/• • * • •• - ' . ( ' ) THE IMITATION OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS. BY REV. F. AKNOTTDT, S.J. TRANSLATED FROM THE FRENCH BY J. M. FASTRE. CINCINNATI : J. P. y WALSH, BOOKSELLER AND PUBLISHER. New York : THE CATHOLIC PUBLICATION SOCIETY, 9 Warren Street. BOTTOM COLLEGE LIBRARY CHR3TNUT HILL, MASS. Eiiersd according to Act of Congress, in the year 1665, by JOHN P. WALSH, la tha Olfrk’a office of the District Court of the Doited State* for the Southern District of Ohio. ~BX 4/J" 7 •/? 7 ARNOUDT'S IMITATION OF THE SACRED HEART. J. M. FASTRE. « CONTENTS Testimony of those that have officially given their OPINION OF THIS WORK. ----- Xvii Translator’s Preface. ------ xix Prologue. - -- -- -- - 1 ■Directors for the First Book. ----- 6 THE FIRST BOOK. ADMONITIONS USEFUL FOR PURIFYING THE HEART. CHAPTER I. The foundation. - -- -- -- -23 CHAPTER II. That no object in this world can set our heart truly at rest, or make it truly contented. 29 CHAPTER III. That in the Heart of Jesus our heart may find true rest, unalloyed felicity. - -- -- --31 CHAPTER IV. That it is necessary for salvation, to imitate the Heart of Jesus. - -- -- -- --34 CHAPTER V. That all our perfection consists in imitating the Heart of Jesus. - -- -- -- --37 CHAPTER VI. That whoever desires to imitate the Heart of Jesus, must purify his own heart. ------ 40 CHAPTER VII. That our heart must especially be clean from mortal sin, the greatest of evils. * - « . . - • <4 (iii) iv CONTENTS. CHAPTER VIII. That our heart must also be free from the least s.vQj - 49 CHAPTER IX. That the heart of the sinner can taste only the bitterness of misery. -- ----- - *53 CHAPTER X. That the Heart of Jesus invites all, even sinners, - oS CHAPTER XE How the cleansing of the heart is to be undertaken. - ^ 2 CHAPTER XII. That the holy Sacrament of Penance is an easy and ef- fectual means of cleansing one’s self from sins and vices. - -- -- -- --68 CHAPTER XIII. That for the forgiveness of our sins we must firmly rely upon our Lord, after we have sincerely done what was morally in our power. ------ 77 CHAPTER XIV. How we must guard against a relapse. 81 CHAPTER XV. How the roots of vices and defects are to be wholly plucked up. -------86 CHAPTER XVI. That he who desires to follow the Heart of Jesus, must also withdraw his heart from the world. - - - $5 CHAPTER XVII. How deceitful the world is. - - - - - - *!$ CHAPTER XVIII. That to servo the world is a cruel slavery. - - - 104 CONTENTS V CHAPTER XIX. That the yoke of Jesus is truly sweet. - • - * 107 CHAPTER XX. That, without keeping anything for ourselves, we should give our whole heart to Jesus. - - Ill CHAPTER XXI. Of watching over our heart. - - 116 CHAPTER XXII. Of the shortness of this life. - - 121 CHAPTER XXIII. Of death. - - - 127 CHAPTER XXIV. Of judgment. - - 132 CHAPTER XXV. Of Hell. - 136 CHAPTER XXVI. Of heaven. ------- - 142 Directory for the Second Book - 147 THE SECOND BOOK. ADMONITIONS USEFUL FOR THE IMITATION OF THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS IN HIS ACTIVE LIFE. CHAPTER I. How we should esteem and cherish sanctifying grace. - 108 CHAPTER II. Why the Son of God wished to become incarnate. 165 VI CONTENTS. CHAPTER III. That our heart, after the example of the most Sacred Heart of Jesus incarnate, must be wholly devoted to God. - 171 CHAPTER IV. That we must be taught by the Sacred Heart of Jesus, newly-born, and be imbued with Its Spirit. - - 176 CHAPTER V. That, of the most Sacred Heart of Jesus, whilst an in- fant, we must learn humility. ----- 181 CHAPTER VI. That the most Sacred Heart of Jesus, born in a stable, teaches us holy poverty. ------ lSi CHAPTER VII. That the most Sacred Heart of Jesus, dwelling in soli- tude among the Angels, teaches us holy chastity. - 193 CHAPTER VIII. That, from the manger, the most Sacred Heart of Jesus teaches us holy obedience. ------ 205 CHAPTER IX. That, at the Circumcision, the most Sacred Heart of Jesus teaches us mortification of heart. - 213 CHAPTER X. That, after the example of the most Sacred Heart of Je- sus, adored by the Magi, we should overcome all hu- man respect. ----- - - 221 CHAPTER XI. That of the most Sacred Heart of Jesus, presented in the temple, we should learn to have, in all things, a right intention. - -- -- -- - 228 CONTENTS. vii CHAPTER XII. Of the freedom of heart, which the most Sacred Heart cf Jesus, in His flight into Egypt, teaches us. - - 235 CHAPTER XIII. That the most Sacred Heart of Jesus, going up into the Temple, teaches us to pray. ----- 242 CHAPTER XIV. Of the love of solitude, after the example of the most Sa- cred Heart of Jesus, abiding at Nazareth. - - 251 CHAPTER XV. Of the divine Presence, wherein we arc taught to live by the example of the most Sacred Heart of Jesus, bap- tized. -------- - 259 CHAPTER XVI. That the most Sacred Heart of Jesus, tempted in the desort, teaches us ever to preserve peace of heart. - 267 CHAPTER XVII. That the most Sacred Heart of Jesus, entering upon His public life, teaches us zeal for souls. - 276 CHAPTER XVIII. That the most Sacred Heart of Jesus, present at the mar- riage-feast in Cana, teaches us spiritual joyfulness. - 236 CHAPTER XIX. That the most Sacred Heart of Jesus, conversing with men, teaches us to bear with the defects of our neighbor. 292 CHAPTER XX. That the most Sacred Heart of Jesus, acting toward all with the greatest open-heartedness, teaches us to act with simplicity in regard to our neighbor. - - 298 viii CONTENTS. CHAPTER XXI. That the most Sacred Heart of Jesus, showing to men the sweetness of humble charity, left us a model which we should follow. ------- 306 CHAPTER XXII. That the most Sacred Heart of Jesus, living in the world, teaches us so to dwell in the world, that we be neither of the world, nor harmed by it. - - - - 314 CHAPTER XXIII. That the most Sacred Heart of Jesus, requiring faith in His Disciples, teaches us to live the life of faith. - 32( CHAPTER XXIV. That the most Sacred Heart of Jesus, promising salvation to them that persevere, and the means of salvation to them that pray with confidence, teaches us to lead the life of hope. - -- -- -- - 329 CHAPTER XXV. That the Sacred Heart of Jesus, enjoining love on all, teaches us to lead a life of divine love. - - 336 CHAPTER XXVI. That the most Sacred Heart of Jesus, teaches ns to exert ourselves to make progress in virtue. - 345 Directory for the Third Book, - 355 THE THIRD BOOK. ADMONITIONS USEFUL TO IMITATE THE MOST SA- CRED HEART OF JESUS, IN HIS LIFE OF SUF- FERING. CHAPTER I. How greatly we should esteem holiness, and how much we should strive after it. ----- 367 CONTENTS, i± CHAPTER II. That in this life no one can live without suffering. - 376 CHAPTER III. How the most Sacred Heart of Jesus felt disposed in re- gard to sufferings. ------ 382 CHAPTER IV. What advantages there are in suffering well. - - 389 CHAPTER V. How, after the example of the most Sacred Heart of Je- sus, we must conform ourselves amidst afflictions to the divine Will. 396 CHAPTER VI. That the most Sacred Heart of Jesus, teaches us in afflic- tion to have recourse to prayer. •• 403 CHAPTER VII. How the most Sacred Heart of Jesus teaches us, amid tribulation to use the aid of creatures. - 410 CHAPTER VIII. now, after the example of the most Sacred Heart of Jesus, we should suffer the opposition and persecution of men. -------- - 415 CHAPTER IX. How, after the example of the most Sacred Heart of Je- sus, we should bear to be forsaken by persons who are serviceable or needful to us. - - - - - 423 CHAPTER X. How we may imitate the most Sacred Heart of Jesus made a prisoner. 431 CHAPTER XI. How, after the example of the most Sacred Heart of Jft- Sus, it behooves us to bear false accusations. - • 437 CONTENTS. X CHAPTER XII. That the most Sacred Heart of Jesus teaches us, how we ought to bear personal insults. - 444 CHAPTER XIII. IIow it behooves us to imitate the most Sacred Heart of Jesus, so far as to be willing to be considered as fools, with Him and for His sake. - - - - - 452 CHAPTER XIV. How, after the example of the most Sacred Heart of Je- sus, we should be willing to be placed below all. - 459 CHAPTER XV. How, by voluntary mortifications, it behooves us to fol- low the most Sacred Heart of Jesus scourged. - - 466 CHAPTER XVI. How, from the example of the most Sacred Heart of Je- sus, we should learn to endure bodily ailments and pains. - -- -- -- -- 473 CHAPTER XVII. How, after the example of the most Sacred Heart of Je- sus, we ought to accept death. - ~ ~ - 481 CHAPTER XVIII. With what disposition of heart, after the example of the most Sacred Heart of Jesus, we ought to feel affected toward the cross. ------- 489 CHAPTER XIX. That Jesus crucified, by praying for His executioners, manifests the infinite goodness of His Heart toward sinners, and that, by grievous sin, these crucify Him anew 497 CONTENTS. XI CHAPTER XX. That Jesus, by forgiving from His Heart tne thief, and by promising Paradise to him, teaches us how we should endure anxiety concerning our eternal salvation. 504 CHAPTER XXI. How great a tenderness of heart Jesus manifested toward us, when He gave us His own Mother as our mother. - 511 CHAPTER XXII. That Jesus, forsaken upon the cross, teaches us how to act, when we are exposed to temptations. - - 519 CHAPTER XXIII. That Jesus, in His abandonment, thirsting and not re- lieved, shows us how we should deport ourselves in spiritual desolation. ------- 531 CHAPTER XXIV. That Jesus accomplishing all upon the cross, teaches us to accomplish, in like manner, all things upon the cross. - -- -- -- -- 540 CHAPTER XXV That Jesus commending His Spirit into the hands of His Father, teaches us how we must wholly give up our- selves to Him. -------- 546 CHAPTER XXVI. The Heart of Jesus, after His death opened for love of us, is the refuge and solace of all. - - - - 552 CONTENTS, 111 Directors’ for the Fourth Book. - 557 THE FOURTH BOOK. ADMONITIONS HELPFUL TOWARD UNITING ONE’S SELF WITH THE nEART OF JESUS IN BLISS. CHAPTER I. The most Blessed Sacrament of the Eucharist is an in- vention of the love of the most Sacred Heart of Jesus. 507 CHAPTER II. Of the marvelous institution of the most Blessed Sacra- ment of the Eucharist. ------ 574 CHAPTER III. With how lively a faith the Church has, always and everywhere, manifested her devotion to the most Blessed Sacrament. ------- 531 CHAPTER IV. That the most Sacred Heart of Jesus, in the Sacrament of His love, is perfectly blissful. - - - - 591 CHAPTER V. The most Sacred Heart of Jesus is the heart of His holy Church. - -- -- -- -- 598 CHAPTER VI. The most Sacred Heart of Jesus, unites the Church mil- itant on earth, with the Church triumphant in heaven. 607 CHAPTER VII. The most Sacred Heart of Jesus unites together the Church that suffers in purgatory, with the militant and triumphant Church. - - - - - - 614 CONTENTS. xnx CHAPTER VIII. Of the ineffable occupations of the most Sacred Heart of Jesus, in the Sacrament, with respect to His Father. - 620 CHAPTER IX. The most Sacred Heart of Jesus, in the Blessed Sacra- ment, honors His Father infinitely. - 626 CHAPTER X. The most Sacred Heart of Jesus, by its self-offerings in the most holy Sacrament, appeases the divine justice, and procures for us measureless graces. - 632 CHAPTER XI. The most Sacred Heart of Jesus, in the Sacrament of His love, is our greatest consolation on earth. - - 639 CHAPTER XII. The most Sacred Heart of Jesus, in Its Sacramental, as formerly in Its mortal life, whilst instructing men, does not cease to teach that He is meek and humble. - 647 CHAPTER XIII. The most Sacred Heart of Jesus willed, that the most holy Eucharist should be an enduring remembrance of His Passion, and an everlasting memorial of His love displayed therein. ------- 654 CHAPTER XIV. The most Sacred Heart of Jesus displays in this wonder- ful Sacrament the sum and substance of all divine mysteries. - -- -- -- - 661 CHAPTER XV. The most Sacred Heart of Jesus, in the most Blessed Sa- cament of the Eueharist, leads us to the divine per- fections. ------ - 671 xiv CONTENTS, CHAPTER XVI. How great a reverence, both outward and inward, the Heart of Jesus wills us to have for the most Blessed Sacrament. - -- -- -- - 682 CHAPTER XVII. That we should endeavor by every means to atone for the insults, which are offered to the most Sacred Heart of Jesus in the Sacrament of His love. : - - 690 CHAPTER XVIII. That we must prove ourselves before we approach the holy Sacrament of the Eucharist. - 698 CHAPTER XIX. How we ought to prepare ourselves for holy Communion, 706 CHAPTER XX. What we must do after we have received the Blessed Sa- crament. -------- - 710 CHAPTER XXI. The most Sacred Heart of Jesus, in the bountiful Sacra- ment of the Eucharist, gives us a remedy, whereby we are freed from venial, and preserved from mortal sins. 727 CHAPTER XXII. By holy Communion the most Sacred Heart of Jesus, unites us with Himself, and makes us live through and for Him. ------- - 735 CHAPTER XXIII. The most Sacred Heart of Jesus, through holy Commu- nion, perfects His union with us, and transforms us into Himself. - -- -- *- -741 CONTENTS. XV CHAPTER XXIV. Through holy Communion, the most Sacred Heart of Je- sus, bestows upon us the gift of perseverance. - 747 CHAPTER XXV. Through holy Communion, the most Sacred Heart of Jesus gives us a pledge of future glory. - 754 CHAPTER XXVI. Recapitulation. — The most Sacred Heart of Jesus is our all. - 76C Memento. - - 771 Epilogue. f TESTIMONY OF 'THOSE THAT HATE OFFICIALLY GIYEN THEIR OPINION OF THIS WORK. Opinion of the Very Rev, Father Roothaan , General of the Society of Jesus, (F rom a letter of his Paternity to the Author.) Rev. Father in Christ. P. C . — Some time since I received the manuscript (bearing date 1340) of a work written by your Reverence, and entitled, “ The Imitation of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.” I was highly delighted with the subject of the Book, and the zeal of your Reverence to promote a devotion so use- ful and so much recommended. ... I hope that this work of your Reverence will be printed for the good of the faithful. Opinions of the Censors in America. 1. u I have examined the little work entitled, ‘ The Imitation of the Sacred Heart of Jesus/ It pleases me very much, and appears well fitted to enkindle in the hearts of the Faithful a love for the Sacred Heart of Jesus, to supply abundant matter for meditation, and point out the path to every kind of virtue and perfection. Nor do I judge that anything hinders it from being published, much less do I think that there is in it aught contrary to Faith or good morals.” — First Cens. Prof, of Mor. Theol. XV111 TESTIMONT. 2. “I have read the work entitled; ‘ The Imitation op the Sacred Heart of Jesus/ in four books. And first, the Author’s subject — which may furnish abundant fruit to the person that reads it, or meditates thereon — pleases me. Again, the manner in which the Author follows up his subject, is complete. Thirdly, the style itself shows a natural simplicity, which is agreeable. Nor do I see what more can be desired in this little work. Neither did I discover anything, which may offend against Faith, or sound and pure morals .” — Second Cens. Prof, of Dogm. Theol. 3. “ I have read the book entitled, ' The Imitation op the Sacred Heart of Jesus/ and find it very well adapt- ed to awaken the desire of perfection, and, at the same time, such as to direct the reader, how to walk without stumbling in the way of perfection .” — Third Cens. D. D. 4. “ Let this work be printed, it will lead souls to sane- tit y.”-Fourth Cens. Sujp. ffranslator's refate. The book, which is here presented to the Eng- lish speaking public, is one of those works which possess a merit of their own. The general favor with which it has been received throughout Europe, and the high commendations bestowed upon it, leave no room for doubt that it will be equally wel- comed in America, where it was originally com- posed. The circumstances, under which it was begun, are incidentally alluded to by the author, in the Epilogue. If care, study and meditation are indispensable in the production of a solid work, the author has added to these even more than the advice of the Roman Bard: “nonumque prematur in annum , 19 since it was finished so long ago as 1846. No wonder, then, if it is a Book of rare merit, and worthy of keeping company with the immortal “ Following of Christ,” of the venerable a Kempis. This work it resembles in teaching the highest practical truths, but it differs from the same, in that it is more regular in plan ; more complete, actual, definite. xx translator’s preface. To appreciate the “Imitation of the Sacred Heart of Jesus,” it should not merely be read once and again : it should be used as a constant and cherished guide to point out to us how, m every circumstance of life, we may learn to avail ourselves of God’s favors and dispensations, to lay up treasures in heaven. To understand this we need only refer to the general design of the work. It takes a person at the beginning, lays down before him the ground- work of the interior, the spiritual life ; and pro- ceeds methodically to lead him, step by step, through its mysterious pathways, until it brings him to the very summit of Christian perfection. Nor is this done by simply inculcating abstract theories and sublime teachings : our Lord is, throughout, introduced, placing before us the living example of His Heart, and applying, prac- tically and in detail, His own lessons. The very soul, so to speak, of the work, is the love of the Heart of Jesus. Other virtues form, as it were, the body. Certain leading principles, like so many veins pervading all, complete the whole. These leading principles are the main- translator’s preface. xxi spring of the spiritual life. The chief among them may be said to be : a great purity of heart and horror of sin — avoiding, however, a false delicacy, or scrupulousness of conscience,— an unfeigned esteem of genuine virtue, a generous spirit of self-denial, an ardent affection for prayer, a perfect resignation to the divine Will, a true idea and appreciation of the Church and her mis- sion upon earth, and, consequently, a sincere, a childlike devotion to her ; in fine, a real zeal for the salvation of others and for all the interests of Jesus, with whom the soul has, in some man- ner, become identified. But, in order to realize all this, the reader should give proper attention to the Directory, placed before each of the four Books. This is an essential portion of the work, and exceedingly well adapted to enable us to reap from it the intended spiritual profit. Whence it appears that the work possesses no ordinary solidity; and, in truth, for directors of souls, for religious, yea, for every Christian — who desires to make progress in virtue and per- fection— it should become an inseparable com- panion. XXII translator’s preface. As regards its English dress, the translator would state, that it has been his principal aim to give, as far as possible, the exact meaning of the author, preferring this to elegance of style and diction — as more useful and appropriate. If he contribute, in any wise, to increase among Chris- tians the knowledge, the honor, the love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, he will deem his labors amply rewarded. PROLOGUE. 1. The most ancient special devotion of Chris- tians is doubtless that of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Son of God. The holy Sacraments and the other objects of devotion did not yet exist, when the Blessed Virgin Mary found her delight in wor- shiping the most Sweet Heart of her J esus ; already did Holy Joseph clasp that Heart to his bosom ; even then were the Shepherds and the Magi, Simeon and Anna, the Apostles and the Disciples attracted to It and by It: they longed to show to It the af- fection and love of their hearts. But after Jesus had called upon all men to learn, “ that He is meek and humble of Heart after He had drawn from the treasury of His Heart that best of all gifts, the Sacrament of the Most Blessed Eucharist; lastly, after He had willed that, upon the cross, His Heart should be opened, and continue open, as a place of refuge for all ; then was devotion to His divine Heart wonderfully increased. The Apostles now spread it throughout the world as a special worship. Thenceforth, the Fathers of the Church themselves practiced it most tenderly, and commended it most carefully to others. The Saints of every after age became devoted disciples of the Heart of Jesus. But when came the fullness of time, at which He had decreed to pour forth all the riches of His ( 1 ) 2 PROLOGUE. Heart, the goodness and kindness of the Saviour were made manifest, and Himself revealed His wish that, thereafter, this devotion should be a most especial one ; since He declared and promised that He would lavish the abundance of His graces upon all, who should consecrate themselves to the wor- ship of His Heart. 2. The object of this worship is the Heart Itself of Jesus. And since in Jesus Christ there are two natures, the divine and the human, and only one person, the divine Person ; the Heart of Jesus Christ is the Heart of the divine Person, the Heart of the Word Incarnate. And because the divine Person is to be honored with the highest worship ; the worship to be paid to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which can neither be separated nor taken away from the divine Person, is likewise supreme. This is a Catholic truth, which has prevailed over all con- trary errors. 3. The end of this devotion is threefold. The first, to make to Jesus a return for that boundless love, of which His Heart is the symbol, that made Him do so much and suffer so immeasurably for our sake ; and induced Him to bestow upon us that sweetest and most precious of all gifts, the Sacra- ment of the Eucharist. The second, that, through the fervor of our piety, we may, as far as we can, make amends for all the insults which have been, or are even now offered to His most Sacred Heart, which He exhibits to us as the throne of His affec* PROLOGUE. 3 tions. The third, that imitating what we worship, we may be inspired with the same affections, the same sentiments that animated His Heart during His life of toil and suffering, and still animate It in His blissful and Sacramental life. 4. From its antiquity, object, and manifold end, it is plain that this devotion is most excellent, most profitable, most solid and most consoling. But since to imitate what we worship is the abridgment of religion, and since the other ends are contained and reduced to practice in a true Imitation; there- fore, in order to insist on this Imitation, and, as far as it is allowed, to direct the same, this little volume is presented to all. 5. This work, which contains a summary of As- cetic Theology, and embraces the doctrine, as well as the practice, of the spiritual and interior life,, will supply ample matter for daily meditation,, throughout the whole year. In this manner the reader will be enabled to repeat it every year, to examine it more closely, and to impress it more deeply on his mind and heart. He can, if it so pleases, start from the beginning and continue to the end of the work; or he may, whilst going on from the beginning, occasionally break off this or- der, either when some necessity or advantage invites him to some portion specially adapted to his present feelings ; or when, on the days on which he ap- proaches holy Communion, his devotion suggests 4 PROLOGUE. the last Book as better suited to his actual circum* stances. 6. For very weighty reasons, things are not pro- posed here in general and in common, as is usually done in books for meditation, but everything is laid down specially and in particular, both in regard to the evil to be avoided, and the good to be practiced. First, that the reader may not be left in uncertainty or beating the air, aiming and grasping at whatever presents itself by the way, and yet gain, or secure nothing. Secondly, that having assiduously before 'his eyes something determinate, he may direct his ■strength and efforts, as well in time of prayer and meditation as during self-examination and the per- formance of good works, to this, that he subdue what is to be subdued, that he acquire what is to be acquired. Lastly, that by destroying separately those things which are the causes, or, as it were, the roots of other evils, he may the more easily r and the more efficaciously demolish the rest ; and that, by learning and acquiring separately those capital virtues of which, in the lowliness and charity of His Heart, Jesus has given us the example, he may the more readily and the more certainly obtain all other virtues. 7. What regards the manner of writing, although it is most true, that the testimony of Christ must not be announced in loftiness of speech or wisdom, since the kingdom of God consists not in speech but in virtue* yet, it seemed proper to attend carefully PROLOGUE. 5 to two things: first, that the style should every- where be suited to the subject; secondly, that the diction should be sufficiently pure. 8. Finally, it must be observed, that the charac- ter of this little work is such, as to require, not that it should be read in public to others, but that every one, who desires to use it, may read it privately to himself alone. For its form, its reasoning demand that, in order to relish it, you should, in some man- ner, converse alone with Jesus alone, face to face, heart to heart. DIRECTORY FOR THE FIRST BOOL 1. Whoever desires to gather for himself the whole fruit of this work, must rightly understand the aim of each Book, properly apply the means proposed, and diligently strive to surmount the ob- stacles to the attainment of this aim. Wherefore, in regard to these things, we shall briefly and clearly lay down before every Book that which may serve to direct you with safety. 2. The aim of the first Book is, to teach you how to free the heart, first, from the stains of sin, after- wards from the love of a corrupt world, and lastly, from the inordinate affection for self. And this may be understood in three ways, and reached through as many degrees. And first, it is required that you free your soul from every mortal sin, and from the love of the world and every ill-regulated affection for yourself, so far as actually to prefer God, your Creator and Saviour, before all things ; and., consequently, to be unwilling, for anything whatsoever, to offend mor- tally the Divine Majesty. Secondly, that you cleanse your heart from every deliberate venial sin, and from the love of the world and the ill-regulated affection for self, so that not even to obtain all things created, nor even to preserve life itself, you would commit any delib- erate venial sin. ( 6 ) DIRECTORY FOR THE FIRST BOOK. 7 Thirdly, that you purify yourself from those im- perfections which a great fidelity to divine grace may enable you to avoid ; and that you so dispose yourself as to abhor the world, and to detest every inordinate affection for self. Whence it follows that all, they that begin, they that are advanced, yea the perfect themselves, may profitably make use of this book, and go over it again and again. For, “ Believe me,” says St. Ber- nard, “ things cut off sprout forth again, what is driven off returns, what is put out is again enkin- dled, and what lies slumbering is again awakened* It is therefore but little to have pruned once, the pruning-knife should be applied, yea, if possible, always ; if you are in earnest, you will always find something which needs pruning.” Here it must carefully be observed, that a per- fect cleansing of the heart is a matter of the ut- most importance, whereon almost everything in the spiritual life depends. The chief reason why there are so few who find the path of virtue easy and pleasant ; so few who continue to advance readily and perseveringly ; so few who attain to the divine union; so few, in fine, who even in this life enjoy the good things which the Lord has here promised to the clean of heart, — is, because so few do per- fectly cleanse their interior. Many there are who labor much and make little progress : they are often obliged to begin anew ; they scarcely, or almost never, taste the sweetness of virtue ; they carry the 8 DIRECTORY FOR THE FIRST ROOK. cross, but do not experience its unction. And, al- though they may at last be saved, yet, for all eternity, they deprive God of a great glory, and themselves of an immense bliss, which they could easily have merited, had they cleansed themselves perfectly. Wherefore, there is hardly anything which the de- mon strives more to hinder than a complete cleans- ing of the heart. He suffers us quietly enough to practice virtues, and even to apply ourselves to per- fection, provided we neglect purity of heart. For he knows, that in this way we will fall into delu- sions, and never acquire genuine and solid virtues, much less true perfection. Now, this is the com- mon illusion, against which souls, that are not yet well purified, should especially be on their guard : They desire namely, after a superficial cleansing of the heart, forthwith to deal on terms of intimacy in the interior life with Jesus, to be entertained with Him amid the flowers of virtues, and to taste the most delicious fruits : or, which is still more dangerous, neglecting perfect purity of heart, they aspire to the enjoyment of internal union with Jesus, so full of love and sweetness. There are other illusions, to which souls that enter upon the spiritual life are exposed; for example: they prac- tice external mortification even to excess ; they wish, — with a mind in some manner interiorly stub- born, and through a certain violence, — to be freed from something that is irksome to them, or to ac- quire that for which they long ; they keep up fear, DIRECTORY FOR THE FIRST BOOK. 9 even unto down-heartedness. But these things, al- though dangerous, are not so common nor baneful, as that whereby a person is induced to overlook interior purity. 3. To this, therefore, you must direct all your endeavors. First, having well understood that you are called to true bliss everlasting, learn, as per- fectly as possible, all the malice and all the evil of sin, and feel, in some manner, in your soul all the deformity caused in you by sin ; secondly, acquire as perfect a knowledge as possible of the vanity and wickedness of the world, and comprehend most intimately the lamentable fate of those that suffer themselves, of their own accord, to be forever ut- terly destroyed by the world ; thirdly, have a true knowledge of your own self, — what you have made yourself through your offenses, how miserable you are of yourself, and to what you tend of yourself. To attain to all this, it is not enough to read the Book in a hasty manner, but you should meditate with attention and diligence on what is said, and reduce it to practice. For, in this work things are not so much unfolded as pointed out : first, in or- der that you may reflect thereon, and endeavor to develop and apply the same to yourself ; secondly, that you may stir up the affections of your heart, and ask of the Lord whatever you may need, ac- cording to the state of your soul; lastly, that you may secure an inward relish and gather more abundant fruit. For, by thus meditating, by pious 10 DIRECTORY FOR THE FIRST BOOK. desires, by earnest prayer, you shall understand the matter more clearly, and apply it with more profit ; and, in return, the Lord, according to the gene- rosity of His Heart, will reward your endeavors, and bless them with His grace. All which is to be understood as referring not to the first Book only, but to the others likewise. 4. There are two methods of using this first Book : each of which is perfectly safe and easy, as is proved by the experience of very many, even un- educated persons, who are wont to spend whole hours in meditation, without weariness and with much fruit. The first method is mainly suitable for beginners, who, not yet accustomed to mental prayer, cannot keep up a continuous reasoning : nothing, however, hinders others from employing this same method, particularly when they do not feel themselves prop- erly disposed to make deeper reflections. First, therefore, recite a preparatory prayer, which may always be the same, and as follows : “Gather unto Thee, Lord Jesus, all my senses; cleanse my heart from all evil and unbecoming thoughts ; enlighten my understanding, inflame my heart, that, during this prayer, I may employ atten- tively and devoutly the senses of my body and the powers of my soul, for Thy glory and my salvation ; and that, through Thy most Sacred Heart, I may deserve to be heard in the sight of Thy Divine Ma- jesty. Amen. Lord Jesus, in unison with that DIRECTORY FOR THE FIRST BOOK. 11 divine intention of Thy Heart, whereby Thou didst pay to God the tribute of thy praise, I offer to Thee this prayer.” After which, place yourself before the Lord, in some appropriate mystery, or as dwelling in the holy Tabernacle. Finally, beg fervently of Him the fruit of the prayer which you are about to make. These three things constitute the beginning or introduction of the meditation, in whichsoever manner it is made. Next, if you make use of the first method of prayer, first, read slowly and attentively one or more verses, according as you may find it neces- sary or useful ; secondly, consider how true that is which you have just now read; how true all the Saints deemed it, as well as all they that were anxious to deliver their souls from everlasting per- dition, and to save them for eternity; how true you yourself will think it at the moment of death ; thirdly, examine yourself, endeavoring to discover what has hitherto been, in practice, your conduct concerning it; if good, return thanks to the Lord, and ascribe to Him all the glory, and do not neg- lect to beg for grace to be enabled to persevere in well-doing, yea, to act even better and more per- fectly ; if, on the contrary, evil, grieve, excite an act of contrition, ask pardon ; fourthly, form a good resolution of correcting yourself, or making pro- gress for the better : select means adapted to this purpose, and ask for grace to execute your resolve. This being done, if the allotted time for meditation 12 DIRECTORY FOR THE FIRST BOOK. is not elapsed, pass over to other verses, following the same order. But if you make use of the second method of meditation, after the aforesaid introduction, 1, ex- ercise your memory, either by reading or recalling to mind the matter of the meditation; 2, exercise the understanding, first, by reasoning on the sub- ject of the meditation, proceeding through causes and effects ; secondly, by investigating what prac- tical applications can be drawn therefrom ; thirdly, what reasons or incitements urge you to this; fourthly, how you have acted till now; fifthly, what is to be done for the future ; sixthly, what obstacles should be removed; seventhly, what means must be chosen; 3, exercise the will, first, by stirring up pious and appropriate affections and making in- ternal acts; secondly, by forming good specific resolutions, adapted to the present state of your soul; thirdly, by earnestly imploring grace for yourself and for others. Lastly, 1, a colloquy is made with Jesus by an outpouring of heart; 2, the concluding prayer is recited after this manner: “Lord Jesus Christ, who didst deign, by a new favor to Thy Church, to disclose the unspeakable riches of Thy Heart, grant, I beseech Thee, that I may be able to correspond to the love of this most Sacred Heart, make atone- ment by worthy homage for the insults offered by thankless men to Thy most afflicted Heart, and be inspired in all things with the sentiments of the DIRECTORY FOR THE FIRST BOOK. 13 same Heart ; who livest and reignest with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost. God world without end. Amen.” 3, finish by recommending yourself to the most Blessed Virgin Mary, to your Angel Guardian and your holy Patrons. These three things form the end or close of every kind of meditation. Since experience proves, that the examples of the Saints exercise a wonderful and saving influence, on the hearts of sinners as well as of the just, they are frequently brought forward. But, to meditate on these with more fruit, you should consider some particular Saint or Saints, whom you choose for Patron, or to whom you entertain a special devo- tion. For different persons are edified and moved by different examples : thus a religious is wont to know better, and to study more, the lives of the Saints of his Order ; and they that live in the world and strive to serve God, feel more devotion to those Saints whose example seems better adapted to them- selves. When, therefore, the Saints are said to have done something after the example of the Heart of Jesus, or to have been distinguished in some speciality, you ought to select in your mind some particular Saint, and see what he did, and how he acted ; implore his intercession with God, and recommend yourself to him. And if no Saint oc- curs to you at the time, you can always recall the example of the most Blessed Virgin Mary, and beg her intercession and protection. 14- directory FOR THE FIRST BOOK. 5. Then, in order to guard against, or overcome the obstacles which the enemy of your everlasting happiness throws in your way, and which are wont to relate to conscience ; you should, fh'st, rightly understand what is meant by conscience. Now, conscience is the dictate presented through reason, which inwardly warns, or shows us, in particular cases, what is to be done or omitted, and this either under pain of sin, because it is a matter of precept ; or, on account of an increase of merit, or the greater good-pleasure of God, because it is only a matter of counsel. It is called a dictate presented through reason; because it is a practical conclusion deduced from principles, known to reason, either by the light of nature, or of grace or faith. For example : My conscience tells me, that to-day (Sunday) I am obliged to hear Mass. This is deduced from these implied premises : On Sundays there is an obliga- tion of hearing Mass: but to-day is a Sunday; therefore, to-day there is an obligation of hearing Mass. But it must be remarked, that an inference of this kind is secretly drawn, and presented to man, even in spite of himself: as is made manifest in those who are unwilling to listen to the voice of conscience, lest they be deterred from things wherein they unlawfully indulge, or lest they be disturbed in them. For it is altogether against their will that they hear, that conscience forbids something and condemns them. Hence it appears that con- DIRECTORY FOR TiIE FIRST BOOK. 15 science, when really such, is independent of man and superior to him. He that is too prone to timidity or scrupulous- ness, should here carefully observe and learn, that conscience is not an agitation of the nerves, nor a representation of the fancy, nor a vague fear, nor, finally, the possibility of a case. On the other hand, he that is too inclined to laxity or to rashness, should observe, that a desire of the will, the propensity or aversion of nature, that some passion, or, lastly, some subtle artifice, is not conscience. But let them both remember, that conscience is the dictate pre- sented through reason, or the voice of the Spirit of God, who speaks to us inwardly by reason, as an in- terior organ, and makes known to us, in particular cases, His Will that commands, or His good-pleasure that counsels. Conscience is true or right. A right conscience is that one, which shows things as they are in real- ity ; as commanded or obliging, what is commanded ; as dangerous, what is dangerous ; as counseled or better, what belongs to counsel or perfection. This conscience, if we follow it in such a manner that, from a holy fear of God, — whereby like good chil- dren we dread to offend God, — we avoid sins which destroy His friendship, or His paternal good-will towards us, is called a fair conscience. But, if we are so faithful that, at its bidding, we guard against every voluntary defect, and are obedient to the same in all things, it is called a delicate conscience. 16 DIRECTORY FOR THE FIRST BOOK. Again, conscience may be false or erroneous. Such is that one which shows things falsely or dif- ferently from what they are in truth. This hap- pens, for the most part, through the fault of man, who viciates the instrument of which the Spirit of God makes use, so that it does not transmit the divine voice. Ignorance, the habit of sin, every inordinate passion, spoils it more or less. Or, to speak more plainly, ignorance, the habit of sin, every inordinate passion, have, each by itself, the effect of causing something false or trifling, to be assumed as one of the principles from which a practical inference, or conscience, is deduced. Whence it happens, that such a conscience is the voice, not of the Spirit of God ; but of another spirit, that uses passion, or any of those other causes, to speak to man’s interior. If conscience errs by our voluntary fault, it is styled vincibly erroneous, and makes us guilty of the errors. How, it is vincibly erroneous, through our voluntary fault, if, when we put an act, or the cause of an act, a knowledge or a doubt of an error occurs to the mind, and the obligation of avoiding the error is noticed, and when, over and above, or- dinary diligence to know the truth is neglected. But, if conscience errs without such a fault on our part, it is called invincibly erroneous, and does not make us guilty in the sight of God. To erroneous conscience belong likewise, both the scrupulous and the lax conscience, being the opposite extremes. A scrupulous conscience is that which DIRECTORS’ FOR THE FIRST BOOK. 17 believes it sees, and even when corrected, persists in believing, that it sees, sin where there is no sin ; it errs for the most part, because a soul gives in to the imagination, to the obstinacy of her own judg- ment, or some passion which fetters the heart ; whence, being inwardly agitated and perplexed, she sees objects differently from what they really are, or confounds one thing with another, precepts with counsels, things probable with possible, sin and its danger with the appearance or semblance of sin and danger. A lax conscience, on the other hand, is the con- science of a soul that persuades herself that she does not see — and, even when warned, continues to persuade herself that she does not see — sin, or the danger of sin, where it really exists. An individual falls into this error because he has a mind which labors under culpable ignorance, or a sin to which he is habitually addicted ; or because he indulges a passion by which he covets or abhors something inordinately. Whence it happens, that he who has such a conscience is blamable ; because he can guard against errors by removing their cause : which he must certainly do when he sufficiently perceives the obligation of removing the same. We should guard, with the greatest care, as well against a scrupulous, as against a lax, conscience. Both are not only dangerous, but destructive : the one, as well as the other, hinders perfection, and ren- ders it impossible : and, what is more to be dreaded, 2 18 DIRECTORY FOR THE FIRST BOOK. both are wont to expose salvation itself to the dan- ger of perdition. Wherefore, let every one be care- ful to have a right conscience. But, to commit a formal sin, or a sin by which God is offended and man becomes guilty, it is neces- sary, first, that the act, whether internal or external, by which sin is committed, either through commis- sion or omission, be evil or unlawful, or is consid- ered as evil or unlawful by conscience ; secondly, that his mind, when he does the act, or puts the cause of the act, advert to the moral evil of the act, or see that the act is unlawful ; thirdly^ that the will, whilst he possesses the internal liberty of choosing between consent and dissent, knowing that the act is evil or unlawful, freely consent thereto. For, if he does an internal or external act, the moral evil of which he does not notice, either when he does the act, or puts the cause of the act; he in- deed wills or can will the act, but not as morally evil, while he does not see that the same is unlaw- ful. For nothing is willed that is not known. Wherefore, by willing, or doing, such an act, he commits only a material sin ; which is nothing else than an error of a conscience, invincibly erroneous, whereby God is not offended and man not rendered guilty. To commit a mortal sin, it is required, as not only the theologians, but the Saints also teach, first, that the internal or external act be grievously evil, or deemed grievously evil by conscience ; sec- DIRECTORY FOR THE FIRST BOOK. 19 ondlv, that, when he does the act or puts the cause of the act, the mind do fully advert to the grievous evil of the act; thirdly, that the will, knowingly and freely, give its consent. If one of these three things be wanting, the sin, which would otherwise be mortal, is venial. No one commits a formal sin in spite of his will : for man cannot sin, formally, except by his own free will. He can, however, if he so wills, through an abuse of his free will, think evil or that which is unlawful ; propose or imagine it to himself, give his consent thereto, and commit sin. Moreover, the demon can, with the Divine permission, and really does, cause in him thoughts and imaginations, evil ones too, that he may entice him to give the con- sent of the will ; but he can never force him to con- sent. Finally, God Himself, His good and blessed Spirits are wont to suggest thoughts, and to pro- pose objects, but always to induce man to good : they assist his will to do good, but they never force him. Whence it appears, that in man there is a triple kind of thoughts and emotions ; the first, spring- ing from the free will of man himself ; the second, thrown in from without by the demon, the evil spirit ; the third, also suggested from without, but by the good Spirit. Now then, “ By their reason- ings we shall know them : and the suggestion itself will make known which spirit it is that speaks” (St. Bern.) — The following rules, which the Saints 20 DIRECTORY FOR THE FIRST BOOK. lay down for the discernment of Spirits, will help you to understand this matter: I. To them that easily sin mortally, the evil spirit is commonly wont to suggest, or propose the seeming delights of the flesh, sensual pleasures ; that thereby he may hold them more securely in his service, and plunge them deeper into sins and vices. Towards such persons the good Spirit pursues the opposite course : he continually stings and dis- turbs their conscience ; that he may render them conscious of the unhappy state of their soul, may deter them from sin, and convert them. II. By deceitful counsel and cunning, the evil spirit endeavors to lead man to an inordinate love and greediness for riches, or the superfluity of pos- sessions, that, afterwards, he may cause him to fall more easily into sin. But the good Spirit whispers, that the heart should be kept free from the inordinate love and eagerness for earthly possessions, lest it be entangled by them. III. The evil spirit allures, presses, persists, in order to induce man to aspire to vain honors. The good Spirit places before him, and teaches, generous humility, the true and safe glory of man. IY. To them that perceive the needfulness of their devoting themselves to their everlasting sal- vation, and who begin seriously to think of securing the same, the evil spirit is wont to suggest a cer- DIRECTORY FOR THE FIRST BOOK. 21 tain shame, or human respect, that he may check these good beginnings. The good Spirit encourages and stimulates them, that, spurning all human considerations, they may bravely go forward. V. To those who are sincerely careful to cleanse themselves from faults and vices, and who advance more and more in the desire of serving God, the evil spirit suggests molestations, scruples, sadness, false reasonings, and other annoyances of this kind, that thereby he may hinder their progress. The good Spirit, on the contrary, is wont to sup- ply strength and courage to those that act rightly or endeavor to do well, to enlighten their mind, to pour in consolation, to give peace and tranquillity, that they may ever the more readily and cheerfully, by means of good works, continue to make further progress. VI. With all his might does the evil spirit strive that the soul, which he desires to deceive and to lead to ruin, do keep secret his wily suggestions. He exerts himself, as much as he is able, that his at- tempts be not made known to a spiritual director ; since he knows that, in this event, he fails in them. But the good Spirit loves light and order,* be- cause he acts fairly, and his works are good. VII. The evil spirit is accustomed to conduct himself like a commander in war. For as this one examines the arrangements, and reconnoitres the strength of the citadel which he desires to take, and 22 DIRECTORY FOR THE FIRST BOOK. assails it on the weakest side ; so the evil spirit ex^ plores t)ur disposition and all our virtues, both theo- logical and moral, and at whatever point he finds us weaker, there he is wont to attack and try to take us by storm. VIII. The evil spirit, the tempter, is wont to lose, altogether, his courage and strength, whenever he sees his spiritual antagonist, struggling with a bold front and unterrified heart against temptations ; but, on the contrary, if he perceives that he trem- bles, and, as it were, loses courage, there is no wild beast on earth more fierce or headstrong against man than this same enemy, in order to accomplish the desire of his wicked and perverse mind. St. Ignat., St. Thom., St.- Teresa. THE EIRST BOOK. ADMONITIONS USEFUL FOR PURIFYING THE HEART. CHAPTER I. THE FOUNDATION. 1. The voice of Jesus . — Learn of Me because I am meek and humble of Heart ; and ye shall find rest for your souls. The voice of the Disciple . — These are the words of Jesus Christ, whereby we are commanded to learn and imitate the Virtues of His Heart, that we may be set free from all misery of soul, and be made truly happy. This is His doctrine, this is the method of learn- ing, this is the fruit, this is the end. The first inducement to learn is the excellence of the Master. What is there more excellent than the Son of God, who alone is our Master, appointed by His eternal Father, in whom also are all the treasures of the wisdom and knowledge of God ? His doctrine is the truth, surpassing all the arts and sciences of this world : it smooths the way not to some perishable wealth, some passing pleasures, or a short-lived renown : but to boundless riches, that cease not to last, to unuttered delights, that ( 23 ) 24 THE FIRST BOOK. are constant, to honors supreme, that endure for- ever. Whatever He taught us to do, He reduced to one lesson : Learn of Me because I am meek and hum- ble of Heart : this He adapted to all men, this He gives to all, that all may learn the same, the little as well as the great ; knowing full well that in this precept, if rightly understood and kept, are con- tained all things necessary. His whole life was the application of this doc- trine, which He began to practice, before He taught it to others. 2. Let us learn this short lesson, and we shall be wise enough, and sufficiently instructed ; nor shall we have to look for any thing more. The method of learning consists in action, which is performed in two ways : by studying and by practicing. But first, in order to understand what we strive to learn, and reduce to practice what we have un- derstood, we must pray earnestly. Afterwards, we must diligently revolve in our mind the depth,* the hight, the breadth of the lesson ; keeping unceasingly before our eyes the divine likeness of our Master, and examining what we ought to amend, what to avoid, what to hold, and to what to aspire. Lastly, since it is not enough to know, but we must also practice, the lesson, as it wholly con- sists in action, and can only be perfectly learnt CHAPTER I. 25 by acting ; we must, as soon as we begin to learn, also begin to practice, showing ourselves before God and men, meek and humble of heart in thought, word and deed. And, whilst we progress in understanding and practice, we should so labor that the spirit of the lesson unfold itself ever more perfectly in the plan of our life, in our inmost feelings, in our conversa- tions, in our every action, yea, in the very modifi- cations of the same. 3. If, after this manner, we learn what our Lord has given us to learn, we shall reap the fruit, whereby our zeal and toil shall most certainly be rewarded, according to the promise of Him who cannot possibly deceive nor be deceived. Which is that promised fruit? Of all— the most desirable. Ye shall find rest, says He . And what is it, to find rest? Nothing less than to find that with which we may repose, filled and satisfied ; without any need to seek for aught more, and without fear of ever losing it, against our will. Whoever shall have found this rest, will be truly calm and happy : but he that finds it not, whatever else he may possess, shall ever be restless and un- happy ; because in his heart he is not satisfied, is obliged to seek for more, and is ever in danger of losing, even against his will, what he has acquired. We are all so framed that, by nature, we are com- 3 26 THE FIRST BOOK. pelled to covet a blissful repose ; neithe: have we it in our power not to desire the same. A great blessing it doubtless was, that the Lord placed within us this awakening desire, this urging power ; for, more firmly in action, more gently in manner, do we, by its means, pursue that which is to make us happy. And although, by the freedom of our will, we are enabled to seek rest in a variety of things ; yet will this longing of ours, this power, importune and drive us onward, until we find the object for the seeking and attaining of which this faculty has been given to us. Christ the Lord, our God, who implanted this faculty in our souls, and who would not have given us this irresistible faculty without an object, nor have given it without the ability of attaining the same, — shows us here, where we should seek, and how we may find the true object. Learn of Me because I am meek and humble of Heart, and ye shall find rest. He makes no dis- tinction, no exception : we shall then find true rest, unalloyed happiness. For although our rest, our soul’s happiness, as long as we dwell here below, cannot be every way complete, yet it will be real ; such as the Lord promises, and such as has been experienced by numberless Saints, who were meek and humble Disciples of the meek and humble Jesus. We shall truly enjoy that peace, which no out- J£0$TCH JuISlvYklfclir CfilteTJNUT MILL, MASS, CHAPTER I. 27 ward enemy can disturb : we shall delight it that repose, which no inward agitation can disquiet : lastly, we shall possess that divine likeness and union, wherein is contained supreme happiness, yea, every good here upon earth, and of which no one can deprive us, against our will. 4. Whilst we gather this fruit, we shall, at the same time, secure our end, the everlasting bliss of our souls. For He says : Ye shall find rest for your souls. If our souls are ours, they are not ours because we created them, since He Himself created us, and not we ourselves : but they are ours because He gave them to us. In giving them to us, He gave them for an end worthy of Himself, that we, — after He had done what He ought, which He always does, since He is infinitely perfect, — might act jointly with Him, and thus gain for our souls a blissful and abiding tranquillity. This then is the end : everlasting beatitude of the soul, intimately connected with the glory of the Lord, who, in creating her, had this end in view. For if God is full of glory in all His works, how glorified must He be, in so great a work as that of the salvation of souls exulting forever in triumph, and praising Him without ceasing ! To attain this end, He helps and strengthens us in a thousand ways and by countless means : for this He goes before us, as a goon father before his cdiildren, as a guide and companion, pointing out a 28 THE FIRST BOOf. safe and pleasant way, whilst, at the same time. He relieves and refreshes us. 5. This being so, let us joyously follow so great and so good a leader. What can be more honor- able for us ? Is it not a great glory to follow the Lord ? is it not supreme honor, to be the beloved Disciples of His Heart? What worldly honor can be imagined, which does not become mere emptiness, when compared with such a dignity ? Nor is there anything more useful, since on it depends our soul’s rest: our happiness both in time and in eternity. Now, this is a matter of such import- ance, that alone it deserves our attention ; because, without it, all other things are useless and delusive. Lastly, it is sweet and easy ; for His commands are not heavy ; since He enjoins such things, as with the means which He affords, we cannot only perform, but from the fulfillment of which no enemy of our salvation, no obstacles can hinder us. And, if we learn of the very Heart of the Saviour, we draw from the sweetest fountain of love ; so that we either do not feel the labor, or if we do, we so cherish it as to find it easy and delightful. 0 Jesus, meek and humble of Heart ! receive me, I pray Thee, as Thy Disciple, the Disciple of Thy Heart, and grant me to learn diligently of Thee to be meek and lowljb of heart, that thus I may find rest for my soul, to xhy everlasting glory. CHAPTER II. 29 CHAPTER II. THAT NO OBJECT IN THIS WORLD CAN SET OUR HEART TRULY AT REST, OR MAKE IT TRULY CONTENTED. 1. The voice of Jesus. — My Child, thou art cre- ated for happiness. This experience affirms, this reason proves, this faith teaches. Thou seekest incessantly for happiness, and thou dost well. But leave off seeking thy happiness in things created : in them thou shalt not find it. No object of this world can satisfy the longings of thy heart ; even shouldst thou alone possess at once all things created, thy heart should still be empty and wretched. Things of this earth awaken the thirst of the heart, they cannot allay it : yea, the more thou dost possess, the more eagerly shalt thou thirst. How canst thou find in creatures that which ex- ists not in them ? can any one give what he does not possess? 2. Shalt thou obtain what no mortal was ever able to obtain ? Behold, the wisest of men abounded in all good things, he was affluent with ever-fresh delights, he astonished nations with his boundless wealth, he had filled the uttermost lands with the renown of his glory. Yet, on account of the void of his heart, he is 30 THE 1'IRST BOOK. forced to exclaim: Vanity of vanities, and all is vanity. Grant that thou possess whatever thy heart may long for in this world : that thou be lord of the whole earth : that all men do thee honor : try all things ; and thou shalt find that thou hast as yet found nothing, except vanity and affliction of spirit. 3. Do not wonder at this, My Child : thy heart is not made for this world. Therefore, whatever this world contains is unworthy of thy noble des- tiny and of thy heart’s affection. Thou art created for greater things, thou art born for things everlasting, thou art destined to things without limit. Do not then give thyself up to what is low and mean, since thou art made to rule forever. What could it avail thee to gain the whole world, if thou shouldst lose thy soul ? Surely, thou wouldst be twice unhappy : here, on account of the wicked state of thy conscience, thou wouldst suffer a tor- turing agony ; hereafter, thou wouldst have to un- dergo misery everlasting. Blessed, therefore, is he who spurns whatever may mislead the heart ; who nobly casts aside every obstacle to true felicity ; who, mindful of his noble destiny, seeks happiness above all in his Creator. 4. The voice of the Disciple . — My God, my Sa- viour, Thou didst create me for happiness ; hitherto I have not ceased to seek it, still I have never yet tasted, nor have I ever yet found happiness. CHAPTER III. 31 My passions were ever and anon crying to me : here it is, or there. In my madness, I believed them, and, blinded by my unruly desires, I ran hither and thither ; but, instead of the sought-for bliss, I found wretchedness, and tasted its bitter- ness. Ah, wretched me ! created for happiness in Thee, my God ! I toiled in vain, whilst I sought it in creatures outside of Thee ; and behold ! I strayed still further away from the bliss for which I was created, and I found wretchedness, for which I was not made, and perished therein. God, my Saviour ! open my eyes, that now I may distinctly see this great mistake of mine ; and grant that, free from error, I may effectually seek in Thee that beatitude which I cannot find in creatures. CHAPTER III. THAT IN THE HEART OF JESUS OUR HEART MAY FIND TRUE REST, UNALLOYED FELICITY. 1. The voice of Jems . — My Child, if thou desir- est to attain true felicity, render thy whole heart similar and conformable to My Heart. In My Heart thou shalt find peace and tranquil- lity, which the world cannot give nor take away. If once thou hadst entered perfectly into the in- terior of My Heart, thou wouldst thence behold ah 32 THE FIRST BOOK. things earthly, such as they are in themselves, not as they are esteemed by the foolish worshipers of the world. Then thou wouldst free thyself from the irksome and unnecessary care of creatures, and think noth- ing worthy of itself, except what is truly good. 2. Now, thy heart, subject to continual fluctua- tion, changes seven times a day, so that at onetime it is glad, at another sad ; now calm, then troubled; again inflamed with the love of creatures, and again wearied with the emptiness of them ; sometimes it glows with fervor, and next it falls into lukewarm- ness, and thus, like the sea, it is ever changing. But, if thy heart were united with Mine, a great and enduring calm would suddenly ensue. For, safe in thy union with My Heart, as in a harbor of protection, thou shouldst be enabled to remain ever the same and unshaken ; secure against change, whether the winds of adversity or of prosperity were blowing. If thou art sheltered in My Heart, no enemy shall hurt thee. The devil, indeed, runs about, seeking whom he may destroy; and many does he drag into destruction ; but thee he shall not ap- proach, nor shall he disturb thy peace. 3. Oh ! if thou wouldst acknowledge the divine gift ! Oh ! if thou wert willing to know what good things lie hidden therein ! It does truly contain all that is needed for thy felicity. Continual peace, undisturbed security, true joy CHAPTER III. 33 of heart is the portion of all those that love My Heart, and make their abode within the same. Of what avail are riches, honor, yea the greatest delights, if the heart be not satisfied and at rest? A.nd what can the whole world give, except rest- lessness and sickliness of heart ? Wretched therefore shalt thou be, whatever thou mayst possess, until thou shalt rest in Me, who alone can give thee all. 4. The voice of the Disciple . — Experience has taught me this, 0 Lord ; for in all things have I sought peace, and nothing have I found except trouble upon trouble. Thou didst assuredly will, for Thy own sake, as well as for ours, that our heart should find peace in Thee alone. For Thou, 0 Lord, didst make our heart for Thyself : and restless and unhappy must it be, until it repose in Thee. 0 Heart of Jesus most sweet ! 0 Thou the delight of the most Holy Trinity! 0 Thou the joy of the Angels and Saints ! 0 most blissful Paradise cf souls ! what can I wish outside of Thee, since in Thee is all that I can and must desire ? In Thee, heaven has its beatitude ; in Thee, the earth its felicity : since, then. Thou art the bliss of all, why shouldst Thou not also be mire ? Yes, indeed, 0 sweetest Heart of my Jesus I Thou art my repose, Thou art my bliss for ever- more. 34 THE FIRST BOOK. CHAPTER IV. TH A.T IT IS NECESSARY FOR SALVATION, TO IMI- TATE THE HEART OF JESUS. 1, The voice of Jesus . — My Child, one thing abovo all others is necessary, to save thy soul. For if she is lost, all is lost; but if she is saved, all else is saved. Yet, thou shalt not attain thy eternal salvation, if thou do not imitate My Heart. For those whom God did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son. Which is this image of the Son of God, where- unto all those that will be saved are to be con formed, if it be not My Heart ? It is not given to every one, to imitate My out- ward actions ; nor does it depend on man to do the wonderful works, which I have wrought. Besides, by reason of the diversity of men’s con- ditions in life, all cannot follow My exterior man- ner of living: but the interior dispositions of My Heart can be imitated by all, the great and the small, the learned and the ignorant, in whatever condition they may live. If then thou desirest to be saved, be conformed to My Heart ; and do thou reproduce in thy heart, whatever sentiments animate Mine. 2. Though thou shouldst distribute thy possessions CHAPTER IV. 35 among the poor ; though thou shouldst give up thy body to the greatest penances ; though thou shouldst understand all mysteries ; though thou shouldst work .astonishing miracles; if thy heart be not after the likeness of Mine, thou art nothing, and all those things shall avail thee nothing forever. By the likeness of thy heart to Mine art thou to be judged, and thence is thy eternal state to be de- termined. But, at the judgment, many will say : Lord, have we not in Thy name prophesied ? have we not cast out devils? have we not wrought many wonders ? And I will say to them : I know you not : do ye see the wounds which ye have inflicted ? Do ye recognize the Side, which ye have pierced, and which for your sake remained open ; yet ye would not enter into the same? Whatever, therefore, thou mayst do, it avails thee nothing, unless thou do it according to My Heart. 3. Not the outward appearance of piety, but a devoted heart makes a man truly good, and dear to Me. Thou wilt place thy salvation in security, in pro- portion as thou dost conform thy heart to My Heart. Do for thy salvation whatever thou art capable of doing : no zeal can be too great, when an eter- nity is at stake. When thou art about to die, thou shalt find that everything is lost, whatsoever thou mayst have 36 THE iTIRST BOOK. done ; unless thou didst direct it to Me, and to thy salvation. If, then, thy everlasting salvation is of the greatest importance, remember, as much as thy salvation is worth, so much is the Imitation of My Heart to be prized. 4. The voice of the Disciple . 0 eternal salvation of the soul ! important affair, thou alone art to me supremely necessary ! Why am I in this world if not to save my soul ? Why was I redeemed, why furnished with so many means, why loaded with divine favors, if it was not that I might, with more ease and pleasure, secure my soul’s salvation ? But alas ! I did not yet begin earnestly, that for which I am placed in this world. Ransomed as I was, I sold myself again into a more disgraceful slavery, and perished by misusing the very means and blessings, whereby I might so easily have secured my salvation and my happiness. 0 Lord my God ! Thou couldst most justly have permitted that I should perish forever, and suffer that never-ending destruction, which my wickedness and the wasting of Thy gifts have deserved for me. Yet, since the infinite go odness of Thy Heart did not allow this ; nay more, since by a new and ex- ceedingly great blessing, Thou hast induced me to value and love the salvation of my soul ; I will no longer be ungrateful, I will no longer expose my soul to everlasting ruin. 1 resolve and promise to co-operate with Thy CHAPTER V. 37 Heart’s most sweet designs of saving my soul, and rendering her forever happy. CHAPTER V. THAT ALL OUR PERFECTION CONSISTS IN IMITAT- ING THE HEART OF JESUS. 1. The voice of Jesus . — My Child, all thy perfec- tion consists in thy resemblance to My divine Heart. For My Heart, which is the Heart of the Word of God, is the standard of all virtues, is holiness itself. Whoever, therefore, imitates My Heart, imitates God, his Saviour, perfection itself. Now, since My Heart is the model of sanctity and the source of every grace, thou shalt learn of My Heart, what it behooves thee to do, that thou mayst render thyself holy ; and thou shalt draw thence the necessary strength to effect this. If, then, thou wilt become perfect, imitate My Heart : the more conformed thou art to It, the more perfect shalt thou be. 2. My Heart is humble : humility is the founda- tion of true sanctity. If thou do not learn humility of My Heart, thou shalt never possess this virtue ; nor shalt thou know aught of it except the name. And if thou build the structure of perfection 38 THE FIRST ROOK. upon aught else, it cannot be solid ; and it shall be overthrown by the least breath of wind, and great shall be the fall thereof. Moreover, My Heart is meek, full of charity : flow, charity is the perfection of holiness. But thy heart shall never be inflamed with ^charity, unless it be enkindled by that fire of love, wherewith My Own is burning. Woe to thee, if thou enkindles t thy heart with any strange fire ! thou wilt indeed burn, but for thy destruction. 3. Thou shalt never acquire solid virtues, nor attain true sanctity, except by imitating My Heart. Whatever signs of virtue thou mayst display, how devout soever thou mayst appear : so long as thy heart does not imitate Mine, all thy piety shall be nothing more, than a mask thrown over thy features. There is no hope of perfection, unless thou pro- pose to thyself My Heart as a pattern of perfec- tion. 4. So it has been from the beginning of the world. For, in the Old Law, it was foretold and known of what sort My Heart would be ; and no one was numbered with the Elect, unless he had foreshadow ed in his heart the qualities of My future Heart. And from the beginning of the Church to the present time, My Heart was ever the sanctification of the Apostles, the fortitude of Martyrs, the con- CHAPTER V. 39 stancy of Confessors, the purity of Virgins, the perseverance of the Just, in short, the perfection of all the Saints. Therefore, take courage, My Child, follow My Heart, whithersoever I may lead thee : the more closely thou shalt follow the same, the nearer thou shalt come to complete perfection. On the Imitation of My Heart depends the en- tire fulfillment of the Law, all sanctity, The constant endeavor of imitating My Heart, is a sure sign of predestination. 5. The voice of the Disciple . — 0 sweet Jesus, fountain of life and grace ! arouse me, help me to understand and imitate Thy Heart, the standard of virtue, the pattern of sanctity. Free my heart from every illusion, from every obstacle : grant, that with a guileless and pure heart, I may seek Thee ; that I may make Thy interior thoughts, the feelings of Thy Heart, my own ; that I may make myself inwardly similar to Thee. Alas ! 0 Lord, how unlike in heart am I to Thee ! How little have I hitherto labored to por- tray the life of Thy Heart by my own ! Would that I had not struggled to estrange my heart and turn it away from Thine ! 0 blindness ! 0 madness of my soul ! Have Thou pity on me, Lord Jesus ! have pity on me, according to the great mercy of Thy Heart. How many there are, who have not lived so long, 40 THE FIRST BOOK. nor had so many means, and yet have sanctified themselves by becoming fervent Disciples of Thy Heart ! And I have not yet begun to be holy : I am still a sinner ! It is time, 0 Lord, it is time to begin the work of my sanctification, which I have so long neglected. This arouses me, this spurs me on, that I can yet be made holy, that I can yet become the Dis- ciple of Thy Heart, that I can yet be marked with that most joyous sign of predestination. Cheer me up, Jesus most kind, give help, give courage : behold, now I begin. CHAPTEB, VI. THAT WHOEVER DESIRES TO IMITATE THE HEART OF JESUS, MUST PURIFY HIS OWN HEART. 1. The voice of Jesus . — My Child, if thou wilt en- ter into the intimacy of My Heart, and taste the unutterable sweetness of Its intercourse, cleanse thy heart from every evil. For I, thy Well-beloved, am pure and stainless, I delight Myself among the lilies. How could there exist a union betwixt My Heart and thine, unless thou hadst carefully purified it? For who shall accuse My Heart of sin ? And how canst thou say: My heart is clean; since thy heart itself is conscious of the contrary? CHAPTER VI. 41 Alas ! My Child, what a heart is thine ! Born in sin, so long an abode of evil spirits, defiled and dis- figured by so many stains, strongly drawn to evil and sadly estranged from supernal good ; fostering so many ill-regulated affections, the fruitful sources of sin, full of itself and of the world, accustomed, for the most part, to have itself in all things for its ultimate object. 2. Wonderful indeed is it, that thou darest in- vite Me to enter into such a heart, and to reside amid such uncleanness. A wicked heart is to Me an object of abhorrence, but an unclean heart I loathe : how then could it delight Me to dwell therein ? I seek a pure heart, and all My delight is to dwell therein ; and to be there entertained among lilies. Whoever, therefore, loves cleanness of heart, shall enjoy My presence, and shaft experience the ten- derness, and divine sweetness of My Heart. 3. Be not deceived, My Child, thinking that it is well with thee, provided thou dost outwardly de- port thyself in a proper manner, since I look chiefly at the heart. And what will it avail thee to have been pleasing, by thy outward conduct, to all creatures, if, by thy inward dispositions, thou hast been displeasing to Me? If thy heart, is stainless, then slialt thou be wholly pure : since it is from the heart that pro- 4 42 THE FIRST BOCK. ceed evil thoughts, uncleanness, fraud, blasphemy and all manner of evil. Purify thy heart, therefore, and nothing shall hinder thee from being sweetly united to My Heart, and from tasting the fullness of Its de- lights. But, if only outwardly thou turn away from evil, if thou do not root out sin from thy heart, thou shalt never be free from vices : they shall sprout forth with ten times greater vigor from within, than thou shalt be able to shun from without ; and, whilst thou appearest to stand firm, thou shalt sink be- neath the weight of inward evils. 4. Come then, My Child, prepare a neat dwelling- place for Me in thy heart, and I, when I come, will be wholly thine, and thou shalt be wholly Mine ; and there shall exist a wonderful intimacy between us, and a union known only to those who have tried it by experience. Be of good courage, and begin forthwith this all-important work : thou canst feel no true joy, un- til thou finish it entirely. Fear of trouble hinders many from perfectly pu- rifying their hearts. This is a device of the enemy : the wily foe, — Knowing that on a true and thorough cleansing of the heart depends not thy salvation and perfection alone, but also that of others, and, above all, My glory, — strives, by every means, to keep thee from this undertaking. CHAPTER VI. 43 Give no heed to the suggestions of the crafty schemer, vrlio cares not, whether it be by true or false means, that he attains his object. Do thou pray, ask for divine grace ; with this, set about thy work bravely ; and thou shalt see that all difficulties vanish before thy greatness of spirit ; and, to thy astonishment, thou shalt find, that where thou didst look for the greatest hardships, there shalt thou meet the greatest consolations. 5. The voice of the Disciple . — I beg and beseech Thee, Lord, create a clean heart in me, and renew a right spirit in my interior. My whole heart is defiled with uncleanness : and, from the heart, infection has spread over the powers of my soul, and over the senses of my body. Alas ! 0 Lord! what is there in me without blemish, or altogether pure ? Send forth, I beseech Thee, the light of Thy grace, and illumine my mind; that I may know, and bewail, all the evil I have done, and the good which 1 have neglected. 0 how I regret, sweetest Jesus, that I have dis- honored Thy dwelling-place in so unworthy a man- ner, that I have displeased Thee, that I have sad- dened Thy Heart! I grieve, 0 my supreme Good : I lament and abhor all my sins : I avow my malice and my ungratefulness : I implore the mercy of Thy Heart. Lord, if Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean : wash me from my iniquity, and cleanse me from luj 44 THE FIRST BOOK. sin. Yea, from hidden offenses, and from those not my own, purify my heart. Come, Jesus, enter my heart, and make for Thy- self a scourge with the cords of holy fear, of lively gratitude, and of pure love, and drive out all them that defile this Thy dwelling. Behold, henceforth I will give admittance to none of them: Thy house shall be called a house of prayer : in it, I will worship Thee ; in it, I will love Thee ; in it, I will occupy myself with Thee alone. CHAPTER VII. THAT OUR HEART MUST ESPECIALLY BE CLEAN FROM MORTAL SIN, THE GREATEST OF EVILS. 1. The voice of Jesus . — Look thou, My Child, lest in thy heart there be that sin which causeth the death of the soul. How canst thou love, or darest thou receive, as a guest, into thy heart, thy deadly foe ; who, when ad- mitted, will, without doubt, make thee the slave of hell, the most wretched of men; yea, more base than the irrational beings themselves. How many there are who exclaim : Alas ! what evils ravage the earth ! Yet sin is the only evil, and there is none other besides. CHAPTER VII. 45 Avoid sin, and whatever may befall thee, it will turn to thy advantage. 2. It is marvelous, that a being, gifted with reason, should, of its own accord, commit sin, which, in its very nature, is so unbecoming and detestable, that, even were there no heaven nor hell, it ought to be shunned on account of its inherent foulness. If thou considerest the infinite majesty of Him that is offended, and the infinite meanness of the one offending ; thou wilt understand, that sin is in some sort an infinite evil. Whoever sins mortally, assails God, and would do away with God Himself, if that were possible : nor is it for want of will, on the part of the sinner, that the God of heaven and earth is not destroyed. 3. So great an evil is sin, that, in order to de- stroy this hell-born monster, and to satisfy the di- vine justice, I, the Son of the Most High, must needs come down from My throne of Majesty, and being made man, suffer during life a ceaseless mar- tyrdom, and, at last, writhing in agony, expire upon a cross. Alas ! wretched man, how canst thou love to do that, which has cost Me so much ? Or how canst thou be willing, for a moment’s pleasure, to renew all My toils, My sufferings, and My most bitter death ? When thou sinnest mortally, thou makest thy- self guilty of a far more grievous crime than the Jews, My torturers. For these, had they known 46 THE FIRST BOOK. Me as the Lord of eternal glory, would never have put Me to death. But thou, thou knowest Me : yea, knowest who, and how good I am, and knowest this by the experience of My favors. 4. Was it not by My charity alone, that I not only created, redeemed, and preserved thee ; but that I ever protected, guided, and cherished thee more kindly than the most tender-hearted parent ? Whatever thou art, whatever thou hast, I have given thee, and, over and above all, I have given thee My own Self : and is this the return which thou makest ? Behold, if thou throwest to an animal, devoid of reason, a morsel of the meanest food, it shows thee gratefulness, as much as it is able. But I have bestowed upon thee boundless favors, and, in return, thou persecutest Me, even unto the death ! Reflect, then, what shouldst thou think of thyself? 5. 0 child of My everlasting love ! whom I have loved more than My life, sin thou no more. If thou lovest Me, yea, if thou lovest thyself, flee from sin. For, whenever thou committest a mortal sin, thou diest in a supernatural manner ; thou losest what- ever merits thou didst possess; thou dost forfeit thy right to the heavenly inheritance ; thou be- comest a co-heir with the devils ; thou givest the preference to misery over bliss, to hell over heaven, to Satan over Me. CHAPTER VII. 47 Meditate upon these things, My Child, that thou mayst learn fully, as far as the human mind can understand, how great an evil sin is ; and that thou mayst shun that, which alone can make thee wretched for evermore. 6. The voice of the Disciple . — 0 my soul ! behold sin ! Truly the greatest of evils, that places man below the brute, blocks up the gates of heaven, throws open the abyss of hell. 0 monster to be abhorred, a thousand times more frightful than the demon himself! 0 my God ! I blush to own it, and disown it I can- not, I have become the vilest slave of sin, and by the greatest madness, the greatest ingratitude, the greatest malice ; with it, and by it, I have again and again insulted Thy dread Majesty, before which the awe-struck Angels tremble with reverence. 1 feel wholly confounded, because I have become viler than any irrational creature ; I have done ini- quity, which my reason disapproved, and I have misused all the powers of my soul, all the senses of my body. 7. 0 Lord my God ! Thou didst establish in me Thy sweet likeness; and I, after having defiled the same, have substituted in its stead the horrid image of Satan ; yea, in various ways, I have rendered myself even more horrible than the devil. He sinned through pride, when no punishment had yet been inflicted for sin ; I sinned knowing, but disregarding Thy vengeance : he was placed in 48 THE FIRST BOOK innocence but once; I was restored to it so many times : he rose up against Him, who made him — I against Him, who also remade me. Most wretched sinner that I am ; for nothing, yea, for an object baser than nothing, I have voluntarily cast aside Thy friendship, the blissful peace of my soul, the right to eternal beatitude ; I have deliv- ered myself up, as a hapless slave, to the devil ; thus sharing from this time his unhappy condition, and ready to partake of his never-ending torments, un- less, returning to my senses, I find mercy in Thy Heart. 8. I acknowledge, Lord Jesus, that I am un- worthy to find that mercy, which I have so often abused : I am not worthy to serve Thee, since I have become the slave of the devil. If Thou wilt treat me as I deserve, hell must be my abode. Yet, Jesus, my Saviour! there is infinite mercy in Thy Heart : my very sins show this : for unless Thy mercy were infinite, Thou wouldst never have tolerated the infinite malice of my sins. 0 Jesus ! have pity on me, according to Thy great mercy. A suppliant, I implore forgiveness; I hope that Thou wilt pardon me, a wretched sin- ner. I am sincerely sorry for the sins I have com- mitted,- and I firmly resolve to serve Thee faithfully henceforth, and to love Thee fervently. CHAPTER VIII. 49 CHAPTER VIII. THAT OUR HEART MUST ALSO BE FREE FROM THE LEAST SIN. 1. The voice of Jesus . — My Child, cleanse thy heart from every fault : and keep thyself carefully from the stain of even the least sin. There is nothing, there can be nothing, for the sake of which it is allowed to commit a sin, how- ever light. Wherefore, although thou mightst thereby save the whole world from ruin, it would be unlawful to offend Me, even in the least thing, since I am in- finitely more excellent than the whole universe. Some guard themselves against grievous offenses, but of light faults they render themselves guilty without scruple ; a clear sign that they are rather governed by self-love, than by love for Me. Deluded souls ! they will learn, at their cost, how greatly they have deceived themselves. 2. Whoever overlooks little things, will gradu- ally fail in great ones : and, having accustomed himself to think every thing little, he will still fancy, that all is well with him; when, without much uneasiness of conscience, he commits great sins. In his folly, he finds it delightful to walk on the brink of the precipice : yet, it will come to pass, and that justly too, that, at the first slip of his foot, he is thrown headlong into the abyss. 5 50 THE FIRST BOOK. Beware, therefore, of venial trespasses, lest thou fall into mortal sins. As long as thou yieldest, even to the slightest fault, so long wilt thou expose thy salvation to danger. 3. Many seem heartily to abhor the renewal of My death by mortal sin ; and yet, they cease not, by small offenses, to load My Heart with bitterness, and afflict It with continued sorrows. Ah ! My Child, consider again and again, and carefully attend to what thou art doing. For, whilst thou art willing to inflict a small wound on My Heart, perhaps thou shalt mistake, as has hap- pened to many, and thou shalt pierce My Heart with a mortal blow. 0 perverseness of the human heart ! Many dread more to give offense to the meanest of men, than to Me, their God and Saviour. 4. So long as thou continuest to sin, even slightly, thou shalt be ill at ease ; nor shalt thou taste true happiness. If thou hast thy perfection at heart, as it be- hooves, unless thou avoidest every voluntary sin, thou shalt labor in vain, whatever efforts thou mayst make. For, venial sin lessens charity, brings on luke- warmness, viciates acts of virtue, obstructs the sources of special grace ; and, finally, despoiling, by degrees ; the soul of her possessions, leaves her empty/ CHAPTER VIII. 51 5. And for what is it, in most cases, that man exposes himself to evils so numerous, and so great? is it not for self-interest, or for self-gratification ? But consider, how great a loss will ensue, and how severely thou shalt have to suffer in purgatory. There, torments are undergone, which far exceed all the pains of this world, and all the ills of life : nor shalt thou go thence, until thou hast paid the last farthing. How exceedingly shalt thou then deplore, that thou didst commit even the smallest offense, on ac- count of which thou perceivest, too late, alas ! that thou art excluded from heaven, and most sorely tor- mented ? Do not, My Child, render useless My Heart's desires and endeavors of making thee happy ; neither be thou so- thoughtless as to choose to be unhappy, in spite of Me. 6. The voice of the Disciple . — Venial sin, 0 Lord, is then no small evil, since it offends Thy divine Majesty, wounds Thy Heart, deprives the soul of special graces and helps, hinders her progress, viciates her good deeds, prepares the way for her destruction, exposes her to the danger of everlast- ing perdition, and excludes her from heaven. And evils so great, I have deemed small ! 0 what madness was mine ! And, what is worse, I have committed them without number, without measure. My transgressions have exceeded all bounds. 52 THE FIRST BOCK. Where are the limits ? Behold ! as many powers of the soul, and senses of the body as there are in me, so many kinds of sin: as many gifts and favors, so many faults of misuse or ungratefulness : as many species of employments, so many sorts of offenses. Alas ! amongst all my actions, even those of re- ligion or of piety, which is the one wherein Thou findest not some short-coming? 0 my soul, we commit so many faults through want of attention, by surprise, and through frailty ) ought not these to suffice ? Should we add greater ones through carelessness, through the abuse of our free-will, through malice ? Is this the return we make to the Lord, by whose goodness we live, to whose love w r e owe whatever we are and possess ! 7. 0 Lord God, my Saviour ! that I have not perished beneath the weight and multitude of my offenses, this I acknowledge is altogether due to the kindness of Thy Heart : yea, to Thy Heart’s mercy it is owing, 0 Lord, that I have not been utterly destroyed. 1 have been lowered to the dust : my strength has forsaken me ; darkness has overspread me : my heart itself has grown faint within me. Lo ! ever deeper have I sunk, and, through very weariness, I am now unable to extricate myself. 0, how great is my misery ! . 0 1 who shall give water to my eyes, and strength CHAPTER IX. 53 # to my heart, that I may weep, and move Thee, 0 Lord, to set me free ! Have pity on me, good Jesus! and deliver me : cleanse and renew me wholly. Inflame my heart with the love of Thy Heart : with Its divine fire do Thou consume my offenses : nor keep them for the fire of purgatory. Here, I beseech Thee, here let me burn and be cleansed in the fire of Thy sweet love ; not there in the fire of avenging flames. Behold ! 0 most sweet Jesus, love for Thee will now make me do, what fear has hitherto been unable to effect : through love for Thee, I will shun every sin, even the slightest. CHAPTER IX. THAT THE HEART OF THE SINNER CAN TASTE ONLT THE BITTERNESS OF MISERY. 1. The voice of Jesus . — Well-beloved, if thou hast come to this, that thy heart has nothing where- with to reproach thee, rejoice, yea rejoice, because peace, like a stream of bliss, is thine. A good heart makes the soul happy, gladdens heaven, terrifies hell. But a wicked heart fills the sinner with wretchedness, moves the Saints with pity, inspires the demons with fiendish joy and ex- ultation. Picture to thyself all the possible calamities of 54 THE FIRST BOOK. Ibis world ; thou shalt never be abl to imagine misfortunes so great, as those which the sinner bears in his heart. How hard, how abject, is the slavery of the sin- ner ! with how many chains, and how tightly lies he fettered beneath the yoke of the basest masters, the demon and his own tyrannical passions ! His understanding is bound with the chain of a dull ignorance, so that he may not see the truth : his will is chained with the fetters of an accursed malice, that he may not love goodness. His senses are riveted with the fetters of concu- piscence, that he may not follow righteousness : he is pressed down by the weight of the chains of his passionate desires, that he may not gain the sweet freedom of grace. 2. Who is more foolish than the sinner, who is himself the cause of his deepest degradation ? If, on earth, there be a foretaste of hell, it is surely in the heart of the wicked ; who, inflamed with the fire of his passions, suffers all the tortures of an evil conscience. How can he ever truly rejoice, who knows that, were the slender thread of life broken, he should be hurled into the depths of hell ? Verily, I know not how he dares betake himself to his nightly rest, who knows not whether he shall not awake in eternity as a reprobate ? 3. The human heart necessarily strives after happiness : but, blindly hurried away by a mind CHAPTER IX. 55 unbridled and unsubdued, the sinner seeks happi- ness there, where only greater misery can be found. Some seem to imagine that they may be able to satisfy their passions, by gratifying them com- pletely ; and that, when they are sated, then, at last, peace will come. Alas ! how great an error ! For who, in order to put out a conflagration, will cast fresh fuel on the fire? Would he not, by so doing, rather increase than extinguish it ? Even so, if a man should sacrifice to his passions the salvation of his soul, and the health of his body ; unsated still, they would exclaim : Thine we are, give us food. Oh, were the heart of the sinner exposed, what wretchedness, what disgustful objects might be descried therein ! Yet all things are open and visi- ble to Me, who cannot err, and whom men cannot deceive. 4. A heart given to evil habits, sometimes goes so far that it no longer fancies, loves, or relishes anything, except what may gratify the passions : and, although it knows that it is hurrying on to an abyss of misery, yet it heeds not, but, like a sense- less beast, it runs after its lusts, trampling under foot, not the good things of eternity alone, but also decency, and honor, and life itself. The sinner needs no enemy to hurt or torment him : he himself is his own greatest enemy, and most cruel torturer. Even from the things with which he seeks to 56 THE FIRST BOOK. delight and gratify himself, he is wont to receive manifold tortures. 5. How can he enjoy peace , who nourishes within himself the cause of his disturbance ? or how can he even once breathe freely, who is the slave of the devil ? How unhappy must he be, who allows Satan to seat himself on the throne of his heart, and to be lord and master therein ! Blessed is he, that has never experienced the slavery of the devil ! that has never groaned be* neath the weight of the shackles of sin ! My Child, if thou hast never yet felt the wretch- edness of the state of sin, rejoice thou with thy whole heart, and never seek to know what it is to serve the devil. But if, unfortunately, thou art his subject, have pity on thy soul ; eagerly cast off his yoke, burst his chains, enjoy the freedom of the children of God. 6. The voice of the Disciple . — 0 Lord ! how great is the wretchedness of the state of sin ! How truly unhappy is the soul, that languishes in this most pitiful state ! what peace, what joy can she possess, when she has Thee, the Almighty and All- knowing One, for an enemy ! when she knows her- self banished from Thy Heart, her last place of refuge ! when she is conscious that at any moment she may be plunged into fire everlasting. How truly unhappy, when she cannot look up to CHAPTER IX. 57 heaven, without seeing that she ha[ lost all right to the same ! when she cannot look around her, with- out being upbraided, and without being terrified at every accident ! when she cannot even cast down her eyes, without being silently reminded, that hell is her dwelling-place ! How truly unhappy, when she cannot turn to her own heart, without finding Satan therein P without being tortured therein as in a hell tasted beforehand, where there is nothing joyous, nothing consoling ; but everywhere horror, and darkness, and dread, and torments. 0 most wretched soul ! how changed from what thou wast, when, adorned with celestial grace, en- nobled hy divine adoption, thou wast so fair, so great, as to be an object of wonder to the Saints and Angels ! How disfigured by sin ! how abject ! how base under every aspect ! 7. 0 Jesus ! would that I were able, even at the price of my blood, to undo what has unfortunately been done ! would that I had never fallen into so great a wretchedness, but that I had rather lost my life instead of Thy grace ! 0 blessed are they, that have never lost their innocence ! that have never experienced the misery of the state of sin ! Restore to me, I entreat Thee, my first garment: give me back my innocence : and lo ! in the new- 58 THE FIRST BOOK. ness of life I will so serve Thee, as to preserve it stainless for Thee all my days, even to the end. CHAPTER X. THAT THE HEART OF JESUS INVITES ALL, EVEN SINNERS. 1. The voice of Jesus . — Come to Me, all ye that labor and are burdened, and I will refresh you. He that is just, let him come, that he may be made still more just : he that is lukewarm, let him come, that he may become fervent : he that is a sinner, let him come, that he may be cleansed and made holy. Alas for human frailty ! Where is the man* that has not sinned ? For, whosoever shall say, that he has no sin, deceives himself, and the truth is not in him. 2. My Child, if thou feelest thyself burdened with sins, or troubled with defects, hasten to My Heart : here thou shalt be made free ; here thou shalt breathe again. Let not the greatness of thy sins hinder thee, nor the grandeur of My Majesty : I came not to call the just to repentance, but sinners. The greater the miseries to which thou art sub- ject, the greater the pity I feel for thee : and the more thou art ill, the greater need thou hast of a physician. CHAPTER X. 59 I am not astonished at thy infirmities; for I know thy frame and thy heart. That thou didst not fall into greater evils, thou owest chiefly to My grace. But at this I wonder, that, when I present My- self to heal thee, thou art unwilling to be healed ; or, if thou art willing, thou seemest to doubt My goodness. Ah ! My Child, do^iot offer this most bitter insult to My Heart. For My Heart loves to forgive, and does not grow weary with pardoning. Behold, with what kindness I treat truly re- pentant sinners, so that I have even been called the friend of sinners. 3. Where is the heart, that loves as My Heart ? No man has a greater love, than that he lay down his life for his friends ; but I, the Son of God, have a greater one than this, for I laid down My life for My enemies. Who ever loved Me first ? or who ever bestowed his affections upon Me, who did not first experience the effects of my love? 4. Since many lose their innocence, before they understand clearly what inuocence is, or how great its price, it is a great glory of My Heart, to tri- umph also over their hearts; and of sinners to make them Saints. « 0 didst thou but know the charity of My Heart» thou mightst then be able to understand, how dearly It loves faithful souls, and how sweetly It invites sinners. 60 THE FIRST BOOK. Who is suffering, and My Heart is not suffering with him ? Who sins, and My Heart is not thereby affected ? Who is ill, and My Heart does not afford a remedy ? Who is unhappy, and My Heart does not feel it ? Who, in fine, is there in the world, to whom My Heart does no good ? 5. I am a good Father; and My children, be- gotten on the cross, I embrac^ with the love of My Heart — which remains open for them, that, at all times, they may have a place of refuge, nor this a common one, but the very centre of My affections. Whilst they sleep, My Heart is awake to watch over them ; whilst they are watching, It is occupied with their preservation. So great is the love wherewith My Heart is in- flamed for them, that I love and cherish each, as if he were My only one. And if some one, misled by the enemy, wanders away, My Heart wails over him, as over the death of an only-born. I pursue him with My love, I in- vite, I press, I promise. But if he be unwilling to hearken to Me, I have patience, I stand at the door of his heart, and knock again and again. if, at last, he resolves to return to Me ; I fly to meet him, I press him to My bosom, whilst My Heart leaps for joy ; because I see the child, whom I had bewailed as dead, alive ar.d safely restored to Me. In My joy, I call together all heaven, that they may congratulate Me, and exult with Me. CHAPTER X. 61 6. If, therefore, thou desirest to delight My Heart, to gladden heaven, and to refresh thy soul, be converted to Me with thy whole heart. It matters not how much, or how little, thou mayst have sinned, come to My Heart, and thou shalt find a cure for alt thy ills. Trust in Me, My Child, and fear nothing: I call thee, not to upbraid tliee with thy faults : but that I may wash them away. Come, Child, come : I await thee, with open arms, and a burning Heart. 7. The voice of the Disciple. — Behold, most sweet Jesus, behold, I come, aroused and re-assured by the exceeding goodness of Thy Heart. Coming, I beseech and exclaim : Kindly receive Thy prodigal child, returning from a far-off coun- try, squalid with sin, filled with misery. I am not worthy to be called Thy child, since I left Thee in a manner so unbecoming, dishonored Thee so shamefully, and grieved Thee so much. I have sinned against heaven and before Thee : guilty as I am, I dare not now throw myself into Thy arms : behold, I prostrate myself in the dust before Thy feet, appealing to Thy paternal Heart, imploring pardon. Lo, Thou didst recall me when I fled away : Thou didst seek me, when I was lost : Thou didst bear with me, w T hen I was abusing Thy goodness : with wonderful mildness Thou didst induce me to return : when, at last, I come in this pitiful state, 62 THE FIRST BOOK. Thou dost not only receive me, but, O goodness ! Thou dost even embrace me ! 0 Jesus ! 0 never was there such a father ! Let all the Angels and Saints be glad, and re- joice with me : let them praise and extol Thy mercy forever ! Behold, now I am Thine for evermore : ever faithful I will love Thee, 0 Lord, and, through love for Thee, I will comply with all Thy wishes. CHAPTER XI. HOW THE CLEANSING OF THE HEART IS TO BE UN- DERTAKEN. 1. The voice of the Disciple. — Numberless, 0 Lord, are the things which urge me on to free my- self entirely from faults. Heaven holds out prom- ises, hell threatens, earth can at any moment hurl me into eternity. My heart, also, full of thy gifts, impelled by its own wretchedness as well, and drawn by the infi- nite goodness of Thy Heart, never ceases to incite me. But, how shall I perform so great an under- taking? For, although I see that I ought to do it. yet, I know not how to accomplish it. Bo Thou, I beseech Thee, good Jesus, teach me CHAPTER XI. 63 the manner of truly amending and reforming my- self. All the glory, thence arising, shall belong to Thee, and to Thy most loving Heart. 2. The voice of Jesus . — My Child, if thou wishest to cleanse thy heart, and to root out everything vicious, begin the work with a great courage and a generous mind. Have the good and determined will of correcting thyself, and of never ceasing to strive after a com- plete cleansing ; at the same time, cherish a sincere desire of co-operating with the divine grace, and of following its guidance : and thus thy endeavors shall, at last, be crowned with success. This is the first and chief means on thy part : from it all the rest derives its strength and efficacy, and without it, however powerful it may be, of it- self, everything else can hardly effect any good. This strong determination of ever striving, with God’s grace, to cleanse the heart, and to preserve it unsullied, is the first hope of future purity of heart, the first sign of future perfection, the first token whereby future Saints are distinguished, yea, the first characteristic mark of the true Disciples of My Heart. 