Three Hundred and Tenth Subject. The Bad Effects of Discouragement

Brother Philippe, Subjects for Particular Examen, 1870, p. 502

Woe to them that are faint-hearted .... that have lost patience.— ECCLES. ii. 15.
To be discouraged, would be an almost irremediable evil in a teacher; to imagine that one would never succeed, would be one of the most dangerous errors. Many excellent teachers, who now manage the class perfectly, experienced many troubles, many difficulties, in the beginning. They have learned by experien ce that he who wishes sincerely, who wishes constantly, who consults, who studies, and who adopts prudent measures, can do much, and that sooner or later, he will succeed even beyond his hopes.
It is necessary then that a young teacher arm himself with courage; that he study his regulations well; that he ask counsel of those who have more sagacity than he; that he be constant, silent, in the class, and that he keep the pupils always occupied; it is necessary, above all, that he pray much, that he ask aid and courage from him who can do all, and who is always pleased to second the good will of those who labor for his glory.
Let us examine our conduct on this subject. Have we done our best to succeed in our employment? Have we studied the means prescribed to us by our regulations; such as silence, vigilance, fixedness, and carefulness to keep the pupils continually occupied? Have we asked for the counsels of which we had need, to know what we ought to do or avoid, in order to succeed; and have we followed them? Have we had recourse to God, and have we asked of Him the lights and the graces needful to us? Self-love,