Ex Libris 
 C. K. OGDEN
 
 of (Wefctfafton.
 
 Jl 
 
 of 
 
 SUGGESTIONS AS AIDS TO THOSE WHO 
 DESIRE TO LIVE A DEVOUT LIFE. 
 
 BY 
 
 \V. J. KNOX LITTLE, M.A., 
 
 Canon of Worcester, and Vicar of Hoar Cross. 
 
 ILmrtron : 
 
 SKEFFINGTON & SON, PICCADILLY, W. 
 1896.
 
 (preface. 
 
 PRAYER is as every Christian believes an in- 
 dispensable exercise in the spiritual life. It is, in 
 fact, the characteristic mark and employment of a 
 religious mind. That longing of the soul for 
 higher things, which is a feature in all human life, 
 has led men to pray. The soul is " by nature 
 Christian," and all have, in one way or another, 
 felt 
 
 1 ' What are men better than sheep or goats 
 That nourish a blind life within the brain, 
 If, knowing God, they lift not hands of prayer, 
 Both for themselves and those who call them ' friend ' ? " 
 
 Prayer is, then, for a Christian, a necessity. 
 Prisoned here in the flesh, the soul, in its higher 
 moments at any rate, beats against the bars of 
 Time, as a bird against the bars of its cage, and 
 longs to soar upward into higher worlds. By 
 prayer it does this. It escapes from the trifles 
 
 2015284
 
 and trials of the passing world and realizes its 
 immortality. The noblest moments of life are 
 the moments of prayer. 
 
 Again, prayer is a distinct duty. Probably no 
 one duty is so determinedly and unflinchingly 
 insisted upon in the New Testament as this. In 
 every way, by precept, by exhortation, by en- 
 couragement, by example, our Lord and His 
 Apostles enforce the duty of prayer. The fact is, 
 that as the air to the bodily lungs, so is prayer to 
 the soul. Without prayer, no soul can live, no 
 soul can be saved ; with prayer, no soul can be 
 lost, no soul can die. 
 
 The encouragements to prayer are endless and 
 boundless. It is a great mystery. Difficulties 
 surround the practise of it and its consequences, 
 but these " difficulties" are the trade mark of all 
 religious life on earth. Difficulties in life, like 
 hurdles in a steeplechase, are made to be got 
 over. Faith removes mountains. No one who 
 really embarks on the severe effort of prayer, and 
 perseveres in it, ever fails, in the long run, to feel 
 the marvellous force of this electricity of Eternity.
 
 Preface. vii. 
 
 A life without prayer is a cramped, darkened, 
 suffocated, distorted life. 
 
 One of the most important methods of prayer, 
 as we have learnt from the common sense and 
 experience of the Saints, is mental prayer or 
 Meditation. It consists in this. We place before 
 our minds some of the many truths of the Faith, 
 and allow the mind to expatiate upon them, in the 
 specially realized presence of God, and by His 
 grace. The soul is thus clinging to a real objec- 
 tive fact. The mind is exercised on truth, and it 
 is contact with truth which gives it pleasure and 
 trains and braces it. The affections are warmed 
 by the noblest objects. The will is roused to 
 fresh activity. No other method of prayer is so 
 calculated to encourage close and fruitful com- 
 munion with God. 
 
 All prayer has, apart from the supernatural and 
 objective results promised by God subjective 
 effects upon the mind and character of one who 
 prays. Men, it has been said, whose natural 
 abilities are not lofty, have by prayer acquired 
 keen intelligence, and powers of penetrating
 
 thought. Besides this, " sweetness and light " 
 come to characters from prayer. Men gain 
 gentleness, decision, wisdom, calmness, penetra- 
 tion, sweetness, strength, when their natural 
 characters have been markedly deficient in these 
 very points. There is one chief result of Medita- 
 tion on the mind itself, apart from the promised 
 result of prayer. By it the soul habitually realizes 
 the Unseen as it does in no other way to the same 
 extent. To us in England partly from our 
 national character, partly from the convulsions of 
 the past, which have darkened the Faith, partly 
 from our sometimes noble, sometimes dangerous, 
 self-reliance, leading, in religion, often into Phari- 
 saism there is danger of a religion of " sacred 
 scenes and pious sentiments," instead of a religion 
 of acts of faith, and eager and reverent dealings 
 with the unseen. Our danger in religion is to 
 think a great deal about self, and very little about 
 God. Meditation, or mental prayer, is the best 
 corrective to all this. In this exercise we are led 
 not only to speak with God, as a man speaketh 
 with his friend, but to realize and make our own
 
 preface. ix. 
 
 facts and truths, which know no changing, what- 
 ever be the fluctuations of our subjective fancies. 
 
 Many who have desired to use Meditation have 
 found it difficult. The processes of mind at work 
 in this exercise have been analyzed by great 
 masters, and then the results stated as guides 
 how to use the mind in it. The consequence has 
 been either humble souls have tried to follow 
 the guidance, and found it too elaborate, and too 
 intricate, and having spent their efforts on arrang- 
 ing mind, affections, will, and so on, have given 
 it up in despair ; hasty souls have thought it too 
 technical, and wanting in the freedom of the 
 spiritual life, and have cast it aside in scorn. 
 
 A great master of the spiritual life said some- 
 thing of this sort, " I have learnt to meditate by 
 taking a verse of the Gospels, or a truth of the 
 Faith, and thinking it over with God." That is a 
 full statement of the whole thing. 
 
 The present volume is meant as a collection of 
 suggestions and helps to those who find Medita- 
 tion difficult. It need not of course be used 
 slavishly. It has been thought well in each case
 
 to offer to others the simple course which has 
 been found useful. Still all who meditate need 
 not " kneel down." Nor need they use all points, 
 or follow in every detail. It is hoped that what 
 has been a help to a soul may be a help to other 
 souls. That is all. 
 
 Nothing can be more important, surely, than 
 to realize amid the many trials and anxieties of 
 our mortal pilgrimage the truth and beauty and 
 nearness and awfulness of the unseen world. 
 This can only be realized to fruitful purpose in 
 constant communion with God. If in close com- 
 munion with Him our first beginning and our 
 last end we can enter more deeply into the 
 truths He has taught His Church, blessed are we ! 
 To help to this, in however insufficient a manner, 
 is the object of this little " Treasury." May God 
 use it for His glory and for the comfort of souls. 
 
 W. J. KNOX LITTLE. . 
 Hoar Cross, 
 
 Epiphany, 1896.
 
 MEDITATIONS ON SIN. 
 
 PACK 
 
 1. THE INTERRUPTION OF UNION WITH GOD 3 
 
 2. THE SICKNESS OF THE SOUL - - 6 
 
 3. SIN THE VIOLATION OF THE LAW OF Gon 10 
 
 4. SIN AS A BURDEN ON THE SOUL 13 
 
 5. SIN THE SLAVERY OF THE SOUL 17 
 
 MEDITATIONS ON THE WORLD. 
 
 1. ON THE SCRIPTURAL REVELATION AS TO 
 
 THE WORLD - - - - 23 
 
 2. ON THE DANGERS OF THE WORLD - - 27 
 
 3. ON OUR DEALINGS WITH THE WORLD - 31 
 
 4. ON WAYS OF LEADING AN UNWORLDLY 
 
 LIFE 35 
 
 5. ON SOME THOUGHTS WHICH LESSEN THE 
 
 POWER OF THE WORLD 39 
 
 ON THINGS OF ORDINARY LIFE. 
 
 1. ON SELF-RESPECT .... 45 
 
 2. Os T WATCHFULNESS AS TO HEALTH \ND 
 
 FOOD - 49 
 
 3. ON EQUABILITY OF TEMPER IN COMMON 
 
 LIFE 53 
 
 4. ON KEEPING ONESELF IN HAND - - 57 
 =;. ON FAMILY AND SOCIAL DUTIES - - 62
 
 ,Y 
 
 xii. Cnntmts'. 
 
 MEDITATIONS ON NEARNESS TO GOD. 
 
 
 p 
 
 AGE 
 
 i. ON ACQUAINTANCE WITH GOD - 
 
 69 
 
 2. ON ENTIRE SUBMISSION TO GOD 
 
 73 
 
 3. ON SUBMISSION TO GOD'S WILL AS A HELP 
 
 
 IN ACTION 
 
 76 
 
 4. ON ENTIRE TRUST IN GOD - 
 
 79 
 
 5. ON TRUST IN GOD 
 
 82 
 
 6. ON PARTICULAR ACTS OF TRUST IN GOD - 
 
 86 
 
 7. ON INTERIOR PEACE - 
 
 90 
 
 8. ON SOME THOUGHTS HELPING TO INTERIOR 
 
 
 PEACE 
 
 94 
 
 ON THE PERFECT LIFE. 
 
 
 i. ON THE PERFECT LIFE, (i.) 
 
 99 
 
 2. ON THE PERFECT LIFE. (2.) 
 
 103 
 
 3. ON THE PERFECT LIFE. (3.) 
 
 107 
 
 4. ON THE PERFECT LIFE. (4.) 
 
 HI 
 
 5. ON THE PERFECT LIFE. (5.) 
 
 "5 
 
 ON THE LIFE OF CHRIST. 
 
 
 i. ON CHRIST OUR EXAMPLE - 
 
 121 
 
 2. ON THE MIND OF CHRIST - 
 
 125 
 
 3. ON THE HUMILITY OF JESUS 
 
 129 
 
 4. ON THE PATIENCE OF JESUS 
 
 I 3 2 
 
 ON THE OFFICES OF OUR SAVIOUR. 
 
 
 i. ON JESUS THE GOOD SHEPHERD - 
 
 139 
 
 2. ON JESUS THE TEACHER OF HEAVENLV- 
 
 
 MlNDEDNESS ------ 
 
 143 
 
 3 ON JESUS THE LAMB OF GOD 
 
 147 
 
 4. ON JESUS THE FRIEND OK SINNERS 
 
 151 
 
 5. ON JESUS THE ADVOCATE WITH THE 
 
 m 
 
 
 A DO 
 
 m~
 
 MEDITATIONS ON THE CROSS OF CHRIST. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 1. ON THE CROSS OF CHKIST - - - - 161 
 
 2. ON THE CROSS AS THE THRONE OF THE 
 
 JUDGE - 164 
 
 3. ON THE CROSS AS THE SOURCE OF HOPE - 168 
 
 4. ON THE CROSS THE FOUNT OF MERIT - 172 
 
 5. ON THE CROSS AS A WITNESS TO THE 
 
 LOVE OF GOD IN CHRIST - - - 176 
 
 MEDITATIONS ON THE HOLY GHOST. 
 
 r. ON DEVOTION TO THE HOLY GHOST - - 183 
 
 2. ON THE HOLY GHOST IN THE INCARNATION 
 
 AND THE CHURCH 187 
 
 3. ON THE HOLY GHOST AS THE SPIRIT OF 
 
 UNION -._..-- 191 
 
 4. ON THE TEACHING AND WARNING OF THE 
 
 HOLY GHOST 196 
 
 5. ON THE HOLY GHOST SANCTIFYING AND 
 
 COMFORTING 200 
 
 MEDITATIONS ON BLESSED MARY, THE VIRGIN. 
 
 1. ON THE TITLE "OUR LADY" - - - 207 
 
 2. ON BLESSED MARY, AS THE SECOND EVE- 211 
 
 3. ON BLESSKD MARY, AS A PATTERN OF 
 
 VIRTUES 215 
 
 4. ON BLESSED MARY, AS MOTHER OF GOD - 220 
 
 5. ON OUR LADY, AS THE EVER BLESSED - 225 
 
 MEDITATIONS ON SOME OF THE SAINTS. 
 
 1. ON SANCTITY 233 
 
 2. ON S. MATTHEW, (i.) 237 
 
 3. ON S. MATTHEW. (2.) 241 
 
 4. ON S. MARK 245
 
 MEDITATIONS ON SOME OF THE SAINTS. 
 
 (Continued.) PAGE 
 
 5 ON S. LUKE - - 2^9 
 
 6. ON S. JOHN - - - 253 
 
 7. ON S. STEPHEN, (i.) - - 257 
 
 8. ON S. STEPHEN. (2.) - - 261 
 
 9. ON S. PAUL - - 265 
 10. ON S. FRANCIS OF ASSISI - 269 
 
 MEDITATIONS ON THE HOLY ANGELS. 
 
 1. ON THE ANGELS AS AGENTS FOR GOD'S 
 
 WORK - - - - 275 
 
 2. ON THE ANGELS AS WARRIORS FOR GOOD 279 
 
 3. ON THE ANGKLS AS GUARDING AND CARING 
 
 FOR Us - 284 
 
 4 ON THE ANGELS AS WATCHERS REJOICING 
 
 IN GOODNESS AND BEAUTY - - - 289 
 
 5. ON THE ANGELS AS SYMPATHIZING FRIENDS 293 
 
 MEDITATIONS ON THE BLESSED SACRAMENT. 
 
 1. ON THE LOVE OK GOD IN THE INSTITUTION 299 
 
 2. ON THE BLESSING OF COMMUNION - 303 
 
 3. ON THANKFULNESS FOR COMMUNION - - 307 
 
 4. ON THE NAMES OF THE SACRAMENT - 311 
 
 5. ON THE LOVE OF JESUS IN THE SACRAMENT 315 
 
 6. ON THE PATIENCE AND HUMILITY OF JESUS 
 
 IN THE SACRAMENT - 319 
 
 MEDITATIONS ON LIFE, DEATH, AND 
 ETERNITY. 
 
 1. ON LIFE AS A PILGRIMAGE - 325 
 
 2. ON LIFK AS A TIME OF TRIAL - 329 
 
 3. ON LIFE AS A TIME OF BATTLE 332
 
 MEDITATIONS ON LIFE, DEATH, AND 
 
 ETERNITY. (Continued.) PAGE 
 
 4. ON LIFE AS A TIME OF PROGRESS - - 336 
 
 5. ON LIFE AS AN OPPORTUNITY OF DOING 
 
 GOOD TO OTHERS 340 
 
 6. ON LIFE AS AN OPPORTUNITY OF SERVING 
 
 GOD ------- 
 
 7. ON THE SERIOUSNESS OF DEATH 
 
 8. Ox DEATH IN ITS BLESSEDNESS - 
 
 9. ON ETERNITY, (i.) - 
 10. ON ETERNITY. (2.)
 
 Meditations on Sin,
 
 I. 
 
 Jnferrupfton of (Union 
 witty (Bod. 
 
 1. KNEEL AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ SLOWLY AND THOUGHTFULLY ISAIAH LIX. 2. 
 
 3. BRING BEFORE YOUR MIND THE REAL SCENE. THE 
 PROPHET BROUGHT BY THE SPIRIT TO THE LORD'S 
 HOUSE TO REBUKE INIQUITY. THE WORD OF THE 
 LORD COMES TO HIM TO SPEAK TO OTHERS. HE 
 SPEAKS TO YOU OF THE MEANING OF SlN. 
 
 i. QIN is common. I am used to it. I am so 
 used to it I hardly notice it. I know 
 it, yet I don't understand it. History could 
 not be written without it. No novel have I 
 read that does not take it into account. 
 Society has to allow for it, and arrange for 
 it. It is a power. I can see what sweet, 
 happy things might be. It stops them. It 
 puts a stop to what might be happiness, 
 brightness, love and peace. What is it ? It 
 is a posture of my will. I will what is contrary 
 to the will and nature of the highest, the best, 
 contrary to God. Let me think of this 
 contrary to what is the perfection of beauty, 
 contrary to Thee.
 
 (Tl)r IntriTUptmn of Union tuttl) 
 
 2. T COME from God. I go to God. God is 
 
 the Source of all beauty, all goodness. 
 God is life. I have sinned. I have tried life 
 away from God. I have tried to live away 
 from life. What is that ? Death. What has 
 parted me from God is Sin. How terrible 
 separation from those we love ! The prisoner 
 in the noisome dungeon is separated by the 
 thick, dark wall from the blue sky, and the 
 sweet sunlight, and the blue sea. More 
 beautiful than sky, sea, sunlight, is He Who 
 made them all. That awful wall which 
 separates me from God is Sin. "The middle 
 wall of partition " it is. To be left alone in 
 darkness, desolation, weakness, loneliness 
 how terrible ! That " leaving alone " is Sin. 
 
 3. T^ID God ever draw away from me ? Did 
 
 a true, good father ever draw away 
 from the child he loved ? Never. I have 
 drawn away from God. My own will and act 
 these have separated me from Him Who is 
 my life. Can / go on saying, " I won't love 
 you " ? Ah ! no. He will never part from me. 
 I have parted from Him. That is Sin. The 
 ungrateful, unloving parting from Him Who 
 loves me. 
 
 <&ue0tion. What is my Sin ? It may take many 
 forms ; at bottom it is doing my own
 
 Ftjr ntn niptmn of tin ion tottb <@nK. 5 
 
 will, apart from the thought of what 
 is highest and best, apart from Him 
 Who is most glorious, and loves me. 
 
 iUfs'olbr. To-day I will fight against my Sin. 
 Prayerlessness ? Self-indulgence ? 
 Anger ? Cowardice ? Inconsiderate- 
 ness ? Laziness ? Vanity ? Untruth ? 
 Whatever it is. 
 
 Q my God, most holy, most beau- 
 tiful, most loving, do not let me put 
 anything between my soul and Thee, 
 Who art my life. Give me grace to 
 give up anything which stops my 
 way to Thee. For Christ's sake. 
 Amen." 
 
 OTortJS of CJjrtet. " IF THY HAND OR THY 
 
 FOOT OFFEND THEE, CUT THEM OFF, AND 
 CAST THEM FROM THEE." 
 
 God most holy and most loving, 
 Thou art Life and Strength to me ; 
 
 Make me stern in disapproving 
 All that parts my life from Thee. 
 
 One practical resolution for this day, 
 
 " OUR FATHER," &c. 
 " GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c.
 
 II. 
 
 of 
 
 1. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOURSKLF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ OVER REVERENTLY ROM. vi. 20, 21. 
 
 3. PICTURE TO YOURSELF A BEAUTIFUL AND INNOCENT 
 CHILD. IMAGINE HIM BEFORE YOU LATER IN LIFE A 
 
 WRECKED AND RUINED MAN. OR THINK OF A FEVER- 
 STRICKEN PATIKNT ON A DYING BED. 
 
 i. OOME terrible change has passed over human 
 nature. I see human nature around me 
 in sorrow. Once it was not so. The nature 
 has still in it much that is beautiful, but it is 
 a ruin, it is sick unto death. My reason tells 
 me one thing, my passions another. " To will 
 is present with me. How to do I find not." 
 The robe of original righteousness has been 
 withdrawn, and all the powers of doing right 
 are weakened. It is easy to do wrong ; to do 
 right is hard. To swim against the stream is 
 virtue. If I go with the stream it is not 
 difficult, and it is evil. Everyone has felt this, 
 heathen poets and philosophers as well as 
 Christian. Here is a fact that I must not 
 close my eyes to. Sin introduces disease. 
 Sin brings ruin.
 
 of tlje 
 
 T HAVE a nature at war with itself. I who 
 think, though I am not thought ; I who feel, 
 though I am not feeling ; I who wish and will, 
 though I am not volition ; I, my very own self, 
 am at war with myself. A disease has entered 
 into me. I am like a fever stricken patient. 
 Something has marred my soul. The beauty 
 is tarnished. The full strength and proportion 
 is injured. It is a ruin. I feel that it is sick 
 and hurt. Where is my pride now ? Why 
 have I thought so well of myself ? Why not 
 face facts ? " The whole head is sick and the 
 whole heart faint." It is a terrible confession. 
 O soul, what is this disturbance, disease and 
 ruin ? This is Sin. 
 
 r\ MY soul, what shall I do ? Where shall 
 I find help ? The ruin must be rebuilt ; 
 this disease cured. I can have no peace till 
 then. If the disease advances I must die, and 
 die in misery. If the ruin go crumbling on, 
 my soul will moulder away. O my God, help 
 me. The Saviour has come to give a germ of 
 fresh life to the sick soul, to rebuild this ruin. 
 Thou, O my Saviour, canst alone check the 
 advance of corruption. I may have to fight on 
 and struggle on. But blessed be God I have 
 help and hope. I need not go on in disease. 
 There is a Physician. I need not crumble into
 
 of fl)t Jpoul. 
 
 ruin. The struggle is hard, but " I can do all 
 things through Christ that strengtheneth me." 
 
 <ShuSttOH. Which of the capital sins is supplying 
 the leaven of corruption in my soul ? 
 Has there been a long, an unexamined, 
 an unknown disease corrupting my 
 soul ? Think. Find it out. 
 
 . I w ill U se all the powers of the grace 
 of Christ to check this disease. 
 Whatever in me may seem healthy 
 and strong will be weakened and 
 corrupted if the disease spreads. 
 This habit, this fault must be checked. 
 I will not be content under it. If 
 pain is gone there is death. I will 
 pray God, in mercy, never to let me 
 sin without feeling a pang. I will 
 confess my Sin, bear such penance 
 as God lays on me, and try again 
 humbly and hopefully in Christ. 
 
 . " O Lord Jesus, great Physician. I come 
 to Thee sick unto death with sin. I 
 confess my sin ... to Thee. Heal 
 me, O merciful Saviour, and renew 
 Thy strength in me against this 
 disease. Thou didst, on earth, heal 
 the leper, the paralytic, the fever-
 
 of tf)c 
 
 stricken ; turn not, dear Saviour, 
 away from me. For Thy mercy's 
 sake. Amen. 
 
 f)e CEortW of Cftrfet, by S. Matthew (iv. 23) : 
 
 " HE WENT ABOUT HEALING." 
 
 Jesus, Saviour, since I feel me 
 Sick and wretched, not in vain 
 
 Didst Thou come. Physician, heal me, 
 Howsoever sharp the pain. 
 
 OH* practical resolution for this day towards checking 
 the continuance of the Sin in the soul. 
 
 " OUR FATHER." &c. 
 "GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c.
 
 III. 
 ige (giofotf on of tfje aw of <0fo5. 
 
 1. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ OVER REVERENTLY PSALM xix. 
 
 3. PICTURE TO YOURSELF THE CALM MAJESTY OF THE 
 HEAVENS AS SEEN ON A STARRY NIGHT. PUT 
 BEFORE YOU THE REGULATED MOVEMENT OF THE 
 STARS. IMAGINE SUDDENLY A WILD, UNRESTRAINED 
 COMET DASHING ABOUT THROUGH THE UNNUMBERED 
 WORLDS, CAUSING DESTRUCTION, UNTIL THE WHOLE 
 HEAVENS ARE IN RUINS. 
 
 i. OINCE God is God He must support and 
 vindicate the moral law. The law of 
 right is not a rule capriciously laid down by 
 God ; it is a necessity of His Nature. The 
 moral law is an unveiling of God's Eternal 
 Nature. Sin is the breach of an eternal and 
 necessary law of right. Sin violates the 
 necessary order of the moral world, as if 
 that were possible a planet which broke 
 away from the law of gravity would violate 
 and ruin the order of the natural world. To 
 violate the law of right means death. This 
 I have done. I am under penalty of death. 
 " The soul that sinneth, it shall die." This 
 is no statement of an arbitrary sentence, but 
 of a necessary law. Far-reaching and awful
 
 JNu tljc t'olattcm at tljc liato of <afc. IT. 
 
 are the consequences of Sin. If I violate the 
 natural laws of my bodily life take poison, or 
 leap over a precipice by natural law my body 
 necessarily dies. If I violate the moral law, 
 by necessary law of spiritual life, my soul is 
 brought under the power of eternal death. 
 
 soul longs for God. Who is Life, but it 
 is, from Sin, under the power of Death. 
 I have broken the law of right ; that breaking 
 of that law is death God cannot ignore a fact 
 and a necessary law. Yet God can deal with 
 it He alone. I cannot lift myself out of 
 death. God can. There is for this forgive- 
 ness. That is more than passing Sin by. 
 Unless I have that forgiveness I am in death. 
 O awful thought, the blackness, the darkness, 
 the stifling horror of a living tomb ! 
 
 /^\ MY God, how can this be ? Is there a 
 power to help me ? Christ is here. He 
 takes away my Sin. He makes me righteous. 
 He brings me back to conformity to the law 
 of righteousness. He was made Sin for me. 
 He is the Propitiation for my Sin. The law is 
 eternal and necessary that God and Sin must 
 be for ever in opposition one to the other. 
 Christ reconciles me with God because He 
 severs me from evil. God's love led to the 
 death of the Redeemer. By faith I am one
 
 12 tn tlje Violation of tbc iLato of 
 
 with Him, and He has fulfilled the law of 
 righteousness. O blessed One ! In Thee, and 
 by Thy strength, God's law may be fulfilled 
 in me. 
 
 What has been my special breach of 
 the law of God? What is it that 
 conscience and memory bring to me 
 of violation of God's known will ? 
 
 i resolve generally to listen more 
 honestly to conscience, and to fix 
 more deeply in my mind the sacred- 
 ness of the law of God. 
 
 o God, holy and pure, give me grace 
 to reverence Thy law. For Jesus 
 Christ's sake. Amen." 
 
 Cfjt 2JHortJ$ of Cfjrtflt, by the Psalmist! Ps.cxix.1 ): 
 " BLESSED ARE THE UNDEFILED IN THE 
 WAY, WHO WALK IN THE LAW OF THE 
 LORD." 
 
 Thou, Lord, art Light ; all truth from Thee 
 Comes perfect there no flaw ! 
 
 Teach me, with willing heart and free, 
 To love Thy Holy Law. 
 
 One practical resolution for this day as to special 
 obedience to God's known law. 
 
 "OuR FATHER," &c. 
 "GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c.
 
 IV. 
 
 a0 a QJSurden on tfyt 
 
 1. KNEEL AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ THOUGHTFULLY GAL. vi. 5, AND PSALM cxxx. 
 
 3. BRING BEFORE THE MIND A RUGGED HILL, UP WHICH 
 I AM FORCED TO CLIMB, AND FORCED TO BEAR AN 
 OVERWHELMING BURDEN. I TOTTER AND FALL, AND 
 CANNOT GET ON. ONE "FAIRER THAN THE SONS OF 
 MEN" COMES AND REMOVES THE BURDEN. THEN I 
 CAN CLIMB TO THE CREST. 
 
 i. T HAVE sinned. My acts, words, thoughts, 
 which have been wrong, are part of my 
 history, part of me. I cannot undo them. In 
 serious moments they come up. There is a 
 weight upon me the weight of the past. I 
 can't begin again, as if I had never sinned. 
 The burden is on me. The past enters into 
 me. If I am to go on, if I am to be restored, 
 I need, I feel I need, pardon, and the removing 
 of the burden. I need to be relieved ; yes, 
 but at the same time I need to be restored. 
 Whatever be the reason, I need forgiveness. 
 O my God, this is what I need! A real need 
 may be silenced, it can't be satisfied, by mere 
 words. 

 
 14 tn aj a 3Sttrten on 
 
 2. TVTOTHING that I can do can remove the 
 
 burden of the past. Nothing that I can 
 do that I feel sure of can win remission of 
 my sins. Yet, without remission of Sin, I know 
 that a holy life is impossible. Even were it 
 possible, it would still be dreary, perhaps 
 useless. My conscience will not allow me to 
 think of Sin being merely ignored. God, if 
 He is supreme Goodness, cannot be mere easy 
 good-nature. My debt, Scripture seems to 
 teach, is paid, my burden removed, only by 
 the death of Christ ? Is the Son then Love ? 
 Is the Father then severe Justice ? The 
 thought is horrible. There is ONE God. 
 There is oneness of will between the Persons 
 of the Ever- Blessed Trinity. It is no " pound 
 of flesh " God wants, as an inexorable tyrant. 
 My God, deliver me from such a sinful thought 
 of heresy. And yet I do need the burden 
 removed, and the debt paid. 
 
 3. T NEED my burden to be removed. I have 
 
 sinned. I may choke myself with " the 
 world," but " in waking moments " I feel the 
 weight of my Sin. God only can help me. 
 God is Love. God's love is infinite. The 
 sacrifice of Christ is an awful mystery. I 
 cannot penetrate its full meaning, but it is an 
 example of the love of God. I am sure of 
 that. The forgiveness of my Sin is through no
 
 * 
 
 Jh'n s a iSttcKrii on tljc &oul. 15 
 
 merit of mine, but of infinite mercy. How, I 
 know not ! O, deep mystery ! I will not 
 question how ! One thing I know, Sin is an 
 awful burden and a heavy debt. I can only 
 look to the Cross of Christ. 
 
 What is my burden ? What has 
 been the chief Sin of my Past ? 
 Have I fallen into Sin, forgotten my 
 mysterious, immortal life, and in- 
 curred a debt I cannot pay ? What 
 is it ? Oh ! if that burden be 
 removed, may I have grace not to 
 take it again ! 
 
 C 1 ) I w iU as k f r grace to awake to facts. 
 
 (2) When I do feel the cruel weight 
 of the Past, I will lay it by faith and 
 penitence at the Cross of Christ. 
 
 (3) I will watch so as not to add to 
 the burden this day. Think. What 
 Sin may I most readily fall into ? 
 Laziness? Hastiness? Falsehood? 
 Slackness ? Gloominess ? Unchari- 
 tableness ? I will watch. 
 
 iP raver. " O my God, place between my Sin and 
 Thy wrath, between me and Thy 
 just judgment, the mystery and the 
 merits of the Cross of Thy dear 
 Son. For His sake. Amen."
 
 16 m ni a JJurfcm an 
 
 CJje EKortW of Cftrttft f S. Matthew xi. 28) : 
 " COME UNTO ME, ALL YE THAT LABOUR 
 AND ARE HEAVY LADEN, AND I WILL GIVE 
 
 YOU REST." 
 
 Father, turn from me, the weary, 
 Wayworn, wounded child of loss ; 
 
 Though my sin is black and dreary 
 See, it fades before the Cross. 
 
 One practical resolution for the day towards " laying 
 aside the weight " of Sin. 
 
 " OUR FATHER," &c. 
 " GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c.
 
 * 
 
 V. 
 
 fge ^faper of ige 
 
 1. KNEEL AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF Gon. 
 
 2. READ SLOWLY AND THOUGHTFULLY ROM. vi. 16. 
 
 3. BRING BEFORE THK MIND SOME SCENE SUCH AS THE 
 GALLEY-SLAVES TIED TO THEIR OARS IN CONVICT 
 BOATS, OR A GANG OF NEGROES DRIVEN ON BY THEIR 
 SLAVE-DRIVER, UNDER THE LASH, UNABLE TO ESCAPE. 
 THIS IS A FAIR IMAGE OF A SOUL UNDER THE POWER 
 
 OF SlN. 
 
 1. A^THATEVER else Sin is, it is the loss of 
 
 God. God is our Life, our Joy. He 
 is to the soul what the sweet air and light of a 
 fine spring morning are to the bodily powers 
 and senses. Sin binds man in a dungeon 
 with noisome air. I feel a longing for help to 
 escape. I want a Saviour. I have again and 
 again followed my own corrupt desires. Again 
 and again I have desired to be and tried to be 
 my own master. Strange ! I have wanted to 
 please myself, to do what I liked, and the 
 result is I am a slave. Sin holds me. 
 
 2. r "PHINK. Man must have a master. He 
 
 cannot stand alone. No one can be 
 independent. He must be governed by some
 
 * 
 
 i8 <g-tn tfje <g<la&erj) ot tlir 
 
 power. Man must be either the servant of 
 Sin or the servant of God. It is easy to yield 
 to what is called " Free thought." " Right 
 thought " expresses in the mind the true relation 
 of man to God. Right government of desire 
 expresses in the affections the true relation of 
 man to God. It is easy to yield to wrong 
 desire, and heretical thought. It is hard to 
 struggle against either. Every time we yield 
 we become, in habit, a slave. Then follows 
 loss of self-respect. If I am enslaved by the 
 accidental circumstances of life, the will is a 
 slave. If I am guided by the mere opinion of 
 others, moral sense becomes enslaved. I cease 
 to measure things by principle by right and 
 wrong. If I guide my intellectual conclusions 
 by the chance sayings of a thoughtless and 
 shallow writer, by serial literature, by news- 
 papers, and not by serious and careful thought 
 and study my intellect becomes a slave. I 
 need someone to free me from these forms of 
 slavery. Christ frees the reason by the revela- 
 tion of Truth. " The truth shall make you 
 free." Christ frees the will by Grace. Christ 
 alone can emancipate from the slavery of 
 Sin. 
 
 "PVERYTHING which lowers man, which 
 
 pulls him down, is a power for slavery. 
 
 The saddest thing is to be a willing slave.
 
 the >labfri? of tlje Saul. 19 
 
 The saddest thing is to feel no pain, to have 
 no struggle simply to give in to the tyranny 
 of sinful habit. Real service, then, is true 
 freedom. If there is real service of God, then 
 I am no longer wilful, but strong in self- 
 conquest, and therefore free. The life of duty 
 of doing what is fit and due, the life of 
 obedience to God's will that is freedom. 
 Where Sin is there is slavery. " Where the 
 Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty ! " 
 
 To what have I been becoming a 
 slave ? Custom ? The opinion of 
 others ? Some imperious habit of 
 sloth ? Of prayerlessness ? Of un- 
 truth ? Of self-indulgence ? Of 
 worldliness ? Of impurity ? Of 
 pride ? 
 
 1 w ni steadily break the chain of that 
 habit which binds me. I no longer 
 indulge in a mere wish to be free. I 
 will to break the chain. This day 
 I will smash at least one link. 
 
 O Holy Spirit of God, spirit of liberty, 
 come to me, unworthy, and give me 
 strength to break away from what I 
 know to be wrong. Through Jesus 
 Christ our Lord. Amen."
 
 of 
 
 Cfje SBHorti* of florist ^ 5> j okn xim 44) . 
 
 " LOOSE HIM, AND LET HIM GO." 
 
 Long, too long I lie in bondage ; 
 
 Now I'm longing to be free. 
 Saviour, help me, in my weakness, 
 Even me, even me. 
 
 One practical resolution for the day against sonic 
 known sin. 
 
 " OUR FATHER," &c. 
 " GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c.
 
 Meditations on the World,
 
 On 
 
 1. KNEEL AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ THOUGHTFULLY S. JOHN vn. 7. 
 
 3. BRING BEFORE THE MIND SOME SCENE OF CHRISTIAN 
 MARTYRDOM IN THE AMPHITHEATRE. HERE IS A 
 CROWD SATISFIKD WITH CUSTOM. HERE ARE ONE 
 OR TWO FACING DEATH WITHOUT SYMPATHY FROM 
 THE CROWD, ASKED TO CHOOSE BETWEEN FREEDOM 
 FROM PAIN AND DEATH IF THE WISHES AND HABITS 
 OF THE CROWD PREVAIL AND SUFFERING AND DEATH 
 IF A HIGHER STANDARD IS ACCEPTED. 
 
 i. "DEHIND the constant demands of custom 
 and the crowd is a terrible power. 
 Scripture calls it " the World." Think what 
 "the World '' is. It is not a collection of 
 people, or a class in Society. It is an atmos- 
 phere, a temper, a way of looking at things. 
 It spreads from mind to mind, by ordinary 
 intercourse and common conversation. It is 
 a way of looking at life, and the concerns of 
 life, as if there were no God. It is a wide- 
 spread temper, leading men to act and think 
 without God. It is a result of the fall of man, 
 by which the will and affections of men have
 
 24 &n tt)t Scriptural c btlatiou a to tljc 2H0rI. 
 
 gone wrong. Hence we misuse God's gifts, 
 and make them into hindrances to serving 
 Him. I am "of the World" if my life is 
 guided, not by a purpose and effort to serve 
 God, but by this temper of planning my course, 
 and using my gifts as if there were no God. 
 
 2. A VAST mass of men are ruled by "the 
 World." That is, they are ruled by 
 such habits of thought and choice. " The 
 World,'' then this temper becomes a power 
 to rule others. "The World" has advanced 
 with advancing years. It has become a long 
 and growing tradition of sinful thought and 
 habit opposed to God. Certain things " the 
 World " does not approve. It is not always 
 blatantly bad. It has its own way of thinking 
 about things ; its own rules for human conduct ; 
 its own code of honour. These must not be 
 infringed. If so, men are condemned. God's 
 law is of no account with it. It being a 
 spirit or temper spreading over, and helped 
 on by, many minds is subtle. I must be on 
 my guard. It may penetrate my soul like 
 smoke. I may find myself becoming gradually 
 and unexpectedly obedient to the spirit of 
 " the World." I am always liable to drink in 
 this atmosphere. If so, something will so absorb 
 me as to shut out God. That will be my 
 "World."
 
 On tije Scriptural &rbrt,ttt0n a to tfjc ceaorlU. 25 
 
 3. T MUST be on my guard (i) to detect "the 
 World," and (2) to overcome it Sin is 
 always bad and ruinous, whether or not it is 
 customary. The soul is alone with God. 
 Dangerous to fill it with, and rule it by external 
 things. These are not everything. Worldli- 
 ness says they are. It makes me ashamed of 
 Christ ! I am inclined, by it, to compromise, 
 and forsake principles. Its standard is con- 
 venience, success, what is popular, what will 
 make this life easy. God's standard is Truth, 
 Justice, Righteousness the Cross. Much I 
 am tempted to is successful and customary, 
 but not good. "The World" scorns the real 
 Christian life. As a Christian, I must learn 
 to scorn " the World." " The World " hated 
 Christ. It hates Him now. It rejoiced at 
 His departure. It compassed His death. 
 Think of how it deals with serious things. 
 It puts God out of view. It lowers the idea 
 of Sin. It makes this life everything, the other 
 life nothing. 
 
 (Question. What is my " World " ? What, that 
 is, lowers my standard, and turns 
 my eyes from eternal things ? Am 
 I compromising any serious principle 
 from fear of man ? 
 
 e. I w ill live by principle, not by popular 
 opinion. I will pray for courage.
 
 26 u tl)e Scriptural StUbrlattou aS to tljc 
 
 . " O Lord Jesus, Thou Who didst defy 
 ' the World,' suffer from it, and con- 
 quer it, give me the grace of faith- 
 fulness, firmness, and courage, for 
 Thy mercy's sake. Amen." 
 
 I)e ?HHortJ3 of Cijriat, by S. John (1 John Hi. 13) : 
 " MARVEL NOT, MY BRETHREN, IF THE 
 WORLD HATE YOU." 
 
 When the world is hard upon me, 
 
 And I flinch before its scorn, 
 Let me learn an earnest purpose 
 
 From Thy forehead wreathed with thorn. 
 
 One practical resolution for the day. 
 
 " OUR FATHER," &c. 
 " GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c.
 
 II. 
 On tQc anaera of 
 
 1. KNEEL AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ THOUGHTFULLY S. MATT. xvi. 26. 
 
 3. BRING BEFORE YOUR MIND SOME SCENE, AT ONCE 
 ATTRACTIVE AND DANGEROUS. FOR INSTANCE, THERE 
 LIES A CITY IN THE VOLSCIAN HlLLS, QUITE DESERTED 
 BY MEN, BUT OVERGROWN WITH THE MOST GLORIOUS 
 FLOWERS. NO PLACE CAN BE MORE ATTRACTIVE 
 WHEN THE SUN IS SHINING ON IT BY DAY. IF ANY 
 LIVING THING STAY THERE BY NIGHT, IT DIES. 
 THIS IS LIKE THE WAY IN WHICH SCRIPTURE 
 REPRESENTS "THE WORLD." 
 
 i. CCRIPTURE is full of " the World." It is 
 strong as to its evil. It warns us against 
 its attractions and the love of it. Religion, if 
 of any use, must be real and solid. If so, we 
 must know what we mean, and how we act in 
 view of its statements. Think, then Worldli- 
 ness and true Religion cannot go together. 
 " The World " is the enemy of God. It is 
 opposed to Christ's work and teaching. It is 
 opposed to His service. It destroys souls. 
 Whatever comes or goes, if I am a Christian, 
 I must not be " conformed " to it. I must 
 hope and pray to be " delivered " from it.
 
 28 n tbc SBaiTfleriE? of tl)t 
 
 2. T HAVE then to be on my guard in my use 
 
 of the things of this present life. These 
 are, many of them, not evil, but good. Friends, 
 relations, of course these specially given me 
 to love ; business, innocent pleasures, ordinary 
 occupations God has given them all ; they 
 only become " the World " to me if I allow 
 them to hold my heart and will, against the 
 calls of God, and the things of eternity. 
 Present things glad or sad are trifles com- 
 pared with the great future. Let me fear to 
 prefer the things of this life to those of another. 
 The danger of "the World" is, when things 
 now lead me to forget a future life. If they 
 do, they are to me " the World." I must 
 watch lest I so love anything of this life that it 
 turns God out of my heart. Otherwise, I become 
 " of the World," and an enemy to God. I 
 must take my part in the present state of 
 things ; that is my duty I must not make this 
 present state of things the one only, or the 
 governing thought of my heart. That is world- 
 liness enmity to God. 
 
 3. HPHE things of this life, then, are God's 
 
 gifts. They are to be used, not abused. 
 They are to be sanctified by prayer. In our 
 evil way of using them, is our "World." They 
 may hold my heart exclusively. This is wrong. 
 The temper of Mind which leads me to let
 
 On tftr Staitjjrrtf of tlje ZSSorlo". 29 
 
 them do so is Worldliness. That temper may 
 gradually grow upon me if I do not watch and 
 pray, and keep near God. I may, in this 
 temper, put things now in place of God, so 
 that because of them I cease to obey and 
 serve Him. God gives me everything that 
 He has given me to be a blessing. By a 
 worldly temper I make each thing become a 
 trap, a snare, and a hindrance. 
 
 <J}ttc5tton Has " Worldliness " crept over me in 
 any degree ? Have I been trying 
 steadily to govern my life by the 
 thought of what will please God ; 
 or by the customs and maxims of 
 those around me ? 
 
 "O Lord Jesus, Thou hast taught us 
 that to be a friend of 'the World ' is 
 to be an enemy to God ; give me the 
 grace of faith, that living in Thy 
 sight I may not be ensnared by 
 ' the World.' For Thy merits and 
 mercy. Amen." 
 
 i)e MortJ* of Cljvtet, by S.John (1 John ii. 15 j : 
 " LOVE NOT THE WORLD, NEITHER THE 
 
 THINGS THAT ARE IN THE WORLD. IF 
 ANY MAN LOVE THE WORLD, THE LOVE 
 
 OF THE FATHER is NOT IN HIM."
 
 30 n tbc SBaiiflcrjS nf the 2J0rllf. 
 
 Oh ! for the warrior faith of saints, 
 
 With courage bold, with flags unfurled, 
 
 To march with heart that never faints, 
 And fearless meet an evil World. 
 
 One practical resolution for the day, to resist a 
 temptation to Worldliness. 
 
 " OUR FATHER," &c. 
 "GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c.
 
 III. 
 On our 
 
 1. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ THOUGHTFULLY EPHESIANS v. 15, 16, 17. 
 
 3. BRING BEFORE YOUR MIND CHRIST CONVERSING WITH 
 PHARISEES, SADDUCEES, HERODIANS, WHO SWARM 
 ABOUT HIM, TRYING TO ENTANGLE HlM HlS GRACE, 
 HIS CALMNESS, HlS READINESS, HlS COMMON SENSE, 
 HIS GENTLENESS, AND HlS JUSTICE OF MIND. HE 
 IS NEVER OFF HlS GUARD. 
 
 i. "HPHE World," then, is a tradition of evil; 
 a set of principles and maxims, and 
 ways of looking at things ; a theory of conduct 
 all putting God out of sight. One thing is 
 certain, then, as a duty for a Christian. It is 
 not Christ Who is to bend to " the World," 
 but " the World " that must bend to Christ. 
 I must fix this in my mind, and guide my life 
 by it, if I am to be a servant of Christ. Trials 
 must come to the Christian from " the World." 
 " The World " can no more love the servant 
 than it loved the Master. God permits trials 
 from it that the heart may be freed from the 
 Present, and fixed on Him.
 
 32 &n our SieaTtttstf toitl) tljc 
 
 2. T MUST, then, seek God above all, and 
 
 indeed alone. The place He has placed 
 me in demands, perhaps, certain relations with 
 " the World." I need wisdom, not to mistake, 
 or be carried away by " the World." I am 
 bound to a measure of politeness and sub- 
 mission to the convenances of the society in 
 which I am, but, with this, I must exercise 
 divine charity. If I have this wisdom and 
 this charity, which comes from God, I shall 
 know how to hate " the World " with all my 
 heart, and to make its servants respect me 
 while I am trying to be a servant of Christ. I 
 must seek peace. I must exercise humility. 
 I must be tolerant of the faults of others. I 
 must not compromise principle. 
 
 3. HP HE foundation of character is Truth. World- 
 
 liness eats truth out of the soul. I must 
 exercise politeness and courtesy, for these are 
 necessary results of a Christian spirit. Yet I 
 must be true. This is difficult. How shall I 
 do it ? Surely by exercising that kind of quiet 
 and serious reserve which comes from walking 
 in the presence of God. Surely also by prayer 
 for the grace of strength to keep the soul true 
 to itself. I must in " the World " give to each 
 what is due, respect or cheeriness, and affability 
 or kindness. This can be done without acquies-
 
 On our BraItucjjS tottl) tl)E EGTarUJ. 33 
 
 ing in Worldliness or tampering with conscience, 
 if I keep the habit of being near God, and 
 realizing His presence. Gravity, sweetness, 
 seriousness, brightness, holy reverence these 
 must be prayed for and practised. I must be 
 ready, above all, to efface myself, and make 
 much of others. The very essence of the 
 spirit of Worldliness is found in seeking always 
 to be first. 
 
 ($ucitian. Have I complacently acquiesced in 
 the dicta of " the World " ? Have I 
 thought too much of the impression 
 produced on others, too little of the 
 presence and approval of God ? 
 
 $)rainr. " O Lord Jesus, Thou Who didst not 
 commit Thyself to man, knowing 
 what is in man, give me a spirit of 
 kindness and sweetness to others, 
 together with a holy reserve carry- 
 ing ever with me the memory of 
 Thy presence. For Thy merits and 
 mercy. Amen." 
 
 Cije EZSoittsJ of f)vts(t (S. Luke xxi. 19) : 
 
 " IN YOUR PATIENCE POSSESS YE YOUR 
 SOULS."
 
 34 <9 our SBralmjjg tottl) tbf ECJortti. 
 
 Perfect peace and truest blessing 
 In a soul that trusts in Thee ; 
 
 Let the sense of Thy great presence 
 Conquer, Lord, the world for me. 
 
 One practical resolution for the day, for the exercise of 
 true Christian relation K'ith " the World." 
 
 " OUR FATHER," &c. 
 " GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c.
 
 * 
 
 IV. 
 
 On Q#a0 of Beaming an 
 
 1. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ THOUGHTFULLY PSALM cxix. 80. 
 