3. Being made ready for the work, by this dis- position of thy soul, take fire, and enkindle thy heart therewith, that thou mayst consume the sins and defects which exist therein. Understand, Child, what I say. Thou hast to clear a garden, all bristling with noxious plants and 64 THE FIRST BOOK. weeds, and disfigured witli filthy objects ; thou shall succeed, however, if thou usest the proper means, if thou cuttest away all things hurtful, if thou tear- est up and carriestout everything useless ; but thou shalt not finish thy work, except after a long time, and with hard labor. But, by applying the fire, without trouble and in a short time, thou shalt see the whole garden cleaned. Nay, more ; by this burning, the garden itself shall become richer, and better suited to produce flowers and fruits. In like manner, Child, thou wilt cleanse thy heart, which may be likened to this garden, much more readily, and more easily, by using the fire cf divine love, rather than by any other means. Thereby also thou shalt find thy heart better adapted to produce the flowers of virtue, and the fruits of sanctity. 4. Now, this fire thou mayst obtain from My Heart, if thou drawest near to It, through prayer ; if thou prayest, not with the lips alone, but also with thy mind and heart. For, if thou weighest properly in thy mind the sufferings of hell, or of purgatory, which thou hast so often deserved : if thou considerest attentively My divine favors bestowed upon thee, and all thy ungratefulness : If thou meditatest carefully on My infinite per- CHAPTER XI. 65 fections so worthy of all love and honor, and on thy offenses, so deserving of punishment : If, moreover, thou viewest Me, exhausted with toils, through love for thee, and suffering so many things, for thy transgressions,- -hanging on the Cross, with arms extended, and with My Bosom opened for thee : If, in fine, thou enterest into My Heart Itself, and considerest, to what degree that innocent Heart did suffer for thy sins, and how, for them, it was spent and consumed : If, at the same time, through loving desires, and fervent petitions, thou appliest, as it were, thy heart to Mine : — Then, doubtless, in prayer, shall blaze out that fire, that heat of divine love, of which I am speak- ing. 5. From this love do thou draw forth contrition ; that is, sorrow for sin committed, and a resolve of not sinning again in future. No one, My Child, obtains the pardon of his sins, unless he bewail them; nor is any one healed of his vices, unless he hate them. Wherefore, as much as thou art able, do thou hate and detest, in thy heart, thy sins and vices ; which thou canst not hate nor detest too much. The more thou shalt draw this sorrow from the divine love, the more perfect shall thy contrition be, even if thou do not actually feel the same. And the more sincerely thou shalt tewail and de- 6 06 THE FIRST BOOK. test thy sins, with an upright heart, the m t > re certain shalt thou be of the pardon of thy offenses, and the more secure against committing new ones. 6. Thou hast a sure mark of sorrow for the sins of the past, if thou abstainest from committing new ones.. Therefore, have thou, and preserve always, a firm resolve of shunning whatever thou knowest to be displeasing to Me; and of suffering rather all the evils of this life, than to commit a voluntary sin. But, take heed, lest thou deceive thyself, by im- agining, that any kind of resolve will be sufficient. For a vague desire is not enough : a resolution made through custom, or for form’s sake, is not enough : neither does an ineffectual purpose suffice, — when one appears to will and not to will ; when, as he fan- cies, he is willing to sin no more, and yet, he is un- willing effectually to use the means necessary to avoid sin. . It is requisite, My Child, that the resolution be really sincere, settled, and efficacious, that by it thou mayst be induced to employ the means, which may hinder thee from again committing sin. Now, to keep this resolution ever alive within thee, renew it often, pray frequently, nourish thy devotion by spiritual exercises : and thus obtain for thyself that special grace, whereby thou mayst the more easily become constant and persevering. 7. The voice of the Disciple . — My heart, 0 Lord, is truly like an abandoned field, wherein many nox- CHAPTER XI. 67 ious \reeds spring up and many useful j lants lie spoiled. It is a great work, to clear the heart of all these, and, of myself, I can do nothing profitable. But do Thou help me, I beseech Thee, with Thy efficient and powerful grace, that I may be able to finish happily so great an undertaking. For I desire eagerly to complete, according to Thy direction, a work so necessary, so usaful, so holy ; and am resolved not to leave it off, before I have finished it in reality. Do not suffer, 0 most kind Jesus, that I ever grow slothful or careless, in so important an enter- prise. For, I confess, that I am prone to grow weak in courage, and that I am wont, even after I have begun with f zeal, by degrees to fall into luke- warmness. But do Thou arouse, encourage, and stir me up strongly, nor allow me to cease from my labor, until I bring the work to its wished-for completion. 08 THE FIRST BOOK. CHAPTER XII. THAT THE HOLY SACRAMENT OF PENANCE IS AN EASY AND EFFECTUAL MEANS OF CLEANSING ONE’S SELF FROM SINS AND VICES. 1. The voice of Jesus . — My Child, My Heart,— knowing that the frailty of mortals is of such a nature, that, whilst on earth, they cannot live with- out sin, — has devised a saving means, whereby, if it is rightly used, they may not only obtain the re- mission of their sins, but also receive an increase of grace. God is faithful, and, according to His word, He forgives their sins to those that confess them ; and He gives grace to those that pray for k, and seek to live better. (I. John. i. 9, and v. 14.) What would become of most men, if there were no Confession ? How few should be saved ! And how many of those who now rejoice in heaven, or shall possess it hereafter, should be lost ! 2. Therefore have I given power to the Church, that whose sins she shall forgive, they be forgiven them ; and whose sins she shall retain, they be re- tained. (Matt, xviii. John, xx.) “ If, then, either hatred, or infidelity, or any other sin, have secretly crept into the heart of any one, let him not be ashamed to confess the same, to him that presides, that, through the word of God, and CHAPTER XII. 69 through wholesome advice, he may be healed by him.’' (St. Clement of Rome. I. Century.) “ But, if thou wouldst withdraw thyself from Confession, meditate in thy heart on hell, which Confession will extinguish for thee. Therefore, knowing that against hell, after that first safeguard of Baptism, there remains still this second help in Confession, why dost thou abandon thy salvation? Represent first to thyself the greatness of the pun- ishment, and thou wilt not hesitate to take the rem- edy.” (Tertullian. II. Cent.) u For there is a remission of sins, although a toilsome one, through Penance, when the sinner moistens his couch with his tears, and when he is not ashamed to make known his sins to the priest of God, and to seek a remedy.” (Origen. III. Cent.) u This remedy of Confession is eagerly to be de- sired by all, since the soul is harassed by greater danger than the body ; and the healing for hidden diseases must be applied as soon as possible.” Lactantius. IV. Cent.) “ Confess, then : let all corrupted matter come out, and flow off in Confession : what remains, shall be easily healed. Dost thou fear to confess, when, by not confessing, thou canst not remain concealed ? ! God, Who knows all things, requires Confession, that tie may free the humble : for this He condemns him that does not confess, that He may punish the proud.” (St. Augustine. V. Cent.) * l But confess thou, in such a manrer, that thou THE FIRST BOOK. 70 do not again turn to thy sins : for then is the Con- fession of sin profitable, when the sinner, who con- fesses, does no more, what he had wickedly done.” (St. Fulgentius. VI. Cent.) “ Man ought to abstain from sin, when he has confessed : Confession goes before, remission fol- lows. ” (St. Isidore. VII. Cent.) For “the Church, which is founded on Christ, has received from Him the power of freeing men from their sins.” (Ven. Bede. VIII. Cent.) “ If sinners are unwilling to confess their sins, God Himself, who is now their witness, shall, also, be their avenger.” (Haymo. IX. Cent.) “Sins should not be repeated publicly : it is suf- ficient to make known, to the priests alone, by a private confession, the faults of conscience.” (Luit- prand. X. Cent.) “Therefore, reason moves, and God impels the sinner to confess.” (St. Peter Damian, XI. Cent.) “Confession is necessary to the sinner ; and is no less proper for the just. (St. Bernard. XII. Cent.) “ Confession should be made, in a threefold man- ner : without palliating, without excusing, without delaying.” (St. Bonaventure. XIII. Cent.) “Let the penitent, therefore, accuse himself be- fore the priest, with a lively feeling of sorrow 7 , with a firnj purpose of amendment, and let him perform the works which may be enjoined.” (Thauler. XIV. Cent.) “ Penance is a Sacrament, the matter of which CHAPTER XII. 71 consists in the acts of the penitent, which are di- vided into three parts. The first is contrition of heart : the second is the oral Confession : the third, satisfaction.” (Council of Florence. XIV. Cent.) Behold, Child, how, from the beginning, the faithful of all times, and of all parts of the world, have regarded and esteemed this sweet and saving Sacrament. 3. What can be more advantageous than rightly to confess ? Through Confession^ man is freed from faults, he returns into favor with Me, he receives peace of heart ; so that he, who before felt himself tortured with anguish, now finds himself calm and happy. The Sacrament of Penance is the medicine of the soul, whereby vices are healed, temptations put to flight, the snares of the devil destroyed, new grace is imparted, piety increased, virtue rendered more and more solid. Through Confession, the soul regains her rights, which she had lost by committing sin; and recovers her beauty, which unrighteousness had disfigured. 1. But it sometimes happens, that the sinner, when he approaches this Sacrament of divine mercy, impelled either by shame or fear, throws himself into the abyss of sacrilege ; so that, now, he is not simply a sinner, but becomes a frightful monster of sin. Art thou able, wretched man, to hide thyself from Me? Art thou able to hinder Me from thrusting 72 THE FIRST BOOK. thee down into that lowest depth, which thou thy- self hast dug ? Dost thou sacrilegiously conceal thy sins from a Confessor, who, by the strictest laws, human and di- vine, is bound to an everlasting and complete se- crecy ? I will make them known before thy face, not to one man alone, not to one* nation, but to Heaven and Earth, to all that shall ever have ex- isted. Then, in the excess of thy confusion, thou wilt call upon the mountains, that, covering thee, they may screen thee from shame ; yea, thou wilt wish to hide thyself in hell ; but thou shalt not be able : thou shalt stand and undergo, publicly, thy whole confusion and deserved ignominy. Foolish man ! thou wast not ashamed to sin to thy disgrace and perdition ; why dost thou blush to confess for thy salvation and glory ? But, consider : why shouldst thou hesitate to un- fold thy conscience before him, who is appointed by Me, and holds My place in thy regard ? When thou presentest thyself, as a penitent, be- fore him, thou oughtest, indeed, to look upon the Confessor even as upon Myself ; for he verily repre- sents Me, and possesses My power. Yet, he also is a man, and has his own miseries ; and he, too, as well as thyself, is obliged to make Confession : which is all the harder for him, as, by reason of his elevated condition, he ought to be more perfect. CHAPTER XII. 73 Thus lias it been ordained from heaven in a most wise and holy manner, that all — priests no less than laymen — who desire to be freed from grievous sin, should be obliged to confess : and that it be es- pecially proper that the priests, whose sacred em- ployments demand a greater holiness, should cleanse themselves, by frequent Confession, even from slighter trespasses. Hence, daymen confess, with greater freedom and confidence, to the priests ; and priests learn, by ex- perience, to feel compassion for their miseries, to be weak with them that are weak, and to weep with them that weep. 5. But there are those that confess their sins can- didly enough, and yet are not improved. And why? Because they do not strive with a sincere heart to correct themselves. Some approach the Sacrament of Penance from necessity, others through human respect, others again from a certain custom. Why wonder, then, if they that approach in this manner derive from it but little or no fruit ? Do, thou, My Child, — having ever thy own salva- tion and My good pleasure before thy eyes, — make each Confession, as if it were to be the last of thy life : thus wilt thou experience sweet and wonderful effects. 6. Yet, know thyself, My Child, and learn, that thou shalt often be tempted to do again those things, 7 74 THE FIRST BOOK. over which thou hadst wept, and which thou hadst resolved to shun. Do not, on that account, lose courage, Child, nor be thou saddened overmuch. These will be the effects, not of malice, but of frailty ; being invol- untary, rather than deliberate transgressions. Thence, learn thou the goodness of My Heart, ever ready to pardon thee ; and, in like manner, the pitiful condition of thy heart, which is ev£r inclined to evil, and frequently betrays thee. Beware, however, lest, on account of this thy great frailty, thou neglect Confession : but the weaker thou feelest thyself, the more frequently have thou recourse to it. 7. Some hold Confession in dread, and do not approach it without trembling. Behold, the greatest sinners, as well as the great- est Saints, find consolation therein : and art thou tormented with anxiety ! There the dead return to life, and the living live more fully. W«hy, then, tremblest thou, as if thou wert going to death, or to the rack ? Thou errest, My Child, thou errest; this most wholesome Sacrament was not instituted for tortur- ing, but for solacing the heart. 8. Cast aside, therefore, all uneasiness and anxi- ety. I am not a God of agitation, but of peace ; I find My delight, not in the commotion, but in the good will of the soul. Do what thou canst, and confess with as sincere CHAPTER XII. 75 a heart, as thou art able to do : after that, remain in peace, nor be thou disturbed by the suggestions of the enemy, or of thy own imagination. My Heart is the place of refuge for sinners. As often as any one flies hither with a contrite and humble heart, I will neither cast him off, nor will I despise him. Do, then, frequently resort to that divine bath, wherein My Heart will wash thy soul with My Blood, and wash her yet more, until she be wholly pure and stainless* ** * This may be explained by a truly wonderful and consol- ing fact, related in the life of St. Mary Magdalen of Pazzi. When, on a certain day, — in the Church of her Convent, where Confessions were being heard, — this holy Virgin was pouring forth her heart before our Lord, present in the Taber- nacle, and whilst she was rapt up by divine communications, she perceived that the spiritual world became, in some man- ner, unvailed before her. For she saw the souls, such as they were, of each one of the penitents, whilst they were confess- ing. And, at the moment when the Sacramental absolution was given, she beheld the divine Blood of Jesus mystically poured upon each of them, and washing them, so that they became exceedingly pure and fair. Now, if such be the effect of one Confession, what must be the effect of frequent Confession ? If the soul becomes so pure, so beautiful, when washed only once in the Blood of the Heart of Jesus, — which is applied to us in the Sacrament of Penance ; how pnre, how beautiful must she become, when she is thus cleansed fre- quently ! Brown and soiled linen is not only made clean by frequent washing, but is made as white as snow. Shall not then a soul, often washed in the divine Blood of Jesus, be- come, at last, perfectly pure and unutterably beautiful ? This most j ; .ous thought may, at least, serve to increase your love 76 THE FxEST BOOK. 9. The voice of the Disciple . — 0 most benign Jesus, how wholesome, how consoling a device of Thy Heart, is the Sacrament of Penance ! How astonishing a condescension, how wonderful a sweet- ness, that of the Blood of thy Heart Thou makest a bath, wherewith Thou mayst cleanse us from our sins ! Had not Thy Heart found out this secret, so full of all consolation, who could have thought of it? And hadst Thou not made it known, what should have become of us, what of me? Thanks to Thee, most sweet Jesus ! let the An- gels, and all the Blessed, let all peoples and tongues, return thanks to Thee, for that Thou didst institute this life-giving, this sanctifying Sacrament, whereby the guilty dwellers of earth are saved, and heaven is filled with a multitude of Saints. That, therefore, I may not misuse so great a blessing, and that I may gather from it every de- sirable fruit ; behold, I will confess not only fre- quently, but also carefully : as if preparing myself for death, I will always, before making my Confes- sion, elicit from my heart an act of true sorrow, and of firm resolve, peacefully indeed, but with the greatest sincerity as well : I will lay every fault before my Confessor, with the same candor that I would use before Thee, were I to behold Thee with for the holy Sacrament of Penance ; and whilst you receive it actually, ought sweetly to occupy your mind, and greatly to console you. CHAPTER XIII. 77 my eyes : at the earliest opportunity I will perform the penance enjoined: lastly, I will strive to he .grateful, and to live with a new fervor, and a purer heart. 0 Jesus ! what consolation, what sweetness is felt, when my soul, in this Sacrament of Thy mercy, is washed and cleansed by the most sacred and pure Blood of Thy Heart ! O do Thou wash me fre- quently, I beseech Thee, and I shall be made wholly clean : wash me yet more, and I shall be made whiter than snow ! CHAPTER XIII. THAT FOR THE FORGIVENESS OF OUR SINS WE MUST FIRMLY RELY UPON OUR LORD, AFTER WE HAVE SINCERELY DONE WHAT WAS MORALLY IN OUR POWER. 1. The voice of Jesus . — As I live, I desire not the death of the sinner, but that he be converted and live. If the sinner do penance for all the sins which he has committed, and keep all My commands, liv- ing, he shall live, and not die. The ungodliness of the ungodly shall not hurt him, in whatever day he shall turn away from his ungodliness : the sins which he has sinned, shall not be imputed to him. 78 THE FIRST BOOK. W hy, then, art thou troubled, My Child, or why fearest thou so immoderately ? Am I like a man, that I should lie or change ? Did I say it, and* shall I not do it? Did I promise, and shall I not make it good ? Did I swear, and shall I not keep My word. Why dost thou doubt, 0 man of little faith ? Amen : heaven and earth shall pass away, but My words shall not pass away. 2. Behold, God, My heavenly Father, who, for thy salvation, did not spare His only Son, but de- livered Him up for thee, no less than for the rest : did He not give thee, together with Him, all other things, pardon, perseverance, Paradise, every bless- ing? Through Me, therefore, the only-begotten Son of God, thou art become rich in all things, so that thou canst be wanting in no grace. For, where sin abounded, there grace did more abound. Go then, with, confidence, to the throne of grace, that thou mayst obtain those things, that are need- ful to thee. 3. My Child, I came down from heaven, that I might snatch thee from the jaws of hell : all the days of My life, I was in suffering, that thou mightst be happy through all eternity ; I was will- ingly condemned to die, that thou mightst be free from everlasting death : and all these things I did for thee, when thou wast My enemy ; what, then, CHAPTER XIII. 79 will I not do, or what can I refuse, when thou lovest Me ? If thy sins affrighten thee, know, My Child, that My infinite merits are infinitely more powerful to save thee, if thou art willing, than thy sins to destroy thee, if thou art uneasy. If, by reason of thy sins, thou standest in dread of My judgment, call to mind, that I, Thy Saviour, who, even at the right hand of .God, My Father, intercede for thee, shall be thy Judge. 4. Enlarge, therefore, thy heart in the Holy Spirit, whom thou didst receive in the Sacrament of divine mercy. That Spirit of love, that consum- ing fire, will destroy the remnant of tby sins, and cast out all inordinate fear. Iladst thou been an exceedingly great sinner, like the thief crucified with Me ; hadst thou, like Paul, persecuted Me ; hadst thou even denied Me, like Peter : behold, if once thou confessest rightly^ so as to enjoy the effect of the Sacrament, all thy sins are forgiven thee. 5. Why art thou sad, My Child? and why dost thou disquiet thyself? Thinkest thou that I am a harsh master, whom it is difficult to satisfy ? Thou art mistaken, Child ; thou art greatly de- ceived. For, behold, am I not a Father, whose Heart is goodness itself? Dost thou not know this ? Hast thou not experienced it ? Do not then dishonor Me ; do not revile Me, by attributing to Me things which are so wrongful. so THE FIRST BOOK 6. ^ My Child, thou hast not received the spirit of bondage again in fear : but thou hast received the spirit of adoption of the sons of God, whereby thou mayst love and address Me : Abba, Father ! Do not, then, fear, Child ;* do not, by worrying thyself uselessly, lose the time, which thou oughtest to spend happily, in loving Me. For I do not re- quire anguish, but love. Have confidence, My Child, that thy sins have been forgiven thee. Do now strive to love Me the more, the more I have forgiven thee. 7. The voice of the Disciple . — 0 Jesus ! 0 my love ! my life ! How delightful to me, how sweet are the words thou utterest from Thy Heart ! 0 Lord, My God ! Thou didst wash not my feet, not my hands, not my head alone, but my soul, my whole self, and that with Thy own blood. Behold, Thou didst cast my sins into the depth of a sea, into the abyss of the mercy of Thy Heart, where they have disappeared from Thy sight. 0 Jesus ! how can I ever be unmindful of Thy mercies, whereby Thou hast thus restored me to life ! 1 will sing Thy mercies, 0 Lord, forever : I will praise the goodness of Thy Heart for evermore. 8. Bless the Lord. 0 my soul, and let all that is within me bless His Sacred Heart. Yea, bless the Lord, 0 my soul, and never forget all He has done for thee. Who forgives all thy iniquities ; who heals all thy diseases. CHAPTER XIY. 81 He lias not dealt with us according to our sins, nor lias He rewarded us according to our iniquities : but He has blotted them out according to the mul- titude of the mercies of His Heart. As a father has pity on his children, so has the Lord had pity on us ; because He is good, because i His mercy endures forever. 9. Love the Lord, 0 my soul, love Jesus, love Him much ; because He has forgiven thee much. Let them love less to whom He has forgiven less : but do thou, by the greatness of thy love, strive to make a suitable return for the greatness of His bounty. Yea, 0 most sweet Jesus, I will love Thee with all my strength : nor will I henceforward pass my time in vexing my heart, Thy kingdom now ; but I will employ it better, more usefully to) me, more pleasingly to Thee : Thy love shall ever be my oc- cupation. In peace in the self-same, will I take my rest and repose. CHAPTER XIV. IIOW WE MUST GUARD AGAINST A RELAPSE. 1. The voice of Jesus . — My Child, hast thou fallen into sin ? Do not again give thyself up to it ; but so guard against the future, as not to return to the past. When the demon has been expelled from a heart, 82 THE FIRST BOOK. he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and, returning, attempts to enter again. If man does not resist, the ene- mies enter, and the last state of that man becomes worse than the first. If, therefore, thou desire not to become the prey of hell, thou must, by all means, resist the tempta- tions of the devil. Do not he afflicted nor sad, My Child, because thou art assailed, against thy will, by various temp- tations; be rather rejoiced and consoled. For it is a sign that thou art in the state of grace, and that thou followest My standard. If thou didst adhere to the devil, he would surely not attack what i3 his own ; but because thou standest by Me, therefore does he tempt thee, and endeavor to draw thee over to his ranks. 2. My Child, temptation is not prevarication ; yea, so long as it is displeasing to thee, it is merit- orous of a divine reward. Therefore, however loathsome the things, which the enemy may suggest, be not uneasy ; however violently he may entice thee to evil, think not that thou art forsaken by Me. Never am I nearer to thee, or more ready to help thee, than when thou sufferest under these trials. When thou art tempted, Child, I stand by. looking on the struggle, and helping thee, that, be- ing thus encouraged and aided, thou mayst not CHAPTER XIV. 83 only withstand the foe, but gloriously triumph over him. Be, therefore, ready for the combat : no one shall be crowned, unless he has struggled lawfully ; and he that shall overcome, shall receive the crown of life. 3. As thou dwellest among enemies to the right and to the left, and art exposed to their assaults from within and from without ; thou oughtest to be so well armed, at all times, that they can never find thee defenseless. Have thy heart lifted up and united to Mine, with a determined ana generous resolve, to endure all things, yea, even to die in the struggle, rather than turn thy back upon Me. Otherwise thou shalt not be able fully to withstand the stubborn- ness of the contest. 4. In this warfare, two kinds of weapons are necessary to thee : the one, defensive, the other, of- fensive. Humility will furnish thee weapons to defend thyself. By means of this virtue, place no reliance upon thyself, put all thy trust in Me : and, being convinced of thy own frailty, shun, as much as thou art able, all dangerous occasions. For it were an inexcusable, and most shameful presumption, to seek them, or to go to meet them, especially if they are of the flesh. ‘ 5. If, nevertheless, the foe assails, call unon Me; rely upon My help, confidingly and lovingly. 84 THE FIRST BOOK. He that prays amid temptation, as he ought, can- not be overcome; but he that neglects prayer, is usually vanquished. Kesist generously from the very beginning of the temptation, and pray fervently in this, or a similar manner : O, Jesus ! hide me within Thy Heart, that I may not be separated from Thee. . . 0, God ! my God ! come to my assistance. . . Jesus and Mary ! make haste to help me. . . I will rather die, 0 Lord, than commit sin. If the enemy continue to tempt, faithfully with- draw thy mind from the object of the temptation ; and, having earnestly turned it to other things, either good or indifferent, persevere in prayer; persevere in thus resisting, not with anxiety or impatience, but calmly and steadily: and the foe shall either flee away, or stand abashed. 6. Let it not be enough for thee to repulse Sa- tan; strive, also, to injure him. This thou canst do, if, by means of the weapons which divine love will furnish thee, thou turn the temptations of % the ene- my against himself. As often, therefore, as the demon tempts thee, so often use temptation against his aim and object, that, thou mayst unite thyself more closely with Me ) glorify Me by thy faithfulness, and acquire for thyself greater strength and merit. So it shall come to pass, that thy adversary, frightened by his defeat, either dares not return, CHAPTER XIV. 85 or, if he dares, will secure for thee a more signal victory, and a brighter crown. 7. But, if ever thou be so unfortunate as to fall, arise without delay ; fight with more humility and courage ; and beware, above all, lest thou surren- der and make thyself a slave to the foe. Many have been lost, because, after having fought bravely, — when they were on the point of gaining the victory, — cast down by the troublesonieness of the temptation, they surrendered disgracefully, and perished miserably. Up then, My Child ; the struggle is short, but the prize everlasting. Be magnanimous : courage is a great part of the victory. It prepares thee for grace ; it raises the heart, increases strength, moderates labor, frightens and weakens the enemy. For Me, thy God and Saviour, for thy salvation, for an everlasting crown, for the very Kingdom of heaven, fight thou bravely, and display a sight wor- thy of God, of the Angels, and of men. 8. The voice of the Disciple . — Thanks to Thee, most benign Jesus, who thus teachest my hands to fight and my fingers to war. Behold, Thou also cheerest up my heart, and givest me courage, so that I am ready to put forth my strength, and to act valiantly. But, I know and confess, that of myself I am weak and cowardly : if I am left to myself alone ; if I rely upon myself alone, what can be looked for, 3G THE FIRST BOOK. except that I shall shamefully fall away from Thee and perish ignobly ? Give me grace, I entreat Thee, that I may not presume on myself ; that, of my own accord, I may not expose myself; but that I may, with prudence, shun every occasion of falling, and, by watchfulness, escape all the snares of my foes. And at what time Thou shalt see me attacked by the enemy, or engaged with him, do Thou arise, I beseech Thee, hasten to my assistance; because Thou, 0 Lord, art my strength. Be Thou near me, I pray : set me beside Thee, and let any man’s hand fight against me ; with Thee I will conquer, with Thee I will triumph. CHAPTER XV. HOW THE ROOTS OF VICES AND DEFECTS ARE TO BE WHOLLY PLUCKED UP. 1. The voice of Jesus . — My Child, to obtain per- fect purity of heart, it is not enough to cherish a good will, to meditate and pray frequently, to con- fess often and devoutly. These means are very efficient and necessary, and therefore never to be omitted, nor neglected. But, alone, they do not suffice ; since they are CHAPTER XV. 87 not wont to pluck up completely the roots of vices and defects. It is necessary, then, to use besides another means, whereby thou mayst, so to speak, extermi- nate the noxious roots, and thus render thy heart perfectly clean. These sweet and wholesome effects are produced, in a marvelous manner, by self-examination, an ex- ercise apparently trifling indeed, and a small mat- ter, but in itself very efficient, and more deeply penetrating than any two-edged instrument, — reach- ing even to the dividing of the soul and the dis- cerning of spirits, and searching into the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Nor does it serve merely to root out evil habits and defects ; but, what is more wonderful, to ac- quire solid virtues, and even to attain to perfection. 2. This self-examination is threefold. The first, which is used to collect one’s self, consists in this, that, when an opportunity offers, thou turn to thy heart, and inspect it for a short time, observing whence it is moved, with what things it busies itself; or what it has done, and in what manner; what it should do in* future, and how. Opportunities of performing a very short self- examination of this sort, are wont to present them- selves frequently. When, for example, thou be- ginnest any of the more important actions of the day ; and when thou hast performed them. When something is presented to thy senses, or tc the first book. 88 thy mind, by which thou mayst be allured, or tempted; also, when thou hast fallen into some defect. , . , When thou meetest with any difficulty which may occasion trouble, or disturb thee : lastly, as often as, during some length of time, thou hast not looked into thy heart. Now, this can easily be done, at any time, and in any place, even whilst others are present, and with- out attracting their attention. In the exercise itself, there is no difficulty what- ever. At first, indeed, some attention should be used, but no straining of the mind ; and, in a short time, thou shalt begin to acquire a holy and con- soling habit, and gather from it the sweetest and most wholesome fruits. 3. The second is a general examination, by which, twice, or at least once, every day, thou devotest a ' short time, some minutes, exclusively to asking of thyself an account of thy way of living. Having briefly returned thanks to Hod, and beg- ged for divine light, inspect and scrutinize, how, since thou didst last examine thyself, thou hast de- ported thyself, in thy exterior and interior. Examine thy thoughts, words, and deeds: see wherein thou hast sinned, or failed : then, carefully mark each sin, or defect, at least mentally. If thou hast already practically learnt something of the interior life, place thy heart near to Mine, CHAPTER XY. 89 compare, and notice tlie difference between the thoughts, sensations, and actions of both. After thou hast, in this manner, discovered thy faults and failings, then see and acknowledge thy unthankfulness for My Divine favors ; form an act of sorrow, as perfect as possible, beg for grace to amend thyself, and to make better progress. 4. Lastly, the particular examination is that, by means of which thou exertest thyself, to root out, separately, only one vice or defect at a time. Most wonderful is the power, and incredible the efficacy, of this exercise. Would that thou didst understand it well, My Child, and that thou didst perform it in a proper manner ! There is no habit so deep-rooted, no vice so great, which, by this means, cannot be overcome and sub- dued. For, with God’s grace, it can, in some manner,, do all things. How many sinners have, by its means, been freed from vices, which had grown on them like a second nature ! How many souls lias it enabled to cleanse themselves thoroughly ! How many has it helped to reach perfection ! Whatever defects, then, thou mayst have, be of good cheer, My Child : sure art thou of victory *• sure of future freedom, if thou use this means dili- gently and perseveringly. Attack, first, that vice or defect which may be a stumbling-block, or a just cause of offense, to thy neighbor j afterwards, the one which seems to be 8 90 THE FIRST BOOK. thy chief fault. When the leader is overthrown, the rest are easily overcome. 5. Now, thy method of proceeding shall he this : In the morning, resolve firmly and considerately, that, during the day, thou wilt shun what" thou mayst have chosen to be avoided in a particular manner ; at the same time, beg for grace, that thou mayst be faithful to thy resolution. Then, twice, or only once a day, according as thou makest the general self-examination, thou ghalt also search thyself and see how often, since the last scrutiny, thou hast failed in thy special re- solve ; and mark the number of times. Afterwards, grieve not only for thy faults in gen- eral, but also for these defects in particular; and resolve again to be specially on thy guard against them, and for this end implore also special grace. Meanwhile, My Child, it will help thee very much, if, when thou perceivest thyself growing, in some way, indifferent or careless, thou inflict upon thyself some small punishment ; and this as often as thou offendest against thy particular examination. 6. But that thou mayst use rightly and con- stantly these and other means, thou needest a guide to direct, to teach, to fashion thee ; to keep thee in, or stir thee up, and cheer thee on at all times. No one, when left to himself, can walk with safety in the path of the spiritual and interior life ; for, oftentimes, he will be exposed to the danger of CHAPTER XV. 91 going astray, of losing heart, of falling into the snares of the foe ; nay more, of perishing. Wert thou a Saint, or a chosen Apostle, thou yet wouldst need some guide. Was not Paul, although a Vessel of election to carry My name among the nations, at My command, instructed and directed by Ananias ? Were not the Saints trained to holi- ness, by others that led a holy life ? Pray, therefore, My Child, that thou mayst be worthy to find a guide according to My Heart, either in thy Confessor, thy Superior, or some other person, who possesses authority, skill and experi- ence in spiritual matters, and a practical knowledge of the interior life. To such a one, My Child, do thou occasionally make known thy heart : at certain times give some account of thyself, that thou mayst know whether thou advancest rightly ; what thou must correct, and how it is to be done ; on what thou oughtest to insist, and in what manner it is to be accom- plished. The subjects, concerning which this interior man- ifestation should be made, are usually : the disclos- ing of the soul’s state or habitual feeling, whether it be peaceful or agitated ; what longings for a more perfect life thou feelest within thyself ; what ob- stacles embarrass thee; to what practices of devo- tion and mortification thou art wont to apply thy- self. What method thou hast in prayer and medita- 92 THE FIRST BOOK. tion ; with what relish and fruit thou advancest by this method ; what spiritual books thou readest, and whether they agree with the present degree of thy interior life : whether thou readest in a manner proper and profitable. In what manner thou approachest the Sacra- ments ; with what preparation, with what feelings of piety, with what thanksgiving, with what re- sults. How thou makest thy self-examinations; with what painstaking, and with what fruit. How thou performest the duties of thy state of life, the obligations of thy office, thy ordinary ac- tions, — by what motive or principle, whether of na- ture or of grace, with what object, — what end thou hast in view. In what manner thou deportest thyself towards others, with what disposition of heart, with what profit or loss to thyself and to them. With what fidelity thou obeyest God's inspira- tions ; how thou feelest disposed towards Me ; finally, in what degree thou relishest the sentiments of My Heart. Ho thou, My Child, modestly and religiously, with humble candor and docile charity, make known such and similar matters, sometimes one, then another, according as spiritual necessity or usefulness may require. All this, if thou perform it after this manner, CHAPTER XY. 93 thou shall find easy, most useful, and full of conso- lation.* 7. The voice of the Disciple . — Lord Jesus, to ex- ecute all those things, greatly, indeed, do I need light from above, — wherewith to discover my de- fects, — and divine assistance, to remove them. For many of them lie hidden from human eyes, * Purity of heart, being of the greatest importance, it is • thought proper to bring together, in this place, the means to attain it, although they have been given separately. The first is a settled and constant determination of always try- ing to improve. The second, stated and repeated mental and vocal prayer. The third, the pious and frequent use of the Sacraments. The fourth, the faithful practice of the three-fold self-examination, especially of the particular ex- amination. The fifth, the candid disclosing of our interior life ; and, on the other hand, a holy guidance. Whoever makes a right use of these means, will doubtless attain to as great a-purity of heart, as the Lord is ordinarily wont to require. But, if He require something extraordinary, He Himself will provide the means, for no one is able to make provision under such circumstances. Yet, as things are wont to be preserved by the same means that produced them, you shall preserve interior purity, by the same means that have been pointed out to attain it. These then are, “ the five loaves of the show-bread, which must be ever new and fresh before the Lord.” Wherefore, these means are always to be used with the same care. And, lest you grow lukewarm by degrees, either through frailty or carelessness, examine yourself from time to time, and make known, how you use them ; and, if you have in any wise fallen off, do as quickly as possible strive to regain your former fervor. As long as you shall employ these means, even with ordinary diligence, you shall have within yourself the consoling sign, that you are on the right road, which leads to perfection. 94 THE FIRST BOOK. nor can I see them myself, neither can any one point them out to me, unless aided by a supernatu- ral light. But if, with the brightness of this light, Thou deignest to illumine my inmost soul, behold ! all things therein, great and small, shall be unvailed. For even as the sun shining into a chamber reveals the very atoms that fill its every space, so Thy grace gleaming on my heart, shall bring to view number- less defects, the existence of which I did nowise suspect. But what shall it avail me to know my defects, if I cannot uproot them ? Thy help, therefore, is also necessary to me, who, without it, can effect nothing conducive to salvation. Lord Jesus, by Thy most Sacred Heart, I beg and beseech Thee, grant me uninterruptedly the plentifulness of this two-fold grace, that thereby I may be enlightened and assisted. Without this grace, no assiduity of mine, no care of a director, however much he may toil, whatever zeal he may exercise, can aught avail. Thou, therefore, 0 Jesus, the eternal Wisdom, the infinite Goodness, Thou art the supreme Direc- tor : do Thou, I pray, guide me, through him whom Thou mayst will to hold Thy place, and with whom I am willing to act in all things as with Thyself. CHAPTER XVI. 95 CHAPTER XVI. THAT HE WHO DESIRES TO FOLLOW THE HEART OF JESUS, MUST ALSO WITHDRAW HIS HEART FROM THE WORLD. 1. The voice of Jesus . — Woe to the world, My Child : woe to the heart that clings to its allure- ments and its vanities ! It is not enough to cast Satan out of thy heart, . thou must also expel the world. If thou inwardly cherish the world, whatever else thou mayst do wholly to amend thyself, shall avail thee little. For the world will continue to infect thy heart, will doubtless pervert, and finally betray thee into the power of the demon. 2. What is the world, except an inordinate or perverse love of pleasure, riches, honors; whereby its votaries are themselves corrupted and corrupt others? If thou desirest to know, what thou oughtest to think of the world, consider what I Myself have judged of it. , T Behold ! I passed through life doing good to all ; I loved the enemies that persecuted Me ; when fast- ened to the Cross, I prayed for those that crucified me ; but for the world I prayed not. The world is of the devil, is wholly placed in wickedness, and cannot possess My Spirit : even as 96 THE FIRST BOOK. falsehood cannot be truth, as corruption cannot be purity. 3. The world is itself a proof, not only of the undeniable existence — but even of the necessity of a hell. What can there be in common between the world and My Heart, since the world, either openly or secretly, favors every vice ; whilst My Heart breathes naught, except what is holy ? The world, in league with Satan, its prince, seeks for souls to destroy them forever ; My Heart longs to save them all. Thou canst, therefore, not serve the world and Me : for, if thou art the friend of the world, thou becomest the enemy of My Heart. 4. If thou art a votary of the world, thou wilt perish with the world : but if thou followest My Heart, thou wilt go into life everlasting. If thou drivest the world, and the maxims of the world, from thy heart, so as to offer it wholly to Me, the offering will be pleasing and honorable to Me, and full of glory and merit to thyself. The Angels and the Saints will applaud the deed, and the world itself shall be compelled to admire the lofty hero- ism of thy mind. Blessed is he, My Child, who withdraws his af- fections from the things of the world, and conse- crates them to Me alone ! £. What findest thou in the world, on account of which thou wouldst love it? Behold! all that is CHAPTER XVI. 97 in the world, is the desire of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. And the end of all these is death and hell. If, then, thou lovest the world, or the things which are of the world, thou takest into thy em- brace everlasting perdition. What good has the world done to thee, that thou wouldst devote thy affections to it? It has done, and never will do thee aught but evil. How, then, canst thou give thy heart to it? Trust not, My Child, to the smiles and blandish- ments of the world ; they show only a covert desire to deceive and destroy thee. But hearken to the invitings of My Heart, that longs to save thee from the everlasting misfortunes, which the world is preparing for thee. 6. If thou dost not forsake the world, the world will forsake thee, when thou art spent and worn out in its service ; yea, it will laugh and mock at thy destruction ; and, when thou standest most in need of help, thou slialt be alone and powerless. 'Think frequently, which of the, two, when thou art about to go into eternity, thou shalt rather wish to have followed, the world or Me. Do freely, therefore, and meritoriously now, what, without merit, thou shalt be forced to do then. AppJy thyself to draw thy heart from the love of earthly things ; and, by a complete disengage- ment from it, to triumph over the world. Have confidence, My Child, I have overcome the 9 98 THE FIRST BOOK. world : if thou art willing, thou also canst vanquish it. So soon as thou shalt have conquered, I will give thee a most delightful place in My Heart. 7. The voice of the Disciple . — 0 Lord, how fool- ishly have I acted ! how wickedly have I lived ! A willing dupe, I have been misled by the false ap- pearance of pleasure, of riches, of honor; I have forsaken Thee, to make myself a slave of the world, Thy enemy. I have left the fountain of every good, to go down to the pestilential pool of the world. There made I myself drunk with poisonous draughts ; I grew senseless, and, in my madness, I cast aside ever? thing. I became forgetful of Thee, my God and my all ; I gave myself wholly to the world ; and in its ser- vice, I unhallowed Thy gifts, my external senses, and the inward powers of my soul. Alas ! I became exceedingly guilty : my soul was filled with iniquity : I drew myself nigh to hell. Thy wrath came upon me, and Thy terrors troubled me, so that night and day I was wretched. 8. Alas ! good Jesus! even after — seized with a great dread of Thy judgment and fear of hell — I had resolved to lead a good life, into what fatal illusion did I fall ! how banefully did I go astray ! I divided my heart between Thee and the world : I wished, at one and the same time, to serve Thee and the world. 0 1 how great an insult did I offer to Thee, when CHAPTER XVII. 99 I placed Thee on an equality with tt e world I I pleased neither the world nor Thee : and, mean- while, I was most wretched, because, not being sat- isfied with the world, nor with Thee, I found true happiness in neither. But now that Thou didst open my eyes, and move my heart, behold ! 0 Lord Jesus, I will serve Thee alone : I give my whole heart to Thee for- ever. Take out of my heart, I beseech Thee, all affec- tion for the world : change for me all its apparent sweets into real bitterness. So fill me with the delight of Thy love, that the world, with all its vanities, become tasteless to me. : — CHAPTER, XVII. IIOW DECEITFUL THE WORLD IS. 1. The voice of Jesus . — My Child, the W’hole world is made up of deceits, and by its arts and wiles, it allures to itself the unwary. It holds out to man pleasures, honors, and riches ; and says, all these things will I give to thee, if thou serve me. But attend thou, not to what it promises, but to what it gives. Through the deceitful hope of pleasant things, it brings its votaries beneath the cruel tyranny of 100 THE FIRST BOOK. the passions, and thence leads them to the ceaseless tortures of the stings of conscience. Didst thou ever find a worldling, even the most fortunate, whose heart was every way satisfied ? Neither shalt thou find such a one, even if thou searchest the whole earth. The w r orld, indeed, promises good things; but, in reality, it bestows true evils only ; because what it gives, makes man wicked, and hinders him, by no means, from being truly unhappy. 2. The voice of the Disciple. — Yet, 0 Lord, worldlings frequently obtain possession of those things which they covet ; and, therefore, they care little for the spiritual distresses of the heart. The voice of Jesus . — Even so, My Child : grant that they abound in whatever things they may lust after in this world ; as they possess them with an inordinate affection, and misuse them, they enjoy them not, except for their present and future unhappiness. Besides, they appear, indeed, not to care for the interior tortures of the soul ; but, My Child, if thou couldst look, as I do, into their hearts, thou shouldst see how many things they suffer within, which they endeavor to hide outwardly, and thou wouldst con- clude, that the happiness of man consists, not in having an abundance of the things of this world, but rather herein, that he keeps his heart free from every worldly object, and calmly, and permanently satisfied in Me. Moreover, how long shall these things of world- CHAPTER XVII. 101 lings last ? Behold ! yet a little while, and eternity shall summon them to appear. What then shall the plentifulness of delights and other things avail them ? They shall leave the world, taking with them nothing, except the load of their sins. Wouldst thou, then, be willing, for the misuse of the things of time, to lose the use of those of eternity? or, for the false possessions of earth, to forfeit the true riches of heaven ? 3. My Child, if thou cleavest to the world, thou ceasest, in fact, to be a Christian, and thou foregoest the possession of all the privileges which belong to that noble name. For, at thy new birth, in the waters of Baptism, thou didst, by a solemn promise, made before heaven and earth, renounce the world and its wickedness ; nor would I, without that promise, have adopted thee as Mv Child. If, after this, thou goest again over to the party of the world, thou art not only faithless, but even worse than the heathen, who made no such promise. For, it is better not to promise, than not to make good what is promised. 4. Ask the departed, what they think of the world. The Elect will answer, that their happiness began from the time they learnt to despise the things of earth : and the reprobate will reply, that they were deceived and ruined by the world. Thyself, My Child, shalt, one day, think and ex- 102 THE FIRST BOOK. perience concerning the world, the one or the other of these things. Be timely wise, My Child, lest hereafter thou feel sorrow to no purpose : follow the footprints of the Saints, by withdrawing thy heart from the world, and keeping thy affections from its contagion. 5. Use the things of this world, as if thou didst not use them ; and, whilst thou treadest the earth with thy foot, have thy heart in heaven. The more thou slialt withdraw thyself from creatures, the nearer shalt thou come to the Creator ; and the more proper shalt thou be to receive divine gifts. If thy heart be wholly disengaged from the world, so far from being hurtful to thee, the world itself will be, in many ways, subservient to thy interests. 0, how base the whole world would grow in thy sight, if thou didst duly consider, what awaits thee in eternity ! 6. The voice of the Disciple. — Truly, 0 Lord, the world is a deceiver. Such have I experienced it to be, to my own loss. When it offered me its own favors, madman that I was, I believed that thereby I should be happy. But Oh ! how greatly was I deceived ! how truly wretched was I, even when, giddy with worldly love, I fancied myself most. happy ! The animal man within me, made me imagine that I was happy, whilst I was feeding on the husks, which the world threw before me ; and, in CHAPTER XVII. 103 spite of myself, I groaned full often beneath the degradation of my slavery, beneath the burden of my heart’s misery. I fully acknowledge now, that I was myself the author of my own unhappiness; and that I can, with justice, blame no one except myself. Because I was unwilling to serve Thee with joy and gladness of heart, amid the abundance of all things, I became a slave to Thy enemy and to mine, — served him in hunger, and thirst, and every want, in so far even, that I delighted to fill myself with the food of the vilest animals. 7. Would, 0 Lord, that I could blot out from the number of my years, those during which, es- tranged from thee, I served the world ! What fruit do I now reap from them, except bit- terness, stings of conscience, anguish of heart, sins to be atoned for, either in this life by sorrow, or to be bewailed in vain in the next ? Be gracious to me, 0 my Saviour ! and forgive me all my offenses, which I committed by following the world, and which I now detest from my inner- most heart. Suffer no more, I entreat Thee, that my heart cling again to aught — even the least object — of this wicked world : withdraw it wholly, with all its affections, from the false tinseling of earth, whicli contains naught except deceit, emptiness, and affliction of heart. 104 THE FIRST BOOK. CHAPTER XVIII. THAT TO SERVE THE WORLD IS A CRUEL SLAVERY. 1. The voice of Jesus . — My Child, he that loves to serve the world, knows not the world. The world is a true tyrant : and wretched slaves are they that serve it. How many things, — what sacrifices does it not exact from its votaries, whom, for all their services, it repays with unceasing evils ! It demands, that its slaves become the base tools of their passions ; that they sacrifice body and soul ; that they damn themselves without complaint. And, when it has completed their destruction, it forsakes them as useless wretches, fit only for hell- fire. 2. Oh ! at how great a cost do worldlings pur- chase their own ruin ! If they did for Me the half of what they do for the world, how happy should they be, and what Saints ! How cruel is the world’s slavery ! under it, how many interior sufferings must be undergone ! what hardships endured ! And all this for the hope of obtaining such things as, when once tasted, cause death ; or such as will produce tortures, either at present, by the irksome possession of them, or after awhile, by a bitter separation. Truly, it is an iron yoke which presses on the neck of worldlings, the weight of which no one does CHAPTER XVIII. 105 fully know, unless lie either tried it, or considers it as he stands on the threshold of eternity. 3. Whoever desires to be saved, must separate his heart from the world. There are those who, by their mode of life, having outwardly bidden farewell* to the world, inwardly captivated by the world, in most things, govern themselves by worldly sentiments. There are others, whom their condition in life obliges to live exposed to the dangers of the world ; who yet have so divested themselves of every affec- tion for the world, that they never defile themselves with aught that is worldly. It is, therefore, not the kind of life which he leads, nor the shape of the dress which he wears, that connects a man with the world, or estranges him from it; but the affection of the heart, the dis- position of the soul. Wherefore, he that is farthest separated in heart from the world, and most closely united to Me, he is dearest to My Heart, in whatever state of life he may live. Wherever, then, My divine Will may have placed thee, there do thou serve Me in holiness. Since, in every state or condition of life, which is good in it- self, thou canst live for Me, and sanctify thyself : although it remains true, that a state of life sepa- rated from the world, conduces most to secure sal- vation, and to reach perfection. 4. How many followers of the w r orld there are, who, 106 THE FIRST BOOK. convinced of the world’s wickedness, see the necessity of renouncing it h}^ a change of life ; yet, dare not do so, too fearful lest the world may rail at them. Is this your fortitude, ye friends of the world? Great- souled, forsooth, ye are all, who, through fear of empty talk, dare not do what faith dictates, what reason approves, what your greatest interest de- mands* What are words, but sounds passing through the air and disappearing ? Can they stir so much as a hair of the head ? 5. Shalt thou he so fainthearted, My Child, that, for the sake of such words, thou wouldst draw on thyself ruin in time and in eternity ? Choose, either to serve Me, to be blissful in My service, and to enjoy the enduring delights of heaven hereafter : or, to serve the world, to lead inwardly a wretched life, and, at last, to undergo torments never-ending. Behold ! life and death, good and evil are placed before thee : whatever thou dost prefer, shall be given thee. 6. The voice of the Disciple . — 0 kind Jesus ! how could I falter in my choice ? Wretched me ! how could I ever choose what was to render me so un- happy ! 0 infinite Goodness, 0 my God ! Thou hast freed me from error, and hast taught me the truth. Behold ! now I am wholly Thine forever, 0 Jesus, my true beatitude ! CHAPTER XIX. 107 Away with thee y deceitful world, most wicked seducer, enemy of God and of my salvation ; thou foe of all that is good, thou defender of all that is evil ; 0, thou, the most cruel of all tyrants ! 0 world, thou minister of Satan ! too late have I known thee : too long have I loved thee. From this hour, farewell to thee, farewell for evermore ! CHAPTER XIX. THAT THE YOKE OF JESUS IS TRULY SWEET. 1. The voice of Jesus. — Come, My Child, take up My yoke upon thee ; for My yoke is sweet, and My burden light. My service, Child, is not that of a tyrant, nor of a harsh master ; but of a most loving Father, who is near His children, who are submissive to Him, that He may help and entertain them. Love is the spirit of My service : and love finds all things easy. My commands are not heavy ; and to those that love, they are exceedingly light and sweet. Try and taste, My Child, how pleasant it is to serve Me ; how delightful, to enjoy My sweetness ; how good, to gain possession of the very fountain of all good things. 2. If thou seekest delights, thou shalt find the true ones, in My service alone. 108 THE FIRST BOOK. All the pleasures of the world, are either empty or pernicious. But My consolations surpass, be- yond comparison, all the delights of earth : they ravish hearts by their purity, they satiate them by their truth. Yea, betimes, they so overwhelm man, that they give him a certain foretaste of those heavenly de- lights, wherewith the Blessed in Paradise are in- ebriated. 3. He that serves Me, is not as the slave of the world, who toils to gather for himself treasures on earth, and in the end, finds his hands empty. But he lays up for himself treasures in heaven, where neither the rust, nor the moth, can destroy ; where thieves cannot dig them up, nor carry away. All the wealth of earth, compared with the treas- ures of heaven, is only dust and nothingness. 4. If thou aimest to be honored, behold ! what greater honor can be desired, than to be with Me, to be approved and distinguished by Me ? The glory of the world, wherewith one man de- ludes the other, is false and shortlived : but the glory of My service is true, and shall endure for- ever. Greater is the least of My servants, than the lord of a kingdom in the world. 5. Was there ever found a man, who, at the hour of death, repented that he had served Me? Yet, at that last moment, how exceedingly do worldlings regret to have been in the service of the world ! or, CHAPTER XIX. 109 if they bewail it not, how much more wretched are they ! Truthful is the saying, My Child, that he, who serves Me faithfully during life, possesses two heavens, the one in time, the other in eternity : and that he, who spends his life in the service of the wicked world, endures two hells, one now, another hereafter. 6. Courage ! then, My Child ; bend thyself be- neath the yoke, which is borne by the Angels in heaven, and the Elect on earth ; and beneath which they enjoy true bliss. Take it up joyously, and bear it cheerfully. Thou servest the same Lord, that is served by the Blessed in heaven. Whilst thou imitatest them in their service, imitate them also in their cheerfulness. Let the slaves of sin, and of the world, be sad : joy and exultation are the portion of My servants. Serve Me, then, but serve Me with gladness : let thy heart, for joy, cheer up thy countenance ; and, by thy holy gayety, teach the world, what blessedness there is in serving Me. 7. The voice of the Disciple— To serve Thee, 0 most benign Jesus, is truly sweet for me : what then must it be for those that love Thee ! what for those that have centred their heart's affection in Thee ! If I, who only begin to love, find so great a sweetness in Thee ; in what sweetness do they de- light, who, fondly devoted to Thee, with a generous 110 THE FIRST BOOK. heart, have long lived for Thee alone ; are admitted into the innermost of Thy Heart, and partake of all Thy bliss most plentifully ! 0 Jesus, unutterable sweetness ! what is man that Thou exaltest him thus ? or the son of man, that Thou settest Thy Heart upon him ? 8. Behold ! to live for Thee, to comply with Thy Will, is not to serve, but to reign. In Thy service, no one is a servant, every one is a King, is a Lord : for Thou art the King of kings, and the Lord of lords. In Thy service, no one is a menial, no one is miserable : each one is noble, each one is fortunate ; for Thou art the King of glory ; honors and riches abound in Thy house. In Thy service, no one is wicked; and, therefore, no one is unhappy : but all are good, happy all : for Thou art the King of virtues, the peace and joy of hearts. Blessed, therefore, are the undefiled, who walk in Thy law ! their blessedness is ever-during : for Thy kingdom is the kingdom of all ages. 0 most sweet Jesus ! what is there for me out- side of Thee, or what do I desire upon earth beside Thee ? God of my heart, Thou art my life, Thou my blessedness, Thou my portion forever. CHAPTER XX. Ill CHAPTER XX. THAT, WITHOUT KEEPING ANYTHING FOR OUR- SELVES, WE SHOULD GIVE OUR WHOLE HEART TO JESUS. 1. The voice of Jesus . — My Child, give Me thy heart. To release thy heart from sin, and from the world, is not enough : thou must, moreover, disen- gage it from thyself. As the complete renouncing of sin renders the friendship of God steadfast, and as the putting away of the world, and its vanities, prepares the soul for the interior life ; so, the forsaking of one’s self, leads to union with Me. It is, therefore, necessary to give Me thy whole heart, without reserving aught for thyself, if thou desirest to enjoy that blessedness, than which there is none greater in this life, and by which alone thou oanst be truly happy. 2. Thy heart, Child, is Mine. For, when it had no being, I created it ; when it was lost, I sought and ransomed it ; when it lay an easy prey to the enemies, that were going to carry it off, I protected and preserved it. Thus, by givin f g Me thy heart, thou dost only give Me what is Mine. But, on how many accounts do I deserve its every affection ! What good dost thou possess, in 112 THE FIRST BOOK. thy body, or in thy soul, whether in the natural or the supernatural order, which thou didst not re- ceive from My Heart ? How many years ago shouldst thou have been burning in hell, if I had either dealt with thee ac- cording to thy deserts; or had not preserved thee from sins which deserve hell and its just punish- ments ! But it was my love, Child, that dealt with thee in so sweet and wonderful a manner ; the love of My Heart, with which I loved thee from eternity, and with which, even till now, I have never ceased to favor thee. Thy whole life has been a succession of blessings, on My part, uninterrupted and manifold : nor has there been any point of time, which was not marked with some new favor. 3. And what, 0 Child of My love, do I ask of thee in return for all these thousands of favors ? Surely, whatever I might ask of thee, and what- ever thou mightst be able to give, would be far be- low the greatness and the number of My gifts. Yet, one thing only I demand, thy whole heart ; it is enough, if thou give Me that. Thy heart excepted, I care naught for whatever thou mayst give ; because, beyond all else, I long for thy heart. 9 4. Upon whom canst thou bestow thy heart with more advantage? Thou canst not live, without CHAPTER XX. 113 loving, and without giving the affections of thy heart to some object. Wouldst thou give thy heart to the demon, thy sworn and relentless enemy ? or to the world, the demon’s corrupt and corrupting ally? Woe, My Child, a thousand times woe to thee, if thou givest it to either of these ! Art thou desirous of reserving the affections of thy heart for thyself? But, My Child, if thou lovest thyself only, thou shalt find a requital in thyself alone. Now, what is the reward of self- love ? Behold, self-love digs out a hell, and leads to the same. Give, then, thy heart to Me, Child : I will fill it with peace, and with gladness, and with bliss. 5. Do not desire to reserve for thyself aught of thy affections : for if thou do this, thou shalt neither be admitted into the secrets of My Heart, nor shalt thou ever be able to taste the sweetness of My love : nay more, thou shalt not be able to keep thyself from the danger of being perverted. Yet it is not unusual for many, even those who wish to be considered good and pious, to keep, through self-love, — under a specious pretext, — an affection for some one or other created object. What is there more frequent? what can be more danger- ous? what more baneful? I wish to possess thy whole heart, Child : I am its Lord; I, a jealous God, am its only end, its sole beatitude. 10 114 THE FIRST BOOK. 0. Love, then, My Child : it is given thee to love ; to love is necessary : for this thy heart was made : but love thou what deserves to be loved ; love Me; and, if thou cherish aught else besides, love it for love of Me alone. When beside Me thou wilt love nothing, except for love of Me, — when thou givest entrance into thy heart to nothing except to Me, or for love of Me, — then, at last, shalt thou possess a heart wholly pure. Wherefore, My Child, give Me thy whole heart, as a burnt-offering, for an odor of sweetness ; nor do thou take it back, not even the least portion of the same : for I hate robbery in a holocaust. Be ever mindful that, whether in prosperity or in adversity, there can be nowhere a better place for thy heart, than with Me. 7. The voice of the Disciple . — It follows, then, 0 Lord, that I must also disengage my heart from all self-love, from inordinate affection towards my- self; so that I may wholly be filled with Thy love, and may live by Thy Spirit alone. Alas ! my God, here is the labor, here is the dif- ficulty : there exist in my heart so many things ill- regulated, and these I have followed so long, that to live according to them, has become to me, as it were, a second nature. Hitherto, the natural disposition of my heart, either inclination or aversion, has been almost the sole rule of my life : this I have followed, in my CHAPTER XX. 115 dealings with others, in the undertaking and the execution of my actions ; yea, in the very perform- ance of my practices of religion and piety. Hitherto, with grief I must own it, whatever pleased my natural inclination, I was wont to pur- sue : whatever displeased it, I abhorred. Hence, I find my labors, for the most part, void ■ I see that well-nigh all my actions were those of self-love; and that they have given me, in return, the fruits only of self-love. And, unless Thou, by the light of Thy grace, hadst showed me these things, I might have con- tinued with them, without ever suspecting them. So much was I blinded by self-love. But, since, by Thy gracious kindness, Thou hast laid open before my eyes these baleful evils lurk- ing in my heart, grant me, I beseech Thee, a spe- cial help to remove them altogether. I entreat Thee, 0 Lord, suffer naught, which is not Thine, in my heart : if ever anything foreign appear therein, oblige me forthwith to cast it out ; or do Thou, even against my will, take it thence. 116 THE FIRST BOOK. CHAPTER XXI. OF WATCHING OYER OUR HEART. 1. The voice of Jesus . — My Child, with all watch- fulness, keep thy heart safe for Me : for from it proceeds either life or death. The greatest and most pleasing gift thou canst offer, is to present thy whole heart irrevocably to Me ; and thou canst have no better, nor more whole- some employment, than to preserve thy heart faith- fully for Me. In vain dost thou devote thy heart to Me, if thou do not guard it sedulously : for the enemy, even without thy being fully aware of it, will cor- rupt it and tear it away. 2. A man, loose in heart, and given up to out- ward things, may, indeed, on occasion of some swift- passing fervor, devote his feelings to Me ; but soon, when this warmth of devotion disappears, he will fall into a worse than his wonted low estate. A heart not watched over, is rarely self-present, and more rarely still, mindful of Me : hence, in a short time, it becomes unfeeling, and grows hard- ened against things spiritual. It lies open to every one, like a public thorough- fare, through which thoughts, temptations, errors of every sort may freely pass. All its enemies come and go through it ; and, in various ways, disturb, defile, and corrupt it. CHAPTER XXI. 117 A man, given to outward things, never seriously gives heed to this ; and, shrinking from the very thought of dwelling within himself, or of busying himself with what goes on in his heart, he endeav- ors to flee from himself, or to turn awa}^ his mind. And thus the evil grows worse ; and, from day to day, the condition of his heart becomes more dan- gerous. c? 3. If thou art unwilling to be the victim of mis- eries so great, remove their causes, and the effects will cease. By calling to mind the divine Presence, by fre- quent recourse to Me, check thou all levity, and take heed, lest thou be too indulgent to thy ever- changing nature ; which always seeks to go abroad, which is prone to vanity, which seeks to show itself everywhere, which studies continually how it may gratify the senses. Shun things trifling and useless ; shut out all outer things, with which it is not needful to busy thyself ; accustom thyself to dwell within thyself, and to live interiorly in such a manner, as if thou wast alone with Me in the world. Study, always and everywhere, to possess thyself and to be self-collected : to this thou mayst attain by grace, by effort, and by practice, so that it will be- come, as it were, natural to thee. And, when thou hast acquired it, this self-pres- ence of the mind will bring its own reward. For it is a boundless treasure to man. 118 THE FIRST BOOK. 4. The self-collected man keeps watch over all the avenues of the heart; Me, his God and Saviour, he entertains within himself ; with Me he deals generously, with Me he converses familiarly. Everywhere self-possessed, he peacefully enjoys the Beloved of his soul, and is ever saved from wearisomeness, and from numberless faults. Whilst inwardly recollected, he makes progress in virtue ; and, in spite of every obstacle, he hastens on to perfection. Wherefore, allow not thy spirit to grow dissi- pated, My Child; neither on account of the appear- ance of external objects, nor on account of the va- ried throng of circumstances, nor on account of the urgency of labor, nor on account of the comfortless inward state of thy soul. Observe carefully, with what objects thy heart busies itself ; by what it is moved, towards what it tends. Turn thyself wholly to interior things; and, in- tent on these, preserve inward peace, and rejoice in My presence. 5. The voice of the Disciple . — Grant me, I beseech Thee, Lord Jesus, an inward spirit, that I may keep my heart for Thee, that I may watch over its employments. For I find it ever busy : but, by reason of my neglectfulness, it heeds neither place, nor time, nor objects. Behold ! frequently have I surprised it in strange CHAPTER XXI. 119 places, pouring out its feelings, whether of love or of aversion, distracted with emotions, becoming stained by the objects which engaged it. Frequently have I found it to steal away and give itself up to dissipation, at the hours, yea at the very moments, which were specially consecrated to Thee ; and when it ought to have been praying to Thee, praising Thee, loving Thee, enjoying Thee. How often have I seen it engaged with objects vain, or even forbidden, when it should have occu- pied itself with things good or useful ! When unguarded, it slips forthwith away, it runs to and fro, it is carried towards different objects, ac- cording as it is swayed by different impulses of nature. It is never at rest : when it escapes from one ob- ject, it is entangled in another. It is excited by curiosity, it is allured by cupidity, it is misled by vanity, it is defiled by pleasure, it is wasted by sad- ness, it is tortured by envy, it is disturbed by love and hatred, it is worried by its own misery, and by worrying itself it is broken down. Thus is my heart busied, thus is it defiled, when I watch not over it, or when I am careless about it. 6. 0 Lord ! how great the need of being vigilant ! How great the need of guarding my heart ! It must not only be made to stay at home in recollection, but it must also be kept busy, yet only with Thee or for Thee. I must examine, then, by what it is impelled, 120 THE FIRST BOOK. whether by nature or by grace : how it acts, whether according to Thy good pleasure, or according to its own natural likings : what it has ultimately in view, Thee or itself. And I must watch constantly, until my heart, in some mauner, has grown accustomed, sweetly and courageously to follow, for love of Thee, the motion of grace. 0 Jesus! of how great an importance is this work ! whatever efforts be needed to accomplish it, behold! I will not cease to pursue the same, until I see it perfected. If I loved Thee, if I were all captivated with Thy love, how easily, and how speedily should this work be completed ! For, if my heart -were filled with love for Thee, it would repose in Thee, it would not stray from Thee : — in Thee it would find its happi- ness; all else it would, of its own accord, drive off or cast away. 0 sweetest Jesus ! how wonderful is Thy love! Replenish Thou my heart with Thy love and Thy grace, and my heart will gladly stand watch over itself, will zealously reserve itself for Thee. CHAPTER XXII. 121 CHAPTER XXII. OF THE SHORTNESS OF THIS LIFE. 1. The voice of Jesus , — My Child, in all thy works, remember thy last end ; and thou shalt never sin. Whilst thou hast time, do whatever thou c-anst for eternity, mindful that thy life is exceedingly short. Soon thou must return to the earth, out of which thou wast taken ; for dust thou art, and into dust thou shalt return. What is the life of man upon earth ? A vapor, which appears, for a little time, then vanishes away, and leaves not even a vestige behind. Ever since thou wast born, thou hast not ceased to hasten on to death ; neither is it in thy power to stay thy steps. 2. Think over the time thou hast lived. Does it not appear like a dream ? Yet know, My Child, that it shall seem still more so, when death is near, which thou must meet full soon. For what is even the longest life? Behold ! the number of man’s days are threescore and ten years : and, if he be among the powerful, fourscore years. But, compared with eternity, these years are ac- counted as a drop in the waters of the ocean. Nay more, the time of this life, placed in com- parison, with the endless duration of the life here- 11 122 THE FIRST BOOK. after, is only a point. Yet on this point is hung thy eternity, whether of bliss or of woe. Yea, hadst thou lived from the beginning of the world, even to this hour, if thou wert now about to die, what should this life be worth to thee, when thou art entering into eternity ; in which there are neither days, nor years, nor ages, but which flows perpetually onward, through an uninterrupted for- ever. 3. Wherefore, My Child, understand well the value of time. Time is the measure of life : as much as thou squanderest of time, so much dost thou lose of thy life. Time exceeds in value all the treasures of this world. With all the riches of earth, thou couldst not purchase a second of time : but, with time, ever- lasting treasures may be secured. Oh ! could the dead return from eternity, thinkest thou that they would misspend even a moment? that they would not employ it ; some to free them- selves from punishments, others to increase their merits ? But alas ! though nothing is more precious than time, to many there is naught more wearisome. There are those, — not only among persons that follow the spirit of the world, but even among such as make a profession of piety, — to whom time seems a burden. They complain of its dullness ; they love to waste it ; they rejoice when they have spent it uselessly, but without irksomeness. CHAPTER XXII. 123 And thus they squander, in dishonoring Me, and in harming themselves, that by means of which they were able and obliged to glorify Me ; to help their neighbor; to gather treasures of merit for eternity. 4. Frequently call to mind, My Child, for what purpose thou didst enter into this world. Evidently for none other, except to prepare thyself for eter- nity. For, what else is the present life, if not a novitiate of eternity ? Whilst this brief career continues, thou hast numberless duties to fulfill. For, there are thy many faults to be atoned for ; thy soul to be saved and sanctified ; hell to be escaped ; Purgatory to be avoided ; heaven to be secured ; thou hast a neigh- bor whom thou must edify and help to life ever- lasting ; lastly, thou hast to honor and glorify Me, in a befitting manner, and with all thy powers. If thou do not this during life, after it, time shall be no more : and, throughout eternity, thou shalt bear the consequences of thy heedlessness and neglect. Time is Mine, not thine : I have lent it to thee, that thou mayst use it to perform those things, which I demand, or desire of thee. If thou squanderest it, thou shalt one day be held to a most strict account : but if thcu usest it well, thou canst merit, at every moment, a new de- gree of grace, and of ever-enduring glory, 5. Hearken, My Child : frequently imagine thy- self at that point, when time shall cease, and eter 124 THE FIRST BOOK. nity begin : and weigli, attentively, what thoughts will then occupy thy mind, both concerning all the past, and concerning the whole future. Behold ! eternity is thy dwelling-place : eternity is thy country : eternity is thy lasting home. Thou art a traveler and a stranger upon earth ; fleetly thou passest over it, in search of thy kindred in eternity. Thither, all that have been, that are, and that shall be, must repair. There all, the great and the small, the rich and the poor, the well- formed and the misshapen, shall be without distinc- tion, except such a one as arises from virtue. Yet a little time, My Child, and thou also shalt be there. There shalt thou live : yea, live an endless life. Behold ! what a lofty thought, My Child ! Time shall wing away its flight, ages shall succeed to ages, the world itself shall perish : but thou shalt never cease to be ; thou shalt never cease to live. Oh ! would, My Child, that thou didst understand this rightly ! 6. If thou savest not thyself for eternity, who will save thee ? Most certainly, no one : not even I ; for, although I created thee without thee, I will not save thee without thee. And if thou dost not now work out thy salvation and perfection, how wilt thou do it hereafter? The future is a time, which, perhaps, thou shalt not have, and which thou canst, by no means, promise to thyself. But even wert thou to possess it, the | CHAPTER XXII. 125 matter would grow more difficult from day to day, and would induce thee to delay still farther : and thus thou shouldst stand, at the gates of eternity, still unprepared. Believe every day to be the last, and live each day in such a manner, that, when the Son of man comes, far from fearing, thou mayst be able to rejoice at His coming. Blessed is he whom, when I come, I shall find thus employed. Yerily, I say, I will place him over all My possessions. 7. The voice of the Disciple . — 0 Lord, how short is life, and how many, and what great things have to be done during it ! But, alas ! how have I spent hitherto the time of my life ! All these things of supreme importance, which Thou gavest me to do for eternity, I have over- looked, as if they were of little or no worth. 0 blindness ! 0 wickedness of mine ! Although these things deserve to be wept over, with tear3 of blood, oh ! would that they were my worst trans- gressions ! Woe is me! I have employed a great part of the time of my life in tormenting and griev- ing Thy Heart, in committing and heaping up sins* for myself. Much of it have I wasted in serving the world,, in seeking after its empty possessions, in pursuing its fruitless glory, deceitful pleasures, trifles of every kind. Much of it have I squandered in satisfying my- 126 THE FIRST BOOK. self, in fostering self-love, in gratifying the inclina- tions of nature, yea, even in things which other- wise were good and pious. 0 my Saviour ! how wretchedly have I lived ! instead of virtues and merits, I have gathered wood, and straw, and stubble, to feed the fire, and burn myself in the life to come. Pardon, I entreat Thee, 0 pardon the evils, I have done : grant me grace to redeem lost time, to repair the past and make it good, by fervently em- ploying what still remains of my life, in those things for the performing of which it was given me. The source of my misfortunes was, that I did not love Thee, Lord Jesus; that I felt indifferent toward Thee; that I was defiled with a corrupt and corrupting love for other objects. 0 my God, Thou who hast freed me from so great a curse, I beseech Thee, enkindle my heart with that fire of love, with which Thy Heart is burning. This most hallowed flame will utterly destroy my offenses; this will arouse me faithfully to perform whatever is enjoined to secure a blissful eternity. CHAPTER XXIII. 127 CHAPTER XXIII. OF DEATH. 1. The voice of Jesus . — My Child, rer/iember, thou must die : because it is appointed for all men once to die. Do whatever thou wilt, thou canst by no possible effort escape the grasp of death. The Almighty Himself has fixed the bounds, beyond which none can pass. When thou hast reached them, no mat- ter what may be thy condition, thou shalt die the death. Whilst life endures, there is naught more certain than death : yet there is naught more hidden in uncertainty, than the time of death, and its attend- ant surroundings. Thou knowest not, indeed, when thou shalt die : yet, hold this for certain, that thou shalt die, when thou thinkest not. Whether thou shalt see the end of this year, or even of this day, of that thou art wholly ignorant. Many, counting on a long life, and regardless of making preparation for death, dream of much to be done in the future ; when suddenly death puts an end to all their plans, and drags them away into eternity. Whether thou shalt die at home, or abroad ; of sickness, or by violence ; whether strengthened with 128 THE FIRST BOOK. the Sacraments, or deprived of their soothing com- forts, all this lies hidden in the mysterious un- known. 2. However, My Child, thou shalt die only once : if once thou diest well, thy everlasting bliss is se- cured; if once thou diest ill, thy destruction is endless and irreparable. 0 inconceivable stupidity of the heart of man ! "Very many fear not to live in a state of damnation , and yet it is certain, that they shall die unexpect- edly. The unchangeable declaration remains firm : The Son of man will come, when He is not ex- pected. For a reason worthy of God’s Wisdom, the time of His coming remains hidden, that men may keep themselves in the state of grace — ever ready. But, as many disregard this, it happens that not a few die without being prepared, and in a twinkling are buried in hell. Woe, therefore, to them whom death shall over- take in a bad state ! When they are dead, hope shall be no more ; because from a death in time, they fall into the death of eternity, and from finite evils they pass over to those which are infinite. Most wretched is the death of sinners : frightful is the death of the lukewarm ; but precious, and filled with consolation, is the death of them that have sanctified themselves. Blessed are they who end a saintly life with a holy death ! They reach the end of their labors, CHAPTER XXIII. 129 their afflictions, their trials, and of all d i ngers, and they enter into a bliss secure and complete. 3. How differently are different persons im- pressed at the moment of death ! some are terror- stricken at the thought of the past, of the present, and of the future ; others are filled with comfort : these feel their hearts dilating, those feel them compressed with anguish : but all wish that they had lived piously. To be well prepared to die, is the greatest conso- lation of him that sees the near approach of death. To how great a danger of dying unprepared is he exposed, who thinks of making ready only when death is at the door ! then, either time is wanting, or the pangs of sickness hinder the use of the souks powers, or passions still have their wonted sway, whilst the habit of neglecting to correspond to grace still prevails; and, meanwhile, the devil’s as- saults are greater than ever before. Look forward, then, My Child, before the night overtake thee, wherein no one can securely work, but when every one begins to garner, what he has sown. A good life is the best preparation for death. It is generally true, that he that lives well, dies well. Daily, before retiring to thy nightly rest, put thy soul in order, as if, the same night, thou hadst to set out for eternity. 1. Death is a good counselor, My Child ; where- fore, before thou undertakest, or leavest off, aught 130 THE FIRST BOOK. of importance, ask advice of deatli, that thou mayst know, when it calls thee, what thou wouldst like to have done, what thou wouldst regret to have left undone. By perfect purity of heart thou canst make thy death most safe and consoling. Take no counsel of the flesh, when there is ques- tion of securing a happy death ; but, even in spite of its murmurings, pursue what is good, that, in the end, thou mayst save both the body and the soul. After death thy body shall become the food of worms, and whatever remains of it, shall be the prey of corruption. Yet, thereafter, it shall arise again, whether thou art willing or not, to share the everlasting destiny of the soul. Let death be most familiar to thee, My Child. If thou be faithful in asking its advice, and in fol- lowing it, it will be thy solace in adversity, it will keep thee in due bounds in prosperity, it will be useful to thee in all things, it will not cease to do thee good ; and, in the end, it will free thee from this place of exile, and introduce thee into thy blissful country in heaven. 5. The voice of the Disciple . — Is it possible, 0 Lord, that any one will hold himself unprepared, when at any moment he may have to meet death? My conscience bears me witness, what I shall wish for at the approach of death : then my sole CHAPTER XXIII. 131 desire shall be that I had led a life of innocence ; that for Thee I had kept my heart undefiled ; that I had sanctified my soul. But, alas ! should death overtake me now, I should wish for all this in vain ; since, as yet, I possess no sign of holiness, but rather many marks of luke- warmness. 0 compassionate and merciful Lord, bear with me a little while, that I may weep over my neglect- fulness, and that I may do what I would desire to have performed, when death comes. 6. 0 my soul, soon time shall be no more. Let others do as they list : let us, whilst yet there is time, devote ourselves to the work of our salva- tion. Each one for himself. When death comes no one can take our place ; nor can any one, in our stead, go into eternity. Whatever, therefore, others may say or do, let us place our everlasting destiny beyond all danger. And what means, 0 Lord Jesus, can be better, and safer, than a true love for Thee, disengaged from every thing besides ; since this both cleanses us from our faults, and renders us holy ? If I love Thee truly, I will not fear death, nor aught of all that follows thereafter. Thy love will Irive away fear: Thy love will enable me to ap- proach Thee with confidence. Thou, then, 0 Jesus, my love, be Thou hence- 132 the first book. forth, my life. If Thou art my life, to die shall be my gain. . , For love of Thee, let me daily die to sin, to the world, to myself, that I may live for Thee: let me become free from things created, and be made wholly pure, so that, when death opens the door, I may appear before Thee rejoicingly. ' CHAPTER XXIV . OF JUDGMENT. 1 The voice of Jesus. — My Child, so soon as thou hast gone into eternity, thou shalt find thyself be- fore My Judgment-seat, to give an account of thy life and to hear the decision of thy lot forever. I Myself, the Searcher and Knower of hearts, - to whom all power is given in heaven and on earth, - I will preside over this judgment. All and aver, one. wlatber the, be w,m» S » not must make their appearance before Me, the Judoe of the living and the dead, to receive the findf sentence : nor fs it possible thereafter to a P - r>eal to another tribunal. What is just, I will judge : neither by gifts nor by promises will I be conciliated; nor shall prayers of any one change My Heart; neither will I be moved by repentance. CHAPTER XXIV. 133 That day shall be a day of justice, not of mercy. Then shall each one receive according to his works. 2. What shall thy feeling be then, My Child, when thou shalt stand alone before the infinite Majesty, with naught except thy works alone, whether they be good or evil ? Then will the devil arise in judgment against thee, and accuse thee, ready to drag thee into hell. Thy Guardian Angel will stand up against thee, to bear witness to the truth of what is brought against thee. Nay, even thy own conscience will accuse thee, and overwhelm thee with alarm, and dread, and terror. Thus accused, with none to take thy defense, thou shalt wither away for fear ; nor shalt thou dare to open thy mouth. 3. For all things, whether they be known or un- known, are in My sight j nor is there any thing hid- den from My eyes. Yet, searching I will search the heart, from the first dawn of its reason, even to the last breath of its life. From it will I draw forth every evil, be it public or private ; whether its own work, or that of an- other ; whether great or small ; whatever thou hast committed by thought, and word, and deed, and omission. And not only of things evil, but also of those 134 THE FIRST BOOK. that are vain, or idle, or useless, will I exact an account. Nay more, justice itself will I judge : I will weigh, in the scales of the sanctuary, even thy good deeds, and see what was wanting in them ; either in the motive, in the manner of doing, or in the end intended, scrutinizing whether all was supernatural and perfect. Then, many things, which, during life, appeare i good, shall be found void and evil. Then, the showy semblances of the virtues of the lukewarm, shall be seen as they are, and shall be cast aside, as dry stubble, fit only to he burnt. And, searching still further, I will seek out the fruit of all the favors which I bestowed, of all the graces, of all the means of salvation and perfection. Yea, I will summon time itself against thee, and I will thoroughly investigate in what manner thou didst use it. 4. What shalt thou do then, 0 sinner, when even the just shall hardly be secure? Above thee thou shalt descry a heaven uncertain, below the yawning abyss ; at thy right, Angels as witnesses ; at thy left, demons enraged ; before thee, the supreme Arbiter of life and death. 5. Ah ! My Child, now act with care, that thou mayst find safety then. Now it is easy, then it shall be impossible. Follow now the invitings of My mercy, that thou mayst not then feel the severity of My justice. CHAPTER XXI Y. 135 Now withdraw thyself wholly from a depraved world, that then, with reprobate worldlings, thou mayst not be forced to hear : Depart, ye accursed, into everlasting fire. Now, untrammeled by aught of earth, follow thou the Saints, that with them, thou mayst be worthy then to hear : Come, ye Blessed of My Father, pos- sess the Kingdom prepared for you from the found- ation of the world. 6. The voice of the Disciple . — 0 Lord ! how much better it is, here to examine and judge myself strictly, that I may not be condemned before Thy Judgment-seat ! How much better, here to weigh well all my thoughts, and words, and deeds, that I may plainly see whether they are good, whether they are wholly according to Thy will, whether they shall be able to stand Thy searching, and deserve Thy ap- proval ! At present there is still a remedy, then every effort shall prove unavailing : now mercy is still offered me, then justice will thunder forth : Give an account of every thing. Lord, 0 Lord ! if thou wilt mark iniquities, who shall endure it? If Thou searchest also things in- different, yea, even those that are good, who can stand before Thee ? 0 Jesus ! although I am inwardly rejoiced that Thou, and none other, art to be my Judge, yet, when I reflect that I am obliged to give an account 4 136 THE FIRST BOOK. of matters so numerous and so dreadful, T tremble with fear. For, on what can I rely, when even my good deeds must be mistrusted? On what shall I ground my hope? Behold! naught do I find, whereon to place a safe reliance, except on Thy Heart. In this, therefore, will I hope : for, though It shall then be the Heart of my Judge, yet It will still remain the Heart of my Jesus, of One that loves them that love Him. 0 my Jesus ! be mindful of Thy word, in which Thou hast given me hope : for Thou hast said: Who loves Me, him also will I love. If I love Thee, and am loved by Thee, then will I surely not fear to come and appear before Thee. Lo, therefore, what I will do : I will love Thee, most lovely and most loving Jesus; I will love Thee with my whole heart, and love Thee all the days of my life. CHAPTER XXY. OF HELL. 1. The voice of Jesus . — My Child, so long as men live, I do, in some manner, love them all ; the good I cherish with a divine affection ; the wicked I tolerate, because I await their conver- sion ; and I go in search of those that are straying, CHAPTER XXV. 137 My Heart, wherein I bear them all written, devises and uses a thousand ways and means to save all. But, if there are any who disappoint the hopes of My mercy, if they come to judgment laden with the guilt of grievous sin, confirmed in their ob- stinacy ; I will blot them altogether out of My Heart, and, with the thunderbolts of My justice, I will hurl them into the depths of hell. 2. There, they are bereft of heaven and all its delights, and never shall they behold My counte- nance in the kingdom of My glory. They endure an infinite punishment : because they have lost an infinite good. Plunged in a shoreless lake of fire, they burn and suffer for evermore ; and the smoke of their tortures mounts up unendingly. All evils rush upon them. There, every sense of the body, every power of the soul, shall have its own and proper punishment. In that, whereby each has sinned, shall he be specially tormented : as much as he has delighted in evil, so much is he tortured with pain. There, the unclean are forever devoured with a burning heat, overwhelmed with intolerable stench, gnawed by never-dying worms. There, the wickedly rich are oppressed by ex- treme want ; and suffer a most frightful hunger and thirst, nor shall they find relief forever. There, they that wrongly sought after honors, 12 138 THE FIRST BOOK. are infinitely debased, and despised and trodden under foot by the very demons. There, no interruption is felt in torments, not even for a moment ; but they continue, and shall continue forever and ever. There, every one receives according to his deserts. 3. The place, the masters, the company, every- thing superadds to the punishments, in an incon- ceivable manner. What can there be more terrible than the dun- geons of hell, where no ray of light, no order, but continued darkness and everlasting horror dwell ? What more cruel than the demons, who exhaust their arts to invent new tortures, and their strength to inflict them ? What more gloomy than that wretched throng of sufferers, howling endlessly, hopelessly? As many companions as there are suffering, so many new torments are experienced. 4. Behold ! so shall he be punished, who is un- willing to serve Me, his God, his Creator, his Re- deemer, his unwearied Benefactor. As I live, every knee shall be bent to Me, and all nations shall serve Me. Whoever does not willingly serve My goodness in time, shall unwillingly serve My justice in eter- nity. Be not amazed, My Child, at the punishment of the damned : they themselves are not astounded, CHAPTER XXV. 139 but confess that they receive things wortl y of their deeds. No one goes to the torments of hell against his will : all the reprobate rush thither of their own free choice ; therefore, they complain of no one, except themselves. They confess, that I am infinitely bountiful, and acknowledge, that they are exceedingly wicked. 5. The gate of hell is sin ; the paths that lead to the same, whatever allures man to sin. How many have perished by an unlawful desire for pleasure, by an inordinate love of riches, by a w T icked pursuit of honors ! Long thou for naught, My Child, which may en- tangle thee in its toils, and afterwards hurl thee into the abyss. Nor is it less dangerous, in all things to seek thyself. How many, alas ! there are, who seem to begin well, but who, because they do not abandon self, relapse at length — are thrust into deeper evils, and, finally, are miserably lost ! To escape hell, therefore, it is not enough to have begun well, but it is necessary to have per- severed in well-doing. Forsake sin and the world forever, lest thou be in the end forsaken by Me : forsake, moreover, thy- self, lest by thy own weight, thou be dragged down to the lowest depths. Do all, dearly beloved, endure all, that thou mayst avoid never-ending torments. All the labors 140 TIIE FIRST BOOK. and afflictions of this life, are as naught, when com- pared with the sufferings of hell. Here upon earth, in a short time, there shall be aq.end to labors and sorrows : but there is no being redeemed out of hell. 6. The voice of the Disciple . — 0 Lord, our God ! how awful is Thy justice in eternity ! Never- theless, Thy judgments are just, yea, acknowledged just by the reprobate themselves. But, although nothing terrifies me more than hell, yet, I know of nothing better adapted to awaken in my heart a love for Thee. How, indeed, 0 Lord Jesus, can I think of the fire of hell, without being inflamed with love for Thee? "What is there, that manifests, in a more sensible manner, the bounty of Thy Heart towards me ? what is there, that presses me more forcibly to love Thee in return ? Behold ! if Thou shouldst free some reprobate soul from the torments of hell, and if to her, thus restored to this life, Thou shouldst give most plen- tiful means, whereby she might not only save her- self, in an easy manner, but also gain an everlasting throne of glory in heaven : 0 how would that soul love Thee! Would she think that she could ever be able to show Thee sufficient thankfulness ? Could she ever think of hell, without wholly melt- ing with love for Thee ? 0 how pure would she CHAPTER XXV. 141 keep her heart for Thee ! how saint-like would she live for Thee ! Now, 0 Lord, I am indebted to Thee for much more than that soul should be. Ey preserving me from the pains of hell, Thou didst far greater and better things for me. For, is it not a greater and better blessing to be entirely kept from an evil, than to be released from it, after having undergone its pangs ? Yet, these things, so astonishing, so wonderful, so sweet, Thou didst do for me ; not once, not twice, not thrice, but as often as I committed mortal sin. Had I committed no mortal sin, my obligation should still be greater, my debt of gratitude should be increased, as well as my reasons for loving Thee. For I should be infinitely more obliged to Thee. Had not the infinite goodness of Thy Heart pre- served me by grace, how long ago might I have fallen into a sin deserving of hell ! For there is no sin which one commits, which another may not also commit, unless Thou prevent him by a special grace. Whatever, then, I may have been, this 0 most sweet Jesus, this I owe, first of all, to Thee, that I am not now in hell, that I am still able to gain heaven. Thou hast freed me from destruction : Thou hast freed me, according to the multitude and greatness of the goodness of Thy Heart, from the depth of hell, from the hands of them that lay in wait for my soul. 142 THE FIRST BOOK. Come ye, therefore, and I will tell you all ye that fear the Lord, what great things He Las done for my soul. Should I, then, not love Thee, 0 Jesus, infinite Goodness! Should I not cherish Thee! yea, I love Thee, I love Thee above all things ; and I will continue to love Thee thus, as long as I have being, forever and ever. Thou alone shalt possess all my affections : for Thee, 0 Jesus, will I live, for Thee alone, to whom I .owe my all. CHAPTER XXYI. OF HEAVEN. 