diff options
| author | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-14 20:00:01 -0700 |
|---|---|---|
| committer | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-14 20:00:01 -0700 |
| commit | eb588629e819900779333d4476943c2b6ea8df62 (patch) | |
| tree | f0ddf4236fd9203089e5568b8bdde0ef8f14cadf /33701-h | |
Diffstat (limited to '33701-h')
| -rw-r--r-- | 33701-h/33701-h.htm | 2802 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | 33701-h/images/cross.jpg | bin | 0 -> 1387 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 33701-h/images/imprimatur.jpg | bin | 0 -> 3986 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 33701-h/images/nihil.jpg | bin | 0 -> 4062 bytes |
4 files changed, 2802 insertions, 0 deletions
diff --git a/33701-h/33701-h.htm b/33701-h/33701-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..2ca9f32 --- /dev/null +++ b/33701-h/33701-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,2802 @@ + +<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"> +<html> + <head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content= + "text/html; charset=us-ascii"> + <title> + The Project Gutenberg eBook of Fraternal Charity, by + Rev. Father Valuy, S.J. + </title> + <style type="text/css"> +h1 { text-align: center } + h2 { text-align: center } + h3 { text-align: center } + body { margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 5%} + </style> + </head> + <body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Fraternal Charity, by Rev. Father Valuy + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere 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 + + +Title: Fraternal Charity + +Author: Rev. Father Valuy + +Release Date: September 10, 2010 [EBook #33701] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FRATERNAL CHARITY *** + + + + +Produced by Michael Gray, Diocese of San Jose + + + + + +</pre> + + <p align="center"> + FRATERNAL CHARITY + </p><br> + <br> + <br> + <h1> + FRATERNAL CHARITY + </h1> + <h3> + BY + </h3> + <h2> + REV. FATHER VALUY, S.J. + </h2><br> + <br> + <p align="center"> + AUTHORIZED TRANSLATION + </p><br> + <br> + <br> + <p align="center"> + NEW YORK, CINCINNATI, CHICAGO + </p> + <h3> + BENZIGER BROTHERS + </h3> + <p align="center"> + PRINTERS TO THE HOLY APOSTOLIC SEE<br> + 1908 + </p><br> + <br> + <p> + <img src="images/nihil.jpg" alt="Nihil Obstat"><br> + F. THOMAS BERGH, O.S.B.,<br> + <i>Censor Deputatus.</i> + </p> + <p> + <img src="images/imprimatur.jpg" alt="Imprimatur"><br> + GULIELMUS,<br> + <img src="images/cross.jpg" alt="A cross"><i>Episcopus + Arindelensis,<br> + Vicarius Generalis.</i> + </p><br> + <br> + <p> + WESTMONASTERII,<br> + <i>Die 7 Feb., 1908.</i> + </p><br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + <p align="center"> + TRANSLATOR'S NOTE + </p> + <p> + <font size="+1">T</font>HE name of Father Valuy, S.J., + is already favourably known to English readers by + several translations of his works, which have a large + circulation. + </p> + <p> + The following little treatise is taken from one of his + works on the Religious Life, and is translated with the + kind permission of the publisher, M. Emmanuel Vitte, of + Lyons. The subject is so important a factor in + community life that I feel confident it will supply a + want hitherto felt by many. + </p> + <p> + Though specially written for religious, it cannot fail + to prove beneficial to seculars in every sphere of + life, as love, the sunshine of existence, is wanted + everywhere. + </p><br> + <br> + <h1> + Contents + </h1> + <table> + <tr> + <td> + <p> + I. + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p> + <a href="#1">CHARITY THE PECULIAR VIRTUE OF + CHRIST</a> + </p> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <p> + II. + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p> + <a href="#2">FIRST FUNDAMENTAL TRUTH</a> + </p> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <p> + III. + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p> + <a href="#3">SECOND FUNDAMENTAL TRUTH</a> + </p> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <p> + IV. + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p> + <a href="#4">THE FAMILY SPIRIT</a> + </p> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <p> + V. + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p> + <a href="#5">EGOTISM, OR SELF-SEEKING</a> + </p> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <p> + VI. + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p> + <a href="#6">FIRST CHARACTERISTIC OF + FRATERNAL CHARITY</a> + </p> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <p> + VII. + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p> + <a href="#7">SECOND CHARACTERISTIC</a> + </p> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <p> + VIII. + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p> + <a href="#8">THIRD CHARACTERISTIC</a> + </p> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <p> + IX. + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p> + <a href="#9">FOURTH CHARACTERISTIC</a> + </p> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <p> + X. + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p> + <a href="#10">FIFTH CHARACTERISTIC</a> + </p> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <p> + XI. + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p> + <a href="#11">SIXTH CHARACTERISTIC</a> + </p> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <p> + XII. + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p> + <a href="#12">SEVENTH CHARACTERISTIC</a> + </p> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <p> + XIII. + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p> + <a href="#13">EIGHTH CHARACTERISTIC</a> + </p> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <p> + XIV. + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p> + <a href="#14">NINTH CHARACTERISTIC</a> + </p> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <p> + XV. + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p> + <a href="#15">TENTH CHARACTERISTIC</a> + </p> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <p> + XVI. + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p> + <a href="#16">ELEVENTH CHARACTERISTIC</a> + </p> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <p> + XVII. + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p> + <a href="#17">TWELFTH CHARACTERISTIC</a> + </p> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <p> + XVIII. + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p> + <a href="#18">EXTENT AND DELICACY OF GOD'S + CHARITY FOR MEN</a> + </p> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <p> + XIX. + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p> + <a href="#19">EXTENT AND DELICACY OF THE + CHARITY OF JESUS CHRIST DURING HIS MORTAL + LIFE</a> + </p> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <p> + XX. + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p> + <a href="#20">FIRST PRESERVATIVE</a> + </p> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <p> + XXI. + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p> + <a href="#21">SECOND PRESERVATIVE</a> + </p> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <p> + XXII. + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p> + <a href="#22">THIRD PRESERVATIVE</a> + </p> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <p> + XXIII. + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p> + <a href="#23">FOURTH PRESERVATIVE</a> + </p> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <p> + XXIV. + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p> + <a href="#24">FIFTH PRESERVATIVE</a> + </p> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <p> + XXV. + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p> + <a href="#25">SIXTH PRESERVATIVE</a> + </p> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <p> + XXVI. + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p> + <a href="#26">SEVENTH PRESERVATIVE</a> + </p> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <p> + XXVII. + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p> + <a href="#27">EIGHTH PRESERVATIVE</a> + </p> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <p> + XXVIII. + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p> + <a href="#28">NINTH PRESERVATIVE</a> + </p> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <p> + XXIX. + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p> + <a href="#29">TENTH PRESERVATIVE</a> + </p> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <p> + XXX. + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p> + <a href="#30">ELEVENTH PRESERVATIVE</a> + </p> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <p> + XXXI. + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p> + <a href="#31">MEANS TO SUPPORT THE EVIL + THOUGHTS AND TONGUES OF OTHERS</a> + </p> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <p> + XXXII. + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p> + <a href="#32">SECOND MEANS TO BEAR WITH + OTHERS</a> + </p> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <p> + XXXIII. + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p> + <a href="#33">CONCLUSION</a> + </p> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <p> + APPENDIX: + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p> + <a href="#34">THE PRACTICE OF FRATERNAL + CHARITY</a> + </p> + </td> + </tr> + </table><br> + <br> + <br> + <h1> + FRATERNAL CHARITY + </h1><br> + <h1> + <a name="1">I</a> + </h1> + <h2> + CHARITY THE PECULIAR VIRTUE OF CHRIST + </h2> + <p> + <font size="+1">O</font>UR Divine Saviour shows both by + precept and example that His favourite virtue, His own + and, in a certain sense, characteristic virtue, was + charity. Whether He treated with His ignorant and rude + Apostles, with the sick and poor, or with His enemies + and sinners, He is always benign, condescending, + merciful, affable, patient; in a word, His charity + appeared in all its most amiable forms. Oh, how well + these titles suit Him!—a King full of clemency, a + Lamb full of mildness. How justly could He say, "Learn + of Me, that I am meek and humble of heart"! His yoke + was sweet, His burden light, His conversation without + sadness or bitterness. He lightened the burdens of + those heavily laden; He consoled those in sorrow; He + quenched not the dying spark nor broke the bruised + reed. + </p> + <p> + He calls us His friends, His brothers, His little + flock; and as the greatest sign of friendship is to die + for those we love, He gave to each of us the right to + say with St. Paul: "He loved me, and delivered Himself + up for me." Let us, then, say: "My good Master, I love + Thee, and deliver myself up for Thee." + </p> + <p> + Religious, called to reproduce the three great virtues + of Jesus Christ—poverty, chastity, and + obedience—have still another to practise not less + noble or distinctive—viz., fraternal charity. By + this virtue they are not called to rise above earthly + or sensual pleasures, nor above their judgment and + self-will, but above egotism and self-love, which shoot + their roots deepest in the soul. They must consider + attentively the fundamental truths on which charity is + based and its effects, as also the principal obstacles + to its attainment, and the means to overcome them. + </p> + <h1> + <a name="2">II</a> + </h1> + <h2> + FIRST FUNDAMENTAL TRUTH + </h2> + <h3> + <i>We are all members of the great Christian family</i> + </h3> + <p> + <font size="+1">C</font>HARITY towards our neighbour is + charity towards God in our neighbour, because, faith + assuring us that God is our Father, Jesus Christ our + Head, the Holy Ghost our sanctifier, it follows that to + love our neighbour—inasmuch as he is the + well-beloved child of God, the member of Jesus Christ, + and the sanctuary of the Holy Ghost—is to love in + a special manner our heavenly Father, His only-begotten + Son, together with the Holy Spirit. And because it is + scarcely possible for religious to behold their + brethren in this light without wishing them what the + Most Holy Trinity so lovingly desires to bestow on + them, acts of fraternal charity include—almost + necessarily at least—implicit acts of faith and + hope; and the exercise of the noblest of the + theological virtues thus often becomes an exercise of + the other two. + </p> + <p> + Thus it is that charity poured into our hearts by the + Holy Spirit, uniting