 3. BRING BEFORE YOUR MIND CHRIST TEACHING THE 
 MULTITUDE. HEAR HlM SPEAKING TO YOUR SOUL. 
 
 i. '"yHE World" is a power. It is a vast 
 volume of thoughts, and maxims, and 
 ways of looking at things which has turned 
 God out. It does not exclude respectability. 
 It can exist without gross sins. It is a quiet 
 making of this life everything. Is not my 
 danger the drifting into this, and yet not 
 allowing myself to think I am altogether giving 
 up God ? How can I withstand it ? I need a 
 simple purpose, a single eye. The double life 
 a little to make me easy about God, a great 
 deal to make " the World " my God is ruining 
 me. Why all this professed Christianity, while, 
 with religion on my tongue, I am falling in with 
 " the World " ? I need a simple purpose, a 
 single eye. God must come first. If it comes 
 to a choice in any matter, " the World " must 
 give way to God, not God to " the World."
 
 36 Sn EZHajirf of ILca&tnjj an aJutoorHrls fctfe. 
 
 2. HPO lead an unworldly life, I must live, not 
 
 guided by custom or conventionality, but 
 by principle. Impulse may help me to appear 
 to be devout at times, while I am not guiding 
 my life by Christian principles. If I am 
 guiding my life by them, I am sure to be mis- 
 understood by " the World," and to come into 
 collision with it. This I must not mind. We 
 live by the heart and affections, as well as by 
 the senses I must " lift up " my heart. Fjx 
 the affections on high. I must exert myself in 
 the inner life, and look for my chief pleasure 
 there, not in outside things. Not success, not 
 vanity, not self-love, must be my objects. I 
 can find peace in fulfilling painful and tiresome 
 duties in order to please God. Peace comes 
 to my soul when it is in order and discipline. 
 Peace does not come from exterior excitement 
 or self-seeking. I conquer " the World " by 
 steadily and vigorously leading the inner life. 
 "The World " will lose its power of attraction. 
 
 3. "HPHE World" which I have to conquer is 
 
 riot the things about me in themselves, 
 but the temper in which sinful men use them. 
 I overcome it by keeping God before me, and 
 remembering the Precious Blood. Then this 
 " World " is a happy place. Everything in it 
 has the right tone and colour. Daily comforts 
 excite thanksgiving. Daily worries excite joy,
 
 flf iUalftnfl an 2Jnfa0rttiIy iLtfr. 37 
 
 for God has suited them to our needs. Common 
 little things are interesting, for God is the end of 
 all. Daily duties excite delight, for they supply 
 something to offer to God. These we can do 
 as well as ever we can as a tribute to His love. 
 Our youth and strength excite solemn thanks- 
 giving they are God's strength in us. This 
 we may use for others, so glorifying God. 
 Increasing years excite trust and peace. They 
 speak of God's support, and a nearing rest in 
 Him. Looking at all things as of God, we 
 conquer " the World." We conquer " the 
 World " by seeing God in spiritual things. The 
 Bible is His Word to us. Good thoughts and 
 desires, His touches of life. Prayer, the open- 
 ing of a door He longs for to be open that He 
 may enter. Sacraments are His very Presence 
 in us. Repentance when we have done wrong 
 witnesses to His love. My God, let Me see 
 Thee everywhere then shall I overcome "the 
 World." 
 
 (Shttgtton. Am I sincerely striving to put God 
 first ? To see God in everything ? 
 Only to value things as they are 
 means of giving God glory ? 
 
 wr. "O God, Who hast loved me with 
 unspeakable love, give me grace to 
 value all things, glad or sad, only as
 
 38 On EZaaytf of lUafcuig an 
 
 means of bringing me nearer to Thee. 
 Through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
 Amen." 
 
 Cf)t martt of Cijrtet f s. Matthew vi. 24) : 
 " YE CANNOT SERVE GOD and MAMMON." 
 
 May I use with simple purpose 
 All things Heaven, and earth, and sea, 
 
 Sadness, gladness, dear friends' kindness 
 Finding ever Thee, Lord, Thee. 
 
 One practical resolution for the day for using all 
 with the thought of God. 
 
 " OUR FATHER," &c. 
 " GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c.
 
 V. 
 
 On ; 
 
 of 
 
 1. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ THOUGHTFULLY ROMANS viu. 18. 
 
 3. BRING BEFORE YOUR MIND CHRIST SPEAKING TO 
 His DISCIPLES. LISTEN TO HIM SAYING TO YOU, 
 "WHEN HE, THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH, is COME HE 
 
 WILL" BRING TO YOUR MIND WHAT I HAVE SAID 
 AND DONE. 
 
 4. PRAY FOR THE LIGHT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. 
 
 i. T ET me think. Life, Christ teaches, is a 
 serious matter. It is a waiting time, 
 during which the training of the soul for the 
 great Future is going on. I live in times of 
 developed civilization, of refinement, and 
 intellectual achievement. Still, I must not 
 give myself up to this. All the wonderful 
 things I know, and am bound to be thankful 
 for, " the World " treats as the only real 
 conditions of my life. They are not. However 
 great these are, "the mightiest power is pain," 
 and the only certainty is that what is fairest 
 and best is passing away. The tenderness, 
 and love, and self-denial taught by Christ can
 
 40 it 
 
 alone ennoble all. The key to all the riddle 
 is I am here to prepare for another world. 
 This, amid joy or sorrow, is my dearest and 
 highest hope. No trifling with things of time 
 can be possible to me ; that is no mere obedience 
 to " the World " since this is so. The life 
 beyond the grave is a thought opposed to 
 " the World." 
 
 2. r ~PHE interests of this moment are great. 
 They must not, for they cannot, really 
 absorb and satisfy my soul. The results of my 
 treatment of the present will one day " find 
 me out," of what sort I am. I must remember 
 that all that goes on in my will, and in my 
 secret soul its choices and tendencies will 
 make all the difference in the end. I must not 
 so fall under the spell of the present as to shut 
 out the governing thought of my future. I 
 must not allow my imagination and will, to 
 make me be taken up wholly with things now. 
 In all the many interests which make up many 
 lives in me, I must have deep, quiet, reserved 
 times of thought on the things which concern 
 the soul. I must thus use all as a discipline 
 for another life. However busy I am, nothing 
 I am at work upon need, unless I choose, shut 
 out the end, the future. I must use all I have, 
 do all I do, with a deepening consciousness 
 that I am passing through it to something beyond.
 
 ttje }30toer nf tljc ffiZS0rHf. 4 1 
 
 3. T MUST die. I must be judged by unerring 
 truth and wisdom. Then the value of all 
 things will appear their moral value. How 
 are they being used as a discipline and training 
 of my character. Things present are valuable 
 and important. The value is how are they 
 training me in faithfulness, sincerity, unselfish- 
 ness, self-control, love, joy, peace. I cannot 
 carry with me the many things I am interested 
 in now. I can carry the character formed in 
 me by my use of them. If I am using them 
 for self and for their present value only, I am 
 a worldling. If for God, I am growing in His 
 image and likeness. To escape " the World " 
 I must pray to carry with me in the use of all 
 things the abiding vision of a future life. 
 Everything will in the long run pass away 
 from me. That for which Christ died and 
 rose will not pass. I must live in the governing 
 thought of that. This conquers "the World." 
 
 (JButgtton. How far am I trying to live in Time 
 for Eternity ? How far am I not 
 resting in things now, but using them 
 in view of the Will of God, and His 
 commands to my own soul ? 
 
 . "Open my eyes, O Lord, to the true 
 seriousness and value of life. Give 
 me grace, O Lord, never to forget
 
 42 &i\ 0mc f)<mgl)td toljicl) iUs's'ru, rtr. 
 
 in all around me that I am made 
 for Thee, and am to use all to 
 prepare for Thy coming and call 
 tome. For Thy mercy sake. Amen." 
 
 t, byS.PauKl Cor.vii.3Jj: 
 
 "THE FASHION OF THIS WORLD PASSETH 
 AWAY." 
 
 Fill my heart with serious gladness, 
 Hold my soul in hopes and fears 
 
 True midst all earth's joys and sadness 
 To the thought of endless years. 
 
 One practical resolution for the day to use all things 
 
 with a disciplined mind in recollectedness of the 
 
 life beyond the grave. 
 
 " OUR FATHER," &c. 
 " GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c.
 
 On Things of Ordinary 
 Life.
 
 I. 
 On 
 
 1. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ THOUGHTFULLY i COR. xn. 27. 
 
 3. THINK OF SOME BEAUTIFUL AND RELIGIOUS STATUE, 
 CAREFULLY CHISELLED BY THE ARTIST, AND CLOTHED 
 IN GRACEFUL ROBES. THE PITY TO INJURE OR MAR 
 IT WITH RUDE HANDS OR CARELESS TREATMENT ! 
 
 i. HP HE ground of the duty of Self-respect is 
 that I am made in the image of God. 
 My body, as well as my soul, has been sancti- 
 fied and set apart for God in Baptism. It is a 
 temple of the Holy Ghost. All relating to it 
 is sacred, and the body must be cared for, and 
 trained, and disciplined, as in the presence of 
 God. My body will perish in its natural 
 condition, for it carries in it the seeds of death. 
 It will be changed to be " fashioned like unto 
 the Body of His Glory." I must discipline it 
 for that great change. It must not assert itself 
 against the soul, but be ruled by it. It is 
 sacred because, further, it is exalted to a 
 supernatural power by receiving the Body and 
 Blood of the Lord. I must respect it, and
 
 46 
 
 therefore teach it to be brisk, and ready, and 
 restrained, so as to be the handmaid of 
 the soul. 
 
 2. "DESPECTING myself, as in God's image, 
 
 and God's child, I must be diligent to 
 maintain an equal calmness of temper, and a 
 regulated habit of life. Ah ! my God, surely 
 faithfulness in times of work and business are 
 duties of the Self-respect Thou teachest ! I 
 lose this temper of Self-respect by giving up 
 self-rule under some impulse. When so tempted 
 I must go back to quiet, interior thought. I 
 am in danger from interior hurry, instead of 
 maintaining thought and reflection. Brightness 
 and briskness in all duties whether pleasant 
 or distasteful is a part of Self-respect. To- 
 wards others an effort to maintain readiness 
 and pleasantness of manner, from recollection 
 of God, and love of God. This I must do. 
 Help me in these things, my God. 
 
 3. A/I" ANY disturbing things come in life. Thou 
 
 art in a higher world than these, O my 
 soul. Thou art born for things lasting and 
 divine ; why be carried away by these ? Respect 
 thyself, and therefore maintain interior serenity. 
 Patience is a gift of Christ. I must exercise 
 myself in patience, i.e., strong Self-control. If
 
 On >elf*aprct. 47 
 
 so, is not tidiness, completeness, quickness, 
 absence of vanity in the toilet, and care of the 
 body a duty ? And vigour, readiness, self- 
 restraint, calmness, sweetness in the soul ? I 
 must see God in all. Respecting myself, I 
 must keep a pure heart, turning away quickly 
 from evil. 
 
 <htfStion. In what ways have I swerved from 
 duty in allowing any habit to grow 
 of self-indulgence from mere follow- 
 ing of impulse ? Have I failed in 
 respect to my body or my soul by 
 slovenliness, impurity, evil thought ? 
 or by hastiness, impulse, want of 
 quiet self-command ? 
 
 yer. " My God, give me more and more a 
 sense of Thy sacred Presence in me 
 and by me. Help me to remember 
 that, body and soul, I am consecrated 
 to Thy service, and to acknow- 
 ledge Thy rule. For Jesus Christ's 
 sake. Amen." 
 
 OTortte of Cfjrfct, by S. Paul (Col. Hi. 10) : 
 "THE NEW MAN ... is RENEWED IN KNOW- 
 
 LEDGE A.FTER THE IMAGE OF HlM THAT 
 CREATED HIM."
 
 On 
 
 Body of humiliation, 
 
 Soul of sorrow both may rise ! 
 Sacred, Lord, through Thy salvation, 
 
 Be they sacred in my eyes. 
 
 A short practical resolution for the day in the 
 exercise of Self-respect. 
 
 " OUR FATHER," &c. 
 " GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c.
 
 II. 
 
 On Q#afcjifuftu0 
 and 
 
 1. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ THOUGHTFULLY ROMANS viu. 10. 
 
 3. THINK OF CHRIST DISTRIBUTING FOOD TO THE 
 MULTITUDE. 
 
 i. TDRUDENCE is a natural virtue. It is en- 
 dorsed by Christianity, for Christ says, 
 " What shall it profit a man ? " and so on. 
 We are bound to exercise forethought. Health 
 is a precious gift. As God's gift it is to 
 be respected. We may sin in this matter, 
 (i) Valetudinarianism takes excessive care. We 
 must, when called, " risk it " for God. (2) Self- 
 deceit exaggerates ill-health for the secret 
 purpose of self indulgence. (3) Overstraining 
 one's strength from wilfulness, or ambition, 
 disregards the duty arising out of God's gift. 
 God gives me sufficient strength for what He 
 requires of me. He expects me to use it for 
 duty. He demands no more of me than what 
 that strength will do. I must set my will to 
 do all I can. If my physical strength be really
 
 50 <& H3atrf)fuTnijS a to 
 
 unequal to more than a limited amount of 
 exertion, I must do my best, and, for the rest, 
 bow to God's Will. 
 
 2. '"PHINK on the danger of unwise expenditure 
 
 of physical strength in the service of 
 fashion or pride. Excessive fatigue may be 
 undertaken simply to fall in with appearances, 
 to do as others do, and not to fall behind in 
 what my " World " approves. I must at times 
 strain myself to the utmost for God, when He 
 calls for it. We must not do so from wilfulness. 
 Think as to a regular hour for night prayers, 
 for going to bed, for rising in the morning 
 this means fitting self-denial, and proper care 
 for health. If called, especially when in the 
 Priesthood, readiness for deviation from the 
 rule ; willingness for extra exertion will not 
 wrongly injure health. If called, we must 
 go. The young are specially bound to care 
 for health properly, whilst guarding against 
 self-indulgence and slackness, as well as 
 dissipation. 
 
 3. "CpOOD and drink are God's gifts. They are 
 
 to be used for their proper purpose. 
 We must guard against making them instru- 
 ments of mere pleasure. I need not attempt 
 any severe asceticism to which I am not 
 called, but I must act on a settled principle,
 
 On 2JatcI)fulueite a* to $caltf) auto .fanfc. 51 
 
 viz., the object of food is to support a healthy 
 body for God's glory, not to pamper and indulge 
 the flesh. I must have some rule in such things. 
 An over-indulged appetite becomes a hard 
 taskmaster, and pulls down the spiritual life. 
 
 <5tlf3tton. Have I been dainty or over-indulgent 
 in food ? Taken wine, or any stimu- 
 lant when not necessary for health ? 
 Been slothful ? Lazy ? Allowed 
 myself too much or too little sleep ? 
 Over-taxed my strength from vanity, 
 or wilfulness, or pleasure-seeking ? 
 Used proper self-denial especially 
 the appointed fast before Com- 
 munion ? 
 
 $3raj)tr. " O Lord Jesus Christ, Who for my 
 sake didst fast forty days and forty 
 nights, give me grace to use such 
 abstinence, and to act so prudently 
 and conscientiously as to Thy crea- 
 tures of food and drink, that my 
 flesh being subdued to the spirit, I 
 may ever obey Thy godly motions 
 in righteousness and true holiness, 
 for Thy merits. Amen." 
 
 Cije OTorttf of Ctyitt^y S. Paul ( 1 Cor. vi. 19) : 
 " YOUR BODY IS THE TEMPLE OF THE 
 HOLY GHOST."
 
 52 &n ffiaJatcbfttlnrgrf a <* to f&paltl) anfc 
 
 Use we, Lord, Thy gifts with measure, 
 Guard from vice, and sin, and shame ; 
 
 Teach us, both in pain and pleasure, 
 To do all things in Thy Name. 
 
 One practical resolution for glorifying God during 
 the day. 
 
 " OUR FATHER," &c. 
 " GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c.
 
 III. 
 
 On <Bcjua6iftf of temper in 
 Common 
 
 1. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ THOUGHTFULLY S. JOHN xiv. 27. 
 
 3. THINK OF CHRIST'S QUIETUDE AND CALMNESS IN 
 His PASSION. 
 
 i. pgUABILITY of Temper is the effect of 
 interior mortification of self-love. It 
 helps those with whom I live. I must not 
 struggle to make others feel the passing 
 impressions which affect my own soul. This 
 is the constant effort of a self-seeker and a 
 self-deceiver. He, or she, is always bemoaning 
 self to others. I must let these impressions 
 be a secret with God, and, it may be, with 
 some spiritual guide whom I can trust. I 
 must scorn the temptations to self-love. I 
 must live above them. I must unite myself 
 with the Will of God. I must seek for grace 
 to be self-restrained, and, while grave, yet 
 bright and easy, and sympathetic with others. 
 It is the Christian's duty not even to look 
 proud and severe, but rather, affable and 
 considerate. I am to resist the outbreaks of
 
 54 n <t[uafctIttB af CTrmpcr m Common fttfc. 
 
 anger and bad humour. I am to try to put 
 the best meaning I can on the action of others 
 towards me, and to be content with things as 
 they come. If others are bright, be thankful. 
 If not, try to be cheery. The object is to be 
 anxious to please God, and ready to accept 
 His Will. 
 
 2. "pQUABILITY of Temper has about it a 
 
 real charm, and therefore helps on God's 
 work. If I am wanting in this, I cause 
 unhappiness to all about me. I become a 
 cause of faults in others, and for these, there- 
 fore, in great measure, responsible. If I acquire 
 this equability, it is a help to the practise of 
 many virtues, and prevents me from being 
 guided by the passions and impressions of 
 the moment. I must try, therefore, amidst 
 the daily worries of life, not to lose calmness. 
 Nor shall I, if I live in God, and often look up 
 to Him. And this calmness inspires confidence, 
 and helps souls. 
 
 3. T AM, for this reason, bound to struggle 
 
 against passing humours. It is by the 
 victory of such humours that the happy 
 relations of life are disturbed in the family, as 
 in society. I must think seriously how more 
 sin is often occasioned by these, than by some 
 graver faults. Undue sadness, or roughness,
 
 9n (guaitltty of QTrmprr in domntDU 2. iff. 
 
 or hastiness, or morose silence, disturb and 
 injure our relations with, and influence upon, 
 other souls. If I allow this fault, people who 
 might otherwise be happy are made uneasy. 
 They do not know where to find me. If pleasant 
 this evening, and morose to-morrow morning, 
 I darken souls, and take the energy because 
 the brightness out of other lives. It is selfish- 
 ness, it is want of self-command ; it arises from 
 want of watchfulness. I must overcome this 
 if I am to serve God. To overcome it I must 
 pray and watch for patience, so as to resist the 
 risings of impatience when face to face with 
 what irritates. I must pray and strive for 
 brightness. " Fear God, and be cheerful," said 
 a holy man. I must pray and strive for 
 sympathy. I must not be wrapped up in self, 
 but often see from others' points of view. 
 Each of us must influence others, and must 
 answer for this gift, and it is a special sin 
 against it, to allow inequality of Temper. 
 
 <Sltttton. Have I relaxed my hold upon myself, 
 and been uneven in temper ? Have 
 I been unduly irritable, or not watched 
 and prayed with sufficient earnest- 
 ness when in temptation to this ? 
 Have I forgotten the serious respon- 
 sibility involved in my powers of
 
 56 n (Equability of STrmpcr tu Common life. 
 
 influencing others by the severity, 
 or undue disturbance of my ordinary 
 moods ? 
 
 I\f3olbf. I will watch and pray to maintain 
 interior calmness. 
 
 :)rai>er; " O Lord Jesus, Who Thyself wert 
 always calm in Thy trust in Thy 
 Father amidst all the trials of life, 
 give me grace to maintain calmness 
 of temper for Thy glory, to Whom 
 be all the praise. Amen." 
 
 2CI)e SSHorttf of Cljrtet, by the Psalmist ( Psalm 
 xxxvii. 1j: "FRET NOT THYSELF, ELSE 
 
 SHALT THOU BE LED TO DO EVIL." 
 
 Sweet is the peace on wood and upland, 
 
 When evening sun in glory sets ; 
 Sweeter the soul which at life's trouble 
 
 Through Thy kind soothing never frets. 
 
 One practical resolution for the glory of God during 
 the day. 
 
 " OUR FATHER," &c. 
 " GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c.
 
 IV. 
 
 On keeping >ne0ef in 
 
 i. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2 READ CAREFULLY ECCLUS. v. 
 
 3. PICTURE TO YOURSELF A CAREFUL TRAINER TEACHING 
 A SPIRITED HOUSE; HIS CARE, WATCHFULNESS, WISDOM, 
 DETERMINATION, GENTLENESS, AND DOMINANCE. 
 
 i. T MUST think how, in ordinary life, I must 
 rule myself according to God's Law. 
 Think, the soul is tempted by uncertainty, 
 vagaries, capriciousness. This, I am tempted 
 to think, shews independence. No ; shew me, 
 O God, the moral weakness in it. Here is a 
 want of feeling the true balance of life, the 
 importance of seriousness in the conduct of 
 life. I must not be blown about by every 
 passing breeze of my changing humour. 
 Think of the danger to others from submission 
 in me to my whims. I darken lives. If a soul 
 permits itself to be changeable, it is never 
 happy. Think, how I must watch against 
 over-sensitiveness ; against an imagination 
 leading me to dream instead of acting ; to 
 look for an impossible ideal, and so become 
 captious, cross, fretful, instead of making the
 
 58 9n nerving Oneself in $?anlr. 
 
 best of what I am called to do and bear. 
 Imagination and fancy have pleasure ; also 
 they have danger. Think how diligently they 
 must be ruled. Otherwise for thee, O my soul, 
 imagination will become the lurking-place of 
 fear, and the source of a dissipated and 
 unrestful life. Meditate how true religion will 
 restrain thee from wilfulness, and the peace 
 and love of God will enable thee to discipline 
 and restrain wild exuberance of fancy and 
 imagination. 
 
 2. T MUST think how carefully I must rule my 
 over-exuberance. God, if I ask Him, will 
 give me the grace of brightness, but I may sin 
 by over-vivacity. If I am of a kind tempera- 
 ment, I am also probably of a strong will. A 
 holy man says that all I need is a little love 
 of our Lord, and the exercise of my will. I 
 must hold in check too eager outbursts in 
 gesture or speech. God's grace will help me. 
 I may grow calmer, and not less bright, but 
 stronger. Then think if I have " ups and 
 downs " bright and alive one time, then with 
 a " down " humour What harm I do to 
 myself and others, unless I discipline despond- 
 ing humour and a melancholy temper. I can't 
 but be sad at times. Life is sorrowful, and I 
 am sinful. Still I must discipline downhearted- 
 ness, and low-spiritedness, and gloom. I must
 
 it l&rrpms iirtfclf tit ^airtf. 59 
 
 not allow myself to look too much on the dark 
 side, and see everything in clouds. God has 
 never forsaken me. May He give me grace 
 to check a spirit of gloom. There are so 
 many things in religion to make us happy. 
 Even Pain brings an opportunity of trusting 
 in, and making sacrifices to God. Excessive 
 sadness does no sort of good to myself or 
 anyone else. It opens the door to many evils. 
 Cheerfulness is a grand plan for helping others, 
 diminishing sin, resisting temptation, and ex- 
 tending the Kingdom of God. Think how we 
 are taught and commanded to " Rejoice." 
 
 "JV/TEDITATE how steadily, O my soul, thou 
 must fight against this form of self-love. 
 I must have some other guiding principle than 
 my own notions and prejudices. These lead me 
 to judge, criticize, find fault, and be hard on 
 others, if their actions and thoughts do not 
 square with mine. I must not seek human 
 praise. I must fear the slightest occasion of 
 gratifying self-love. I must be severe with my- 
 self when in unreasonableness, or hastiness, 
 I have really been gratifying self-love. Give 
 me grace, O God, especially to avoid speaking 
 of self. I soon glide into vanity by this. Let 
 me never speak of self, or draw attention to 
 self, unless there be some imperative call of 
 duty. " My secret to myself." Whatever good
 
 60 e9it Iftefjmtjj 9itfelf tit 
 
 there be must be between me and God, except 
 in so far as such speaking is an expression of 
 loving trust in loving friends, cheering them 
 by my trust and confidence in them. Give me 
 grace to withstand softness, passionateness, 
 Self ; to act naturally, simply governed by 
 Thy law. 
 
 (ShujfttOll. Have I given way to Self? Been 
 carried away by over-vivacity or 
 gloominess ? Talked too much of 
 Self ? Sought human praise ? Been 
 hard on others, not on Self ? 
 
 MeSolbf. I will try, by God's grace, to rule 
 myself by His law in the common 
 things of interior life. I will try not 
 to be governed by caprice, passion, 
 downheartedness, self-love, but by a 
 sense of duty to God. 
 
 $rai)tr. " O Heavenly Father, Who hast pity 
 upon Thy children, and knowest 
 whereof we are made, and remem- 
 berest that we are but dust, help 
 me, amidst all weakness and tempta- 
 tion, to rule myself according to Thy 
 law. For Jesus Christ's sake. Amen." 
 
 Wlort* of Cfjrtet, by the Wise Man (Prov. 
 xvi. 32) : " HE THAT RULETH HIS SPIRIT 
 
 IS BETTER THAN HE THAT TAKETH A CITY."
 
 in ?|anlr. 6r 
 
 Fierce in me, ungoverned spirit, 
 Wildness, gloom, or heat, or chill ; 
 
 Help me, Master, by Thy merit, 
 Self to rule, and do Thy Will. 
 
 One practical resolution for to-day towards keeping a 
 steady hand upon myself. 
 
 " OUR FATHER," &c. 
 " GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c.
 
 V. 
 
 On amt an6 ociaf uftee. 
 
 1. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ CAREFULLY S. LUKE n. 51; S. JOHN n. i, 2. 
 
 3. PICTURE TO YOURSELF JESUS IN THE CARPENTER'S 
 HOME AT NAZARETH, LEADING FOR THIRTY YEARS 
 A QUIET LIFE OF DAILY DUTY. 
 
 i. AyTEDITATE, O my soul, on Jesus in His 
 Nazarene home. There is a quiet life. 
 There is daily duty of a simple kind. There 
 is authority and obedience, and mutual con- 
 sideration and affection. There is companion- 
 ship and sympathy. The human life of the 
 Eternal is trained in home life. All the most 
 common incidents of a quiet home were the 
 usual facts of my Master's life for thirty years. 
 How perfectly He the Great Example must 
 enter into the trials, and joys, and teachings 
 of home. Think how He throws Himself into 
 social duty. He is at the wedding simply to 
 be kind, and friendly, and sociable. He works 
 a miracle simply to save people trouble, and 
 help them out of a little difficulty. Think of 
 Him at Bethany, at Nain. Here, utter sympathy 
 with sorrow. Every little tiny incident of 
 home is known to Him. He has ordained all.
 
 JFaimlD an& portal JButtr*. 63 
 
 To be His follower, I must seek His guidance, 
 and follow His example in these as in great 
 things. 
 
 2. TV/TEDITATE on the need of keeping true 
 the bonds of life in the family. There 
 are the young and the old. Love is the true 
 bond of life. In fallen man it has a tendency 
 to come down, not to go up. God's love conies 
 down on me richly, constantly ; how little I 
 return to Him ! The parent's love often over- 
 flows to the child, and the child returns it in 
 scant measure. If a child, watch, pray, return 
 that love. If a parent, be self-denying, thought- 
 ful, generous, sympathetic to the children thou 
 hast either come by nature, as bound to thee 
 by blood, or given by God, as bound to thee 
 by the strongest of ties, spiritual and heart- 
 born ties shew them love, think, work, bear 
 for them ; their love will return on thee from 
 God. Keep the tie the one tie, love strong. 
 Meditate on the spirit of this in its expansion. 
 It is Divine charity. It must expand in gentle- 
 ness, sympathy, cheeriness. See to it that thou 
 hast that open-heartedness and reverence for 
 others which binds parent to child and child 
 to parent. Think, thou must make large 
 allowance for others, and bathe all in prayer, 
 and in the faith and fear of God. So, O my 
 soul, thou art following Christ.
 
 64 <9 JFamtTg anft J^ocinl S9uttf. 
 
 TV/TEDITATE on this duty to the large 
 family Society. Think of the Lord 
 often at Cana, Bethany, Nain. Think how 
 thou servest God by cheering others up ; by 
 entering into their innocent pleasures ; by 
 brightening them ; by saving them annoyance 
 and trouble. Kindliness and love brighten 
 all. Meditate on the duty of a large and 
 generous heart, and a bright and ready manner. 
 Thou must not be selfish. Thou must recog- 
 nize social duty. Thou must make others 
 happy. Thou must not avoid others, or meet 
 them with gloom and chill. Think, thou must 
 keep for them the brightness of the Sun of 
 Righteousness. Cheeriness, brightness, readi- 
 ness, kindness, sociability what messengers 
 for Christ ! Think, O my soul, of the duty 
 of sympathy. To throw thyself into others' 
 sorrows, or into their joys, is to follow Christ. 
 A kind word, a sympathetic prayer, a warm 
 clasp of the hand, may help on and revive a 
 sinking soul. I must think of common little 
 family and social duties as part of my calling 
 in my Lord. 
 
 . Have I been cold, unsympathetic, 
 narrow, unkind ? Have I locked 
 myself up too much in myself, and 
 my cramped ideas, instead of going 
 out of myself, brightly, lovingly
 
 anfc facial 89uti*& 65 
 
 sweetly to feel with and for others 
 in the family, in society ? 
 
 . I will be larger, more generous, more 
 self-forgetting, brighter, more ready 
 and sympathetic, by God's help. 
 
 . " O Lord Jesus, Who Thyself didst 
 live so long in a hidden home ; 
 Who wert so generous and loving 
 to all ; take from me all hardness, 
 narrowness, selfishness, self-seeking, 
 that so, whether in home life or in 
 society, I may glorify Thee ; to Whom, 
 with the Father and the Holy Ghost, 
 be all praise and glory for ever. 
 Amen." 
 
 ftije WHortte of CfyrtSt, by the Apostle (Gal. 
 vi. 2, and Eph. iv. 5 ) : " BEAR YE ONE 
 ANOTHER'S BURDENS, AND so FULFIL THE 
 LAW OF CHRIST." " WE ARE MEMBERS 
 ONE OF ANOTHER." 
 
 May I follow on completely 
 Thou hast led the way for me 
 
 Do what Thou didst do so sweetly, 
 Be, in humble things, like Thee. 
 
 One practical resolution for the day. 
 
 " OUR FATHER," &c. 
 " GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c.
 
 Meditations on Nearness 
 to God.
 
 I. 
 
 On dEicquainfcwce witfy 
 
 1. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ CAREFULLY S. JOHN xv. 20 TO END. 
 
 3. PICTURE TO YOURSELF CHRIST SAYING TO YOU, 
 "THIS IS THE FIRST AND GREAT COMMANDMENT." 
 
 1. T MUST remember that in the life of doing 
 
 my best I must do my duty (i) to God. 
 It must be my duty to take pains to know 
 Him. Let me think how clearly my reason 
 tells me this. When I think of the outer 
 world, governed by necessary law, it is 
 harmony, not discord, it is cosmos, not chaos, 
 it is order, not confusion. Order is the great 
 fact of science. I think of matter and force 
 as mysterious ideas, but what has led to this 
 beautiful order out of them ? My reason tells 
 me it must be an intelligent and directing 
 mind. My God, Thou art the sum and source 
 of intelligence and order in the mind, that 
 sweetly and wisely directs all things. 
 
 2. T ET me meditate how I can know God, and 
 
 it is my duty to know Him, as the cause 
 of all things. I know myself in a sense to be 
 a cause, and I can only begin with myself.
 
 70 <9 "Acquaintance to it I) <S0tf. 
 
 Others, I am sure by what I know of myself, 
 are also causes. But we all act upon what is 
 already created. The musician uses sound ; 
 the poet uses language ; the painter uses 
 canvas and colour. Take away sound, I have 
 no Beethoven ; take away language, I have no 
 Tennyson ; take away canvas and colour, I 
 have no Raphael. I can only use and mould 
 things ; I cannot make them. Every cause 
 that I know in human matters has been an 
 effect. Every father has been himself a child. 
 All these are whispers of some great beginning. 
 My reason drives me to acknowledge and know 
 the first musician, poet, painter, father to 
 know my God. O my God, if I am only 
 thoughtful and reasonable, I find myself in 
 Thy presence, I may know Thee. 
 
 3. T ET me meditate how my reason leads me 
 to this duty when I look, not at outward 
 things, but into my own mind. My mind 
 must be intended for the purpose of knowing. 
 It is on knowledge that it feeds. Everything 
 I contemplate in this world is incomplete and 
 limited. I know that it is so. I have a natural 
 longing for an ideal ; the real is far below it. 
 This, philosophers acknowledge, is a judgment 
 of Reason. If so, how can I know that things 
 are incomplete, and limited, and imperfect, 
 except because I have in me a sense that there
 
 On IcquatHtante tottlj <0tr. 7 1 
 
 is the complete, the perfect, the ideal, the 
 absolute ? If there is insufficiency of being, 
 and I feel that there is, then my very reason 
 talks to me of the perfection of being, the 
 perfection of beauty, the ideal my God. 
 
 Have I ever fancied religion as made 
 up of sentiment and feeling merely ? 
 Have I forgotten that to be reason- 
 able and thoughtful leads me to the 
 first duty of the Perfect Life the 
 knowledge of God ? 
 
 i resolve, as part of the duty of a 
 religious life, to think upon God, to 
 remember that the Catholic Faith 
 is the expression of the highest 
 reason, and of common sense, and 
 so in learning and living its theology 
 to do my duty to God. 
 
 o Eternal Word, Revealer of the 
 Father, Thou Who art the Light 
 that lighteneth every man that com- 
 eth into the world, heal in me the 
 wound of reason perverted by sin ; 
 give me by Thy Spirit clear under- 
 standing, that I may know God, 
 Whom to know is eternal life, for 
 Thy merits and mercy. Amen."
 
 72 C9n SUqtiaintmur to it I) <otf. 
 
 Cf)t MortJ* of C&rfot.iy ^ Prophet: "ACQUAINT 
 
 THYSELF WITH GOD, AND BE AT PEACE." 
 
 Thinking of Thee, Master, Father, 
 All my fears and troubles cease ; 
 
 Let me seek Thee, so the rather, 
 Knowing well Thy perfect peace. 
 
 One practical resolution for the day for calmer and 
 deeper thought of God in common things. 
 
 " OUR FATHER," &c. 
 " GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c.
 
 * 
 
 II. 
 On 
 
 1. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ CAREFULLY HEBREWS x. 35 TO END. 
 
 3. PICTURE OUR LORD IN GETHSEMANE. 
 
 1. A/f Y soul is God's possession. I owe Him 
 
 life, powers of mind, powers of thought. 
 In my soul are insurgent passions. Above all, 
 there is egotism seeking of self, and effort to 
 be independent of God. Well for me to know 
 my true place. I am His by creation, by 
 redemption, by His unnumbered mercies. I 
 can choose and act. If I act according to 
 right Reason, I abandon myself entirely and 
 willingly to Him. If so, I must expect to have 
 to fight against corrupt nature. Blessed, if I 
 see clearly, and act firmly. Blessed be Thou, 
 O God, Who givest grace to do Thy Will. 
 My only rest must be in entire submission to 
 the All-holy Will of God. 
 
 2. T MUST, then, expect struggle. Battle is the 
 
 way to peace. I must fight my lower self 
 and lower desires, and struggle to find rest, 
 not in creatures, but in God. There is an 
 interior rest, deeper than the noise of life. I 
 can find it if I put God first ; if I refer all
 
 74 OK (Jnttre Jhrtmufctan to (Soli. 
 
 things to Him ; if, by His grace, I have perfect 
 confidence in Him. The secret of peace is 
 trust in God, and the discipline of, and con- 
 quest over, insurgent desire. Self is weakness. 
 God is Strength. " Thou shalt keep him in 
 perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee, 
 because he trusteth in Thee." The rule of 
 right is the Will of God. If I trust Him, I 
 shall rest upon and submit to that Will. It 
 must be right. O most holy Will of God, be 
 my Guide amidst the dangers of life. 
 
 3. HPHE joy of life, its deeper happiness, is in 
 the play of the affections Men must, in 
 great measure, if they are true men, live by 
 the heart. There is a hunger in my heart. 
 God gives me many human objects of love, 
 but these are shadows of Himself. By them I 
 climb to Him; them I love in Him. He only 
 can satisfy the heart of His creature. The 
 storms of life pass over me, and I am unruffled, 
 certainly unhurt, if I am in the shelter of the 
 love of God. My God, I must give myself up 
 in will and intention wholly to Thee. Give 
 me grace. 
 
 <ue*tum Have I been seeking self, not God ? 
 Do I murmur at and fret against His 
 Will for me ? Am I over-anxious for 
 my own way, instead of asking, What 
 is God's Will ?
 
 On (Entire jhrtmtes'tan ta air. 75 
 
 To acquire liabits of submission to 
 God's Will. These can only be 
 formed by acts. I will act under a 
 desire to do His Will, not mine. 
 O God) Who hast formed us for 
 Thyself, without Whom we are 
 nothing, in Whose love we are at 
 peace ; give us grace to submit to, 
 and embrace, and love Thy All-holy 
 Will as the guide of life. Show us 
 Thy Will, that we may do it, and 
 doing it warm our hearts that we 
 may love it, through Jesus Christ 
 our Lord. Amen." 
 
 "THE WORLD PASSETH AWAY, AND THE 
 LUST THEREOF; BUT HE THAT DOETH THE 
 WILL OF GOD ABIDETH FOR EVER." 
 
 Holy Will of God, most tender, 
 Sharp thou seemest, and severe ; 
 
 Will of mine submissive render, 
 Till I find thee dear, most dear. 
 
 One practical resolution on some definite point of 
 submission for this day. 
 
 " OUR FATHER," &c. 
 " GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c.
 
 III. 
 
 On ^u6mi00ion fo 
 a jfytfy in 
 
 1. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ CAREFULLY S. MATT. vn. 21 TO END. 
 
 3. PICTURE OUR LORD IN His CALMNESS OF INTERIOR 
 
 TRUST, AND ENERGY OF WORK IN ANY SCENE OF HlS 
 ACTIVE LIFE. 
 
 1. IpVERY life has its duties. I have mine. 
 
 Every soul has its hopes, and projects, 
 and work, at which it must busy itself. We 
 must be " not slothful in business." Still I 
 find my heart often upset and disturbed by 
 cares, anxieties, thoughts for others. Work 
 cannot be done well, duty cannot be rightly 
 fulfilled with a disturbed heart. "Why art 
 thou so heavy, O my soul, and why art thou 
 so disquieted within me ? " The cure of this 
 disturbance is trust in God. If I abandon 
 myself to Him, far from being an unpractical 
 dreamer, as men imagine, my heart then is 
 free to do the duty of life well. 
 
 2. T MUST not then neglect effort, and duty, 
 
 and forethought, and calm views of what 
 should be done. God has called me to work.
 
 On AttftntfAfCon to <So&'j? EZ3tlI, rtr. 77 
 
 Idleness is not only "the mother of mischief." 
 Idleness is sin. But our work must be done 
 in submission to a sacred law, and with a will 
 pervaded by a religious spirit. Work my 
 work is not hindered, it is helped, when it 
 is purified by a high and holy motive, by energy 
 and will, finding their spring in God. If I 
 maintain, by His grace, interior rest and trust 
 in Him, all my work will be done with greater 
 energy and diligence. 
 
 f~* OD our Father desires our good. He 
 desires such success in our work as is 
 good for us, and the training of our characters 
 through the fulfilment of duty. " All things 
 work together for good to them that love 
 God." Who so able to work out what we 
 want, Who so willing to do so, if it be good for 
 us, as God ? It is He Who teaches me effort. 
 I must make the effort. In doing so all will 
 be well if I abandon myself wholly to His 
 Will. My heart is held and enslaved by things 
 of sense and time only so long as I allow it. 
 If I give myself to God, I am no longer a slave. 
 Then I can work and act forcibly and fruitfully 
 as a free man. 
 
 . Have I ever been ensnared by the 
 notion that action is hindered by 
 devotion ? Ever imagined action my
 
 78 n jfr&miJtiten to <&ati'8 (SSJtll, rtc. 
 
 own, apart from God ? Failed to 
 see that to act and work well I need 
 quiet trust in God ? 
 
 H&egol&e. I resolve to consecrate all the work I 
 am called to do by having the inward 
 eye fixed on God, and the will sur- 
 rendered to the Will of God, and 
 the heart trusting in God. 
 
 39raDer. " ^ m y God, without Whom we can do 
 nothing, give us grace in fulfilling 
 our allotted task in life, ever to rest 
 upon and trust in Thee. Through 
 Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen." 
 
 Cfje Morttt of Cfjrtit, ty the A P ostle f 
 
 v. 6, 7 J : " HUMBLE YOURSELVES, THERE- 
 
 FORE, UNDER THE MIGHTY HAND OF GOD, 
 THAT HE MAY EXALT YOU IN DUE TIME : 
 CASTING ALL YOUR CARE UPON HlM, FOR 
 HE CARETH FOR YOU." 
 
 Work, it is work to which ever He calls us ; 
 
 Failure, success, are with Him to decide ; 
 Only trust Him, whatsoever befalls us, 
 
 Rest upon Him, whatsoever betide. 
 
 One practical resolution for work and trust this day. 
 
 " OUR FATHER," &c. 
 " GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c.
 
 IV. 
 
 On (Snftre 3*u0 in 
 
 1. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ CAREFULLY PSALM xxv. 
 
 3. PICTURE TO YOURSELF CHRIST SAYING TO YOU, "I 
 
 AM THE SAME YESTERDAY, TO-DAY, AND FOR EVER." 
 
 1. T MUST think how saddening and dis- 
 
 heartening is the fact of continual change. 
 Everything about me, and even within me, 
 is changing. Literature, history, antiquities, 
 witness to it. Philosophy is puzzled by it. 
 Am I ? or am I only always becoming ? 
 Nothing remains unchanged. I have sweet 
 memories of days, persons, places. They can 
 never be exactly again what they were. I 
 change in myself my thoughts, my modes of 
 action, even my character. There can be no 
 real stability, either for myself or for others, 
 except in God. Amidst a world within and 
 without made up of change, there can be but 
 one fixed point the sovereignty, the goodness, 
 the love of God. 
 
 2. T ET me meditate, then, upon the absolute 
 
 necessity, for the peace and welfare of my 
 soul, of trust. Laws and forces appear un
 
 8o n (Entire Cruslt in <8nlf. 
 
 alterable ; but for me, who am a soul, trust in any- 
 thing is impossible except in one who can make 
 a moral response. I cannot trust in a blind 
 force. I can trust, and so find moral repose 
 in a person, if I am assured of his character. 
 For trust implies a certain amount of reverence. 
 I cannot reverence natural law. That would 
 be idolatry ; it would degrade me ; I should be 
 worshipping what was below me. Such things 
 I can only reverence when they are connected 
 with a person. My human heart cries aloud 
 for an unchanging person. It cries aloud, in 
 fact, for God. 
 
 3. r T~*HE real mark of greatness, I must remem- 
 ber, is to know my proper place. I am 
 a creature. Simple trust in my Creator is my 
 true position, because it means that I have a 
 true sense of my relation to Him. By this 
 trust I grip the inner sense of things. It lies 
 at the basis of character. It means a moral 
 reverence for what is good, and an inner 
 certainty that goodness must triumph in the 
 long run, no matter how things change, and 
 be appearances what they may. My God, 
 that I may feel and know Thy unchanging 
 greatness amidst the changes and chances of 
 this mortal life. 
 
 . Have I allowed my heart to fail me, 
 and sometimes played the coward,
 
 On Entire STtus't in <So&. 81 
 
 amidst the trials of change, when I 
 know that God does not change ? 
 
 I resolve more constantly, especially 
 in moments of darkness and trial, to 
 make acts of trust in God. 
 
 O God, Who changest not Thyself, 
 but ever guidest by Thy Divine 
 Providence the changes of this 
 world for Thine own glory and 
 the benefit of Thy people, give us 
 grace so entirely to place our confi- 
 dence in Thee, that no changes or 
 chances of life may hurt us, or draw 
 us from Thy service. Through Jesus 
 Christ our Lord. Amen." 
 
 Cije aSHorfcS of Ctjn'St, by the Psalmist : ALL 
 
 THEY THAT PUT THEIR TRUST IN HlM 
 SHALL NOT BE DESTITUTE." 
 
 Sorrow comes with solemn warning, 
 Bringing storm-clouds dank and dim ; 
 
 Brighter than the summer morning 
 Is the soul that trusts in Him. 
 
 One practical resolution for to-day, of special trust 
 in God in some one detail of trial. 
 
 " OUR FATHER," &c. 
 " GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c.
 
 V. 
 
 On ruef in 
 
 1. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ CAREFULLY PSALM xxxi. 
 
 3. PICTURE TO YOURSELF CHRIST STANDING ABOVE YOU 
 AS HE STOOD ABOVE S. JOHN, AND SAYING, " I WILL 
 NEVER LEAVE THEE, NOR FORSAKE THEE." 
 
 i. T ET me remember how I may trust God 
 because of His character as revealed in 
 the Bible. The Bible is full of the stories of 
 dreadful sins and dreadful sorrows, but still it 
 is the Book of Hope. It always shows God's 
 righteousness and His justice, to which my 
 soul responds. It teaches me, above all things, 
 that the Judge of all the earth shall do right. 
 Surely, then, there grows in me a strong and 
 imperishable conviction that if a thing is right 
 it will have to be. Is not that the foundation 
 of all true character ? Does it not mean a 
 real trust in God's moral government of the 
 world ? The more I have that, the more I 
 am true to the revelation of His character in 
 the Bible, and the more my own character 
 must grow in uprightness and strength.
 
 On Crustt in <o*f. 83 
 
 T ET me meditate upon how this trust, so 
 needful to me, is built upon God as 
 absolute truth. I am familiar with relative 
 truths. Many things were once true of myself 
 or of others which are true no more. Many 
 things are true now in the world which I feel 
 confident will not be true in another half- 
 century. Tastes, opinions, fashions change. 
 My soul is longing for something which changes 
 not. I may try to be indifferent, or I may be 
 regretful, or I may be angry, or I may get into 
 the way of taking things as they come in a 
 quiet kind of easy-going submission, but this 
 does not satisfy my soul. I want to rest on 
 permanent and absolute truth. I find that 
 only in God. I can trust Him, because by 
 the very terms of His being He is truth itself. 
 If I do this, it floods my soul with light, and 
 ennobles all my work. It gives me, it gives it, 
 an element of permanence. O Eternal Truth, 
 may I more implicitly trust in Thee. 
 
 T MAY meditate how reasonable and right it 
 is for me to trust in God amidst the 
 changes and vexations of life, because of the 
 perfect and touching Majesty of Christ. I see 
 His unswerving principle, His calm indifference 
 to the unreal and conventional, His unslacken- 
 ing goodness, His largeness, His generosity, 
 His minute sympathy. I see in Him what
 
 84 u Crust in 
 
 was never seen in any other man a dominant 
 element of Eternity. He is human to the heart's 
 core, and yet unchanging. He is the Revealer 
 of the Father. Reading of Him, thinking of 
 Him, I know what God is like, I know what 
 God is. When my mind rests upon Him I 
 can trust Him with the blindest submission, 
 just as men and women did in His earthly life. 
 In doing so I find peace and strength. What 
 is the meaning of this ? It means that I am. 
 simply doing right, and that I know that I am 
 doing right in trusting God. 
 