1. The voice of Jesus . — My Child, the eye has not seen, the ear has not heard, nor has the heart of man conceived, what things I have prepared for them, that love and serve Me faithfully to the end. Who can portray for those who have not expe- rienced it, what heaven is, — that blissful abode, from which all ills are banished, in which there is an overflowing of all good things ? No labor shall be there, no sorrow, no temptation, no danger : all these things have passed away with mortal life ; they have given place to perfect rest, to endless joy, to a peace that cannot be disturbed; to a security that none can take away. CHAPTER XXVI. 143 2. There shall be neither cold, nor heat ; neither inclemency, nor change of seasons; neither un- pleasant days, nor gloomy nights. Those realms of bliss are illumined by My everlasting glory, softened by the divine serenity of My countenance, enlivened by the infinite sweetness of My Heart, so that everything smiles in the purest light, in the newness of a heavenly spring, for evermore. Blessed are they that dwell therein ! They neither hunger, nor thirst; nor are they subject to aught that is unpleasant ; nor shall they be weak- ened in vi«;or forever. There they are replenished and inebriated from the torrent of the delights of God ; they flourish in perpetual youth, and, immortal, they shine brighter than the sun for all eternity. 3. My Child, there thou shalt behold Me as I am, and gaze upon Me face to face, in the most en- trancing splendors of My Majesty. There, by the intuition of My infinite perfections, thou shalt be rapt with, admiration, and overflow with bliss; in the excess of thy joy thou shalt, of thy own accord, burst forth in boundless praises, and exaltation of My most lovely Attributes. Then also thou shalt understand the mysteries of faith, and the secrets of nature. All the science of philosophers is but ignorance, when compared with the knowledge possessed by the least of the Elect. Then shalt thou view all the display of My ever- 144 THE FIRST BOOK. lasting kingdom, its unbounded treasures, its ever- enduring dignities. At the contemplation of a loveliness so varied, and so great, thou shalt be inflamed with an ineffa- ble love for Me. 4. Then, My Child, then, wilt thou love Me, in a perfect manner, without any division of thy affec- tions, without remissness, without end. Now, thou art sometimes in trouble, because thou knowest not whether thou art worthy of love or of hatred : then, to thy unutterable joy, thou shalt know with certainty, that thou lovest Me. and wilt love Me forever ; and that, in return, thou art loved, and shalt be loved by Me, throughout eternity. Then shalt thou repose on My Heart, with per- fect security; and thou shalt taste how delightful it is, to love Me, and to melt away in My love. Thou shalt be inebriated with an exceeding great sweetness, and rapt above thyself ; thou shalt swim in an ocean of love, with the Angels and the Saints, amid jubilant hymns of love, for evermore. Thus shalt thou spend ages, and while away eter- nity, ever wishing, and ever longing, to love ; and, at the same time, ever sated, and ever blissful, with love. 5. Then, at last, Child, shalt thou possess Me, and enjoy Me forever: which is the completing of beatitude. Thou shalt be wholly Mine, and I will be wh idly CHAPTER XXVI. 145 tliine : thou shalt enjoy Me, in a manner ever new, ever most delightful. In Me thou shalt possess every good, and have whatever thou canst wish or desire. Let thy mind conceive, if possible, how beautiful, how wonderful, how charming, all things are there : how rapturous to behold the glory and exquisite adornment of the heavens, to be present among the choirs of the Angels, to exult unceasingly with the Saints, to contemplate and love the most Blessed Virgin, the glorious Queen of the heavenly king- dom ; and, in return, to attract Her sweet looks, and gain Her love. What delightful dwellings, 0 My Child ! what pleasant companionship ! what charming beatitude ! and all to endure forever and ever ! Behold, My Child, behold the exceeding great reward of those that serve Me with their whole heart. Can the world give such things ? or even promise them ? Lift up thy eyes, therefore, and see what awaits thee, if thou art faithful to Me even to the end. Be of good cheer, My Child ; and as much as thou art able, with the divine grace and thy own co-operation, cleanse thy heart and preserve it pure. For nothing defiled, be it ever so little, shall enter into heaven. But the purer thou art here, the more glorious shalt thou be there ; and the nearer to Me, and the dearer to My Heart. 13 146 THE FIRST BOOK. 6. The voice of the Disciple . — 0 Jesus, how blessed are they, that dwell in heaven with Thee ! 0 happy mortals they, who serve Thee with a clean heart ! what ineffable beatitude shall they en- joy in eternity ! yea, who is more happy than they, even in time ! 0 bliss-creating service of Jesus, which gains such a reward ! tliou renderest easy and pleasant all things, that lead to so great a glory and blessed- ness. 0 most sweet Jesus, bid me do, bid me suffer, for Thy sake, whatever Thou wilt : willingly and gladly do I embrace everything, that I may please Thee in time, and possess Thee in eternity. By Thy most Sacred Heart, do I entreat Thee, lead me safe, through whatever way Thou mayst choose, into Thy kingdom ; that, with the Angels and Saints, I may behold Thee, love Thee, enjoy Thee, for evermore. Amen. DIRECTORY FOR THE SECOND BOOL 1. The object of the Second Book is, to teach us — after we have become disengaged from our evil and inordinate affections, how we should exert our- selves, that, by the practice of virtue, we may be enabled to make our election sure. In order to do this the more efficaciously, and the more sweetly, at the same time, we should place before our eyes Jesus, with the inward dispositions of His Heart; because, by following Him who is the way, the truth, and the life, we shall proceed, with safety, certainty, and pleasure, from virtue to virtue, and secure our salvation. The practice of the virtues, by which we may follow the Heart of Jesus, and express His interior life in ourselves, can, in every state and condition of life, be performed in two ways. The first, by practicing those virtues which are of precept, and which the state and condition of every one require. The second, by exercising, according to the divine good pleasure, those virtues also, which are of counsel, whereby our salvation is better secured, and the divine glory and our merits are the more increased. But since both these ways contain limitless degrees, whereby virtue is ever practiced with greater perfection, there is no one, how perfect ( 147 ) 148 DIRECTORY FOR THE SECOND BOOK. soever he may be, who cannot here occupy himself profitably, and gather more abundant fruit. As, however, Jesus willed that, in the imitation of His virtues, we should, above all, be humble and meek of heart, we must diligently attend and take care, both that, whatever virtues we learn and imitate in Him, we place them upon true humility as their groundwork, and perfect them in a meek charity ; and again, that, in the very manner of imitating His virtues, we be especially meek and humble of heart. 2. Nowhere can w^e learn virtues more safely, and more easily, than in the Heart of Jesus. For, as that Heart is the pattern of true virtue, by merely looking upon It with attention, we shall see what virtue is, and what qualities it ought to pos- sess : neither shall we run the risk of erring in a matter which is to us of so much importance, both for time and eternity. Thence shall we learn, to our unspeakable consolation, that virtue is a right affection of the heart for an object, which is, in some manner, good : and we shall perceive, that this good object, — which sometimes we call, figura- tively, virtue, — is not in truth virtue itself, but simply the object of virtue. Thence we shall like- wfise learn, that virtue, in order to be such as it ought to be in every Christian, must not be natural, but supernatural ; and we shall clearly distinguish the difference between the two. The affections of the Heart of Jesus, which He reduced to acts, whether internal or external, did not spring from DIRECTORY FOR THE SECOND BOOK. 149 an impulse or motion of His human nature, but from a supernal or divine principle ; they were not performed according to the sentiments of His human nature, but according to the divine good pleasure ; they did not tend to some temporal delight of His human nature, but throughout to God, as to their last end. Whence, if, from the impulse or emotion of mere nature, we strive after what is good ; if we act simply according to the feelings of nature, whether of inclination or aversion ; if we seek merely a natural end, we have only natural virtue, whereby we shall acquire no Christian perfection in this life, — no fruit of merit in eternity. But, if of the Heart of Jesus, we learn supernatural virtue, and the practice of the same ; replenished with graces and merits, we shall lead an interior life, like to His own. What is the interior life, — for which the life of the Heart of Jesus serves us as a model, — except to begin all our voluntary acts, internal as well as external, by the grace of God, or a supernatural principle ; to perform them according to God’s Will ; to direct them to God and His interests, as to our end ; to occupy ourselves in our Heart with God, our Saviour ; and to live for Him by love ? Now, all this he does, who begins all his voluntary acts by the divine good pleasure ; who performs them according to the divine good pleasure ; directs them to the ’divine good pleasure, as his end, — being 150 DIRECTORY FOR THE SECOND BOOK. most constantly occupied internally with the Lord, through love. Behold the truly interior life, by which genuine and solid virtues are acquired ; by which we may attain, safely and sweetly, to true sanctity and divine union. This life is fitted for every state and condition ; it is adapted, not only to ecclesiastics and religious, but equally to all laics and persons in the world. Did not the first Chris- tians generally lead this life ? Does not the Gos- pel teach this life to all ? Whoever has a good will may lead this sanctify- ing life, practice supernatural virtue and attain to perfection. For, the acquiring, or not acquiring of virtue, does not depend on temperament, on a mild or passionate character, as many seem to believe : but it depends on the grace of God, and the co- operation of man’s will. For, since God gives grace, not in view of natural qualities, but first gratuitously, and afterwards also in consideration of supernatural merits and prayers ; and since the human will, whatever be the natural disposition of a man, is truly free to co-operate, or not to co- operate with grace, it is evident, that virtue does not depend on temperament or natural disposition. Wherefore, we acquire virtue the better, and the more perfectly, not in proportion as our natural disposition is yielding, but in proportion as our co- operation is more efficacious : we reach a more pure nnd more solid virtue, not by reason of the fewness of natural repugnances we feel, but by means of the DIRECTORY FOR THE SECOND COOK. 151 more generous acts of the will, which w r e perform, in spite of natural repugnances. This doctrine, so full of consolation, — which the Saints unanimously teach, and which they learned of the very Heart of Jesus, — deseryes our whole attention. In the practice of virtue, we must guard against delusions, among which this one is the chief and most common : That we are satisfied with produc- ing the object of a virtue, whilst we do not practice the virtue itself ; or, that w 7 e believe that we practice a virtue, when we bring forward the object of vir- tue through a natural inclination or intention ; or, even, that we think, w*e can acquire true and solid virtue, without repeated and generous acts, whereby the emotions of the passions, and the impulses of nature are overcome or denied. They that neglect to cleanse their heart perfectly, are especially w T ont to fall into this dreadful delusion. Other delusions, W’hich may occasionally occur in the practice of virtue, arise nearly all from the preceding. Such are : on the one hand, to grow despondent in mind, on account of the difficulties or oppositions of na- ture : to look upon these as obstacles to virtue, not as means, — such as they may be in reality, if they are used with a generous heart, — to acquire true and solid virtue : on the other hand, to deem the good qualities of nature, freedom from vices or temptations, a virtue ; or, even, overlooking true and solid virtue, to aspire to divine union. Now, these, and other delusions, you will easily avoid, if. 152 DIRECTORY FOR THE SECOND BOOK. like a true Disciple of the Heart of Jesus, you lead an interior life. 3. When, therefore, you have come to that part of the spiritual life, which the Heart* of Jesus teaches in this Book, you should direct your en- deavors to this : to know and love Jesus as per- fectly as you can, to learn and acquire, ever better and better, in thinking, in speaking, in acting, the dispositions of His Heart. To attain to this, besides the two methods of meditating, — which are given before the first Book, and which you may also em- ploy here, if you find them useful, — what follows, will enable you to understand more fully this matter. 4. The proper method of using the second Book is twofold : the one of meditating, the other of con- templating: both agree entirely with w T hat the Saints have taught us concerning mental prayer. If you meditate, let the memory represent to you some virtue of the Heart of Jesus, and let it retain the same, after the meditation ) so as to put it in practice. Let the understanding consider the qualities of the virtue proposed ; then, let it compare your own heart with the Heart of Jesus, in regard to the vir- tue considered ; afterwards, let it recall your past life, whether and how far you have practiced this virtue ; if sufficiently, return thanks, and give : honor to God, your Saviour ; but, if the contrary, I grieve and ask pardon ; lastly, let it look forward DIRECTORY FOR THE SECOND BOOK. 153 into the future, considering when, and how, you can improve this virtue. Let the will embrace the same virtue, excite in* ternal acts of the same; yea, conversing with Jesus Himself, let it utter the sentiments of the heart : for what it is sorry, what it proposes ; what it fears, what it hopes ; what it dislikes, what it loves ; nay, let it devoutly communicate its every desire, and, finally, ask much. But, if you contemplate, see in the mystery, or in the particular subject which you propose to con- template, w T hat are the sentiments of the Heart of Jesus, or of Jesus in His Heart, concerning ail and each of the things that occur in the subject ; what He esteems, and how highly ; what He condemns and how greatly ; what He shuns, and what He embraces. Then, give heed, in this matter, to the words which issue from the Heart of Jesus, and what words are not even thought in His Heart, much less uttered. Lastly, observe, in the same manner, what kind of acts proceed from the Heart of Jesus, and with what virtues they are adorned. And, throughout the whole contemplation, ac- cording to your devotion, or your wants, or the motions of grace, indulge and persist in acts, that is, pious affections and petitions. Learn, in this manner, by contemplation, to feel and speak, and act, like Jesus Himself. 154 DIRECTORY FOR THE SECOND BOOK. The acts, specially recommended in this part of the interior life, besides acts of the theological vir- tues, are frequent acts of that virtue to which you are applying yourself, of generous self-abnegation of your ill-ordered nature, of a noble love of Jesus. Repeat these constantly. But, whether you meditate, or whether you con- template, you ought so to consider the mysteries of the life of Jesus, as if you were present at them: which is expressly taught by St. Bonaventure : “ If you desire,” says he, “ to derive fruit from these things, you must, with all the affection of your mind, setting aside all other cares and anxieties, represent yourself as present at what is related to have been spoken or done by the Lord Jesus Christ; in such a manner as if you heard them with your ears, saw them with your eyes.” 5. The Saints, who were skilled in the interior ways of the spiritual life, teach us, that the de- mon, the evil spirit, is more wont to tempt, under the appearance of good, those w r ho, leading a life already exempt from sins, exercise themselves in acquiring virtues. Wherefore, to such persons, they recommend the following rules, to enable them to discern between the good and the evil spirit, and between the suggestions of either. I. In those who are advancing from good to bet- ter, the good Spirit moves the soul peacefully, . calmly, gently : DIRECTORY FOR THE SECOND BOOK. 155 The evil spirit moves the soul roughly, confus- edly, violently. But on those who proceed from bad to worse, the said spirits act in a contrary manner. For thd good Spirit stings them inwardly, disquiets and arouses them, that he may bring them to conver- sion. And the wicked spirit endeavors to make them quiet in sin, caresses, and flatters them, that he may keep and push them onward in evil. II. It is peculiar to God, as well as to every good Spirit, in His motions, to give to them that act rightly, or use sincere efforts, true joy and spiritual consolation, and to remove the sadness and trouble, which the evil spirit causes. And it is the characteristic of the evil spirit to fight against such joy and consolation, by adduc- ing specious reasons, subtleties, and various falla - cies. III. The evil spirit observes very much, whether a soul possesses a delicate or a loose conscience : If it is a delicate one, he strives to render it still more delicate, even to scrupulousness and every extreme, so that he may the more easily trouble and over- come her : thus, if he sees that a soul commits no mortal sin, nor venial, nor any voluntary defect, the evil spirit, as he cannot make her fall into some , sin, tries to cause her to judge and think that a sin, $ which is not sin : But if the soul is of lax conscience, the evil spirit 156 DIRECTORY FOR THE SECOND BOOK. strives to make her still more lax and gross ; so that, if before she made no account of venial ,sins, he endeavors to induce her now to make light of mortal sins; and, if before she cared little for grievous sins, he uses his efforts to make her now care much less, or even nothing at all, for them. IV. A soul that desires to make progress in the spiritual life, must always proceed in a manner con- trary to that by which the evil spirit proceeds. Wherefore, if he tries to make the soul more lax, she must take care to render herself more delicate : in like manner, if he endeavors to make her so del- icate, as to lead her to extremes, or to scruples, she should manage to place herself firmly in the golden mean, so that she may render and keep herself al- together quiet. Y. It is the characteristic of the evil spirit, who transforms himself sometimes into an angel of light, to begin by thrusting in thoughts conform- able to the pious soul, and to finish, by suggesting his own wicked ones. VI. The soul should rightly attend to the course of the thoughts suggested : for if the be- ginning, the middle, and the end are good, and tend to a good object, it is a sign that the thoughts suggested come from the good Spirit : but if in the succession of thoughts, which the spirit suggests, he ends with something bad, — or which turns away* from a certain good, — or even with a less good than that which the soul had before resolved to do : t DIRECTORY FOR THE SECOND BOOK. 157 or, if he renders the soul restless, or disturbs her, by taking away the tranquillity and peace which she enjoyed before, it is an evident sign, that those thoughts come from the evil spirit. VII. When the enemy has been discovered, and is known by the evil, to which he leads, it is then useful, that the soul consider the course of thoughts suggested to her, under the appearance of good ; and that she review from the beginning, how the enemy tried to overthrow, and take away by de- grees, her interior peace and tranquillity, until he brought in his own wicked intention. Taught by this experience, the soul will for the future guard more easily against the deceits of the evil spirit. St. Igxat.j St. Bernard, St. Gertrude. THE SECOND BOOK. ADMONITIONS USEFUL FOR THE IMITATION OF THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS IN HIS ACTIVE LIFE. CHAPTER I. IIOW MUCH WE SHOULD ESTEEM AND CHERISH SANCTIFYING GRACE. 1 The voice of Jesus . — My Child, do not disre- gard grace, but carefully preserve so sacred a de- posit, which has been intrusted to thee. For this is thy treasure, this thy glory, this thy happiness, this thy every good. This informs thee, the image of God, and ren- ders thee alike to Him. Know, then, thy dignity, 0 man, who, by sancti- fying grace, art raised even to the likeness of God, and becomest more exalted than the whole world, so that naught of earth can be compared to thee. What is the splendor of the stars? what the beauty of all creatures, when placed in comparison with the excellence of a soul adorned with divine grace, and thus assimilated to God Himself? Lift up thyself, therefore, and, mindful of thy dignity, do not defile nor debase thyself. "( 158 ) CHAPTER I. 159 2. God adopts thee, resplendent with this grace not simply as His child, but as the child of His love and predilection. Thus, what I possess by nature, thou receivest by adoption ; so that thou art not only called, but art in very truth, a child of God. Understand, if thou art able, what it is, to be a child of God : what it is, to be loved and cherished by such a Father. In the world, children esteem themselves happy, and glory in having parents who are wise, good, influential, — or wealthy, great, illustrious. But what are the distinctions of all the parents of this earth, when compared with the Attributes of God? With how much more reason, therefore, shouldsfc thou glory and rejoice in having for thy Father, God Himself, the Lord of heaven and earth ! Ponder, then, with a true judgment the excel- lence of this divine adoption. For, when formerly thou wast a castaway, reduced to the lowest depth of degradation, thou becamest, by sanctifying grace, from bond, free; from one disowned, the acknowl- edged child of God ; that, thus ennobled, thou mayst rejoice in the affluence of the good things of the Lord. Blessed is he who knows the price of sanctifying grace, whereby he was raised to be a child of God ; and who so esteems this, the highest nobility, that, 160 THE SECOND BOOK. on no account, lie shows himself degenerate, but ever continues a child worthy of such a Fathei ! 3. If, by grace, thou art a child, by the same thou art also made an heir, — even the heir of God, and co-heir with Me. Wherefore, My Child, the everlasting kingdom, which is Mine by right of nature, becomes thine in virtue of sanctifying grace. When thou lookest up to heaven, and viewest, in spirit, the glory, the beatitude, and all the good things of eternity, say to thyself: Behold my pos- sessions, behold my inheritance, if I preserve the title of grace. My merits obtained, that this grace should confer upon thee a settled right to the possessions of heaven ; of which none, except thyself, can deprive thee. God’s promise remains firm ; He i>3 faithful to His word : but, if thou losest sanctifying grace, thou throwest aside thy right, and becomest disin- herited. 4. Grace, My Child, — which constitutes thee an heir of the heavenly kingdom, — makes thee also a companion of the Angels, a brother of the Saints. If thou art glad when thou enjoyest the inter- course of distinguished companions, mortal men though they be, and subject to change ; if thou art delighted at having brothers according to the flesh, although their number divides and lessens thy earthly inheritance : how great must be thy joy CHAPTER I. 161 that, by grace, thou hast the blessed Angels for companions, the chosen Saints of God for brothers, — whose countless number neither divides nor lessens thy celestial inheritance, but, on the contrary, in- creases and multiplies the same ! And what brothers, too, My child ! how innu- merable, how illustrious, how mighty, how good ! They are thy elder brothers : celebrated for their triumphs, crowned with the glory of beatitude, se- cure of themselves, solicitous for thee ; they love thee in truth, encourage thee by their example, help thee by their prayers, invite thee by their re- wards. Blissful grace, which makes thee the brother of such heroes ! Oh, My Child, would that thou didst fully understand this ! 5. Moreover, by an effect of sanctifying grace, thou mayst, even in this life, enjoy true happiness. This grace is the foundation of interior peace : without it, there is no real peace : with it, an un- disturbed calm pervades the soul. Who, that resists sanctifying grace, has ever enjoyed peace? And what happiness can there: exist, where there is no peace ? If thou rejoicest in the peace, of grace, thou • mayst justly and safely be glad amid prosperity, and thou canst easily and usefully find solace in ,« adversity. Preserve thyself in grace, and thou shalt always* be enabled to possess peace and happiness. Wit* 14 162 THE SECOND BOOK. ness all the Saints : yea, also they who, when once converted, kept carefully within themselves the grace of God. When they had this, and compared their present feelings with those of their former fife, taught by experience, they could say to Me: Better is one day in Thy courts, 0 Lord, than thou- sands in the dwellings of sinners. 6 . Nay more, My Child, if thou livest in sancti- fying grace, My kingdom is within thee ; so that I nrepese and reign in thy heart as on My throne. Now, My kingdom consists in the tranquillity and joy of the Holy Ghost, who is a Spirit of charity and sanctification. In this kingdom I hold sway, not as a Lord ruling My subjects, but as a Father training My Child, *whom I design to reign with Me. So long, therefore, as thou continuest under this rule of grace, I guide thee specially by My Wisdom, I protect thee by My power, I attend and en- compass thee by My love. Neither hast thou aught to fear, My Child, for this kingdom so governed, so protected, so cher- ished ; unless, indeed, thyself becomest its betrayer. If thou art faithful, it shall, doubtless, stand firm and endure for .evermore : nor can all its enemies combined overthrow, or even weaken the same. How sweet, how consoling is this thought, 0 My Child ! how well suited to make thee esteem sanc- tifying grace above everything ! CHAPTER I. 1-6S 7. Sec now, My Child, how many, and what great possessions thou hast in this one good alone \ Does not this one good surpass, in excellence, all the riches of this world ? Pray, Child, that thou mayst ever understand better, and more perfectly the value of grace, and prize it in reality as highly as thou shouldst do. If thou dost understand and appreciate it rightly, thou wilt deem it little, or certainly not too much, to sacrifice for its preservation not only fortune, fame, and all that is dear and pleasing, but even health, and, if it were necessary, life itself. Did not My holy Martyrs, and all My sainted heroes, — among whom thou beholdest so many children and tender Virgins, — prize it thus ? Did not thousands among them, when it was left to their choice, prefer to sacrifice, amid torments, all the blessings of life, yea, life itself, rather than lose the same, for any possession, however great, that was offered ? Thou, therefore, the child of such heroes, use thy every effort, constant watchfulness, and thy greatest care, to preserve grace, the most precious of all gifts ; the more so, as the most powerful ex- ertions of thy enemies are directed to despoil thee, and thus to accomplish thy destruction. For the rest, dearly beloved, be thou strength- ened in grace : increase in the same, and, by acts of true virtue, advance thou, even unto perfection. 164 THE SECOND BOOK. Didst thou understand all these things, My Child ? 8. The voice of the Disciple. — Yea, Lord. Would that I had understood all this before ! Would I not then, after I had lost Thy grace, have wept and moaned more dolefully than Esau, when he had forfeited his birthright ? For greater, beyond com- parison, was my loss, and sustained too, for a far baser object. Oh ! had I understood all this, would I, for aught here below, have cast away so great a trea- sure ? Lord Jesus, would that I had never lost this greatest of all possessions ! One thing, however, brings me solace, it is not yet too late ; I may still enjoy the privileges of Thy grace, and thereby sanctify myself. Thanks to Thee, most sweet Jesus, for that Thou hast showed so great a mercy to me, so unworthy. The ineffable kindness of Thy Heart, 1 will not forget forever. 0 Jesus ! hereafter, grant me sooner to die than to lose Thy grace. By Thy most Sacred Heart, I beg and entreat Thee, hearken graciously to my petition. Let others seek after silver and gold, honor and distinction, the joys of this world and its consola- tions : taught by Thee, 0 Lord, this alone do I de- sire above all else, to preserve Thy grace, and to increase therein all the days of my life. CHAPTER II. 165 CHAPTER II. WHY THE SON OF GOD WISHED TO BECOME IN- CARNATE. 1. The voice of Jesus . — My Child, God alone is good. He is the supreme Goodness, supreme Wis- dom, supreme Power, supreme Perfection. What, then, can he better, or more perfect, than to follow and imitate God ? But, as God falls not under the senses, and men are inclined to sensible things, it was thought be- fitting that I, a divine Person, should become man; that thus I might unvail to them an external form to captivate their senses, and induce them, in a more easy and pleasing manner, to imitate God. The first men aspired after lofty things ; they de- sired and endeavored to be assimilated to God, that, like gods, they might know good and evil, and they fell: they lost the good which they knew, and suf- fered the evil which they knew not. But I wished to present Myself before men in such a form, that, without presumption, without danger, they might safely desire so to render them- selves like unto God, as to be freed from evil, and to acquire what is good. 2. First of all, men were to be redeemed; and when their debts had been canceled, they were to be made free. Heavy were those debts which weighed upon 166 THE SECOND BOOK. them. So greatly had they offended the divine Ma- jesty, that no mere creature, but God alone, having become man, could fully satisfy the divine justice, and truly repair the honor of the divine Majesty. Miserable slaves of hell, they lay cast down, and groaning, without having in themselves any means of bettering their condition. I pitied the wretched multitude; and came among them, with a Heart overflowing with mercy, to redeem them, and lead them to a sweet and holy freedom. 3. Heaven had been closed by sin, and, among created beings, whether in heaven or upon earth, there was none able to open it again ; had not I come down and unlocked it, no mortal could ever have entered heaven. Before My coming, God was indeed known in Judea, where some few served Him worthily; but only through the grace given to men in view of My future coming. Among the Nations, how very small, was the number of those, who, co-operating with this grace, feared God, practiced justice, and were pleasing to Him ! In how great a darkness were the greater part of them heedlessly groping ! in how deep, and how measureless an abyss of wickedness were they buried ! Nay more, even now, — after the work of Re- demption has been fulfilled, — what kind of life do many men lead, in spite of the countless means of salvation! Through their own fault, ignorant or CHAPTER II. 167 forgetful of Me, they roam in blindness, and wick- edly rush to destruction. What, then, should have become of the human race, unless I, the Word, had been made flesh? None could have attained to God, to supernatural beatitude. * But, by assuming flesh, I united in Myself the utmost degree of divine greatness to the utmost of human lowliness, in such a manner, that, whoso- ever was willing, could, through Me, reach God and supernatural beatitude. 4. I came to glorify God, My Father ; to make known to men His name and His love. Of old the name of God, was the holy and dread Name of the Lord : now, the Name of God, is the holy and sweet Name of a Father. The Old Law, was a Law of fear : the New, is a Law of love. God so loved men, that He gave His only begotten Son. And I, through love for My Father and for men, was incarnated by the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of love. The whole work of the Incarnation, is, therefore, a work of love, hut of a gratuitous love, of an infi- nite love. 5. I came from heaven, and I return to heaven, pointing out to all the way that leads thither, that where I am, they also may be who follow Me in this way. I am the truth : I appeared shining in the dark- 168 THE SECOND BOOK. ness of the world, to enlighten every man that comes into this world, that every one might surely and safely guide his steps on the journey. I am the life : for this I came into the world, that they who were dead might have life, and have it more abundantly : namely, ihe life of grace on their way, and the life of glory in their heavenly country. Yet, behold ! even after man was born again to the life of grace, freed from the slavery of death ; and after he had been taught by Me the way to his true country, weak and unstrengthened as he was, he could not have been able to follow me. Great were his infirmities, My Child, great his faintness : but greater was the all-powerful Phy- sician, greater the divine remedy, which heals every infirmity, every faintness. This remedy is manifold grace, the price of My sufferings, the gift of My Heart ; which induces every man to long for health ; strengthens him when healed, and helps him to follow Me. When I came upon earth, I might have run My career more swiftly than a giant. But the mul- titude of those that were suffering so moved My Heart, that, loitering in their midst, I seemed, in some manner, to grow weak with them ; and, going before them, I so smoothed the roughness of the way, so helped and cheered up every one , that, were they but willing, they could easily and joy- CHAPTER II. 169 ously follow My footprints towards the* kingdom of heaven. 6. See now. My Child, how I have loved thee. These things I did for all in general, and for every one in particular as well : therefore, also for thee, as if thou werfc alone in the world, wretched and for- saken ; and, as if I had come down from heaven, to seek thee, to redeem thee, to save thee alone. Wherefore, since I came down in this manner, that I might he thy guide to My everlasting king- dom, follow thou Me. In whatsoever condition, in whatsoever state thou mayst be, under all circumstances, propose to thy- self My life, as the sure and safe way to heaven. Neither shouldst thou imagine that My outer life only is such, because My inner life is the principal. My interior is My Heart: therein is found all glory : therein resides the principle of all virtues. My Child, be not like the Jews, who gazed upon My outward appearance only, and considered not the feelings and dispositions of My Heart. Do thou enter into the interior of My Heart : carefully examine the same, study It, be wholly busied therewith. 7. If thou feelest grateful towards Me, if thou Invest Me in return, thou wilt diligently search after whatever may be pleasing to My Heart, and thou wilt do it faithfully. But thou must seek this in prayer, ask it by love, embrace it by love, perform it with love. 15 170 THE SECOND BOOK. My Child, prayer is the key of heaven : nay more, prayer is the key of My Heart. With this key open thou and enjoy all the treasures of My Heart. 8. The voice of the Disciple . — Everlasting thanks to Thee, Lord God, Creator and Redeemer of man- kind, for Thy gratuitous and exceedingly great charity, whereby Thou didst create us men, in so wonderful a manner, and didst restore us still more wonderfully. 0 Christ Jesus ! Who, unutterably existing from eternity as the Son of God, through an excess of Thy love for us, wast willing to become the Son of man ; who will not love Thee in return ? Who will not cling inseparably to Thee? Who will not live solely for Thee, to whom he owes his all ? 0 delightful consolation ! O wonderful sweet- ness 1 to behold the Son of God, the Son of a Virgin 1 1 adore Thee f 0 Jesus, Son of the living God, Thee made flesh of Mary I I hope in Thee, 0 infi- nite goodness ! I love Thee with my whole heart, 0 most loving and most lovable love ! Thou art my way • Thou, my truth : Thou, my life. CHAPTER III. 171 CHAPTER III. THAT OUR HEART, AFTER THE EXAMPLE OF THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS INCARNATE, MUST BE WHOLLY DEVOTED TO GOD. 1. The voice of Jesus — My Child, the first act of My Heart, after the Incarnation, was an act of love, whereby I devoted Myself completely to My heav- enly Father. There was in Me nothing, which I did not con- secrate with all My mind to My Father : nor was there aught in the Will of My Father, which I did not embrace with My whole Heart. Even then did I practically say, in My inmost Heart: Behold ! My Father, I come as the victim of Thy Will : at the head of the book of life it is written of Me, that I would do Thy Will : behold, I have willed it, and the law of Thy good pleasure is in the midst of My Heart. At the first moment of My life, My Father placed before Me all the toils and hardships, all the hu- miliations and sorrows, all I was to do and to suffer, even to the last breath of My life. AVith a willing and perfectly devoted Heart, I received all and each of them, according to My Father’s good pleasure : And this inward disposition of My Heart, I cher- ished every moment of My life ; by this was I ever 172 TIIE SECOND BOOK pressed onward, so that I always did whatsoever was pleasing to My Father. 2. Behold, My Child, the model of a true devo- tion, that, taught by it, at the very beginning of thy career, in the way of virtue, thou mayst, in like manner, devote thyself with thy whole heart. Nothing, perhaps, is of so much importance, in the spiritual life, as a true and entire devotion of heart. For, a heart that is not altogether devoted to Me, proves that it lacks perfect purity. If thou dealest with Me in a sparing manner, I will also deal with thee sparingly : but, if thou art generous toward Me, I will, in return, be generous toward thee, and I will ever excel thee in gene- rosity. If, with a liberal heart, thou devote thyself, and all thou hast, to Me, so as to embrace effectually My good pleasure in all things ; I Myself will lead thee, safely and happily, through whatsoever may befall thee ; I will even, in some mariner, be obliged to save thee. 3. This perfect self-devotedness has ever been the beginning of holiness in all My Elect. Those noble and generous souls deemed the greatest sacrifices of life as nothing ; so that they consecrated and wdiolly devoted to Me, whatsoever they possessed, whatsoever they were. Therefore, too, did I show to them such liberality and bountifulne^, that often, even during this mor- tal life, — on account of the exceeding sweetness of CHAPTER III. 173 consolation, — they burst into tears, and whilst on earth, enjoyed a foretaste of that bliss, wherewith they were hereafter to be inebriated in heaven. Yet now very many of those that make profes- sion of a great love of piety, are willing to be de- voted, but only in things, and under circumstances, which are pleasing to them. These are assuredly rather devoted to themselves than to Me. Wherefore, they continue to be slaves of self-love, and remain miserable and devoid of inward happiness ; neither do they become dis- posed to the divine union. Thou, My Child, if thou wilt be truly free and happy, withdraw thy heart from every object ex- cept Myself ; and give all thy affections to Me alone. If thou canst keep thy heart perfectly devoted to Me, thou shalt be able to continue calm and un- disturbed under all circumstances. For, every agi- tation of mind arises, not from passing events, but from a heart ill-inclined towarS God’s good pleasure. And if thou desirest to attain to an intimate union with Me, thou must be free from all creatures, and wholly devoted to Me, in all things. 4. My Child, let not thy devotion be like that of many others, which is wholly exterior, satisfied with outward things alone, and, therefore, merely a semblance of devotion, not dev^ion itself. Let thy devotion be truly interior, which has its ' 174 THE SECOND BOOK. principle in a heart so disposed, that, with the di- vine grace, thou art ready to resign thyself, uncon- ditionally, to all My wishes, and to sacrifice all thou hast to serve ^Me. Thy devotion, however, must pass over to out- ward things, since thou art a man, and not an An- gel. And, as thou possessest a body and a soul, both My gifts, thou must with both honor Me and sanctify thyself. But let the things, which are outwardly seen in thee, overflow, as it were, from the abundance of the heart : thus shall thy devotion be solid, and thou shalt be a true follower of My Heart. 5, This devotion, My Child, is the effect of su- pernatural grace, which, enlightening the intellect, and moving the will, makes a person ready to com- ply, willingly, with everything that belongs to the service of God. To this devotion thou shalt never attain by any natural means, ^because it is itself supernatural, and is practiced by supernatural assistance. Unless, therefore, thou art aided by divine grace, thou shalt labor in vain ; even shouldst thou de- clare thyself devoted to Me, and appear so in thy own estimation. Pray, then, that thou mayst receive plentiful grace, and obtain the spirit of devotion. Thou shalt obtain it, if thou prayest well. All things are promised to jj^ayer. V With the aid of grace, and the co-operation of CHAPTER III. 175 thy own endeavors, true devotion, — which tc many, guided by self-love, is known by name only, or ap- pears a burden, — shall be easy and sweet tc thee. Whether thou hast sensible consolations or not, thou wilt continue, in peace and with fruit, to trans- act thy affairs, to fulfill thy duties, and to be faith- ful to thy spiritual practices. Without anxiety and solicitude, thou wilt repose in the arms of My Providence, as an infant on the bosom of its mother : and thou shalt be calm and contented in the various ways, through which I may lead thee to life everlasting. 6. The voice of the Disciple . — Lord Jesus, who for my salvation, didst consume Thyself, and, as an evidence of Thy love, didst leave me Thy Heart, delivered up for love of me : grant me, I beseech Thee, the grace of a perfect devotion, that every- thing, except Thyself, being withdrawn from my heart, through love of Thee, I may become wholly Thine. Relying upon the aid of Thy grace, which I humbly implore, I offer myself, with all my heart, to Thee, that I may be thoroughly devoted to Thee, to Thy service, and Thy interests. 0 sweetest Jesus! receive me, all I am, and all I possess, as given and consecrated to Thee : grant me the spirit of holy devotion, that it may fill my heart with its unction ; make piety tasteful to me, foster my love for Thee, render prayer sweet to me, and dispose me rightly for action. 17(3 THE SECOND BOOK. Enlivened by it, I will coi tinue ever joyous and constant in Thy service ; I will gently draw my neighbor to Thee, and gladden the Angels and Saints themselves ; yea, what is more excellent than all, I will rejoice Thy Heart, and fill It with de- lights. CHAPTER I Y. THAT WE MUST BE TAUGHT BY THE SACRED HEART OP JESUS, NEWLY-BORN, AND BE IMBUED WITH ITS SPIRIT. 1. The voice of the Disciple . — Come ye and see, all ye creatures ! wonder and be astonished : Be- hold ! God bowed the heavens, and came down, and lo ! He dwells with us ! 0 infant God ! 0 prodigy of love ! 0 delight of the Angels, who came from heaven, to gaze upon Thee reclining in this manger ! 0 Jesus, Son of God, born of a Virgin ! how lovely ! how sweet to me art Thou, thus become an Infant ! Wonderful indeed, in the Majesty of Thy Di- vinity : more wonderful, in the loveliness of Thy littleness. Supremely worthy of love, in the boundlessness of Thy divine perfections : ravishing all hearts by the excess of Thy childhood’s sweetness. Who, 0 infinite goodness ! can here be satiated with gazing upon Thee, with loving Thee, with in- CHAPTER IT. 177 ebriating liimself' with the delightfaIo.es of Thy Heart’s love ! How sweet art Thou! 0 my Jesus! how sweet art Thou, besides what lies hidden within ! what then must be Thy inner Spirit? A most exquisite one, assuredly, and sweet above honey. 2. The voice of Jesus.— Yea, My Child, it is the Spirit of My Heart, that produces, that quickens these wonderful, these most delightful things. This Spirit of Mine, — that, by love, drew Me from the bosom of the Father into the bosom of the Virgin ; and that, with so much sweetness, brought Me, the Only-begotten of the Father, upon earth,— this Spirit ever pervades, directs, and leads My Heart, that whithersoever the impulse of the Spirit is, thither It may go. The fullness of this Spirit dwells in My Heart : for, whom God has sent, to Him He does not give the Spirit by measure. Upon My Heart that Spirit reposes, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and fortitude, the Spirit of knowledge and piety, the Spirit of the fear of God, the Spirit of grace and prayer, the Spirit of love. Such is the Spirit of My Heart; a supernatural, divine Spirit, who is charity, a love embracing all virtues. This Spirit of My Heart, is love breathing love ; gently and strongly leading, He directs to thing# 178 THE SECOND BOOK. perfect, moves to make sacrifices, allures to deeds heroic. 3. Blessed is he, My Child, who possesses the divine Spirit of My Heart, and allows himself to be guided, in all things, by the same ! For they who are impelled by the Spirit of God, the same are the sons of God. Not appearance, nor profession, but the Spirit makes thee a true Disciple of My Heart. What will all else avail thee, if thou dost not possess this Spirit ? He that has not My Spirit, is not of Mine. Without My Spirit, the things which I do, shall have no meaning for thee ; thou wilt not rightly understand what I teach ; nor wilt thou find a hearty relish, for what I enjoin. Thou canst know, understand, and enjoy the things, which are Mine, only insomuch as thou shalt be possessed of My Spirit. If thou art endowed with My Spirit, My judg- ments shall be thy judgments : My sentiments, thy sentiments : the life of My Heart, the life of thy heart. In this Spirit, every true Disciple of My Heart, views all things : by this alone, he judges of all things : by this alone, he acts, and is impelled. Be, then, possessed of the Spirit of My Heart, and do whatsoever thou wilt : this Spirit will guide thee safely, and protect thee in all things. 4. This, My Spirit, has influenced all the Saints : CHAPTER IV. 179 Its unction taught them, Its virtue strengthened them, Its holiness shaped them. See, what it taught the Apostles and Martyrs, the Confessors and Virgins : behold, to what degree It strengthened them : see how It formed them, so that, trampling upon the whole world, and forsaking themselves, some went to the tortures of death, as if they were hastening to a glorious triumph ; others endeavored to equal the Angels themselves ; others again, trod blamelessly the common walks of life : but all followed Me with cheerfulness, and kept themselves to the end, in My company, amid all the vicissitudes of earth. What is there, which the Saints, incited by Mj Spirit, did not undertake ? what did they not do, that, whilst sanctifying themselves, they might ever love and glorify Me, more and more, and, as far as they were able, bring all men, to love and glorify Me? These were perfect Disciples of My Heart ; filled with My holy Spirit, they drew thence all their thoughts, regulated all their words, directed all their works, and shaped their whole life. 5. My Child, if thou desirest to learn this Spirit of My Heart, study My life, and meditate devotedly thereon * enter into the interior of My Heart, and affectionately examine and weigh Its sentiments : by Its fruits thou shalt know the same everywhere. Dost thou not find My Spirit working in all, and in every mystery of My life ? ■■ ' S r . ■ ISO What will it avail to know My Spirit, unless thou receivest of Its fullness ? Pray then, My Chili!, pray fervently, that thou mayst be quickened by It or obtain an increase of Its quickening. If thou prayest, as it behooves thee, thou wilt doubtless receive It : for I have promised to give My good Spirit to them that ask. The better, and the more thou prayest, the more thou shalt receive of the same, the more perfectly thou shalt know It, and the more easily thou shalt follow Its guidance. 6. The voice of the Disciple . — Q Jesus ! of the fullness of whose Spirit, Thy Disciples so receive, as to live thereby, send, I beseech Thee, the Spirit of Thy Heart into my heart, that It may quicken and guide me in ail and through all. Neither, as Eliseus asked Elias, do I beg that Thy twofold Spirit may dwell in me, since my little heart cannot even contain Thy single one ; but I entreat Thee, replenish me wholly with Thy Spirit, expel from me forever, the spirit of the world, and the spirit of self. Grant that, in Thy Spirit, my heart may rightly relish that, wherein Thy Heart delights; understand whatever It teaches; taste in a manner affective, as well as effective, whatever It does. Grant me to live, hereafter, by Thy Spirit, not simply the life of nature, but of grace; not simply a human life, but one, in some manner, god-like, the life of Thy. Spirit. CHAPTER V. 181 CHAPTER Y. THAT, OF THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS, WHILST AN INFANT, WE MUST LEARN HUMILITY. 1. The voice of the Disciple . — How, 0 Jesus! art Thou born for us a Child, and given to us an Infant! Art not thou Who Art: is not this Thy name for evermore ? Who shall declare Thy generation ! Behold ! Thou art from eternity to eternity. Who shall speak Thy power, or make known Thy other perfections ? Through Thee, all things were made : by Thee, all are ruled : Thou lillest the heavens and the earth : and lo ! in what a state do I behold Thee here ! 0 prodigy ! 0 miracle ! God, behold ! the infinite God, lies here an Infant, in this cave ! He emptied Himself, having become a Child, an exile in the midst of humiliations, unknown and contented. How, 0 most sweet Jesus, how, I beseech Thee, wast Thou born a Babe, and given us as a Child ? 2. The voice of Jesus. — My Child, I came to save that which was lost. So great was the fall of the human race, that its restoration demancfed such an humiliation of the Son of God. Man had sunk into the abyss of pride : in lowli- ness I came down, and entered the abyss, to snatch him thence. 182 THE SECOND BOCK. Before I came into tlie world, pride had so far darkened and corrupted the minds of nations, that they not only did not acknowledge humility as a virtue ; but, on the contrary, deemed it weakness of soul, and were shocked thereat. For when they knew God, whose light is placed as a seal upon the human heart, they glorified Him not as God ; they became vain in their thoughts, and their foolish heart was darkened : they grew corrupt and abominable in their desires. Thus, well-nigh all flesh had corrupted its way. What could be better, and more effective, to free the world from so great and baneful an error, than the example of a God, supremely wise and perfect, abasing Himself unto emptiness, thus confounding all human pride, and refuting forever its false reasonings and pretenses. 3. Pride, My Child, has ever been and will con- tinue to be the source of all evils ; but humility is the principle of all good things. Truth begets humility, which is the virtue of vir- tues, and charity gives it life and form. First of all, then, thoroughly know thyself and God, that thou mayst attribute to God, the things which are of God, and to thyself what is thy own. Take c£re, therefore, My Child, to understand what thou art of thyself. What art thou of thy- self? What, except a mere nothing, out of which God created thee ? This nothingness is thy own, but the being which thou art, is of God. CHAPTER V. 183 If tliou thinkest that thou art something, where- as, of thyself, thou art nothing, thou deceivest, thou misleadest thyself. What dost thou possess of thyself, by nature, or by grace? In the order of nature, thou hast, in- deed, the powers of the soul, the senses of the body, the gifts of the mind, the outward qualities of per- son. But whence did all these things, of what kind soever they be, come to thee? Whose are they? Take away that which God made, and gave to thee, and what remains, except nothingness ? This latter, again, is thy own, the former is of God. In giving thee these things, He gave them for an end, that tliou mightst use them for ITis glory, and for thy salvation. If thou hast ever made usOOK. but t.o give thee warning, thee, w r cll-bcloveJ Child of My Heart, lest, misled by pride, thou fall away and perish. 6. To God alone be honor and glory, from every creature. lie alone is truly and exceedingly wor- thy to receive empire, and power, and benediction, and praise, and supreme worship, forever and ever. All the perfections seen in creatures, how excel- lent soever they may appear, are only darksome rays of God’s perfections, which are every way ab- solute and infinite. Even had God not so commanded, His boundless perfections should have to be acknowledged and honored by every reason-gifted being. Nay more, His ow T n glory is so essentially to be • referred to God, that He Himself cannot be indif- ferent in its regard : for He alone is worthy of Himself. 7. Precious. My Child, is the knowledge of God and of thyself, for it reveals a great truth, most fit to humble thee. Yet this knowledge itself is not humility, since virtue consists not in knowledge but in affection. Neither does the virtue of humility consist in humiliation, but rather in the love of humiliation. For, there is no virtue, unless there be affection, or motion of a good will. How many there are who humble themselves, or are humbled by others, and yet are not humble ! CHAPTER V. 187 how many do outwardly give signs of humility, and yet keep pride within themselves. In order that humility be a virtue, such as that of My Disciples ought to be, and that self-abase- ment be an act of such a virtue, it must receive its life and form from charity, or supernatural affec- tion. The virtue of humility is that supernatural affec- tion, which inclines and moves thee, always so to tend to thy proper place, that thou givest to God the things which belong to God, thanksgiving, honor, glory; and ascribest to thyself whatsoever is thine, nothingness, and unworthiness of every kind. Now, which is thy own proper place? 0 My Child, how deep, how terrible is that place which thou hast deserved ! But see the love of My Heart ! To console thee, to exalt thee, I became man, hum- bled Myself in thy stead, and assigned thee a better and more honorable place. Since that time, thy place is with Me. But where shalt thou be with Me? where shalt thou find Me ? An Infant in the manger, exiled and unknown in Egypt, hidden at Nazareth, toiling and suffering in public, occupying the last place, and dying therein. 8. With Me, Child, thou shalt he far from pride, which is hateful to God and men, begets every sin, corrupts every virtue, despoils of merits, heaps up punishments, despises the example of My Heart, follows the footsteps of the devil. 188 THE SECOND BOOK. Happy lowliness ! blissful virtue, which makes thee find favor with God and men ! For, whilst God resists the proud, He gives His grace to the lowly ; and, whilst the proud themselves look down upon the proud, they admire the humble. Humility is the first of virtues : no virtue is ac- quired without it. Humility produces all other virtues, nourishes them when produced, and pre- serves them safe and sound. A noble virtue is humility, which makes man truly generous and great-souled. By its means he overcomes, not only what is most arduous, but he even conquers himself. Whilst the proud man, with his narrow heart, fettered by the dread of humiliation, which may, perhaps, befall him, struggles with himself, shrink- ing back at one time, hesitating at another, whether or not to assail the difficulty placed before him ; the humble one. with a great and expanded heart, has already subdued himself, overcome the difficulty, and marches onward rejoicingly. It is the virtue that inspires courage — disposes the soul for the greatest deeds. For the humble man, overlooking himself, and relying upon God, exchanges his own strength, and puts on the strength of God, upon whom he rests, and in whom he can do all things. lie is an object of terror to the very demons. These enemies dread the humble: no other mortals do they fear so much. CHAPTER V. 189 Lastly, it is a solid virtue, because it so strength- ens man, that he is neither shaken by the sayings or doings of others, nor cast down by his own faults or miseries. It is not, therefore, the virtue of humility, but its counterfeit, which renders thee fainthearted, timorous, or in any wise dejected. So noble a vir- tue does not produce such ignoble effects. 9. My Child, although humility is so just, so useful, so necessary, so excellent, thou shouldst not- withstanding know, that it is not according to hu- man feelings, not to find one’s delight in some ob- ject, but in all things to refer absolutely the whole glory to God, — to attribute to one’s self nothing except unworthiness, — to be contented with Me in the lowest place, to embrace heartily whatever My Heart embraces. Certainly, if thou consultest nature, it will shrink back from such things, and seek to avoid them. Yet, if thou desirest to be a Disciple of My Heart, thou must not follow nature, but grace : and act, not according to the bent % of thy natural feeling, but according to divine love, whereby thou mayst imi- tate My Heart, even in spite of nature. If thou dost this, it will be with thee as it was with the Saints, who tasted a sweetness exceeding nature, in humility, and found by experience that humiliations themselves were full of delight. Secure for thyself, by prayer and meditation, the powerful help of grace, and, generously co-operat* 190 THE SECOND BOOK. ing with the aarae, embrace humility with mind and heart, — exercise thyself in it, until thou art able readily to reduce it to practice in thought, word, and deed. Mv Child, be ever mindful of My example, and forget not My words. Behold ! I, an Infant, give thee a new command, the command of My Heart: Learn of Me, that I am meek and humble of Heart. 10. The voice of the Disciple . — 0 most sweet Jesus ! 0 Infant G-od, who didst empty Thyself by humility ! Lo ! the stable, wherein Thou dwell - est, the darkness, wherein Thou art hidden, the very silence, that surrounds Thee, all cry out, how humble of Heart Thou art. 0 Thou Teacher of humility ! behold me pros- trate at Thy feet, that of Thee I may learn that all- important virtue. Enlightened and enkindled by the flames of Thy Heart, may I ever know Thee, ever know myself, that thus I may always and everywhere ascribe to Thee what is Thine, and to me what is mine ! Hitherto, I own it, I hjivc never rightly under- stood the meaning of humility. Now I understand, now I see, that by the virtue of humility I am neither debased nor disgraced, but raised and en- nobled ; since by it I am elevated to the resem- blance of Thyself, who alone art eminently noble. O most kind Jesus ! givest Thou me a place near Thee ! 0 Lord ! I am not worthy. And yet, how did I ever seek any other place, as if I could find a CHAPTER YI. 191 better place than with Thee ! Forgive, 0 Lord, for- give my ungratefulness, my injustice, my madness. Henceforth, behold, I am forever with Thee. Let them seek after higher places, who are anxious to be above others : for myself, as much as 1 am allowed, I will strive for the lowest, convinced that there I shall be with Thee. My only longing is to be with Thee : with Thee I will be contented wherever I may be. CHAPTER YI. THAT THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS, BORN IN A STABLE, TEACHES US HOLY POVERTY. 1. The voice of the Disciple . — For Thee, Lord Jesus, for Thee, my heart longs : Thee, my soul seeks, whom she loves. Show me, I entreat Thee, where Thou dwellest. The voice of Jesus. — Come, My Child, and see. This shall be a sign to thee : thou shalt find Me poor, in a stable. Hearken thou, and give heed to what My Heart may speak to thee. The foxes have their holes, the birds of the air have their nests : but the Son of man has not where to recline His head. Yet, My Child, the whole earth is Mine, and the 192 THE SECOND BOOK. fullness thereof. But, behold ! when I was the richest, I became the poorest of all. From the time I was born needy in the stable, until I breathed My last destitute upon the cross, I lived ever in perfect poverty, and as I ever loved it as My mother, so I ever honored it as a Son. And for what reason, thinkest thou, with what design does My Heart so lovingly embrace poverty? undoubtedly, My Child, because My Heart, filled as It is with humility and charity, cherishes these virtues most tenderly, and desires most ardently, by their means, to draw the hearts of men from things earthly and perishable, and raise them aloft to that which is heavenly and everlasting. 2. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven : blessed, for that they are free from the greatest obstacles to everlasting sal- vation : blessed, for that they possess a whole- some opportunity of practicing numberless virtues : blessed, lastly, because in their heart, they are conformed to Me. My Child, to have nothing, nay, even to be in want, is not the virtue of poverty : but to keep the heart disengaged from the created things of the world ; this constitutes the true virtue of poverty. For love of Me, to bid farewell to all things of earth, to possess nothing as one’s own, to cling with the heart to no created object, is the perfection of the virtue of poverty. To this latter all are not called, but to the CHAPTER YI. 193 former all and every one must tend, insomuch, that it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle, than for any one without it, to enter the % kingdom of heaven. For, unless a man renounce, with the heart at least, all things, he cannot be My Disciple. 3. There is nothing more wicked than the love of money, for this love perverts the judgment, and misleads the heart : and, since all things obey money, he that loves it, blinded by its inordinate desire, sets his own soul for sale, so that he is ready to sell this immortal gift for a perishable object. The Saints used the things of earth, with a heart free from them ; amid the greatest wealth, they were poor in spirit. Yet, there are not a few who allow the enemy of man’s salvation to deceive them, by the ap- pearance of what is good or right. That crafty foe strives to pursuade men that riches, or the abundance of the good things of earth, — as they are indifferent in themselves, and may be use- fully spent, — can be coveted and sought after with- out danger. But, whosoever suffers himself to be so deceived, soon discovers, that he has become entangled in the snares of the devil’s artifices, that he is weighed down by troubles, darkness, perverse inclinations ; that, whatever his state of life, he is unable to attain to its perfection ; and that, finally, he imperils, in no small degree, his everlasting salvation. 17 194 THE SECOND BOOK. 4. My Child, if thou hast riches, set not thy heart upon them : for thou art a steward, rather than a master. With a heart disengaged from them, either renounce them altogether, if such be the divine Will, or use them. for My glory, and for the real benefit of thy soul. Thou must be so disposed, that, if it be My Will, thou shouldst renounce all things, or, if I suffer thee to be deprived of them, thou do willingly submit thyself to Me. If thou art poor, rejoice, My Child, and be ex- ceedingly glad : and lose not the fruit of so great a blessing, by suffering, repiningly, the effects of of poverty. Be not ashamed of being in moderate, or even destitute circumstances, for My sake, who was not ashamed of becoming destitute for thee : but rather glory, for that thou possessest what I purchased for Myself, by many and great humiliations. 5. Whether thou art needy, or rich, cherish holy poverty, and practice a virtue so dear to My Heart, and so advantageous to thyself. There is, indeed, no condition of life, in which this virtue may and should not be practiced : fre- quent opportunities daily present themselves every- where. This great virtue may be exercised in regard to one’s dwelling-place, furniture, food and drink ; in short, the whole manner of living. For, in all these things, either something is CHAPTER VI. 195 wanting, which is not really necessary ; or, if not, it is not according to the desires of nature ; or something may, without danger, be withdrawn from what is had for nature’s convenience. If thou lovest holy poverty in thy heart, as is proper, thou shalt not want means and opportunities of practicing the same. How many poor there are, who do not gather any merit from their poverty, but use it to make themselves more wretched, and to offend God • Would that they were wise ! then, instead of bitter- ness, they would taste sweetness, and sanctify them- selves. 6. The name of the poor in spirit, who love and practice poverty, — whether it arises from necessity or free choice, — is honorable before Me. With them, I hold fellowship and intercourse ; their heart is like a fertile soil, which receives the seed of My words, and brings forth fruit a hundred-fold. Who is happier than the possessor of holy pov- erty, who has whatever he desires in this world ? Who is richer than he, to whom belongs the king- dom of heaven ? Do not then, My Child, neglect thy sanctifica- tion, for the sake of gathering treasures on earth : use thy endeavors principally to sanctify thyself, and thus to lay up treasures in heaven. Wheresoever the object of thy affections may chance to be, where thy treasure is, there also will be thy heart. 196 THE SECOND BOOK. 7. True it is, that for man, left to himself, it is very difficult to despise in his heart riches, and to practice poverty in deed, and in affection. Thou shouldst, therefore, pray fervently, that divine grace may help thee to perform that, which thy own strength does not enable thee to accom- plish in a meritorious manner. If thou perceivest within thyself feelings opposed to poverty, persevere in prayer, and beg the more fervently, even against thy inclinations, that grace may not spare those inordinate feelings, but root them out completely, until thy heart is altogether free, and looks solely to the Will and glory of God. My Child, if once the affections of thy heart are well-ordered, thou wilt find, through divine grace, the virtue of poverty not only easy, but even full of sweetness. 8. The voice of the Disciple . — 0 sweet Jesus, Son of God ! Thou boldest and swayest the whole universe : Thou didst adorn the heavens with glit- tering stars : Thou didst embellish the earth with wonderful splendor ; and behold ! here Thou re- clinest in a poor stable, a Babe hardly covered with tattered clothes. 0 how marvelous, how salutary are the dispos- ing^ of Thy Heart ! Who will not, after so great an example, — which ravishes the very Angels, — consider poverty lovely and desirable ! Good Jesus, Teacher of the truth, and model of holy poverty ! enlighten my mind, that I may un* CHAPTER VI. 197 derstand the price of this virtue, and tear away my heart, even in spite of itself, from every inordinate affection for things created, lest, busied with vari- ous cares and desires, it become estranged from Thee. Grant, I beseech Thee, that I may look upon all the things of time as speedily vanishing, and upon myself as passing away with them to things ever- lasting; allow me the use of the possessions of earth, only insomuch as they are means to guides me to heavenly possessions. Everything is Thine, 0 Lord : if, then, Thom desirest me to live in opulence, as the steward of Thy possessions, Thy Will be done : if Thou desfr- est me to be in poverty, a perfect follower of Thy life, again Thy Will be done. Yet, so far as it is left to me, and as it is pleasing to Thee, I choose rather to be poor with Thee, 0 Jesus, the Son of God, than to be rich with the world : I prefer to possess the lasting blessings of poverty, rather than undergo the ceaseless dangers of riches. I offer myself, therefore, to Thee, most benign Jesus, as a companion of Thy poverty : I implore Thee as such to receive me. If with Thee, I am contented : if I possess Thee, I am rich enough. 198 THE SECOND BOOK. CHAPTER VII. THAT THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS, DWELL- ING IN SOLITUDE AMONG THE ANGELS, TEACHES US HOLY CHASTITY. 1. The voice of Jesus. — Come, My Child, come to the solitude of the sacred Cave: here will I speak to thy heart : here will I unvail for thee the secrets of My Heart. Here look around : attend to what thou perceiv- est : see, what surrounds Me : observe the objects which keep Me company. The voice of the Disciple .-*- 0 Lord, I perceive Thy Virgin Mother, Thy Virgin Foster-father, a multitude of Angels, rejoicing and singing, in Thy presence, hymns of jubilee. I see Thee, 0 Jesus, most beautiful, the Lamb of God, without blemish ! I behold before me innocence far removed from every object that flatters the senses, ravishing heaven and earth by its loveliness. The voice of Jesus. — Amid these, My Child, My Heart rejoices, and finds Its delight, because It feeds on purity among the lilies. I am holiness itself. Born of a pure Virgin, nourished by a pure Virgin ; I am the most tender lover of all purity,, and shrink, with all My Heart, from every object which is hurtful or contrary to this virtue. CHAPTER VII. 199 2. My Heart is the fountain of holy purity, whence all they draw, who desire to be loved by Me, From this divine fountain, all the Disciples of My Heart drink in the love of chastity, each one according to his capacity ; and by this love, as by a certain mark, are they distinguished. What is more excellent than chastity, whereby thou offerest to God the Father, who is a Spirit, a spiritual sacrifice most grateful to Him ; whereby, honoring thy body, thou honorest My own mem- bers ; whereby thou payest reverence to the Holy Ghost, whose temple thou art? This is the virtue which transforms men into Angels ; yea, raises them above the heavenly Spirits. My Child, whosoever is chaste, is an Angel: nay more, in merit, he surpasses the Angel, since, in spite of nature, he becomes through virtue, what the Angel is, without effort, by nature. This is the glory of the Church, the triumph of grace, the flower of life, the ornament of the body and soul, the fairest picture of heaven. 3. How beautiful is a chaste life ! Immortal is the remembrance thereof ; because it is known to God, and grateful to men. A marvelous virtue it is, wl ich imparts its fresh- ness and beauty, not only to the soul but even to the body. What the lily is among flowers, that purity is among virtues ; by its celestial brightness and ele- 200 THE SECOND BOOK. gance, it delights and refreshes the very inhabitants of Paradise. So much does its loveliness captivate all hearts, that, even in the world, there is none, unless he has altogether lost his reason, who does not ad- mire its excellence. 4. Man, with a clean heart and chaste body, en- ters heaven ; passes even into the sanctuary of the Divinity, and enjoys the familiar intercourse of God and His Angels. The carnal man, like a senseless animal wallow- ing in filth, understands not the things which are of the Spirit, but finds his delight among sensual objects, the fruits of which are alike destructive to soul and body. How wretched is he that is impure ! how debased in the sight of heaven and earth ! how like in his interior to the demon, who is called the unclean spirit ! The world, submerged by the Flood, bears wit- ness how this loathsome vice is punished ; so does the land of Sodom, laid waste with fire and brim- stone from above ; so does every unchaste man, de- livered up to his reprobate sense ; so, above all, does hell. Purity, on the other hand, saves from the tyranny of the passions, imparts a most delightful peace, fills the whole man with heavenly joys ; yea, adorns him with the seal of the Elect. 5. Which, My Child, are the chief delights of CHAPTER VII. 201 My Heart? Are they not pure souls? These are they that by the purity of their love, fill My Heart with most pleasure ; these busy themselves more frequently about Me ; solicitous to know, how, above all others, they may render themselves agree- able to Me ; these, being both inwardly and out- wardly more holy, long more fervently to live for Me. These are they that understand more easily the secrets of My Heart, enjoy with more relish the unction of My Spirit, are more glowing with piety, and are wont to be more generous and faithful. To these My Heart, in return, communicates It- self more abundantly ; upon them, It pours the streams of more perfect love and consolation ; for them, It reserves more special graces and favors. Them I admit into the innermost sanctuary of My Heart : with them I treat in a more intimate manner ; them I keep nearer to Me upon earth, as well as in heaven. In whatever condition of life, therefore, thou mayst be, if thou wishest to be as dear as possible to My Heart : if thou desirest to experience the fullness of Its tenderness : if thou longest to taste, in the most copious manner, Its sweetness, be thou pure in body and soul. 6. My Child, this treasure thou earnest in a frail vessel; unless thou proceedest cautiously, thou wilt easily lose the same. Take heed, however, lest 202 THE SECOND BOOK. thou advance too warily ; for an excessive fear be- comes a source of danger. Thou must, first of all, guard thy heart, watch over its inclinations, check its thoughts. For, if thou allowest thy heart to wander about, it shall not long continue unstained. Be never altogether idle : idleness is the dwell- ing-place of the unclean spirit. Desire not to be too familiar with any mortal, even were he a Saint, or a worker of miracles. Fly dangerous occasions, as thou wouldst a pesti- lence. How many there are, who, though else- where sufficiently secure, perish here miserably. 7. Turn away thy eyes, lest they behold the se- ductions of vanity ; be modest : without modesty, chastity cannot endure. Hedge in thy ears with care, lest, through them, the enemy find access to thy heart. For, where there is no hedge, the possession shall be laid waste. Keep the tongue not only from unclean words, but also from all scurrility, and every kind of language, of which the devil may take advantage to tempt thee or others. Restrain the taste in such a manner, that thy temperance in food and drink hinder the flesh from rebelling, and endow and strengthen the spirit with vigor. Mortify the touch assiduously, not only in those things which, when unlawfully touched, may cause CHAPTER VII. 203 thee to die the death, but also in those which, savoring of sensuality, may, by the aid of Satan, arouse the passions. 8. Be persuaded, however, My Child, that, after thou hast done all this, thou art not able to pre- serve this most precious, most beautiful, yea, most useful and necessary virtue, except with the help of divine grace. Wherefore, thou shouldst frequently and earn- estly ask for this heavenly gift, and beg for it by fervent prayer, through the intercession of My Virgin Mother, My Virginal Foster-father, thy Guardian Angel, and, finally, of all the inhabitants of heaven. The enemy, knowing that, through purity, men become associated with the choirs of Angels, and merit among them that place which he, by his un- cleanness, has forfeited, raves with envy, and leaves nothing undone, to despoil men of this virtue. But let not thy heart fear, My Child, nor be dis- • turbed ; My grace is sufficient for thee, provided, by neglecting the proper means, thou be not want- ing to thyself. 9. Be exceedingly careful, lest thou expose thy- • self rashly to dangers ; and, after having overcome temptations, do not ascribe the glory of the victory to thyself : for, since all this springs from pride, it will doubtless be punished with a disgraceful humiliation. Through grace, thou shalt be the more chaste, 204 THE SECOND BOOK. the more liumble thou art : for it is humility which deserves that chastity be given. My Child, be ever mindful of these words. If thou wilt be perfect in the virtue of chastity, be inflamed with a god-like love for Me : for no one, unless he be perfect in the love of Jesus, can be perfect in chastity ; but whosoever loves Jesus Perfectly, shall be perfectly chaste, perfectly pure. /Keep this secret in thy memory, keep it in thy heart. 10. The voice of the Disciple . — 0 Jesus, Thou Virgin of Virgins ! whose Mother is a Virgin, whose Foster-father is a Virgin, whose inseparable com- panions are Angels ; whom when I approach, I am clean ; whom when I love, ,1 am chaste : endless thanks to Thee, for that Thou didst keep my heart free from the love of all carnal pleasure, and didst enkindle it with the love of holy purity. All they that love Thee, behold ! are hastening • after Thee, drawn by the odor of Thy most delight- ful innocence, and, as closely as they can, they are following Thee, the Lamb, whithersoever Thou goest. 0 Jesus, Thou lover of chaste souls ! grant me, I implore Thee, for love of Thee, with all the Dis- ciples of Thy Heart, to value supremely, to love most tenderly this virtue of Angels, and shun with the greatest abhorrence, all that is contrary thereto. Sanctify my heart and body with Thy love, that CHAPTER VIII. 205 I may serve Thee with a chaste body, and please Thee with a clean heart. 0 Jesus, my love and my God ! who didst create me in Thy likeness, permit not that I ever sully or unhallow it by any defilement. Suffer not, that for a short-lived pleasure, — for which I must, either now or afterwards, endure shame and punishment, — I lose that virtue, which is my present and future glory and felicity. If ever, 0 most sweet Jesus, Thy love should find me insensible to the loveliness and the rewards of purity ; I beseech Thee, let the dread of the everlasting flames of hell, prevent the flame of vice. CHAPTER VIII. THAT FROM THE MANGER THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS, TEACHES US HOLY OBEDIENCE. 1 . The voice of Jesus . — Be attentive, My Child : thou must hear some things which thou hast never learnt, never sufficiently understood. Learn once for all of My Heart, and remember what obedience is. Lo ! from this moment even to My latest sigh, obedience is My food, My life. Observe intently and devotedly My example ; consider the dispositions of My Heart. Behold, if they put Me in a rough manger, I remain contented therein : if they 1‘vft Me in their 206 THE SECOND BOOK. arms, I am content to be carried : wheresoever they place me, there I stay contented. Whatever be the wish of those whom My heavenly Father has given authority over Me, that do I will likewise : I have no other will than to will or not to will that which they will. Neither does My Heart ask, why they will Me here or there : the judgment of the authority that wills, is the judgment of Myself who obey. 2. Thus, My Child, did I, the All-knowing and All-powerful Lord, subject Myself most humbly to creatures, that thou, weak in understanding and will, mayst learn to submit thyself to them that hold My place in thy regard. Be, therefore, obedient to them, w T ith a humble heart, in all things wherein they have authority over thee, whether it be in temporal or in spiritual matters. For all power is from God. Wherefore, My child, when thou obeyest thy Su- perior, thou obeyest Me. For thou art obedient and submissive to the authority communicated to him by Me. 3. If the Superior be devoid of virtue and good qualities, this is no reason why thou shouldst obey him the less. For he does not, on that account, the less possess My authority, and hold My place. Whenever he enjoins things which are not evi- dently opposed to Me, heed thou, and perform whatsoever he may say : but thou art not obliged to follow him in his doings. CHAPTER VIII. 207 Be not concerned, My Child, about the qualifi- cations of the one that commands, but attend to that which is commanded : and perform it faithfully, as if commanded by Myself. Let the Superior be whatever he may ; let him act through this motive or that; what matters it to thee ? follow thou Me : seek to imitate My Heart, My Will, and be not troubled or uneasy about the rest. 4. The simple performance of another’s will is not the virtue of obedience. Do not irrational creatures do so ? nay more, even machines made bv the hand of man ? •/ It is necessary, when thou dost the will of the Superior, to be willing to perform with a submis- sive heart, that which he wishes thee to do ; that thus thou mayst cheerfully carry out My Will, made known through the Superior. For, although it may happen, that the Superior does command through ill-will or passion, it is yet My Will, that, when no evil is commanded, thou perform, with a good heart, what the Superior requires. For the rest, I will judge the motive of the Superior, who commands, and of the inferior, who obeys; and render to each one that which is just. My Child, do not imitate them, who, deceiving themselves, endeavor, by direct or indirect means, to bring over the Superior to their own will, these, although, in this manner, they have the will and consent of the Superior, do not fulfill My Will, but 208 THE SECOND BOOK. their own ; nor do they practice the virtue of obe- dience, but they obey self-love ; nor are they guided by Me, but by themselves. 5. In order that the virtue of obedience be per- fect, it is necessary that, — believing that whatever I require of thee through obedience is justly de- manded, — thou submit also thv understanding or judgment to My divine authority, represented in the person of the Superior. The less thou shalt see the reason of the things which are demanded of thee, and the more incon- sistent that which is enjoined shall appear to thy manner of judging; so much the nobler shall be thy obedience, and so much the more merit shalt thou have, if thou submit thy understanding, and fulfill with a good will what is commanded. Cast aside, therefore, without examination, what- soever the pride of reason, or the repugnance of sense, may object, in the sincere belief that My di- vine Will, made known to thee through the Supe- rior, rests upon the best and most certain motives, although thou thyself dost not see them. It happens, frequently, that the inferior does not see, and that the Superior does not know, the true reasons for which, by the Superior’s command, I desire such, or such other things to be done by the inferior. Both are not rarely unconscious instru- ments in the fulfillment of My secret designs. If thou wert humble of heart, and burning with love for Me, it would not be hard, or difficult, to CHAPTER VIII. 20S abandon, for My sake, thy judgment md will; and it would be most consoling and sweet, to have thy weak understanding guided by My infinite Wisdom, and thy will, prone to evil, conformed to My divine Will, the rule of all good. 6. A great thing is obedience : a sublime virtue, whereby a person overcomes himself, and so dedi- cates himself wholly to Me, that he retains for him- self nothing of his own, but offers himself entirely to Me, as a holocaust. Do I desire other sacrifices without this one ? Do I not rather require that I be obeyed? Better is obedience than a victim. Who is stronger than the obedient man? The obedient man shall speak triumphantly ; yea, shall triumph under all circumstances. For he aims at naught, except the doing of the divine Will, which he always secures. What is there, My Child, which the obedient man dares not? He dares everything, when commanded ; he brings to a favorable issue many and great things, whilst the disobedient loses courage and fails. 7. Nothing is safer or more secure than obe- dience. The obedient person is never lost ; nor does he perish who submits his will and judgment to authority. But he that disobeys, he that follows his own judgment and will, to the neglect of au- thority, he is generally lost, anti perishes. The obedient man, certain of the reward of his 18 210 THE SECOND BOOK. actions, shall not even be held to an account : they that are placed over him, and direct him, shall be obliged to give the account. 8. Lastly, My Child, so necessary is obedience, that no works, howsoever good they be otherwise, if contrary thereto, can be pleasing to Me ; nor can they acquire for thee any merits. There is no state, no condition, no person on earth, that is not bound to obey. Without obe- dience, the order which God, who loves order ne- cessarily, has established, could not be preserved. Wherever thou mayst be placed by obedience, be assured, that thou couldst nowhere be better ; and that thou canst do nothing more pleasing to Me, and more useful to thyself, than that which is en- joined by obedience. Blessed are the obedient ! they hasten on to- ward heaven, with true liberty, in great peace, in permanent security ; but the disobedient groan be- neath the galling tyranny of their own will : they enjoy no rest of heart, through a wearisome road they wander toward perdition. 9. My Child, whence is wont to arise the difficulty in obeying? Is it not from this, that thou regard- est the person of the Superior, his qualifications, his manner of acting, or his motives for command- ing? that thou considerest not, in singleness of faith, as thou shouldst, the divine authority and Will alone ? Such an example, My Child, I did not give. CHAPTER VIII. 211 Such was not the disposition of My Heart. Al- though I was wiser and better than all the mortals who exercised authority over Me, yet I was heartily submissive to them, without considering the per- sons or their qualifications, without judging the motives which made them act or command. Nay more, I did willingly and faithfully obey, as if it were the manifestation of My Father’s Will, the command of Cesar Augustus, a pagan, who issued his decree with an evil-minded will : and, by complying with this order, I did really do My Father’s Will, — that I should be born in the city of Bethlehem, as the prophets inspired by the Holy Ghost had foretold. Observe My whole life : thou wilt find it fre- quently distinguished by similar deeds. Look, then, My Child, and act according to the example which My Heart has given thee. If thou do this, thou wilt find obedience easy, sweet, and full of consolation. 10. The voice of the Disciple . — 0 Jesus ! how holy, how wonderful is Thy Heart ! how great and profound the lessons It teaches ! how easy It makes everything ! Happy he that understands this ! Yea, blessed he that, taught by the example of Thy Heart, fulfills the divine Will with cheerful- ness ! Behold, such a one is guided by infinite Wisdom, helped by almighty Power, protected by the divine Goodness. * Who, save the obedient man, enjoys these favors 1 212 THE SECOND BOOK. Let them preside and command who have received the power : for me, it is every way sweeter and bet- ter, to be subject and obedient. 0 truly happy me, if I am truly obedient ! For the Lord God rules me, and I shall want nothing : set in a place of divine pasture, I roam secure therein ; there never-failing streamlets of living waters flow ; there Manna is daily showered down from heaven ; there do I live for Thee, 0 Jesus ; there do I surely and contentedly merit heaven. By Thy most holy obedience, 0 Jesus, most meek and humble of Heart, grant me, I beseech Thee, Thy grace and Thy love, that I may be per- fectly obedient, by renouncing my own will and judgment, and by following, in singleness of faith, Thy divine Will and authority, manifested to me through lawful Superiors. Certainly, if I, blind-born as I am, follow self- love as a guide, what else awaits me, blind in my judgment and inclinations, except to fall into the pit and perish there ? 1 tremble in every limb, 0 Lord, when I call to mind, that many men, distinguished for deep sci- ence and extraordinary human prudence, — through want of obedience, have strayed from the way of salvation, and become reprobates. Behold, I devote and intrust myself altogether to Thy most wise, holy, and divine Will. Give me, I entreat Thee, Thy singleness of understanding, Thy readiness of Will : grant me the lowliness and CHAPTER IX. 213 charity of Thy Heart, that I may he like The*;, as an infant that remains contented, wheresover it may be placed, whithersoever it may be carried ; in short, in whatsoever manner it may be treated. CHAPTER IX. THAT, AT THE CIRCUMCISION, THE MOST SACRED HEART OP JESUS TEACHES US MORTIFICATION OF HEART. 1. The voice of the Disciple . — Scarcely yet art Thou come among us, 0 Thou the delight of heaven, sweet Jesus! and behold! Thou pourest out Thy Blood ! Disclose to me, I pray, what was the design of Thy Heart therein : show me, I entreat Thee, what were then the feelings of Thy Heart. For, whatsoever Thy Heart feels, I also long to feel. The voice of Jesus . — My Child, thou oughtest to be so disposed, as not to stop at the things which thou perceivest by the senses ; but so as to go for- ward even unto My very Heart. Attend, then, and consider how mortified is My Heart. I knew well that I was not at all bound by the law of Circumcision ; that, by complying there- with, I should be reckoned among sinners, lowered 214 THE SECOND BOOK. before men ; .that My Body should undergo suffer- ings, and My Soul debasement; but My Heart, moved by the divine Will, enkindled by love as with a living flame, overcame all this. Understand, My Child, the inner sentiments of My Heart, and be mirfdful of putting on the same. All things were well-ordered in My Heart : there is naught inordinate in My whole Humanity. Yet, I did never act from a mere inclination of My hu- man nature. This I either overcame or passed by, and in all things, even those which were natural, I acted ever from a supernatural principle. Whether the things, to be done or undergone, were pleasing or displeasing to the feelings of hu- man nature ; this was never the cause, or reason, why I did either embrace or shun them. I was ever moved by the divine Will to do and suffer, with a willing Heart, all things that were according to the divine good pleasure. 2. Behold, My Child, the example which thou must follow, if thou desirest to be a true Disciple of My Heart. If thou lookest well into thy heart, thou shalt find it divided, as it were, into two parts, each of which is anxious to sway it. One of these, a sensual propensity, is called the inferior ; the other, a rational inclination, the supe- rior part. The former is especially viciated by CHAPTER IX. 215 original sin : the latter is still guided by a supernal ray. With the first, the spirit of evil is wont to har- monize ; the good Spirit, on the other hand, espouses the cause of the second. The inferior part struggles to extend its sway over the whole heart, and maintain it by means of pride and self-love, the leaders of all other vices. The superior part, through humility and charity — which preside over the whole host of virtues — desires, with perfect justice, to rule, to conquer and subdue, as its foe, the part opposed. 3. These two parts, My Child, are the two do- mestic enemies, that hardly ever cease to war against each other, whose aims are opposite, — that can be put down and subjugated, but never de- stroyed or exterminated. * The superior part, through the divine favor, by the freedom of its will, possesses such strength, that not only the inferior part, but the whole world and all hell united, cannot force it to a surrender. Therefore, the inferior part, together with the evil spirit, endeavors, by every possible means, to encompass, to disturb, to deceive, to worry the same. It tries every artifice : at one time violence, at another caresses ; now perverseness, then up- rightness ; sometimes it shows itself an enemy, at others a friend. Unless thou do carefully attend, thou wilt hardly be able to distinguish between them. Yet, it is 216 THE SECOND BOOK. necessar}?’ to know tliem distinctly. For, fin this discernment depends tlie right governing of the heart ; by it illusions are avoided, vain fears are made to disappear, inward peace is preserved and retained, even amid the greatest afflictions. The more one part is mortified and subdued, the more the other is made to live and triumph. 4. The first thing, therefore, to be deadened in thy heart, is that inferior part, the inordinate crav- ing of nature, which is also called selfishness, or the spirit of nature. Against this thou must never cease to fight. If, at any time, this enemy, frightened by thy bravery, be put to flight, or forced to conceal him- self — until a more favorable opportunity presents itself — do thou diligently seek him out, and, when found, strike him down with fresh ardor. Thou wilt know him by this mark, that he ever aims immoderately at what is either too high or too low, being ever carried off by an inordinate liking, or dislike, beyond the order which divine Providence has established. On the one hand, proud and wandering beyond his sphere, and relying on his own powers, he would fain search and look into the insearchable counsels of the Piety ; and, although he does not fully comprehend aught of what is beneath him, yet, he would measure, by his own dullness and imbecility, the Wisdom, Power, and other perfect CHAPTER IX. 217 tions of God, which, in their very nature, are in- comprehensible. He struggles against admitting, what he does not both see and love. He is ashamed and unwilling to own that he has erred : if it is proved, he grows stubborn. He seeks to be prominent ; he shrinks from the thought of being surpassed, or brought under in anything. He takes for granted that he can do everything : if he has brought something to a prosperous issue, he is wonderfully self-pleased, and boasts as if he had performed a miracle : has he done aught un- successfully ? he murmurs, excuses himself, or throws the blame upon others. He is not concerned about what he is in reality, but about what he may appear to be before others : he seeks to be esteemed : he is anxious that others should speak of him : he longs to possess the affec- tion of men. He gains enough, if he is praised : if no one praise him, he himself makes up the deficiency. In himself, he either sees no faults, or he dis- guises them : in his neighbor, he descries them everywhere. He is prone to despise others ; to suspect many things, and to twist them into evil. Hence, on the other hand, he is ever inclined to what is low : what pleases the flesh, what flatters 19 218 THE SECOND BOOK. the senses, what savors of the world, he loves, he relishes. He judges matters according to his own pro- pensity, not according to the reality of the things themselves. As he has himself for an end, he seeks in every- thing his own convenience or pleasure : he even endeavors betimes to adapt things divine to himself. For he undertakes occasionally to serve Me, whilst he desires to gratify himself. Wherefore, he easily gives admittance to the angel of darkness, who, taking the shape of an angel of light, suggests to him many things apparently pious, beautifully thought, tenderly felt : all which increases his pride, and keeps up his self-love. 5. My Child, if this spirit of nature triumphs over the heart, it effects the ruin of the heart. It behooves thee, therefore, to deaden this part of the heart, by resisting it, by going counter thereto, and by unceasingly repressing the same, as long as it remains viciated or ill-ordered. Do not think this hard, My Child : it is incom- parably more easy and pleasant to subdue the same, and govern it when subdued, than to be ruled and tormented thereby. 6. But, since natural reason cannot, by itself, attain to a supernatural end, thou must likewise, by mortification, purify and elevate the superior part of the heart. For, if thou actest from natural reason alone, CHAPTER IX.. 219 thou canst thence gather no merit for life everlast- ing ; nor wilt thou be called a Disciple of My Heart. Thou must, then, mortify the whole heart, and subject it to grace ; so that, in all things, it obeys the divine good pleasure. In thoughts, in words, in deeds, in sufferings, thou shouldst be moved by divine grace, guided by a supernatural reason, directed to Me as thy end. Nowhere suffer thyself to be hurried into any act, by the mere motion or impulse of nature : but follow grace, act according to My Spirit. Use the powers of nature, not as causes or prin- ciples, but as means or instruments for things supernatural. 7. This mortification of the heart, — which is the rule of the interior life, and the spirit of the Saints, — is that more useful and necessary mortifi- cation, whereby the roots of vices are plucked up, the dangers of temptations avoided, the very causes of inward troubles removed. This holy mortification is to be practiced, not with fretfulness, harshness or anxiety, but with a tranquil and generous heart. Now, My Child, in thy heart there are things so great and numerous to be mortified, and they lie so hidden from thee, that, unless enlightened by grace, thou couldst not so much as see them ; and when thou seest them, unless strengthened by grace, thou mightst be overpowered by the sight of them. 220 THE SECOND BOOK. Wherefore, thou must have recourse to prayer without intermission, that thou mayst obtain light and strength from above. Then will I, — knowing that, as yet, thou art un- able to bear the knowledge of all the imperfections of thy heart, — so gently order things, that thou mayst know and overcome them by degrees, since I will proportion the grace of strength to the grace of light. And thou, My Child, must unremittingly be on thy guard, lest thou shut thy eyes to this light sent from above, or neglect to co-operate with this heaven-given strength. For this might be the be- ginning of thy downfall. Be faithful : allow thyself to be led by grace in all and to all ; and thou wilt experience such things as the Saints have experienced, whereby thou wilt doubtless come to My Heart, and God shall bo ex- alted, and thou slialt be made holy ; the more per- fectly, the more closely thou shalt become assimi- lated to My Heart. 8. The voice of the Disciple . — 0 most kind and sweet Jesus ! how great is the goodness of Thy Heart ! Even to me unworthy, Thou hast made known the way of the interior life, wherein all the Saints walk with Thee. Behold ! my heart is ready to follow Thee in this holy way : guide me in truth, and teach me to do Thy good pleasure. Too long have I followed the motion of nature'. CHAPTER X. 221 too long have 1 acted by natural propensity or aversion : I have led altogether too much of a natural life. Grant me, I beseech Thee, Lord, to liv£ hence- forth by grace ; to follow Thy Spirit in whatever I may have to do or suffer. Grant that my heart, created by Thee, ransomed by the price of the Blood of Thy Heart, endowed by Thee, at its every pulsation, with new favors, — may at last, disengaged from creatures, soar to Thee, live for Thee alone, love Thee alone above, all else. CHAPTER X. THAT, AFTER THE EXAMPLE OF THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS, ADORED BY THE ^1AGI, WE SHOULD OVERCOME ALL HUMAN RESPECT. 1. The voice of Jesus . — Behold ! My Child, the Magi had come from the East : and, entering the Cave, they found Me, an Infant, with Mary, My Virgin Mother. Observe My Heart, and imitate Its disposition. Such as It was in the presence of My own, such It is before strangers ; as It was before shepherds of the lowest estate, so It is before Magi of the high- est rank : I was not ashamed of the lowliness of 222 THE SECOND BOOK. My Birth, the obscurity of My condition, the prac- tice of every virtue. In this, My Heart does not regard the judgments of men,*but, setting aside human respect, It pursues the things that please My Father. 2. Happy he, that imitates this fortitude of My Heart ; that, with his heart undaunted, overcomes human respect ! For as My heavenly Father confessed Me, be- cause I confessed Him ; so, whosoever shall con- fess Me before men, him also will I confess before My Father. But woe to him, that shall be ashamed before men of Me, of My teaching, of My example ! of him will I also be ashamed before My Father, the Angels, and men themselves, when I shall come in Majesty to judge. 