Christians among themselves and + with the adorable Trinity whose images they are, is the + vivid and perfect imitation of the love of the Father + for the Son, and of the Son for the Father—a + substantial love which is no other than the Holy Ghost, + and makes us all one in God by grace, as the Father and + Son are only one God with the Holy Ghost by nature, + according to the words of our Lord: "That they all may + be one; as Thou, Father, in Me, and I in Thee: that + they also may be one in Us." + </p> + <p> + Such is the chain that unites and binds us—a + chain of gold a thousand times stronger than those of + flesh and blood, interest or friendship, because these + permit the defects of body and the vices of the soul to + be seen, whilst charity covers all, hides all, to offer + exclusively to admiration and love the work of the + hands of God, the price of the blood of Jesus Christ + and the masterpiece of the Holy Spirit. + </p> + <h1> + <a name="3">III</a> + </h1> + <h2> + SECOND FUNDAMENTAL TRUTH + </h2> + <h2> + <i>We are members of the same religious family</i> + </h2> + <p> + <font size="+1">T</font>O love our brethren as + ourselves in relation to God, it suffices without doubt + to have with them the same faith, the same Sacraments, + the same head, the same life, the same immortal hopes, + etc. But, besides these, there exist other + considerations which lead friendship and fraternity to + a higher degree among the members of the same religious + Order. All in the novitiate have been cast in the same + mould, or, rather, have imbibed the milk of knowledge + and piety from the breasts of the same mother. All + follow the same rules; all tend to the same end by the + same means; all from morning to night, and during their + whole lives, perform the same exercises, live under the + same roof, work, sanctify themselves, suffer and + rejoice together. Like fellow-citizens, they have the + same interests; like soldiers, the same combats; like + children of a family, the same ancestors and heirlooms; + and, like friends, a communication of ideas and + interchange of sentiments. + </p> + <p> + If our Lord said to Christians in general, "This is My + commandment, that you love one another as I have loved + you. By this shall all men know that you are My + disciples, if you have love for one another" (John + xiii.), can He not say to the members of the same + religious Order: "This is My own and special + recommendation: Before all and above all preserve + amongst you a mutual charity. Have but one soul in + several different bodies. You will be recognized as + religious and brethren, not by the same habit, vows, + and virtues, nor by the particular work entrusted to + you by the Church, but by the love you have one for the + other. Ah! who will love you if you do not love one + another? Love one another fraternally, because as human + beings you have only one heavenly Father. Love one + another holily, because as Christians you have only one + Head. Love one another tenderly, because as religious + you have only one mother—your Order"? + </p> + <p> + It is impossible for religious to love their brethren + with a true, sincere, pure, and constant love if they + do not look at them in this light. + </p> + <h1> + <a name="4">IV</a> + </h1> + <h2> + THE FAMILY SPIRIT + </h2> + <p> + <font size="+1">B</font>ASED on the foregoing + principles, fraternal charity begets the family + spirit—that spirit which forgets itself in + thinking only of the common good; which makes + particular give way to general interests; which forces + oneself to live with all without exception, to live as + all without singularity, and to live for all without + self-seeking; that spirit which, binding like a Divine + cement all parts of the mysterious edifice of religion, + uniting all hearts in one and all wills in one, permits + the community to proceed firmly and securely, and its + members to work out efficaciously and peacefully their + personal sanctification and perfection; in fine, that + spirit which gives to all religious not only an + inexpressible family happiness, but a delicious + foretaste of heaven, which renders them invincible to + their enemies, and causes to be said of them with + admiration: "See how they love one another!" + </p> + <p> + Writing on these words of the Psalmist, "Behold how + good and pleasant it is for brethren to live together + in union," St. Augustine cries out: "Behold the words + which make monasteries spring up! Sweet, delightful, + and delicious words which fill the soul and ear with + jubilation." + </p> + <p> + Yes, certainly the happiness of community life is great + and its advantages inappreciable; but without the + family spirit there is no community, as there would be + no beauty in the human body without harmony in its + members. Oh, never forget this comparison, you who wish + to live happy in religion, and who wish to make others + happy. + </p> + <p> + A community is a body. Now, as the members of a body, + each in its proper place and functions, live in perfect + harmony, mutually comfort, defend, and love each other, + without being jealous or vengeful, and have only in + view the well-being of that body of which they are + parts, so in the community of which you are members and + in the employment assigned to you. Remember you are + parts of a whole, and that it is necessary to refer to + this whole your time, labour, and strength; to have the + same thoughts, sentiments, designs, and language, + without which there would no longer exist either body, + members, parts, or whole. If you wish, then, to obtain + and practise the family spirit, study what passes + within you. Your actions bespeak your sentiments. + </p> + <h1> + <a name="5">V</a> + </h1> + <h2> + EGOTISM, OR SELF-SEEKING + </h2> + <p> + <font size="+1">E</font>GOTISM, taking for its motto + "Every one for himself," is very much opposed to + fraternal charity and the family spirit. It never + hesitates, when occasion offers, to sacrifice the + common good to its own. It isolates the individuals, + makes them concentrated in self, places them in the + community, but not of it, makes them strangers amongst + their brethren, and tends to justify the words of an + impious writer, who calls monasteries "reunions of + persons who know not each other, who live without love, + and die without being regretted." + </p> + <p> + Egotism breeds distrust, jealousy, parties, aversions. + It destroys abnegation, humility, patience, and all + other virtues. It introduces a universal disgust and + discontent, makes religious lose their first fervour, + presents an image of hell where one expected to find a + heaven on earth, saps the very foundation of community + life, and leads sooner or later to inevitable ruin. + </p> + <p> + As the family spirit causes the growth and prosperity + of an order, however feeble its beginning, so, on the + other hand, egotism dries the sap and renders it + powerless, no matter what other advantages it may + enjoy. If the one, by uniting hearts, is a principle of + strength and duration, the other, by dividing, is a + principle of dissolution and decay. Sallust says that + "the weakest things become powerful by concord, and the + greatest perish through discord." Whilst the + descendants of Noah spoke the same language the + building of the tower of Babel proceeded with rapidity. + From the moment they ceased to understand one another + its destruction commenced, and the monument which was + to have immortalized their name was left in ruin to + tell their shame and pride. + </p> + <p> + On each of the four corners of the monastery religion + or charity personified ought to be placed, bearing on + shields in large characters the following words: (1) + "Love one another"; (2) "He who is not with Me is + against Me, and he who gathers not with Me scatters"; + (3) "Every kingdom divided will become desolate"; (4) + "They had all but one heart and one soul." + </p> + <h1> + <a name="6">VI</a> + </h1> + <h2> + FIRST CHARACTERISTIC OF FRATERNAL CHARITY + </h2> + <h3> + <i>To esteem our brethren interiorly</i> + </h3> + <p> + "<font size="+1">C</font>HARITY, the sister of + humility," says St. Paul, "is not puffed up." She + cannot live with pride, the disease of a soul full of + itself. It willingly prefers others by considering + their good qualities and one's own defects, and shows + this exteriorly when occasion offers by many sincere + proofs. It always looks on others from the most + favourable point. Instead of closing the eyes on fifty + virtues to find out one fault, without any other profit + than to satisfy a natural perverseness and to excuse + one's own failings, it closes the eyes on fifty faults + to open them on one virtue, with the double advantage + of being edified and of blessing God, the Author of all + good. Since an unfavourable thought, or the sight of an + action apparently reprehensible, tends to cloud the + reputation of a religious, charity hastens before the + cloud thickens to drive it away, saying, "What am I + doing? Should I blacken in my mind the image of God, + and seek deformities in the member of Jesus Christ? + Besides, cannot my brethren be eminently holy and be + subject to many faults, which God permits them to fall + into in order to keep them humble, to teach them to + help others, and to exercise their patience?" + </p> + <h1> + <a name="7">VII</a> + </h1> + <h2> + SECOND CHARACTERISTIC + </h2> + <h3> + <i>To treat brethren with respect, openness, and + cordiality</i> + </h3> + <p> + <font size="+1">E</font>XTERIOR honour being the effect + and sign of interior esteem, charity honours all those + whom it esteems superiors, equals, the young and the + old. It carefully observes all propriety, and takes + into consideration the different circumstances of age, + employment, merit, character, birth, and education to + make itself all to all. Convinced that God is not + unworthy to have well-bred persons in His service, and + that religious ought not to respect themselves less + than people in the world, it conforms to all the + requirements of politeness as far as religious + simplicity will permit; not that politeness which is + feigned and hypocritical, and which is merely a sham + expression of deceitful respect, but that politeness, + the flower of charity, which, manifesting exteriorly + the sentiments of a sincere affection and a true + devotion, is accompanied with a graceful countenance, + benign and affable regards, sweetness in words, + foresight, urbanity, and delicacy in business. In fine, + that politeness which is the fruit of self-denial and + humility no less than of charity and friendship; which + is the art of self-restraint and self-conquest, without + restraining others; which is the care of avoiding + everything that might displease, and doing all that can + please, in order to make others content with us and + with themselves. In a word, a mixture of discretion and + complaisance, cordiality and respect, together with + words and manners full of mildness and benignity. + </p> + <h1> + <a name="8">VIII</a> + </h1> + <h2> + THIRD CHARACTERISTIC + </h2> + <h3> + <i>To work harmoniously with those in the same + employment, and not to cause any inconvenience to + them</i> + </h3> + <p> + <font size="+1">W</font>HY should we cling so + obstinately to our own way of seeing and doing? Do not + many ways and means serve the same ends provided they + be employed wisely and perseveringly? Some have + succeeded by their methods, and I by mine—a proof + that success is reached through many ways, and that it + is not by disputing it is obtained, nor by giving + scandal to those we should edify, nor, perhaps, by + compromising the good work in which we are employed. + The four animals mentioned by Ezekiel joined their + wings, were moved by the same spirit and animated by + the same ardour, and so drew the heavenly chariot with + majesty and rapidity, giving us religious an example of + perfect union of efforts and thoughts. + </p> + <p> + Charity avoids haughty and contemptuous looks, + forewarns itself against fads and manias, and in the + midst of most pressing occupations carefully guards + against rudeness and impatience. Careful of wounding + the susceptibility of others, it neither blames nor + despises those who act in an opposite way. Religious + animated by fraternal charity are not ticklish