - -"I have read that the Israelites, when building the walls of -Jerusalem, worked with one hand and with the other held a sword. -[6] That is truly a figure of what we ought to do: never give -ourselves completely up to the work." - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - -[6] II Esdras, iv, 17. - - -A NOVICE asked some of the Sisters to help to shake blankets, -which being rather worn, she cautioned them somewhat sharply to -be careful not to tear. SÅ“ur Thérèse remarked: - -"What would you do if it were not your office to mend these -blankets? . . . With what detachment you would then act! And if -you did point out that they are easily torn, how free from -self-interest it would be. Thus, never let the least shadow of -self-interest glide into your actions." - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - -IN the infirmary the novices used scarcely to wait till her -thanksgivings were ended before speaking to her and seeking her -counsels. This, at first, grieved her and she gently reproached -them. Then very soon she let them have their way, saying: - -"The thought has struck me that I am not to desire more of -repose than our Lord. When He retired into the desert after His -discourses, the people came immediately to break in upon His -solitude. Come to me as much as you will. I must die arms in -hand, _having on my lips the sword of the Spirit which is the -Word of God_." [7] - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - -[7] Ephes., vi, 17. - - -"HOW do you manage so to practise virtue," asked a novice, "as -to be always the same, invariably joyous and composed?" - -"It has not been always so," she replied, "but ever since I have -shunned all self-seeking I lead the happiest life that can be." - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - -NOW, that I am about to appear before the good God, more than -ever do I understand that there is but one thing necessary: to -work solely for Him, and to do nothing for self or for -creatures. - -X LETTER TO HER MISSIONARY "BROTHERS" - - - -MORTIFICATION - - -FAR from being like to those great souls who from their -childhood practise all sorts of macerations, I made my -mortification consist solely in the breaking of my will, -restraining a hasty word, rendering little services to those -around me without making anything of it, and a thousand other -things of this kind. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. VI - - -I had no taste for games, I should have liked to spend my life -reading, but I was only to take a very limited time for this -chosen recreation, and this was the ground of many a sacrifice, -for I made it a point of duty to break off promptly at the end -of the time allotted, even in the middle of the most interesting -passage. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. IV - - -I HAD accustomed myself never to complain when anything of mine -was taken away; and when unjustly blamed I chose rather to -remain silent than to defend myself. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. I - - -I WAS ten years old the day that my Father told Céline he was -going to let her have lessons in painting; I was by, and envied -her. Then Papa said to me: "And you, my little queen, would it -give you pleasure too to learn drawing?" I was just going to -respond with a very gladsome _yes_, when Marie made the remark -that I had not the same taste for it as Céline. At once she -gained the day; and I, thinking that here was a good opportunity -of offering a grand sacrifice to Jesus, said not a word. So -eager was my desire to learn drawing that now I still wonder how -I had the fortitude to remain silent. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. VIII - - -IN the world, on awakening in the morning I used to think over -what would probably occur either pleasing or vexatious during -the day; and if I foresaw only trying events I arose dispirited. -Now it is quite the other way: I think of the difficulties and -the sufferings that await me, and I rise the more joyous and -full of courage the more I foresee opportunities of proving my -love for Jesus, and _earning the living of my children_--seeing -that I am _the mother_ of souls. Then I kiss my crucifix and lay -it tenderly on the pillow while I dress, and I say to Him: "My -Jesus, Thou hast worked enough and wept enough during the -three-and-thirty years of Thy life on this poor earth. Take now -Thy rest . . . My turn it is to suffer and to fight." - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - -THE attraction to penance was given me, but I was permitted -nothing to satisfy it. The only mortifications I was allowed -consisted in mortifying self-love, which did me more good than -corporal penance. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. VII - - -AT prayer I was for a long time near a Sister who used to handle -incessantly either her Rosary-beads or some other thing; perhaps -none heard it but myself, for my hearing is extremely acute, but -I cannot say how it tormented me! I should have liked to turn my -head and look at the culprit so as to make her stop that noise: -however in my heart I knew it was better to bear it patiently, -for the love of God in the first place, and also to avoid giving -pain. - -I kept quiet therefore, but was sometimes worked up to -fever-heat and obliged to make simply a prayer of endurance. -Finally I sought out the means of suffering with peace and joy, -at least in my innermost soul; I tried to like the teasing -little noise. Instead of endeavouring not to hear it--a thing -impossible--I listened with fixed attention as if it had been -a delightful concert; and my prayer, _which was not the prayer -of quiet_, passed in offering this concert to Jesus. - -Another time I was in the laundry opposite a Sister who while -washing handkerchiefs splashed me every minute with dirty water. -My first impulse was to draw back and wipe my face, so as to -show her who besprinkled me in that fashion, that she would -oblige me by working more quietly; but I reflected immediately -that it was very foolish to refuse treasures so generously -offered me, and I took good care not to show my annoyance. On -the contrary, I made such successful efforts to _wish_ for a -plentiful splashing of dirty water, that at the end of half an -hour I had really acquired a taste for this new sort of -aspersion, and I determined to come again as often as possible -to a place where happily such riches could be had gratuitously. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. X - - -I REMEMBER that sometimes, when a postulant, I was so violently -tempted to indulge myself by seeking some little consolations, -that I was obliged to go quickly past our Mother's cell, and -cling to the banisters of the staircase so that I should not -turn back. There would come to mind a number of permissions to -ask, a hundred pretexts for deciding in favour of my natural -inclinations and gratifying them. How glad I am now of having -denied myself from the outset of my life in religion! Already I -enjoy the reward promised to those who fight courageously. No -longer do I feel the necessity of refusing myself consolations -of the heart; for my heart is firmly fixed in God . . . Because -it has loved Him above all, it has gradually enlarged, even so -as to love those who are dear to it with a love incomparably -deeper than if it were centred in a selfish and fruitless -affection. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. X - - -IN everything I must find self-denial and sacrifice; thus I feel -that a letter will not bear fruit unless I write it with a -certain reluctance, and solely through obedience. When -conversing with a novice I am careful to mortify myself and to -avoid asking her questions which would gratify my curiosity. If -she commence to speak of something interesting, then, leaving it -unfinished, pass to a subject wearisome to me, I take care not -to remind her of the interruption, for it seems to me that one -can do no good by self-seeking. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. X - - -GOD did not permit that our Mother should tell me to write down -my poems according as I composed them, and I would not have -liked to ask her, fearing lest that might be a fault against -poverty. So I used to wait until the hour of free time, and it -was not without extreme difficulty that I recalled to mind, at -eight o'clock in the evening, what I had composed in the -morning. - -These little nothings are a martyrdom it is true, but we must be -well on our guard not to lessen it by allowing ourselves, or -seeking to be allowed, a thousand things which would render the -religious life pleasant and comfortable. - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - -WHEN some one rings for us, or knocks at our door, we must -mortify ourselves so as not even to do one stitch more before -answering. I have practised that; and it is, I assure you, a -source of peace. - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - -DO you know my Sundays and festivals? They are the days when the -good God tries me the most. - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - -SÅ’UR Thérèse de l'Enfant Jesus says that she has not done any -great penances: that is because her fervour counted as nothing -those which were allowed her. It nevertheless happened that she -became ill from wearing for too long a time a small iron cross, -of which the sharp points were sunk into her flesh. - -"That would not have befallen me from so slight a penance," she -said afterwards, "if the good God had not wanted to make me -understand that the macerations of the Saints are not intended -for me, nor for the little souls who will tread the same path of -spiritual childhood." - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII - - -TO a novice whom she saw practise a little act of self-denial -she said: - -"You will be very glad to find that before you at the moment of -death. What you have just done is more glorious than if, by some -skilful measures, you had gained for the religious communities -the good-will of the Government, and that all France applauded -you as a Judith." - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - -TO another who was bewailing her want of courage: - -"You complain of what should cause you the greatest happiness. -Where would be your merit if you must fight only when you felt -the courage? What matters it if you have none, provided that you -act as if you had! If you feel too slothful to pick up a bit of -thread, and that nevertheless you do it for the love of Jesus, -you have more merit than if in a moment of fervour you were to -accomplish something of far greater importance. So instead of -being sorrowful, rejoice to see that in letting you feel your -weakness the good Master provides you with an opportunity of -gaining for Him a greater number of souls." - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - -BEING questioned as to her mode of sanctifying the repasts, -Thérèse made answer: - -"In the refectory we have but one only thing to do: to -accomplish this so lowly act with thoughts uplifted. I declare -to you that often it is in the refectory the sweetest -aspirations of love come to me. Sometimes I am impelled to dwell -on the thought that if our Divine Lord were in my place, with -the fare set before Him as served to me, He would certainly -partake of it . . . It is very probable that during His life on -earth He tasted of the like food: _He ate bread, fruits, -etc_. . . . - -"Here are my simple little rubrics: - -"I picture myself at Nazareth in the house of Holy Family. If I -am served with, for instance, salad, cold fish, wine or anything -of strong flavour, I offer it to St. Joseph. To the Blessed -Virgin I give the hot portions, well-ripened fruits, etc.; and -the feast-day fare, particularly corn-flour, rice, preserves, -these I offer to the Child Jesus. Lastly, when a bad dinner is -brought me I say gaily to myself: 'Today, my dear little child, -all that is for you.'" - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - -ONE fast-day when the Mother Prioress had ordered some special -little thing by way of alleviation for SÅ“ur Thérèse, a Sister -relates that she surprised her in the act of seasoning this too -palatable fare with wormwood. - -Another time she saw her slowly drinking some particularly -disagreeable physic, and exclaimed: "But be quick, drink that -off at one draught!" "Oh no!" was the reply, "must I not take -advantage of the trifling opportunities I meet with, to mortify -myself a little, since it is forbidden me to look for greater?" - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - -AN extremely interesting letter had been read one day at the -recreation in the absence of Thérèse who later showed a desire -to read it. Some time afterwards when returning the letter, she -was begged to say what she thought regarding something which -should especially have delighted her. She appeared embarrassed -and then replied: - -"The good God has asked of me this sacrifice because of the -eagerness that I manifested the other day; I have not read -it. . ." - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - -SHE told the novices: "At recreation more than elsewhere will -you find occasions for the exercise of virtue. If you would reap -great benefit, never go to it with any thought of your own -recreation, but thinking of the recreation of others; practise -therein total detachment from yourself. If, for instance, you -are relating to one of the Sisters a story which seems to you -interesting, and that she interrupts it to tell you something -else, even though this may not at all interest you, listen to -her as if it did, and do not try to return to your first -subject. By so acting, you will go from the recreation room with -great interior peace, and endued with fresh vigour in the -practice of virtue, all because you have not sought to gratify -yourself but to give pleasure to others. If one only knew what -is gained by renouncing self in all things! . . ." - -"You know it well; you have always acted thus?" - -"Yes, I have forgotten self, I have tried not to seek myself in -anything." - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - - -OBEDIENCE - - -AS I had self-love as well as the love of what is right it was -sufficient but once to tell me: "Such a thing should not be -done," and I would have no desire to do it again. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. I - - -FROM what anxieties do we not free ourselves by making the vow -of obedience! How happy are single-minded religious. Their sole -guide being the will of Superiors, they are ever secure of going -the right way without fear of error, should it even appear to -them certain that the Superiors are mistaken. But when one -ceases to consult the sure compass, the soul forthwith loses her -way in arid paths where the waters of grace soon fail her. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. IX - - -DURING her illness the Infirmarian had recommended SÅ“ur Thérèse -to take a little walk in the garden every day for a quarter of -an hour. For her, this advice was a command. One afternoon, a -Sister seeing her walk with much difficulty said to her: "You -would do far better to rest; in such circumstances walking can -do you no good, you exhaust yourself, that is all." - -"It is true," replied this child of Obedience, "but do you know -what gives me strength? . . . Well! _I walk for a Missionary_. I -think how some one of them far away, yonder, is perhaps -exhausted in his apostolic journeyings, and to lessen his -fatigue I offer mine to the good God." - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII - - - -POVERTY - - -AFTER I was clothed with the holy Habit abundant lights on -religious perfection were granted me, chiefly regarding the vow -of poverty. During my postulate I was pleased to have for my -use, anything that was nice, and to find at my hand whatever was -necessary. Jesus bore with this patiently, for He does not like -to disclose all to the soul at once. He ordinarily gives His -light little by little. - -After Compline one evening I looked in vain for our lantern on -the shelves appointed for them; it was the time of great -silence, not possible therefore to ask for it back. I rightly -supposed that a Sister believing she took her own had carried -away ours; but must I spend a whole hour in the dark in -consequence of this mistake? And just that evening I had -intended doing much work. Without the interior light of grace I -should assuredly have bewailed my loss, but with that light, -instead of experiencing vexation I was happy in thinking that -poverty consists in being deprived not only of things desirable, -but of those also that are indispensable. And in the exterior -darkness I found my soul illumined with divine light. - -I was seized at this time with a genuine love for what was -ugliest and least convenient, thus I was delighted when I saw -the pretty little jug carried off from our cell, and received in -its stead a large one, all chipped. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. VII - - -A NOVICE expressed regret for having lent a pin which was very -serviceable to her: - -"Oh! how rich you are," replied Thérèse, "you cannot be happy." - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - -_"MAKE haste and come down: for this day I must abide in thy -house."_ [1] Jesus tells us to come down; where, then, must we -go? . . . At an earlier time the Jews asked Him: _"Master, where -dwellest Thou."_ [2] And He said: _"The foxes have holes, and -the birds of the air nests; but the Son of Man hath not where to -lay His head."_ [3] Behold whereunto we must descend if we would -serve as dwellings for Jesus: we must be so poor that we have -not where to lay our head. - -XIII LETTER TO HER SISTER CÉLINE - -[1] Luke, xix, 5 -[2] John, i, 38. -[3] Luke, ix, 58. - - - -CONFIDENCE - - -WHAT offends Jesus, what wounds Him to the Heart, is want of -confidence. - -I LETTER TO HER COUSIN MARIE GUERIN - - -BELIEVING that I was born for glory, and seeking the means to -attain to it, it was revealed to me interiorly that my glory -would never be visible to mortal eyes but would consist in -becoming a saint. This desire might well seem presumptuously -bold, considering how imperfect I was, and how imperfect I am -still after so many years in religion; and yet I feel ever the -same audacious confidence of becoming a great saint. I count not -on my merits, having none; but I trust in Him who is Virtue and -Holiness itself. He alone it is who satisfied with my feeble -efforts will raise me up even unto Himself, will clothe me with -His merits and make me a saint. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. IV - - -OURS is an age of inventions: nowadays, with the rich a lift -saves the trouble of climbing the stairs. And I, fain would I -too find a _lift_ to bear me up unto God, for I am too little to -climb the rugged steps of perfection. - -Then I turned to the Holy Scriptures, seeking from them an -indication of this _lift_, the object of my desires; and I read -these words which have issued from the very mouth of the Eternal -Wisdom: _"Whosoever is a_ VERY LITTLE ONE, _let him come to -me."_ [1] Then I drew nigh unto God divining truly that I had -discovered what I sought: wishing however to know what He would -do with the very little one, I continued my research and here is -what I found: _"You shall be carried at the breast and upon the -knees; as one whom the mother caresseth so will I comfort you."_ -[2] - -Ah, never came words more sweet, more tender, to gladden my -soul. Thine arms then, O Jesus, are the _lift_ which must raise -me up even unto Heaven! For this I need not grow, on the -contrary I must remain little, I must ever tend to become yet -more little. O my God, Thou hast gone beyond my expectations, -and I--I will sing Thy mercies! _Thou hast taught me, O God from -my youth: and till now I have declared Thy wondrous works. And -unto old age and grey hairs_ [3] will I proclaim them. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. IX - -[1] Prov., ix, 4. -[2] Is., lxvi, 12, 13. -[3] _Cf_. Ps., lxx. 17, 18. - - -SINCE it has been given to me too, to understand the love of the -Heart of Jesus, I own that it has chased all fear from mine! The -remembrance of my faults humiliates me, and urges me never to -depend upon my own strength which is nothing but weakness: still -more does this remembrance speak to me of mercy and of love. -When, with all filial confidence we cast our faults into the -devouring furnace of love, how should they not be totally -consumed? - -V LETTER TO HER MISSIONARY "BROTHERS" - - -THOUGH we must needs be pure indeed to appear in the presence of -the God of all Holiness, yet I know too that He is infinitely -just; and this justice which affrights so many souls is the -ground of my joy and my confidence. Justice not merely exercises -severity towards the offender; it moreover recognizes a right -intention, and awards to virtue its recompense. I hope as much -from the Justice of the good God as from His Mercy; it is -because He is just, that _"He is compassionate and merciful, -long-suffering and plenteous in mercy. For He knoweth our frame. -He remembereth that we are but dust. As a father hath compassion -on His children, so hath the Lord compassion on us!"_ [4] . . . - -Listening to these beautiful and consoling words of the Royal -Prophet, how can we doubt but that the good God will open the -portals of His Kingdom to His children who have loved Him even -unto sacrificing all for Him, who have not only left their -kindred and their country, for the sake of making Him known and -loved, but, still further, desire to give their life for -Him? . . . Most truly has Jesus said that there is no greater -love than this! How then could He suffer Himself to be outdone -in generosity? How could He purify in the flames of Purgatory -souls consumed by the fire of Divine Love? . . . - -That is what I think of the justice of the good God; my way is -all confidence and love, I do not understand those souls who -fear so tender a Friend. - -VI LETTER TO HER MISSIONARY "BROTHERS" - -[4] Ps., cii, 8, 13, 14. - - -THAT joy to think that God is just, that is to say, that He -takes our weakness into consideration, that He thoroughly knows -the frailty of our nature. Of what then, should I be afraid? -Must not the good and infinitely just God, who with such tender -mercy deigns to pardon the Prodigal Son, must He not be just -towards me too--_who am always with Him?_ [5] - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. VIII - -[5] Luke, xv, 31. - - -I WANT to make you understand by a very simple comparison how -much Jesus loves souls, even the imperfect, who trust in Him. -Suppose the father of two wayward and disobedient children, -coming to punish them, sees one tremble and draw away from him -in terror; while the other, on the contrary, throwing himself -into his arms, says he is sorry, promises to be good -henceforward and begs for a kiss as punishment. Do you think the -delighted father will withstand the filial confidence of this -child? He knows nevertheless that his son will fall again many a -time into the same faults, but he is disposed to pardon him -always, if always there be an appeal to his heart. - -I say nothing of the other child: you must understand that his -father cannot love him as much or treat him with the same -indulgence. - -VIII LETTER TO HER MISSIONARY "BROTHERS" - - -TRULY the Heart of Jesus is more grieved by the thousand little -imperfections of His friends than by even grave faults of His -enemies. But it seems to me that it is only when His own chosen -ones make a habit of these infidelities, and do not ask His -pardon, that He can say: _"These wounds which you see in the -midst of My Hands: with these was I wounded in the house of them -that loved Me."_ [6] - -For those who love Him and who come after each little fault and -throw themselves into His arms, begging His forgiveness, the -Heart of Jesus thrills with joy. He says to His Angels what the -father of the prodigal son said to His servants: _"Put a ring on -his finger and let us rejoice."_ [7] Oh! the goodness and the -merciful love of the Heart of Jesus, how little is it known! -True it is, that to share in these treasures we must humble -ourselves, must acknowledge our nothingness, and that is what -many souls are unwilling to do. - -VII LETTER TO HER MISSIONARY "BROTHERS" - -[6] _Cf_. Zach., xiii, 6. -[7] _Cf_. Luke, xv, 22. - - -OUR dreams, our desires of perfection are not vain imaginations, -since Jesus Himself has given us this commandment, He said: _"Be -you, therefore, perfect, as also your Heavenly Father is -perfect."_ [8] - -II LETTER TO HER SISTER CÉLINE - -[8] Matt., v, 48. - - -TRULY I am far from being a saint. I ought not to rejoice at the -aridity of my soul, but attribute it to the scantiness of my -fervour and fidelity. I ought to grieve because I fall asleep -very often during my prayer and my thanksgiving. Well, I do not -grieve! I reflect that little children when they sleep are as -pleasing to their parents as when they are awake; that in order -to perform operations, doctors put their patients to sleep; in -fine, that _the Lord knoweth our frame, He remembereth that we -are but dust._ [9] - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. VIII - -[9] Ps., cii, 14. - - -I HAVE no fear of the last combats, nor of the physical -suffering how great soever it may be. The good God has always -come to my assistance, He has helped me and led me by the hand -from my earliest years . . . I count on Him . . . my sufferings -may reach their furthest limits, but I am sure that He will -never abandon me. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII - - -IT is confidence, and confidence alone, that must lead us to -Love . . . Does not fear lead us rather to think of the rigid -justice by which sinners are warned? But that is not the justice -that Jesus will show to those who love Him. - -VI LETTER TO SÅ’UR DU SACRÉ-CÅ’UR - - -O JESUS, suffer me to tell Thee that Thy Love reacheth even unto -folly . . . What wilt Thou, in face of this folly, but that my -heart dart upwards to Thee--how can my confidence have any -bounds? - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XI - - -IT is not because I have been shielded from mortal sin that I -lift up my heart to God in trust and love. I feel that even if -there lay upon my conscience all the crimes one could commit I -should lose nothing of my confidence. Brokenhearted with -compunction I would go and throw myself into the arms of my -Saviour. I know that He cherished the Prodigal Son, I have heard -His words to Mary Magdalene, to the adultress, to the Samaritan -woman. No one could frighten me, for I know what to believe -concerning His Mercy and His Love. I know that in one moment all -that multitude of sins would disappear--as a drop of water cast -into a red-hot furnace. - -It is related in the Lives of the Fathers of the Desert that one -of them converted a public sinner whose misdeeds scandalized the -whole country. Touched by grace this sinful woman was following -the saint into the desert, there to do rigorous penance, when, -on the first night of her journey, before she had even reached -the place of her retreat, the bonds of life were broken by the -impetuosity of her loving contrition. The holy hermit at the -same moment saw her soul borne by Angels into the Bosom of God. - -That is truly a striking instance of what I want to express, but -one cannot put these things into words. . . - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XI - - -HAPPY indeed am I to die and go to Heaven, but when I think on -those words of our Lord: _"Behold, I come quickly, and My reward -is with Me, to render to every man according to his works,"_ -[10] I reflect that He will be very much embarrassed as regards -me: I have no works . . . Well, He will render to me ACCORDING -TO HIS OWN WORKS! - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - -[10] Apoc., xxii, 12. - - -[Picture of Saint Thérèse.] -THE SERVANT OF GOD -THERESE OF THE CHILD JESUS -_The Little Flower of Jesus!_ - - -ONE evening as they were telling her something which had been -said at recreation, touching the responsibility of those who -have the charge of souls, SÅ“ur Thérèse de l'Enfant Jésus spoke -these beautiful words: _"'To him that is little, mercy is -granted.'_ [11] It is possible to remain _little_, even in the -most important offices; and is it not written that at the end -_the Lord will arise to save the meek and humble of the earth?_ -[12] It says not to _judge_ but to _save_." - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII - -[11] Wisdom, vi, 7. -[12] _Cf_. Ps., lxxv, 10. - - -A NOVICE questioning as to whether our Lord were not -dissatisfied with her on account of her many miseries, SÅ“ur -Thérèse made answer: - -"Set your mind at rest: He whom you have chosen as your Spouse -possesses certainly every perfection that can be desired; but, -if I may dare to say it, He has at the same time one great -infirmity: _He is blind!_ And there is a science which He knows -not, that of _calculation_. These two points which would be most -lamentable deficiencies in an earthly spouse, render ours -infinitely lovable. Were He to consider our sins and reckon with -them, do you not think that in the face of all these sins He -would cast us back into nothingness? But no, His love for us -makes Him absolutely blind! - -"See for yourself: if the greatest sinner on earth, at the hour -of death repent of his transgressions and expire in an act of -love, immediately, without calculating on the one hand the -numerous graces abused by this unhappy man, nor on the other, -all his crimes, Jesus sees nothing, counts nothing, but the -penitent's last prayer, and delays not to receive him into the -arms of His Mercy. - -"But to render Him thus blind, to hinder Him from doing the -least little bit of reckoning, we must know how to lay siege to -His Heart; at that point He is defenceless. . ." - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - -TO another, who bitterly repented of a fault just committed, -SÅ“ur Thérèse said: - -"Take your Crucifix and kiss it." - -The novice kissed the feet. - -"Is that how a child embraces her Father? Put your arms round -His Neck immediately and kiss His Face." - -She obeyed. - -"That is not all, He must return your caresses." - -And she had to hold the Crucifix to each cheek; then Thérèse -said: - -"That is well, now all is forgiven!" - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - -HAVING caused her pain, a novice went to ask pardon of SÅ“ur -Thérèse, who replied with emotion: "If you only knew what I -feel! Never have I so well understood with what love Jesus -receives us, when, after a fault we beg Him to forgive us. If I, -His poor little creature, feel such tenderness for you the -moment you return to me, what must pass in the Heart of the good -God when we return to Him? . . . Yes, surely, more swiftly yet -than I have just done, will He forget all our iniquities, never -again to remember them . . . He will do even more--He will love -us still better than before our fault! . . . " - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - - -SELF-ABANDONMENT - - -I CANNOT think without rapture of the dear little Saint Cæcilia: -what a model! In the midst of a pagan world, in the heart of -danger, at the moment when about to be united to a mortal who -sought none but earthly love, it seems to me that she ought to -have trembled and wept. But no, _while her bridal was celebrated -with joyful melody Cæcilia was singing in her heart_. [1] What -abandonment to God! Without doubt she listened to other melodies -than those of earth; her Divine Spouse, He too, was singing, and -Angel choirs sang again the refrain of one most blessed night: -_"Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to men of good -will."_ [2] - -The glory of God!--Oh! Cæcilia understood it; most earnestly did -she long for it. She divined that her Jesus was athirst for -souls . . . that is why her whole desire was that she might lead -speedily to Him the soul of the young Roman, who dreamed of -naught but human glory: this wise Virgin will make of him a -martyr, and multitudes will follow in his footprints. She fears -nothing: the Angels have promised and have sung of peace. She -knows that the Prince of Peace is bound to protect her, to -shield her virginity and to give to her its recompense. _"O how -beautiful is the chaste generation!"_ [3] - -XVII LETTER TO HER SISTER CÉLINE - -[1] Office of St. Cæcilia. -[2] Luke, ii, 14. -[3] Wisdom, iv, I. - - -I HAD offered myself to the Child Jesus to be _His little -plaything_. I had told Him not to use me like a costly toy which -children are pleased to look at without daring to touch; but as -He would a little ball of no value, that He might throw to the -ground, toss about, pierce, leave in a corner, or else press to -His Heart if so it pleased Him. In a word _I wanted to amuse the -little Jesus, and to give myself up to all His childlike -fancies._ - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. VI - - -MY heart is entirely filled with the will of Jesus; therefore -when anything over and above falls to its share, this does not -penetrate to its depths; it is a mere nothing which easily -glides by, as oil on the surface of limpid water. Ah! if my -heart were not filled up beforehand, had it to be filled by the -sentiments of joy or of sadness which so quickly succeed each -other, bitter indeed would be this flood-tide of pain; but these -rapid alternations do no more than ruffle the surface of my -soul, and I remain ever in a profound peace that nothing can -disturb. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII - - -I AM not always faithful, but I am never discouraged; I leave -myself wholly in the arms of our Divine Lord; He teaches me to -_draw profit from all--both good and ill that He finds in me_. -[4] He teaches me to speculate in the Bank of Love, or rather it -is He who acts for me without telling me how He goes to work, -that is His affair and not mine; my part is complete surrender, -reserving nothing to myself, not even the gratification of -knowing how my credit stands with the Bank. - -XVI LETTER TO HER SISTER CÉLINE - -[4] St. John of the Cross. - - -A SISTER told SÅ“ur Thérèse of the strange phenomena produced by -magnetism on persons who really wish to yield up their will to -the mesmerizer. These details appeared to interest her keenly -and on the morrow she said to the Sister: - -"Your conversation yesterday did me so much good. Oh! how I wish -to be magnetized by our Lord. It was my first thought on -awakening. With what delight have I delivered my will up to Him. -Yes, I want Him to make Himself master of my faculties in such -sort that my actions shall no longer be human or personal, but -wholly divine, inspired and directed by the Spirit of Love." - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - -YOU are quite wrong to think of sorrows that the future may -bring; it is, as it were, intermeddling with Divine Providence. -We who run in the way of Love must never torment ourselves about -anything. If I did not suffer minute by minute, it would be -impossible for me to be patient; but I see only the present -moment, I forget the past and I take good care not to anticipate -the future. If we grow disheartened, if sometimes we despair, it -is because we have been dwelling on the past or the future. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII - - -I NO longer thirst for either suffering or death, yet both I -dearly prize. Long did I call upon them as the harbingers of joy -. . . Suffering has in very truth been mine, and I have thought -I wellnigh touched the eternal shore! I have believed from my -earliest youth that _the little flower_ would be gathered in its -spring-time; now, it is the spirit of self-abandonment alone -that guides me, no other compass have I. I know not now, how to -ask anything eagerly, save the perfect accomplishment of God's -designs upon my soul. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. VIII - - -"PRAY for me," she would often say, "when I implore Heaven to -come to my aid, then it is that I feel most forsaken." - -"And in this desolation how do you avoid discouragement?" they -asked her. - -"I turn to the good God, to all the Saints, and I thank them -just the same. I think they wish to see to what point I shall -carry my trust . . . But not in vain have these words of Job -sunk into my heart: _'Though He should kill me yet will I trust -in Him.'_ [5] I acknowledge it was long before I reached this -degree of abandonment; our Lord has taken me and placed me -there!" - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII - -[5] Job, xiii, 15. - - -IT seems to me that nothing now hinders me from taking flight, -for I no longer have any great desires, save to love, even unto -dying of love. I am free, I have no fear, not even of what I -most dreaded; I mean the fear of being a long time ill and -consequently a burthen to the Community. If it gives pleasure to -the good God I willingly consent to see my life of suffering, -both of soul and body, prolonged for years. Oh! no, I do not -fear a long life. I do not shun the combat. _"The Lord is the -rock upon which I am founded. Who teacheth my hands to fight and -my fingers to war; He is my protector in whom I have hoped."_ -[6] Never have I asked God to let me die young; it is true I -have ever believed that it would be so, but without seeking to -obtain it. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. IX - -[6] _Cf_. Ps., cxliii, 1, 2, 3. - - -WHATEVER the good God has given me has always pleased me, even -the gifts which have appeared to me less good and less beautiful -than those received by others. - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - -I HAVE no greater desire to die than to live; if our Lord gave -me the choice I would choose nothing; I only will what He wills; -it is what He does that I love. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII - - -"SOME think you are afraid of death," they said to her.--"That -may indeed yet happen; I never depend on my own thoughts, -knowing how weak I am; but at present I will rejoice in the -sentiments that the good God now gives me, there will be time -enough to suffer from the contrary." - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII - - -A SISTER said to her: - -"If anyone goes straight to Heaven, you surely will not spend -one moment in Purgatory!" - -"Oh! I feel little anxiety about that; I shall always be content -with the sentence of the good God. If I go to Purgatory, well--I -shall walk in the midst of the flames, like the three Hebrews in -the furnace, singing the Canticle of Love." - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - - -GRATITUDE - - - -OH, how happy God makes me! How easy and how sweet it is to -serve Him upon earth. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. X - - -SEEING several of my companions form special attachments to some -one or other of our mistresses, I wished to follow their example -but could not succeed therein. O happy inability! from how great -evils has it saved me . . . How I thank God for having made me -find only bitterness in the friendships of earth. With a heart -such as mine I should have been captured and had my wings -clipped; then how should I have been able to _fly away and be at -rest_. [1] - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. IV - -[1] Ps., liv, 7. - - -I UNDERSTAND well that our Lord knew I was too weak to be -exposed to temptation; without doubt I should have been wholly -destroyed had I been dazzled by the deceitful glamour of the -love of creatures; but never has it shone before my eyes. There, -where strong souls find joy, and through fidelity detach -themselves from it, I have found only affliction. Where then is -my merit in not being given up to these fragile attachments, -since it is only by a gracious effect of God's mercy that I was -preserved from it? Without Him, I recognize that I might have -fallen as low as St. Magdalene; and that word of deep meaning -spoken by the Divine Master to Simon the Pharisee, re-echoes -with great sweetness in my soul. Yes, I know it: _"To whom less -is forgiven, he loveth less."