FIDELITY IN LITTLE THINGS.
By François Fénelon
GREAT virtues are rare, as are their occasions. When the latter occur, the very crisis may rouse us to the former. We may be excited to the deed by the grandeur of the effort, by the sense of its splendor in the eyes of the world, or by the self-complacency we feel in the performance of so uncommon an action. Great things we anticipate, and for them are thus prepared; but little things are unfoṛseen, and they are forever about us—coming every moment in contact with our pride, our indolence, our haughtiness, and our readiness to take offense; clashing with all our passions and inclinations continually. Often might we be willing to make great sacrifices to God, sacrifices severe and painful, if by so doing we might be at liberty to follow our own wishes and habits in the details, in the little things of life. But it is only by fidelity in little things, that a true and constant love to God can be distinguished from the actings of mere impulse, or passing fervor of spirit. All great things are but the sum total—the added number of small ones; and as he that loses nothing will soon be rich, so he that is faithful in that which is least, will be faithful also in much. We should remember also that what the world may esteem little things, God may deem great. He looks beyond our actions to the motive; and though the world may judge us by appearances, he esteems as nothing that which is often most dazzling to men. What he desires is purity of intention, true docility, and self-renunciation. And all this may be exercised more frequently, and in a way that tries us more severely, on common than on great occasions. Sometimes we cling more tenaciously to a trifle than to a matter of far greater moment. It may be more trying to us to give up a prejudice or an amusement, than to bestow a large sum in charity. We are more in danger, too, from little things, because we think them less injurious, and imagine we are less attached to them than to great; though, when called to forsake them, often do we find how strong and inexcusable was our fondness for them, and that we are almost willing to cling to them at the sacrifice of duty and of God. Often by the neglect of minor duties, is the sincerity of our piety rendered questionable, for there is no probability of our making great sacrifices when we shrink from those that are slight. But what is more dangerous to the mind in little neglects or errors, is, that through them it acquires the habit of unfaithfulness. True love to God thinks nothing small. Every thing that can please or displease him it deems great. It does not lead to constraint and weak scrupulosity, but it sets no limits to its fidelity. It acts with simplicity, and as it is not embarrassed with things that God has not commanded, it never for a moment hesitates as to what he does command, whether it be great or small. Persons who by nature are less exact, ought to be stern with themselves as to trifles. They have the habit of thinking them of no consequence. They realize not how mighty the power which the passions soon acquire by an insensible growth. They forget even their own past and sad experience. They trust for the strength of their fidelity, to an intended but delusive purpose, which often fails them in the very hour of need. "It is only a trifle," say they, "it is nothing." But beware! That "nothing" may be every thing to you! And that "trifle" which you prefer to the will of God, is a trifle that will be your ruin! There is no real elevation of mind in a contempt of little things. It is, on the contrary, from too narrow and contracted views, that we often consider of little moment things which are really of immense and most extensive consequence. The more we are by nature prone to neglect little things, the more we should fear the effects of this neglect, and be watchful over ourselves, and place around us, if possible, some insurmountable barrier to our remissness. Do not let us be discouraged by this constant necessity for watchfulness as to trifles. To maintain the conflict, will at first require firmness; but it is a discipline that we have need of, and one that will at last bring self-control, and with it peace and security to our souls. God will gradually render it pleasant and easy to us; and like every way of duty, we shall find it in the end, blessedness and peace.—French of Fenelon.