3. What fearest thou, O man ? Does not reason itself tell thee, that honor is due to virtue, dishonor to vice? why then dost thou dread to practice vir- tue, as if thou though test it a disgrace? Behold ! beside God, none witness thy actions, except Angels and men. Now, pray then, which of these shouldst thou mind ? The good Angels, — if thou boldly avowest thy- self My servant, — will joyfully extol thy greatness of soul, and pray for the continuance of thy forti- tude. And men, as well the Saints in heaven, as the wise and good upon earth, feeling similarly dis- posed in thy regard, will act in like manner. CHAPTER X. 223 Yea, the reprobate angels, and foolish and wicked men, will admire thee, at least inwardly, in spite of themselves, although outwardly they speak against thee, to hide their own faint-heartedness and cowardice. Oughtest thou to heed the false judgments and idle talk of these? Wouldst thou be reckoned among these, and become a partaker of their lot ? W ere all men to talk about thee, wouldst thou be different from what thou art? Thou art just what thou art before Me, My Child ; nor can the tongues of all creatures make thee greater or smaller. 4. Who is he that can be pleasing to all ? None ; neither could I Myself obtain this. Do not, then, attempt what is impossible. Strive to please Me, as much as thou art able ; and, in this holy endeavor, care not for what the world may think concerning thee. If thou art still guided by a regard for men ; it is plain that thou hast not yet learnt humility and charity of My Heart. Whosoever is humble of heart, and impelled by divine love, desires not to please men ; nor fears he to displease them, when he cannot otherwise satisfy Me. Neither stands he in dread of the judgments and scoffs of the world, but he keeps his counte- nance, and goes his way; and, if My honor requires it, he utters his opinion with a holy freedom. 224 THE SECOND BOOK. He does nothing that he may be seen, he omits nothing through fear of being seen : he cares naught whether he be praised or blamed by a foolish world ; whether he be esteemed much or little. The world is for him, as if it were not : Me alone he has in view, since he knows that to Me every- thing is due ; to Me he loves to refer all, by whom alone he can and will be approved and rewarded as he deserves. But it is no wonder, that whosoever gratifies pride and self-love, becomes the slave of human respect. For surely none is more a slave, than he that is swayed by human respect ; since he has as many masters, as he sees men. Meanwhile such a one will do nothing worthy of Me, — worthy of his own perfection. 5. My Child, wheresoever thou mayst be, whether living in the world, or secluded from the world, be- ware of human respect. This vice is met every- where, not only among people of the world, but even among religious : from the world it enters into the sanctuary, and there it stands an abomination in the Holy of Holies. Many, deceiving themselves, under the semblance of charity or prudence, yield to human respect: and were they to look properly into themselves, they would discover, that it is not the virtue of charity or prudence, but the vail of timid pride and self- love. CHAPTER X. 225 The voice of the Disciple. — Yet. Lord, is it proper, always and everywhere, publicly to proclaim virtue, and to profess it openly ? If so, I pray Thee, how is this to be done? if not, what rule should be fol- lowed ? The voice of Jesus. — Sometimes, My Child, it is not expedient rashly to expose piety ; but never, and nowhere is it allowed to betray piety. In the practice of virtue, it is a sure and safe rule, to consider not one’s own, but the divine honor : not to neglect the open profession of vir- tue, simply to avoid thy own confusion ; but to omit its open profession, when My honor or glory might suffer in consequence. G. In general, My Child, in whatever place thou mayst be, if, inasmuch as this rule allows, thou beginnest at once openly to practice virtue, it will not only give Me great honor, but also prove very advantageous to thyself. For thus the good and the wicked, as well as the fervent and the luke- warm, shall know thee; the first will seek thy com- pany, and sustain thee: the last will let thee alone, and not ensnare thee. If any there be who do find fault with thy con- scientiously free and noble-souled deportment, be not, therefore, troubled or cast down; but call to mind, that if, to the injury of thy conscience, thou didst still seek to please men, thou shouldst not be the servant of God, nor a Disciple of My Heart. Besides, what would it avail, to be blamed by 226 TIIE SECOND BOOK none, and to be pleasing to all ? Couldst thou in the end be defended by mortal man, when I will be thy Judge ? or couldst thou be saved, whilst I condemn thee ? What will be the feelings, after death, before Me, their Judge, of those cowardly souls, that, through human respect, placed during life the opinions of a foolish world before My judgments, and betrayed My cause ? Alas ! how many reprobates has human respect made, whose lot, had they spurned it, should now be among the Saints! 7. Believe me, Child, it is every way better to regard My judgments, rather than those of men : if thou art pleasing to Me, that is enough for thee ; to please men alone, is simple vanity, mere mockery. Cheer up thy courage, My Child, look down upon the false sayings of men, that fly through the air, and only reach those who grasp them for them- selves. If thou dost once fully learn to raise thyself above every human respect, thou wilt hardly be again annoyed by it, and, thyself consistent, thou wilt pity the madness of the world, and the silliness of men, who suffer themselves, in so slavish a man- ner, to be dragged to destruction. And when thou hast come to this, that thou art no longer moved by any human respect, then, freed from a very great hindrance to salvation and per- CHAPTER X. 227 fection, thou shalt safely advance in the way of virtue. 8. The voice of the Disciple . — How true, how holy a doctrine Thou teachest, good Master, sweet Jesus ! Help me, I entreat Thee, to reduce it to practice. I am justly ashamed, Lord, of my past cowardice, my faint-heartedness. Often did I blush or fear to do what my heart approved as good and worthy of honor : on the other hand, I did not blush to give way to human respect, which it acknowledged to be evil and unbecoming. From a base fear of men’s opinions, I have fre- quently betrayed Thy interests and Thy holy ser- vice, and thus rendered myself deserving of great shame and punishment. Have mercy on me, my God, and forgive my offenses, whereby, through human respect, I have turned away from Thy Will, and chosen rather, despite my conscience, to follow the opinion of the world. But now, mercifully recalled and taught by Thee, behold ! I am resolved to follow Thee, the sole guide to eternal blessedness. Let worldlings continue to call good, evil, and evil, good : let them still estimate honor by the changeable and worthless opinion of deluded men : let them still feed on vanity ; from Thee I knou T , and hold with certainty, that to cleave to Thee, is unchangeably good; that to follow Thee, is truly 228 THE SECOND BOOK. honorable; that to enjoy Thee, mojt sweet Jesus, the fountain of life and of all good things, does really constitute bliss. CHAPTER XI. THAT OF THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS, PRE- SENTED IN THE TEMPLE, WE SHOULD LEARN TO HAVE, IN ALL THINGS, A RIGHT INTENTION. 1. The voice of Jesus . — My Child, when the days were accomplished, that they should present Me to the Lord, I offered Myself and all I had, to My heavenly Father, with a pure desire of pleasing Him. Although, at My Incarnation, I had forever con- secrated Myself and My whole life to My Father ; yet, I never omitted to dedicate to Him every par- ticular action of My life, and keep in view His good pleasure. But, since a good intention is a matter of such importance in the interior life, that no one can be a true Disciple of My Heart without it, My Heart did not cease to show, teach, inculcate this by Its example. Look at My life from its beginning unto the end : did My Heart anywhere please Itself? did It seek the glory of the world ? In all My life, Child, can be found no act arising from the mere impulse of human nature, none from CHAPTER XI. 22S mere custom, none from mere necessity, none, finally, whether great or small, which did not spring from the motive of fulfilling the divine Will, of pleasing the divine Majesty. 2. How happy he that has put on this sentiment of My Heart ! he is ever useful to himself, ever dear to Me, his Saviour-God. What is that which is acceptable to Me? the in- ward affection, rather than the outward act ; the intentions of the heart, rather than the fulfillment of the work. What do I reward forever? the fruit of grace, whereby thou art moved to act, and where- with thou co-operatest, not the effect of nature — whereby thou art stirred up, or which thou fol- lowest. My grace moves the Will to do whatsoever things are by Me directly or indirectly commanded or de- sired. These I wish to be so done, that they be supernaturally good and meritorious : wherefore, to do them, I give an actual grace, without which they could not be supernaturally good and merit- orious. If then, thou art induced to act by My Will or good pleasure, know, that thou art moved by grace, a supernatural principle. But the end or intention of thy will forms the species of the act. Such as is thy intention, such uill be the act that follows. If thou hast a right intention, thou wilt, before and above all, intend and seek My good pleasure, Me, — thy end and supreme Good. 230 THE SECOND BOOK. It sometimes happens, that the primary inten- tion of an action is right, but that a wrong secondary intention creeps in. When this occurs, the goodness of the action indeed is not wholly destroyed, but is lessened in part : and the actor becomes guilty of so much, as there has been of ill- regulated or evil will, in the viciated intention. Behold ! My Child, I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end : therefore, all things must be derived from Me, — be referred to Me. If, then, thou wouldst be blamed, when thou dost not refer them to Me ; how much more so, if thou turnest them aside to thyself, or to My enemy, the world ? 3. A precious thing, a wonderful virtue, My Child, is a right intention, whereby actions, al- though natural and indifferent in themselves, when done by means of grace, become supernatural and meritorious. A marvelous secret, whereby lead, and brass, and other metals, are changed into pure gold. Beware, however, lest thou fall into that quite common delusion which makes men fancy that, by substituting a good intention, they can render meritorious a work or action undertaken, not by grace, or by My Will, but from the sole motive of nature, aversion or inclination, or from self-will alone. Follow thou, with a right aim, everything begun according to My good pleasure. CHAPTER XI. 231 Of what avail is a work, liow great or praise- worthy soever it may outwardly appear, to him that does it without a right intention ? On the other hand, that which is done with a pure intention, how little and lowly soever it may seem, becomes excellent, and altogether beneficial. 4. Would that men knew and practiced this art of acting rightly ! how easily could they merit a bright crown in heaven ! There are those who work much and gain little ; who busy themselves about everything ; who attempt many and various things, but, in the end, find themselves with almost empty hands ; because, like irrational creatures, they act without an end, or pursue an end ill-ordered and unworthy. How many there are, who exchange the fruit of their labors for an empty breath of praise or admir- ation ; wherewith they ever long to feed their weary and hungry heart ! Behold ! how many there are, who make so much of the smoke of vain glory, that they buy it at a price, by which they might purchase for themselves the kingdom of endless glory. Is there not an endless number of such madmen ? Take heed, My Child, lest thou be reckoned among them. There are others who appear to be doing little, and yet deserve to become very holy ; these are they who think, that he does enough, who does the Will of God. 232 THE SECOND BOOK. 5. My Child, when thou devotest thyself to Me in exercises of piety, thou must place, even above these practices themselves, the intention of doing My good pleasure. Thus, whether thou feelest consolation or desolation, thou shalt remain calm, gather certain fruit, and honor Me. If thou art engaged in works of duty or charity toward thy neighbor, let Me be the end of those works ; for thus it will happen, that thou slialt never fail of thy reward, and that thou shalt lose nothing of thy peace, — whether thy neighbor be or be not improved. If thou hast in view no other object except My sole good pleasure, thou shalt be contented and happy in every event ; because thou knowest, that I do not demand of thee, and will not crown in thee, aught save only thy good efficacious will ; and that suc- cess depends upon Me, who order all things ac- cording to infinite Wisdom. By means of a pure intention, thou art enabled to remain undisturbed and tranquil amid hardships, distresses, yea amid temptations themselves : for, since purity of intention raises thee before Me above sensible things, thou needest not to be an- noyed by what thou feelest against thy will. Finally, My Child, whether thou art in action or at rest, whether thou laborest or divertest thyself, whether thou art watching or sleeping, whether thou eatest or drinkest ; whether, in short, thou art doing aught else, do all things, to follow My good CHAPTER XI. 233 pleasure, to be acceptable to Me : and, behold ! a great and ever-increasing amount of merits will ac- crue to thee. 6. In the morning, thou must daily make a gene- ra] intention, whereby everything to be done or suffered during that day, is directed to this last end, that, for love of Me, thou mayst accomplish My Will, and thus please Me. This good, this holy intention, will give life to all things that fol- low, and will virtually continue to add vigor to them. It is also of the greatest importance to renew, during the day, thy good intention before every action : nay more, when it can be done conve- niently, to renew the same during the action. But to do all things with a right end, it will be of very great help, to foresee occasions of meriting, dangers of losing, — virtues to be practiced, snares of pride and self-love to be avoided. One and the same action may be directed to sev- eral and different proximate ends, which, directly or indirectly, tend to the salvation of thy own soul, or of thy neighbor, or to My honor. Whence thou mayst acquire a great treasure of merits, of which they, who act with no aim of this kind, are de- prived. Moreover, every action may be made up of sev- eral virtues : as thou practicest as many virtues as thou intendest, and as to every act of virtue cor- responds a new degree of present grace and future 20 234 THE SECOND BOOK. glory, it is easy to see how important a matter is this holy intention. But, My Child, thou must take care that these things be not done with anxiety, with injury to in- ward freedom, or with the loss of peace : for, so far from being useful, they would, on the contrary, be hurtful. Remember, lastly, that, inspired by the spirit of the same intention, that animated Me, thou ought- est to unite all thy actions and sufferings with Mine, if, as a Disciple of My Heart, thou art desirous of* acting in a manner worthy of so high avocation. 7. My Child, vain self-love is so subtle, that it can easily assume any shape, and thrust itself into all things. Whence it will happen, that, unless thou be cau- tious, thou maystbe animated and led by that spirit of self, rather than by My own. Nor does human light or prudence suffice to distinguish this, since neither can, of itself, discern things supernatural ; but a light from above, and the divine assistance are needed. Wherefore, thou must pray without ceasing, that thou mayst be enlightened from heaven ; and beg fervently that thou mayst be helped by grace, whereby thou art enabled to tend, rightly and singly, above all things to Me. 8. The voice of the Disciple . — I pray and be- seech Thee, Lord Jesus, Author of all good, give Thou light to my mind, love to my heart, strength CHAPTER XII. 235 to my whole being, that I may ever rightly accom- plish what is pleasing to Thee. Grant me true earnestness, a holy intention, that, in all things, I may do Thy good pleasure, without turning to the right or to the left. Suffer not that, henceforth, I be so foolish as to lose the merit of my actions, for the sake of grasp- ing an airy phantom ; nor so undutiful as to snatch away the glory which belongs to Thee ! Pour into my heart, I implore Thee, the purity of Thy Heart, that I may, above all else, direct my thoughts to Thee, find Thee, and repose in Thee, my God, my beginning and my end, the centre and rest of my soul. CHAPTER XII. OF THE FREEDOM OF HEART, WHICH THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS, IN HIS FLIGHT INTO EGYPT, TEACHES US. 1. The voice of Jesus. — Behold, My Child, king Herod sought Me, a Child, that he might put Me to death. But Joseph, warned by an Angel, took Me and My Mother, by night, and retired into Egypt. The unseasonable hour of the night, My tender age, the condition of My parents, the abandoning 236 THE SECOND BOOK. of My native land, the dwelling in a foreign coun- try, the tarrying among infidels, whose manners were contrary to Mine, the poverty and obscureness of My life, drudgery and hardship, everything in fine, was suited to render the heart cheerless. Yet, amid all this, My Heart remained so free, that neither time, nor place, nor men, nor any cre- ated objects whatsoever could render It captive. 2. My Child, strive, by every means in thy power, to imitate this holy freedom of My Heart. My Heart, elevated above the reach of all else, was restrained by the good pleasure of My Father alone. So also should thy heart, raised above all created objects, be held by the divine Will alone. The greatest freedom to which the heart of man can aspire is this, to be dependent upon no one, ex- cept its God. This is that true, that perfect liberty, wTiereby man is nobly exalted, and elevated above his very Superiors, through whom, as the organs of God, he is pleased to have My Will made known. Whosoever possesses this freedom, is raised above every created power, above all the whims and fickle- ness of men, — above all the casual events of times, places, and circumstances ; in so much, that, unless he betray himself, he can be enslaved by no created object. But none can gain this privilege, unless he wholly devote to Me his heart, disengaged from every crea- ture. CHAPTER XII. 237 For, so long as thou inordinately desirest or fear- est aught, so long will thy heart be fettered and embarrassed. Thy heart will be a slave, so long as it follows its natural inclination in either direction, or seeks in anything, even in what is good, itself as its end. There are those who, released from sin and the world, endeavor to be also released from themselves, that they may freely live for Me : who yet sigh in My service, as under a heavy yoke ; because they sutler themselves to be insnared by a delusion, whereby they fancy Me a troublesome ruler, or a harsh master, ever bent on discovering something to punish. These, assuredly, do Me great injustice, deter their neighbors from My service, and render them- selves wretched to no purpose. 3. Am I not a Father? Where is there a father’s heart like Mine? who then is so much a father, as I am ? A Father infinitely wise, who know every- thing, — what is useful, what is hurtful to My chil- dren : infinitely powerful, against w T hose Will no enemies, whether visible or invisible, can do the least harm to My children : infinitely good, w T ho love My children with a Heart burning with a di- vine love, and long to turn all things, evil as well as good, to their advantage. Wherefore, show in My service, that thou art the worthy child of such a Father : and, do not, by a most 238 THE SECOND BOOK. unseemly crime, conduct thyself as the servant of an overbearing master. Do but keep the good will, of shunning whatso- ever thou knowest is displeasing, and of doing what- soever thou understandest is agreeable to Me : and then expand thy heart, — not, indeed, to the false freedom, the hard yoke of the children of the world, but to the true freedom, the sweet privilege of the children of My Heart. 4. This do I love, that My children enjoy a holy freedom ; and I consider Myself greatly honored thereby. Use, therefore, a becoming diligence to please Me, and be not anxious to know, whether in reality thou art pleasing to Me : but, setting aside all sub- tlety of the understanding, and all uneasiness of the will, throw thyself with confidence on My Heart. It cannot be otherwise than that, so far from being offended, I will rather be delighted with this free- dom of heart, inspired by a pure and generous love. Under My guidance, under My protection, under My divine care, be thou free from all inordinate- ness; neither do thou excessively fear hell, the world, nor thyself. For although, of thys.elf, thou art able to do nothing, thou canst do much in Me, in whom thou believest, in whom thou hopest, whom thou lovest. If, at any time thou fallest into faults, do not conduct thyself like a menial servant, who, full of alarm, stands in dread of stripes, and is desirous CHAPTER XII. 239 either of running away, or of cowardly hiding him- self : but act like a child that loves his father, and forthwith endeavors to make up for his guilt, — who runs to his father, with so much the more free- dom, the greater the goodness which he knows him to possess. As often, therefore, as thou sadly fallest, do thou return to Me in a child-like manner, — ask forgive- ness, and renew thy resolve of being faithful : nor suffer thou the peace of thy heart to be disturbed, or thy freedom lessened. 5. Neither should the means of perfection fetter thy heart ; for even these, if they took away the holy freedom of thy heart, would be obstacles rather than means. Wherefore, so soon as I make known to thee My Will, thou must freely overlook everything else, and be solely dependent on My bidding. Take heed, however, My Child, lest, under pre- tense of a holy freedom, thou indulge the fickleness of the heart, — as they do who allow themselves to be guided by feeling, not by principle. To them, that which a little before was pleasing, now becomes irksome : in the glow of fervor, they assume spiritual practices, and soon afterwards leave them off again, or perform them with distaste ; they live now in one way, and, in a short time, wearied therewith, they try another ; now, they mortify themselves severely, as if they were wholly spirit- 240 THE SECOND BOOK. ual ; and, soon again, "having become really sensual, they flatter nature. This, surely, is not to be a child of freedom, but the sport of fickleness, the slave of feeling. 6. My Child, be thou more steadfast in regard to thy freedom. If thou art busied with any employ- ments, do not give thyself up to them, — merely lend thyself to them, — lest, instead of thyself being their master, they perchance rule thee. As often as thou feelest thyself impelled by na- ture, either to undertake or to perform something, do thou forthwith check thy ardor : otherwise thou shalt soon perceive, that thy heart is being fettered, and that the matter itself is less rightly done. Let no place on earth hold thy heart bound to itself : keep it free everywhere, knowing that I, thy Grod, am found in all places ; that My children are everywhere cherished by My Spirit ; finally, that where My Spirit is, there is true freedom. Wherever, therefore, thou mayst be, be master of thyself : in all things whatsoever, whether inter- nal or external, whether spiritual or temporal, whether lofty or lowly, keep thy heart fiee, united above everything with the divine Will. 7. My Child, thou shouldst so cherish and guard the freedom of thy heart, that no one, — neither thy inferior, nor an equal, nor even thy Superior, — can take it away. Wherefore, thou oughtest to judge of nothing, nor strive after it, according to the semblance of CHAPTER XII. 241 things, the opinion of men, or thy own feeling. In all things, let the standard of thy judgment be the truth, which thou wilt find, by examining how My Heart has judged them : and let My Will be the rule of thy desiring. This truth will free thee, and thou shalt be free indeed : this divine Will shall guide thee, and keep thee free. The more glorious this holy freedom of heart is to Me, — the more useful to thyself and to thy neighbor, — with the more care is it to be fostered, the more resolutely is it to be defended against thy foes. Beside the demon and the world, nature will also frequently rise up against it. Pride, with many reasonings, and self-love, in various ways, will prey upon it, to cause it to yield, at least in some or other matter. But thou wilt frustrate and overcome the assaults and stratagems of thy enemies, if thou goest boldly counter to what these foes suggest, and if thou sim- ply followest My Will. Whosoever wills everything according to My divine good pleasure, — whosoever lives by this, and seeks his happiness therein, — enjoys a true and holy freedom, which I desire every Disciple of My Heart to possess, and which neither hell, nor the world, nor any creature, can take away. 8. The voice of the Disciple . — Holy freedom ? how sweet a name ! but sweeter far its possession : 21 242 THE SECOND BOOK. most sweet its fruit. Would, 0 good Jesus, that I might enjoy it ! But alas, wretched me ! of how many things am I still the slave ! blushing with shame, I confess to Thee, 0 Lord, that my heart is full often captivated and held by various things, yea, the most trifling, or imaginary. Give me, I entreat Thee, give me light to know, and strength to burst asunder all my chains, that at last I may be free in truth and holiness. Mercifully grant, most benign Jesus, that, to preserve holy freedom of heart, I may stand with a heart firm and undaunted, amid all the temptations of hell ; that I be unconquered and unshaken by the good and evil things, the sayings and doings of the world ; that, above all which is of self, I may repose and persevere in Thy most holy, most de- lightful good pleasure. CHAPTER XIII. T HAT THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS, GOING UP INTO THE TEMPLE, TEACHES US TO PRAY. 1. The voice of Jesus. — Attend, My Child, and see how solicitous My Heart was, that, in public as well as in private, It might teach, by example, the ways of salvation and perfection. From My Childhood, I was wont, not only fre- CHAPTER XIII. 243 quently to pray alone, but also to go up to Jeru- salem, and to pray publicly in the Temple, and this according to custom. My Child, what was My whole life, if not a prayer, from which My Heart never ceased, with which It was always and everywhere occupied? Where did Mary, My Mother, and Joseph find Me when I was lost, if not in the Temple, the house of prayer ? Where My Disciples and friends, — except returning from prayer, with My Heart still praying? Where, in fine, My enemies, — except praying in the solitude of Gethsemane ? Examine carefully every day of My life ; behold ! the very dawn found Me at prayer, and, even at that time, sanctifying the labors of the day. When the toils of day were over, lo ! when all nature w r as at rest, the darkness of the night beheld Me praying, and pouring forth My Heart before My Father, — with the Angels alone as My wit- nesses. But even amidst the very labors of the day, how often did I withdraw a little from the multitude ! how often, whilst in the midst of the multitude, and during My labors, did I raise My Heart to My Father! 2. My Child, strive thou with special care and diligence, to acquire this Spirit of prayer, this holy habit of praying. All the Saints, and followers of the Sam*ts, all the Disciples of My Heart, learned this holy and 244 THE SECOND BOOK. sanctifying use of prayer. They prayed at stated times, not merely with their lips, but also with their mind and heart : again, wherever they were? under every circumstance of fortune, they had in- wardly recourse to Me by prayer, — making known to My Heart their joy and gratefulness, amid pros- perity ; imploring My help and comfort, in adver- sity ; asking counsel, in their doubts. So shouldst thou also do, My Child, if thou wilt aspire to holiness , yea, if thou art desirous of securing thy salvation. 3. Meditate devoutly, every day. But beware, lest thy meditation prove a musing, rather than a prayer ; a pious study, rather than a divine inter- course. Let the mind reason and reflect, as much as is necessary ; but let the heart elicit acts, sometimes of faith, hope, charity ; sometimes of sorrow, hu- mility, self-denial *, again, of fortitude, of good and firm resolve ; again, of thanksgiving, of joy and exultation of heart with the Angels and Saints ; now of resignation, of conformity to the divine Will, of pure love, reposing in God’s good pleasure ; or of any other virtue whatsoever ; then, let it fer- vently petition much for itself, and also for ethers : — for the Church and her ministers, for the perfec- tion of the Saints dwelling on earth, for the per- severance of the just, for the conversion of all sin- ners, heretics and infidels. In proportion as thou advancest in the interior CHAPTER XIII. 245 life, and attainest to a more perfect degree in the same, thou sliouldst shorten thy reasonings, and give freer scope to the affections, so that thou treatest with Me in thy heart, by means of acts and peti- tions, and, at last, by the mere occupation of divine union. Meditate and pray in this manner, My Child : and remember that, whether thou prayest orally or mentally, the heart must be foremost, in order that every prayer and supplication may be performed in an attentive and devout manner. Although thou mayst not be able to pray so well as thou desirest, do not think little of thy prayer, or neglect it. Verily, I Myself, do neither deem it of little importance, nor do I overlook the same. Do with a good will whatever thou art able ; by so doing, be convinced that thou prayest well and meritoriously, and that thou wilt make progress in virtue, as well as in prayer. 4. Let it not be sufficient for thee to pray at certain times : for it behooves thee to pray always, and not to grow faint. Behold My sweet command, according to which thou canst approach Me at all times, and, as a child, converse with Me. Everywhere there are obstacles, within and without : temptations from every side, both open and secret : always dangers, lest the crown promised to perseverance be lost. Exceedingly necessary, therefore, is grace, which, however, is 246 THE SECOND BOOK. not wont to be given, in a special manner, except to them that pray. Almost everything, then, depends on prayer : without prayer, evil things find no remedy, good things become dangerous ; but to him who prays, both good and evil will prove advantageous. Nowhere My Child, except in prayer, wilt thou acquire a true knowledge of Me and of thyself : therefore, without prayer, thou wilt never attain to true humility and charity. Without prayer, thou wilt never fully understand My Heart, nor possess Its Spirit. Without prayer, thou wilt, in inany^things, not seize the sentiments of My Heart ; and, what is more dangerous, thou wilt measure My Heart by thy own. If in thy concerns thou hast recourse to prayer, it will not rarely happen, that thou judgest differ- ently of them, from what thou didst before ; because the light of divine grace, which is w T ont to be poured into the soul during prayer, is infinitely purer than the light of human reason. What thou didst think to have sprung from grace, thou shalt often find to be the offspring of nature : what thou didst fancy a virtue, thou shalt sometimes perceive to be self-love : what thou didst judge to be for My greater glory, thou shalt often under- stand to be the effect of thy hidden pride. 5. The interior man, amid his troubles, has first recourse to Me, and begs for help : therefore, he is relieved, and obtains frequently extraordinary fa- CHAPTER XIII. 247 vors; whereas, he that has first recourse to human means, so far from being disburdened, increases his difficulties ; until, entering into himself, he comes to Me, without w T hose aid human endeavors are of no avail to the suffering heart. My Child, if thou comest to My Heart whenever thou art in affliction, there will be no need to look for human consolations : thou shalt find one drop of My consolation sweeter and more effectual, than all the flood of men’s consoling words. If, betimes, for My honor and for thy advantage, I give thee no sensible consolation to taste ; thou shalt still ever find true comfort in My Heart, both by resigning thyself to My good pleasure, and by receiving My assistance. This holy resignation, although, on the one hand, it is contrary to the feelings, and, therefore, bitter ; yet, on the other, by means of grace, becomes so sweet, in spite of the feelings, that no one, unless he has experienced it, can fully understand the same. 6. When the man of prayer is tempted, he be- comes more united with Me ; he is not cast down but raised ; he is not saddened but cheered up ; he is not shaken but rendered more firm. If, at any time, thou art overtaken by the storm, or even wrapt up in its thick darkness, turn thyself to Me, — who am ever present, — and, with thy heart, cling to Me confidingly : thou shalt be secure amid the very rage and gloom of the tempest ; and, some- 248 THE SECOND BOOK. times, thou shalt be illumined with a ray of softest light from above, that thereby thou mayst see, that what thou thoughtest certain destruction, was either a mere nothing, or even an advantage. When thou art desirous of saying or doing some- thing, and a doubt or perplexity presents itself, whether or not it be lawful ; entering into thyself, hearken to My Spirit, and if, by having frequently recourse to Me, thou hast learnt to distinguish My whisperings, thou wilt perceive a clear decision, — which thou mayst follow with safety. A soul accustomed to have recourse to Me, has everywhere with her a protector, a counselor and comforter, whom, — not only when she is alone, but also whilst dealing with her neighbor, — she knows, and loves to call upon in her heart, to consult, and to entertain. 7. After this do thou strive, My Child, for this do thou leave naught undone, that thou mayst ac- quire this pious habit of having recourse to My Heart, of tending towards Me as thy centre, of busying thyself inwardly with Me, of dealing with Me by means of prayer. This is that Spirit of prayer, which, if thou secure it for thyself, will lovingly entertain thee in solitude, will guard thee in public, will solace thee in adversity, will check thee in prosperity, will protect thee in dangers, and, everywhere at thy service, wiT guide thee to holi- ness. The voice of the Disciple . — This, 0 Lord, this CHAPTER XIII. 249 is a great good, exceedingly to be desired : yea, it seems that this alone is one of the main secrets of the interior life. But, by what means, I pray, shall I. acquire this pious habit? The voice of Jesus . — First of all, My Child, thou oughtest frequently to beg for the gift of prayer, of all gifts the best, — which embraces every gift : by prayer, as other things, so, especially, is the gift s of prayer obtained. Next, it is a good counsel, — well-suited to ac- quire for thyself the habit of prayer, — as much as possible, so to arrange thy occupations, that no long interval ever intervene, during which thou dost not for sometime — or at least for a few moments — confer with Me by means of some spiritual prac- tice. Then, thou must make use of both inward and outward temptations and troubles, as of so many warnings, to turn thyself to Me, for the sake of evincing thy love, imploring grace, and renewing thy resolve of being faithful. Lastly, thou shouldst persist in thy repeated ef- forts, until thou art accustomed to make use of prayer, until thou hast recourse to Me under every circumstance, like a child to its parent, — not by the power of reason and reflection, but 1 y a sponta- neous instinct. 8. Cheer up, My Child, spare neither care nor diligence to acquire this science of the Elect, this 250 THE SECOND BOOK. object of the longing of all the Disciples of My Heart. It is worth all that and more. In prayer thou hast a support in thy wants; amends for thy shortcomings; means for progress; a safe hope of perseverance ; whatsoever it is prof- itable to possess. Prayer is the refreshment of them that hunger and thirst after justice : prayer is the delight of pure souls : prayer, to sum up all, is the employ- ment of the Saints, and their repose as well. Whilst thou prayest, thou honorest and glorifiest Me, thou performest that upon earth, which the Angels and Saints are doing in heaven, and which must be thy blissful occupation throughout a joy- ous eternity. 9. The voice of the Disciple. — Delightful, indeed, Lord Jesus, are the’ things which Thou teachest me concerning prayer : they affect the heart by their unction, and fill it with love for that holy exercise. Behold, Lord, as much as I am able will I pray : I will pray with my mind, I will pray with my heart, I will pray with my lips. Help me with Thy grace. By Thy most Sacred Heart, I beseech Thee, grant me the spirit of prayer, in order that prayer, which is manifold, may also be my life. I ask not for extraordinary gifts, not the gift of prophecy, not the gift of miracles : grant these to them, whom, in Thy loving-kindness, Thou choos- est: never will I envy them. CHAPTER XIV. 251 But this I beg humbly ; this, I entreat Thee, grant Thou me, the gift of prayer, — the gift which is above every gift to me. Through it comes every good : through it I have access to the fountain of all Good : through it I find entrance into Thy very Heart. CHAPTER XI Y. OF THE LOVE OF SOLITUDE, AFTER THE EXAMPLE OF THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS, ABIDING AT NAZARETH. 1. The voice of Jesus . — My Child, after I had been at Jerusalem, engaged in the things which are My Father’s, so long as My Father Himself willed it ; I went down to Nazareth, and there unknown, I advanced in grace with God and with men. Understand this My hidden life : study the sentiments of My Heart, and strive to imitate them sedulously. Thou mightst have seen Me, with a serene coun- tenance and a joyous Heart, now at home, intent on My various duties and occupations : now abroad, applying Myself to divers labors : always ready for everything: everywhere obedient: at all times and in every place, a spectacle full of grace, to God My Father, to My Virgin MothAv to Joseph, and to the wondering Angels. 252 THE SECOND BOOK. Behold how the Son of God was employed for ?o long a time ! behold how He grew up, like the lily of the valleys, hidden indeed from the world, but prominent and pleasing in the sight of heaven. 2. Wonder not, My Child, that I passed so many years in retirement, that I did not show Myself to the world, except after a long time. This example of Mine, this interior love of solitude, was exceed- ingly necessary to men. Without this love of solitude, men, influenced by corrupt nature, pour themselves out, as it were, into external things : most of them follow self-love, by imaginary and unusual ways and means of salvation and perfection, — whereby they are deceived, and led astray from the spirit of their state and voca- tion ; others obey a secret pride, undertake affairs and fill employments, without due preparation, without regularity, — seeking not the things which are Mine, but those which are their own. Whence it happens, that they wander from the right path. And as, — on account of the ceaseless bustle, and their applications to external things, — they heed not the divine inspirations, they fall from one error into another ; they become more and more wrapt up in their delusions, until, at last, they render fruitless to themselves everv means of salva- tion and perfection. 3. The object of the example of My hidden and inward life is two-fold : to teach men to guard against such evils, that they may keep the safe road CHAPTER XIV. 253 of salvation ; and to show to them, wherein true perfection consists. Whatever glitters or resounds, whatever awakens in some manner the attention or admiration of men, upon this, most men are wont to look, as something more perfect, and better adapted to glorify God, and to shine before their neighbor. But how great an error ! how great a delusion ! For it all arises from secret pride, and ends in self- love. In truth, perfection, as is made evident by the example of My Heart, consists in doing the divine good pleasure with humility and charity. Without a regard for solitude, man is not wont to understand, at all times, the divine Will, to guard humility, or to preserve true, — not fictitious, — Pray, therefore, My Child, that thou mayst be worthy to acquire and cherish a love for solitude. It is so great a good, that there exists hardly any- thing so useful, both to act with a right spirit, and to pray with the same spirit. Examine the lives of the Saints, and thou shalt not find one among them, who did not love sacred solitude. 4. The solitude, which the faithful must cherish, is relative to their state and condition of life. Whence it may happen, that what is praised in one, ought to be blamed in another. Now, this is a safe rule, the true method for 254 THE SECOND BOOK. every faithful soul, of all states or conditions : To love solitude in such a manner, that, after having duly performed whatsoever thy duties or employ- ments demand, thou retire with Me from the crowd, and collect thyself near Me, until the divine Will calls thee away. If thou withdraw thyself from unnecessary com- pany, useless conversation, the idle rumors of the world ; in short, from all matters which do not concern thee, thou shalt have sufficient time, to deal with Me in solitude. But when, from the intercourse of men, thou re- tirest into solitude, do not simply leave men, and yet carry thy cares with thee. For there are those, who are no less distracted and dissipated in solitude, than they were in the company of men, and amid their occupations ; be- cause they give free scope to the vagaries of the imagination, to the inquisitiveness of the under- standing, and the fretfulness of the will. It is necessary, first of all, to arrange thy free time in an orderly manner, so that, to a settled time, be assigned a fixed employment, lest, over- come by disgust, thou wander about, or waste time in discussing, how thou shouldst spend it. Order, in all things, is of the greatest advantage : it drives away idleness and dullness of spirit ; it prevents many temptations and difficulties ; it affords an opportunity of doing well, and with ease, many things ; lastly, it makes thee live for Me. CHAPTER XIV. 255 5. He that is alone with Me in the sight of Angels, either makes amends for the past, or strengthens himself in what is good : and, whilst reflecting on himself and his actions, he is taught many things. For it is not so much length of time, or multiplicity of matters, as the purity of prayer and meditation, which renders a man truly experienced. He that is collected within himself, away from the turmoil of the world, recovers his peace, if lost, or strengthens it, when preserved : he rejoices in the communication of graces of divers kinds ; he rightly arranges beforehand, that which he may afterward be able to perform with fruit and merit. Whence, My Child, does it come, except from union with Me, that interior men, — even under the most trying circumstances, — continue so self-pos- sessed, that they are an object of admiration to the multitude ; and are so persevering, that they exe- cute, with the greatest fearlessness, whatsoever they have once resolved ? How many defects shalt thou avoid, how many virtues shalt thou practice, if thou do but cherish solitude ! All the Disciples of My Heart have ever held as certain, that they were so much the nearer to My Heart, the farther they were with their heart re- moved from creatures. 6. My Child, if thou art truly humble, thou wilt seek after solitude : for, as much as it is able, 25 G THE SECOND BOOK. humility loves to be concealed, and dreads to be noticed. If thou art enkindled with a true and divine love, thou wilt seek after solitude : for the flame of love, exposed to every breath of the world, is easily extinguished, unless it be frequently fed in solitude. Or what is worse, charity, if always dissipated, becomes, by degrees, a disguised sensuality. Solitude, when adapted to each one’s circum- stances, and properly kept, becomes sweeter little* by little, and secures numberless advantages. For it is the safeguard of innocence, the dwelling of peace, the abode of the interior life, the school of holiness, the place of heavenly secrets, the chosen means of divine communication. If thou art desirous of enjoying these things, love sacred solitude : frequently will I invite thee, frequently will I lead thee into the same, that there I may speak to thy heart. 7. Be not deterred from cherishing sacred soli- tude, — -even should men occasionally censure thee, on account of thy love of retirement. Let talkers have their say : for thyself, attend thou to what is good. If thou desirest to suit thy life to the opinions of others, thou wilt have to assume as many dif- ferent shapes, as thou meetest men ; for there are as many opinions as there are minds. When the divine Will does not make known to CHAPTER YIV. 257 thee, that thou shouldst be with men, stay thou alone with Me. Thus the Saints, unless called forth by the divine Will, would have continued in solitude, even to their dying hour, unknown to men. Nevertheless, My Child, as often as by My Will, — in whatsoever manner it be made known, — thou art sent forth by Me, thou shouldst leave thy soli- tude with the same readiness and freedom of mind, with which thou didst enter it. At My bidding, leave thou as speedily as possi- ble, or rather exchange for the better, whatever useful occupation detains thee, — gladly accommo- dating thyself, without any sign of displeasure, to circumstances which present themselves. Do not bind thyself to any preconceived method, rather than to My divine Will ; do not, through a false exactness, and an ill-regulated strictness, ren- der piety hateful or unlovely. If thou hast learnt of My Heart a truly interior spirit, thou wilt safely follow a middle course, avoiding both extremes. Therefore, imitate not those dissipated persons, who, — thinking that the time spent in solitude is lost, or perceiving that things interior are distasteful to them, — do ever seek pretenses of pouring them- selves out upon outward objects, entangle them- selves with what does not concern them, frequently neglect what they out to perform, and do what they should omit. 22 258 THE SECOND BOOK. Neither follow thou the footsteps of those, who, under cover of piety, neglect all things external, and, with all access shut off, so hide themselves in soli- tude, that neither the inviting of My Spirit, nor charity, nor obedience, is able to draw them thence : and who, if, at any time, necessity drives them out, or disturbs them, are indignant, sullen and fretful. For thyself, My Child, follow the divine Will : love to be with Me in solitude, according to My good pleasure : and, whenever it is My Will that thou shouldst be with creatures, love to be with them, for love of Me. 8. The voice of the Disciple . — 0 sacred solitude! how great and how numberless the blessings where- with thou overflowest ! Didst thou understand all these things, my soul? frequently, then, hasten away into solitude : thither £0 thou as much as thou canst : thither do thou often resort, away from all turmoil, were it only for a little while, — but more with the heart than with the body. There do thou breathe freely ; there refresh thy- self ; there advance in grace ; there, among the Angels, entertain thyself with thy Beloved. 0 Beloved of my heart, most sweet Jesus ! give me, I beseech Thee, and nourish in me, the love of sacred solitude, wherein I may find Thee, wherein I may enjoy Thee, wherein I may be happy with Thee. Thy conversation, unlike that of men, has no CHAPTER XY.t 259 bitterness ; neither has Thy intercourse any irk- someness ) it is all spiritual joy, pure delight, di- vine sweetness. » CHAPTER XV. OP THE DIVINE PRESENCE, WHEREIN WE ARE TAUGHT TO LIVE, BY THE EXAMPLE OF THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS, BAPTIZED. 1. The voice of Jesus . — My Child, beginning about the age of thirty years, sent by the Will of My Father, I left Nazareth and came to the Jordan, to be baptized. And when I was baptized, coming forthwith out of the water, I betook Myself to prayer. But lo ! whilst I prayed, and the crowd of men were throng- ing around Me, the heavens were opened, and the Holy Spirit, under the form of a dove, came upon Me * and the voice of My Father was heard, say- ing : This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. What solemnity, My Child ! how glorious ! but not displayed for Me. This voice came not for Me, but for men, that they might acknowledge Me as their Saviour, and, believing in Me, hopirg in Me,' loving, Me, they might have life everlasting. I needed not this outward display for Myself; since, what was dong visibly at My Baptism, I enjoyed unseen at all times. Everywhere and 260 THE SECOND BOOK. always, the Father and the Holy Spirit were with Me. My Heart possessed always every sufficiency in things internal : in these It rejoiced fully : in these It found supreme delight. My Heart united to the Godhead, by act and af- fection ever present to the same, lived as if ever absorbed therein. 2. My Child, as much as thou canst, imitate this example of My Heart. Concerning which I have to tell thee many things — but agreeable and full of consolation. Exert thyself, My Child, that thou mayst ever enjoy the divine presence, that thou mayst every- where live before Me, thy Saviour — God. If thou lovest Me, thou wilt find thy delight in walking before Me, in enjoying My presence. Was it ever heard, or has it ever happened, that any one did not find his delight in the presence of him whom he loves ? Behold ! I am always and everywhere with thee, inasmuch as I am a divine Person, — nowhere do I lose sight of thee. Nay more, in My sight no creature is unseen. In every place My eyes behold both the good and the wicked, and look into the very heart of each of them. Who can hide himself from My sight? Whether he conceal himself in darkness, whether he hide in the loneliness of the wilderness, whether he bury CHAPTER XV. 261 himself in the depths of the earth or the sea, whether he go down even to hell, — everywhere My eyes are upon him. In such a manner, My Child, am I present to all and each one, that, with My all-powerful hand, I can reach every one, both to restrain or punish, to help or reward him. 3. I am also with thee, not only with all the sweetness of My Divinity, but also with that of My Humanity, — in the sacred Tabernacle. Whithersoever, therefore, thou goest, whether to the right or to the left : wheresoever thou mayst be, whether in thy own country, or in the land of the stranger ; in every place, where the Most Holy Sacrament reposes, thou hast Me present, not only with My Divinity, but also My Soul and Body. There thou findest Me present with the same countenance, the same lips, the same ears, the same affections of the Heart, that onee were the delight of My Disciples, — as they are even now that of the Angels and Saints in heaven. Understand, My Child, the whole mystery of love. Behold ! from out the sacred Tabernacle, I am with thee, in some manner, — wheiever upon earth thou mayst be, — by the love of My Heart. In My Heart, I busy Myself about thee : with My love, I follow thee everywhere. 4. How then, canst thou be forgetful of Me ? how not be taken up with love for Me ? how with mind and heart stray away from Me ? 262 THE SECOND BOOK. Then, My Child, dost thou truly walk before Me, when thy mind thinks actually or virtually on Me ; when, in like manner, thy heart is occupied with love of Me as present. Now, of this divine presence there are certain degrees, which interior souls arrange in their heart, and by which they come ever more closely to Me. The first is, when man, by virtue of actual atten- tion, or at least, of a virtual intention, lives so self- collected, that he does everything in a manner worthy of My sight, and, meanwhile, by repeated acts, turns himself to Me. In the next place, when, — with a heart cleansed from every ill-regulated affection, and dedicated to Me as a special sanctuary, — man attends faithfully, listening to what I speak within, and is ever ready to answer to My whisperings. Lastly, when the interior soul, in some manner absorbed in Me, so lives for Me, that she is wont not to be mindful of herself, except in Me ; not to love herself, except in Me, — ever reposing in Me with a certain sweet and divine union, and enjoying My presence more perfectly, than the bird enjoys the air wherein he flies, or a healthy man the health that gives him vigor. This is the completing of divine union, which surpasses all understanding, to which pure souls, — that* by generous sacrifices, whether external or internal, have disposed themselves, with a perfect CHAPTER XV. 263 heart leaving all creatures, and even tliemselves, — with the aid of grace are wont to attain. 5. My Child, the remembrance of My presence is the most efficacious means of avoiding sins. For who, if he calls to mind that he stands in the sight of God, could dare to offend Him, who, at the same instant, can hurl both body and soul into hell ? If, with thy own eyes, thou wert to behold Me present to thee, in a sensible form, wouldst thou be willing, My Child, wouldst thou dare to commit sin in My very sight? Wouldst thou not deport thy- self in a respectful manner? But, with the eyes of faith, thou sccst Me more clearly and more cer- tainly present, than if thou sawest Me with the eyes of the body. Remember and love Me who am present to thee, and thou shalt not sin forever. What is it that renders sinless the inhabitants of heaven? Is it not the Vision and the love of the Godhead, and that which arises thence ? When, by faith, thy mind beholds thy God, when thy heart loves Him, thou wilt not offend so great a Majesty. Although, by nature, thou art weak and liable to fall ; yet, this divine Vision will not allow thee to be deceived, nor will this love suffer thee to fall. For whoever abides therein, sins not. Wherefore, My Child, so long as, by faith and love, thou w T alkest before Me, thou shalt be sinless; not indeed, by thy nature, but by My presence. Whenever thou didst sin, surely, whilst resolving 264 THE SECOND BOOK. to sin, tliou sawest Me not by faith, neither knewest thou Me by love. For, whosoever sins, neither sees, nor knows his God. 6. What is there more delightful than My pre- sence? what more pleasant? what more useful for everything? Is it not an enduring Paradise ? whom the Angels and Saints gaze upon, face to face, whom they truly possess in heaven, the same thou be- holdest upon earth by faith, the same thou enjoyest by love, — whilst thou growest all the while in merits. Without the practice of the divine presence, soli- tude is wont to be dangerous, the intercourse of men hurtful. But, by the use of it, both are helped and made holy. Thou shalt scarcely find any one practice of piety, which contains such a number, such a var- iety, and such a frequency of acts of virtue, as this holy exercise of the divine presence. Be of good cheer, then, My Child : endeavor, piously and diligently, to acquire the habit of living in My presence. When once acquired, it will serve thee as a protection amid dangers, as a light in darkness, as a comfort in solitude, as a safe-guard in the world, — everywhere as a constant practice of virtues, everywhere as a divine fellowship. 7. The voice of the Disciple. — But, good Master, most sweet Jesus, in what manner, pray, shall I acquire this sacred habit? The voice of Jesus . — Before everything else, My CHAPTER XV. 265 Child, thou must often pray, earnestly beg for grace; whereby thou mayst be excited to call to mind, with a lively faith and a confiding love, the divine presence. The senses, also, are to be kept under strict discipline; and the inordinate desire of perceiving external things is to be mortified. Then, the internal faculties are to be guarded : not only wicked, but also useless thoughts, are to be kept from the mind, vain and idle occupations from the heart. Afterwards, thou sliouldst endeavor, to turn thy- self frequently to Me, by short and fervent aspira- tions ; which will be all the more profitable to thee, in proportion as they are more adapted to the state and circumstances of thy soul. Finally, My Child, in all things seen, thou oughtest to seek Me, the unseen, the Beloved of thy heart. Do not the very creatures, which surround thee I on every side, warn thee of My presence ? Lift up thy eyes and behold how all things, each after its own manner, proclaim tkat I am present. Do not the serenity of the sky and the very storm proclaim it? do not the fruits and flowers? Do not consolations, and afflictions? Do not virtues, and the fountains of grace ? My Child, if thou art an interior Disciple of My Heart, all things, that present themselves before 266 THE SECOND BOOK. thee, will lielp thee to be mindful of Me, and to love Me present everywhere. Everywhere thou shalt find Me ; and thou shah pass over all even unto Me, in whom alone thou shalt find joy and repose. 8. The voice of the Disciple . — 0 Lord, God in- visible beholding all things, incomprehensible and present everywhere, whither shall I flee from Thy face ? Behold ! if I go up into heaven, Thou art there : if I go down into hell, Thou art present. If I take wings at the dawn, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, there also Thy hands will guide and hold me. Darkness has no gloom before Thee : night is to Thee as the day. Everywhere am I in Thy sight ; within and without am I unvailed before Thy eyes. 9. Lo then, Thou art ever present to me. How sweet a thought ! how great a consolation ! what reasons for confidence ! how great an incitement to love ! But yet, whithersoever I turn, Thy creatures awaken my faith, warn me of Thy presence, of Thy power, of Thy love, of Thy loveliness. If the shadow of the object is so pleasant, so fair, so good, what must be the object itself? Behold ! this creature is pleasing, that other strong ; this one is fair, that one good : but incom* parably more pleasing, and, at the same time, CHAPTER XYI. 267 stronger, fairer, sweeter, and everyway better art Thou, 0 Beloved, whom my soul loves ! 0 Jesus, My Saviour God, delightful Paradise of my heart ! grant, I beseech Thee, that always and everywhere I be mindful of Thee, that I love Thee always and everywhere present Make my heart a pure and holy dwelling, wherein I may find Thee, possess Thee, enjoy Thee, for the sanctification of my soul, and the ever-enduring glory of Thy heart CHAPTER XYI. THAT THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS, TEMPTED IN THE DESERT, TEACHES US EVER TO PRESERVE PEACE OF HEART. 1. The voice of Jesus . — My Child, when I went away from the Jordan, I was led by the Spirit into the desert. Behold a sight, which filled the An- gels themselves with admiration. For, removed from human society, dwelling among the wild beasts of the wilderness, I passed My days and nights in fasting and austerity, ex- posed to all the changes of the weather. My Heart persevered in divine communings with My heavenly Father, in sublime contemplation, in ceaseless prayer. 2G8 THE SECOND BOOK, Meanwhile, forgotten, or even insulted by tha world, I was assailed by Satan in wonderful ways : yea, I was even seized by him, carried elsewhere, and variously and exceedingly tempted. What impelled Me to undergo these things, if not the love of My Heart, that I might console thee My Child, and teach thee by My example ? Taught and encouraged by this, thou needest not wonder, if, in thy condition of life, thou art tempted by the demon, or annoyed by the world : neither shouldst thou, on account of human events, or the devil’s assaults, lose thy peace of heart. Naught of all this world could disturb or dis- quiet My Heart : but, ever tranquil and at rest, with a firm Will turning Itself away from the ob- jects cast before It, It went on in peace. 2. My Child, do thou with all diligence aspire to this holy peace, and follow it up with all care. Blessed is the good soul, that keeps herself in true peace ! In such a one I abide as in My own kingdom : in her heart I find My delight as on a throne. My Heart loves to communicate Itself to a tran- quil heart ; because there Its Inspirations are heard, are fostered, and bring forth fruit. If thou desirest to commit the fewest faults pos- sible, if thou desirest to derive profit from thy very faults, if thou desirest to practice virtues, in a proper manner, keep thy peace of heart. If thou wishest usefully to resist the temptations CHAPTER XVI 269 • of the devil, and to bring to naught the wicked at- tempts of hell, be in peace, and continue therein. 3. The enemy, — knowing that he can do little against a soul, so long as she keeps herself in this holy peace, — strives in every way to trouble her. For this purpose, he sets sometimes every power in motion, and stirs it up : he excites the imagina- tion, he calls out the passions, he suggests many things contrary, now to this virtue, then to that ; at one time he assails by flattery, at another by fright ; sometimes he persists stubbornly. If things ?f this kind befall thee, My Child, be not uneasy, do not lose thy peace. So long as thou continuest in a holy peace, all is safe : but if thou> beginnestto be troubled, thou beginnest also to be in danger: and although, by divine grace, thou with- holdest thyself from a willful consent, yet the enemy has gained enough to be satisfied for the present. He does not think that he can overthrow thee in the first assault, but that, by degrees, if lie be able to disturb thy heart, he may worry thee, weaken thee, and so at last destroy thee. Beware, therefore, that thou be not disturbed, by whatsoever temptation, or for how long soever a time, thou mayst be assailed. 4. My Child, let not thy heart be troubled, what- ever may happen. The peace of the heart is not to be lost for aught of this world. Although thou mayst have rendered thyself guilty of some defect or sin, even then be thou not 270 THE SECOND BOOK. disturbed in heart. For, if thou troublest thyself after committing a fault, dost thou thereby afford any remedy to the evil ? On the contrary, thou committest a fault more dangerous than the first. Wherefore, after an offense has been unhappily 'Committed, be not annoyed by troubles, nor lose thou courage : but, by an act of humble love, throw thyself with a contrite heart upon My Heart, that thy fault may be consumed by this divine fire, and 'thy heart be made clean. Above all, My Child, a firm and unruffled peace of heart is necessary, when, for the greater glory of My Heart, and thy own greater good, thou art suffered to be oppressed by inward desolateness ; whereby the understanding is wrapped in darkness, and the will feels itself pushed on to evil, so that sometimes thou seemest abandoned to thyself alone, and to a stubborn enemy. If in that state thou givest thyself up to mental perturbation, thou wilt render vain the intention of M/ Heart, and run great risk — not only of de- priving thyself of the proffered treasure of merits, and a sublime degree of holiness, — but also of going astray, and of falling. But if, with a quiet and undaunted heart, thou goest obediently onward, whithersoever My Spirit may lead thee ; and instead and despite of thy own feeling, thou followest His guidance, thou shalt pass through the ordeal unhurt, and ccme out of it more perfect. CHAPTER XVI. 271 5. In exterior things also, much will occur to move and trouble thy heart, unless it be well es- tablished in peace. It will happen, that thou findest men unfaithful, nay more, at times, opposed to thee, — even those that are bound to thee by the obligation of grati- tude, friendship, station or office. If thy peace rests upon the dispositions or doings of mortals, or depends thereon, it will be exposed to sad vicissitudes. Many judge accordingly as their heart is affected : therefore, it is to be expected, that they will not rarely think ill of thee, will find fault with thy doings, will condemn thy eager pursuit of an in- terior life ; in short, will try thy virtue in various ways. When these things happen, My Child, suffer not thy heart to be troubled : but remain in peace, and allow everything to pass, precisely as thou allowest the clouds to pass over thy head. And truly, of what avail would it be to thee, to be troubled by these matters ? Shouldst thou not add a burden, and reap bitterness as the fruit of thy toil ? Accustom thyself, to bear patiently things ad- verse, to hear in silence what is unpleasar t, to be quiet among the boisterous, to remain tranquil whilst the world is blustering. 6. The voice of the Disciple . — But, 0 Lord Jesus, how hard it seems in practice, when temptations 272 THE SECOND BOOK. annoy me inwardly, whilst I long to serve Thee faithfully ; or when the torments of adverse circum- stances and men assail me, whilst I mean well ; not to feel them, not to be troubled by them ! Verily, 0 Lord, this seems impossible to me. The voice of Jesus . — My Child, it is no evil to feel things which are burthensome, or capable of disturbing the heart : thou must needs feel them, to be able to resist them. It is certainly impossible not to feel them, how pious soever thou mayst be. For piety does neither destroy nor blunt the powers of the soul ; but, on the contrary, it renders them more pure and perfect. Neither is it possible that the inferior part of the heart be not sometimes affected thereby. But these emotions, unless they be consented to by the superior part, can by no means harm thee : nay more, they may be useful to establish thy peace the more solidly ; since, the more victories thou gainest over the inferior part, the more subject and tran- quil thou wilt keep it, and the greater safety thou wilt enjoy. But yet, it is ever in thy power to preserve thy- self in peace. For,— since thou possessest free- will, and receivest ever a sufficient grace, — neither the malice of hell, nor the wickedness of men, nor any adversity can disturb thy heart, unless itself be willing. It depends, therefore, on thyself alone, My Child, ever to possess this good, which is so great, that, CHAPTER XVI. 273 next to the state of grace, it is the greatest good of this life. 7. The voice of the Disciple. — Yea, Lord Jesus, so it' is assuredly. Teach me, then, I beseech Thee, the way of holy peace, which Thou didst show me to be so useful and necessary for all things. The voice of Jesus . — My Child, many there are who say much about the means of obtaining and preserving peace ; but I say : learn ye of Me, be- cause I am meek and humble of Heart, and ye shall find rest, — the perfection of peace. First then, a virtuous heart alone, — which, living in grace, strives to imitate the virtues of My Heart, — can possess true peace ; because there is no peace for the wicked. Again, a humble heart, which is satisfied with holding an inferior place among men, and which, distrustful of self, has, in every difficulty, recourse to Me, — can alone preserve an undisturbed peace. Finally, a heart enlivened by charity, which is united, or at least resigned, to the divine Will, can alone enjoy, without interruption, the sweetness of holy peace, and persevere securely therein. If thou art perfectly imbued with the sentiments of My Heart, so that, for love of a more complete resemblance to Me, and a proof of a more disinter- ested love, thou choosest; according to the divine good pleasure, to suffer with Me in this world : then, My Child, wilt thou overflow with the plenty of a most delightful peace, enjoy a continued 274 THE SECOND BOOK. tranquillity, in spite of all tlie changes of sensible things ; and thou wilt be ever jubilant with a cheerful heart ; , because the very source, whence the heart is wont to be troubled, shall strengthen it in thee. Behold, My Child, the way to true peace, which leads up by degrees even to perfection. Blessed are they that walk therein. Outside of it can be found no real, no solid, no lasting peace. If thou pos.sessest not a virtuous heart, resigned to the divine Will by humility and love, do what- soever thou wilt, go whithersoever thou choosest, nowhere shalt thou find the happiness of peace. When the heart is not well-disposed within, neither the shunning of occasions, nor the change of places, nor the loneliness of living, nor spiritual books, nor, in fine, the counseling of men can give true peace. 8. Remember, My Child, that the causes of in- ward trouble, do not lie in objects outside of thee ; but within thee, in the ill-ordered dispositions of the heart. W T henever thou dost no longer allow these causes to exist within thyself, outward objects will cease to be an occasion of trouble. Now, there are as many causes that can make thee lose thy peace, as there are ill-regulated affec- tions of the heart. And not only do the affections for evil or vain things belong to this class, but also those for good and holy objects, if indulged in con- trary to the divine good pleasure. CHAPTER XVI. 275 Wherefore, so soon as thou detectest aught inor- dinate within thyself, thou shouldst persist in the use of prayer, special self-examination, and other fit remedies, that thou mayst, quietly and effec- tually, cast it out of thy heart. How many, even virtuous souls, there are, that anxiously seek after peace, — using for this purpose various means, and these no bad ones, — and yet find only greater uneasiness ; because they proceed in an unorderly manner, longing too much or too eagerly for the end of the trouble which they feel, or for the obtaining of rest, after which they sigh ; or because they annoy themselves in the use of the means, or desire to experience a sensible peace ! Seek thou peace in a peaceful manner ; and, as it is to be found in the superior part of the heart — where the rational will presides, under faith and grace, — possess and preserve it there. Thus, My Child, thou shalt be able to enjoy con- stantly a holy peace, My peace, which is the privi- lege of every true Disciple of My Heart, the seasoning of prosperity, the soother of adversity, the chief of all blessings ; in short, the sweet and necessary means of perfection and holiness. 9. The voice of the Disciple . — 0 Jesus, God of peace, and Father of all consolation ! Oh ! how I desire, how I long for peace, Thy peace, so sweet and holy ! Let others, who wish for them, possess the other good things of life ; to me, I beseech Thee, give 276 THE SECOND BOOK. Tliou peace, for me the greatest good of this life, embracing all I desire. Grant me kindly, to make a proper use of the means appointed, that thus I may become a true Dis- ciple of Thy Heart, — ever peaceful in meekness and humbleness of heart. 0 Prince of peace, most sweet Jesus ! Whose delight it is to reign in a pure and quiet heart ; so establish Thy kingdom in my heart, that it be never disturbed, but constantly strengthened more and more, until Thou admittest me to rule with Thee in heavenly bliss, where, with the Angels and Saints, Thou reignest in peace everlasting. CHAPTER XVII. THAT THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS, ENTER- ING UPON HIS PUBLIC LIFE, TEACHES US ZEAL FOR SOULS. 1. The voice of Jesus . — My Child, God sent His Son into the world, that the world may be saved by Him. Do not then wonder, if zeal for souls was ever pressing and incessantly urging on My Heart, that It might spread the kingdom of divine love over the hearts of men, by every means which My heav- enly Father had placed at Its disposal. CHAPTER XVII. 277 Hitherto I had remained hidden in solitude, as it were to prepare Myself for the work, and to teach all the Disciples of My Heart, that they must first have an ardent zeal for themselves, before they can profitably exhibit zeal for their neighbor. Behold ! whilst I was sanctifying Myself for the salvation of souls, how often, and with how great a fervor of Heart, was I wont to pray for them, that they might live for the Lord their God, do no evil, and make progress in virtue ! I also associated with Me, Disciples and Apos- tles, whom, filled with the Spirit of My zeal, I cheered on ; to whom I communicated My inten- tions; upon whom I looked rejoiced in Heart, be- cause they applied themselves strenuously to the salvation of souls. I went around, teaching, and speaking of the kingdom of God, — seizing every opportunity, in private and in public, to induce men to do better. The example of My life shone forth, like a light that had risen for a people seated in darkness. For I went about doing good to all, and manifesting to every one the humility and charity of My Heart. How greatly they were edified and moved, when they beheld Me toiling all day for their advantage and salvation ; and, in the mean time, frequently withdrawing from the multitude, that, for a little while, I might pray alone ! When they learned that, after the labors and journeys of the day, — whilst My wearied Apostles refreshed themselves 278 THE SECOND BOOK. by nightly slumbers, — I Myself was wont to spend the night in prayer ! Finally, since all power in heaven and on earth had been given to Me, I employed the same for the exercise of the zeal of My Heart, for the divine glory, for the gaining of souls ; and I wrought as many miracles, as were necessary and proper for the salvation of all. Behold, My Child, the means which the zeal of My Heart employed to win souls. Are not the same means at thy disposal, in whatever state of life thou mayst be ? use them, therefore, earnestly for My glory, and the salvation of souls. 2. Ho thou frequently pray; and, in the spirit of prayer, offer some mortifications, — little and light though they be, — some works of piety and mercy, thy spiritual exercises, and even thy ordinary occu- pations for this, that My straying children, — who are miserably pining away in the far-off country, either of infidelity, heresy, or sin, — making, at last, a better use of their freedom, may rejoice My Heart by their happy return ; moreover, that the good may advance in virtue, may strive after better gifts, and continue to aspire to perfection. 0, if thou didst know how powerful prayer is for the salvation of souls ! Hew many interior persons there are, and they too secluded from intercourse with the world, who, individually, by prayer alone, have snatched thousands of souls from infidelity, heresy or sin, and raised them to bliss everlasting! CHAPTER XVII. 279 Understand, then, My Child, what thou mayst effect by prayer. Try to inspire some persons with zeal ; they thus become thy disciples and apostles, whom thou send- est in quest of souls. Thus thou wilt perform many things, not by thy- self alone, but also through others ; w T ho, in turn, will animate and send others ; and, in this manner, transmit them from generation to generation. Be eager to speak frequently on subjects that breathe piety; which promote edification, and ren- der virtue attractive. How many are there now in heaven, who owe the occasion of their everlasting felicity to some pious conversation? It is, indeed, true, My Child, that thou shouldst not be importunate ; so as to deter thy neighbor from virtue, rather than draw him to it ; but a gen- uine and fervent zeal knows how to employ a holy dexterity, to produce and employ fit opportunities of conversing on subjects of piety. Wonderfully effective is good example. It gires life and power to all other outward means. Take this away, and what can all the rest effect ? It may cause a noise to the senses, it cannot move the heart. By the example of thy life, therefore, do thou show forth the incomparable delights of My love ; prove to thy neighbor, that he, who. lovingly serves Me, is, even in this world, most happy. Thus thou ehalt, in some manner, force thy neighbor to taste 280 THE SECOND BOOK. and experience how pleasant is the service of My Heart, — the service of My love. If thou canst not work miracles, so as to suspend the laws of the universe, thou canst, by co-operat- ing with divine grace, perform wonders. Why ? is it not wonderful, nay prodigious, that, for pure love of Me, thou overlookest thy own interest, that thou mayst have a care of that of others? thou returnesfc good for evil ? esteemest thyself blissful with Me, in the midst of humiliations? These and the like prodigies of grace, My Child, have sometimes moved hearts, that had resisted all other means, and induced them to pursue a better course. 3. In every place, and at all times, My Child, be thou full of zeal for souls ; so that whosoever ap- proaches thee, may feel an incentive to virtue or perfection... Do not believe that thou art a true Disciple of My Heart, if thou hast no zeal, no efficacious will for the salvation and perfection of souls. But if thou art desirous of proving in deed, that thou really lovest and followest My Heart, foster an ar- dent zeal. What canst thou do more pleasing to My Heart, than to labor at the salvation and perfection of souls, — created to love and glorify Me for ever- more ? If thou sendest only one soul to heaven, thou givest Me more glory, than all men together, on CHAPTER XVII. 281 earth, have ever given Me, or can ever procure for Me. For, whatever glory mortals, on earth, give Me, is limited by the number of acts, which are at last finished : but the glory which a blessed soul, in heaven, gives Me, — since it is ever-enduring,— is equivalent to a number of acts to which there shall be no end forever. Consider, My Child, how greatly I valued the salvation of souls, since for this object I came down from heaven ; sought it through incessant and ar- duous labors and hardships ; and, lastly, sacrificed My very life for the same. Oh, if thou didst know the worth of a soul, with how great a zeal for her salvation wouldst thou be inflamed ! Learn what she is worth, by the price at which I ransomed her. Save a soul, and behold ! thou shalt have per- formed a deed incomparably more precious, than if thou hadst gained this whole world, with all its possessions. My Child, if thou savest the soul of thy neigh- bor, thou freest thy own : for he that shall cause a sinner to turn from the error of his way, shall save his own soul from death, and cover a multitude of sins. How great a joy shall it be to thee, My Child, after this life, to behold in heaven the Elect, who, after grace, owe to thee, — some their heavenly bliss, others the hight of their sanctity, and a cor- 24 2S2 THE SECOND BOOK. responding everlasting glory ; and who will repay thee with a thousand thanksgivings forever I Yerily, to help in the salvation and perfection of souls, is not only the most excellent of all things human, but even the most godlike of all things divine. 4. Pray frequently, that thy heart may be en- dowed with a true zeal, — one which humility sup- ports, charity stimulates, science shapes, discretion guides and perseverance strengthens. Take heed, lest thou suffer thyself to be ani- mated with a zeal which springs, not from grace in a meek and humble heart, but from nature, un- der the influence of some passion. He that is led by this zeal, whilst he endeavors to root out sins, multiplies them ; and whilst he burns to make others better in deed, renders them worse in heart. Strive, a if much as thou morally canst, every- where to correct what is evil, and to promote what is good. But, whilst thou art doing w T bat is in thy power, endure patiently whatsoever thou art un- able to correct or improve, — intrusting all thing? to My divine Providence, and praying that all may. at last, serve for My greater glory. My Child, if the work of thy zeal do not succeed at the first attempt, try again and again. It hap- pens, that men, — listening secretly to the evil spirit, or lulled to sleep by lukewarmness, — at first, scarcely hearken to what is better : but that after- ward, — when the good Spirit, by means of interior CHAPTER XVII. 283 remorse, repeats what they have heard, and ex- horts them from within, — the zeal of the zealous laborer urging them on, and grace moving them, they turn and surrender. So long as I await, so long as I endure a mortal, thou shouldst by no means despair of him, If he is an unbeliever now, how knowest thou, whether he will not soon be a believer ? If he is a heretic at present, whence knowest thou, that he will not soon follow Catholic truth? If a schismatic to-day, he may be united to the Church to-morrow. Paul was in the morning a persecutor of the Church ; in the evening he was a Vessel of election. Magdalen was a sinner in the city on one day ; on the following she was a model of every virtue, — a Seraph-like lover of My Heart. How many there are, who, seemingly lost be- yond all hope, in their errors or sins, were yet con- verted, and found the happy life of grace in this world, and the blissful life of glory in the next ? Has, then, the power of grace grown less ? has man’s free-will become extinct? 5. If, in spite of thy endeavors, men be unwil- ling to be converted ; do not lose thy peace of heart. Imitate the holy Guardian Angels, who, after having done whatever they should and could have done, — if the men committed to their charge do not repent nor improve, — remain equally peaceful, equally blissful. 284 THE SECOND BOOK. If there be any who do not avail themselves of the efforts of thy zeal for the good of their souls, these endeavors shall not be less rewarded; since, with Me, an efficacious will is reputed equal to suc- cess. It is thy duty to water the plants of grace — not to give them increase. Water them, therefore, and labor cheerfully, and, whether or not thou seest an increase, thou shalt never toil without profit to thyself, and honor to Me. 6. Meanwhile, My Child, thou must take heed, lest, whilst thou art laboring to save others, or to make them perfect, thou suffer thyself to become a castaway or a disregarder of thy own perfection. In thy heart believe that they, to whose spiritual good thou appliest thyself, are already better than thyself, or that they shall be so some day : and how much good soever thou effectest in souls, deem thy- self no more than a cymbal, which, without an- other’s aid, cannot give forth a sound. The more disinterestedly thou shalt have Me for thy aim, and the more humbly thou shalt think concerning thyself; the more fit shalt thou be to promote the salvation and perfection of souls. For I select weak instruments of this kind, — weak in their own eyes, — to perform My own great works ; that no one may glory in his strength, but that to Me may be given all the honor and glory. 7. The voice of the Disciple . — It is not, then, enough, Lord Jesus, that I alone love Thee : it is CHAPTER XVII. 285 necessary that others also love Thee ; that all serve Thee. For Thou art supremely, Thou art for every reason, worthy of the love of all hearts. 0 Jesus ! if men knew Thee, would they ever offend Thee? Would they not love Thee with their whole heart ? How sweet a labor, to win hearts to Thee ! how angelic an employment ! how godlike a work L Who will grant me, to travel over the whole earth, to captivate all hearts, to enkindle them with love for Thee ! Oh would, most sweet Jesus, that I held posses- sion of all hearts, that I might devote them all to Thee, consecrate them to Thy love! Receive, I beseech Thee, the desire of my heart, whereby I long to be able to secure for Thee, upon earth, as great a love from all men, as Thy Angels and Saints show Thee in heaven. Let me become, I entreat Thee, the apostle of Thy Heart, that I may spread Thy love everywhere ; that, with a ready and generous heart, I may spend my labor, my pains, my every means, and, over and above, spend myself, for souls that may love and glorify Thee through all eternity. 286 THE SECOND BOOK. CHAPTER XVIII. THAT THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS, PRI SENT AT THE MARRIAGE-FEAST IN CANA, TEACHES US SPIRITUAL JOYFULNESS. 1. The>voice of Jesus . — My Child, as I came for the salvation of all, I became all to all, that I might gain all. Light is pleasing to all, a source of gladness, diffusing heat and life. Such was I, the Light of the world : such was My life, which manifested the joy, the love, the cheerfulness of My Heart. Search carefully all things, My Child, nowhere slralt thou find Me surly ; nowhere shunning, or driving away the people through moroseness : but, everywhere cheerful, gladsomely dealing with men according to the divine good pleasure — animating and sanctifying all things with My Spirit. Nay rather, behold ! when invited, I refused not to be present at the Marriage-feast, together with My Mother and My Disciples; and there to rejoice in a holy manner, availing Myself of every oppor- tunity to gain souls, and to teach virtue and true gladness of heart. By this example of My Heart, the Saints were taught to entertain a spiritual joyfulness; and thereby to edify their neighbor, and to serve Me with a cheerful heart. They knew that I am a kind Father, that I love CHAPTER XVIII. 287 that My children live with their heart expanded, — content and happy in the partaking of My blessings. Ponder these things, My Child : imitate them, that My joy may be within thee. 2. Behold what this spiritual joyfulness does and accomplishes ! What is there that gives Me here greater honor, than to serve Me with a cheerful heart : to prove, in this manner, to the whole world, that My service is full of sweetness and felicity ? Moreover, the gladness of My Heart adorns vir- tue. smooths difficulties, softens hardships, brightens the understanding, enlivens the will ; in short, makes the whole man well-disposed to everything. Without joyfulness of heart, all external good things contribute little to happiness ; the powers of the soul are inactive, the body itself languishes, man is wretched — even in the midst of prosperity. By the practice of spiritual joyfulness, thou wilt render thyself dear to Me, who love him that gives cheerfully ; useful to thy neighbor, who will be pleasantly stimulated to that which is good : lastly, beneficial to thy own self, who, by this practice alone, wilt perform several acts of virtue. What more ? Behold ! who is the man, that desires life, who loves to see good days ? Cheer- fulness of heart, this is the life of man ; and good days, the best of days, which are passed in God’s grace, which is like a Paradise amid blessings. Now, spiritual joyfulness is a most certain mark of the state of grace. 283 . THE SECOND BOOK. The joyfulness of the just, therefore, is present felicity, and a presage of everlasting bliss. 3. What is spiritual joyfulness, except the good disposition of the soul, — showing that for My sake, she is truly satisfied ? It is not, therefore, founded on nature, but on grace : it does not depend on the peculiarity of one’s character, but on the disposition of the heart: it has for its object not sensual, but spiritual things. "Worldly joyfulness is hurtful ; it leads to grief and bitter gnawings of the mind : natural joyfulness is inconstant, subject to frequent sadness : but spiritual joyfulness is steady and wholesome. A heart of good will, together with grace, pro- duces this holy joyfulness ; fervent piety gives it expansion ; victory over one’s natural inclinations makes it solid. 4. The devil, — who loves depression of spirits, — knowing how powerfully spiritual cheerfulness acts against him, — seeks to assail it by every means, to destroy it by false reasonings, or to diminish it by vain subtleties. Be on thy guard, My Child, lest thou be caught by him. If thou yieldest to this promoter of sad- ness, he will not be satisfied with depriving thee of the blessings of holy joyfulness, but, seeing thee disposed according to his wishes, he will attack and tempt thee in the most dangerous manner. Whatsoever may be suggested, whatsoever may befall thee, give no admittance to gloominess, which CHAPTER XVIII. 289 depresses tlie heart. This direful evil dries up the very bones, stupefies reason itself. Wherever it reigns, understanding disappears : yea, 'wherever sadness of heart prevails, every misfortune is found. It m$y come to pass occasionally, My Child, that, without knowing from what cause it proceeds, thou feelest thyself inclined to a certain irksome sadness. When this happens, do thou pray again and again, stir up thy fervor, and employ other suitable means, that thou mayst preserve thy glad- ness of heart. 5. Often also, contrary or adverse circumstances will present themselves, w 7 hich will naturally pro- duce their effect upon thee. These, by allowing thyself to be grieved in heart, thou wilt render more burdensome : on the other hand, by pre- serving a joyful heart, thou wilt make them light. Turn these things, therefore, in the best way thou canst, to the everlasting good of thy soul ; and, with thy mind withdrawn from what is unpleasant, rejoice super naturally over the greatness of thy gain. But the things, which are- especially wont to hinder spiritual joyfulness in a virtuous soul, are the defects which she commits, and without which she knows full well that she cannot live. Behold here a delusion : behold the deceit of the enemv, whereby he is accustomed to do very great harm to the inexperienced. 25 290 THE SECOND BOOK. It depends on tliee alone, My Child, to make these defects, — after they have been committed, — subservient to thy profit, and, consequently, to the joyfulness of thy heart. For it is a source of great advantage, nay, of great merit, on the one hand, forthwith to repent, through love for Me, of the faults committed ; and, on the other, to rejoice in the humiliations which follow these faults, be- cause My honor is thereby repaired. Finally, My Child, whatever obstacles thou maysfc find in thy way, leave nothing that is right untried, to guard against this baneful gloominess. Beware, however, lest, whilst shunning sadness, thou run into it by the other extreme. Wherefore, to avoid it, do not give thyself up to dissipation, to the ne- glect of thy spiritual exercises, to the pursuit of sensual delights. For, of the end of such a joy, mourning takes hold. 6. My Child, after the possession of the state of grace, the chief of the means to enjoy spiritual gladness, and to preserve the same, is, to be meek and humble of heart, for love of Me. Be humble, and thou shalt never be cast down : love fervently, and thou shalt ever possess a joyful heart. If thou followest the propensity or the aversion of nature : if thou art lukewarm or careless in the things which concern My service, even shouldst thou have all the delights of earth, thou canst never taste, nor possess true joyfulness of heart. CHAPTER XVIII. 291 There are also outward things which contribute to the joy of the heart: holy endeavors to cultivate spiritual gladness, pious jubilations by hymns and canticles, intercourse with those who are spiritu- ally joyous, cheerfulness in action, resignation in suffering, a holy freedom in one’s proceeding. Pray, My Child, and strive to make a right use of these means, and thus shalt thou enjoy true gladness, compared to which, all other delight is mere grief, — all other gayety, sadness, — all other sweetness, bitterness. This is My joy, wherein rejoice thou always : again I say, rejoice. 7. The voice of the Disciple . — 0 Jesus ! whose Heart is the never-failing fountain of exquisite gladness, whence heaven draws as well as earth ; where, save in Thee, shall I find true joyfulness of heart ? 0 most sweet Jesus! who hast pity in cheerful- ness, have pity on me, Thy unworthy Child ; fill my heart with holy gladness. Without Thee, my soul is like a field without water, dry and wretched : Thou alone art true and efficacious refreshment. When Thy refreshing Spirit is not within me, dis- tasteful is all that creatures can offer : but when Thou cheerest up the heart, my soul leaps for joy; and, in her gladness, bears all things with ease, finds all savory, tastes sweetness even in what is bitter. Thus do Thou ever, I entreat Thee, gladden my 292 THE SECOND BOOK. soul. Grant me a humility so solid, that I be never dejected : so great a love for Thee, so great a fervor, that ever joyous I may live for Thee. O Jesus, Beloved of my soul, my whole and sole delight ! let me so serve Thee with a cheerful heart, that I may honor Thy service, edify my neighbor, sanctify myself, to the everlasting joy of Thy heart. CHAPTER XIX. THAT THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS, CON- VERSING WITH MEN, TEACHES US TO BEAR WITH THE DEFECTS OF OUR NEIGHBOR. 1. The voice of Jesus . — My Child, so long as I was seen upon earth, and conversed with men, I was in the midst of a wicked generation. How much pride and infidelity, how much un- cleanness and iniquity, thinkest thou, did I be- hold, — I the Searcher of hearts, — in the hearts of men, to whom naught, save the world ; naught, ex- cept self-interest, was pleasing ! How was My Heart moved at the sight of men's sinful ignorance, unbridled licentiousness, forget- fulness of the things of heaven, anxiety for those of earth, neglect of virtue, the triumph of vice ! Compare Me, My Child, with such men : M} r hu- mility with their conceitedness and vanity : My zeal CHAPTER XIX. 293 with their indifference and obstinacy : My benefi- cence v/ith their insensibility and ungratefulness : My charity with their listlessness and disregard : in short, all My virtues with their defects and vices ! Understand also, what disposition of Heart I dis- played before them. Behold ! whatsoever they were, I continued to live with them, to converse* with them, to stay among them, — without complaint or indignation of Heart, — yea, to show myself con- tent. If thou meditatest rightly upon this pattern of life, thou wilt learn to manifest similar senti- ments of heart to thy neighbor. 2. Thou, My Child, and all thy neighbors, ye are conjointly children of the same heavenly Father; ye were conjointly ransomed at the same price of My life ; ye are all to be united forever in fellow- ship, by the same bond of the love of the Holy Spirit. Ye are all called to the same kingdom of heaven ; that there ye may be made blissful in perfect peace, in the joy of an everlasting union. See, therefore, that thou agree with them on the way, lest thou be hereafter excluded from the heav- enly abode of the Blessed, and delivered up to ex- terior torturers. This is My example ; nay more, this is My com- mand, that, carrying each other’s burdens, ye love 294 THE SECOND BOOK. one another, as I love you, — with a supernatural, universal, efficacious love. If ye love Me, keep My command. If ye keep the same, ye will remain in My love. He that hates his brother is a murderer : he kills the very soul, and that his own. Whosoever is an- gry with his brother, shall be answerable before the judgment. He that forgives not, shall not be for- given. He that forbears not, shall not be forborne. For with what measure ye mete, it shall be meas- ured to you again. 3. Remember, My Child, that thou art living — not among Angels but among men, who cannot be here below without failings. Do not then wonder, if frail mortals err or fall: but wonder at this, that, whilst thyself thou hast many failings, with which others must bear, thou darest sometimes feel indignant at those of others. If thou bearest not with another’s defect, dost thou not by the very fact commit a fault and show it too ? Know that I sometimes suffer well-meaning and virtuous men to be opposed to each other, that, without sin, there may be an opportunity of bear- ing with one another’s defects, of practicing solid virtues, and of acquiring merits. Judge the things of thy neighbor by thy own. As thou desirest to be dealt with, so deal thou with others : and do not to others what thou wouldst not have done to thyself. CHAPTER XIX. 295 Hast; thou not many things, My Child, from which thou wouldst gladly free thyself, and from which thou knowest, by thy own experience, that thou art unable to free thyself? What thou suffer- est, therefore, in thyself, even against thy will, that do thou likewise tolerate in others ; whom, if thou hast any humility and charity, thou wilt suppose to endure their own defects, in spite of themselves. 4. There are they who willingly enough bear with the defects of friends, and of those whom they find agreeing with themselves in taste and manners : but who take easily offense at the failings of all beside. Now, what virtue is there in this? Do not the heathen do the same ? Nay more, are not the very animals, devoid of reason, accustomed to act in the same manner ? How canst thou be My Disciple, if thou hast the feelings of a pagan : or, if thou followest simply an animal instinct? Be thou animated, My Child, with the supernat- ural charity of My Heart; whereby I endured, and loved all, enemies as well as friends, even unto death. Passing, therefore, over every merely natural consideration, endure thou all, love all ; make of no one an exception. Pray for them that persecute and calumniate thee ; bless them that revile thee ; do good to them that hate thee ; overcome evil by good. Hate the evil which is dene : but beware lest thou 296 THE SECOND BOOK. hate the man who commits the same. How much soever thou mayst detest the sin of a man, thou art hound to love the man himself. 5. The Saints, who followed not nature hut grace, did so far clothe themselves with the sentiments of My Heart, that they endured and loved — not only all in general, but specially those that were op- posed to them. Yet, My Child, they too were men ; and, like thyself, had the feelings of nature : but they over- came nature ; and, in spite of feeling, in their greatness of soul, emulated My example. Come, Child, be courageous, and, as is becoming in a Disciple of My Heart, imitate those noble and generous souls. When thou feelest indignant at the faults of thy neighbor, keep silence ; neither suffer thou aught ill-ordered to escape thy lips, — whereby thou mayst harm thyself, as well as thy neighbor. Pray for him in thy heart ; and steadily refrain thy mind from reflecting on his faults. Never grow weary of pardoning thy neighbor, of bearing with his faults, of lovipg him with a supernatural affection ; if with thy heart thou de- sirest to follow My Heart. If thou hast many and great things to endure in others, vremember, Child, that I have undergone more and greater things for thy sake : nay, that I have borne with more and greater things in thee. Behold ! I mercifully forgave thee a debt of ten CHAPTER XIX. 297 thousand: shouldsfc thou not then have pity on thy fellow-servant, as I also had mercy on thee? Call to mind, My Child, how long, and with how great a goodness of Heart, I have endured thee, and how I do even now endure thee : and learn thence, how and how far thou ou Hi test to bear with thv o %/ neighbor. 6. The voice of the Disciple . — 0 Jesus ! how kind and forbearing hast Thou been towards me, yea, art even now ! How can I recall this without tears of affection and gratitude ! How wretched soever I may be, I find Thy Heart alw T ays open for me : and yet, I own it to my confusion, I do sometimes close mine against my neighbor. 0 Jesus, meek and humble of Heart ! who knowest that I am less ready to bear with the de- fects of my neighbor, because I love and esteem myself too much : infuse into my heart, I beseech Thee, the humility and chanty of Th}^ Heart, that, for love of Thee, I maj love every neighbor as myself. Grant me grace, t^at, as often as I# behold the failings of others, I may raise myself above nature ; and that, by a supernatural principle, I may be moved to compassion, — not to indignation ; to well- wishing, — not to aversion. Bestow upon us, most loving Jesus, Thy Spirit, the Spirit of charity ; that we may love one another, 293 THE SECOND BOOK. and live united by a lioly peace, until we enter the realms of Thy everlasting love. CHAPTER XX. THAT THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS, ACTING TOWARD ALL WITH THE GREATEST OPEN-HEART- EDNESS, TEACHES US TO ACT WITH SIMPLICITY IN REGARD TO OUR NEIGHBOR. 