spirits + who are disturbed for nothing at all, and who do not + know how to pass unnoticed a little want of respect, + etc.; nor punctilious spirits, who find pleasure in + contradicting and making irritating remarks; nor + self-opinionated spirits, who pose themselves as + supreme judges of talent and virtue as well as + infallible dispensers of praise and blame. Neither are + they suspicious characters who are constantly + ruminating in their hearts, and who consider every + little insult as levelled at themselves; nor + discontented beings, who find fault with the places + whither obedience sends them and the persons with whom + they live, and who could travel the entire world + without finding a single place or a single person to + suit them. + </p> + <p> + Charitable religious are not those imperious minds who + endeavour to impose their opinions on all and refuse to + accept those of others, however just they may be, + simply because they did not emanate from themselves, + nor are they those ridiculing, hard-to-be-pleased sort + of people who do not spare even grey hairs. Finally, + they are not those great spouters who, instead of + accommodating themselves to circumstances as charity + and politeness require, monopolize the conversation, + and thereby shut up the mouths of others and make them + feel weary when they should be joyful and free. + </p> + <h1> + <a name="9">IX</a> + </h1> + <h2> + FOURTH CHARACTERISTIC + </h2> + <h3> + <i>To accommodate oneself to persons of different + humour</i> + </h3> + <p> + <font size="+1">T</font>HEY who are animated by charity + support patiently and in silence, in sentiments of + humility and sweetness, as if they had neither eyes nor + ears, the difficult, odd, and most inconstant humours + of others, although they may find it very difficult at + times to do so. + </p> + <p> + No matter how regular and perfect we may be, we have + always need of compassion and indulgence for others. To + be borne with, we must bear with others; to be loved, + we must love; to be helped, we must help; to be joyful + ourselves, we must make others so. Surrounded as we are + by so many different minds, characters, and interests, + how can we live in peace for a single day if we are not + condescending, accommodating, yielding, self-denying, + ready to renounce even a good project, and to take no + notice of those faults and shortcomings which are + beyond our power or duty to correct? + </p> + <p> + Charity patiently listens to a bore, answers a useless + question, renders service even when the need is only + imaginary, without ever betraying the least signs of + annoyance. It never asks for exceptions or privileges + for fear of exciting jealousy. It does not multiply nor + prolong conversations which in any way annoy others. It + fights antipathy and natural aversions so that they may + never appear, and seeks even the company of those who + might be the object of them. It does not assume the + office of reprehending or warning through a motive of + bitter zeal. It seeks to find in oneself the faults it + notices in others, and perhaps greater ones, and tries + to correct them. "If thou canst not make thyself such a + one as thou wouldst, how canst thou expect to have + another according to thy liking? We would willingly + have others perfect, and yet we mend not our own + defects. We would have others strictly corrected, but + are not fond of being corrected ourselves. The large + liberty of others displeases us, and yet we do not wish + to be denied anything we ask for. We are willing that + others be bound up by laws, and we suffer not ourselves + to be restrained by any means. Thus it is evident how + seldom we weigh our neighbour in the same balance with + ourselves" ("Imitation," i. 16). + </p> + <h1> + <a name="10">X</a> + </h1> + <h2> + FIFTH CHARACTERISTIC + </h2> + <h3> + <i>To refuse no reasonable service, and to accept or + refuse in an affable manner</i> + </h3> + <p> + <font size="+1">C</font>HARITY is generous; it does + everything it can. When even it can do little, it + wishes to be able to do more. It never lets slip an + opportunity of comforting, helping, and taking the most + painful part, after the example of its Divine Model, + Who came to serve, not to be served. One religious, + seemingly in pain, seeks comfort; another desires some + book, instrument, etc.; a third bends under a burden; + while a fourth is afflicted. In all these cases charity + comes to the aid by consoling the one, procuring little + gratifications for the other, and helping another. + Without complaining of the increased labour or the + carelessness of others, it finishes the work left + undone by them, too happy to diminish their trouble, + while augmenting its own reward. "Does the hunter," + says St. John Chrysostom, "who finds splendid game + blame those who beat the brushwood before him? Or does + the traveller who finds a purse of gold on the road + neglect to pick it up because others who preceded him + took no notice of it?" It would be a strange thing to + find religious uselessly giving themselves to ardent + desires of works of charity abroad, such as nursing in + a hospital or carrying the Gospel into uncivilized + lands, and at the same time in their own house and + among their own brethren showing coldness, + indifference, and want of condescension. + </p> + <p> + There is an art of giving as well as of refusing. + Several offend in giving because they do so with a bad + grace; others in refusing do not offend because they + know how to temper their refusal by sweetness of + manner. Charity possesses this art in a high degree, + and, besides, raises a mere worldly art into a virtue + and fruit of the Holy Ghost. + </p> + <h1> + <a name="11">XI</a> + </h1> + <h2> + SIXTH CHARACTERISTIC + </h2> + <h3> + <i>To share the joys and griefs of our brethren</i> + </h3> + <p> + <font size="+1">A</font>S the soul in the human body + establishes all its members as sharers equally in joys + and griefs, so charity in the religious community + places everything in common content, affliction, + material goods driving out of existence the words mine + and thine. It lavishes kind words and consolations on + all who suffer in any way through ill-humour, sickness, + want of success, etc.; it rejoices when they are + successful, honoured, and trusted, or endowed with + gifts of nature or grace, felicitates them on their + good fortune, and thanks God for them. If, on the one + hand, compassion sweetens pains to the sufferer by + sharing them, on the other hand participation in a + friend's joys doubles them by making them personal to + ourselves. Would to God that this touching and edifying + charity replaced the low and rampant vice of jealousy! + </p> + <p> + When David returned after he slew the Philistines, the + women came out of all the cities of Israel singing and + dancing to meet King Saul. And the women sang as they + played, "Saul slew his thousands and David his ten + thousands." Saul was exceedingly angry, and this word + was displeasing in his eyes, and he said: "They have + given David ten thousand, and to me they have given but + a thousand. . . . And Saul did not look on David with a + good eye from that day forward. . . . And Saul held a + spear in his hand and threw it, thinking to nail David + to the wall" (1 Kings). Thus it is that the jealous + complain of their brethren who are more successful, + learned, or praised; thus it is that they lance darts + of calumny, denunciation, and revenge. + </p> + <h1> + <a name="12">XII</a> + </h1> + <h2> + SEVENTH CHARACTERISTIC + </h2> + <h3> + <i>Not to be irritated when others wrong us</i> + </h3> + <p> + <font size="+1">W</font>E must pardon and do good for + evil, as God has pardoned us and rendered good for evil + in Jesus Christ. It is vain to trample the violet, as + it never resists, and he who crushes it only becomes + aware of the fact by the sweetness of its perfume. This + is the image of charity. It always strives to throw its + mantle over the evil doings of others, persuading + itself that they were the effects of surprise, + inadvertence, or at most very slight malice. If an + explanation is necessary, it is the first to accuse + itself. Never does it permit the keeping of a painful + thought against any of the brethren, and does all in + its power to hinder them from the same; and, moreover, + excuses all signs of contempt, ingratitude, rudeness, + peculiarities, etc. + </p> + <p> + Cassian makes mention of a religious who, having + received a box on the ear from his abbot in presence of + more than two hundred brethren, made no complaint, nor + even changed colour. St. Gregory praises another + religious, who, having been struck several times with a + stool by his abbot, attributed it not to the passion of + the abbot, but to his own fault. He adds that the + humility and patience of the disciple was a lesson for + the master. This charity will have no small weight in + the balance of Him Who weighs merit so exactly. + </p> + <p> + Charity gives no occasion to others to suffer, but + suffers all patiently, not once, but all through life, + every day and almost every hour. It is most necessary + for religious, as, not being able to seek comfort + abroad, they are obliged to live in the same house, + often in the same employment with characters less + sympathetic than their own. These little acts of + charity count for little here below, and they are + rather exacted than admired. Hence there is less danger + of vainglory, and all their merit is preserved in the + sight of God. + </p> + <h1> + <a name="13">XIII</a> + </h1> + <h2> + EIGHTH CHARACTERISTIC + </h2> + <h3> + <i>To practise moderation and consideration</i> + </h3> + <p> + <font size="+1">T</font>ELL-TALES, nasty names, cold + answers, lies, mockery, harsh words, etc., are all + contrary to charity. St. John Chrysostom says: "When + anyone loads you with injuries, close your mouth, + because if you open it you will only cause a tempest. + When in a room between two open doors through which a + violent wind rushes and throws things in disorder, if + you close one door the violence of the wind is checked + and order is restored. So it is when you are attacked + by anyone with a bad tongue. Your mouth and his are + open doors. Close yours, and the storm ceases. If, + unfortunately, you open yours, the storm will become + furious, and no one can tell what the damage may be." + If we have been guilty in this respect, let us humble + ourselves before God. + </p> + <p> + "The tongue," says St. Gertrude, "is privileged above + the other members of the body, as on it reposes the + sacred body and precious blood of Jesus Christ. Those, + then, who receive the Holy of Holies without doing + penance for the sins of the tongue are like those who + would keep a heap of stones at their doors to stone a + friend on arrival." + </p> + <p> + In order to keep ourselves and others in a state of + moderation, we must remember that all persons have some + fad, mania, or fixed ideas which they permit no one to + gainsay. If we touch them on these points, it will be + like playing an accompaniment to an instrument with one + string out of tune. + </p> + <h1> + <a name="14">XIV</a> + </h1> + <h2> + NINTH CHARACTERISTIC + </h2> + <h3> + <i>Care of the sick and infirm</i> + </h3> + <p> + <font size="+1">C</font>HARITY lavishes care on the + sick and infirm, on the old, on guests and new-comers. + It requires that we visit those who are ill, to cheer + and console them, to foresee their wants, and thereby + to spare them the pain or humiliation of asking for + anything. + </p> + <p> + Bossuet says: "Esteem the sick, love them, respect and + honour them, as being consecrated by the unction of the + Cross and marked with the character of a suffering + Jesus." + </p> + <p> + Charity pays honour to the aged in every respect, + coincides with their sentiments, consults them, + forestalls their desires, and attempts not to reform in + them what cannot be reformed. Charity receives + fraternally all guests and new-comers, and makes us + treat them as we would wish to be treated under similar + circumstances. It also causes us to lavish testimonies + of affection on those who are setting out, and warns us + to be very careful of saying or doing anything that may + in the least degree offend even the most susceptible. + </p> + <p> + Religious must