_ [2] But I also know that Jesus -has forgiven more to me than to St. Magdalene. Ah, how I wish I -could express what I feel. Here at least is an example which -will in some measure convey my thought. - -Suppose the son of a skilful doctor is tripped by a stone in his -path, which causes him to fall and fracture a limb. His father -comes in haste, lifts him up lovingly and attends to his -injuries, employing therein all the resources of his art; and -the boy, very soon completely cured, testifies his gratitude. -This child has certainly good reason to love so kind a father; -but here is another supposition. - -The father having learnt that there lies in his son's way a -dangerous stone, sets out beforehand and removes it unseen by -anyone. His son, the object of this tender forethought, unaware -of the misfortune from which he has been preserved by the -father's hand, will of course show no gratitude, and will love -him less than if he had cured him of a grievous wound. But -should he come to know all, will he not love him still more? -Well--I am this child, the object of the preventing love of a -Father _Who sent His Son not to redeem the just but sinners._ -[3] He wills that I should love Him because He has forgiven me, -not _much_, but _everything_. Without waiting for me to love Him -much, like St. Mary Magdalene, He has made me to know how He had -loved me with a preventing and ineffable love, in order that I -may now love Him even unto folly! - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. IV - -[2] Luke, vii, 47. -[3] Luke, v, 32. - - -WALKING one day in the garden, leaning on one of her sisters, -Thérèse paused to enjoy the fascinating sight of a little white -hen sheltering its chickens beneath its wings. Very soon her -eyes filled with tears, and turning to her dear companion she -said: "I can stay no longer, let us go in again quickly. . ." -And in her cell, her tears continued falling and she could not -utter a word. At last, looking at her sister with an expression -that was quite heavenly, she said: - -"I was thinking of our Lord, and of the touching comparison He -chose in order to make us believe in His tenderness. That is -just what He has done for me all my life: _He has wholly hidden -me beneath His wings!_ I cannot express what passed within my -heart. Ah! the good God does well to veil Himself from my sight, -to show me the effects of His Mercy rarely, and as it were, -_'through the lattices;'_ [4] such consolations would, I feel, -be more than I could bear." - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII - -[4] Cant., ii, 9. - - -"OH! how _good_ is the good God!" . . . she would sometimes -exclaim. "Yes, He must indeed be good to give me the strength to -endure all that I suffer." - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII - - -ONE day she said to the Mother Prioress: - -"I would like to speak to you, Mother, of the state of my soul; -but I cannot, I am too deeply moved just now." - -And in the evening she sent these lines pencilled with a -trembling hand: - -"O my God, how good Thou art to the little victim of Thy -Merciful Love! Now even though Thou dost join physical suffering -to the trials of my soul, I cannot say: _'The sorrows of death -have encompassed me.'_ [5] But I cry out in my gratitude: _'I -have gone down into the valley of the shadow of death, yet I -fear no evil, because Thou, O Lord, art with me.'_" [6] - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII - -[5] Ps., xvii, 5. -[6] _Cf_. Ps., xxii, 4. - - - -ZEAL - - - -THE cry of Jesus agonizing, "I thirst!" re-echoed continually in -my heart, firing it with an ardent zeal till then unknown to me. -I longed to give to my Beloved to drink: I too felt myself -consumed with the thirst for souls, and at all cost I would -wrest sinners from the eternal flames. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. V - - -THE Precious Blood of Jesus I poured on souls, to Him I offered -these same souls renewed by the Dew of Calvary; thus I thought -to quench His Thirst; but the more I gave Him to drink, the more -ardently my poor little soul thirsted--and this I received as a -most precious recompense. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. V - - -LIKE the Prophets and the Doctors I would fain enlighten souls. -Fain would I travel the earth, O my Well-Beloved, to preach Thy -Name and to set up Thy glorious Cross in Pagan lands. But one -mission only would not suffice for me; would that I could at one -and the same time proclaim the Gospel all the world over, even -to the remotest of its islands. I would desire to be a -Missionary not only for a few years, but to have been one from -the creation of the world, and so to continue to the end of -time. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XI - - -I LONG to accomplish the most heroic deeds. I feel within me the -courage of a Crusader. I would die on the battlefield in defence -of the Church. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XI - - -OPEN, my Jesus, thy Book of Life wherein are recorded the -actions of all the Saints; those actions--would that I too, had -accomplished such for Thee! - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XI - - -SOULS--dear Lord, we must have souls! Above all, souls of -apostles and of martyrs, that through them we may inflame the -multitude of poor sinners with love of Thee. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, APPENDIX - - -AFTER recreation one day when the Mother Prioress had spoken of -the persecution already raging against Religious Communities, -SÅ“ur Thérèse said to a novice: "Ah! Sister, we live in an era of -martyrs! Blood will be shed.--What happiness if it should be -ours!" - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - -A NOVICE on her way to the laundry one day, went at a slow pace -through the garden, looking at the flowers as she passed. SÅ“ur -Thérèse who followed walking quickly, soon overtook her and -said: "Is that how one hastens who has children (_souls_) to -support, for whose sustenance she is obliged to work? . . . " - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - -DURING her illness she wrote: - -"The will of the good God is my sole desire; and I declare that -if in Heaven I could no longer work for His glory, I would -choose exile rather than the Fatherland." - -IV LETTER TO HER MISSIONARY "BROTHERS" - - -WHAT draws me towards the Heavenly Country is the call of our -Lord, the hope of at last loving Him as I have so ardently -desired, and the thought that I shall be able to make Him loved -by _a multitude of souls_ who will bless Him eternally. - -VIII LETTER TO HER MISSIONARY "BROTHERS" - - -CONFIDENTLY I count upon not remaining inactive in Heaven, my -desire is to work still for the Church and for souls: this I ask -of God, and I am certain that He will hear me. If I quit already -the battlefield, it is not with the selfish desire of taking my -rest. Suffering has long since become my heaven here below, and -it is difficult to imagine how it will be possible for me to -become acclimatized to a country where joy reigns, unmingled -with sorrow. Jesus must needs transform my soul completely, else -I could not support eternal bliss. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII - - -JUST now a few notes of distant music fell upon my ear, and set -me thinking that very soon I shall hear melodies beyond compare; -yet this thought can give me but a moment's gladness; one only -expectation makes my heart throb: _it is the love that I shall -receive and the love that I shall be able to give!_ - -_I feel that my mission is now to begin, my mission to make -others love the good God as I love Him . . . to give to souls my -little way_. I WILL SPEND MY HEAVEN IN DOING GOOD UPON EARTH. -This is not impossible, since the Angels in the full enjoyment -of the Beatific Vision keep watch over us. No, I shall never -rest till the end of the world! But when the Angel shall have -said: "Time is no more!" [1] then I shall rest--shall be able to -rejoice, because the number of the elect will be complete. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII - -[1] Apoc., x, 6. - - - -SIMPLICITY - - - -WHEN I read certain treatises where perfection is set forth as -encompassed by a thousand obstacles, my poor little head grows -weary very quickly. I close the learned book which puzzles my -brains and dries up my heart, and in its stead I open the Holy -Scriptures. Then all appears clear, luminous . . . one single -word discloses to my soul infinite horizons, perfection seems -easy. I see that it is sufficient to recognize our nothingness, -and to leave oneself like a child, in the arms of the good God. -Let great souls and sublime intellects enjoy the beautiful books -which I cannot understand, still less put in practice; I rejoice -in being little, since _"children only and those who resemble -them will be admitted to the Heavenly banquet."_ [1] - -It is well that the Kingdom of Heaven contains many mansions, -for if there were none other than those of which the description -and the way seem incomprehensible to me, I should never be able -to enter therein. - -VI LETTER TO HER MISSIONARY "BROTHERS" - -[1] _Cf._ Matt., xix, 14. - - -MY patrons in Heaven and my chosen favourites are those who have -stolen it--like the Holy Innocents and the Good Thief. The great -Saints have earned it by their works; as for me, I will imitate -the thieves, I will have it by ruse, a ruse of Love which will -open its gates to me and to poor sinners. The Holy Ghost -encourages me, saying in the Book of Proverbs: _"O little one, -come, learn subtlety of me."_ [2] - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - -[2] _Cf._ Prov., i, 4. - - -OUR Lord replied to the mother of the sons of Zebedee: _"To sit -on My right and on My left hand is for them for whom it is -prepared by My Father."_ [3] I imagine that those places of -choice, refused to great Saints, to Martyrs, will be the portion -of little children. - -Did not David predict it when he said that _the little Benjamin -will preside amidst the assemblies_ (of the saints)? [4] - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - -[3] _Cf._ Matt., xx, 23. -[4] _Cf._ Ps., lxvii, 29. - - -"IF you could begin your religious life over again" asked a -novice, "what would you do?" - -"It seems to me that I would do as I have done." - -"You do not then feel like the hermit who used to say: 'Even -though I had lived long years in penance yet I should fear -damnation while there still remained to me one quarter of an -hour, one breath of life.' - -"No, I cannot share that fear, I am too little to be damned, -little children are not damned." - -"You always seek to be like the little ones--but tell us what we -must do to possess the spirit of childhood? What does it exactly -mean--to remain little? - -"To remain little--it is to recognize our nothingness, to expect -everything from the good God, not to be too much afflicted about -our faults, for little children fall often but are too small to -hurt themselves much: in fine, it is _not_ to make one's -fortune, nor to be disquieted about anything. Even in the homes -of the poor, as long as a child is quite little they give him -what is needful; but when grown up, the father is no longer -willing to support him and says: 'Now work! you can provide for -yourself.' Well, it was to escape hearing that, that I have -never wished to grow up, for I know myself incapable of earning -my livelihood--Eternal Life! - -"Again, to remain little is not to attribute to self the virtues -we practise; but to acknowledge that the good God places this -treasure in the hand of His little child to be made use of when -required." - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - -BE not afraid to tell Jesus that you love Him; even though it be -without feeling, this is the way to oblige Him to help you, and -carry you like a little child too feeble to walk. - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - -IT is a great trial to see only the black side of things, but -that does not depend completely upon you. Do your best to detach -your heart from the cares of this world, and above all from -creatures; then you may be sure that Jesus will do the rest. He -could not suffer you to fall into the abyss. Be comforted, -little one, in Heaven you will no longer see _all black but all -white;_ yes, all will be clothed with the divine whiteness of -our Spouse, the Lily of the Valley. Together we shall follow Him -whithersoever He goeth . . . Oh! let us profit by the brief -moments of this life to give pleasure to Jesus, let us win souls -for Him by our sacrifices. Above all let us be little, so little -that all the world may trample us under foot without even our -appearing to feel it or to suffer from it. - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - -YOU are wrong to find fault with one thing and another, and to -seek that all should yield to your way of viewing things. We -want to be like little children, and little children know not -what is best, to them all seems well; let us imitate them. -Besides there would be no merit [in obedience] were we only to -do what would appear reasonable to us. - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - -A NOVICE under a temptation which seemed to her insurmountable -said: "This time I cannot rise above it--it is impossible." -Thérèse replied: "Why do you try to rise above it? Pass beneath -it quite simply. It is very well for great souls to soar high -above the clouds when the storm is raging, but for us, we have -merely to bear the showers with patience. If we do get rather -wet--no matter! We shall dry ourselves afterwards in the -sunshine of Love. - -"That brings to mind this little trait of my childhood; a horse -one day standing at the garden gate barred our entrance; those -with me endeavoured by force of talking, etc., to get him to -move back, but while they talked I very quietly slipped in, -through the horse's legs . . . See how one may gain by remaining -little!" - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - -TO a young Sister discouraged at seeing her imperfections, SÅ“ur -Thérèse said: "You make me think of a very little child who is -just able to stand upright but does not yet know how to walk. -Intent upon reaching the top of the stairs so as to get back to -his mother he lifts his foot to climb the first step. Fruitless -endeavour! At each attempt he falls without advancing in the -least. Well, be like that little child; by the practice of every -virtue keep on ever lifting your little foot to climb the steps -of sanctity, and do not imagine that you will be able to mount -even the first! No; but good will is all God requires of you. -From the top of those steps He is watching you with love; and -won by your unavailing efforts He will Himself soon come down, -and taking you in His arms will bear you away to His Kingdom, -never more to quit Him. But if you cease to lift your little -foot He will leave you a long time on earth." - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - -THE only means of making rapid progress in the path of Love is -to remain always very _little_; that is what I have done; so now -I can sing with our Father St. John of the Cross: - - And stooping so low, so low, - I rose still higher and higher - And thus I attained my end. - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - -SOME one was speaking to her of the mortifications of the -Saints, she replied: - -"It is well our Lord has let us know that _there are many -mansions in His Father's House, that if not He would have told -us._ [5] Yes, if all souls called to perfection had been obliged -to practise these macerations in order to enter Heaven, He would -have said so, and gladly would we have undertaken them. But He -tells us that _in His House there are many mansions_. If there -are those for great souls, for the Fathers of the Desert and for -martyrs of penance, there must be one also for little children. -Our place is reserved there, if our love be great--for Him and -for our Heavenly Father and the Spirit of Love." - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - -[5] _Cf._ John, xiv, 2. - - -"I feel that my mission is now to begin," she said a few days -before her death, "my mission to make others love the good God -_as I love Him_, to give my little way to souls. . ." - -"What is this 'little way' that you want to teach to souls?" - -"_It is the path of spiritual childhood, it is the way of trust -and of entire self-surrender_. I want to make known to them the -simple means that have so perfectly succeeded for me, to tell -them that there is but one only thing to do here below: _to cast -down before Jesus the flowers of little sacrifices, to win Him -by caresses!_ That is how I have won Him, and that is why I -shall be so well received." - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII - - -IF I am misguiding you by my _little way_ of Love, she said to a -novice, do not fear that I shall let you follow it very long. I -shall appear to you, and tell you to take another path; but if I -do not return, believe in the truth of my words: _never can we -have too much confidence in the good God, so mighty and so -merciful! As much as we hope for shall we obtain from -Him!_ . . . - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII - - -A NOVICE said to her on the eve of the Feast of Our Lady of -Mount Carmel: "If you were to die to-morrow after Holy -Communion, it seems to me that so beautiful a death would -console me in the midst of my grief." - -And Thérèse replied with animation: - -"Die after Holy Communion! On a grand Feast day! No, it will not -be so: little souls could not copy that. In my little way there -are only quite ordinary things; all that I do, little souls must -be able to do also." - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII - - - -PRAYER - - - -AS I grew older I loved the good God more and more, and very -frequently did I offer Him my heart, using the words my mother -had taught me. I strove in all my actions to please Jesus and -was most watchful never to offend Him. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. II - - -MY whole strength lies in prayer and sacrifice, these are my -invincible arms; they can move hearts far better than words, I -know it by experience. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. X - - -GREAT is the power of prayer--a queen, as one might say, having -free access always to the King, and able to obtain whatever she -asks. In order to be heard, it is not necessary to read from a -book a beautiful form of prayer adapted to the circumstances; if -it were so, how greatly to be pitied should I be! - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. X - - -I HAVE not the courage to force myself to seek beautiful prayers -in books; not knowing which to choose I act as children do who -cannot read; I say quite simply to the good God what I want to -tell Him, and He always understands me. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. X - - -PRAYER is, for me, an outburst from the heart; it is a simple -glance darted upwards to Heaven; it is a cry of gratitude and of -love in the midst of trial as in the midst of joy! In a word, it -is something exalted, supernatural, which dilates the soul and -unites it to God. Sometimes when I find myself, spiritually, in -dryness so great that I cannot produce a single good thought, I -recite very slowly a _Pater_ or an _Ave Maria_; these prayers -alone console me, they suffice, they nourish my soul. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. X - - -THE principal plenary indulgence and one which all may gain -without the ordinary conditions, is that of _charity which -covereth a multitude of sins_. [1] - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - -[1] Prov., x, 12. - - -FORMERLY if any of my family were in trouble, and that I had -been unable to succeed in comforting them during their visit, I -would go from the parlour heart-broken; but soon Jesus made me -understand that I was incapable of giving consolation to a soul. -From that day forth I grieved no more when anyone went away sad; -I confided to the good God the sorrows of those who were dear to -me, feeling certain that He heard me, and at their next visit I -used to find that it had indeed been so. Since I have -experienced this, I no longer torment myself when involuntarily -I give pain; I simply beg of Jesus to make up for what I have -done. - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - -ONE day after Holy Communion the good God made me understand -those words of the Canticles: _"Draw me: we will run offer Thee -to the odour of Thy ointments."_ [2] O Jesus, it is not then -necessary to say: In drawing me, draw the souls whom I love. -These, simple words: _"Draw me"_ suffice! Yes, when a soul has -allowed herself to be captivated by the inebriating fragrance of -Thy perfumes, she could not run alone, all the souls whom she -loves are drawn after her; this is a natural consequence of her -attraction towards Thee. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XI - -[2] Cant., i, 3. - - -_"DRAW me, we will run. . ."_ - -To ask to be drawn is to will intimate union with the object -which holds the heart captive. If fire and iron were gifted with -reason, and that the latter said to the fire: "Draw me," would -not this prove that it desired to become identified with the -fire even so far as to share its substance? Well, that is -exactly my prayer. I beg of Jesus to draw me into the flames of -His Love, to unite me so closely to Himself that He may live and -act in me. I feel that the more the fire of love inflames my -heart, the more I shall say: "Draw me," the more also will the -souls who draw near to mine run swiftly in the fragrant odours -of the Well-Beloved. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XI - - -SOULS thus on fire cannot rest inactive. They may sit at the -feet of Jesus, like Saint Mary Magdalene, listening to His sweet -and ardent words; but, while seeming to give nothing, they do -give far more than Martha who troubles herself with _many -things_. [3] It is not however of Martha's labours that Jesus -disapproves, but only her too great anxiety; to this very same -work His Blessed Mother humbly submitted herself, when she had -to prepare the repasts for the Holy Family. - -All the Saints have understood this, and more especially perhaps -those who have enlightened the world with the luminous teaching -of the Gospel. Was it not from prayer that Saint Paul, Saint -Augustine, Saint Thomas of Aquin, Saint John of the Cross, Saint -Teresa and so many other friends of God drew that wondrous -science which enraptures the greatest intellects? - -Archimedes said: "Give me a lever and a fulcrum, and I will -raise the world." What he was unable to obtain because his -request had but a material end and was not addressed to God, the -Saints have obtained in full measure. For fulcrum, the Almighty -has given them Himself, Himself alone! for lever, prayer, which -enkindles the fire of love; and thus it is that they have -uplifted the world, thus it is that saints still militant, -uplift it, and will uplift it till the end of time. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XI - -[3] Luke, x, 41 - - -THE Creator of the universe awaits the prayer of one poor little -soul to save a multitude of others, redeemed like her at the -price of His Blood. - -Our vocation is not to go and reap in the Father's fields; Jesus -does not say to us: "Cast down your eyes and reap the harvest"; -our mission is still more sublime. Here are the words of the -Divine Master: _"Lift up your eyes and see. . ."_ see that in -Heaven there are empty places; yours it is to fill them . . . -you are as Moses praying on the mountain; ask of Me labourers -and I will send them, I await but a prayer, a sigh from out your -heart! - -Is not the apostolate of prayer higher as one might say, than -that of preaching? It is for us to form labourers who by -preaching the Gospel, will save thousands of souls of whom we -thus become the mothers; what then have we to envy the Priests -of the Lord? - -XII LETTER TO HER SISTER CÉLINE - - -HOW beautiful is our vocation! It is for us, it is for Carmel to -preserve _"the salt of the earth."_ [4] We offer our prayers and -sacrifices for the apostles of the Lord; we ought ourselves to -be their apostles while by word and example they preach the -Gospel to our brethren. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. VI - -[4] Matt., v, 13. - - -A NOVICE was grieving about her numerous distractions during -prayer: "I too, have many," replied SÅ“ur Thérèse de l'Enfant -Jésus, "but I accept all for love of the good God, even the most -extravagant thoughts that come into my head." - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - -HER prayer was continual though she was habitually plunged in -aridity. One day a novice entering her cell, paused, struck by -the celestial expression of her countenance. She was sewing with -alacrity yet seemed lost in profound contemplation. - -"Of what are you thinking?" asked the young Sister. "I am -meditating on the _Pater_," she replied. "It is so sweet to call -the good God our Father." And tears shone in her eyes. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII - - -I DO not well see what more I shall have in Heaven than now, she -once said. I shall see the good God, it is true; but as to being -with Him, I am wholly with Him already upon earth. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII - - -A LIVING flame of Divine Love consumed her. - -"A few days after my oblation to _God's Merciful Love_," she -relates, "I had commenced in the Choir the Way of the Cross, -when I felt myself suddenly wounded by a dart of fire so ardent -that I thought I must die. I know not how to describe this -transport; there is no comparison which would make one -understand the intensity of that flame. An invisible power -seemed to plunge me wholly into fire . . . but oh! what fire! -what sweetness!" - -The Mother Prioress asked her whether this transport was the -first in her life, she answered simply: - -"Mother, I have several times had transports of love; once -especially during my novitiate when I remained one entire week -far indeed from this world; for me, there was as it were, a veil -thrown over all things of the earth. But I was not consumed by a -real flame, I was able to sustain those delights without -expecting that their intensity would cause my earthly fetters to -snap asunder, whilst on the day of which I speak, one minute, -one second more and my soul must have left its prison . . . -Alas!--and I found myself again on earth, and aridity -immediately returned to my heart!" - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII - - - -HOLY COMMUNION - - - -HOW sweet it was, the first kiss of Jesus to my soul! Yes, it -was a kiss of Love. I felt I was loved, and I too said: "I love -Thee, I give myself to Thee for ever!" Jesus asked nothing of -me, demanded no sacrifice. Already for a long time past, He and -the little Thérèse had watched and understood one another . . . -That day our meeting was no longer a simple look but a _fusion_. -No longer were we two: Thérèse had disappeared as the drop of -water which loses itself in the depths of the ocean, Jesus alone -remained; the Master, the King! Had not Thérèse begged Him to -take away from her, her liberty? That liberty made her afraid; -so weak, so fragile did she feel herself that she longed to be -united for ever to Divine Strength. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. IV - - -I HAD taken as my rule of conduct, to receive most faithfully -Holy Communion as often as my confessor permitted, without ever -asking that it might be more frequent. I would act differently -now; for I am quite sure that a soul ought to make known to her -director the attraction that she feels to receive her God. It is -not to remain in a golden ciborium that He comes down each day -from Heaven, but to find another Heaven, the Heaven of our soul -in which He takes His delight. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. V - - -WHAT shall I say of my thanksgivings after Holy Communion? There -are no moments in which I feel less consolation. And is not this -very natural, seeing that my desire is to receive our Lord's -visit, not for my own satisfaction, but solely for His pleasure. - -I imagine my soul to be as a plot of waste ground and beg the -Blessed Virgin to remove from it all the rubbish--meaning its -imperfections; then I beseech her to erect thereon, a vast -canopy worthy of Heaven and to decorate it with her own -treasures, and I invite all the Angels and Saints to come and -sing canticles of love. It seems to me then that Jesus is -pleased to see Himself so magnificently received; and I, I share -His joy. All this does not hinder distractions and sleep from -molesting me; therefore it not rarely happens that I resolve to -continue my thanksgiving all the day long, since I have made it -so badly in the Choir. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. VIII - - -AT the time of Holy Communion I sometimes picture my soul under -the figure of a little child of three or four years, who at play -has got its hair tossed and its clothes soiled.--These -misfortunes have befallen me in battling with souls.--But very -soon the Blessed Virgin hastens to my aid: quickly she takes off -my little dirty pinafore, smooths my hair and adorns it with a -pretty ribbon or simply with a little flower . . . and this -suffices to render me pleasing and enables me to sit at the -Banquet of Angels without blushing. - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - -THE demon, traitor that he is, knows well, that he cannot make a -soul who wills to belong wholly to the good God, commit sin; -therefore he endeavours only to persuade her that she sins. That -is a great deal gained, but it is not yet enough to satisfy his -rage . . . he aims at something further, he wants to deprive -Jesus of a loved tabernacle. Not being able himself to enter -into this sanctuary he wishes that it may at least remain empty -and without its Lord. Alas! what will become of this poor heart? -. . . When the devil has succeeded in driving away a soul from -Holy Communion he has gained his ends, and Jesus weeps. . . - -I LETTER TO HER COUSIN MARIE GUÉRIN - - -A NOVICE relates that she wanted to deprive herself of Holy -Communion because of some lack of fidelity. She wrote her -determination to Sister Thérèse of the Child Jesus who thus -replied: - -"Little flower cherished by Jesus, it is amply sufficient that -by the humiliation of your soul your roots _eat of the -earth_ . . . You must open a little, or rather raise on high -your corolla so that the Bread of Angels may come as a divine -dew to strengthen you, and to give you all that is wanting to -you. - -"Good-night, poor little floweret; ask of Jesus that all the -prayers offered for my recovery may serve to augment the fire -which must consume me." - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - - -SUFFERING [1] - - - -[1] No reader should be discouraged by this chapter on -Suffering. What SÅ“ur Thérèse says is very consoling for those -who are nailed to the Cross; and others must remember that God -had given to His humble Servant a _sensible_ attraction for -suffering, which is a rare grace and reserved to very few souls, -though many imagine they possess it, and mistake their road -choosing to follow this supposed attraction. Without the -sensible desire and even though experiencing an invincible -repugnance to suffer, souls can be sanctified. What pleases God -is that the suffering be borne with love. - -THE cross has accompanied me from the cradle; but then, Jesus -has made me love it passionately. - -IX LETTER TO HER MISSIONARY "BROTHERS" - - -ONE day my sister Marie, speaking of suffering, said that -instead of making me walk by that way, the good God would no -doubt carry me always like a little child. These words recurred -to me after Holy Communion on the following day, and my heart -was fired with an ardent desire of suffering. I felt too an -inward assurance, that crosses in great number were in reserve -for me. Then my soul was inundated with consolations such as I -have never had again in all my life. Suffering became my -attraction, in it I found charms that entranced me. - -Another great desire that I felt, was to love but God alone and -to find no joy save only in Him. Often during my thanksgiving -after Holy Communion I used to repeat this passage from the -_Imitation: "O Jesus, who art ineffable sweetness, turn for me -into bitterness all the consolations of earth."_ [2] These words -came from my lips without effort; I uttered them like a child -who repeats without too well understanding, words prompted by a -friend. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. IV - -[2] _Imit_., III, ch. xxvi, 3. - - -SUFFERING has held out its arms to me from my very entrance into -Carmel and lovingly have I embraced it. My intention in coming -here, I declared in the solemn examination which preceded my -profession: _I am come in order to save souls, and especially to -pray for Priests_. When we want to attain an end we must employ -the means, and Jesus having made me understand that He would -give me souls by means of the cross, the more crosses I met with -the more my attraction to suffering increased. During five years -this way was mine; but I alone knew it. Here was just the hidden -flower that I wanted to offer to Jesus, this flower which -exhaled its fragrance for Heaven alone. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. VII - - -FOR one pain endured with joy, we shall love the good God more -for ever. - -I LETTER TO MÈRE AGNÈS DE JÉSUS - - -IN my soul's intercourse with Jesus--nothing . . . dryness! -sleep! Since my Beloved wills to sleep I shall not hinder Him; I -am too happy in seeing that He does not treat me like a -stranger, that He is not constrained with me. He pierces His -little ball through and through with pin-pricks sore -indeed . . . When it is this tender Friend who Himself pierces -His ball, the pain is naught but sweetness--so gentle is His -Hand. How different when creatures pierce it! - -Yet I am happy, yes, truly happy to suffer. If Jesus does not -Himself directly pierce His little ball, it is certainly He who -guides the hand that wounds! - -II LETTER TO MÈRE AGNÈS DE JÉSUS - - -YES, I desire them, those heart-thrusts, those pin-pricks that -give so much pain . . . Sacrifice I prefer to all ecstacies: -therein lies happiness for me, I find it nowhere else. _The -little reed_ has no fear of breaking, for it is planted on the -shore of the waters of Love; and so, when it bends, that -beneficent wave invigorates it, and makes it long for another -storm to come and bow down its head anew. My weakness it is, -that makes my whole strength. Whatever happens I cannot get -broken; I see only the gentle hand of Jesus. - -To win the palm no suffering is too great. - -III LETTER TO MÈRE AGNÈS DE JÉSUS - - -THE drop of gall must be mingled in every cup, but I find that -trials greatly help to detach us from earth; they make us look -higher than this world. Nothing here below can satisfy us; we -can enjoy a little repose only by being ready to do God's Will. - -I LETTER TO MÈRE AGNÈS DE JÉSUS - - -MY soul has known many kinds of trials, greatly have I suffered -here on earth. In my childhood I suffered with sadness; now, it -is with peace and joy that I taste of all the bitter fruits. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. IX - - -SUFFERING united to love is the only thing that appears to me -desirable in this vale of tears. - -IX LETTER TO HER MISSIONARY "BROTHERS" - - -WHEN we are expecting only suffering the least joy surprises us: -suffering itself becomes the greatest of joys when we seek it as -a precious treasure. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. IX - - -THERE are people who take everything in the way that gives them -the most pain; with me it is the reverse; I see always the good -side of things. If I have naught but pure suffering, without any -break, well! I make of it my joy. - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - -JOY is not in the things that surround us, it resides in the -interior of the soul. One may possess it in the depths of a -gloomy prison, as well as in a royal palace. Thus am I happier -in Carmel, even in the midst of interior and exterior trials, -than in the world, where nothing was wanting to me. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. VI - - -IF now, amid trials, and in the thick of the fight, we can -already find such delight in the thought that God has drawn us -away from the world, what will it be, when in Heaven's eternal -glory and never-ending rest, we shall understand the -incomparable favour He has shown us in choosing us here, to -dwell in His own House--the very threshold of Heaven. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. X - - -LET us not expect to find Love without Suffering. Our nature is -there, and it is not there for nothing; but what treasures it -enables us to acquire! It is our means of gain; so precious is -it that Jesus came down upon earth expressly to possess it . . . -We want to suffer generously, grandly; we wish never to fall; -what illusion! And what does it matter to me if I fall every -minute? I find great profit in it, for thereby I see my -weakness. My God, You know what I am capable of unless You carry -me in Your arms; and if You leave me alone, well; it is that it -pleases you to see me _on the ground_, so why should I be -disquieted? - -V LETTER TO HER SISTER CÉLINE - - -LIFE is often irksome and bitter; it is hard to begin a -laborious day, above all when Jesus hides Himself from us. What -is this tender Friend doing? Does He not then see our anguish, -the load that oppresses us; where is He? Why does He not come to -console us? - -Ah, fear not . . . He is there, quite near! He is watching us; -He, it is, who begs for these our labours and our tears . . . He -has need of them for souls, for our soul; He wants to give us so -glorious a recompense. Ah! truly, it costs Him to make us drink -of this bitter cup, but He knows that it is the one way by which -to prepare us to know Him as He knows Himself and to become -ourselves God-like. What a destiny! How great is the soul. Let -us rise above all that passes away, let us hold aloof from the -earth, up on high the air is so pure; Jesus may hide Himself but -one is conscious of His presence. - -I LETTER TO HER SISTER CÉLINE - - -WHEN we speak of peace we do not mean joy--not at least sensible -joy; to suffer in peace it is enough that we truly will all that -God wills. - -V LETTER TO HER SISTER CÉLINE - - -NOTWITHSTANDING the trial which deprives me of every feeling of -enjoyment I can yet exclaim, _"Thou hast given me delight, O -Lord, in all Thou dost."_ [3] For is there a greater joy than to -suffer for Thy Love? The more intense the suffering and the less -apparent to human eyes, the more lovingly dost Thou smile upon -it, O my God. And even--supposing an impossibility--if Thou wert -unaware of it, I would still be happy to suffer, in the hope -that by my tears I might perhaps prevent, or make reparation for -one single sin against faith. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. IX - -[3] Ps., xci, 5. - - -MINE is not an unfeeling heart, and it is just because of its -capacity to suffer deeply that I desire to offer to Jesus every -kind of suffering it can endure. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. IX - - -LIFE is full of sacrifices, it is true; but why look for -happiness in it? Is it not simply "a night to be passed in a bad -Inn" as says our Holy Mother Saint Teresa? - -My heart has an ardent thirst for happiness, but well do I see -that no creature is capable of allaying this thirst. On the -contrary, the more I might drink of the waters of that enchanted -spring the more burning would be my thirst. - -I know a fountain where _they that drink shall yet thirst,_ [4] -but with a thirst most sweet, a thirst one can always satisfy; -this fountain is the suffering that is known to Jesus -alone! . . . - -II LETTER TO SR. MARIE DU SACRÉ-CÅ’UR - -[4] _Cf_. Eccles., xxiv, 29. - - -OUR Lord never asks of us any sacrifice above our strength. -Sometimes, in truth, the Divine Master makes us taste the full -bitterness of the chalice which He presents to our soul. When He -asks the sacrifice of everything most dear to us in this world, -it is impossible unless by a very special grace, not to cry out -as He did in the Garden of the Agony: _"My Father, let this -chalice pass from Me. . ."_ But let us also hasten to add: -_"Nevertheless not as I will but as Thou wilt."_ [5] It is very -consoling to think that Jesus--Divine Strength itself--has -experienced all our weakness, that He trembled at the sight of -the bitter chalice, the chalice He had longed for so ardently. - -I LETTER TO HER MISSIONARY "BROTHERS" - -[5] Matt., xxvi, 39. - - -SINCE our Well-Beloved has _"trodden the wine-press alone."_ -[6]--the wine which He gives us to drink--in our turn let us not -refuse to wear garments dyed with blood, let us press out for -Jesus a new wine which may slake His thirst, and _looking around -Him_ He will no longer be able to say that _He is alone_; we -shall be there _to help_. [7] - -Neglect, forgetfulness . . . this it is, it seems to me, which -still pains Him the most. - -VIII LETTER TO HER SISTER CÉLINE - -[6] Isa., lxiii, 3. -[7] Isa., lxiii, 5. - - -HERE on earth, where all changes, one sole thing changes not, -the King of Heaven's mode of acting as regards His friends. Ever -since He uplifted the standard of the Cross, it is in its shadow -that all must fight and gain the victory. - -VI LETTER TO HER MISSIONARY "BROTHERS" - - -IT is indeed more through suffering and persecution than through -eloquent preaching, that God wills to establish His Kingdom in -souls. - -VI LETTER TO HER MISSIONARY "BROTHERS" - - -I WANT to forget this world; here below, all things weary me, I -find no joy save one, that of suffering . . . and this joy, -though unfelt, is above every other. - -V LETTER TO HER SISTER CÉLINE - - -WHEN I suffer much, when things that are painful and -disagreeable befall me, instead of assuming an air of sadness, I -respond by a smile. At first I was not always successful, but -now it is a habit which I am very happy to have acquired. