Always Be Thou Prepared, And So Live

Simplicity And Purity Are The Two Wings By Which A Man Is Lifted Above All Earthly Things. Simplicity Is In The Intention - Purity In The Affection. Simplicity Tends To God, - Purity Apprehends And Tastes Him.

Some People Are Tempted Most Strongly At The Beginning Of Their Spiritual Life, Others Near The End. Some Are Troubled All Their Lives. Still Others Receive Only Light Temptation. Such Things Are Decided By God, And We Can Trust His Wisdom.

O Lord, Self-renunciation Is Not The Work Of One Day, Nor Children's Sport; Yea, Rather In This Word Is Included All Perfection.

He Is Truly Great That Is Great In Charity. He Is Truly Great That Is Little In Himself, And Maketh No Account Of Any Height Of Honor. And He Is Truly Learned That Doeth The Will Of God, And Forsaketh His Own Will.

Oh How Swiftly The Glory Of The World Passes Away! If Only The Lives Of These Men Had Been As Admirable As Their Learning, Their Study And Reading Would Have Been To Good Purpose! But How Many In This World Care Little For The Service Of God, And Perish In Their Vain Learning. Because They Choose To Be Great Rather Than Humble, They Perish In Their Own Conceit.