ever feel that they can bless, love, and + thank religion as a good mother. But religion is not an + abstract matter; it is made up of individuals + reciprocally bound together in and for each other. + </p> + <p> + Alas! how many times are the sick and the old made to + consider themselves as an inconvenient burden, or like + a useless piece of furniture! In reality what are they + doing? They pray and do penance for the community, turn + away the scourge of God, draw down His graces and + blessings, merit, perhaps, the grace of perseverance + for several whose vocation is shaking, hand down to the + younger members the traditions and spirit of the + institute, and finally practise, and cause to be + practised, a thousand acts of virtue. + </p> + <p> + Did our Divine Lord work less efficaciously for the + Church when He hung on the Cross than when He preached? + We must, then, do for the sick and the old who are now + bearing their cross what we would have wished to do for + Jesus in His suffering. + </p> + <h1> + <a name="15">XV</a> + </h1> + <h2> + TENTH CHARACTERISTIC + </h2> + <h3> + <i>Prayer for living and deceased brethren</i> + </h3> + <p> + "<font size="+1">W</font>E do not remember often enough + our dear dead, our departed brethren," says St. Francis + de Sales, "and the proof of it is that we speak so + little of them. We try to change the discourse as if it + were hurtful. We let the dead bury their dead. Their + memory perishes with us like the sound of the funeral + knell, without thinking that a friendship which + perishes with death is not true. It is a sign of piety + to speak of their virtues as it urges us to imitate + them." + </p> + <p> + In communities distinguished for fraternal charity and + the family spirit the conversation frequently turns on + the dead. One talks of their virtues, another of their + services, a third quotes some of their sayings, while a + fourth adds some other edifying fact; and who is the + religious that will not on such occasions breathe a + silent prayer to God and apply some indulgence or other + satisfactory work for the happy repose of their souls? + </p> + <p> + Charity also prays for those who want help most, and + who are often known to God alone—those whose + constancy is wavering, those who are led by violent + temptations to the edge of the precipice. It expands + pent-up souls by consolations or advice; it dissipates + prejudices which tend to weaken the spirit of + obedience; it is, in fine, a sort of instinct which + embraces all those things suggested by zeal and + devotion. Can there be anything more agreeable to God, + more useful to the Church, or more meritorious, than to + foster thus amongst the well-beloved children of God + peace, joy, love of vocation, together with union + amongst themselves and with their superiors? It is one + of the most substantial advantages we have in religion + to know that we are never forsaken in life or death; to + find always a heart that can compassionate our pains, a + hand which sustains us in danger and lifts us when we + fall. + </p> + <h1> + <a name="16">XVI</a> + </h1> + <h2> + ELEVENTH CHARACTERISTIC + </h2> + <h3> + <i>To have a lively interest in the whole Order, in its + works, its success, and its failures</i> + </h3> + <p> + <font size="+1">R</font>ELIGIOUS who have the family + spirit wish to know everything which concerns the + well-being of the different houses. They willingly take + their pens to contribute to the edification and satisfy + the lawful curiosity of their brethren. They bless God + when they hear good news, and grieve at bad news, + losses by death, and, above all, scandalous losses of + vocation. + </p> + <p> + Those who would concentrate all their thoughts on their + own work, as if all other work counted for nothing or + merited no attention, who would speak feebly or perhaps + jealously of it, as if they alone wished to do good, or + that others wished to deprive them of some glory, would + show that they only sought themselves, and that to + little love of the Church they joined much indifference + for their Order. + </p> + <p> + Charity, by uniting its good wishes and interest to the + deeds of others, becomes associated at the same time in + the merit. It shares in a certain manner in the gifts + and labours of others. It is, at the same time, the + eye, the hand, the tongue, and the foot, since it + rejoices at what is done by the eye, the hand, the + tongue, etc., or, rather, it is as the soul which + presides over all, and to whom nothing is a stranger in + the body over which it presides. + </p> + <h1> + <a name="17">XVII</a> + </h1> + <h2> + TWELFTH CHARACTERISTIC + </h2> + <h3> + <i>Mutual Edification</i> + </h3> + <p> + <font size="+1">B</font>E edified at the sight of your + brethren's virtues, and edify them by your own. In + other words, be alternately disciple and master. + </p> + <p> + Profit by the labours of others, and make them profit + by your own. Receive from all, in order to be able to + give to all. Borrow humility from one, obedience from + another, union with God, and the practice of + mortification from others. + </p> + <p> + By charity we store up in ourselves the gifts of grace + enjoyed by every member of the community, in order to + dispense them to all by a happy commerce and admirable + exchange. + </p> + <p> + As the bee draws honey from the sweetest juices + contained in each flower; as the artist studies the + masterpieces to reproduce their marvellous tints in + pictures which, in their turn, become models; as a + mirror placed in a focus receives the rays of + brilliancy from a thousand others placed around it to + re-invest them with a dazzling brilliancy, so happy is + the community whose members multiply themselves, so to + say, by mutually esteeming, loving, admiring, and + imitating each other in what is good. + </p> + <p> + This spontaneity of virtues exercises on all the + members a constant and sublime ministry of mutual + edification and reciprocal sanctification. + </p> + <h1> + <a name="18">XVIII</a> + </h1> + <h2> + EXTENT AND DELICACY OF GOD'S CHARITY FOR MEN + </h2> + <p> + <font size="+1">I</font>N order to excite ourselves to + fraternal charity, let us try and picture that of God + for us. After having had us present in His thoughts + from all eternity, He has called us from nothingness to + life. + </p> + <p> + He Himself formed man's body, and, animating it with a + breath, enclosed in it an immortal soul, created to His + own image. Scarcely arrived on the threshold of life, + we found an officer from His court an angel deputed to + protect, accompany, and conduct us in triumph to our + heavenly inheritance. + </p> + <p> + What a superb palace He has prepared for us in this + world, supplied with a prodigious variety of flowers, + fruits, and animals which He has placed at our + disposal! + </p> + <p> + We were a fallen race, and He sent His Son to raise us + and save us from hell, which we merited. The Word was + made flesh. He took a body and soul like ours, thus + ennobling and deifying, so to speak, our human nature. + Before ascending to His heavenly Father, after having + been immolated for us on the Cross, for fear of leaving + us orphans, He wished to remain amongst us in the Holy + Eucharist, to nourish us with His flesh, and to infuse + into our hearts His Divine Spirit as the living promise + and the delicious foretaste of the felicity and glory + which He went to prepare for us in His kingdom. + </p> + <p> + Truly, O God, You treat us not only with a paternal + love, but with an infinite respect and honour; and + cannot I love and honour those whom You have thus + honoured and loved Yourself? Why do not these thoughts + inflame my charity in the fire of your Divine love? My + brethren and myself are children of God and members of + Jesus Christ. My brethren have their angels, who are + companions of my angel. One day my brethren will be my + companions in glory, chanting eternally the Divine + praises. It is but a short time since, with them, I + partook of the heavenly banquet of the Most Holy + Sacrament, and to-morrow shall do so again. + </p> + <h1> + <a name="19">XIX</a> + </h1> + <h2> + EXTENT AND DELICACY OF THE CHARITY OF JESUS CHRIST + DURING HIS MORTAL LIFE + </h2> + <p> + <font size="+1">L</font>ET us now admire the charity of + our Divine Saviour while on earth. + </p> + <p> + If wine was wanting at a feast; if fishermen laboured + in vain during the night; if a vast crowd knew not + where to procure food in the desert; if unfortunate + persons were possessed by devils or deprived of the use + of their limbs; if death deprived a father of his + daughter, or a widow of an only son, Jesus was there to + supply what was wanting, to give back what was lost, or + to sweeten all their griefs. Sometimes He forestalled + the petition by curing before being asked, or by + exciting the wavering faith. He generally went beyond + the demands of the petitioners. He was always ready to + interrupt His meal, to go to a distance, or to quit His + solitude. Nicodemus, as yet trembling and timid, came + to find Jesus during the night, and He did not hesitate + to sacrifice His sleep by prolonging the conversation. + The Samaritan woman was not beneath His notice, + although He was fatigued after a long journey. He + lavished with prodigality His caresses on the children + who pressed around Him. When the crowd was so great + that the poor woman with the flow of blood could not + come within reach of His hand, He caused an + all-powerful virtue to set out from Him, and a simple + touch of the hem of His garment supplied instead. + </p> + <p> + With what charming grace His benefits were accompanied! + "Zacheus, come down quickly, for I will abide this day + in thy house." Who more than He excelled in the art of + making agreeable surprises? In His apparitions to + Magdalen, to the holy women, to the disciples at + Emmaus, did He not pay well for the ointment, the + tears, and the perfumes, and the hospitality He + received from them? Who is not moved with emotion when + he sees his Lord preparing a meal for the Apostles on + the lake-shore, or asking Peter thrice to give him an + opportunity of publicly repairing his triple denial, + "Lovest thou Me?" + </p> + <p> + Who would not be moved when he hears what St. Clement + relates having heard it from St. Peter that our Lord + was accustomed to watch like a mother with her children + near His disciples during their sleep to render them + any little service? + </p> + <p> + O Jesus! the sweetest, the most amiable, the most + charitable of the children of men, make me a sharer in + Your mildness, Your love, and Your charity. + </p> + <h1> + <a name="20">XX</a> + </h1> + <h2> + FIRST PRESERVATIVE + </h2> + <h3> + <i>How to fortify ourselves against uncharitable + conversations, the principal danger to fraternal + charity</i> + </h3> + <p> + <font size="+1">T</font>O meditate on what the Holy + Scripture says of it: "Place, O Lord, a guard before my + mouth" (Ps. cxl.)—a vigilant sentinel, well + armed, to watch, and, if necessary, to arrest in the + passing out any unbecoming word—"and a door + before my lips," which, being tightly closed, will + never let an un charitable dart escape. + </p> + <p> + "Shut in your ears with a hedge of thorns," to + counteract the tongue, which would pour into them the + poison of uncharitableness, "and refuse to listen to + the wicked tongue." + </p> + <p> + "Put before your mouth several doors and on your ears + several locks"—<i>i.e.