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OF THE GUARD OF THE OUTWARD SENSES
73

And when you behold in others, goodness, wisdom, justice, or other virtues, make the same separation in your mind, and say to your God, "O most rich Treasury of all virtues, how greatly do I rejoice, that from Thee Alone, and through Thee, flows every good; and that all in comparison of Thy perfection is as nothing! I thank Thee, Lord, for this and for all other good gifts, which Thou hast bestowed upon my neighbour; remember, Lord, my poverty and sore need of this very virtue!"

When you exert yourself to do any thing, bear in mind that God is the first Cause of this action, and that you are nothing but His living instrument; and, lifting up your thoughts to Him, say thus—"How great, O Sovereign Lord of all, is my inward joy, that without Thee I can do nothing, and that Thou art the first and chief Worker in all things."

If you eat or drink, think that it is God Who makes your food pleasant to you; and, rejoicing in Him Alone, you will be able to say—"Be glad, O my soul, that as there is no true satisfaction but in God, so in Him Alone in every thing you can delight."

When your senses are gratified by some sweet odour, do not rest in the enjoyment itself, but let your thoughts pass on to your Lord, from Whom the delight comes; and, filled with inward