virtues, and the reason rejoices, and the conscience dwells in
peace, for the other mortal sins, such as anger and rage, are
removed far from her. For the Spirit of God reposes in a gentle and
humble heart, as Christ saith, "Blessed are the meek, for they shall
inherit the earth"--that is to say, their own nature and the things
of earth in meekness, and, after this life, the things of eternity.

ON KINDNESS

FROM the same source as gentleness comes kindness, for the gentle
spirit alone can possess kindness. This kindness causes a man to
oppose a loving face and friendly words, and all the works of pity,
to those who are angry with him, and he hopes that they will return
to themselves and amend. Thanks to mercy and kindness, charity
remains lively and fruitful in a man; for the heart full of kindness
is like a lamp full of precious oil; and the oil of kindness
lightens the wandering sinner by its good example, and soothes and
heals by consoling words and deeds those whose heart is wounded,
saddened, or irritated. And it inflames and illumines those who are
in charity, and no jealousy or envy can touch it.

ON COMPASSION

FROM kindness is born compassion, by which we sympathise with every
one, for no one can suffer with all men, except he who has kindness.
Compassion is an inward movement of the heart, aroused by pity for
the bodily or spiritual distress of all men. This compassion makes a
man partaker in Christ's sufferings, when he considers the reason of
these sufferings, the resignation and love of Christ, His wounds,
His tortures, His shame, His nobleness, His misery, the shame which