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII - - -[Picture of Saint Thérèse.] -THE SERVANT OF GOD -SR. THÉRÈSE OF THE CHILD JESUS -AND OF THE HOLY FACE -_Carmelite of the Monastery of Liseux_ -1873-1897 - - -A NOVICE was complaining of being more tired than her Sisters, -for besides the common work, she had done another task, of which -they knew nothing; Thérèse answered: "I want to see you always -like a valiant soldier who does not complain of his pains; who -thinks very seriously of the wounds of his brothers and regards -his own as mere scratches. Why do you feel this fatigue to such -a degree? It is because no one knows about it. . . - -"Blessed Margaret Mary having had two whitlows used to say she -had only really suffered from the first one, because it had not -been possible for her to hide the second from her Sisters, and -thus it became the object of their compassion. - -"This feeling is natural to us; yet to wish that all should know -when we suffer is a very commonplace manner of acting." - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - -DURING the first months of her illness it was on her hard -palliasse that Sister Thérèse passed the time of rest, and her -nights were very bad: when asked whether she did not need some -assistance during those hours of pain, she replied: "Oh, no on -the contrary, I think myself very fortunate to be in a cell -distant enough for my Sisters not to hear me. I rejoice to -suffer alone; but from the moment I am pitied and surrounded -with delicate attentions I can no longer feel this joy." - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII - - -THE Sister infirmarian remarking, "It is said that you have -never suffered very much." Thérèse smiled and pointing to a -glass containing a draught of medicine, bright red in colour, -replied, "See this little glass, one would imagine it full of -some choice liqueur, but in reality I take nothing that is more -bitter. Well! it is an image of my life; to the eyes of others -it has ever appeared clothed in the most radiant hues; to them -it seemed as though I drank a delicious liqueur, while in truth -it was bitterness. I say bitterness, and yet my life has not -been bitter, for I have known how to make of all bitterness my -sweetness and my joy." - -"You are in great pain at this moment, are you not?" "Yes . . . -but I have so much desired to suffer." - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII - - -"HOW it grieves us to see you suffer, and to think you may -perhaps have still more to endure," the novices were saying to -her. - -"Oh! do not be troubled about me, I have arrived at the stage of -being no longer able to suffer, because all suffering is sweet -to me." - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII - - -A SISTER, who doubted her patience, noticed, when visiting her -one day, an expression of heavenly joy on her countenance and -wished to know the reason. "It is because of the very acute pain -I am feeling," replied Thérèse, "I have always striven to love -suffering and to give it a cordial welcome." - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII - - -"WHY are you so gay this morning?" she was asked; "It is because -I have had two little trials, nothing gives me _little joys_ -like _little trials_." - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII - - -ANOTHER time: "You have had a great many trials today." - -"Yes, but . . . seeing that I love them! . . . I love everything -the good God sends me." - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII - - -AGAIN, when some one said to her: "It is dreadful--all you are -suffering." - -"No, it is not dreadful; could a little Victim of Love find -anything dreadful that her Spouse sends her? He gives me at each -moment what I can bear; not more; and the minute He increases my -sufferings He also augments my fortitude. - -"Yet I could never ask for greater sufferings, for I am too -little; they would be my own--my own choosing, then I should -have to bear them by myself, and I have never been able to do -anything all alone." - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII - - -DURING her long and painful agony she exclaimed: "The chalice is -full to the brim. Never could I have believed it possible to -suffer so much . . . I can only find the explanation in my -extreme longing to save souls . . . Oh! I would not suffer -less." - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII - - - -THE DIRECTION OF SOULS - - - -OUR Lord allowed me the consolation of closely studying the -souls of children. - -Considering these innocent souls I used to compare them to soft -wax, upon which any impression may be stamped the bad, alas! -like the good; and I understood those words of Jesus: "_But he -that shall scandalize one of these little ones . . . it were -better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck and -that he were drowned in the depth of the sea_." [1] Oh! how many -souls might attain to a high degree of holiness if wisely guided -from the very first. - -I well know that to accomplish His work of sanctification, God -has need of no one, but just as He enables a skilful gardener to -rear plants that are delicate and rare, granting him for this -end all the knowledge necessary, while reserving to Himself the -care of giving the increase, so, too, does He will to be aided -in His divine culture of souls. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. V - -[1] Matt., xviii, 6. - - -AS soon as I penetrated into the sanctuary of souls I judged at -the first glance that the task exceeded my powers, and very -quickly placing myself in the arms of the good God I imitated -the little child, who, seized with sudden fear, tries to hide -its golden head on its father's shoulder, and I said: "Lord, -Thou knowest it, I am myself too little to be capable of -nurturing these Thy children; if Thou dost will to give to them, -through me, what is suited to each one, fill Thou my little -hand, and without leaving Thine arms, without even turning my -head aside, I will distribute Thy treasures to the souls who -come to me to seek sustenance. When they find it to their liking -I shall know that it is not to me they owe it but to Thee; on -the other hand if they complain, and find bitter what I offer -them, my peace shall remain undisturbed, I will try to convince -them that this nutriment comes from Thee, and I will carefully -refrain from seeking any other for them." - -When I thus understood that it was impossible for me to do -anything by myself, the task appeared to me simplified. -Interiorly, I occupied myself solely in trying to become more -and more united to God--knowing that the rest would be added -unto me. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. X - - -FROM afar it seems easy to do good to souls, to make them love -God more, to mould them after our own views and opinions. But -coming closer one feels, on the contrary, that to do good -without the divine assistance, is as impossible a thing as to -bring the sun back after it has set. One feels that it is -absolutely necessary to forget our own inclinations, our -personal notions, and to guide souls, not by our own way--the -way we ourselves go--but by the particular way that Jesus wishes -to lead them. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. X - - -WHEN very young, and staying with my aunt, a book was given to -me to read. In one of the stories I saw that the mistress of a -school was much praised because she knew how to get on cleverly -in the world without offending anyone. This phrase I remarked -especially: "She would say to the one, 'You are not wrong,' and -to the other, 'You are right;" and while I read I was thinking: -"Oh! . . . I would not have acted thus; we must always tell the -truth." And so I do, always. Far more difficult it certainly is, -for when told of some little vexatious occurrence, it would be -easy to lay blame on the absent, and she who complains would at -once be pacified. Yes, but . . . I do quite the reverse. If I am -not liked, what matter! Let no one come to me who does not want -to hear the truth. - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - -THAT a reprimand may be fruitful it must cost in the giving; and -it must be given without a shade of passion in the heart. - -One must not let kindness degenerate into weakness. When we have -blamed justly we ought to leave it so, and not yield to feelings -of distress at having given pain. To run after the aggrieved one -in order to console her, is to do more harm than good. To leave -her to herself is to force her to expect nothing from creatures, -to have recourse to the good God, to see her failings and to -humble herself. Otherwise she would grow accustomed to being -consoled after a deserved rebuke and would behave as does a -spoilt child, who stamps and cries, well knowing that this will -make its mother return to wipe away the tears. - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - -_LET the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, abound -in your lips and hearts._ [2] If we have to do with a difficult -soul, let us not be discouraged, nor ever abandon her. Let us -have always "_the sword of the Spirit_" to reprehend her for her -faults, and not allow things to pass for the sake of leaving -ourselves in repose; let us fight unceasingly, even without hope -of gaining the victory. What matter about success! Let us fight -on, whatever be the weariness of the struggle. Let us not say: -"I can make nothing of this soul, she does not understand; I -must give it up." Oh! what cowardice that would be. We must do -our duty unto the end. - -[SÅ“ur Thérèse in these passages refers to her charge as Mistress -of Novices.] - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - -[2] Ephes., vi, 17. - - -THE novices expressed their surprise at finding that she guessed -their most hidden thoughts. - -"Here is my secret," she said to them: "I never give you any -advice without invoking the Blessed Virgin; I ask her to inspire -me to say what will do you the most good, and I myself am often -astonished at the things that I teach you. I simply feel in -saying them to you, that I am not deceived and that Jesus speaks -to you by my mouth." - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII - - -"GIVE us some advice as to how we ought to act concerning our -spiritual direction," they said to her. - -"With great simplicity and without depending too much on -assistance, which may fail you at any moment. You would soon be -forced to say with the Spouse in the Canticles: '_The -keepers . . . took away my veil from me and wounded me_,' it -was only '_when I had a little PASSED BY them I found Him whom -my soul loveth_.' [3] If with detachment you humbly inquire -where is your Beloved, _the keepers_ will direct you. -Nevertheless, most frequently, you will find Jesus only after -you have _passed by_ all creatures. For my part, I have many -a time repeated this verse of the Spiritual Canticle of St. -John of the Cross: - - Send me no more - A messenger - Who cannot tell me what I seek. - All they who serve - Relate a thousand graces of Thee; - And all wound me more and more, - And they leave me dying, - WHILE THEY BABBLE I KNOW NOT WHAT." - - _Trans. D. Lewis, M. A._ - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - -[3] Cant., v, 7; iii, 4. - - - -THE BLESSED VIRGIN - - - -HOW I love the Blessed Virgin! Had I been a Priest, oh! how I -should have spoken of her. She is represented as unapproachable, -rather ought she to be shown as imitable. She is more Mother -than Queen. I have heard it said that all the Saints are -eclipsed by her radiant brightness as the sun at rising makes -the stars disappear. How strange that seems--a mother eclipsing -the glory of her children! I think quite the contrary. I believe -that she will immensely increase the splendour of the -elect . . . The Virgin Mary! how simple does her life appear -to me. . . - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII - - -SOMETIMES I find myself saying to the Holy Virgin: "Do you know, -O cherished Mother, that I think myself more fortunate than you? -I have you for Mother and you have not, like me, the Blessed -Virgin to love . . . You are, it is true, the Mother of Jesus, -but you have given Him to me, and He, from the cross gave you to -us as our Mother, so we are richer than you. Of old it was your -desire that you might be the little handmaiden of the Mother of -God; and I, poor little creature, I am, not your servant, but -your _child_: you are the Mother of Jesus and you are _my -Mother_." - -XIII LETTER TO HER SISTER CÉLINE - - -O MARY, if I were Queen of Heaven and thou wert Thérèse, I fain -would be Thérèse to see thee Queen of Heaven! - -8 September, 1897. - -Last words written by Sister Thérèse of the Child Jesus. - - - -VARIOUS SUBJECTS - - - -LÉONIE, no doubt finding that she was growing too old to play -with dolls, came one day to Céline and me, with a basket full of -dolls' clothes, odds and ends of pretty materials, trimmings, -etc., on which she had laid her doll, saying to us: "There, -little sisters--choose!" Céline looked, and took a knot of -edging. After reflecting a moment I, in turn, put out my hand -saying: "I choose all!" and I carried off basket and doll -without further ceremony. - -This trait of my childhood is, as it were, a summary of my -entire life. Later on when the meaning of perfection began to -unfold itself to me, I understood that to become a saint it is -necessary to suffer much, ever to seek after that which is most -perfect, and to forget self. I understood that in sanctity the -degrees are many, that each soul is free to respond to the -advances of our Lord, to do little or much for His sake, in a -word, to choose between the sacrifices that He asks. Then, as in -the days of my childhood, I exclaimed: "My God, I choose all! I -do not wish to be a saint by halves; the thought of suffering -for Thee does not frighten me, one thing only do I fear--my own -will; take Thou my will, for _I choose all_ that Thou willest." - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. I - - -MY Father took me for a pleasant tour during which I began to -know a little of the world. Around me all was gaiety and -delight; I was made welcome, petted, admired, in short, for -fifteen days the pathway of my life was strewn with naught but -flowers. Holy Wisdom well says that _the bewitching of trifles -overturneth the innocent mind._ [1] At the age of ten the heart -easily allows itself to be dazzled, and I own that this sort of -life had some charms for me. Alas! how well the world contrives -to reconcile the delights of earth with the service of God. How -seldom does it think of death. - -And death, nevertheless, has come to a great many of the people -whom I then knew, young, rich and prosperous. I like to go back -in thought to their beautiful dwellings, to ask myself where are -they, and what benefit do they now draw from the castles and -parks where I saw them enjoying all the comforts of life . . . -And I reflect that _"all is vanity"_ [2] _"but to love God and -to serve Him alone."_ [3] - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. IV - -[1] _Cf._ Wisdom, iv, 12. -[2] Eccles., i, 2. -[3] _Imit_., I, i, 3. - - -WHAT compassion I have for souls who are going astray. It is so -easy to lose one's way in the flowery paths of the world. -Undoubtedly for a soul who has risen a little above the things -of earth, the sweetness offered is intermingled with bitterness, -and the immense void of its desires cannot be filled by the -praises of a moment. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. IV - - -WE have but life's brief day to save souls and thus to give to -Jesus proof of our love. The morrow of this day will be Eternity -and then He will render to you a hundredfold for the joys which -you have sacrificed for Him. He knows the extent of your -sacrifice, He knows that the grief of those dear to you -increases your own still more; but to save our souls He has -Himself suffered this martyrdom. He too, left His Mother, He saw -the Immaculate Virgin stand at the foot of the Cross, her heart -transpierced by the sword of sorrow. - -Ah! if the Divine Master would but grant to those whom you are -going to leave for His sake, a foresight of the glory He -reserves for you, the multitude of souls who in heaven will form -your train, they would be already recompensed for their great -sacrifice in parting with you. - -II LETTER TO HER MISSIONARY "BROTHERS" - - -THE good God has promised a hundredfold to all who have left -father or mother or sister for love of Him. These words are, I -know, usually applied to those who have entered the religious -state, but in my heart I feel that they were also spoken for the -generous parents who make to God the sacrifice of children whom -they cherish more than self. - -LETTER TO HER COUSIN JEANNE GUÉRIN - - -HOW can a heart given up to human affection be united intimately -to God? That, I feel is not possible. I have seen so many souls -deluded by this treacherous light, dart into it like the poor -moth and burn their wings, then return wounded to Jesus, the -Divine Fire which burns without consuming. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. IV - - -IN giving oneself to God the heart does not lose its natural -tenderness; on the contrary, its love grows deeper by becoming -more pure and more Christ-like. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. IX - - -THERE are souls for whom God's mercy wearies not of waiting, and -to whom He gives His light only by degrees. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. X - - -WHEN in the morning we feel no courage, no energy for the -practice of virtue, this is a grace, this is the moment to _"lay -the axe to the root of the tree,"_ [4] depending solely on -Jesus. If we fall all is retrieved by an act of love, and Jesus -smiles. He helps us without appearing to do so, and the tears -which the wicked cause Him to shed are dried by our poor feeble -love. - -II LETTER TO HER SISTER CÉLINE - -[4] Matt., iii, 10. - - -WE must practice the little virtues. This is difficult -sometimes, but the good God never refuses the first grace, which -gives courage to conquer self: if the soul corresponds to it she -will find that she immediately receives light. I have ever been -struck with those words of praise to Judith: _"Thou hast done -manfully, and thy heart has been strengthened."_ [5] We must -first act with courage, then the heart is strengthened and we go -from victory to victory. - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - -[5] Judith, xv, 11. - - -MY God, how varied are the ways by which Thou dost lead souls. -In reading the Lives of the Saints we find a great number of -whom nothing has remained to us after their death: not the -smallest souvenir, not a written line. Others there are, on the -contrary, like our Holy Mother Saint Teresa, who have enriched -the Church with their sublime doctrine, not fearing _to reveal -the secrets of the King,_ [6] in the hope that souls might know -Him better and love Him more. Which of these two ways pleases -our Lord best? It seems to me that they are equally pleasing to -Him. - -All the well-beloved of God have followed the inspiration of the -Holy Spirit by whom the Prophet wrote: _"Say to the just that -all is well."_ [7] Yes, all is well when we seek only the Divine -Will. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. IX - -[6] Tobias, xii. -[7] _Cf._ Isaias, iii, 10. - - -HOW narrow are the thoughts of creatures! When they see that a -soul has lights which surpass their own, they conclude that the -Divine Master loves them less. Since when, then, has He lost the -right to make use of one of His creatures, in order to dispense -to His children the sustenance needful for them? - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. X - - -WHEN we are grieved at our powerlessness to do good, our only -resource is to offer to God the works of others. In this you see -the benefit of the communion of Saints. - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - -THOUGH I do not undervalue beautiful thoughts that seem to unite -us to God, I have long understood that we must carefully guard -against leaning too much upon them. The most sublime -inspirations are nothing without deeds. - -Other souls, it is true, may draw therefrom much profit if they -testify humble gratitude to God for being permitted to share the -feast of one of His privileged children. But if the privileged -one were to grow vain of her spiritual riches, if her prayer -resembled that of the Pharisee, she herself would become like to -a person starving to death before a well-served table while all -her guests take from it abundant nourishment, and cast perhaps a -look of envy on the possessor of so much wealth. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. X - - -THE Well-Beloved has no need of our glorious deeds nor of our -fine thoughts. If He desire sublime conceptions has He not His -Angels, whose knowledge surpasses infinitely that of the world's -greatest geniuses? It is not then either intellect or talent -that He looks for here below . . . He has called Himself _the -Flower of the Field_ [8] to show us how much He cherishes -simplicity. - -XIV LETTER TO HER SISTER CÉLINE - -[8] Cant., ii, 1. - - -TO keep the word of Jesus, this is the sole condition of our -happiness, the proof of our love for Him; and this _word_--it -seems to me that it is Himself, since He is called the Uncreated -_Word_ of the Father. - -XVIII LETTER TO HER SISTER CÉLINE - - -JESUS needs neither books nor Doctors of Divinity in order to -instruct souls; He, the Doctor of Doctors, He teaches without -noise of words. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. VIII - - -AT Sext there is a verse which I utter unwillingly each day. It -is this: "_Inclinavi cor meum ad faciendas justificationes tuas -in æternum, propter retributionem_." (I have inclined my heart -to do Thy justifications for ever, because of the reward.) [9] -Interiorly, I hasten to say: "O my Jesus, Thou knowest well that -it is not for the reward I serve Thee, but solely because I love -Thee, and for the sake of saving souls." - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - -[9] Ps., cxviii, 112. - - -IN Heaven only shall we see the absolute truth concerning all -things. On earth, even in the Holy Scripture, there is a certain -obscurity: it grieves me to see differences in the translations; -had I been a Priest I would have learned Hebrew, so that I might -be able to read the Word of God in that human language in which -He deigned to express it. - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - -WE are not yet in our Fatherland, and temptation must purify us -as gold is purified by the action of fire. - -XVIII LETTER TO HER SISTER CÉLINE - - -IT is best not to expose oneself to the combat when defeat is -certain. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. IX - - -GOD is often satisfied with our desire of labouring for His -glory. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. IX - - -A SOUL in the state of grace has nothing to fear from the -demons, who are cowards, capable of flight before the gaze of a -child. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. I - - -_TO the pure all is pure,_ [10] the simple and upright soul sees -not evil in anything, since evil exists in impure hearts only -and not in material objects. - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. VI - -[10] Titus, i, 15. - - -THE good God has told us that in the Last Day He "_will wipe -away all tears from our eyes_," [11] and without doubt, the more -tears to be dried, the greater will be the consolation. - -III LETTER TO SR. MARIE DU SACRÉ-CÅ’UR - -[11] Apoc., xxi, 4. - - -THE Spouse in the Canticles, not having been able in repose to -find her Beloved, arose, she says and went about the city to -seek Him, but in vain . . . she could not find Him save beyond -the ramparts. It is not the will of Jesus that we should find -His adorable Presence without effort. He hides Himself, He -envelopes Himself with darkness . . . It was not thus He acted -in regard to the multitudes, for we read in the Gospels that the -people were in admiration when He spoke. - -Weak souls Jesus charmed by His divine utterances. He was trying -to render them strong for the day of temptation and of trial; -but small, truly, was the number of His faithful friends when -_He was silent_ [12] before His judges. Oh, what melody for my -heart is that silence of the Divine Master. - -XV LETTER TO HER SISTER CÉLINE - -[12] Matt., xxvi, 65. - - -I HAVE read in the Holy Gospel that the Divine Shepherd leaves -in the desert all His faithful flock, to go in haste after the -sheep that is lost. How touching is this confidence. He is sure -of them, they are captives of love--how could they break away? -Even so does the well-beloved Shepherd of our souls rob us of -the sense of His presence in order to give to sinners His -consolations; or else, if He leads us to Mount Thabor it is for -one moment . . . the valleys are nearly always the place of -pasture, _it is there He takes His repose at mid-day._ [13] - -XVI LETTER TO HER SISTER CÉLINE - -[13] Cant., i, 6. - - -THE sole crime with which Herod reproached our Lord was _folly_ -. . . and frankly, that charge was true. Yes, it was folly to -come seeking the poor shallow hearts of mortals, therein to make -His throne. He, the King of Glory Who sitteth above the -Cherubim! Was not His happiness complete in the company of His -Father and the Spirit of Love? Why come to earth to seek out -sinners and to make of them His friends, His chosen companions? - -XX LETTER TO HER SISTER CÉLINE - - -_MARY, breaking the fragile vase poured out upon the Head of her -Saviour a perfume of great price_ [14] _and the whole house was -filled with the fragrance thereof._ [15] - -The Apostles murmured against Magdalene; and this it is which -still happens with regard to us: some, even of the most fervent -Christians think we (Carmelites) are exaggerated, that like -Martha we ought to serve Jesus, instead of consecrating to Him -the vases of our lives with the perfumes which are hidden -within. And yet what matters it--the breaking of these vases-- -since our Lord is consoled, and the world in spite of itself is -made sensible of the fragrance they exhale. And oh! how -necessary are these perfumes to purify the unhealthy atmosphere -that it breathes. - -XX LETTER TO HER SISTER CÉLINE - -[14] _Cf_. Marc., xiii, 3. -[15] _Cf_. John, xii, 3. - - -"ONE day when I was in tears," relates a novice, "Sister Thérèse -of the Child Jesus told me to acquire a habit of hiding my -little troubles, adding that nothing renders community life more -difficult than inequality of temperament. - -"You are quite right," I answered, "I have thought so myself, -and in future I shall never cry but when alone with the good -God; to Him only shall I confide my trials, He will always -understand and console me." - -"Shed tears before the good God!" she replied with vivacity, -"take care you do no such thing. Still less, by far, before Him -than before creatures ought you to exhibit signs of sadness. He -has but our monasteries, this dear Master, to rejoice His Heart; -He comes amongst us to find a little repose, to forget the -continual lamentations of His friends in the world who for the -most part, instead of recognizing the value of the Cross, meet -it with repining and with tears; and would you behave like the -generality of people? . . . Frankly that is not disinterested -love--disinterested love is _for us to console Jesus, not for -Him to console us._ - -"He is, I know, so kind of heart that if you weep He will dry -your tears; but afterwards He will go away quite sorrowful, not -being able to find in you the repose He sought. Jesus loves the -joyous heart, He loves the ever smiling soul. When will you -learn to _hide_ your troubles from Him, or to tell Him in -gladsome tones that you are happy to suffer for His sake?" - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - -THE soul is reflected in the countenance: like to a little child -always content, your countenance should be invariably calm and -serene. When you are alone be still the same, because you are -ever in the Angels' sight. - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - -OUR Divine Lord wishes to have His court here below as on High, -He desires angel-martyrs, angel-apostles. - -XI LETTER TO HER SISTER CÉLINE - - -A SISTER, greatly grieved at seeing her so ill often exclaimed: -"Oh, how sad is life!" But SÅ“ur Thérèse would at once correct -her, saying: - -"Life is not sad, but on the contrary most joyful. If you said -'How sad is our exile,' I should understand you. It is erroneous -to give the name, '_life_,' to that which must end. Only to the -things of Heaven, to that which shall never know death, should -the true name of '_life_' be given; and in this signification -life is not sad but joyful--joyous exceedingly! . . . " - -Her own gaiety was delightful to witness. - -For several days she had been much better and the novices said -to her: "We do not yet know of what malady you will die . . . " - -"But I shall die of _death!_ Did not God tell Adam of what he -would die, saying to him: Thou shalt die of death?" (In the -French: "_Tu mourras de mort_.") [16] - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - -[16] _Cf_. Gen., ii, 17. - - -IT is not Death that will come to fetch me, it is the good God. -Death is no phantom, no horrible spectre, as represented in -pictures. In the Catechism it is stated that _death is the -separation of soul and body_, that is all! Well, I am not afraid -of a separation which will unite me to the good God for ever. - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - -ONE day she said to the Mother Prioress: - -"Mother, I beseech you, give me permission to die . . . Let me -offer my life for . . . " mentioning the intention. - -And this permission being refused: - -"Very well," she resumed, "I know that at this moment the good -God so much desires _a little bunch of grapes_ which no one -wishes to present to Him, that He will certainly be forced to -come and steal it . . . I ask nothing, for that would be to -depart from my way of abandonment, I merely beg the Blessed -Virgin Mary to recall to her Jesus the title of _Thief_ which He -gives Himself in the holy Gospel, so that He may not forget to -come to _steal_ me away." - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII - - -"WILL the Divine Thief be coming very soon to steal His little -bunch of grapes?" some one asked. - -"I see Him afar off, and I take good care not to cry out 'Stop -Thief!!!' On the contrary I call Him saying: 'This way! this -way!'" - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - -THE Chaplain asked me: "Are you resigned to die?" I said: "Ah! -Father, I find it would be for living that I should need -resignation, but as regards dying, I feel only joy." - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII - - -"YOU will be placed amid the Seraphim in Heaven," a novice said. - -"If that should happen, I shall not imitate them; they cover -themselves with their wings at the sight of God. I shall take -good care not to cover myself with my wings!" - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - -"UNDER what name should we pray to you when you are in Heaven?" -they asked her. She answered humbly: "You will call me 'little -Thérèse.' ('_petite Thérèse_.')" - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - -"YOU will look upon us from the heights of heaven, will you -not?" - -"No, I shall come down." - -COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES - - -"AFTER my death I shall let fall a shower of roses." - -HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XIII - - - -PRAYER FOR THE BEATIFICATION OF THE SERVANT OF GOD - - -[Transcriber's Note: Sister Thérèse was beatified on April 29, -1923.] - - -O JESUS, who, to put our pride to confusion didst will to become -a little child, and who later pronounced that solemn decree: -"_Unless ye become as little children ye shall not enter the -Kingdom of Heaven_," deign to listen to our humble prayer in -regard to her who lived perfectly that life of spiritual -childhood, and who has so well recalled to us the way. - -O little Babe of Bethlehem, by the ineffable charms of Thy -Divine Infancy, O adorable Face of Jesus, by the humiliations of -Thy Passion, we implore, that if it be for the glory of God and -for the sanctification of souls, the halo of the Blessed may -soon irradiate the pure brow of Thy childlike spouse, Thérèse of -the Child Jesus and of the Holy Face. - -O God, who didst inflame with Thy Spirit of Love the soul of Thy -Servant, Thérèse of the Child Jesus, grant that we also may love -Thee and may make Thee greatly loved. - -[_Adapted from a prayer of SÅ“ur Thérèse_.] - - 100 days' indulgence. - CARD. BOURNE, _Arch. of Westminster._ - August 1, 1912. - - - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Thoughts of Saint Thérèse of the Chi -d Jesus, by Saint Thérèse of Lisieux and Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THOUGHTS OF SAINT THERESE *** - -***** This file should be named 63294-0.txt or 63294-0.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/6/3/2/9/63294/ - -Produced by Michael Gray, Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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Thus, we do not -necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper -edition. - -Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search -facility: www.gutenberg.org - -This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. - diff --git a/old/63294-0.zip b/old/63294-0.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index b17e131..0000000 --- a/old/63294-0.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/63294-h.zip b/old/63294-h.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 6fd2a3e..0000000 --- a/old/63294-h.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/63294-h/63294-h.htm b/old/63294-h/63294-h.htm deleted file mode 100644 index 8a131dd..0000000 --- a/old/63294-h/63294-h.htm +++ /dev/null @@ -1,4324 +0,0 @@ -<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"> -<html> -<head> -<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=ISO-8859-1"> -<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Thoughts of Saint Therese of the Child -Jesus, by Saint Therese of the Child Jesus</title> -<style type="text/css"> - body { margin-left:10%; margin-right:10% } - .indent {margin-left:5%} -</style> -</head> -<body> - - -<pre> - -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Thoughts of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, by -Saint Thérèse of Lisieux and Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Thoughts of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus - -Author: Saint Thérèse of Lisieux - Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus - -Release Date: September 25, 2020 [EBook #63294] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THOUGHTS OF SAINT THERESE *** - - - - -Produced by Michael Gray, Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon - - - - - -</pre> - - - -<h1 align="center">THOUGHTS</h1> -<h2 align="center">OF SAINT THÉRÈSE<br> -OF THE CHILD JESUS</h2> -<br> -<br> - - - <p> - <img src="images/nihil.jpg" alt="Nihil Obstat"><br> - REMIGIUS LAFORT, S. T. D.<br> - <i>Censor</i> - </p> - <p> - <img src="images/imprimatur.jpg" alt="Imprimatur"><br> - <img src="images/cross.jpg" alt="A cross"> - JOHN CARDINAL FARLEY<br> - <i>Archbishop of New York</i> - </p><br> - <br> - <p>NEW YORK, <i>October</i> 22, 1915</p> - <br> - <br> - <br> - -<p align="center"><a href="images/1_full.jpg"><img src="images/1.jpg" alt="A -picture of Saint Thérèse"></a></p> -<h3 align="center">SAINT THÉRÈSE OF THE CHILD JESUS</h3> -<p align="center"><b><i>The Little Flower of Jesus</i></b></p> - <br> - <br> - <br> -<h1 align="center">THOUGHTS</h1> -<h2 align="center">OF SAINT THÉRÈSE OF THE CHILD JESUS</h2> - <br> - <br> - -<h3 align="center"> -THE LITTLE FLOWER OF JESUS<br> -CARMELITE OF THE MONASTERY<br> -OF LISIEUX, 1873-1897</h3> - <br> - <br> - -<p align="center"> -TRANSLATED FROM THE FRENCH<br> -"PENSÉES" BY AN IRISH CARMELITE</p> - - - - <br> - <br> - <br> - -<p align="center">NEW YORK · PUBLISHED BY<br> -P. J. KENEDY & SONS · 1915</p> - - <br> - <br> - <br> - -<p align="center"> -COPYRIGHT, 1915<br> -BY P. J. KENEDY & SONS -</p> - - <br> - <br> - <br> - -<p align="center"> - -THE·PLIMPTON·PRESS<br> -NORWOOD·MASS·U·S·A -</p> - - <br> - <br> - <br> - -<p align="center"> -TO<br> -<font size="+1">PETITE THÉRÈSE</font><br> -AND<br> -<font size="+1">MÈRE AGNÈS DE JÉSUS</font></p> - -<br> -<p align="center"> -A LITTLE TRIBUTE OF<br> -REVERENT AND LOVING GRATITUDE<br> -FROM CARMEL OF KILMACUD<br><br> -<i>June</i> 9, 1914</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h1 align="center">CONTENTS</h1> -<p class="indent"> -<a href="#1">LOVE OF GOD</a><br> -<a href="#2">LOVE OF OUR NEIGHBOUR</a><br> -<a href="#3">FAITH</a><br> -<a href="#4">HOPE</a><br> -<a href="#5">HUMILITY</a><br> -<a href="#6">DETACHMENT</a><br> -<a href="#7">MORTIFICATION</a><br> -<a href="#8">OBEDIENCE</a><br> -<a href="#9">POVERTY</a><br> -<a href="#10">CONFIDENCE</a><br> -<a href="#11">SELF-ABANDONMENT</a><br> -<a href="#12">GRATITUDE</a><br> -<a href="#13">ZEAL</a><br> -<a href="#14">SIMPLICITY -</a><br> -<a href="#15"> -PRAYER</a><br> -<a href="#16">HOLY COMMUNION</a><br> -<a href="#17">SUFFERING</a><br> -<a href="#18">THE DIRECTION OF SOULS</a><br> -<a href="#19">THE BLESSED VIRGIN</a><br> -<a href="#20">VARIOUS SUBJECTS</a><br> -<a href="#21">PRAYER FOR THE BEATIFICATION OF THE SERVANT OF GOD</a></p> -<br><br><br> -<h1 align="center">THOUGHTS</h1> -<h2 align="center">OF SAINT THÉRÈSE<br> -OF THE CHILD JESUS</h2> -<br><br><br> - -<p align="center"><img src="images/2.jpg" alt="A design"></p> -<h1 align="center"><a name="1">LOVE OF GOD</a></h1> -<p><font size="+3">J</font>ESUS! . . . I would so love Him! Love Him as never -yet He has been loved. . .</p> -<p align="center">IV LETTER TO MÈRE AGNÈS DE JÉSUS<br> -(<i>Her sister Pauline</i>.)</p> - -<br> -<p><font size="+3">T</font>HE science of love! Sweet is the echo of that word -to the ear of my soul. I desire no other science. <i>Having given all my -substance for it</i>, like the spouse in the Canticles, <i>I think that I -have given nothing.</i> <a href="#1-1">[1]</a></p> -<p align="center">HISTOIRE D'UNE AME, CH. VIII</p> -<p><a name="1-1">[1]</a> Cant., viii, 7.</p> - -<br> -<p><font size="+3">W</font>ITHOUT love, deeds, even the most brilliant, count -as nothing.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. VIII</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">O</font>NE evening, at a loss for words to tell Jesus how -I loved Him and how much I wished that He might be everywhere served and -glorified, I reflected with pain that not one act of love would ever mount -upwards from out of the depths of hell. Then I cried out that willingly would -I consent to see myself plunged into that place of torment and blasphemy, in -order that He might be loved there eternally. That could not really glorify -Him since He desires only our happiness, but love makes one want to say a -thousand foolish things. If I spoke thus, it was not that I did not long for -heaven; but then, my heaven was none other than <i>Love</i>, and in my -fervour I felt that nothing could separate me from the Divine object of my -love. . .</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. V</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">S</font>EEING the eternal recompense so disproportionate -to the trifling sacrifices of this life, I longed to love Jesus, to love Him -ardently, to give Him a thousand proofs of tenderness while yet I could do -so. . .</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. V</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">T</font>HE love of God reveals itself in the very simplest -soul who resists His grace in nothing, as well as in the most sublime. -Indeed, the characteristic of love being to humble itself, if all souls -resembled those of the holy Doctors who have enlightened the Church, the good -God would not seem to descend low enough in coming to them. But He has -created the infant who knows nothing and can only wail; He has created the -poor savage who has but the natural law for guidance, and it is even unto -their hearts that He deigns to stoop.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. I -</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">I</font>N order that Love may be fully satisfied it must -needs stoop to very nothingness and transform that nothing into fire.