IMAGE THE ELÉVENTH.

IMITATE THE SAINTS, AND FOLLOW AFTER THE HIGHER

GIFTS OF GRACE.

And now if thou shouldst perceive thyself slothful and lukewarm, attentively reflect with what fervency and earnest perseverance the Saints gave themselves up to the exercises of devotion. Think particularly of each one of them (A) of whom thou hast read or heard: such as were the ancient Fathers, and Bishops, Founders of religious houses, Virgins and Martyrs, who gave up all for Christ's sakea. Think of how many in monasteries, and religious houses (B), how many in the desert used to give up of old their nights and days to prayer, and to praising God. Think of what is reported of St. Jerome with his bleeding breast in the desert (C); of Stylites (D), in unceasing prayer, exposed to cold and tempest: of St. Francis (E), melting in the ardour of devotion, at the thought of the five wounds of Christ: think of the Saints of old, who without weariness and without human consolations, persevered in watchings, in labours, in fastings. But thou, alas, O Sinner (F), art sleeping in the midst of dangers, and therefore beholdest them not. O think even now how the Holy Jesus is coming unto thee to awaken thee (G), and saying, Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation."

a Those especially referred to are Benedict, Augustin, Dominic, Bernard, Norbertus, Bruno, Ignatius, Catharine of Sienna, Teresa.

N

Meditation

ON THE FERVOUR OF THE SAINTS.

The

Saints

FIRST POINT.

CONSIDER, in the first place, how the Saints, when they were upon the earth, consecrated a great part of their life unto prayer, and gave up a were very diligent in cultivating piety. They went on from great portion of their lives strength to strength, and rested not day nor night; but sought unto prayers. the Lord with all their heart; and in Elijah's chariot of fire, and with horses of fire, that is to say in their aspirations, were borne up into heavenly places. All their sacrifices were consumed of that fire, which the Lord came to send on the earth, and willed should be mightily kindled, the fire, that is, of love. This it was that made them flock into deserts, and monasteries, as in the Image they are represented, in order that in the sacred leisure of prayer they might with greater quiet enjoy commune with their God. Walk thou too with that mind, and see how diligent thou art, in joining thyself unto God.

Wonderful

things they

praying.

See, secondly, what great things the Saints obtained for themselves and others, yea and wrought in all the elements, by virtue of how great prayer. By prayer Elijah stayed the raine, and by prayer he obtained by brought it again; one by prayer restored the sick unto health, another the dead unto life. See how highly God is wont to account of prayer and devotion. Thirdly, observe well, in the midst of how great dangers worldly men are lying, yet without any concern; surrounded on all sides worldly men with the most cruel enemies, yet in a deep sleep; notwithconcerned in standing that the Lord hath inculcated on them, Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation." From below, saith dan- St. Bernard', the terror by night riseth up against us, on the left hand is the arrow that flieth by day, on the right is the thing that walketh in darkness, and from above there riseth against us the noon-day fiend; but we, who are encompassed with so many

Miserableare

who live un

the midst of
so many and
great
gers.

2 Kings ii. 11.

e James v. 17.

Lev. vi. 23.

d Luke xii. 49.

f St. Bernard De Sancto Andreâ, Serm. II. 6.

serpents and enemies, are benumbed with the most fatal unconcern and sloth. We sleep leisurely in an affair of the utmost difficulty; laggards in spiritual, but bustling in temporal things; slow to salvation, but ready to Who will pity a charmer that is bitten with a serpent, or any such as come nigh wild beasts & ? Thou, Lord, Who rulest the raging of the sea, and stillest the waves thereof when they arise.

our ruin.

SECOND POINT.

chief pleasure of the

Saints.

CONSIDER, in the first place, how great solace the Saints derived from God by prayer, so that many continued in solitude Prayer the patiently, without any weariness, and apart from every human solace, for very many years; others in various labours and dangers, and even in torments. For Thy converse hath no bitterness in it, O my God, but with great joy dost Thou use to make us drink out of Thy wells1, O my Saviour, to drink of Thy wine, the wine that All the pleamaketh virgins to flourish, wherewith Thou makest glad the ungodly hearts of Thy Saints. Secondly, consider the emptiness of bring pain. all human consolation: for all things pass away like a shadow.

Every pleasure here below
Hath within a sting of woe,
Ever like to flitting bees,

Sheds a honey drop, then flees
Far away, but in the mind

Leaves a lasting sting behind'.

sures of the

But the very leavings of holy thought and meditation make a festival in the soul which delighteth in the Lord. For in praying, saith Bernardm, we drink of Thy wine which maketh glad the heart of man, the wine of the Spirit, which inebriates, and sheds over the spirit obliviousness of all carnal things. And Augustine, wounded with the dart of love, affirmed: Sweeter are the tears of them that pray than the Solace of the joys of the theatres. And what said the Prophet David? Like godly. as the hart desireth the water-brooks, so longeth my soul after Thee, O God. And what is it with which the Lord, Who is rich in mercy, hath recompensed them? Even that which He Himself promised; I will give unto him that is athirst, of the fountain of the water of life freely. Oh, that I might have my request, and that God would grant me the thing that I long for"!

Ecclus. xii. 12.

i Isaiah xii. 3.

1 Böet. de Consol.

Psalm lxxxix. 10.

k Zech. ix. 17.

m Bernard. Ser. xviii. in Cant.

Job vi. 8.