 Question. Have I, amidst the trials of life, too 
 often forgotten the unchanging good- 
 ness and love of God, and the near- 
 ness and sympathy in all my troubles, 
 of God in Christ ? 
 
 i\f3o(bf. I resolve to try more earnestly, when 
 disquieted or harassed, to fall back 
 upon the thought of God, to look 
 up to Christ, and to remember that 
 He never can leave or forsake His 
 people. 
 
 O Lord and Heavenly Father, Who 
 hast revealed Thyself to us in Thy 
 Holy Word, in Thy Providence, and 
 by Thy dear Son, give us grace to 
 realize more perfectly Thy unchang-
 
 Crust til <&otf. 85 
 
 ing goodness, and to put our whole 
 trust and confidence in Thee, through 
 the same Jesus Christ, our Lord. 
 Amen." 
 
 Clje 233ortfS of Cijngt, by the Psalmist: "THE 
 
 LORD SHALL STAND BY THEM AND SAVE 
 THEM : HE SHALL DELIVER THEM FROM 
 THE UNGODLY, AND SHALL SAVE THEM, 
 BECAUSE THEY PUT THEIR TRUST IN HlM." 
 
 Dark the clouds of life, and dreary ; 
 
 Sad the way of life, and long ; 
 They who love Thee ne'er are weary, 
 
 They who trust Thee, Lord, are strong. 
 
 One practical resolution for this day towards making 
 acts of trust in any trial that comes upon me. 
 
 " OUR FATHER," &c. 
 " GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c.
 
 VI. 
 
 &n (particular Side of true* in 
 
 1. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ CAREFULLY PSALM xx. 
 
 3. PICTURE CHRIST BEFORE YOU ASKING YOU TO DO 
 
 SOMETHING FOR HlS SAKE. 
 
 r. T MUST put myself entirely in God's hands. I 
 am His. I owe this to Him. Difficulties and 
 dangers are in the way. One danger is from 
 imagination. " Imagination," a good man says, 
 " is the home of fear." I am in fear, from my 
 imagination. I fear to trust God, e #., I am in 
 fear as to my eternal salvation. I am in fear 
 of falling away. Characters readily decline. 
 I may grow slack. I may gradually lose hold 
 of good, and be carried away by " the World." 
 I am in fear of failing at death. There is then 
 the last great temptation. This keeps me from 
 trusting in God. O my soul, why ? This is 
 an act of humility. I am right in having a 
 fear when I look at what I am in myself. I 
 have an earnest desire for salvation. This is 
 according to God's Will. Well then I may 
 trust in God.
 
 On particular ^rts of &rus't in <o&. 87 
 
 2. TI^EAR comes upon me as to immediate 
 
 matters. Life is full of difficulties. Men 
 fear, and naturally, the change and fickleness of 
 fortune, failure or trouble in financial affairs, 
 the passing away of health and strength. I 
 may fear as to the cherished objects of affection ; 
 fear lest those I love go wrong, or decline in 
 character, or disappoint by ardent hopes. I 
 must not remain in such a condition of mind. 
 I can hardly help passing fears but I am a 
 Christian, I may not live in them. What can 
 I do ? I will do what I can, and then leave all 
 peacefully to God, and trust Him. O my 
 soul, who better than He can manage all these 
 things ? 
 
 3. '"PO do this is the way to many virtues. 
 
 Habits are formed by acts. Character 
 is formed by habits. It is, therefore, a duty 
 to my own soul to see to right acts of virtue. 
 They may be, at first they must be, interior. 
 Then they will take form in the outer world. 
 There is needed humility which is at the root 
 of a spiritual life. There is need of disinter- 
 estedness, acting not from self-seeking motives, 
 but from love of God and others. There is 
 need of courage to withstand the assaults of 
 temptation. There is need of calmness, that 
 the mind may act without wrong bias, and 
 that God's voice may be heard. All these are
 
 88 On particular "arts of Crutft in 
 
 practised, and grow and strengthen from acts 
 of trust in God. We cannot make the one 
 without, in so doing, practising the other. 
 
 4Huftion. In practical matters, have I really 
 made acts of trust in God ? Have 
 I been proud, conceited, self-seeking, 
 disturbed by outward things ? 
 
 I will try to cultivate the habit of 
 making acts of trust in God. In 
 moments of trial I will lift my heart 
 to Him, and humbly and coura- 
 geously trust in Him. 
 
 " O God, Who knowest us to be set in 
 the midst of so many and great 
 dangers that, by reason of the frailty 
 of our nature, we cannot always 
 stand upright, give us grace to trust 
 in Thee perfectly, so that with 
 humble, pure, courageous, and quiet 
 minds we may serve Thee faithfully 
 to the end, through Jesus Christ our 
 Lord. Amen." 
 
 Cfce EWorttt of Cijriat, by theProphet(Isa. xxvi. 3): 
 
 " THOU SHALT KEEP HIM IN PERFECT 
 PEACE, WHOSE MIND IS STAYED ON THEE, 
 BECAUSE HE TRUSTETH IN THEE."
 
 particular 8rt3 of CruSt tu 
 
 Give me grace to trust Thee wholly, 
 From all selfish fears release ; 
 
 Grant humility and courage, 
 Self-forgetfulness and peace. 
 
 One practical resolution for the exercise of this virtue 
 this day. 
 
 " OUR FATHER," &c. 
 ' GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c.
 
 VII. 
 
 On Junior (peace. 
 
 1. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ CAREFULLY ROMANS xvi. 20. 
 
 3. PICTURE TO YOURSELF THE APOSTLE ADDRESSING 
 YOU, AND SAYING, "HE IS OUR PEACE." 
 
 i. T ET me remember how needful it is for the 
 servant of God to preserve interior peace 
 in the soul. Our Lord knew that human life 
 would have many external disturbances ; He 
 knew that His Church would be kept in 
 turmoil by the world. None the less, He 
 always speaks of peace as one of His greatest 
 gifts to His people. He shows by His example, 
 as well as by His teaching, that interior peace 
 must be preserved. It depends upon the 
 proper relation between conscience and choice 
 or action. It depends upon the maintenance 
 of a humble sense of God's Sovereignty, and 
 preservation in the soul of a living and active 
 faith, and hope, and love. It depends upon 
 the exertion of the will, assisted by Divine 
 grace, to govern unruly impulses, and to check 
 unnecessary disturbances in the soul. If I 
 preserve this peace, I keep a silence in my
 
 Interior $race. 91 
 
 soul, so that I can hear God's voice ; I am 
 enabled to form a right judgment in all things, 
 I am comforted and strengthened by thoughts 
 and teachings of another world, I am more 
 likely to be fair-minded and generous towards 
 others, and to be watchful and stern with 
 myself. 
 
 2. T PRESERVE this peace which is the gift 
 
 of the Holy Ghost by taking care that 
 every part of my life shall be pervaded by 
 religion. Whatever joys I have, whatever 
 affections, whatever work, whatever sorrow, I 
 must get into the habit of referring it all to 
 God. No detail of my life must I think too 
 minute for His care and sympathy. I must 
 try to have my heart so in union with Him 
 that I shall naturally talk to Him at any 
 moment about everything the weather, my 
 amusements, my plans, my hopes, my vexations 
 which may interest or concern me in any 
 way. Taking God into everything that is 
 the way of peace. My God, help me to have 
 nothing outside Thee. 
 
 3. T ET me meditate upon how this peace is 
 
 preserved by regulated prayer. I must 
 hold communion with God, in the regulated 
 way that the Church has always taught, so 
 that all these things of my life may be sanctified
 
 92 &n Interior 
 
 by communion with Him. I must maintain 
 this peace by earnest supplication, by earnestly 
 and eagerly asking Him for what I want for 
 myself or for others, as a child to a loving 
 father, and yet so trustfully that I can leave 
 it all with Him to do just what He likes, 
 because He knows best. I must maintain 
 this peace by thanking Him for all His mercies, 
 and especially by regularly joining in offering 
 the Holy Sacrifice of the Altar, when I can 
 carry everything to Him through the heart of 
 His dear Son. 
 
 . Have I too often fallen back upon 
 myself in happiness or in trouble, 
 instead of sharing all things with 
 God, and so have I often been 
 disturbed or moody, and failed to 
 preserve interior peace ? 
 
 3txc3olbt. I resolve, by God's grace, to make 
 Him more my confidant in all things, 
 not to allow myself to be disturbed 
 in my inner intercourse with Him 
 by the trials which He allows to 
 come to me, but to endeavour, carry- 
 ing everything to Him as He has 
 commanded me, to maintain interior 
 peace.
 
 On interior face. 93 
 
 "O Lord and Heavenly Father, Who 
 hast taught us to cast all our care 
 upon Thee, for Thou carest for us, 
 give us grace in everything, however 
 small, to turn to Thee, and grant 
 that so Thy peace, which passes all 
 understanding, may keep our hearts. 
 Through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
 Amen." 
 
 i)t E2SortJS of Cforfct, by the Apostle (Phil. 
 iv. 6, 7 j : " IN EVERYTHING BY PRAYER 
 AND SUPPLICATION WITH THANKSGIVING 
 LET YOUR REQUESTS BE MADE KNOWN 
 UNTO GOD. AND THE PEACE OF GOD, 
 WHICH PASSETH ALL UNDERSTANDING, SHALL 
 KEEP YOUR HEARTS AND MINDS THROUGH 
 JESUS CHRIST." 
 
 Why, O restless heart, so troubled ? 
 
 Why so low does courage fall ? 
 God reigns. Pray with hope redoubled ; 
 
 Peace will come. He cares for all. 
 
 One practical resolution for to-day towards resisting 
 
 interior fretfulness or disturbance, and casting 
 
 whatever care comes upon God. 
 
 " OUR FATHER," &c. 
 " GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c.
 
 VIII. 
 
 On ^ome ^oug^e Defying to 
 Jnferior (peace. 
 
 1. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ CAREFULLY S. JAMES iv. 13-15. 
 
 3. PICTURE JESUS STANDING AND SAYING, "PEACE I 
 
 LEAVE WITH YOU." 
 
 i. 'V\7 r HY should I fret, and be disturbed, since 
 life must be a time of trial ? My interior 
 peace is broken because of vexations, dis- 
 appointments, annoyances. I am put out by 
 others' tempers or ways. I am fretted at some 
 unexpected want of success. I am dejected 
 at the pressure of work. Why ? I am being 
 tried. God gives me exactly the circumstances 
 by which I may best be tested as to what 
 mettle I am made of, and proved as to whether 
 I will use all things to grow in His likeness. I 
 must have these troubles. Everyone must. 
 I have freedom to choose. I have a conscience 
 to keep "void of offence." I have light from 
 God to see His Will for me. Trials come to 
 prove how I use them. I must not fret under 
 trial, but use it. Then there is peace.
 
 On jj-omr CtoucjfytS $3rlptnjj to ntmar $rarc. 95 
 
 2. A NOTHER thought. This life is a mere 
 
 fragment, and a very small fragment, of 
 my whole life. That real life stretches away 
 beyond the grave. But this little fragment is 
 of vast importance. It is the time for preparing 
 for the longer life. The great thing is in it to 
 do steadily, faithfully, what God would have 
 me do. If by His grace I do that, fulfil His 
 Will, and work His work just where He has 
 placed me then the outward things, the ups 
 and downs of this little life, are comparatively 
 insignificant. I must not make so much of 
 them. I must not dwell upon them, and fret. 
 To remember, not the outward features, but my 
 use of them, is the great thing brings peace. 
 
 3. A FURTHER thought. True principle is 
 
 everything. If acting on right principle, 
 there will be progress of the soul ; whatever 
 comes or goes is then a merely incidental cir- 
 cumstance in a steady, indeed eternal, progress. 
 Things begin brightly, and often go on in cloud, 
 and end in gloom. This matters little if the 
 soul is advancing all the time in the Will and 
 ways of God. " It is of little matter," a good 
 man says, " if when we die men call our enter- 
 prise quixotic, or foolish, or a failure, or a 
 mistake if the principle we are trying to follow 
 is to be faithful to duty, and loyal to the Will 
 of God." This again brings peace.
 
 96 9n &amt QS"ba\i$bW Helping (0 Interior 
 
 <&ltetum. Have I allowed myself to be too 
 much disturbed by the changes and 
 trials of life ? Have I forgotten what 
 life is, and that these must come ? 
 
 Hiegol&e. I will try to look on to the real object 
 of life, to be less disturbed by passing 
 incidents, in hope of an eternal 
 progress. 
 
 Draper.- "O God, Who art about my path and 
 about my bed, and in Whose hand 
 I am, teach me to accept all trial as 
 from Thee. Keep my heart in Thy 
 peace, undisturbed by the passing 
 incidents of life. Give me, O 
 Heavenly Father, a deeper trust 
 in Thee. For Jesus Christ's sake. 
 Amen." 
 
 J)t WHortf Jl of Cf)ri$t, bythePsalmistfPs.xxxvii. 1 ) 
 " FRET NOT THYSELF, ELSE SHALT THOU 
 
 BE LED TO DO EVIL." 
 
 Loud though the winds, and wild the waves, 
 
 Thou canst bid tempests cease ; 
 The heart that rests on Him Who saves 
 
 Will still find deepening peace. 
 
 One, practical resolution for this day. 
 
 " OUR FATHER," &c. 
 " GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c.
 
 On the Perfect Life.
 
 I. 
 On fg* (perfect JSife. (i.) 
 
 1. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ CAREFULLY S. MATT. v. 1-20. 
 
 3. PICTURE TO YOURSELF OUR LORD STANDING ON THE 
 ROCK, ABOVE A LITTLE CUP OF GROUND FILLED 
 WITH THE MULTITUDE, AND SPEAKING TO YOU AS 
 HE SPOKE TO THEM. 
 
 i. A S I am an immortal being, Reason herself 
 will teach me to try to live accordingly. 
 Our Lord, the highest Reason, says I am to 
 live the Perfect Life. What is the path of 
 perfection for me ? He cannot mean me to 
 do the impossible. I cannot in this life be 
 quite free from sin or fault. I cannot be like 
 God in His essential Nature. I can be like 
 Him by forming the habit in all things, of 
 doing my best. I can avoid being wilfully 
 below what I know I ought to do. I can 
 avoid picking and choosing just what I like, 
 instead of doing habitually and consistently 
 what I know that I ought. I can, if I will, 
 keep God's Will before me. I am not called 
 to do what is extraordinary or heroic, but I 
 am called to do the common little duties of
 
 On tbr |3rrfrrt ILtfc. 
 
 every day in my own soul, and in the outer 
 world, in a spirit of submission to the Will of 
 God. This will be to me the Perfect Life. 
 
 T F so, two things now come out before me. 
 (i) Duty, i.e., all that I do, think, say, 
 must be done under the general sense that it 
 is owed, that it is due to another. God is Lord 
 and Master of me, and therefore of my will. 
 My life is all right, however small the things I 
 do, if I have His approval. I can't help 
 working for an end or object. Lower animals, 
 apparently, don't have wide horizons. I have. 
 There is a necessity upon me to seek some 
 end beyond what I am doing at the moment. 
 God is my end. It mast be so. The Perfect 
 and Eternal Being could only make me in His 
 image if I am to find my final satisfaction in 
 Him. All I do is therefore due to Him. The 
 habit of duty to God is the first necessary 
 habit of the Perfect Life. 
 
 (2) HPHE second fact that I must contem- 
 plate is my Liberty. I may lead the 
 Perfect Life because I am free not to lead it 
 if I like. All the gaolers and judges in the' 
 world have no power against my interior 
 liberty. I know that without liberty in me 
 I could not be a moral being. I know that 
 my civil and political liberty, and the civil
 
 tljc J3n-frct JUfr. 
 
 and political liberty of all men, is a possession 
 due because of individual liberty. Before I 
 am a citizen I must be a person. I am always 
 exercising liberty. I hesitate, I deliberate, I 
 think before I make a resolution. When I 
 act rightly I am pleased with myself; when 
 wrongly, I have remorse, or distress, or disgust, 
 because I am free. Children I educate ; the 
 young, and those who are bound to me by the 
 ties of respect or love, I guide ; men with no 
 special tie to me I advise, or try to persuade. 
 Everything proves that I and others have the 
 awful gift of liberty. On this liberty of mine, 
 and my relation to God, rests the science 
 of Duty. That science is the science of 
 Sacrifice. 
 
 <ue$tion. Have I tried habitually to realize 
 the seriousness of the possession of 
 freedom, the imperious claim of duty, 
 the Sovereignty of God ? Have I 
 allowed myself to live at random, 
 and forgotten that I am here to 
 learn the Perfect Life ? 
 
 . I resolve to pray for, and keep before 
 my mind more steadily, the sacred - 
 ness of duty, and the need of doing, 
 in everything I am called to do, the 
 best I can ?
 
 tfje 
 
 O God, Who hast made us in Thine 
 own Image and Likeness, and hast 
 placed that before us perfectly in 
 the life of Thy dear Son, give us 
 strength and determination habit- 
 ually to act in Thy sight, according 
 to Thy Will, and keeping Thee 
 before us as our end. Through 
 Jesus Christ. Amen." 
 
 " As YE HAVE RECEIVED . . . HOW YE 
 Ollght TO WALK AND TO PLEASE GoD, SO " 
 
 YE SHOULD "ABOUND MORE AND MORE." 
 
 Free ! I am free ! The path of life is fraught 
 With dangers ; Christ and Conscience point 
 the way ; 
 
 I choose, but I must follow where I know I ought, 
 If from God's path I fear to go astray. 
 
 One practical resolution for faithful fulfilment of 
 some small necessary duties to-day. 
 
 " OUR FATHER," &c. 
 " GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c.
 
 II. 
 On $e (perfect Bife. (2.) 
 
 1. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ CAREFULLY S. MATT. xxv. 31 TO END. 
 
 3. PICTURE TO YOURSELF CHRIST AS JUDGE TAKING 
 ACCOUNT OF YOUR LIFE. 
 
 i. nPO lead the Perfect Life, i.e., to do my best, 
 I must acquire a sense of responsibility. 
 If I owe myself and my actions to God, and if 
 I have liberty, I must be prepared often to 
 resist taste, and interest, and hopes, and the 
 persuasions of acquaintances, and ordinary 
 customs around me, and, it might be, even to 
 go against life itself. My danger is that I see 
 too clearly immediate pleasure and immediate 
 reward, and too dimly the reward and pleasure 
 which is far away. If so, I really give up my 
 liberty because I cannot consent to sacrifice. 
 I am helped to resist this by remembering that 
 I must one day give an account of myself. 
 The judgment will not be unfair. It will, 
 however, be strictly true. I shall be self- 
 condemned if I have been a traitor to my 
 liberty only because I disliked sacrifice. Let 
 me remember that sacrifice is an absolute
 
 104 
 
 necessity if I am to remain free, and live the 
 Perfect Life. Do not let me hesitate about 
 small sacrifices of every day. I shall not 
 hesitate if I can remember that I am respon- 
 sible. 
 
 2. "Xy^THAT is it that leads me to turn away 
 
 from the simple duty of the Perfect 
 Life ? It is impulse, passion, slackness, selfish- 
 ness ; I can always fight against these if I 
 really wish to, for I am free, and God gives 
 grace. What leads me to fight against them ? 
 The idea of duty, and the idea of responsibility. 
 There is a power outside myself calm and 
 inflexible. Its demands do not depend upon 
 my will, or my impulses, or human customs 
 that is Duty. There is a power outside myself 
 lying before me, established in the nature of 
 things, which will have its full result one day 
 that is Responsibility. With the thought of 
 these two powers I may meet many enemies. 
 Passion may indeed hurt me, and half destroy 
 me. It can never conquer me if my will is fixed 
 in the thought of Duty and Responsibility. 
 
 3. '"PHIS thought comes in quiet times. How 
 
 can I have it handy in a moment of 
 crisis or temptation ? By taking care steadily 
 to form habits of the Perfect Life. I am 
 responsible for the habits I have acquired. 
 If I have contracted bad habits, my business
 
 On tfce licrfrct tfc. 105 
 
 is to root them out. A good man is a man 
 who is forming habits of virtue, i.e., of moral 
 strength. A bad man is one who is forming 
 habits of vice, i.e., moral weakness, or positive 
 sin. If I am to have a habit of good, I can 
 only have it by earnestly performing good 
 actions in the little daily things of life. Actions 
 form habits ; habits form character. Character 
 is the result of the Perfect Life, the only pos- 
 session I carry into Eternity. I must watch 
 and pray to do my best in the acts of each 
 day, so that a habit may be formed. Then in 
 trying moments the sense of duty, and the 
 sense of responsibility, will stand me in good 
 stead. 
 
 <2Bur3tt'on.- Have I allowed myself to act too 
 much on impulse, too little with a 
 sense of responsibility ? Have I 
 ever thought that occasional wrong 
 doing did not matter, and that some- 
 times I might treat sin lightly, for- 
 getting that each act of mind, as 
 well as of life, is tending to form 
 habit ? 
 
 I resolve to keep before me more 
 steadily the thought of my responsi- 
 bility. I must give an account of 
 myself. If so, I will try to remem- 
 ber the value of little actions in
 
 106 9n tf)e jpnfcrt ILifr. 
 
 forming a habit, the value of habit 
 in trying moments in giving force to 
 the sense of duty and responsibility. 
 
 " O God, Who hast taught us that one 
 day we must give an account of 
 ourselves, help us to walk in Thy 
 faith and fear ; guide us with Thine 
 eye ; grant that we may so act that 
 habits of virtue may be formed in 
 our souls by Thy grace, and that in 
 moments of danger and temptation 
 we may above all things remember 
 our duty and responsibility to Thee. 
 Through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
 Amen." 
 
 Cfje SHHortJtf of Cfyrisft, by the Apostle (Romans 
 
 Xiv. 12) : " SO THEN, EVERYONE .... 
 SHALL GIVE ACCOUNT OF HIMSELF TO GOD." 
 
 Passion may blind ; the world may tempt me 
 wrong ; 
 
 None force ; I stand, fall of my own accord. 
 Remember ! and, remembering, be strong 
 
 " You give account, my soul, to Christ the Lord." 
 
 One practical resolution for doing something to-day 
 as in God's sight, and for ffis approval. 
 
 " OUR FATHER," &c. 
 " GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c.
 
 III. 
 
 <Dn tfc (perfect ife* (3-) 
 
 1. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ CAREFULLY S. MATT. vi. 33. 
 
 3. PICTURE TO YOURSELF OUR LORD SPEAKING TO YOU, 
 AND TELLING YOU THAT WHAT HE DOES YOU MAY 
 NOT KNOW NOW, BUT YOU SHALL KNOW HEREAFTER. 
 
 i. T AM called to the Perfect Life, i.e., the life 
 of doing my best. The contrast between 
 what seems my best, and what the Lord lays 
 down in the Sermon on the Mount, startles 
 me. How is it ? Evidently once men lived it 
 literally. Am I safe in not doing so ? Yes, 
 for God's providence is part of His revelation, 
 and in that providence the Christian Church 
 now uses for God's service all sorts of things 
 which once it gave up. I need not, then, be 
 in despair about this, nor can I shirk the 
 duty by pretending that it is impossible. It 
 is possible for me, but in a different way. I 
 must remember that our Lord came, among 
 other things, to open out new views of life and 
 of another world, and so He put aside as if 
 they were trifles all sorts of ordinary interests, 
 and yet He did live a practical life in this
 
 io8 <9u t\]t Pfrfcrt iltfr. 
 
 world of quiet, hidden work for thirty years, 
 and a great deal of His time was taken up in 
 healing men's bodies, and helping them in 
 temporal things. 
 
 T MUST remember, then, that the high 
 sayings of the Sermon on the Mount, if I 
 cannot act upon them literally, do teach me 
 principles on which I can act. I must remem- 
 ber that this life is short, and that there is a 
 disproportion between it and Eternity, but that 
 I have to show in it what is in me, and use to 
 the utmost such employments as I am called 
 to here. 
 
 T MUST not forget that what our Lord 
 teaches me if He can't, as He cannot, 
 expect me to follow the Sermon on the Mount 
 literally is that I must keep before me, quite 
 as much as the early Christians, the true 
 order of my pursuits, (i) Spiritual good and 
 advance, and then (2) temporal needs. My 
 sinful nature prompts me to do precisely the 
 reverse. I cannot take a number of my 
 employments and call them secular, and 
 another set and call them religious, in such 
 a way as to put God out of any of them. I 
 am bound to pray and strive that God's Law 
 shall regulate, and a truly Christian temper 
 shall inspire and pervade, ordinary duties. I
 
 109 
 
 learn from Him that the very same employ- 
 ments may be debased by worldliness, which 
 may be raised and consecrated by the spirit 
 of the Perfect Life. I am taught, then, that 
 the great thing is that a heavenly tone and 
 order of affection and desire must guide me 
 in all common things. 
 
 4&Ultton. Have I been tempted to keep my 
 religion in one special compart- 
 ment, like a Sunday religion, and 
 my life away from it in another ? 
 
 f. I resolve to try more earnestly to have 
 God as my Companion in all things, 
 and to carry the spirit and temper 
 of religion more earnestly into com- 
 mon life. 
 
 per. "O Heavenly Father, Who didst send 
 Thy dear Son not only to die for us, 
 but also to live a simple, labouring 
 life, give us, by Thy Spirit, more 
 and more of His Heavenly temper, 
 by which we may consecrate all 
 common things to Thee. Through 
 the same Jesus Christ, our Lord. 
 Amen." 
 
 Cije MortJS of Cijn'St (S. Matt. v. 48) : " BE 
 
 YE THEREFORE PERFECT, EVEN AS YOUR 
 
 FATHER WHICH is IN HEAVEN is PERFECT."
 
 0n tf)c Perfect Etfe. 
 
 I walk in common ways, and wage my strife, 
 Not like the saints who left, for Christ, their all ; 
 
 Yet still the Spirit of the Perfect Life 
 Makes common duties sacred or I fall. 
 
 One practical resolution towards remembering God 
 more constantly in some common things of to-day. 
 
 " OUR FATHER," &c. 
 " GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c.
 
 IV. 
 
 On t$t (perfect ifc. (4-) 
 
 1. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ CAREFULLY S. MATT. vr. 19-23. 
 
 3. PICTURE TO YOURSELF OUR LORD SPEAKING TO YOU, 
 AND REMINDING YOU OF THE CHARACTER OF HlS 
 LIFE WORK ON EARTH, A HEART IN HEAVEN. 
 
 i. TV/TY Lord speaks in serious tones in the 
 Sermon on the Mount. At first they 
 seem too high. Let me think. What am I 
 sure of ? I am sure that He has, by His 
 providence, placed me just where I am. I 
 must do, therefore, the ordinary duties of my 
 calling. If I do not do these, I am disregard- 
 ing the calls of His providence. I must think 
 for the morrow, though I must not fret about 
 it. I must do the duty of a citizen, a father, 
 a mother, or whatever I am. In the beginning 
 of the Christian Church, those whom Christ 
 called literally forsook everything. I should 
 be sinful if I did that. His providence and 
 ordering of Society has come in and said, 
 " You must not forsake all, in the same way ; if 
 you did you would be dishonest, and regardless 
 of duty ; you must do common duties, only do 
 them in the right way."
 
 ?9?rfrrt 
 
 T MUST remember, therefore, that under- 
 neath the outward things of life the real 
 mind of a follower of Christ is still the same. 
 My mind must not be divided. I have one 
 supreme object to glorify God, and do His 
 Will in whatever state I am. How am I to 
 look on this life 1 As holy men have done, as 
 they teach me to do. I am to look on it as 
 boys look upon their sports cricket, football, 
 and so on. For the time being, I am to throw 
 myself into its duties as they into their games, 
 and give my attention, and thought, and effort 
 to them. When these are done, the serious 
 work of life begins communion with God. 
 The serious work of life lies before me in 
 another world. This I must not forget. For 
 this I must cultivate simplicity of purpose. I 
 may have a thousand duties to do, but my 
 intention and purpose in all must be to 
 serve God. 
 
 TF I am to follow this teaching of Christ, 
 let me remember that, first, I must culti- 
 vate His spirit that was the spirit of sacrifice. 
 He teaches me to be ready to sacrifice anything 
 and everything that my own selfish heart would 
 desire ease, leisure, pleasure, money, fame 
 at the call of God. By this spirit the Christian 
 Church was founded in the world. Again, I 
 must never lose sight of the incomparable
 
 9u ttc JSfrfrrt Hife. 113 
 
 greatness of Eternity. I must remember that 
 this life is valuable chiefly as a preparation for 
 that. I must not forget that whatever may 
 happen to me here is as nothing compared to 
 what awaits me there. And so I must trust in 
 God. Whatever efforts I may make, their 
 success must depend upon Him. He is my 
 Guide, Stay, Teacher, as much as He ever 
 was. I must keep the single, steady purpose 
 to serve Him. My God, may I keep Thee 
 always before me ! 
 
 (Question. Have I acted from double motives? 
 Have I allowed the business of time 
 to absorb me, so as to dim the thought 
 of Eternity ? 
 
 . I resolve to bathe the work of my life 
 here in prayer ; to offer it more 
 steadily to God ; to set God before 
 me more steadily, so as to act in all 
 with a single eye. 
 
 per. " O God, Who hast set us our work to 
 do in life, give us grace to do it in 
 and for Thee. Grant that no tempta- 
 tion of this present evil world may 
 lead us to forget that Thee, and 
 only Thee, we must serve in all 
 things. Through Jesus Christ our 
 Lord. Amen."
 
 tttfe. 
 
 !)< SKHtortJS! Of Cf)ri$t. " No MAN CAN SERVE 
 
 TWO MASTERS J FOR EITHER HE WILL HATE 
 THE ONE AND LOVE THE OTHER, OR ELSE 
 HE WILL HOLD TO THE ONE, AND DESPISE 
 THE OTHER. YE CANNOT SERVE GOD AND 
 MAMMON." 
 
 Careful in my daily calling, 
 
 Still with simple mind, and free, 
 
 Keep me safe, O God, from falling 
 Owning, Master, none save Thee. 
 
 One practical resolution for this day as to simplicity 
 of purpose and heavenly mindedness in daily work. 
 
 "OuR FATHER," &c. 
 " GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c. 
 
 *
 
 V. 
 
 <Dn f0e (perfect Btfe. (5-) 
 
 1. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ THOUGHTFULLY S. MATT. v. 1-18. 
 
 3. PICTURE TO YOURSELF CHRIST SPEAKING TO YOU 
 AS YOU ASK HIM IN WHAT SPIRIT TO LEAD THE 
 PERFECT LIFE. 
 
 i. T MUST remember that the Perfect Life 
 depends not upon my employments, but 
 upon the spirit in which I do what I do. I 
 can, by grace, command my will and rule my 
 thoughts. How am I to do things ? Hiddenly. 
 That is, not desiring human approval or 
 applause. If it comes, it comes. I must 
 thank God for it if it cheers me on, but I 
 must not seek it. If it comes, it comes ; but 
 if so, I must offer it to God. There is a power 
 in hiddenness. in doing things quietly and 
 simply, because I ought, without parade or 
 display. By hiddenness, I store the forces of 
 virtue in the soul, instead of dissipating them. 
 By hiddenness, I learn the virtue of humility, 
 and hence there is room for God in the soul. 
 By hiddenness, I allow God to act in me, and 
 through me, and do not mar His work by my
 
 ti6 $u lift i9*rfcrt Etfp. 
 
 sinful self. God give me grace to do things, 
 prayer, alms, duties, naturally and simply, 
 never looking for human applause. 
 
 T ET me remember, O my God, that I must 
 ever have the upward eye. " I will lift 
 up mine eyes," says the Psalmist, "to the hills, 
 from whence cometh my help." " He had this 
 testimony," it is written of a great saint 
 "that he pleased God." With a direct upward 
 longing, I must try in all things to please God. 
 My most common duty will be blest ; it will 
 help others ; it will fulfil a high function, if it 
 is done under the power of such a motive. 
 " I want to please God." I must not be hun- 
 gering to please others, though I am right in 
 desiring to give them pleasure, but I may and 
 ought to have eager and earnest desires in all 
 things to please God. This is possible for me 
 if in beginning any work I get into the habit 
 of forming an intention as Haydn did in 
 writing his music for the glory of God. 
 
 HPEACH me, O my God, how the spirit of 
 the Perfect Life is a forward spirit. I 
 must remember to look on. This world is' 
 only the "home of an inn." It is a pause The 
 journey has to be travelled. This life is only 
 a fragment. Nothing, however important, which 
 happens to one here, can compare with the
 
 <9tt tfjr perfect ftifc. 
 
 seriousness and importance of what awaits me 
 there. Heaven is my home. I must think of 
 it as an exile and a wanderer thinks of his 
 home. I may enjoy the legitimate pleasures 
 of life, and try cheerfully to put up with its 
 trials, sorrows, inconveniences but often to 
 think of the future; to act in the light of it; 
 to throw myself forward, and live in the con- 
 templation of it this is to live " in the world, 
 but not of the world," to work in the spirit of 
 the Perfect Life. Help me, O my God. 
 
 <&Ufgtton. Am I too fond of display ? Of human 
 approval? Of getting credit with 
 men ? Have I failed in purity of 
 intention ? Failed in living in view 
 of the nearness and awfulness of 
 another world ? 
 
 ixr^olbf. I resolve, by God's grace, to do what 
 I have to do more simply and directly 
 for Him ; to avoid talking of myself ; 
 throwing out nets to catch human 
 praise ; to think more often of Heaven 
 as my home. 
 
 " O my God, forasmuch as without 
 Thee we are not able to please 
 Thee, grant us grace to act in Thy 
 sight and for Thy glory with a
 
 "8 (Bit fyc perfect fctfr. 
 
 simple purpose, and fearing and 
 shunning the praise of men. For 
 Jesus Christ's sake. Amen." 
 
 Efje EZEortiij of Cartel (S. Matt. vi. 19-21 ) : 
 
 " LAY NOT UP FOR YOURSELVES TREASURES 
 UPON EARTH . . . BUT LAY UP FOR YOUR- 
 SELVES TREASURES IN HEAVEN . . . FOR 
 WHERE YOUR TREASURE IS, THERE WILL 
 YOUR HEART BE ALSO." 
 
 Simple be my heart, my Saviour, 
 Freed by grace from selfish leaven ; 
 
 Learning here Heaven's sweet behaviour, 
 Till I find my home in Heaven. 
 
 One practical resolution towards hiddenness, simplicity, 
 
 trying, without self-seeking, to keep an intention 
 
 of pleasing God this day. 
 
 " OUR FATHER/' &c. 
 " GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c.
 
 On the Life of Christ.
 
 I. 
 our 
 
 r. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ THOUGHTFULLY i PET. 11., ESPECIALLY VERSE 21. 
 
 3. THINK OF CHRIST STANDING AMONG THE MULTITUDE, 
 ALL EYES ON HIM. 
 
 1. T IFE is an art. We have each of us to 
 
 work on many things. On nothing are 
 we bound to work so diligently as on our souls 
 and characters. I must have some ideal of 
 life. Everyone, consciously or unconsciously, 
 has. To do my best is duty and happiness. I 
 am ignorant of what is best. Therefore I need 
 an example. Great artists needed models. 
 Their works have in them something from 
 themselves, but that could never have been 
 but for their study of models in general things. 
 An example carefully studied, if it be a right 
 example, is needful, and powerful to put me 
 on the right track of life. Thou hast given 
 me one, O Lord, in Thy dear Son. 
 
 2. HPHE value of Christ's example is that before 
 
 me, in Him, is placed a character. 
 Thinking, I find there are rules of morality 
 and spiritual duty in the Christian revelation,
 
 Cljrtrft our 
 
 but these are cold, hard, and in some situations 
 of mind and life scarcely apply. A character 
 always applies, if it is large enough, if it is 
 many-sided, if it is sufficiently noble. Its 
 broad and deep characteristics will fit in 
 anywhere, and to anyone. It is a living, 
 breathing experience of eternal and unchanging 
 truth and beauty. This Thou hast given me, 
 
 God, in Thy dear Son. I may gaze, and it 
 enters into my soul. I may think of it, and 
 the more I think, the more it touches and 
 moulds my whole life. I thank Thee, my God, 
 for guiding me by the gift of the noblest human 
 and divine character. 
 
 TI^OR this character is universal. Jew though 
 He was by birth, I can't think of Him as 
 a Jew. Study Him ; He is equally at home in 
 any nation. There is nothing in tone, temper, 
 way of looking at things, that will not do in 
 principle just as well for Hungary, France, 
 England, as for Judaea. Space does not separate 
 from Him. He is for everywhere. No more 
 does Time. He is permanent as well as univer- 
 sal. The detailed circumstances of His time 
 were very different from those of this time, yet 
 
 1 feel the power of His characteristic lines of 
 thought and action just as fresh and forcible 
 in this age as in that. Here and now He is 
 with me in heart and image, as fresh and full
 
 n Cijris't our <vsntplc. 123 
 
 of teaching in nineteenth century England a.s 
 long ago. Very sweet and very certain, my 
 God, this present and ever suitable influence 
 of Him Who is a model for all places and all 
 time, and so for my time and my place on 
 earth. For my life is individual. I have my 
 own dangers, sins, temptations. I have my 
 own difficulties. Yet my character has to be 
 formed now, for it is only character that I can 
 take with me to another world. Blessed be 
 God, it may be formed aright, the flaws cured, 
 the faults corrected, the omissions dealt with 
 by faithful study of the great model. 
 
 4Butdtton. Have I been living at random ? 
 
 . I will try henceforth to model my 
 life and character on Christ. 
 
 "O Heavenly Father, Who hast sent 
 to us Thine own dear Son, not only 
 to die for our sins, but also to be a 
 model and example of a holy life, 
 give me grace so to study that 
 model and follow that example that 
 I may grow in likeness to Him, 
 according to Thy Holy Will, through 
 the same Jesus Christ our Lord. 
 Amen."
 
 * 
 
 124 $ C^n's't our 
 
 Cf>e SZ3orttU of Cfcnat (S. John xiii. 15 j: "I 
 
 HAVE GIVEN YOU AN EXAMPLE." 
 
 Standing, watching, through the ages 
 
 Thou to all art ever near ; 
 Man of men, in all life's pages, 
 
 May I see Thy portrait clear. 
 
 One, practical resolution by which to apply Christ's 
 example to life during the day. 
 
 " OUR FATHER," &c. 
 " GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c.
 
 II. 
 On fge (Wind of 
 
 1. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ THOUGHTFULLY S. JOHN i. 1-14. 
 
 3. THINK OF CHRIST IN RETIRED MOMENTS, ENTERING 
 INTO HIS OWN THOUGHTS. 
 
 1. /^\UR Blessed Master had a "mind," or 
 
 character. It was large, all-embracing, 
 yet distinct. I find in it, my God, unflagging 
 strength. Here was steady purpose in com- 
 plete proportion to the end in view. Sorrow 
 was felt, trial brought pain, human feelings 
 were keen, but the quiet strength never gave 
 way. He was always, with all kinds of men, 
 self-commanding. He never failed in sympathy, 
 yet He never " gave Himself away." He was 
 considerate and kind, but in all duty decided. 
 If so, O my God, strength and decision are 
 not only admirable and attractive ; they are 
 duties. 
 
 2. CHRIST in all things was true. He did not 
 
 always say anything and everything that 
 happened to be true, when it would have been 
 unsuitable or uncharitable so to speak. Some 
 men do that, by way of being true, and so are 
 
 * *
 
 126 $n tljf #Htnlf nf 
 
 true to a sort of skeleton truth at the expense 
 of charity ; but Christ never spoke anything 
 false, never over-coloured or exaggerated. Not 
 only true in word, He was true in bearing and 
 life. He never posed, or stood on stilts, or 
 acted a part. He was the same always, and 
 to all people. He was simple, and natural, 
 and sincere. Flattery did not intoxicate Him, 
 nor the wrong advice of friends lead Him away 
 from the straight path. He was full of " sweet 
 reasonableness," but never of unprincipled 
 compromise. He said what He meant, and 
 meant what He said. My God, Thou hast 
 set Him before me, with the whole tenor and 
 texture of His life and way transparently and 
 strangely true. 
 
 3. HPHINK also ; His mind and character were 
 toned by Eternity. All was in true pro- 
 portion. It was a life and character of 
 unflagging activity. In a hundred small ways 
 He was a busy Man among busy people, but 
 He was never fussed. His commonest work 
 was done with a high level of mind. He 
 worked in time, yet lived in Eternity. He 
 carried lofty views and principles, and the 
 atmosphere of Eternity, into the most trivial 
 occupations. It was also a life and character 
 of deep contemplation, and reflection, and 
 prayer ; but this never interfered with the
 
 On tl)C $UiUr of Cfwrft. 127 
 
 activities of duty. These were toned by this. 
 In all things unbroken communion with His 
 Father. In all things every occupation of 
 time ennobled and purified by the breath of 
 Eternity. To come near Him is to feel the 
 value and greatness of the most common 
 duty, and the greatness, beauty, heavenliness 
 of eternal things. 
 
 . Have I let myself go, and been weak, 
 or fretful, or obstinate, instead of 
 fulfilling the great duty of being 
 strong ? Have I exaggerated ? Been 
 untrue ? Embroidered stories from 
 vanity ? Acted a part ? Feigned 
 simplicity ? Have I lived not only 
 in time, but for time, instead of 
 uniting Time with Eternity ? 
 . I will be on my guard. I will look to 
 my model. I will keep my eyes and 
 heart on Him. 
 
 "O Heavenly Father, Who in Thy 
 boundless love hast given Thy dear 
 Son to be our Light and Guide, help 
 me to follow Him in strength, in 
 truth, in a heavenly temper, that 
 so I may glorify Thee, and attain 
 to Thy heavenly kingdom, through 
 the same Jesus Christ our Lord. 
 Amen."
 
 128 <9tt t&c Win* at 
 
 Ctje Wiortt of Cf)ri, by S. Paul (Phil, ii. 5j : 
 " LET THIS MIND BE IN YOU WHICH WAS 
 ALSO IN CHRIST JESUS." 
 
 Saviour, may I print Thy features 
 
 Clearly, deeply on my heart ; 
 Learn truth, love to all God's creatures ; 
 
 Faith to choose the better part. 
 
 One practical resolution for theday as to strength, truth, 
 a supernatural and heavenly spirit in all things. 
 
 " OUR FATHER," &c. 
 " GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c. 
 
 *
 
 III. 
 On t$t Jgumifi^ of 
 
 1. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ THOUGHTFULLY PHIL. n. 
 
 3. THINK OF CHRIST WASHING His DISCIPLES' FEET. 
 
 1. "LJTUMILITY is the foundation virtue. Every 
 
 virtue is a form of strength, just as vice 
 is a form of weakness. The foundation form 
 of strength on which character must be built 
 is Humility. Was this possible in Christ ? 
 Not only so, it was prominent. Think of the 
 strange characteristic of God His hiddenness. 
 " Verily Thou art a God that hidest Thyself, 
 O Thou Holy One of Israel." God is very 
 near us, yet we see Him not. He "worketh 
 hitherto " for His creatures, but He never 
 displays Himself. There is no "showing off" 
 in God. Marvellous, His withdrawal and His 
 reserve. 
 
 2. TV/TEDITATE on the hiddenness of Christ. 
 
 He was hidden in the bosom of the 
 Father. He was hidden in the womb of 
 Mary. He was hidden in the circumstances 
 of His birth. He was hidden in the home of
 
 130 &n ti)t $umtlttjj of 
 
 Nazareth. He was only in public when com- 
 pelled for sake of others, and then either 
 afflicted with toil, poverty, constant effort, or 
 with shame and pain. The work of Christ is 
 the most lasting and widespread ever under- 
 taken, yet it was done in a short time, and 
 without display, and with striking reserve. 
 The greater part of His life was hidden and 
 withdrawn ; only a small part did He appear- 
 before men, during the greater part He was 
 storing the forces. 
 
 3. HPHINK of the virtue the form of strength 
 underlying this hiddenness It is Humility. 
 In Him it is wonderful. He ia Lord of all. In 
 Him it must mean reality, self -forgetting, the 
 absence of bringing forward what was His 
 real greatness. In me also it should be 
 reality, self -forgetting. Really I am nothing. 
 My body is made of mere earthly elements, 
 and into them will be again dissolved My 
 soul, myself, I owe to God If I have mental 
 
 * 
 
 powers, it is from Him. If I have success 
 from use of hand or brain, from God came the 
 strength of both. I have added nothing to 
 His gifts except my sins. Humility thinking 
 little of myself in me is reality, therefore the 
 virtue at the very foundation of character 
 It makes room for God. " He giveth grace 
 to the humble."
 
 n ti)t ^timtltte of Iflcs'u*. 131 
 
 (tuition. Have I acted, do I often act from 
 motives of pride ? Am I willing to 
 take the second place ? Do I check 
 the risings of irritation which come 
 from self-seeking ? Am I pleased 
 at others being preferred to me ? 
 
 I will watch more carefully for hidden- 
 ness in God, not display before man. 
 
 O God, Who hast taught us that 
 Thou resistest the proud, but givest 
 grace to the humble, help me, that 
 I may follow the deep humility of 
 Thy dear Son Take from me all 
 spirit of self-seeking. Give me the 
 grace of hiddenness, and so help me 
 to grow in His image and likeness, 
 through the same Jesus Christ our 
 Lord. Amen." 
 Ci)t BWorttfof Cfyi6t('S.Lukc xiv. 1 1 j: "HE THAT 
 
 HUMBLETH HIMSELF SHALL BE EXALTED.'' 
 
 Hidden once in heavenly glory, 
 Deignedst Thou on earth to be ; 
 
 Make me, wondrous, humble Saviour, 
 Hidden, lowly, true like Thee. 
 
 One practical resolution towards greater hiddenness, 
 
 and the cultivation of humility, and a readiness 
 
 to " lose one's life," and so " to find it" 
 
 " OUR FATHER," &c. 
 " GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c.
 
 IV. 
 
 fjje (patience of 
 
 1. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ CAREFULLY HEB. xn. 1-13. 
 
 3. PICTURE TO YOURSELF JESUS CALM AND SUFFEKING 
 ON THE MORNING OF His DEATH, WAITING TO BK 
 CRUCIFIED. 
 
 i. T MUST think how patience is glorified in 
 the teaching of Jesus. He openly taught 
 the duty of patient endurance of what was 
 even unfair and unjust. He teaches that His 
 followers are not to look for freedom from 
 suffering, but to find their blessedness in 
 endurance and patience. Indeed, He teaches 
 that trial is to be looked upon as a talent, and 
 received with cheerful readiness. They are to 
 avoid anger and violence, He says. Why, my 
 Lord, should I be patient under wrong ? My 
 sins are serious ; life is a very awful business. 
 I need chastisement. I am blessed if I take 
 it well, and even welcome it. It is a punish- 
 ment sometimes the pain or sorrow that cornes 
 to me. More often it is the loving discipline 
 of a loving Father, and I must accept it well. 
 All trial turns to blessing, so Christ teaches, 
 if we bear it with patience.
 
