has its trials - every state in life has its own difficulties and thorns; there is none where t.he sky is perpetually serene and where roses bloom forever. In other paths besides the one you pursue thorns are found to wound the feet of the wayfarer; indeed, they are often of a size of which you have no conception. Many a thorn of which you know nothing is found in the path of the priest, the doctor, the lawyer, the father of a family. Even in the highest ranks of society tears flow in abundance, and "he that weareth purple and beareth the crown" (Ecclus. xl. 4) is often crushed to the ground by a heavy burden. Cast your eyes upon the world round about you, compare your work with the work of others more heavily burdened, compare your trials with theirs, and do not complain about your state in life, but be content. Let us also remember that men often conceal their troubles from the world, and that many a man hides a sore heart behind a smiling countenance.
Another source of content is found in looking up to God, whose will we perform. Our holy faith teaches us that there is a divine providence that disposes all things: "He ordereth all things sweetly" (Wis. viii. i) "The eyes of the Lord are upon the ways of men, and He considereth all their steps" (Job xxxiv. 21). Holy Scripture teaches us that God disposes all things, especially the Ways of man; it must, then, be God's will that
