CHAPTER VII. On Divine Consolation in Trouble. → THE LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart." None is so good and devout that he shall not meet with some troubles and heaviness. When then thou art in tribulation and sorrow of heart, thou art with JESUS on the Cross. But when thou art again comforted in prayer by the grace of the HOLY SPIRIT, then thou risest from the grave, as from the death with CHRIST, and celebratest the Paschal in newness of life with CHRIST, with joy in thy heart. And when thou hearest any speaking unkindly and harshly of thee, then is it given thee to drink of the cup of the LORD for the healing of thy soul. 2. Be silent and drink the cup of salvation without murmuring, and the LORD will answer for thee in life and in death. GOD will not forget thee. Nothing is more giorious than by silence and patience to close the mouth of him that speaketh unjustly, and to follow the example of CHRIST, silent before Pilate, though so many hise charges were laid against Him. For thou art not better than GOD, beaten and mocked for thee, and at length put to death by wicked hands. Man knows not how good and virtuous he is until he hath been tried by adversity. CHRIST hath many lovers and companions of the table, but few followers of abstinence. 3. A true lover of the Crucified shrinks not from suffering, grief, or being put to shame by the froward, that he may be like unto CHRIST in the offence of the Cross. For to him, to whom to live is CHRIST, it is greatest gain to suffer and die for CHRIST. The more ardently one loves GOD, the less he fears death; and the more he longs to be dissolved, that he may live happily with CHRIST, and joy for ever with the angels. Happy soul which heartily loveth JESUS, values as nothing present good from love of the future, and humbly prostrates itself at the feet of JESUS, and prays that it may grow in grace, and persevere unto the end. Crescente in the Holy T the evil, suffer Tender, pray for all. Terbringeth in bit holy meditation F. and thou shalt sadness and tempTras a lukewarm self and others. Sevil one and thou shalt weked will not e straight road versation bringeth evener of just praise. the mouth Tesmoms of the wicked the bush chiding of the 2. Humble prayer asems intr Heaven, apprases Coll, abans graus, wards of the deceit of the devil. Hamne confession wins pardon, mean apologies increase the fault. True contrition blots out the stain, fervent meditation lessens the punishment. Idle tales withdraw the grace of devotion, good conversation increaseth joy. Careful watch over the senses, everywhere necessary, is a useful castle to the wavering. Constant prayer is a firm protection, silence of mouth the domicile of peace. Many begin with fervour, but perseverance wins the crown of glory. The yoke of CHRIST is sweet to them that love Him, heavy to the lukewarm, bitter to the proud, light to the gentle, dear to the humble. Sweet JESUS makes all things sweet and light. The earthly ever seeks the soft and easy, the spiritual avoids and hates them. The most holy grieves that he cannot utterly destroy all vicious affections. But why does GOD permit this? To the end that man may ever humble himself, and implore Divine assistance. 3. As the proud man joyeth in his honours, and the rich in his wealth, so does the truly humble in contempt of himself, and the poor in spirit is delighted with the fewness of his possessions. The glory and riches of the servants of GOD is CHRIST the King of Heaven. Without GOD all delight is bad, all joy empty, all abundance want; forasmuch as nothing satisfies the hunger of the soul but GOD alone, Who created it. Great freedom |