 133 
 
 2. TIJTOW patient was Jesus under agonizing 
 
 pain of body, and suffering of mind ! 
 He had no sin. He was the Eternal God. 
 He clothed Himself for the love of me in a 
 human body and soul, and suffered patiently. 
 In His human life He lived in lowly circum- 
 stances at first. Then He was homeless. 
 Then He spent lonely hours, and night hours, 
 on mountains and waste places. Here was 
 constant exercise of patience. Then think 
 how He had to put up with the society of 
 the very refuse of Society. He was a Friend 
 of sinners. He had to endure stupidity, and 
 self-assertion, and short-sightedness, and crass 
 ignorance, and assumption, and intolerance. 
 He had to listen to base words, and witness 
 deliberate sin. He allowed Himself in these 
 years of His ministry no relaxation, no pleasure. 
 Yet all was borne without a murmur. O, my 
 Lord ! I am ashamed of my constant impatience 
 in view of Thy self-conquering endurance. 
 
 3. HTHINK, O my soul, of the mystery of the 
 
 Passion. The most careful ingenuity 
 of sinful cruelty was employed to subject Him 
 to torture. Remember the night of Maundy 
 Thursday ! the binding, the hustling by the 
 crowd, the blows, the lashes, the crown of 
 thorns, and then the nails, and the three hours' 
 agony. Think how sensitive was that perfect
 
 '34 OH tljc ftattnu* of 
 
 human body ! Think of the sorrows of the 
 mind. This is a depth unfathomable. Thine 
 ears, my Lord, listened to vile ribaldries ! 
 Thou wast exposed to the coarsest brutalities ; 
 reviled, and misjudged, and condemned, when 
 declared innocent ! Forsaken of friends, 
 deserted ! Even in the Resurrection, the 
 Apostles are slow, fearful, doubting. Yet 
 never a murmur, never an unkind word, never 
 a hasty gesture ! Suffering deep, heavily, 
 thorough always met by patience. Let me 
 remember, from His teaching and example, 
 that patience is a magnificent form of strength, 
 a real virtue, that is ; a mighty force bequeathed 
 to Christians, if they will use it, by Jesus 
 Christ. This is a noble form of human 
 courage, and it grows in the soul which 
 " looks unto Jesus " by the power of the 
 Holy Ghost. 
 
 In the trials of life bodily, or spirit- 
 ual, or mental have I really tried 
 to acquire and exercise the virtue of 
 patience ? 
 
 I wu *l * r y> by God's grace, and " looking 
 unto Jesus," to be more patient ; to 
 hold myself in hand ; to be patient 
 in thought, in word, in deed ; if God 
 sends me trial, to bear it, leaning 
 upon Him.
 
 If* - 
 
 On tljt ^.itiriuf at ^tiujS. 135 
 
 Drawer. " O Blessed Jesus, so suffering and yet 
 so patient, give me grace, as Thou 
 hast given to Thy saints, to look 
 unto Thee in all trials and endure 
 patiently the trials which come upon 
 me by the Will of God ; for Thy 
 mercy sake. Amen," 
 
 of Cfjrtat ( s - ue xx - 1 J : 
 
 " IN YOUR PATIENCE POSSESS YE YOUR 
 SOULS." 
 
 Racked with pain and tried by sorrow, 
 
 Still that vision calm I see 
 Ever patient ; may I borrow 
 
 Strength and patience, Lord, from Thee. 
 
 One practical resolution for to-day towards the exercise 
 
 of brightness and patience in the things of 
 
 common life. 
 
 "OuR FATHER," &c. 
 " GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c.
 
 On the Offices of Our 
 Saviour.
 
 I. 
 On 
 
 1. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ CAREFULLY PSALM xxm. 
 
 3. BRING BEFORE YOUR MIND THE PICTURE OF THE 
 GOOD SHEPHERD CARRYING HOME ON HIS SHOULDER 
 THE LOST SHEEP. 
 
 i. T AM to think of Jesus as the Good Shepherd 
 Who speaks to me. He calleth His own 
 sheep by name. If only I have a grain of 
 faith I must believe that He loves me, and 
 loves to guide and teach me by His wise 
 counsels, to comfort me in my sorrows, to 
 cheer me up when my heart is failing, to call 
 me back when I am going wrong. If I will, I 
 can hear His voice in words spoken from the 
 pulpit, in the conversation of friends, in the 
 reading of devout books. Sometimes He 
 speaks in sweet thoughts which come to me, 
 in the tender touches of the Spirit of God in 
 the soul. Sweet and loving Shepherd, all the 
 nobler and better things in me come from 
 Thee. Blessed it is, dear Shepherd, to arouse 
 myself to remember that Thou art speaking to 
 me, for the words that Thou speakest they are 
 spirit and they are life.
 
 * 
 
 tl)e 
 
 2. TF He speaks to me, I must listen. How am 
 
 I to listen for the Divine voice ? To listen 
 for Him I must hold the powers of my soul in 
 restraint. I must keep myself in calmness 
 and peace. External things are in movement. 
 Without, is the noise of the world. If this 
 noise is filling my soul, I cannot hear the voice 
 of the Good Shepherd. The danger of exces- 
 sive pleasure, excessive business, excessive 
 work, is this the powers of the soul become 
 dissipated. I must keep some time for retire- 
 ment, for watching over myself, for listening 
 to the voice of the Good Shepherd ; then by 
 His Holy Spirit He will guide me. If He 
 find me quiet, attentive, listening, then Jesus 
 will teach me. " Speak, Lord, Thy servant 
 heareth." " Beata anima quas dominum in te 
 loquentem audit," says S. Thomas a Kempis. 
 I must be attentive and ready, so as to miss 
 no word of the Good Shepherd. 
 
 3. T MUST follow His teachings, and obey His 
 
 voice, if I am indeed to be " the lost 
 sheep " found. I must be ready and generous, 
 willing to make ventures, strong to make sacri- 
 fices. Sometimes He may call me to trial I 
 must bear it ; to anxiety I must endure it ; 
 to silence I must refrain my lips ; to speech 
 I must speak out. Dear Shepherd, whether 
 the way Thou callest to, be smooth or rough,
 
 On 
 
 give me grace to follow. Alas ! how often have 
 I failed in this ! How different would my 
 spiritual state be had I only obeyed. Obedience 
 to the voice is better than sacrifice, but sacrifice 
 must, indeed, often be the duty to which I am 
 called if I practise obedience. 
 
 (Question. Am I in anything now failing in 
 interior silence and calmness so as 
 to hinder my hearing His voice ? 
 Am I only listening, and not doing ? 
 
 . I will be more careful in times of 
 prayer to make a silence in the soul 
 for Christ. I will banish and drive 
 away the cares and disturbances 
 which interrupt communion with Him 
 then. At all times I will try and pray 
 to maintain interior calm not to be 
 carried away by passion or sorrow. 
 
 " O dear and tender Shepherd, often 
 have I strayed from Thee, bring me 
 home again. Speak to me often, my 
 Saviour, give me a quiet, attentive 
 mind, and an obedient will. Give me 
 grace to follow Thee to the end. 
 Amen." 
 
 Clje &HortJ$ of Ctju'jJt fS. John x. 11 j : " I AM 
 THE GOOD SHEPHERD : THE GOOD SHEP- 
 HERD GIVETH HlS LIFE FOR THE SHEEP."
 
 142 On 
 
 Loving Shepherd, Thou hast led me, 
 Thou art dearest, truest Friend ; 
 
 Speak, and give me heart, to listen, 
 Will, to follow to the end. 
 
 One practical resolution for this day. 
 
 " OUR FATHER," &c. 
 " GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c.
 
 II. 
 On 2fe0u0 tfyt ^eac^er of 
 
 1. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ CAREFULLY ACTS xxvi. 19. 
 
 3. PICTURE TO YOURSELF JESUS SEATED BY THE WAYSIDE 
 IN HIS EARTHLY LIFE, TEACHING HlS DISCIPLES. 
 
 i. TESUS, by speaking of Himself as the Good 
 J Shepherd, and also by being described as 
 the Lamb of God, teaches me to guard and 
 keep innocence. He teaches by His name 
 and His example the need of this virtue. I 
 am to learn from Him to put away envy, 
 jealousy, ill-will ; not to think ill or speak ill 
 of others ; to see to it that innocence and 
 candour rule all my acts, intentions, and pro- 
 jects. He teaches me to practise sweetness 
 and gentleness. This means that I am to 
 mortify and restrain the passions and inclina- 
 tions which lead to impatience ; to conquer 
 undisciplined desire, which clamours to be 
 satisfied; and to cultivate interior charity, so 
 as to have a heart full of love for others. It 
 is the meek that He "guides in judgment"; 
 it is the gentle to whom He " learns his way."
 
 144 
 
 2. T^ROM Jesus as the Teacher I learn the 
 
 duty of brightness. There is much to 
 make life cloudy. It is a bright soul which 
 brightens life for others. He was a " Man of 
 sorrows and acquainted with grief"; yet He 
 " went about doing good." " Never man spake 
 like this Man," they said. His very presence 
 brought comfort, or conversion, or peace. To 
 flee excessive heaviness, to try to maintain a 
 bright and even temper, is to attend to His 
 teaching, and to help others. If so, I must be 
 disciplined. An undisciplined, over-indulged 
 body or spirit leads to gloom. Gloom and 
 moroseness are forms of selfishness. Habitual 
 self-discipline and " looking unto Jesus " alone 
 can conquer these. 
 
 3, "LJ E teaches me to be strong. Amidst His 
 
 deepest sorrows He maintains strength. 
 Even in His darkest hour of forsakenness His 
 trust in His Father is strong. There are many 
 things to weaken. A corrupt heart within, 
 and a treacherous will, and then the assaults 
 of trial and misfortune without. Jesus teaches 
 that it is in close communion with God that I 
 can find that joy in God which is the source 
 of strength. To be strong, then, against 
 myself, against the Evil One, and for others, 
 is my duty. Let me learn of Thee, Blessed 
 Jesus, the true teacher. " Thou art my
 
 of ftrf>raT$"iB[{n*rfenttM. 145 
 
 Strength and my Song, and art become my 
 Salvation." 
 
 Gentleness, brightness, strength 
 how have I been as to these ? Have 
 I been morose, and so darkened 
 others ? Weak, and so yielded to 
 sin ? Ungentle, and so given pain ? 
 
 I will try to keep the eye of my soul 
 more steadily on my Master. I will 
 watch and pray against all forms of 
 selfishness which hinder gentleness, 
 brightness, and strength. 
 
 " O Lord Jesus, the true Teacher, teach 
 me. Make me to know and feel i-n 
 my soul Thy gentleness, and bright- 
 ness, and strength, and give me 
 grace in these virtues to follow Thee 
 faithfully, to Whom, with the Father 
 and the Holy Ghost, be all praise 
 for ever. Amen." 
 
 Cf)t MorHs of CJjvtet (S. John xvi. 14) : 
 
 " HE SHALL GLORIFY ME, FOR HE SHALL 
 RECEIVE OF MINE, AND SHALL SHOW IT 
 UNTO YOU."
 
 146 On SteSurf t\)t (Ecacljer, ttt. 
 
 Strong, gentle Master, sweet as strong, 
 And bright as breaking day, 
 
 The path I tread is rough and long 
 O lead me on the way. 
 
 One practical resolution for this day. 
 
 "OuR FATHER," &c. 
 " GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c.
 
 III. 
 On feaue *(Se am6 of 
 
 1. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ CAREFULLY REV. v. 6-10. 
 
 3. PICTURE TO YOURSELF S. JOHN BAPTIST SEEING JESUS 
 COMING, AND, ON SEEING HlM, CRYING OUT, " BEHOLD 
 THE LAMB OF GOD, WHICH TAKETH AWAY THE SIN 
 OF THE WORLD." 
 
 i. HPHINK, O my soul, how Jesus under this 
 image appears as a pattern of gentleness, 
 docility, meekness, obedience. He is pure as 
 a little lamb, and guileless, and even before 
 His worst enemies " He opened not His 
 mouth." For Himself He would do nothing; 
 for others for me everything. So in the 
 Lamb of God thou seest, O my soul, the duty 
 of conquering and mortifying pride, and vain- 
 glory, and anger, and self-will. Why should 
 I desire others' praise, or praise myself and 
 my doings ? Why desire honours, and be 
 puffed up ? Why want to be noticed, or spread 
 nets to catch the regard of vain-glory ? Why 
 should I allow injurious words, and excessive 
 indignation, against those who do me wrong ? 
 Why fear contempt, and love immoderately 
 the good things of this life ? Why should I
 
 148 On SrtfuS tfje Ham6 of 
 
 desire my own way, just because it is my own ? 
 Why desire to rule, rather than to be of 
 service ? O my soul, in the rebellion of 
 corrupt self, look what thy Lord is. That is 
 best. " Behold the Lamb of God." 
 
 2. T MAY remember how our Lord was thus 
 
 prefigured. In the sacrifices of the old 
 Covenant, and even in the olden times before, 
 so it was. Think how in the earliest times 
 sacrifice acceptable to God was prefigured by 
 a lamb. Abel offered of the firstling of his 
 flock. The Israelites were carefully guided, 
 just before their flight from Egypt, to keep the 
 Passover by the slaying of a lamb. And once 
 a year at the solemn Passover Feast the 
 lamb had to be slain, a lamb, too, without 
 blemish. Sacrifice is the law of life. Sacrifice 
 is the way of approaching God. I must 
 associate myself with this spirit of sacrifice, 
 in meekness, purity, self-surrender, gentleness. 
 God give me grace, in union with the spotless 
 Lamb, to offer to Thee acceptable sacrifice. 
 
 3. HpHINK, O my soul, how this is the Sacrifice 
 
 which takes away thy sins. And not them 
 only, but the sins of the whole world. Dark- 
 ness and misery, guilt and sorrow, wretched- 
 ness, corruption, sin these settled down upon 
 men. Then the Eternal Word wrapped Himself
 
 On 3ku tf)t SLamfc of <o&. 149 
 
 in our nature, and in that nature lives for 
 ever. More, He came and bore and endured 
 with patience, meekness, purity, pity. He 
 endured all temptations and all trials. He 
 obeyed God's Will to the uttermost, and 
 sacrificed His will, and so His life, for propitia- 
 tion for me and all sinners. The noblest of 
 men Who is also God has paid to the full 
 the debt of sin. If I am one with Him, justice 
 can require no more. What thanksgiving 
 should be in my soul ! What hatred of sin, 
 what love and admiration, and adoration, and 
 trust towards Him. O my soul, venerate, 
 imitate, adore the Immaculate Lamb " Behold 
 the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sins 
 of the world." 
 
 4ButttOU. Have I sinned by pride, vain glory, 
 impurity, excessive anger, self-will, 
 so unlike the Lamb of God ? Have 
 I forgotten the duty of sacrifice ? 
 Do I remember the completeness of 
 Jesus' sacrifice, and therefore the 
 need in me of hatred of sin, and 
 trust in Him ? 
 
 I will try to exercise more constantly 
 the virtues of meekness, purity, self- 
 control, and to hate sin, and to look 
 unto, and love, an-1 trust in Jesus 
 Christ.
 
 On Be?u tfje ILamfc of 
 
 "O Lamb of God, that takest away 
 the sins of the world, 
 
 Have mercy upon me. 
 O Lamb of God, that takest away 
 the sins of the world, 
 
 Have mercy upon me. 
 O Lamb of God, that takest away 
 the sins of the world, 
 
 Grant me Thy peace. 
 Amen." 
 
 MortfS of Cfjrt'tft, by the Prophet (Isaiah 
 liii. 7) : " HE WAS BROUGHT AS A LAMB 
 
 TO THE SLAUGHTER, AND AS A SHEEP 
 BEFORE HER SHEARERS IS DUMB, SO HE 
 OPENETH NOT HlS MOUTH." " WORTHY 
 
 is THE LAMB THAT WAS SLAIN, TO RECEIVE 
 
 POWER, AND RICHES, AND WISDOM, AND 
 STRENGTH, AND HONOUR, AND GLORY, AND 
 
 BLESSING." 
 
 Lamb of God, most pure and gentle, 
 Lamb of God, most true and strong, 
 
 I would trust Thee, love Thee, praise Thee 
 With the joyous, heavenly song. 
 
 i 
 
 One resolution for to-day in the direction of meekness, 
 
 purity, and hatred of sin. 
 
 "OUR FATHER," &c. 
 " GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c.
 
 IV. 
 
 On ^ 6U0 t$t jfrienfc of 
 
 1. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ CAREFULLY S. MARK n. 14-17. 
 
 3. PICTURE TO YOURSELF JESUS AT THE FEAST IN LEVI'S 
 HOUSE, SURROUNDED BY THE SUFFERING AND THE 
 LOST, IN His DIVINE COMPASSION WINNING ALL. 
 
 i. HTHINK how Jesus Christ looks straight 
 into the soul. He does not value mere 
 respectability. He does not come to natter 
 the great, or fall in with prejudice. He sees 
 souls lost in sin, self-deceit, corruption ; if 
 they will, He desires to save them. If I am 
 to have Him, I had better not put on self- 
 righteousness. My one title to His attention 
 is I am a sinner. If I wrap myself in my 
 own righteousness, I have no part in Him. 
 He is utterly true. He is not attracted to me 
 by my goodness, much less by my putting on 
 the appearance of goodness. If I want Him 
 as my Friend, I know how to find Him. Let 
 me see myself, O God, as I am, utterly lost, 
 good for nothing, covered with sin, separated 
 from Thee by sin only wanting to be better, 
 then I have a Friend. Jesus is my Friend.
 
 152 Oit S>t3\i3 tl)e dFmnfc nf 
 
 However bad I am, if I desire better things, 
 He will help me. I am a sinner, a lost sinner, 
 a weak sinner, a wretched sinner ; Lord Jesus, 
 Thou art " the Friend of Sinners." 
 
 CONSIDER, O my soul, how Jesus comes 
 to heal thy sickness. There are those 
 who call themselves friends who are so only 
 in name. " Fair-weather friends." They are 
 pleasant and kindly when all things go well ; 
 when sorrow, trial, disaster come, then they 
 leave thee. Not so Jesus. In thy worst 
 calamity, in thy sin, He stands by thee. He 
 is a skilled Physician. He knows and offers 
 the best medicines for thy soul. Listen to 
 Him, and use His kindness. He gives sweet 
 thoughts, the comforts of His Spirit, the 
 Absolution which He sends by His priests if 
 thou dost repent, the food of His Sacrament, 
 His own Flesh, Blood, Soul, and Divinity 
 His very Self. O my soul, think in thy 
 weakness, sadness, darkness, sin Jesus Christ 
 is with thee, the Friend of Sinners. 
 
 TV/TEDITATE upon the tender humility of' 
 His nature. He was in perfect glory. 
 He did not need thee, O poor sinful soul ; 
 yet He bent so low that He might come to 
 thee. What love for thee ! And then what 
 thought ! He has thought of thee, and how
 
 On %e3u3 t\)t dFwntr of tmri*. 153 
 
 to help and how to heal thee ! What a loving 
 character ! Perfect strength and perfect ten- 
 derness ! He is the ideal figure of unutterable 
 wisdom, and goodness, and beauty but more, 
 He condescends to the lowest, to the most 
 utterly lost. He is the awakener, the light, 
 the influencing power for God. Thank God 
 for this, my soul, and as He follows thee, 
 speaks in thy conscience, gives thee the 
 medicine of His love to heal thy sickness, 
 so do thou love Him, thank the Father for 
 Him, think of Him, and in thy love and care 
 for the lost and wandering follow the example 
 of the Friend of Sinners. 
 
 <2HucttOii. Have I put aside or forgotten my 
 sin, instead of realizing the serious- 
 ness of the disease, and flying to 
 the Great Physician ? Have I care- 
 fully tried to remember and realize 
 the value of sinful souls ? Have I 
 done my best for them in the spirit 
 of the Friend of Sinners ? 
 
 Iif3olbe. I will examine myself more carefully 
 as to my sins, and carry them to 
 Jesus. I will try my best to seek 
 and save those who are "lost." 
 
 . " O Lord Jesus, Who didst come into 
 the world to save sinners, give me
 
 * * 
 
 i54 On Slctfutf the rlFrtcnlr of 
 
 grace to love Thee, to hate my sins, 
 and bring them to Thee for healing, 
 and to do Thy work in the world by 
 loving and seeking Thy lost chil- 
 dren. For Thy mercy sake. Amen." 
 
 i&t, by the Apostle (lTim.i.15): 
 
 "THIS IS A FAITHFUL SAYING, AND WORTHY 
 OF ALL ACCEPTATION, THAT CHRIST JESUS 
 CAME INTO THE WORLD TO SAVE SINNERS." 
 
 Friend of Sinners, hear me calling, 
 Help me, heal me, come to me ; 
 
 And when others round are falling, 
 May I lead them safe to Thee. 
 
 One practical resolution for to-day, for greater effort 
 
 against my own sin, and greater earnestness and 
 
 tenderness in saving sinners. 
 
 " OUR FATHER," &c. 
 "GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c.
 
 V. 
 
 jfafljer. 
 
 1. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ CAREFULLY i JOHN n. 1-17. 
 
 3. PICTURE TO YOURSELF JESUS KNEELING IN GETH- 
 SEMANE, BOWED DOWN WITH THE WEIGHT OF THE 
 INIQUITIES OF US ALL, DOING PENANCE FOR OUR SINS. 
 
 i. T HAVE to remember God is of awful holi- 
 ness. The Divine Life cannot abide with 
 sin. Sin, if it were pushed to its conclusion, 
 if it could be so pushed, would destroy God. 
 Man in his pollution cannot approach God. 
 I am not to think of God as a being like 
 myself, without repulsion to moral evil, and 
 having easy good-nature. He hates sin, by 
 the terms of His nature. " He is of purer 
 eyes than to behold iniquity." He is a con- 
 suming fire. He loves me, but by His very 
 nature I cannot, in my sin, approach Him. 
 Who shall speak for me ? Who make it 
 possible for me to approach Him ? Jesus is 
 my Advocate. In Him and by Him blessed 
 be God's Holy Name I can approach the 
 Pure and Holy God.
 
 156 it gktfu* fyt anbaratc Juttlj tlje 
 
 T^JE is my Advocate because He is my 
 Elder Brother. He wears my nature. 
 He is the Head and Glory of the human 
 race. Spotless as the Father, and the Son of 
 His everlasting love, He is also man like me 
 my representative. He has gone through 
 human temptations. He knows how I am 
 tried. He has suffered human sorrows. He 
 knows the meaning of my heartache, my 
 loneliness, my heaviness. He has felt the 
 pressure and pain of sin not His own its 
 bitterness and misery. He knows what is, 
 what must be, the sting of conscience, and 
 the utter misery of a soul wakened to sin. 
 
 Loving One, by the union with my nature, 
 and experience of my sorrows, Thou art my 
 Advocate. I can leave my case with Thee. 
 
 T-JE is my Advocate, think, in the Holy 
 Sacrifice of the Altar. Marvellous con- 
 descension! Most sweet humility! Jesus,Thou 
 dost condescend to veil Thy life under the 
 form of Bread and Wine. Thou dost by Thy 
 Spirit work the miracle of Thy Real Presence 
 on the Altar of Thy Church, in order that, 
 as Thou presentest Thyself, my Sacrifice, my 
 Advocate, my Propitiation, before the Father 
 in Heaven, so I may present Thee before 
 Him on earth. At the close of every prayer 
 
 1 can plead in Thy Name; when I offer the
 
 tft 
 
 the aifbocatE fottl) the .-JFathrr. 157 
 
 Holy Sacrifice I can say with power " Look 
 not upon me, O Lord, but look upon the face 
 of Thine Anointed." Dear Advocate, why 
 have I stood away from Thee ? I place all 
 my case in Thy hands, my Lord and my God. 
 
 <Ut$tton. Have I trusted to self instead of 
 trusting to Jesus ? Have I forgotten 
 the need I have, and the nearness 
 of my Advocate ? Have I pre- 
 sumptuously thought that / could 
 approach God save in Him ? 
 
 t. I resolve to be more humble, and 
 more trustful in Jesus ; to be more 
 real and earnest in prayer, and 
 especially in offering the Holy 
 Sacrifice. 
 
 . " O Heavenly Father, Who lovest me, 
 but Who art of purer eyes than to 
 behold iniquity, look not upon me, 
 but look upon the face of Thine 
 Anointed. Forgive me all my sins, 
 strengthen me in all goodness, for 
 the merits of my Advocate and 
 Redeemer, Jesus Christ, Thy Son 
 our Lord. Amen." 
 
 Cfje mortt oi Christ (S.John xiv. 6> : "No 
 
 MAN COMETH UNTO THE FATHER, BUT BY ME."
 
 158 On Stesurf tl)E aubaratc fot'tb tfoe 
 
 Love of God, how true ! how awful ! 
 
 Grace of Christ, how rich ! how free ! 
 Advocate, I sinful, longing 
 
 Reach my Father still by Thee. 
 
 One practical resolution for this day, of more humble, 
 repentant trust in my Saviour. 
 
 " OUR FATHER," &c. 
 " GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c.
 
 Meditations on the Cross 
 of Christ.
 
 I. 
 On die ro0c of 
 
 1. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ CAREFULLY HEBREWS xn. 2. 
 
 3. PICTURE JESUS LAID DOWN UPON THE CROSS, AND 
 THE EXECUTIONERS DRIVING IN THE NAILS INTO 
 HIS HANDS AND FEET. 
 
 i. "DEMEMBER, O my soul, the Cross was a 
 fact. It was made of hard wood. It 
 was laid upon the ground, and the body of 
 Jesus was stretched upon it. Remember that 
 body was the Body of God. It was of extreme 
 sensitiveness because of its perfection. The 
 pains felt through it were of infinite dreadful- 
 ness, because the powers of acute sensation 
 belonging to the nervous system were reinforced 
 by union with the Divine Life. Jesus, the 
 Eternal Word made Man, was overwhelmed 
 with pain and misery before. Now He is 
 nailed to the Cross. Meditate on the fact 
 that if He could not explain to us the mystery 
 of pain and sorrow, He says on the Cross, " I 
 enter into them." " I have taken My part. 
 I have undergone it all." The Cross was a 
 fact. O Love of Jesus ! O my soul, surely
 
 >I< 
 
 162 n tl)t Cro& nf CTjrtrft. 
 
 better thou canst endure suffering in union 
 with thy Saviour. 
 
 2. HpHE Cross is a symbol. Meditate how it 
 
 speaks to me if I have ears to hear. My 
 forehead was signed with it in Baptism. I 
 sign myself with it at the close of the Creed, 
 of the Gloria in the Mass, at the beginning 
 and close of many works and prayers. Think 
 what a symbol of the price paid for thy 
 salvation, O my soul ; of the unutterable Love 
 which has won for me all things richly to 
 enjoy ; of the patience and tenderness expended 
 upon me ; of the power given me to overcome 
 evil. O most blessed Cross of Jesus, I kiss 
 thee in spirit, and love thee. 
 
 3. A/f EDITATE how the Cross is a teacher. 
 
 The thought of it, the sight of it, teaches 
 .me love of Jesus, hatred of sin, courage and 
 endurance in the path of duty, self-denial and 
 self-sacrifice. Why do I shrink from self- 
 denial for others ? Why should I love so to 
 be comfortable, and have all things so as to 
 please me ? " He pleased not Himself." He 
 lay on a hard, cruel bed. O my Jesus, give me 
 grace to love Thee and follow Thee more faith- 
 fully in the spirit and power of the Holy Cross. 
 
 (ShlfStt'on Have I too often forgotten the great 
 price paid for my salvation ?
 
 9it the CrnStf of CI)rt$t. 163 
 
 * resolve, by the grace of God, to live 
 more in the spirit of Jesus crucified, 
 to fight against sin, even if it gives 
 me pain to do so, to be more earnest 
 in practising self-denial, and " endur- 
 ing hardness " for love of Jesus 
 Christ. 
 
 O Holy and Most Merciful Saviour, 
 Who of Thy tender pity didst con- 
 descend to suffer death upon the 
 Cross for me, give me grace both 
 to realize the awfulness of sin by 
 the depth of Thy suffering, and 
 also to love Thee more truly, and 
 follow Thee more faithfully, for Thy 
 mercy sake. Amen." 
 
 ?KHortJS of Cijn'St, by the Apostle : " GOD 
 
 FORBID THAT I SHOULD GLORY SAVE IN 
 THE CROSS OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST." 
 
 Jesus hung in shame and anguish, 
 Racked with pain in every limb, 
 
 All for me ! May my sin languish ! 
 May I bear my cross for Him. 
 
 One resolution more bravely to bear my cross to-day. 
 
 " OUR FATHER," &c. 
 " GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c.
 
 II. 
 K flje ro00 a0 flje ^jfrone of 
 
 1. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ CAREFULLY ISAIAH XLII. 1-4. 
 
 3. PICTURE TO YOURSELF CHRIST ON THE CROSS, WOR- 
 SHIPPED BY THE ANGELS; THEN, SEE HlM ON THE 
 THRONE AS JUDGE. 
 
 i. T MUST remember that He Who hung upon 
 the Cross is the Son of Man, to Whom all 
 judgment is committed. I shall be judged by 
 Him, a Man, the Man. Let me remember that 
 on the Cross He has already pronounced 
 judgment. Think. There He judged the world. 
 The world is ever putting the things of this 
 life in place of God. He, my Saviour and my 
 Judge, shewed the value He attached to them 
 by His Cross. The world tried first to entice 
 Him. He refused all its allurements, and lived 
 in poverty and self-denial for man, for God, 
 for Eternity. It tried then to sneer at Him, 
 cross-question Him, " entangle Him in His 
 talk," and laugh Him down. He went on in 
 the high practice of Goodness. Then it per- 
 secuted Him, and determined to destroy Him.
 
 On t\)t <&rate atf tlje (Ebvonc of tl)t Sufcfie. 165 
 
 No persecution scared Him. He was faithful 
 to doing His Father's Will. He lived on earth 
 for Heaven. He took the consequences of 
 utter Goodness. The world thought it had 
 wrecked and ruined Him. It had only led to 
 His final triumph. He endured and died ; 
 shewed what He thought of it, to save His 
 people from it. He judged and condemned 
 worldliness by the glorious endurance of His 
 Cross. 
 
 2. HPHINK how He judged the Flesh. The 
 corrupt desires of lower nature revolted 
 against His teaching. Desire in itself He did 
 not condemn as wrong, but its corruption, its 
 excess, its misuse He condemned. Like us, 
 He hungered, He was athirst, He was tired, 
 but no form of corrupted desire could over- 
 master Him. He endured the extremity of 
 weariness, of pain, of shame. He suffered 
 from extreme fatigue, extreme thirst, extreme 
 agony, sooner than allow natural inclination 
 to lead to disobedience to the Will of His 
 Father. It is the lower nature which tempts 
 me to undue anger, to railing abusiveness. 
 He was patient, meek, silent. No word of 
 violent anger fell from His lips in the midst 
 of excessive agony. The body had to act as 
 servant of the soul. He, the best and noblest, 
 denied Himself in all natural desire. He
 
 1 66 $n fyt Cra&? a2 tljc 5Tf)ranc af tfjr 
 
 " endured hardness." Never could lower nature 
 tempt Him to forsake the Will of God. He 
 judged and condemned "the Flesh." 
 
 3. '""PHINK, O my soul, how on the Cross He 
 judged the Evil One. He had already 
 attacked the Sinless Saviour with might in 
 His temptation. Now he attacked Him with 
 venomous malice. The Evil One loves untruth. 
 He hates love. He stirs up envy, pride, self- 
 will. His servants were around the Cross. 
 They did their work in the Crucifixion of the 
 Sinless One. He withstood them. He was 
 meek, humble, loving, patient. He never gave 
 way. The Devil's last assaults were delivered 
 against the soul of the Divine Victim. The 
 hour of terrible darkness, of extreme forsaken- 
 ness came. He cried to His God, as the 
 Representative of our race ; not complaining 
 of God, but to God, and with unchanging faith 
 and constancy " My God, My God." He 
 judged the Evil One. No extremity of pain 
 or darkness can make it right to obey the 
 behests of sin. He condemned the tempter. 
 Blessed Jesus, clear and wonderful are Thy 
 judgments. 
 
 <3?UC4ttOlt. Have I ever, from stress of ridicule, 
 or enticement, or attack, given way 
 to the world ? Have I put bodily
 
 tfje B"f)ronr of ttjr Sluofle. 167 
 
 comfort, or avoidance of pain, above 
 principle and duty ? Have I allowed 
 malice, or evil anger, or envy, to 
 carry me in a moment of trial 
 into doing wrong ? 
 
 1 resolve, by Gods grace, to suffer 
 rather than submit to the world, 
 the flesh, and the devil. Christ my 
 Lord in His suffering has judged 
 them. I know their value. I know, 
 from Him, how to conquer them. 
 
 " o Holy Judge, my Lord, my Saviour, 
 before Whose Judgment Seat I must 
 one day stand, give me grace to 
 accept here Thy judgment from the 
 Cross, and in Thy strength to conquer 
 the enemy. Through Thy merits 
 and mercy. Amen." 
 
 3Tf)e EZBorttt of Cfjn'Kt (S.John xiv. 11): "THE 
 PRINCE OF THIS WORLD is JUDGED." 
 
 When the world, the flesh, the devil, 
 Lure my soul to endless loss, 
 
 Let me strike the power of evil 
 By the judgment of Thy Cross. 
 
 One practical resolution for a life of Principle to-day. 
 
 " OUR FATHER," &c. 
 " GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c.
 
 III. 
 On flje ro00 ae t$t ^ource o 
 
 1. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ CAREFULLY EPH. iv. 1-6. 
 
 3. PICTURE TO YOURSELF THE WORLD LYING IN DARK- 
 NESS IN THE THREE HOURS' AGONY ; AND THEN THE 
 LIGHT BREAKING OVER THE FACE OF THE SUFFERER. 
 
 i. T ET me think how dark and sad often is 
 my spiritual life. There is an accuser 
 near me He speaks with authority. He 
 speaks with dispassionateness. He knows no 
 code but the code of Right and Wrong. He 
 is inexorable. He leads me to many mis- 
 givings. Even when not clear that I was 
 wrong, I am not sure that I was right. There 
 is cloudy weather in my soul. I am uneasy. 
 Things are so puzzling. " I have so often done 
 wrong, perhaps this also is wrong." Who is it 
 that speaks in this way ? It is my conscience. 
 Where can I turn ? Only to one place. I 
 turn to Calvary. Even if it is wrong, as I 
 am wretched and sorry, the disturbance may be 
 removed, the burden taken away. That Divine 
 Sufferer died for me. " God is greater than my 
 heart." Let me look up to Thee, O blessed,
 
 tljc Cross aS tftr Dourer of Slapp- 169 
 
 O loving Master. Why shouldst Thou die for 
 me, if conscience is always to accuse me ? I 
 may have forgiveness. Nay, it is pledged to 
 me. I may throw off this burden. Jesus, my 
 Saviour, Thou, crucified in utter love for me, 
 Thou art my Hope. 
 
 2. T CANNOT live without Hope. Yet, think. 
 How the memories of the past crowd upon 
 me ! They come thick and fast in moments 
 of enlightenment. I may try to drown them. 
 For a time I do, but they return, they live 
 again. Memories of happy days, happy hours, 
 and yet in some way sometimes great, some- 
 times small mingled with sin. So many mis- 
 takes ! So many evil thoughts ! So many 
 things less good than they might have been ! 
 When this past comes back upon me, in the 
 night hours, in times of bereavement and 
 sorrow, in the approach of death, where can I 
 turn for Hope ? Surely, blessed Jesus, to Thy 
 Cross. Thou hast " blotted out the hand- 
 writing " that was against me, nailing it to 
 Thy Cross. When the memories of the past 
 accuse me, O Cross of Jesus, I fly to thee. 
 
 3. T^HINK, O my soul, of the future. A bank 
 
 of cloud is before me. All is dark. How 
 
 many trials may come. Shall I have strength
 
 at 
 
 to bear them ? How many temptations may 
 assail me ! Shall I withstand them ? Friends 
 may fail or betray, or be taken from me ! 
 Shall I fall down in coldness or despair ? 
 Sickness may come, death may be near ; may 
 I not "from fear of death fall" from God? 
 I have one Hope the Cross. I am one with 
 Thee, and Thou with me, O Adorable Sufferer. 
 Surely, surely in Thy strength I may persevere. 
 The Cross meant to Thee sorrow, trial, dark- 
 ness, uncertainty, pain, desertion of friends 
 all borne for me. Jesus, my Jesus, in view of 
 a doubtful future, Thou art my Hope. Blessed 
 be Thy Holy Name. 
 
 <Utation._ Have j in the past burdened my 
 conscience with sins ? What sins ? 
 Have I loaded my memory with 
 departures from God ? Do I fear 
 in the future falling from Him ? 
 May I not look with faith and love 
 to the Cross of Christ ? 
 
 j resolve, by God's grace, to listen to 
 my conscience not fearfully, but 
 trustfully ; to receive the load my 
 memory carries, to take hold of the 
 fear which comes to me in view of 
 the future, and to lay all at the foot 
 of the Cross of Christ.
 
 On tbe <ro&$ a* tije Source of $0pc. 171 
 
 u Q Crucified Jesus, I am not worthy 
 to approach Thee, but I am in need 
 of Thee, because of the sins of the 
 past, and the fears of the future, and 
 the warnings of conscience. Give 
 me grace to look by faith to Thy 
 Cross and Passion, and there to find 
 Hope ; for Thy loving mercy sake. 
 Amen." 
 
 f) OTHortJ* of Christ, tythe Apostle (1 Tim. i. 1 >: 
 " JESUS is OUR HOPE." 
 
 Crushed by conscience, ever warning, 
 
 Tear-dimmed by a sinful past, 
 Fearing future days, self scorning 
 
 Thee, my Hope, I seek at last. 
 
 One practical resolution for to-day of firm resistance to 
 some one known sin, and then bright hope in Christ. 
 
 " OUR FATHER," &c. 
 " GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c.
 
 IV. 
 
 of (Wen*. 
 
 i. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2 READ CAREFULLY 2 COR. v. 21. 
 
 3. PICTURE TO YOURSELF JESUS SENDING His SPIRIT 
 
 TO GIVE YOU OF THE ABUNDANCE OF HlS GIFTS. 
 
 i. '"PHINK how Jesus is the Ideal of our 
 humanity the one spotless Man. He is 
 the perfect ideal humanity as God conceived 
 it. He is Head of the Church. What belongs 
 to the Head can flow into the members. What 
 is in the ideal may be realized by God's help. 
 We feel that we deserve punishment. Men 
 may argue as they will, still I feel that I could 
 resist sin, and have not done so, and that I 
 deserve punishment. What has the ideal 
 member of my race done ? What has the 
 Head of the Church done ? He is utterly 
 spotless. He is perfect in every detail of 
 human possibility. No one can convict Him 
 of sin. " He did no sin, neither was guile 
 found in His mouth." He challenged His 
 contemporaries. They could not find a flaw. 
 When they pretended to do so, what happened ? 
 The judge who gave Him to death acquitted
 
 * 
 
 On tlir Cro tljr .fount of j&crit. 173 
 
 Him. " This Man hath done nothing amiss." 
 The false witnesses cleared Him. The cen- 
 turion declared Him to be the Son of God. 
 There was no fault in Him. He was a Man, 
 of my race, of my nature. He could look God 
 in the face, and say, " I have done all things 
 well." He was obedient to the Divine Will to 
 the last drop of His blood. What then ? He 
 deserves every favour as Man. God is just. 
 His merits are boundless. Blessed Master ! 
 
 T AM one with Him let me think of that 
 by Baptism. That oneness is strengthened 
 by Confirmation, and by prayer. That one- 
 ness is deepened by the Most Holy Sacrament 
 " one with Him, and He with us." I need 
 not break that oneness. If through frailty I 
 fail, I return by repentance. I make my con- 
 fession, I receive absolution. The tie is 
 strengthened. What belongs to Him, my 
 Head, by His mercy belongs to me. Whatever 
 good thing I do by His help is good, and merits 
 grace, not because I do it, but because I do it 
 in union with Him. I must try by grace to act in 
 moral conformity to His action, for He has set 
 me an example. If I do, my actions are His 
 actions. The fount of merit of the Passion is 
 opened to me. I deserve God's grace, God's 
 help, because I am one with Him, and His
 
 174 OH the CrotfS tfte .-fount of 
 
 merit is illimitable. I can now " boldly " come 
 to the Throne of Grace O Blessed Master ! 
 
 3. "TV/TORE than that. Let me think. In Him 
 I deserve salvation and glory. In myself 
 I am nothing. I am stained with sin. I am 
 weak. I am tottering. " In Christ," all is 
 changed. What does He deserve ? Anything 
 and everything that can be given to Him. 
 The Cross is the crown and witness of a life. 
 It means unutterable perfection in moral 
 things, in spiritual things. He has merited 
 the highest glory. If I am one with Him, I 
 share His merit. Every good thing I do 
 deserves (not from my doing, but from being 
 done in Christ) glory. In me, that is my flesh, 
 is no good thing. In Him, with Whom I am 
 one, is all good. O Blessed Master ! 
 
 <Ut$tton. Have I realized the power and 
 blessedness of acts done in Christ ? 
 Have I striven and prayed enough 
 to live and act in Him ? 
 
 I resolve by God's help (i) To realize 
 the greatness of my calling. (2) To 
 realize the boundless merits of 
 Christ. (3) To watch and pray 
 never to be separated from Him. 
 
 " O Heavenly Father, Who delightest 
 in the merits of Thy dear Son, give
 
 <9u tfjc <ros' tbe dTomtt 0f Merit. 175 
 
 me grace that I may never be 
 separated from Him, so that those 
 merits may be my own. Through 
 the same Jesus Christ our Lord. 
 Amen. 
 
 Cfje mott4 of Cijriat, fy the Apostle (Phil. ii. 
 13, 14 ) : " WORK OUT YOUR OWN SALVA- 
 TION WITH FEAR AND TREMBLING, FOR IT 
 IS GOD WHICH WORKETH IN YOU BOTH TO 
 WILL AND TO DO OF HlS GOOD PLEASURE." 
 
 Nothing in myself, my Master, 
 Sinful, ruined, weak, defiled : 
 
 I am strong, despite disaster, 
 
 By Thy merits, Thine own child. 
 
 One resolution for to-day to do right in union with 
 Christ Crucified. 
 
 " OUR FATHER," &c. 
 " GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c.
 
 V. 
 
 On tfk ro00 a0 a (H)i^ne00 
 of <&od in 
 
 1. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ CAREFULLY EPH. in. 14-21. 
 
 3. PICTURE TO YOURSELF CHRIST UPON THE CROSS 
 SPEAKING TO YOU, AND SAYING, "I HAVE LOVED 
 THEE, EVEN TO THIS CROSS, WHAT WILT THOU DO 
 
 FOR ME?" 
 
 i. T ET me think how difficult it is, except by 
 grace, to enter into the Love of God. 
 So many things seem to me hard in the 
 world ; so many things seem hard in my life, 
 that I am tempted to ask, " Would God allow 
 these things, if He really loved me ? " Remem- 
 ber, O my soul, that I must trust God. If 
 God be God, He must be what S John says 
 He is Love. And how could I love, as I 
 can love, unless this great power of loving is 
 in Him Who made me, for water cannot rise 
 above its source, and I should rise above God 
 Who made me, if I could love, and He could 
 not. I am sure, O my soul, in this way, of 
 the love of my Father in Heaven. If things 
 are difficult and dark, it is only because I do
 
 On tijc CraStf ag a ZKHttnc^, ?tc. 177 
 
 not understand them. Pretending love would 
 make all things easy for me at once, which 
 might turn out bad afterwards. Real love 
 will require that I may have to suffer many 
 things, which Love knows will be best for me 
 in the end. God in Love allowed the Cross 
 of Christ. I am sure that it must have been 
 needed. I can trust one who loves me. 
 
 2. T OVE is the greatest power in life. Even 
 
 human love, when it is true, is an over- 
 whelming power. There are many powers in 
 life. There are external powers, like winds, 
 waves, storms ; there are internal powers, like 
 genius, eloquence, judgment. There is no 
 power that can move man's heart and will, like 
 real love. Real love means emptying oneself 
 of oneself. It means that high and awful 
 thing sacrifice. Men who love, sacrifice time, 
 strength, pleasure, money, for those they love. 
 Without sacrifice love is not complete. 
 
 3. "LJAS God shown this proof of love to me ? 
 
 Think, O my soul. The Eternal Word 
 saw that I could not be finally happy without 
 the Love of God perfectly brought home to 
 my heart. He saw that I could not be happy 
 unless, being separated from my Father, I was 
 brought back to my Father. My God the 
 Holy Trinity determined both to make expia- 
 
 M
 
 178 On l|)c Cro^ aS a 
 
 tion for my sin, and to show me the Love of 
 God. Therefore the Father sent His Only- 
 begotten Son. The Eternal Son bent from 
 the throne of His glory, wrapped Himself in 
 my nature, worked and suffered, and died in 
 agony, and sacrificed Himself, to the very last 
 drop of His Blood, to make me all right, and 
 to show me by the only proof worth having, 
 by sacrifice that God loves me. O blessed 
 Cross of Jesus, thou art the witness of the 
 Love of God. 
 
 <?Eue$tum. Have I doubted God's love ? Must 
 I not look on the Cross of Christ 
 and doubt it no more ? 
 
 . I resolve, by God's grace, in any 
 moments of difficulty or darkness, 
 or trial or trouble, to trust God, and 
 to remember that He knows what is 
 best, for He certainly loves me, for 
 He died for me on the Cross. 
 
 . " O loving Father, Who hast sent Thy 
 Son Jesus Christ to die on the Cross 
 for us, give us grace to see in that 
 great offering, Thy Love for us, and 
 to love Thee through Him by the 
 power of the Holy Ghost, through 
 the same Jesus Christ our Lord. 
 Amen."
 
 to rtjr &0bc of <&a& m Cartel. 179 
 
 &f)e MSovB* of Cartel (S. John xv. 13) : 
 " GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN THAN 
 THIS, THAT A MAN LAY DOWN HIS LIFE 
 FOR HIS FRIENDS." 
 
 Love proclaims self-conquest purely, 
 Does it come, my God, from Thee, 
 
 Jesus dying tells me surely, 
 Thou hast loved me, even me. 
 
 May I show, Lord, I believe Thee, 
 In this world of sin and strife ? 
 
 Jesus, help me, I will give Thee 
 Love for Love, and Life for Life. 
 
 One resolution for this day of love to, and trust 
 in, God. 
 
 " OUR FATHER," &c. 
 " GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c.
 
 Meditations on the Holy 
 Ghost.
 
 I. 
 On eeofton fo ^e jEjoty 
 
 1. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ CAREFULLY S. JOHN xiv. 17. 
 