</i>, put doors upon doors + and locks upon locks, because the tongue is capable, in + its fury, to force open the first door and break the + first lock. "Melt your gold and silver, and make for + your words a balance"—weighing them all before + uttering them—"and have for your mouth solid + bridles which are tightly held," for fear that the + tongue, getting the better of your vigilance, will + break loose and do mischief in all directions. + </p> + <p> + Considering these many barriers and formidable checks, + must we not see the necessity of burying in a + well-fortified prison that most dangerous monster, the + tongue? "Ah! truly death and life are in the power of + the tongue" (Prov. xviii.). "And although the sword has + been the instrument of innumerable murders, the tongue + has at all times beaten it in producing death" (Ecclus. + xxviii.). "It forms but a small part of the body, and + has done mighty evil: as the helm badly directed causes + the wreck of a fine ship, and as a spark may enkindle a + forest. . . . Unquiet evil, inflamed firebrand, source + of deadly poison, world of iniquity" (St. James iii.). + </p> + <h1> + <a name="21">XXI</a> + </h1> + <h2> + SECOND PRESERVATIVE + </h2> + <h3> + <i>To meditate on what the Saints say</i> + </h3> + <p> + <font size="+1">S</font>T. BONAVENTURE relates that St. + Francis of Assisi said to his religious one day: + "Uncharitable conversation is worse than the assassin, + because it kills souls and becomes intoxicated with + their blood. It is worse than the mad dog, because it + tears out and drags on all sides the living entrails of + the neighbour. It is worse than the unclean animal, + because it wallows in the filth of vices and makes its + favourite pasture there. It is worse than Cham, because + it exposes everywhere the nasty spots which soil the + face of religion—its mother." + </p> + <p> + St. Bernard goes further: "Do not hesitate to regard + the tongue of the backbiter as more cruel than the iron + of the lance which pierced our Saviour's side, because + it not only pierces His sacred side, but one of His + living members also, to whom by its wound it gives + death. It is more cruel than the thorns with which His + venerable head was crowned and torn, and even than the + nails with which the wicked Jews fastened His sacred + hands and feet to the Cross, because if our Divine + Saviour did not esteem more highly the member of His + mystic body (which is pierced by the foul tongue of the + slanderer) than His own natural body formed by the + operation of the Holy Ghost in the chaste womb of the + Virgin Mary, He would never have consented to deliver + the latter to ignominies and outrages to spare the + former." + </p> + <p> + Now St. Francis and St. Bernard are here speaking to + religious. Is it possible, then, for backbiting to + glide into religious communities? Yes, certainly. And + it is by this snare that Satan catches souls which have + escaped all others. + </p> + <p> + St. Jerome says: "There are few who avoid this fault. + Amongst those even who pride themselves on leading an + irreproachable life, you will scarcely find any who do + not criticize their brethren." + </p> + <p> + Rarely, without doubt, but too often, nevertheless, we + calumniate at first secretly or with one or two + friends, afterwards openly and in public. We speak of + the mistakes, shortcomings, and defects, great and + small, and sometimes transmit them as a legacy. + Sometimes we use a moderate hypocrisy by purposely + letting ourselves be questioned, and sometimes brutally + attack our victim without shame. + </p> + <p> + "Have I, then," may the religious thus attacked say, + "in making my vows renounced my honour and delivered my + character to pillage? Has my position as religious, has + the majesty of the King of Kings, of whom I have become + the intimate friend, in place of ennobling me, degraded + me? You call yourselves my brethren, and yet there are + none who esteem me less! You would not steal my money, + and yet you make no scruple of stealing my character, a + thousand times more precious. You pay court to your + Saviour and persecute His child! The same tongue on + which reposes the Holy of Holies spreads poison and + death! Is this to be the result of your study and + practice of virtue? Has not Jesus Christ, by so many + Communions, placed a little sweetness on your tongue + and a little charity in your heart? By eating the Lamb + have you become wolves? as St. John Chrysostom + reproached the clergy of Antioch. And you, who fly so + carefully the gross vices of the world, have you no + care or anxiety about damning yourself by slander?" + </p> + <h1> + <a name="22">XXII</a> + </h1> + <h2> + THIRD PRESERVATIVE + </h2> + <h3> + <i>To guard the tongue</i> + </h3> + <p> + <font size="+1">T</font>HIS must be done especially in + five circumstances: (1) At the change of Superiors. Do + not criticize the outgoing Superior nor flatter the new + one. (2) When you replace another religious. Never by + word or act cast any blame on him. Inexperience, or a + desire to introduce new customs, sometimes causes this + to be done. (3) When you are getting old. Because then + we are apt to think— erroneously, of + course—that the young members growing up are + incapable of fulfilling duties once accomplished by + ourselves. (4) When religious come from another house + do not ask questions which they ought not to answer, + and do not tell them anything which might prejudice or + disgust them with the house or anyone in it. Lastly, in + our interviews with our particular friends we must be + very cautious. There are some who, when anything goes + amiss with them, always seek the company of their + confidants. These should seriously examine before God + whether it is a necessary comfort in affliction or a + support in weakness, or the too human satisfaction of + justifying themselves, giving vent to their feelings, + or getting blame and criticism for the Superior or some + one else. They should also examine whether on such + occasions they speak the exact truth, and whether they + seek a friend, who knows how to take the arrow sweetly + from the wound rather than to bury it deeper. + </p> + <p> + The way to find out the gravity of the sin of + detraction is—(1) To consider the position of him + who speaks and the weight which is attached to his + words; (2) the position of him who is spoken about, and + the need he has of his reputation; (3) the evil thing + said; (4) the number of the hearers; (5) the result of + the detraction; and, lastly, the intention of the + speaker, and the passion which was the cause of it. + </p> + <h1> + <a name="23">XXIII</a> + </h1> + <h2> + FOURTH PRESERVATIVE + </h2> + <h3> + <i>To be on our guard with certain persons</i> + </h3> + <p> + <font size="+1">T</font>HERE are six sorts of religious + who wound fraternal charity more or less fatally, (1) + Those who say to you, "Such a one said so-and-so about + you." These are the sowers of discord, whom God + Almighty declares He has in abomination. Their tongues + have three fangs more terrible than a viper. "With one + blow," says St. Bernard, "they kill three + persons—themselves, the listeners, and the + absent." (2) Those who, obscuring and perverting this + amiable virtue, possess the infernal secret of + transforming it into vice. Is not this to sin against + the Holy Ghost? (3) Those who skilfully turn the + conversation on those brethren of whom they are + jealous, in order to have all put in a bad word. They + thus double the fault they apparently wish to avoid. + (4) Those who constantly have their ears cocked to hear + domestic news, who are skilful in finding out secrets + and picking up stories, whose trade seems to be to take + note of all little bits of scandalous news going, and + to take them from ear to ear, or, worse, from house to + house. Oh, what an occupation! What a recreation for a + spouse of Christ! (5) Those who, under pretext of + enlivening the conversation, sacrifice their brethren + to the vain and cruel wantonness of witticism by + relating something funny in order to give a lash of + their tongue or to expose some weakness. Alas! they + forget that they ruin themselves in the esteem and + opinion of the hearers. (6) Critics of intellectual + work. On this point jealousy betrays itself very easily + on one side, and susceptibility is stirred on the + other. The heart is never insensible nor the mouth + silent when we are wounded in so delicate a part. It is + evident, besides, that in this case the blame supposes + a desire of praise, and that in proportion as we + endeavour to lower our brethren we try to raise + ourselves. All these religious ought to be regarded as + pests in the community. + </p> + <p> + If we call those who maintain fraternal charity the + children of God, should not those who disturb it be + called the children of Satan? Do they not endeavour to + turn the abode of peace into a den of discord, and the + sanctuary of prayer into a porch of hell? + </p> + <h1> + <a name="24">XXIV</a> + </h1> + <h2> + FIFTH PRESERVATIVE + </h2> + <h3> + <i>To be cautious in letter-writing and visiting</i> + </h3> + <p> + <font size="+1">G</font>REAT care must be taken never + to repeat anything at visits or in letters which might + compromise the honour of the community or any of its + members. + </p> + <p> + Never utter a word or write a syllable which might in + the least degree diminish the esteem or lower the merit + of anyone. Every well-reared person knows that little + family secrets must be kept under lock and key. + </p> + <p> + St. Jane Frances de Chantal writes: "To mention rashly + outside the community without great necessity the + faults of religious would be great impudence. Never + relate outside, even to ecclesiastics, frivolous + complaints and lamentations without foundation, which + serve only to bring religion, and those who govern + therein, into disrepute. Certainly, we ought to be + jealous of the honour and good odour of religious + houses, which are the family of God. Guard this as an + essential point which requires restitution." + </p> + <h1> + <a name="25">XXV</a> + </h1> + <h2> + SIXTH PRESERVATIVE + </h2> + <h3> + <i>Caution in communication with superiors</i> + </h3> + <p> + <font size="+1">I</font>N communications made to + Superiors say the exact truth, and for a good purpose. + Do not speak into other ears that which, strictly + speaking, should only be told to the local Superior or + Superior-General. With the exception of extraordinary + cases, or when it refers to a bad habit or something + otherwise irremediable, there is generally little + charity and less prudence in telling the + Superior-General of something blameable which has + occurred. Do not reveal, even before a Superior, + confidences which conscience, probity, or friendship + requires to be guarded with an inviolable seal of + friendship. If we write a complaint about a personal + offence, lessen it rather than exaggerate, and + endeavour to praise the person for good qualities, + because nothing is easier than to blacken entirely + another's reputation. + </p> + <p> + Pray and wait till your emotion be calmed. When passion + holds the pen, it is no longer the ink that flows, but + spleen, and the pen is transformed into a sword. + </p> + <p> + Before speaking or writing to the Superior it would be + well to put this question to ourselves: "Am I one of + those proud spirits who expose the faults of others in + order to show off their own pretended virtues? or + jealous spirits who are offended at the elevation of + others? or vindictive spirits who like to give tit for + tat? or polite spirits who wish to appear important? or + ill-humoured, narrow-minded spirits, scandalized at + trifles? or credulous, inconsiderate spirits who + believe and repeat everything—the bad rather than + the good? In fine, am I a hypocrite who, clothing + malice with the mantle of charity, and hiding a cruel + pleasure under the veil of compassion, weep with the + victim they intend to immolate, as though profoundly + touched by his misfortune, and seem to yield only to + the imperative demands of duty and zeal?" + </p> + <h1> + <a name="26">XXVI</a> + </h1> + <h2> + SEVENTH PRESERVATIVE + </h2> + <h3> + <i>Caution in doubtful cases</i> + </h3> + <p> + <font size="+1">A</font>CT with the greatest reserve in + doubtful cases where grave suspicions, difficult to be + cleared up, rest on a religious superior or inferior, + as the case may be. + </p> + <p> + The ears of the Superior are sacred, and it is unworthy + profanation to pour into them false or exaggerated + reports. To infect the Superior's ears is a greater + crime than to poison the drinking fountain or to steal + a treasure, because the only treasure of religious is + the esteem of their Superior, and the pure water which + refreshes their souls is the encouraging and benevolent + words of the same Superior. + </p> + <p> + Some, by imprudence or under the influence of a highly + coloured or impressionable imagination which carries + everything to extremes (we would not say through + malice), render themselves often guilty of crying acts + of injustice and ruin a religious. What is uncertain + they relate as certain, and