1. The voice of Jesus . — My Child, when I dwelt among men, they wondered and were astonished, that with each and all of them, I dealt with so great a simplicity. But it was a secret of My Heart. For My Heart is simple, loves God, and, by the same love, all besides; holding one in all, and all in one. This simplicity of Heart, which I showed to men, is the image of My Spirit, — charity undivided in itself, busied with many things, itself ever one : Loving God and men in the same Spirit : con- templating human misery and prosperity ; averting evil and promoting good ; perfecting various works ; supporting the different characters and dispositions of persons ; passing, in one and the same manner, through varied and manifold circumstances : and all this in the same Spirit. By this most pleasing virtue, men were wonder- CHAPTER XX. 1 299 fully moved. For never had they beheld, nor even conceived in their mind, so great a simplicity united with so great a dignity ; so uniform a kind- ness allied to so wonder-working a power. In Me there was no duplicity, nothing feigned, no affected loftiness of speech, no artful manner of acting. The ingenuous frankness of My Soul was ap- parent to all ; My actions reflected, as it were, like a mirror, the sincerity of My Heart. 1 Hence, My Child, men came to Me of their own accord, and poured out their hearts before Me. Even little children ran to meet Me : and I suffered them to come to Me, so that men wondered ; 1 spoke to them with kindness, I blessed them ; I filled them, all joyous as they were, with the love of virtue. 2. By My example, learn to make use of a holy simplicity in regard to thy neighbor, — which con- sists in drawing thy thoughts, words and deeds, from one divine charity, and in referring to the same the thoughts, words and deeds of others. In My Heart, the centre of charity, is every neighbor to be viewed and loved. Whoever views his neighbor without My Heart, easily divides his heart among various merely natural affections, or compounds it by means of motives or intentions partly human. But he that views and loves men in the charity of My Heart, he, with a single eye, sees one in all ; 300 THE SECOND BOOK. he, with a pure affection, loves one in all ; he haa his heart neither compounded nor divided. 3. Thus then, be thou simple in viewing or think- ing that which is thy neighbor’s : and do not divide thy heart, by rashly judging. Who has established thee a judge of thy neigh- bor ? Whence thy right to condemn him ? how darest thou to cast off, by thy judgment, one whom I shield with My Heart, whom thou art bound to love as a brother, who, in My sight, may be, now or hereafter, better than thyself ? If thou judgest rashly, My Child, thou art inex- cusable. For, if thou so condemnest another, dost thou not condemn thyself? By rashly judging him guilty of a fault, thou renderest thyself guilty of a fault. Do not, however, confound a suggestion with a suspicion, nor a suspicion with a judgment. A suggestion is an evil instigation, which does not depend on man’s will, and therefore, unless willfully indulged in, is blameless. And what is suspicion, except, from some doubtful signs, to think and hold something as probable or truth-like ? But judging is, from a sufficient reason, to decide and belidve something as certain. Wherefore, when there is a sufficient reason for suspecting or judging, the suspicion and the judg- ment are assuredly neither rash nor culpable. And if a sufficient reason to suspect or judge be CHAPTER XX. 301 wanting, without its being remarked, tbe error is invincible and guiltless. If, however, the care of others be committed to thy charge, it is not only lawful, but also necessary, whenever probable signs of evil are given, — that thou have suspicion concerning those who are subject to thee ; that thus thou mayst prudently remove the evil, if any be found to exist. For the rest, My Child, whatsoever sign, word or deed, thou dost observe in thy neighbor, take it ever in good part ; if by any means it can be ex- cused in thy mind, do so ; but if thou seest that it can in no manner be excused, correct him by a word of charity, or by a sign of disapproval, if prudence allow it, and certain fruit is expected. 0 My Child ! the holy simplicity of charity thinks no evil ; neither is it grieved because it errs, when innocently it judges well, even of what is evil. 4. Be thou also simple in speech, My Child. Do not divide thy heart by means of the tongue, — as does the world, which, satisfied with outward appearances, boasts foolishly of the art of feigning and dissembling. Do thou, from the treasury of a virtuous heart, with simplicity present good things to thy neighbor. Far removed, therefore, from thy conversation, be all artfulness, all duplicity, all craftiness \ whereby thy neighbor may be misled with fallacies, or rendered distrustful through fear of some con- cealed untruth, or scandalized by the evidence cf 302 THE SECOND- BOOK. implied wrongfulness ; or, lastly, be made to suffer harm on account of his credulity. My Child, whatsoever thy lips utter, let it also be the sentiment of thy heart. Does it, then, be- hoove thee to express the inordinate emotions of the passions, if thou feelest these within thyself ? Beware, lest thou draw such an inference : be far from such a belief ; these emotions are not only to be suppressed by the lips, but also by the heart. Be the same to all ; true and holy simplicity is courteous to all, ever agreeable, everywhere uni- form. Whatever be the reasons in thy favor, do not wound the union of charity, for the sake of matters which are indifferent, or do not concern thee. Be- member, that one act of charity surpasses infinitely the multitude of all reasonings. If it happen that, by a word, thou give offense to thy neighbor, humbling thyself in artless sim- plicity, endeavor, as soon as possible, to give him vsatisfaction, or an excuse. Fordiumility alone is a reparation of wounded charity. 5. Finally, be also simple in acting. Let there appear in thee no affectation, nor carelessness : be thy whole exterior such, that it may show the can- dor of thy interior. Let all things, that regard thy neighbor, be done in charity ; which, although it is one and single, yet possesses many and various acts. One and un- divided as it is, it knows how to unite many and CHAPTER XX. 303 divided objects ; to tolerate equally things unequal, and to preserve and advance those which are united. My Child, if thou hast truly learnt the simpli- city of My Heart, thou wilt, with ease and sincerity, show a yielding charity to all, — becoming honor to every one ; being so disposed, as inwardly to give the preference to others, and willing, with one and the same divine love, joyfully to render service to each one, according to his position. Proceed with simplicity, My Child, go on straight forward, not running to the right nor to the left, in order to speculate about things possible ; or to in- vestigate what others may think of thee. In all things seek Me alone, whom thou shalt undoubtedly find in all, and in whom alone thou shalt possess all. 6. Woe to the double-hearted, who has one thing in his heart, another on his lips ; who keeps sweet- ness on his lips, bitterness in his heart; who out- wardly professes sincerity, and inwardly hides deceit ! The heart that enters the path of deceit shall meet no happy issue : it shall find neither the path to My Heart, nor the road to the heart of the neighbor : it shall stray to its own confusion. Duplicity shall one day be unvailed, and the hope of the hypocrite shall perish. But blessed are the simple ; for theirs is secure peace ! I say it again : Blessed, because My con- 304 THE SECOND BOOK. versation and familiar intercourse is with the simple ! He that walks in simplicity, walks confidingly, and shall be safe. 7. Beware, My Child, lest by following simpli- city, thou dash thyself against imprudence. Holy simplicity is artless indeed, because it is holy ; but, because it is holy, it is also prudent. Be, therefore, simple as the dove : but also pru- dent as the serpent. Do not lay open thy heart to every one. Do not unvail thy own affairs to thy neighbor, except in so much as well-ordered charity demands. Whatsoever serves not for common edification, or is not of an ordinary kind, suffer thou to be known to none, except Myself, and to those that hold My place in thy regard. Let not thy heart be like a broken vessel, which cannot hold what is poured into it. If thou canst not keep a secret, thou art not only unworthy of the name of a Disciple of My Heart, but even of the confidence of thy neighbor ; very un- worthy of the secrets of friends, most unworthy of My own. Hast thou heard anything whispered against thy neighbor? Let it die within thee: it shall not cause thee to burst, My Child, neither shall it hurt thee in any way. A tale-bearer shall defile his own soul, and be CHAPTER XX. 305 hateful to others. For he is a doubly envenomed tool of evil. To say the truth is not always lawful, but to tell a falsehood is never allowed. Prudence, therefore, is necessary, lest, by uttering what is true, or by saying what is false, thou sin against charity and other virtues. Under such circumstances, My Child, have thou recourse to My Heart : the unction of Its charity will teach thee, in what manner thou oughtest to proceed. Lastly, pray that thou mayst obtain the spirit of holy simplicity, and cultivate a virtue, whereby thou wilt render thy intercouse with thy neighbor grateful and profitable to thyself, as well as to him, and pleasing and honorable to Me. 8. The voice of the Disciple . — Thou, Lord, art the model, the pattern of perfect simplicity. Would that I might become like to Thee ! 0 Jesus, Thou simple love ! make Thou my heart single, that I may come as near to Thy sim- plicity as it can be granted to a creature, — by lov- ing one in all, and all in one. Render Thou my mind single, by freeing it from the different and false principles of the world and of self-love ; and by preserving it from every evil sus- picion and rash judgment; that it may be guided by Thee alone, — where things are certain, in truth and, where they are doubtful, in charity. Make me wholly single, inwardly and outwardly? 26 306 THE SECOND BOOK. that, having become one, I may always and every- where be uniform, — inferring all things from Thee alone, and referring all to Thee alone, who art the beginning and end of all. CHAPTER XXI. THAT THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS, SHOW- ING TO MEN THE SWEETNESS OF HUMBLE CHAR- ITY, LEFT US A MODEL WHICH WE SHOULD FOL- LOW. 1. The voice of Jesus. — Hearken, My Child, and receive My words. When of old, by the Prophet, God spoke of His Son, who was to come into the world, He said : Behold My Servant, My Beloved, in whom My soul is well pleased. I will put My Spirit upon Him. He shall not contend, nor cry out. The bruised reed He shall not break, and smoking flax He shall not extinguish. In His name shall the nations hope. As such I came, My Child ; as such I was in this world. I treated men with so great a humility, so great a charity, that I was called the Lamb of God, and known by that name. See how I lived among men : how I behaved to- ward them. Although I was their Lord, I was in their midst as one ministering. CHAPTER XXI. 307 From all parts they came hastening to Me, with what ailment soever they might be afflicted ; know- ing that to Me humility was habitual ; mildness, natural, — that goodness was the very essence of My Heart. And, indeed, the first or theleastsigh of any one, who was miserable, moved My Heart, and awakened all Its tenderness. Did I ever cast off any one ? did I ever slight the poorest, or ever the least of all ? Did I ever show a sign of dislike to any one ? On the con- trary, I embraced and cherished all, with the greatest marks of kindness. Consider, My Child, and reflect, with how great a tender-heartedness I treated little children ; with what endearing and even-minded humility I taught the ignorant ; w T ith how steadfast and generous a courage I dealt with the troublesome ; with how glowing a zeal with worldlings ; with how feeling a composure with the afflicted ; with how great an affability with sinners ; with how holy a love with the good ; with how humble a charity with all. This humble charity, the characteristic virtue of My Heart, ravished the hearts of all, to such a de- gree, that, as the envious murmuringly complained } the whole world went after Me. Verily, My Child, this humble charity of My Heart, overcame the whole world. For whence, thinkest thou, arose so wonderful, so sudden a con- version of the world, if not from the secret unction 308 THE SECOND BOOK. which moved, — and the well-known goodness of My Heart, which attracted all ? Behold ! as the goodness of My Heart became known, men hastened to Me from every place, out of every state of life, under every disposition of body and soul ; and, even now, they continue to do • so ; because they hear that the poor are not spurned by Me ; that the afflicted are not forsaken ; that sin- ners are not abhorred ; that the weeping Magdalen, the suppliant woman of Canaan, the praying publi- can, the apostate Disciple returning, the penitent thief, My very torturers, that smote their breasts, are not cut off. 2. My Child, strive thou, with all diligence, to follow this pattern of life, this method of dealing with men, and to realize the same in thy behavior, as a true Disciple of My Heart. Some Saints, perfectly imbued with the senti- ments of My Heart, so behaved, that men could not deal with them, without being led by their very appearance, — as by an exact likeness, — to an affec- tionate remembrance of Me. Thou canst not deal with thy neighbor in an in- different manner : thou wilt produce in him either good or evil. No one can treat with men without loss, either to himself or to another ; except whosoever is will- ing, with a sincere heart, to humble himself before men. It is frequently necessary humbly to give up CHAPTER XXI. 309 thy opinion, if thou desirest to deal with others without disagreement : nay more, often thou must kindly embrace things unpleasant to nature, if thou wishest to live with them without bitterness. Whence do dissensions arise among mortals? Is it not from pride, whereby one refuses to yield to another ? Whence bitter feelings ? Is it not from an inordinate self-love, which corrupts the very heart? Drive away pride from among men ; and behold ! with it all human troubles will disappear. Next, expel self-love ; and thou shalt see the delights of heaven reigning on earth. If thou art truly humble, thou shalt captivate thy neighbor ; and if thou burnest with a pure charity, thou shalt carry him along, to make him use his efforts to run in the odor of virtues, which breathe forth so sweet a fragrance. 3. Humble charity is mightier than all severity. This, whilst outwardly it may hinder evil, inwardly estranges from good : that on the other hand, cor- rects evil, and causes good to be loved. Nothing is more easy in directing than severity or laxity. But what is there more dangerous for men than the former? or what more injurious to Me than the latter ? They that lead not an interior life, and, therefore, suffer themselves to be guided by nature, rather than by My Spirit, — are wont to fall into the one or the other excess. 310 THE SECOND BOOK. My Child, if thou art charged with the care of others, thou slioudst be, before all else, an interior person. Whoever is not such, how is he to be pitied, when placed over others! For he shall doubtless ill perform many things, and do harm to My interests intrusted to him ; and of all this he shall give a reckoning. Woe to the religious Community, whose Superior is not an interior person ! For behold ! it shall lan- guish in spirit, and fall away by degrees ; since every Community suffers most dangerously in its head ; and hence, the individuals composing the same suffer fatally in the heart, by an ill-ordered affection for creatures, — the most dangerous disease of individuals. If thou holdest My place in regard to others, thou must guide and govern them by My Spirit, that thou mayst, in them and through them, ad- vance My interests. If thou actest differently, thou mayst, perhaps, promote thy own interests, not Mine, — give satisfaction to thy own nature, and to that of others, but not to My Heart. If thou art an interior person, animated with My Spirit, thy ways of acting will be strong in deed, but full of sweetness in manner. Thou wilt con- stantly pursue the objects aimed at, until thou at- tainest to them, — but with that sweetness of char- ity, which, whilst it stimulates, never wounds ; which, when it urges onward, does not imbitter ; which employs' a thousand painstakings to win : CHAPTER XXI. 311 which finally overcomes, but so overcomes that the conquered one surrenders by a voluntary act, and meritoriously. Thou wilt so make use of My secret of govern- ing, as not to require the same of all; but, by the same spirit, to gain of each, that which, regard be- ing had to talents, strength, and other circum- stances, could reasonably be obtained. Thou wilt know how to take advantage of the character of thy subjects ; and to employ the same for its proper effect, and relatively to the greatest usefulness. Thou wilt take heed, lest, under any pretense, thou estrange subjects, or render them dispirited. And thou wilt strive to treat subjects as I treated My Apostles ; so that, full of confidence, they have recourse to thee in every difficulty, and do find thee ever animated by My Spirit, and devoted to them ; that thus they may live ever cheerful, and serve Me with a willing mind and a large heart. Remember, My Child, that there is nothing more difficult that to punish beneficially. Wherefore, if, at any time, it be necessary to punish, see thou do not make the evil worse : take care lest, outwardly thou incrust and whiten the individual, as if he were a sepulchre, and inclose and keep rottenness within. Never, by word or deed, rebuke another ; if either thyself or he be excited with anger. It will be sufficient to restrain, for the present, him that ac- 312 THE SECOND BOOK. tually commits a formal sin : delay the punishment, until thou canst prepare and administer it without passion, and he, being now pacified, may accept and undergo the same with profit. 4. Never needlessly sadden any one : if, at any time, thou art obliged to say or do things unpleas- ant to others, soften them, for charity’s sake, with good reasons, and season them with such a sweet- ness of manner, that whatever is bitter may be felt as little as possible. If thou art asked anything which thou canst not grant ; show to him that asks, how much thou de- sirest that thou wert able, and how it grieves thee that thou art unable to comply therewith : and so he will go away satisfied, and more edified, than if he had obtained his request. Do not, under cover of ^charity, entertain men with empty flatteries, or deceive them by a certain politic astuteness. This manner of acting is hate- ful to heaven and earth : for, unless it is grounded on truth, it is not charity but deceit. 5. On the contrary, My Child, do thou so mani- fest in thyself the character of the humble charity of My Heart, as to be, in every place, the good odor of My example. So let thy light shine before men, that they may see thy good deeds, and glorify thy Father, who is in heaven. The voice of the Disciple. — Yet, Lord, didst Thou not recommend to Thy Disciples, that they CHAPTER XXI. 313 should shut the door, and keep their own affairs secret? The voice of Jesus . — Dost thou not understand these things, My Child? Know, then, and give heed. Things which are not required, nor serve for common edification, should be done in private ; since they might become a stumbling-block to thy neighbor, and dangerous to thyself: but those which are common or necessary, are to be so per- formed in public, that the intention remains con- cealed ; that thus, by thy works, thou mayst give good example to thy neighbor ,* and, for thy inten- tion, whereby tliou seekest to please Me alone, thou ever desirest secrecy. 6. If, through divine love, thou exercisest hu- mility and charity toward all, whosoever they may be, thou wilt assuredly be the good odor of My Heart for all who shall see thy example. And, although others should not profit by thy example, thou shalt be no less dear to My Heart. Blessed is he, My Child, who by the example of a humble charity, shall so shine before men, as to show that the goodness of My Heart is to be loved and imitated ! They that so explain Me, shall have life everlasting. 7. The voice of the Disciple . — 0 Lord, meek and lowly Jesus ! to perform the things which Thou teachest as drawn from Thy Heart, so full of sweet- ness, I need a powerful grace. I beseech Thee, help me with Thy most efficacious aid. 314 THE SECOND BOOK. I ought, and I desire, to possess a greater hu- mility, and a greater charity as well. For, often- times, I own it to my shame, through lack of hu- mility and charity, I offend my neighbor and dis- please Thee. Most humble and sweet Jesus, 0 Thou Magnet of hearts, who, by the divine goodness of Thy Heart, drawest all men, and entertainest them with the inexhaustible sweetness of Thy humble charity ; grant, that I may follow Thee ; grant me, to be a perfect Disciple of Thy Heart. Free me from the harshness and bitterness of pride and self-love ; render my heart, like Thine, uniformly kind, and ever replenished with humble charity toward all, without limitation of persons. CHAPTER XXII. THAT THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS, LIVING IN THE WORLD, TEACHES US SO TO DWELL IN THE WORLD, THAT WE BE NEITHER OF THE WORLD, NOR HARMED BY IT. 1. The voice of Jesus . — My Child, so long as I was in the world, I was not of the world : I abode among the good and the wicked : neither had the prince of the world, nor its spirit, anything in Me. Although I was incapable of sin, yet I made use CHAPTER XXII. 315 of such things, as might teach My Disciples how they should keep themselves from the defilements of the world. Inwardly My Heart was so estranged from the world, that It was affected by nothing which is of this world ; It so burned with divine love, that, like a flame, It ever rose above all things created. It was inwardly self-collected, whilst It was busied outwardly : within, It remained united to God, whilst without, It was occupied with men. But, outwardly, everything was in Me well- ordered : the senses were passionless : My behavior full of discernment. So prudent and holy was My conversation, that My very enemies went away, saying : Never has man spoken like this one. Nothing was ever imprudently uttered, nothing was unguarded; no dangerous familiarity, no levity ; but a certain placid seriousness, tempered with a wonderful sweetness, distinguished My outward carriage. In Me, everything was full of dignity, which in- spired both respect and love, checked all forward- ness, inculcated reserve, recommended virtue. Withdrawing frequently from men, I betook My- self to prayer ; although inwardly I never ceased to pray. 2. My Child, would that thou didst understand these things ! Would that thou didst imitate them, 316 THE SECOND BOOK. that thou inightst abide, without sin or harm, in this wicked world ! To encourage thyself, look at the example of the Saints, who, pressing My footsteps, lived indeed with their body in the world, but with their heart uplifted far above the world. The world harmed them not, because they loved naught of the world : on the contrary, it was useful to them ; because, the more they perceived the banefulness of the world, the more highly they valued the divine friendship, and the more they cherished the same. Whatever they beheld in the world, they despised and rejected as offscourings, that they might enjoy the blessings of My grace and love. 3. My Child, if thou wilt dwell in the world without hurt, first of all, let thy heart be well- regulated within. Let it be convinced of the utter vanity of the world, and abhor it : let it be con- scious of the inestimable price of My friendship, and adhere thereto. Accustom thyself forthwith to turn inwardly with thy heart to Me, — so often as anything is offered to thee by the world, — and to utter these, or similar, aspirations : Besides Thee, what do I desire upon earth, God of my heart, and my por- tion forever ! If thy heart be rightly regulated in this manner, thou shalt be little moved, by whatever thou mayst see in the world. Nay more, the world, even in CHAPTER XXII. 317 spite of itself, will work with thee unto good ; be- cause it will often drive thee to Me, — the centre of thy felicity ; and will make thee understand more and more fully the unutterable wretchedness of the world, and the blessedness of My service. Keep thy heart so disposed, that it be neither troubled at the greatness of the crimes of others, nor scandalized by the perverseness of the wicked ; nor let it hesitate to continue w T ith Me, in spite of any attempts of hell or of the world. Know thou, My Child, that the wicked, among whom thou mayst live, can in no way harm thee, if thy heart effectually dissent from them. It is not in the power of the perverse to injure thee, provided thou art unwilling. For no one is harmed except by himself. 4. Notwithstanding, since the flesh is weak, and the heart prone to evil, it may happen that the senses, unless carefully guarded, do, to thy great peril^ bring the foe even to thy very heart. It is, therefore, necessary, in thy intercourse with the world, to guard all the avenues of the senses ; if thou do not wish to be exposed to the danger of * discovering that, by degrees, thou becomest affected, defiled, corrupted. The things of the world, which fall under the senses, thou oughtest to see, as if thou didst not see them ; to hear, as if thou didst not hear them j in short, to perceive them, by means of the senses, as if thou didst not perceive them. 318 THE SECOND BOOK. Bat thy chief watchfulness ought ever to be ex- erted over thy heart. For, even should the enemy secretly penetrate within the gates, if thyself thou dost not open thy heart, he shall be unable to enter, or to destroy thee. Wherefore, preserve with the greatest care the unshaken resolve of cleaving to Me with thy whole heart ; of wisely protecting all the approaches to thy heart. After this, attend with confidence to thy affairs, prepared with a resolute mind, in every danger, to have recourse to Me, and to act with fidelity. 5. My Child, thou wilt avoid many dangers, if, at all times, thou showest a certain dignity, — not indeed an artificial one, but one that springs from virtue, such as is befitting in every Disciple of My Heart. Wherever, therefore, thou mayst be, so deport thyself, that there appear in thee nothing mean, nothing light, nothing either forced or feigned : on the contrary, let there shine forth in thee an easy, sweet decorum, which is well suited to re- strain others, and to fill them with respect. Do not, in act nor in affection, enslave thyself to any creature ; always and everywhere keep thyself free. Neither do thou intrust thyself, and what belongs to thee, to all and every one : but try the spirit, and mistrust the same unless proved. Remember, CHAPTER XXII. 319 that many have been deceived by appearances, and destroyed by an imprudent familiarity. 6. It will prove very useful, My Child, to foresee the things to be transacted with the world : to con- sider carefully, what is to be done, and in what manner ; with what persons thou hast to deal, and under what circumstances ; in short, what means are to be taken to succeed in the business, as well as to avoid sin. Thou shouldst, however, rely more upon divine grace, than upon thy own industry ; thou must, therefore, frequently turn thyself to Me, ask My counsel, and entreat Me. Yea, My Child, in whatsoever matters thou mayst be engaged ; among what men soever thou mayst be ; thou oughtest so to behave, so to hold thy heart free from creatures, that thou mayst be able, at the very appearance of sin, with a pious and easy motion, to fly to Me, and hide thyself, far away from every danger, in My Heart. 7. The voice of the Disciple . — 0 most sweet and amiable Jesus! Thou knowest that I am in the world, only because Thou didst will that I should be in the world. I do humbly beseech Thee, pre- serve me, exposed as I am to the filthy world, that I be not sunk in its mire, nor soiled by its unclean- ness. 0 My God ! the more attentively I look at the world, the viler it grows to me : on the other hand, the more eagerly I meditate upon Thee, the more 320 THE SECOND BOOK. exceedingly sweet Thou becomest to me : the more good things I find in Thee, — the more and the greater appear those that I see remain to be found. 0 Jesus, my supreme Good ! keep me near Thy- self, and grant that neither the devil, nor his allure- ments, may carry me off ; that the world, or its deceitful vanity, may not beguile me ; that corrupt nature may not overcome me ; that my unguarded senses may not betray me. Strengthen me with Thy efficacious grace, that I may lead a blameless life in this world ; until Thou takest me from the danger of the world into the secure abode of heaven. CHAPTER XXIII. * THAT THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS, REQUIR- ING FAITH IN HIS DISCIPLES, TEACHES US TO LIVE THE LIFE OF FAITH. 1. The voice of Jesus . — When the Son of man comes, thinkest thou, that He shall find faith, not of any kind, but a faith lively, active, fervent ? And yet, such a faith I ever required, and do require of My Disciples ; because I am ever the same God, ever equally deserving, that they live for Me by faith. The voice of the Disciple . — Yea Lord, Thou art CHAPTER XXIII. 321 God, ever the same, ever supremely worthy, that for Thee all things live, that to Thee all be per- fectly submissive, wholly devoted. The. voice of Jesus . — Rightly dost thou believe this, My Child, because the universe bears witness that I am God. From the beginning, the Patri- archs and Prophets foretold Me such : as such was I pointed out beforehand by nature, and by the Law, the end whereof I am. As such did all the elements acknowledge Me : the heavens confessed Me, since, at My birth, they displayed the star : the sea declared Me, since it suffered itself to be trodden by My feet : the earth proclaimed Me, since, at My passion, it quaked : the sun recognized Me, since he hid the rays of his light, and grieved for the expiring author of his being. The very spirits of hell acknowledged Me as such, since they showed that, without My consent, they could assail not even the vilest animals, and since they gave up the dead whom they were de- taining. The Angels gave testimony of Me, since, at My Incarnation, they announced Me the Son of God ; since, at My Nativity, they proclaimed Me to the world as the Saviour ; since they ministered to Me during My life ; since they showed themselves as witnesses at My Resurrection. There is another who gave testimony of Me, My 322 THE SECOND BOOK. Father Himself, since He declared Me repeatedly His own beloved Son. Moreover, the Holy Spirit also gave testimony of Me, neither does He cease so to do, sigce, by the enlightening and motion of grace, and the out- pouring of His gifts, He draws to Me the hearts of men. Nay more, My own works also, which I did, give testimony of Me. For behold ! it was by My power that the blind were made to see, the lame to walk the deaf to hear ; that the lepers were cleansed, the sick healed, the dead restored to life. 2. Now, all these things, My Child, — and what- soever else is to be believed to obtain salvation, — by whom are they, infallibly, without danger of error, made known to thee, if not by the Church ; by whose mouth I speak more clearly now, then I did of old, by the mouth of the holy Prophets ? Yea truly, this is My mouth, which, when I open, I teach the multitudes : this is the instru- ment by which I speak exteriorly to men : this is the last rule of the things to be believed, unerring and unalterable : this, finally, is the only Church, wherein is found the faith, by which the just live. Without faith it is impossible to please Me. Whence it is clear, that every just man who is Mine, lives by the faith, which works through charity. • 3. My Child, the life of faith possesses, as it were, certain degrees j the first of which is, when ^CHAPTER XXIII. 323 man, — aided by grace from above, — by reason of the divine authority, believes Me, as I speak through the Church, and lives in the state of grace. My Child, a miracle is God’s testimony : a mir- acle is an evident utterance of God, and the infallible seal of divine truth. Now, the Church herself is a miracle, an evident miracle, whether thou considerest her origin and pro- pagation, since, — established by miracles, without human aid, in spite of hell, in spite of all the powers of the world, in spite of every kind of wickedness of men conspiring by every possible means, — she went forth like lightning from the East, and appear- ed even in the West : or whether thou considerest her preservation and uninterrupted growth, since, — whilst so many of her degenerate children in every age, attacked her anon by fraud, violence, rage ; and so many tierce persecutors, at all times, never grew weary with attacking her in open and secret ways, — she herself, amid the ruins of centuries, whilst all the kingdoms of the earth crumbled into dust, stood always more firm, more magnificent, more glorious, crowned with victory, as often as she was assailed. Wherefore I, — God, speaking by miracles, — speak through this same Church, an ever-enduring miracle. Blessed he, that hears this Church, One, Holy, Catholic, Apostolic : he that hears her, hears Me, certain that he is in the way of saving truth : he 324 THE SECOND BOOK. that will not hear her, is like the heathen and pub- lican ; neither does he hear Me, nor can he be otherwise than on the road of death-bringing error. My Child, if thou wilt be safe and secure, cling thou, with heart and mind, to the Church, which I built upon the immovable rock ; which I cemented with My Blood ; wherein I dwell ; which I govern by My Spirit, quicken with My Heart. Hold thy mind so prepared, that to whatsoever she may teach or command, thou submit thyself humbly and cheerfully : and keep thy heart so disposed, that thou love her affectionately, as thy best Mother, the kind parent of them that are to be saved. However, faith, to be a saving one, must be en- livened by sanctifying grace. For, without this grace, it neither unites thee to Me, nor does it make thee a living' member of the Church, My mystical Body. Wherefore, it has been most truly said, that faith without works is dead * although when grace is lost, by a sin not against faith, faith is not lost at the same time ; and the faith which remains, is a true faith, even if it is not a living one. My Child, keep thou with every care, this gift of thy G od, divine faith : and make known the life of this faith, by works done in the state of grace. 4. There is a second degree of the life of faith, CHAPTER XXIII 325 when all voluntary acts, interior as well as exterior, are animated by the principles of a living faith. He that has a lively faith, guides himself by the everlasting principles of faith ; whereby he under- stands, that he is created for a supernatural end, unending beatitude with Me : that all the inferior creatures on earth are made; to help man in the attainment of this end. But in many persons, faith languishes, because they neglect to meditate on the truths of faith, — being too busily engaged with the things that are of the world and the flesh. For, if these everlasting truths were well con sidered, and received into the heart, doubtless, the things of God and of salvation would be loved ; faith would be vigorous, and bring forth flowers and the richest fruits. My Child, every Disciple of My Heart possesses and cherishes this lively faith : by it he lives, cheered on by hope, and glowing with charity ; and he goes and ascends from virtue to virtue. 5. Many of them whom I call to an uncommon holiness, I am wont to prepare gradually for a pure faith. This pure faith is the third degree of the life of faith. In this degree man leads, by means of perfect faith, a life altogether supernatural ; and, even in the midst of darkness and temptations, — following under obedience, blindly as it were, the torch of faith — he serves Me faithfully, although 326 THE SECOND BOOK. lie may not see or know whether or not he is serv- ing Me. My Child, if, by My Spirit, thou art led to this life, enter upon it with great courage ; and follow with a fearless heart, under obedience, the divine guidance. And, when thou art now walking in these interior ways, where thou shalt see naught, but where thou shalt perceive on all sides enemies, by whom thou shalt sometimes think thyself already ensnared ; where thou shalt descry underneath thyself the yawning abyss, into which thou supposest thyself ready to fall at every step ; where, lastly, thou shalt deem that heaven above is incensed against thee, and that thou fedest this ; going ever onward, without knowing by what way or whither, but supposing that thou art ever coming nearer to thy destruction : then, My Child, enliven thy faith, and follow, with a pure faith, even blindly, the guidance of them that hold My place in thy regard. Let not thy heart be troubled, My Child : but cheer up thy courage, and call to mind, that thou art walking in the way, wherein the greatest Saints have walked before thee ; who, had they not passed through the same, had never sanctified themselves. When, finally, all secret pride, and self-love have been sufficiently rooted out ; when the intended pu- rifying shall have been completed, according to My designs ; then the eyes of thy soul shall be opened ; and, filled with astonishment, thou shalt find thy- CHAPTER XXIII. 327 self in a new way, which will be like a pledge of life everlasting. After this, My Child, thou shalt live, as it were, in an uninterrupted serenity : thou shalt behold things not seen before : thou shalt rejoice as thou didst never rejoice before : thou shalt understand, and taste the secrets of My Heart with a new relish : and thou shalt rather fly than walk to per- fection. 6. The voice of the Disciple . — Being of beings, 0 God, who canst not deceive nor be deceived ! I believe whatsoever Thou proposest to be believed through^ Thy Holy Catholic Church, whom Thou didst appoint the guardian, witness and interpreter of Thy saving doctrine ; whom Thou didst establish the unshaken ground-work of the trath ; whom Thou dost so shelter beneath Thy protection, that the gates of hell can never prevail against her. 0 Church, One, Holy, Catholic, Apostolic ! Vir- gin Spouse of Jesus, the Son of God, — who abides with Thee all days, even to the consummation of time, — thou that bearest His name upon thy brow, and His divine seal upon thy arms ; thou evident and unending miracle ! whosoever does not acknowledge thee, is devoid of reason ; whoso does not love thee, is truly heartless : whoso does not hear thee, deserves to be considered a heathen. 0 Church, One, Holy, Catholic, Apostolic ! Mother most loving, Mother most lovely, whoso- ever has not thee for Mother, has not God for 328 THE SECOND BOOK. Father ! Dear indeed, is my native land: dear my family : dear my life : but incomparably dearer art thou, my Mother, thou Church divine ! 0 dearest Mother, let my right hand be forgotten, if ever I forget thee ! let my heart faint away, if I do not love thee, if I make thee not the beginning of my joy and glory ! 0 thou Church, One, Holy, Catholic, Apostolic ; saving queen of the world, whose everlasting sway is spread over the earth ; whose subjects, — the rich and the poor, the European and the American, the Asiatic and the African, — are children of one Mother, brethren of one family, princes all, — all destined to reign for evermore. 0 thou, upon whom shine the Apostles, glittering luminaries of the world ; whose triumphs thousands of Martyrs proclaim ; whose wonderful works the armies of Confessors display ; whose beauty ever new the Angelic multitudes of Virgins manifest ; whose name and splendor all the heroes of virtue adorn ; behold ! I, together with the thousands of thy children, from the four quarters of the globe, — of all tribes, and peoples, and tongues, — arise and bless thee, uttering with one heart and one voice : Set out with thy comeliness : proceed thou prosper- ously and reign ! Let thy blissful reign be spread even to the boundaries of the earth, that, under it, we mortals, each and all, may, with joyous hearts, together serve God our Saviour, until we draw near to the heavenly City, and the multitude of the CHAPTER XXIY. 329 many thousands of Angels, — the Church of the first-born, — that are in heaven ! CHAPTER XXIV. THAT THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS, PROMIS- ING SALTATION TO THEM THAT PERSEVERE, AND THE MEANS OF SALVATION TO THEM THAT PRAY WITH CONFIDENCE, TEACHES US TO LEAD THE LIFE OF HOPE. 1. The voice of Jesus . — Come ye all to Me : have confidence : him that comes to Me, I will not cast out. Hope, therefore, in Me, My Child, and do not fear ; because I, thy Creator, have redeemed thee, and called thee : thou art Mine ; and I am God, thy Saviour. My Child, hope is the anchor of life : as the an- chor secures the ship at sea, so hope makes the soul fast in Me. All things present are done in the hope of things to come. The hearts of mortals, were hope taken away, would rest inactive ; they would suffer all things to languish, all things to perish. Hope is the stimulant of men, it arouses their hearts, and goads them on to generous efforts. Worldly hope, wavering and worthless, deceives 28 330 THE SECOND BOOK. and passes away : divine hope, on the contrary, fixed and immovable, resting upon My infallible word, sustains him that hopes, and rewards him that perseveres. The former is wont to beget rashness or dejec- tion ; the latter, a humble and steady greatness of soul. This holy hope thou needest, My Child, to strive courageously for the crown, and to bear it off, in spite of opposing difficulties. Live by hope : cherish reliance on Me, with all thy heart. For in Me is all hope of life, virtue, holiness. 2. The first degree of the life of hope, is when man, with a sure reliance, awaits everlasting beati- tude, and the means to attain to the same through the divine assistance. My Child, since My mercy is infinite, no one, in this life, should despair. A horrible sin is despair : a crime exceedingly insulting to My Heart ; be- sides, what can be more hurtful to man himself? Despair causes him that stands to fall, — does not suffer him that is fallen to rise. Nor, on the other hand, is it lawful to indulge in presumption. Far, therefore, be it from any one, to rely upon himself, and not upon Me, who hum- ble them that presume upon themselves, and pro- tect them that rely upon Me. Take courage, My Child, act manfully : do not lose confidence, which has a great reward. For to CHAPTER XXIYa 331 them that hope in Me, and labor valiantly unto the end, life everlasting is mercifully promised by Me, as to My children ; and it will be faithfully given to them, according to My promise, — as a reward for their own good works and merits. 3. The second degree of the life of hope is, when, amid casual events and things adverse, a person so trusts in My most wise and loving Providence, that, after having done, with a good and upright will, whatsoever he was able, he confides himself alto- gether to Me. My Child, when matters do not proceed accord- ing to thy wishes, do not meanly give way to despon- dency ; but cheer up thy spirits, and have recourse to My Heart. This thou shalt ever find the Heart of the best of fathers ; in It thou shalt ever meet with sympathy, help, and inexhaustible goodness. Neither allow thy miseries to lessen thy confi- dence in Me. The more miserable thou shalt feel, the greater reason thou oughtest to have of mis- trusting thyself, and of trusting in Me. For, distrust in thyself, in order to be good, should beget a firm trust in Me. Wherefore, all distrust, which produces depression of spirits or faintheartedness, should be east off as a dangerous temptation. Throw thyself into the bosom of My Providence, as a child into the bosom of its parent. He shall not perish who is in the arms of such a father as I 332 THE SECOND BOOK. It should certainly be a miracle, — such a one as never yet has been wrought, nor shall ever be seen, — if My Heart were wanting to them that, rely upon Its aid, or if It did not hasten to their assistance. 4. Lastly, the third degree of hope is, when the soul, even amidst great obstacles and arduous diffi- culties of every kind, trusts in Me with a perfect hope ; although she does not perceive, except upon principles of faith, any means of extricating her- self. If thou seest not, how thou mayst escape from the troubles that rush upon thee ; raise thyself, My Child, above all things human, and, with a pure hope, intrust thyself wholly to Me : rely altogether upon Me, with whom rests both the power to help thee, if I so wish, and the will, if it is for thy good. The more desperate matters appear, the more firmly thou oughtestto hope in Me. For it is a char- acteristic of My Heart, to grant more plentiful di- vine aid to them that are most forsaken, and have recourse to Me with confidence. Remember, My Child, that I am wont to defend more stoutly, those things which are more violently assailed by the demon ; and to strengthen most powerfully, that which the foe tries most to tear down. Courage, then, My Child, what fearest thou ? Thou hast God with thee. Be valiant, act with confidence, advance boldly. If, whithersoever thou turnest thyself, thou CHAPTER XXIV. 333 thinkest ever to perceive a lower deep, keep thyself within My arms ; repose upon My Heart, resigned to everything. Then only, w r hen thou shalt be sufficiently free from all self-reliance and expecta- tion, — when, in a human sense, thou shalt deem thyself lost, — thou shalt find, in a marvelous man- ner, both thyself and Me : thyself saved, and My- self present in person. ° Thenceforth, My Child, behold ! new things loom up before thee : thy hope will be heroic, at the same time, and delightful : thy confidence in Me full of consolation, with peace ever-enduring. 5. My Child, I know, what is advantageous to thee : I can do what thou canst not : suffer Me to act: and, praying and hoping, do thou co-operate with Me. Many there are who, if they obtain not forthwith whatsoever they hope or ask for, are cast down and become fainthearted. My Child, whosoever asks with confidence that which is not contrary to his salvation or to My honor, always receives. For, either he receives what he asks for ; or, in its stead, that which I know to be better for him : and, so he receives, whenever it is good to receive. Sometimes, the objects asked are not refused, but they are delayed * that they may be given at the suitable time. And, because thou thinkest ofttimes in a hu- man manner, imagining that that would be good for thee which, however, if thou hadst it, would not 334 THE SECOND BOOK. be good ; and, since thou knowest not, in particu- lar, what, or how, things are better for thee : there- fore, thou shouldst commit thyself to Me, and per- severe quietly in asking and hoping. There are they who, at first, surrender themselves wholly to Me, and afterward, in certain difficulties, desire to provide for themselves. These, with My .permission, are wont to become more entangled -in those difficulties; that they may learn, in all things, to mistrust themselves, and to rely upon Me. 6. Who has ever vainly trusted in Me? W'ho was ever disappointed in the hope which he placed in My Heart ? Behold ! by hope My Mother obtained My first public miracle, whereby I changed water into wine. For, although she saw there was scarcely room for expecting the wished-for favor ; yet, knowing My Heart, she had confidence, and obtained what she desired. By hope was the woman, who was troubled with an issue of blood, freed from her long ailment. For she approached Me with so great a confidence that she said : “ If I shall touch only His garment, I shall be healed.” And so she was made whole. By hope did the woman of Canaan obtain conso- lation, and relief in her affliction. Although her confidence and faith were tried, she, increasing in faith, trusted, and prayed the more earnestly, that, pitying, I might help her. S ae trusted not in vain, . CHAPTER XXIV, 335 she prayed' not in vain. For she obtained what she asked. By hope did Bartimeus, the blind man, receive his sight. For he prayed with confidence, crying out to Me, as I was passing by : and, when rebuked by many, that he should hold his peace, he cried out the more : “ Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me.” AVherefore, pitying him, I opened his eyes, that he might see. By hope was the leper cleansed. “ Lord,* said he, full of faith, “ if Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean.” My Heart, thus appealed to, was moved with compassion, and : “ I will,’’ said I, “ be thou made clean,” And forthwith he was cleansed. By hope did Lazarus, — poor and destitute, full of ulcers, cast off by the rich man, — persevere with holiness in suffering. For he looked up to his re- ward : nor in vain. When he died, he was borne by Angels into the bosom of Abraham. What more? None ever hoped in Me, and was disappointed. Wherefore, My Child, lay aside all fear : lay aside distrust ; in life and death give thyself up to My Heart. 7. The voice of the Disciple . — 0 Jesus! how good Thou art! how sweet! Yea, 0 Jesus, Thou art goodness itself : Thou art very sweetness. 0 Jesus, my Saviour ! I will deal confidently and not fear, being mindful of Thy Heart ; because It is infinitely good, Its mercy endures forever. Remember, 0 Jesus meek and humble of Heart, 336 THE SECOND BOOK. that, in what need soever, no one, who had recourse to Thy most loving Heart, was ever rejected or sent away empty. Animated with such a confi- dence, 0 Jesus, I come to Thee : burdened with miseries, I fly to Thee, and, with my miseries, I throw myself on Thy Heart. Do not, 0 my God, my Father, cast off me, Thy all-unworthy child: but give me admittance, I beseech Thee, into Thy Heart ; nor suffer me ever to be separated there- from. * Aid me, I entreat Thee, in all my wants, now and forever, but, above all, at the hour of my death, 0 most benign! 0 most compassionate !* 0 most sweet Jesus ! CHAPTER XXV. THAT THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS, ENJOINING LOVE ON ALL, TEACHES US TO LEAD A LIFE OF DIVINE LOVE. 1. The voice of Jesus . — My Child, thou shalt love the Lord thy God with thy whole heart, and with thy whole strength. This is the greatest com- mandment. I am thy God and thy Lord. By Me thou 'nast created : by Me redeemed. This, then, is My command, that thou love Me. Is it not an easy command ? is it not sweet? is it CHAPTER XXV. 337 not beneficial ? is it not replenished with every good ? What is more easy than to love? Love is the life of the heart; without love the heart cannot live. Thus was thy heart constituted from the be- ginning ; I Myself so created, so formed it. For I made thy heart that it may love : but love Me. Thou knowest, My Child, who I am, and w T liat manner of Heart is Mine. Canst thou find on earth, or even in heaven, a sweeter object of love than My Heart? Is not My Heart very sweet- ness ? Ask of them that have experienced it : ask the Saints, who, inebriated with the sweetness of My love, forgot all worldly things, yea, found that which was naturally bitter, sweet and full of con- solation. Ask the Angels, who possess My love, and re- joice and exult therein forever. Canst thou find in any other object so much bliss- fulness for time and for eternity ? What true good is there, which thou canst not have in My Heart? Enlarge thy heart, as much as thou mayst wish ; behold ! all thy desires shall be filled. If peace is desired, if consolation, if virtue, if perfection, if security in life and in death, if any other good : it is found in My Heart, it is obtained by loving Me. Arouse thy heart, My Child ; love with thy whole 338 THE SECOND BOOK. heart, cherish with thy whole strength : but love, but cherish Me, thy every good. Let fear, which contains pain, disappear: let faintheartedness, which fetters the heart, vanish away : love thou, My Child, and be free: love thou, and be happy. Live, henceforth, the life of love, as it behooves a Disciple of My Heart. 2. The first degree of the life of divine love is, so to love Me, with a love of preference, that thou keepest all My commands which oblige under grievous sin ; and that thou wouldst, for naught on earth, deliberately transgress any one of them. He that does not so love Me, remains in death. Life and death, divine love and mortal sin, do not dwell together in the same heart. Deeds are the proof of love. Therefore, who- soever keeps My commands, the same loves Me in truth. By this, then, thou shalt know whether thou lovest Me, if thou keepest My commands. Now, this degree of love is necessary to all, for salvation ; insomuch that, should any one know all mysteries and every science ; should he distribute all his possessions to feed the poor ; should he give up his body to be burned ; should he speak with the tongues of Angels, or should he possess any other powers whatsoever : and have not this degree of divine love, it avails him nothing for life ever- lasting. CHAPTER XXV. 339 Here eternal salvation is at stake. He that loves father or mother ; wife or children ; brothers or sisters ; possessions, or life itself, more than Me, is not worthy of Me, nor fit for the kingdom of heaven. If thou wilt enter into life everlasting, keep the commandments ; avoid mortal sin : whatsoever efforts, whatsoever sacrifices it may cost thee. 3. The second degree of the life of divine love is, so to love Me, with a love full of affection and gen- erosity, that thou ever seekest effectually to please Me ; and wouldst not, for any consideration what- soever, offend Me — even by a venial sin. Assuredly, My Child, if thou possessest a heart worthy of My Disciple, thou wilt ever devote to Me thy affections ; thou wilt endeavor, before all others, to please Me ; and thou wilt carefully avoid what- ever thou knowest to be displeasing to Me. Tell Me, what sort of a love that is, which, for an empty glory, for a sensual delight, or for any other gratification of corrupt nature ; does not hesi- tate, — not indeed to nail Me again to the cross, — but to mock Me, to wound Me, and to fill Me with bitterness. If I did not love thee better, if I were not more concerned about thee ; what, My Child, should become of thee ? If, because such, and such other things, do not utterly destroy thee, I did overlook them, I did not heed them ; what shouldst thou have to undergo ? 340 THE SECOND BOOK. And tliou longest for peace ? and for My intimate friendship ? and for My consolations ? and freedom from danger? Behold! even by venial sin, ahou obstructest the source of all these blessings. Whence arise thy troubles, — annoyances, anxi- eties, dangers, — if not from this, that thou art not willing to sacrifice, with a generous heart, those things which the divine love demands of thee ? Thou callest Me, thy God : thou speakest to Me, as thy Father : nay more, thou stylest Me, thy Beloved : but, if I am thy God, where is My honor? if I am thy Father, where is thy love fo % r Me ? if I am thy Beloved, where is thy affection ? where thy tenderness ? If, formerly, thou didst so offend: if, formerly, thou wast all along without affection for Me : now at least, be thou zealous for the better gifts : and I will show thee a still more excellent degree. 4. This is the third degree of the life of love, of pure love ; whereby thou lovest Me so perfectly, that thou dost will and not will the same with Me ; and art thus in all things conformed to the divine Will. This, My Child, is the perfection of love : this is the true union of hearts : this is the life of the Saints. This pure love will make thee abhor, the same things that I abhor : it will make thee delight in the same things, wherein I delight. For pure love, true union, consists in an effica- CHAPTER XXV. 341 cious agreement of hearts. Whatever be thy own sentiments, if thou dost not will and dislike the same with Me ; if thou dost not think the same with Me ; if, as far as the divine Will requires, thou dost not embrace the same with Me, thy love is not pure, thy union is not true. Be not troubled, however, My Child, if thou findest it sometimes so hard to conform to the di- vine Will, that thou appearest to do it, as it were, against thy own will. By freely conforming thy- self, although with difficulty, thou wiliest effectually that which I will. Since, unless thou didst so will, thou wouldst not conform thyself ; inasmuch as no one can will, against his will. Whence thou per- ceivest that the repugnance, which thou feelest, resides in the inferior part of the heart. 5. My Child, pure love directs all things to unity. Just as fire changes everything thrown, upon it into itself. The divine Will is the beginning, and the man- ner, , and the end of all things, which it does or suffers. It transforms, in some way, all virtues into it- self; and ennobles them by its own excellence. Whosoever loves purely, for him every virtue is love, — and love is every virtue. My Child, if thou hast not actually reached this oneness of love, use thy endeavors ; accustom thy- self to live by love, to act by love, to suffer by love: thou shalt attain to it afterwards. 342 THE SECOND BOOK. 6. My Child, love thou this holy love, which alone effects many things replenished with sweet- ness, and works wonders. For it bedews what is parched, it heals what is wounded, it bends what is stiff, it warms what is cold, it guides wbat is gone astray. It is the light of hearts, the best of consolers, a delightful guest of the soul, a sweet refreshment : it is rest in toil, it is a tempering in heat, it is a comfort in mourning. It sanctifies, and elevates innocent souls in a wonderful manner. Remember John, the beloved Disciple, who, at the Supper, reclined upon My Breast ; how, — entranced with love, — he winged his flight as the eagle. Remember Martha, who ministered to Me ; how, inspired with love, like the heliotrope, she was ever turned toward Me ; exhaling the fragrance of every virtue. Remember the holy Yirgins consecrated to Me : how, raised by love above all things of the world, they became a spectacle, wherewith God was de- lighted, at which the Angels rejoiced, whereby the hearts of mortals were moved toward Me. Nay more, this same love covers a multitude of sins, destroys them ; and of very sinners makes Saints. Witness the Magdalen, who, by purity of love, was changed into a new creature, loving with seraphic ardor. Witness Peter, who, making amends by love CHAPTER XXV. 343 for his denial, became the Prince of the chosen Apostles, the Shepherd of My sheep and lambs, the guide of holiness. Witness Paul, who, transformed by love, glowing with love, ran through the world, like a fire among the' dry stubble, and spread the flames of love among all nations. 7. My Child, love is learnt by loving : if thou desirest to make great progress in the art of divine love, love much. Do not rest satisfied with a dry love, which pos- sesses no unction : cherish a love full of affection. It does not, indeed, depend upon thee to feel a sensibfe love ; but if thou dost cherish it, thou canst always possess an affectionate love. Thou wilt cherish it by praying devoutly, by ask- ing frequently for the gift, or the increase of the gift, of love ; by conversing with Me, more by affection than by reflection, by pouring out the heart, rather than by busying the mind before Me. Thou wilt cherish it, by possessing a feeling of gratitude for all the favors thou hast received from Me : life, preservation, all the gifts of nature : re- demption, vocation, grace, all the means of salva- tion ; in short, all supernatural favors. Thou wilt cherish it, by having ever present be- fore thy mind, how greatly I have loved thee, how much I have done for thee, how much I have suf- fered for thee : what I have given for thee, what I have prepared for thee in time and eternity : how 344 THE SECOND BOOK. mercifully, how kindly, how gently, I have so often specially dealt with thee. Thou wilt cherish it, by remembering who and what I am : in whom the Angels and Saints in heaven, and the Elect on earth, ever find their blessedness : who, — as heaven and earth, and all things therein contained, cry out with one consent, — deserve to be loved with thy whole heart, with all thy strength. 8. The voice of the Disciple. — 0- J esus ! 0 love ! what marvelous, what divine, what delightful things dost Thou disclose out of Thy Heart ! 0 my Saviour God ! who am I, and who art Thou ? Would it not be much, yea even tod much, shouldst Thou merely suffer Thyself to be loved by me ? And, — lest, perhaps, I might doubt, whether it be allowed to me, a wretched creature, to aspire to a place in Thy divine Heart, — Thou hast com- manded me to love Thee. 0 love ! 0 prodigy of love ! 0 delight! 0 most sweet Jesus ! And shall I not love Thee ? shall I not hold Thee supremely dear? Yea, 0 Jesus, with all my heart will I love Thee : with all my strength will I cherish Thee. All that I am ; all I possess ; all Thy gifts and blessings j heaven and earth ; all things incite me to love Thee, but naught so much as Thou Thyself, — who art the cause and the end, the object and the reward of love. CHAPTER XXVI. 345 0 Lord Jesus ! I have no other ambition than to excel in love for Thee, than to rival the Angels themselves in their love for Thee. Let others surpass me in all other things: I will bear it easily, I will suffer it willingly: but how shall I endure this one thing, to be below others in love for Thee? how shall I bear it? Oh then ! Jesus, Beloved of my heart ! may I become alike to Thee, all love, all. one with Thee by love. 0 my Jesus ! who shall grant me, that I may en- kindle the whole world with Thy love ! that I may draw the hearts of all to Thee ; inflame them with love for Thee ! Grant, I beseech Thee, that we all may live by love for Thee, and,- in Thy love, may spend with Thee a blissful eternity. » — CHAPTER XXYI. THAT THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS, TEACHES US TO EXERT OURSELVES TO MAKE PROGRESS IN VIRTUE. 1. The voice of Jesus. — Behold, My Child, I have done all things well. The things which were pleas- ing to My Father, I did always. Bid I ever stand still in those things, so long as I lired? Now, then, whosoever desires to remain 346 THE SECOND BOOK. with Me, must also walk as I did walk. For, if he stands still, whilst I am walking, how can he remain with Me? My Child, true virtue stands never still in this life : for, if it neglects to make further progress, it is either a failing or lukewarmness. Let him who is just, be justified still : and let him who is holy, be still sanctified. How much soever, therefore, any one may have advanced in virtue, he must and can advance still further. For, either something better can be done by a person ; or the end of his actions can become purer through love, the object of which is infinite : or the different circumstances of the actions may be performed in a manner more excellent. Hence, My Child, if thou examinest thyself with an upright heart, thou shalt find sufficient matter to humble thyself, when thou findest that thou hast often been deficient in some part ; and thou shalt have, at the same time, a powerful incentive to make progress for love of Me, — who lovingly ap- prove, and reward in a liberal manner, whatever is good in thy works; who endure, or even pardon, when asked in a contrite manner, that which is de- fective. 2. Do not measure thy progress by natural fa- cility, or sensible devotion, or any other natural disposition whatsoever : all these things are unre- liable and deceitful. But do thou measure, reliably and safely, thy CHAPTER XXVI. 347 progress in virtue, by the efforts which thou makest, generously to overcome or deny thyself for love of Me. Beware, My Child, lest thou be satisfied with virtues merely natural. For these, since they spring from nature, can neither bear everlasting fruits, nor produce flowers of heaven : and, if they put forth any buds, or bear anything, it is only for time, which soon vanishes away. Every planting which God has not set out f every plant which does not spring from divine grace, — shall be rooted up. Advance thou toward things more perfect, by means of solid and supernatural virtues, which, sprung from the principle of grace, become strong and perfect by generous and repeated acts, — blos- som, and bear fruit exceedingly, for life ever- lasting. That which is more perfect in itself, is not al- ways better for thee : but that is ever more useful to thee which proceeds from the divine Will, and, by means of true virtues, helps thee to reach thy end. Some there are who place progress in multiply- ing their practices of piety : others make it consist in performing different things. And all these, so far from making any progress, are not rarely wont to go backward ; both because perfection does not consist in these things, — as they are simply means of perfection ; and because, being hindered by the 348 THE SECOND BOOK. multiplicity and unsuitableness of the means, they are unable to reach the goal. 3. Assuredly, My Child, more perfect in My sight is the simple servant-maid, — who, through love for Me, does that which, according to her state and employment, the divine Will requires, — than the religious person, who, neglectful of the duties of her calling and office, passes days and nights in prayer, or in shedding tears, through feelings of devotion. If thou desirest to perform thy employment properly, first of all, esteem and love it, — not be- cause it suits thy inclination, but because it is the divine Will, which renders even the least things both excellent and precious. For, unless thou esteemest the same, thou wilt not long love it: if thou dost not love it, thou wilt not long discharge it properly ; because, — when the understanding and will do not help but rather oppose thee, — thou canst not long act and suffer in a befitting manner. Again, do not have for object, — nor seek in it or by it, — thyself, or the gratifications of nature; but Me, and the fulfillment of My Will. Moreover, perform all the duties of thy employ- ment, firmly indeed in the action, — being intent on obtaining the end according to the divine good pleasure ; — but gently in the manner, remaining ever tranquil in the use of the means. Lastly, accustom thyself to do all things belong- ing to it for love of Me ; who am present, and ready CHAPTER XXVI. 349 to direct and help thee in particular circumstances. Thus thou wilt perform all more easily and securely, and persevere in so doing. But whether thou fulfillest the obligations of thy state, or appliest thyself to spiritual exercises, let thy chief care be, to do all this well. Here lies the fruitful field of genuine virtues : here is the plentiful harvest of true merits. If thou neglectest this, remember, that all other extraordinary things are deceitful. Neither mira- cles, nor prophecies, nor ecstasies, nor other gifts of what kind soever, — shouldst thou possess these, — are able to sanctify thee. 4. My Child, if thou art really solicitous about thy progress, thou must will it efficaciously. For perfection, and progress therein, after grace, cannot come, except from a heart that wills it. If thy heart do not will efficiently, no means shall ever be able to make thee perfect; thou canst not come to Me by compulsion, but only by affection. Call to mind, how many Saints, amidst the great- est obstacles, with few outward means, have reached the very hight of virtue ; because their heart thirsted unceasingly for perfection. Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice ; for they shall have their fill I If any one thirsts after this, let him come to My Heart, and drink of the fountain of living water, springing up into life everlasting. Come, My Child, and taste at this fountain, how 350 THE SECOND BOOK. pleasant it is to serve Me by love : and as, after tasting honey, all other nourishment seems lacking in sweetness, so, when thou hast once tasted the sweetness of My divine love, all the food of corrupt nature will become bitter to thee/ Pray, My Child, pray fervently, that thou maysfc be enlightened from above to understand the ex- ceeding value of perfection ; and that thou mayst be enkindled with a ceaseless longing of attaining thereto. Frequently, also, call to mind, how many, and what powerful incentives urge thee on to greater perfection. 5. The voice of the Disciple .— Which are those, Lord? The voice of Jesus. — Consider, My Child, who He is, whom thou servest : how lovely, by reason of His infinite perfections, — which ravish the very hearts of the inhabitants of heaven ; and thou shalt be aroused to My service, so full of love and sweet- ness. Remember the favors of every kind, which I heaped upon thee through pure charity : and, if thy heart has not lost all sense of feeling, thou wilt love Me, in return, with singular gratefulness. Weigh the enormity and multitude of thy sins, which I pardoned thee, with a Heart so paternal ; and wilt thou* think, after this, that thou canst ever do enough for Me? Think on the manifold, and continued unhappi- CHAPTER XXYI # 351 ness of them, that are lying in sin and lukewarm- ness ; and again, on the unuttered felicity of them that serve Me with fervent love. Look upon the marvelous beauty of virtue, and the unspeakable ugliness of vice : how the former unites men with Angels, and the latter makes them alike to demons. Meditate on the shortness of this life, and the eternity of the life to come : the certainty of death, and the uncertainty of its hour. Ponder, with mind and heart, what it is to be in hell without end : what it means, to be in heaven throughout all eternity : and remember that the one or the other awaits thee. My Child, if thou dost frequently, and attentively consider these things, so as to keep them ever fresh before thee ; thou wilt hasten on to further pro- gress. 6. But in many ways is a person turned away from progress. For the most part, however, he be- gins to go astray, either because he suffers the love of Me to grow lukewarm in his heart, — by neglect- ing the fervent practices of an inward life ; or be- cause, for the sake of indulging nature, he refuses to overcome or deny himself in some thing. There are some, who do not, indeed, forsake the road of progress ; but who, in various ways, retard their successful career. In this manner do they stand still, who, whilst they should he hastening onward, squander their time, in looking, with self- 352 THE SECOND BOOK. delight, over the distance which they have already passed. My Child, forget the things which are behind, being certain to whom thou hast intrusted them : and pass over the remainder of thy journey with unwearied steps. They, also, are hindered from advancing, who proceed so cautiously, that they appear desirous of examining, at every step, where to set their foot. But, My Child, trust thou rather in Me than in thy- self; and, using a reasonable diligence, with a cour- ageous effort of divine love, fly thou forward through every obstacle toward thy end. They too are kept back, who frighten the ima- gination, and fetter the heart by future difficulties, which, perhaps, will never occur ; so that, through fear and faintheartedness, they hardly dare or can move. My Child, sufficient for the day is the evil thereof: to-day, therefore, advance thou cheer- fully : leave the future to-morrow to Me : I will provide. 7. Bemember, My Child, that, by the weight of nature, thou art ever prone to a certain inactivity, or indolent repose. Often, therefore, thou must stir up the will by the fervor of the spirit, and take fresh courage. If thou yieldest to this natural indolence, if thou givest up the efficacious will of perfection, thou wilt no longer perform anything worthy of a Pis- CHAPTER XXVI. 353 ciple of My Heart : thou shalt begin to grow slug- gish, to fall away, to he filled with miseries, and to experience unhappiness. A soul possessed of a resolute will, fervent and cheerful, acquires in a few months, that degree of virtue, to which a slothful soul, ever in distress and' groaning, cannot attain in many years. My Child, if thou possessest a determined will of always advancing, thou hast reason to rejoice exceedingly. For a good will of this sort, is a man- ifest proof of the divine friendship. And this is the sweetest and, at the same time, the most solid of all consolations. 8. The voice of' the Disciple . — 0 good Master, most sweet Jesus, model of every virtue ! I feel wholly confounded, for that I have not yet taken pains to conform myself perfectly to Thee, although I have long made profession of being Thy Disciple. Have pity on me, Lord ; suffer not, I beseech Thee, that I succumb to lukewarmness, yield to natural indolence, or be impeded by any other hindrance : but arouse me, goad me on, impel me by Thy grace. Give me the fervor of Thy Heart ; kindle in my heart the fire, which Thou earnest to cast on earth . that I may love Thee more ardently, that I may be more perfectly conformed to Thee, that I may fol- low Thee more closely. Renew me wholly, I entreat Thee ; take away 30 354 THE SECOND BOOK. my slothful and wretched spirit, and enliven me with Thy Spirit, — the Spirit of an everglowing love, ever cheerful, — that never suffers me to grow slug- gish, but urges me on strongly and gently to a more perfect Imitation of Thyself, — who alone art the * way and the goal of everlasting bliss. DIRECTORY FOR THE THIRD BOOK. 1. The aim of the Third Book is, to teach us how to tend to that holiness, which is called per- fection. This holiness is acquired by virtues which are, in some manner, heroic ; such as ar§ usually practiced by them that bear their sufferings with the proper disposition of heart. Certain it is, as is proved by the example of all the Saints, that no one ever attained to true sanctity, if he did not practice solid, and in some manner heroic, virtues in suffering. And this is not to be understood of those Saints only, whom the Church has canonized, but of all those as well, who, although not canon- ized, strove to acquire that sanctity, which Christ Our Lord taught to all by His word and example ; and which each one’s mode of life may enable him to reach. Of all these noble virtues, whereby sanc- tity is acquired, Jesus, in His suffering life, fur- nishes us the most beautiful living examples, full of encouragement and consolation. In His active life, the virtues of His Heart do, indeed, shine forth clearly and constantly; and, gently and powerfully at the same time, persuade and allure him, who meditates thereon, to a proper imitation of them : but, in His suffering life, they glitter with all their perfection and splendor, and do not merely attract ( 355 ) 356 DIRECTORY FOR THE THIRD BOOK. the person who meditates, but they also forcibly stimulate and urge him onward. Therefore, it is useful, that we should first have meditated on His active life, and become initiated in the virtues of His Heart, when acting; and that we should even have made some progress therein, lest the grandeur and sublimity of the virtues of His suffering Heart might frighten or discourage us. Now, this sanctity has two degrees: and each de- gree contains three methods. In the first degree, all those things, which can- not be avoided, are religiously endured : according to the first method, they are endured with patience; according to the second, with agreement of our will with that of God ; according to the third, with a certain supernatural joy. In the second degree, all those things are en- dured, which may, in some manner, be avoided ; but which, when offered, are accepted with a free will, or are voluntarily sought after and assumed. And, by conformity of our will to the divine Will, all these things are borne ; first, through love of Jesus, for some supernatural end ; for example, to make amends for the insults offered to Him, for the conversion of sinners, for the perseverance of the just, for the obtaining of this or that good ; secondly, through a desire of conformity with Jesus, and of the fruits to be gathered from this conform- ity so holy and so full of love; thirdly, through the purest love, so that, laying aside, as far as we may, DIRECTORY FOR THE THIRD BOOK. 357 every private consideration, we become uniform with Jesus, and thus well-pleasing to Him. 2. Be persuaded that, in whatsoever state or con- dition of life you may be, you will really become a Saint, if you suffer rightly those things, which the Lord will give you to suffer. For, if you merit and make progress by every single act of a common or ordinary virtue, how much more will you gain and advance by acts of heroic virtue ; — such as are frequently wont to be performed in times of mis- fortune ! Kemember what it is you merit by every act of an ordinary virtue, when rightly performed in the state of grace : first, a new degree, or increase of sanctifying grace, — which you receive immediately, and whereby you become more perfect in yourself, and dearer to the Lord : again, at the same time, a new and corresponding degree of glory or everlast- ing bliss, — which you shall receive in heaven, where it is treasured up and awaiting you. And these two you gain condignly , that is, according to merit ; so that they are justly due to you, accord- ing to that promise, by which God has, freely in- deed, but truly, obligated Himself. This kind of merit, which is strictly called merit, is personal, and not communicated with others. Moreover, you can merit a ?ertain degree or special help of actual, even efficacious grace, — whereby the understanding is enlightened and di- rected, and the will encouraged and strengthened 358 DIRECTORY FOR THE THIRD BOOK. to avoid evil, and to do good : and over and above, as it were, a part of the great gift of final perse- verance. But these two you can only merit con- gruously, or according to propriety, — so that they are never due to you by justice, but simply by a suitableness or becomingness, and by the divine liberality. For to these God has not bound Him- self by any promise. As, however, He is supremely liberal, it is befitting in Him, that even so He re ward our supernatural acts : neither has He given us any reason for fearing that we shall be disap- pointed. In this wise you cannot only merit these two for yourself, but also for others. Now, these degrees, which you merit through virtue, may be greater or smaller, — according as the meritorious acts are more or less perfect. For it may happen, that one heroic act, whereby, with a noble and generous heart, you sacrifice or endure something perfectly, merits more for you, than a hundred, a thousand or even more ordinary acts. And, indeed, St. Chrysostom asserts, that holy Job, by the one act whereby, amid his misfortunes, he conformed himself to the Will of God, merited more than by all the acts which he performed throughout the whole of his previous life, in the days of his prosperity. We should be mindful of these things, during our short-lived existence, which has been granted us, that we may gather merits for all eternity. For they will help us to avoid those delusions which DIRECTORY FOR THE THIRD BOOK. 350 are peculiar to this part of the interior life. Of which this one is wont to be the more common : To hearken too much to the feelings or repugnances of nature, thus fixing our attention on the second- ary causes of our afflictions, and to decline, under some pretext or other, the sufferings presented to us by Our Lord, or at least bear them with an ill- disposed heart ; or even to seek another way than the one through which Jesus Himself walked, — which He smoothed for us, by which He calls us, that with all His Saints we may follow Him with the same disposition of heart with which He has gone before us. 3. Wherefore, when you are occupied with the things treated in this Book, you should assidu- ously look and aim at this, that you understand, as perfectly as you can, not only the unspeakable af- flictions and sorrows of the Son of God ; but, espe- cially, the affections and dispositions of His Heart. For here a measureless treasure lies concealed, which a diligent and fervent searcher alone can find and explore. The more attentively and devotedly you shall meditate on the Heart of your suffering Lord, the more perfect things you shall find, and the more possessions you shall acquire. 4. The method of using this Book, — beside the two given before the First Book, and which may also be employed here, — is of two kinds : both of which are placed before the Second Book, and which 300 DIRECTORY FOR THE THIRD LOOK. are here adapted to the meditation or contemplation of the Passion of J esus Christ. In meditating, therefore, let the memory propose some virtue, according to the particular period of the Passion of our Lord : and let it remember the same after the meditation, so that you may be able suitably to practice it. Let the understanding meditate on the virtue, — examining its causes and ends, its modes and its circumstances : considering with what dispositions of Heart Jesus practiced that virtue : then compare the state of your heart in its regard : afterward, look back and examine your past life concerning the same ; return thanks, and ask for perseverance, if hitherto you have duly practiced it : if the con- trary, make an act of contrition, and, through the suffering Heart of Jesus, ask for pardon : finally, look to the future and see when, and how, you may practice this same virtue. Let the will embrace the virtue, perform interior acts of it, and resolve to practice it, both inwardly and outwardly, at the proper time ; frequently in- sisting, meanwhile, on pious affections and pe- titions. But in contemplating, see what Jesus suffers, and under what circumstances, in this mystery, or par- ticular subject: who He is that thus suffers, from whom, and for whom. Afterwards, give ear to the words which Jesus DIRECTORY FOR THE THIRD BOOK. 361 there utters ; or observe how He is silent, and in- teriorly pours forth the prayers of His Heart to God the Father. Lastly, look devoutly and attentively into the Heart of Jesus ; see how that Heart is disposed, from which things so heroic proceed. And through- out the contemplation, as much as you can, give yourself up to pious effusions of heart, both by acts and petitions. The acts in which you employ yourself, during meditation or contemplation, may be various or dif- ferent; according as you feel affected, or according as you may need, or even according as you may be moved interiorly by the Spirit of God. You may usefully exercise your faith, and fre- quently excite lively acts of it, by acknowledging in every mystery Jesus as God, and by adoring Him in His humiliations and sufferings, by which the Divinity, in some manner, hides itself for love of us. It will also help, often and sweetly to indulge in hope, being persuaded that if, by a gratuitous love, the Lord did and endured so much in order to save you when every way undeserving ; now, that you are willing to co-operate, He will not refuse you what is beyond comparison less, namely, the means of salvation and perfection. Your heart will, in some manner, spontaneously, be enkindled with love for Jesus, your God and Saviour, when you see how He suffers for love of 31 362 DIRECTORY FOR THE THIRD BOOK. you. For, since He suffered and died for all and every one, each one can and must truly say : “ Jesus loved me, and delivered Himself up for me.” (Gal. ii. 20.) Frequently occupy your heart with abhorrence and detestation of sin ; seeing what torments the Son of God endured for it in His most sacred Hu- manity. Hatred for the wicked world will spring up in your heart, if you attend to what, and how im- mensely, Jesus suffered from the same world. Compassion for Jesus suffering will take wholly possession of you, if you look at Him with a de- voted and sympathizing heart. You will feel a fervent zeal to compensate for the affronts so unworthily offered to Him ; for which end you will frequently offer up your own pious desires, good works, and sufferings. You should, above all, study attentively in each mystery the dispositions and sentiments of the Heart of Jesus suffering, and make the same your own. For, unless you do this, you may indeed meditate on the Passion of Jesus, but you cannot imitate His Heart : you may indeed suffer, but you cannot suffer profitably: you may be burdened with the cross, but you cannot follow Jesus. The petitions, which it is proper to make, may be various, as well as different. Yea, the objects of the petitions have so wide a scope, that it is not easy to find a limit for them. For you may DIRECTORY FOR THE THIRD EOGK. 363 ask for the gift, or for an increase, of faith, hope, charity; of horror of sin and detestation of the world ; of compassion for Jesus and zeal for His honor : lastly, of all virtues and graces ; and this not for yourself alone, but also for every one of your neighbors, — as was said before the Second Book, and is here repeated, in order to impress deeply on the mind that which cannot be too much inculcated, that the affections or acts of virtues and petitions are of the utmost importance ; since from them, after grace, the unction of prayer and its chief fruit are wont to be derived. 5. As regards the discernment of spirits, the fol- lowing rules, which are here peculiarly appropriate, are given by the Saints. The first. That is properly called spiritual con- solation, when interiorly there is excited some emotion, whereby the soul is enkindled with divine love ; whether directly, — as when she is inflamed with the love of God on account of the divine good- ness ; or whether indirectly, as when she is moved to the divine love by considering the Passion of Jesus Christ, or by sorrow for sins committed against the Lord, or by any other cause whatsoever, — rightly ordered to the service of God. Again, every increase of faith, of hope, of charity, is also a spiritual consolation. Lastly, every inward joy, which stirs up the soul to supernal things, to salva- tion and perfection, and renders her tranquil in the Lord, is likewise a spiritual consolation. 364 DIRECTORY FOR THE THIRD BOOK. The second. Whatever is contrary to the things pointed out in the preceding rule, is called spiritual desolateness : as a darkening of the soul, disturb- ance, or a certain sluggishness ; an agitation which moves her to diffidence, which opposes hope or charity ; finally, any instigation to the low things of nature, interior sadness, — which makes the mind dejected or restless. The third. To God alone it belongs to give con- solation to the soul, without any preceding cause : since it is peculiar to the Creator to enter His creature, to draw, to turn, to change it wholly to the love of Himself. And then do we say, that no cause precedes, when the consolation is imparted without any previous feeling or thought of any ob- ject, whence such a consolation might come to the soul by the acts of her own understanding or will. The fourth. When a cause of consolation did precede, then the evil as well as the good Spirit can, in some manner, give consolation to the soul, but for contrary ends : the good one, for the ad- vancement of the soul, that she may act rightly, and ascend from good to better ; but the evil one, for the opposite, that she may be perverted and ruined. Theffth. In time of desolateness, no change should ever be made : but we must stand, firmly and manfully, in the intentions and resolves, in which we were during the time that preceded this kind of deso- lateness. Because, as, during spiritual consolation, DIRECTORY FOR THE THIRD BOOK. 365 the good Spirit is more wont to move ns, and we also use more readily our natural powers ; so, in time of desolateness, the evil spirit does rather stir us up, at whose instigation, — whilst our faculties are more or less impeded, — we can hardly take safe counsels to act rightly. The sixth . Although, in time of desolateness, we ought not to change our former resolutions, yet it is very useful to change our manner of acting, so that we may fight against the desolateness itself • first, by giving ourselves more to prayer; secondly, by examining ourselves the more, in order to hum- ble and throw ourselves into the divine mercy of the Heart of Jesus; thirdly, by exercising our- selves more, in performing works of penance or charity in a prudent manner. The seventh. He, who suffers from desolateness, should remember, that he is being tried by our Lord, left to his own natural powers with an ordi- nary grace, and also a special one, although not sensible; that thus, by resisting the various instiga- tions of the enemy, he may display the fidelity of his love. For he is able to resist, with the divine grace, which remains with him, — although he does not sensibly experience the same. And let him, who enjoys consolation, consider how he will conduct himself in the desolateness which is about to come upon him : let him gather new strength to bear up against future desolateness: let him strive to humble himself at the thought of 366 DIRECTORY FOR THE THIRD BOOK. how little he is able to do, when not specially and sensibly assisted by our Lord. Finally, let him who is in desolateness, as well as the one who is in consolation, take care to apply himself to acquire, or to strengthen, solid virtues, and thus sanctify himself. St. Ionat., St. Bonaventurk, St. Mary Maqd. of Pazzi t THE THIRD BOOK. ADMONITIONS USEFUL TO IMITATE THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS, IN HIS LIFE. OF SUFFERING. CHAPTER I. i HOW GREATLY WE SHOULD ESTEEM HOLINESS, AND HOW MUCH WE SHOULD STRIVE AFTER IT. 1. The voice of Jesas . — Be thou holy, My Child, because I am holy. Whosoever longs to be a per- fect Disciple of My Heart, strives to become holy, as I also am holy, by an interior, true and solid holiness. Holiness is a great good, it contains all blessings desirable upon earth, and begets everlasting bliss in heaven. Holiness is the completion of virtue, the guard- ian of sanctifying grace, the preserver of inward peace, the nurse of the heart’s joy, and of ever-en- during happiness. Holiness is true wisdom, real glory, inexhausti- * ble wealth. To be the least of the Saints is something incom- parably greater than to be the greatest of the whole world. ( 367 ) 363 THE THIRD BOOK. What is there in this world that can justly be compared with holiness ? not science, not dignity, not renown, not the possession of all riches. For all these things are only of earth, they last but for a mo- ment ; like vapors in the air, they glisten and soon disappear. But holiness is heaven-born and per- manent, it glitters before the inhabitants of heaven like the sun ; yea, when the sun fades away, it shall continue to shine for evermore. Let not, then, the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not the strong man glory in his strength, let not the rich man glory in his wealth : but he that glo- ries, let him glory in this, that he knows and loves Me ; that, through love, he follows Me, and thus sanctifies himself. My Child, if thou understandest not these things at pr^ent, thou shalt understand them later, even in spite of thyself, — when, at the near approach of death, thou shalt entertain more correct sentiments. Tell Me, if this day thou hadst to die, which wouldst thou rather desire, to be a Saint, or to have been a king or a Pope? Would to God, — exclaimed, when dying, one who had been a ruler, and had some experience in the matter, — would to God that I had never been a ruler, but, in its stead, the least of God’s holy servants ! Would, sighed another, that I had not worn the tiara, but had passed my life in the kitchen of some house conse- crated to God ! Thou canst not value holiness too highly, since I CHAPTER I. 369 Myself have held it in such esteem that, to make it possible and easy, I poured out the treasures of My Heart, multiplied the means at My greatest costs, and ordered all things for the sanctification of the Elect. Do thou, therefore, aspire to so great a good, My Child : and strive, magnanimously, to become a Saint. 2. The voice of the Disciple , — I become a Saint, Lord ! Ah me, Lord Jesus ! for that, I have sinned too much during my life. And would it not be pride, to feel such a presumption? and moreover, I am so weak, that I am unable to perform any- thing worthy of sanctity. The voice of Jesus . — Dost thou say these thing3 of thyself, My Child, or have others suggested it to thee ? If of thyself, thou art mistaken : if at the suggestion of others, thou hast been deceived. And first, if thou hast sinned during thy life, be- hold ! this is a new reason, why thou shouldst sanc- tify thyself, that thus, by the future, thou mayst make amends for the past. But, My Child, there is no question of what thou hast been, but of what thou oughtest to be here- after. How many souls there are that, after having committed sins, have reached, in a shorter time, a higher degree of perfection, than others that have ever remained innocent ! and this, because they used the remembrance of the sins which they had 370 THE THIRD BOOK. unfortunately committed, and wliicli had been mcst mercifully forgiven by Me, as a spur, to urge and goad themselves on to sanctity. The sins that have been committed are, there- fore, not only no hindrances, but, if thou art will- ing, may be instruments of holiness. Besides, My Child, to strive after the perfection of virtue, to aspire to sanctity, is not pride nor presumption, but greatness, but nobleness of soul, without which no one is worthy to be a Disciple of My Heart. These things I say : and take heed which of the two thou wilt believe, Me, or the spirit, thy enemy, who suggests the contrary. Beware, My Child, lest, after being deluded, thou become fainthearted, and, consequently, incapable of aspiring to those things, which alone are most deserving of the aspirations of every noble heart. Baise thy courage, cast aside all littleness of heart, and cherish sentiments worthy of a Disciple of My Heart. Lastly, if thou art weak, am not I strong ? if thou canst not undergo austerities, art thou unable to love ? if thou canst not act, art thou unable to suffer? Now, it is most of all by loving and by suffering that holiness is acquired. It is not by extraordinary \*orks, not by mira- cles ; but, by love, a patient love, that the sanctifi- cation of the soul is chiefly promoted. Endeavor, for love of Me, to suffer patiently CHAPTER I. 371 whatsoever I Myself may choose, and give thee to endure : and, behold ! thou shalt become a Saint. If the things, which the world calls great, could be acquired with as much facility, what worldling would not secure their possession ? 3. A constant desire of making progress, a con- tinual striving after holiness, is rightly thought to constitute man's sanctity in this life. None is perfect in holiness, who does not exert himself to become more perfect : and the more one aims at greater perfection, the more holy does he prove himself to be. Wherefore, My Child, the perfection of holiness is not the work of a day or a week. Do not, then, imagine that thou shalt be perfect in so short a time. F.or, by expecting this, and finding thyself afterward disappointed, thou mightest lose heart, or even be dangerously tempted to desist from further attempts. Perfection is the joint work of divine grace and man’s co-operation. Now, the goodness of My Heart, which wills that thou shouldst be a Saint, is much more inclined bountifully to bestow grace upon thee, than thou art to ask for the same : nay, even of Its own accord, It pours grace upon thee. The more faithfully, therefore, thou co-operatest with grace, the shorter the time in which thou shalt gain possession of sanctity. 4. If thou hast a constant and effectual will of 372 THE THIRD BOOK. sanctifying thyself, naught can hinder thee from becoming a Saint. Whatever may be thy natural inclination, thou wilt acquire holiness, not by the disposition of thy character, but by the co-operation with grace through thy free will. Neither thy character, nor thy state of life, nor thy employment, will hinder thee, if, with a gener- ous fidelity of heart, thou co-operatest with divine grace. Behold ! great multitudes, which no one can count, have, by this fidelity, sanctified them- selves in the religious state ; and millions have be- come Saints, even in the midst of the world. By this fidelity, a Henry became a Saint in the camp; a Casimir, at the Court ; an Elzear, amid inter- course with the world ; an Isidore, in the fields : an Agnes, in the city ; a Mary, in the country ; a Catharine, in her father’s house ; a Christiana, in bondage. Neither does holiness depend on being inscribed in the Catalogue of the Blessed or Saints ; because this does not make the Saint, but simply declares to men that he was such. If thou art a Saint in heaven ; being perfectly conformed to the divine good pleasure, thou wilt, of thyself, care little whether or not thy name is found on earth regis- tered in the Canon. Neither, in fine, can temptations and difficulties present an obstacle. For., whatsoever hell can con- trive, whatsoever the world may attempt against CHAPTER I. 373 thee, all this, if thou art willing, shall be made to contribute to thy sanctification. 5. It is indeed true, that he who desires to ac- quire holiness should avoid all. even the slightest, sins : but involuntary faults, which arise from hu- man frailty, are no hindrances to perfection. Even the greatest Saints were not altogether free from such miseries : and, so long as they lived upon earth, they experienced the frailty of their human nature. Be not, then, troubled and uneasy about these things, wherein the will does not consciously take any part : a person may be very perfect, although he frequently offends involuntarily. According to the example of the Saints, lessen involuntary defects as much as thou canst, and, with quiet love, humble thyself before Me for these faults : in this manner thou wilt derive profit from them for thy progress. 6. This being so, My Child, hearken thou to none who, under some pretense or other, may turn thee from the pursuit of holiness, — neither to thy- self, nor to any mortal, nor any spirit whatsoever. But, with a generous mind, that knows not de- spondency, continue to strive after interior sanctity. This sanctity is so important a matter, so full of honor, and so grateful to Me, that sometimes one soul, thus sanctifying herself interiorly, glorifies Me more, — is more pleasing to Me, and possesses more influence over My Heart, — than a thousand 374 THE THIRD BOOK. others, that, although good, rest satisfied with an ordinary virtue. Know thou, My Child, that holiness, to a certain degree, is really necessary to be admitted into the presence of the divine Majesty; because, without holiness, none shall see God. If thou dost not attain to this necessary holiness in the present life, thou must be purified with fire unto holiness in the life to come, before thou en- terest heaven, — into which naught, except what is holy, can gain admittance. Yet, for thy consolation, remember, My Child, that, if thou keepest a good and efficacious will of really sanctifying thyself, thou shalt not taste death, until thou hast acquired sanctity. Meanwhile, never think that thou hast already attained to holiness, or that thou art perfect : but do thou ever advance and pursue the destined prize of thy supernal vocation. Be of good courage, My Child, dare thou things worthy of a Disciple of My Heart : vie in zeal with the Saints, thy noble brothers and sisters. What thou art, they have been : what they are, thou canst be. 7. The voice of the Disciple . — I then, 0 Lord i Jesus, even I, the least of men, must and can be- come a Saint. Yea I must; because Thou commandest me so; because I am obliged to correspond to so many singular favors and graces, which Thou hast be- CHAPTER I. 375 stowed upon me ; because I am bound to satisfy, as much as I am able, the unutterable obligations, which I owe to Thee, for the mercy shown to me after my many sins ; because I must have a care of my salvation, and prepare myself for heaven ; but, more than all, because Thou art supremely worthy of all love and honor. And I can ; because Thou givest me abundant and efficacious means; because Thou, ready to sup- ply all the rest, demandest naught, except that I make the attempt with a sincere will ; because no- thing can hinder ftie, unless I myself so will it ; be- cause all things whatsoever, if I will, can help me and cause me to advance ; because, finally, the whole work of my sanctification is simply a labor of love, of love for Thee, of a love which renders all things possible, easy, delightful. Therefore, I long to be a Saint, not that, on earth, I may be numbered among the Saints, but that, in heaven, I may glorify Thee among the Elect : not so much through fear of pain or hope of reward, as through love for Thee, most kind and sweet Je- sus, — that I may the more love Thee, the more honor Thee, now and for evermore. Behold ! 0 Lord Jesus, I have the will to be- come a Saint ; so long as I draw breath, I shall not cease to will it : I beg and entreat Thee, by Thy most Sacred Heart, help my good will. 376 THE THIRD BOOK. ! CHAPTER II. THAT IN THIS LIFE NO ONE CAN LIVE WITHOUT SUFFERING. 