HOW TO LIVE IN PEACE WITH OTHERS.
By Fenelon
In order to be satisfied even with the best people we need to be content with little and to bear a great deal. Even the most perfect people have many imperfections; we ourselves have as great defects. Our faults combined with theirs make mutual toleration a difficult matter; but we can only “fulfil the law of Christ” by “bearing one another’s burdens.” There must be a mutual loving forbearance. Frequent silence, habitual recollection, prayer, self-detachment, giving up all critical tendencies, faithfulness in putting aside all the idle imaginations of a jealous, fastidious self-love—all these will go far to maintain peace and union. How many troubles would be avoided by this simplicity! Happy is he who listens neither to himself nor to the idle talk of others. Be content to lead a simple life where God has placed you. Be obedient; bear your daily crosses—you need them, and God gives them to you only out of pure mercy.—Fenelon.