what is mere conjecture + they take as the base of grave suspicions. Several + facts which, taken individually, constitute scarcely a + fault, they group together, and so make a mountain out + of a few grains of sand. An act which, seen in its + entirety, would be worthy of praise, they mutilate in + such a fashion as to show it in an unfavourable light. + Enemies of the positive degree, they lavish with + prodigality the words <i>often, very much, + exceedingly,</i> etc. When they have only one or two + witnesses, they make use of the word <i>everybody</i>, + thereby leaving you under the impression that the + rumour is scattered broadcast. On such statements, how + can a Superior pronounce judgment? + </p> + <h1> + <a name="27">XXVII</a> + </h1> + <h2> + EIGHTH PRESERVATIVE + </h2> + <h3> + <i>To check uncharitable conversation in others</i> + </h3> + <p> + <font size="+1">W</font>HEN you see charity wounded by + an equal call him to order. + </p> + <p> + If to say or do anything scandalous is the first sin + forbidden by charity, not to stop, when you can, him + who speaks or acts badly ought to be considered the + second. + </p> + <p> + When the discourse degenerates, represent Jesus Christ + entering suddenly into the midst of the company, and + saying, as He did formerly to the disciples of Emmaus: + "What discourse hold you among yourselves, and why are + you sad?" Recall also these words of the Psalmist: "You + have preferred to say evil rather than good, and to + relate vices rather than virtues. O deceitful, + inconsiderate, and rash tongue! Dost thou think thou + wilt remain unpunished? No; God will punish thee in + everlasting flames." After having thus fortified + ourselves against uncharitable conversation, we ought + to try and put a stop to it. + </p> + <p> + St. John Climacus tells us to address the following + words to those who calumniate in our presence: "For + mercy's sake cease such conversation! How would you + wish me to stone my brethren—me, whose faults are + greater and more numerous?" + </p> + <p> + A holy religious replied to an uncharitable person: "We + have to render infinite thanks to God if we are not + such as those of whom you speak. Alas! what would + become of us without Him?" + </p> + <p> + The philosopher Zeno, hearing a man relate a number of + misdeeds about Antisthenes, said to him: "Ah! Has he + never done anything good? Has he never done anything + for which he merits praise?" "I don't know," he + replied. Then said Zeno, "How is that? You have + sufficient perception to remark, and sufficient memory + to remember, this long list of faults, and you have had + no eyes to see his many good qualities and virtuous + actions." + </p> + <p> + St. John Chrysostom says: "To the calumniator I wish + you to say the following: If you can praise your + neighbours, my ears are open to receive your perfume. + If you can only blacken them, my ears are closed, as I + do not wish them to be the receptacle of your filthy + words. What matters it to me to hear that such a one is + wicked, and has done some detestable act? Friend, think + of the account that must be rendered to the Sovereign + Judge. What excuse can we give, and what mercy will we + deserve—we who have been so keen-sighted to the + faults of others, and so blind to our own? You would + consider it very rude for a person to look into your + private room; but I say it is far worse to pry into + another's private life and to expose it. + </p> + <p> + The calumniator should remember that, besides the fault + he commits and the wrong he does to his neighbours, he + exposes himself, by a just punishment of God, to be the + victim of calumny himself. + </p> + <h1> + <a name="28">XXVIII</a> + </h1> + <h2> + NINTH PRESERVATIVE + </h2> + <h3> + <i>How to check uncharitable conversation in superiors, + etc.</i> + </h3> + <p> + <font size="+1">W</font>HEN we see charity wounded by + persons worthy of respect, keep silent, in order to + show your regret, or relate something to the advantage + of the absent. If necessary, withdraw. + </p> + <p> + It is related in the life of Sister Margaret, of the + Blessed Sacrament of the Carmelite Order, that when a + discourse against charity took place in the house she + saw a smoke arise of such suffocating odour that she + nearly fainted, and fled immediately to her Divine + Master for pardon. + </p> + <p> + St. Jerome, writing to Nepotian on this subject, says: + "Some object that they cannot warn the speaker of his + fault without failing in the respect due to him. This + excuse is vain, because their eagerness to listen + increases his itch for speaking. No one wishes to + relate calumnies and murmurs to ears closed with + disgust. Is there anyone so foolish as to shoot arrows + against a stone wall?" Let your strict silence be a + significant and salutary lesson for the detractor. + "Have no commerce with those who bite," said Solomon, + because perdition is on the eve of overtaking them; and + who can tell the disaster and ruin with which the rash + detractor and equally blamable listener are threatened? + </p> + <p> + If it be true, according to the testimony of a + religious who was visitor of the houses of his Order, + that the virtue against which one can most easily + commit a grievous sin in religion is charity; and, + according to St. Francis de Sales, sins of the tongue + number three-fourths of all sins committed; cannot it + be said with equal truth that to refuse to listen to + detractors is with one blow to prevent the sin and + safeguard charity? + </p> + <p> + In many cases one can adroitly make known the good + qualities and virtues which more than counterbalance + the defects related by the defamer. To act thus is to + spread about the good odour of Christ. + </p> + <h1> + <a name="29">XXIX</a> + </h1> + <h2> + TENTH PRESERVATIVE + </h2> + <h3> + <i>Be cautious after hearing uncharitable + conversation</i> + </h3> + <p> + <font size="+1">A</font>FTER having heard uncharitable + words, observe the following precautions given by the + Saints: + </p> + <p> + 1. Repeat nothing. + </p> + <p> + 2. Believe all the good you hear, but believe only the + bad you see. Malice does the contrary. It demands + proofs for good reports, but believes bad reports on + the slightest grounds. Out of every thousand reports + one can scarcely be found accurate in all its details. + When, as a rule of prudence, Superiors are told to + believe only half of what they hear, to consider the + other half, and still suspect the remaining part, what + rule should be prescribed for inferiors? + </p> + <p> + When the act is evidently blameworthy, suppose a good + intention, or at least one not so bad as apparent, + leaving to God what He reserves to Himself the judgment + of the heart; or consider it as the result of surprise, + inadvertence, human frailty, or the violence of the + temptation. Never come to hasty conclusions— + <i>e.g.</i>, "He is incorrigible; as he is, so will he + always be." Expect everything from grace, efforts, and + time. + </p> + <p> + 3. Efface as much as possible the bad impression + produced on the mind, because calumny always produces + such. + </p> + <p> + The recital of something bad about a fellow-religious + based on probabilities has sufficed to tarnish a + reputation which ample apologies cannot fully repair. + The detractor's evil reports are believed on account of + the audacity with which he relates them, but when he + wants to relate something good he will not be believed + on oath. We know by experience that evil reports spread + with compound interest, while good ones are retailed at + discount. + </p> + <h1> + <a name="30">XXX</a> + </h1> + <h2> + ELEVENTH PRESERVATIVE + </h2> + <h3> + <i>Not to judge or suspect rashly</i> + </h3> + <p> + <font size="+1">E</font>XPEL every doubt, every + thought, likely to diminish esteem. They amuse + themselves with a most dangerous game who always gather + up vague thoughts of the past, rumours without + foundation, conjectures in which passion has the + greatest share, and thus form in their minds characters + of their brethren—adding always, never + subtracting—and by dint of the high idea they + have of their own ability conclude that all their + judgments are true, and thus become fixed in their bad + habit. St. Bernard, comparing them to painters, warns + them that it is the devil who furnishes the materials, + and even the evil conceptions, necessary to depict such + bad impressions of their brethren. We read in the "Life + of St. Francis" that our Lord Himself called in a + distinct voice a certain young man to his Order. "O + Lord," replied the young man, "when I am once entered, + what must I do to please You?" Pay particular attention + to our Lord's answer: "Lead thou a life in common with + the rest. Avoid particular friendships. Take no notice + of the defects of others, and form no unfavourable + judgments about them." What matter for consideration in + these admirable words! + </p> + <p> + Thomas à Kempis says: "Turn thy eyes back upon + thyself, and see thou judge not the doing of others. In + judging others a man labours in vain, often errs, and + easily sins; but in judging and looking into himself he + always labours with fruit. We frequently judge of a + thing according to the inclination of our hearts, + because self-love easily alters in us a true judgment." + </p> + <p> + Rodriguez tells us to turn on ourselves the sinister + questions, etc., we are tempted to refer to others + <i>e.g.</i>: "It is I who am deceived. It is through + jealousy that I condemn my brethren. It is through + malice that I find so much to blame in them. Finally, + the fault is mine, not theirs." + </p> + <p> + Even when reports more or less true might depreciate in + your eyes some of the community, may they not have, + besides their faults, some great but hidden virtues, + and by these be entitled to a more merciful judgment? + St. Augustine says beautifully: "If you cast your eye + over a field where the corn has been trampled, you only + perceive the straw, not the grain. Lift up the straw, + and you will see plenty of golden sheaves full of + grain." The simile is very applicable to a poor + religious beaten down by foul tongues. We blame the + defects of our brethren, and perhaps we have the same, + or others more shameful still. We usurp the right of + judgment, which God reserves to Himself, and forget + that He will punish us by leaving us to our own + irregular passions. Ah! is it not already a very great + misfortune to have these contemptuous, slanderous, + distrustful thoughts, and many other sins, the result + of malicious suspicions and rash judgments, rooted in + the soul? + </p> + <h1> + <a name="31">XXXI</a> + </h1> + <h2> + MEANS TO SUPPORT THE EVIL THOUGHTS AND TONGUES OF + OTHERS + </h2> + <p> + <font size="+1">W</font>HAT must be done in those + painful moments when, being the victim of a painful + calumny, the object of suspicion, the butt of domestic + persecution, we are tempted to believe that charity is + banished from the community, and so to banish it from + our own heart? Recall the words of St. John of the + Cross. "Imagine," says he, "that your brethren are so + many sculptors armed with mallets and chisels, and that + you have been placed before them as a block of marble + destined in the mind of God to become a statue + representing the Man of Sorrows, Jesus crucified." + Consider a hasty word said to you as a thorn in the + head; a mockery as a spit in the face; an unkind act as + a nail in the hand; a hatred which takes the place of + friendship as a lance in the side; all that which + hurts, contradicts, or humiliates us as the blows, + stripes, the gall and vinegar, the crown of thorns and + the cross. The work proceeds always, sometimes slowly, + sometimes quickly. Let us not complain. We will one day + thank these workmen, who, without intending it, give to + our soul the most beautiful, the most glorious, and the + noblest traits. We ourselves are sculptors as well as + statues, and we will find that, on our part, we have + materially helped to form in them the same traits. + </p> + <p> + "If all were perfect," says the "Imitation," "what, + then, should we have to suffer from others for God's + sake?" + </p> + <p> + It is not forbidden us to seek consolation. But from + whom? Is it from those discontented spirits whose ears + are like