1. The voice of Jesus . — My Child, so long as thou livest upon earth, thou canst not be free from troubles. What is this whole mortal life except affliction ; which man enters weeping, through which he passes amid sufferings, from which he departs groaning ? Since man is born subject to death, it is not pos- sible that he should pass his life without pain ; be- cause the source of suffering lies within himself. The very condition of being subject to death, naturally begets many and various miseries, dis- eases, and sufferings ; which cannot cease to exist, so long as that fruitful and effective cause remains. All these things, however, manifold and irksome though they be, are of less importance. For, from the very bottom of corrupt nature worse things spring up, — inordinate and perverse desires, which force man to feel, in spite of himself, that which he would fain not feel. These are the passions, the sources of so many sufferings, which, inherent in the very heart, dis- turb the peace of many; which excite wars, horrid wars ; which, by conflicting emotions, expose the soul to uncounted dangers and sorrows. CHAPTER II. 377 2. And liow numerous are the torments, which befall man from without, and which none can wholly escape ! Cold and heat, the difference of temperature, the thousand inconveniences arising from creatures, and many other effects of physical causes, which, al- though they contribute to the general well-being, yet, — through man’s fault, in the state of fallen na- ture, and in the present order of things, — cannot be brought about, without some trouble to individuals. And, amid all this, what mortal is not ofttimes burdened by labor, without which none can dwell here below, unless he be willing to be burdened still more. Add and count up, if thou canst, the sorrows and calamities of every kind, which arise from the pas- sions of others : and thou shalt behold on all sides troubles, which, unless thou overcome them, will overwhelm thee. 3. Indeed, My Child, since this mortal life is re- plete with hardships so numerous and so great, to not a few it would appear almost unbearable, if the spirit of religion did not suggest reasons for patience, and My Heart did not render it smooth, by the unction of grace. Neither has all the wisdom of this world, — al- though it has uttered many beautiful sayings con- cerning endurance and suffering, — ever been able to invent and afford a remedy for them. How many there have been who, whilst endeav* 32 378 THE THIRD BOOK. oring to teach others, by discoursing eloquently on the endurance of afflictions, were themselves un- done by afflictions ! Hence, what wonder that those, who are devoid -of the spirit of religion and strangers to My Heart, — whether through unbelief or corruption, — should, at last, despair amid their troubles, and their reason being blinded, should wickedly terminate their miseries by the greatest of all — an everlasting mis- fortune ! But religion renders all troubles both bearable and useful; since it teaches that, through the con- soling effect of the wisdom and goodness of My Heart, that which was a just punishment of sin, and a just cause of grief to man, becomes a whole- some remedy against sin, and a plentiful harvest of merits. The furnace tests metals. Fire hardens clay, but softens wax. The storm throws down the plant, but renders the tree, that is well-rooted, more firm. So also, My Child, does tribulation try men. Af- 1 fliction hardens the one, it softens the other. Op- position casts down some, it makes others more solid. Affliction would lead all to bliss, if all were to receive it .properly. If, on its account, any one hastens on to destruction, it is his own fault, since, rightly borne, it would prove a sure road to sanc- tity, and, consequently, to true happiness. 4. But behold! My Child, every affliction has J CHAPTER II. 379 become much lighter and more consoling, since, by My own afflictions, I sanctified affliction, and walk before those who suffer affliction, — as well by the example of My life, as by the promise of reward, and the aid and consolation of grace. By My example the Saints learnt the secret of suffering rightly, and the art of converting evil into good. Hence they learnt, by experience, that afflictions were even sweet to them, and derived such a long- ing to suffer for love of Me, that they were unwil- ling to live without suffering, and overflowed with joy in their every tribulation. Canst not thou also aspire to the like, My Child ? Is not this My interest as well as thy own ? What fearest thou? Behold! no afflictions can reach # thy heart if they have not first passed through Mine : and, by so doing, they lose all their power of hurting, and become imbued with the divine virtue of consolation. 5. Take heed, My Child, lest by the sourness of thy heart thou imbitter afflictions, when they come from My Heart imbued with sweetness. Suffering is necessary : there is no choice : but whether to suffer well, or ill, whether after the manner of the Elect, or after that of the reprobate, whether for thy sanctification or for thy condemna- tion, this is optional with thee, this My Child, de- pends upon thy choice. 380 THE THIRD BOOK. Prepare thyself: nay, be ready for annoyances, which cease not to occur, and shall never cease. Do not believe, that thou shalt ever have a day without some trouble ; since there can never be a day, without its supply of malice. Neither do thou imagine, that with whatsoever efforts thou mayst make, thou shalt be enabled to escape. Even if thou withdraw into the wilderness alone, or cross the sea, or hide thyself in the utter- most boundaries of the earth, misery shall be thy companion everywhere, and shall ever follow thee as its cause or occasion, like a shadow pursues the body. Wherefore, My Child, if thou art wise, endeavor to make that useful which thou canst not avoid, by bearing the cross«of thy affliction with an even and well-disposed mind, as did the Saints, and by cheer-* fully following My footsteps. 6. If thou wilt undergo tribulation with ease and profit, do it for love of Me : this love will take away the heaviness and bitterness of thy cross, and, by its virtue, will sanctify thy cross, and thyself through its means. Whoso does not suffer his afflictions for love of Me, will not long carry his cross with alacrity ; but he will soon begin either to drag it along, toiling and groaning, or, overburdened by it, he will sink down in his wretchedness. If thou findest any difficulty in so suffering, My CHAPTER II. 381 Child, come thou to My Heart, and pray. Here thou shalt obtain relief, love, the unction of grace. My Child, hitherto I have never ceased telling thee, nor will I cease to repeat it, do thou pray, do not fail to pray. For behold! in prayer is everything: by prayer , thou art freed from evils : by prayer thou obtainest all good things ; in prayer thou hast a remedy for misfortune ; by prayer sorrow is soothed ; in prayer thou securest consolation and perseverance. 7. The voice of the Disciple . — There is, then, no escape, Lord Jesus: it is necessary to suffer either willingly or reluctantly. If I suffer willingly, I shall feel it less : if I suffer with reluctance, I add a greater burden. Wherefore, I must hold my heart ready to suffer, unless I desire to render myself wretched to no purpose. Although the necessity of suffering appears some- times hard, yet its advantage, which will sanctify me in life, and render me blissful during all eter- nity, is abundantly sufficient to arouse and stimu- late my heart. But if I love Thee, 0 most sweet Jesus, the sole thought of Thee will induce me to follow Thee with joy and alacrity, that I may be with Thee, that I may be assimilated to Thee, that I may give a proof of my love, that I may enjoy Thy love. 0 Jesus, infinite sweetness ! near Thee even bit- terness becomes sweet : for behold ! by Thy own THE THIRD BOOK. suffering, Thou didst take away and reserve for Thyself whatever is bitterest in afflictions ; and whatsoever of relish or sweetness there is in them Thou didst leave to us. 0 Jesus most compassionate, who didst love me so much, I entreat Thee, give me the sentiments of Thy Heart, that I may sanctify all my sufferings and promote, by their means, Thy honor and my own perfection. CHAPTER III. HOW THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS FELT DIS- POSED IN REGARD TO SUFFERINGS. 1. The voice of Jesus . — Consider, My Child, what were the sentiments of My Heart in suffering, and strive to imitate them. Behold ! during My mortal life, My Heart was ever suffering,- and rejoicing at the same time. Understand what I say, My Child. I speak not of My divine Will, since it was exempt from suffering, and incapable of it ; but of My human will. Por by this I practiced virtues : by this I acquired merits : by this I wrought the Redemp- tion of men. From the first existence of My Humanity, My Heart possessed the fullness of joy, by reason of CHAPTER III. 383 the Vision of the Divinity hypostatically united to It, which It ever enjoyed, and whereby I was su- premely blissful : and, at the same time, by a spe- cial dispensation, My Heart was suffering, in view of the cruelty and bitterness of the Passion, which It was to undergo. Moreover, at the same time, but under a different aspect, My Heart was grieved and rejoiced at Its sorrowful and bitter Passion. It was grieved, in as much as the sufferings were painful and disagreea- ble to My Humanity : It was rejoiced, in as much as God had willed and ordained them for the salva- tion of jnen. For My Heart was endowed with a human will, which, although one in itself, was, as it were, two- fold in its operation : the one inferior, — which of itself shrunk and fled from things distressful to the human nature : the other superior, w T hich, for loftier motives, deliberately loved and embrace 3 those same painful things. Both parts, the inferior as well as the superior, were ever upright, never ill-ordered, nor weakened by any defect whatsoever. The inferior, which regarded and desired the good and advantage of its own nature, and dreaded and shunned the sufferings of nature and death ; at the same time, allowed itself to be guided by the superior. The superior rendered the inferior, as well as it- self, submissive, and conformed to the divine Will, 384 THE THIRD HOOK. Hence the supernatural acts of virtues performed : hence merits : hence the plentifulness of the treas- ures of grace accumulated for men. Bemember, My Child, that thou possessest a similar will, not, indeed, equally perfect and unim- paired, yet truly free : and that in the same thou also findest an inferior and a superior part. 2. My Child, thou dost not always, nor at the same time, know all thou shalt have to suffer. It happens, through a special kindness and mercy, that, for the most part, thou dost not see them, ex' cept when they come upon thee, that thus thou mayst hear them the more easily one by one. But My suffering was ever in My sight. Wher- ever I was, all My future torments were constantly before My eyes. For at no time was hidden from Me, all that the Prophets had foretold I was to suffer, all that the ancient types and figures had foreshowed, all that the wickedness of the world and of hell, was to at- tempt, all the horrid tortures for which the sins of men were crying out, all that the insulted glory of My heavenly Father required, all that thy own wants, My Child, demanded. All, and each of these things, were before My eyes, and pressed unceasingly upon My Heart. But the love of My Heart brought it to pass, that I willingly endured and bore all. Love rendered everything savory to Me : labors and watchings, insults and mockeries, scourgings CHAPTER III. 385 and thorns, the cross, and whatsoever things were prepared by the divine Will for the blissfulness of men. Lo, My Child, the chief disposition of My Heart, love for God and for men. From this source flowed all Its other dispositions. 3. Hence arose that inexhaustible patience of My Heart, whereby I endured, without bitter feel- ing or complaint, so many things, so cruel and un- deserved. For love is patient; charity endures all things. Hence, amid all My sorrows and afflictions, the resignation of Heart to the divine good pleasure. For, with My Will, conformed by love to the di- vine Will, I was ready willingly to undergo every- thing. Hence My joy amid suffering. For he that loves, and understands the goodness of the object be- loved, is glad when he possesses the same. But My Heart understood perfectly the excellence of the divine Will ; therefore, too, It delighted to fulfill it, even amid many and various sufferings. Hence the supernatural longing of My Heart for suffering. For true love desires to testify effectu- ally its sincerity, tenderness and fidelity ; therefore My Heart was forever goaded on by love, — always desiring to consummate that Passion which was for God, and should remain for man, a manifest and ever-enduring proof of the sincerity, the tenderness, the fidelity, yea, of the excess of My love. 33 386 THE THIRD BOOK. 4. But, My Child, the love of My Heart went even beyond this. For to ravish the hearts of men, by its excess, and to inflame them with its own fire, this is what It willed, this is what I coveted. I had come to cast a fire upon the earth, and what did I will, except that it should be kindled? For this I had the baptism of My Blood, living and boiling hot, wherewith I was to be baptized. My Passion I mean, into which I was to be immersed, and plunged completely. And how was I straitened, until it were accom- plished ! how was My Heart burning, to open that heated bath, which by its wonderful power should cleanse, warm, stimulate, and enkindle the hearts of men ! This bath cleansed and inflamed the Apostles and Martyrs, the holy Confessors and Virgins, who were ready, with a pure heart, to suffer all things, tc follow Me through afflictions, mortifications, a thou- sand torments, a thousand deaths. And cannot also thy heart be enkindled, My Child? For this did I, all along, love thee so much, that I might inflame thee to love Me in return, that I might gain for Myself thy love. 5. My Child, if thou wouldst more frequently, and more attentively consider, to what a degree I have loved thee, and how many more reasons thou hast to love Me, than I have to love thee : thou wouldst, doubtless, be excited to requite My love with thine. CHAPTER III. 387 And, if love do once take possession of thy heart, it will produce therein sentiments, with respect to sufferings, akin to the sentiments of My Heart. The more thou lovest Me, the better wilt thou feel disposed toward sufferings : and with how much the more willing a heart thou sufferest, the more perfectly wilt thou love Me. If it happen, that thou relishest not the senti- ments of My Heart, with respect to afflictions, it is a sign that thy heart is not healthful, nay, that it is ill-affected : and, upon examination, thou shalt find that the cause thereof is, that thy heart, de- void of divine warmth, is benumbed by the cold- ness of a certain indifference, or is feverous with the viciated fire of self-love. However, from the very fact that thou art still so ill-disposed, that thou art unable to taste and relish those things which are so worthy of great souls, take thou occasion to bestir and stimulate thyself courageously. And desire, and covet at least, that thy heart may become animated with the same sentiments, that pervade Mine. 6. Pray frequently and fervently, even though nature struggle against it, that thou mayst be en- abled to understand the worth of these sentiments, and love the priceless advantage of them. If, in thus praying, thou art sincere, the eyes of thy mind shall be opened, so as to see clearly that the wisdom of the world, — which abhors the love THE THIRD BOOK. 388 of wholesome humiliations and mortifications, — is true folly ; but that the salutary love, which I My- self, coming down from heaven, taught by word and example, is purest wisdom. And if thou perseverest in prayer, plentiful grace shall be bestowed upon thee, religiously to embrace tribulations, and to endure them in a holy manner. Be not, however, satisfied with prayer alone: but endeavor also, according to the amount of grace, and of thy strength, to deny thyself, — to endure afflictions, and to carry the cross with Me. Blessed is he, who relishes sufferings which may sanctify him ! he certainly is taught rather by di- vine unction, than by human skill ; he is animated rather by grace, than by nature. There is nothing, My Child, whereby the true Disciples of My Heart are better distinguished, than by esteem and love of sufferings for My sake. 7. The voice of the Disciple . — 0 good Jesus ! how great was the charity of Thy Heart for me ! how unselfish Thy love ! how great Thy thirst for my felicity ! What things Thou didst suffer, and with how pure a love ! and all for me, to redeem me, to teach me, to console me, to unite me with Thee by love ! And can I ever forget Thee ? Can I ever love Thee enough ? It is little, I own, but meet and ]ust, that I love Thee with my whole heart, that by love I follow Thee even amidst adversity, even unto death. CHAPTER IV. 389 But, behold ! my Saviour God, I feel that I need great grace, to be able to love sufferings, and to follow the sentiments of Thy Heart amid suffer- ings. Unless I be helped from above, I cannot with merit deny myself, — -neither in great things nor in small, — embrace the cross with joy, overcome the feelings of nature, and accompany Thee throughout, even unto death. But since Thou invitest, nay even callest me to this : give me abundant grace, I beseech Thee, that thereby I may be enabled to effect what I cannot do of myself. Widen, therefore, my heart and implant, bounti- fully and deeply, therein the sentiments of Thy suf- fering Heart, that I too, with a meek and humble heart, may love to suffer for love of Thee, whatso- ever Thou mayst give me to endure. CHAPTER IV. WHAT ADVANTAGES THERE ARE IN SUFFERING WELL. 1. The voice of Jesus . — My Child, to thee it is given to understand the secrets of My Heart, to enter devoutly into them, to direct them fully tc thy progress. 390 THE THIRD BOOK. Hear, then, the secrets which are hidden from the world : learn thou the good things, which world- lings understand not. Behold, walking in the way of the cross, I the Creator have gone before My creatures ; I the Re- deemer before those whom I had set free ; I a Father before My children ; and to all men have I made it known, that, whosoever is willing to be a partaker of the unutterable bliss which awaits Me, at the end of the journey, should, with the proper interior disposition of heart, deny himself, and fol- low Me. But many, hearing this, have said at all times : This is a hard saying, and who can hear it? And, thenceforth, many withdrew and walked with Me no more. The Saints, however, and all they that were really willing to sanctify themselves, received My invita- tion with a thankful heart, and judged that their happiness, even upon earth, consisted in being with Me, in suffering with Me, and in persevering with Me through every trial unto the end. 2. And, indeed, My Child, what good is there on earth, which may not be found in suffering with Me? Here is true glory : a glory which is worthy of the divine approval : a glory which does not pass away with this world : a glory which shall endure and be exalted for evermore. This is the hidden treasure, wherewith is bought CHAPTER IY. 391 the kingdom of heaven, with its entire unending blessedness. This is the pure delight, exceeding all the feel- ings. For if thou arrivest at this, that thou rejoic- est in suffering with Me, thou obtainest possession of a spiritual Paradise of delights upon earth. 3. Whilst everything flows on according to na- ture’s inclinations, and whilst no trouble oppresses the heart, a person is wont to cling to creatures, to turn rarely toward Me, and to feel it irksome to busy himself with the things of eternity. But when he labors under adversity, and is pressed by afflictions, he turns again to his heart ; he perceives how vain, how perishable are all the things of this world ; he flies for aid to Me, whom he finds, by experience, most of all needed by him- self. Therefore, My Child, the kind Providence of My Heart is wont so to act, that they who are affluent with the possessions of this world, do not enjoy them without inconvenience, in order that thus they may be excited the more easily and effectively to seek the treasures of the life to come. For, if they possessed a quiet and undisturbed felicity amid worldly riches, they would, perhaps, not even think of laying up heavenly treasures. It is, then, a merciful dispensation, that evils abound in the world, lest the world might be loved, and its votaries might perish. 4. As fire consumes rust, and purifies gold, so 392 THE THIRD BOOK. sufferings exhaust and deaden the passions, and render virtues more pure and precious. By tribulation properly endured, My Child, thou redeemest thy sins, and thou satisfiest the divine justice, for punishments still due: in so much that, in this manner, thou canst have here a slight and consoling Purgatory, from which, through the gates of death, thou mayst deserve to wing thy flight to joys everlasting. What is there that can make thee merit more, than sufferings endured with a proper disposition of heart? For, behold! light and momentary tribulations work out for thee an ever-enduring weight of glory. Every affliction will add a new jewel to thy heav- enly crown, which shall glitter with as many rays, as thou hast performed acts of virtue. In adversity, man is freed from many false no- tions and errors, and instructed in many ways. Happy he that, in the school of affliction, is taught to be wise in all things ! What does he know, who has never experienced adversity, has never endured aught, either in- wardly or outwardly ? And wherein can he be use- ful in counsel or guidance either to himself or to others ? 5. Wherefore, Child, do not lose courage, when thou art tried or reproved by Me. For whom- soever I love, him do I lovingly reprove, in ordel CHAPTER IV. 393 to train him; and, in him, as a father in his sen, am I well-pleased. Thou shouldst, therefore, justly he glad amid sufferings, since therein thou mayst have an indi- cation of My esteem for thee, and a token of the fatherly love of My Heart. There is scarcely aught else to be found which produces a greater confidence in My Heart, or a freer access to It, than to suffer willingly for My sake. When thou art about to die, My Child, thou wilt rejoice over no circumstance of thy life so securely, nor find so safe a consolation in aught else, as in the most agreeable remembrance of having suffered much with Me. G. Very many study to shun the way of humili- ation and affliction ; pleading as an excuse, that they can both better glorify God and help their neighbor, in a more agreeable way. What a delusion ! They do not seek God nor their neighbor, but themselves. For the glory of God and the salvation of the neighbor are not to be promoted according to man’s, but according to G od’s good pleasure. Now, God indicated to His Son the manner of glorifying on earth His Majesty, and of saving the lost world. And this manner the Son followed by suffering, and by suffering He made it know T n to man. My Child, do thou follow this path which I My- 394 THE THIRD BOOK. self have trodden and showed to thee. And that thou mayst be able to keep it, pray thou frequently and fervently. But whilst praying, ponder thou devoutly all My sorrows of every kind, and the supernatural dispo- sitions of My Heart all the while. Do not consult merely natural inclinations or purely human feelings ; but, by means of super- natural principles, elevate thyself above sensible things, and view tribulations as sent by the divine Will, and, in as much as thou art able, embrace them affectionately. Courage, then, My Child ; cheer on thy heart. Behold Me, and all the Saints with Me, cheerfully treading the path of sufferings. Be thou bold to follow. With Me nothing is to be feared ; the company is select; the way safe ; the goal certain ; the reward everlasting. 7. The voice of the Disciple . — 0 Lord Jesus! who will not be roused up to follow Thee? Who does not feel his heart burning w r ithin him, whilst Thou utterest these things about the way ? But it is one thing to be enkindled by Thee, and another to follow Thee ; it is one thing to meditate, and quite a different one to act : yea, it is one thing to know virtue, and another to practice the same. I acknowledge that the love of sufferings is a most excellent virtue ; I admire it in my mind, I do even love it in my heart ; but, when an occasion of actually practicing it presents itself, behold ! self-love begins CHAPTER IY. 395 forthwith to torment me, secret pride darkens my understanding and forces upon me a thousand ex- cuses, a thousand specious pretenses. Whilst thus I am miserably struggling with myself, the chance of suffering something for Thy sake flies away, and, I must confess it to my shame, I frequently wish myself joy, if I escape unharmed from the struggle. 0 most kind Jesus! look Thou graciously, I be- seech Thee, upon this my misery; and grant me in Thy mercy to be able, by Thy grace, to do that which, by my frailty, I cannot effect. Great is my weakness, great the power of my refractory nature, which shrinks from the very thought of pain or humiliation. But the reason why I am so weak and slug- gish, — so that I dare not go contrary to nature, — is, that I do not love Thee sufficiently. 0 most sweet Jesus! were I to love Thee, like Thy Saints, how easy, how pleasant even, would it be to triumph over the repugnance of nature ! Grant me. therefore, I pray Thee, this singular grace, that I may love Thee with a more perfect love, — with a love courageous and generous ; that it may strongly attract me, — despite the opposition of nature, — through all hardships, to Thee, 0 Jesus* my lift, my delight, my beatitude. 396 THE THIRD BOOK. CHAPTER Y. HOW, AFTER THE EXAMPLE OF THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS, WE MUST CONFORM OURSELVES AMIDST AFFLICTIONS TO THE DIVINE WILL. 1. The voice of Jesus . — My Child, I had now en- lightened the world by My doctrine, enkindled it with My love, and rendered it blissful, to 1 a certain extent., by the perpetual gift of My Whole Self: nothing remained, except to complete all by under- going the utmost sufferings through an excess of o o o o that same love. Having, therefore, left the Supper-room, I went whither the Will of My Father called Me, whither also the desire of My Heart directed Me : to the mountain of the Olives. Ponder well, My Child, what were the sentiments of My Heart, whilst I proceeded in the silence of the night, and beheld distinctly rushing upon Me all and each one of the torments of My Passion. Sorrowful journey! journey filled with* unutter- able distress and anguish of Heart ! Yet, I went on courageously, because I was following the divine good pleasure. As throughout My life, so now, whilst sorrows were falling upon Me from every side, My Heart united with the divine Will, generously and lov- ingly embraced adversity, as the gift of My Father’s Will. CHAPTER Y. 397 2. Thus also thou, My Child, when thou art suf- fering, do not regard the afflictions in themselves but lift up thy eyes and consider the divine Will, that sends them to thee for thy good, although thy- self dost not see that they are for thy advantage. Indeed, Child, except sin, nothing takes place without the divine Will. But whatsoever happens, sin excepted, is good, not evil, since it proceeds from a Will essentially just, and is a divinely ap- pointed means of sanctifying man. For the divine Will, which is guided by infinite Wisdom, sustained by infinite Power, moved by in- finite Goodness, is indeed able to effect whatsoever it wills, but it can will nothing absolutely for mor- tals, except what is good for them. And since creatures, whatever they may wickedly attempt, cannot impede the divine Will concerning thee; so often as anything, which is not sinful in any manner, befalls thee, it is manifest that it hap- pens by the divine Will, and is for thy good. Sin, however, as He is infinitely good, God can- not will : but, in His infinite Providence, He may and does permit it, — both that He may not take away man’s free-will, and that, by a way which will be understood and admired in the other world, He may extol His own perfections. Infinitely perfect as He is, He knows how to draw good out of evil : and He judged it better to draw good out of evil, than not to permit that evil should be possible 398 THE THIRD BOOK. 3. My Child, some things happen, which a per- son cannot avoid, and must endure, whether he likes it or not. Happy he that, under these occurrences, resigns himself to the divine Will, and strives to conform himself thereto, so that, uniting his own with the divine Will, he suffers no longer through necessity, but of his own accord ! By this voluntary resigna- tion, tribulations become not only meritorious, but also lighter. Would that thou didst w T ell understand this, My Child, so that, when afflictions of this kind present themselves, thou do not, through a blameworthy opposition, lose all merit, and add misery to misery ! For what can be more miserable in this life, than never to will what shall always be, and ever not to will what shall ever be ? Other things happen, which one cannot escapo without sin ; so that he must either endure them, or incur guilt. 0 how unwisely, how unbecomingly do they act who, to be free from troubles, do not hesitate to have recourse to unlawful means ! Is it proper so to use the portion of My chalice, which is truly a divine gift, and which is never sent, before it has been tasted and seasoned by My Heart ? Lastly, other things again occur, which man may turn aside without guilt. Yet, when no virtue for- bids, it is according to the divine good pleasure to embrace the same cordially. CHAPTER Y. 399 My Child, if thou art a true Disciple of My Heart, thou “wilt allow no occasion of this kind to pass by : but, holding thy heart ever in readiness, when an opportunity presents itself of humbling and mortifying thyself without danger, thou wilt accept it as a gift from Me, and embrace it with the greater affection ; because, as nature has no share therein, and thy heart is moved solely by My good pleasure, thou art able to display a pure love for Me. Fervent Disciples of My Heart, — not satisfied with things which present themselves, — often, of their own accord, seek for apportunities of suffer- ing something for Me, and of conforming them- selves to Me ; for they know, that I delight espe- cially in this likeness to Me, as in a perfect evidence of their love. 4. There are they, who, with their mind and heart, ever live in the past, or in the future : who are wholly taken up with thinking over the causes or circumstances of wrongs, which formerly have been done to them, or hail afar off future adversity, whilst they studiously avoid the present. How greatly are those persons to be pitied ! for they are tormented by the past, and deluded by the future. In imagination, they endure much, attempt much : but in reality, they are wonderful self-tor- mentors, and vain dreamers. How many of them resolve to endure one day 400 THE THIRD BOOK. hard things, and meanwhile do not even bear what is easy ! Beware, Child, of an imaginary perfection, which covers self-love, and is altogether an illusion. Take advantage of the present, seize every op- portunity, how little soever, of practicing virtue : great occasions rarely, ordinary ones frequently occur : and a small matter, rightly endured, is a preparation for what is great. 5. My Child, if, in every occurrence, thou be- holdest My divine Will, thou wilt heed little, through whom it is that things adverse come upon thee, — whether through a Superior, an equal, or an inferior ; whether through one who is good, or one who is wicked : — but thou wilt receive them with- out distinction, regarding the divine Will alone, which makes use of various instruments for its own most holy ends. To help thy weakness : first, in suffering adver- sity, resign thyself, even unto patience : and, al- though thou neither lovest sufferings, nor art pleased with them, endure what is to be borne, without bitterness of heart, without uttering com- plaints. Employ all the means in thy power, and perse- vere therein, until thou hast become accustomed to be patient, and to be resigned to the divine Will, amidst troubles of ordinary occurrence. Having attained to the first degree, conform thy- self to My Will, in every affliction : willing the CHAPTER V. 401 same because I will it ; unwilling to be freed there- from, so long as I do not will that thou shouldst be free. To arrive at this, thou oughtest to pray much, that thy intellect may be enlightened from above, and that, by the aid of grace, thy will,— for super- natural motives, — may be solidly conformed to Mine, so that thou feelest persuaded, both by faith and love, that there is naught better than the di- vine Will. After reaching the second degree, aim thou at the highest. Strive, with all thy strength, so to unite thyself with the divine Will, as not only to be conformed thereto in suffering adversity, but to be the self-same with it. Then, My Child, shall this union of wills exist between us, when thy heart, — animated with the same sentiments toward the cross that possess Mine, — rejoices, like Mine, in uniformity with the divine good pleasure. This union of wills is an important matter, is true perfection, solid sanctity, Pure love alone begets this holy union, which cannot exist without elevat- ing and ennobling man, and rendering him bliss- ful. 6. My Child, if thou lovest Me, thou wilt also love My Will. It is enough for him that loves, to know the desire of the one beloved, in order to ex- ecute it with a joyful heart. Come, then, dearly beloved, embrace with thy 34 402 THE THIRD BOOK. heart’s whole affection the divine good pleasure ; and prove, in this manner, that thou art a true Disciple of My Heart, — a lover, not of thyself, but of Me. So act, so live, that I may find in thee a man ac- cording to My Heart,- — one who accomplishes all My wishes, as well in adversity as in prosperity. 7. The voice of the Disciple . — Most bountiful and sweet Jesus, whose only rule of life was the divine Will , behold ! by Thy grace, I resolve to strive ever to follow this most safe and most just rule. How much soever nature may resist, I am will- ing to suffer everything Thou mayst permit to be- fall me, through the means of any creatures what- soever, whether seen or unseen. Nothing, except what is good, can proceed from a Heart infinitely bountiful, which loves me more and better than I either do or can love myself. And I know, 0 Lord, that I shall have to un- dergo nothing, which has not first passed through Thy Heart, and has thus become sweet. If my vicious inclination rebel, and attempt to draw Thy Will toward ^itself, display, I beseech Thee, Thy Power : subdue the insolent foe, that he may not rise up again. O most loving Jesus ! 0 Thou fire that consum- est what is defective, and injurest not what is good : 0 Thou flame gently burning, and happily destroy- ing ! destroy within me every evil and inordinate will : enkindle and nourish in me a good and well- CHAPTER VI.' 403 ordered will, that may deem itself blissful, when in all things, even though adverse they he, it follows Thy divine good pleasure. CHAPTER VI. THAT THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS, TEACHES US IN AFFLICTION TO HAVE RECOURSE TO PRAYER. 1. The voice of Jesus . — My Child, when I had now entered the garden of the Olives, whilst the earth was silent all around, behold ! there rushed and pressed upon Me, on the one hand, all the sins of the world ; on the other, the frightful tortures of My Passion : and with such violence did they crowd upon My Heart, that, although It is the strength of them that are weak, It began to fear, to grow weary, sad, disconsolate. But when I beheld distinctly, that, — by the great sufferings taken upon Me with so much love, and offered up with so great a mercy for the salvation of all men, — not a few would refuse to be saved, and would, by a willful hard-heartedness, misuse them for their deeper destruction, and return Me at last nothing, except the blackest ingratitude : then, My Child, My Heart, growing faint with anguish, THE THIRD BOOK. 404 forced Me to exclaim : My soul is sorrowful even unto death ! However, having withdrawn from My Disciples and advanced a little, kneeling down, I prayed. Meanwhile, — by the struggle between the supe- rior and inferior part of My Heart, — My sorrows increasing to such a degree that My sweat became as drops of blood trickling down upon the ground, I fell upon My face, and, being in an agony, I prayed the longer. And as My agony, on account of that inward struggle, continued, I persevered in prayer : Father, if Thou wilt, remove this chalice from Me ; yet, not My Will but Thine be done. Yea, My Father, Thy Will be done ! Then, Child, sent from heaven, an Angel ap- peared, — not to take away the chalice of My Pas- sion, which My Father willed Me wholly to drain, — but to strengthen Me; that, when joy was set before Me without My Passion, despising the shame, I might voluntarily endure the cross. Reflect, My Child, how painful a struggle My Heart underwent that night : a struggle, the like whereof is not found : a struggle, on the result of which hung the salvation of the world. My Heart fought, laboring, wrestling, resisting even unto blood, and overcame : but It conquered in prayer. 2. Behold, My Child, behold a source of varied consolation for thee : My Heart struggling with CHAPTER YI. 405 death and praying : fighting by love, triumphing by love. For lo ! to what extent I felt the hardship of My sufferings, to what an extent I tasted their bitter- ness. And all this, Child, to teach, to relieve, to encourage thee. Be not then cast down, nor wonder, when thou feelest a repugnance to suffering. For, if My Heart, although holy and perfect, felt Its pains to such a degree, what wonder if thy heart feels them like- wise ? But never shalt thou experience, — never shalt thou feel so much as My Heart felt. Wert thou to endure at once in thy heart, whatever thou shalt have to suffer during thy whole life, it would be no more than a little drop of the chalice, which My Heart drained in the garden. Whatever may be the reluctance which thou ex- periencest in thyself, follow My example ; yield not to nature opposing, but go counter thereto. To this end, in every difficulty, in every anguish, hasten thou without delay to prayer. 3. If, when thou art troubled, thou hast recourse to prayer, distress will ever prove gainful to thee. By prayer thou shalt either be delivered from it with merit, or thou shalt be helped to endure it, for thy good. Come, then, Child, and with knees bent, or with thy heart at least humbly prostrate, pray thou like Myself : pray that, if it be the divine Will, the cup 406 HE THIRD BOOK. of thy affliction may pass away ; yet not so that thine, but the divine Will be done. Pray if this chalice may not pass away, that thou obtain grace, to be resigned, to submit thyself to drink it. Be of good cheer, My Child ; under no circum- stances shalt thou ever have afflictions which will require thee to struggle so much, in order to be re- signed, as I had to contend. Thou shalt never have a contest which will cause thee a bloody sweat. Whatsoever difficulty thou maysfc have, exert thyself, wrestle, fight with thyself, to overcome thy feeling. Struggling again and again, pray, and pray the longer, until thou hast rendered thy heart conformed to the divine Will, and prepared it, in spite of nature, to follow Me through every hard- ship which may be sent it from above. 4. It is a great misfortune for thee, Child, that thou art wont to have recourse to prayer rather slowly, and first to try human skill ; that thou suf- ferest the unwearied enemy of thy salvation, and the ill-regulated propensity of nature, to obtain too great a sway over thy heart. Hearken not to the suggestions of the devil, nor of any passion whatsoever. For, by false reason- ings, they seek to deceive, to injure thee. Forbid ding thyself all reasoning, all intercourse with them, come thou forthwith to My Heart : here is thy counsel, here thy help, here thy comfort. CHAPTER VI. 407 Sven had an Angel visibly to be sent down from heaven, thou shouldst not be left without consoling aid, if thou prayest, as it behooves thee. And if, despite thy pious efforts, thou continuest to feel an opposition within thyself, be not on that account dejected. Provided thy will be resigned to the divine Will, this repugnance felt, indeed, but not willed, so far from doing thee harm, shall, on the contrary, if thou strugglest against it, be of the greatest advantage to thee. It is the characteristic of an heroic Disciple of My Heart, to pray and endeavor with all his strength 'o overcome himself completely, — as well in those things from which nature shrinks, as in those to which it is prone. 5. When thou prayest in affliction, Child, thou oughtest so to pray, that thou art willing to be re- signed,— whether thou obtainest relief, or, in its stead, receivest something else, which is better for thee, because more conformable to the divine Will; or whether thou tastest sweetness, or experiencest bitterness. For that prayer is not the best, in which the greatest consolations are felt ! Since what is sweet is not always useful, nor is that which is bitter al- ways hurtful. Nay more, in man’s present state sweetness is wont to do harm, bitterness to be ad- vantageous. That is the best prayer, from which thou goest with greater humility and greater charity, and feel 408 THE THIRD BOOK. est so disposed, that, in order to do the good plea- sure of God, thou art willing to go efficaciously against whatsoever is pleasing to nature, and to em- brace whatsoever is displeasing thereto. How pitiful a sight before God, and Angels and men, to see persons, who daily pray long and much) go thence and carry naught away with them, ex- cept faults of negligence and abuse of grace, or a more delicate pride and self-love, — having in no wise become better inclined toward their duties, nor abler to bear the defects of their neighbor, and still unwilling to curb their own inclinations. Thou, My Son, do thou pray better, as taught by My example. Pray, and overcome nature : pray, and resign and conform thyself to the divine good pleasure. These arduous efforts shall not long be needed. Yet a little while, and thou shalt not now prepare thy- self for tribulations, nor encourage thyself in them : but thou shalt sing glad and glorious triumphs with the Saints, who all have come out of great tribula- tion, and who now, in their reward, are enraptured by the unbroken excess of rejoicings, and exult for evermore. 6. The voice of the Disciple . — Thanks to Thee, most compassionate Jesus, true comforter of them that are in pain : thanks to Thee ; for that Thou consolest me so disinterestedly and so gently, amid all the repugnance I am wont to feel in regard to sufferings ; and for that, at so great a cost to CHAPTER YI. 409 Thyself, Thou didst open for me a source of reme- dies in every affliction. By what Thou didst so mercifully deign to un- dergo, I see, with the greatest consolation, that natural reluctance can not hurt a good will — which alone Thou regardest, and to which alone Thou grantest peace upon earth. 0 Lord, 0 Thou the consolation of men, and the joy of Angels! who, when afflicted, didst be- take Thyself to prayer : grant, I beseech Thee, that, after Thy example, in every tribulation, I may forthwith have recourse to the remedy of prayer; thus to sacrifice the opposition of nature, and to cause myself to be resigned and conformed to the divine Will. Thy Heart, most benign Jesus, is the open and safe refuge of all them that are miserable : behold, I entreat Thee, my weakness; arouse me, impel me, that in every difficulty, under every circum- stance, I may flee to the same — may there find bliss, and derive thence strength and courage. 0 sweet Jesus, my love and my every good ! 1 beg and implore Thee, bestow upon me the grace always and everywhere to repose with Thee, in the divine Will, and to continue thus with Thee forever. 410 THE THIRD BOOK. CHAPTER VII. HOW THE MOST SACRED HEART OP JESUS TEACHES US, AMID TRIBULATION TO USE THE AID OP CREATURES. 1. The voice of Jesus . — My Child, when I rose from prayer, following the good pleasure of My heavenly Father, I came to My Disciples, to teach thee by My example, as well as to obtain through them some comfort in My extreme affliction. But alas ! I found them heavy with sadness, and buried in sleep, so that, when awakened, far from offering Me any relief, they knew not what to say ; and instead of giving Me comfort, they themselves needed solace. It was the bitterest bitterness to My Heart, Child, to see those very ones — whom I had trained with more than a father’s care, whom I had cherished with so great a love, whom I had solaced so often, — now, during My Passion, so indifferent, so heedless, that they could not even for one hour watch with Me. Where are now those promises, lately made, that they would be faithful to Me, even unto death? where is now their pledged word? where that con- stancy so solemnly avowed? All this has van- ished ; but it passed through My Heart ; and oh ! how deep a wound did it inflict ! ♦ However, since, whilst I was suffering, I did not CHAPTER VII. 411 go to My Disciples, except by the Will of My Father, according to the same good pleasure of My Father, I embraced, with My Heart resigned, the pains which followed My recourse to them. 2. It is not then forbidden, My Child, amid dis- tresses, to resort for comfort to creatures, provided it be done in a befitting manner. Now, thou wilt do it in this manner, if thou appli- estto creatures solely as a means of conforming and uniting thyself more easily and more perfectly to the divine Will. It is peculiar to the more perfect Disciples of My Heart, to suffer, and to conceal, so far as allowed, their suffering from man ; and to lay open and com- municate to Me alone the afflictions of their hearts. But thou, Child, if thou art not yet able to reach so great a hight of perfection, go thou, after having first prayed, go thou to some pious and interior person, not indeed to receive sensible comfort from him, but to be relieved and assisted, so as the bet- ter to come to My Heart, the fountain of true con- solation, and to cling to Me rather than to any other solace whatever. Indeed, if thou art truly wise, to cleave to Me ought ever to be thy greatest comfort. For, united to Me, even shouldst thou be deprived of all other solace, thou shalt calmly repose upon My Heart. And what can there be more sweet? what more secure ? 3. So often as in thy troubles thou needest coun- 412 THE THIRD BOOK. sel or guidance, or art exposed to the danger 01 delusion, do not trust in thyself alone, lest thou err in thy own sense, and be deceived by the appearance of good. For it is chiefly in these matters* that I am wont to lead man by man ; both that the order of My divine Providence may shine forth the more clearly, and that men may love each other the more dearly — when they find, by experience, that they are not sufficient for themselves, but that each needs the assistance of the other. And they who, under such circumstances, deem themselves too wise to need the direction of others, are wont to have a termination full of dangers. Sometimes, also, to have recourse to created means is not only a counsel of security, but a pre- cept of obligation. It has been most wisely and properly established and ordained, that man should be helped by the other creatures, which were made for his real good ; that at one time, by abstaining from them, he may practice virtue ; at another, that he may be exer- cised by them for his salvation and perfection ; and again, that he may use them as means. Marvelous is My Providence in all My works. All things serve Me : if thou lovest Me, Child, they shall also serve thee. 4 . Now, when it behooves thee t© use creatures as a means, this use should be carefully attended to, and the result should so be looked for, that, in CHAPTER VII. 413 whatsoever way the matter may turn out, thou art resigned to the divine Will. For, after having employed a sufficient diligence, the result, whatever it be, will be to thee a sign of the divine good pleasure. Sometimes I inspire designs, to the execution whereof I will that men should apply themselves with courage and perseverance ; although I do not will their success. In which event they ob- tain a two-fold advantage ; on the one hand, the merit of the labor for a successful execution ; on the other, the merit of resignation at the unfavora- ble result.. If any of thy affairs have an unhappy end, through thy fault, grieve thou for the fault, but accept with patience the pain of the misfortune, and bear it wil- lingly. For the fault is, indeed, contrary to My Will, but the pain consequent on the fault, is ac- cording to My Will: therefore, the fault must be grieved for and detested, but the pain should be embraced and lovingly undergone. And, if any misfortune happen through another’s Fault, resign thyself even in such an event ; neither do thou lose thy patience nor peace of heart. For, if I permit the successful issue of anything to be hindered by the fault of others, this is itself a sign, that I do not will thou shouldst be successful. And as, whilst permitting the fault, I hate it, and will, at the same time, the unfavorable issue of thy undertaking : so do thou, with a similar disposition 414 THE THIRD BOOK. of heart, abhor that fault and embrace the unpropi- tious result. 5. My Child, were thy heart rightly disposed, ffhou wouldst be resigned under all circumstances ; that thus thou mightst gather from each of them a new pearl to adorn thy heavenly crown. Assuredly, a great and supernatural discernment is required for the right use of creatures : for even if one begins with a good intention to employ them, »he may easily become entangled and go wrong. Thou shouldst pray, therefore, and implore the light and assistance of grace, that thou mayst re- main free ; and neither fail by the neglect of created means, nor exceed in the use of them. 6. The voice of the Disciple . — 0 Jesus, Thou the first and last refuge of the afflicted heart! what consolation can all creatures together afford, if the unction of Thy Heart’s sweetness is wanting. So often as, in my afflictions, through an ill- ordered inclination, or some reason contrary to Thy Will, I have had recourse to creatures and sought consolation in them, so often did I return from them more deeply afflicted and rendered desolate. But this happened through the goodness of Thy Heart, that I might be happily pressed, and com- pelled, in some manner, to return to Thee, infinite sweetness, and pour out my sorrow-stricken heart before Thee, — who art ever near to them that are CHAPTER VIII. 415 troubled in heart, — and who alone art mighty to give true consolation. Thanks to Thee, most benign Jesus, for the great kindness of Thy Heart, whereby Thou didst deal so mercifully and so savingly with me. 0 Lord, my light and my salvation ! illumine my understanding, that in presence of creatures I may look upon Thee alone : purify my affections, that in the use of them I may ever love Thee ; and grant that, disengaged from all, I may repose in Thee alone. Guide me by Thy Spirit, Lord Jesus, and make me so use creatures, that I be pleasing to Thee; and so pass through the evils of time, that I obtain the good things of eternity. CHAPTER VIII. HOW, AFTER THE EXAMPLE OF THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS, WE SHOULD SUFFER THE OPPO- SITION AND PERSECUTION OF MEN. 1. The voice of Jesus . — Dearly beloved, the hour had now come, when the Son of man would be de- livered into the hands of sinners. Behold, Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve Apos- tles, and with him a great multitude with lanterns and tools, with clubs and swords. 416 THE THIRD BOOK. And he went before them, as the leader of' My persecutors: and accosting Me with a false heart: Hail, Rabbi, said he : and forthwith he kissed Me ; and so betrayed Me to them. But I, knowing all that was to come, was more intensely grieved, in My innermost Heart, at the wretched fate of My unhappy Disciple and of the crowd, than at My own suffering. Wherefore, I began to try My utmost, and leave naught undone to soften and win their hearts. Disregarding altogether* the insult offered, with a friendly countenance, and a more loving Heart, I kindly addressed that Apostle : Friend, whereto art thou come? His heart remaining insensible to so great a goodness, — to make him enter into himself, I urged him gently, and powerfully at the same time, to cause him to understand that I knew his crime, and to induce him to reflect on the enormity thereof : Judas, said I, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss? When he heeded not My saving voice, but, on the contrary, hardened his heart, then, at last, I had recourse to My omnipotence, yet so as not to interfere with his free-will. Behold now, by a miracle, at the mere sound of My voice, as if struck by lightning, I laid prostrate the treacherous Disciple and his whole crowd ; and sent, at the same time, a powerful grace to his heart. That unfeeling heart was moved; but he CHAPTER VIII. 417 was unwilling to hearken to its emotion ; he felt tho grace, but he would not yield to the same. 2. My Child, if by meditation thou wert able, to some extent, to understand with how great a love My Heart had, at all times, pursued them, from whom I received such things in return, and how It had ever heaped new favors upon them ; thou shouldst comprehend how unutterable were the sorrows which, like torrents, rushed upon and over- flowed My Heart. When thou hast anything similar to suffer, Child, do not lose courage : but let the example, which I gave thee for thy instruction and comfort, animate and console thee. Yerily I say to thee, Child, thou shalt suffer dis- tress in the world : but have confidence and fear not, because I am with thee. Eemember My laying : The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted Me, what wonder, if they also persecute thee ? If the world hate thee, call to mind how it hated Me first. 3. Know this, My Child, so long as thou art the Disciple of My Heart, — so as to abhor the world and its sentiments, — that wicked enemy will oppose thee. Thy manner of acting it will call hypocrisy, sin- gularity, or some other vice. At one time, it will pretend that it pities thee : at another, it will make a mockery of thee. Wlicn thou withdrawest into solitude, it will ac- 418 THE THIRD BOOK. cuse thee of melancholy or sourness of temper : if thou appearest in public, it will endeavor to blacken thy virtues ; and thy faults it will either exaggerate beyond measure, or flatter thee for them unto thy destruction. If, according to the zeal of thy charity, thou la- borest for the salvation of the world ; thou shalt, for the most part, find an unfeeling indifference, or receive in return bitter ungratefulness. These things, and the like, will the votaries of the world do to thee, — not the open ones alone, but also they that are secretly such ; not only they that publicly persecute Virtue, but also they that appar- ently seem to reverence piety, but, in reality, think hardly otherwise than the very worldlings. Behold, Child, these things I have foretold thee, that when they come to pass thou mayst remember My Word ; and, cheered on by My example, remain firm in thy resolve, and be enabled to feel compas- sion for them that afflict thee, to pray for them, and even to be zealous for their salvation. Assuredly, such wretched men are deserving of all pity; they injure themselves rather than thee. 4. My Child, thou must expect this during thy lifetime, that thou shalt often experience, that men will oppose thee, and that they, who once were for thee, — being now unaccountably changed, — will be against thee. Beware, then, of men ; do not rely upon them CHAPTER VIII. 419 whilst they favor thee, nor be thou troubled when they go against thee. If thou deportest thyself so toward others as to keep thy heart pure and free ; thou wilt resign thy- self to Me, with more ease and profit, when they trouble thee ; and thou shalt preserve thy peace and gain merit. Go, Child, dwell among men wheresoever thou wilt: thou shalt find everywhere those that will try thy patience. Shouldst thou deal with the devout only ; shouldst thou live among persons secluded from the world, and with body and soul consecrated to Me, even there thou shalt not be secure against opponents. If among My twelve Apostles there was one who persecuted Me, wonder not that among them that profess a life of piety, yea, even the religious state, there be found some who oppose thee. 5. Yea, Child, all they that desire to lead an in- terior life shall suffer persecution. For to an in- terior and devoted Disciple of My Heart, persecu- tion is never wanting. And, indeed, persecution is manifold ; just as martyrdom is manifold. For there is persecution from enemies, and from friends : there is persecution from visible foes, and from the invisible as well : there is persecution from the wicked, and also from the good. So, there is a martyrdom of faith, there is also 420 THE THIRD BOOK. one of charity : there is a martyrdom of the body, there is also one of the soul ; lastly, there is a great martyrdom of the heart. My Child, if thou desirest to become a perfect Disciple of My Heart, thou must, in some manner or other, be a martyr. For, as such a Disciple, thou art a companion of the Saints. Gaze, therefore, upon that mighty host which no one can count, standing before the throne of the divine Majesty, with palms in their hands, the symbol of martyrdom. Although the Saints did not all shed their blood, all did, however, undergo sufferings, that they might obtain the palm of some martyrdom. 6. But observe, My Child, that no one, who is truly a martyr, chooses for himself, by his own will, his own martyrdom ; but that he suffers that one which has been inspired, or appointed him from above. Believe thou, therefore, that to be thy martyr- dom, whatsoever has been presented to thee by di- vine Providence in thy state, employment, or other circumstances, wherein thou art placed. To obtain an opportunity of suffering martyr- dom, it is not necessary to betake thyself to infidel and barbarous nations, or to look for an avowed persecutor of the Church. The world persecutes thee : man troubles thee : one betrays thee ; another mocks and derides thee : this one humbles thee : that one opposes thee : cor* CHAPTER VIII. 421 rupfc nature, or an ill-regulated propensity, resists tliee : something else is a source of grief to thee : lo, My Child, here is thy persecutor. Despite the contradiction of men and their oppo- sition : dispite their sayings and annoyances, thou keepest bravely and generously the precepts of re- ligion and thy rules, thou practicest virtue, and employest thyself in piety : behold thy martyrdom of faith. Thou prayest for thy persecutors : thou lovest and helpest, in spite of natural repugnance, thy neighbors who are ill-affected toward thee : thou art zealous for their salvation, and offerest up for them thy prayers, labors, and sufferings : behold thy martyrdom of charity. Sickness torments thee : thy head, thy breast, thy limbs are aching : hard work is killing thee : behold the martyrdom of the body. Thou sufferest interior anguish : thou feelest racking temptations : or such things as divine love employs to purify altogether, and to perfect thy soul: behold the martyrdom of the soul, and of the heart. But remember, My Child, that for those who have attained to the use of reason an unwilling martyrdom, or one which they endure for some cause or reason, whatsoever it may be, is of no avail ; for it must be undergone willingly, with re- signation, or, at least, with patience, for the love of God. It is not enough, then, to suffer, but thou 422 THE THIRD BOOK. must suffer voluntarily for My love. A martyr- dom, not quickened by divine love, is dead and worthless. Behold ! Child, a manifold crown is offered to thee, one which thousands of mortals of every state and condition of life have eagerly sought for, one which so many youths and maidens have exultingly borne off : and art not thou also able and willing to pursue and obtain the same ? Look up to heaven : contemplate the glory of the Saints, and their blessedness ; remember that they are thy brothers and sisters : raise thy cour- age, secure for thyself a crown and palm, that thou mayst be received among them. 7. The voice of the Disciple . — 0 most sweet Jesus, Thou who art the Chief and Crown of Mar- tyrs, the Comforter of mortals! I frequently expe- rience that men are opposed to me, and I feel it deeply. If, however, I be sincere, I am forced to confess, that I have no cause of complaint : for I, the mean- est and most ungrateful of men, have followed Ju- das and his throng against Thee, my Lord and God. Hence, I own it, I truly deserve to be abhorred by every creature. Hence I am every way unwor- thy to be loved by Thee, or to be admitted among the sainted Disciples of Thy Heart. Yet, since Thou hast a Heart so kind, that Thou didst desire to admit even Judas, and didst uss CHAPTER IX* 423 every endeavor to gain him ! how can I distrust or fear ! On the contrary, how great a hope and con- fidence should I not have, that, how wretched so- ever I may be, Thou wilt not cast me off, when I come to Thee, but wilt mercifully receive and help me ! Relying, therefore, upon the goodness and grace of Thy Heart, I resolve to make atonement for my past infidelity by my persevering love ; to undergo for love of Thee the martyrdom graciously offered to me ; and thus, finally, to sanctify myself to the everlasting joy and glory of Thy Heart. CHAPTER IX. HOW, AFTER THE EXAMPLE OF THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS, WE SHOULD BEAR TO BE FOR- SAKEN BY PERSONS WHO ARE SERVICEABLE OR NEEDFUL TO US. 1. The voice of Jesus . — When the crowds had drawn near, and laid hands on Me, behold ! My Dis- ciples all fled, and left Me alone in the midst of My enemies. Such are they, My Child, whom I had chosen ; whom I had trained with all the care, solicitude, and love of My Heart; to whom I had made known all things whatsoever I had heard of My Father. 424 THE THIRD BOOK!. These are the very same, that, a little before, had all, in like manner, protested that, even if it were necessary to die with Me, they would not deny Me. But now, when it was the power of darkness, and the time of trial, forgetful of Me, their Saviour and Father, they all became runaways. Reflect, Child, how grievously this total dere- liction on the part of My Disciples wounded My Heart. Give heed also, and ponder, with what sentiments of Heart I bore this affliction. 2. If thou dost truly enter into these sentiments of My Heart, thou shalt be able to endure calmly and meritoriously for My sake, to be forsaken by all men whomsoever. It happens not rarely, that man is suffered to be abandoned, even in his distress, by persons very useful or necessary to him, that thus he may be as- similated more perfectly to Me, and be raised higher in sanctity. This shows forth more gloriously the power of My love, which so strengthens weak man, that, though alone, he stands ever firm / even whilst the raging winds and storms of adversity are rush- ing upon him. This, too, is oftentimes useful, that man may wholly free himself from creatures, and leave him- self completely. For when, on the one hand, he sees himself for- saken by men, he easily withdraws his heart from CHAPTER IX. 425 them to give it to Me, who abandon no one; and when, on the other hand, he perceives that he is unequal to the troubles which assail him, he comes, as it were of his own accord, to Me, and throws himself, and all he has, into My paternal bosom. It is, indeed, heroic and worthy of the divine approval, that a person abandoned by all, be equally satisfied with this dereliction, — love the more purely those who forsake him , endure willingly, for My love, the loss of men’s affections, and repose, amidst all accidents, in Me alone. This, surely, is the mark of a humble heart, which gives itself wholly to My love. 3. When one possesses the affections of another, — although he may have a good enough object in view, — he frequently allows much to creep in which is ill-regulated, or at least merely human. But I , — who am a zealous lover of the heart, who do not wish that man’s heart should be busied except with Me or for Me, — am wont so to arrange matters, that he is sometimes forsaken or' discarded by mortals, even by those who it seems ought to have shared with him his weal or woe till death. A person must contend much and long with him- self, that he may order perfectly the denre of being loved by others. The voice of the Disciple. — But, 0 Lord, is it evil, without a bad intention, to desire, or even seek to be loved by others ? The voice of Jesus . — My Child, it is one thing 36 426 THE THIRD BOOK. to wish or seek this for thyself, and another to de- sire, or to seek it, for My sake. If thou seekest another’s affections in order to delight or repose thyself therein : if thou desirest them on account of personal qualities, to indulge thy own inclination : finally, if, in any manner, thou so wishest for them, as, either directly or indirectly, to finish with self — some gratification of nature : thou wouldst fain be loved for thy own sake. If, on the contrary, thou desirest or strivest to gain the love of others in order to devote thyself to My interests, to secure their everlasting salvation, or to promote the perfection of souls, — to extend the kingdom of My love, to wun hearts for Me : be- hold ! thou seekest to be loved for My sake. Now, My Child, if, in a direct or indirect manner, thou aspirest to be loved for thyself ; this, although it be done with no evil intention, is inordinate, — since not thou, but I Myself am thy end : therefore, it is imperfect, and, what is more to be dreaded, it is wont not only to lead to sin, but also to entangle men therein. But, if thou desirest to be loved for My sake, thy love is well-ordered, it is pure, it is love for Me ; it is a love with whbh the Saints have loved, and sought to be loved ; ty means of which they have accomplished much good, and which thou, Child, shouldst employ in like manner. 4. There is hardly anything in the world, to which the human heart cleaves more feelingly, than CHAPTER IX. 427 to friendship, which — full of change as it is — is wont to be either very advantageous or very preju- dicial. A precious possession hard to find, more difficult to keep, is genuine, pure friendship, whereby one loves another sincerely for love of Me ; whereby one seeks the true good of another as his own ; whereby, without flattery, without human respect, one takes care to correct the faults of the other, to cheer him on and assist him to acquire virtue and sanctity ; whereby one is faithful to the other in adversity and prosperity, in death, yea after death, as well as during life. My Child, if thou lovest any one, and so lovest him, that thou growest uneasy in consequence ; that* thou art moved rather frequently to occupy thy mind or heart with him, at proper and improper times; that thou desirest to hold long or frequent conversations with him ; that thou givest heed to his outward accomplishments, and entertainest or directest thy affections by them ; that thou makest bold to express thy admiration for him or to flatter him in his presence ; that thou callest his defects by an honorable name, or excusest them ; that thou takest ill that others be loved by him ; that thou seemest in some sort inconsolable, (r too unhappy, when thou must altogether part with him ; then thy love, thy friendship, is not genuine nor pure, even if thou do not observe it, even if thou do not sus- pect it. But if, on the contrary, thou experiencest 428 THE THIRD BOOK. none of these things, thou hast a good sign in favor of thy love and friendship. My Child, if thou hast a true and sincere friend, a rare treasure, deport thyself in a becoming man- ner in his regard, and so deal with him, that whether he remain faithful or prove faithless, thou never regret to have so acted. But, although friendship, founded upon love for Me, is of itself good, thou shouldst, however, keep thy heart so free, that, if I so dispose things, thou art willing to possess Me alone, instead of all others, as the friend who suffices for thee. Thy heart shall never be altogether quiet, nor prepared for an intimate union with Me, — whatso- • ever else thou mayst do, — unless, soaring beyond every natural affection, it love with My love alone, and repose in the sole love of Me. Wherefore, Child, centre thy affections on Me ; bind thy heart to Mine, that it may neither fall nor shake, if men withdraw themselves. 5. What are men except pliant and frail reeds, whereon thou canst not lean securely, if thou wilt not expose thyself to the risk of reeling or falling ? Even should mortals not depart from thee, thou thyself must in a short time depart from them, — since death separates each and all. When thou art forsaken by men, thou shalt no- where find a surer nor greater solace than near Me, — who was, for love of thee, treated in like manner. Be not exasperated, Child, nor do thou complain, CHAPTER IX. 429 as if thou didst not deserve to be so dealt with, at least by this or by that one. Ah, My Child ! if thou art not willing to suffer, except from whomso it may please thee, w r hat prin- ciple of virtue dost thou possess ? And if thou art willing to suffer only what thou hast deserved, what is there great in that ? or what therein is worthy of a Disciple of My Heart ? 6. If any do, in some manner or other, fall away from thee, show to them by thy friendly disposition, thy mildness, and thy honorable treatment of them, what pure charity is able to do, which, — overlook- ing all repugnances of natural feeling. — devotes itself rather to their good than to thy own inclina- tion, even after they have rendered themselves un- worthy. It is true, Child, it is difficult so to go against nature : but a humble Disciple of My Heart, one who is animated by love for Me, does not regard the opposition of nature, but the object of his love : and, whilst another, in his coldness and lukewarm- ness, remains hesitating, he, in his fervor, has al- ready surmounted the difficulty. Inflame thy heart with the fire of love, where- with My Heart is burning : glow thou with that fire: love thou with that love : if thou do this, be- hold ! all difficulties will flee before thee and dia appear. 7. The voice of the Disciple . — Blessed ir- * j who, enkindled and enraptured with love for '/ 1 ' 430 THE THIRD BOOK. follows Thee, 0 Jesus, love of love, diune charm of the heart ! He runs cheerfully through every hardship ; and soon, rising above everything of man and self, with heart dilated, on the expanded wings of divine love, is borne aloft with Thee, — se- curely united to Thee. 0 most sweet and bountiful Jesus! grant me, I beg and entreat Thee, this love so fervent, so effica- cious, whereby I may love Thee for Thyself, and naught beside, save for Thyself: whereby I may endure it with ease, if Thou suflerest me to be for- saken by men. Be Thou only forever with me : Thou alone wilt be enough. Should all, abandoning me, betake themselves to flight, my heart shall not be troubled, if Thou art with me. This alone do I crave, and will not cease to ask, that they who shun and forsake me, may not shun nor abandon Thee : but, on the eontrai^, may cling to Thee more closely, may love Thee more per- fectly. CHAPTER X. 431 CHAPTER X. HOW WE MAY IMITATE THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS MADE A PRISONER. 1. The mice of Jesus . — My Child, the soldiers and the attendants of the Jews, rising from the ground, rushed upon Me, and having seized Me, they bound Me. Eehold, Child, behold the Lamb of God in the hands of the executioners, bound for the sacrifice! bound, because He willed it; and He willed it be* cause He loved. For the chains of love pressed My Heart more tightly, than the fetters of My enemies bound My hands. And, unless My Heart, led captive by love, had hindered it, My almighty hands could have de- stroyed My enemies, and broken their chains. But love endures all things : no humiliation does it think too great, no suffering does it consider ex- cessive : whatsoever it wills, it seizes and holds, and remains itself ever free. 0 if thou knewest, My Child, how great a blessedness it is, to be the captive of divine love, assuredly thou wouldst not, wert thou able, even for a moment, desire to be thy own master ; but thou wouldst willingly deliver up body and soul, thyself 432 THE THIRD BOOK. and all iliou liast, that by it thou mightst be bound and held ! 2. He that lives under divine love, thinks neither persecutions, nor chains, nor imprisonment, nor death itself, suffered for My sake, anything doleful or unfortunate ; but he rather deems it a great gain, an object worthy of a holy ambition, to suffer all this for love of Me. Why, thinkest thou, does it happen, that some, when, to keep the faith, they must suffer chains or inconveniences, do not remain in the truth, but go after the inventions of men, and fall into the judg- ment of condemnation? Is it not because they are not impelled by pure love for Me — so as to be willing to lose their life in this world, that they may save it in the next? Hence, Child, as they are unwilling to be My fellow-captives, they become the prisoners of the devil ; and as they desire to save their life in time, they lose it in eternity. My Child, if ever it be thy lot to undergo chains or imprisonment for virtue, do not fear them that may kill the body, but can do naught beyond ; but rather fear Him who can destroy body and soul forever. 3. It is a grace, a happiness, to undergo afflic- tions for My sake, if thou sufferest them unmerit- edly. Whilst partaking of My sufferings, it be- hooves thee to rejoice, as about to exult in the revelation of My glory. CHAPTER X. 433 Let none suffer as a wrong-doer, a scoffer, or a criminal ; but, if as My Disciple, let bim not be ashamed, let him glorify Me in that name, by en- during courageously and perseveringly — piously and humbly manifesting his joy, for that he is reckoned among them, who were deemed worthy to suffer for My sake, and thus to become Saints. Some of whom were racked; some underwent mockeries and stripes, beside chains and prisons ; others were stoned ; others were tortured and cut asunder ; others again perished by the sword ; others, finally, wandered about in sheep-skins, and disguised in other garments, in want, distressed, afflicted; wandering over mountains, in dens, and in caves of the earth. But to them, of whom the world was not worthy, because they persevered and overcame with Me by suffering — I gave to sit with Me on a throne, as also I, by suffering, persevered and overcame, and am seated on a throne with My Father. How blissful art thou, my Child, if, for My sake, thou becomest a partner in affliction with these ! be- cause whatever there is of everlasting glory and honor, whatever there is of true virtue and holiness, whatever, finally, there is of the Spirit of My Heart, rests upon thee. 4. But not to every one is given an opportunity of suffering chains and tortures for virtue. All they, however, who strive after a perfect Imitation 37 434 TIIE THIRD BOOK. of My Heart, can and must, in some sort, become captives for the sake of virtue. For who is there that cannot bring the senses of his body into captivity — not merely that they may do no evil nor yield to vanity — but that they may be held within restraint, and exercised in the prac- tice of virtue ? Few, however, preserve their senses within the limits of reason; and fewer still mortify them ac- cording to the principles of faith. My Child, how art thou wont to deal with the senses of thy body? Dost thou not suffer them to be too free ? Consider what* in regard to them, is desired for perfection. 5. As to the powers of the soul, canst thou not also, in some manner, bring them into captivity? Thy roaming imagination, — so tenacious of the past, and so inquisitive as to the future, — thou wilt force, by degrees, to be sufficiently subject to thee, if thou recallest her forthwith w’hen she makes her escape; if at home, thou entertainest her con- stantly with things useful ; if thou repressest assid- uously her sudden impulses and triflings, until she be accustomed to remain quiet. Keep thy mind wholly subject, as is proper, in obedience to faith ; lest, perchance, becoming a searcher of Majesty, thou be overwhelmed by glory, or a fugitive from truth, thou become a slave of error. Nay more, subdue thy opinions, and, — unless some CHAPTER X. 435 other virtue forbid it, — subject the same, for chari- ty’s sake, to the judgment of others. By so doing thou shalt gain the more, the more truth-like thy own opinion appears, and the more difficult it is, consequently, to subdue the same. To be inwardly and outwardly unguarded and dissipated proceeds from the defect of a heart, which is a slave, either to its enemies, to its pas- sions, or even to itself. Thy chief care, therefore, should be to keep thy heart free from the servitude of all things inferior. For only then wilt thou be able to devote it, in its vigor, with all its affections, to pure, supernal char- ity, and to become My fellow-captive in the chains of divine love. 6. Marvelous is Charity in its workings. If thou servest Charity, behold ! all things shall be turned for thee into blessings. Love Me, Child, thy God and Saviour ; by loving thou wilt learn to love Me more perfectly : love is bet- ter learnt and perfected by loving than by speculating. If th} r heart is wholly submissive to My love, thou wilt easily and carefully guard against that false freedom of thinking, of speaking, of acting according as thou feelest inclined. This mad license — not true freedom — what else is it except a cloak of the passions, the bane of virtue, the realm of vice, the misfortune of fami- lies, the ruin of cloisters, the plague of society? And the more widely this evil daily spreads 436 THE THIRD BOOK. among worldlings, the more plausibly it creeps in among the godly, the more cunningly it enters even among religious ; with the more care ouglitest thou to put thyself on thy guard, lest it also infect thy heart; and lest, under the appearance of good, it draw the same away, from the servitude of humble love, to the freedom of the flesh, which leads to the slavery of hell. Thou canst not be thy own master, how much so ever thou mayst desire and strive to be so. Thou art bound to love, and, therefore, to devote thyself to some object, even in spite of thyself. But thou canst not give thyself up to anything created, with- out the most grievous injustice and the basest ingratitude to Me, and without manifold evil to thyself. Wherefore, Child, be willingly Mine : give thyself up to My love ; since, in order that thou mightst be Mine, I was willing to be a captive for thee. How happy shalt thou be, when bound, inwardly and outwardly, by the same chains of love, that unite with Me the Angels and Saints in heaven ! 7. The voice of the Disciple . — 0 most loving Jesus ! to what extent didst Thou love me, who didst condescend to become a captive for me, — a captive of sorrows in the hands of Thy enemies, that Thou mightst allure and make me a captive of Thy love ! 0 Lord, my Saviour ! when I call to mind Thy chains, I utterly despise in my heart all worldly CHAPTER XI. 437 freedom — desirous of being Thy fellow-captive in chains. If the fetters of enemies are wanting to me, behold ! I give myself up to the chains of love, that, all the senses of my body and the powers of my soul being seized and made subject, I may be so bound to Thee, as never to be separated from Thee. Grant, I beseech Thee, Lord Jesus, that these may be no empty wishes, but efficacious resolves, which, with Thy grace, I may fulfill for the conso- lation of Thy Heart, and the sanctification of my soul, — for which Thou hast so much suffered. CHAPTER XI. HOW, AFTER. THE EXAMPLE OF THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS, IT BEHOOVES US TO BEAR FALSE ACCUSATIONS. 1. The voice of Jesus . — My Child, hereafter, thou shalt see the Son of man, although the Supreme Judge of the living and the dead, cited, accused, and condemned by sinners deserving everlasting death. For behold ! they led Me bound to the Iligh- priest, where the other priests, and the Scribes, and Pharisees had assembled. 438 THE THIRD BOOK. The chiefs of the priests and the whole council sought false witness against Me, that they might put Me to death. And many, coming forward, bore false witness against Me. But the High-priest rising up, said to Me : An- swerest Thou nothing to the things which these men bring against Thee? My Child, what, thinkest thou, did I reply to their false testimony, and to the saying of the High-priest, in order to defend Myself? What say the Scriptures? “ But Jesus was silent.” So it is, My Child, I was silent with My tongue, as a man that has no disproof in his mouth ; but with My Heart I spoke to My heavenly Father, conforming Myself to His good pleasure, and be- seeching Him to have pity on those wretched men ; to pour into their hearts the abundant grace of the Holy Spirit, in order to save their unhappy souls. 2. My Child, knowing that it is most painful to be assailed with false accusations ; and most difficult to bear them perfectly, I willed that My Heart should be in the highest degree assaulted and over- whelmed with unjust calumnies, that, when thou thyself art falsely accused, thou mayst find some solace in My Heart, which was similarly afflicted, and from Its example receive a secure guidance. And truly, there is hardly anything more painful to the human heart, than to be defamed with false accusations. Hence, some persons are thereby so CHAPTER XI. 439 much disturbed in their reason, that, overcome by feeling, if they could lawfully choose, they -would prefer to die rather than to live so dishonored. My Child, take heed, lest thou suffer thyself to be troubled or beclouded in mind : but, with a calm heart, examine the matter better : act as a worthy Disciple of My Heart. Remember, that neither the malice of those that defame thee by false reports, nor the error of those that believe falsehood, can make thee different from what thou art, nor take away the virtue of thy greatness of soul, which lifts itself above falsehood uttered and believed. But, if thou vie west the matter in the light of faith, thou shalt see that its sublime excellence, heavenly honor, everlasting reward, correspond to the greatness of thy humiliation. And although thou mayst be innocent of the faults objected to thee, as, however, thou hast, in many things, offended the divine Majesty, thou shouldst willingly embrace the opportunity of sat- isfying for those things in time,, which otherwise may remain to be atoned for in eternity. Moreover, even shouldst thou prefer to cleanse thyself of thy offenses, and to enter heaven by other means ; yet, do thou rather receive these things offered thee by divine Providence, as both more certain and more secure. How painful soever these things may be to the 440 THE THIRD BOOK, feelings of nature, suffer them, My Child ; undergo them for love of Me ; bear them with Me. And if thy heart almost fail thee for grief, come thou to My Heart, which suffered more painful things for thy sake : here strengthen thy heart, protesting that, in spite of nature, thou art willing, for love of Me, to be resigned. 3. I am absolutely unwilling, My Child, that thou shouldst hate thy neighbor, how much soever he may wrong thee. But, although I gave a com- mand of loving even enemies, yet I insisted on no precept of being silent or of omitting to justify thyself against false accusations : a counsel, how- ever, I give, unless silence be sinful. He, therefore, who, when falsely accused, speaks with a sincere heart, and in a proper manner, in his own defense, sins not : but he that speaks not, does better. It is certainly a very great perfection, to endure in silence false accusations : to suffer that men be- lieve about thee whatsoever they may please ; to intrust thyself wholly to Me alone, and resignedly to remain with Me. Behold ! herein does grace triumph : this fills the Angels with admiration ; this unites thee in fellow- ship with the Saints ; this gives glory to God in the highest ; this proves thee truly a humble lover of Me, and a genuine Disciple of My Heart. This is the great secret of the interior life, drawn CHAPTER XI. 441 out of My Heart, which many hear, and many even admire : but which few relish, and fewer follow. 4. The Saints, however, appreciated this fully, and found it quite to their taste ; burning with love for Me, and animated with a desire of following Me, they suffered, with a joyful heart, false testi- monies of every kind. And, when with one word they might have justi- fied themselves and regained their good name, — intrusting the care of their defense to Me, — they preferred co be silent with Me, and to be considered the outcast and offscouring of this world, lest they might be found unlike to Me, and display a doubt- ful love. It is most true, My Child, that this is neither easy, according to human feelings; nor does natural reason alone furnish a sufficient incitement there- to : but feeling and reason must be transcended by means of faith and love, which present and press forward abundant and most powerful motives and incentives. Know, Child, if thou art not willing to act, ex- cept from feeling or natural reason, thou shalt not only never be perfect, but not even saved. Live by faith; act out of love for Me. And if nature resists, because it dreads mortification or humiliation, let this itself be a new recommendation for thee to be silent, that thou mayst evercome ill- ordered nature. 5. Doubtless, the enemy of thy salvation and 442 THE THIRD BOOK. perfection, — who is ever roaming about seeking whom to insnare, — will draw near to thee, and sug- gest numerous, troublesome, and plausible things : but do not so much as hearken to his suggestions ; yea, turn away thy mind from him, or say to him with scorn : Begone, Satan ; for it is better to fol- low the divine Saviour, who goes before and shows a safe and secure way, than to leave the company of Jesus, to search out another uncertain and dan- gerous road. Perhaps, also, some one will ask thee : Answerest thou nothing to the things which are objected to thee by these persons ? Neither do thou, My Child, make any reply to this question, but imitate Me, and be in like manner silent. If they insist: Seest thou not that thy despised name, the edification of thy scandalized neighbor, the honor of insulted virtue, God’s glory itself, de- mand of thee, that thou do justify thyself? Believe them not, Child, it is not so. If at any time circumstances appeared to require that I should speak in My own justification, it was doubtless then, when I remained silent ; they did not, however, require it; for had they so required, I would have spoken. 6. Let the matter rest therefore, My Child, and intrust it wholly to Me, that, in the wisdom and goodness of My Heart, I may do that which is best for Me and for thee. Bo thou, meanwhile, suffer with Me in silence CHAPTER XI. 443 and patience. I know the accuser and the accused, the judge and him that is judged, — him that hum- bles and him that is humbled : — I Myself will re- pay, at the proper time, and give to each according to his works. That thou mayst the better persevere, frequently call to mind, with what feeling of pain I Myself endured greater humiliations ; with how courageous a mind, and how generous a Heart I bore them for love of thee: and thou wilt surely not refuse to love Me in return, who loved thee so much; nor to undergo lesser humiliations for the sake of My love. Ho not fear confusion : embrace it with a noble heart; it will not lower thee, it will not harm thee ; on the contrary, it will elevate thee, make thee alike to Me; — it will adorn thee with merit and sanctity, it will replenish thee with the sweetest unction of consolation. 7. The voice of the Disciple . — 0 most sweet and loving Jesus ! have pity on me and help me. For behold ! because I am still lukewarm in Thy love, and imperfect in humility, I find my heart ever ready to grow indignant, and my mouth prepared to justify myself, whenever anything displeasing is laid to my charge. And what is worse, — nor can I confess it without shame, — often do I find myself inclined to seek excuses for real faults ; and, how just soever the imputations may be, I am ever moved to defend, or at least to extenuate, the defects attributed to me. 444 THE THIRD BOOK. Hence it appears, 0 Lord my God, how great a sway the world still exercises over me, since I am more anxious to be approved by men, than to be assimilated to Thee : yea, and how great a per- verseness is still lurking within me, since I am de- sirous of being considered innocent, whilst I know myself to be guilty. Woe is me! When at last shall I be humble? when shall I begin to love with a generous heart? I beg and beseech Thee, Lord, spare not my pride, however hidden it be: incite me by a fervent love, that, co-operating with Thee, I may root out that curse. 0 Jesus so bountiful to me ! I indeed am willing to follow Thee, and to bear with Thee, in silence and resignation, false judgments and insults : but for this, weak as I am, I need a powerful grace. Strengthen me, therefore, with Thy most potent grace ; that, for Thy love, I may remain with Thee, silent and patient, unto that end which Thou mayst be willing to appoint. CHAPTER XII. THAT THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS TEACHES US, HOW WE OUGHT TO BEAR PERSONAL INSULTS. 1. The voice of Jesus . — My Child, when the tes- timony of them that accused Me did not agree the CHAPTER XII. 445 High-priest, that he might find a plea for con- demning Me, addressed Me again, saying : Art Thou the Christ, the Son of the blessed God ? I adjure Thee by the living God, that Thou tell us, if Thou art the Christ, the Son of God. Since all things in heaven, in earth, and under the earth, had borne evident and superabundant witness to My Divinity, there was no need of an- swering the High-priest, who was tempting Me ; however, to manifest the reverence due to the liv- ing and blessed God, My Father ; to give testimony to the truth, even at the risk of My life ; to move the hearts of these wretches, if, perhaps, they might be willing to hearken to grace, I replied : I am. Nevertheless I say to you : Hereafter ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of the Power of God, and coming in the clouds of heaven. My Child, had they heeded these clear and sa- credly terrific words, would they not — suddenly changed from judges into suppliants, — have cast 'themselves at My feet, imploring‘pardon and mercy? But the unhappy High-priest, with his council, spurned both the proffered grace, and the salutary warnings. For the wicked man, when he is come into the depth of sins, contemneth. 2. Then the chief of the priests rent his garments, exclaiming : He has blasphemed. Behold ! now ye have heard the blasphemy. What think ye? But they all cried out together, that I was guilty of death. 446 THE THIRD BOOK. After this iniquitous and cruel insult, at which all heaven was horrified, behold ! more atrocious and painful things awaited Me. For, as it was now late, the High-priest and his associates retired to rest, and left Me in the hands of the rabble, to be tortured during the remainder of the night. Whatsoever thou mayst do, My Child, how in- tently soever thou mayst meditate, thou ca$st not fully understand the sufferings of My Heart during that saddest of nights. Then, Child, they spit in My face. — that face whereon the Angels long to gaze : — and they, that held Me, vied with each other to mock and insult Me. And, that they might act with more freedom, they covered My face : and, casting aside all re- traint, some buffeted Me, others struck My face with the palms of their hands, insolently saying : Prophesy to us, 0 Christ, w T ho is he that struck Thee ? Others, in fine, uttered many other blas- phemous things, and heaped many indignities upon Me. Behold then, behold the Son of God, as it were a worm and no man : the reproach of men, and the outcast of the people ! 3. Meanwhile, My Child, I was like a lamb be- fore its shearer, neither opening My mouth, nor showing any sign of revenge, of anger, or impa- tience. CHAPTER XII. 447 But, drowning in My Heart the intense sorrows, I displayed, in look and gesture, an invincible meekness, in order that My enemies themselves, struck with so great an example of forbearance, might be converted : and that thou, Child, being thus encouraged, mightst not refuse to imitate Me through love. For if I, the Son of the living and blessed God, endured, for love of thee, such cruel and incompre- hensible tortures, is it too much that, for love of Me, thou shouldst bear some insulting word, some ignominious appellation, or some reproachful action? If thou art unwilling, for My sake, to undergo similar things, — little, indeed, in comparison of what I suffered for thee, — canst thou believe that thou hast a true love for Me, a love worthy either of Myself or of a Disciple of My Heart? Ask the Saints. Even the least am on 2; them will answer thee by deeds, glorious both to them- selves and to Me. Assuredly, those generous hearts would have been ashamed, and would have deemed their love either of no account or false, and thought themselves undeserving of the special affection of My Heart, had they not lovingly undergone the humiliations presented to them by Me. Do not say, that thou art unable to endure such humiliations, because thou art not a Saint. For thou art able, if thou wilt, with the aid of My grace — which shall not be wanting. If, then, thou dost not undergo them, thou provest by the fact, not 448 THE THIRD BOOK. indeed that thou art unable, but that thou art not really willing. If thou art not a Saint, act in con- cert with grace, and willingly suffer humiliations, and behold !* thou wilt become a Saint. 4. My Child, whether thou art willing or not, so long as thou livest among mortals, thou canst not be safe from every kind of humiliations; there- fore, thou shouldst have thy heart ever in readi- ness, that, whensoever any do come upon thee, thou mayst forthwith have recourse to Me and im- plore My help. Yea, it will happen, and even for thy good, My Child, that men do not only oppose, or overlook thee, but even that, before thy face, they provoke or insult thee. Then, if thou do not come speed- ily to Me by means of prayer, thou shalt find thy- self exposed to great trouble and danger. They that are still beginners in the interior life, and little advanced in mortification of heart, are easily disturbed by violent affronts; because un- subdued nature, when an opportunity presents it- self, rebels, and excites a great dread of humilia- tion, and a lively feeling of worldly honor. Yet all worldly honor is mere emptiness : for it rests not upon truth, but depends on the voluble tongues of men, who flatter or speak evil at pleasure. But to endure, by virtue, the humiliation of an . affront, is true glory ; because it renders man simi- lar to Me, and deserves an imperishable diadem. 5. The best defense of honor, is an heroic gene- CHAPTER XII 449 rosity of heart. And, with men, is not meekness or clemency of more avail to protect or regain a good reputation, than anger or revenge ? The lat- ter betrays a little mind, and openly displays a heart enslaved to the passions : the former proves a great soul, a noble heart, and claims perforce the silent admiration of enemies, in spite of them- selves. Hence, even a pagan said : u To conquer one’s self, . . . not only to raise an opponent, but even to load him with favors. . . . Whoso does this, him I do not compare to the greatest men, but I judge him most like to God.” Upon these things, however, Child, I will that thou shouldst look as secondary only, and that thou shouldst ascend higher, — to supernatural motives, — lest thou reap no fruit for eternity from thy ardu- ous efforts and painful sufferings. There are many persons to whom worldly vanity is more palatable than My example ; and who pro- for to be slaves of their passions, rather than to be assimilated to Me. Yea, to such a degree do some allow themselves to be carried away by their passions, that, when calumniated, they rather inflict death on their own soul, and expose themselves to the torments of hell ; than let the offender go unpunished, or gene- rously to pardon the injury of a moment. Woe to men endowed with divine faith who live worse than the heathen, guided by reason alone ! 38 450 THE THIRD BOOK. Unhappy men ! they shall see at last how fool- ishly, how wickedly they are acting, who, — when .an opportunity is given them of appeasing God, of •expiating their sins, of gaining merits, instead of so doing, — provoke God to wrath, heap up sinm and aggravate the torments they shall have to un- dergo. 6. The more courageous any one is to conquer himself, and the more numerous and difficult the victories he gains, the stronger shall he become against himself, and the more easy and fruitful shall he render future victories. Wherefore, My Child, cheer up thy courage : overcome thyself, that thou mayst ascend to Me, that thou mayst follow Me. By this do thou judge thy virtue, the sincerity of thy love for Me: by this do thou distinguish whether thou art a true Disciple of My Heart. Mark this well : if, in order to follow the divine Will, thou dost not go counter to the repugnance of nature ; even shouldst thou work miracles, shouldst thou daily soar off into ecstasy, know, that all thy piety is nothing more than simple de- lusion. Be generous and follow Me, thy Leader, and Protector, and Comforter : care not for w r hat men may do to thee, or what may be the feeling of re- bellious nature. If thy heart does not reproach thee, when, with a meek and lowly heart, thou endurest wrongs CHAPTER XII. 451 done, have thou confidence, My Child ; for thou hast a sign of My grace present and abiding in thee. For a representation of fire burns not ; neither does a mere simulation of love thus suffer. 7. The voice of the Disciple , — O Jesus, God of supreme Majesty! truly incomprehensible is the excess of Thy humiliations : incomprehensible the excess of Thy love. Every knee bends before Thee in heaven, in earth, and in hell : and behold ! Thou art over- whelmed by the insults of fiend-like men, Thou art sated with revilings ! 0 Jesus, truly meek and humble of Heart! for, like a lamb in the midst of wolves, cruelly torn to pieces, Thou desirest, by a miracle of meekness, to move, convert, save even them ! Woe is my heart, if, after such things, it refuses to humble itself, or desires to avenge any wrong whatsoever. For, if it is unwilling to yield to so great an example and to so great a love of its God, so humbled for its sake, what can it expect, if not the rigor of justice? 1 entreat Thee, Lord God, righteous Judge and Retributer, enter Thou not into judgment with me, but compassionately forgive me whatsoever I have done wrong through anger or revenge. Behold, now, in Thy presence, most sweet Jesus, 'I lay aside and offer up forever, in spite of the feelings of nature, every desire of wrathful retri- bution, of vengeance, of every thing contrary to charity. 452 THE THIRD BOOK. By whatsoever is dear to Thee, I beg of Thee, 0 Lord, favorably accept this sacrifice, which I unite with the sufferings of Thy Heart, and thus offer to Thee : I implore Thee, do Thou unite and bind to Thee forever, by the one bond of Thy divine love, all them that injure me. #. CHAPTER XIII. HOW IT BEHOOVES US TO IMITATE THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS, SO FAR AS TO BE WILLING TO BE CONSIDERED AS FOOLS, WITH HIM AND FOR HIS SAKE. 1. The voice of Jesus . — When it was morning. My Child, behold ! all the chiefs of the priests and the ancients of the people returned to the council ; and soon, the whole multitude, dragging Me in chains through the streets, led Me to Pilate, a hea- then, the governor of J udea. They standing outside, with loud cries, called out the governor, and began to accuse Me before him of many and various false crimes. But Pilate, hearing that I was of the jurisdiction of Herod, king of Galilee, sent Me to him. Herod, another heathen, was rejoiced at the sight of Me : for he had heard much concerning Me, and CHAPTER XIII. 453 hoped to see some miracle performed to gratify his curiosity. But to a carnal man, who understands not the things of God, — although he himself put many questions, and the Jews were accusing Me unceas- ingly, — I answered nothing ; yet, in My silence, I displayed so eloquent a modesty and holiness, that he could perceive that he was receiving a silent and befitting admonition, and that My example might move him to conversion. However, this earthly-minded person, abusing all these graces, and not able to understand, why I did not defend Myself, — why I did not seek to gain his favor, — attributed My conduct to stupidity and foolishness. Wherefore, Herod with his army despised Me : and put on Me a white garment, as if I were a madman : — thus he mocked and insulted Me. Then, sending Me back, in the same garment, to Pilate, he exposed Me, as a simpleton, to the city and the world. 