Page:Side talks with girls (1895).djvu/219

Rh follow certain ceremonies here. Now, judge yourself. What must God think of you? He said that in His Father's house there were many mansions. May there not be many paths leading to them? And you who claim to be upon the right one, so far forget the very first of the virtues of pure religion, charity, that you condemn your neighbor. She goes along her way pouring oil upon the wounds of the sick, giving drink to those who thirst and a helping hand to whoever may need it, while you do not hesitate to say that her way is wrong. I don't like to think that any one of my girls is like this, and yet youth is inclined to be severe.

Charity should pervade the whole of life, just as the fresh odor of the trees fills the air with a thousand sweet scents. It should make the words that you say better, the deeds that you do worthier, and so permeate every act of your life that to the world at large you yourself seem an outward sign of goodness and kindness. Truly it is a beautiful thing, the possession of this virtue. Faith and hope stand beside it, but lo, it is the greatest of all. You and I will pray for it, so that life may become more beautiful.