Do Everything Without Excitement

February 10.

We have waited for Him, and He will save us:
this is the Lord; we have waited for Him,
we will be glad and rejoice in His salvation.

ISAIAH. 25, verse 9.


Blest are the humble souls that wait
With sweet submission to His will;
Harmonious all their passions move,
And in the midst of storms are still.

P. DODDRIDGE.


Do not be discouraged at your faults;
bear with yourself in correcting them, as you
would with your neighbor. Lay aside this ardor
of mind, which exhausts your body, and leads
you to commit errors. Accustom yourself
gradually to carry prayer into all your daily
occupations. Speak, move, work, in peace, as
if you were in prayer, as indeed you ought to
be. Do everything without excitement, by the
spirit of grace. As soon as you perceive your
natural impetuosity gliding in, retire quietly
within, where is the kingdom of God. Listen to
the leadings of grace, then say and do nothing
but what the Holy Spirit shall put in your heart.
You will find that you will become more tranquil,
that your words will be fewer and more effectual,
and that, with less effort,
you will accomplish more good.

FRANCOIS DE LA MOTHE FENELON.