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XI</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">I</font>N times of aridity when I am incapable of praying, -of practising virtue, I seek little opportunities, mere trifles, to give -pleasure to Jesus; for instance a smile, a pleasant word when inclined to be -silent and to show weariness. If I find no opportunities, I at least tell Him -again and again that I love Him; that is not difficult and it keeps alive the -fire in my heart. Even though this fire of love might seem to me extinct I -would still throw little straws upon the embers and I am certain it would -rekindle.</p> -<p align="center">XVI LETTER TO HER SISTER CÉLINE</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">O</font>N <i>the day of my conversion</i> Charity entered -into my heart and with it a yearning to forget self always; thenceforward I -was happy.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. V</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">I</font> DO not will that creatures should possess a -single atom of my love; I wish to give all to Jesus, since He makes me -understand that He alone is perfect happiness. All shall be for Him, all! And -even when I have nothing to offer Him I will give Him that nothing.</p> -<p align="center">II LETTER TO MÈRE AGNÈS DE JÉSUS</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">O</font>UR Lord is more tender than a mother, and well do -I know more than one maternal heart! I know a mother is ever ready to forgive -the little involuntary failings of her child.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. VIII</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">I</font> KNOW of one means only by which to attain to -perfection: LOVE. Let us love, since our heart is made for nothing else. -Sometimes I seek another word to express Love, but in this land of exile -<i>the word which begins and ends</i> <a href="#1-2">[2]</a> is quite -incapable of rendering the vibrations of the soul; we must then adhere to -this simple and only word: TO LOVE. -</p><p> -But on whom shall our poor heart lavish its love? Who shall be found that is -great enough to be the recipient of its treasures? Will a human being know -how to comprehend them, and above all will he be able to repay? There exists -but one Being capable of comprehending love; it is Jesus; He alone can give -us back infinitely more than we shall ever give to Him.</p> -<p align="center">LETTER TO HER COUSIN MARIE GUÉRIN</p> -<p><a name="1-2">[2]</a> St. Augustine.</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">T</font>HERE is one ONLY THING to do here below: to love -Jesus, to win souls for Him so that He may be loved. Let us seize with -jealous care every least opportunity of self-sacrifice. Let us refuse Him -nothing—He does so want our love!</p> -<p align="center">VI LETTER TO HER SISTER CÉLINE</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">W</font>HEN we really love, we rejoice in the happiness of -the loved one and make every sacrifice to procure it for him.</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">T</font>RUE love is nourished by sacrifice, and the more -the soul denies itself natural satisfactions, the stronger and the more -disinterested becomes its tenderness.</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">T</font>HE good God does not need years to accomplish His -work of love in a soul; one ray from His Heart can, in an instant, make His -flower bloom for eternity. . .</p> -<p align="center">VI LETTER TO HER SISTER CÉLINE</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">L</font>OVE can supply for length of years. Jesus, because -He is Eternal, regards not the time but only the love.</p> -<p align="center">V LETTER TO MÈRE AGNÈS DE JÉSUS</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">I</font> DESIRE no sensible consolation in loving; -provided Jesus feel my love that is enough for me. Oh! to love Him and to -make Him loved . . . how sweet it is. . .</p> -<p align="center">V LETTER TO MÈRE AGNÈS DE JÉSUS</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">O</font> JESUS, I ask of Thee only Peace! . . . Peace, and -above all LOVE—love without bound or limit. Jesus, let me for Thy sake -die a martyr; give me martyrdom of soul or body. Ah! rather give me both the -one and the other!</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. VIII</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">I</font> HAVE no longer any desire unless it be to love -Jesus even to folly! Yes, LOVE it is that draws me. I can say these words of -the canticle of our Father, St. John of the Cross:</p> -<p class="indent"> -In the inmost cellar -<br> - -Of my Beloved have I drunk; and when I went forth<br> -Over all the plain<br> -I knew nothing,<br> -And lost the flock I followed before.<br> -My soul is occupied<br> -And all my substance in His service;<br> -Now I guard no flock,<br> -Nor have I any other employment:<br> -My sole occupation is love. -</p><p class="indent"> -(<i>Spiritual Canticle, Trans. D. Lewis.</i>)</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. VIII</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">O</font>H! if souls weak and imperfect as mine, felt what -I feel, not one would despair of reaching the summit of the mountain of Love, -since Jesus does not demand from us great deeds, but only self-surrender and -gratitude. -</p><p> -<i>I have no need,</i> saith He, <i>of the goats of thy flocks . . . If I -were hungry I would not tell thee . . . Offer unto God the sacrifice of -praise and thanksgiving.</i> <a href="#1-3">[3]</a> -</p><p> -See then, all that Jesus asks of us! He has not need of our works but only of -our <i>love</i>. This very God who declares that He needs not to tell us if -He were hungry, did not hesitate to <i>beg</i> of the Samaritan woman a -little water . . . He thirsted!!! But in saying: "<i>Give me to drink</i>," -<a href="#1-4">[4]</a> it was the love of His poor creature that the Creator -of the universe besought. He thirsted for Love! -</p><p> -And now, more than ever is Jesus athirst. He meets with none but the -ungrateful and the indifferent among the disciples of the world; and amongst -<i>His own</i> disciples He finds, alas! very few hearts that surrender -themselves without any reserve to the tenderness of His infinite Love.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XI</p> -<p> -<a name="1-3">[3]</a> <i>Cf.</i> Ps. xlix, 9, 12, 14. <br> -<a name="1-4">[4]</a> John, iv, 7.</p> -<br> -<p class="indent">Since ever I have known Love's mighty power <br> -Thus hath it wrought its work within my soul—<br> -Whate'er it findeth there, or good or ill, <br> -It turneth all to gain; its living flame <br> -Transforms my soul into its very self. <a href="#1-5">[5]</a></p> -<p><a name="1-5">[5]</a> St. John of the Cross.</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">H</font>OW sweet is the way of Love! True, one may fall, -one may not be always faithful, but Love, knowing how to draw profit from -all, very quickly consumes whatsoever may displease Jesus, leaving naught but -humble and profound peace in the innermost soul.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. VIII</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">T</font>HINKING one day of those who offer themselves as -victims to the Justice of God in order to turn aside the punishment reserved -for sinners by taking it upon themselves, I felt this offering to be noble -and generous, but I was far from feeling moved to make it. -</p><p> -"O my Divine Master," I cried in the depths of my heart, "shall Thy Justice -alone receive victims of holocaust? Has not Thy Merciful Love also need of -them? On all sides it is ignored, rejected . . . the hearts on which Thou -wouldst lavish it turn to creatures, seeking happiness in miserable and -fleeting affections instead of casting themselves into Thine arms, into the -ineffable furnace of Thine Infinite Love. -</p><p> -"O my God, must Thy Love—disdained—remain within Thy Heart? -Methinks that if Thou shouldst find souls offering themselves as victims of -holocaust to Thy Love, Thou wouldst consume them rapidly; that Thou wouldst -be glad not to restrict the flames of infinite tenderness pent up within -Thee. -</p><p> -"If Thy Justice—the Justice which Thou dost exercise on earth—be -pleased to find voluntary victims on which to discharge its weight, how much -the more must Thy Merciful Love also desire its victims, since <i>Thy Mercy -reacheth even to heaven</i>. <a href="#1-6">[6]</a> -</p><p> -"O Jesus, that happily I may be that holocaust consume Thy little victim in -the fire of Divine Love."</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. VIII -</p><p> -<a name="1-6">[6]</a> <i>Cf</i>. Ps. xxxv, 6. -</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">A</font>H! since that day love penetrates me and surrounds -me; this <i>Merciful Love</i> each moment renews and purifies me, leaving in -my heart no trace of sin. No, I cannot fear Purgatory; I know that I do not -merit even to enter with the Holy Souls into that place of expiation, but I -know too that the fire of Love is more sanctifying than the fire of -Purgatory, I know that Jesus cannot will needless suffering for us, and that -He would not inspire me with the desires I feel if He were unwilling to -fulfil them.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. VIII</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">T</font>O offer oneself as a Victim to Divine Love is not -to offer oneself to sweetness—to consolation; but to every anguish, -every bitterness, for Love lives only by sacrifice; and the more a soul wills -to be surrendered to Love, the more must she be surrendered to suffering.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">I</font>N order to love Jesus, to be His victim of love, -the more weak and miserable we are, the more fitting are we for the -operations of this consuming and transforming Love . . . The sole desire to -be victim suffices; but we must consent to remain always poor and without -strength, and there lies the difficulty, for <i>where shall be found the -truly poor in spirit? He must be sought afar off</i>, <a href="#1-7">[7]</a> -saith the author of the <i>Imitation</i> . . . He did not say that we must -seek him amongst great souls, but afar off, that is to say in lowliness, in -nothingness . . . Oh! let us keep <i>afar off</i> from all that glitters, let -us love our littleness, and be satisfied to feel nothing, then shall we be -truly poor in spirit, and Jesus will come to seek us how far soever we may -be; He will transform us into flames of Love! . . .</p> -<p align="center">VI LETTER TO SŒUR MARIE DU SACRÉ-CŒUR<br> -<i>(Her sister Marie.)</i></p> -<p> -<a name="1-7">[7]</a> <i>Cf.</i> Imit., II, xi, 4.</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">T</font>O be truly a Victim of Love requires absolute -self-surrender. <i>The soul is consumed by Love only in so far as she -surrenders herself to Love.</i></p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">I</font>T appears to me that for Victims of Love there -will be no judgment, but rather, that the good God will hasten to recompense -with eternal delights His own Love, which He will see burning in their -hearts.</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">A</font>T any cost I will cull the palm of Saint Agnes; if -not by shedding my blood then it must be by Love. . .</p> -<p align="center">IV LETTER TO MÈRE AGNÈS DE JÉSUS</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">O</font> MY God, Thou knowest I have never desired but to -love Thee alone. I seek no other glory. Thy Love has gone before me from my -childhood, it has grown with my growth, and now it is an abyss the depths of -which I cannot fathom.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XI</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">L</font>OVE attracts love, mine rushes forth unto Thee, it -would fain fill up the abyss which attracts it; but alas! it is not even as -one drop of dew lost in the Ocean. To love Thee as Thou lovest me I must -borrow Thy very love—then only, can I find rest.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XI</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">J</font>UST as a torrent sweeps along with it unto the -depths of the sea whatsoever it encounters on its course, even so, my Jesus, -does the soul which plunges into the boundless ocean of Thy Love draw after -her all her treasures. Lord, Thou knowest that for me these treasures are the -souls it has pleased Thee to unite to mine.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XI</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">C</font>HARITY gave me the key to my vocation. I -understood that the Church being a body composed of different members, the -most essential, the most noble of all the organs would not be wanting to her; -I understood that the Church has <i>a heart</i> and that this heart is -burning with love; that it is love alone which makes the members work, that -if love were to die away apostles would no longer preach the Gospel, martyrs -would refuse to shed their blood. I understood that love comprises all -vocations, that love is everything, that it embraces all times and all places -because it is eternal!</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XI</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">O</font> MY Well-Beloved! I understand to what combats -Thou hast destined me; it is not on the battle field that I shall fight . . . -I am prisoner of Thy Love; freely have I riveted the chain which unites me to -Thee and separates me for ever from the world. My sword is LOVE; with it <i>I -shall chase the stranger from the kingdom, I shall make Thee to be proclaimed -King</i> in the souls of men.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, APPENDIX</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3"><i>L</i></font><i>OVE!</i> . . . that is what I ask . . . -I know but one thing now—<i>to love Thee</i>, O Jesus! Glorious deeds -are not for me, I cannot preach the Gospel, shed my blood . . . what does it -matter? My brothers toil instead of me, and I, <i>the little child</i>, I -keep quite close to the royal throne, <i>I love</i> for those who fight. </p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XI</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">H</font>OW shall I show my love since love is proved by -deeds? Well,—<i>the little child will strew flowers</i> . . . she will -embalm the Divine Throne with their fragrance, will sing with silvery voice -the canticle of love. -</p><p> -Yes, my Beloved, it is thus that my life's brief day shall be spent before -Thee. No other means have I of proving my love than to strew flowers; that -is, to let no little sacrifice escape me, not a look, not a word, to avail of -the very least actions and do them for Love. I wish to suffer for Love's sake -and for Love's sake even to rejoice; thus shall I strew flowers. Not one -shall I find without shedding its petals for Thee . . . and then I will sing, -I will always sing, even if I must gather my roses in the very midst of -thorns—and the longer and sharper the thorns the sweeter shall be my -song.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XI</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">S</font>ŒUR Thérèse de l'Enfant Jésus -often spoke of a well-known toy with which in childhood's days she had amused -herself: a kaleidoscope; in form somewhat like a small telescope; on looking -through, one sees an endless succession of pretty and many-coloured designs, -varying at each turn of the kaleidoscope. -</p><p> -"This toy," she said, "aroused my admiration and I used to wonder what could -produce so pleasing a phenomenon; when one day, after serious examination, I -saw there were simply a few tiny scraps of paper and of wool cut no matter -how, and thrown here and there. I pursued my investigation and discovered -three mirrors inside the tube: I had there the key to the problem. -</p><p> -"This was for me the image of a great mystery. As long as our actions, even -the least of them, remain within the focus of Love, the Blessed Trinity, -which is figured by the three mirrors, reflects them, and endows them with a -wondrous beauty. Jesus, looking at us through the little lens, that is to -say, as it were through Himself, finds all our actions pleasing to Him. But -if we leave the ineffable centre of Love, what will He see? Mere straws . . . -actions sullied and nothing worth."</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">T</font>HIS little prayer which includes all my desires I -ask you to say for me each day: -</p><p> -"Merciful Father, in the name of Thy sweet Jesus, of the Blessed Virgin and -of the Saints, I pray Thee that my sister be fired with Thy spirit of love, -and that Thou wilt grant her the grace to make Thee greatly loved." -</p><p> -If God should take me soon to Himself, I ask you to continue each day this -same prayer, for in Heaven my desire will be the same as upon earth; to love -Jesus and to make Him loved.</p> -<p align="center">III LETTER TO HER MISSIONARY "BROTHERS"</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">S</font>HE was looking at the sky one day when some one -remarked to her: -</p><p> -"Very soon you will dwell beyond the blue sky; with what love you contemplate -it!" -</p><p> -She merely smiled, but afterwards said to the Mother Prioress: -</p><p> -"Mother, our Sisters little know what I suffer! Looking at the blue sky I was -thinking only of the beauty of the material heavens; <i>the other is more and -more closed to me</i> . . . I was at first distressed by that remark, then an -interior voice answered: 'Yes, through love thou didst look at the heavens. -Since thy soul is wholly consecrated to Love, all thy actions, even the most -indifferent, bear the impress of this divine seal.' I was instantly -consoled."</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">U</font>NTIL two days before her death she wished to be -alone at night, however, notwithstanding her entreaties, the Infirmarian used -to rise several times to visit her. On one occasion she found our little -invalid with hands clasped and eyes raised to Heaven. -</p><p> -"But what are you doing?" she asked; "you should try to sleep." -</p><p> -"I cannot, dear Sister, I suffer too much! then I pray. . ." -</p><p> -"And what do you say to Jesus?" -</p><p> -"I say nothing, <i>I love Him!</i>"</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">A</font> SISTER was speaking to her of the happiness of -Heaven: Thérèse interrupted, saying: -</p><p> -"It is not that which attracts me. . ." -</p><p> -"What is it then?" -</p><p> -"Oh! it is LOVE! To love, to be beloved, and <i>to come back to earth to -make</i> LOVE <i>loved</i>."</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">L</font>OVE alone have I ever given to the good God, with -love He will repay me.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">A</font>LL that I have written regarding my desire of -suffering is most true; oh! I do not repent of having surrendered myself to -Love.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">J</font>ESUS! Jesus! if it be so sweet to desire Thy Love, -what will it be to possess and to enjoy it for ever!</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XI</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">O</font> JESUS! could I but tell all <i>little souls</i> -of Thine ineffable condescension! . . . I feel that if it were possible to -find one more weak than mine Thou wouldst take delight in showering upon her -greater favours still, provided that she abandoned herself with entire -confidence to Thine Infinite Mercy. -</p><p> -But why these desires, O my Beloved, to impart the secrets of Thy Love? Is it -not Thyself alone Who hast made them known to me and canst Thou not reveal -them to others? Yes, I know it and I implore Thee to <i>do</i> so: <i>I -beseech Thee to let Thy divine gaze rest upon an immense number of little -souls, I beseech Thee to choose in this world a Legion of little victims -worthy of Thy Love!</i></p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XI</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">H</font>ER last words—looking at her crucifix: -</p><p> -"OH! . . . I LOVE HIM! . . . MY GOD, I . . . LOVE . . . THEE!!!"</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">O</font> MY God, Most Blessed Trinity, I desire to love -Thee and to make Thee loved, to labour for the glory of Holy Church by saving -souls still on earth and by delivering those who suffer in purgatory. I -desire to accomplish Thy Will perfectly, and to attain to the degree of glory -which Thou hast prepared for me in Thy Kingdom, in one word, I desire to be a -saint, but I know that I am powerless, and I implore Thee, O my God, to be -Thyself my sanctity. -</p><p> -Since Thou hast so loved me as to give me Thine only Son to be my Saviour and -my Spouse, the infinite treasures of His merits are mine, to Thee I offer -them with joy, beseeching Thee to see me only as in the Face of Jesus and in -His Heart burning with Love. -</p><p> -Again, I offer Thee all the merits of the Saints—in Heaven and on -earth—their acts of love and those of the holy Angels; and finally I -offer Thee, O Blessed Trinity, the love and the merits of the Holy Virgin, my -most dear Mother; it is to her I entrust my oblation, begging her to present -it to Thee. -</p><p> -Her Divine Son, my well-beloved Spouse, during His life on earth, told us: -"<i>If you ask the Father anything in My Name He will give it to you.</i>" <a -href="#1-8">[8]</a> I am then certain that Thou wilt hearken to my desires . -. . My God, I know it, the more Thou willest to give the more dost Thou make -us desire. Immense are the desires that I feel within my heart, and it is -with confidence that I call upon Thee to come and take possession of my soul. -I cannot receive Thee in Holy Communion as often as I would; but, Lord, art -Thou not Almighty? . . . Remain in me as in the Tabernacle—never leave -Thy little Victim. -</p><p> -I long to console Thee for the ingratitude of the wicked and I pray Thee take -from me the liberty to displease Thee! If through frailty I fall sometimes, -may Thy Divine glance purify my soul immediately, consuming every -imperfection—like to fire which transforms all things into itself. -</p><p> -I thank Thee, O my God, for all the graces Thou hast bestowed on me, and -particularly for making me pass through the crucible of suffering. It is with -joy I shall behold Thee on the Last Day bearing Thy sceptre—the Cross; -since Thou hast deigned to give me for my portion this most precious Cross, I -have hope of resembling Thee in Heaven and seeing the sacred stigmata of Thy -Passion shine in my glorified body. -</p><p> -After exile on earth I hope to enjoy the possession of Thee in our eternal -Fatherland, but I have no wish to amass merits for Heaven, I will work for -Thy Love alone, my sole aim being to give Thee pleasure, to console Thy -Sacred Heart, and to save souls who will love Thee for ever. -</p><p> -At the close of life's evening I shall appear before Thee with empty hands, -for I ask not, Lord, that Thou wouldst count my works . . . All our justice -is tarnished in Thy sight. It is therefore my desire to be clothed with Thine -own Justice and to receive from Thy Love the eternal possession of Thyself. I -crave no other Throne nor other Crown but Thee, O my Beloved! . . . -</p><p> -In Thy sight time is nothing, one day is as a thousand years. -<a href="#1-9">[9]</a> Thou canst in an instant prepare me to appear before Thee. -</p><p> -That I may live in one Act of perfect Love, I OFFER MYSELF AS A VICTIM OF -HOLOCAUST TO THY MERCIFUL LOVE, imploring Thee to consume me without ceasing, -and to let the tide of infinite tenderness pent up in Thee, overflow into my -soul, that so I may become a very martyr of Thy Love, O my God! -</p><p> -May this martyrdom, having first prepared me to appear before Thee, break -life's thread at last, and may my soul take its flight, <i>unretarded</i>, -into the eternal embrace of Thy Merciful Love. -</p><p> -I desire, O Well-Beloved, at every heart-beat to renew this Oblation an -infinite number of times, <i>till the shadows retire</i> -<a href="#1-10">[10]</a> and I can tell Thee my love eternally face to face! -</p><p> -[<i>Signed</i>]</p> -<p align="right"> -MARIE-FRANÇOISE-THÉRÉSE<br> -DE L'ENFANT JÉSUS ET DE LA SAINTE FACE <br> -<i>Rel. Carm. ind.</i></p> -<p align="center"> -Feast of The Most Holy Trinity.<br> -The 9th of June in the year of grace, 1895.</p> -<p> -<a name="1-8">[8]</a> John, xvi, 23.<br> -<a name="1-9">[9]</a> <i>Cf</i>. Ps. lxxxix, 4.<br> -<a name="1-10">[10]</a> Cant., iv, 6.</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<p align="center"><img src="images/3.jpg" alt="A design"></p> -<h1 align="center"><a name="2">LOVE OF OUR NEIGHBOUR</a></h1> -<p><font size="+3">T</font>HERE are moments when we are so wretched within, -that we must needs hurry away from ourselves. The good God does not oblige us -to remain at such times in our own company; indeed He often permits that it -should be displeasing to us just that we may leave it. And I see no other -means of going out of ourselves than by going to visit Jesus and Mary, that -is, hastening to deeds of charity.</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> - - -<br> -<p><font size="+3">I</font> APPLIED myself above all to practise quite hidden -little acts of virtue; thus I liked to fold the mantles forgotten by the -Sisters, and sought a thousand opportunities of rendering them service.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. VII</p> - -<br> -<p><font size="+3">H</font>AD I been rich I never could have borne to see a -poor person hungry without giving him to eat. It is the same in my spiritual -life: knowing there are souls on the point of falling into Hell, I give them -my treasures according as I earn anything, and I have never yet found a -moment to say: "Now I am going to work for myself."</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">I</font> FEEL that when I am charitable it is Jesus alone -who acts in me; the more I am united to Him the more do I love all my -Sisters. If, when I desire to increase this love in my heart, the demon tries -to set before my eyes the faults of one or other of the Sisters, I hasten to -call to mind her virtues, her good desires; I say to myself that if I have -seen her fall once, she may well have gained many victories which she -conceals through humility; and that even what appears to me a fault may in -truth be an act of virtue by reason of the intention.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. IX</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">T</font>RUE Charity consists in bearing with all the -defects of our neighbour, in not being surprised at his failings, and in -being edified by his least virtues; Charity must not remain shut up in the -depths of the heart, for <i>no man lighteth a candle and putteth it under a -bushel, but upon a candlestick, that it may shine to all that are in the -house.</i> <a href="#2-1">[1]</a> It seems to me that this candle represents -the Charity which ought to enlighten and make joyful, not only those who are -dearest to me, but <i>all who are in the house</i>. </p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. IX</p> -<p><a name="2-1">[1]</a> <i>Cf</i>. Matt., v, 15.</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">T</font>THERE is no artist who does not like his work -praised, and the Divine Artist of souls is pleased when we do not stop at the -exterior, but penetrating even to the inmost sanctuary which He has chosen -for His dwelling, we admire its beauty.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. IX</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">I</font> OUGHT to seek the company of those Sisters who -according to nature please me least. I ought to fulfil in their regard the -office of the Good Samaritan. A word, a kindly smile, will often suffice to -gladden a wounded and sorrowful heart.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. X</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">O</font>H! what peace inundates the soul when she rises -above natural sentiment. No joy can compare with that known to one who is -truly poor in spirit. If he ask with detachment for some necessary thing, and -it is not only refused him, but an attempt made besides to deprive him of -what he already has, he follows the counsel of our Lord: "<i>And if a man -will contend with thee in judgment and take away thy coat, let go thy cloak -also unto him.</i>" <a href="#2-2">[2]</a> -</p><p> -To yield up our cloak means, I think, to renounce our last rights, to -consider oneself as the servant, the slave of others. When we have abandoned -our mantle it is easier to walk, to run; therefore Jesus adds: "<i>And -whosoever will force thee one mile, go with him other two</i>." -<a href="#2-3">[3]</a> -</p><p> -It is not enough that I should give to whosoever may ask of me, I must -forestall their desires, and show that I feel much gratified, much honoured -in rendering service; and if they take a thing that I use, I must seem as -though glad to be relieved of it.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. IX</p> -<p> -<a name="2-2">[2]</a> Matt., v, 40.<br> -<a name="2-3">[3]</a> Matt., v, 41.</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">I</font>F it is hard to give to whoever asks, it is still -harder to let what belongs to us be taken, without asking it back, or rather, -I ought to say it <i>seems</i> hard; for <i>the yoke of the Lord is sweet and -light:</i> <a href="#2-4">[4]</a> when we accept it we feel its sweetness -immediately.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. IX</p> -<p><a name="2-4">[4]</a> <i>Cf</i>. Matt., xi, 30.</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">W</font>HEN Charity is deeply rooted in the soul it shows -itself exteriorly: there is so gracious a way of refusing what we cannot -give, that the refusal pleases as much as the gift.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. IX</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">T</font>O want to persuade our Sisters that they are in -the wrong, even when it is perfectly true, is hardly fair, as we are not -responsible for their guidance. We must not be <i>Justices of the peace</i>, -but only <i>angels of peace</i>.</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">J</font>ESUS wills that we give alms to Him as to one poor -and needy. He puts Himself as it were at our mercy; He will take nothing but -what we give Him from our heart, and the very least trifle is precious in His -sight. He stretches forth His Hand, this sweet Saviour, to receive of us a -little love, so that in the radiant day of Judgment He may be able to address -to us those ineffable words: "<i>Come, ye blessed of My Father; for I was -hungry, and you gave Me to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me to drink; I -was a stranger, and you took Me in; sick and you visited Me; I was in prison, -and you came to Me.</i>" <a href="#2-5">[5]</a></p> -<p align="center">XV LETTER TO HER SISTER CÉLINE</p> -<p><a name="2-5">[5]</a> Matt., xxv, 34-36.</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">I</font>F I were still to live, the office of Infirmarian -is the one which would please me most. I would not ask for it, but if it came -direct by obedience I should think myself highly privileged. It seems to me -that I would discharge its duties with a tender love, thinking always of our -Saviour saying: "<i>I was sick and you visited me.</i>" <a href="#2-6">[6]</a> -The Infirmary bell should be for you as Heavenly music. You ought -purposely to pass along beneath the windows of the sick to give them facility -in calling you and asking your services. Ought you not to consider yourself -like a little slave whom everyone has a right to command? If you could but -see the Angels who from the heights of Heaven watch you battling in the -arena! They await the end of the combat to cover you with flowers and -wreaths. The good God does not disdain these combats, unknown and therefore -all the more meritorious. "<i>The patient man is better than the valiant, and -he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh cities.</i>" <a href="#2-7">[7]</a> -</p><p> -By our little acts of charity practised in the shade we convert souls far -away, we help missionaries, we win for them abundant alms; and by that means -build actual dwellings spiritual and material for our Eucharistic Lord.</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<p><a name="2-6">[6]</a> Matt., xxv, 36.<br> -<a name="2-7">[7]</a> Prov., xvi, 32.</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">A</font> NOVICE remarked to Sœur Thérèse: -"I do not like to see others suffer, especially saintly souls." She replied -instantly: -</p><p> -"Oh! I am not like you: to see saints suffer never moves me to pity! I know -they have the strength to endure, and they thus give great glory to God: but -those who are not holy, who know not how to profit by their sufferings, oh! -how I pity them; they do indeed arouse my compassion, and I would do all I -could to comfort and help them."</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">S</font>EEING her extreme weakness the doctor ordered some -strengthening remedies; Sœur Thérèse was distressed at first -on account of their high price: then she said to us: "I am no longer grieved -about taking these costly remedies, for I have been reading that St. Gertrude -rejoiced at the thought that all would be to the advantage of those who do us -good, since our Lord has said: '<i>As long as you did it unto one of these My -least brethren you did it unto Me</i>.'" <a href="#2-8">[8]</a> -</p><p> -She added: "I am convinced of the uselessness of medicine for the purpose of -curing me, but I have made a compact with the good God, that He is to allow -some poor Missionaries to profit by it, who have neither time nor means to -take care of themselves."</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII</p> -<p><a name="2-8">[8]</a> Matt., xxv, 40.</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">R</font>EMEMBERING that <i>Charity covereth a multitude of -sins,</i> <a href="#2-9">[9]</a> I draw from this fruitful mine opened to us -by our Lord in His sacred Gospels. I search the depths of His adorable words -and cry out with David: "<i>I have run in the way of Thy commandments when -Thou didst enlarge my heart</i>." <a href="#2-10">[10]</a> And charity alone -can enlarge my heart . . . -</p><p> -O Jesus! since this sweet flame consumes it I run with delight in the way of -Thy new Commandment, and therein will I run until the blessed day when with -Thy Virgin train I shall follow Thee through Thy boundless Realm singing Thy -<i>New Canticle</i> which must surely be <i>the Canticle of LOVE</i>.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. IX</p> -<p> -<a name="2-9">[9]</a> Prov., x, 12.<br> -<a name="2-10">[10]</a> Ps., cxviii, 32. -</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<p align="center"><img src="images/4.jpg" alt="A design"></p> -<h1 align="center"><a name="3">FAITH</a></h1> -<p><font size="+3">W</font>HAT helps me most when I picture to myself the -interior of the Holy Family is to think of a quite ordinary life. -</p><p> -The Blessed Virgin and St. Joseph knew well that Jesus was God, but wondrous -things were nevertheless hidden from them and like us they lived by faith. -Have you not noticed what is said in the sacred text: "<i>And they understood -not the word that He spoke unto them</i>," <a href="#3-1">[1]</a> and these -other words no less mysterious: "<i>His father and mother were wondering at -those things which were spoken concerning Him</i>"? <a href="#3-2">[2]</a> -Does not this imply that they heard of something new to them, for this -wondering suggests a certain astonishment?</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<p><a name="3-1">[1]</a> Luke, ii, 50.<br> -<a name="3-2">[2]</a> Luke, ii, 33.</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">D</font>URING her temptations against faith she wrote: "I -strive to work by faith though bereft of its consolations. I have made more -acts of Faith in this last year than during all the rest of my life. -</p><p> -"On each fresh occasion of combat, when the enemy desires to challenge me, I -conduct myself valiantly: knowing that to fight a duel is an unworthy act, I -turn my back upon the adversary without ever looking him in the face; then I -run to my Jesus and tell Him I am ready to shed every drop of blood in -testimony of my belief that there is a Heaven, I tell Him I am glad to be -unable to contemplate, while on earth, with the eyes of the soul, the -beautiful Heaven that awaits me so He will deign to open it for eternity to -poor unbelievers."</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. IX</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">H</font>E whose Heart ever watcheth, taught me, that while -for a soul whose faith equals but a tiny grain of mustard seed, he works -miracles, in order that this faith which is so weak may be fortified; yet for -His intimate friends, for His Mother, He did not work miracles until He had -put their faith to the test. Did He not let Lazarus die though Martha and -Mary had sent to tell Him that he was sick? At the marriage at Cana, the -Blessed Virgin having asked Him to come to the assistance of the Master of -the house, did He not reply that His hour was not yet come? But after the -trial, what a recompense! Water changed to wine, Lazarus restored to life. . -.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. VI</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">A</font> SISTER said to her that beautiful Angels clothed -in white robes, and of joyous and resplendent countenance, would bear away -her soul to Heaven. She replied: "These imaginations do not help me: I can -draw no sustenance except from the Truth. God and the Angels are pure -Spirits, no one can see them as they really are, with corporal eyes. That is -why I have never desired extraordinary favours. I would rather await the -Eternal Vision."</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">"I</font> HAVE asked God to send me a beautiful dream to -console me when you are gone," said a novice. -</p><p> -"Ah! that is a thing I should never do—ask for consolation! . . . Since -you wish to be like me you well know that I say: -</p><p> -<p class="indent">Oh! fear not, Lord, that I shall waken Thee:<br> -I await in peace th' eternal shore. . . -</p><p> -"It is so sweet to serve the good God in the dark night of trial; we have -this life only in which to live by faith." -</p><p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<p align="center"><img src="images/5.jpg" alt="A design"></p> -<h1 align="center"><a name="4">HOPE</a></h1> -<p><font size="+3">T</font>IME is but a shadow, a dream; already God sees us -in glory and takes joy in our eternal beatitude. How this thought helps my -soul! I understand then why He lets us suffer . . .</p> -<p align="center">VIII LETTER TO HER SISTER CÉLINE</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">A</font> DAY . . . an hour . . . and we shall have reached -the port! My God, what shall we see then? What is that life which will never -have an end? . . . Jesus will be the soul of our soul. Unfathomable mystery! -<i>"Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither hath it entered into the heart -of man what great things God hath prepared for them that love Him."</i> <a -href="#4-1">[1]</a> And this will all come soon—yes, very soon, if we -ardently love Jesus.</p> -<p align="center">VI LETTER TO HER SISTER CÉLINE</p> -<p><a name="4-1">[1]</a> I Cor., ii, 9. <i>Cf</i>. Is., lxiv, 4.</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">L</font>IFE is passing, Eternity draws nigh; soon shall we -live the very life of God. After having drunk deep at the fount of -bitterness, our thirst will be quenched at the very source of all sweetness. -</p><p> -<i>Yes, the figure of this world passeth away,</i> <a href="#4-2">[2]</a> -soon shall we see new heavens; a more radiant sun will brighten with its -splendours, ethereal seas and infinite horizons . . . We shall no longer be -prisoners in a land of exile, all will be at an end and with our Heavenly -Spouse we shall sail o'er boundless waters: now our <i>harps are hung upon -the willows that border the rivers of Babylon,</i> <a href="#4-3">[3]</a> but -in the day of our deliverance what harmonies will then be heard! With what -joy shall we not make every chord of our instruments to vibrate! Today, <i>we -weep remembering Sion . . . how shall we sing the songs of the Lord in a -strange land?</i> <a href="#4-4">[4]</a></p> -<p align="center">V LETTER TO HER SISTER CÉLINE</p> -<p><a name="4-2">[2]</a> I Cor., vii, 31.<br> -<a name="4-3">[3]</a> <i>Cf</i>. Ps. cxxxvi, 2.<br> -<a name="4-4">[4]</a> <i>Cf</i>. Ps., cxxxvi, 1, 4.