the truth. And this I always do, though I grant it is much more
difficult. It would be far less trouble for us, when told of a
worry, to cast the blame on the absent. Less trouble . . .
nevertheless I do just the contrary, and if I am disliked it
cannot be helped. Let the novices not come to me if they do not
want to learn the truth."

* * * * * *

"Before a reproof[20] bear fruit it must cost something and be
free from the least trace of passion. Kindness must not degenerate
into weakness. When we have had good reason for finding fault, we
must leave it, and not allow ourselves to worry over having given
pain. To seek out the delinquent for the purpose of consoling her,
is to do more harm than good. Left alone, she is compelled to look
beyond creatures, and to turn to God; she is forced to see her
faults and to humble herself. Otherwise she would become
accustomed to expect consolation after a merited rebuke, and would
act like a spoilt child who stamps and screams, knowing well that
by this means its mother will be forced to return and dry its
tears."

* * * * * *

"'Let the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, be ever
in your mouth and in your hearts.'[21] If we find any one
particular person disagreeable we should never be disheartened,
much less cease our endeavour to reform that soul. We should wield
_the sword of the Spirit,_ and so correct her faults. Things
should never be allowed to pass for the sake of our own ease. We