public sewers, the receptacle of every filth + and dirt? They increase our pain by pouring the poison + of their own discontent instead of the oil of the Good + Samaritan. They will take our disease and give us + theirs, and, like Samson's foxes, spread destruction + around by repeating what we said to them. May God + preserve us from this misfortune! If we cannot carry + our burden alone, and if we find it no relief to lay + our griefs in the Sacred Heart of Jesus, let us go to + him whom the rule appoints to be our friend and + consoler, our confidant and director, and who, as St. + Augustine relates of St. Monica, after having listened + to us with patience, charity, and compassion, after + having at first appeared to share our sentiments, will + sweeten and explain all with prudence, will lift up and + encourage our oppressed heart, and by his counsel and + prayers will restore us to peace and charity. + </p> + <h1> + <a name="32">XXXII</a> + </h1> + <h2> + SECOND MEANS TO BEAR WITH OTHERS + </h2> + <p> + <font size="+1">R</font>ECALL the words of our Lord to + Blessed Margaret Mary: "With the intention of + perfecting thee by patience I will increase thy + sensibility and repugnance, so that thou wilt find + occasions of humiliation and suffering even in the + smallest and most indifferent things." + </p> + <p> + What would be considered, when we were in the world, as + the prick of a needle, we look upon in religion as the + blow of a sword. What we looked upon in our own house + as light as a feather, becomes in community life as + heavy as a rock. An insignificant word becomes an + outrage, and a little matter which formerly would + escape our notice now upsets us, and even deprives us + of sleep and appetite. Is not this increase of + sensibility and repugnance found in the religious state + only to form in us the image of our crucified Lord? If + Christ alone has suffered interiorly more than all the + Saints and Martyrs together, was it not because of this + extreme repugnance of His soul, which multiplied to + infinity for Him the bitterness of the affronts and the + rigour of His torments? Religious may expect for a + certainty that, like their Divine Master, there are + reserved for them moments of complete abandonment, + those agonies intended for the souls of the elect, in + which Nature seems on the point of succumbing. No + consolation from their families, which they have + quitted; nor from their companions, who are busy in + their various employments; nor from their Superiors, + who do not understand the excess of their grief, and + whose words by Divine permission produce no effect. + </p> + <p> + The solemn moment of agony with our Divine Saviour was + that in which, abandoned, betrayed, and denied by His + Apostles, and perceiving in His Father only an + irritated face, He exclaimed, "My God! My God! why hast + Thou forsaken Me?" Such will be for religious the last + touch which will complete in them the resemblance of + Jesus crucified, provided they will render themselves + worthy of it. + </p> + <p> + When will be the time of this complete abandonment? How + long will this agony be prolonged? This is a secret + known only to God. + </p> + <h1> + <a name="33">XXXIII</a> + </h1> + <h2> + CONCLUSION + </h2> + <p> + <font size="+1">P</font>OVERTY, chastity, obedience, + and charity—such are the virtues suitable and + characteristic of the religious. In this little + treatise we have endeavoured to trace the features of + the last. + </p> + <p> + In every community we can distinguish two sorts of + religious— those who mount and those who + descend—those whose face is towards the path of + perfection, and those who have turned their back to it. + Perhaps amongst these latter some have only one more + step to abandon it altogether. Now we mount or descend, + proceed or retrace our steps, in proportion as we + practise these four virtues or neglect them. + </p> + <p> + A religious Order is like a fire balloon, which + requires four conditions in order to rise into the + clouds amidst the applause of the spectators. First, + the rarefaction of the air by fire. This represents the + vow of poverty, which empties the heart through the + hands, and substitutes the desire of heavenly goods for + those of earth. Second, release from the cords which + bind it down. This represents the effects of the vow of + chastity, which, by breaking human attachments, permits + us to soar towards God with freedom and rapidity. + Third, a man who will feed the fire and moderate the + flight of the balloon upwards. This represents the + right which the vow of obedience places in the hands of + the Superior, to nourish the sacred fire, and direct + the sublime movement of the soul and foresee dangers. + Fourth, the union of its component parts. This + represents the operations of charity, in causing all + the members of a community to have but one heart and + one soul. + </p> + <p> + Possessing these four virtues, a religious Order soars + in the heights of perfection; but if one of these be + wanting it falls helplessly, and is no longer an object + of edification, but of scandal and ridicule. + </p> + <p> + When it happens that some members, losing the spirit of + their state, abandon their holy vocation, we may say + with St. John: "They went out from us; but they were + not of us. For if they had been of us, they would no + doubt have continued with us: but that they might be + made manifest that they are not all of us" (1 John + ii.). They appeared to have the religious virtues, but + in reality one or all were wanting to them. + </p> + <p> + O God, do not permit that lukewarmness or an + uncontrolled passion will ever make me waver in my + vocation. During life and at death I wish to remain a + faithful religious, so that I may find the salvation + which Thou hast promised by procuring Thy glory. As + good grain improves by pulling up the weeds, and the + body becomes healthy when purged of bad humours, pour + into my soul the grace and unction which others refuse, + in order that, practising more perfectly from day to + day poverty, chastity, obedience, and charity, and + redoubling my ardour and zeal to my last hour, I may + obtain the priceless treasure promised to those who + have quitted all to follow Thee. Amen. + </p> + <h1> + <a name="34">APPENDIX</a> + </h1> + <h2> + THE PRACTICE OF FRATERNAL CHARITY (FATHER FABER) + </h2> + <p> + 1. <font size="+1">O</font>FTEN reflect on some good + point in each of your brethren. + </p> + <p> + 2. Reflect on the opposite faults in yourself. + </p> + <p> + 3. Do this most in the case of those whom we are most + inclined to criticize. + </p> + <p> + 4. Never claim rights or even let ourselves feel that + we have them, as this spirit is most fatal both to + obedience and charity. + </p> + <p> + 5. Charitable thoughts are the only security of + charitable deeds and words. They save us from + surprises, especially from surprises of temper. + </p> + <p> + 6. Never have an aversion for another, much less + manifest it. + </p> + <p> + 7. Avoid particular friendships. + </p> + <p> + 8. Never judge another. Always, if possible, excuse the + faults we see, and if we cannot excuse the action, + excuse the intention. We cannot all think alike, and we + should, therefore, avoid attributing bad motives to + others. + </p> + <p align="center"> + CHARITABLE RELIGIOUS + </p> + <p> + They have a disregard of self and a desire to + accommodate others. They rejoice with their companions + in their joys and recreations, and grieve with them in + their afflictions. + </p> + <p> + They try to bring all the good they can to the + community and to avert all the evil. They begin with + themselves, by being as little trouble as possible to + others. + </p> + <p> + With great charity and affability they bear with the + faults and shortcomings of others, careful to fulfil + the law of Christ, which tells us to bear one another's + burdens. + </p> + <p> + They dispense to others what they have for their own + advantage; more particularly do they give spiritual + assistance by prayer and the other spiritual works of + mercy. + </p> + <p> + They never contradict anyone. They never speak against + anyone. They are convinced that charity, holy + friendships, and concord form the great solace of this + life, and that no good ever came from dissensions and + disputes. + </p> + <p> + They consider that God is ever in the midst of those + who live united together by the bonds of holy love. + </p> + <p> + We will do likewise if we consider the image of God in + the souls of our brethren. As we form one body here and + one spirit in the same faith and charity, let us hope + not to be separated hereafter, but to belong for ever + to that one body in heaven when faith and hope shall + disappear, but where charity alone shall remain, and + remain for ever. + </p> + <hr> + <p align="center"> + <i>R. & T. Washbourne, Ltd., 1, 2 & 4 + Paternoster Row</i> + </p> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Fraternal Charity, by Rev. Father Valuy + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FRATERNAL CHARITY *** + +***** This file should be named 33701-h.htm or 33701-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/3/3/7/0/33701/ + +Produced by Michael Gray, Diocese of San Jose + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions 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. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project +Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you +charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you +do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the +rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose +such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and +research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do +practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is +subject to the trademark license, especially commercial +redistribution. + + + +*** START: FULL LICENSE *** + +THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE +PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK + +To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free +distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work +(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project +Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project +Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at +https://gutenberg.org/license). + + +Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic works + +1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to +and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property +(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all +the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy +all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. +If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the +terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or +entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. + +1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be +used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who +agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few +things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works +even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See +paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement +and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. See paragraph 1.E below. + +1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" +or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the +collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an +individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are +located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from +copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative +works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg +are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project +Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by +freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of +this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with +the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by +keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project +Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. + +1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern +what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in +a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check +the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement +before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or +creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project +Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning +the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United +States. + +1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: + +1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate +access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently +whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the +phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project +Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, +copied or distributed: + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere 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 + +1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived +from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is +posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied +and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees +or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work +with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the +work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 +through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the +Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or +1.E.9. + +1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted +with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution +must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional +terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked +to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the +permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. + +1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this +work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. + +1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this +electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without +prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with +active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project +Gutenberg-tm License. + +1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, +compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any +word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or +distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than +"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version +posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), +you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a +copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon +request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other +form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. + +1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, +performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works +unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. + +1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing +access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided +that + +- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from + the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method + you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is + owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he + has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the + Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments + must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you + prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax + returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and + sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the + address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to + the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." + +- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies + you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he + does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm + License. You must require such a user to return or + destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium + and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of + Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any + money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the + electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days + of receipt of the work. + +- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free + distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set +forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from +both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael +Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the +Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. + +1.F. + +1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable +effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread +public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm +collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain +"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or +corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual +property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a +computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by +your equipment. + +1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right +of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project +Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all +liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal +fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT +LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE +PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE +TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE +LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR +INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH +DAMAGE. + +1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a +defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can +receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a +written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you +received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with +your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with +the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a +refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity +providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to +receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy +is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further +opportunities to fix the problem. + +1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth +in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER +WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO +WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. + +1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied +warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. +If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the +law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be +interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by +the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any +provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. + +1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the +trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone +providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance +with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, +promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, +harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, +that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do +or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm +work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any +Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. + + +Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm + +Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of +electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers +including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists +because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from +people in all walks of life. + +Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the +assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's +goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will +remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure +and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. +To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation +and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 +and the Foundation web page at https://www.pglaf.org. + + +Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive +Foundation + +The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit +501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the +state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal +Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification +number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at +https://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent +permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. + +The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. +Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered +throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at +809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email +business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact +information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official +page at https://pglaf.org + +For additional contact information: + Dr. Gregory B. Newby + Chief Executive and Director + gbnewby@pglaf.org + + +Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation + +Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide +spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of +increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be +freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest +array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations +($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt +status with the IRS. + +The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating +charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United +States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a +considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up +with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations +where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To +SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any +particular state visit https://pglaf.org + +While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we +have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition +against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who +approach us with offers to donate. + +International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make +any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from +outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. + +Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation +methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other +ways including including checks, online payments and credit card +donations. To donate, please visit: https://pglaf.org/donate + + +Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. + +Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm +concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared +with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project +Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. + + +Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. +unless a copyright notice is included. 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: + + https://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. + + +</pre> + + </body> +</html> diff --git a/33701-h/images/cross.jpg b/33701-h/images/cross.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..ca81189 --- /dev/null +++ b/33701-h/images/cross.jpg diff --git a/33701-h/images/imprimatur.jpg b/33701-h/images/imprimatur.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..1a82f08 --- /dev/null +++ b/33701-h/images/imprimatur.jpg diff --git a/33701-h/images/nihil.jpg b/33701-h/images/nihil.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..b368875 --- /dev/null +++ b/33701-h/images/nihil.jpg |