</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">H</font>OW I thirst for Heaven—that blessed -habitation where our love for Jesus will have no limit! But to get there we -must suffer . . . we must weep . . . Well, I <i>wish</i> to suffer all that -shall please my Beloved, I wish to let Him do just as He wills with His -<i>"little ball."</i></p> -<p align="center">V LETTER TO SR. MARIE DU SACRÉ-CŒUR</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">O</font>H! What mysteries will be revealed to us later . . -. How often have I thought that I perhaps owe all the graces showered upon me -to the earnest prayer of a little soul whom I shall know only in Heaven. It -is God's will that in this world by means of prayer Heavenly treasures should -be imparted by souls one to another, so that when they reach the Fatherland -they may love one another with a love born of gratitude, with an affection -far, far exceeding the most ideal family affection upon earth. -</p><p> -There, we shall meet with no indifferent looks, because all the Saints will -be indebted to each other. -</p><p> -No envious glances will be seen; the happiness of every one of the elect will -be the happiness of all. With the Martyrs we shall be like to the Martyrs; -with the Doctors we shall be as the Doctors; with the Virgins, as the -Virgins; and just as the members of a family are proud of one another, so -shall we be of our brethren, without the least jealousy. -</p><p> -Who knows even if the joy we shall experience in beholding the glory of the -great Saints, and knowing that by a secret dispensation of Providence we have -contributed thereunto, who knows if this joy will not be as intense and -sweeter perhaps, than the happiness they will themselves possess. -</p><p> -And do you not think that on their side the great Saints, seeing what they -owe to quite little souls, will love them with an incomparable love? -Delightful and surprising will be the friendships found there—I am sure -of it. The favoured companion of an Apostle or a great Doctor of the Church, -will perhaps be a young shepherd lad; and a simple little child may be the -intimate friend of a Patriarch. Oh! how I long to dwell in that Kingdom of -Love . . . </p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">A</font> SISTER showed her a photograph representing Joan -of Arc consoled in the prison by her Voices. Sœur Thérèse -said: "I too am consoled by an interior voice. The Saints encourage me from -above, they say to me: 'So long as thou art in fetters thou canst not fulfil -thy mission; but later, after thy death—<i>then</i> will be the time of -thy conquests.'"</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">I</font>N Heaven the good God will do all I wish, because -I have never done my own will upon earth.</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">E</font>VEN now I know it; yes, all my hopes will be -fulfilled . . . yes . . . the Lord will work wonders for me which will -surpass infinitely my immeasurable desires.</p> -<p align="center">VIII LETTER TO MÈRE AGNÈS DE JÉSUS</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<p align="center"><img src="images/6.jpg" alt="A design"></p> -<h1 align="center"><a name="5">HUMILITY</a></h1> -<p><font size="+3">I</font>T appears to me that humility is the truth. I know -not whether I am humble, but I know that I see the truth in all things.</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">I</font> HAVE understood what true glory is. He whose -<i>Kingdom is not of this world</i> <a href="#5-1">[1]</a> showed me that the -only enviable royalty consists in loving <i>to be unknown and esteemed as -nothing</i>, <a href="#5-2">[2]</a> and finding our joy in contempt of self. -I wished that like the Face of Jesus, mine might be <i>as it were hidden and -despised</i>. <a href="#5-3">[3]</a> <i>That none upon earth might esteem -me</i>. I thirsted to suffer and to be forgotten.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. VII</p> -<p> -<a name="5-1">[1]</a> John, xviii, 36.<br> -<a name="5-2">[2]</a> <i>Imit</i>., I, ii, 3.<br> -<a name="5-3">[3]</a> Is., liii, 3.</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">J</font>JESUS made me understand that the true, the only -glory is that which will last for ever; that to attain to it we need not -perform wonderful deeds, but rather, those hidden from the eyes of others and -from self, so that <i>the left hand knoweth not what the right hand doth</i>. -<a href="#5-4">[4]</a></p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. IV -</p><p> -<a name="5-4">[4]</a> Matt., vi, 3. </p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">T</font>HÉRÈSE is weak, very weak; of this she -has new and salutary experience every day. But Jesus takes pleasure in -teaching her how to <i>glory in her infirmities</i>. <a href="#5-5">[5]</a> -It is a great grace this, for herein is found peace and tranquillity. When we -see ourselves so miserable, we wish no longer to look at self but only on the -Well-Beloved.</p> -<p align="center">II LETTER TO HER COUSIN MARIE GUÉRIN</p> -<p><a name="5-5">[5]</a> II Cor., xi, 5.</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">I</font> AM a <i>very little</i> soul who can offer only -<i>very little</i> things to the good God; yet, it often happens that these -little sacrifices which give such peace to the heart escape me; but that does -not discourage me, I bear with having a little less peace and I try to be -more watchful another time.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. X</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">V</font>EILED in the white Host, O my Well-Beloved, how -meek and humble of heart dost Thou show Thyself to me! Thou couldst not stoop -lower to teach me humility, and I, to respond to Thy Love, desire to put -myself in the lowest place and share Thy humiliations, that I may <i>have -part with Thee</i> <a href="#5-6">[6]</a> in the Kingdom of Heaven. -</p><p> -I beseech Thee, my Jesus, to send me some humiliation every time that I shall -attempt to put myself above others.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, APPENDIX -</p><p> -<a name="5-6">[6]</a> John, xiii, 8.</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">W</font>HAT pleases the good God in my little soul is to -see me love my littleness and my poverty, it is seeing the blind trust that I -have in His Mercy.</p> -<p align="center">VI LETTER TO SR. MARIE DU SACRÉ-CŒUR</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">T</font>O draw near to Jesus we must be so little . . . -Oh! how few souls aspire to be little and unknown. . .</p> -<p align="center">XIV LETTER TO HER SISTER CÉLINE</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">I</font> AM no longer surprised at anything, nor do I -grieve at seeing that I am frailty itself; on the contrary I glory in it, and -expect to discover new imperfections in myself each day. These lights -concerning my nothingness do me more good, I affirm, than lights regarding -faith.</p> -<p align="center">HIST D'UNE AME, CH. IX</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">W</font>HEN we commit a fault we must not think it due to -a physical cause, such as illness or the weather, we must attribute this fall -to our imperfection, but without ever growing discouraged.</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">S</font>INCE Jesus has gone back to Heaven I can follow -Him only by the path He has traced. Oh how luminous are His -footprints—diffusing a divine sweetness . . . I have but to glance at -the holy Gospels and immediately I inhale the fragrance of the life of Jesus, -and I know which side to take. Not to the first place do I run but to the -last. I let the Pharisee go up, and full of confidence I repeat the humble -prayer of the publican. Above all I copy the example of Magdalene; her -amazing, or rather, her loving audacity, which so touched the Heart of Jesus, -charms my own.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XI</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">W</font>ITH a simplicity that delights me my little -Sisters, the novices, tell me of the interior combats I arouse in them, in -what way they find me trying; they are no more embarrassed than if it were -question of some one else, knowing that by acting thus, they greatly please -me. -</p><p> -Ah! truly it is more than a pleasure, it is a delicious feast which -replenishes my soul with joy. How can a thing so disagreeable to nature give -such happiness? Had I not experienced it I could not have believed it. -</p><p> -One day when I had an ardent desire for humiliation, it happened that a young -postulant so fully satisfied it, that the thought of Semei cursing David came -to my mind and I repeated interiorly with the holy King: <i>Yes, it is indeed -the Lord who has commanded him to say all these things to me.</i> <a -href="#5-7">[7]</a> -</p><p> -Thus the good God takes care of me. He cannot always offer me the strength- -giving bread of exterior humiliation, but from time to time He permits me to -feast upon <i>the crumbs that fall from the table of the children</i>. <a -href="#5-8">[8]</a> How great is His Mercy!</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. X</p> -<p> -<a name="5-7">[7]</a> Kings, xvi, 10.<br> -<a name="5-8">[8]</a> Mark, vii, 28.</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">A</font>LL creatures might incline towards the little -flower, admiring it and overwhelming it with their praise, but never would -that add a shadow of vain satisfaction to the true joy of knowing itself to -be a mere nothing in the sight of God.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. IX</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">B</font>ECAUSE I was little and weak, Jesus stooped down -to me and tenderly instructed me in the secrets of His Love.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. V</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">I</font> AM too little to have any vanity, I am also too -little to know how to turn beautiful phrases so as to make it appear that I -have a great deal of humility. I prefer to acknowledge simply that <i>He that -is mighty hath done great things to me</i>; <a href="#5-9">[9]</a> and the -greatest is His having shown me my littleness, my powerlessness for all -good.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. IX</p> -<p> -<a name="5-9">[9]</a> Luke, i, 49.</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">T</font>HE only thing not subject to be envied is the -lowest place, it is therefore this lowest place alone which is without vanity -and affliction of spirit. Still, <i>the way of a man is not always in his -power</i> <a href="#5-10">[10]</a> and sometimes we are surprised by a desire -for that which glitters. Then, let us take our place humbly amongst the -imperfect, deeming ourselves little souls whom the good God must sustain at -each moment. As soon as He sees us truly convinced of our nothingness and we -say to Him: <i>My foot hath slipped: Thy mercy, O Lord, hath held me up,</i> -<a href="#5-11">[11]</a> He stretches out His Hand to us; but if we -<i>will</i> attempt to do something grand, even under pretext of zeal, He -leaves us alone. It is enough therefore that we humble ourselves, and bear -our imperfections with sweetness: there, for us, lies true sanctity.</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<p> -<a name="5-10">[10]</a> <i>Cf</i>. Jer., x, 23.<br> -<a name="5-11">[11]</a> <i>Cf</i>. Ps., xciii, 18.</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">T</font>HE most eloquent discourses would be incapable of -inspiring one act of love without the grace that moves the heart. -</p><p> -See a beautiful, rose-tinted peach, of so sweet a savour that no craft of -confectioner could produce nectar like it. Is it for the peach itself that -God has created this lovely colour and delicate velvety surface? Is it for -the sake of the peach that He has given it so delicious a flavour? No, it is -for us; what alone belongs to it and forms the essence of its existence is -its stone; it possesses nothing more. -</p><p> -Thus is Jesus pleased to lavish His gifts on some of His creatures, that -through them He may draw to Himself other souls; but in His mercy He -humiliates them interiorly, and gently constrains them to recognize their -nothingness and His Omnipotence. These sentiments form in them, as it were, a -kernel of grace, which Jesus hastens to develop for that blessed day when -clothed with a beauty, immortal, imperishable, they shall without danger have -place at the Celestial banquet.</p> -<p align="center">XVI LETTER TO HER SISTER CÉLINE</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">T</font>HE Apostles, without Jesus, laboured long—a -whole night—without taking any fish; their toil was pleasing to Him but -He wished to show that He alone can give anything. He asked only an act of -humility: <i>"Children, have you any meat?"</i> <a href="#5-12">[12]</a> and -St. Peter confesses his helplessness: <i>"Lord we have laboured all night and -have taken nothing."</i> <a href="#5-13">[13]</a> It is enough! The Heart of -Jesus is touched . . . . Perhaps if the Apostle had taken a few little fishes -the Divine Master would not have worked a miracle; but he had <i>nothing</i>, -and so through God's power and goodness his nets were soon filled with great -fishes. -</p><p> -That is just our Lord's way. He gives as God, but He <i>will</i> have -humility of heart.</p> -<p align="center">XVII LETTER TO HER SISTER CÉLINE -</p><p> -<a name="5-12">[12]</a> John, xxi, 5.<br> -<a name="5-13">[13]</a> Luke, v, 5.</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">T</font>O think ourselves imperfect, and others -perfect—that is happiness. That creatures should recognize we are -without virtue takes nothing from us, makes us no poorer; it is they who by -this lose interior joy; for there is nothing sweeter than to think well of -our neighbour.</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">I</font>T is a great joy to me, not only when others find -me imperfect, but above all when I feel that so I am: compliments, on the -contrary, cause me nothing but displeasure.</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">A</font> NOVICE confided to her that she made no progress -and felt quite discouraged. -</p><p> -"Till the age of fourteen," said Therese, "I practised virtue without feeling -its sweetness. I wished for suffering but had no thought of finding my joy -therein; that is a grace which has been granted me later. My soul was like a -beautiful tree whose blossoms no sooner opened than they fell. -</p><p> -"Offer to the good God the sacrifice of never gathering the fruits of your -labours. If He so will that during your whole life you feel a repugnance to -suffer and to be humiliated, if He permit that all the flowers of your -desires and of your good-will fall to earth without fruit, be not troubled. -At the moment of your death He will know well how to bring to perfection, in -the twinkling of an eye, beautiful fruits on the tree of your soul. -</p><p> -"We read in the Book of Ecclesiasticus: <i>'There is an inactive man that -wanteth help, is very weak in ability, and full of poverty: yet the eye of -God hath looked upon him for good, and hath lifted him up from his low -estate, and hath exalted his head: and many have wondered at him and have -glorified God.</i> -</p><p> -<i>'Trust in God, and stay in thy place. For it is easy in the eyes of God, -on a sudden to make the poor man rich. The blessing of God maketh haste to -reward the just, and in a swift hour His blessing beareth fruit!'"</i> <a -href="#5-14">[14]</a></p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES -</p><p> -<a name="5-14">[14]</a> Ecclus., xi, 12, 13, 22, 23, 24.</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">"Y</font>OU have always been faithful to divine grace, -have you not?" -</p><p> -"Yes, since the age of three I have refused nothing to the good God. Yet not -mine the glory. See how the setting sun this evening gilds the topmost -branches of the trees; even so does my soul appear to you—all bright -and gilded, because it is exposed to Love's rays. If the Divine Sun withheld -from me His rays, my soul would immediately become obscured and enveloped in -darkness."</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">"Y</font>OU really are a saint!" some one said to her. -</p><p> -"No, I am not a saint; I have never done the works of the Saints. I am a -very, very little soul on whom the good God has outpoured the abundance of -His grace. You will see in Heaven that I am telling you the truth."</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">S</font>HE said to the Prioress: "Mother, I feel that if I -were unfaithful, if I committed but the very slightest infidelity, fearful -troubles would follow, and I could no longer accept death with resignation." -</p><p> -And as the Mother Prioress showed surprise at hearing her speak thus, she -continued: -</p><p> -"I mean an infidelity springing from pride. For instance, if I said: 'I have -acquired such or such a virtue, I am able to practise it,' or, 'O my God, I -love Thee too well—Thou knowest it—to dwell on one single thought -against faith,' I feel that I should forthwith be assailed by the most -dangerous temptations and should certainly be overcome by them. -</p><p> -"To avoid this calamity I have but to say humbly from the depths of my heart: -'O my God, I implore of Thee, suffer me not to be unfaithful!' -</p><p> -"I very well understand how St. Peter fell. He depended too confidently on -the fervour of his feelings, instead of relying solely upon Divine strength. -Had he said to Jesus: 'Lord, give me the strength to follow Thee even unto -death,' that strength, I am quite sure would not have been refused him."</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">"O</font>H! when I think of all I have to acquire!" -exclaimed a novice. -</p><p> -"Say, rather, to <i>lose</i>. Jesus, it is, who charges Himself with the care -of filling your soul according as you free it from its imperfections. I -plainly see that you are taking the wrong road, you will never arrive at the -end of your journey. You wish to scale a mountain and the good God wants to -make you descend: He is waiting for you low down in the fertile valley of -humility."</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">"W</font>HEN I receive a reproof," said another, "I would -rather have deserved it than be wrongfully accused." -</p><p> -"As for me," replied Thérèse, "I prefer being blamed unjustly, then -I have no cause for self-reproach and I offer this unmerited blame to the -good God with joy, then I humble myself at the thought that I should be quite -capable of doing that of which I was accused."</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">W</font>HEN we are not understood, and are unfavourably -judged, what good is there in defending ourselves? Let us leave it so and say -nothing, it is so sweet to let ourselves be judged no matter how! It is not -told in the Gospels that Saint Magdalen gave any explanation when blamed by -her sister for sitting inactive at the feet of Jesus. She did not say: -"Martha, if thou didst but know my happiness, if thou didst but hear the -words I hear, thou too wouldst lay all else aside, to share my joy and my -repose." No, she chose rather to be silent . . . O blessed silence which -gives to the soul such peace!</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">I</font>N a moment of temptation and combat a novice -received this note: -</p><p> -<i>"The just man shall correct me in mercy and reprove me; but let not the -oil of the sinner anoint my head</i>. <a href="#5-15">[15]</a> I cannot be -corrected or tried except by the just, inasmuch as all my Sisters are -pleasing to God. It is less bitter to be reproved by a sinner than by the -just; but <i>through compassion for sinners</i>, to obtain their conversion, -I pray Thee, O my God, that I may be bruised by the just souls who are round -about me. Again, I beg that the oil of praise, so sweet to nature, <i>anoint -not my head</i>, that is to say, enervate not my mind, by making me believe -that I possess virtues which I have only with difficulty practised several -times. -</p><p> -"O my Jesus! <i>Thy Name is as oil poured out;</i> <a href="#5-16">[16]</a> -it is in this divine perfume that I wish to be wholly bathed, far away from -the notice of creatures."</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES -</p><p> -<a name="5-15">[15]</a> Ps., cxl, 5.<br> -<a name="5-16">[16]</a> Cant., i, 2.</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">A</font>T the close of her life she was able to say: "I -used so to rise above all things, that I drew strength from -humiliations."</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">"G</font>OD has a special love for you," remarked a young -Sister, "since to you He entrusts other souls." -</p><p> -"That does not add anything to me, and I am only really just what I am in -God's sight . . . It does not follow that He loves me more, because He wills -that I should be His interpreter to you; rather, He makes me your little -servant. It is for you and not for me that He has given me the charms and -virtues apparent to you. -</p><p> -"Often I compare myself to a little bowl which God fills with good things of -every kind. All the <i>kittens</i> come to it to take their share, and -sometimes there is a contest as to which shall have most. But the Child Jesus -is there, keeping watch: 'I am very willing that you drink from my little -bowl' saith He, 'but take care lest you overturn it and break it.' -</p><p> -"Truth to tell, the danger is not great, because I am placed on the ground. -It is otherwise with Prioresses: they, being set on tables run many more -risks. Honours are always dangerous. -</p><p> -"Oh! how poisonous the praises served up day by day to those who hold high -places. What baneful incense! And how necessary it is that the soul be -detached from self, that so she may escape unharmed."</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">T</font>O help a novice to accept a humiliation she said -to her in confidence: "If I had not been received into Carmel I would have -entered a Refuge, to live there unknown and despised in the midst of the poor -penitents. To pass for such in the eyes of all would have been my happiness. -I should have been the apostle of my companions telling them what I think of -the Mercy of the good God." -</p><p> -"But how would you have been able to hide your innocence from your -Confessor?" -</p><p> -"I would have told him that while in the world I had made a general -confession and had been forbidden to do so again."</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">O</font>NE day they brought her some ears of corn. She -took one so laden with grain that it leaned down upon its stalk, and having -looked at it for a long time she said to the Mother Prioress: -</p><p> -"Mother, this ear of corn is an image of my soul: the good God has laden me -with graces for myself and for many others! . . . Oh! I wish ever to bow down -beneath the abundance of Heaven's gifts, recognizing that all comes from -above."</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">W</font>HAT do you think of all the graces which have been -poured down upon you? -</p><p> -"I think that the Spirit of God breatheth where He will." -<a href="#5-17">[17]</a></p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<p><a name="5-17">[17]</a> John, iii, 8.</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">A</font> SISTER said that in Heaven she would be a -beautiful flower, resplendent with light. -</p><p> -"Oh no," she replied, "you know how in pretty bouquets they conceal some moss -to make the flowers stand out; well, I shall be a little bit of moss to set -off the beauty of the elect."</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">D</font>URING her last agony the Mother Prioress -encouraged her with these words: -</p><p> -"My child, you are quite ready to appear before God because you have always -understood the virtue of humility." -</p><p> -Then of herself she gave this beautiful testimony: -</p><p> -"Yes, I feel it, my soul has never sought but the truth . . . yes, I have -understood humility of heart!"</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<p align="center"><img src="images/7.jpg" alt="A design"></p> -<h1 align="center"><a name="6">DETACHMENT</a></h1> -<p><font size="+3">I</font>F the impossible were possible and that God -Himself did not see my good actions, I would not grieve about it. I love Him -so much that I should like to be able to give Him pleasure without His -knowing that it was I . . . Knowing and seeing it, He is, in a way, bound to -repay me . . . I would not give Him the trouble.</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">T</font>HE glory of Jesus . . . that is my whole ambition; -my own I abandon to Him; and if He seem to forget me, well, He is at liberty -to do so since I am mine no more, but His. He will more quickly tire of -making me wait, than I, of waiting!</p> -<p align="center">VII LETTER TO MÈRE AGNÈS DE JÉSUS</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">T</font>HERE is no stay, no support to seek out of Jesus. -He alone changeth not. What happiness to think that He can never change!</p> -<p align="center">V LETTER TO MÈRE AGNÈS DE JÉSUS</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">T</font>HE sole happiness upon earth consists in hiding -oneself and remaining in total ignorance of created things.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. VIII</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">F</font>AR from dazzling me all the titles of nobility -appear to me but empty vanity. I have understood those words of the -<i>Imitation</i>: <i>"Be not solicitous for the shadow of a great name."</i> -<a href="#6-1">[1]</a> I have understood that true greatness is found not in -the name but in the soul. -</p><p> -The Prophet tells us that <i>the Lord God shall call His servants by</i> -ANOTHER NAME; <a href="#6-2">[2]</a> and we read in St. John: <i>"To him that -overcometh, I will give . . . a white counter, and in the counter a new name -written, which no man knoweth but he that receiveth."</i> <a href="#6-3">[3]</a> -It is in Heaven, therefore, that we shall know our titles of -nobility. Then <i>shall each one receive from God the praise that he -merits,</i> <a href="#6-4">[4]</a> and he who upon earth will have made -choice of being the poorest and the most unknown for love of our Lord, he -will be the first, the noblest and the richest.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. VI -</p><p> -<a name="6-1">[1]</a> <i>Imit.</i>, III, xxiv, 2. <br> -<a name="6-2">[2]</a> Is., lxv, 15.<br> -<a name="6-3">[3]</a> Apoc., ii, 17.<br> -<a name="6-4">[4]</a> <i>Cf</i>. I Cor., iv, 5.</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">I</font> THANK my Jesus for making me walk in darkness; in -it I am wrapped in profound peace. Willingly I consent to stay, during the -whole of my religious life, in this sombre tunnel into which He has made me -enter; I desire only that my darkness may win light for sinners.</p> -<p align="center">IV LETTER TO MÈRE AGNÈS DE JÉSUS</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">I</font>N this world we must not become attached to -anything—not even things the most innocent, for they fail us at the -moment when we are least expecting it. The eternal alone can satisfy us.</p> -<p align="center">I LETTER TO SR. MARIE DU SACRÉ-CŒUR </p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">T</font>HIS prayer she bore upon her heart on the day of -her Profession: -</p><p> -"O Jesus, my Divine Spouse, grant that the robe of my baptism be never -sullied! Take me, rather than suffer me here below to stain my soul by -committing the slightest wilful fault. May I never seek nor ever find but -Thee alone! May all creatures be nothing to me, and I nothing to them! May no -earthly thing disturb my peace! -</p><p> - . . . . . . . -</p><p> -"Grant that I fulfil my engagements in all their perfection; that none -concern themselves about me; that I may be trodden underfoot, forgotten, as a -little grain of sand. I offer myself to Thee, O Well-Beloved, that Thou mayst -ever perfectly accomplish Thy holy will in me, without let or hindrance from -creatures."</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. VIII</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">W</font>ITH jealous care all must be kept for Jesus; it is -so good to work for Him, and for Him alone! How joyous then the heart and how -buoyant the spirit! . . .</p> -<p align="center">VI LETTER TO MÈRE AGNÈS DE JÉSUS</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">I</font> HAVE never wished for human glory, contempt it -was, that had attraction for my heart; but having recognized that this again -was too glorious for me, I ardently desire to be forgotten.</p> -<p align="center">VII LETTER TO MÈRE AGNÈS DE JÉSUS</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">I</font>F you only knew to what a degree I wish to be -indifferent to the things of the earth! What matters to me all created -beauty? I should be truly unfortunate were I to possess it. Oh! how great, -how noble, seems my heart when I look at it in relation to this world's -goods, since all of them put together could never satisfy it; but when I -consider it with reference to Jesus, how <i>small</i> it then appears to -me.</p> -<p align="center">II LETTER TO MÈRE AGNÈS DE JÉSUS</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">Y</font>ES, I now am able to say I have received the grace -of being no more attached to the goods of mind and heart than to those of -earth. If it happens that I repeat to my Sisters some thought of mine which -pleases them, I think it quite natural that they should look on it as their -own; this thought belongs to the Holy Ghost not to me, seeing that St. Paul -tells us <i>that without the Spirit of Love we cannot give to God the name of -Father</i>. <a href="#6-5">[5]</a> The Holy Spirit assuredly is free to use -me as the means of conveying a good thought to a soul and I may not consider -this thought as my property.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. X -</p><p> -<a name="6-5">[5]</a> <i>Cf</i>. Rom., viii, 15.</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">"T</font>HERE is one only means of constraining the good -God not to judge us at all, it is to appear before Him with our hands empty." -</p><p> -"But how?" they asked her. -</p><p> -"It is quite simple: keep nothing whatever in reserve, give away your gains -according as you earn. As for me, if I live to be eighty I shall be always -poor; I know not how to save up, all that I have goes immediately to ransom -souls."</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">T</font>HE further you advance the fewer combats will you -have, or rather, the easier will your conquests be, because you will look at -the good side of things. Your soul will then rise above creatures. Anything -that may be said to me now, leaves me absolutely indifferent, for I have -realized how little stability there is in human judgments.</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">T</font>O write books of devotion, to compose the most -sublime poetry, is of less worth than the least act of self-renunciation.</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">"O</font>NE Sunday," Thérèse tells us, "I went -right joyously on my way towards the alley of chestnut trees; it was the -spring-time, and I meant to enjoy the beauties of nature. O cruel -disappointment! My dear chestnut trees had been pruned, and the branches, -already loaded with verdant buds, lay strewn upon the ground! It was -heartrending to view this destruction, and to think that three years must -pass ere I could see it repaired . . . My distress however did not last. 'If -I were in another monastery,' thought I, 'what difference would it make to me -if the chestnut trees in the Carmel of Lisieux were cut down altogether? I -will fret no more about transitory things; my Well-Beloved shall take the -place of all else for me . . . I will wander ever in the groves of His love, -which none may touch!'"</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">S</font>HE said to her novices: "You are too much taken up -about what you are doing, you torment yourselves concerning the future as if -you had the care of it . . . Are you at this moment preoccupied with what is -passing in other Carmels, as to whether the nuns are pressed or not? Do their -labours hinder your prayer or meditation? Very well, so, too, ought you to be -detached from your personal work, employing conscientiously therein the time -directed, but with disengagement of heart. -</p><p> -"I have read that the Israelites, when building the walls of Jerusalem, -worked with one hand and with the other held a sword. <a href="#6-6">[6]</a> -That is truly a figure of what we ought to do: never give ourselves -completely up to the work."</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES -</p><p> -<a name="6-6">[6]</a> II Esdras, iv, 17.</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">A</font> NOVICE asked some of the Sisters to help to shake -blankets, which being rather worn, she cautioned them somewhat sharply to be -careful not to tear. Sœur Thérèse remarked: -</p><p> -"What would you do if it were not your office to mend these blankets? . . . -With what detachment you would then act! And if you did point out that they -are easily torn, how free from self-interest it would be. Thus, never let the -least shadow of self-interest glide into your actions."</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">I</font>N the infirmary the novices used scarcely to wait -till her thanksgivings were ended before speaking to her and seeking her -counsels. This, at first, grieved her and she gently reproached them. Then -very soon she let them have their way, saying: -</p><p> -"The thought has struck me that I am not to desire more of repose than our -Lord. When He retired into the desert after His discourses, the people came -immediately to break in upon His solitude. Come to me as much as you will. I -must die arms in hand, <i>having on my lips the sword of the Spirit which is -the Word of God</i>." <a href="#6-7">[7]</a></p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES -</p><p> -<a name="6-7">[7]</a> Ephes., vi, 17.</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">"H</font>OW do you manage so to practise virtue," asked a -novice, "as to be always the same, invariably joyous and composed?" -</p><p> -"It has not been always so," she replied, "but ever since I have shunned all -self-seeking I lead the happiest life that can be."</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">N</font>OW, that I am about to appear before the good God, -more than ever do I understand that there is but one thing necessary: to work -solely for Him, and to do nothing for self or for creatures.</p> -<p align="center">X LETTER TO HER MISSIONARY "BROTHERS" -</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<p align="center"><img src="images/8.jpg" alt="A design"></p> -<h1 align="center"><a name="7">MORTIFICATION</a></h1> -<p><font size="+3">F</font>AR from being like to those great souls who from -their childhood practise all sorts of macerations, I made my mortification -consist solely in the breaking of my will, restraining a hasty word, -rendering little services to those around me without making anything of it, -and a thousand other things of this kind.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. VI</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">I</font> had no taste for games, I should have liked to -spend my life reading, but I was only to take a very limited time for this -chosen recreation, and this was the ground of many a sacrifice, for I made it -a point of duty to break off promptly at the end of the time allotted, even -in the middle of the most interesting passage.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. IV</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">I</font> HAD accustomed myself never to complain when -anything of mine was taken away; and when unjustly blamed I chose rather to -remain silent than to defend myself.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. I</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">I</font> WAS ten years old the day that my Father told -Céline he was going to let her have lessons in painting; I was by, and -envied her. Then Papa said to me: "And you, my little queen, would it give -you pleasure too to learn drawing?" I was just going to respond with a very -gladsome <i>yes</i>, when Marie made the remark that I had not the same taste -for it as Céline. At once she gained the day; and I, thinking that here -was a good opportunity of offering a grand sacrifice to Jesus, said not a -word. So eager was my desire to learn drawing that now I still wonder how I -had the fortitude to remain silent.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. VIII</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">I</font>N the world, on awakening in the morning I used to -think over what would probably occur either pleasing or vexatious during the -day; and if I foresaw only trying events I arose dispirited. Now it is quite -the other way: I think of the difficulties and the sufferings that await me, -and I rise the more joyous and full of courage the more I foresee -opportunities of proving my love for Jesus, and <i>earning the living of my -children</i>—seeing that I am <i>the mother</i> of souls. Then I kiss -my crucifix and lay it tenderly on the pillow while I dress, and I say to -Him: "My Jesus, Thou hast worked enough and wept enough during the three-and- -thirty years of Thy life on this poor earth. Take now Thy rest . . . My turn -it is to suffer and to fight."</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">T</font>HE attraction to penance was given me, but I was -permitted nothing to satisfy it. The only mortifications I was allowed -consisted in mortifying self-love, which did me more good than corporal -penance.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. VII</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">A</font>T prayer I was for a long time near a Sister who -used to handle incessantly either her Rosary-beads or some other thing; -perhaps none heard it but myself, for my hearing is extremely acute, but I -cannot say how it tormented me! I should have liked to turn my head and look -at the culprit so as to make her stop that noise: however in my heart I knew -it was better to bear it patiently, for the love of God in the first place, -and also to avoid giving pain. -</p><p> -I kept quiet therefore, but was sometimes worked up to fever-heat and obliged -to make simply a prayer of endurance. Finally I sought out the means of -suffering with peace and joy, at least in my innermost soul; I tried to like -the teasing little noise. Instead of endeavouring not to hear it—a -thing impossible—I listened with fixed attention as if it had been a -delightful concert; and my prayer, <i>which was not the prayer of quiet</i>, -passed in offering this concert to Jesus. -</p><p> -Another time I was in the laundry opposite a Sister who while washing -handkerchiefs splashed me every minute with dirty water. My first impulse was -to draw back and wipe my face, so as to show her who besprinkled me in that -fashion, that she would oblige me by working more quietly; but I reflected -immediately that it was very foolish to refuse treasures so generously -offered me, and I took good care not to show my annoyance. On the contrary, I -made such successful efforts to <i>wish</i> for a plentiful splashing of -dirty water, that at the end of half an hour I had really acquired a taste -for this new sort of aspersion, and I determined to come again as often as -possible to a place where happily such riches could be had gratuitously.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. X</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">I</font> REMEMBER that sometimes, when a postulant, I was -so violently tempted to indulge myself by seeking some little consolations, -that I was obliged to go quickly past our Mother's cell, and cling to the -banisters of the staircase so that I should not turn back. There would come -to mind a number of permissions to ask, a hundred pretexts for deciding in -favour of my natural inclinations and gratifying them. How glad I am now of -having denied myself from the outset of my life in religion! Already I enjoy -the reward promised to those who fight courageously. No longer do I feel the -necessity of refusing myself consolations of the heart; for my heart is -firmly fixed in God . . . Because it has loved Him above all, it has -gradually enlarged, even so as to love those who are dear to it with a love -incomparably deeper than if it were centred in a selfish and fruitless -affection.