 3. PICTURE TO YOURSELF THE HOLY DOVE DESCENDING 
 UPON THE LORD JESUS AT THE TIME OF His BAPTISM. 
 
 i. T AM to remember that as I worship One 
 God, so each Subsistence or Person in the 
 Godhead is to be adored. The Father is 
 adored in prayer continually, and especially 
 in the Lord's Prayer. The Son is worshipped 
 in prayer and thanksgiving, especially at the 
 close of every prayer offered in His Name. I 
 must worship the Holy Ghost by prayer, by 
 reverent thoughts, by loving and humble 
 thankfulness for His love. In worshipping 
 each Person I worship God, under the special 
 thought of the office of that Person which it 
 has pleased God to reveal. I owe devotion to 
 the Holy Ghost, for to us He is the great gift 
 of the Incarnate Christ. Through the coming 
 in the flesh of the Eternal Word, the Holy 
 Ghost has come to dwell in the Church, and 
 in the soul of the Christian. I must especially 
 think of the Blessed Spirit with love, and awe, 
 and reverence. O God, cleanse my heart, and
 
 1 84 9n ffiebatian ta 
 
 purify my thoughts. Let me think reverently 
 of Him to Whom I owe homage. 
 
 T ET me think with awe and adoration of 
 the Holy Ghost. He is not a mere 
 influence. He is a Person. I see His Majesty 
 in the revelation of His Being, and in creation. 
 Meditate, O my soul, in His Being, " He pro- 
 ceedeth from the Father and the Son." He 
 " ceaselessly derives His origin from the 
 Father and the Son." I must adore Him 
 then, for thus He is the Eternal Love of the 
 Father to the Son, and the Son to the Father. 
 I must think of Him as what theologians call 
 " the Term of the Godhead." Think how He 
 is revealed in creation. " Let us make man." 
 " The Spirit of God moved upon the face of 
 the deep." He is in direct touch with all 
 creation. All created things are, in a special 
 sense, His work. He is "the Lord and Giver 
 of life." The Father is the Source of Being. 
 The Son is begotten of the Father eternally. 
 The Holy Ghost eternally proceeds from the 
 Father and from the Son, so that in Him, the 
 Holy Trinity, the boundless Godhead finds its 
 completeness. By the Holy Ghost the Love 
 of God goes forth to create. Think with awe, 
 wonder, love, O my soul, of Him Who is the 
 Term of the Godhead, and Who has special 
 and immediate contact with created life.
 
 Oil SBcbotton to tljc $?oly <f)0rft. 185 
 
 IV/TEDITATE on the Holy Ghost in His 
 energy of perfecting the works of God. 
 All the fair order or cosmos of the natural 
 world, its beauty, and glory, and sweetness, 
 are brought out by Him. He is thus the 
 agent for carrying out, in creatures, the Eternal 
 Will of God the Father and God the Son. 
 He perfects and adorns in the spiritual world. 
 The blessed angels feel His touch, and receive 
 through Him their beauty. He brought before 
 the angels the revelation of the Incarnation to 
 lead them on to full blessedness. Those who 
 refused fell, withstanding His loving Will ; 
 He led on to perfection, those who embraced 
 it. He is the Worker Who perfects Divine 
 life in the souls of men. By many energies 
 of Love He guides, comforts, warns, teaches, 
 takes of the things of Christ, and shows 
 them to souls. O loving and awful Spirit, let 
 me adore Thee, Thou most beautiful, tender 
 and loving, in awe and love. 
 
 . Have I too much forgotten the awful 
 sacredness of all created life from 
 its contact with the Holy Ghost ? 
 Have I, in want of serious thought, 
 forgotten the worship and love due 
 to that Divine Spirit ? 
 . I will be more careful to offer adora- 
 tion and praise to the Holy Ghost,
 
 ta 
 
 and to think in love and awe of His 
 Majesty and work. 
 
 " O Lord Jesus Christ, Revealer of the 
 Father, Who didst send the Blessed 
 Spirit to guide and teach us Thy 
 creatures, give me grace to worship 
 and adore that Blessed One Who 
 unites me to Thee, and through 
 Thee to the Father. For Thy merits 
 and mercy. Amen." 
 
 Cfje WHovoS of Cartel (S.John xvi. 13, 14): 
 " WHEN HE, THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH, is 
 
 COME . . . HE SHALL RECEIVE OF MlNE 
 AND SHALL SHEW IT UNTO YOU." 
 
 O Blessed Spirit, all creation 
 
 Through Thee, life, order, form has won ; 
 Thee I adore sweet Revelation ! 
 
 Love of the Father and the Son. 
 
 One practical resolution for this day of deeper and 
 
 more awestruck sense of the nearness and touch of the 
 
 Holy Ghost. 
 
 " OUR FATHER," &c. 
 " GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c.
 
 II. 
 On t$t J5fy? <&0o0^ in 
 
 and 
 
 1. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ CAREFULLY S. JOHN i. 18 ; i COR. n. n ; 
 JOHN i. 14. 
 
 3. PICTURE TO YOURSELF BLESSED MARY LISTENING 
 AWESTRUCK TO THE ARCHANGEL'S MESSAGE ; AND 
 AGAIN, WITH THE APOSTLES AWAITING THE COMING 
 OF THE HOLY SPIRIT AT PENTECOST. 
 
 i. TV/TEDITATE, O my soul, how it was by the 
 energy of the Holy Ghost that the 
 Divine Life and Human Nature were united 
 together in the Person of Jesus Christ. By 
 the Blessed Spirit the Godhead and Manhood 
 are made one. There is one God, yet each of 
 the Three Persons has taken to Himself the 
 discharge in a special way of an office. The 
 Blessed Spirit has the office of uniting the two 
 natures, Divine and Human, by which union 
 the Church became possible, and the members 
 of the Church became " partakers of the 
 Divine Nature." He prepared Blessed Mary 
 to become the Mother of God. He, by His 
 marvellous power, worked the miracle of the
 
 i88 
 
 Virgin Birth. He sanctified her soul above all 
 other creatures so that she was " full of grace." 
 He fitted her to be both a physical and a 
 moral instrument for the Incarnation, giving 
 her the immense grace which enabled her 
 willingly to respond to God's call and accept 
 His Will. Think, how wonderful ! How 
 blessed ! And for my salvation ! 
 
 2. "D EMEMBER it was by the power and love 
 of the Holy Ghost that all who ministered 
 in various ways near the great fact of the 
 Conception and Birth of the Eternal Word, 
 received such wonderful grace. He taught 
 S. Joseph the great mystery, which angels had 
 desired to look into, and gave him grace to be 
 guardian of the Divine Child and His Blessed 
 Mother. He gave Zacharias the spirit of 
 prophecy. He came upon S. Elizabeth, and 
 moved her to a deep sense of humility at the 
 approach of Blessed Mary. "What is this to 
 me, that the mother of my Lord should come 
 to me ? " He dwelt in the soul and body of 
 S. John Baptist before his birth, leading him 
 to leap with joy at the approach of the Eternal 
 Child and the Blessed Mother. Marvellous 
 outpouring of the power and light and love of 
 the Spirit of God ! Images and foretellings of 
 the love and power of the Spirit working in 
 God's saints and God's people within the king-
 
 ill tbe Jtiicariiattait autt t^e Cfjurcl). 189 
 
 dom of the Incarnation. Rejoice, O my soul, 
 with awe and wonder at the marvel of love of 
 the Blessed Spirit ! 
 
 '"'pHINK how He came now in personal 
 presence at Pentecost. Think how 
 S. Augustine speaks of Pentecost as "The 
 Birthday of the Spirit of God," and how it is 
 called " The Birthday of the Church." Here 
 the Blessed Spirit came to dwell as a personal 
 presence in the Church. As the great Head 
 of the Church in His Manhood received of 
 the Spirit " not by measure," so the Holy 
 Ghost came to dwell in the Body. The Head 
 of the Church is Christ. The Church is 
 Christ's Body. The Holy Ghost is the Soul 
 of that Blessed Body. Henceforth He dwells 
 in it, and through His loving agency the 
 extending of the work of the Incarnate Life of 
 God goes on. And I have been brought into 
 this fellowship. O awful and loving work of 
 the Spirit of God ! 
 
 Have I thought enough of the 
 miracle of mercy wrought for me ? 
 Have I realized the greatness of 
 citizenship in that Holy Body the 
 Church and my nearness therein 
 to God in Christ ?
 
 * 
 
 190 ton ti)t fealv <t)0<tt, etr. 
 
 I will try more devoutly to love the 
 Holy Spirit of God ; to think of Him 
 oftener, and with reverent affection ; 
 to realize the greatness of my place 
 in the Church of Christ. 
 
 O God, Who didst, by the power of 
 the Holy Spirit, effectually bring to 
 us Thy Son in our own nature, and 
 didst found and teach Thy Church 
 by the same Spirit, fill our hearts 
 with love and devotion towards that 
 blessed Life Giver. Through Jesus 
 Christ our Lord. Amen." 
 
 Cije SKHortf* of CI)ri<Jt, by the Prophet (Isaiah 
 xliv. 3) : I WILL POUR WATER UPON HIM 
 
 THAT IS THIRSTY, AND FLOODS UPON THE 
 DRY GROUND : I WILL POUR MY SPIRIT ON 
 THY SEED.'' 
 
 Blessed, wonder-working Spirit, 
 
 Bringing Christ, th' Incarnate Word, 
 
 We adore Thee for Thy merit, 
 Loving and Life-giving Lord. 
 
 One practical resolution for to-day to live and act more 
 as a member of the Church, and in union with Christ. 
 
 " OUR FATHER," &c. 
 " GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c.
 
 III. 
 
 >n tge f o% (Bfloef ae rtje 
 of (Union* 
 
 1. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ CAREFULLY i COR. xn. 3-27. 
 
 3. PICTURE TO YOURSELF OUR LORD, IN His EUCHARISTIC 
 
 PRAYER, RAISING HlS HANDS TO HEAVEN, AND PRAYING 
 FOR THE UNITY OF HlS CHURCH. 
 
 i. TV/TEDITATE how everything that breaks up 
 unity is a grief to the Holy Ghost. He 
 is the bond of union in the life of God, of the 
 love of the Father and the Son. So is He 
 the bond of union in the Church and in the 
 soul. We, being part of the Church, are 
 part of " the Temple of God, and the Spirit of 
 God dwelleth in " us. He bound together the 
 divine and human natures. He descended on 
 the Apostles and Disciples and bound them 
 together to form the beginning of the organized 
 Body of Christ the Church. So He makes 
 the members of the Church as one, by giving 
 to each a share in the same life. I have an 
 individual life, and yet I share a life common 
 to every member of the Church. This life is 
 undying life. It is never touched by mere
 
 2 On ttje l^olj) <l)0jSt a$ tlje Spirit of ?3m0it. 
 
 physical death. There is no separation be- 
 tween the Holy Spirit of God and the Church, 
 the Body. In me also, in each member living 
 by the life of the Spirit in the Church, my 
 lower nature suffers at death, but the life goes 
 on in the soul from grace to glory. Partaker 
 of a divine nature, I and every member of the 
 Church have supernatural life. Sin only, wil- 
 fully persisted in, can forfeit that life. How 
 sad and awful persistent sin ! How sad 
 when though there be the underlying union 
 of souls in the Catholic Church the sins of 
 men should mar the external unity. Oh ! that 
 I may love, long for, help on, the reunion of the 
 Body, so to soothe the grief of the Spirit at the 
 Church's broken unity ! 
 
 T ET me think of the uniting power and love 
 of the Spirit in the supernatural acts of 
 the Church for me. There, by the Holy 
 Spirit, in a new birth I was made part of the 
 Body of Christ, and one with Him and with 
 His members. I am not merely a solitary 
 soul. I am part of a high and beautiful life, 
 belonging to others, united with Christ. I am 
 now part of the Temple. My very body is a 
 temple of the Holy Ghost. How I must watch, 
 pray, fear, lest I break that union. How I must 
 love and cherish the Holy Spirit, by Whom it 
 is achieved ! Think, O my soul, of Confirma-
 
 On ff)t ?i?alg <i)at as tlje >ptrt't af Qiman. 193 
 
 tion. Here the loving Spirit gave me gifts and 
 help to make His own power in me more 
 effective, if I only stir it up, and to prepare me 
 for further union. O wonderful and loving 
 Spirit, Who hast so knit me into and strength- 
 ened me in the Body of Christ. May I never 
 grieve Him ! May I have grace who have 
 that supernatural union to preserve the moral 
 union and the temper of peace-loving unity in 
 the Body of Christ. 
 
 3. HPHINK of the uniting power of the Holy 
 Ghost in the Sacrament of the Altar. 
 Here, by that marvellous power, acting through 
 the Priesthood who share the Priesthood of 
 Christ by the power of the Divine Spirit, 
 become present the Body, Blood, Soul, and 
 Divinity of Jesus Christ, God and Man 
 under the form of bread and wine to cleanse 
 my body by His sacred Body, and wash my soul 
 by His precious Blood. Think how, by His 
 power, my body and soul are further sanctified, 
 when I approach Communion, in the faith and 
 penitence He gives, by union, further union, 
 with Christ. Think how, by His power, when 
 I am present at the Holy Sacrifice, even not 
 at the moment of Communion, the merits of 
 the one Sacrifice of the Cross are pleaded before 
 the Father binding more closely the Church 
 in the Sacrifice of our Ransom to God.
 
 i94 tfy Sotg (Sljcigt as tt)* jg-ptrtt 
 
 Think how, in Holy Orders, there is a special 
 union of the ordained soul to the Priesthood of 
 Christ. How, in Holy Matrimony, man and 
 woman are knit together in one as the image 
 of the union of Christ and His Church so that 
 Christian marriage can never be dissolved all 
 this by the power of the Uniting Spirit. O, 
 loving Spirit! may He give me the spirit and 
 temper of union ! 
 
 : Have I realized the awfulness and 
 sinfulness of disunion ? Of all things, 
 in thought, word, deed, which mar 
 the unity of the Church ? 
 
 . I resolve to pray and strive for the 
 Reunion of the severed parts of the 
 Catholic Church, and of all her 
 wandering children, and to endeavour 
 to keep the unity of the Spirit in the 
 bond of peace. 
 
 grayer " O Saviour, Who hast sent Thy loving 
 Spirit to bind us in one, give us 
 grace to lay to heart the misery and 
 sin of disunion, in life, in the Church, 
 in the soul, and to be bound together 
 according to Thy Will by the same 
 Spirit ; for Thy merits and mercy, 
 Who died for love of us. Amen."
 
 <9tt tljr $ciln 8f)iis't ax! tljr spirit of Wntnn. 195 
 
 of &vts(t ^. John xvii. 21): 
 "THAT THEY ALL MAY BE ONE; AS THOU, 
 FATHER, ART IN ME, AND I IN THEE, THAT 
 
 THEY ALSO MAY BE ONE IN US." 
 
 Loving Spirit he that findeth 
 
 Joy in fellowship above 
 May He be the bond that bindeth 
 
 Us and all in Love of God. 
 
 One resolution to live this life with wider, more loving 
 
 thoughts in the Spirit of my Baptism, and to pray 
 
 more seriously for the reunion of the breaches 
 
 in the Catholic Church. 
 
 " OUR FATHER," &c. 
 " GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c.
 
 IV. 
 
 On tfk eac|Jinc$ and Q#arninc$ of 
 
 1. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ CAREFULLY HAGGAI ir. 5. 
 
 3. PICTURE TO YOURSELF A LOVING FRIEND, TEACHING, 
 WARNING, URGING, IMPLORING YOU WHEN HEAD- 
 STRONG AND DOING WRONG, TO SAVE YOU FROM 
 
 DANGER. 
 
 i. T ET me meditate on the love of the Holy 
 Spirit in teaching and warning. He 
 " strove with man " before the Flood. They 
 refused, all but the remnant. Think, God 
 said, " My Spirit shall not always strive with 
 man." Still, He strove long. O loving Spirit ! 
 Remember then how, after all sorts of resist- 
 ance and apostasy, he strove by the teachings 
 of the moral law. He taught faith to the 
 patriarchs, and so was forming " the Mind of, 
 Christ " by degrees in men. Then came the 
 same witness of the moral law. Think. The 
 Holy Spirit taught that eternal law of Right 
 and Wrong. He was ever speaking in con- 
 science. Men were made to feel His presence. 
 He would not abandon them. Sorrow is in
 
 On tfic Qfoubtng anfc ESfarmitfl, etc. 197 
 
 evil. Joy is in goodness. O loving Spirit, 
 teaching and warning in the moral law. Ever 
 working with man was He ! " The Spirit of 
 the Lord is in the whole world." 
 
 2. A/TEDITATE how, first in one, then in 
 
 another, He brought out truth. There 
 were men in every nation who had some revela- 
 tion of truth. Think of men like Socrates. 
 " The Light that lighteneth every man that 
 cometh into the world " the Eternal Word 
 of God came to them. The Spirit brought 
 that Light. Then, gradually, God's teaching 
 comes, as men can bear it. He " spake by the 
 prophets." Think of that strange, solemn line 
 of the Hebrew prophets ! Think how one by 
 one they came in different circumstances, in 
 varying ways, with many voices, all warning 
 of God's righteousness. They were the mouth- 
 pieces of the Holy Ghost. 
 
 3. "DEMEMBER, O my soul, how constantly 
 
 that Blessed Spirit has been teaching in 
 the Dispensation of the Incarnation. What 
 are the whispers of your conscience ? What 
 the warnings of danger in temptation and in 
 siii ? What those sudden checks in exagger- 
 ated and ungoverned speech ? The voice of 
 the Holy Ghost. Think, O my soul, He warns 
 you of the danger of sin. You have a weakened
 
 ig8 On tijc UTm&utB antt ffiffilanung 
 
 will, He will strengthen it ; a corrupted heart, 
 He will purify it ; a darkened understanding, 
 He gives it light. He warns of the danger of 
 persevering in sin. He warns of the certainty, 
 the exactness, the truth, the impartial deter- 
 mination of judgment. Well, O my soul, try to 
 live in view of what must come. The gentle, 
 powerful Spirit of God is ever calling you 
 to remember that last scene. He urges self- 
 restraint. He is the power by which we can 
 command ourselves. He is the loving teacher 
 reminding of the duty of self-discipline, self- 
 respect, self-control. O Blessed Spirit, by 
 Thee only can man reach the height of his 
 dignity ; by Thee only can I learn the serious- 
 ness of sin, the need of self-discipline, the 
 certainty and solemnity of the last great 
 decision. 
 
 (Ohudtt'on. Have I grieved the Holy Spirit of 
 God by not listening to His teachings 
 and warnings ? The gentle Spirit 
 Who loves me, has spoken in con- 
 science, by Scripture, by the voice, 
 of friends. Have I listened ? Do I 
 listen ? 
 
 i&esfolbe. I resolve to be more attentive to the 
 warnings and teachings of the Spirit 
 of God. What is life compared to
 
 at UK $0ly 61)asr. 199 
 
 eternity ? I will listen to, and learn 
 from, Him Who guides to higher 
 things. 
 
 . " O Blessed Spirit, Lord and Life-giver, 
 leave me not, though, in my sin, I 
 may have tried to quench Thee : 
 forsake me not, though, in my folly, 
 I may have grieved Thee. Teach 
 me still, warn me still, guide me 
 still. For Jesus Christ's sake. Amen." 
 
 Cfye 5JGfortJS of CJjrist (S.Johnxvi. 8) : "WHEN 
 
 HE IS COME HE WILL CONVINCE THE 
 WORLD OF SIN, AND OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, 
 AND OF JUDGMENT." 
 
 Gentle Teacher ! Ah ! Thou knowest 
 All the dangers of my choice ; 
 
 By the light Thy Love bestowest, 
 Let me love Thy warning voice. 
 
 One resolution for to-day to listen to and obey more 
 carefully the warnings of the Holy Spirit of God. 
 
 " OUR FATHER," &c. 
 " GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c.
 
 V. 
 
 On 
 
 1. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ CAREFULLY S. JOHN xiv. 15 TO END. 
 
 3. PICTURE TO YOURSELF A MOTHER LOVINGLY CON- 
 SOLING HER CHILD IN SUFFERING, AND SOOTHING 
 IT TO REST. 
 
 i. '"THINK of that Blessed Spirit Who is "in 
 the whole world, building up and sancti- 
 fying the soul." Think of the infused virtues 
 in Baptism. Remember, O my soul, that thou 
 canst believe. Thou hast the power of faith, 
 enabling thee to see the invisible, and to 
 " quench all the fiery darts of the Wicked 
 One." Thou canst see the invisible. Think, 
 thou hast the manly strength of Hope. Thou 
 canst meet disappointment, distress, despond- 
 ency, despair, with a moral energy and spiritual 
 force, which "throws light, and strength, and 
 life into the promises of God." Thou canst 
 hope, soberly and strongly, resting thy hope 
 intelligently on the power, the character, and 
 the promises of God. Think, O my soul, thou
 
 On flje H0lu <&Dst, etc. 
 
 canst /0w. Thou canst sanctify human love. 
 Thou canst "love goodness, and hate iniquity." 
 Thou canst climb from human love to divine. 
 Thou canst love God. In love is thy rest. 
 Who gave thee these powers ? Of thyself, 
 
 poor, weak soul, thou couldst not have 
 them. The Blessed Spirit gave them in the 
 Sacrament of Baptism, and strengthens them 
 in actual graces day by day, so that using them 
 thou mayest be " sanctified, and meet for the 
 Master's use." O blessed and loving Spirit. 
 
 1 love Thee. I adore Thee. 
 
 HPHINK, O my soul, what gifts have been 
 given thee to reinforce and protect these 
 powers. The world, the flesh, the devil, 
 attack these powers. Thy faith may grow 
 dim, thy hope languish, thy love grow cold. 
 What hast thou received in the Sacrament 
 of Confirmation ? Wisdom, understanding, 
 counsel, knowledge these are breathed into 
 thy soul with the laying on of hands they 
 protect thy Faith. Like warriors round their 
 chief, they are ready to do battle with the 
 enemy, so that Faith may live and rule. Think 
 again. Ghostly Strength and Holy Fear are 
 given thee to protect and invigorate thy Hope. 
 It may be assailed by Despair. It may be 
 assailed by Presumption. These great and 
 precious gifts are ready, O my God, to sustain
 
 tljr Holy 
 
 it. Think again. What protects and expands 
 thy Love ? Thou hast the gift of True Godli- 
 ness. A gift helping thee to " taste and see 
 that the Lord is gracious." Stir up these 
 gifts, and thou art safe to live by Faith, and 
 Hope, and Love to be sanctified, to grow in 
 holiness. Who has given thee these ? The 
 Blessed Spirit of God. All honour and praise 
 be to Thee, O loving Spirit. 
 
 "A/TEDITATE, O my soul, how if these are 
 allowed to act there come fruits "Love, 
 joy, peace" towards God. " Longsuffering, 
 gentleness, goodness, trustiness, patience," 
 towards man. Towards thyself, Self-restraint. 
 These keep the soul in peace. They comfort 
 and soothe. Think further. Thy troubles 
 in life are many. There are anxieties about 
 the Church, about thy friends, about thine 
 own soul. Whence comes this interior peace 
 in trouble which thou knowest ? How is it, 
 more and more, thou acceptest trial and 
 sorrow ? Why has every cloud for thee its 
 silver lining? Why hast thou "eager, and 
 reverent," and tender thoughts of God ? Why 
 is there sweetness in the beauty of the world, 
 in the faces of little children, in the love of 
 woman, in the love of Jesus ? Why are there 
 " songs in the night," though the night be 
 dark ? It is the loving Spirit. He soothes
 
 sanctifying anil Comforting. 203 
 
 thee a.s a. mother soothes her child, if thou 
 allow it. He comforts. He consoles. O most 
 tender and loving and beautiful One, I love 
 thee, I adore. 
 
 Have I sometimes closed my ears to 
 the tender voice of the Holy Spirit ? 
 Do I, at times, hug my trials and 
 distresses, and refuse to leave them 
 with God, and learn and live by the 
 teaching of the Holy Ghost ? 
 
 iUgolf)C. I resolve more earnestly to live the 
 supernatural life ; to listen for the 
 voice of the Spirit ; to walk by 
 faith, hope, love ; to stir up the gift 
 in me ; to reverence and love the 
 Spirit of God. 
 
 . " O dear and awful Spirit of God, Who 
 hast given me so abundantly grace 
 and gifts making me one with God 
 in Jesus Christ, help, sanctify, com- 
 fort me, unworthy, and enable me 
 faithfully to use what Thou hast 
 given, for Jesus Christ's sake. 
 Amen." 
 
 Ci)e SIKortoa of C&ritt, i y t h e p sa lmist : LET 
 THY LOVING SPIRIT LEAD ME FORTH INTO 
 THE LAND OF RIGHTEOUSNESS."
 
 204 On tljf fealy <Sljost, etc. 
 
 Loving Spirit, generous Giver, 
 Bringing comfort from above; 
 
 From sins' thrall my soul deliver 
 By Thy strong and tender love. 
 
 One practical resolution for to-day towards a more 
 
 humble, loving showing forth of the fruits of the 
 
 Spirit to God, to others, to my own soul. 
 
 " OUR FATHER," &c. 
 " GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c.
 
 Meditations on 
 Blessed Mary, the Virgin.
 
 I. 
 On c itfe "Our 
 
 1. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ CAREFULLY ISA. vn. 14; S. MATT. i. 23. 
 
 3. PICTURE TO YOURSELF " OUR LADY " WITH THE DIVINE 
 CHILD IN HER ARMS, AS SHE HAS BEEN DRAWN BY 
 THE GREAT PAINTERS. 
 
 i. TTtT'HY is it, I should ask myself, that the 
 whole of the Catholic Church has com- 
 bined to call Blessed Mary "Our Lady"? 
 Why is it, I must meditate, that our English 
 Prayer Book teaches me to call her " Our 
 Lady " ? It is a title of dignity. It is unique. 
 Show me, O my God, what is meant by Thy 
 teaching to Thy Church, since Thou hast 
 guided it to call her by this title. Surely it is 
 because she was always more close to, and 
 more loved by, our Lord, than any other of 
 His creatures. Think, when He took our 
 nature, He took it from her. The Holy Ghost 
 prepared her body and soul to be "the 
 Mother of God." For nine months she bore the 
 Eternal Son. " He did not shrink from the 
 Virgin's Womb." Shall not I love and devoutly 
 venerate her who was brought so near to Him ? 
 If I am "in Christ," I am very near to Him
 
 208 <n tl)t Cttlr " Our 
 
 blessed be God ! but no creature can ever 
 be so near to Him as she who bore Him, 
 nursed Him, mothered Him. Oh ! marvellous 
 dignity ! well may the Prayer Book, with the 
 whole Church, teach me to call her " Our 
 Lady." 
 
 A/TEDITATE, O my soul, how this title of 
 dignity is due to her, because she came 
 before, and broughtforth" the Son of Righteous- 
 ness." Think how the morning star is often seen 
 in a clear heaven before the rising of the sun. 
 Blessed Mary is like the Morning Star. She 
 comes before the " Son of Righteousness." This 
 is a Scripture fact. Think how the prophet fore- 
 told it. Think how God ordained it to come 
 about. Think how her acts and calling, and 
 relation to her Divine Son, must be types and 
 foreshadowings of her eternal condition, and 
 her mission above. Then, O my soul, thou 
 canst see at once how all dutiful, though all 
 insignificant, is the dignity of the title which 
 my English Prayer Book gives her " Our 
 Lady." For my own soul's health ; for joy to 
 Jesus, my Redeemer ; for the glory of God ; ' 
 I must think of her, and feel towards her, in 
 accordance with the title " Our Lady." 
 
 "DEMEMBER, also, and meditate upon it 
 
 before God, how thou wouldst be sin- 
 
 ning, O my soul, if thou didst not keep in mind
 
 On tfje STttlc "Our Ea&u." 209 
 
 her graciousness, which God has given her. 
 She is His creature. She is the brightest 
 creature that He has ever created. She had 
 like others a trial. She accepted God's Will. 
 She is the pride of our race. She is the noblest 
 of God's creatures. He has loved her and He 
 loves her, with a special tenderness. She is a 
 beautiful the most beautiful and gracious soul, 
 for the Bible tells me that she unlike us all 
 is filled with the graces of the Holy Spirit. She 
 is " full of grace." If I am to follow and please 
 God, and walk in the steps of Jesus, remember, 
 O my soul, I must love " Our Lady." 
 
 (Question. Have I ever allowed myself to think 
 lightly of, or forget the greatness, 
 and graciousness, and powerful inter- 
 cession of " Our Lady," from being 
 pulled down by worldly or heretical 
 thought ? 
 
 . I resolve, by the grace of God, to 
 follow in the steps of Jesus, and to 
 love and venerate " Our Lady." So 
 I resolve to learn real respect for 
 woman, and purity of heart, and love 
 of Jesus Christ. 
 
 "O Lord Jesus, Who for my sake didst 
 clothe Thyself with human nature, 
 in the womb of Thy Blessed Mother,
 
 On tlje B"ttle " Our ftafcg." 
 
 give me grace to love her, as Thou 
 didst love, and so to please Thee, 
 for Thy mercies' sake. Amen." 
 
 Ci)f 332aovTJf of Cfcn'St, by the Wise Man 
 (Proverbs xi. 16): "A GRACIOUS WOMAN 
 
 RETAINETH HONOUR." 
 
 Gracious Lady, sweet and holy, 
 Oh ! what honour thou hast won ! 
 
 May I, too, be meek and lowly, 
 Loved, like thee, by thy dear Son. 
 
 One resolution in practical work, to act in the spirit 
 
 of our Lord's Blessed Mother, and to love 
 
 and think more of her. 
 
 " OUR FATHER," &c. 
 " GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c. 
 " HAIL, MARY," &c. (S. Luke i. 28.)
 
 II. 
 On Q8fee0e& (THarp, ae 
 
 i. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 a. READ CAREFULLY GEN. in. 1-6, AND REV. xn. 1-6. 
 
 3. PICTURE TO YOURSELF BLESSED MARY LOOKING UP 
 TO GOD, AND GOD CALLING HER TO HER GREAT 
 CALLING AS MOTHER OF HlS DlVINE SON. 
 
 i. THIRST meditate how Eve was, according to 
 Holy Scripture, our first mother. Think 
 how Adam was the head of our race. In him 
 we fell. Had he stood firm, even though Eve 
 had been tempted and given way, still we 
 should not have forfeited the gifts and super- 
 natural graces which God gave him. Think. 
 " The man," says the Apostle, " is the glory 
 of God, but the woman is the glory of the 
 man." Adam was our first father. Eve had 
 her own place, though not so great as that of 
 Adam's. She was " the mother of all living." 
 She influenced the fate of the race, as it has 
 pleased God that women should always 
 influence men. She listened to the Evil One 
 the Serpent, the Dragon and was seduced. 
 She led Adam into sin. Of her own will she
 
 tfje 
 
 deliberately joined with the Serpent's tempta- 
 tion, and in the exercise of her responsibility 
 co-operated in sin, and was a means of bring- 
 ing about the fall of the race. 
 
 2. "VT OW meditate, O my soul, as thou belongest 
 
 to a fallen race, did any women take 
 part in thy restoration ? He Who restores 
 thee is called the " Second Adam." He is the 
 new Head of the new Creation. In Him we 
 live. By Him we come near Thee, O God. 
 Has any woman co-operated in His wonderful 
 position, as the retriever of our fortune ? 
 Think, O my soul, Blessed Mary listened to no 
 temptation, doubted not the Word of the 
 Eternal, obeyed entirely the Will of God ; 
 hoped for nothing, longed for nothing, but only 
 to please Him. With her entire will she 
 co-operated with God's Will for our redemption, 
 as Eve had co-operated with the Devil's will 
 for our fall. Remember then, O my soul, as 
 Scripture and the ancient fathers of the Church 
 teach thee, with her own will she co-operated 
 in the work of thy redemption, and is the_ 
 Second Eve. O Blessed Mother, surely as 
 God loves, I should love thee ! 
 
 3. HTHINK how the Evil One hates her. The 
 
 blessed Apostle S. John had the care of 
 her, after our Master's crucifixion. He knew
 
 2I 3 
 
 her well and loved her. Think how he tells us 
 in his revelation, mystically, of her refusal of 
 temptation, how she " fled into the wilderness." 
 Think how the Serpent came to tempt her and 
 destroy her Child ; think how He was caught 
 up to the throne of God. Meditate upon the 
 greatness of the Second Adam. Meditate upon 
 the awful seriousness of those two transactions. 
 In the first came our fall. In the second came 
 our redemption. In each one the Man, the 
 Woman, and the Serpent. Blessed Mary 1 
 Thou didst co-operate with God's Will in our 
 redemption ! Surely I must love and venerate 
 thee as the Second Eve. 
 
 <UJtton^-Have I failed to think how, by God's 
 Will, the Blessed Mary co-operated 
 in His design for my salvation ? 
 Have I failed in love and respect to 
 her, as the Second Eve ? 
 
 I resolve to remember how important 
 it is to be a fellow-worker with God, 
 after the example of our Blessed 
 Lady. 
 
 ' O Heavenly Father, Who by Thy 
 grace didst enable the Virgin Mother 
 of Thy dear Son to love and obey Thy 
 Holy Will, and so to co-operate with
 
 the getaria 
 
 Thee in my redemption ; give me 
 grace, following her example, ever to 
 do Thy Holy Will, through Jesus 
 Christ our Lord. Amen." 
 
 Cfje m&ortoa of Cfjrtet, by His Mother (S. Luke, 
 i. 38) : " BE IT UNTO ME ACCORDING TO 
 
 THY WORD." 
 
 Ah ! in mankind's early morrow 
 Our first mother brought us loss ; 
 
 Thou, sweet Mother, bore the sorrow, 
 Won us hope, thy Son the Cross. 
 
 One practical resolution to follow the example of 
 Blessed Mary, in loving God's Will. 
 
 " OUR FATHER," &c. 
 
 " GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c. 
 
 " HAIL, MARY," &c. (S. Luke i. 28.)
 
 III. 
 
 On Q|3fe00e& Qttarp, a0 a (pattern 
 
 of 
 
 1. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ CAREFULLY S. LUKE i. 27 AND S. MATT. v. 8. 
 
 3. PICTURE TO YOURSELF AS IN PICTURES OF FKA 
 ANGELICO THE MAIDEN OF NAZARETH, WITH THE 
 LILY, TYPIFYING PURITY, BESIDE HER, BOWING BEFORE 
 GOD'S MESSAGE, WHILE THE ARCHANGEL BOWS IN 
 REVERENCE BEFORE HER, VIRGIN OF VIRGINS. 
 
 i. A/TEDITATE, O my soul, on the purity of 
 heart needed for an approach to the 
 Highest. At least, by Divine grace, thou 
 mayst hope for purity of intention. But God 
 is spotless purity. He cannot live with sin. 
 He cannot endure sin. No stain of evil, that 
 abominable thing, can touch or come near 
 Him. " He chargeth His angels with folly." 
 The just are not pure in His sight. What 
 must that creature be, by His grace and mercy, 
 whom He chooses from all creatures to be the 
 Mother of His Only-begotten Son ? And she 
 was such. He elected her in all eternity. He 
 loved her. Gave her grace. She used it. 
 She was that Virgo Virginum, that purest of
 
 216 n 33lr#$rtf #aarg, atf a |3attern of SFtrtuoi. 
 
 the pure, whom God called not only to see 
 and know Him, but to be His home, in His 
 humanity, for nine months before His earthly 
 birth. O sweet, pure soul ! O, filled with 
 grace ! O glory of women, and pattern to us 
 all ! Blessed be Thou, O God, Who hast taught 
 us the value Thou placest on purity by choosing 
 as Thy noblest creature a spotless maiden ! 
 
 '""PHINK how needful humility is for the 
 receiving of grace. No great graces can 
 come but to the humble : for humility is the 
 emptying oneself of self, and so making room 
 for God. Blessed Mary was humble. Her 
 life was a life deeply hidden. She never exalted 
 herself, therefore God exalted her highly. His 
 glory in raising the meek and the humble filled 
 her with love and wonder, which is uttered in 
 her inspired Canticle. Then, too, she was over- 
 whelmed with His glory and goodness, not 
 her own. She was so impressed with her own 
 unworthiness, she was overwhelmed by His 
 generosity. Mary's humility it was which made 
 her feel and rejoice in her direct dependence 
 upon God. She had her sorrows, but humility 
 enabled her to look through them, in sweet 
 security, to God. Self-love makes sinners 
 capricious, proud, impatient, uneasy, exacting. 
 With humility comes the calm and peace of 
 God. Be humble, O my soul ; follow, in this,
 
 n Ic$<?rti #lant, atf a }3attmt 0f trturtf. 217 
 
 this Blessed one, and, as you find no good thing 
 in yourself, you will not be hurt if others do 
 so too. You will rejoice in the glory of God. 
 Beautiful and perfect pattern of humility, O 
 Blessed and Holy One. Thou, by thy humility, 
 didst find joy and rejoicing in Him ! 
 
 TV/TEDITATE, O my soul, on the sweet 
 simplicity of Mary. Here was a force 
 of strength and beauty born in the very heart 
 of the Eternal Son. Mary had that direct 
 glance of the soul towards God which is 
 simplicity. For it is no turning aside, no 
 returning upon oneself. Hence, think how 
 there was in her no disturbance, no agitation, 
 no perturbation these come from that return 
 upon self which is always looking about to see 
 if self-love is satisfied. Here sweet simplicity 
 of soul looked only for God, and so came into 
 loving contact with Him, and Him alone. 
 Blessed indeed, O my soul, if thou so follow her 
 example, as, indifferent to man's praise or 
 blame, to find God always and everywhere ! 
 My twisty and corrupt heart, in doing anything 
 good, goes back to itself. She did right and 
 thought no more about it. The simple soul 
 looks only and perfectly to God. Think of her 
 "filled with grace " raised by the power of 
 the Holy Ghost to a rank and office above all 
 the human race, and her words are expended not
 
 at 
 
 in discussions as our words often are of great 
 problems, but are spoken to the praise and glory 
 of God. Ah 1 the sweetness of the simplicity 
 of that lovely and strong character Mirror of 
 Virtues ! 
 
 Have I sinned against purity ? Humil- 
 ity ? Simplicity of character ? Have 
 I failed to take pains to contemplate . 
 the example of these, given me by 
 God, in our Blessed Lady ? 
 
 I will flee from thoughts, words, con- 
 versations, books, which stain the 
 soul. I will try in my thoughts to 
 think less of myself than self prompts, 
 or others are inclined to think. I 
 will persevere in this practice. I will 
 try to act in all things, great or small, 
 directly for God, not for self or 
 human praise. 
 
 " O Heavenly Father, Who hast given 
 me a model of human virtue in the 
 elect soul of her whom Thou hast, 
 made the fairest and holiest of all 
 Thy creatures, give me grace to 
 follow the purity, humility, and sim- 
 plicity of that soul, and grant me the 
 help of her intercessions, through 
 Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."
 
 tolttetts flflari), a a pattern of trtucrf. 219 
 
 SSHortt* of Cfjriit, by His Blessed Mother 
 fS. Luke i. 57, 52): "HE HATH SHEWED 
 
 STRENGTH WITH HlS ARM J HE HATH SCAT- 
 TERED THE PROUD IN THE IMAGINATION OF 
 THEIR HEARTS ; HE HATH PUT DOWN THE 
 MIGHTY FROM THEIR SEAT, AND HATH 
 EXALTED THE HUMBLE AND MEEK." 
 
 Blessed Mary ! God has proved thee 
 Worthy, filled with virtues bright ; 
 
 I must love, for He has loved thee, 
 Who is God and Life and Light. 
 
 One practical resolution for to-day for the practice of 
 
 purity, humility, simplicity of character, of the 
 
 pattern of Our Lady. 
 
 " OUR FATHER," &c. 
 
 "GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c. 
 
 " HAIL, MARY," &c. (S. Luke i. 28.)
 
 IV. 
 
 ae 
 
 of 
 
 1. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ CAREFULLY S. JOHN xix. 25 ; S. MATT. i. 25. 
 
 3. PICTURE TO YOURSELF THE HOLY MOTHER WITH 
 THE DIVINE CHILD IN HER ARMS. SHE GAZES ON 
 HIM WITH REVERENT WORSHIP. HE LOOKS ON HER 
 WITH FILIAL LOVE. 
 
 i. "ly/TEDITATE, O my soul, on the reason 
 why the Church, guided by the Holy 
 Ghost, has called Blessed Mary the Theotokos, 
 Dei Genetrix, Deipara Mother of God. This 
 is part of the Faith which I must accept ; it is 
 fixed by a Council of the Catholic Church, 
 which my part of that Church the Church 
 of England accepts. I am reminded by this 
 that Jesus Christ is God. There are not two 
 Persons, Jesus Christ and the Eternal Word. 
 There is One. From the first instant of His 
 conception, and now, for ever, Jesus Christ 
 was, is, and shall be God. I should commit 
 a grave sin if I thought of Mary as Mother of 
 Him as man, as well as being carried away by 
 an absurdity. There never was any such man
 
 n XletetU tftarg, a* tftotljcr af <8att. 221 
 
 Jesus Christ Who was not also and always 
 God. He, Eternal God, the Eternal Word, is 
 as much her Son as I am the son of my 
 mother. She has, therefore think of it, O 
 my soul by God's appointment, a place of 
 solitary dignity. In a great mystery, but real 
 fact, she is the Mother of her Lord, and 
 God, and Creator. She is, therefore, higher 
 than all creatures who can be thought of. I 
 owe her veneration and high reverence. 
 
 2. 'T A HINK and remember, O my soul, what 
 relationship does He in His love allow 
 me to be in, spiritually, to her ? He, in His 
 marvellous condescension, allows me to look 
 upon Him as my " Elder Brother." " He is not 
 ashamed to call us brethren." (Heb. ii. n.) 
 He assigns her to me, then, as He did to 
 S. John, as my mother. She teaches me, in 
 her life and calling, the condescending love of 
 Christ, my God. He is the Author of the 
 fifth commandment. He observed and observes 
 it. He was " subject to " her. " He calls her 
 ' Mother ' evermore." Those who obey " the 
 Will of God " act in the true spirit of brethren, 
 or sisters, or mother to Him, for that was the 
 sweetness of His Mother she obeyed and 
 loved God. I must, if I would please my 
 Saviour, My God, love and reverence her, as 
 a good son his mother, imitate her obedient
 
 222 On Jjlrsstfr jffiarj?, a potter of <So&. 
 
 love, and my Lord's reverent obedience to her, 
 and hope and ask that by God's goodness she 
 may intercede and pray for me, as a mother 
 for her unworthy child. Think how this is a 
 further reason, O my soul, for living a life of 
 virtue and holiness, and living with a deeper 
 sense in common things and human relations, 
 of the nearness and reality of the other 
 world. Blessed Jesus ! Great Elder Brother ! 
 Thy Holy Mother is, then, mine ! I will love 
 her, reverence her, as Thou didst and dost. 
 May I have her prayers, that I may be nearer 
 to Thee ! 
 
 3. TDEMEMBER, my soul, how the thought of 
 the Mother of God shows me the sacred- 
 ness, sweetness, blessedness of home of family 
 life. For thirty years He lived in the quiet 
 home with her. But more, think how in this 
 is shown her sanctity. The mother is one 
 who must always show great devotion, great 
 suppression of self. The good mother must love 
 God ; she must show forth His love in all 
 things ; she must suffer for God's glory. 
 Vanity, laziness, worldliness, self-seeking, all ' 
 gone ! The mother's character requires the 
 crown of mature virtue of life for another. 
 It means great sacrifice. She nursed the 
 Eternal Child. She fulfilled simple offices for 
 Him. She helped to train the human con-
 
 of <0o. 223 
 
 science and heart of the Ever Blessed in His 
 human life. O Perfect Mother ! O Loved of 
 Jesus ! How I must love thee, as the glory 
 of womanhood. How I must imitate, in the 
 simple duties and responsibility of daily life ! 
 How I must hope, by God's mercy, for the 
 benefit of thy prayers ! 
 
 4Bur6ttOll. Have I thought enough of the 
 Perfect Manhood and Perfect God- 
 head of my Redeemer in one Person 
 for ever? Have I realized that the 
 Guardian of this sacred fact on 
 which my salvation depends is love 
 and reverence for the Mother of 
 God ? Have I pained my Saviour 
 ever by thoughtless want of love 
 and reverence towards her, who is 
 dearest of all creatures to Him ? 
 Have I missed a sense of the near- 
 ness, in common home life, of the 
 Eternal, and the value of simple 
 duties, by forgetting the place He 
 has assigned her as Mother of God ? 
 
 I resolve to think of her more con- 
 stantly, reverently, lovingly, as He 
 does, as loving me, and all His 
 brethren, as a mother. I will hope 
 and pray that He may grant me
 
 224 9n Ulottrtr #larg, a Mafytr at <olf. 
 
 the help of her intercessions. I will 
 try to please Him more by following 
 His simple obedience to God, and 
 devotion to common duties for His 
 sake. 
 
 $3ra)>fr. " O most loving Saviour, Who hast for 
 ever the devotion of a Son to Thy 
 dear Mother, give me a heart of 
 loving obedience like hers, of reverent 
 devotion like Thine. Grant me grace 
 to realize my nearness to Thee, and 
 to fulfil common duties after her 
 example, and grant me the blessing 
 of her prayers, that I may persevere 
 unto the end. For Thy mercy sake. 
 Amen." 
 
 f)e MorUs! of Cijriat fS. John xix. 27) : 
 " BEHOLD THY MOTHER." 
 
 I love, obey. How Thou hast striven, 
 Lord, for my love, in showing Thine. 
 
 And now, dear Saviour, Thou hast given 
 Thine own sweet Mother to be mine. 
 
 One practical resolution for closer performance of, 
 
 common duties, tenderly and earnestly after the 
 
 example of Blessed Mary, for love of Jesus 
 
 Christ, 
 
 " OUR FATHER," &c. 
 
 " GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c. 
 
 " HAIL, MARY," &c. (S. Luke i. 28.)
 
 V. 
 
 On Our 
 
 1. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ CAREFULLY S. LUKE i. 48. 
 
 3. PICTURE TO YOURSELF THE CHOIR OF ANGELS 
 REJOICING AT THE ANNOUNCEMENT, BY THE ARCH- 
 ANGEL, OF THE INCARNATION, AND OUR LADY 
 
 LOOKING TO GOD AND SINGING HER "MAGNIFICAT." 
 
 i. T AM to meditate and remember that God in 
 Holy Scripture teaches that she Our 
 Lady is to be the Ever Blessed. Think, O 
 my soul, why is this revelation given thee 
 from God ? Why is she Ever Blessed ? 
 Surely she is Blessed beyond all, because she 
 answered with entire obedience, deep humility, 
 unwavering faith, to the greatest call ever 
 given by God to His creature. Her call was 
 startling. It broke in upon the usual course 
 of a quiet life. It required stupendous faith to 
 meet it. It was met with entire submission. 
 So is she Ever Blessed. Think, O my soul, 
 here was a ready and complete submission of 
 will. This, for a sincere servant of God, is 
 essential, but hard. " A perfect will," says a 
 holy man, "is so dear to God that He will
 
 226 On Our Hairy, a* tljc 
 
 reward it with all gifts, and will make it fruitful 
 in all things." So He rewarded Mary. The 
 perfect will turns from the things of time and 
 turns to God. I, thou knowest, O my soul, 
 am made for Time and Eternity. I alternate 
 between the two. I am drawn first one way 
 then another. " O wretched that I am ! " 
 The real conquest is when my soul accepts, 
 deliberately, underneath all the common duties 
 of time, the great thought of eternity. The 
 servant of God is he who does that. He works 
 all common things with diligence, but his heart 
 is in eternity ; his will is, amid the accidents 
 of life, to do the Will of God. Mary did this 
 perfectly. Hence, O my soul, she is the Ever 
 Blessed. 
 