2. The voice of the Disciple . — 0 Lord God l that Thou shouldst be looked upon as a simpleton! Spare, 0 Lord, spare the dignity of Thy divine Person. Why dost Thou not hurl down Thy thun- derbolts upon the sacrilegious wretches, — that the vileness of men may not thus profane the divine Majesty ? The voice of Jesus \ — O My Child ! thou knowest 454 THE THIRD BOOK. neither My Heart nor thy own. The pride of thy own heart demanded so great a remedy. For, if thou darest to be proud, after thou hast seen the Son of God treated, for thy sake, as a mad- man and a simpleton ; what wouldst thou not do without so great an example of Mine? Would not self-love, by its subtlety, set aside every precept, and aim at the very summit of pride ? • Wherefore, from the greatness of the remedy, learn the grievousness, of the disease : and hence measure thou, on the one side, the abyss of thy heart’s misery, and on the other, the depth of My Heart’s love. Deep was calling on deep : the love of My Heart heard and willed that I should be humbled to the deep, that I might snatch thee from the abyss. Notwithstanding I felt an unutterable pang in My human nature, yet, for thy sake, I underwent, with a willing mind, this depth of humiliation, in the hope of gaining at last, by so great a demon- stration of love, thy whole heart, of inflaming it with the same love, and of animating it with the same sentiments. 3. An unfathomable mystery it was, Child, that God Himself should appear among men as foolish ! a mystery, which love alone did work by its excess, and for which love alone is able to account. For My Heart, made a captive by love, was hur- ried onward by love, through humiliations, through ignominy, through reproach, through the appear- CHAPTER XIII. 455 ance of madness itself, — feeling most bitterly, all the while, the painfulness of shame, and yet wil- lingly embracing its disgrace. If any one loves Me, he will keep My word : the disciple is not above his master : but every one shall be perfect, if he is as his master. Thou, therefore, My Child, if thou truly lovest Me, wilt not refuse to bear with Me the name of one unsound or foolish in mind, — whensoever I suffer thee to be distinguished by such an appella- tion. It is not, indeed, lawful that, of thyself, thou shouldst give cause for aught of the kind : but to suffer that others take occasion so to do ; or to de- sire that, without offending God, an occasion may be given, to be accounted silly or foolish, for My sake, is truly an heroic virtue and a very great per- fection. 4. Be ready, Child, to appear, in some manner, foolish to men ; for, in whatever condition thou mayst live, thou shalt be sometimes considered such, if thou art willing to be a perfect Disciple of My Heart. A life interior and devout, not merely in name, but also in fact, cannot be accounted otherwise than as a kind of folly by the votaries of the world’s opinion. For how,. otherwise than foolish, must it appear to them, to despise the present advantages of the world in the hope of future blessings ; to love pov* 456 THE THIRD BOOK. erty, and keep the affections disengaged from the things of earth ; to submit the will and judgment to others, even when inferior to thee in virtue and science ; to mortify unceasingly the senses of the body; without necessity, to seek no reparation for injury; to love enemies in sincerity of heart; to love humiliations, and esteem them advantages? Come, then, My Child, be comforted, and with a great heart and willing mind endure all things with Me. For behold ! by the disposition of My Providence, what thou undertakest will, sometimes, have no suc- cess, and this will be attributed to thy silliness ; others, however, will meet with success in the same undertaking, and the greater it be, the more silly thou shalt appear. When accused, reprimanded, or ridiculed, thou wilt be silent ; and thou wilt be looked upon as stupid, by them that know not the exquisite wis- dom of My Heart. When thou disregardest opportunities of seeking thy own advantage, in order to promote My inter- ests, thou shalt appear to many as devoid of com- mon sense. If intent on dying to thyself in order to live for Me alone, thou shalt be censured by some as be- ing feeble-minded through indiscretion, yea, also, through false piety. These and similar things shall befall thee, Child, not only from them that show themselves votaries CHAPTER XIII. 457 of the world, but, sometimes, from those that make profession of a virtuous life, or even of the religious state ; and who, as they possess not My interior Spirit, love, indeed, the virtues whereby they may please themselves and others, but relish not My afflictions, my ignominy, my humiliations. By them, to whom the excess of My humiliations is a stumbling-block in practice — thou shalt oft- times be treated most harshly, and shalt be made to feel it most keenly. 5. Do not lose courage, nor be thou dejected in heart, My Child, whosoever be the persons by whom thou art dealt with in this manner : on the con- trary, cheer up and rejoice : bear it at least with patience, if thou canst not yet do so with gladness. Is it not better, to be considered foolish, with Me, than to be deemed wise by men alone? Verily, verily, whosoever is willing, for My sake, to be looked upon as foolish in this world, shall receive in return a hundred-fold blessings in this life, and an unfading glory in the life everlasting. These results did the Saints experience, and they found more and better things than they had under- stood or had dared to expect. Do thou, also, My Child, make the experiment, and thou shalt meet the same reward, 6. This is the highest wisdom, which the world and its votaries neither do nor can know : but which the meek and humble Disciples of My Heart understand and relish. 39 458 THE THIRD BOOK. If thou lovest this teaching of My Heart, if thou actest by its Spirit ; well done, Child, well done ; be glad and rejoice ; because thou art become most like to Me. It is certainly a most weighty matter : but do thou lighten it by love; and to cheer thee on, call to mind the speedy end thereof, and the everlasting reward in heaven, — where, after a short time, thou shalt be with Me, and where thou shalt shine with so much the greater honor before the angels and Saints, with how much the heavier weight of hu- miliations thou hast been pressed down before men. These things have I spoken, Child of My Heart, that, when they shall come to pass, thou maysfc have recourse to Me ; that, in Me, thou mayst pos- sess peace and consolation ; that, with Me, thou mayst persevere. 7. The voice of the Disciple . — I confess to Thee, 0 Jesus, most kind Father ; who hast hidden these things from the wise and prudent of this world, and hast revealed them to the little and lowly Dis- ciples of Thy Heart. Yea, Father; for so has it seemed good in Thy sight. As much as I can, I embrace them with my heart, desirous, above all things, to know and love Thee, most sweet Jesus, Thee treated, for love of me, as a madman. Too late, alas ! too late have I known this sublime CHAPTER XIV. 459 mystery ; too late have I embraced this supernal wisdom, which taught and formed the Saints. Grant me grace, 0 most compassionate Jesus, that, as I desire, forgetful of me and mindful of Thee, I may be carried forward after Thee, by love, that I may follow Thee, by love, even so as to appear with Thee, if it please Thee so to allow, silly, stupid, foolish. 0 Jesus, infinite sweetness ! with Thee all be- comes sweet ! to be like Thee is supreme felicity upon earth, and the most certain pledge of heaven. CHAPTER XIV. HOW, AFTER THE EXAMPLE OF THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS, WE SHOULD BE WILLING TO BE PLACED BELOW ALL. 1. The voice of Jesus . — Being led back to the residence of the governor, I stood before him, who knew that through envy, I had been delivered up, by the priests and Pharisees. As Pilate had no doubt of My innocence, he was desirous of freeing Me, if he could effect this with- out displeasing the Jews. Wherefore, he bethought himself of an expedient, which showed the base weakness of his soul, and covered Me with the utmost disgrace. 460 THE THIRD BOOK. On the festive day, the governor was accustomed to release to the people one of the prisoners, whom- soever they chose. At that time he held a notori- ous prisoner who was called Barabbas. Now, Barabbas was a robber; who, for a sedition raised in the city, and for a murder, had been cast into prison. Pilate, then, — thinking that I, the benefactor of all, a lover of peace, the restorer of life, should be preferred to this man, — said to the assembled chiefs of the priests, to the magistrates and the people : It is a custom that, at the Passover, I release one to you : which of the two, therefore, will ye that I release to you, Barabbas or Jesus? But, at the instigation of the chief-priests, the whole multitude exclaimed: Not this one but Barabbas. Consider, Child, how this struck My Heart: how deeply it affected the same ; how it tore It asunder. Contemplate Me standing behind Barabbas in the sight of all : and see how I am treated by the highest and the lowest, as the least of men. This disgraceful rejection, although it over- whelmed My Heart with a feeling of pain, I suffered willingly, both that I might save from the everlast- ing rejection of the reprobate, as far as in Me lay, the wretched Barabbas, thyself, My Child, and the whole world ; and that I might leave thee an ex- ample full of consolation. 2. Bo not, then, take it amiss, but endure it pa- CHAPTER XIV. 461 tiently and resignedly with Me, if thou art placed beneath others. What wonder if thou, who art dust and naught of thyself, sufferest thyself to be placed, for My sake, below others, when I, the Lord and God of all, allowed Myself for thee to be cast beneath the .meanest of mortals? Since the time thou didst sin, even venially, against the divine Majesty, thou didst truly deserve to be placed, not only below men, but even below irrational beings, which have not injured or offended the divine Majesty. Wherefore, Child, when I permit thee to be put beneath others, be satisfied there, as in a place fit for thee. And if thou deemest thyself to be placed lower than is just, do not, pray, examine too minutely the merits of others, nor thy own : but consider My example, and descend thou, in thy heart, still lower, — knowing , that the nearer thou comest to Me, by humiliations, the nearer also thou shalt be to Me in glory. How, indeed, couldst thou be a true Disciple of My Heart, if thou desirest to be the first; where I Myself was the last? Should the Disciple go be- fore the Master ? Is it not befitting in a Disciple to follow his Master ? Wherefore, follow thou Me, and be willingly the last with Me. Behold ! how many there are in the world who are forced to occupy the last place : 4G2 THE THIRD BOOK. and because they do it against their will, therefore they do it without comfort, without merit ! Thou, My Child, stay cheerfully with Me, and thou shalt have no cause for regret. 3. Happy thou, if, for love of Me, thou art will- ing, of thy own accord, to be placed behind all ! For, if thou sufferest after this manner, thou wilt sanctify thyself by those things which shall doubt- less befall thee. Others shall be sometimes exalted, and placed like lights upon the candlestick : thou shalt be overlooked, and put under the bushel. What others ask, they shall readily obtain, and they shall be thought to deserve it : what thou askest, shall appear unreasonable, or thou shalt be deemed undeserving of the object. What others say shall be looked upon as well- suited, or even as decisive : what thou sayest shall seem unsuitable or absurd. Others shall complain at pleasure, and many will sympathize with them : thou, when suffering under pains or hardships, if, forced by necessity, thou darest to speak, shalt be thought disturbed in thy imagination. The defects of others shall be dignified with an honorable name : thy virtues shall be esteemed as the effects of a weak mind. Others they shall humor : but thee they shall put down- and plead as an excuse, that thou dost not CHAPTER XIV. 463 only deserve this, but that thou standest in need of it. Not a few such things, My Child, whereby thou mayst be placed below others, shalt befall thee : and, when they occur, nature will be grievously af- flicted. But strengthen thy courage, and, in spite of nature, continue with Me, preferring to be the last with Me, rather than the first without Me. Do not only gladly suffer that thou be placed behind others, but wherever thou art, and canst do so lawfully, take the lowest place for thyself : there, Child, there thou shalt find Me, there thou shalt have Me with thee. If thou do this, He that raises the lowly, will one day say to thee : F riend, go up higher. And then thou shalt have glory before the Angels and Saints. 4. If the dignity of thy state or office elevate thee above the rest, let the humility of thy heart, in a becoming manner, place thee, for love of Me, below the same. Thus thou wilt be enabled to imitate Me,- — to whom all power is given, — merit much for thyself, and be more useful to others. Neither do thou imagine that this kind of con- duct is in any wise hurtful to thy authority. For, although it is proper and necessary that a Superior do uphold his authority, he cannot better do this than by that humble charity, which does not merely hold the outward man in submission, but which also captivates the heart itself, keeps, and fills it with love, confidence, and every good disposition. 464 THE THIRD BOOK. Do not reserve for thyself the greater and more showy performances, and leave to thy subjects what is of less importance, and more humble : on the con- trary, as much as possible, reserve the latter for thyself, and assign the former to thy inferiors. Thus thou wilt follow My example, gain the good will of subjects, and stimulate their courage. By so doing, thou shalt better accomplish more things by means of thy subjects, than thou canstdo by thyself : and whilst thou art placed over others, thou shalt, as their companion, yea as their min- ister, be seen with Me. 5. As much as it is left to thee, choose rather to be subject than to have command : nay more, where- soever thou mayst be placed, shun every word and sign which may display thy worth, talents, or other gifts and accomplishments, — none of which things should be made subjects of vanity. . Do not meddle in the affairs of others, as if thou wouldst better or control them : neither do thou show thyself ready, unless virtue demand it, to give advice, as if thou wert skillful. Suffer willingly that others excel thee in science and other matters, even in outward virtues : do thou carefully what thou canst, for the rest rely upon the divine good pleasure, and glory with Me in thy humiliations. Know thou that only then thou hast attained to true holiness, when, for love of Me, thou rejoicest, CHAPTER XIV. 465 lhat ; in fact, or by efficacious affection, thou art with Me in the lowest place. But, if as yet thou art unable to attain to this so perfectly : pray, Child, and use thy endeavors ; and thou shalt come to it afterward. 6. The voice of the Disciple . — 0 Lord God, my Saviour, how divine is Thy life ! how sublime the doctrine of Thy Heart’s example ! Who can un- derstand it fully, except whomso Thou teachest inwardly by the unction of Thy Spirit? Alas, Lord Jesus ! hitherto I have been^without understanding : until now, I have aspired to the highest place, although I beheld Thee in the lowest. Wretched me ! how greatly have I erred ! I left Thee alone in Thy humiliations, and, blind and alone, I withdrew far from Thee : I estranged my- self far from Thy Heart. Vain and wayward, I strove to excel among men, and to make for myself some name, whilst my con- science bore witness, that, on account of my sins, — whereby I placed Thee, 0 Jesus! not only behind Barabbas, but, by an excess of malice and ungrate- fulness, behind the very demon, — I deserved to be cast beneath the feet of all, and to be filled with confusion before heaven and earth. I am unworthy, Lord Jesus, to be with Thee, even in the last place. But since, in the infinite goodness of Thy Heart, Thou hast so mercifully reclaimed me, I trust Thou wdlt kindly give me a place near Thee. 466 THE THIRD BOOK. Thou hast opened my eyes, to see my error, Thou hast moved my heart, to make me love Thy com- pany, even amidst humiliations : Grant, I beseech Thee, grant me grace, give me courage, that, for love of Thee, I may willingly persevere therein with Thee. CHAPTER XY. HOW, BY VOLUNTARY MORTICATIONS, IT BEHOOVES US TO FOLLOW THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS SCOURGED. 1. The voice of Jesus . — Behold ! My Child, Pi- late, seeing that, contrary to what he expected, Barabbas was preferred to Me by the Jews, stood amazed ; but^ believing Me nevertheless innocent, he was still anxious to release Me, and, at the same time, to gratify the people. Seeking to serve two masters, — on the one hand to please men, on the other to satisfy his conscience, — he tried another means, full of injustice and cru- elty, in order to rescue Me. For he resolved to pkce Me in such a condition, that men, if they still possessed human feelings, should not be able to look upon Me, without being moved to commiseration. CHAPTER XV. 467 I find no cause, said he, in this man : I will, therefore, chastise and release Him. And imme- diately he ordered Me to be seized and cruelly scourged. And behold ! forthwith the soldiers tied Me to a pillar : and now they lacerate My Flesh with con- tinuous stripes and countless wounds : they vie suc- cessively with each other to multiply the blows and increase My torments. Lo ! blood streams on every side ; it crimsons everything ; it besprinkles the very scourgers. * These, mad with rage, exert themselves more fiercely, tear off the flesh with their lashes and scatter it around ! Let us cut Him off, they shout, let us cut Him off, from the land of the living, and let His name be remembered no more ! At this heart-rending sight, the heavens were moved : the Angels themselves stood astounded at the excessive love of My Heart for men. 2. Thou, My Child, ponder thou attentively and compassionately these torments of Mine ; and learn how grievous, how horrifying, are the sins of the flesh, which required such an atonement. Do not these wounds cry aloud upon all, that, at least through pity, they should cease to gratify the desires of the flesh, and not continue to heap up new sorrows ? Learn, also, how great is the love of My Heart, whereby I, the innocent,' of My own accord, under- went the punishments of the guilty. Yea, Child, 4G3 THE THIRD BOOK. love, the ardent desire of saving all, brought it about, that with all My Heart I gave My immacu- late Body to the strikers, and willingly bore the appalling tortures of the scourging. Learn, too, how thou oughtest to treat that body of thine, which, conceived in sin, grown up amidst its passions, is ever prone to evil. See, what the Saints did learn : observe, in what manner they mortified their members, how they afflicted their senses. blow many among them, who never lost their first innocence, yet never ceased to wage a fierce * war against their flesh, who subdued their frail body, and, by every kind of mortification, brought it under perfect subjection ! Their hearts were like to My Heart, and, there- fore, they produced similar fruits in their body. Neither would they at all have thought themselves happy, unless herein also they had in some way conformed themselves to Me. 3. Wherefore, Child, even if thou art just, mor- tify thy flesh, both that it may not rise up and de- stroy thee ; and, especially, that thou mayst assimi- late thyself to Me, and thus sanctify thyself. Many there are, lovers of self, sensual men, al- though unwilling to be considered such, who do not relish the mortifying of the flesh, and who are ever ready with some pretense to exempt themselves from mortification. Foolish and deluded souls! Yerily, verily, un- CHAPTER XV. 469 less ye do penance, ye shall all likewise perish. If any one, though he seem a Saint or an Angel, say the contrary, let him be anathema. Remember what the Spirit says : u They that are Christ’s, have crucified their flesh with its vices and concupiscences.” The prudence of the flesh is death : the prudence of the spirit, life, and peace, and joy. Wherefore, if ye live according to the flesh, ye shall die : but if by the spirit ye mortify the deeds of the flesh, ye shall live, and enjoy peace and joy of heart. 4. My Child, rouse thyself by the spirit of love, whereby My Heart submitted to the cruel scourg- ing, and thou shalt find mortification easy, and ex- perience its sweet and saving effects. There is no time when, nor place where, thou canst not, occasionally, practice the mortification of some one of the senses. Besides, wheresoever thou art, shouldst thou not be more eager to mortify thy body, for the sake of following Me and gaining heaven, than sinners are so to gratify their flesh as to renew My flagellation, and to deserve for themselves the pains of hell ? Come then, My Child, have no fear. Voluntary mortification is the way of life, of freedom, of tran- quillity, of virtue, of sanctity. Blessed are they that walk in this way ! their happiness is known only to them that have tried the same. 470 THE THIRD BOOK. 5. He that does not mortify himself in things in- different and lawful, will hardly mortify himself in those that are necessary and unlawful. If thou wilt learn to mortify thyself in what is great, constantly mortify thyself in what is small. Now the curiosity of the eyes, now the eagerness of hearing things new ; again, the desire of utter- ing what is useless, again the wish of smelling what is pleasant ; then the inclination to experience that which flatters the touch, again the greediness to eat or drink without a sufficient reason ; and again, the intention of doing that whereby others may be in- commoded ; these, and similar things, may be a matter of frequent, nay, in some manner, of con- tinual mortification. These, My Child, will be for thee faithful guar- dians of innocence : these will be aliments of di- vine love : these will preserve fervor in thy heart : these will be unceasing sacrifices offered upon the altar of the inner sanctuary, which, united to the sacrifices of My Heart, shall forever mount up be- fore the throne of the Most High as an odor of sweetness. These things little, but frequently occurring every day, are useful and proper for all, for the young and the old ; for the weak and the strong ; for those beginning, for those advancing, for those perfect : nor can any one exempt himself from them without the disgraceful mark of lukewarmness. In these there is no risk of health for any one : CHAPTER XV. 471 for these there is no need of special permission : these are safe and wholesome for all. G. But all cannot equally undertake great mor- tifications : for all have not the same need, nor the same bodily strength ; nor, in fine, the same vo- cation. Wherefore, it is advisable, for each one to lay open his circumstances to a spiritual director, to decide with him the measure of mortifications, not to undertake anything extraordinary without con- sulting him, lest for the appearance of a good he l-ose a real good, or lest he render himself unfit for what is better. Among mortifications, those are to be preferred which, by their nature, are thought better suited to subject the senses to the spirit and to grace, and which dispose thee better, courageously to endure hardships, after My example. But before all others, those should be embraced which are prescribed by Me, by the Church, by Su- periors. These are practiced with more holiness and security than those which are undertaken by free choice : these produce more plentiful and more precious fruits, since to mortification the virtue and merit of obedience are added. My Child, if thou gratefully rememberest, how I was wounded for thee, how I was bruised for thy iniquities, thou wilt apply thyself, with the Apos- tle, to bea’r My marks in thy body, and so to live, that My life be made manifest in thine. 472 THE THIRD BOOK. 7. The voice of the Disciple . — 0 my Jesus and my God ! Thou art truly a man of sorrows ; for be- hold, I gaze upon Thee scourged, and I see that Thou hast neither beauty nor comeliness, as a leper, and one stricken, so that there is no sightliness in Thee ! Whence, alas ! whence art Thou reduced to this extremity? I, a vile wretch, have cruelly sinned, for which Thou, God Supreme, atonest by stripes so great and countless, by wounds so cruel and nu- merous. 0 what a Heart is Thine, Lord Jesus ! how great the excess of Thy love, that Thou didst endure such things for me ! 0 most loving, 0 most sweet Jesus ! how powerful a reason for trusting in Thee, however wretched I may be! how urging an incitement to love Thee in return, with my whole heart ! But how monstrous, how horrible were my con- duct, if, whilst I am bound to requite Thee with a grateful love for evermore, I werg to renew Thy torments by my sins ! It were better a thousand times here to die be- fore Thee, than to become guilty of so unutterable a crime. Yea, Lord, for love of Thee, I choose rather here to expire, than to sin against Thee. That I may efficaciously avoid this, grant me the grace constantly to keep my body in subjection, and on all occasions to mortify my senses. Give me, I beseech Thee, a fervent love for Thee : and behold ! mortification will be to me the life • “I contemplate a people that have had a long night, and will have an inevitable day. I am turning my eyes towards a hun- dred years to come, and I dimly see the Ireland I am gazing on | become the road of passage and 1 union between the two hemi- spheres and the centre of the world. I see its inhabitants rival Belgium in populousness, France in vigor, and Spain in enthusiasm.” — Cardinal New- man. ’i t ' / r: I I will sacrifice my new beautiful 1 Kolinsky Scarf and Muff below cost to make an immediate sale. Value $350.00. An opportunity that comes once in a lifetime. N. B. E. f The Pilot. YOUNG girls wishing t 0 enter the religious life are requested to corres- pond with the MOTHER SUPERIOR >t ST. JOSEPH'S HOSPITAL, Rico L-ake Wisconsin. YOUNG LADIES wishing to enter the lominican Order in the West are re- vested to write to Rev. Mother Supe- •ior. Holy Rosary Hospital, Ontario, ►re. Good health and good references -equired. Age not over 30. Hospitals id schools. •o a CHAPTER XVI. 473 whereby I live for Thee, follow Thee, unceasingly worship Thee, daily offer to Thee, now a sacrifice of praise,, or thankfulness, then a victim of some feeling or inclination, again a burnt-offering of my whole heart. - •»<♦»» « CHAPTER XVI. HOW, FROM THE EXAMPLE OF THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS, WE SHOULD LEARN TO ENDURE BODILY AILMENTS AND PAINS. 1. The voice of Jesu s. — My Child, after the scourging, whilst My whole body was dripping with blood, behold, the soldiers led Me into the fore-court of the governor’s residence, and there gathered to- gether the whole band. And platting a crown of thorns, they placed the same cruelly upon My head, and a reed in My right hand. And they came one by one, and bending the knee before Me, they mocked Me : and rising, they took the reed and struck My head with the same, so that the points of the thorns, driven in ever deeper, pierced My head on every side. Now, Child, had My suffering come to an un- utterable excess ; and even to My latest sigh, as 40 474 THE THIRD BOOK. long as the crown remained, were they to go on with ever-increasing violence. Behold, I dragged Myself, My limbs broken, My joints bruised, all My senses sickly, weary, and, through the excess of pain, hardly under My control! From the sole of the foot, even to the top of My head; there was in Me no soundness, neither within nor without. 2. My Child, thou wilt never more perfectly un- derstand these torments of My Passion, than when thou shalt suffer similar ones ; when thou feelest thy body writhing with pain, and thy soul undone by afflictions. When man is despoiled of fortune, reputation, or other external possessions, it is hard, indeed, and distressing to nature : but it is much harder and much more distressful to be tortured by the pains of bodily ailments. For in these outward things, by greatness of soul, with the aid of grace, a person can raise him- self so far as either to forget, or not to heed, the cause and effect of his troubles : but, in bodily ail- ments, he cannot avoid feeling that which he feels, and, whatsoever he may do, always and everywhere he has his aching self with him. However, if sickness is the greater pain, it pro- cures also greater advantages for him that suffers rightly. Wherefore, Child, let it be thy chief care to en- dure the same with a heart well-disposed, and to CHAPTER XVI. 475 follow therein, as much as thou canst, the dispo- sitions of My Heart. 3. And first, when thou feelest any indisposition, accept it as a dispensation of the love of My Heart, and say, at least interiorly : Blessed be the Lord, because He has visited His servant ! And although thou feelest that thou dost so only with difficulty, do not neglect it : for thou wilt thereby more easily overcome reluctant nature, and gain the more merit. Next, resign thyself to the divine Will, in the best manner thou art able : and renew this holy resignation as frequently as possible, being assured that thou slialt derive thence the greatest strength and comfort. Afterward, unite thy sufferings with Mine, and this by repeated acts, for various ends, which thy need, advantage, or even thy piety may require. By this divine union, which overflows with the unction of grace, thy afflictions will be soothed, and will become for thee lighter and sweeter. Lastly, to help thee to persevere, and to possess thy soul in peace, constantly withdraw, so far as possible, thy attention and even thy thoughts from the causes of thy sufferings, and from the suffer- ings themselves : and direct thy mind to My exam- ple and the unconquerable patience of the Saints, and think how boundless, how sweet .a reward thou shalt obtain in heaven, unless thou lose it by voh untary impatience. 4. Meanwhile, Child, — since thou needest much 476 THE THIRD BOOK. grace, and canst of thyself do nothing profitable, — according to thy strength, persist in prayer : espe- cially in short and fervent aspirations, addressing Me in these or similar terms : Behold, Lord, he whom Thou didst love even to the death, is sick . . . Lord, grant me patience . . . Give me resignation. . . . Grant me to be united with Thee unto the end. And, if thy infirmity increases, thou wilt exhibit a conduct most worthy of a Disciple of My Heart, if thou dost actually offer to Me thy body, as a liv- ing victim, and accept death, at a time and in the manner, which may be most pleasing to Me. Know, My Child, that, whatsoever thou mayst do to the contrary, thou shalt occasionally be much inclined to dejection of spirits. Remember that this is the effect of sickly and languishing nature, whereby thou shouldst not at all be made uneasy. Only take care thou do not yield to it, or indulge it of thy own accord. For, by giving scope and indulgence to the same, thou wouldst both increase thy sufferings, and render thy very heart ill-dis- posed. If at any time thy suffering and anguish should bring thee so far as to be hardly able to use the powers of thy soul with consciousness, remain thou quietly in My arms : neither do thou endeavor, with violence or anxiety, to excite within thee any acts or affections, but be satisfied with remaining calmly resigned to Me. CHAPTER XVI. 477 Blessed is he, that, in sickness, adheres persever- ingly to the saving divine Will. For, so long as he is united to the divine good pleasure, he reposes upon My Heart, and all is safe. My Child, do not be despondent in mind, nor feel distressed on account of the greatness or the length of thy sufferings : remember that several of the Saints dragged out a long life amidst the pains of sickness, and thereby sanctified themselves, be- cause they were resigned : and reflect, that, however great and lasting thy pain may be, it is as nothing compared to the unmeasured and ever-enduring joy, whereby thy patience shall be rewarded in heaven. Call to mind, that My torments and My martyr- dom lasted as long as My life : and remember, that I endured all this willingly for love of thee. By these things thou shalt be much assisted to bear with constancy thy afflictions, for love of Me. 5. Show not thyself voluntarily peevish or impa- tient toward them that take care of thee. Thy ill- ness will often make them appear to thee careless or neglectful. So often as it is needful or useful, thou mayst freely manifest with humility and charity, whatso- ever thou thickest is necessary or advantageous for thee. But, meanwhile, thou shouldst feel so dis- posed, that, whether thy desire be granted or re- fused, thou do continue calm and resigned. Do thou patiently bear, as not the least portion of tlay illness, whatsoever thou mayst have to en- 478 THE THIRD BOOK. dure from them that have care of thee. For, under the disagreeable circumstances wherein thou art placed, this may have great merit. 6. Beware, My Child, lest, under pretense of in- firmity, thou indulge the flesh. Herein do many err, who by sickness are not only not made better, but rather worse, becoming lovers of the body, and slaves of their passions. Give to the body what is due to the body : but neither in good nor in ill health, neither in life nor in death, do thou minister food to the inordinate propensities of the flesh ; which, as in health, so also in sickness are dangerous, and, therefore, to be mortified. Do thou, in a spirit of mortification, submit to unpleasant remedies, and to the use of bitteif or un- savory drugs. This mortification is the more pre- cious, and a proof of purer love for Me, as it is more irksome and farther removed from natural inclination. 7. Whilst thou art sick, Child, do not trouble thyself with desires of attending to thy office or employment, of laboring for thyself or others, of performing works of piety ; or, in fine, of doing other good things, vhich are incompatible with thy infirmity. Such things serve for naught, except to cause thee useless affliction, to disquiet thee to no good pur- pose, and to displease Me. Those things I do not now require of thee, My CHAPTER XVI. 479 Child ; what I demand for the present is, that thou suffer with a good heart, and he resigned to the divine Will. Do now what I desire of thee ; and leave all the rest to My Providence, that knows how to order everything rightly without thee. 8. Look to it, My Child, that, when sick, thou be not anxious to follow thy own guidance. For it is especially at this time that, being blinded, thou wouldst blindly lead thyself into some precipice. Hearken religiously to thy Superiors, and suffer thyself to be directed by Me through them. Honor the physician for the need thou hast of him, and obey him in simplicity of heart. Do not harm thyself, through negligence or care- lessness, whilst thou art sick : but use remedies in a reasonable manner, praying God, from whom is all healing, that, if it be for thy good, He may deign to heal thee. Having done so, how serious soever the disease may be, believe that it is something advantageous for thee, since it is the divine Will. Come, Child, be willingly a martyr to suffering for My love, who, through every excess of pains, am become the Chief of all Martyrs. Have patience, 0 Child of My Heart, have pa- tience : behold ! still a little while, thy grief shall be turned into joy, and I Myself, — who, for love of thee, was crowned with thorns, — I will crown thee with honor and glory. 480 THE THIRD BOOK. 9. The voice of the Disciple . — Blessed art Thou, O Lord, who didst visit Thy servant, that in time, Thou mayst mercifully prepare me for eternity ! 0 my God, heavenly Healer of men ! behold, to Thy keeping I intrust my body and soul. Thou knowest what is best for me : do with me whatso- ever Thou wilt, according to the goodness of Thy Heart. 1 suffer much, Lord Jesus ; Thou knowest it. Assist me with Thy grace : strengthen me with Thy love. If Thou wilt that my pain be lasting, in- crease Thy grace, increase my patience. "Whatsoever I endure, I unite with Thy suffer- ings, so much more painful than mine, and I im- plore Thee, that Thou direct all to Thy honor and my salvation. Grant me this great favor, which I humbly beg of Thee, through Thy most benign Heart, that Thou keep me inseparably united with Thee, and thus lead me to the end of my miseries, to bliss everlasting. \ CHAPTER XVII. 481 CHAPTER, XVII. HOW, AFTER THE EXAMPLE OF THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS, WE OUGHT TO ACCEPT DEATH. 1. The voice of Jesus . — My Child, Pilate led Me forth, wearing a crown of thorn** and a purple gar- ment, and showing Me to all the people, he said : “ Behold the man !” The Jews seeing Mr, were not only not softened, but, on the contrary, thirsted more eagerly for the remainder of My Blood ; and all shouted with one accord : Crucify, crucify Him ! Pilate, being again disappointed, and fearing even more than before, said : “ I find no cause in Him.” But they insisted the more, and threatened him : “ If thou releasest this one,” they cried, u thou art not a friend of Cesar. ” Seeing that he could not give freedom to Me without losing the favor of the people, and, prob- ably, that of Cesar, Pilate formed to himself a false conscience, and thus fell into a fatal delusion. Por, washing his hands before the people, he said : “ I am innocent of the Blood of this Just one: look ye to it.” But they shouted : “ His Blood be upon us and upon our children !” Then Pilate decided that their request should be granted, and Me, whom he had again and again 41 482 THE THIRD BOOK. found and declared innocent, he delivered up to their will, that I might be crucified. 2. Oh! My Child, who shall tell what My Heart then felt? Behold ! I had come down from heaven to console and save the world : I had strug- gled in heat and cold, I had endured hunger and thirst, I had spent My life by ceaseless labor and endless suffering ; I had, finally, sacrificed every- thing, to make all men happy : and must I at last receive from them, as a requital, death, yea the death of the Cross ! How great a sorrow rushed upon My Heart at so black an ungratefulness, so horrid an iniquity of men ! How great a grief at the obdurateness of the hearts of those, who, spurning felicity, devoted themselves, of their own accord, to destruction ! How great a torment at the affliction of My most compassionate Mother, and beloved Disciples, from whom I saw Myself torn away not only cruelly, but also disgracefully ! Nevertheless, the sentence of death I embraced with My Heart resigned, because I regarded not the unheard-of wickedness of those that condemned Me, but considered the good pleasure of My heav- enly Father. For My Father, in His infinite Wisdom, wished to draw the greatest good, the Redemption of the world, from the greatest crime, wdiereof He disap- proved, and that they were committing by an abuse of their free will. CHAPTER XVII. 4S3 Therefore, in spite of the feelings of My suffer- ing human nature, I submitted with a certain su- pernatural joy to a death, whereby the world was to be saved, heaven opened, the divine Majesty ap- peased and honored, My Heart Itself loved in re- turn, and exalted for endless eternity. Study these dispositions of My Heart, Child : put on these sentiments : and, as much as thou art able, accept with the same affections the death which thou must undergo. 3. My Heart, — knowing that men naturally shrink from death, and dread it as the most terrific of all things on earth, on account of the past, the present, and the future, — did not suffer them to be without an example, whereby they might rightly be instructed and sweetly comforted. Be not, then, troubled, nor astonished, My Child, if thou feelest a vehement horror and repugnance of nature when death is approaching, either actu- ally or prospectively. In this there is no harm : it is wholly natural, which, if thou wilt, may prove advantageous to thee. Only do not yield to the feelings of nature, lest, perchance, they render thee ill-disposed ; or hiflder thee from being resigned to the divine Will, — to which all things natural and created must be sub- missive. Patiently endure every natural repugnance, and use the same as an occasion to practice great vir* tues, and to gather many merits. 484 THE THIRD BOOK. 4. My Child, suffer not thy imagination to stray, neither follow thou natural reason in order to in- vestigate the dispensations of divine Providence ; nor do thou give in to thy own will, how good or holy soever it may appear, lest thou fall into a dan- gerous delusion. But, thy imagination being restrained, subject both thy reason and thy will to Me : thus thou wilt merit not a little, and, at the same time, remain tranquil and secure. If thou feelest pain or uneasiness, by reason of the objects or persons that death obliges thee to leave behind, let not thy heart be disturbed. For this anxiety could not be of any avail to them, neither to thyself, but it might, on the contrary, be very hurtful. When thou hast done for them what thou art obliged or able to do, intrust them all to Me, who know thy circumstances, and who, according to the love of My Heart, will have a much better care of thine than thou art able to bestow. Be mindful of My example, Child ; reflect, how I abandoned them that were dear to Me, and com- mitted them to the divine good pleasure. With this do thou occupy thyself, with this be thou com- forted. 5. Do not sadden thyself, My Child, because thou thinkest thyself about to depart this life. For what, is life upon earth except a continued annoyance ? What is it to abide in this world, except to remain CHAPTER XVII. 485 in exile ? What, in fine, is it to dwell among inen, except to sojourn away from Me and My Angels? If thou lookest rightly at the matter, when I call thee, better is death for thee, than a life of bit- terness. For death is the end of the ills of this world ; and departure thence to Me, the beginning of blessings, which know neither change nor termi- nation. The voice of the Disciple. — But, 0 Lord Jesus,, if I knew that, after death, I should be among the Saints with Thee, I would assuredly not be grieved, but I would rejoice indeed : yet, at this I tremble,, by this I am tortured, that I know not what is to be, whether I may be judged worthy of love or of hatred : whether, consequently, a happy or an un- happy eternity awaits me. The voice of Jesus . — Why fearest thou, or why art thou in vain filled with anxiety, My Child? Know thou, that a person who is sincerely willing to be saved and to co-operate, for this purpose, with grace, — from how wicked soever a way of life he may turn himself, — shall not be cast off by Me, who desire that all be saved. Hold this for certain, that for him, who does what he is able to do, I will supply the rest. Do then peacefully what thou canst, and throw thyself upon My Heart : here, Child, here thou shalt never perish. Be, therefore, quiet, and, as far as thou art able, 486 THE THIRD BOOK. prepare thyself for thy passage from time into eternity. 6. And first, offer thyself to Me, with a submis- sive heart, and pray, that I may accept thy death in union with Mine, as a sacrifice to atone for all thy offenses, to satisfy for all thy debts, to render due worship to the divine Majesty, and to testify thy love for Me. Then, with all thy heart, forgive wholly every one of thy enemies, all thy neighbors, who have injured or offended thee in any matter whatsoever. Next, with all diligence, receive the holy Sacra- ments, with which the Church, in her motherly soli- citude, is careful to strengthen thee, that in the last struggle thou mayst be enabled to obtain victory, and enter heaven in triumph. Finally, resign thyself altogether into My hands, desirous of dying, not when or in what manner thou mayst wish, but when and in what manner I may prefer. Thou knowest neither the time nor the circumstances which are the best for thee; but I know them, Child, and under these, if thou dost not voluntarily put a hindrance thereto, I will call thee to Me. Wherefore, resign thyself entirely to Me, by an absolute surrender of thyself into My hands; and be persuaded that thou canst do nothing better than conform thyself wholly to the divine good pleasure, and sacrifice thyself as a holocaust of the same. If thou dost this thou wilt be saved. CHAPTER XVII. 487 7. How Happy he, My Child, who thus prepares himself for death, and keeps himself in readiness ! For him doubtless death is safe and blissful ; for him death brings no evil, but, on the contrary, a great and manifold good. For, behold ! thy Father, who is in heaven ; thy mother, the Queen of heaven ; thy companions, the holy Angels; thy Brethren, all the Elect; thy true and permanent country ; thy glory and bless- edness : all these are in the other life, and, except in the other life, thou canst not enjoy them fully. Now, Child, death is the only gate through which thou art able to pass from this life into the next. Is it not, then, a happy hour, when I Myself will open for thee the door to such possessions? Meanwhile, until the time comes, when I will open for thee, act, suffer generously ; endure perse- veringly : I am with thee in thy toil and tribu- lation ; and, unless by a voluntary act thou set Me aside, I will continue with thee, until I introduce thee into My kingdom, into the fellowship of the Saints and Angels. 8. The voice of the Disciple . — 0 most sweet Jesus ! how great a consolation dost Thou pour into my soul from Thy affectionate Heart. If the unc- tion of Thy secret communion is so delightful, what will be the very possession of Thyself in the king- dom of Thy glory ! Yea, Lord, introduce me into Thy kingdom : for I long to be released and to be with Thee. 488 THE THIRD BOOK. Draw my soul from her prison, that, from the dungeon of this miserable life, I may pass to the freedom of the heavenly country, from all these misfortunes to bliss never-ending. 0 Jesus, my God and my Father ! whose child I am, lingering here in the land of the stranger, if, — as I hope from Thy Heart, so infinitely good, — I am to enjoy Thee for evermore, why is not the little re- mainder of my life engulfed by eternity ? Why am I not even now with Thee, to love Thee per- fectly, to sing Thy mercies forever, to praise, to ex- tol without end, without measure, the kindness, the love of Thy Heart ? So long as I stay here. I am in danger of losing Thee alike and myself: so long as I carry about this mortal body, I can neither avoid all defects? nor love Thee so much as I desire. 0 Lord Jesus! when I consider these things, for Thy sake, my soul is weary of life. However, not as I will, but as Thou wilt : Thy will be done as it is in heaven, so also upon earth. For love of Thee, I choose rather to incur that danger, to un- dergo those bitter things according to Thy Will? than by my own will to escape from them. Only do Thou remain with me : and keep me resigned to Thee, united with Thee during the rest of this life, unto life everlasting. 0 Thou life of the present ! 0 all ye things visi- ble ! what are ye, when beheld from the threshold CHAPTER XVIII. 489 of eternity ! seen thence, ye appear what ye are, bright and empty vapors. 0 eternity ! object unutterable ! great thoughts do I form concerning thee : but greater are in thee: things infinite are in thee, which eye has not beheld, nor ear heard, nor the human heart conceived. 0 everlasting abode of all that have received rational life ! soon I shall be in thee : soon I shall behold thy wonders : at any moment, when comes the Bridegroom, whom my soul loves, it may be opened to me: so soon as it is opened, behold! leaning upon the Heart of my Beloved, I enter to- gether with Him. Yea, Lord Jesus, my love for- evermore ! % CHAPTER XVIII. WITH WHAT DISPOSITION OF HEART, AFTER THE EXAMPLE OF THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS, WE OUGHT TO FEEL AFFECTED TOWARD THE CROSS. 1. The voice of Jesus . — My Child, when the sen- tence of death had been pronounced against Me, everything was prepared with the utmost dispatch for its execution. Behold, the cross stood already waiting for Me. Bound, therefore, all covered with blood, torn with stripes and wounds, I was led to the cross: when I beheld it, My Heart warming up, sighed 490 THE THIRD BOOK. out: Hail, 0 hail, dear cross, always loved, unceas- ingly desired, at last prepared for Me! 0 sacred cross ! through thee I will conquer, through thee I will triumph, through thee I will reign. Then, embracing the cross and pressing it fondly to My Heart, I bedewed it with My tears and My Blood : next I placed it upon My shoulders, in the sight of the world, before the gaze of heaven. Surrounded by the thousands of Jews and Gen- tiles, in the holy City, in the full light of mid-day, clad in My own garment, I marched onward carry- ing My own cross. Behold, Child, I go to raise the cross upon the mountain, the standard of My kingdom, against the prince of the world : and to paint upon My stand- ard, with My own Blood, the indelible watchword of My own : u The love of Jesus sacrificing Him- self for the love of man,” in opposition to the watchword of worldlings : “ Love of the pleasures, riches, honors of the world.” By this My watchword, by this sign thou wilt conquer, My Child; but the enemies, erring in their watchword and sign, shall fall. 2. Beneath the banner of the cross men will flock together from every nation, and people, and tribe of the earth ; and they will be united among them- selves with Me. Under this banner, My Disciples will know Me as their Leader, and, animated with love for Me, they will follow Me cheerfully. CHAPTER XVIII. 491 Under this banner all they who are Mine will fight; will triumph over hell, the world, them- selves, and bear off the kingdom of heaven itself. Come ye, then, come ye all, and what ye shall see me do, do ye also: let each one take up his cross and follow Me, his eyes ever fixed upon Me, marching onward with a great courage and dilated heart, nowhere turning, neither to the right nor to the left. All ye, that shall have accompanied Me, shall be partakers of an assured victory, of an everlasting reward : but the more closely any one shall have followed Me, and with the greater courage of love he shall have behaved, the more close shall he be to Me in glory, the greater shall he be in My ever- lasting kingdom. Let none forget the watchword : let none desert the banner : but let each one be prepared to con- quer or to die for the watchword beneath that banner, altogether assured, that, if so disposed, whether he live or die, he shall be My companion, and, therefore, the partaker of My most certain victory. 3. I, My Child, never abandoned the cross : but I clung to the cross, I persevered on the cross, I expired on the cross, conquering and triumphing. Happy the soul, that, animated with My senti- ments, lovingly embraces the cross, and keeps to it faithfully ! Her does the cross keep near Me ; it does not cast down, but it raises up ; it does not 492 THE THIRD BOOK. encumber, but it leads easily to the bight of sanc- tity, to the final triumph. Wherefore, Child, thou shouldst remain with Me under the cross, live under the cross, die under the cross, if thou wilt be made like to Me, and one day triumph with Me. Listen to none, neither to flesh, nor blood, nor spirit, that advises thee to forsake the cross.. Where, Child, where can it be better than under the cross ? The cross is the guide to the everlast- ing kingdom : the cross is the wisdom of the Apos- tles, the trophy of the Martyrs, the glory of the Confessors, the security of the Virgins, the sancti- fication of old age, the preservation of youth, the condemnation of worldlings, the mirror of religious, in fine, the refuge and comfort of all the afflicted. If thou fleest from the cross, whither wilt thou go? Behold ! thou shalt fall into the camp of the enemies ; where thou shalt have not one cross, but where manifold torments will meet thee from every side, will rush upon thee, will destroy thee. There My banner, which breathes the love of My Heart, inspires courage and generosity, will not incite or console thee ; but the fetters of tyrants, under a showy name, will drag thee through thorny paths; not to happiness but to misfortune; not to joys but to pains ; not to glory but to ignominy. Here, under the cross, Child, thou art w T ith Me, thou hast Me to lead, to guard, to crown thee : here thou art in the midst of all the good, the brave, CHAPTER XVIII. 493 the generous ; here thou ari in communion with the Elect and the Saints, who have preceded thee, and who, whilst living, fought, and, when dying, triumphed under the cross : here, in fine, thou formest one fellowship, one army with the Angels themselves, who, thronging to thy side, protect thee, fight along with thee, strive to extend the same kingdom. Foolishly, therefore, and fatally wouldst thou act, shouldst thou think of forsaking the cross, or imagine that it can anywhere be better for thee, than beneath the cross. 4. However, since the prince of the wicked world and his emissaries are thy enemies, do not wonder if they allure thee frequently by imagin- ary advantages ; and endeavor, by showy reasons, to induce thee to desert the cross, and to pass over to them. My Child, do not even cast a glance at their false advantages, nor hearken thou to their wily subtle- ties : but lift thy heart and eyes to Me, who carry My banner before thee, and protest, that it is thy determined will, to follow Me to every fortune, even to death itself. Hence, it will come to pass, that the assaults and wiles of thy foes will awaken in thy heart a greater abhorrence of them, and a more firm ad- herence to Me. 5. But it is not enough for thee, My Child, not 494 THE THIRD BOOK. to flee from the cross; thou must embrace, thou must carry the cross. Give heed to this, mark this carefully: do not all the faults which thou committest arise from this, that thou refusest or hesitatest to embrace and carry the cross, which is offered to thee? When thou woundest charity, what else is the true cause thereof, except that thou declinest to undergo the present cross, some humiliation, the sacrifice of thy own opinion or natural inclination? Why dost thou offend against holy poverty? is it not because thou takest not the cross to thyself ; because thou art unwilling to subject thyself to the trouble of asking leave, or to expose thyself to a refusal? Why dost thou trespass against modesty? is it not because thou negleetest mortification ; because thou dost not embrace this cross ? Why failest thou in obedience? is it not because thou lovest not the cross ; because thou dost not make the entire sacrifice of thy will and judg- ment ? Yea, Child, against what virtue soever thou sin- nest or offendest, if thou lookest well into it, thou wilt find this to be the cause, that thou dost not take upon thee nor embrace the cross with a willing heart. Nevertheless, a cross of this kind is small and light : if thou dost not receive lovingly such a one, how wilt thou take up one which is greater and heavier ? CHAPTER XVIII. 495 Look, Child, lest falling into delusion, thou be- come worse : like those, who fancy for themselves some great cross, and resolve to carry it at some future time, and, meanwhile, studiously shun every present cross, although less burdensome ; and, when placed between the cross and guilt, are wont to embrace the latter rather than the former. 6. What fearest thou? why dreadest thou the cross? Cheer up, My Child: receive the cross, it will receive thee, and reward thee in a wonderful and manifold way : for, behold ! it will j>reserve thee from uneasiness, from trouble of conscience, from anguish of heart, by which others, who prefer guilt to the cross, are wont to be tormented ; it will guard for thee peace, it will adorn thee with virtues ; in fine, it will console thee by its unction. Courage, then, My Child ; even if thou experi- encest difficulty, do not flag in spirit. Behold ! I, the guiltless Son of God, carry before thee, for love of thee, the heaviest cross : do not disdain, for love of Me, to carry thy cross after Me. Love, which rendered My bitter cross sweet for Me, will also render thine sweet. Pray frequently, that thou mayst deserve to love the cross, together with sanctifying grace, above all the good things of this life, — the cross, a folly, indeed, to them that perish, but divine wisdom to them that are saved : a torment to the enemies, but a consoling pledge of everlasting bliss to the Dis- ciples of My Heart. 496 THE THIRD BOOK. Well, then, My Child : come, follow Me : thither leads the way whither I will show thee : if thou abidest with Me, I will dispose unto thee, as My Father has also disposed unto Me, a kingdom. 7. The voice of the Disciple . — As the Lord lives : and as lives the Lord, my King, in whatsoever place Thou mayst be, my Lord, whether in death or in life, there will be Thy servant. Gazing upon Thy standard, and encouraged by its motto, I will follow Thee, my Leader, through all : if any hardship present itself, mindful of Thy watchword, I will repeat: for the love of Jesus who has sacrificed Himself for love of me, I will overcome this difficulty: despite the feeling of na- ture, I will remain under His banner. If armies in camp should stand together against me, my heart shall not fear : if a battle should rise against me, in Thee will I hope. Come, ye companions, behold ! Jesus will be King over us : He will march out before us, He will fight our battles. Let us go out, bearing His reproach : let us hasten to the contest placed before us, looking on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith ; who, having joy set before Him, endured the cross. Let us go and die with Him : if we die together with Him, with Him we shall also live : if we en- dure with Him, with Him we shall also reign. CHAPTER XIX. 497 CHAPTER XIX. THAT JESUS CRUCIFIED, BY PRAYING FOR HIS EXE- CUTIONERS, MANIFESTS THE INFINITE GOODNESS OF HIS HEART TOWARD SINNERS, AND THAT, BY GRIEVOUS SIN, THESE CRUCIFY HIM ANEW. 1. The voice of Jesus . — My Child, behold ! at last we come in Golgotha, to Mount Calvary. They lay down the cross forthwith, they push forward and hurry on everything. Nor do they, meanwhile, cease to torture Me. Nay, they even gave Me wine mingled with myrrh and gall. So great was their cruelty ! And, when they were now ready, raising a shout, they cruelly fasten Me to the cross, driving in the nails, with violent and repeated strokes, which the valley below re-echoed to the sky, — each one of which pierced the Heart of My Mother, there present. Thus, Child, did they dig My hands and My feet: they counted ail My bones, which, by the stretching of My Body, could be seen distinctly. Then couldst thou behold the cross ruthlessly raised, and Myself hanging between heaven and earth ; whilst the Blood flowed from every wound, washing the earth, and crying to heaven for the salvation of man. And, to increase My torments, they raised on the 42 498 THE THIRD BOOK. gallows two thieves, one at My right and one at My left, so that I was hanging between them. But behold ! so soon as I was elevated on the cross, darkness overspread the whole earth. The sun and the moon, together in mourning, hid their light, and wrapped the world in doleful grief. The people stood looking on. They that passed by, shaking their heads, blasphemed Me. But they that stood around mocked Me : in like manner also, the chiefs of the priests, with the Scribes and elders, insulted Me by derisive gestures. The soldiers, too, jeered at Me, and, adding insults, they offered Me vinegar. All, in fine, sated Me with reproaches. And, amidst all this, what was I doing, Child ? What My Heart? Father ! I exclaimed, unfolding My Heart, Father! forgive them ; they know not what they do : they know not how enormous is the crime which they are committing. 2. The Angels wept at this spectacle : all nature recoiled with horror, amazed at so great a wicked- ness of men, awe-struck at the marvelous goodness of My Heart. Thou alone, wicked sinner, remainest unmoved whilst the universe trembles : thou, w'hilst heaven * and earth are terror-stricken, renewest the tortures of My Passion. Behold ! by sinning again, thou puttest a iiew cause for My death : thou perpetratest afresh that CHAPTER XIX. 499 for which I was nailed to the cross, that for which I also died. Nay more, since, by My grace, and by thy own experience, thou knowest Me better, and art bound to requite Me with greater gratitude and a more tender love ; if thou dost again deliver Me up by sin, thou hast a greater sin than they that crucified Me : thou superaddest to the painfulness of My wounds: thou piercest My Heart, not when It is dead, but whilst It is living : by thy cruelty, as far as in thee lies, thou slayest Me, the Author of life, the Judge of thy everlasting destiny. 3. 0 most wretched of men ! does naught of all this move thy heart? More wicked than Judas the betrayer, thou sayest to thy vile passions : What will ye give to me, and I will deliver Him to you? And, placed between the passions which allure thee, and Myself who forbid thee, thou exclaimest : Not this One, but Barabbas ! And, when thy conscience cries out against thee : What, then, shall I do with Jesus? thou shoutest, by thy actions : Let Him be crucified ! let Him be crucified ! And, 0 crime ! wishing to gratify thy desires, with Pilate thou givest Me up to be scoffed at, to be scourged, to be crucified ! Is this, 0 man ! is this the return thou makes! to Me, who created thee, who redeemed thee, who preserved thee? Have all My favors, so great and 500 THE THIRD BOOK. so numerous, come to this, that for all these things thou makest again a mockery of Me and nailest Me to the cross ! 4. 0 if thou didst realize, how frightful an evil thou art committing, when thou sinnest in this manner, how couldst thou venture to do it? how canst thou have the hardihood ? Dost thou desire to know how great an evil grievous sin is ? consider, how, in order to atone for it, I, the only Son of God, did give, not the world, not heaven, not mankind, not the Angels, but My Own Self, the Lord of heaven and earth, of men and Angels, so as to pour out My Blood and lay down My very life, amid torments surpassing all understanding. Dost thou wish to know it still more clearly? Deflect, with a living faith, how sin renders all the torments of My Passion useless, and renews the same, in a most cruel manner, for thy greater con- demnation. Assuredly, the malice of sin is nowhere seen more evidently than in My Passion : neither could the enormity of sin have ever been known so clearly, if I had not died for it upon the cross. Weep, then, sinner, weep for thyself and over thy future lot: for if in the green wood, if in Me, the sins of others do produce such an effect : what will thy own sins, so great and so numerous, do in the dry wood, in thee ? If the Angels, when they yielded to pride, wero CHAPTER XIX. 501 not spared, but were dealt with according to jus- tice ; how much greater punishments, thinkest thou, does that man deserve, who tramples upon the Son of God, evetn after He has crucified Him ? Be not deceived, be not over confident because thou art not punished on the spot ; for now I en- dure : in time I give way to mercy, because for the exercise of justice I have an eternity. If thou so wilt, thou canst fill up the measure of the sins which are tolerated in thee. I will not take away thy free will. I desire from men no service extorted by necessity. Behold ! from the treasury of My Heart, I have poured out upon thee abundant grace : if thou wilt co-operate efficaciously, I will give thee an incom- parable reward : if, on the contrary, thou wilt not, look thou to it; thou shalt bear the consequences. But lo ! I am still thy Saviour, still thy Father, ready to receive thee in My arms : but afterwards thou shalt find Me a just Judge and Betributer. Have pity on thy soul, while it is yet time ; and do not render thyself forever unhappy, by misusing that Passion, whereby thou canst secure for thyself everlasting bliss. 5. Come, 0 come to the cross : here the kindness of thy Saviour is made manifest : here the greatness of My fatherly affection shines forth : here My wounds do not only move to sorrow and penitence, but, likewise, offer both pardon and grace . here the voice of My Blood, with a loud cry, makes interces- 502 THE THIRD BOOK. sion for tliee : here, finally, My Heart burns with desire for thy eternal salvation. Contemplate, gaze upon Me, the Son of God, nailed to the cross and dying for sin : and thou wilt detest the same with thy whole heart, and turn thee again to serve Me with fervor ; even as the crowd of those that were present on Calvary, and beheld this spectacle, returned striking their breasts. If thou art tempted to sin again, fly to the cross ; and, looking upon Me hanging thereon, say to thy- self : Behold ! the Son of God dies upon a cross to save me: shall I crucify Him anew, in order to damn myself? Should I do this, can there be in hell punishment^ enough to punish, according to its deserts, so great an iniquity ? In every contest with the devil, thou canst con- tend with him in no more advantageous place than beneath the cross : for here was he despoiled of his sway and strength : here thou shalt easily triumph over him. 6. And thou, My Child, didst thou understand what I said? Didst thou fulty comprehend what horrible things the sinner does against Me, when he sins grievously ? Canst thou behold unmoved all this ? art thou not willing to use thy every effort to hinder such things ? See how important a matter it is to prevent sin, since, by so doing, thou hinderest Me from being again overwhelmed with reproaches, from being CHAPTER XIX. 503 again torn to pieces by scourges, from being again crucified, at least in desire, by the sinner. Wherefore, shouldst thou prevent only one sin, thou wouldst do something greater and better, than if thou shouldst preserve thy country from destruc- tion. Canst thou love Me, and not care to turn away so great an evil from me ? If love do not inflame thee, let eon?passion at least move thee to take care, that I be not again subjected to insults so great and manifold. Thou makest profession of being a Disciple of My Heart : of thee, therefore, I ask, of thee I de- sire with My innermost Heart, that, by thyself and by others, whomsoever thou canst induce thereto, thou strive, as much as thou canst, always and everywhere, to prevent sin, and to make amends to Me by the fidelity of thy love for the cruel un- gratefulness of sinners. 7. The voice of the Disciple . — But I also, Lord Jesus, am a sinful person. I am not worthy, I confess it to Thee, to be called a Disciple of Thy Heart. For I have heaped countless insults upon Thee : I, too, have sated Thy Heart with the most bitter sorrows : yea, did I not, — 0 be merciful to me a sinner 1 did I not oftentimes crucify Thee ? Eternal thanks to Thee for that infinite goodness of Thy Heart, whereby Thou hast borne with me so patiently, and hast converted me so mercifully. 504 THE THIRD BOOK. O most benign and sweet Jesus ! I bumbly im- plore Thee, grant me grace to make amends for the great wrongs I have done Thee, and to love Thee, during the remainder of my life, with the more fer- vor and tenderness the kinder and sweeter Thou nast been to be. CHAPTER XX. THAT JESUS, BY FORGIVING FROM HIS HEART THE THIEF, AND BY PROMISING PARADISE TO HIM, TEACHES US, HOW WE SHOULD ENDURE ANXIETY CONCERNING OUR ETERNAL SALVATION. 1. The voice of Jesus .— Behold ! My Child, while all nature, wrapped in darkness, was mourning for Me, one of the thieves, hanging near Me, began to blaspheme Me : but the other, struck with a sav- ing fear, rebuked him : And dost thou not fear God, said he, seeing that thou art under the same condemnation? And we, indeed, justly; for we receive the reward due to our deeds : but He has done no evil. Moved by the example of My divine patience, heroic charity, — whereby I had prayed for My very torturers, — the unconquerable meekness of My Heart, My perfect resignation amidst the torments of My Passion, and assisted by a supernal light and CHAPTER XX. 505 grace, he conceived and expressed his faith and hope in Me, as well as his love for Me. Penitent in heart, he turned himself with affec- tion to Me, and : Lord, he exclaimed, Lord, re- member me, when Thou shalt come into Thy king- dom. Seeing that he co-operated with grace, — which outwardly worked upon him by means of the spec- tacle presented to his view, and inwardly flowed upon him from My Heart, — I hastened to console him, as he was well-nigh overwhelmed by the weight of his past offenses, and full of anxiety about the future salvation of his soul. Forthwith of a robber, I made him a Saint ; of an avowed evil-doer, a Disciple of My Heart ; Of the sinful Dismas, a companion and partaker of My kingdom. Such is the goodness of My Heart ! Verily, I said to him, verily, this day thou shalt be with Me in Paradise. He believed, and continu- ing to weep for his errors, and to love My good- ness, he persevered calmly upon his cross, await- ing the blissful hope, and union with Me in My kingdom. Lo, My Child, how thou shouldst deport thyself amid the troublesome anxieties concerning thy sal- vation, which torment thee sometimes. 2. The voice of the Disciple . — Do not take it amiss, I beseech Thee, 0 Lord, if I speak. Be- hold ! Thou didst not say to me : Thou shalt be with Me in Paradise. Wert Thou to tell me this, 1 43 506 TIIE THIRD BOOK. would, of a certainty, believe it ; neither would I be any longer uneasy about my everlasting salva- tion. But now, I do not know what may befall me in the end, and for this is my heart tormented. The voice of Jesus . — Were I to say the same, Child, thou couldst not understand it, except in so much as it is compatible with thy free-will ; for I am ever the same : I made man in the beginning, and left him in the hand of his own counsel : I gave him 31 y commands, and said to him : If thou wilt keep My commands, they will keep thee. But, thy freedom remaining the while, and being rightly used, I say also to thee : Thou shalt be with Me in Paradise. For I will that thou, and all others be saved. It is true that some vessels are made unto honor, and others unto dishonor : but it is the wickedness of man, not the Providence of God, that makes the vessels unto dishonor. For, if any one, being a ves- sel unto dishonor, correct himself, he shall be a vessel sanctified unto honor. 3. The voice of the Disciple. — Salvation, then, 0 Lord, depends on man’s free-will. The voice of Jesus . — Thou mistakest, My Child : for man, in order to work out his salvation, yea, even to begin to do so, needs grace from above, without which he can neither secure the same, nor even attempt it. But I gire freely this preventing and assisting CHAPTER XX. 507 grace to all men ; by the use of which each one can save himself, by its neglect he loses himself. Therefore, man’s salvation comes from Me, first; afterward, it depends on his own free co-operation : but his perdition arises in the first place from him- self, in the next, from the neglect of grace. The voice of the Disciple. — Yet, 0 Lord, it is this possibility of abusing my free-will ; and the dread that, at some time or other, I will abuse it, which especially disquiets my heart. The voice of Jesus. — But, My Child, herein lies the virtue, the glory of man, that he has the power to transgress, and yet does not transgress ; to do evil, and does not do it. This is, upon earth, a ser- vice worthy of Me, honorable to Me : most noble and meritorious for thee. Yea, thy very anxiety, lest thou mayst, at some future time, abuse thy free-will, provided it be kept within proper bounds, will procure thee many ad- vantages. For nothing is better adapted to keep thee in humility, without which all other virtues are nigh to a fall and to destruction, than to know, yea, in some manner, to feel, that, even if by holiness thou art raised to the third heaven, thou mayst still be- come a reprobate. Thence arises, also, a more anxious love for Me, whereby thou exertest thyself to avoid more care- fully all dangers, and to cling more firmly to Me. Thou wilt also learn to withdraw thyself more per* 508 THE THIRD BOOK. fectly from the things of this life, when thou know- est, that no complete security can be found therein. Lastly, thou wilt sigh more fervently for that immortal life, where thou shalt be safe and secure, not only from danger, but from the fear of danger. 4. It is profitable, My Child, to be solicitous, above everything else, concerning thy everlasting salvation: but thou shouldst be on thy guard lest :hou fall into faintheartedness. There are they who, — seeing that it is possible for them to be lost, and trembling with fear, lest they may lose in the future the merits which they have acquired by much labor, and fall into an eternity of woe, — become so downhearted that they have neither strength nor courage to serve Me with cheerfulness, but they drag on a life un- worthy alike of Me and of themselves. Whence it happens, that of a possibility they make a reality, by turning a possible into a real danger. Be thou wiser, My Child : beware lest thou con- vert that which is for thy good into thy downfall : lest by too great a fear of ruin thou expose thyself to ruin. Keep faithfully thy good will of doing what morally thou art able ; and patiently endure every anxiety, if thou dost experience any that is trouble- some, as a precious and wholesome share which thou hast inwardly in My sorrows. In suffering an affliction of this sort, endeavor CHAPTER XX. 509 on the one hand, never to yield to it, but to remain resigned to the divine Will ; and, on the other, be careful not to leave off anything of thy usual works or practices, which are conducive to thy salvation and perfection. 5. Whatever inward sufferings thou mayst feel, be not disturbed thereby, fully persuaded, that to a person of good will, — who does what he can, — troubles cannot arise except from the enemy of sal- vation ; who — unable to lead such a one into sin or destruction — endeavors to lead him by annoyances, anxieties, specious subtleties, under pretense of greater security, to that whereto he cannot bring him by temptation. Guard diligently against these snares, My Child ; nor suffer thyself, by any reasoning whatsoever, to be pushed out of the centre of thy peace. So apply thyself to work out thy salvation, as if its success depended on thy labors ; and so have recourse to Me by prayer, as if I alone could make thee not only succeed, but also make thee perform the works themselves; and, lastly, so do thou con- fide in Me, as to believe that I will hear thy prayer, and crown thy labors with a happy result. 6. But behold! My Child, every man is here disquieted in vain : for I desire, that none should perish. Now what is it that can cause the perdi- tion of a person except sin ? Keep thyself, there- fore, free from sin, and thou shalt not perish for- ever. 510 THE THIRD BOOK. Why, then, art thou tormented by anxiety about thy predestination ? Behold ! if thou wilt be pre- destined, shun evil and do good perseveringly, and thou shalt be predestined. Blessed is he, who, setting aside all vain reason- ings, by deeds, not by speculations, strives to make his election sure ! 7. The voice of the Disciple . — O most sweet and loving Jesus ! Thou art truly the God of consola- tion. Thanks to Thee for this great blessing, whereby Thou raisest up and refreshest my down- cast heart. Behold ! Thou art hanging on the cross, over- whelmed by sorrows, and Thou forgettest Thyself in order to be mindful of men ; Thou securest my salvation not only by suffering but also by con- soling. Why, then, should I not calmly intrust to Thee my everlasting destiny ? By Thy grace, which I will never cease to im- plore, I will do all that I can ; all other solicitude I throw upon Thy most tender Heart, which did not suffer even the thief to perish in death. Remember me, Lord, in Thy kingdom ; be mind- ful of me in my banishment : be especially mindful of me, whensoever thou seest me in danger of losing my soul ; remember me in life and in death, that hereafter I may be with Thee in Paradise. CHAPTER XXL 511 \ CHAPTER XXI. HOW GREAT A TENDERNESS OF HEART JESUS MANI- FESTED TOWARD US, WHEN HE GAVE US IIIS OWN MOTHER AS OUR MOTHER. 1. The voice of Jesus . — Behold ! My Child, there stood beneath the cross the Virgin Mary, My Mother, 'whom neither affliction of Heart, nor the insults of the crowd, nor the cruelty of the tor- turers, nor the danger of death, were able to part from Me. For she was prepared in her Heart, either to die in My presence or, to he present while I was dying. There also stood the Disciple, who, by the inno- cence of his life, was most endeared to Me ; and who, at the last Supper, reposing upon My Breast, inebriated himself with the love of My Heart. When I saw My Virgin Mother and the Virgin Disciple, whom My Heart loved, looking upon My Mother, I said : Woman, behold thy son. Then to the Disciple, as to the one representing them all: Behold thy Mother. And from that hour the Disciple took her as a Mother. • 2. Behold then, My Child, at what time men were incessantly heaping new and more cruel tor- ments upon Me; where the malice of the human heart overflowed, there more than overflowed the love of My Heart. 512 THE THIRD BOOK. When about to expire and to go away into My kingdom, I did not wish to leave my Disciples orphans, but, in My love, I resolved to give them a Mother, the best of all mothers, My own Mother herself. Nay more, on account of the eminent dignity of My Mother, and My perfect love for her, it was be- coming that I should manifest every solicitude and every care for her • that I should provide fov her the honor and love which are her due. For this it was befitting, that, always and every- where, land she, being known together, should also be loved together. And, indeed, even from the beginning of the world, when God promised Me as a Saviour to man groaning beneath the tyranny of the infernal ser- pent, He promised also My Mother. This divine promise, so full of all consolation, spread among the whole posterity of the first man, and ever continued to be cherished with a religious reverence. For, although it was obscured among the nations, it was preserved always unchanged among the people of God : and from time to time it was renewed through the Prophets, and unfolded the more clearly, the more nearly the fullness of time was at hand, when God would send His. own Son, to be born of the Virgin- Wherefore, My Child, those whom from eternity, in the counsels of His mercy, God had joined together, whom He had promised together ; them CHAPTER XXI. 513 also were men expecting, for them together they were longing. For, as often as they did exclaim with a sigh to My Father in heaven : Distill dew, ye heavens, from above; and let the clouds rain down the Just! so often they sighed for My future Mother : Let the earth be opened, and bud forth the Saviour! 3. When, at length, 1 came into the world as the Saviour, behold! I was seen with My Virgin Mother. From the time I possessed a created Heart, this Heart was inseparably united to the Heart of My Mother. I ever honored and loved the Virgin, in a man- ner worthy of her — as My Mother ; and she, in return, honored and loved Me, not only as her Son, but also worshiped and cherished Me as her God. There is no created being upon earth, nor in heaven, that has honored and loved Me, that has worshiped and cherished Me as much as My Virgin Mother. She by herself, she alone, by her worship and love, has incomparably surpassed and excelled all the Saints and Angels together. Nor is there anywhere a heart, which is so much united, so acceptable to My Heart, as is the Heart of My Virgin Mother. And should not I honor, should not I love such a Mother ? and should not I wish to see her hon ored and loved always and everywhere ? Is it thus My Heart is known ? 4. Verily, verily, I say, wheresoever the Gospel 514 THE THIRD BOOK. shall be preached in the whole world, it will he said : That My Mother has done these things for Me, and that I have been subject to her. Nay, even to the end of time, wheresoever I will be wor- shiped and loved as a Saviour, there shall Mary be honored and loved as a Mother. Moreover, in whatsoever place My Religion shall exist, it will ennoble the mind of man, and elevate the condition of woman. For whence, thinkest thou, has there arisen in the mind of every one of the faithful so great an esteem for innocence, and so humane a feeling for woman, except from My most pure and august Virgin Mother ? Uncivilized barbarism made woman a slave of misery ; civilized infidelity made her an idol of the passions ; error in religion, an instrument of deceit; the true Religion alone made her truly free and truly estimable ; preserves her free and worthy of honor, by ever proposing to her as a model the Virgin Mother of God. 5. Behold, then, My Child, behold thy Mother, who adopted thee beneath the cross, whilst she was suffering with Me. This, thy Mother, thou shalt honor all the days of thy life, remembering what, together with Me, she suffered for thee. Acknowledge the greatness of the gift which, when dying, My Heart bequeathed to thee, by giv- ing thee such a Mother. What is there better that It could have given to thee ? Behold ! in all the f CHAPTER XXI. 515 world, there is naught dearer to My Heart, nothing sweeter for thee, than this best of mothers. For her maternal Heart overflows with an extra- ordinary compassion, love, and solicitude ; nor caft she forget to cherish the children whom, amidst such sorrows, she received from Me, when 1 was expiring. Her Heart, modeled after Mine, is opened to all under the sweetest of appellations, the Heart of a Mother ; so that all they that have recourse to it, are easily admitted, kindly received, and intro- duced by her to My Heart. Through the Virgin Mary I came to men ; through her also must men come to Me. Whatsoever graces, therefore, thou desirest to obtain from Me, intrust it to Mary ; that My Mother, and thy Mother, may appeal to My Heart in thy favor, and prove that she is a Mother. She will certainly be heard for the veneration due to her; for it is not becoming that I turn away My face from My Mother, or refuse her anything. A Mother’s rights, which she possessed and exer- cised upon earth, she has not lost in heaven ; where she reigns with Me, the Queen of Angels and of all the Saints. If any one come to Me through My Virgin Mother, he shall not be cast off, but he shall be admitted even .into My Heart; and he shall learn, by experience, how. great is the hight and the 516 THE THIRD BOOK depth and the breadth of the power, which My Mother possesses over My Heart. 6. As I, by nature, have God as My Father, and Mary as My Mother; so also, Child, if, by adoption, thou desirest to have God as thy Father, thou must have Mary as thy Mother. And, if thou art desirous to find Mary thy Mother, show thyself a child; do not sadden her Heart, by grieving My Heart through sin. Foi accursed is he that angers his mother. But a twofold curse, a twofold woe to them, tha+ venture to destroy or to diminish the honor and love due to My Mother ! for as the praises, so are also the sneers, aimed at My Mother, flung back at Me, her Son. Therefore, also, shall her enemies be infamous : yea, whosoever shall sin against her, shall hurt his own soul. But they that make her known, by duly honoring and loving her, shall have life ever- lasting. Do not think that Mary is merely equal to the Saints and Angels, or even that she is the first among them ; for she forms an order above all the rest of creatures; so that, far surpassing all the Saints and the heavenly Spirits, she beholds none above her, except Myself with the Father and the Holy Ghost. Therefore, she must be honored with a special worship, and an affection all her own. Love and honor her, Child, as ’much as thou art able : thou CHAPTER XXI. 517 canst not offend by excess, so long as tbou dost not honor and love her as a Divinity. Above all, learn of Mary to follow My Heart perfectly. For she kept all My words, and all My examples, meditating on them in her Heart : and thus she attained to the teaching of My Heart, whose life, and virtues, and sentiments she showed forth and expressed to perfection in herself. 7. Blessed shalt thou be, My Child, if thou dost so venerate My Virgin Mother. Through her, thou shalt find the way to holiness, — to the interior life, — easy and pleasant : through her, thou shalt obtain mercy, and grace, and comfort, and every- thing else that is necessary or useful to thee : through her, finally, thou shalt be and continue with Me. To her, therefore, do thou have recourse under all circumstances, at all times. What canst thou fear? thou art a child, she is a Mother. Why shouldst thou hesitate? behold ! no one goes to her in vain : all receive through her: the world salva- tion, the captive redemption, the sinner hope, the just glory, the Angels joy. 8. The voice of the Disciple. — 0 Jesus, my Sa- viour-God ! Thou givest me Thy own Mother as a Mother ! Who has ever heard anything like this ? Thou alone, 0 Lord, couldst draw such a gift from the treasury of Thy Heart, and bestow the same upon us sinners. Thanks to Thee, most loving Jesus! eternal 518 THE THIRD BOOK. thanks to Thee for so great a gift, so kindly be- stowed upon me most unworthy. Behold ! Thy Mother is my Mother ! Bear with me, most sweet Jesus, if I repeat: Behold, Thy Mother is my Mother ! This is indeed a shout of joy in the heart, this is honey in the mouth, this is sweetest melody in the ear. 0 blessed me, who am made the son of the Queen of heaven and earth, of the Mother of my God, my Saviour, my Judge ! Through such a Mother, 0 my Jesus, I will fly to Thee : through her motherly love, I will draw nigh to Thy Heart ; through her Immaculate Heart, I will enter into Thy Heart, even unto an intimate union with Thee. And when I shall have to go to judgment, be- hold ! 0 sweetest of all consolations ! I shall have an advocate with the Judge, the Mother of the Judge and mine, a Mother that makes intercession with her Son for a son, a Mother to whom the Judge has given all power over His Heart. Thee, therefore, so great a Mother, 0 sweet Vir- gin Mary, I will endeavor and rejoice to honor ever more and more ; I will find it my delight, by every means, to extend thy worship, so long as life en- dures. So long as this heart of mine shall be capable of loving, it will love thee, 0 Mother of Jesus, and my Mother ! yea, it will burn to influence all hearts with the same fire of love, that we may all begin CHAPTER XXII. 519 upon earth to love thee, for the sake of Jesus, and Jesus for His own dear sake ; that thus we may deserve to be made blissful in heaven, and continue to love and to cherish throughout joyous and end- less ages. CHAPTER XXII. THAT JESUS, EORSAKEN UPON THE CROSS, TEACHES US HOW TO ACT, WHEN WE ARE LEFT EXPOSED TO TEMPTATIONS. 1. The voice of Jesus . — My Child, when on the cross I bore the iniquities of men, for whom I had given Myself, through love, as a hostage and secu- rity ; My Father so loved men, that He delivered Me up for them. Wherefore, the devil, — who, after the temptation, in the desert, left Me for a time, having returned during My Passion, — now assailed Me more vio- lently, and pressed Me more stubbornly. Beside his own malice, lie made use of the wick- edness of men, whom he stirred up both to afflict Me with every torture and a most disgraceful death, and to perpetrate before Me the most horrid crimes. The demon, with his associates, was exulting, as if enjoying a triumph; and, pressing forward his 520 THE THIRD BOOK. most wicked assaults, lie cried : God has forsaken Him, pursue and take Him. And I, without any sensible comfort whatsoever, crushed, for the sake of men, in My weakness, was abandoned to enemies, who were outwardly raging against My Body, and inwardly tearing My Heart. In My loneliness, in the midst of torments so frightful,* behold! to the Father, whom I loved infinitely, and by whom I was infinitely loved, I raise My eyes, filled with tears, and well-nigh ex- tinct, as well as My Heart, now reduced to Its ut- most agony : My God ! My God ! why hast Thou forsaken Me ? Lo, Child, the utterance of the unfathomable af- fliction of My Heart, sunk into an abyss of sorrows, and overwhelmed, as it were, by a deluge of woes. 2. However, I resigned Myself lovingly to the good pleasure of My heavenly Father : and I offered Myself wholly as a sacrifice to Him, who was to console Me at last, according to the great- ness of My sorrows. But, since suffering is the measure of love, I en- dured and made known this excess of the most pain- ful anguish ; that men might thence learn to how great an extent I have loved them. And, as I remembered others, so was I especially mindful of thee, My Child : yea, for thee did I en- counter, with My Heart submissive and contented, the rage of My enemies, and that deep-felt dere- liction. CHAPTER XXII. 521 For I knew that, according to My divine Provi- dence, thou couldst not be exempt from the assaults of the demon ; neither was I ignorant of the great- ness of the affliction which thou shouldst have to undergo in this severe struggle with a most wicked foe : and, therefore, I placed before thee My ex- ample, that thence thou mightst derive abundant instruction and comfort. I know thy frequent and deep groanings, My Child, when thou findest thyself in the midst of relentless foes, whilst thou desirest to live for Me in perfect peace, free from every hindrance. But consider, that I, the only begotten Son of God, the Saint of Saints, was, by a spontaneous love, exposed to the rage of My enemies and there left forsaken : and thou wilt not wonder, nor take it hard, if thou, in many ways a sinful person, art suffered, — even after thou hast been for a long time in My service, — to be exposed, for thy own advan- tage, to the assaults of the tempter, and to be de- prived, during them, of sensible consolation. For, in this is the divine kindness toward thee made apparent, that it neither takes away the war, without which the enemy is not overcome, and peace secured; nor removes the occasion of the contest, without which there is no triumph, and no crown obtained. It is an effect of the sincere love of My Heart, if It leaves to thee wherewithal thou mayst become conscious of thy own frailty, when exposed ; that 44 522 THE THIRD BOOK. thus thou mayst be kept in humility, and, impelled by necessity, mayst continually tend and draw near to Me. How many there are who, through- temptations, persevered and were saved, and who, had they been without these trials, — growing by degrees luke- warm and proud, — would in the end have become reprobates ! Dost thou know even one, among all those that have sanctified themselves, who was free from temptations? Have not the greatest Saints been wont to feel the greatest temptations? This is the way whereby a more than ordinary purity of heart is obtained : whereby more perfect virtue is acquired : whereby the soul is better pre- pared for the divine union. 3. Many err in this, that they think temptation a sin. What can there be more dangerous than this error? Hence arise an erroneous conscience, anxiety, faintheartedness, sloth, lack of strength and courage to resist generously, and to triumph. Believe Me, Child, even should a temptation of any kind whatsoever last a whole lifetime, it could not make thee* guilty of any sin, if only it be dis- pleasing to thee. Cast aside, therefore, so baneful an error ; throw off, in like manner, an overgreat dread of being tempted. This dread, born of error, fostered by self-love, becomes an occasion of being the more tempted, and the more dangerously too ; since CHAPTER XXII. 523 thou art tempted, not so much by a divine permis- sion, as through thy own fault. This is one of men’s misfortunes, that they ever tend to one or another extreme. For, some run great risk, because they fear temptations too much ; others, because they do not sufficiently guard against them. Thou, My Child, follow thou the middle course, if thou wilt be safe. 4. The voice of the Disciple. — Yet, Lord, should not sins be supremely feared and shunned ? Why should I not, then, extremely fear, and shun the dangers and occasions of sin? The voice of Jesus. — Certainly, My Child, sins should be extremely feared and shunned. But guard against deception : avoid confusion : distin- guish correctly. Temptation is one thing, sin is quite another : the danger of temptation is one thing, the danger of sin another : finally, the occa- sion, on the part of the devil tempting to sin, is one thing ; the occasion, on the part of man plac- ing himself proximately near to sin, is altogether different. Now, the occasion on the part of man, as it is a proximate danger of sin, and, consequently, a sin, thou shouldst carefully shun ; the occasion on the part of the devil, as it is simply a danger of temptation, and, therefore, not sinful, thou art not obliged to avoid. Do not think it strange if the devil tempts thee, 524 THE THIRD BOOK. since his sole occupation is to roam about, and to tempt. In his insolence he attacks all, uses differ- ent ways to tempt ; when driven off, he is not ashamed to return, when defeated he does not leave off to come again to the assault. Wherefore, it thou art tempted, do not suffer thy- self to be troubled. It is the malice of the devil, not thine own wickedness. Thou wouldst act foolishly, and to no purpose, shouldst thou lose thy peace of heart, on account of temptations. For, by so doing, thou wouldst place thy peace in the power of the demon, who, doubtless, would never allow thee to enjoy the same. My Child, I know thy weakness ; I know the malice of the devil : but I know also the power of My grace : I know what of thyself thou art able to effect against the demon, and what thou canst do by grace. And I, — to whom the devil is so much subject that, against My Will, he cannot attack even the vilest animals ; — I, to whom thy salvation has cost so much, will not allow that thou be tempted beyond what thou art able to endure, but I will, on the contrary, prepare, together with the temptation, a favorable issue. 5. The voice of the Disciple . — Thanks to Thee, good Master, sweet Jesus, for that Thou hast thus showed me, how I should act in regard to tempta- tions, before they come or rush upon me: teach CHAPTER XXII. 525 me also, I beseecli Thee, how I should deport my- self, when they are now at hand and assail me. The voice of Jesus. — Observe, Child, that the devil may assault thee, or approach thy heart in three ways : by the way of the outward senses ; by the inward way of the understanding ; lastly, by a sort of middle way, that of the imagination. By whichsoever of these ways thou mayst be tempted, so soon as thou perceivest the temptation, take heed that thou be not agitated or troubled : but, by directing thy attention to Me, who am pres- ent, strive to possess thy mind in peace. If the temptation comes through the senses, suf- fer them not to be exposed, without sufficient rea- son, in the direction of the dangerous object : but quietly, and withal manfully, turn them away, so that, if possible, thou do no longer perceive the evil which is presented. If it assails thee through the understanding, do not act so as to deal anywise, even mentally, with the foe ; but, how specious soever his reasonings, how much soever as evident truths his suggestions may appear ; so soon as thou seest them to be con- trary to some virtue, submit thyself to Me, without any reasoning, and behold ! thou shalt be victorious. If the temptation is pressed upon thee, through the imagination, by means of objects formerly per- ceived by the senses, or even now made up by the devil, take diligent care that thou allow not the imagination to stand still, as if looking at the ima- 526 THE THIRD BOOK. ginings : but do tbou forthwith, and effectually, turn away the imagination : and represent to it, if convenient, objects known by faith, such as death or judgment, hell or purgatory, heaven, or rather the Son of God hanging on the cross, and looking at thee, and offering to thee His Heart, as a place of refuge* But give heed to this, My Child, mark this well, that, in every temptation whatsoever, it is enough, simply to turn thy mind away from the temptation to some other object. Since this is to resist it, even in a positive manner. These things having been guarded against, en- deavor as much as thou art able, for thy greater progress, in every tempation, to unite thyself gently and firmly with Me, by acts of love, be they ever so short. I do particularly recommend, My Child, while thou art wont to live in the state of grace, that, in temptation, thou make use of acts which are not directly opposed to the evil suggested, but which unite thee by love with Me. For thus thou wilt better preserve peace of heart, frustrate more se- curely the wicked design of the demon, render vir- tue more solid, and unite thyself more strongly and more perfectly with Me. However, thou must always rely more upon di- vine grace than upon thy own strength. Where- fore, thou shouldst pray frequently, in time of peace as well as of war, that, whilst thou art contending, CHAPTER XXII. 527 grace may support thee, encourage thee, give thee victory. If, in this manner, thou yieldest the glory of the victory to Me, who am the first conqueror, and who will not give My glory to another ; then, Child, will I protect thee with My shield, and fight for thee, like a strong and invincible warrior : and a thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand before thee : nor shall any foe prevail against thee. 6. The voice of the Disciple , — 0 most loving Jesus ! how sweet, how pleasing the things which out of Thy Heart Thou pourest down upon me ! Let heaven and earth, and all things therein with me, return Thee a thousand thanks ! However, I beseech Thee, teach me still one thing, 'and it is enough. Behold ! it happens, that, when I come out of the struggle, I am tormented by a great fear, that my soul has perhaps fallen a prey to the enemy. 0 Lord ! who hast the words of everlasting life, speak to me the word, whereby my soul may be comforted. This will be a new favor of Thy Heart, which will in return bind me to Thee by a new and sweet debt of gratitude and love. The voice of Jesus . — Behold ! My Child, if the temptation, while it was upon thee, displeased thee, thou hast a sure sign that thou didst not consent thereto. But in this also thou must distinguish the inferior part of thy heart from the superior, to which it belongs to sin or not to sin. 528 THE THIRD BOOK. The inferior part does not always agree with the * superior, but frequently in spite of the superior, it takes, in some manner, pleasure in the temptation : yea, it does so much, that it causes the superior, although not willing, to feel some pleasure. But feeling does not hurt, where there is no consent. If thou doubtest whether thou didst merely fed the temptation, or whether thou didst also gi ie consent thereto, observe the difference between feel- ing and consenting. Thou mayst indeed feel the temptation, although thou dost not love it, with thy free will adverting to its being wrong : but thou canst not consent to the temptation, unless* per- ceiving that it is a sin or evil, thou love it by thy free will. But, when thou also doubtest, whether or not, thou didst love the temptation in this manner, fol- low the rule of the Saints : A person of a delicate or fair conscience, may hold as morally certain, that he did not consent, so long as he is not sure that he did consent. Assuredly, My Child, whosoever is wont to cling to Me, and with a sincere heart dreads to be sepa- rated from Me, if at any time he is tempted to sin ; in order, knowingly and willingly, to consent thereto, must do great violence to himself, both to resist the saving sting of conscience — which he is in the habit of heeding and following — as well as to turn the will from an object constantly loved, to an object constantly held in abhorrence. All which, CHARTER XXII. 529 surely, no one can do, without clearly distinguishing its malice and without embracing it, if he do so at all, with his knowledge and will. On the contrary, he that is accustomed to sin through an evil or loose conscience, when, after hav- ing been tempted, he doubts whether he gave con- sent thereto, ought to presume that he did consent. For, since, on principle or by custom, he has con- tracted a habit suited to sin ; when he is tempted to evil, in order to be able to resist, he must like- wise offer great violence to himself, not only to obey actually the warning voice of his conscience, which, in a matter of this kind, he was not wont to heed, but also, with a strong will, to repel the temptation. Now, all this he cannot do without manifestly perceiving his own pious efforts and his unusual victory. 