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. X</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">I</font>N everything I must find self-denial and -sacrifice; thus I feel that a letter will not bear fruit unless I write it -with a certain reluctance, and solely through obedience. When conversing with -a novice I am careful to mortify myself and to avoid asking her questions -which would gratify my curiosity. If she commence to speak of something -interesting, then, leaving it unfinished, pass to a subject wearisome to me, -I take care not to remind her of the interruption, for it seems to me that -one can do no good by self-seeking.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. X</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">G</font>OD did not permit that our Mother should tell me -to write down my poems according as I composed them, and I would not have -liked to ask her, fearing lest that might be a fault against poverty. So I -used to wait until the hour of free time, and it was not without extreme -difficulty that I recalled to mind, at eight o'clock in the evening, what I -had composed in the morning. -</p><p> -These little nothings are a martyrdom it is true, but we must be well on our -guard not to lessen it by allowing ourselves, or seeking to be allowed, a -thousand things which would render the religious life pleasant and -comfortable.</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">W</font>HEN some one rings for us, or knocks at our door, -we must mortify ourselves so as not even to do one stitch more before -answering. I have practised that; and it is, I assure you, a source of -peace.</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">D</font>O you know my Sundays and festivals? They are the -days when the good God tries me the most.</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">S</font>ŒUR Thérèse de l'Enfant Jesus says -that she has not done any great penances: that is because her fervour counted -as nothing those which were allowed her. It nevertheless happened that she -became ill from wearing for too long a time a small iron cross, of which the -sharp points were sunk into her flesh. -</p><p> -"That would not have befallen me from so slight a penance," she said -afterwards, "if the good God had not wanted to make me understand that the -macerations of the Saints are not intended for me, nor for the little souls -who will tread the same path of spiritual childhood."</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">T</font>O a novice whom she saw practise a little act of -self-denial she said: -</p><p> -"You will be very glad to find that before you at the moment of death. What -you have just done is more glorious than if, by some skilful measures, you -had gained for the religious communities the good-will of the Government, and -that all France applauded you as a Judith."</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">T</font>O another who was bewailing her want of courage: -</p><p> -"You complain of what should cause you the greatest happiness. Where would be -your merit if you must fight only when you felt the courage? What matters it -if you have none, provided that you act as if you had! If you feel too -slothful to pick up a bit of thread, and that nevertheless you do it for the -love of Jesus, you have more merit than if in a moment of fervour you were to -accomplish something of far greater importance. So instead of being -sorrowful, rejoice to see that in letting you feel your weakness the good -Master provides you with an opportunity of gaining for Him a greater number -of souls."</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">B</font>EING questioned as to her mode of sanctifying the -repasts, Thérèse made answer: -</p><p> -"In the refectory we have but one only thing to do: to accomplish this so -lowly act with thoughts uplifted. I declare to you that often it is in the -refectory the sweetest aspirations of love come to me. Sometimes I am -impelled to dwell on the thought that if our Divine Lord were in my place, -with the fare set before Him as served to me, He would certainly partake of -it . . . It is very probable that during His life on earth He tasted of the -like food: <i>He ate bread, fruits, etc</i> . . . . -</p><p> -"Here are my simple little rubrics: -</p><p> -"I picture myself at Nazareth in the house of Holy Family. If I am served -with, for instance, salad, cold fish, wine or anything of strong flavour, I -offer it to St. Joseph. To the Blessed Virgin I give the hot portions, well- -ripened fruits, etc.; and the feast-day fare, particularly corn-flour, rice, -preserves, these I offer to the Child Jesus. Lastly, when a bad dinner is -brought me I say gaily to myself: 'Today, my dear little child, all that is -for you.'"</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">O</font>NE fast-day when the Mother Prioress had ordered -some special little thing by way of alleviation for Sœur -Thérèse, a Sister relates that she surprised her in the act of -seasoning this too palatable fare with wormwood. -</p><p> -Another time she saw her slowly drinking some particularly disagreeable -physic, and exclaimed: "But be quick, drink that off at one draught!" "Oh -no!" was the reply, "must I not take advantage of the trifling opportunities -I meet with, to mortify myself a little, since it is forbidden me to look for -greater?"</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">A</font>N extremely interesting letter had been read one -day at the recreation in the absence of Thérèse who later showed a -desire to read it. Some time afterwards when returning the letter, she was -begged to say what she thought regarding something which should especially -have delighted her. She appeared embarrassed and then replied: -</p><p> -"The good God has asked of me this sacrifice because of the eagerness that I -manifested the other day; I have not read it. . ."</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">S</font>HE told the novices: "At recreation more than -elsewhere will you find occasions for the exercise of virtue. If you would -reap great benefit, never go to it with any thought of your own recreation, -but thinking of the recreation of others; practise therein total detachment -from yourself. If, for instance, you are relating to one of the Sisters a -story which seems to you interesting, and that she interrupts it to tell you -something else, even though this may not at all interest you, listen to her -as if it did, and do not try to return to your first subject. By so acting, -you will go from the recreation room with great interior peace, and endued -with fresh vigour in the practice of virtue, all because you have not sought -to gratify yourself but to give pleasure to others. If one only knew what is -gained by renouncing self in all things! . . ." -</p><p> -"You know it well; you have always acted thus?" -</p><p> -"Yes, I have forgotten self, I have tried not to seek myself in -anything."</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<p align="center"><img src="images/9.jpg" alt="A design"></p> -<h1 align="center"><a name="8">OBEDIENCE</a></h1> -<p><font size="+3">A</font>S I had self-love as well as the love of what is -right it was sufficient but once to tell me: "Such a thing should not be -done," and I would have no desire to do it again.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. I</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">F</font>ROM what anxieties do we not free ourselves by -making the vow of obedience! How happy are single-minded religious. Their -sole guide being the will of Superiors, they are ever secure of going the -right way without fear of error, should it even appear to them certain that -the Superiors are mistaken. But when one ceases to consult the sure compass, -the soul forthwith loses her way in arid paths where the waters of grace soon -fail her.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. IX</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">D</font>URING her illness the Infirmarian had recommended -Sœur Thérèse to take a little walk in the garden every day -for a quarter of an hour. For her, this advice was a command. One afternoon, -a Sister seeing her walk with much difficulty said to her: "You would do far -better to rest; in such circumstances walking can do you no good, you exhaust -yourself, that is all." -</p><p> -"It is true," replied this child of Obedience, "but do you know what gives me -strength? . . . Well! <i>I walk for a Missionary</i>. I think how some one of -them far away, yonder, is perhaps exhausted in his apostolic journeyings, and -to lessen his fatigue I offer mine to the good God."</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII -</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<p align="center"><img src="images/10.jpg" alt="A design"></p> -<h1 align="center"><a name="9">POVERTY</a></h1> -<p><font size="+3">A</font>FTER I was clothed with the holy Habit abundant -lights on religious perfection were granted me, chiefly regarding the vow of -poverty. During my postulate I was pleased to have for my use, anything that -was nice, and to find at my hand whatever was necessary. Jesus bore with this -patiently, for He does not like to disclose all to the soul at once. He -ordinarily gives His light little by little. -</p><p> -After Compline one evening I looked in vain for our lantern on the shelves -appointed for them; it was the time of great silence, not possible therefore -to ask for it back. I rightly supposed that a Sister believing she took her -own had carried away ours; but must I spend a whole hour in the dark in -consequence of this mistake? And just that evening I had intended doing much -work. Without the interior light of grace I should assuredly have bewailed my -loss, but with that light, instead of experiencing vexation I was happy in -thinking that poverty consists in being deprived not only of things -desirable, but of those also that are indispensable. And in the exterior -darkness I found my soul illumined with divine light. -</p><p> -I was seized at this time with a genuine love for what was ugliest and least -convenient, thus I was delighted when I saw the pretty little jug carried off -from our cell, and received in its stead a large one, all chipped.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. VII</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">A</font> NOVICE expressed regret for having lent a pin -which was very serviceable to her: -</p><p> -"Oh! how rich you are," replied Thérèse, "you cannot be happy."</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3"><i>"M</i></font><i>AKE haste and come down: for this day I -must abide in thy house."</i> <a href="#9-1">[1]</a> Jesus tells us to come -down; where, then, must we go? . . . At an earlier time the Jews asked Him: -<i>"Master, where dwellest Thou."</i> <a href="#9-2">[2]</a> And He said: -<i>"The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air nests; but the Son of Man -hath not where to lay His head."</i> <a href="#9-3">[3]</a> Behold whereunto -we must descend if we would serve as dwellings for Jesus: we must be so poor -that we have not where to lay our head.</p> -<p align="center">XIII LETTER TO HER SISTER CÉLINE -</p><p> -<a name="9-1">[1]</a> Luke, xix, 5<br> -<a name="9-2">[2]</a> John, i, 38. -<br> - -<a name="9-3">[3]</a> Luke, ix, 58. -</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<p align="center"><img src="images/11.jpg" alt="A design"></p> -<h1 align="center"><a name="10">CONFIDENCE</a></h1> -<p><font size="+3">W</font>HAT offends Jesus, what wounds Him to the Heart, -is want of confidence.</p> -<p align="center">I LETTER TO HER COUSIN MARIE GUERIN</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">B</font>ELIEVING that I was born for glory, and seeking -the means to attain to it, it was revealed to me interiorly that my glory -would never be visible to mortal eyes but would consist in becoming a saint. -This desire might well seem presumptuously bold, considering how imperfect I -was, and how imperfect I am still after so many years in religion; and yet I -feel ever the same audacious confidence of becoming a great saint. I count -not on my merits, having none; but I trust in Him who is Virtue and Holiness -itself. He alone it is who satisfied with my feeble efforts will raise me up -even unto Himself, will clothe me with His merits and make me a saint.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. IV</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">O</font>URS is an age of inventions: nowadays, with the -rich a lift saves the trouble of climbing the stairs. And I, fain would I too -find a <i>lift</i> to bear me up unto God, for I am too little to climb the -rugged steps of perfection. -</p><p> -Then I turned to the Holy Scriptures, seeking from them an indication of this -<i>lift</i>, the object of my desires; and I read these words which have -issued from the very mouth of the Eternal Wisdom: <i>"Whosoever is a</i> VERY -LITTLE ONE, <i>let him come to me."</i> <a href="#10-1">[1]</a> Then I drew -nigh unto God divining truly that I had discovered what I sought: wishing -however to know what He would do with the very little one, I continued my -research and here is what I found: <i>"You shall be carried at the breast and -upon the knees; as one whom the mother caresseth so will I comfort you."</i> -<a href="#10-2">[2]</a> -</p><p> -Ah, never came words more sweet, more tender, to gladden my soul. Thine arms -then, O Jesus, are the <i>lift</i> which must raise me up even unto Heaven! -For this I need not grow, on the contrary I must remain little, I must ever -tend to become yet more little. O my God, Thou hast gone beyond my -expectations, and I—I will sing Thy mercies! <i>Thou hast taught me, O -God from my youth: and till now I have declared Thy wondrous works. And unto -old age and grey hairs</i> <a href="#10-3">[3]</a> will I proclaim them.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. IX -</p><p> -<a name="10-1">[1]</a> Prov., ix, 4.<br> -<a name="10-2">[2]</a> Is., lxvi, 12, 13. <br> -<a name="10-3">[3]</a> <i>Cf</i>. Ps., lxx. 17, 18.</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">S</font>INCE it has been given to me too, to understand -the love of the Heart of Jesus, I own that it has chased all fear from mine! -The remembrance of my faults humiliates me, and urges me never to depend upon -my own strength which is nothing but weakness: still more does this -remembrance speak to me of mercy and of love. When, with all filial -confidence we cast our faults into the devouring furnace of love, how should -they not be totally consumed?</p> -<p align="center">V LETTER TO HER MISSIONARY "BROTHERS"</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">T</font>HOUGH we must needs be pure indeed to appear in -the presence of the God of all Holiness, yet I know too that He is infinitely -just; and this justice which affrights so many souls is the ground of my joy -and my confidence. Justice not merely exercises severity towards the -offender; it moreover recognizes a right intention, and awards to virtue its -recompense. I hope as much from the Justice of the good God as from His -Mercy; it is because He is just, that <i>"He is compassionate and merciful, -long-suffering and plenteous in mercy. For He knoweth our frame. He -remembereth that we are but dust. As a father hath compassion on His -children, so hath the Lord compassion on us!"</i> <a href="#10-4">[4]</a> . . -. -</p><p> -Listening to these beautiful and consoling words of the Royal Prophet, how -can we doubt but that the good God will open the portals of His Kingdom to -His children who have loved Him even unto sacrificing all for Him, who have -not only left their kindred and their country, for the sake of making Him -known and loved, but, still further, desire to give their life for Him? . . . -Most truly has Jesus said that there is no greater love than this! How then -could He suffer Himself to be outdone in generosity? How could He purify in -the flames of Purgatory souls consumed by the fire of Divine Love? . . . -</p><p> -That is what I think of the justice of the good God; my way is all confidence -and love, I do not understand those souls who fear so tender a Friend.</p> -<p align="center">VI LETTER TO HER MISSIONARY "BROTHERS" -</p><p> -<a name="10-4">[4]</a> Ps., cii, 8, 13, 14.</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">T</font>HAT joy to think that God is just, that is to say, -that He takes our weakness into consideration, that He thoroughly knows the -frailty of our nature. Of what then, should I be afraid? Must not the good -and infinitely just God, who with such tender mercy deigns to pardon the -Prodigal Son, must He not be just towards me too—<i>who am always with -Him?</i> <a href="#10-5">[5]</a></p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. VIII -</p><p> -<a name="10-5">[5]</a> Luke, xv, 31.</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">I</font> WANT to make you understand by a very simple -comparison how much Jesus loves souls, even the imperfect, who trust in Him. -Suppose the father of two wayward and disobedient children, coming to punish -them, sees one tremble and draw away from him in terror; while the other, on -the contrary, throwing himself into his arms, says he is sorry, promises to -be good henceforward and begs for a kiss as punishment. Do you think the -delighted father will withstand the filial confidence of this child? He knows -nevertheless that his son will fall again many a time into the same faults, -but he is disposed to pardon him always, if always there be an appeal to his -heart. -</p><p> -I say nothing of the other child: you must understand that his father cannot -love him as much or treat him with the same indulgence.</p> -<p align="center">VIII LETTER TO HER MISSIONARY "BROTHERS"</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">T</font>RULY the Heart of Jesus is more grieved by the -thousand little imperfections of His friends than by even grave faults of His -enemies. But it seems to me that it is only when His own chosen ones make a -habit of these infidelities, and do not ask His pardon, that He can say: -<i>"These wounds which you see in the midst of My Hands: with these was I -wounded in the house of them that loved Me."</i> <a href="#10-6">[6]</a> -</p><p> -For those who love Him and who come after each little fault and throw -themselves into His arms, begging His forgiveness, the Heart of Jesus thrills -with joy. He says to His Angels what the father of the prodigal son said to -His servants: <i>"Put a ring on his finger and let us rejoice."</i> <a -href="#10-7">[7]</a> Oh! the goodness and the merciful love of the Heart of -Jesus, how little is it known! True it is, that to share in these treasures -we must humble ourselves, must acknowledge our nothingness, and that is what -many souls are unwilling to do.</p> -<p align="center">VII LETTER TO HER MISSIONARY "BROTHERS"</p> -<p> -<a name="10-6">[6]</a> <i>Cf</i>. Zach., xiii, 6.<br> -<a name="10-7">[7]</a> <i>Cf</i>. Luke, xv, 22.</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">O</font>UR dreams, our desires of perfection are not vain -imaginations, since Jesus Himself has given us this commandment, He said: -<i>"Be you, therefore, perfect, as also your Heavenly Father is perfect."</i> -<a href="#10-8">[8]</a></p> -<p align="center">II LETTER TO HER SISTER CÉLINE -</p><p> -<a name="10-8">[8]</a> Matt., v, 48.</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">T</font>RULY I am far from being a saint. I ought not to -rejoice at the aridity of my soul, but attribute it to the scantiness of my -fervour and fidelity. I ought to grieve because I fall asleep very often -during my prayer and my thanksgiving. Well, I do not grieve! I reflect that -little children when they sleep are as pleasing to their parents as when they -are awake; that in order to perform operations, doctors put their patients to -sleep; in fine, that <i>the Lord knoweth our frame, He remembereth that we -are but dust.</i> <a href="#10-9">[9]</a></p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. VIII</p> -<p> -<a name="10-9">[9]</a> Ps., cii, 14.</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">I</font> HAVE no fear of the last combats, nor of the -physical suffering how great soever it may be. The good God has always come -to my assistance, He has helped me and led me by the hand from my earliest -years . . . I count on Him . . . my sufferings may reach their furthest -limits, but I am sure that He will never abandon me.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">I</font>T is confidence, and confidence alone, that must -lead us to Love . . . Does not fear lead us rather to think of the rigid -justice by which sinners are warned? But that is not the justice that Jesus -will show to those who love Him.</p> -<p align="center">VI LETTER TO SŒUR DU SACRÉ-CŒUR</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">O</font> JESUS, suffer me to tell Thee that Thy Love -reacheth even unto folly . . . What wilt Thou, in face of this folly, but -that my heart dart upwards to Thee—how can my confidence have any -bounds?</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XI</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">I</font>T is not because I have been shielded from mortal -sin that I lift up my heart to God in trust and love. I feel that even if -there lay upon my conscience all the crimes one could commit I should lose -nothing of my confidence. Brokenhearted with compunction I would go and throw -myself into the arms of my Saviour. I know that He cherished the Prodigal -Son, I have heard His words to Mary Magdalene, to the adultress, to the -Samaritan woman. No one could frighten me, for I know what to believe -concerning His Mercy and His Love. I know that in one moment all that -multitude of sins would disappear—as a drop of water cast into a red- -hot furnace. -</p><p> -It is related in the Lives of the Fathers of the Desert that one of them -converted a public sinner whose misdeeds scandalized the whole country. -Touched by grace this sinful woman was following the saint into the desert, -there to do rigorous penance, when, on the first night of her journey, before -she had even reached the place of her retreat, the bonds of life were broken -by the impetuosity of her loving contrition. The holy hermit at the same -moment saw her soul borne by Angels into the Bosom of God. -</p><p> -That is truly a striking instance of what I want to express, but one cannot -put these things into words. . .</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XI</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">H</font>APPY indeed am I to die and go to Heaven, but when -I think on those words of our Lord: <i>"Behold, I come quickly, and My reward -is with Me, to render to every man according to his works,"</i> -<a href="#10-10">[10]</a> I reflect that He will be very much embarrassed as regards me: I -have no works . . . Well, He will render to me ACCORDING TO <font -size="+1">H</font>IS OWN WORKS!</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<p> -<a name="10-10">[10]</a> Apoc., xxii, 12. -</p> -<p align="center"><a href="images/12_full.jpg"><img src="images/12.jpg" -alt="A picture of Saint Thérèse"></a></p> -<p align="center">THE SERVANT OF GOD</p> -<h3 align="center">SAINT THÉRÈSE OF THE CHILD JESUS</h3> -<p align="center"><b><i>The Little Flower of Jesus!</i></b></p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">O</font>NE evening as they were telling her something -which had been said at recreation, touching the responsibility of those who -have the charge of souls, Sœur Thérèse de l'Enfant Jésus -spoke these beautiful words: <i>"'To him that is little, mercy is -granted.'</i> <a href="#10-11">[11]</a> It is possible to remain -<i>little</i>, even in the most important offices; and is it not written that -at the end <i>the Lord will arise to save the meek and humble of the -earth?</i> <a href="#10-12">[12]</a> It says not to <i>judge</i> but to -<i>save</i>."</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII</p> -<p> -<a name="10-11">[11]</a> Wisdom, vi, 7. <br> -<a name="10-12">[12]</a> <i>Cf</i>. Ps., lxxv, 10.</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">A</font> NOVICE questioning as to whether our Lord were -not dissatisfied with her on account of her many miseries, Sœur -Thérèse made answer: -</p><p> -"Set your mind at rest: He whom you have chosen as your Spouse possesses -certainly every perfection that can be desired; but, if I may dare to say it, -He has at the same time one great infirmity: <i>He is blind!</i> And there is -a science which He knows not, that of <i>calculation</i>. These two points -which would be most lamentable deficiencies in an earthly spouse, render ours -infinitely lovable. Were He to consider our sins and reckon with them, do you -not think that in the face of all these sins He would cast us back into -nothingness? But no, His love for us makes Him absolutely blind! -</p><p> -"See for yourself: if the greatest sinner on earth, at the hour of death -repent of his transgressions and expire in an act of love, immediately, -without calculating on the one hand the numerous graces abused by this -unhappy man, nor on the other, all his crimes, Jesus sees nothing, counts -nothing, but the penitent's last prayer, and delays not to receive him into -the arms of His Mercy. -</p><p> -"But to render Him thus blind, to hinder Him from doing the least little bit -of reckoning, we must know how to lay siege to His Heart; at that point He is -defenceless. . ."</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">T</font>O another, who bitterly repented of a fault just -committed, Sœur Thérèse said: -</p><p> -"Take your Crucifix and kiss it." -</p><p> -The novice kissed the feet. -</p><p> -"Is that how a child embraces her Father? Put your arms round His Neck -immediately and kiss His Face." -</p><p> -She obeyed. -</p><p> -"That is not all, He must return your caresses." -</p><p> -And she had to hold the Crucifix to each cheek; then Thérèse said: -</p><p> -"That is well, now all is forgiven!"</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">H</font>AVING caused her pain, a novice went to ask pardon -of Sœur Thérèse, who replied with emotion: "If you only knew -what I feel! Never have I so well understood with what love Jesus receives -us, when, after a fault we beg Him to forgive us. If I, His poor little -creature, feel such tenderness for you the moment you return to me, what must -pass in the Heart of the good God when we return to Him? . . . Yes, surely, -more swiftly yet than I have just done, will He forget all our iniquities, -never again to remember them . . . He will do even more—He will love us -still better than before our fault! . . . "</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES -</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<p align="center"><img src="images/13.jpg" alt="A design"></p> -<h1 align="center"><a name="11">SELF-ABANDONMENT</a></h1> -<p><font size="+3">I</font> CANNOT think without rapture of the dear little -Saint Cæcilia: what a model! In the midst of a pagan world, in the -heart of danger, at the moment when about to be united to a mortal who sought -none but earthly love, it seems to me that she ought to have trembled and -wept. But no, <i>while her bridal was celebrated with joyful melody -Cæcilia was singing in her heart</i>. <a href="#11-1">[1]</a> What -abandonment to God! Without doubt she listened to other melodies than those -of earth; her Divine Spouse, He too, was singing, and Angel choirs sang again -the refrain of one most blessed night: <i>"Glory to God in the highest and on -earth peace to men of good will."</i> <a href="#11-2">[2]</a> -</p><p> -The glory of God!—Oh! Cæcilia understood it; most earnestly did -she long for it. She divined that her Jesus was athirst for souls . . . that -is why her whole desire was that she might lead speedily to Him the soul of -the young Roman, who dreamed of naught but human glory: this wise Virgin will -make of him a martyr, and multitudes will follow in his footprints. She fears -nothing: the Angels have promised and have sung of peace. She knows that the -Prince of Peace is bound to protect her, to shield her virginity and to give -to her its recompense. <i>"O how beautiful is the chaste generation!"</i> <a -href="#11-3">[3]</a></p> -<p align="center">XVII LETTER TO HER SISTER CÉLINE -</p><p> -<a name="11-1">[1]</a> Office of St. Cæcilia.<br> -<a name="11-2">[2]</a> Luke, ii, 14.<br> -<a name="11-3">[3]</a> Wisdom, iv, I.</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">I</font> HAD offered myself to the Child Jesus to be -<i>His little plaything</i>. I had told Him not to use me like a costly toy -which children are pleased to look at without daring to touch; but as He -would a little ball of no value, that He might throw to the ground, toss -about, pierce, leave in a corner, or else press to His Heart if so it pleased -Him. In a word <i>I wanted to amuse the little Jesus, and to give myself up -to all His childlike fancies.</i></p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. VI</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">M</font>Y heart is entirely filled with the will of Jesus; -therefore when anything over and above falls to its share, this does not -penetrate to its depths; it is a mere nothing which easily glides by, as oil -on the surface of limpid water. Ah! if my heart were not filled up -beforehand, had it to be filled by the sentiments of joy or of sadness which -so quickly succeed each other, bitter indeed would be this flood-tide of -pain; but these rapid alternations do no more than ruffle the surface of my -soul, and I remain ever in a profound peace that nothing can disturb.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">I</font> AM not always faithful, but I am never -discouraged; I leave myself wholly in the arms of our Divine Lord; He teaches -me to <i>draw profit from all—both good and ill that He finds in -me</i>. <a href="#11-4">[4]</a> He teaches me to speculate in the Bank of -Love, or rather it is He who acts for me without telling me how He goes to -work, that is His affair and not mine; my part is complete surrender, -reserving nothing to myself, not even the gratification of knowing how my -credit stands with the Bank.</p> -<p align="center">XVI LETTER TO HER SISTER CÉLINE -</p><p> -<a name="11-4">[4]</a> St. John of the Cross.</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">A</font> SISTER told Sœur Thérèse of the -strange phenomena produced by magnetism on persons who really wish to yield -up their will to the mesmerizer. These details appeared to interest her -keenly and on the morrow she said to the Sister: -</p><p> -"Your conversation yesterday did me so much good. Oh! how I wish to be -magnetized by our Lord. It was my first thought on awakening. With what -delight have I delivered my will up to Him. Yes, I want Him to make Himself -master of my faculties in such sort that my actions shall no longer be human -or personal, but wholly divine, inspired and directed by the Spirit of -Love."</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">Y</font>OU are quite wrong to think of sorrows that the -future may bring; it is, as it were, intermeddling with Divine Providence. We -who run in the way of Love must never torment ourselves about anything. If I -did not suffer minute by minute, it would be impossible for me to be patient; -but I see only the present moment, I forget the past and I take good care not -to anticipate the future. If we grow disheartened, if sometimes we despair, -it is because we have been dwelling on the past or the future.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">I</font> NO longer thirst for either suffering or death, -yet both I dearly prize. Long did I call upon them as the harbingers of joy . -. . Suffering has in very truth been mine, and I have thought I wellnigh -touched the eternal shore! I have believed from my earliest youth that <i>the -little flower</i> would be gathered in its spring-time; now, it is the spirit -of self-abandonment alone that guides me, no other compass have I. I know not -now, how to ask anything eagerly, save the perfect accomplishment of God's -designs upon my soul.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. VIII</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">"P</font>RAY for me," she would often say, "when I implore -Heaven to come to my aid, then it is that I feel most forsaken." -</p><p> -"And in this desolation how do you avoid discouragement?" they asked her. -</p><p> -"I turn to the good God, to all the Saints, and I thank them just the same. I -think they wish to see to what point I shall carry my trust . . . But not in -vain have these words of Job sunk into my heart: <i>'Though He should kill me -yet will I trust in Him.'</i> <a href="#11-5">[5]</a> I acknowledge it was -long before I reached this degree of abandonment; our Lord has taken me and -placed me there!"</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII -</p><p> -<a name="11-5">[5]</a> Job, xiii, 15.</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">I</font>T seems to me that nothing now hinders me from -taking flight, for I no longer have any great desires, save to love, even -unto dying of love. I am free, I have no fear, not even of what I most -dreaded; I mean the fear of being a long time ill and consequently a burthen -to the Community. If it gives pleasure to the good God I willingly consent to -see my life of suffering, both of soul and body, prolonged for years. Oh! no, -I do not fear a long life. I do not shun the combat. <i>"The Lord is the rock -upon which I am founded. Who teacheth my hands to fight and my fingers to -war; He is my protector in whom I have hoped."</i> <a href="#11-6">[6]</a> -Never have I asked God to let me die young; it is true I have ever believed -that it would be so, but without seeking to obtain it.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. IX -</p><p> -<a name="11-6">[6]</a> <i>Cf</i>. Ps., cxliii, 1, 2, 3.</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">W</font>HATEVER the good God has given me has always -pleased me, even the gifts which have appeared to me less good and less -beautiful than those received by others.</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">I</font> HAVE no greater desire to die than to live; if -our Lord gave me the choice I would choose nothing; I only will what He -wills; it is what He does that I love.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">"S</font>OME think you are afraid of death," they said to -her.—"That may indeed yet happen; I never depend on my own thoughts, -knowing how weak I am; but at present I will rejoice in the sentiments that -the good God now gives me, there will be time enough to suffer from the -contrary."</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">A</font> SISTER said to her: -</p><p> -"If anyone goes straight to Heaven, you surely will not spend one moment in -Purgatory!" -</p><p> -"Oh! I feel little anxiety about that; I shall always be content with the -sentence of the good God. If I go to Purgatory, well—I shall walk in -the midst of the flames, like the three Hebrews in the furnace, singing the -Canticle of Love."</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<p align="center"><img src="images/14.jpg" alt="A design"></p> -<h1 align="center"><a name="12">GRATITUDE</a></h1> -<p><font size="+3">O</font>H, how happy God makes me! How easy and how sweet -it is to serve Him upon earth.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. X</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">S</font>EEING several of my companions form special -attachments to some one or other of our mistresses, I wished to follow their -example but could not succeed therein. O happy inability! from how great -evils has it saved me . . . How I thank God for having made me find only -bitterness in the friendships of earth. With a heart such as mine I should -have been captured and had my wings clipped; then how should I have been able -to <i>fly away and be at rest</i>. <a href="#12-1">[1]</a></p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. IV -</p><p> -<a name="12-1">[1]</a> Ps., liv, 7.</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">I</font> UNDERSTAND well that our Lord knew I was too weak -to be exposed to temptation; without doubt I should have been wholly -destroyed had I been dazzled by the deceitful glamour of the love of -creatures; but never has it shone before my eyes. There, where strong souls -find joy, and through fidelity detach themselves from it, I have found only -affliction. Where then is my merit in not being given up to these fragile -attachments, since it is only by a gracious effect of God's mercy that I was -preserved from it? Without Him, I recognize that I might have fallen as low -as St. Magdalene; and that word of deep meaning spoken by the Divine Master -to Simon the Pharisee, re-echoes with great sweetness in my soul. Yes, I know -it: <i>"To whom less is forgiven, he loveth less."</i> <a href="#12-2">[2]</a> -But I also know that Jesus has forgiven more to me than to St. -Magdalene. Ah, how I wish I could express what I feel. Here at least is an -example which will in some measure convey my thought. -</p><p> -Suppose the son of a skilful doctor is tripped by a stone in his path, which -causes him to fall and fracture a limb. His father comes in haste, lifts him -up lovingly and attends to his injuries, employing therein all the resources -of his art; and the boy, very soon completely cured, testifies his gratitude. -This child has certainly good reason to love so kind a father; but here is -another supposition. -</p><p> -The father having learnt that there lies in his son's way a dangerous stone, -sets out beforehand and removes it unseen by anyone. His son, the object of -this tender forethought, unaware of the misfortune from which he has been -preserved by the father's hand, will of course show no gratitude, and will -love him less than if he had cured him of a grievous wound. But should he -come to know all, will he not love him still more? Well—I am this -child, the object of the preventing love of a Father <i>Who sent His Son not -to redeem the just but sinners.</i> <a href="#12-3">[3]</a> He wills that I -should love Him because He has forgiven me, not <i>much</i>, but -<i>everything</i>. Without waiting for me to love Him much, like St. Mary -Magdalene, He has made me to know how He had loved me with a preventing and -ineffable love, in order that I may now love Him even unto folly!</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. IV -</p><p> -<a name="12-2">[2]</a> Luke, vii, 47.<br> -<a name="12-3">[3]</a> Luke, v, 32.</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">W</font>ALKING one day in the garden, leaning on one of -her sisters, Thérèse paused to enjoy the fascinating sight of a -little white hen sheltering its chickens beneath its wings. Very soon her -eyes filled with tears, and turning to her dear companion she said: "I can -stay no longer, let us go in again quickly. . ." And in her cell, her tears -continued falling and she could not utter a word. At last, looking at her -sister with an expression that was quite heavenly, she said: -</p><p> -"I was thinking of our Lord, and of the touching comparison He chose in order -to make us believe in His tenderness. That is just what He has done for me -all my life: <i>He has wholly hidden me beneath His wings!</i> I cannot -express what passed within my heart. Ah! the good God does well to veil -Himself from my sight, to show me the effects of His Mercy rarely, and as it -were, <i>'through the lattices;'</i> <a href="#12-4">[4]</a> such -consolations would, I feel, be more than I could bear."</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII -</p><p> -<a name="12-4">[4]</a> Cant., ii, 9.</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">"O</font>H! how <i>good</i> is the good God!" . . . she -would sometimes exclaim. "Yes, He must indeed be good to give me the strength -to endure all that I suffer."</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">O</font>NE day she said to the Mother Prioress: -</p><p> -"I would like to speak to you, Mother, of the state of my soul; but I cannot, -I am too deeply moved just now." -</p><p> -And in the evening she sent these lines pencilled with a trembling hand: -</p><p> -"O my God, how good Thou art to the little victim of Thy Merciful Love! Now -even though Thou dost join physical suffering to the trials of my soul, I -cannot say: <i>'The sorrows of death have encompassed me.'</i> <a href="#12-5">[5]</a> -But I cry out in my gratitude: <i>'I have gone down into the -valley of the shadow of death, yet I fear no evil, because Thou, O Lord, art -with me.'</i>" <a href="#12-6">[6]</a></p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII</p> -<p> -<a name="12-5">[5]</a> Ps., xvii, 5.