 2. HTHINK again why she is the Ever Blessed. 
 Surely, O my God, because, by Thy 
 grace, she became the home of these virtues, 
 these forms of real strength, in a world of 
 weakness, which bring blessedness. She was 
 "poor in spirit." Her riches were in loving 
 God. " He hath regarded the lowliness of His 
 handmaiden." She was a mourner. Sorrow 
 came upon her, in the flight, in the losing her 
 son in Jerusalem, in the sorrow of His ministry, 
 in the horror of His death. She mourned with 
 the Eternal with the stately mourning of a 
 strong soul. She was meek, gentle, retiring,
 
 On Our ftatru, aS tijc <ber 36le&ie&. 227 
 
 bore possible reproach for the love of God. 
 She longed and looked for God. She was 
 hungry for righteousness. He li filled the 
 hungry with good things." She was filled with 
 mercy, for she was the Mother of the All- 
 Merciful. She was a spotless Virgin, pure in 
 heart, intention, hope, life, so she saw God. 
 She was a peacemaker. She bore and nursed 
 Him Who is " Our Peace." She was doubted 
 then in her purity : she is jeered at, scorned, 
 neglected by unbelievers and those who mis- 
 understand, as well as by heretics now. 
 All manner of shocking rudeness has been 
 shown her " for His sake." Think, O my soul, 
 by the full possession of all springs and grounds 
 of Beatitude, she, the lovely child of God and 
 Mother of God, is the Ever Blessed. 
 
 3. '"PHINK.Omysoul. " There is one Mediator 
 between God and Man, the Man, Christ 
 Jesus." To be near Him is to be near God. 
 No one ever has been, ever can be, so near to 
 Jesus and so loved by Him as our Blessed 
 Lady. She is near Him by the kindred of the 
 flesh. She is near Him by His human likeness 
 to her, His one earthly parent. She is near 
 Him by following more closely than all in His 
 footsteps, and being like Him in character. 
 She is near Him by asking Him, and He never 
 refuses her. She is near Him by her obedience
 
 228 <9it Our Hatty, as* tbc <&rr 
 
 to His Will, her reverent love, her devotion to 
 Him. By that awful nearness nearer than 
 any creature to the Divine Life she is the 
 Ever Blessed. I love thee. I reverence thee. 
 I imitate thee. I hope to have thy prayers. 
 O Holy Mother ! O Ever Blessed 1 
 
 <Ufftton. Have I ever, in disobedience to 
 the Bible and to God's Will, for- 
 gotten the awful reverence and love 
 which I owe to the Mother of God, 
 the Ever Blessed ? Have I forgotten 
 what is real blessedness, and been 
 led away by the desires of the world ? 
 
 Mfgolbr. I will, by God's grace, love and 
 reverence more deeply, according to 
 His Will, His Ever Blessed Mother. 
 I will fear to join in the negligence 
 or profanity of the world as to her, 
 the Ever Blessed. I will try to 
 imitate her submission to God's 
 Will, and cultivation of the Beati- 
 tudes the real source of strength to 
 the soul. I will try, therefore, like' 
 her, to be always near to Jesus, and 
 hope, by His mercy, to be helped 
 by her prayers. 
 
 JJranrr. " O dear and blessed Saviour, Who 
 hast filled Thy Holy Mother with
 
 Our ftalnt, atf tfje <ber UloWrtr. 229 
 
 grace and help and example to us 
 all, grant me grace to love and 
 reverence her, following Thine ex- 
 ample ; to grow in grace according to 
 her pattern ; to have the help of her 
 prayers, by Thy tender pity, so that, 
 like her, I may be ever more and 
 more near to Thee. For Thy mercy's 
 sake. Amen." 
 
 SRBorUs! of Cfjritft, of and by His Holy 
 
 Mother (S. Liike i. 48) : "ALL GENERA- 
 
 TIONS SHALL CALL ME BLESSED." 
 
 Ever Blessed, beyond other, 
 
 She who bore and nursed the Lord ; 
 
 May I learn of thee, sweet Mother, 
 Who obey'dst His lightest word. 
 
 One practical resolution for to-day of love to Mary, 
 
 nearness to Jesus, and effort by grace, in 
 
 common things, to listen to God's calls and 
 
 to follow that God -given example. 
 
 " OUR FATHER," &c. 
 
 " GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c. 
 
 " HAIL, MARY," &c. (S. Luke i. 28.)
 
 
 Meditations on Some 
 of the Saints.
 
 I. 
 
 1. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ CAREFULLY CHRON. xvi. 23-29, AND PSALM 
 
 XXIX. I, 2. 
 
 3. PICTURE TO YOURSELF THE LORD JESUS STANDING 
 BEFORE YOU, AND SAYING, "FOLLOW ME." 
 
 i. T^HE Saint is the best of his kind. Sanctity 
 is the highest and noblest state of.man. 
 Righteousness is necessary for us all, if we are 
 to be God's children. Sanctity is more noble. 
 It has the sweetness of Eternity, the brightness 
 and beauty of God about it. Why not aspire 
 to it ? Anyhow, to do right, there is nothing 
 better than to imitate the Saints. To attain to 
 any measure of Sanctity, I must follow faith- 
 fully God's ways for me. He marks these by 
 His secret voices in me and by the ordering of 
 His Providence. I must listen for God's voice. 
 If I listen and obey, I know that God demands, 
 and has a right to demand, entire sacrifice of 
 self to Him. There are many obstacles and 
 many difficulties, but this is the mark of the 
 Saints. Only gradually can such strength be 
 acquired, but the first and unchanging con-
 
 234 
 
 dition of Sanctity is a surrendered will, 
 entire self-oblation to God. 
 
 2. npHIS is difficult. Helps are given. Hence 
 
 the example of Jesus Christ. His whole 
 life may be said to have been one continual 
 and unflagging clinging to the Will of His 
 Father. " He pleased not Himself." That is 
 the secret of Sanctity. Difficult as it is, it is 
 also delightful to walk in "the very path my 
 Saviour trod." Seeing this, at least I can 
 have the desire. I can try to realize how very 
 far I am from its accomplishment. I can 
 humble myself accordingly. From this alone 
 comes consolation. At least I may begin to 
 see "the beauty of holiness." Then there is 
 the Holy Spirit. He is ever ready. He is 
 longing to help me on. God has promised to 
 give Him to those who ask. God's Will is 
 blessed ! Oh ! that I may learn utterly to 
 renounce myself and love His Will ! 
 
 3. HPHE way of Sanctity is, then, to guide my 
 
 life by faith. In trouble, in interior dark- 
 ness, in sorrow always to look up, to live and' 
 walk by faith. I must make ventures, be 
 strong, go out of self, not torture myself about 
 my own feelings, act in and for God. I must 
 be hopeful. I must be strong in God's service. 
 I must humble myself for my faults, but never
 
 On ^anrlttg. 235 
 
 be discouraged by them ; only know my wicked 
 self better, and try again. I must even draw 
 blessings from them deeper mistrust of self, 
 stronger trust in God. I must live in the 
 spirit of prayer, and practise the Presence of 
 God. I must not worry myself about where I 
 am in the spiritual life, but in all things try to 
 be " found faithful " to God. From common 
 things, done in the power of the Spirit, comes 
 " inward separation from outward things," 
 which is Sanctity. 
 
 (Question. Have I been wrongly contented with 
 being " good enough," instead of 
 remembering that I am " called to 
 be a Saint" ? Have I been contented 
 with slack ways, " moderation " 
 according to the standard of the 
 world, and a low aim ? 
 
 lirsiolbc. I resolve to aim high, for I am a 
 Christian, and the pattern of life is 
 Christ and His Saints. 
 
 O Lord and Heavenly Father, Who 
 hast called us, Thy creatures, to be 
 perfected in the image and likeness 
 of Thy dear Son, give us the sound- 
 ness of heart, the self-renunciation, 
 the entire desire to please Thee
 
 236 
 
 which has marked Thy blessed 
 Saints. Through Jesus Christ our 
 Lord. Amen." 
 
 of Cfjrtet, by the Apostle (1 COY. 
 vii. 1 ) : " PERFECT HOLINESS IN THE 
 
 FEAR OF THE LORD." 
 
 " Be ye holy " 'tis Thy sentence ; 
 
 Give me reverence for Thy Word ; 
 Strict obedience, love, repentance, 
 
 Like Thy Saints, O Holy Lord. 
 
 One practical resolution for self-renunciation in some 
 definite particular, this day. 
 
 "OuR FATHER," &c. 
 " GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c.
 
 II. 
 On $. (marten?, (i.) 
 
 1. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ CAREFULLY S. MARK n. 14-17. 
 
 3. PICTURE TO YOURSELF JESUS CHRIST, PASSING 
 BY MATTHEW AT THE TAX GATHERER'S OFFICE, 
 LOOKING UPON HIM TENDERLY AND WITH MAJESTIC 
 COMMAND, AND CALLING HIM, AND MATTHEW RISING 
 TO FOLLOW. 
 
 i. '"PHE voice of Jesus Christ was heard by 
 S. Matthew. It is the voice of the 
 Eternal Word, i.e., the voice of God's Will, 
 the voice of Eternal truth. It has spoken in 
 my soul. O my soul, how hast thou listened, 
 not to say obeyed ? The presence of Jesus 
 Christ was powerful with Matthew ; His calm- 
 ness, His majesty, His benignity, His tender- 
 ness, His strength. The call, coming from 
 such a Presence, was full of power. I have 
 been even nearer that Divine Presence, in the 
 ministrations of the Church. Matthew only 
 saw externally an ordinary man, his faith saw 
 more deeply. Why have I failed to feel the 
 power of that presence, or to hear that voice ? 
 Want of an energetic faith. The call involved 
 the cross. The Saint did not shrink. Often, 
 when I have heard the call, and felt the power
 
 238 
 
 of the presence, I have shrunk, not from faith, 
 but from obedience, because of the cross. 
 Little things pleasing me would have had to 
 be given up ! Matthew listened with faith, 
 answered with obedience, so he became a 
 Saint. 
 
 nPHE answer of the Saint was prompt and 
 decisive. No paltering with temptation, 
 no waiting " to think better of it," no dawdling 
 and putting off. " He rose up." How often, 
 my God, have I failed, and lost an opportunity, 
 through dangerous delay ! The Saint's obedi- 
 ence was right in the teeth of his natural 
 and almost legitimate desires. He desired, 
 naturally enough, to get on in the world and 
 advance himself, but to do so, when called 
 otherwise by God, would have cost him his 
 soul. Anyhow it would have cost him dis- 
 obedience to One Whom He felt to be the 
 noblest and the best. He promptly went in 
 the teeth of his desires. I must be prepared 
 to contradict myself flatly and painfully if I 
 would follow the Eternal Beauty and Good- 
 ness. And he did it let me think of that-* 
 with quiet, personal devotion and service, with 
 simplicity and enthusiasm. 
 
 T717HAT find I in this Saint? Courage un- 
 daunted. The courage which fearlessly 
 faced public opinion and public derision, and
 
 On . fHattljrtu. 239 
 
 the anger of friends, and the jeers of foes, and 
 certain poverty. I see here complete the 
 most complete self-abandonment. Self is 
 nowhere. Once, covetousness was his God, 
 his second self it is utterly crucified. No 
 self now, only Jesus Christ. I see quiet firm- 
 ness. There is no pretence, noise, swagger, 
 talking of self and one's sins, as some men do 
 if they "take a religious turn." It is quiet, 
 real, firm. Deep in his soul is the conviction 
 of the nothingness of things now, as compared 
 with eternal things. It is a complete love of 
 Christ, a complete self-surrender, a practical 
 abandonment of all for Jesus. 
 
 (tuition. Have I been dawdling, and half- 
 hearted in turning to God ? Have 
 I been cowardly, and worldly, half 
 for God, half for the world ? 
 
 . I will try to be real and entire in my 
 service of God. I will try to be 
 courageous and prompt, and fear- 
 lessly to face the cross laid on my 
 natural desires. 
 
 " O Lord Jesus, Who didst enable 
 Matthew to hear and perfectly obey 
 Thy voice, give me the hearing ear, 
 and the fearless and obedient will. 
 For Thy mercy sake. Amen."
 
 240 &n jp. 
 
 Ci)t SKBorttt of Cijnat (S. Matt. iv. 19) : 
 " FOLLOW ME." 
 
 Sweet Thy voice, though stern Thy preaching, 
 Giving promptness, courage see 
 
 How Thy Saint obeys may teaching 
 So move me to follow Thee. 
 
 One practical resolution to listen and obey God's 
 voice to-day. 
 
 " OUR FATHER/' &c. 
 " GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c.
 
 III. 
 On $. (Wlattjew. (2.) 
 
 1. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ CAREFULLY GAL. vi. i, 2. 
 
 3. PICTURE TO YOURSELF THE SCENE IN THE HOUSE OF 
 LEVI, THE GUESTS, TAX GATHERERS AND SINNERS, 
 AND JESUS CHRIST. 
 
 i. T AM to remember that a great crisis had come 
 in the life of Matthew. It was the parting 
 of two ways. An old life was given up ; a new 
 life beginning. Men converted to higher things 
 are tempted to be unnatural and conceited. 
 Let me think of Matthew's kindheartedness. 
 He did not forget his old friends. Natural 
 virtues and what belong to a true heart are 
 never destroyed, they are only ennobled by 
 the grace of God. I must remember also his 
 humility. This is another word for reality. 
 He did not think as religious people are in 
 danger of doing that he was any better in 
 himself than the tax gatherers and bad 
 characters who had been his friends. If a 
 change of life had come to him, it was not 
 thanks to himself, it was thanks to the love of 
 Christ and the grace of God. My God, teach
 
 242 
 
 me to esteem others better than myself, and 
 to be grateful for any help Thou givest me. 
 
 2. T MUST think upon the thoroughness of the 
 
 Saint. He leaves no dusty corners. He 
 sweeps out all. He gives himself wholly to 
 Christ. He is not afraid of his old friends 
 knowing it. He says good-bye to his old life 
 with firmness and completeness. Then I must 
 think of his naturalness. It is easy, unaffected, 
 real. They may not see as he sees, but he 
 sees distinctly, and does not pretend to see 
 as they do. He is kind and genial. He does 
 not boast of his goodness, or pity them by 
 implication. There is no cant, no swagger, 
 nothing of unhealthy egotism. The way of 
 Christ is the way of truth, and he must follow 
 it simply, naturally, and thoroughly. Ah, my 
 God, take from me self-satisfied pride, and the 
 treacheries of a corrupt will. Make me simple, 
 thorough, and natural in Thy service. 
 
 3. T MUST think of the Saint's great unselfish- 
 
 ness. He is not thinking only of saving 
 his own soul. Without thrusting things in -a 
 conceited way upon his friends, he is still 
 thinking of others. He trusts our Lord. He 
 delights in bringing his old companions near 
 to Christ. To Christ he gives his very best, 
 to his old companions the best possible chance,
 
 243 
 
 so undoing the past. I must think of the 
 courage of this, the self-forgetting and the calm 
 rest of a soul, and the power of Christ. 
 
 <fihutton. Have I ever allowed my religion to 
 be unnatural, self-conceited ; on the 
 one hand cowardly, not witnessing 
 bravely; on the other hand, incon- 
 siderate, or forward, or forgetting 
 that God, not I, can touch a soul? 
 
 I resolve, by the grace of God, to be 
 more simply grateful to God for any 
 good that is in me ; to make large 
 allowances for others, to be fearless, 
 thorough, and simple, as a Christian. 
 
 " Lord J esus Christ, Who by Thy 
 divine beauty, and by Thy pene- 
 trating Word, didst call Matthew to 
 follow Thee, open mine eyes to see 
 and my ears to hear ; give me grace 
 to follow Thee with promptitude, 
 simplicity, and thoroughness, for 
 Thy mercy's sake. Amen." 
 
 SJHorttt of CljrtSt, by His Apostle (Eph. 
 iv. 32; 1 Cor. xvi. 13 j: "BE KIND ONE 
 
 TO ANOTHER." " QUIT YOU LIKE MEN: 
 BE STRONG."
 
 244 On 
 
 Lord, how sweet Thy grace and beauty, 
 
 Giving tenderness, and then 
 Strength, and thoroughness and duty, 
 
 Helping us to act like men. 
 
 One practical resolution for greater thoroughness 
 
 and simpleheartedness in some one thing 
 
 for God to-day. 
 
 " OUR FATHER," &c. 
 " GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c.
 
 IV. 
 
 On #. 
 
 1. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ CAREFULLY 2 TIM. iv. 5. 
 
 3. PICTURE TO YOURSELF S. PETER INSTRUCTING AND 
 GUIDING S. MARK. 
 
 i. r "PHINK of God's wonderful way of calling, 
 S Mark is a simple layman. He is 
 called to relate the Lord's life. Remember 
 how he is affected by the life and death of 
 Jesus Christ, but apparently at first not as a 
 whole-hearted disciple. God is patient, O my 
 soul, and leads thee on. Meditate upon him, 
 influenced by a holy home, probably by his 
 relative S. Barnabas. Meditate upon his 
 readiness to attend the Apostles, his apparent 
 vacillation going back from the work and 
 returning again. Wonderful is God's way of 
 training a soul for His work ! Wonderful how 
 He pities, pardons, calls again, even when men 
 fail ! Such are God's loving ways ! Here see 
 how He trains an undistinguished and little 
 known Saint for a great work. God may guide 
 thee, if thou art true to Him, so as to do some 
 great work for Him in a quiet, hidden way.
 
 246 
 
 . TV/TEDITATE upon his humility. Humility 
 is the foundation of the spiritual life, 
 even as perseverance is its crown. " He giveth 
 grace to the humble." " The Gospel accord- 
 ing to S. Mark " is known throughout the whole 
 world. He who wrote it only names himself 
 (indirectly) to record one act of cowardice and 
 failure. (S. Mark xiv. 51, 52.) Here he exhibits 
 himself as a victim of fear, which conquered 
 shame. Think, O my soul, of the simple 
 reality, and straightforward simplicity of the 
 Saints. 
 
 . A/TEDITATE on his response to grace, his 
 use of opportunities. He is the com- 
 panion of S. Barnabas and S. Paul. From 
 them he would hear much of Christ's work. 
 Wonderful is the power and blessing of the 
 hearing ear, and the understanding heart. 
 He had had some opportunity of seeing and 
 hearing our Blessed Lord Himself. This 
 must have been allowed to sink deep into his 
 mind and soul. It argues an attentive, humble, 
 thoughtful mind to take in and use the 
 greatness of great and good people to whom 
 we are brought near. He attended upon 
 S. Peter; from him he would learn much as 
 to our Lord. Under his direction and guid- 
 ance he wrote. Think of the need of using 
 the opportunities God gives. Meditate upon
 
 247 
 
 //zd careful accuracy of S. Mark. He is vivid. 
 We know from him the look, the feelings on 
 various occasions, the very attitude of our 
 Lord. He is a soul filled with the sense of 
 the importance of truth. Think, O my soul, 
 how sacred a thing truth is not to be played 
 with to be respected and used. Meditate 
 upon his simple straightforwardness. He tells 
 the story of the Lord's life simply as he had 
 learnt it from S. Peter. Then he leaves it to 
 work. Think how the grace of God helps to 
 this. Think, O my soul, how working for 
 God, against evil in thyself, in others it is 
 God Who produces what He will. Thy duty 
 is to be simple, straightforward, true to what 
 God teaches. Fix thine eyes on Christ. Fix 
 the eyes of others on Christ. That Divine 
 Life will guide thee, will help them. 
 
 <@Uftton. Have I been careless in the oppor- 
 tunities God has given me to learn 
 of Him ? Have I sinned by inaccu- 
 racy ? carelessness as to truth in 
 detail ? want of hiddenness ? humil- 
 ity ? straightforward simplicity in 
 doing the work I am set to do ? 
 
 . I will watch and pray for deeper 
 humility, simplicity, straightforward- 
 ness. I will use the opportunities
 
 248 
 
 God gives to do His work, as and 
 where He gives them. I will think 
 more thankfully of the gift of the 
 Holy Gospels and the example of 
 the Saints, and try to use them 
 more earnestly. 
 
 " O Almighty God, Who hast instructed 
 Thy Holy Church with the Heavenly 
 doctrine of Thy Evangelist, Saint 
 Mark, give me grace to follow his 
 example of humility, simplicity, and 
 truthful straightforwardness, and to 
 learri by his teachings of Thy 
 dear Son. Through the same, Jesus 
 Christ our Lord. Amen." 
 
 Cfoe OTBortfU of Cijn'st, by His Apostle ( 1 Coy. 
 xii. 4, 5 ) : " Now THERE ARE DIVERSITIES 
 
 OF GIFTS, BUT THE SAME SPIRIT. AND 
 THERE ARE DIFFERENCES OF ADMINISTRA- 
 TIONS, BUT THE SAME LORD." 
 
 Lord, in all Thy gifts Thou shewest 
 Love for us, who else might faint 
 
 In the battle ; teach Thou knowest 
 What our lesson from Thy Saint. 
 
 One practical resolution as to study of the Gospel; 
 
 as to truth, simplicity, quiet practical duty and 
 
 use of opportunities for to-day. 
 
 " OUR FATHER," &c. 
 " GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c. 
 *
 
 V. 
 
 On $. Bufte. 
 
 1. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ THOUGHTFULLY S. MATT. ix. 35. 
 
 3. PICTURE TO YOURSELF OUR LORD SURROUNDED BY 
 THE SICK PEOPLE IN THE EVENING, AND CURING 
 THEM OF THEIR DISEASES. 
 
 i. T ET me remember on meditating on the 
 Saints, that each has some special like- 
 ness to Christ. To know Christ is to know 
 God ; He is the revealer of the Father. To 
 know the Saints is to know some features in 
 the character of Christ. Meditate, what are 
 the features revealed in S. Luke the Evangelist ? 
 Think, he is a teacher. Like a good teacher, 
 he forgets himself, and is full of what he would 
 teach. He was a cultivated man. He was a 
 layman. He was humble and hidden, for 
 although he teaches clearly of the life and 
 teaching of our Master, he never puts himself 
 forward. In teaching and recording the work 
 of the early Apostles, it is all simple, straight- 
 forward, wise, and humble. The work given 
 him is thoroughly well done. I only discover 
 that he is there at all by his saying because 
 of his respect for truth " We " did so-and-so. 
 What an example ! Think, O my soul, how valu-
 
 25 
 
 able real work is when done hiddenly, humbly, 
 thoroughly, for God. I think of him as following 
 his Master as a great and serious teacher. 
 
 . JV/TEDITATE again, O my soul. Think of 
 this great Evangelist as he is known in 
 the common relations of life. Many men are 
 inclined to be friends when the sun is shining. 
 You cannot depend upon them on a rainy day. 
 Christ was and is an unfailing friend. " I am 
 amongst you as He that serveth," says Christ. 
 " I have called you friends." " I will never 
 leave you or forsake you." Think, O my soul, 
 friendship, when real, is one of the greatest 
 gifts of God. S. Luke was a loyal friend. 
 When S. Paul is deserted when the fair- 
 weather friend, Demas, forsakes him he says, 
 " Only Luke is with me." Think also, he 
 must have been a painstaking friend, thoughtful, 
 a high-minded gentleman. He collected the 
 great Canticles, and the early stories of the 
 Annunciation, probably from Our Lady. How 
 sweet, how necessary it is for me to follow 
 Christ, as this Saint followed Him, in pains- 
 taking, serious loyalty. 
 
 . A/TEDITATE again, how he followed Christ 
 
 in his ordinary work of life. Jesus went 
 
 about, not only teaching, but healing. The 
 
 human body is a sacred thing. Disease in it 
 
 is connected with sin in the soul. As Jesus
 
 C9u . ILufee. 251 
 
 one day will change the body of my humilia- 
 tion so that it may be fashioned like unto the 
 body of His glory (Phil. iii. 21), so He cared 
 for the sufferings of the body. S. Luke was 
 a skilled physician. He cared for the body. 
 He used his great calling for the glory of 
 God. Loving God, he was full of thoughts of 
 mercy. He records our Lord's most merciful 
 parables. It is he that tells what helps me, 
 O sinner that I am the story of the Prodigal 
 Son. Let me learn from him how to con- 
 secrate an ordinary profession to God's glory. 
 It is said that he was a painter of some 
 eminence. May I not learn from him to 
 consecrate all gifts and accomplishments, and 
 love for and knowledge of Art, to God. 
 
 . Have I failed in any measure as a 
 teacher, in humility, and self-forget- 
 fulness ? Am I learning to watch 
 against gossip and treachery, so as 
 to be a loyal friend ? Do I remember 
 the sacredness of the human body ? 
 the sweetness of the service of 
 mercy ? the necessity of consecra- 
 ting all gifts to God ? 
 
 . I will try, by the grace of God, when 
 I have a chance of teaching, to do 
 it humbly, earnestly. I will try to 
 be true and loyal, as a friend,
 
 252 
 
 especially to Christ my Lord. I 
 will try to use all gifts He gives me 
 to show mercy to others, and relieve 
 suffering, remembering my own need 
 of mercy. I will recognize in myself 
 and others the sacredness of the 
 human body. 
 
 Almighty God, Who didst call Luke 
 the Physician, whose praise is in the 
 Gospel, to be an Evangelist, and 
 physician of the soul, give me grace 
 to be loyal, true-hearted, painstaking, 
 and high-minded like him, and to imi- 
 tate his graces of mercy, and faithful 
 use of gifts to Thy glory. Through 
 Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen." 
 
 " WHATSOEVER YE DO, DO ALL TO THE 
 GLORY OF GOD." 
 
 Noble hearted, never heeding 
 
 Self, Thy servant sought not fame ; 
 
 May I act like him, as needing 
 Still to glorify Thy Name. 
 
 One practical resolution for this day, to use common 
 
 things, and act nobly, as a gentleman, for God's 
 
 glory, and the love of Christ. 
 
 "OUR FATHER," &c. 
 " GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c.
 
 VI. 
 
 On 
 
 1. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ CAREFULLY S. JOHN xni. 23 ; xix. 26, 27 ; 
 REV. i. 10-18. 
 
 3. PICTURE TO YOURSELF (i) S. JOHN LAYING HIS HEAD 
 
 ON THE BREAST OF JESUS AT THE LAST SUPPER. 
 (2) S. JOHN FALLING BEFORE THE VISION OF JESUS, 
 AND JESUS TOUCHING HIM, AND REMINDING HIM NOT 
 TO FEAR ; THAT HE WAS HIS OLD FRIEND. 
 
 i. T AM to meditate upon the Divine Apostle, 
 the nearest to Jesus of all His creatures 
 except Our Lady. Let me think how in natural 
 endowments he was fiery, eager, ardent, a son 
 of thunder. How wonderfully God's grace can 
 sanctify and use what in mere nature would go 
 wrong. Throw thyself on God's grace ; He 
 will use every gift, and even passion, to His 
 glory. Meditate upon the simple, earnest 
 looking out for truth in S. John. He was 
 eagerly following the Baptist the best light 
 he could find and so was led on to Christ. 
 Follow faithfully, O my soul, whatever light 
 God gives thee. If thou art faithful to that, 
 He will lead thee to higher things. Think of 
 this simple, pure, eager, fiery soul, led on
 
 254 
 
 through entire faithfulness and lovingness to 
 be nearest of all to Christ. 
 
 "TV/TEDITATE, O my soul, on how in him 
 God teaches thee the dignity and 
 sanctification of human affection. Thou hast 
 a right to particular loves, if they are in God. 
 Jesus our Master loved us all, but He had a 
 special friend. Think of this noble exhibition 
 of Divine friendship. I can learn from this 
 glorious Apostle to enter into the friendship 
 of Jesus, if I am simple, true, pure, earnest, 
 strong, loyal as S. John was. He, even if for 
 a moment he was terrified, stood by the Cross 
 of Jesus. He stood by Our Lady, and received 
 her as his Mother and our Mother from his 
 dying friend. Think, O my soul, of the value 
 and beauty in God's sight of pure and loyal 
 affection. Real love is absence of self, and 
 real love is that in man which is most like 
 God. Learn, O my soul, from the Divine 
 Apostle to consecrate human affection by the 
 grace and in the love of God. From him I 
 learn that the brightest thing in this world, 
 and the noblest, and the strongest, is love 
 sanctified by the grace of God. 
 
 "VT EDITATE how he who loved most deeply 
 
 and most perfectly the Eternal Word, 
 
 received from His love marvellous illumination. 
 
 Think how to him were revealed the deepest
 
 On . Stafw. 255 
 
 mysteries the Incarnation, the mystery of 
 regeneration in Holy Baptism (S. John Hi.), the 
 mystery of the Real Presence in the Blessed 
 Sacrament, the union thereby of our fallen lives 
 to God through Christ, the sacrifice of the Altar, 
 the connection between the Holy Sacrament, 
 and a joyful resurrection. (S. John vi.) Think, 
 ho w by his faithful love he was prepared for these 
 revelations. Remember also the mysterious 
 revelations given to him as to the Last Things. 
 Think how he was allowed to wait on earth 
 longer than all Apostles, to withstand heresies 
 and build up the Church. He was the eagle- 
 eyed, the strong, the patient, the watchful, the 
 persevering, because he loved Jesus Christ. 
 Think, O my soul, of the glorious power of the 
 love of God, and thy faithfulness to that love. 
 
 Have I tried to sanctify my natural 
 emotions by submitting them to the 
 grace of God ? Do I take care to 
 be faithful in love and friendship on 
 earth in the fear of God ? Am I 
 watchful to love goodness, and truth, 
 and God, and to hate heresy, and 
 untruth, and evil, so that God may 
 reveal Himself to me ? 
 
 . I will try to love more faithfully both 
 God and man, and to " hate wicked- 
 ness, which hinders loving."
 
 256 On . 301) . 
 
 Draper. "O merciful Lord, I beseech Thee to 
 cast Thy bright beams of light upon 
 my soul, that being enlightened by 
 the loving example and teaching of 
 Thy Blessed Apostle and Evangelist, 
 S. John, I may walk in love, and be 
 blest by the light of Thy truth, so 
 that I may at length attain to the 
 light and love of everlasting life. 
 Through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
 Amen." 
 
 Cfot SHHorbtf of CfjrtSt, by the beloved Apostle 
 (S. John vii. 17 ; 1 John iv. 7) : " IF ANY 
 
 MAN WILLETH TO DO HlS WlLL, HE SHALL 
 
 KNOW." " LOVE is OF GOD ; AND HE THAT 
 
 LOVETH IS BORN OF GOD, AND KNOWETH 
 GOD ; AND HE THAT LOVETH NOT KNOWETH 
 
 NOT GOD ; FOR GOD is LOVE." 
 
 O tender friend of Jesus, 
 
 Gazing on things above ; 
 May I, like thee, be strong and pure, 
 
 Loving as God is Love. 
 
 One practical resolution for carrying into common 
 things and relations of life the love of God. 
 
 " OUR FATHER," &c. 
 " GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c.
 
 VII. 
 
 <Dn . gttpfcn. (i.) 
 
 1. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ CAREFULLY ACTS vi. 
 
 3. PICTURE TO YOURSELF STEPHEN BEFORE THE COUNCIL, 
 AND WITH THE COUNCIL LOOK ON HIS FACE, AS HE 
 LOOKS UP TO JESUS CHRIST, "LIKE THE FACE OF AN 
 
 ANGEL." 
 
 i. T MUST think how this blessed Saint made 
 the most of his natural abilities and natural 
 opportunities. His speech shows me careful 
 study and deep thought about the history, and 
 the meaning of the history, of God's people. 
 My natural abilities, great or small, are God's 
 gifts. They are to be used for His glory. If 
 I neglect to cultivate them, or if I misuse 
 them for my own pride or advantage, I am 
 wasting my talents. Upon a right use of 
 them depends something of the glory of God 
 that ought to be His, and the benefit of man. 
 If I use them well by diligence, and conscien- 
 tiousness in study and thought, the moment 
 will come when God will use them for what He 
 intends. My God, give me grace never, by 
 laziness or self-seeking, to neglect or misuse 
 the abilities that Thou givest me.
 
 258 
 
 2. T MAY meditate upon the willingness of this 
 
 Saint to undertake common work when 
 called to do it. It must have been tiresome 
 and uncongenial work the small financial 
 managements of the early Christians. Nothing 
 is common, nothing need be uncongenial, if I 
 am called to do it by God, and do it for God. 
 A pure motive, a bright temper, a ready will, a 
 sound heart, will sanctify the most common 
 things. My Saviour was a carpenter's appren- 
 tice. S. Stephen was a kind of sidesman, to 
 count up money. Common little duties, lov- 
 ingly done, ennoble character. May God give 
 me grace to be bright, ready, and diligent, 
 in the little uncongenial duties of life. 
 
 3. T MUST think how wonderfully and com- 
 
 pletely this great Saint kept near to God. 
 In great crises of life, men are only strong 
 when habits have been long formed. In his 
 great crisis he saw Jesus at once, standing at 
 the right hand of God, because he had been 
 in the habit of seeing Him constantly. In his 
 trial he fell back upon prayer, because he had 
 been in the habit of praying instantly. In the 
 middle of his financial duties he was always 
 seizing opportunities as they came. Men 
 could not withstand the wisdom and power of 
 his speech, the force of his arguments, though 
 his chief work was distributing alms, because
 
 259 
 
 he kept so near to God that he was always 
 ready for any call. My God, may I live in 
 Thee, then all things I can do for Thee. 
 
 <@U?(itton. Have I been lazy or self-seeking in 
 the use of natural abilities or the 
 cultivation of my mind ? Am I 
 inclined to fret against common 
 work, and to miss the many oppor- 
 tunities it gives, because I do not 
 keep my heart and will habitually 
 near enough to God ? 
 
 i&fsolfof. I resolve by God's grace to do such 
 common things as God sends me 
 with a brighter and more ready mind, 
 and to be more careful to sanctify 
 all things by a spirit of prayer. 
 
 grayer. " O Lord Jesus, Who didst Thyself 
 condescend to the common work of 
 a labouring life, and didst form the 
 character of Thy first martyr by 
 faithful diligence in common things, 
 give me grace to have that spirit of 
 prayer and constant nearness to 
 Thee which can turn all common 
 occupations to Thy glory, and the 
 sanctification of my soul. For Thy 
 mercy's sake. Amen."
 
 260 
 
 SZSortJS of Cfcritt (S. Luke xvi. 10) : " HE 
 
 THAT IS FAITHFUL IN THE LEAST, IS FAITH- 
 FUL ALSO IN MUCH." 
 
 Stern and manly, strong and serious, 
 
 In the lesser things of life ; 
 Now sweet Saint ! 'gainst sin imperious, 
 
 God's grace mans thee for the strife. 
 
 One practical resolution for more careful and prayerful 
 diligence in some common and distasteful ditty to-day. 
 
 " OUR FATHER," &c. 
 " GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c.
 
 VIII. 
 
 <Dn . ^cflen. (2.) 
 
 1. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCIC 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ CAREFULLY ACTS vn. 54 TO END. 
 
 3. PICTURE TO YOURSELF S. STEPHEN, DRIVEN BY THE 
 
 MOB OUT OF THE GATE OF JERUSALEM, AND THEN, 
 WHILE BEING STONED, RAISING HIS FACE AND HIS 
 VOICE IN PRAYER. 
 
 1. T MUST think of the extraordinary prudence 
 
 of this great Saint. He did not make his 
 speech as I might do, "to have his fling," but 
 put everything in the way most likely to move 
 the hearts and minds of others. Prudence for 
 God is an act of great self-restraint. It is, in 
 man, like Providence in God. It carefully fore- 
 casts, so as to do the best that can be done. 
 My God, how wonderful is the common sense 
 of the Saints. Sinners, like me, may be want- 
 ing in prudence and common sense, the 
 Saints never, because they live in Thee, and 
 are thinking of Thy glory and not of them- 
 selves. 
 
 2. T MAY well meditate upon the courageous 
 
 witness of S. Stephen. When every argu- 
 ment and effort fails, there is a duty which
 
 262 
 
 remains to a servant of Christ, that is unflinch- 
 ing witness. He must in the long run speak 
 out. Principles cannot be compromised, what- 
 ever the cost may be. Here I see marvellous 
 courage. He was uncompromising, he was 
 calm, but he was severe, to the men who held 
 his life in their hands. It was also unexampled 
 courage. It is easier to do something noble if 
 we have an example to follow. He was the 
 first witness to an unpopular Master. When 
 he spoke he did not spare. There was no 
 softening down of truth, no paltering with 
 principle. My God, give me the grace of that 
 divine courage which fears nothing else be- 
 cause it fears Thee. 
 
 T MUST remember that in that wonderful 
 courage there was no touch of mere 
 personal passion. Let me think how the secret 
 of it was that his eye was steadily fixed beyond. 
 I see this, if I meditate upon his sweetness and 
 the entireness of his resignation. He was full 
 of sorrow for, and gentleness towards, his 
 persecutors. He was entirely resigned to the 
 Will of God. He was young, had great gifts, 
 had great opportunities, had life before him, 
 had naturally the ambitions and passions of 
 other young men all were surrendered, with 
 perfect interior resignation, to the Will of God. 
 My God, how wonderful is Thy grace ! How
 
 263 
 
 marvellous the power of the love of Jesus, to 
 a soul which opens to it ! No miracle can 
 surpass Thy Glory in Thy Saints. 
 
 <!Huction. Have I been too careless, either in 
 not exercising wise prudence, or, on 
 the other hand, in compromising 
 principle from want of courage, and 
 insufficient resignation to the Will 
 of God ? 
 
 fcletfolbe. I resolve to try more constantly to set 
 God before me, to seek for His 
 guidance, to look for His approval, 
 and to bear or do as He thinks best, 
 in resignation to His Holy Will. 
 
 . " O Lord Jesus, Who didst give such 
 singular grace to Thy first martyr, 
 S. Stephen, that with prudence, 
 courage, constancy, and resignation, 
 he did witness to Thee to the death, 
 grant that we, unworthy, may have 
 the benefit of his intercession, and 
 may bravely follow his holy example, 
 to Thy greater glory, to Whom, with 
 the Father and the Holy Ghost, be 
 honour .and praise, world without 
 end. Amen."
 
 264 
 
 of Christ fS. M. *. 32): "WHO- 
 
 SOEVER, THEREFORE, SHALL CONFESS ME 
 BEFORE MEN, HIM WILL I CONFESS BEFORE 
 
 MY FATHER WHICH is IN HEAVEN." 
 
 Ah ! how often, when it please us, 
 We are cowardly, cautious, vain ! 
 
 Thou, thy witness gav'st to Jesus, 
 Noble martyr ! 'mid such pain ! 
 
 One practical resolution for some one detail of duty 
 
 to-day, to be done with greater prudence, courage, 
 
 or resignation, as the case may be. 
 
 " OUR FATHER," &c. 
 " GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c.
 
 IX 
 
 <Dn 
 
 1. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ CAREFULLY ACTS xx. 18 TO END. 
 
 3. PICTURE TO YOURSELF S. PAUL ADDRESSING AGRIPPA. 
 
 i . T M U ST remember that every Saint expresses 
 in life and character some special form 
 and power of the grace of God. Let me think 
 of some of God's revelations in S. Paul. I 
 may remember his thoroughness and prompt- 
 ness in following any light he had. At first he 
 had not full light. His " faulty conscience 
 faithfully obeyed " made him ready for more. 
 If he did wrong in being " a persecutor and 
 injurious " it was in ignorance, not in malice. 
 Think of the completeness of his surrender to 
 Christ when once he saw the truth. Here was 
 a listening ear ; here was a ready will ; here 
 was fearless taking of all the consequences. 
 Wonderful, this grace of entire obedience. 
 Let there be no holding back, O my soul, when 
 God calls ; no " keeping back part of the 
 price" when God's Will is made plain. Rise 
 up and be ready, and follow at once and 
 thoroughly. May God give me grace so to do.
 
 - * 
 
 266 \\ 
 
 2. T^HINK how he was compute in his sympathy 
 
 for all. He carried with him the memory 
 of trouble, and so was able to help those in 
 trouble. Think of his deep sympathy toward 
 human nature. Being a thorough man him- 
 self, he loved men. Being a frail man, he felt 
 for the frailties of men. To weak people he 
 was tender, for he believed in his own weak- 
 ness, and found any strength he had to be 
 from God. Think of this deep sympathy and 
 deep humility. Everything I am set to do 
 shows me how frail I am, if I am true as 
 S. Paul. Then think how the great dignity of 
 his office only humiliated him. He asks 
 humbly for prayers from others, feeling deeply 
 his need of them. He is fearful of appearing 
 anything but the same nature and material as 
 others. That wide sympathy and touching 
 humility what a lesson to me ! 
 
 3. T ET me remember by his example how God's 
 
 grace exalts and purifies human nature. 
 Some Saints seem to be lifted out of human 
 nature. Here is an example which consoles 
 us all, for here is one in whom nature is not 
 done away. It is sanctified and exalted. In 
 this Saint all that is not sinful but really good 
 in human nature appears in full exercise. 
 Here is one who loved Christ intensely, and 
 yet he was not satisfied without the love of
 
 On >. $taul. 267 
 
 his fellow creatures. He was full of warm 
 affection for many who were dear to him. He 
 has been called " the special preacher of grace 
 and the special friend of nature." He loved 
 the approval of friends. He was sensitive to 
 unkindness or slighting treatment, and yet 
 utterly forgiving. Think of his sufferings, his 
 devotion to the Cross of Christ, and yet his 
 brightness, joyousness, sympathy, and sweet, 
 simple, common ways. Meditate, O my soul, 
 on the sweet way in which God's grace exalts 
 and purifies the common, humble things of 
 nature. 
 
 . Have I failed in sympathy with 
 others ? Have I failed in seeking 
 and using grace to purify and exalt, 
 not destroy, the gifts of nature ? 
 Have I exalted myself for those 
 gifts, instead of being humbled at 
 the misuse of anything God has 
 given ? 
 
 I will try to remember more constantly 
 the sacredness of human nature. I 
 will try to remember how it may be 
 exalted by grace. I will try, there- 
 fore, to be more humble myself, and 
 never to despair of others ?
 
 268 
 
 " O God, Who hast in the common and 
 holy life of Thy Blessed Apostle 
 shown the power of Thy grace, 
 sanctify and cleanse my human 
 nature so that I may use every 
 power Thou givest to the help of 
 my fellow creatures and to Thy 
 greater glory ; through Jesus Christ 
 our Lord. Amen." 
 
 Ci)f ESHortja of Cijrt'jlt,^ S.Paul (Acts xxvi. 19) : 
 
 " NOT DISOBEDIENT UNTO THE HEAVENLY 
 VISION." 
 
 O Thou wonder-working Master, 
 
 In Whose light Thy Saints do shine : 
 
 Save, by grace, from sin's disaster, 
 Make me, Jesus, wholly Thine. 
 
 One practical resolution for deeper Christian sympathy 
 and consecration of natural gifts to God. 
 
 " OUR FATHER," &c. 
 " GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c.
 
 X. 
 
 On ^. jfranct0 of 
 
 1. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ CAREFULLY i COR. i. 23 TO END. 
 
 3. PICTURE TO YOURSELF S. FRANCIS, AS REPRESENTED 
 BY FRA BARTOLOMEO, KNEELING IN MEDITATION 
 BEFORE THE CRUCIFIX. 
 
 i. T MAY meditate how in all ages there are 
 triumphs of God's grace ; Saints are always 
 and everywhere, for God's grace is so. This 
 is not confined to the time of the New Testa- 
 ment. There are hidden Saints. There may 
 be some near me that I know not of. " Man's 
 necessity or extremity is God's opportunity." 
 Think of the violence, darkness, cruelty, 
 worldliness, of the time when S. Francis came, 
 and how he revolutionized his century. A 
 little real goodness one holy life is like " the 
 leaven that leaveneth the whole lump." Think 
 how God's grace acts for special needs of 
 men. The thing needed at the time was an 
 entirely self-devoted life. God watches over 
 us and feels for our needs. Think how mar- 
 vellously He blesses the work of those whom 
 He calls, when they answer the call promptly
 
 270 n >. dFramitf of 
 
 and thoroughly, as S. Francis did. Think, O 
 my soul, on God's providence and watchful care. 
 
 TV/TEDITATE on how, by grace, S. Francis 
 woke up to love and" devotedness to 
 Jesus Christ. Once alive to that, he was 
 thorough. A spirit, temper, character, was 
 formed in him, all for God. Here thou mayest 
 see, O my soul, an example of " the mind of 
 Christ." He lived in time, but for eternity. 
 He is true and simple. He is filled with love. 
 Think how stern he is with himself. Think how, 
 like S. Paul, having the spirit of divine charity, 
 he had abundantly the spirit of penance. 
 Tender he is in his love to God ; severe and 
 watchful with himself. " Discipline," in him, 
 " took care of love." It is only a disciplined life 
 that can be a loving life, for unselfishness 
 leads to discipline, and obedience is the proof 
 of divine love. 
 
 "IV/fEDITATE on the Saint's marvellous 
 love for all natural things. Think of his 
 immense strength of character. Think also of 
 his tenderness. Birds, beasts, flowers all God's 
 creatures all were dear to him. Meditate on 
 his strong yet gentle nature. Strength and 
 tenderness marked his Master, so they marked 
 him. Think how the real joys of life joys 
 from natural affections, from beautiful scenes, 
 from simple pleasures come to the pure in
 
 n &>. JFrauctrf of &M3t. 271 
 
 heart. So it is, because they see God in 
 everything. Think on his love for the Cross ; 
 his readiness to suffer for love of Christ, 
 because Christ had so loved him. May I not 
 love Him more perfectly by realizing more 
 how deeply He has loved me ! 
 
 4HutdttOU. Have I failed in answering sufficiently 
 to God's call ? Have I failed in the 
 spirit of penance, and so in simplicity, 
 lovingness, strength ? 
 . I will try to be more ready and willing 
 to take up my cross. Also to culti- 
 vate brightness and simplicity, the 
 love of humble things and persons, 
 and a spirit of discipline and penance 
 in myself. 
 
 " O God, Who didst show the marvels 
 of Thy grace in the conversion and 
 life of Thy holy servant Francis, grant 
 me grace to follow his example of 
 simplicity, devotedness, brightness, 
 and love of the Cross; and grant me, 
 in Thy mercy, the assistance of his 
 prayers. Through Jesus Christ our 
 Lord. Amen." 
 
 MortJS of Cljrtst, by S. Paul ( 1 Cor. i. 18): 
 
 "THE PREACHING OF THE CROSS IS TO 
 THEM . . . WHICH ARE SAVED . . . THE 
 POWER OF GOD."
 
 272 On . JFrandsi of 
 
 Give me, Lord, Thy dear Saint's spirit, 
 Counting worldly things as dross ; 
 
 Ever ready, through Thy merit, 
 Lovingly to bear the Cross. 
 
 One practical resolution for to-day for a bright and 
 disciplined spirit. 
 
 " OUR FATHER," &c. 
 " GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c.
 
 Meditations on the Holy 
 Angels.
 
