The faith of our fathers - Carmel Apologetics

"230 THE FAITH OF OUR FATHERS.And if our faith had given us nothing moreThan this example of all womanhood,So mild, so merciful, so strong, so good,So patient, peaceful, loyal, loving, pure,This were enough to prove it higher and truerThan all the creeds the world had known before." *St. Ambrose gives us the following beautiful picture of Mary s life before her "espousals Let the:life,"he says, of the Blessed Mary be ever presentto you, in which, as in a mirror, the beauty of chasand the form of virtue shine forth. She was atityvirgin not only in body, but in mind, who neversullied the pure affection of her heart by unworthyfeelings. She was humble of heart, serious in herconversation, fonder of reading than of speaking.She placed her confidence rather in the prayer ofthe poor than in the uncertain riches of this world.She was ever intent on her occupations,. . . andaccustomed to make God rather than man the witness of her thoughts. She injured no one, wishedwell to all, reverenced age, yielded not to envy,avoided all boasting, followed the dictates of reason,and loved virtue. When did she sadden her parents even by a look? There was . . . nothing forward in her looks, bold in her words, or unbecoming in her actions. Her carriage was not abrupt,her gait not indolent, her voice not petulant, so thather very appearance was the picture of her mindand the figure of piety."1Longfellow s"Golden Legend."