<br> -<a name="12-6">[6]</a> <i>Cf</i>. Ps., xxii, 4. -</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<p align="center"><img src="images/15.jpg" alt="A design"></p> -<h1 align="center"><a name="13">ZEAL</a></h1> -<p><font size="+3">T</font>HE cry of Jesus agonizing, "I thirst!" re-echoed -continually in my heart, firing it with an ardent zeal till then unknown to -me. I longed to give to my Beloved to drink: I too felt myself consumed with -the thirst for souls, and at all cost I would wrest sinners from the eternal -flames.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. V</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">T</font>HE Precious Blood of Jesus I poured on souls, to -Him I offered these same souls renewed by the Dew of Calvary; thus I thought -to quench His Thirst; but the more I gave Him to drink, the more ardently my -poor little soul thirsted—and this I received as a most precious -recompense.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. V</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">L</font>IKE the Prophets and the Doctors I would fain -enlighten souls. Fain would I travel the earth, O my Well-Beloved, to preach -Thy Name and to set up Thy glorious Cross in Pagan lands. But one mission -only would not suffice for me; would that I could at one and the same time -proclaim the Gospel all the world over, even to the remotest of its islands. -I would desire to be a Missionary not only for a few years, but to have been -one from the creation of the world, and so to continue to the end of -time.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XI</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">I</font> LONG to accomplish the most heroic deeds. I feel -within me the courage of a Crusader. I would die on the battlefield in -defence of the Church.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XI</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">O</font>PEN, my Jesus, thy Book of Life wherein are -recorded the actions of all the Saints; those actions—would that I too, -had accomplished such for Thee!</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XI</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">S</font>OULS—dear Lord, we must have souls! Above -all, souls of apostles and of martyrs, that through them we may inflame the -multitude of poor sinners with love of Thee.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, APPENDIX</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">A</font>FTER recreation one day when the Mother Prioress -had spoken of the persecution already raging against Religious Communities, -Sœur Thérèse said to a novice: "Ah! Sister, we live in an era -of martyrs! Blood will be shed.—What happiness if it should be -ours!"</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">A</font> NOVICE on her way to the laundry one day, went at -a slow pace through the garden, looking at the flowers as she passed. -Sœur Thérèse who followed walking quickly, soon overtook her -and said: "Is that how one hastens who has children (<i>souls</i>) to -support, for whose sustenance she is obliged to work? . . . "</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">D</font>URING her illness she wrote: -</p><p> -"The will of the good God is my sole desire; and I declare that if in Heaven -I could no longer work for His glory, I would choose exile rather than the -Fatherland."</p> -<p align="center">IV LETTER TO HER MISSIONARY "BROTHERS"</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">W</font>HAT draws me towards the Heavenly Country is the -call of our Lord, the hope of at last loving Him as I have so ardently -desired, and the thought that I shall be able to make Him loved by <i>a -multitude of souls</i> who will bless Him eternally.</p> -<p align="center">VIII LETTER TO HER MISSIONARY "BROTHERS"</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">C</font>ONFIDENTLY I count upon not remaining inactive in -Heaven, my desire is to work still for the Church and for souls: this I ask -of God, and I am certain that He will hear me. If I quit already the -battlefield, it is not with the selfish desire of taking my rest. Suffering -has long since become my heaven here below, and it is difficult to imagine -how it will be possible for me to become acclimatized to a country where joy -reigns, unmingled with sorrow. Jesus must needs transform my soul completely, -else I could not support eternal bliss.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">J</font>UST now a few notes of distant music fell upon my -ear, and set me thinking that very soon I shall hear melodies beyond compare; -yet this thought can give me but a moment's gladness; one only expectation -makes my heart throb: <i>it is the love that I shall receive and the love -that I shall be able to give!</i> -</p><p> -<i>I feel that my mission is now to begin, my mission to make others love the -good God as I love Him . . . to give to souls my little way</i>. I WILL SPEND -MY HEAVEN IN DOING GOOD UPON EARTH. This is not impossible, since the Angels -in the full enjoyment of the Beatific Vision keep watch over us. No, I shall -never rest till the end of the world! But when the Angel shall have said: -"Time is no more!" <a href="#13-1">[1]</a> then I shall rest—shall be -able to rejoice, because the number of the elect will be complete.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII -</p><p> -<a name="13-1">[1]</a> Apoc., x, 6. -</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<p align="center"><img src="images/16.jpg" alt="A design"></p> -<h1 align="center"><a name="14">SIMPLICITY</a></h1> -<p><font size="+3">W</font>HEN I read certain treatises where perfection is -set forth as encompassed by a thousand obstacles, my poor little head grows -weary very quickly. I close the learned book which puzzles my brains and -dries up my heart, and in its stead I open the Holy Scriptures. Then all -appears clear, luminous . . . one single word discloses to my soul infinite -horizons, perfection seems easy. I see that it is sufficient to recognize our -nothingness, and to leave oneself like a child, in the arms of the good God. -Let great souls and sublime intellects enjoy the beautiful books which I -cannot understand, still less put in practice; I rejoice in being little, -since <i>"children only and those who resemble them will be admitted to the -Heavenly banquet."</i> <a href="#14-1">[1]</a> -</p><p> -It is well that the Kingdom of Heaven contains many mansions, for if there -were none other than those of which the description and the way seem -incomprehensible to me, I should never be able to enter therein.</p> -<p align="center">VI LETTER TO HER MISSIONARY "BROTHERS" -</p><p> -<a name="14-1">[1]</a> <i>Cf.</i> Matt., xix, 14.</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">M</font>Y patrons in Heaven and my chosen favourites are -those who have stolen it—like the Holy Innocents and the Good Thief. -The great Saints have earned it by their works; as for me, I will imitate the -thieves, I will have it by ruse, a ruse of Love which will open its gates to -me and to poor sinners. The Holy Ghost encourages me, saying in the Book of -Proverbs: <i>"O little one, come, learn subtlety of me."</i> -<a href="#14-2">[2]</a></p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES -</p><p> -<a name="14-2">[2]</a> <i>Cf.</i> Prov., i, 4.</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">O</font>UR Lord replied to the mother of the sons of -Zebedee: <i>"To sit on My right and on My left hand is for them for whom it -is prepared by My Father."</i> <a href="#14-3">[3]</a> I imagine that those -places of choice, refused to great Saints, to Martyrs, will be the portion of -little children. -</p><p> -Did not David predict it when he said that <i>the little Benjamin will -preside amidst the assemblies</i> (of the saints)? <a href="#14-4">[4]</a></p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES -</p><p> -<a name="14-3">[3]</a> <i>Cf.</i> Matt., xx, 23.<br> -<a name="14-4">[4]</a> <i>Cf.</i> Ps., lxvii, 29.</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">"I</font>F you could begin your religious life over again" -asked a novice, "what would you do?" -</p><p> -"It seems to me that I would do as I have done." -</p><p> -"You do not then feel like the hermit who used to say: 'Even though I had -lived long years in penance yet I should fear damnation while there still -remained to me one quarter of an hour, one breath of life.' -</p><p> -"No, I cannot share that fear, I am too little to be damned, little children -are not damned." -</p><p> -"You always seek to be like the little ones—but tell us what we must do -to possess the spirit of childhood? What does it exactly mean—to remain -little? -</p><p> -"To remain little—it is to recognize our nothingness, to expect -everything from the good God, not to be too much afflicted about our faults, -for little children fall often but are too small to hurt themselves much: in -fine, it is <i>not</i> to make one's fortune, nor to be disquieted about -anything. Even in the homes of the poor, as long as a child is quite little -they give him what is needful; but when grown up, the father is no longer -willing to support him and says: 'Now work! you can provide for yourself.' -Well, it was to escape hearing that, that I have never wished to grow up, for -I know myself incapable of earning my livelihood—Eternal Life! -</p><p> -"Again, to remain little is not to attribute to self the virtues we practise; -but to acknowledge that the good God places this treasure in the hand of His -little child to be made use of when required."</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">B</font>E not afraid to tell Jesus that you love Him; even -though it be without feeling, this is the way to oblige Him to help you, and -carry you like a little child too feeble to walk.</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">I</font>T is a great trial to see only the black side of -things, but that does not depend completely upon you. Do your best to detach -your heart from the cares of this world, and above all from creatures; then -you may be sure that Jesus will do the rest. He could not suffer you to fall -into the abyss. Be comforted, little one, in Heaven you will no longer see -<i>all black but all white;</i> yes, all will be clothed with the divine -whiteness of our Spouse, the Lily of the Valley. Together we shall follow Him -whithersoever He goeth . . . Oh! let us profit by the brief moments of this -life to give pleasure to Jesus, let us win souls for Him by our sacrifices. -Above all let us be little, so little that all the world may trample us under -foot without even our appearing to feel it or to suffer from it.</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">Y</font>OU are wrong to find fault with one thing and -another, and to seek that all should yield to your way of viewing things. We -want to be like little children, and little children know not what is best, -to them all seems well; let us imitate them. Besides there would be no merit -[in obedience] were we only to do what would appear reasonable to us.</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">A</font> NOVICE under a temptation which seemed to her -insurmountable said: "This time I cannot rise above it—it is -impossible." Thérèse replied: "Why do you try to rise above it? -Pass beneath it quite simply. It is very well for great souls to soar high -above the clouds when the storm is raging, but for us, we have merely to bear -the showers with patience. If we do get rather wet—no matter! We shall -dry ourselves afterwards in the sunshine of Love. -</p><p> -"That brings to mind this little trait of my childhood; a horse one day -standing at the garden gate barred our entrance; those with me endeavoured by -force of talking, etc., to get him to move back, but while they talked I very -quietly slipped in, through the horse's legs . . . See how one may gain by -remaining little!"</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">T</font>O a young Sister discouraged at seeing her -imperfections, Sœur Thérèse said: "You make me think of a -very little child who is just able to stand upright but does not yet know how -to walk. Intent upon reaching the top of the stairs so as to get back to his -mother he lifts his foot to climb the first step. Fruitless endeavour! At -each attempt he falls without advancing in the least. Well, be like that -little child; by the practice of every virtue keep on ever lifting your -little foot to climb the steps of sanctity, and do not imagine that you will -be able to mount even the first! No; but good will is all God requires of -you. From the top of those steps He is watching you with love; and won by -your unavailing efforts He will Himself soon come down, and taking you in His -arms will bear you away to His Kingdom, never more to quit Him. But if you -cease to lift your little foot He will leave you a long time on earth."</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">T</font>HE only means of making rapid progress in the path -of Love is to remain always very <i>little</i>; that is what I have done; so -now I can sing with our Father St. John of the Cross: -</p> -<p class="indent">And stooping so low, so low,<br> -I rose still higher and higher<br> -And thus I attained my end.</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">S</font>OME one was speaking to her of the mortifications -of the Saints, she replied: -</p><p> -"It is well our Lord has let us know that <i>there are many mansions in His -Father's House, that if not He would have told us.</i> <a href="#14-5">[5]</a> -Yes, if all souls called to perfection had been obliged to -practise these macerations in order to enter Heaven, He would have said so, -and gladly would we have undertaken them. But He tells us that <i>in His -House there are many mansions</i>. If there are those for great souls, for -the Fathers of the Desert and for martyrs of penance, there must be one also -for little children. Our place is reserved there, if our love be -great—for Him and for our Heavenly Father and the Spirit of Love."</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES -</p><p> -<a name="14-5">[5]</a> <i>Cf.</i> John, xiv, 2.</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">"I</font> feel that my mission is now to begin," she said -a few days before her death, "my mission to make others love the good God -<i>as I love Him</i>, to give my little way to souls. . ." -</p><p> -"What is this 'little way' that you want to teach to souls?" -</p><p> -"<i>It is the path of spiritual childhood, it is the way of trust and of -entire self-surrender</i>. I want to make known to them the simple means that -have so perfectly succeeded for me, to tell them that there is but one only -thing to do here below: <i>to cast down before Jesus the flowers of little -sacrifices, to win Him by caresses!</i> That is how I have won Him, and that -is why I shall be so well received."</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">I</font>F I am misguiding you by my <i>little way</i> of -Love, she said to a novice, do not fear that I shall let you follow it very -long. I shall appear to you, and tell you to take another path; but if I do -not return, believe in the truth of my words: <i>never can we have too much -confidence in the good God, so mighty and so merciful! As much as we hope for -shall we obtain from Him!</i> . . .</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">A</font> NOVICE said to her on the eve of the Feast of Our -Lady of Mount Carmel: "If you were to die to-morrow after Holy Communion, it -seems to me that so beautiful a death would console me in the midst of my -grief." -</p><p> -And Thérèse replied with animation: -</p><p> -"Die after Holy Communion! On a grand Feast day! No, it will not be so: -little souls could not copy that. In my little way there are only quite -ordinary things; all that I do, little souls must be able to do also."</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<p align="center"><img src="images/17.jpg" alt="A design"></p> -<h1 align="center"><a name="15">PRAYER</a></h1> -<p><font size="+3">A</font>S I grew older I loved the good God more and more, -and very frequently did I offer Him my heart, using the words my mother had -taught me. I strove in all my actions to please Jesus and was most watchful -never to offend Him.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. II</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">M</font>Y whole strength lies in prayer and sacrifice, -these are my invincible arms; they can move hearts far better than words, I -know it by experience.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. X</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">G</font>REAT is the power of prayer—a queen, as one -might say, having free access always to the King, and able to obtain whatever -she asks. In order to be heard, it is not necessary to read from a book a -beautiful form of prayer adapted to the circumstances; if it were so, how -greatly to be pitied should I be!</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. X</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">I</font> HAVE not the courage to force myself to seek -beautiful prayers in books; not knowing which to choose I act as children do -who cannot read; I say quite simply to the good God what I want to tell Him, -and He always understands me.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. X</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">P</font>RAYER is, for me, an outburst from the heart; it -is a simple glance darted upwards to Heaven; it is a cry of gratitude and of -love in the midst of trial as in the midst of joy! In a word, it is something -exalted, supernatural, which dilates the soul and unites it to God. Sometimes -when I find myself, spiritually, in dryness so great that I cannot produce a -single good thought, I recite very slowly a <i>Pater</i> or an <i>Ave -Maria</i>; these prayers alone console me, they suffice, they nourish my -soul.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. X</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">T</font>HE principal plenary indulgence and one which all -may gain without the ordinary conditions, is that of <i>charity which -covereth a multitude of sins</i>. <a href="#15-1">[1]</a></p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES -</p><p> -<a name="15-1">[1]</a> Prov., x, 12.</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">F</font>ORMERLY if any of my family were in trouble, and -that I had been unable to succeed in comforting them during their visit, I -would go from the parlour heart-broken; but soon Jesus made me understand -that I was incapable of giving consolation to a soul. From that day forth I -grieved no more when anyone went away sad; I confided to the good God the -sorrows of those who were dear to me, feeling certain that He heard me, and -at their next visit I used to find that it had indeed been so. Since I have -experienced this, I no longer torment myself when involuntarily I give pain; -I simply beg of Jesus to make up for what I have done.</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">O</font>NE day after Holy Communion the good God made me -understand those words of the Canticles: <i>"Draw me: we will run offer Thee -to the odour of Thy ointments."</i> <a href="#15-2">[2]</a> O Jesus, it is -not then necessary to say: In drawing me, draw the souls whom I love. These, -simple words: <i>"Draw me"</i> suffice! Yes, when a soul has allowed herself -to be captivated by the inebriating fragrance of Thy perfumes, she could not -run alone, all the souls whom she loves are drawn after her; this is a -natural consequence of her attraction towards Thee.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XI -</p><p> -<a name="15-2">[2]</a> Cant., i, 3.</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3"><i>"D</i></font><i>RAW me, we will run. . ."</i></p> -<p>To ask to be drawn is to will intimate union with the object which holds -the heart captive. If fire and iron were gifted with reason, and that the -latter said to the fire: "Draw me," would not this prove that it desired to -become identified with the fire even so far as to share its substance? Well, -that is exactly my prayer. I beg of Jesus to draw me into the flames of His -Love, to unite me so closely to Himself that He may live and act in me. I -feel that the more the fire of love inflames my heart, the more I shall say: -"Draw me," the more also will the souls who draw near to mine run swiftly in -the fragrant odours of the Well-Beloved.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XI</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">S</font>OULS thus on fire cannot rest inactive. They may -sit at the feet of Jesus, like Saint Mary Magdalene, listening to His sweet -and ardent words; but, while seeming to give nothing, they do give far more -than Martha who troubles herself with <i>many things</i>. <a href="#15-3">[3]</a> -It is not however of Martha's labours that Jesus disapproves, but -only her too great anxiety; to this very same work His Blessed Mother humbly -submitted herself, when she had to prepare the repasts for the Holy Family. -</p><p> -All the Saints have understood this, and more especially perhaps those who -have enlightened the world with the luminous teaching of the Gospel. Was it -not from prayer that Saint Paul, Saint Augustine, Saint Thomas of Aquin, -Saint John of the Cross, Saint Teresa and so many other friends of God drew -that wondrous science which enraptures the greatest intellects? -</p><p> -Archimedes said: "Give me a lever and a fulcrum, and I will raise the world." -What he was unable to obtain because his request had but a material end and -was not addressed to God, the Saints have obtained in full measure. For -fulcrum, the Almighty has given them Himself, Himself alone! for lever, -prayer, which enkindles the fire of love; and thus it is that they have -uplifted the world, thus it is that saints still militant, uplift it, and -will uplift it till the end of time.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XI -</p><p> -<a name="15-3">[3]</a> Luke, x, 41</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">T</font>HE Creator of the universe awaits the prayer of -one poor little soul to save a multitude of others, redeemed like her at the -price of His Blood. -</p><p> -Our vocation is not to go and reap in the Father's fields; Jesus does not say -to us: "Cast down your eyes and reap the harvest"; our mission is still more -sublime. Here are the words of the Divine Master: <i>"Lift up your eyes and -see. . ."</i> see that in Heaven there are empty places; yours it is to fill -them . . . you are as Moses praying on the mountain; ask of Me labourers and -I will send them, I await but a prayer, a sigh from out your heart! -</p><p> -Is not the apostolate of prayer higher as one might say, than that of -preaching? It is for us to form labourers who by preaching the Gospel, will -save thousands of souls of whom we thus become the mothers; what then have we -to envy the Priests of the Lord?</p> -<p align="center">XII LETTER TO HER SISTER CÉLINE</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">H</font>OW beautiful is our vocation! It is for us, it is -for Carmel to preserve <i>"the salt of the earth."</i> <a href="#15-4">[4]</a> -We offer our prayers and sacrifices for the apostles of the Lord; -we ought ourselves to be their apostles while by word and example they preach -the Gospel to our brethren.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. VI -</p><p> -<a name="15-4">[4]</a> Matt., v, 13.</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">A</font> NOVICE was grieving about her numerous -distractions during prayer: "I too, have many," replied Sœur -Thérèse de l'Enfant Jésus, "but I accept all for love of the -good God, even the most extravagant thoughts that come into my head."</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">H</font>ER prayer was continual though she was habitually -plunged in aridity. One day a novice entering her cell, paused, struck by the -celestial expression of her countenance. She was sewing with alacrity yet -seemed lost in profound contemplation. -</p><p> -"Of what are you thinking?" asked the young Sister. "I am meditating on the -<i>Pater</i>," she replied. "It is so sweet to call the good God our Father." -And tears shone in her eyes.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">I</font> DO not well see what more I shall have in Heaven -than now, she once said. I shall see the good God, it is true; but as to -being with Him, I am wholly with Him already upon earth.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">A</font> LIVING flame of Divine Love consumed her. -</p><p> -"A few days after my oblation to <i>God's Merciful Love</i>," she relates, "I -had commenced in the Choir the Way of the Cross, when I felt myself suddenly -wounded by a dart of fire so ardent that I thought I must die. I know not how -to describe this transport; there is no comparison which would make one -understand the intensity of that flame. An invisible power seemed to plunge -me wholly into fire . . . but oh! what fire! what sweetness!" -</p><p> -The Mother Prioress asked her whether this transport was the first in her -life, she answered simply: -</p><p> -"Mother, I have several times had transports of love; once especially during -my novitiate when I remained one entire week far indeed from this world; for -me, there was as it were, a veil thrown over all things of the earth. But I -was not consumed by a real flame, I was able to sustain those delights -without expecting that their intensity would cause my earthly fetters to snap -asunder, whilst on the day of which I speak, one minute, one second more and -my soul must have left its prison . . . Alas!—and I found myself again -on earth, and aridity immediately returned to my heart!"</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<p align="center"><img src="images/18.jpg" alt="A design"></p> -<h1 align="center"><a name="16">HOLY COMMUNION</a></h1> -<p><font size="+3">H</font>OW sweet it was, the first kiss of Jesus to my -soul! Yes, it was a kiss of Love. I felt I was loved, and I too said: "I love -Thee, I give myself to Thee for ever!" Jesus asked nothing of me, demanded no -sacrifice. Already for a long time past, He and the little Thérèse -had watched and understood one another . . . That day our meeting was no -longer a simple look but a <i>fusion</i>. No longer were we two: -Thérèse had disappeared as the drop of water which loses itself in -the depths of the ocean, Jesus alone remained; the Master, the King! Had not -Thérèse begged Him to take away from her, her liberty? That liberty -made her afraid; so weak, so fragile did she feel herself that she longed to -be united for ever to Divine Strength.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. IV</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">I</font> HAD taken as my rule of conduct, to receive most -faithfully Holy Communion as often as my confessor permitted, without ever -asking that it might be more frequent. I would act differently now; for I am -quite sure that a soul ought to make known to her director the attraction -that she feels to receive her God. It is not to remain in a golden ciborium -that He comes down each day from Heaven, but to find another Heaven, the -Heaven of our soul in which He takes His delight.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. V</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">W</font>HAT shall I say of my thanksgivings after Holy -Communion? There are no moments in which I feel less consolation. And is not -this very natural, seeing that my desire is to receive our Lord's visit, not -for my own satisfaction, but solely for His pleasure. -</p><p> -I imagine my soul to be as a plot of waste ground and beg the Blessed Virgin -to remove from it all the rubbish—meaning its imperfections; then I -beseech her to erect thereon, a vast canopy worthy of Heaven and to decorate -it with her own treasures, and I invite all the Angels and Saints to come and -sing canticles of love. It seems to me then that Jesus is pleased to see -Himself so magnificently received; and I, I share His joy. All this does not -hinder distractions and sleep from molesting me; therefore it not rarely -happens that I resolve to continue my thanksgiving all the day long, since I -have made it so badly in the Choir.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. VIII</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">A</font>T the time of Holy Communion I sometimes picture -my soul under the figure of a little child of three or four years, who at -play has got its hair tossed and its clothes soiled.—These misfortunes -have befallen me in battling with souls.—But very soon the Blessed -Virgin hastens to my aid: quickly she takes off my little dirty pinafore, -smooths my hair and adorns it with a pretty ribbon or simply with a little -flower . . . and this suffices to render me pleasing and enables me to sit at -the Banquet of Angels without blushing.</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">T</font>HE demon, traitor that he is, knows well, that he -cannot make a soul who wills to belong wholly to the good God, commit sin; -therefore he endeavours only to persuade her that she sins. That is a great -deal gained, but it is not yet enough to satisfy his rage . . . he aims at -something further, he wants to deprive Jesus of a loved tabernacle. Not being -able himself to enter into this sanctuary he wishes that it may at least -remain empty and without its Lord. Alas! what will become of this poor heart? -. . . When the devil has succeeded in driving away a soul from Holy Communion -he has gained his ends, and Jesus weeps. . .</p> -<p align="center">I LETTER TO HER COUSIN MARIE GUÉRIN</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">A</font> NOVICE relates that she wanted to deprive herself -of Holy Communion because of some lack of fidelity. She wrote her -determination to Sister Thérèse of the Child Jesus who thus -replied: -</p><p> -"Little flower cherished by Jesus, it is amply sufficient that by the -humiliation of your soul your roots <i>eat of the earth</i> . . . You must -open a little, or rather raise on high your corolla so that the Bread of -Angels may come as a divine dew to strengthen you, and to give you all that -is wanting to you. -</p><p> -"Good-night, poor little floweret; ask of Jesus that all the prayers offered -for my recovery may serve to augment the fire which must consume me."</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<p align="center"><img src="images/19.jpg" alt="A design"></p> -<h1 align="center"><a name="17">SUFFERING</a> <a href="#17-1">[1]</a></h1> -<p><a name="17-1">[1]</a> No reader should be discouraged by this chapter on -Suffering. What Sœur Thérèse says is very consoling for those -who are nailed to the Cross; and others must remember that God had given to -His humble Servant a <i>sensible</i> attraction for suffering, which is a -rare grace and reserved to very few souls, though many imagine they possess -it, and mistake their road choosing to follow this supposed attraction. -Without the sensible desire and even though experiencing an invincible -repugnance to suffer, souls can be sanctified. What pleases God is that the -suffering be borne with love. -</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">T</font>HE cross has accompanied me from the cradle; but -then, Jesus has made me love it passionately.</p> -<p align="center">IX LETTER TO HER MISSIONARY "BROTHERS"</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">O</font>NE day my sister Marie, speaking of suffering, -said that instead of making me walk by that way, the good God would no doubt -carry me always like a little child. These words recurred to me after Holy -Communion on the following day, and my heart was fired with an ardent desire -of suffering. I felt too an inward assurance, that crosses in great number -were in reserve for me. Then my soul was inundated with consolations such as -I have never had again in all my life. Suffering became my attraction, in it -I found charms that entranced me. -</p><p> -Another great desire that I felt, was to love but God alone and to find no -joy save only in Him. Often during my thanksgiving after Holy Communion I -used to repeat this passage from the <i>Imitation: "O Jesus, who art -ineffable sweetness, turn for me into bitterness all the consolations of -earth."</i> <a href="#17-2">[2]</a> These words came from my lips without -effort; I uttered them like a child who repeats without too well -understanding, words prompted by a friend.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. IV</p> -<p> -<a name="17-2">[2]</a> <i>Imit</i>., III, ch. xxvi, 3.</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">S</font>UFFERING has held out its arms to me from my very -entrance into Carmel and lovingly have I embraced it. My intention in coming -here, I declared in the solemn examination which preceded my profession: <i>I -am come in order to save souls, and especially to pray for Priests</i>. When -we want to attain an end we must employ the means, and Jesus having made me -understand that He would give me souls by means of the cross, the more -crosses I met with the more my attraction to suffering increased. During five -years this way was mine; but I alone knew it. Here was just the hidden flower -that I wanted to offer to Jesus, this flower which exhaled its fragrance for -Heaven alone.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. VII</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">F</font>OR one pain endured with joy, we shall love the -good God more for ever.</p> -<p align="center">I LETTER TO MÈRE AGNÈS DE JÉSUS</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">I</font>N my soul's intercourse with Jesus—nothing . -. . dryness! sleep! Since my Beloved wills to sleep I shall not hinder Him; I -am too happy in seeing that He does not treat me like a stranger, that He is -not constrained with me. He pierces His little ball through and through with -pin-pricks sore indeed . . . When it is this tender Friend who Himself -pierces His ball, the pain is naught but sweetness—so gentle is His -Hand. How different when creatures pierce it! -</p><p> -Yet I am happy, yes, truly happy to suffer. If Jesus does not Himself -directly pierce His little ball, it is certainly He who guides the hand that -wounds!</p> -<p align="center">II LETTER TO MÈRE AGNÈS DE JÉSUS</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">Y</font>ES, I desire them, those heart-thrusts, those pin- -pricks that give so much pain . . . Sacrifice I prefer to all ecstacies: -therein lies happiness for me, I find it nowhere else. <i>The little reed</i> -has no fear of breaking, for it is planted on the shore of the waters of -Love; and so, when it bends, that beneficent wave invigorates it, and makes -it long for another storm to come and bow down its head anew. My weakness it -is, that makes my whole strength. Whatever happens I cannot get broken; I see -only the gentle hand of Jesus. -</p><p> -To win the palm no suffering is too great.</p> -<p align="center">III LETTER TO MÈRE AGNÈS DE JÉSUS</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">T</font>HE drop of gall must be mingled in every cup, but -I find that trials greatly help to detach us from earth; they make us look -higher than this world. Nothing here below can satisfy us; we can enjoy a -little repose only by being ready to do God's Will.</p> -<p align="center">I LETTER TO MÈRE AGNÈS DE JÉSUS</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">M</font>Y soul has known many kinds of trials, greatly -have I suffered here on earth. In my childhood I suffered with sadness; now, -it is with peace and joy that I taste of all the bitter fruits.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. IX</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">S</font>UFFERING united to love is the only thing that -appears to me desirable in this vale of tears.</p> -<p align="center">IX LETTER TO HER MISSIONARY "BROTHERS"</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">W</font>HEN we are expecting only suffering the least joy -surprises us: suffering itself becomes the greatest of joys when we seek it -as a precious treasure.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. IX</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">T</font>HERE are people who take everything in the way -that gives them the most pain; with me it is the reverse; I see always the -good side of things. If I have naught but pure suffering, without any break, -well! I make of it my joy.</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">J</font>OY is not in the things that surround us, it -resides in the interior of the soul. One may possess it in the depths of a -gloomy prison, as well as in a royal palace. Thus am I happier in Carmel, -even in the midst of interior and exterior trials, than in the world, where -nothing was wanting to me.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. VI</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">I</font>F now, amid trials, and in the thick of the fight, -we can already find such delight in the thought that God has drawn us away -from the world, what will it be, when in Heaven's eternal glory and never- -ending rest, we shall understand the incomparable favour He has shown us in -choosing us here, to dwell in His own House—the very threshold of -Heaven.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. X</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">L</font>ET us not expect to find Love without Suffering. -Our nature is there, and it is not there for nothing; but what treasures it -enables us to acquire! It is our means of gain; so precious is it that Jesus -came down upon earth expressly to possess it . . . We want to suffer -generously, grandly; we wish never to fall; what illusion! And what does it -matter to me if I fall every minute? I find great profit in it, for thereby I -see my weakness. My God, You know what I am capable of unless You carry me in -Your arms; and if You leave me alone, well; it is that it pleases you to see -me <i>on the ground</i>, so why should I be disquieted?</p> -<p align="center">V LETTER TO HER SISTER CÉLINE</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">L</font>IFE is often irksome and bitter; it is hard to -begin a laborious day, above all when Jesus hides Himself from us. What is -this tender Friend doing? Does He not then see our anguish, the load that -oppresses us; where is He? Why does He not come to console us? -</p><p> -Ah, fear not . . . He is there, quite near! He is watching us; He, it is, who -begs for these our labours and our tears . . . He has need of them for souls, -for our soul; He wants to give us so glorious a recompense. Ah! truly, it -costs Him to make us drink of this bitter cup, but He knows that it is the -one way by which to prepare us to know Him as He knows Himself and to become -ourselves God-like. What a destiny! How great is the soul. Let us rise above -all that passes away, let us hold aloof from the earth, up on high the air is -so pure; Jesus may hide Himself but one is conscious of His presence.</p> -<p align="center">I LETTER TO HER SISTER CÉLINE</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">W</font>HEN we speak of peace we do not mean joy—not -at least sensible joy; to suffer in peace it is enough that we truly will all -that God wills.</p> -<p align="center">V LETTER TO HER SISTER CÉLINE</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">N</font>OTWITHSTANDING the trial which deprives me of -every feeling of enjoyment I can yet exclaim, <i>"Thou hast given me delight, -O Lord, in all Thou dost."</i> <a href="#17-3">[3]</a> For is there a greater -joy than to suffer for Thy Love? The more intense the suffering and the less -apparent to human eyes, the more lovingly dost Thou smile upon it, O my God. -And even—supposing an impossibility—if Thou wert unaware of it, I -would still be happy to suffer, in the hope that by my tears I might perhaps -prevent, or make reparation for one single sin against faith.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. IX -</p><p> -<a name="17-3">[3]</a> Ps., xci, 5.</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">M</font>INE is not an unfeeling heart, and it is just -because of its capacity to suffer deeply that I desire to offer to Jesus -every kind of suffering it can endure.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. IX</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">L</font>IFE is full of sacrifices, it is true; but why -look for happiness in it? Is it not simply "a night to be passed in a bad -Inn" as says our Holy Mother Saint Teresa? -</p><p> -My heart has an ardent thirst for happiness, but well do I see that no -creature is capable of allaying this thirst. On the contrary, the more I -might drink of the waters of that enchanted spring the more burning would be -my thirst. -</p><p> -I know a fountain where <i>they that drink shall yet thirst,</i> <a -href="#17-4">[4]</a> but with a thirst most sweet, a thirst one can always -satisfy; this fountain is the suffering that is known to Jesus alone! . . -.