 I. 
 
 for 
 
 1. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ THOUGHTFULLY GEN. xxvm. 12-17; JUDGES 
 xin. 16. 
 
 3. PICTURE TO YOURSELF A GREAT SOVEREIGN OR 
 COMMANDER SENDING HIS MESSENGERS AND AMBAS- 
 SADORS TO CARRY OUT HIS ORDEKS. So GOD SENDS 
 His ANGELS. 
 
 know think of that, O my soul how 
 God is ever working by means. It is 
 wonderful. It is part of His loving way. He 
 can do all things by command of His Will, but 
 He wills, in His love, -to use His creatures. 
 He has created, besides man, the vast host of 
 Angels. We forget this. Think of it, O my 
 soul this is a fact. If I believe the Bible, this 
 I must believe. There are hosts of these 
 wonderful and glorious spirits who do His 
 pleasure. Think, Science talks of forces. So, 
 by words, we hide our ignorance. God has 
 created living beings to work His work and 
 do His Will. We do not know exactly what 
 they do. But think, O soul, we do know for
 
 276 On tb* 8nflcl ml Agents for crtr'a 2!20rfc. 
 
 the Bible and the Church tell us that He 
 uses them as agents to carry out His purposes 
 in this mysterious life. I must think with 
 greater awe and wonder of His works, when 
 I remember that around me are His servants 
 which " do His pleasure." 
 
 2. S~\UITE. possibly, remember, the operations of 
 ^^ Nature may in many respects be carried 
 
 on by the instrumentality of Angels. " He 
 maketh His Angels spirits, and His ministers 
 a naming fire." Possibly the winds and the 
 beams of starlight and sunlight may be spoken 
 of here, as guided or produced by angelic 
 agency. Think how nations are spoken of in 
 Holy Scripture as being influenced by Angels. 
 (Dan. x. 13, 20, 21.) Think how God brought 
 some of His sore judgments pestilence and 
 the sword by means of His Angels. (2 Sam. 
 xxiv. 15, 16 ; 2 Kings vi. 17.) Think also how 
 by them He sent some of His blessings and 
 words of comfort. Wonderful is God's work- 
 ing. And wonderful is the constant agency 
 of heavenly creatures which He employs to 
 do His Will. 
 
 3. T MAY well think, then, on the marvellous 
 
 spiritual world in which I live. I am not 
 alone. I am surrounded by spiritual beings. 
 Think then of the value of work, God is ever 
 working. (S. John v. 17.) His Holy Angels
 
 277 
 
 work. I must not be idle. I have a work 
 like them to do, by God's appointment, for 
 my own soul, for others. God give me grace 
 to be diligent in this little day of passing time. 
 Think of their obedience. They fulfil His Will. 
 They do His pleasure. They are not seeking 
 their own. I must learn to work with obedience, 
 self-denial, duty. Let me ask myself, not what 
 pleases me, but what pleases God. He has 
 some mission for me, even me, to fulfil in 
 this world. May I have grace not to come 
 short of His commands. 
 
 (JBurStton. Have I forgotten God's wonderful 
 and ordered working in the world ? 
 How all depends upon Him ? Have 
 I been wanting in recollection of the 
 awful and blessed companions in 
 work, unseen but near ? Have I 
 failed in quiet diligence in the work 
 God has set me ? 
 
 3&e!olfoe: I will think more often how we in this 
 life are carrying on a drama watched 
 with interest by the Angels. I will 
 try to walk more reverently in 
 the sense of the unseen Presence of 
 God. I will try more quietly and 
 diligently to do the work He sets 
 me to do.
 
 278 On tlye aujjeliS aS <3flentrf 
 
 o Heavenly Father, Thou Who 
 workest hitherto, and dost appoint 
 Thy creatures to do Thy Will and 
 fulfil Thy work, give me grace to do 
 the work Thou hast set me to do with 
 diligence and trust, and may Thy 
 Holy Angels succour and assist me. 
 Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our 
 Lord. Amen." 
 
 f)e WLortt of Ci)riat, by the Psalmist (Psalm 
 ciii. 20, 21 ) : " O PRAISE THE LORD, YE 
 ANGELS OF His, YE THAT EXCEL IN 
 
 STRENGTH : YE THAT FULFIL HlS COM- 
 MANDMENT, AND HEARKEN UNTO THE VOICE 
 OF HlS WORDS. O PRAISE THE LORD, ALL 
 YE HlS HOSTS : YE SERVANTS OF HlS THAT 
 DO HlS PLEASURE." 
 
 Holy workers, great and glorious, 
 
 Ending well, as ye begin ; 
 May I, like you, be victorious. 
 
 Loving God's Will, hating sin. 
 
 One practical resolution for recollectedness of the 
 unseen, and diligence in the work of to-day. 
 
 " OUR FATHER," &c. 
 "GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c.
 
 II. 
 On tik dRnaefo ae 
 
 for 
 
 1. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ THOUGHTFULLY REV. xn. 7-12 ; OR S. MATT. 
 xxv. 31 ; S. MATT. xxvi. 52, 53 ; i TIM. v. 21 ; 
 2 THESS. i. 6-8; S. LUKE xn. 8, xxiv. 23. 
 
 3. PICTURE TO YOURSELF TWO ARMIES DRAWN UP FOR 
 BATTLE THE EVIL ANGELS AND THE GOOD. 
 
 i. T JNDERNEATH all that appears, I must 
 remember that a great struggle is going 
 on. It is the struggle between good and evil. 
 This it not, let me remember, a mere difference 
 between two opposing principles. Living 
 spirits are engaged in battle. The forces of 
 evil are formidable. The warriors against us 
 are strong and terrible. Our battle, the Apostle 
 tells us, is against great and practised leaders 
 in the Spirit world. (Eph. vi. 12.) The contest 
 is for our destruction. The evil powers have 
 had, and have, serious successes. Think of 
 the sway they have acquired over many. 
 Think of the cruelty, impurity, dishonesty, 
 hatred, they foster on earth. Think of whole
 
 280 n ttjc &nscl z$ ffiZffarrtartf far 
 
 nations (the Turks, the Chinese) where the 
 religion is so much controlled by them. Very 
 terrible are these powers of evil. I do well 
 to fear any parleying with them. If they 
 attack, I must resist. They are subtle, crafty, 
 experienced. S. John tells me of the " great 
 wrath " of their leader. His time is short. My 
 life, at most, is short he must destroy me 
 soon, or never. Be wide awake, O my soul, 
 to the nearness and deadliness of the foe. 
 
 2. AMI alone in the contest ? No. It is true, 
 in the long run, all men take one side or 
 the other. How I have wavered. Had I been 
 firm and fearless all along, the foe would by 
 now have been conquered. I have often been 
 cowardly and treacherous. I have listened to 
 the seductions of the enemy, and even gone 
 over to his camp. What ! O my soul, hast 
 thou taken the side of the pitiless, evil Angels. 
 They love a lie. They love impurity. They 
 love hatred and envy, and every evil work. 
 Wilt thou have aught to do with them ? Hate 
 evil. Hate this vile host. They are brutal, cruel, 
 pitiless, malignant. They destroy, as far as 
 they can, all that is lovely and sweet and 
 noble in God's world. Hate them. Turn from 
 them, when they seduce thee. Turn upon 
 them and fight. " Put on the whole armour of 
 God." It is a fierce battle. Be strong.
 
 On ttjc anjjrlsf as? CeBarmrrtf far (Santf. 281 
 
 3. HPHINK, O my soul, who is with thee. The 
 glorious Angels are God's warriors. They 
 are calm, firm, determined. They are drawn 
 out in regular array. They understand obe- 
 dience. They can command. They are full 
 of Love, and, so, full of power. There are 
 serried ranks Angels, Archangels, Virtues, 
 Powers, Principalities, Dominations, Thrones, 
 Cherubim, Seraphim. They are glorious with 
 the glory God gives them. They do His Will. 
 They help me in the great battle. I may take 
 courage as I think of them. They are real 
 and powerful, and near me and with me. I 
 may scorn Satan and his hosts, and stand 
 firm for goodness and for God. I gaze on 
 these holy warriors of God with reverence. 
 I owe them affection and gratitude. They are 
 noble and holy. They are fighting for me. I 
 have great trust in them. God has sent them. 
 Christ used them. The brightness of the Holy 
 Spirit is upon them. Oh ! the joy of having 
 such a host to fight for me. They that are 
 with me are more and more noble than they 
 which are against me. I will love righteous- 
 ness and hate iniquity, and fight on the side 
 of the warriors of God the Holy Angels. 
 
 Have I in treachery and cowardice 
 taken sides against God with sin ? 
 Think. Have I given way to what
 
 282 $u tfje 3njjcW as? EQJamartf far (Soolf. 
 
 to be wrong, and forgotten 
 God's goodness, and the love and 
 struggle of His Holy Angels ? 
 
 I will take the side of right. I will 
 remember the Holy Angels are with 
 me. I cannot be beaten, if I am 
 brave. I will think of, reverence, 
 love, be grateful to those blessed 
 companions in battle, and do my 
 part against evil. 
 
 " O Lord Jesus, Who hast encountered 
 and conquered the Evil One, and 
 hast appointed the ranks of the 
 Angels to do battle against Satan, I 
 thank Thee for Thy love, and I pray 
 that I may have grace to remember 
 the loving warriors who fight for 
 me, and may reverence them and 
 join with them and overcome evil, to 
 Thine honour and glory, to Whom 
 with the Father and the Holy Ghost 
 be all power and praise, world with- 
 out end. Amen." 
 
 Cijt CEorttd of Cfjrfet, by the Apostle (Rom. viii. 
 35,37,38,39): "WHO SHALL SEPARATE us 
 FROM THE LOVE OF CHRIST ? . . . NEITHER 
 ANGELS, NOR PRINCIPALITIES, NOR POWERS, 
 . . . NOR ANY OTHER CREATURE, SHALL BE
 
 &n Hje flugcW a CCHarnan. far <aatt. 283 
 
 ABLE TO SEPARATE US FROM THE LOVE OF 
 
 GOD, WHICH is IN CHRIST JESUS OUR 
 LORD." " IN ALL THESE THINGS WE ARE 
 MORE THAN CONQUERORS THROUGH HlM 
 THAT LOVED US." " THEY THAT ARE WITH 
 US ARE MORE THAN THEY THAT ARE 
 AGAINST US." 
 
 Conquering Christ, Who quellest evil 
 By Thy love and by Thy word ; 
 
 Give me grace to join with courage 
 With the warriors of the Lord. 
 
 One practical resolution for to-day to fight some sin, 
 remembering the presence and help of the Holy Angels. 
 
 " OUR FATHER," &c. 
 " GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c.
 
 III. 
 
 On f(5e cHngefo a0 (Suardincj anfc 
 ann<j for (Ue. 
 
 1. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ THOUGHTFULLY S. MATT. xvm. 10; S. LUKE 
 xvi. 22; S. JOHN xx. 20; HEBREWS i. 14. 
 
 3. PICTURE TO YOURSELF SOMEONE A LITTLE CHILD, 
 A YOUNG PERSON, YOURSELF IN A SITUATION OF 
 DANGER, AND A HOLY ANGEL HOLDING THEM BACK. 
 
 i. TV/TEDITATE how God is always working 
 by means. All life is sacramental. God 
 loves not to do things by Himself only, but to 
 do them by means of His creatures. It is His 
 loving way of drawing them together. So He 
 reminds them that they are one great family. 
 It is His loving way of teaching them their 
 responsibilities to one another. Sin is a power 
 of separation. God is always drawing to 
 union. He works for me think of that, O 
 my soul by means of His Holy Angels. I 
 must remember that I have " come to Mount 
 Zion, and to an innumerable company of 
 Angels." I have, if I will, holy fellowship 
 with these Blessed Ones. Think of what a 
 dignity this is to me. Think how it shows
 
 &n fye anflcW a <6uarUing anir Carmjj (or fflte. 285 
 
 tender care and loving Providence for me. 
 He might do it all Himself, and it is by His 
 power that all good is done. He teaches me 
 to love Him more ; I feel less awestruck and 
 frightened, I am not so lonely, I am one of a 
 great company, I feel God's care and watch- 
 fulness and arrangements for me. The Holy 
 Angels have responsibilities and duties towards 
 me ; let me remember my duties towards them, 
 and learn deeper love to God. 
 
 2. "D EMEMBER how the Holy Angels watched 
 over, guarded, cared for our Lord, in 
 His human life. I am His own child by Holy 
 Baptism. I am " one with Him, and He with 
 me." I am an " heir of salvation." God tells 
 me in the Bible that they take care of me in 
 the same way. My Guardian Angel was given 
 me when I was baptized. How he has watched 
 over, and thought of, me ! How I have often 
 pained him ! These Blessed Ones comforted my 
 Lord in His temptation ; if I allow them, they 
 will comfort me. One strengthened my Lord 
 in His penance of blood in Gethsemane ; if I 
 allow them, they rejoice in my repentance. 
 They worshipped Him ; they are with me 
 when I join in offering the Sacrifice of the 
 Mass. They are with me in my confessions 
 of sin. They are with me in communion. I 
 doubt not there were myriads of them watch-
 
 286 n tl)t gutjeltf atf (Sttarfcinganti (Taring far ?9te. 
 
 ing and guarding when sinners would have 
 thrown Him headlong from a precipice. My 
 Angel, and other Holy Angels with him, 
 have guarded me or helped me in dangers of 
 the body, on horseback, on the railway, at sea. 
 May I not learn, like them, to be on the alert 
 to do what God sends me to do. Must I not 
 love these sweet companions for all their 
 painstaking care ! Must I not love God more 
 for giving me such Guardians ! Oh ! my soul, 
 be more reverent, more thankful, more full 
 of joy. 
 
 HPHINK, O my soul, in what marvellous 
 ways the Holy Angels not only guard but 
 help, comfort, soothe, lift me. It is sweet to 
 be in good company. Sweet to be among 
 those who think noble thoughts, and say 
 gentle, strong, brave, pure words. Why, 
 amidst those who are evil, and fear not God, 
 do there come to me sweet thoughts, kind and 
 humble towards sinners, but strong and helping 
 against sin ? Why, amidst base and evil 
 speakers, comes the whisper, " Blessed are the 
 pure in heart, for they shall see God" ? My 
 Angel, who knows something of the exquisite 
 beauty of that vision, is reminding me, lest I 
 should lose that joy. Why do there come 
 sudden, sweet thoughts of holiness and good- 
 ness, and a noble life, and better things, when
 
 On t!)C 8MjjcI a (Suartfing ants (Taring for 23rf. 287 
 
 I hear sweet music, noble poetry, watch a 
 stately sunset or a tender dawn ? My Angel 
 is helping me to enter into the meaning of the 
 lovely things which are a joy to him. I live 
 in an unbelieving, materialistic age. All around 
 me is a maimed religion. Do not let me forget 
 this blessed revelation. May it make me more 
 watchful, remembering how I am cared for and 
 helped. When I come to die, may I be com- 
 forted by the thought of the Loving and 
 Blessed Ones, waiting to bear my soul to God. 
 
 <Shtttftton; Have I sufficiently remembered, for 
 my consolation and encouragement, 
 how God in His loving Providence 
 has placed me under the care of 
 His Holy Angels ? Have I acted 
 in the reverent love that such love 
 demands ? 
 
 . I will more often try, by grace, to 
 remember that I do not stand alone ; 
 that I am under God's watchful 
 Providence ; that, by His Will, I am 
 cared for by the Holy Angels, espec- 
 ially by my own Guardian. I will 
 try to do nothing in myself, or 
 towards others, unworthy of that 
 watchful care, and that high com- 
 panionship.
 
 288 <9n tbe augflrf a* (SuartJtnj; an& ar tnjj for ?Stf. 
 
 " O everlasting God, Who hast ordained 
 and constituted the services of Angels 
 and men in a wonderful order, grant 
 that, as Thy Holy Angels always do 
 Thee service in Heaven, so by Thy 
 appointment they may succour and 
 defend me on earth, and that I may 
 never fail in the gratitude and rever- 
 ence due from me for such goodness. 
 Through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
 Amen." 
 
 Cf)t 3SHorfcl of dTfyn'jIt, by the Psalmist (Psalm 
 xci. 11): "HE SHALL GIVE His ANGELS 
 
 CHARGE OVER THEE, TO KEEP THEE IN 
 ALL THY WAYS." 
 
 Gracious Lord, Who watchest o'er me, 
 Give me love that knows no sleep : 
 
 Lest I fail, in aught before Thee, 
 Give Thine Angels charge to keep. 
 
 One practical resolution to walk this day in thankful- 
 
 ness and awe for the presence of the A ngels, and 
 
 the Providence of God. 
 
 " OUR FATHER," &c. 
 " GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c.
 
 IV. 
 
 On t$t cHngefe ae 
 (Rejoicing in <Boo5ne00 an& 
 
 1. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ THOUGHTFULLY S. LUKE 11. 8-14; i PETER 
 i. ii, 12; REV. xvi. 5; REV. xix. 17. 
 
 3. PICTURE TO YOURSELF SOME SWKET SCENE OF 
 NATURAL BEAUTY A SUNSET AT SEA, A GLADE OF 
 FLOWERS WITH A MURMURING BROOK, NOT A HUMAN 
 EYE TO SEE IT THE ANGELS WATCHING. OR SOME 
 QUIET LITTLE COTTAGE, WITH A SELF-DENYING 
 WORKING LAD, TOILING AND DENYING HIMSELF TO 
 SUPPORT HIS AGED FATHER OR MOTHER, NO HUMAN 
 EYE SEEING THE ANGELS WATCHING. 
 
 i. HTHINK to thyself, O my soul, of that 
 wonderful thing Beauty. There are in 
 the world things which thou callest useful, or 
 true, or beneficial, but besides these, think, God 
 has made many things simply beautiful. We 
 see it, and then it goes. It is something 
 moving me, touching me, teaching me. It 
 brings a kind of sadness, and yet a hidden joy. 
 It points to a perfection I can't quite find here. 
 Think what an amazing wealth of it is in this 
 world. There are midnight stars which no 
 human eye notices. Leagues of sea dance and
 
 tfje 
 
 roll in the gleams of sunshine. No eye watches. 
 The pageantry of the morning dawn is un- 
 folded on the mountains. No one is gazing. 
 The solemn mountain pass is robed in cloud, 
 stately, awful. No human gazer is there to 
 feel the awe. The splendid proportions of 
 lofty crags and far>stretching meadows, the 
 reaches of wide green plains and bounding 
 sea no mind to enjoy them. Quiet dells and 
 shady places, with hidden flowers and sweet 
 fragrance and the songs of birds no human 
 foot treads there. Think ; this beauty is only 
 an outward expression of the beauty and glory 
 of God. The Holy Angels see these things 
 and find delight in them. 
 
 TVTEDITATE again how they find delight in 
 desiring to look into the mysterious 
 beauties of human character. Think, what 
 innumerable features of loveliness in the char- 
 acters of those around us are ignored or un- 
 noticed through our sinful blindness or selfish- 
 ness. Remember, O my soul, there are heroes 
 whose names are never mentioned in human 
 history. There are Saints whose titles are 
 unrecorded in the calendar of the Church. 
 They may be near thy very doors and crossing 
 thy path in life the patient, the pure, the 
 unselfish, the strong and they are not noticed 
 or known, except by one or two. God knows
 
 IUj0tctitj| tit (SootJMttte antt JJeauttj. 291 
 
 and loves them. They are the delight, the 
 wonder, the admiration of the Holy Angels. 
 Think, O my soul, how careful thou must be, 
 lest through worldliness or selfishness thou 
 failest to notice and admire what is the object 
 of so much love to these blessed ones. 
 
 3. TV/TEDITATE again of the beautiful acts of 
 grace which, by God's goodness, come 
 out in individual souls perhaps in thine own. 
 Think of the little acts of kindness, self-denial, 
 brightness, humility, regret for what was un- 
 worthy, strong repentance for what was wrong, 
 fresh, bright, and energetic hopes, brave deter- 
 minations, calm and courageous fulfilment of 
 duty often in the young and unthought of, 
 often in the old and wayworn. These are the 
 delights of the Angels. They watch the drama 
 of life with keen and trembling anxiety. They 
 love, wonder at, tremble for, those strange 
 creatures, human beings. When the sweet 
 things of goodness are seen in them, these are 
 delights to the Angels. 
 
 (Question.- Do I remember enough how all 
 beautiful things in Nature, in char- 
 acter, by grace in my own soul, are 
 witnesses of God's goodness ? they 
 are never wasted. Do I remember 
 this that they are watched with won- 
 der by those blessed unseen Beings ?
 
 292 n the angeW HJJ eKSatcbertf, etc. 
 
 aixcsfolbf. -I W ni try to remember more how 
 sacred Nature, man, my own soul, 
 are. I will try to think I am not 
 alone. I am acting before a great 
 and glorious company. All that is 
 good, courteous, dutiful, pure, gives 
 them joy. 
 
 grayer Q God, Who hast permitted Thy Holy 
 Angels to rejoice in every touch of 
 Thine eternal beauty, help me to 
 remember their presence, and to 
 respect Thy world and my own soul 
 more, and to act more worthily of 
 that sacred fellowship, through Jesus 
 Christ our Lord. Amen." 
 
 Cf)e mart* of Cfjrtet, by the Patriarch: 
 " WHERE WAST THOU WHEN I LAID THE 
 
 FOUNDATIONS OF THE EARTH ; WHEN THE 
 MORNING STARS SANG TOGETHER, AND ALL 
 THE SONS OF GOD SHOUTED FOR JOY ? " 
 
 Beauty, Lord, that speaks Thy glory, 
 
 Is on man, on sky, on sea ; 
 May I, reverent, read that story, 
 
 Seeing as Thine Angels see. 
 
 One practical resolution for to-day to enter more 
 
 into God's gifts of beauty in the world, and 
 
 rejoice with, and give joy to, the Holy Angels. 
 
 " OUR FATHER," &c. 
 " GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c.
 
 V. 
 
 >n tije <naee0 a0 
 
 1. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ THOUGHTFULLY ONE OR MORE OF THESE PAS- 
 SAGES S. LUKE xv. 10 (THIS ONE ESPECIALLY) ; 
 ACTS vi. 15 ; i COR. iv. 9 ; i COR. xi. 10 ; HEB. xn. 22. 
 
 3. PICTURE TO YOURSELF (THE REAL FACT) HOLY 
 ANGELS, ESPECIALLY YOUR OWN GUARDIANS, WATCH- 
 ING EAGERLY, SYMPATHETICALLY YOU IN JOY, 
 SORROW, DANGER, TEMPTATION. 
 
 i. '"pHE Holy Angels are real and living beings. 
 I am told of them in Holy Scripture. 
 The Bible is full of them. They are in vast 
 numbers. They love God with pure love. 
 They had their temptations and overcame. 
 They are established in grace. I am intended 
 to think of them, for God tells me so much 
 about them. Let me think of them as sym- 
 pathizing friends. I am not going into a world 
 of baseless imagination. This is a fact. How 
 they sympathized with all the work of redemp- 
 tion, and above all with the Redeemer Himself! 
 Think how, in His darkest hour in Gethsemane, 
 it was a Holy Angel who felt with His weakness 
 and misery, and came, though His beloved
 
 I I. fr 
 
 294 IT tije 8ng;cI3 as? gmpatl)tjing; JTrteuW. 
 
 disciples slept, and was "strengthening" Him. 
 In the morning of His Resurrection, there they 
 were ! Full of sympathy and thought and 
 devotion for the Second Adam. He did not 
 take their nature, but they are drawn to the 
 human race, for they were drawn to Him Who 
 is our Elder Brother, and their sympathy and 
 love went forth to Him. They are strong, 
 tender, loving. 
 
 2. r T v HINK how deeply they sympathize with 
 us all, with me. The Angel felt for Hagar 
 in her fear, and desolation, and suffering, about 
 her child in the desert. The very light of their 
 admiration seemed reflected on the Martyr 
 Stephen, in his last great defence. With love 
 and wonder they watched the sufferings and 
 courage of the Apostles, (i Cor. iv. 9.) How 
 they feel with the modesty of women, and all 
 real reverence in the worship of God ! (i Cor. 
 xi. 10.) How sweet to know that, having 
 entered the Church in Holy Baptism, "we are 
 come" to have real fellowship, and to be in 
 bonds of sympathy, with them ! (Heb. xii. 22.) 
 How anxious they are when a soul is sinning, 
 or tottering and wavering between good and 
 evil ! Then, when the surprise comes of the 
 turning to good, how they rejoice ! It is a real 
 sorrow to them our sorrow. Our happiness 
 and goodness are real joys !
 
 it tljr ^tigete a gumpatlnjtnjj dFwirtirf. 295 
 
 3. AyT EDITATE upon your nearness, O my 
 soul, to that " innumerable company" 
 of glorious and majestic beings. Remember 
 that they love goodness, that they are keenly 
 interested in your spiritual welfare. They 
 sorrow over you in sorrow, or when you fail. 
 They rejoice in your repentance. Life is a 
 larger thing than you thought. You are an 
 object of interest to the holy, the beautiful, the 
 blessed. You can add to their happiness. You 
 can give them joy. You, O my soul, the sinful, 
 the insignificant, the erring, can make such 
 a difference in the joy of these blessed beings. 
 Is not life, then, more valuable ? Are not you 
 of greater importance than you imagined ? 
 Remember then. Be worthy of such company. 
 It will help you on. They sympathize with 
 you. Show sympathy with them, and love and 
 please God. O beautiful unseen world, peopled 
 with the pure and holy ! What a " Mount 
 Zion " God has called you to, O my soul. 
 He has made you companion of this " innumer- 
 able company." Live accordingly. 
 
 (tusftton. Have I gone on in a low, earthly 
 way, as if I were alone in this low 
 world ? Have I forgotten the pres- 
 ence, love, and sympathy of the 
 Holy Angels ? Have I pained them 
 by my earthliness ? or tried to give
 
 296 &n fyt anfifls? atf j)mpatI)tjtHff JFrienW. 
 
 them joy by a disciplined, God- 
 fearing life ? 
 
 I will try to think more of the near- 
 ness and love of the Blessed Angels, 
 and to conduct myself in a manner 
 worthy of such company. 
 
 fJraper. " O Blessed Jesus, Who didst Thyself 
 teach us of the sympathy and love 
 of the Holy Angels, and. when on 
 earth, didst allow the sympathy and 
 tenderness of these, Thy pure crea- 
 tures, to comfort Thee, give me 
 grace to realize more the great gift 
 thou hast given me in their near 
 presence and loving care, and to live 
 more worthily of their holy fellow- 
 ship. For Thy mercy's sake. Amen." 
 
 &e SKBortta of Cfcrtet (Psalm xci. 11): "HE 
 
 SHALL GIVE HlS ANGELS CHARGE OVER 
 THEE, TO KEEP THEE IN ALL THY WAYS." 
 
 Blessed Angels ! whom to render 
 Help to me, my Saviour sends ; 
 
 May I live, through that dear Sender, 
 Worthy of such heavenly friends. 
 
 One practical resolution for efforts this day to 
 increase the Angels' joy. 
 
 " OUR FATHER," &c. 
 " GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c.
 
 Meditations on the Blessed 
 Sacrament.
 
 I. 
 On tfk ot>e of (Bod in 
 
 1. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ CAREFULLY i COR. xi. 23-27. 
 
 3. PICTURE TO YOURSELF OUR LORD RISING AFTER 
 COMPLETING THE PASCHAL CEREMONY, AND CLOSING 
 THE JEWISH DISPENSATION AND OPENING- THE 
 CHRISTIAN DISPENSATION BY THE INSTITUTION OF 
 THE HOLY EUCHARIST. 
 
 i. 1\/fEDITATE how the words of Christ are 
 words with power. They do " not pass 
 away." Here they work this great miracle 
 His Divine Presence under the form of bread 
 and wine. Think how He gave this power to 
 His Apostles, to be handed on to those who 
 succeeded them" Do this in remembrance 
 of Me." Think how constantly at the Altar 
 of the Church the Priest takes the same 
 matter, the' bread and wine, uses the same 
 form, the words of Christ, and, by the power 
 of the Holy Ghost, this wonderful mystery of 
 love is constantly renewed, and we have "the 
 perpetual memorial of His Passion." Think 
 how these words of love are heard in all ages,
 
 300 On tt)t fi-obe of <otf in tbc Jhts'tttuttmi. 
 
 and are always, when uttered by His appointed 
 ministers, words of power. Marvellous indeed 
 is the love of Jesus. He thought beforehand, 
 in the moments of His great sorrow, of the 
 needs of the Church, of my needs. Blessed 
 be His Holy Name. 
 
 2. '"PHINK, O my soul, of God's goodness in 
 this. Think of the gift given. Here is 
 given Jesus Christ Himself. If Himself, then 
 of course His body, blood, soul, and divinity. 
 What a marvellous gift ! Nothing can be 
 greater than this. Think of all the good 
 things God has ever done for thee ! All 
 together can never approach this. Himself! 
 Can I wish for more than the gift of the 
 Ever- Blessed ! Think again, O my soul, of 
 the time and the way in which it was given. 
 Last words are precious words. Last gifts are 
 precious gifts. It would have been an over- 
 whelming mark of love, had it been given in 
 His triumphal moments. Think what it means 
 when it was given as it was when mankind 
 were betraying and denying Him ! O my soul, 
 the love of Jesus for thee rises superior to all 
 treacheries and betrayals. It is vast. It is 
 overwhelming. It cannot be beaten down. 
 Profanation, sacrilege, denial now among 
 Christians to Jesus in the Sacrament, as once 
 among Jews to Jesus in life here do not
 
 tlje ILobc of <a& tit tt)e JEitftitutian. 301 
 
 empty or destroy that wonderful thing the 
 love of Jesus ! 
 
 3. HpHINK, O my soul, of the means He uses. 
 He told His broken-hearted disciples, on 
 leaving them, that He would " not leave them 
 comfortless." He has kept His word. Unseen, 
 He is yet ever near. And thou, O my soul, 
 canst find Him nearer than near in this Most 
 Holy Sacrament. He chooses simple means. 
 He may choose as He pleases. Under these 
 simple creatures of His own bread and wine 
 here I have Himself in His glory, and beauty, 
 and magnificence, and tenderness. Such as 
 He is at the right hand of His Father, such 
 is He always with me, even me, in this wonder- 
 ful Sacrament. Here I am in His very presence. 
 Here I am admitted to the very audience 
 chamber of His Majesty ! Can I wonder that 
 unbelief is angry at such goodness ! Can I 
 wonder that the Evil One stirs up men to 
 abuse the Sacrament ! Can I wonder that His 
 people love the Blessed Sacrament, because 
 they love Jesus Christ. Lord Jesus, may I 
 love Thee ; Thou Who art so " with us to the 
 end of the world " ! 
 
 (JBlUJitton Have I half enough realized and 
 
 acted upon the immense love of 
 Jesus in the Sacrament ? Am I a
 
 302 it tftp ftobE 0f <&nft in tbe 
 
 denying or treacherous, or loving 
 and believing disciple ? 
 
 I will try in all things to remember 
 the marvel of Christ's love in this 
 mystery, and to love the Blessed 
 Sacrament. 
 
 O God, Who in the wonderful Sacra- 
 ment of the Altar hast left us a 
 perpetual memorial of Thy Passion, 
 give us grace so to venerate the 
 sacred mystery of Thy Body and 
 Blood, that we may perceive within 
 ourselves the fruits of Thy Redemp- 
 tion, to Whom, with the Father and 
 the Holy Ghost, be all honour and 
 glory, world without end. Amen." 
 
 of Cl)ri$t, by the Wise Man (Pwv. 
 
 Vili, 31 ) : " MY DELIGHTS ARE WITH THE 
 SONS OF MEN." 
 
 Ah ! sweet Lord, in my behaviour, 
 Though I have forgotten Thee, 
 
 Changeless is Thy love, my Saviour, 
 Ever glad to be with me. 
 
 One practical resolution for deeper devotion to the 
 Blessed Sacrament. 
 
 " OUR FATHER," &c. 
 " GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c.
 
 II. 
 On flje Q6(k00in<5 f Communion, 
 
 r. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ CAREFULLY S. JOHN vi. 53-57. 
 
 3. PICTURE TO YOURSELF JESUS DISTRIBUTING THE 
 BLESSED SACRAMENT TO His DISCIPLES. 
 
 i. T ET me think how weak and frail I am. I 
 am exposed to temptations. I often fall. 
 Here is strength. My poor soul can receive 
 the very life of my Saviour Who is life. I look 
 forward fearfully to death. Here is the food 
 for the journey, the power of immortality. 
 I am lost in wonder at the awful holiness of 
 God. Here is the pledge of future glory. All 
 that I need, all that I can desire is in Jesus. 
 Here in the Blessed Sacrament, under the 
 form of bread and wine, I find Jesus Himself. 
 O poor fainting soul ! What blessedness ! 
 Rise by faith and think what it is to partake 
 of Life itself ! Worn, weary, weak here is thy 
 cure, thy rest, thy refreshment, thy strength. 
 Blessed be His Holy Name, all treasures of 
 life and strength are mine, approaching in 
 faith and repentance and feeding on the Body 
 and Blood of the Lord.
 
 304 On tt)e Ir&ing of Communion. 
 
 2. '"THINK how in this gift the body has its 
 
 share. My body which must die is still 
 sacred. He " cleanses it by His sacred Body." 
 " He that eateth Me shall live by Me," He 
 says, " and I will raise him up at the last day." 
 I am told by S. Paul, " He shall change the 
 body of our humiliation, that it may be 
 fashioned like unto the body of His glory." 
 My poor body has its share in this blessedness. 
 There is nothing gross nor carnal in the sacred 
 gift, yet that spiritual Body and that Holy 
 Blood affect my poor body cleansing, strength- 
 ening it. Perhaps to remind me of this, He, 
 my Lord, gives me Himself under the form of 
 bread and wine. Think, O my soul, how 
 sacred thy body as well as thy soul is feeding 
 on this Divine life. Think how, therefore, 
 thou must respect thy body and prepare it for 
 the sacred gift. Unless in extreme sickness I 
 must receive the sacred food fasting, according 
 to the custom of the Church. I must approach 
 the Altar with modesty and reverence. Great 
 and wonderful art Thou, Blessed Saviour, in 
 this gift. O how blessed that body and soul 
 should be which are fed on the bread of Angels, 
 the food of immortality ! 
 
 3. T MAY meditate how in this Holy Com- 
 
 munion " We are made one with Him and 
 He with us." It is always full of happiness to
 
 tbc mirrfs'tng 0f Communion. 305 
 
 be with those who love us, and whom we love. 
 How blessed to be able to be nearer than near 
 to Him Who loved me and gave Himself 
 for me. By this Communion I am brought 
 through Him into closest union with God. I 
 am a " partaker of the Divine Nature." Think, 
 O my soul, what it is to be one with the Most 
 Blessed ! Think what it is, to be loved so 
 dearly that thy God and Saviour gives Him- 
 self to thee as well as for thee. Thou art safe 
 and happy if thou art " one with Christ." O 
 the joy of this Communion ! Can it be that I 
 have been slack and lazy as to receiving such 
 a gift ? Ah, my soul ! where is thy faith ? 
 Rise to Him ; be alive to the greatness and 
 blessedness of this union. O the joy and rest 
 and peace of meeting Jesus and being one 
 with Him ! 
 
 Have I been lazy in attendance at 
 Communion ? Have I failed to keep 
 my fast ? Have I been wanting in 
 thankfulness for the great gift given 
 me ? 
 
 I will be regular in communicating. I 
 will take care (unless in dangerous 
 illness) to keep my fast beforehand. 
 I will make my thanksgiving regularly, 
 praying for a deeper sense of the 
 greatness of the gift.
 
 306 On tl) JSlc&ftnjj at Communion. 
 
 . " O Lord Jesus, Who in Thy wonderful 
 love hast given Thyself for me and 
 to me, give me grace more and more 
 to realize the blessedness of com- 
 munion with Thee, and through 
 Thee with the Father, in the power 
 of the Holy Ghost, for Thy merits 
 and mercy. Amen." 
 
 of Ct)ri$t (S. John vi. 57 j : " HE 
 
 THAT EATETH ME, EVEN HE SHALL LIVE 
 BY ME." 
 
 Rejoice, my soul, the gift is given, 
 
 Sweet, blessed, as God's gifts so free ; 
 
 Himself, the very bread of Heaven, 
 He gives to me, even to me. 
 
 One practical resolution for greater regularity, care, 
 love, and thankfulness in my Communion. 
 
 " OUR FATHER," &c. 
 
 "GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &C.
 
 III. 
 On 0anftfuftu00 for Communion. 
 
 1. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ CAREFULLY PSALM cxvi. 12 TO END. 
 
 3. PICTURE TO YOURSELF CHRIST FEEDING THE HUNGRY 
 MULTITUDE, AND THEIR LOOKS OF GRATITUDE AND 
 SATISFACTION. 
 
 i. T ET me think how I must show my thank- 
 fulness for this great gift by realizing the 
 obligation I am under regularly to make my 
 Communion. Jesus has instituted this Holy 
 Sacrament for the nourishment of my soul. I 
 am bound by duty to Him, duty to myself, not 
 to starve my soul. I must receive it regularly, 
 from time to time. Then also, as I must die, 
 this is the food for the journey. I know not 
 when death will come. I must, by Communion 
 faithfully made, be ready. If it please God 
 that I die within reach of the ministrations of 
 the Church, then I must take all pains to 
 receive this Sacrament. When my body is 
 overwhelmed with suffering, and my soul with 
 anguish, then it is that I have great need for 
 strength and comfort from Heaven. This our 
 Lord knows. How dear of Him to supply me
 
 308 9u Cljan&fulncste far Communion. 
 
 with this help. I must, in thankfulness for such 
 mercy, be earnest and reverent in receiving. 
 
 T N thankfulness also let me think how careful 
 I must be to have the right dispositions, 
 body and soul. Surely in common gratitude 
 and reverence I must, if possible, keep my 
 fast. This has been a precept and practice of 
 the Church from time immemorial. In grave 
 illness this is not possible, perhaps, but other- 
 wise natural piety prompts me to it. Surely 
 also I must think how grave and reverent in 
 demeanour I must be, with bowed knee and 
 bent head, before so great a gift as that of the 
 Lord Himself. No bearing of mine, O my 
 soul, can come up to the majestic presence 
 and gift of God. Oh 1 let me do what I can. 
 Think, O my soul, of thy dispositions. Miser- 
 able sinner that thou art, thou receivest thy 
 Lord Himself. Thou art united with Him in 
 a union unspeakably intimate. Ah ! how un- 
 worthy must thou be. God will bear with 
 thine infirmities. He must be displeased at 
 thy negligence. To receive Him not " un- 
 worthily," thy soul must be alive. Think, "it 
 must be free from mortal sin. What need 
 then of repentance and faith. Meditate how 
 thy house can be prepared for Him thus. 
 Thou canst, by grace, be sorry for thy sin and 
 confess thy sin. Penance and the Sacrament
 
 On QTljanitfulnr& for Communion. 309 
 
 of penance may be painful and distressing, but 
 oh ! the joy of being ready for thy Lord. 
 Meditate on the need of true repentance. If 
 thou art holding back, then repent, confess, 
 try again from thankfulness to thy Lord. 
 What has He not done for thee ? Wilt not 
 thou do this for Him ? 
 
 3. HPHINK further, O my soul, what fervour 
 should be thine in receiving this unspeak- 
 able gift. Thou must not be content with just 
 avoiding sacrilege. Thou must welcome thy 
 Lord. Think of the joy of meeting a dear 
 friend after a long parting. Think how sweet 
 it is to receive a warm welcome when thou 
 returnest after a journey. Jesus gives Himself 
 to thee freely. Surely thou must welcome 
 Him with fervour. It is true, let me think, I 
 cannot create feeling, but when I am " musing 
 the fire kindles." If I think of this, if I take 
 pains to meditate upon what it means, if I pray 
 for grace to feel as I ought towards Him, then 
 the fervour due to Him from a spirit of thank- 
 fulness will be kindled. And oh ! how earnest 
 and true I must be in thanksgiving after my 
 Communion, both to please my Lord and to 
 store and keep the grace given. 
 
 <8tUfStton. Have I been neglectful in regular 
 Communion ? Or cold and un- 
 thankful ?
 
 310 u 8DI)anfcfuln& far Communion. 
 
 . I will be more earnest in preparing for 
 my Communion, and receiving the 
 Sacrament regularly, with penitence 
 and fervour. 
 
 " O God, Who in the wonderful Sacra- 
 ment of the Altar hast left us a 
 perpetual memorial of Thy Passion, 
 give me grace to receive Thee with 
 a cleansed and fervent heart, and a 
 thankful spirit, to Whom, with the 
 Father and the Holy Ghost, be all 
 honour and praise, world without 
 end. Amen." 
 
 of Cijrtet, by the Wise Man (Prov. 
 xxiii. 26) : " MY SON, GIVE ME THINE 
 
 HEART." 
 
 Sweet Saviour, Thou art ever proving 
 Thy love for me in thought, in word ; 
 
 O cleanse me, make me true and loving, 
 So to receive Thee, dearest Lord. 
 
 One practical resolution as to regular and well 
 prepared Communion. 
 
 "OuR FATHER," &c. 
 " GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c.
 
 IV. 
 
 On flje Qtame0 of 
 
 1. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ CAREFULLY i COR. xu. 23-26. 
 
 3. PICTURE TO YOURSELF OUR LORD INSTRUCTING 
 S. PAUL IN THE MYSTERY OF THE HOLY SACRAMENT. 
 
 i. T MAY meditate how wonderfully the truth 
 of this Mystery is brought out in the 
 names. Think. It is " The breaking of the 
 bread." (Acts ii. 42.) God uses the most 
 common things as means for His marvellous 
 works. Think how bread is the common food 
 of men, and so the Body and Blood of the 
 Lord support their souls. Must I not remem- 
 ber that, whatever means God is pleased to use, 
 it is upon Himself, His power, His goodness, 
 that life in all its forms depends ? Think, again, 
 how it is called Holy Communion. Meditate 
 how in this we are made one with God, and 
 He with us, holding close communion with 
 Him. Think how all who approach Him in 
 faith and repentance are united together more 
 closely by this sacred bond, because all 
 have that Holy Food in common ; all are 
 " partakers of that one Bread." How I should 
 love God ! How I should love others !
 
 312 $n tlje $&mts at tfje ^arramcnt. 
 
 T ET me meditate upon it as the Holy 
 Eucharist. Do I not here learn with 
 what thanksgiving I must contemplate the 
 Sacrifice of Calvary ? Think of that " one 
 Oblation once offered." What love to me 
 What thankfulness I must feel ! Surely 
 with Him I must offer up myself, my soul 
 and body, a living sacrifice to Him. Surely, 
 too, I can be thankful with all my heart to 
 Him Who has borne my sins and carried my 
 sorrows ! Rejoice, O my soul, and be exceed- 
 ing glad. He has made a propitiation for thy 
 sins, and for the sins of the whole world. 
 What a thankful life mine should be. Thank- 
 fulness should make me work more diligently 
 for Him Who gave Himself for me. 
 
 T MUST meditate upon this as the Holy 
 Mass. Think of this name binding us to 
 the whole Western Church, as Eucharist to the 
 Eastern. Here I have a name consecrated 
 also by the use of the First Prayer Book, and 
 by the sweet and familiar names of Christmas 
 and Michaelmas. Think how I am reminded 
 how all the Church is bound together in this 
 solemn Mystery, when I think, with S. Ambrose, 
 of the Mass. Remember, O my soul, how thou 
 art permitted to show and present before God 
 the great Sacrifice of Calvary. Cling to the 
 great duty, so neglected by some, of not only
 
 tin 
 
 &n tbe $amrg of ff)t Sacrament. 313 
 
 making Communion at proper times, but also 
 of worshipping God and shewing forth before 
 Him the Sacrifice of His dear Son, and plead- 
 ing the Sacrifice. Blessed it is to think that 
 the Sacrifice once offered may be for ever 
 presented before God by me on earth, as my 
 Saviour presents it in Heaven. Rejoice, O 
 my soul, and be glad. Thou canst kneel at 
 Calvary. Thou canst present the great Sacri- 
 fice. Thou canst say, " Look not upon me, 
 O Lord, but look upon the face of Thine 
 Anointed." 
 
 . Have I failed in thankfulness for the 
 great Sacrifice, and the great gift of 
 Communion ? Have I been careless 
 or irregular in hearing Mass ? 
 
 . I will hear Mass on Sundays and Holy 
 Days with greater fervour. I will 
 try for a spirit of constant thankful- 
 ness for God's " unspeakable gift." 
 
 " O God, Who in the wonderful Sacra- 
 ment of the Altar hast left us a 
 perpetual memorial of Thy Passion, 
 give us grace always so to venerate 
 the sacred mysteries of Thy Body 
 and Blood that we may perceive 
 within ourselves the fruits of Thy 
 Redemption; to Whom with the
 
 314 On tbc $am0a of tfje 5>acramtnt. 
 
 Father and the Holy Ghost be all 
 honour and praise, world without 
 end. Amen." 
 
 Stye motti ol CJjrtgt, by S. Paul (1 Tim. it. 1) : 
 " I EXHORT, THEREFORE, THAT FIRST OF 
 ALL .... EUCHARISTS (THANKSGIVINGS) 
 BE OFFERED FOR ALL MEN." 
 
 Glorious Lord, before Thee bending, 
 
 We Thy Sacrifice revere ; 
 Pleading love and power unending, 
 
 While we find Thee near, so near. 
 
 One practical resolution for deeper devotion to the 
 Blessed Sacrament. 
 
 " OUR FATHER,'' &c. 
 " GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c.
 
 V. 
 
 of 
 
 1. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ CAREFULLY S. JOHN xm. i. 
 
 3. PICTURE TO YOURSELF JESUS OFFERING HIMSELF TO 
 THE FATHER FOR YOU, AND FEEDING YOU WITH His 
 SACRED BODY AND BLOOD. 
 
 i. T MAY meditate how real love is the strongest 
 force in this world. I am moved by the 
 force of the electric current, and the whirlwind 
 in external nature. I am struck by the force 
 of genius in man. Mechanical invention has 
 its marvellous exhibition of force. God has 
 given all these forces to men. But think, all 
 these are more or less without the man himself. 
 What is of the man himself is that which 
 belongs to his heart and will. Real love is the 
 power of the soul itself. It implies deliberate 
 choice. It enlists the finest fibres of our 
 being. It creates noble things self-forgetful- 
 ness, self-sacrifice life out of self, and away 
 from self, and in and for another. Think. 
 How many are the selfish impulses of man !
 
 af 3)c3uj$ in 
 
 This force can conquer them all. It reduces 
 them to nothing. It is like God, for God is 
 love. In its highest and truest forms it is 
 one of God's highest gifts. The world is full 
 of self-seeking, envy, hatred. O my soul, may 
 God give thee this power, which overcomes 
 evil, because it is as God Himself. 
 