</p> -<p align="center">II LETTER TO SR. MARIE DU SACRÉ-CŒUR -</p><p> -<a name="17-4">[4]</a> <i>Cf</i>. Eccles., xxiv, 29.</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">O</font>UR Lord never asks of us any sacrifice above our -strength. Sometimes, in truth, the Divine Master makes us taste the full -bitterness of the chalice which He presents to our soul. When He asks the -sacrifice of everything most dear to us in this world, it is impossible -unless by a very special grace, not to cry out as He did in the Garden of the -Agony: <i>"My Father, let this chalice pass from Me. . ."</i> But let us also -hasten to add: <i>"Nevertheless not as I will but as Thou wilt."</i> <a -href="#17-5">[5]</a> It is very consoling to think that Jesus—Divine -Strength itself—has experienced all our weakness, that He trembled at -the sight of the bitter chalice, the chalice He had longed for so -ardently.</p> -<p align="center">I LETTER TO HER MISSIONARY "BROTHERS" -</p> -<p><a name="17-5">[5]</a> Matt., xxvi, 39.</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">S</font>INCE our Well-Beloved has <i>"trodden the wine- -press alone."</i> <a href="#17-6">[6]</a>—the wine which He gives us to -drink—in our turn let us not refuse to wear garments dyed with blood, -let us press out for Jesus a new wine which may slake His thirst, and -<i>looking around Him</i> He will no longer be able to say that <i>He is -alone</i>; we shall be there <i>to help</i>. <a href="#17-7">[7]</a> -</p><p> -Neglect, forgetfulness . . . this it is, it seems to me, which still pains -Him the most.</p> -<p align="center">VIII LETTER TO HER SISTER CÉLINE -</p><p> -<a name="17-6">[6]</a> Isa., lxiii, 3.<br> -<a name="17-7">[7]</a> Isa., lxiii, 5.</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">H</font>ERE on earth, where all changes, one sole thing -changes not, the King of Heaven's mode of acting as regards His friends. Ever -since He uplifted the standard of the Cross, it is in its shadow that all -must fight and gain the victory.</p> -<p align="center">VI LETTER TO HER MISSIONARY "BROTHERS"</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">I</font>T is indeed more through suffering and persecution -than through eloquent preaching, that God wills to establish His Kingdom in -souls.</p> -<p align="center">VI LETTER TO HER MISSIONARY "BROTHERS"</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">I</font> WANT to forget this world; here below, all things -weary me, I find no joy save one, that of suffering . . . and this joy, -though unfelt, is above every other.</p> -<p align="center">V LETTER TO HER SISTER CÉLINE</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">W</font>HEN I suffer much, when things that are painful -and disagreeable befall me, instead of assuming an air of sadness, I respond -by a smile. At first I was not always successful, but now it is a habit which -I am very happy to have acquired.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII -</p><br> -<p align="center"><a href="images/20_full.jpg"><img src="images/20.jpg" -alt="A picture of Saint Thérèse"></a></p> -<p align="center">THE SERVANT OF GOD</p> -<h3 align="center">SR. THÉRÈSE OF THE CHILD JESUS</h3> -<p align="center">AND OF THE HOLY FACE</p> -<p align="center"><b><i>Carmelite of the Monastery of Liseux</i></b> -<p align="center"><b><i>1873-1897</i></b></p> -<br> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">A</font> NOVICE was complaining of being more tired than -her Sisters, for besides the common work, she had done another task, of which -they knew nothing; Thérèse answered: "I want to see you always like -a valiant soldier who does not complain of his pains; who thinks very -seriously of the wounds of his brothers and regards his own as mere -scratches. Why do you feel this fatigue to such a degree? It is because no -one knows about it. . . -</p><p> -"Blessed Margaret Mary having had two whitlows used to say she had only -really suffered from the first one, because it had not been possible for her -to hide the second from her Sisters, and thus it became the object of their -compassion. -</p><p> -"This feeling is natural to us; yet to wish that all should know when we -suffer is a very commonplace manner of acting."</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">D</font>URING the first months of her illness it was on -her hard palliasse that Sister Thérèse passed the time of rest, and -her nights were very bad: when asked whether she did not need some assistance -during those hours of pain, she replied: "Oh, no on the contrary, I think -myself very fortunate to be in a cell distant enough for my Sisters not to -hear me. I rejoice to suffer alone; but from the moment I am pitied and -surrounded with delicate attentions I can no longer feel this joy."</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">T</font>HE Sister infirmarian remarking, "It is said that -you have never suffered very much." Thérèse smiled and pointing to -a glass containing a draught of medicine, bright red in colour, replied, "See -this little glass, one would imagine it full of some choice liqueur, but in -reality I take nothing that is more bitter. Well! it is an image of my life; -to the eyes of others it has ever appeared clothed in the most radiant hues; -to them it seemed as though I drank a delicious liqueur, while in truth it -was bitterness. I say bitterness, and yet my life has not been bitter, for I -have known how to make of all bitterness my sweetness and my joy." -</p><p> -"You are in great pain at this moment, are you not?" "Yes . . . but I have so -much desired to suffer."</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">"H</font>OW it grieves us to see you suffer, and to think -you may perhaps have still more to endure," the novices were saying to her. -</p><p> -"Oh! do not be troubled about me, I have arrived at the stage of being no -longer able to suffer, because all suffering is sweet to me."</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">A</font> SISTER, who doubted her patience, noticed, when -visiting her one day, an expression of heavenly joy on her countenance and -wished to know the reason. "It is because of the very acute pain I am -feeling," replied Thérèse, "I have always striven to love suffering -and to give it a cordial welcome."</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">"W</font>HY are you so gay this morning?" she was asked; -"It is because I have had two little trials, nothing gives me <i>little -joys</i> like <i>little trials</i>."</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">A</font>NOTHER time: "You have had a great many trials -today." -</p><p> -"Yes, but . . . seeing that I love them! . . . I love everything the good God -sends me."</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">A</font>GAIN, when some one said to her: "It is -dreadful—all you are suffering." -</p><p> -"No, it is not dreadful; could a little Victim of Love find anything dreadful -that her Spouse sends her? He gives me at each moment what I can bear; not -more; and the minute He increases my sufferings He also augments my -fortitude. -</p><p> -"Yet I could never ask for greater sufferings, for I am too little; they -would be my own—my own choosing, then I should have to bear them by -myself, and I have never been able to do anything all alone."</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">D</font>URING her long and painful agony she exclaimed: -"The chalice is full to the brim. Never could I have believed it possible to -suffer so much . . . I can only find the explanation in my extreme longing to -save souls . . . Oh! I would not suffer less."</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<p align="center"><img src="images/21.jpg" alt="A design"></p> -<h1 align="center"><a name="18">THE DIRECTION OF SOULS</a></h1> -<p><font size="+3">O</font>UR Lord allowed me the consolation of closely -studying the souls of children. -</p><p> -Considering these innocent souls I used to compare them to soft wax, upon -which any impression may be stamped the bad, alas! like the good; and I -understood those words of Jesus: "<i>But he that shall scandalize one of -these little ones . . . it were better for him that a millstone were hanged -about his neck and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea</i>." <a -href="#18-1">[1]</a> Oh! how many souls might attain to a high degree of -holiness if wisely guided from the very first. -</p><p> -I well know that to accomplish His work of sanctification, God has need of no -one, but just as He enables a skilful gardener to rear plants that are -delicate and rare, granting him for this end all the knowledge necessary, -while reserving to Himself the care of giving the increase, so, too, does He -will to be aided in His divine culture of souls.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. V -</p><p> -<a name="18-1">[1]</a> Matt., xviii, 6.</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">A</font>S soon as I penetrated into the sanctuary of souls -I judged at the first glance that the task exceeded my powers, and very -quickly placing myself in the arms of the good God I imitated the little -child, who, seized with sudden fear, tries to hide its golden head on its -father's shoulder, and I said: "Lord, Thou knowest it, I am myself too little -to be capable of nurturing these Thy children; if Thou dost will to give to -them, through me, what is suited to each one, fill Thou my little hand, and -without leaving Thine arms, without even turning my head aside, I will -distribute Thy treasures to the souls who come to me to seek sustenance. When -they find it to their liking I shall know that it is not to me they owe it -but to Thee; on the other hand if they complain, and find bitter what I offer -them, my peace shall remain undisturbed, I will try to convince them that -this nutriment comes from Thee, and I will carefully refrain from seeking any -other for them." -</p><p> -When I thus understood that it was impossible for me to do anything by -myself, the task appeared to me simplified. Interiorly, I occupied myself -solely in trying to become more and more united to God—knowing that the -rest would be added unto me.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. X</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">F</font>ROM afar it seems easy to do good to souls, to -make them love God more, to mould them after our own views and opinions. But -coming closer one feels, on the contrary, that to do good without the divine -assistance, is as impossible a thing as to bring the sun back after it has -set. One feels that it is absolutely necessary to forget our own -inclinations, our personal notions, and to guide souls, not by our own -way—the way we ourselves go—but by the particular way that Jesus -wishes to lead them.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. X</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">W</font>HEN very young, and staying with my aunt, a book -was given to me to read. In one of the stories I saw that the mistress of a -school was much praised because she knew how to get on cleverly in the world -without offending anyone. This phrase I remarked especially: "She would say -to the one, 'You are not wrong,' and to the other, 'You are right;" and while -I read I was thinking: "Oh! . . . I would not have acted thus; we must always -tell the truth." And so I do, always. Far more difficult it certainly is, for -when told of some little vexatious occurrence, it would be easy to lay blame -on the absent, and she who complains would at once be pacified. Yes, but . . -. I do quite the reverse. If I am not liked, what matter! Let no one come to -me who does not want to hear the truth.</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">T</font>HAT a reprimand may be fruitful it must cost in -the giving; and it must be given without a shade of passion in the heart. -</p><p> -One must not let kindness degenerate into weakness. When we have blamed -justly we ought to leave it so, and not yield to feelings of distress at -having given pain. To run after the aggrieved one in order to console her, is -to do more harm than good. To leave her to herself is to force her to expect -nothing from creatures, to have recourse to the good God, to see her failings -and to humble herself. Otherwise she would grow accustomed to being consoled -after a deserved rebuke and would behave as does a spoilt child, who stamps -and cries, well knowing that this will make its mother return to wipe away -the tears.</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3"><i>L</i></font><i>ET the sword of the Spirit, which is the -Word of God, abound in your lips and hearts.</i> <a href="#18-2">[2]</a> If -we have to do with a difficult soul, let us not be discouraged, nor ever -abandon her. Let us have always "<i>the sword of the Spirit</i>" to reprehend -her for her faults, and not allow things to pass for the sake of leaving -ourselves in repose; let us fight unceasingly, even without hope of gaining -the victory. What matter about success! Let us fight on, whatever be the -weariness of the struggle. Let us not say: "I can make nothing of this soul, -she does not understand; I must give it up." Oh! what cowardice that would -be. We must do our duty unto the end. -</p><p> -[Sœur Thérèse in these passages refers to her charge as -Mistress of Novices.]</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES -</p><p> -<a name="18-2">[2]</a> Ephes., vi, 17.</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">T</font>HE novices expressed their surprise at finding -that she guessed their most hidden thoughts. -</p><p> -"Here is my secret," she said to them: "I never give you any advice without -invoking the Blessed Virgin; I ask her to inspire me to say what will do you -the most good, and I myself am often astonished at the things that I teach -you. I simply feel in saying them to you, that I am not deceived and that -Jesus speaks to you by my mouth."</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">"G</font>IVE us some advice as to how we ought to act -concerning our spiritual direction," they said to her. -</p><p> -"With great simplicity and without depending too much on assistance, which -may fail you at any moment. You would soon be forced to say with the Spouse -in the Canticles: '<i>The keepers . . . took away my veil from me and wounded -me,'</i> it was only <i>'when I had a little PASSED BY them I found Him whom -my soul loveth</i>.' <a href="#18-3">[3]</a> If with detachment you humbly -inquire where is your Beloved, <i>the keepers</i> will direct you. -Nevertheless, most frequently, you will find Jesus only after you have -<i>passed by</i> all creatures. For my part, I have many a time repeated this -verse of the Spiritual Canticle of St. John of the Cross: -</p><p class="indent"> - Send me no more <br> - A messenger<br> - Who cannot tell me what I seek.<br> - All they who serve<br> - Relate a thousand graces of Thee;<Br> - And all wound me more and more,<br> - And they leave me dying,<Br> - WHILE THEY BABBLE I KNOW NOT WHAT."</p> -<p class="indent"> - <i>Trans. D. Lewis, M. A.</i></p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<p><a name="18-3">[3]</a> Cant., v, 7; iii, 4. -</p> - -<br> -<br> -<br> -<p align="center"><img src="images/22.jpg" alt="A design"></p> -<h1 align="center"><a name="19">THE BLESSED VIRGIN</a></h1> -<p><font size="+3">H</font>OW I love the Blessed Virgin! Had I been a Priest, -oh! how I should have spoken of her. She is represented as unapproachable, -rather ought she to be shown as imitable. She is more Mother than Queen. I -have heard it said that all the Saints are eclipsed by her radiant brightness -as the sun at rising makes the stars disappear. How strange that -seems—a mother eclipsing the glory of her children! I think quite the -contrary. I believe that she will immensely increase the splendour of the -elect . . . The Virgin Mary! how simple does her life appear to me. . .</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">S</font>OMETIMES I find myself saying to the Holy Virgin: -"Do you know, O cherished Mother, that I think myself more fortunate than -you? I have you for Mother and you have not, like me, the Blessed Virgin to -love . . . You are, it is true, the Mother of Jesus, but you have given Him -to me, and He, from the cross gave you to us as our Mother, so we are richer -than you. Of old it was your desire that you might be the little handmaiden -of the Mother of God; and I, poor little creature, I am, not your servant, -but your <i>child</i>: you are the Mother of Jesus and you are <i>my -Mother</i>."</p> -<p align="center">XIII LETTER TO HER SISTER CÉLINE</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">O</font> MARY, if I were Queen of Heaven and thou wert -Thérèse, I fain would be Thérèse to see thee Queen of -Heaven!</p> -<p align="center"> -8 September, 1897.</p> -<p align="center"> -Last words written by Sister Thérèse of the Child Jesus.</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<p align="center"><img src="images/23.jpg" alt="A design"></p> -<h1 align="center"><a name="20">VARIOUS SUBJECTS</a></h1> -<p><font size="+3">L</font>ÉONIE, no doubt finding that she was growing -too old to play with dolls, came one day to Céline and me, with a basket -full of dolls' clothes, odds and ends of pretty materials, trimmings, etc., -on which she had laid her doll, saying to us: "There, little -sisters—choose!" Céline looked, and took a knot of edging. After -reflecting a moment I, in turn, put out my hand saying: "I choose all!" and I -carried off basket and doll without further ceremony. -</p><p> -This trait of my childhood is, as it were, a summary of my entire life. Later -on when the meaning of perfection began to unfold itself to me, I understood -that to become a saint it is necessary to suffer much, ever to seek after -that which is most perfect, and to forget self. I understood that in sanctity -the degrees are many, that each soul is free to respond to the advances of -our Lord, to do little or much for His sake, in a word, to choose between the -sacrifices that He asks. Then, as in the days of my childhood, I exclaimed: -"My God, I choose all! I do not wish to be a saint by halves; the thought of -suffering for Thee does not frighten me, one thing only do I fear—my -own will; take Thou my will, for <i>I choose all</i> that Thou willest."</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. I</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">M</font>Y Father took me for a pleasant tour during which -I began to know a little of the world. Around me all was gaiety and delight; -I was made welcome, petted, admired, in short, for fifteen days the pathway -of my life was strewn with naught but flowers. Holy Wisdom well says that -<i>the bewitching of trifles overturneth the innocent mind.</i> -<a href="#20-1">[1]</a> At the age of ten the heart easily allows itself to be dazzled, -and I own that this sort of life had some charms for me. Alas! how well the -world contrives to reconcile the delights of earth with the service of God. -How seldom does it think of death. -</p><p> -And death, nevertheless, has come to a great many of the people whom I then -knew, young, rich and prosperous. I like to go back in thought to their -beautiful dwellings, to ask myself where are they, and what benefit do they -now draw from the castles and parks where I saw them enjoying all the -comforts of life . . . And I reflect that <i>"all is vanity"</i> <a -href="#20-2">[2]</a> <i>"but to love God and to serve Him alone."</i> <a -href="#20-3">[3]</a></p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. IV -</p><p> -<a name="20-1">[1]</a> <i>Cf.</i> Wisdom, iv, 12.<br> -<a name="20-2">[2]</a> Eccles., i, 2.<br> -<a name="20-3">[3]</a> <i>Imit</i>., I, i, 3.</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">W</font>HAT compassion I have for souls who are going -astray. It is so easy to lose one's way in the flowery paths of the world. -Undoubtedly for a soul who has risen a little above the things of earth, the -sweetness offered is intermingled with bitterness, and the immense void of -its desires cannot be filled by the praises of a moment.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. IV</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">W</font>E have but life's brief day to save souls and thus -to give to Jesus proof of our love. The morrow of this day will be Eternity -and then He will render to you a hundredfold for the joys which you have -sacrificed for Him. He knows the extent of your sacrifice, He knows that the -grief of those dear to you increases your own still more; but to save our -souls He has Himself suffered this martyrdom. He too, left His Mother, He saw -the Immaculate Virgin stand at the foot of the Cross, her heart transpierced -by the sword of sorrow. -</p><p> -Ah! if the Divine Master would but grant to those whom you are going to leave -for His sake, a foresight of the glory He reserves for you, the multitude of -souls who in heaven will form your train, they would be already recompensed -for their great sacrifice in parting with you.</p> -<p align="center">II LETTER TO HER MISSIONARY "BROTHERS"</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">T</font>HE good God has promised a hundredfold to all who -have left father or mother or sister for love of Him. These words are, I -know, usually applied to those who have entered the religious state, but in -my heart I feel that they were also spoken for the generous parents who make -to God the sacrifice of children whom they cherish more than self.</p> -<p align="center">LETTER TO HER COUSIN JEANNE GUÉRIN</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">H</font>OW can a heart given up to human affection be -united intimately to God? That, I feel is not possible. I have seen so many -souls deluded by this treacherous light, dart into it like the poor moth and -burn their wings, then return wounded to Jesus, the Divine Fire which burns -without consuming.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. IV</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">I</font>N giving oneself to God the heart does not lose -its natural tenderness; on the contrary, its love grows deeper by becoming -more pure and more Christ-like.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. IX</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">T</font>HERE are souls for whom God's mercy wearies not of -waiting, and to whom He gives His light only by degrees.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. X</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">W</font>HEN in the morning we feel no courage, no energy -for the practice of virtue, this is a grace, this is the moment to <i>"lay -the axe to the root of the tree,"</i> <a href="#20-4">[4]</a> depending -solely on Jesus. If we fall all is retrieved by an act of love, and Jesus -smiles. He helps us without appearing to do so, and the tears which the -wicked cause Him to shed are dried by our poor feeble love.</p> -<p align="center">II LETTER TO HER SISTER CÉLINE -</p><p> -<a name="20-4">[4]</a> Matt., iii, 10.</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">W</font>E must practice the little virtues. This is -difficult sometimes, but the good God never refuses the first grace, which -gives courage to conquer self: if the soul corresponds to it she will find -that she immediately receives light. I have ever been struck with those words -of praise to Judith: <i>"Thou hast done manfully, and thy heart has been -strengthened."</i> <a href="#20-5">[5]</a> We must first act with courage, -then the heart is strengthened and we go from victory to victory.</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES -</p><p> -<a name="20-5">[5]</a> Judith, xv, 11.</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">M</font>Y God, how varied are the ways by which Thou dost -lead souls. In reading the Lives of the Saints we find a great number of whom -nothing has remained to us after their death: not the smallest souvenir, not -a written line. Others there are, on the contrary, like our Holy Mother Saint -Teresa, who have enriched the Church with their sublime doctrine, not fearing -<i>to reveal the secrets of the King,</i> <a href="#20-6">[6]</a> in the hope -that souls might know Him better and love Him more. Which of these two ways -pleases our Lord best? It seems to me that they are equally pleasing to Him. -</p><p> -All the well-beloved of God have followed the inspiration of the Holy Spirit -by whom the Prophet wrote: <i>"Say to the just that all is well."</i> <a -href="#20-7">[7]</a> Yes, all is well when we seek only the Divine Will.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. IX</p> -<p> -<a name="20-6">[6]</a> Tobias, xii.<br> -<a name="20-7">[7]</a> <i>Cf.</i> Isaias, iii, 10.</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">H</font>OW narrow are the thoughts of creatures! When they -see that a soul has lights which surpass their own, they conclude that the -Divine Master loves them less. Since when, then, has He lost the right to -make use of one of His creatures, in order to dispense to His children the -sustenance needful for them?</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. X</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">W</font>HEN we are grieved at our powerlessness to do -good, our only resource is to offer to God the works of others. In this you -see the benefit of the communion of Saints.</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">T</font>HOUGH I do not undervalue beautiful thoughts that -seem to unite us to God, I have long understood that we must carefully guard -against leaning too much upon them. The most sublime inspirations are nothing -without deeds. -</p><p> -Other souls, it is true, may draw therefrom much profit if they testify -humble gratitude to God for being permitted to share the feast of one of His -privileged children. But if the privileged one were to grow vain of her -spiritual riches, if her prayer resembled that of the Pharisee, she herself -would become like to a person starving to death before a well-served table -while all her guests take from it abundant nourishment, and cast perhaps a -look of envy on the possessor of so much wealth.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. X</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">T</font>HE Well-Beloved has no need of our glorious deeds -nor of our fine thoughts. If He desire sublime conceptions has He not His -Angels, whose knowledge surpasses infinitely that of the world's greatest -geniuses? It is not then either intellect or talent that He looks for here -below . . . He has called Himself <i>the Flower of the Field</i> <a -href="#20-8">[8]</a> to show us how much He cherishes simplicity.</p> -<p align="center">XIV LETTER TO HER SISTER CÉLINE -</p><p> -<a name="20-8">[8]</a> Cant., ii, 1.</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">T</font>O keep the word of Jesus, this is the sole -condition of our happiness, the proof of our love for Him; and this -<i>word</i>—it seems to me that it is Himself, since He is called the -Uncreated <i>Word</i> of the Father.</p> -<p align="center">XVIII LETTER TO HER SISTER CÉLINE</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">J</font>ESUS needs neither books nor Doctors of Divinity -in order to instruct souls; He, the Doctor of Doctors, He teaches without -noise of words.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. VIII</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">A</font>T Sext there is a verse which I utter unwillingly -each day. It is this: "<i>Inclinavi cor meum ad faciendas justificationes -tuas in æternum, propter retributionem</i>." (I have inclined my heart -to do Thy justifications for ever, because of the reward.) <a href="#20-9">[9]</a> -Interiorly, I hasten to say: "O my Jesus, Thou knowest well that -it is not for the reward I serve Thee, but solely because I love Thee, and -for the sake of saving souls."</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES -</p><p> -<a name="20-9">[9]</a> Ps., cxviii, 112.</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">I</font>N Heaven only shall we see the absolute truth -concerning all things. On earth, even in the Holy Scripture, there is a -certain obscurity: it grieves me to see differences in the translations; had -I been a Priest I would have learned Hebrew, so that I might be able to read -the Word of God in that human language in which He deigned to express it.</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">W</font>E are not yet in our Fatherland, and temptation -must purify us as gold is purified by the action of fire.</p> -<p align="center">XVIII LETTER TO HER SISTER CÉLINE</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">I</font>T is best not to expose oneself to the combat when -defeat is certain.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. IX</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">G</font>OD is often satisfied with our desire of labouring -for His glory.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. IX</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">A</font> SOUL in the state of grace has nothing to fear -from the demons, who are cowards, capable of flight before the gaze of a -child.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. I</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3"><i>T</i></font><i>O the pure all is pure,</i> <a -href="#20-10">[10]</a> the simple and upright soul sees not evil in anything, -since evil exists in impure hearts only and not in material objects.</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. VI</p> -<p> -<a name="20-10">[10]</a> Titus, i, 15.</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">T</font>HE good God has told us that in the Last Day He -"<i>will wipe away all tears from our eyes</i>," <a href="#20-11">[11]</a> -and without doubt, the more tears to be dried, the greater will be the -consolation.</p> -<p align="center">III LETTER TO SR. MARIE DU SACRÉ-CŒUR -</p><p> -<a name="20-11">[11]</a> Apoc., xxi, 4.</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">T</font>HE Spouse in the Canticles, not having been able -in repose to find her Beloved, arose, she says and went about the city to -seek Him, but in vain . . . she could not find Him save beyond the ramparts. -It is not the will of Jesus that we should find His adorable Presence without -effort. He hides Himself, He envelopes Himself with darkness . . . It was not -thus He acted in regard to the multitudes, for we read in the Gospels that -the people were in admiration when He spoke. -</p><p> -Weak souls Jesus charmed by His divine utterances. He was trying to render -them strong for the day of temptation and of trial; but small, truly, was the -number of His faithful friends when <i>He was silent</i> <a href="#20-12">[12]</a> -before His judges. Oh, what melody for my heart is that silence -of the Divine Master.</p> -<p align="center">XV LETTER TO HER SISTER CÉLINE -</p><p> -<a name="20-12">[12]</a> Matt., xxvi, 65.</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">I</font> HAVE read in the Holy Gospel that the Divine -Shepherd leaves in the desert all His faithful flock, to go in haste after -the sheep that is lost. How touching is this confidence. He is sure of them, -they are captives of love—how could they break away? Even so does the -well-beloved Shepherd of our souls rob us of the sense of His presence in -order to give to sinners His consolations; or else, if He leads us to Mount -Thabor it is for one moment . . . the valleys are nearly always the place of -pasture, <i>it is there He takes His repose at mid-day.</i> <a href="#20-13">[13]</a></p> -<p align="center">XVI LETTER TO HER SISTER CÉLINE -</p><p> -<a name="20-13">[13]</a> Cant., i, 6.</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">T</font>HE sole crime with which Herod reproached our Lord -was <i>folly</i> . . . and frankly, that charge was true. Yes, it was folly -to come seeking the poor shallow hearts of mortals, therein to make His -throne. He, the King of Glory Who sitteth above the Cherubim! Was not His -happiness complete in the company of His Father and the Spirit of Love? Why -come to earth to seek out sinners and to make of them His friends, His chosen -companions?</p> -<p align="center">XX LETTER TO HER SISTER CÉLINE</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3"><i>M</i></font><i>ARY, breaking the fragile vase poured -out upon the Head of her Saviour a perfume of great price</i> <a href="#20-14">[14]</a> -<i>and the whole house was filled with the fragrance -thereof.</i> <a href="#20-15">[15]</a> -</p><p> -The Apostles murmured against Magdalene; and this it is which still happens -with regard to us: some, even of the most fervent Christians think we -(Carmelites) are exaggerated, that like Martha we ought to serve Jesus, -instead of consecrating to Him the vases of our lives with the perfumes which -are hidden within. And yet what matters it—the breaking of these -vases—since our Lord is consoled, and the world in spite of itself is -made sensible of the fragrance they exhale. And oh! how necessary are these -perfumes to purify the unhealthy atmosphere that it breathes.</p> -<p align="center">XX LETTER TO HER SISTER CÉLINE -</p><p> -<a name="20-14">[14]</a> <i>Cf</i>. Marc., xiii, 3.<br> -<a name="20-15">[15]</a> <i>Cf</i>. John, xii, 3.</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">"O</font>NE day when I was in tears," relates a novice, -"Sister Thérèse of the Child Jesus told me to acquire a habit of -hiding my little troubles, adding that nothing renders community life more -difficult than inequality of temperament. -</p><p> -"You are quite right," I answered, "I have thought so myself, and in future I -shall never cry but when alone with the good God; to Him only shall I confide -my trials, He will always understand and console me." -</p><p> -"Shed tears before the good God!" she replied with vivacity, "take care you -do no such thing. Still less, by far, before Him than before creatures ought -you to exhibit signs of sadness. He has but our monasteries, this dear -Master, to rejoice His Heart; He comes amongst us to find a little repose, to -forget the continual lamentations of His friends in the world who for the -most part, instead of recognizing the value of the Cross, meet it with -repining and with tears; and would you behave like the generality of people? -. . . Frankly that is not disinterested love—disinterested love is -<i>for us to console Jesus, not for Him to console us.</i> -</p><p> -"He is, I know, so kind of heart that if you weep He will dry your tears; but -afterwards He will go away quite sorrowful, not being able to find in you the -repose He sought. Jesus loves the joyous heart, He loves the ever smiling -soul. When will you learn to <i>hide</i> your troubles from Him, or to tell -Him in gladsome tones that you are happy to suffer for His sake?"</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">T</font>HE soul is reflected in the countenance: like to a -little child always content, your countenance should be invariably calm and -serene. When you are alone be still the same, because you are ever in the -Angels' sight.</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">O</font>UR Divine Lord wishes to have His court here below -as on High, He desires angel-martyrs, angel-apostles.</p> -<p align="center">XI LETTER TO HER SISTER CÉLINE</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">A</font> SISTER, greatly grieved at seeing her so ill -often exclaimed: "Oh, how sad is life!" But Sœur Thérèse -would at once correct her, saying: -</p><p> -"Life is not sad, but on the contrary most joyful. If you said 'How sad is -our exile,' I should understand you. It is erroneous to give the name, -'<i>life</i>,' to that which must end. Only to the things of Heaven, to that -which shall never know death, should the true name of '<i>life</i>' be given; -and in this signification life is not sad but joyful—joyous -exceedingly! . . . " -</p><p> -Her own gaiety was delightful to witness. -</p><p> -For several days she had been much better and the novices said to her: "We do -not yet know of what malady you will die . . . " -</p><p> -"But I shall die of <i>death!</i> Did not God tell Adam of what he would die, -saying to him: Thou shalt die of death?" (In the French: "<i>Tu mourras de -mort</i>.") <a href="#20-16">[16]</a></p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES -</p><p> -<a name="20-16">[16]</a> <i>Cf</i>. Gen., ii, 17.</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">I</font>T is not Death that will come to fetch me, it is -the good God. Death is no phantom, no horrible spectre, as represented in -pictures. In the Catechism it is stated that <i>death is the separation of -soul and body</i>, that is all! Well, I am not afraid of a separation which -will unite me to the good God for ever.</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">O</font>NE day she said to the Mother Prioress: -</p><p> -"Mother, I beseech you, give me permission to die . . . Let me offer my life -for . . . " mentioning the intention. -</p><p> -And this permission being refused: -</p><p> -"Very well," she resumed, "I know that at this moment the good God so much -desires <i>a little bunch of grapes</i> which no one wishes to present to -Him, that He will certainly be forced to come and steal it . . . I ask -nothing, for that would be to depart from my way of abandonment, I merely beg -the Blessed Virgin Mary to recall to her Jesus the title of <i>Thief</i> -which He gives Himself in the holy Gospel, so that He may not forget to come -to <i>steal</i> me away."</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">"W</font>ILL the Divine Thief be coming very soon to steal -His little bunch of grapes?" some one asked. -</p><p> -"I see Him afar off, and I take good care not to cry out 'Stop Thief!!!' On -the contrary I call Him saying: 'This way! this way!'"</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">T</font>HE Chaplain asked me: "Are you resigned to die?" I -said: "Ah! Father, I find it would be for living that I should need -resignation, but as regards dying, I feel only joy."</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XII</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">"Y</font>OU will be placed amid the Seraphim in Heaven," a -novice said. -</p><p> -"If that should happen, I shall not imitate them; they cover themselves with -their wings at the sight of God. I shall take good care not to cover myself -with my wings!"</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">"U</font>NDER what name should we pray to you when you are -in Heaven?" they asked her. She answered humbly: "You will call me 'little -Thérèse.' ('<i>petite Thérèse</i>.')"</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">"Y</font>OU will look upon us from the heights of heaven, -will you not?" -</p><p> -"No, I shall come down."</p> -<p align="center">COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES</p> -<br> -<p><font size="+3">"A</font>FTER my death I shall let fall a shower of -roses."</p> -<p align="center">HIST. D'UNE AME, CH. XIII</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h1 align="center"><a name="21">PRAYER FOR THE BEATIFICATION OF THE SERVANT -OF GOD</a></h1> - -<p>[Transcriber's Note: Sister Thérèse was beatified on April 29, -1923.]</p> -<p><font size="+3">O</font> JESUS, who, to put our pride to confusion didst -will to become a little child, and who later pronounced that solemn decree: -"<i>Unless ye become as little children ye shall not enter the Kingdom of -Heaven</i>," deign to listen to our humble prayer in regard to her who lived -perfectly that life of spiritual childhood, and who has so well recalled to -us the way. -</p><p> -O little Babe of Bethlehem, by the ineffable charms of Thy Divine Infancy, O -adorable Face of Jesus, by the humiliations of Thy Passion, we implore, that -if it be for the glory of God and for the sanctification of souls, the halo -of the Blessed may soon irradiate the pure brow of Thy childlike spouse, -Thérèse of the Child Jesus and of the Holy Face. -</p><p> -O God, who didst inflame with Thy Spirit of Love the soul of Thy Servant, -Thérèse of the Child Jesus, grant that we also may love Thee and -may make Thee greatly loved. -</p><p> -[<i>Adapted from a prayer of Sœur Thérèse</i>.]</p> -<p class="indent">100 days' indulgence.<br> -<img src="images/cross.jpg" alt="A cross">CARD. BOURNE, <i>Arch. of -Westminster.</i><br> -August 1, 1912. -</p> -<br><br><br> - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Thoughts of Saint Thérèse of the Child -Jesus, by Saint Thérèse of Lisieux and Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THOUGHTS OF SAINT THERESE *** - -***** This file should be named 63294-h.htm or 63294-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/6/3/2/9/63294/ - -Produced by Michael Gray, Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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