 2. '""PHINK, O my soul, that this force is exerted 
 by God for thee. O wonderful comfort. 
 Think that I unworthy as I am am loved 
 by God. How I feel at once that all trials 
 can be borne, all pain endured, all sorrow 
 submitted to, when I remember that these 
 things are touches of the hand of One Who 
 loves me. It is not that / loved Him, but 
 that He loved me. That is the comfort and 
 joy of it all. And so, Father, Son, and Holy 
 Ghost the one great God combine to work 
 for me, because I am loved of God. Think 
 how the Blessed Son sent by the Father came 
 to die for me. " Herein is love," think, not 
 that we loved Him, but that He loved us. 
 " You cannot understand," He seemed to say, 
 " all the mysteries of life. I cannot explain 
 them to you. You could not bear it. Well, I 
 come and share them all all the sorrow, trial, 
 disease, and pain because I love you." O 
 Blessed Jesus, may I have grace to return 
 such love !
 
 tljc 8.abe of SteiSutf tu tf)c ^acranicnt. 317 
 
 3. HPHINK. He not only came to die for me. 
 He came to live for me. That is harder. 
 He lived as a Child, as a Boy, as a Man. 
 Remember He is not content with that. His 
 love invents a new way to be near me. Under 
 the form of bread and wine His own creatures 
 He comes to dwell Himself. So Faith, the 
 real sight of the soul, may apprehend Him. 
 So I may worship and adore Him, realizing 
 His special love in such a Presence. He puts 
 up with the scoffing of sneerers, the neglect of 
 the ignorant and indifferent, the denial of 
 heretics, because He loves them. There He is 
 in the Blessed Sacrament, waiting, and loving, 
 and saying again, " Father, forgive them, they 
 know not what they do." O Blessed Jesus, 
 may I more and more honour Thee and adore 
 Thee for this glorious proof of Thy love ! 
 
 <tWSttOtt. Have I thought enough of the love 
 of God to me in Jesus Christ ? Have 
 I remembered how marvellously that 
 is manifested in the Blessed Sacra- 
 ment ? 
 
 I will love, honour, revere the Blessed 
 Sacrament, as the highest proof of 
 the love of Jesus. 
 
 ufr. o Lord Jesus, Who hast loved us in 
 life and in death, and shewest Thy
 
 at $t3u3 in 
 
 love in the Holy Sacrament, give me 
 grace to venerate and honour this 
 Mystery of Thy tenderness. For 
 Thy merits and mercy. Amen " 
 
 of Cijrfet, by the Wise Man (Cant, 
 mil. 6 ) : " LOVE is AS STRONG AS DEATH." 
 
 Lord, in Thy strength and sweetness, 
 
 I read my hopes above ; 
 I'll pay Thee in completeness, 
 
 And give Thee love for love. 
 
 One practical resolution of love to the Blessed 
 Sacrament. 
 
 " OUR FATHER," &c. 
 " GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c.
 
 VI. 
 
 On t$e (patience and j|juimlilp of 
 in 10* 
 
 1. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ CAREFULLY PHIL. n. 5-8 ; JAMES v. u. 
 
 3. PICTURE TO YOURSELF JESUS STANDING AND SAYI NG 
 
 "COME UNTO ME"; AND THINK OF THE EMPTY 
 
 CHURCH AND THE NEGLECTFUL PEOPLE WHILE HE 
 
 WAITS. 
 
 i. "DEMEMBER your own nothingness. As 
 to my body, it is merely of the dust of 
 the earth. It will pass away at death to do 
 other work. As to my soul, it is God's gift. 
 All that / have added to every gift He gives has 
 been my sin and evil choice. And yet think how 
 proud, how wanting in humility thou art. Some 
 little rebuff rouses my self-love and indignation. 
 Yet there is no rebuff that I do not deserve. 
 Think of my impatience. If things are not 
 just as I wish, I am impatient. How many 
 acts of fretfulness, annoyance, impatience, 
 have been in my life ? Why should things be 
 just as I like ? I have no right to be impatient. 
 I have no right to be proud. Reason tells me 
 that the virtue of Justice protects Rights. I
 
 320 On tlK Jiattcnce aiitt l^umtlttp of 
 
 have no right to be proud, conceited, impatient. 
 Yet I am. I act unjustly. 
 
 HPHINK. Remember. Contrast this with 
 the Rights of God. He, the Perfect, the 
 Holy, the Ever Blessed, has a right to be 
 attended to, to be thought of. He has a right 
 to demand recognition from me. I often, alas ! 
 unjustly refuse Him His rights. Yet He does 
 not complain. He is patient. " Strong and 
 patient, and provoked every day." Marvellous, 
 too, to think of the humility of God. Ah, my 
 soul ! humility with Him means reality. He 
 is so true. He can make no pretence ; He 
 cannot affect things in an unreal way. He is 
 glorious and beautiful and real. Yet think, 
 the Eternal Son took upon Him thy nature, 
 and became a man, a servant, a crucified 
 malefactor, to bring home to thee reality. 
 Meditate on that unspeakable condescension, 
 that deep humility, that boundless patience. 
 O Lord Jesus ! wonderful art Thou ! I know, 
 then, that for me humility and patience are 
 duties, and forms of strength. 
 
 HPHINK further. He has not been content 
 with teaching such lessons in His earthly 
 life and His sorrowful death. He comes under 
 the form of bread and wine to be thy food. 
 O marvellous humility ! Sinful men deny His 
 goodness in this, as if any mind but the mind
 
 in fl)t ^acrament. 321 
 
 of God could have invented anything so awful, 
 so tender, so humble ! Think. He waits for 
 men. They deny the truth of the Sacrament. 
 They deny the power and blessedness of the 
 Mass. They deny His Presence and the 
 guaranteed point of contact in the Blessed 
 Sacrament between God and man. He does 
 not leave them. He does not forsake them. 
 He comes by the power of His Spirit when 
 His own words of consecration are said by 
 His ordained Priest. He puts up with unbelief, 
 half belief, coldness, scorn. O sweet Saviour! 
 O sweet Sacrament ! What a power and 
 pledge of humility and patience. 
 
 4Eue4tion. Have I in my pride or coldness for- 
 gotten the condescension, humility, 
 patience of my Lord in the Mystery 
 of the Sacrament ? 
 
 i w ju b e more devout, more attentive 
 to my Lord in the Holy Sacrament, 
 and try to imitate His humility and 
 patience. 
 
 Q Lord Jesus, Who in Thy sweet 
 humility and unfailing patience 
 comest to be with Thy people in 
 the Sacrament of the Altar, give us 
 grace more perfectly to recognize 
 Thy Presence, to adore Thy good- 
 
 w
 
 322 9n tbr $3sttrnrr antr $junu!ttn of 3)rsus, etc. 
 
 ness, and to follow Thine example, 
 for Thy merits and mercy. Amen." 
 
 (ZTije SKSortJ* of CfcriUt (S. Matt. xi. 28 j : 
 11 COME UNTO ME ALL YE THAT LABOUR 
 AND ARE HEAVY LADEN, AND I WILL GIVE 
 
 YOU REST." 
 
 Humble, patient, tender Master, 
 Come 'neath forms of Bread and Wine ; 
 
 Save me, in my life's disaster, 
 
 Make me Thine, Lord, wholly Thine. 
 
 One practical resolution of deeper love to the Blessed 
 
 Sacrament, and more faithful imitation of the 
 
 patience and humility of Jesus. 
 
 " OUR FATHER," &c. 
 " GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c.
 
 Meditations on 
 Life, Death, and Eternity.
 
 I. 
 On Bife ae a (pilgrimage. 
 
 1. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ CAREFULLY HEB. XL 8-10, 13-16. 
 
 3. PICTURE TO YOURSELF A PILGRIM BAND CROSSING 
 THE DESERT. 
 
 1. "DEMEMBER how natural it is to think of 
 
 life as if it were stable and unchangeable. 
 I find it hard to think of it otherwise. All at 
 times seems so secure. Yet it is well that I 
 should think of it as it is. It is contact with 
 truth which is the comfort and joy of the soul. 
 It is a fact that life is not stable and fixed. 
 Life is a journey. I am going on. The body 
 advances in years, climbing up the hill and 
 then going down. The mind moves onward. 
 The character advances in some direction. 
 Life as a fact is a pilgrimage. I must remember 
 this, for the Bible is so full of it. It is always 
 impressing this upon me. If I grasp it as a 
 fact, I learn to walk not by sight but by faith. 
 I must look at my life as God has appointed 
 it. I am certainly moving on. 
 
 2. TF it is a journey, think, it is a great oppor- 
 
 tunity. I am passing through a country. 
 I must speak its language. I must learn all
 
 326 &n lufr arf a 
 
 that the experience of travel is intended to 
 teach me. I must put up with the various 
 inconveniences which must come to me as I 
 am passing on. Let me remember I am not 
 to be so otherworldly as to neglect life now. 
 Travellers have to think of the details of the 
 journey every day. In life I must think of 
 daily duties. These I have no right to neglect 
 because I am passing on. Nay, if I neglect 
 these, I shall not make my journey as it should 
 be made. Think ; life, then, being a pilgrimage, 
 I must take each step with the greatest care. 
 The most trivial things have to be attended to, 
 so that no real hindrance may be placed in 
 the way of my advance. Common duties are 
 of the first importance. 
 
 T3EMEMBEK, again. The end should be 
 kept in view. I cannot travel well and 
 wisely unless I keep before me the end to 
 which I am travelling. Think, O my soul, the 
 real thing is to live in the present for the future. 
 Think how all capacity for greatness, reality, 
 goodness, may be measured by thy power of 
 throwing thyself into the future. The goal 
 gives vigour to the journey. It gives con- 
 sistency. It awakens thought and care. I am 
 travelling to a Heavenly country. That is my 
 object. The journey is necessary. It is in- 
 teresting. It would be useless, however, unless
 
 On ?Ltfe aS a }3tlgrim,igr. 327 
 
 I had an aim before me, and directed all my 
 efforts and plans towards the end. Keep, O 
 my soul, this end before thee the Heavenly 
 country. This will give sunlight to thy jour- 
 ney, and help thee not to waste away oppor- 
 tunities, or to be frivolous, instead of earnest 
 on the way. Think of the importance of every 
 step, so as to go on nearer to the Heavenly 
 country. 
 
 Have I ever acted lightly with life, 
 as if it were not a serious prepara- 
 tion and progress for eternity ? 
 
 I will try to think more constantly and 
 practically that Time is passing and 
 Eternity coming. 
 
 o God, Who in Thy wonderful provi- 
 dence hast fitted us Thy creatures 
 to be trained in these passing years 
 for an eternal future, give us grace 
 that we may so use the things of 
 time that we fail not finally to attain 
 Thy heavenly promises. Through 
 Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen." 
 
 Morttf of Christ, by the Apostle (Heb. 
 xiii. 14) : " HERE WE HAVE NO CONTINUING 
 
 CITY, BUT WE SEEK ONE TO COME."
 
 328 n iLifc aS a ISiljjrtmajjr. 
 
 Life goes ; may we, sad or glorious, 
 
 Do the duties of life's road ; 
 Find ourselves at last victorious, 
 
 Reaching home, our home with God. 
 
 One practical resolution for daily effort to do duty 
 in view of the end. 
 
 " OUR FATHER," &c. 
 " GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c.
 
 II. 
 On J5ife a0 a tme of 
 
 1. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ CAREFULLY HEB. xn. n. 
 
 3. PICTURE TO YOURSELF ELIJAH COMPLAINING TO GOD, 
 AND GOD REASSURING HIM AS TO THE MANY WHO 
 HAD NOT BOWED THE KNEE TO BAAL. 
 
 i. '"THINK. God's mysterious government of 
 the world makes it a place of trial. We 
 know not why. We know very little of the 
 mystery of God's government. Still, remember 
 how much comes out in character through trial. 
 There is, remember this, the trial of tempta- 
 tion. The World, the Flesh, the Devil the 
 three great enemies are strong. My life is a 
 time for choosing. It is not my particular em- 
 ployment that matters so much. It is how I 
 choose between right and wrong that really 
 matters If I am not tempted, how can I learn 
 to be strong ? Let me think that temptation 
 is not sin. It never becomes sin, but by my 
 deliberate choice. Life being -a time of trial 
 forms the mettle of my character, and shows 
 the mettle that I am made of. Why, then, 
 should I complain of trial ?
 
 330 \\ Htfe a a Ctmc of Crtat. 
 
 2. "DEMEMBER, also, how life must be a 
 
 time of trial, for my Lord, the Great 
 Example, was tried. There must be some 
 necessary law in God's dealings with His 
 creatures requiring trial, if Christ, the Great 
 Example, was tried. Think how various are 
 the trials of life. Think of those who seem to 
 have no chance. How light, O my soul, are 
 your trials compared to theirs, yet God must 
 know exactly the trial that will suit each soul. 
 He will only subject His children to just what 
 will suit them. " Whom the Lord loveth He 
 chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He 
 receiveth." Ah ! let me take my trials with 
 thankfulness and trust. 
 
 3. nPHINK, various trials may come upon thee. 
 
 There is pain so deep, so mysterious, 
 when feeling, intended to give us happiness, 
 turns, as it has been said, against us, and makes 
 us so wretched. There is sorrow, where what 
 we think might have been so sunny has become 
 so gloomy, and " the clouds return after the 
 rain." There is care. The worrying, vexing, 
 gnawing of little anxieties. This has no poetry, 
 only real trial. Wherever I look, backward or 
 forward in life, or around me, there is trial. 
 May I have grace to use it rightly, as it is 
 intended to be as a help for serving God. 
 May I have the grace of cheerfulness and sub-
 
 a dime of Crtal. 331 
 
 mission. May I have strength to bear, and 
 wisdom to use life as a trial. 
 
 Have I fretted and rebelled against 
 trial, instead of using it ? 
 
 I resolve, by God's grace, to accept 
 the trials of life from God's hand 
 with a loving and ready mind. 
 
 " O Lord Jesus, Who didst Thyself for 
 my sake undergo trial and sorrow, 
 give me grace to use all the trials of 
 this life so that I may more and more 
 be conformed to Thy likeness, for 
 Thy merits and mercy. Amen." 
 
 UiS of CfjriSt (Heb. xii. 6) : " WHOM 
 
 THE LORD LOVETH HE CHASTENETH, 
 AND SCOURGETH EVERY SON WHOM HE 
 RECEIVETH." 
 
 Life is full of toil and sorrow, 
 Deep and dark as who may tell ; 
 
 May I, Saviour, ever borrow 
 
 Strength from Thee to bear it well. 
 
 One resolution as to bearing the trials which come 
 to me to-day in a right spirit. 
 
 "OUR FATHER," &c. 
 " GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c.
 
 III. 
 On JSife ae a Zimt of 
 
 1. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOUKSEI.F IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ CAREFULLY 2 TIM. n. 4-15. 
 
 3. PICTURE TO YOURSELF CHRIST LEADING YOU ON THE 
 WAY TO BATTLE, AS (JOSH. V. 14, 15) THE CAPTAIN 
 ANGEL LED JOSHUA. 
 
 i. '"PHINK how needful it is for the servant of 
 the Lord not to strive with others (2 Tim. 
 ii. 24), but to strive with himself. Meditate on 
 the need of using life as a time for forming 
 character. What defects I have to cure ! I 
 must make war bravely and thoroughly on 
 what I discover to be wrong. I must not 
 " keep back part of the price." My war must 
 be persevering. When I have discovered what 
 is wrong I must go on and on till I conquer. 
 I have to avoid occasions of sin. Also if I 
 find an evil tendency I must practise the 
 opposite virtue. This is not easy. Think, how 
 you can be " more than conquerors through 
 Him Who loved you." Real effort with prayer, 
 by the grace of Christ, will conquer all that is 
 evil. To do this is a great use of life. Meditate, 
 why complain of struggle, or grudge the trouble,
 
 On fctfc a a UTime of Battle. 333 
 
 seeing that for this battle life is given. Be 
 brave, O my soul, in union with Christ. So is 
 life blessed. 
 
 2. HTHINK, how hard at first it is, yet how 
 
 necessary, to be disciplined in what one 
 reads ; to restrain oneself in action, in amuse- 
 ments, and so on, when wrong comes in. 
 Think how hard to deny oneself in conversa- 
 tion, and to keep down or put aside passing 
 impulses of smartness, or wrong kinds of joking. 
 Think how hard to refrain from harsh and 
 wrong judgments. Think, thou must keep a 
 steady hand on thy passions, and be ready to 
 seek for truth, not eager for victory, and to 
 submit thine own judgments to God and His 
 Church. Meditate how many foes in thyself 
 come to burden thee. Fear not, O my soul. 
 More are with thee than against thee. Life is 
 given to be a battle time. " Strive, never 
 grudge the throe." 
 
 3. IV/TEDITATE, how constantly these enemies 
 
 which have to be fought are led by two 
 or three commanders. What energy, diligence, 
 prayer, are needed to conquer self-love. It 
 comes up in so many ways, and leads on to 
 so many sins. Only to be empty of self, O 
 my God, and full of Thee ! Persevere, then. 
 God is with thee. Life is given for battle. 
 Think on over-sensitiveness. How many sins
 
 334 <9 &tfc a* a CTtnic of 
 
 come from being touchy, and making too much 
 of little things ; and disliking to be found fault 
 with. "Endure hardness." Life is given for 
 battle. Think of the dangers of untruth. How 
 hard to be true with yourself. Not to deceive 
 self. God the Holy Spirit will help, if you are 
 fighting against self-deceit. Think of the diffi- 
 culties of impatience and cowardice. In patience 
 I must possess my soul. I must " gird up the 
 loins of the mind," and not be among " the 
 fearful." (Rev. xxi. 8.) Teach me, O my God, 
 with hopefulness and trust to use life as a time 
 for battle. 
 
 Have I failed in the steady energy of 
 mind and will needed to use life as 
 a time for battle with sin ? 
 
 I will strive, in God's strength, steadily 
 against what I know to be wrong. 
 
 O God of battles, Who hast placed us 
 Thy servants here to fight with evil, 
 give us grace to persevere, and 
 strength to conquer. Through Jesus 
 Christ our Lord. Amen." 
 
 j S.Paul (2 Tim. ii. 3) : 
 
 "THOU, THEREFORE, ENDURE HARDNESS 
 AS A GOOD SOLDIER OF JESUS CHRIST."
 
 u fttfc a a STtme of iJattlr. 335 
 
 Life is full, while ill's surviving, 
 Sins to conquer, work to do ; 
 
 Give me grace, O Lord, that striving, 
 I may to Thy Will be true. 
 
 One practical resolution for to-day of renewed strife 
 against some sin. 
 
 "OuR FATHER," &c. 
 " GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c.
 
 IV. 
 
 On jSife a0 a tme of 
 
 1. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ CAREFULLY PROV. iv. 18. 
 
 3. PICTURE TO YOURSELF OUR LORD, "THE CAPTAIN 
 OF OUR SALVATION," POINTING us ONWARD. 
 
 i. T ET me meditate how valuable life is to me 
 as a time of advance. Progress is the 
 law of life. If I am truly God's servant, I 
 must help in the progress of others. If so, I 
 must be advancing myself. Let me think how 
 my progress is hindered. I hinder it by care- 
 lessly allowing lesser sins. From mere human 
 frailty some are committed, but I must not, O 
 my God, hinder my advance by willingly 
 allowing these. They are " the little foxes 
 that spoil the vines." They disturb the action 
 of God's grace in the soul. They weaken 
 the will, hurt the conscience, darken the light 
 of God within me. Evil speakings, unkind 
 criticisms, small untruths, acts of vanity 
 these clog my path. I must advance. Life 
 is for going onward. Let me, O my soul, 
 put aside every weight, and the sin that doth
 
 n Hift atf a (Time nf J9r0arf*te. 337 
 
 so easily beset me, and run with patience 
 the race. 
 
 . HPHINK how in life I must encourage some 
 things so as to make progress. I must 
 be alive, and keep earnestness and zeal power- 
 ful. I must not make truce with any evil 
 inclination in me. Our Lord hated lukewarm- 
 ness and slackness. I must be eager, ready, 
 alive not lazily falling in with the ways of the 
 world and the inclinations of corrupt self- 
 seeking in me. Awake, arise, O my soul. I 
 must keep alive Hope. Here is a real power 
 of advance. By this, Presumption that fatal 
 enemy to progress is conquered. Learn, O 
 my soul, readily to seize occasion of humilia- 
 tion and retiringness, and not to dwell upon 
 your own supposed deserts or powers. Learn 
 to lean on God, and not " on your own under- 
 standing." By this, too, Despondency is con- 
 quered. Think how despondency and dis- 
 couragement put a freezing arrest on all efforts 
 and duties which you know to be right. Hope 
 conquers this. Think, O my soul, how life is 
 a time of Hope, and so of prayer. 
 
 . A/TED IT ATE again. Life is an opportunity 
 
 for prayer and for close union with 
 
 Jesus Christ my Lord. Here, from my very 
 
 condition, I am called upon to pray. I may 
 
 pray with strong confidence, for this rests on
 
 338 <9u Htfe as a "tmc of 
 
 my needs and God's promises. I must pray 
 with eagerness, earnestness, and persistence. 
 Christ has taught me that God loves to be 
 " scourged with prayer." Life is my oppor- 
 tunity for this. From this all good things 
 come. I can withdraw myself into my own 
 soul and there meet God. There I can talk to 
 Him as a man talketh to his friend There I 
 can discuss with Him everything that interests 
 me or makes me anxious. I can work in life, 
 as in God's presence ; that is a kind of prayer. 
 How close, in life, I can come to Jesus. He is 
 thy " one thing needful," O my soul. He is 
 thy joy, thy help, thy consolation, thy friend. 
 However sad or tried, thou canst lift up thy 
 heart to Him, and He is near to help. How 
 this takes away fear. How this increases con- 
 fidence ! How this leads thee on and on. 
 " To know God is eternal life." To know 
 Jesus is to know God. " No man cometh unto 
 the Father but by Me." The more I know 
 God, the more I make progress and help the 
 progress of others. Rejoice, O my soul, and 
 be glad for this opportunity. Use life fpr 
 progress, as God gives it. 
 
 4HutttOll. Have I been guilty of sloth, or down - 
 heartedness, or slackness ? Have I 
 forgotten to use life so as to advance 
 to God, and help others to advance ?
 
 On &ifc a a CTtme of |9vogrc&. 339" 
 
 . I will be more brisk, eager, active in 
 the use of life for advance in the 
 knowledge of God. 
 
 ' O Lord Jesus, Who hast taught us 
 that to know Thee is to know the 
 Father, and that to know the Father 
 is eternal life, give me grace to put 
 aside all that hinders that knowledge, 
 and to be faithful in all that helps it, 
 so that I may advance more and 
 more in the path of a holy life, until 
 I come to Thine everlasting King- 
 dom ; for Thy merits. Amen." 
 
 of CijriSt, by S. Paul (Gal. vi. 9) : 
 
 " LET US NOT BE WEARY IN WELL-DOING, 
 FOR IN DUE SEASON WE SHALL REAP IF WE 
 FAINT NOT." 
 
 Onward, upward is the story, 
 Taught us in the sacred Word ; 
 
 On from glory unto glory, 
 By the Spirit of the Lord. 
 
 One practical resolution for to-day, for vigorous 
 Progress in what is riglit. 
 
 "OUR FATHER/' &C. 
 
 "GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c.
 
 V. 
 
 On JSife a0 an Opportunity o 
 
 1. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ CAREFULLY i COR. xn. 12-27; GAL. vi. 2. 
 
 3. PICTURE TO YOURSELF CHRIST GOING ABOUT DOING 
 GOOD, AND HEALING THE MULTITUDES. 
 
 i. A/TEDITATE how life is a great opportunity. 
 I must not throw away an opportunity 
 which can never come again. Think. It is 
 God's Will to work not directly, but through 
 me. His help to others, for its full force, 
 depends in some mysterious way upon my acts. 
 I must exercise one power on someone 
 influence. Let me think, how serious is the 
 intercourse of immortal souls. I may influence 
 others for good, if I love and serve God. Life 
 is an opportunity to do that. The humblest 
 and weakest may help others in taking the 
 right side. Think, O my soul, so to use life 
 means unselfishness, a sense of responsibility. 
 I must not always think of myself. I must 
 think how responsible I am, I must be, for 
 others. Others may be better, happier, more 
 comforted, if I do my duty. May God deliver
 
 e9it life atf an Opportunity, etc. 34 1 
 
 me from selfishness and self-seeking, and give 
 me a strong spirit with a sense of responsibility, 
 so that my influence may help others to goodness. 
 
 2. "]\/r EDITATE, how life is an opportunity for 
 
 doing good if I have courage. How often 
 I may let evil go unreproved, and goodness go 
 unsupported for want of courage. The weak 
 may be made strong, the wavering may be 
 steadied, if I am courageous. What need 
 have I, in life, of true courage. Watch and 
 pray for this, O my soul this is a gift of God's 
 grace. Think also, how needful, in this, is 
 sympathy. If I take pains I can, in some 
 measure, realize the difficulties, trials, sorrows, 
 of others. If so, they will not be so lonely 
 and many fail from loneliness they will not 
 be so beaten down, if someone feels for them 
 and with them. Life is my opportunity. 
 Give me, O my God, an enlarged and sym- 
 pathetic heart, like my Saviour. 
 
 3. T ET me think, how I may help souls, and 
 
 advance God's cause, by kindness. If 
 I overcome my narrowness, laziness, dislike 
 of taking trouble, I may learn to think kind 
 thoughts. Kind thoughts will tone my life 
 for others. I may grow in the habit of speak- 
 ing kind words. These are often messages 
 and ministers of God. If I can do nothing 
 else for God and others, a kind word is a real
 
 342 it iLtfc ntf an 
 
 power. How sad to misuse life's opportunity 
 in unkindness, when I may do so much in this 
 simple way. Think again, what an opportunity 
 life is for kind deeds. Even if I am poor, and 
 unable to do great things, yet simple deeds of 
 kindness help souls, and please Him Who 
 " went about doing good." Think well, O my 
 soul, how life means an opportunity for this. 
 May God help me to realize how great and 
 how short an opportunity. 
 
 <htfstton. Have I forgotten in selfishness or 
 laziness what an opportunity life is 
 for doing good to others ? 
 
 t. I will try more earnestly, in however 
 simple ways, to help others as a 
 chief work of life. 
 
 " O Lord Jesus, Who by Thy words 
 and holy example hast taught us to 
 love one another, give me grace 
 that the life Thou hast given me may, 
 by Thy grace, be used for the good 
 of others, and to Thy glory, for Thy 
 merits and mercy. Amen." 
 
 Cfje SKBortW of Cfjrfet, by S. Paul (Gal. vi. 10) : 
 " WHILE WE HAVE TIME, LET us DO GOOD 
 UNTO ALL MEN, AND SPECIALLY UNTO THEM 
 THAT ARE OF THE HOUSEHOLD OF THE 
 FAITH."
 
 of iBoutg <ooK to eMjrrrf. 343 
 
 Passing through this world of sorrow, 
 
 Helping others on the way, 
 May I make a bright to-morrow 
 
 For the sufferers of to-day. 
 
 One practical resolution for to-day of kindness and 
 help to others. 
 
 "OuR FATHER," &c. 
 " GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c.
 
 VI. 
 
 On JSife ae an Opportunity of 
 
 (Boo. 
 
 1. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOUKSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ CAREFULLY ECCLES. xn. ; DAN. in. 17, 28. 
 
 3. PICTURE TO YOURSELF THE PROPHET ON CARMEL, 
 AND HEAR HIM SAYING, " IF THE LOUD BE GOD, 
 SERVE HIM." 
 
 i. '"PHINK. No creature can be truly right 
 and happy but by obeying the law of its 
 being. The law of my being is, I depend on 
 God. I owe Him every breath I draw, every- 
 thing I possess, the power of mind and heart, 
 my opportunities, my friends. Remember 
 then, I am not true to myself unless in life I 
 serve God. Life is my opportunity for serving 
 Him by doing my duty. Remember, if this is 
 done I am only doing what is due to One to 
 Whom I owe so much. How blessed to think 
 that the common little duties of every day may 
 be sanctified, by an honest intention and a 
 good will, to God's glory. Think of the holy 
 and noble men who " absolutely separated 
 themselves from the common aims of human 
 life." I cannot do this, perhaps. I cannot
 
 ILtfe as an <Si)iJ0rluiHtjj nf g>t rbtujj <Sott. 345 
 
 be in this way like the great saints, but I can 
 use all my life and time and labour with a 
 high purpose and with constant, eager, loving 
 thoughts of God. What an opportunity, O 
 my soul, is life thus to thee. 
 
 2. "DEMEMBER the opportunities in life of 
 
 directly religious service. Think of the 
 opportunities of prayer. How God loves thee 
 to seek Him in prayer. Think of the times of 
 united prayer. We know that God loves to be 
 served by His united family. Think of the 
 offering of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. 
 How God loves that you should plead the love 
 and sacrifice of His dear Son. Think of how 
 these moments of life are dear to God and 
 blest by God. Life gives me this opportunity, 
 which God has taught His people of, as a fore- 
 taste of Heaven. Remember, O my soul, the 
 sweetness and blessedness of the service of 
 God in the worship of the Church, and the 
 communion with Him of the soul. 
 
 3. '""PHINK. Life is an opportunity to serve 
 
 God by acts of goodness, done in His 
 grace. Remember the need, the power, the 
 beauty of repentance. Remember the beauty, 
 the power of self-sacrifice. Think. How many 
 things you cannot learn, you cannot know. 
 One chief science you can learn the science 
 of goodness. By doing good you imitate Christ,
 
 346 On Htfe ng an Opportunity 
 
 you serve God. Think. By you, your words, 
 your efforts, God deigns to will that His King- 
 dom may be advanced and His Name glorified. 
 Remember, others may learn to know and 
 love and serve Him, if you do. Your life is a 
 great opportunity, then. Think, O my soul, 
 to advance the kingdom of goodness and God's 
 glory an opportunity once, and swift and 
 short to serve God. All beautiful things in 
 life are His gifts sweet music, happy days, 
 fair scenes, dear friends. Think, O my soul ; 
 serve Him faithfully Who has been so good 
 to you. 
 
 <ZHue0tton. Have I selfishly thought of life as 
 only for personal enjoyment instead 
 of for God's service ? 
 
 . I will try to act in self-forgetting, with 
 a thankful heart and a grateful heart 
 and a high purpose as God's servant. 
 
 . " O God, Whom to know is eternal 
 life, and Who hast given me all that 
 I have, help me by Thy grace so 
 faithfully to serve Thee in this life 
 that I fail not finally to attain Thy 
 heavenly promises, through Jesus 
 Christ our Lord. Amen." 
 
 Cf)< Morotf of Cfjrt'st, by S.John (Rev. xxii. 3) : 
 
 " HlS SERVANTS SHALL SERVE HlM."
 
 On &tfe nS an Opportunity of jS'cdunjj <aft. 347 
 
 Life is short, but life is given 
 For the service of the Lord ; 
 
 So I taste the joys of Heaven, 
 Reaping here a rich reward. 
 
 One practical resolution for to-day for truer devo- 
 tion in serving God in all tilings. 
 
 " OUR FATHER," &c. 
 " GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c.
 
 VII. 
 
 of 
 
 i KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ CAREFULLY PSALM xxxix. 
 
 3. PICTURE TO YOURSELF YOURSELF LYING DEAD, 
 FRIENDS STANDING ROUND, WHOSE HANDS YOU CAN 
 NO LONGER CLASP, WHOSE VOICES YOU CANNOT 
 
 HEAR. 
 
 i. T^EATH is serious. For it is an event 
 which must come. I cannot escape from 
 it. The soul and body must part. There are 
 many things I cannot be sure of. This I am 
 sure of. Certainly I must die. Think, as it 
 is certain, so the time, the place, the cir- 
 cumstances, these are uncertain. I may die 
 quietly, and with friends around me, or pain- 
 fully, or alone. I know not. That mysterious 
 uncertainty hangs round that dread certainty. 
 Every tick of the clock is bringing me neareY 
 to that solemn moment. The heart is beating 
 "funeral marches to the grave." I cannot 
 well foresee or plan, all is so uncertain, and 
 yet the onward march of time is so inexorable. 
 Think, O my soul, how serious this is. How
 
 &n tfje geriauinsM of ulrnllj. 349 
 
 serious it makes life. My God, help me to 
 live more earnestly as one who has to die. 
 
 2. r ~PHINK again. How solemn Death is, be- 
 
 cause it is the punishment of sin. It 
 follows after sin as a shadow follows the sub- 
 stance. It is nearly allied to pain. There is 
 something about it unnatural. It does not sit 
 easily on man. It connects itself with the 
 Fall. It causes so much sorrow. Think how 
 it is the end of so many innocent pleasures. 
 My God, Thou hast given me power to enjoy 
 the sweet air of Heaven, and the light of the 
 sunrise, and the voices of birds, and the faces 
 of little children, and the breath of flowers. 
 Death will take them all from me. It will 
 unclasp my hands from the hands of those I 
 love. It will end so many sweet things happy 
 times, plea'sant joys which can never come 
 again. I cannot but think of it with great 
 seriousness. 
 
 3. TT is the close of all I have known and loved 
 
 here. Think further, it is the entrance 
 into eternity. I shall be alone, too, when I 
 die. Dear friends can do much for me up to 
 the edge of the grave. They can do nothing 
 beyond that. I must go out alone into the 
 unknown world. Many external things may 
 distract me here. There, they cannot distract 
 
 #
 
 35 On tl)e ;g>mosnrs's' of SJratt). 
 
 me. Death will mean the facing of the un- 
 known, the untried all alone. Ah, my soul ! 
 this is solemn, this is awful, unless thou art 
 ready to die, with the Angels thy guardians, 
 the Church thy helper, Christ thy Saviour. 
 God give me grace in life to lay to heart the 
 seriousness of death ! 
 
 . Am I preparing to die a good death ? 
 Have I forgotten the certainty and 
 solemnity of death ? 
 
 I will try to live and act more carefully 
 and conscientiously in view of death. 
 I will try to remember more habitually 
 that I must die. 
 
 rai)er_"O God, in Whose hands are life 
 and death, teach me to remember 
 seriously that I must die. Prepare 
 me, by the grace of a true repentance, 
 to meet Thee, and in the hour of 
 death and in the Day of Judgment, 
 good Lord, have mercy upon me ; 
 for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen." 
 
 tet, by the Apostle (Heb.ix.27): 
 
 " IT IS APPOINTED UNTO ALL MEN ONCE 
 TO DIE, AND AFTER THAT THK JUDGMENT."
 
 u tfoc > rrtminr& of SBcatlj. 351 
 
 Life is passing, each to-morrow 
 Brings me nearer to the grave ; 
 
 Jesu, mercy ! by Thy sorrow, 
 Let me find Thee strong to save. 
 
 One practical resolution toivards living this day 
 more seriously, as in view of death. 
 
 "OuR FATHER," &c. 
 " GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c.
 
 VIII. 
 
 On *af$ in ite 
 
 1. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ CAREFULLY PHIL. i. 19 TO END. 
 
 3. PICTURE TO YOURSELF JESUS STANDING AT THE 
 RIGHT HAND OF GOD TO RECEIVE A SOUL, AS HK 
 RECEIVED S. STEPHEN. 
 
 i. T MUST meditate that, after all, death is an 
 " accident in immortality." Death is not 
 natural to man. It is brought in upon him by 
 sin. God bringeth out of darkness light. 
 Even death is changed by the mercy of God. 
 What was a penalty becomes a blessing. 
 Temptations and trials of all kinds fill up life. 
 Even the brightest days have their clouds 
 Hating sin, I am tempted to sin. Trial of 
 every kind comes. Disappointed hopes. Pros- 
 pects which fail. Bright promises which 
 betray. Death ends them all for a Christian. 
 No more temptation. No more trial. No more 
 sorrow. There may be the sweet sorrow of 
 a deepening repentance, and the sweet pain 
 of purification through clearer vision and 
 deeper love of Christ. But the sorrows from 
 sin, darkness, temptation, are over. O blessed 
 death ! O sweet consoler !
 
 On Steatf) tit it* 8!tjtfeHnr*f. 353 
 
 2. HPHINK again of the separations of life. 
 
 How little I can know of the best and 
 holiest. I hear of them, read of them. I 
 cannot know them. Think how often I am 
 parted from those I love by difficulties, work, 
 distance, misunderstanding. Death opens the 
 door to the land of union. Death means the 
 opportunity of knowing those whom here I 
 longed to know, and could not know. It is 
 the opportunity for the gradual assembling of 
 friends. Think how you will smile and sigh 
 to think liow you made mistakes, how you 
 feared where no fear was. The path to light 
 and love is before you. The door opens for 
 the vision of reunion, understanding, love, 
 joy. O sweet and blessed death ! 
 
 3. TV/TEDITATE, what a world of work this is. 
 
 It is better for us so. Work is noble 
 and ennobling. Still thou growest weary, O 
 my soul. It requires effort, determination, 
 much struggle, grace to keep thee up to work. 
 Even when the spirit is willing the flesh is 
 often weak. Thou hast need of rest. Rest 
 cannot be here. "There remaineth a rest for 
 the people of God." Death opens the door to 
 that rest. O sweet, and soothing, and blessed 
 death ! Think how, do what you may, there 
 is the recurrence of sin. Little faults which 
 thou dost desire to conquer will come up.
 
 * 
 
 354 <9 SBcatl) in its 
 
 The shadows of old sins will fall across thy 
 path. To be rid of them all ! To have no 
 more shadow of sin, how blessed ! Death is 
 the entrance to that. O sweet, O blessed 
 death ! 
 
 U. Have I allowed too much the fear of 
 death ? Have I forgotten how God 
 changes even the trial of death into 
 a blessing for His people ? 
 
 . I resolve to be brave about death. I 
 will hate sin, and have faith in God. 
 I will look on the brighter side, and 
 live in serious but thankful view of 
 death. I will never forget my union 
 with those who are gone ; never 
 forget to pray, and hear Mass for 
 the dead. 
 
 " O God, the God of the spirits of all 
 flesh,, give me grace so to live that I 
 may not fear to die. Support me, 
 in Thy love, when the last trial 
 comes, and grant that death may be 
 to me the entrance to a blessed 
 immortality ; for Jesus Christ's sake. 
 Amen." 
 
 ol Christ, by S.John (Rev. xiv. 73} : 
 " BLESSED ARE THE DEAD WHO DIE IN 
 THE LORD."
 
 On 2)catf) w tt BIr$$elmetf. 355 
 
 Many a sorrow still remaineth, 
 For who draweth human breath ; 
 
 Ah ! for who by grace attaineth, 
 Joy will come with blessed Death. 
 
 One practical resolution towards a more loving and 
 submissive view of death. 
 
 " OUR FATHER," &c. 
 
 " GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c. 
 
 " GRANT THEM, O LORD, ETERNAL REST," &c.
 
 IX. 
 
 >n tetucni. (i.) 
 
 1. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACK YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ CAREFULLY HEB. XL 13, 14. 
 
 3. PICTURE TO YOURSELF OUR LORD READY TO WELCOME 
 YOU, AS A FRIEND, AFTER A LONG JOURNEY. 
 
 i. A/TEDITATE. Eternity is so vast, so mys- 
 terious, it scares me. Yet the vast un- 
 known also attracts. Imagination is fruitful in 
 fear. The Evil One tries to scare me there, 
 so as to fill me with terror in thinking of Death 
 and Eternity. If so, he hinders me from acts 
 of love to God. These draw me nearer God. 
 In this great unknown I must trust God. I 
 must lift up my heart and make acts of love to 
 Him, when I think of it. Eternity stands 
 before me as the unknown, the unimagined. 
 I must stir up my confidence in God when I 
 think of it. That gives joy to the heart t>f 
 Jesus. He loves to be trusted with entire self- 
 abandonment. Jesus knows the awe and terror 
 of seeming alone in Eternity. He felt it. He 
 cried out in utter desolation, yet in trust, " My 
 God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me ? '*
 
 On CJtrtntlJ). 357 
 
 He feels for me, with me. A great and final 
 act of self-abandonment sums up, say holy 
 men, the merits of life in Christ. Let me, in 
 view of Eternity, trust in God and abandon 
 myself to Him. In the awful and the unknown 
 is One Who knows and loves. 
 
 2. T MUST think of Eternity as the home of my 
 soul. I am on a journey. I am a pilgrim. 
 I am travelling homewards. Home means 
 rest and kind friends and a warm welcome. 
 I am to think of Eternity in this way. God 
 knows all, and this is the teaching of His 
 Word. Think, in a far country, however much 
 one loves it, there is something wanting. That 
 is supplied in our own country. So I am to 
 think of this world and Eternity. However 
 bright and sweet be the blessings of this life, 
 still something is wanting. Even when there 
 is joy or happiness, there is the fear of change 
 and the certainty of death. There is no sin, no 
 parting, no death, no heart-breaking change. 
 Let me think of Eternity as my country, my 
 home. 
 
 3. Vy HEN ' then, I think of Eternity, I must 
 meditate how to use Time. God will 
 give me all there. Now I can give Him some- 
 thing. Eternity says take and bear the suffer- 
 ings of Time. I must not count anything
 
 heavy now in view of that. Let me work and 
 live now in the governing thought of a heavenly 
 country and an eternal home. When I think 
 of Eternity, let me lift up my heart to God, 
 and think, my country, my home, and then 
 live accordingly, with a brave, trustful spirit. 
 
 4BlU4tton. Have I lived too much for Time ? 
 Have I forgotten my heavenly coun- 
 try ? Have I, in view of the awful 
 future, failed to put all my trust in 
 God? 
 
 I resolve to live in time for Eternity. 
 I will remember that here is a passing 
 stage of journey, there is home, and 
 live accordingly. 
 
 O God, Who governest Life and 
 Death and all things, give me grace, 
 when I look into the unknown future, 
 to trust Thee, and in all things 
 now to follow Thy commandments. 
 Through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
 Amen." 
 
 )U(t, by the Apostle (Heb. xi. 10): 
 
 " LOOK FOR A CITY THAT HATH FOUNDA- 
 
 TIONS, WHOSE BUILDER AND MAKER is 
 GOD."
 
 * 
 
 On <lcrmlu. 359 
 
 Dim the great unknown before me, 
 
 While an exile here I roam ; 
 God, my Father, will restore me, 
 
 Leading onward to my home. 
 
 One practical resolution to remember my home and 
 make for it in act to-day. 
 
 " OUR FATHER," &c. 
 " GLORY BE TO THE FATHER," &c.
 
 X. 
 
 On <forntf. (2.) 
 
 1. KNEEL DOWN AND PLACE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE 
 OF GOD. 
 
 2. READ CARKFULLY ROMANS vm. 14-28. 
 
 3. PICTURE TO YOURSELF OUR LORD STANDING BEFORE 
 YOU, AND SAYING, " I AM ALPHA AND OMEGA, THE 
 BEGINNING AND THE END." 
 
 1. IV/f EDITATE, I am a being of Eternity, yet 
 
 this is a mysterious truth to me, i.e., half- 
 revealed and half-concealed. I do not know 
 exactly what Eternity means. I know it is a 
 fact. I know I am in it and of it, yet I am 
 also a creature of time. I cannot even con- 
 ceive a state when time and space shall be no 
 more. Yet such a state I shall know. I shall 
 know what it is to have "life fully possessed." 
 Think, O my soul, there will be unimagined 
 wonders. It will be unspeakably blessed. 
 Like the old, yet unlike. There will be a heaven 
 and an earth, yet " a new heaven and a new 
 earth," wherein is no longer sin, but wherein 
 dwelleth righteousness. No more sin, pain", 
 sorrow, unending and advancing happiness 
 and joy. 
 
 2. HTHINK again. It will be the revelation of 
 
 God's glory. I hardly know what I mean 
 by " glory." Think of a perfect sunrise or
 
 On <ferniti>. 361 
 
 sunset. Think of a noble poem, a stately piece 
 of music, a splendid painting, a heroic deed 
 I call these " glorious." It means something 
 unspeakably splendid, which appeals, in the 
 highest degree, to my sense of beauty, and 
 kindles my joy, and rouses my enthusiasm. 
 Think, O my soul, of being conscious of the 
 unutterable perfection of Him Who is the 
 Author of all that is good and lovely. Think 
 of the vast development of faculties, so that 
 I shall be capable of enjoying the highest 
 happiness and the Uncreated Beauty that, 
 blessed be God, maybe my state in Eternity. 
 
 3. r T v HINK again. Eternity means the clearing 
 away of all clouds ; the reading of all 
 riddles. I shall know, even as I am known. 
 I shall know myself. I shall wonder why God 
 has loved me so, and shall love Him more and 
 more because He has so loved me. I shall 
 know the mysterious history of my predestina- 
 tion. I shall know others better. I shall 
 understand and rejoice in the beauty of each 
 character as I never could here. I shall know 
 the meaning of mysteries of the Sacraments, 
 of God's grace, of mysterious and inexplicable 
 dispensations. I shall know the sweetness, 
 and dignity, and beauty of Our Lady and the 
 Saints. Shall meet with, perhaps converse 
 with, the great and holy of whom I have read,
 
 362 On <tenttlg. 
 
 whom I have loved Our Lady, S. John, S. Paul, 
 S. Stephen, S. Francis, Dante, Pascal I shall 
 meet again those whom I have loved and known. 
 No cloud now. No partings yonder. All that 
 is good and holy, of which I have ever dreamed, 
 there I shall know. I shall know the love of 
 Christ which passeth knowledge. O wonderful 
 Eternity ! To this I am hastening. From this 
 moment I may look steadily on with a bright, 
 unflagging hope, right on and up, through the 
 changes of time to things unspeakably glorious, 
 which God has in store for me. O my soul, 
 live accordingly. Live in the power of this 
 thought. 
 
 Have I thought of, hoped for, the 
 glorious future put before me ? 
 
 I will live more steadily in view of the 
 shortness of time, the grandeur of 
 Eternity, the greatness of my destiny. 
 
 " O God, Who hast prepared for them 
 that love Thee such good things as 
 pass man's understanding, pour into 
 our hearts such love towards Thee, 
 that we, loving Thee above all things, 
 may attain Thy promises, which 
 exceed all that we can desire, 
 through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
 Amen."
 
 On (Cternt'tg. 363 
 
 f) OTftortJS of Christ, i_y s. Paw/ (1 Cor. ii.9j : 
 
 " EYE HATH NOT SEEN, NOR EAR HEARD, 
 NEITHER HAVE ENTERED INTO THE HEART 
 OF MAN THE THINGS WHICH GOD HATH 
 PREPARED FOR THEM THAT LOVE HlM." 
 
 Life ! It is life ever deathless ! No dying, 
 No dear form shrouded beneath the green sod, 
 
 No blinding tears, no heart-breaks, no sighing ! 
 Love, joy, reunion, and goodness and God. 
 
 One practical resolution to live to-day in the power 
 of that Future. 
 
 " OUR FATHER," &c. 
 " GLORY HE TO THE FATHER," &c. 
 
 "GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST, 
 
 ON EARTH PEACE, GOODWILL TOWARDS MEN." 
 
 " AND THE RANSOMED OF THE LORD SHALL 
 RETURN AND COME TO ZlON WITH SONGS AND 
 EVERLASTING JOY UPON THEIR HEADS ; AND THEY 
 SHALL OBTAIN JOY AND GLADNESS, AND SORROW 
 AND SIGHING SHALL FLEE AWAY." 
 
 THE END.
 
 A 000116825