7. Hence, thou seest, Child, how happy they are who serve Me faithfully, since, in temptations, with which man’s life is replete, they may so agreeably console themselves ; whereas, they that are negli- gent, for their shame and correction, are tormented by inward pains and anxieties. And this is only one of the thousand blessings, which I heap upon the Disciples of My Heart, llejoice, thou, My Child, rejoice in so great a good ; and use and enjoy it for the glory of My Hearty and the sanctification of thy soul. This, however, thou must guard against after temptation, that thou be not desirous of so examin* 45 530 THE THIRD BOOK. in g into the matter as to expose thyself to danger, by reviewing in thy mind the temptation or its several circumstances. As much as circumstances permit, calmly hum- ble thyself, and beg pardon if, per chance, thou hast in any wise rendered thyself guilty of some pride, some inordinate fear, some diffidence, some curiosity, some carelessness. After this, with a renewed love for Me, proceed boldly and cheer- fully. 8. Lastly, remember, My Child, that the way of temptations is open to many errors, insomuch that by himself no one can safely pass through it* Wherefore, whosoever thou art, religious or secular, learned or unlearned, thou needest an experienced guide ; and, so long as thou dost obediently follow him, I will not permit that obedience lead thee to destruction. I Myself will have a care of thee. Come, then, Child, cheer up thy courage : be stout-hearted. Let the winds blow ; let the storms rage ; how canst thou be fearful ? behold ! I am with thee. These things have I spoken to thee, My Child, that, in the midst of temptations, thou mayst find relief and comfort; but not, that thou mayst have no temptations, nor feel their irksomeness. Endure them in the right spirit : and, in their own time, they will produce manifold fruit. Do not grow faint in courage, but be resigned to the divine Will. Up, then, persevere manfully, CHAPTER XXIII. 531 knowing that he is blessed that endures temptation ; because, when he has been proved, he shall receive the crown of life. 9. The voice of the Disciple . — 0 how good art Thou, my Jesus ! how good art Thou ! Behold ! 0 Thou delight of the Saints and Angels, Thou art forsaken upon the cross, and deprived of every consolation ; yet, meanwhile, Thou dost not aban- don me, nor suffer me, every way unworthy as I am, to be without solace ; for, with a marvelous sweetness, Thyself relievest and rejoicest me. Willingly do I intrust myself to Thy care ; wholly do I resign myself to Thy Will ; do Thou carry out the designs of Thy Heart in my regard : cleanse and sanctify me in a way and manner pleasing to Thee. Only keep me from every sin. In every temptation, in every danger, assist me efficaciously : protect me, help me ; so keep me united with Thee, that I may never be separated from Thee. CHAPTER XXIII. THAT JESUS, IN HIS ABANDONMENT, THIRSTING AND NOT RELIEVED, SHOWS US HOW WE SHOULD DE- PORT OURSELVES IN SPIRITUAL DESOLATION. 1. The voice of Jesus . — 0 all ye that pass by the way attend, and see if there be any sorrow like My sorrow i 532 THE THIRD BOOK. Lo ! all My persecutors troubled Me taken in tbe midst of straits ; and there was none to comfort Me among all them that were dear to Me. Behold, My Child, My head pierced with thorns, My face covered with blood and tears, all My limbs torn, My whole Body lacerated, from the sole of My feet to the crown of My head all one wound : My Heart weighed down with unutter- able sorrows, undone by the hard-heartedness of men, forsaken by My beloved and most loving Father Himself. Amidst all these sufferings, I was racked by a new torture, a most violent thirst, so that I was forced to exclaim : I thirst! This thirst was manifold, My Child: a burning thirst even unto death, of refreshing Myself, every way exhausted as I was ; a more burning thirst for the salvation, the love and everlasting gratitude of men ; lastly, a most ardent thirst for the fulfillment of the good pleasure of My heavenly Father. But My enemies hearing it, so far from affording Me relief, on the contrary, in My thirst gave Me vinegar to drink. O For the restoration of the divine glory, and for the salvation of men, My Father willed that I should die in the deepest affliction, without any relief. My Passion ever increased : but apace grew the love of My heart, whereby, uniting Myself to the CHAPTER XXIII. 533 divine good pleasure : Yea, Father, I said in My Heart, yea, since thus it is pleasing before Thee. And thus I wholly resigned Myself to continue, and at last to expire in the uttermost desolateness. Meditate on these things, My Child : do thou also remember them, when thou art thyself experiencing spiritual desolation. 2. So long as exercises of piety are inwardly relished and please the spiritual taste, it is both easy and pleasant to be engaged therein ; but it is hard and disagreeable, to perform them faithfully and exactly, when they produce only wearisome- ness and disgust. But because, during that inward consolation, the human heart is wont to take delight in a sensible sweetness, and does not purely love Me for Myself; I do frequently, when he is now able to bear it, de- prive a person of all sensible relish. This is a secret invention of My Heart, that the soul may learn, even in spite of herself, to seek and to love, above all things sensible, not My consola- tions, but Myself. If thou remainest faithful in spiritual desolation* thou provest evidently that thou servest Me by pure love, not in consideration of thy present ad- vantages. Thou shouldst, therefore, not be uneasy amid desolation, My Child, but shouldst exert thyself tc act generously and to endure manfully. 3. Continue steadfastly in thy undertaking ; and, 534 THE THIRD BOOK. In order to overcome weariness or disgust, which comes upon thee in spiritual desolation, pray more than usually ; carefully examine thy actions, both interior and exterior; watch more attentively over thy heart; lastly, mortify thyself in small things more frequently and more perfectly. By this constant and solid fervor, thou wilt effi- caciously resist languor. Meanwhile, resign thy- self ever more and more ; and look upon it as thy greatest consolation, to embrace submissively and lovingly the divine Will. I do not always desire to console thee in a sensi- ble manner, even when thou hast done whatsoever thou wast able to obtain the same, lest it prove hurt- ful to thee, or lest thou ascribe to thyself what belongs to Me. But this I do desire, that thou keep thyself in all humility, and love Me in the most disinterested manner. Therefore, I suffer, that thou shouldst intensely feel that it is not in thy power to acquire or to retain consolation, but that it is My gift. Acknowledge, then, that thou art altogether un- able to procure true consolation, yea, that thou art unworthy of receiving even the least; and own, that it is the highest favor, far surpassing every sensible consolation, when thou art reckoned by Me among My children, and cherished by the love af My Heart. 4. The voice of the DisjipU. — Yea, Lord God, it is a very great grace, an incomparable favor, to bdy, which is nourished with the Body and Blood of the Lord ! ” (St. Iren., Cent. II.) Hence, how great a reverence is re^L'od ! “ Ye know, ye who are accustomed to assist i\t the divine mysteries, how, when ye receive the Body of the Lord, ye watch with all care and revemise, that nothing, be it ever so little, fall down, that naught of the consecrated gift slip off : for ye believe your- selves guilty, if, through carelessness, anything do fall. So great is the precaution ye use, and de- servedly so.” (Origen, Cent. III.) No sooner had the Church emerged from the persecution of three hundred years, than, rejoicing and crowned with laurels, she, in her first general Council, — her sons having been assembled from every part of the world, — regulated the manner in which the divine Sacrament should be dispensed throughout the world, in order that so sacred a 584 THE FOURTH BOOK. mystery, might everywhere be handled with holy awe. She does not bring forward new things, but, faith- ful guardian of her deposit, she recalls and incul- cates the ancient practices. “ Neither the Rule,’’ says this watchful Mother, “ nor custom has handed it down, that they, who have not the power of offer- ing the Sacrifice, should present the Body of Christ to them that offer the same. Let them receive ac- cording to their rank the Holy Communion from the Bishop or the priest, after the clergy.” (1st Nic. Counc., Cent. IV.) Behold the most Holy Communion ! behold the Sacrament of the Lord! “ For under the appear- ance of bread, He gives us His Body, under the ap- pearance of wine He gives us His Blood, that, when you have received the same, you taste the Body and Blood of Christ, having become partakers of His Body and Blood : for thus we become Christiferi , that is, bearing Christ in our bodies : thus, according to the blessed Peter, we are made partakers of the divine nature.” (S. Cyril of Jerus., Cent. IV.) “ Bread, indeed, it is before the sacramental words : but when the Consecration has been pro- nounced thereon, of bread it becomes the Body of Christ. By which words then, and by whose lan- guage is the Consecration made ? By the words of Christ the Lord. Therefore, the Word of Christ effects this Sacrament. Which Word of Christ? The one, whereby all things were made. The Lord CHAPTER III. 585 commanded, and the heavens were made : the Lord commanded, and the earth was made : the Lord commanded, and every creature was produced. You see, then, how effective is the word of Christ. If, then, there is so great a power in the word of the Lord Jesus, that things, which were not, began to exist, how much the more effective is it to change into another, that which did already exist ? He spoke, and it was done.” (S. Ambros.. Cent. IY.) “ 0 Sacrament of godliness ! 0 sign of unity ! 0 bond of charity ! He that desires to live has where he may live, whereby he may live. Let him become incorporate that he may receive life. Let him not be a decayed member, which deserves to be cut off; let him not be a misshapen one, of which he is ashamed. Let him be fair, fit, sound : let him cleave to the body : let him live of God for God.” (S. August., Cent. Y.) “ As many of us, therefore, as become partakers of this Body, let us reflect that we taste Him, who is seated above, who is adored by the Angels. That which the Angels dare not freely gaze upon, by reason of the dazzling splendor, by that we are here nourished, to that we are united, with that we be- came one body. In order, therefore, that we may not only become this by charity, let us also in very deed be blended with that body : for this is effected by the food which He has granted to us. Let us, then, go away from that table, like lions breathing fire, 586 THE FOURTH BOOK. having become an object of dread to the devil.” (S. Chrysost., Cent. Y.) “ How goodly is that Bread, which nourishes the Angels by its outward appearance, that they may be sated therewith in the land of bliss ; and us by faith, that we may not faint on the way. That man might eat the Bread of Angels, the Creator of Angels became man, nourishing both, and remain- ing whole and entire.” (St. Fulgent., Cent. VI.) 4. “ They, however, that live wickedly, and do not cease to communicate, thinking, that, by such a Communion, they are cleansed, let them learn, that they make no progress toward a cleansing, but toward condemnation. For the Body of Christ is the food of Saints.” (St. Isid. of Seville, Cent. VII.) Prepare ye, therefore, your heart. “ For the Eucharist is a Communion, whereby we have fel- lowship with Christ, and receive His Humanity and Divinity, and unite ourselves between us.” v (St. John Damasc., Cent. VIII.) ‘‘Let them hear, then, who wish to weaken this word of the Body, as if it were not the true Body of Christ, which is now celebrated in the Sacrament by the Church, nor His real Blood. They seem desirous to approve or invent something new. as if it were merely a certain virtue of Christ’s Body or Blood, so that the Lord is made to speak falsely, when Truth itself says : This is My Body. He did not then say, when He broke and gave the bread ; / CHAPTER III. 587 This is, or in this mystery is a certain virtue or figure of My Body, but He said plainly : This is My Body : and, therefore, it is what He said, not that which any one may imagine. No one has as yet openly gainsaid that, which the whole world believes and confesses.” (St. Paschas., Ab., Cent. IX.) 5. “In churches, the Eucharist is alw r ays acces- sible : which custom the ancient churches have preserved.” (Luitprand., Cent. X.) Wherefore, “ Christ cannot be accused of forget- fulness : Christ does not enjoin things contrary to His commands. He is the Bread that came down from heaven, which is daily brought to the table of the Church, as a heavenly food, which is broken for the forgiveness of sins, which feeds and nour- ishes unto life everlasting them that eat the same.” (St. Peter Damian., Cent. XI.) “ Neither need we pretend that to this our age is denied, either that apparition, which was vouch- safed to the Fathers of the ancient Covenant ; or that presence of His Body, which was exhibited to the Apostles. Since, to them that consider faith- fully, neither the one nor the other can be wanting. Surely, it cannot in the least be doubted that, in the Sacrament, we have even now present with us the true substance of His Body. We have revela- tions, but in spirit and in power, so that it is proved that naught is wanting in any kind of grace ” (St. Bern., Cent. XII.) 6. “ The delighfulness of this Sacrament none 588 THE FOURTH BOOK. can adequately express, whereby spiritual sweetness is tasted in its verj source : and the remembrance of that most excellent charity which He manifested in His Passion, is recalled to mind. Wherefore, that the immensity of this love might be the more intimately imprinted in the hearts of the faithful, at the last Supper, when, after He had celebrated the Passover with His Disciples, He was about to pass from this world to the Father, He instituted this Sacrament, as an everlasting memorial of His Passion, the fulfillment of the ancient figures, the greatest of the miracles wrought by Him, and the exceeding comfort of those that were saddened by His absence.” (St. Thom. Aq., Cent. XIII.) “ A spiritual and interior person finds in the partaking of the Body of Christ Jesus twelve ex- cellent fruits: Fortitude, to forsake easily things earthly and perishable: Progress, in the things relating to salvation : Elevation of the soul above whatever is outside of God : Strength to practice good : Enlightenment of the understanding more perfectly to know God, and all things which are seen in the mirror of eternity : Fervor of love for God: Fulfillment of those things, which beget hap- piness : a Treasure of wealth : a constant Cheer- fulness of spirit : a certain secure Firmness ; per- fect Peace : Union of the soul with God.” (Tliauler, Cent. XIV.) u 0 precious, magnificent, saving banquet, replete with every delight ! By this, sins are cleansed CHAPTER III. 589 away, virtues increased, the mind is enriched with the abundance of all graces.” (St. Antonin., Cent. XY.) 7. Wherefore, delivering her doctrine concern- ing this august and divine Sacrament — which the Catholic Church, instructed by Jesus Christ our Lord Himself, and by His Apostles, and taught by the Holy Spirit, who always inspires her with every truth, — has ever retained and will preserve to the end of the world, — she teaches, and openly and simply professes that, in the bountiful Sacrament of the Eucharist, after the Consecration of the bread and wine, our Lord Jesus Christ, true God and man, is truly, really, and substantially contained under the appearance of those visible elements. She warns, exhorts, prays and entreats, through the tender mercy of our God, that all and each one of those that bear the name of Christian, do meet and agree, in this sign of unity, this bond of char- ity, this symbol of concord, — mindful of so great a Majesty, and so eminent a love of Jesus Christ our Lord, who, as the price of our salvation, laid down His beloved life, and gave us His Flesh to eat : — that they do believe and revere these sacred mys- teries of His Body and Blood, with constancy and firmness of faith, with devotedness, and piety and worship of spirit, so that they may be enabled fre- quent y to receive this supersubstantial Bread, and tha£ this may truly be to them everlasting life and health of the soul. 590 THE FOURTH BOOK. That, being invigorated by the strength thereof, they may be enabled, from the journey of this weary pilgrimage, to come to the heavenly country, there to eat unvailed the same Bread of Angels, that now they eat hidden beneath the sacramental vails. (Council of Trent, Sess. 13, Cent. XVI.) 8. 0 Lord God ! how did the faithful, through all ages, burn to honor Thee in this Sacrament of Thy love ! with what piety did they strive here to exhibit for Thee the utmost reverence ! How they did exert themselves to show due gratefulness to Thy Heart, and to compensate by love for the love of Thy Heart ! And, therefore, too, should we be blamed, we, the heirs of the faith once delivered to the Saints, we, the children of the Saints, were we to grow lukewarm in this devotion of devotions, in this chief point of our Religion ; w hilst so long a suc- cession of ages calls forth our lively faith, when so great a multitude of the faithful of all times and places throughout the world, stimulate us by their example ; and since so great a goodness of Thy Heart excites our hearts. Enliven our faith, most loving Jesus, and, when enlivened, increase it unceasingly. Strengthen our hope and confidence. Enkindle and inflame our love. Grant, 0 Lord, that we may ever be enabled to worship in the spirit of faith, to venerate devotedly CHAPTER IV. 591 this most sacred and most sweet Mystery, and to partake worthily thereof. CHAPTER IV. THAT THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS, IN THE SACRAMENT OF HIS LOVE, IS PERFECTLY BLISS- FUL. 1. The voice of Jesus . — That for which My Heart longed, that which It sought through every excess of love, this It now enjoys contented in the holy Sacrament of the Eucharist. Behold ! now not only the justice of My heav- enly Father, but also the love of My Heart is satisfied. Herein rejoices and exults My Heart, that nothing is now wanting to Its wished-for bliss. Rejoice with Me, My Child ; because here is the joy, the delight, the blessedness of My Heart. Here is the new heaven, wrought and adorned by skill divine, where My Heart is well-pleased and blissful all days. Yet behold! Child, My Heart does not here en- joy those things, wherein the world by its vain struggles seeks for happiness. It possesses not the display of earthly wealth, nor the pleasures of the senses, nor those objects which flatter the passions. All these I willingly do without: nay, frequently 592 THE FOURTH BOOK. even I am wont to be surrounded with what the world shuns and abhors. Yet My Heart is com- pletely contented and blissful. 2. Why should not My Heart be happy here, since in this Paradise of supernatural delights Ifc overflows with a torrent of divine joys, and supreme sweetness ? I am perfectly happy in Heart by possessing those things, which as the Son I have by inherit- ance from the Father, and which, as the Saviour of the world, I have acquired at the price of My life. But thou, My Child, wherein dost thou seek thy felicity? is it also in the divine union, in supernal communing, in the sweet consolation of the divine good pleasure ? Dost thou not sometimes lose the joy or even the peace of thy h^art, because thou hast not that which gratifies nature ? Art thou also, according to the divine Will, gladly deprived thereof? Look thou attentively, Child, and be persuaded, that thy heart, like Mine, cannot be made happy by the love and enjoyment of things sensible, of objects created, but of those which are supernatural and divine. 3. Here, moreover, is My Heart blissful, by reason of the happiness which the faithful draw from this fountain of blessings, whereof they par- take with Me. As a good father experiences happiness, when he 593 finds himself among his beloved children; so do I in the midst of My people. Here the faithful, as children most dear to My Heart, are trained and formed by Me ; they ban- quet, they entertain themselves with Me : they drink in the generosity and fortitude of My Heart : they are incited to emulate My virtues : yea, they learn to glorify and delight in the same things with Me. For this is My Heart glad indeed, as It deems Itself happy whensoever It has made others happy. Rejoice with Me, My Child, seeing that thy hap- piness is not only an object of care, but also of joy to My Heart. 4. 0 if thou knewest, how great a bliss My Heart does, over and above, enjoy here, on account of the tenderness, the devotedness of the love of so many souls, that, in every state and condition of life, are wholly consecrated to Me, and live, with every affection of their heart, for Me alone ! Here, My Child, here is Benjamin with Me in ecstasy of mind. Here are pure souls enraptured with heavenly delights, wherewith the Angels them- selves are inebriated. Here those generous souls, although weak by nature, form great and noble designs for Me, and, by affection and deed, make compensation for the sacrifices of My love, consecrate themselves wholly to My interests. And should not I be delighted with a love so great, so tender, so chaste ? Should I not pour forth My 50 594 THE FOURTH BOOK. •whole Heart upon them ? shall I suffer Myself to be overcome by tenderness and generosity of love ? My delight is to be with the children of men: the hight of My delight to enjoy the love of pure souls, and, in return, to make them taste the sweets of My love. 5. Here, therefore, is My Heart in various ways, and perfectly replenished with bliss ; yet, if there be any who are ungrateful or degenerate, and who are insensible to My love, or act unjustly towards My Heart, they only can make themselves wretched, but cannot render Me unhappy. For, since I am risen to a life of glory, I die no more; neither am I affected by sorrow. My joy, My beatitude, is perfect and complete : none shall take it away from My Heart, none shall lessen the same. As My Heart is personally united to the Divinity, It is blissful with the beatitude of the very Di- vinity. And, therefore, in order that My Heart may be perfectly blissful, It needs no external means ; for, whether these be present or absent, It will ever be most blessed. No less blissful in the hut with the dying poor, than in the palace of the nobleman or king ; as blissful in the Tabernacle of the altar, as upon the throne in heaven. For the reason of My beatitude is within ; whence CHAPTER IV. 595 it is ever the very same in every place, at all times, under all circumstances. This is the inner recess, where I have placed My abode, where I dwell in light inaccessible, where I enjoy a full and unchangeable beatitude. 6. The Angels that throng around Me are filled with wonder, and prostrate they worship, and exult- ing they exclaim : Let us be glad, and give glory to our God ! And much more are they rejoiced at My bliss than at their own ; for, rapt in Me, and forgetful of themselves, in their exceeding love for Me, they exult with Me amid joys unutterable. In like manner, do many faithful souls, — although still in the body they experience the miseries of this mortal life, — rejoice exceedingly, because I am what I am : and they derive the highest happiness from this, that they know that I am supremely blessed. And thou also, My Child, if thou lovest Me truly, wilt surely rejoice for that I am blissful, not only in the enjoyment of the highest glory at the right of God the Father, but also in this Sacrament of the love of My Heart. 7. The voice of the Disciple . — Thou art My wit- ness, most sweet Jesus, and knowest that, through love for Thee, I rejoice at Thy perfect beatitude in the most delightful Sacrament of Thy Heart. Yea, Lord, my heart and my whole soul rejoice 596 THE FOURTH BOOK. in Thee, because Thy Heart is blessed, and is con- firmed in blissfulness forever and ever. 0 how truly must the highest joy overwhelm me, because, Thy Passion being now over, Thy glory and bliss are full, and placed beyond every change! It is true, that, since I still have to endure the hardships of my banishment, the time has not yet come to rejoice at my own glory and bliss everlast- ing : but, meanwhile, it is enough for me that Thou, my God, my Saviour and Father, rejoicest to the utmost fullness, in glory and beatitude supreme. This is for me a reason to rejoice, and to rejoice with my whole heart, even while I abide and weep in my captivity, and call to mind my everlasting inheritance in heaven, which, as God, Thou hast prepared for me, which, when lost, as Saviour, Thou hast repurchased for me, which, as Father, Thou bequeathest to me. And because it is meet and just, that I do love Thee more than myself, and whatsoever is my own ; so, in like manner, it is right and wholesome, that I do rejoice more at Thy beatitude, than at my own happiness, either present or future. And in reality, Lord Jesus, I do rejoice more intensely on account of Thy glory and blessedness, than on account of any honor or exaltation of my own, — on account of any joy or consolation what- ever. But I also rejoice, with all my heart, at the very joy wherewith Thy Heart is replenished by the CHAPTER IV. 597 happiness, the devotedness, the love of so many souls, throughout the earth, consecrated to Th-ee. 8. Grant, 0 most kind Jesus, that I too may be of the number of those, who in return love Thee, their pure and generous Lover, with so great a purity and generosity. I ask not for the singular and marvelous favors granted to them so frequently and so abundantly : Thee, 0 my Jesus, Thyself do I ask, as a reward of my labors and sorrows, if I have endured any for Thy sake, and as my sole happiness in all things. Not the riches or the pleasures of this world, not the things which flatter nature, not even merely sensible consolations, can render me happy. My bliss is, 0 most sweet Jesus, to repose on Thy Heart, to enjoy Thee. Hard, indeed, is all rest which does not recline on Thy Heart: Yain are all things which are not referred to Thee : meaningless, whatsoever is not in harmony with the sentiments of Thy Heart : tasteless, whatsoever is not seasoned with the unc- tion of Thy love. Grant me only, that, by divine union, I may pos- sess Thee, love Thee as purely, as generously as t am able ; and I willingly abandon all the rest to others : by this gift alone I shall be most blissful with Thee. 598 THE FOURTH BOOK. Wt CHAPTEE Y. THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS IS THE HEAR* OF HIS HOLY CHURCH. 1. The voice of Jesus . — My Heart, Child, which lives in the Sacrament, is the heart of My Church, which is My mystical Body. This My Body, is a living one, endowed with a soul. That soul is the principle of the supernatu- ral life, which the Body lives. This principle of life proceeds from My divine Heart : for out of My Heart the Church was made ; — which is evidently to be understood, not of the members, not of the Body, but of the soul. Many members, indeed, but one Body, which, by the divine principle, My Heart animates, and fos- ters, that My life may be made manifest in the Body. The Church, therefore, consisting of a Body, which is its human element, and a soul, which is the divine element, subsists as a moral individual- ity in the oneness of person, and in the participa- tion of the human and divine nature. As the vine, by its influence, communicates the life-giving sap to the branches when properly dis- posed, so do I, to the properly-disposed members of the Church, communicate the divine principle of Life. CHAPTER V. 599 And as the vine and the branches are one, so am I and the Church, in a manner, one. Truly, then, am I and the Church intimately united, not only by a moral, but also by a substantial union ; not by a sensible, but a spiritual union ; not by an hypostatic, but nevertheless by a per- sonal union, in this sense, that I am so united to the Church, that she constitutes with Me one moral personality, receiving from Me her principal part, her soul, the divine principle of supernatural Life, and having, at the same time, members, each of them personalities, in another respect, which sub- sist by and for themselves, truly distinct and merely human personalities. 2. Thus united to Me, thus animated by a divine principle, the Church lives, in some manner, a di- vine Life, a supernatural Life, a Life of merits worthy of everlasting beatitude. Nay more, it is from the same source that man is enabled to begin to be a member of the Church, when, in Baptism, he is regenerated by the water and the Spirit of My Heart, as the Scripture says : We were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Gentiles, whether bondmen or free. For this did the water flow from My opened Side, the symbol of Baptism, which is the laver of regen- eration. By the same principle, likewise, are the members of the Church intimately united. The faithful are, indeed, gently and happily bound together 600 THE FOURTH BOOK. among themselves by many links ; but in the Sa crament of the love of My Heart, they become, as it were, incorporated with Me and endowed with My Spirit, and thus they become incomparably more closely, more sweetly, and more perfectly united together. And this is the mystery of love, whereof the Apostle speaks, when he says : Although many, we are one body, who partake of one Bread. One body and one spirit. What wonder, then, if the faithful should pos- sess but one heart, My Heart, of whose fullness all receive the Spirit of Life? For, as in the natural body the blood, with its life-giving power, starts from the heart, and dif- fuses itself through all, even the most remote and the least, parts which present no obstruction ; so the principle of the supernatural Life proceeds from My Heart, and is imparted to all, and every one of the members of My mystical Body, that present no obstacle. 3. By this divine power not only does the Church live, but at the same time that her members are in- timately united, by this she is nourished, endowed with vigor, and preserved in the perpetual bloom of youth. Yea, if any member is weak, or even, by the abuse of his free-will, has hindered or cast aside My life-giving influence and communication, so as to become supernaturally dead ; so long as he cleaves CHAPTER T. 601 to the Body of the Church, he can recover life it- self and supernatural health from My Heart, if, by the Sacrament of Penance, he cleanses himself in the bath of the life-restoring and purifying Blood of My Heart, and thus removes the obstacle or hindrance. But the living members of the Church, as they are animated by My Spirit, as they are constantly nourished by the influence of My Heart, as, lastly, they abide in Me and I in them, bring forth much fruit, true and permanent fruit, fruit of life ever- lasting. All false religions and sects, — as they neither do nor can receive Life from My divine Heart. — since they are altogether cut off from My mystical Body, — are soulless beings, destitute of the princi- ple of the supernatural Life ; and, therefore, they cannot bear genuine and saving fruit. For, as the branch of the vine cannot bear fruit of itself, un- less it abide in the vine, so neither can men, unless they abide in Me. Do not then wonder, if the sects and false reli- gions, like branches lopped off, wither, decay, and finally perish altogether. 4. If these things, whereby the Church thus lives, flourishes, and brings forth fruit, are marvel- ous and sweet, still more wonderful and sweeter far are those other favors, which I impart to her, and whereby she has a resemblance to Myself. 51 602 THE FOURTH BOOK. For, whatsoever I have by nature, the Church, according to her capacity, has of Me by grace. And, since I, who am the Holy One, animate the Church with the divine principle of Life, and have her so united to Me, that we are, as it were, one, she is necessarily holy, not only outwardly, by her origin, by her end, and the means she employs to attain to eternal bliss, but also inwardly, by her very soul, wherein, properly speaking, holiness re- sides. By the perpetual union and influence of My Heart, I perfect her in holiness, that I may exhibit her as a Church, glorious, without blemish, or wrinkle, or aught of the kind. I cannot err : therefore neither can the Church. Should she err, I Myself should err : but I am the infallible truth, whence also she herself is infal- lible. The words which the Father gave Me, I gave to her : and I unfolded their meaning, that, under the guidance of My Holy Spirit, she might understand and keep them. The Church, which is My Body, dies not, be- cause I die no more ; but so she remains, until I come, in glory, at the end of the world. I Jesus yesterday, and to-day: the same also forever : and, therefore, My Heart, which vivifies and preserves the Church, nurses and fills her with vigor, sanctifies her by Its holiness, and consolid- ates her by Its truth ; endows her also with Its own CHAPTER V. 603 perpetual Life, and imparts to her a bright immor- tality. 5. Learn hence, My Child, how worthy of thy veneration, how worthy of thy love is the Church, who is so intimately united to Me, and represents My Own Self so completely, that she may justly say : He that sees me, sees also Christ. Be glad, Child, rejoice with all thy heart, be- cause thou art a member of this My mystical Body, than which there is naught seen on earth, more beauteous, more noble, more marvelous. If thou lovest Me, love also My Church, for which I gave Myself up, and than which, of all the things that are made, in heaven and in earth, there is nothing dearer to My Heart. Above all, in the most Holy Sacrament of Mj love, thou wilt be more closely united in Me to the Church, and there wilt thou better learn of My Heart her spirit. Whosoever wishes to know the spirit of the Church, must learn the Spirit of My Heart ; be- cause the Spirit of both is one and the same. The Church must be considered in the same spirit wherewith she is animated : and her manner of acting must be viewed, not in a worldly sense, but in that spiritual sense by which she is moved when acting. 0! if all knew the sentiments of the Church — which far surpass the sentiments of the best of mothers, since hers are the very sentiments of My 604 THE FOURTH BOOK. Heart; — how fondly would they love the Church! how completely would they approve all her works ! Do thou pray, My Child, that all may know and love the Church, that they may be worthy mem- bers of this Body, animated with the Spirit of Life : members by whom I may be honored and glorified. Do thou pray, much and frequently, that all may be invigorated with the sentiments of My Heart, and increase throughout therein, until they all meet into a perfect Body, and be joined in fellowship with the Angels and Saints, who, in heaven, are confirmed in union with My Heart. 6. Meanwhile, My Child, have a special care, that thou abide in Me, not by faith, hope, and charity alone, but also by means of the Sacrament, by a perfect union. This is the one, the necessary thing for thee, that thou be united with Me. From this union arise for thee life, and vigor, and perfection, and holiness. The more closely thou art united with Me, and the better disposed thou keepest thyself, the more copious streams of graces, and supernal blessings, thou wilt draw upon thyself from My Heart, at all times, indeed, but, chiefly, in Holy Communion. Hence thou wilt bear much fruit of holiness, whereby thou wilt show forth the divine power of My Heart, and promote Its true glory. 7. The voice of the Disciple . — O Lord, our God ! how wonderful, how lovely is Thy Heart ! Who CHAPTER Y. 605 should not be astonished at the depth of the mys- teries of Its power ! who should not be moved by the boundless tokens of Its love ! The taking upon Thyself of our nature, was in- deed a great and marvelous work of Thy love ; but 0, how much greater, how much more marvelous was the giving of Thyself in the Sacrament ! In the Incarnation Thou didst assume our hu- manity : but in the Communion Thou bountifully givest us Thy own Divinity, and grantest us Thy own Humanity. By assuming our nature, Thou didst come down to us, and live a mortal life ; but, by communica- ting Thyself to us in the Sacrament, Thou raisest us up to Thyself, and impartest to us a divine Life. When Thou becamest man, Thou didst redeem and gather us together : by becoming the food of our life, Thou unitest us to Thyself, that we may be perfected in Thee and through Thee. 0 Lord ! how prodigious, how delightful is the love of Thy Heart for us, for whom Thou workest such mighty things ! Would that all might know and love these won- ders so stupendous, so deserving of love! Would that I possessed the hearts of all, that I might con- secrate them to Thy love. 8. 0 Jesus, the life and delight of my soul ! how unutterable is the love, wherewith Thou didst love me ! 606 THE FOURTH BOOK. For, liow great a condescension of Thy love was it, that, by nature, Thou didst create me in Thy image ! But how incomparably greater was that love, whereby, through grace, Thou didst raise me to Thy likeness ! What shall I say, what shall I think of that, whereby Thou didst elevate me to an intimate union with Thyself! Who am I, and who art Thou, that Thou dealest in this manner with me ! 0 love incomprehensible ! O most sweet Jesus, lovely above all things lovely ! How shall I not die, if I love Thee not ! how shall I live, if I live not for Thee ! 0 Lord, the principle, the support, the end of my life! grant, I beseech Thee, grant that I may live united with Thee, that I may live through Thee, that I may live for Thee, to the glory and joy of Thy Heart, whereby Thou effectest such marvelous, such delightful things.* * The things whereof the author speaks in this Chapter are very useful and consoling. But, although there is nothing in them which cannot bo understood, yet it may be of use to give some explanation, and to develop that which, in the matter here treated, may be asserted upon theological grounds. The Head of the mystical Body of Christ, or of the Church, is Christ; its members are the faithful. But between the Head and the members, as the author concisely says, there exists a union : 1. Substantial , not simply moral, such as exists, for example, between the head and the citizens of a commonwealth. 2. Spiritual , in this sense, that it is not a physical union, CHAPTER VI. 607 CHAPTER VI. THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS, UNITES THE CHURCH MILITANT ON EARTH, WITH THE CHURCH TRIUMPHANT IN HEAYEN. 1. The voice of Jesus . — My Child, I am estab- lished Head over the whole Church, the glorious part whereof triumphs with Me in heaven. namely, effected by a cohesion or a mingling of the material parts or molecules, except during the time that the sacred species of the Eucharist continue in a person. But it is, on this account, no less a substantial union ; for the cohesion and mingling of material entities is in the end nothing but accident. It is in this union, of which we are speaking, that the Spirit of Christ informs the living members. 3. Personal * in some manner. For this whole mystical Body forms one person. And Christ, as the Head, gives that which is the principal in this personality. He, indeed, is not the whole and sole person, since the person is effected by the whole subject, for which the members also are to be taken into account; but He is that, whence the members have spiritual life, and whereby they are informed and governed. This, however, is not an hypostatic union, which is also called personal. For, in the hypostatic union, the Person of the Word so assumed the human nature, that in this nature, in no respect any personality obtains, and that there is in every respect only one Person, that of the Word : but in the union of which we are speaking, every member is already a sub- ject or person ; not, indeed, in as much as he is a member of Christ's mystical Body, but in as much as this member can, in another respect, exist for himself, and can be the principle tohich, as the Schoolmen say, of actions. But the human na- ture in Christ is only the principle by which of actions, and can 608 THE FOURTH BOOK. This part, this Church Triumphant, to which the rest will one day exultingly ascend, is the society of all the Angels and Saints, illustrious for be, in no respect, the principle which of the same : therefore, this union is hypostatic and personal. On the other hand, the members of Christ’s mystical Body are, indeed, the principle by which of actions, for as much as they are considered as members of the mystical Body ; but they can exist and bo considered as so many principles which of actions, for as much as they are considered single or individual subjects. Hence it is quite manifest, that the hypostatic union is greater, more intimate and more admirable than the one of which we speak. We are, however, truly members of Christ, and we can be said to be: “ Flesh of His flesh” (according to St, Paul), just as the soul, which is the principal in man, can say of the members of her body : This is my member; I inform such and such other member: whence it is truly her member. Whence also Christ calls us rightly His true members, His flesh, etc. That which principally constitutes or unites this mystical Body, according to some, is the Holy Eucharist. According to this, they deem, that these words of Christ are explained best and in the most obvious meaning : “ Unless ye eat the Flesh of the Son of man ... ye shall not have life in you.” And those others : u He that eats My Flesh . . . abides in Me and I in him.” The life of which there is here treated, whereby Christ in- forms the members of His mystical Body, is not animal life, as is plain, but supernatural life, as the author says. Whence such members as are corrupted by mortal sin, are indeed members of this mystical Body, but dried up and dead ; and, if they do not return to life, to be one day wholly cut off from the Body. (P. J. A. Cens.) CHAPTER VI. 609 victories, crowned with laurels everlasting, wholly and immutably devoted to My glory and love, by far the most pleasing and most dear to My Heart. What wonder, then, if My Heart was carried away with this glorious portion into the land of the living, into the kingdom of everduring bliss? But behold ! at the same time, by a prodigy of love, It was retained in the Sacrament with the Church Militant. In this manner, therefore, It is present with both, and joining both by Itself and in Itself, It makes the two one. 2. Both have in Me the same victim : the Tri- umphant, indeed, has the Lamb standing as if slain, a victim which is not now immolated, but, being immolated formerly, is adored: and the Church Militant possesses the same Lamb of God, that takes away the sins of the world, a continued Sacrifice, which is offered in every place — a clean Oblation. Both, likewise, use the same table : the one, in heaven, is filled without mystery with the Bread of Angels, for which, as they eat thereof, they are ever longing, and wherewith they are at the same time, ever satiated : the other, on earth, enjoys the same food, under the vail of mystery, in a manner adapted to her present condition. Lastly, both are refreshed at the same fountain : for the one that reigns above, is inebriated with perpetual delights, from the torrent of divine pleas- 610 THE FOURTH BOOK. ure, springing up from My Heart into everlasting life : the other, that struggles here below, draws, with gladness, from the same gushing spring, the waters of grace, of consolation, and of blessedness. 3. Making, in this manner, both parts one, My Heart brings it to pass, in the sacred Tabernacle, that there exists between them a continued and never-ceasing communication and fellowship. For, w r herever I am in the most Holy Sacrament, the Angels are continually descending from heaven, to minister to Me, to adore, to love, to praise Me : And, astonished at the love that forces Me, so marvelously and so gently, to abide with men, they, as in heaven before the throne of My glory, so upon earth before the Sacrament of My love, with unceas- ing voice cry out: Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Om- nipotent ! all the earth is full of Thy glory. And when they depart, behold ! they mount up into heaven, having golden vials, full of odors, which are the prayers of the Saints, — of the faith- ful worshiping Me in spirit, with truth and holi- ness : these they offer up before the throne of the divine Majesty, and expose the wants of their com- panions, who are combating upon earth. At the intercession of the Angels and Saints, and at My Heart’s own desire, mercy and grace descend, to console and refresh mortals, and fill them with gladness from above. And thus, Child, whilst the inhabitants of heaven fully enjoy everlasting bliss, the faithful CHAPTER VI. 611 here are unceasingly being prepared by the most Holy Sacrament for the same blessedness : and they that are prepared are constantly entering the heav- enly tabernacles. 4. Therefore, in My Heart is the Church, the one in heaven as well as the one upon earth, united. Itself is the principle, by which the whole becomes one, and the parts have a mutual* and continual intercourse. F or it pleased Me to join together therein all things, whether in heaven or on earth ; so that all, being rooted and strengthened in the same, may abound through My Heart. It was necessary that this should be done, My Child : for, unless I had liberally bestowed the grace of My Heart, that men fortified, yea, elevated thereby, might attain to the heavenly fellowship, they could never, by the powers of their own nature, have reached that supernatural beatitude. In this manner, then, didst thou draw nigh to the City of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to the fellowship of many thousands of Angels, and to the Church of the first-born, who are written in the heavens. 5. Admire thou, My Child, these sublime dis- pensations : revere these mysteries of love : take ad- vantage, for the advancement of thy soul, of so great a goodness of My Heart, which grants thee, although a weak mortal, to hold intimate commu- 612 THE FOURTH BOOK. nion with the Saints and Angels, and from the same treasure with them to draw forth blissfulness. See, how the Church Militant, enraptured with this love of My Heart, vies, by her praises and mani- festations of gratefulness, to emulate the Church Triumphant. For, as the Church in heaven has no rest, but without end praises Me, forever glorifies Me : so the Church on earth ceases not to honor, to cele- brate Me. Let not thy sentiments, My Child, be different from the sentiments of the Church, thy Mother : but have thou the same sentiments that she enter tains. When thou appearest before My beloved Taber- nacle, expand thy heart, give thyself up to devo- tion, give glory to the Lord thy God. Unite thyself with the Church Militant; join thyself also to the Church Triumphant: thus, as- sociated with the faithful, and with the Spirits above, praise Thy Saviour-God with the joyful ex- ultation of mouth and heart. Fall prostrate with veneration, adore, entreat, enjoy My presence. 6. The voice of the Disciple . — 0 most loving Jesus ! how admirable is the love of Thy Heart, whereby, to cheer and console me on earth, Thou didst cause me, in some manner, to enjoy here be- low the bliss and companionship of heaven ! Thus, 0 love incomprehensible ! thus Thou CHAPTER VI. 613 didst soothe, in a wonderful way, the bitterness of my banishment; yea, didst change it into heavenly sweetness. And should I not love Thee after this ? should I not praise Thee ? should not Thy love be ever in my heart, Thy praise upon my lips? Yea, I will love, I will praise Thee, 0 Lord : I will love and praise Thee as much as I can, and I wish that I were able as much as I ought. I invite heaven and earth to join me in loving and praising Thee. Enravished with love for Thee, let the Angels and Saints, all the just and the faithful praise Thee in the most sw T eet Sacrament ! Let the Triumphant, together with the Militant Church, cause heaven and earth to resound with hymns of love and praise ! Nay, let all things created, visible and invisi- ble, animate and inanimate, that do Thy bidding, not cease day nor night to praise and glorify Thee, because Thou art worthy of every praise, of every glory, world without end. 7. 0 Thou most charming of friends, Jesus, Thou the bliss of all the Angels and Saints ! Where on earth shall I seek for happiness, if I do not seek for it here ! Here I become the companion of the Saints, here I dwell in the midst of Angels, here I find the very delights of heaven. 0 ineffable goodness ! 0 infinite sweetness ! Thou 614 THE FOURTH BOOK. who drawest to Thyself from above the heavenly Spirits, draw me also unto Thee ; that here I may rest, here, amid the Angels, gaze \$on Thee, adore Thee, praise Thee, supplicate Thee. Whenever I am elsewhere detained, 0 do Thou draw hither my heart and mind ; that, in spirit at least, I may be here with Thee ; that, by frequent thought and affection, I may converse with Thee, may be occupied with Thee. What can I desire better or sweeter in this world than here to enjoy Thee? Here is the new earthly Paradise, where I long and resolve to live, until I am transported hence into Thy heavenly kingdom, and triumph forever with the Angels and Saints. CHAPTER VII. THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS UNITES TO- GETHER THE CHURCH, THAT SUFFERS IN PURGA- TORY, W T ITH THE MILITANT AND TRIUMPHANT CHURCH. 1. The voice of Jesus . — My Child, none shall enter the kingdom of heaven, the Church Triumph ant, unless he is holy, stainless. For nothing de- filed shall enter therein. Whosoever leaves this world, defiled with sin CHAPTER VH. 615 which may be forgiven in the world to come, shall be saved, yet so as by fire. In this &re, My Child, is the Suffering Church, a multitude of souls, that formerly, beneath My standard, fought for My sake against the flesh, the world, and the devil, but in the battle were, in one way or another, wanting in their duty, and, during life, did not repair their shortcomings. They suffer, My Child, and the more vehemently, since, as they now understand things more fully, they also long the more ardently to be with Me in the triumph of the heavenly kingdom. Belying on this certain hope of bliss, they expe- rience on this very account more violent sufferings : for hope delayed afflicts the soul. And, although the soul is glad to be there cleansed, and would not go thence uncleansed, she, however, finds no rest, but, impelled by an exces- sive longing, she cries out: When shall I come, oh when shall I come and appear before the face of my God ! 2. These souls I cherish, My Child, because in life they loved Me, and did not unto the end leave My standard. Their names are written in the Book of Life, and their rewards are safely laid up in My Heart. Meanwhile, the grace of My Heart informs them, the virtue of My Heart relieves them, the bound- less love of My Heart comforts them. Thus, through My Heart, is the Church Suffering 616 THE FOURTH BOOK. vivified, as well as tlie Church Militant, and the Triumphant : and in My Heart these three are one. Animated by the supernatural life of My Heart, the one that is glorified in heaven, the one that is being cleansed in Purgatory, the one that combats upon earth, all concur in one and the same end, which is lasting triumph for the unending glory of the divine Majesty. 3. And, since all receive life out of My Heart, and return the fruit of this life to My Heart, all good things become common among them in My Heart; the charity whereof, penetrating into heaven, the earth, and Purgatory, distributes them to all the members, to the advantage of each and all. But as the souls in Purgatory can no longer gain any merit for themselves, and cannot be assisted by men, except through their suffrages, My Heart drew out of Its love a means to help them in the most bountiful manner. For It willed that the Eucharistic Sacrifice should be applicable to them, in view whereof, the divine Majesty either sets them free, or, certainly, shortens or lessens their sufferings. It is, then, owing to My Heart, that those souls are in this manner relieved and purified by the virtue of My Blood, which is applied to them through the Holy Sacrifice. Thus, My Child, Purgatory is emptied, heaven filled : and to those sojourning on earth the sweetest CHAPTER VII. 617 consolation is given, in regard to them that have departed this life. 4. Behold, therefore, how beautiful is the whole Church, all the parts whereof are perpetually com- municating with each other in My Heart. The Militant part, adorned with the victories al- ready obtained, and marching onward in pursuit of new ones, rejoices with those that rejoice in the Triumphant, and weeps with them that weep in the Suffering Church. Love, compassion, joy, prayers are ever passing to and fro, through every part. Rejoice, My Child, that thou art not of the number of them that have no hope beyond the tomb, but of those whom, — united as they are in My Heart, — neither the distance of places, nor the empire of death can separate. 5. Take to thyself the Spirit of My Heart : as often as thou art present at the most Holy Sacri- fice, humbly remember the faithful departed : for, whilst the sacred and adorable Victim lies before thee, it is especially a wholesome thought, a most religious practice, to pray for the dead, that they may be loosed from sins. In the same Spirit also, if thou gainest any in- dulgence, which may be beneficial to them, apply the same for their relief and consolation. And when thou art united to Me in Holy Com- munion, then, above all, do thou commend to My Heart those whom thou didst hold dear in this 52 618 THE FOURTH BOOK. world, as well as tlie rest, for whom it is proper that thou shouldst pray. Call to mind, Child, with how great a feeling of gratefulness and love, these souls will endeavor to repay thee, whom, by thy prayers and suffrages, \hou didst introduce into heavenly bliss. This devotion, this charity toward the souls suf- fering in Purgatory, is a peculiar characteristic of the Disciples of My Heart ; who, after Its example^ transcend the bounds of this world, and whomsoever they find capable of being helped, they comfort by their charity. 6. The voice of the Disciple . — 0 most sweet Jesus ! what a Heart is Thine ! how admirable ! how bountiful ! For, behold ! in Thy Heart, I find even those whom I had lost out of this life ; and I am once more united with them, whom in this life I cher- ished. Here I hold with them an intercourse full of sweetness : here I can solace both them and myself. Making use with thankfulness of this most con- soling means, through thy very Heart, I present to Thee, for the relief of the souls of the faithful de- parted, the fruit of every Holy Sacrifice of the Mass wheresoever offered. And, in union therewith, I offer up whatsoever good works, through Thy holy grace, I do possess, that Thou mayst deign to wash away all the defile* CHAPTER VII. 619 ments of those souls, and thus make them worthy of the fellowship of the Church Triumphant. I also offer to Thee my prayers and supplications, especially for my departed parents, brothers, sisters, friends ; for all, in fine, who have done good to me, whether in things temporal or spiritual. Those souls also do I specially commend, of whose sufferings I may, in any manner, have been the cause. But particularly do I pray for those departed, who, in the present life, have been devoted Disci- ples of Thy most Sacred Heart. Finally, I do humbly entreat Thee for them all ; that, released from sufferings, they may enter into everlasting joys, and there be mindful of me. 7. 0 Jesus, Thou who consolest all Thine, and renewest all things ! when I am here with Thee before Thy sacred Tabernacle, the world of sense seems to vanish away : for here the spiritual world is thrown open to me : and oh ! how vast, how mar- velous ! with what mighty and countless wonders does it appear filled ! Here I hold communion with the Church Tri- umphant in heaven, and with the Church that is purified in Purgatory : here I converse, in freedom and holiness, with the Angels and all the inhabit- ants of heaven : here I deal with my kindred and friends who dwell in the invisible world. And to whom am I indebted for all this, if not to , Thy Heart? Here, therefore, here is the place of C20 THE FOURTH BOOK. ray choice, the place of peace and repose, the place of joy and consolation. 0 how good it is for me to be here, most bounth ful Jesus, source of every good! Let others go whither they prefer ; let them be entertained by the objects wherein they delight: I, so often as Thy Will may grant it to me, I will constantly repair hither; here will I entertain myself with Thy own; here will I treat with Thee, heart to Heart, in the plenitude of Thy sweetness. CHAPTER VIII. OF THE INEFFABLE OCCUPATIONS OF THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS, IN THE SACRAMENT, WITH RESPECT TO HIS FATHER. 1. The voice of the Disciple . — If the works of Thy Sacred Heart, Lord Jesus, in regard to every portion of Thy Church, are so wonderful, so sub- lime, of which kind, I pray, are Its occupations with respect to Thy Father, by whom Thou art loved infinitely, and whom Thou also lovest infin- itely ? These, indeed, are mysteries so great, that, were any one, in order to unfold them, to speak the lam CHAPTER VIII. 621 guage of men and Angels, he should still he as a child, that knows not how to speak. Yea, Lord, these are secrets, which it is not given to man to utter. Do Thou Thyself, therefore, reveal them to us, so much as Thou knowest them to he useful for Thy glory and our good ; that we may he enabled to worship and love Thee worthily in Thy most Holy Sacrament. 2. The voice of Jesus . — Listen reverently, My Child, attend religiously : and I will unfold to thee the divine secrets. Here, in My innermost retreat, in the light un- created, I contemplate, with Heart enraptured, the divine Essence, and am infinitely delighted in Its perfections. Hence, My Heart is inundated with unutterable joys: and It is now the more abundantly and the more delightfully overflowed with these, the more It was, during Its mortal life, filled with bitterness. Amid these splendors, amid these divine ecstasies, the Father is in Me and I in the Father ; and, without the sound of words, the Father speaks to Me and I to Him. Here the Father communicates to Me the eternal counsels of His Wisdom, the decrees of llis su- preme Omnipotence, the most lovely good-pleasure of His Goodness. These My Heart embraces in return, and finds Its pleasure therein. 622 THE FOURTH BOOK. 3. For My Heart loves tlie Father supremely: and with such a love for Him does It burn, that It never grows cool, nor loses aught of Its ardor. Behold, My Child, a love with which no other heart can love the Father, since every other heart is only referred and united to Him as the heart of a son, not by nature, as is My Heart, but solely by adoption. In this, then, My Heart is alone and unrivaled. Therefore, also, the Father is delighted, above the love of all the Saints and Angels, with the love of My Heart, because it is the love of the Heart of His only-begotten Son. 4. As lam the Son of God the Father, and as all things which the Father has are Mine, I enjoy them all, I use them all in the Holy Spirit. "Whatsoever things the Father does, these I also do : I create, preserve, perfect all the same things with the Father and the Holy Spirit. But as the Son of man, I, in some manner, anni- hilate Myself before the presence of the Father, and pour forth, before Him, perpetual adorations. Here I worship His divine Wisdom, Goodness, Power, and other perfections, in such a manner that neither the Cherubim, nor Seraphim, nor any other created beings can so glorify the same. 5. But, whilst, in this mystical and sublime sol- itude of the divine Sacrament, I am thus alone treating with the Father in the Holy Spirit, My CHAPTER VIII. 623 Heart is not unfaithful, so as to forget the work of Its predilection among the children of men. For them My Heart does unceasingly offer to the Father Its manifold and stupendous sacrifices. If any there are infirm or drooping in spirit, or dead, here It prays for them with unspeakable groanings. And It pours Itself out, with all Its affections, before the Father, that he who is just, may be justified still, and he that is holy may be still sanctified. Nor do I cease with My Heart to offer prayers and supplications for all, whom I am not ashamed to call brethren before the Father: Saying, that all may be one ; as Thou, Father, in Me, and I in Thee, so they also may be one in Us. I in them and Thou in Me ; that they may be made perfect in one : that the world may know that Thou hast sent Me, and hast loved them, as Thou also hast loved Me. I pray not that Thou wouldst take them out of the world, but that Thou wouldst keep them from evil. Sanctify them in the truth. Father, I will that where I am, they also, whom Thou hast given Me, may be with Me ; that they may see My glory which Thou hast given Me. 6. Behold, My Child, the occupations in regard to the Father, which, here in the holy Tabernacle, My Heart uninterruptedly continues. 624 THE FOURTH BOOK. Do thou endeavor, when here thou appearest in My presence, to imitate these occupations of My Heart. Raise thy heart above all sensible objects : and with the Church, thy Mother, who, as the symbol of her faith, keeps a constant light burning before the most Holy Sacrament, contemplate, by the light of Faith, thy God, thy Saviour, present to thee. In silence, with deep reverence, and pious affec- tion, meditate on all those things, wherewith My Heart is here employed. Hither do thou frequently resort, My Child, here pour out thy heart : here do thou love : here de- light in My Heart. 7. The voice of the Disciple . — 0 how marvelous, 0 how divine Thy occupations, my Jesus, in the sacred Tabernacle ! These, Lord, these, if they are pondered, if they are understood, teach that which neither books can show, nor talents make known. 0 divine solitude of Jesus in the Sacrament! here is the fountain of heavenly secrets : this is the school of contemplation, where souls are taught to rise above things sensible, to go to the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost ; to gaze upon the wonderful works of God, to pray with mind and heart ; to speculate on things mystical and divine. The eye has not seen, the ear has not heard, no sense has perceived~by faith alone it is descried, by pure love it is tasted — how great a felicity, how CHAPTER VIII. 625 great a sweetness, how great an abundance of all good things lies here concealed. Here, Lord Jesus, is the retreat, wherein, at rest Thyself, Thou puttest all things to rest; wherein Thou Thyself occupied, occupiestus; wherein, Holy Thyself, Thou sanctifiest us. Here is the spot which the Angels surround ; wherein pure souls long to make their abode. Here, most sweet Jesus, here will I ever seek Thee ; here, I implore Thee, let me deserve, in Thy light, to behold the light wherein Thou dwellest ; to be occupied with Thee, to be delighted with the wonders which Thou workest with the Father, and the Holy Ghost ; to be absorbed by the flood of divine fire, which bursts forth from Thy Heart ; in fine, to be transformed in Thee by love. Bring me, I beseech Thee, into the very secrets of Thy Heart, and keep me with Thee in this di- vine repose, where all merely human emotion ceases, where everything that moves, springs from the Godhead, and tends to the Godhead. If I have found favor in Thy eyes, 0 Lord, give me admittance, I entreat Thee; unite me with Thee by the indissoluble bond of love; fill all my facul- ties within and without, that I may V ive of Thee and for Thee. 53 626 THE FOURTH BOOK. CHAPTER IX. THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS, IN THE BLESSED SACRAMENT, HONORS HIS FATHER IN- FINITELY. 1. The voice of Jesus. — Now, dearly beloved, is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in Him. How much, thinkest thou, is the Father glorified, how much is He honored by the Son; who, for the honor and glory of the Father, is not now seen on earth, but hidden in the Sacrament ? The Father is worthy of all worship, praise, and homage : and, therefore, do I, in this sacred mystery, exhibit the same to Him, by the boundless humili- ations to which I here subject Myself. So much the more is the Majesty of God the Father exalted, the more the Son, made man, hum- bles Himself, that He may honor the Father. Measure, if thou canst, the depth of humility, into which I here descended for the glory of God the Father. Into a deep abyss I certainly did go down by My Incarnation ; into a deeper one I sank dur- ing My lifetime : into the very deepest I lowered Myself by My death. But here, I have sunk be- neath all those depths : here I exceed all those ex- cesses, and continue to do the same. Endeavor as much as thou canst, struggle as much as thou wilt ; thou mayst wonder, thou mayst -1 CHAPTER IX. 627 be astounded, but never slialt tliou be able to grasp or understand neither the depth, nor the breadth of the abyss, into which My Heart here lowers Itself. The very Angels are amazed, when, struck with awe, they gaze upon Me, whom they acknowledge and worship as their Lord, humbling Myself more deeply than they themselves could possibly do. Powerfully, indeed, are they thereby enkindled and stimulated to glorify the divine Majesty, whose infinite grandeur they cannot comprehend, but whom they thus more clearly perceive, by My ex- ample, as worthy of infinite honor. 2. If the state itself, My Child, wherein I have here placed Myself, honors the divine Majesty so exceedingly, how much glory do all the things which I perform for Him, in this condition, give to Him ! Judge not by the outward appearance : things divine are not to be estimated in a human sense. All My acts, in this Sacrament, since they are the acts of a Person of infinite dignity, unseen though they be, and displaying no splendor to s-trike the senses of men, are of infinite value. Wherefore, My Child, the least motion of My Heart for the glory of My Father glorifies Him in- comparably more, than all things whatsoever done by mere creatures. Call to mind the great exploits, the illustrious actions, and immortal deeds, which men have achieved for the world* and whereby they have 628 THE FOURTH BOOK. spread their renown over the earth : behold, all these, compared with a single act of My Heart, what are they except smoke, compared to a blazing fire ? Nay more, add together the virtues, the suffer- ings, the heroic actions, whereby all the Saints, from Abel even to the last of the just, have ren- dered themselves truly distinguished : these also, My Child, though pleasing and honorable to God, are infinitely below one single sacrifice, whereby My Heart here honors God. What more? Great, indeed, and glorious are the praises and thanksgivings, which the Spirits above, the inhabitants of heaven, offer to the divine Majesty : yet, greater, and more glorious beyond comparison, are those which My Heart, by one single immolation of Itself upon the altar, presents to Him. 3. Kightly, therefore, does the holy Church re- joice, for that she has for her Bridegroom the Son of God, who honors for her the divine Majesty, as much as He deserves to be honored : and gives Him thanks such as are due to Him. This she daily acknowledges with grateful feel- ing, when, through Me, she draws nigh to the Father, and says to Him : Through Him, and with Him, and in Him is to Thee, God, almighty Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, all honor and glory. Formed by this divine institution, and united to Me, she dares, without fear of refusal, pray the CHAPTER IX. 629 Father and thank Him, through Me, Christ the Lord. And, since she knows that only through Me her acts are supernaturally acceptable to God, whatso- ever she does, whatsoever she offers, she performs it ail 'in union with Me, for the praise and glory of the divine Majesty, as well as for her own advan- tage unto life everlasting. 4. Blessed those souls, My Child, that, moved by the spirit of their holy Mother, the Church, with her unite themselves to My Heart in the Sacra- ment ; and thus strive to pay to God the honor and thanksgiving, which they owe to Him, but which, of themselves, they are unable to render. Remember, Child, how much thou owest to My heavenly Father, who so cherished thee that, in so* marvelous and sweet a manner, He gave thee His only-begotten Son : who so loves thee, that He im- parts to thee, in so great an abundance, the gifts of the Spirit the Comforter sent in My name. How sweet a debt is gratefulness, if thou hast a noble heart ! And what can be so sweet, if thou, hast the heart of a son, as to display a grateful mind toward the best of Fathers ? And, if thou desirest to be thankful to God, like a son to his father, honor Him : for He says : If l am a Father, where is My honor ? 5. The voice of the Disciple . — 0 eternal Father! from whom, as from their highest source, I have received all things ; nay, what infinitely surpasses 630 THE FOURTH BOOK. rail, Thy only Son Himself, with all His merits and ineffable favors, the Holy Spirit likewise, and His graces and multiform gifts : what return shall I make to Thee, for blessings so great, so numerous ? If there must be a certain proportion between gifts and the thankfulness for them, behold ! I am, every way, powerless to repay the gratitude I owe to Thee, since there is no comparison between Thy infinite gifts and my imperfect gratefulness. When, besides, I consider that all the divine perfections are infinite, and that these infinite per- fections, even if Thou hadst never bestowed any favor upon me, are, for their own sake to be wor- shiped in a limitless manner, I am overwhelmed by the weight of my debt to which, I acknowledge, I am of myself forever unequal. But behold ! Jesus, Thy only and most beloved Son, who, for Thy love and mine, abides with me upon earth, makes good what I owe to Thee, but am unable to repay. Through Him, therefore, who knows all Thy blessings bestowed upon me, and fully comprehends Thy perfections, I do here, in union with the love of His Heart, avow the obedience of my depend- ence, and render to Thee a worship ever most ac- ceptable in Him, in whom Thou art always well- pleased. 6. With all my heart do I rejoice, for that Thou art infinitely perfect, as well as liberal to me; and that, in the Heart of Jesus, Thy well-beloved Son* CHAPTER IX. 631 I possess wherewith I am able to return Thee due honor and gratitude. Wherefore, I offer to Thee all the virtues of the most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Thy Son, and all the lets which He ceases not to perform, for the honor of Thy Majesty, and the salvation of the whole world, in the most Blessed Sacrament of His love. Whatsoever I am able to do, is as nothing in comparison of what I owe to Thee : and this is itself a part of Thy praise, that what Thou deserv- est, is above every power of mine. But, look upon the face of Jesus, Thy Son, who is the image of Thy Goodness and of Thy every perfection ; and, for Thy glory, do Thou receive all the fullness of the Holiness of His Heart. Deign, I beseech Thee, Holy Father, to accept the merits, satisfactions, and praises of Thy only- begotten Son, as an atonement for all the insults with which I myself and others have, at times, dis- honored Thee, For which insults I would gladly, were I able, make amends with my blood and with every other sacrifice : but, since whatsoever I may do, is, of it- self, by no means sufficient for this, I unite it all with the infinite merits of the Heart of Jesus, Thy Son, and thus present it to Thee. 7. Through the same Heart of Thy beloved Son — through which I pay Thee a tribute of honor, and render Thee thanks for all the blessings be- 632 THE FOURTH BOOK. stowed upon me — I humbly implore new graces for Thy glory. Above all, grant me, I entreat Thee, a great, a generous, a tender love for Thy Son, the Beloved of my soul, the most sweet Jesus, who stays here so lovingly with me. Grant that, animated with the sentiments of His Heart, and united thereto, I may live by Him — through whom alone I am able to come to Thee. Give me for this, I beseech Thee, the fullness of the Holy Spirit, who ever animated and guided the Heart of Jesus. Let that divine Spirit replenish my whole heart, inflame it with love for Jesus, and stimulate it ever with hunger and thirst for His most delicious Sacrament. CHAPTER X. THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS, BY ITS SELF- OFFERINGS IN THE MOST HOLY SACRAMENT, AP- PEASES THE DIVINE JUSTICE, AND PROCURES FOR US MEASURELESS GRACES. 1. The voice of Jesus . — My Child, thus says the Lord : In every place there is sacrificed and offered to My Name a clean Oblation ; for great is My Name among the nations. CHAPTER X. 633 This, My Child, is that Victim of salvation, which, once offered on the Holy Mountain for the Redemption of all, is offered daily throughout the world to apply My merits to each one in particular, unto the forgiveness of sins, which are daily com- mitted. For, knowing that the nature of them that were to believe in Me, would be such, that they should all offend in many things ; moved by the love of My Heart, I instituted a Sacrifice, not only of su- preme worship and thanksgiving, but also of atone- ment and impetration : by the offering of which, God, being appeased, after granting the grace and gift of repentance, would also pardon crimes and offenses, and liberally bestow His favors. The same Sacrifice, that I formerly offered upon the cross, I now offer upon the altar, — not indeed in a bloody manner as then, but with the same love of Heart. As often, therefore, as this ever-enduring Sacri- fice is offered, as often as the remembrance of this Victim is celebrated, the work of man’s Redemp- tion is renewed. Upon this Oblation the Almighty Father ever deigns to look with a propitious and favorable eye, and He holds the same more acceptable, than the holy sacrifice, the spotless offering which the High- priest, Melchisedech, presented to Him. Whence also the Church, full of confidence, prays God the Father, that hereby the faithful may 634 THE FOURTH BOOK. be freed from all evils, past, present, and future ; and that, assisted by the help of the divine mercy, they may be free from sin, and secure from all dis- turbance. For, what can the eternal Father refuse, when He beholds Me, His only Son, through zeal for His honor and love for men, immolated upon the altar and lying there the victim of His glory; whilst My Heart and My very Blood cry out and inter- cede for My brethren ? 2. Most assuredly this Oblation, so pre-eminently clean, — presented by the ministry of priests, through Myself, with the infinite affection of My Heart, to the Heavenly Father, — is ever pleasing to Him, is ever regarded for its dignity. Thus, indeed, many others are made priests, be- cause death suffered them not to remain, and be- cause this Victim is offered in every place : but I, since I endure forever, possess an everlasting priest- hood. Whence also I can save, forever, those that, through Me, draw nigh to God. The earth, therefore, is, as it were, uninterrupt- edly crimsoned by the offering of this most sacred Victim; and its fragrance, blending with the virtues and merits of My Heart, is unceasingly ascending to the Father for an odor of sweetness. If the many sins of men do much offend the di- vine Majesty, and provoke His justice, this holy Sacrifice does incomparably more to honor and ap* pease the same ; since His only-begotten Son pleases CHAPTER X. C35 Him infinitely more, than all sinners displease Him. What land on earth is not, in some manner, dyed with the Blood of My Heart, or what spot is ex- cluded from Its prayers and protection? What region, then, in this world, can God smite, without striking a place defended by the Heart of His Son? Behold ! sinners have sinned, and they were not? according to their deserts, cast into the pool of fire everlasting : yea, they are even suffered to live, not indeed that they may continue to sin, but that they may save themselves. For I place Myself between God My Father and the sinners ; for them I offer Myself, and make in- tercession : Look Thou, holy and righteous Father, behold My hands, and My Side : see how much they have cost Thy Son ! by the love, wherewith Thou lovest Me, spare. Father, spare Thy people. 3. My Child, ought not the sinner to yield to so great a goodness, whereby I keep hell shut, lest he be swallowed up therein ; whereby I restrain the demons, lest they carry him off ; whereby I stay the arm of the Almighty, lest the bolts of divine justice destroy him ? Thou shouldst indeed wonder, didst thou see all the secret means which My Heart here employs to save souls ; which, unless I turned away the divine wrath from them, should soon be deservedly de* voured. 636 THE FOURTH BOOK. If now, as of old, sudden and immutable punish- ment is not inflicted upon the wicked ; they should remember that it is owing to the Sacrifice of My Heart, whereby the whole world is preserved. Lo, Child, how My Heart loves, everywhere mindful of men, even of the most wretched ; every- where promoting the salvation of souls. 4. With what sentiments, then, is it befitting that thou shouldst approach this mystery, whence thou mayst obtain remedies so great ! Whence thou mayst secure graces and favors of every kind : for it is of infinite value. But, although this Sacrifice is of infinite value, the fruit thereof is, however, applied to man in a limited manner, according to the liveliness of the faith and devotedness, the dispositon of the soul of him that assists thereat, or for whom it is offered up; as the Church, taught by the Holy Spirit, in- sinuates, when, during the Sacrifice, she prays God to remember His servants, and all the bystanders, whose faith is acknowledged, and whose devoted- ness is known by Him. Wherefore, My Child, do thou celebrate or hear Mass with a lively faith, a true devotion, a holy disposition ; that thou mayst deserve to obtain the greatest fruit of the Sacrifice, and secure all the graces for which thou prayest. For the divine Clemency grants, without doubt, to them that are rightly disposed, whatsoever favors CHAPTER X. 637 they ask during the Mass ; nay, frequently bestows liberally blessings for which they did not petition. Remember this, Child, that piously to hear Mass is a most wholesome means to keep thyself from dangers, to preserve thyself from an unforeseen death, and to follow the path of righteousness. If thou wilt lay up merits, so often as it is per- mitted, be thou present at the Sacrifice of the Mass : for, by the devout hearing of one Mass, thou mer- itest far more, than if, through devotion, thou didst macerate thyself for a long time by fasts and aus- terities, or didst undertake a distant pilgrimage. Lastly, if thou desirest to make thyself agreeable to My Heart, assist at Mass as frequently and as devoutly as possible ; for this Sacrifice glorifies the most Holy Trinity, rejoices the Angels and Saints, enriches the just with grace, helps sinners for their conversion, relieves the souls detained in Purgatory, in fine, cheers and comforts the whole Church on earth. 5. The voice of the Disciple . — 0 most sweet Jesus ! how great the mercy ! how disinterested the love ! how resistless the kindness ! how astounding the goodness of Thy Heart ! Even for them who, as much as in them lies, sad- den Thy Heart, Thou ceasest not to immolate Thy- self; that Thou mayst stay the weight of the divine anger, whilst they betake themselves in safety be- neath the protection of Thy Heart. And I, for I will confess it, although so plenti- 638 THE FOURTH BOOK. fully blessed with the gifts of Thy Heart, I, most ungrateful of men, have grieved Thy Heart. To the great mercy, to the infinite goodness of Thy Heart it is owing, that I am not destroyed, that I still remain unharmed. 6. 0 Heart of Jesus! Heart full of sweetness and delight ! most loving Heart, every way poured out through an excess of love ! how can I possess a heart worthy of the name of a human heart, if I do not love Thee in return? Who, 0 Lord, who can resist Thy love, when he considers, how, in the most Holy Eucharist, Thou shelterest us in Thy Heart, and offerest Thyself to Thy Father for us ! O my Jesus ! what would happen, shouldst Thou cast away the sinner from the protection of Thy Heart ! how dreadfully would the thunderbolts of divine iustice hurl him into the lowest depths of hell! Far, 0 Lord, far be it from me, that, by provok- ing Thy Heart, through ingratitude, through sin, I should expose myself to so great a danger ! 7. Grant, 0 my Saviour! that I may bo more eager to please Thee, who art so solicitous for me ; that I may love Thee more fervently ; that, through gratitude and love, I may visit Thee more fre- quently, and assist oftener or more devoutly at Thy holy Sacrifice. 0 how little do I love Thee, if I do not daily CHAPTER XI. 639 come hither, to be present at Mass ; here to medi- tate, to converse with Thee, to beg much of Thee. How considerable a time of the day do I give to worldly occupations ! how much to rest and to recreate myself! and cannot I spend here with Thee half an hour for the affair of my everlasting salva- tion, and for the divine glory ; the more as I should take hence Thy grace and blessing, whereby my affairs themselves, and all the rest, would be made holy and prosperous? Yea, 0 Lord, daily will I be here with Thee. And, if I am necessarly hindered from being bodily present, even then I will be here in spirit with Thee. CHAPTER XI. THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS, IN THE SACRA- MENT OF HIS LOVE, IS OUR GREATEST CONSOLA- TION ON EARTH. 1. The voice of Jesus . — My Child, behold My Tabernacle with men ! behold here I dwell with them. Here I Myself console them that come, and I wipe away every tear from their eyes. And, as there is no place on earth, where afflic- tion does not sometimes shed tears, My Heart mul- tiplies Its miracles, that It may everywhere multi ply consolations. 640 THE FOURTH BOOK. Hence thou mayst learn, My Child, that the mercy of My Heart is greater than man’s misery can be. If any remedy, if any comfort is required in mis- fortune, here it is found in My Heart ; here it is drawn with gladness from the same. Behold ! here I make all things new : things heavy I change into light, things tasteless I make to be savory : bitterness I turn into sweetness, mourning into joy of heart. Nay more, this vale of tears I transform into a Paradise ; earth into heaven before its time. For here is the plentifulness of all the good things of heaven, here is the fountain of peace and gladness ; here are the Angels, here am I Myself, here is bliss ever-enduring. 2. These are the wonders of love, Child, which My Heart works for thee, that thou mayst not be cast down amid the tribulations of life ; but that, attracted by the goodness of My Heart, thou mayst come to this overflowing fountain of all conso- lation. If thou hast once duly tasted Its sweetness, thou wilt soon forget every affliction of the past, or wilt even deem it all joy. When, here before the Tabernacle, thou pourest forth thy heart; above all, when, after holy Com- munion, thou speakest to Me heart to Heart, and resignest thyself wholly to Me ; then wilt thou per* CHAPTER XI. 641 ceive that affliction yields to consolation, fear to confidence, lukewarmness to fervor of heart. If, overlooking Me, thou runnest elsewhere to find some one to relieve and help thee in thy dejec- tion, thou shalt often be able to say: I sought soma one to comfort me, but I found none. But hither thou shalt never come in vain : hence thou shalt never depart without relief. Hither, then, do thou ever fly, that thou mayst receive a remedy for thy troubles ; and turn thy sufferings into consoling merits. 3. If misfortune, if loss of possessions, or even if want fill thy heart with groanings and thy eyes with tears, so as to render thy soul weary of life ; here, My Child, thou shalt find what no mortal can give thee ; here thou shalt obtain a soothing of thy grief. If thou lookest upon My example, thy heart shall be comforted : My promise of perma- nent possessions, which thou shalt receive by shar- ing My inheritance, after having passed a few days here below, will cheer up thy spirit: lastly, the secret grace of My Heart will not rarely turn the tears of grief into tears of consolation. If the world hates thee, if men slight, oppose, or oppress thee ; here, 0 My Child, here in this mys- tery of love thou shalt be abundantly comforted : when thou possessest Me, yea, when thou pressest Me to thy heart, Me thy Saviour, thy faithful Friend, thy best and dearest Father, thou wilt be contented enough to be hidden, to be humbled with 642 THE FOURTH BOOK. Me, that thou mayst be the more alike and pleas- ing to My Heart, in order to be forever exalted by Me among My Elect. And, if thou art afflicted or tormented with pains of the body and anguish of soul ; behold, Child, behold here is thy solace, which alone can reach the innermost recesses of the ailing heart, and which none can hinder, except thyself — by heark- ening rather to thy own thoughts than to My whisperings. Thou shalt also experience that which has been felt by thousands of faithful souls, that came hither in sorrow, and with an aching heart; and soon, re- freshed by the sweetness of the love of My Heart, went away their hearts dilated with bliss. If annoyed by temptations, if worn down by desolateness ; hasten hither, My Child. Behold ! My Heart invites and awaits thee thus tempted and rendered desolate. It will receive thee with glad- ness ; It will strengthen thee by Its own fortitude ; It will fill thee with the sweetness of Its unction. Shouldst thou even commit a fault, arise quickly, and run thou hither. Here thou shalt easily repair all : here thou shalt recover peace and joy of heart. 0 if thou knewest, My Child, with how great a longing to console every one, My Heart watches here at all times, — consoling Itself whenever It comforts some one in his affliction ; — thou wouldst then understand whence it is, that none, in what CHAPTER XI. 643 trouble soever he may find himself, can come hither well-disposed to My Heart, without receiving consolation. 4. For, in the sacred Tabernacle, thou now pos- gessest Me, the same Saviour, that, whilom, when I lived a mortal life, comforted all : the very same Heart, that, whilst placed in the manger, gave peace to the Shepherds, and filled the Magi with heavenly delight : that, in childhood rejoiced them that came to Me : that, throughout life, was the refuge and solace of all. Thou knowest, My Child, how all the sick and the weak, the blind and the lame, the deaf and the dumb, the wretched and the disconsolate were wont to appeal to My Heart, and implore Its compassion and help. Was ever one of these disappointed in his hope, by what suffering soever he was bowed down ; at what time soever of the day or of the night he came to me ? Did not every one, in whatsoever hour he had recourse to the goodness of My Heart, go away more consoled than he had dared to hope? And, My Child, all these wonders, all these con- solations, My Heart does here ceaselessly renew ; but in a manner all the more perfect and useful, the more spiritual it is, and the better adapted to everlasting life. There, indeed, It healed the diseases of the body : 644 THE FOURTH BOOK. here It cures the ailments, the infirmities and mise- ries of the soul. There It freed them that were possessed by the devil, or tormented by him ; here It does more, since It guards the faithful against the demon. There It cleansed those afflicted with leprosy : here It purifies souls, and makes them clean and whiter than snow. There, by a miracle, It sated thousands of men with a natural food : here It nourishes all the faith- ful with the Bread of Angels. There It restored the dead to life : here, what is better beyond comparison, It preserves souls from death. And as then My Heart, full of compassion, mercy, goodness, was accessible to all ; so now It is open to every one, even to the most wretched and af- flicted. Believe not, My Child, even should a spirit sug- gest the thought, that My Heart does now possess a different feeling, either in respect to God, or with regard to men. Take heed lest thou deem My Heart, that abides here to comfort thee, different from My Heart, that erewhile, in Its mortal life, so marvelously, so sweetly relieved men, and filled them with every consolation. Bor every spirit, that thus severs or divides My Heart, is not of God. 6. Dilate thy heart, My Child, and understand, as much as thou art able, what comfort, here, as CHAPTER XI. 645 from a perennial fountain, flows down upon tliee from My Heart. Behold all the consolations, admirable and de- lightful, — which, during Its mortal life, It imparted to many and various persons, — It bestows in Its Sacramental life upon thee alone. IIow much happier, then, art thou, thaii they that were living at the time of My mortal life I Neither did these, like thyself, uninterruptedly en- joy My presence : neither were they in the same manner, as thou, possessed of Me : nor, lastly, did they receive cr enjoy Me, as thyself, 0 Child of My Heart. Lo, then, to what a degree My Heart favors thee. In every necessity, therefore, in every difficulty, whether interior or exterior, do thou fly hither. Here, if thou art guilty, thou shalt obtain pardon ; if sick, healing; if down-hearted, courage and for- titude ; if afflicted, relief and help ; if in danger, protection and safety ; a remedy for all miseries ; always a true and sanctifying consolation. 7. The voice of the Disciple . — 0 Jesus, my love ! how delightful are the designs of Thy Heart, whereby, to soothe the bitterness of this life, Thou journeyest, in some manner, with me in my ban- ishment, nay, ehangest my very exile into a Para- dise ! Shall I speak, 0 Lord, or be silent about what I conceive of the exceeding love of Thy Heart for us men ? Yet, for the glory of Thy Heart, I will not 646 THE FOURTH BOOK. be silent : Thus, 0 Jesus ! thus Thou didst nowhere deal with the Angels themselves ; thus Thou never gavest Thyself to them to enjoy ! O my Jesus! infinite sweetness, how immensely hast Thou loved me ! how givest Thou Thyself to me ! how dost Thou wholly become my consolation ! Whence, 0 most loving God, so great a goodness toward an ungrateful Child, not worthy of the name of Child ! Thus, 0 ineffable love ! Thou displayest the greatness of Thy goodness, since Thou regardest not Thy Majesty and my abjectness, but kindly follow- est the goodness of Thy Heart, moved by my in- digence and Thy charity. 8. 0 Lord Jesus, Father of mercies, and God of all consolation ! with how great a gladness do I come to Thee, full of courage and confidence in Thy pure goodness ! Many, indeed, and great are my miseries: yet, confidingly and cheerfully do I draw nigh, attracted by the sweetness of Thy love. For now I know that, although Thou art incapa- ble of pain, Thou art not without feeling ; that, al- though my sorrows do not cause Thee any suffer- ing, Thou art not indifferent to them. Now I understand, that Thou art able and will- ing to feel compassion for my infirmities ; and that my great and numerous miseries are the objects of Thy infinite mercy. If, hitherto, I languished miserable and disconso- CHAPTER XII. 647 late, I myself was in fault ; because I neglected to come to the ever-open source of mercy and comfort. But, henceforth, whenever I shall be afflicted, I will arise and go to this fountain of all blessings, where I shall find more remedies than I need ; where I shall have greater consolations than I can contain in my heart. CHAPTER XII. THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS, IN ITS SACRA- MENTAL, AS FORMERLY IN ITS MORTAL LIFE, WHILST INSTRUCTING MEN, DOES NOT CEASE TO TEACH THAT HE IS MEEK AND HUMBLE. 1. The voice of Jesus . — Come ye, sons of men, and give ear. Behold how I am here with you all days ! here at all times, here learn ye of Me, how meek and humble of Heart I am. Marvelous, indeed, did the humility of My Heart and Its charity appear during Its mortal life : yet, here, in My Sacramental life, far more admirable is the abyss of Its humility, the excess of Its charity. This whole mystery is humility, all charity. Here not only is My Divinity, but even My Hu- manity, hidden from the sight of mortals. Here is 648 THE FOURTH BOOK. charity, not unto death only, not unto the end of the world, but unto every excess of love. What eye has seen, what ear has heard, what heart has conceived, to how great a degree the hu- mility of My Heart does here descend, to what ex- tent love is exceeding? 2. If thou art astonished, My Child, if thou art enraptured at the excess of love, whereby, whilom, during My mortal life, I showed Myself meek and humble of Heart : what must be thy sentiments, when thou considerest attentively, how meek and humble of Heart I am now, in My Sacramental life ! So long as I was seen on earth and dwelled with men ; at no time, in no place, did I cease to exhibit to all and every one the true and efficacious humil- ity and meekness of My Heart. Recall to mind, My Child, with how great a hu- mility and charity of Heart I was wont to treat My Disciples ; the ignorant and unmannerly people ; the unhappy and the distressed ; the wretched sin- ners ; finally, My enemies themselves. What was ever able to obstruct or check the fountain of this humble and exhaustless charity? Neither the faults, nor the ignorance, nor the im- portunateness, nor the obstinacy, nor the abject- ness, nor the perverseness itself of men. Naught of all this could ever make Me show Myself, even toward one mortal, otherwise than meek and hum- ble of Heart. CHAPTER XII. 649 Witness all the people so hard to please ; wit- ness the Heathen, who, attracted by the sweetness of My Heart, came running toward Me, saying : “We wish to see Jesus:” witness the woman of Canaan, and all the disconsolate : witness the Mag- dalen, and every sin-laden soul that had recourse to Me : witness the Pharisees, men that persecuted Me unto death. All these bear witness to the deeds * of My meek and humble Heart, during My mortal life. 3. But behold ! Child, in My Sacramental life, I continue such deeds : yea, amid these, I show Myself meek and humble of Heart in a more sweet and marvelous manner. For consider, how men here deport themselves toward Me, not only with rudeness and irreverence, but even with contempt; and see how I endure this behavior. Consider, how many souls, cherished by Me in a special manner, when presented with a small share of My cross, — a most precious pledge of My love, — bring and return to Me here, instead of praise and love, complaints and repinings : and observe, with how great a goodness of Heart, I do not only endure them, but encourage and stimulate them to better sentiments. Consider, how many ungrateful souls, laden with My favors, depart hence, and, whilst they enjoy My benefactions, forget and slight Me, their Bene- factor : how many others, who, after having abused 55 650 THE FOURTH BOOK. the graces I have already so often bestowed upon them, present themselves without shame before Me, and clamor for new favors : and see, with how great a meekness I bear with them, with what gen- erosity I suffer them, with how gentle, and, at the same time, how firm a charity, I excite and help them to faithfulness and fervor. Consider, how the wicked make use of My very gifts and favors to oppose, to offend Me, to wound My very Heart : and watch, with what disposition of Heart I do not return them evil for evil, but overcome evil with good. Consider, in fine, how often the enemies, the per* secutors of My Heart, come hither to insult Me : and with how divine a charity of My humble Heart, I receive even them into My presence, and offer them mercy, and pardon, and peace. Thus, My Child, at every hour, at every moment of the day, and of the night, in season and out of season, the good and the wicked, the grateful and the thankless, friends and enemies, all come and go, and each one behaves toward Me according to his disposition : but, see, by the light of faith, how I deal with all and every one ; with how lowly, un- wearied, exhaustless a benignity and sweetness of charity ! 4. These wonders of the love of My Heart, thou canst not understand, My Child, unless thou look- est at them with a lively faith, and meditatest thereon with a devoted heart. CHAPTER XII. G51 For the depth of the humility, which My Heart does here practice, must be gazed upon with the light from above, must be entered into by pious meditation, must be learnt in silence by prayer. And the sweetness of the charity, which My Heart here displays, must be sought in like man- ner, must be relished by making use thereof, must be tasted by experience. Look, My Child, and see in what manner thou hast hitherto done all this : how thou hast until now profited by this continued example of My Heart. Cheer up, and renew thy courage, learn by deed and in truth, what I cease not to teach here, that I am meek and humble of Heart. 5. The voice of the Disciple. — How good, 0 Jesus ! how good Thou art ! who, to teach all gen- erations the more gently and the more efficaciously Thy Spirit, abidest so humble, so meek, in this most sweet mystery ! Here truly and supremely humble and meek of Heart, Thou alone art the teacher of humility and charity, doing and teaching from generation to generation. Yea, all things that surround Thee, cease not to proclaim, that Thou art meek and humble of Heart. The deep and tranquil solitude wherein Thou art hidden, proclaims it: the solemn silence, in which the prostrate and enraptured Angels adore Thee, 652 THE FOURTH BOOK. proclaims it : the tender devotedness of the pious faithful proclaims, how meek and humble of Heart Thou art, 0 Lord. 0 Jesus ! who can still be proud? who can still be hard-hearted ? Can there be any one that does not rejoice to humble himself? Can there be any one that does not burn with love ? Alas, 0 Lord ! what faith, what hope, what love have they, that do not yield to Thee here ? 0 souls full of pride and bitterness ! in the midst of you there stands one whom ye know not, whom ye heed not. 6. Attend thou, my soul, and learn, who thy be- loved is, how sweet, how wholly desirable, how wholly worthy of love. Enter into the place of the marvelous Taber- nacle, even into the abode of thy divine Saviour : and contemplate the God of Majesty, the Maker of heaven and earth, the Joy of the Saints and Angels, thus humbled for love of thee, — thus made a captive by love for thee ! Here learn to humble thyself through love : here learn to cherish in purity thy Bridegroom, who loves with so wonderful a purity. Hearken thou, to what so great and so admirable an example of His, speaks within thee to thy heart; be thou attentive to Him, who teaches thee so gently by His own example, and confirms so powerfully His teaching by unceasing miracles. 7. 0 prodigy of humility, Jesus, Son of the CHAPTER XII. 653 living God ! O miracle of love ! I love Thee, X cherish Thee, with my whole heart; 0 Thou my meek and humble Beloved, most sweet and most pure Bridegroom of my soul ! Thee alone I desire to love, to cherish ; farewell to all beside : Thy love alone I desire : for the sole love of Thee, I long to live and die amidst sacri- fices, the practices and proofs of love. For, the example of Thy Heart has taught me these things : the unction of Thy love has rendered them pleasant to me. 0 Jesus, of all the most bouraiiful ! preserve Thou this disposition of my heart : and kindly grant that, by approaching Thee here frequently, I may ever learn better to love Thee purely, and, for love of Thee, to show myself toward all meek and humble of heart. THE FOURTH BOOK. 654 CHAPTER XIII. THE MOST SACKED HEART OF JESUS WILLED, THAT THE MOST HOLY EUCHARIST SHOULD BE AN EN- DURING REMEMBRANCE OF HIS PASSION, AND AN EVERLASTING MEMORIAL OF HIS LOVE DIS- PLAYED THEREIN. 1. The voice of Jesus . — As often as ye shall eat this Bread, and drink the chalice ; ye shall pro- claim the death of the Lord, until He come. This I enjoin, My Child, to remind all men of that excess of the love of My Heart, whereby I loved them, in some manner, more than Myself ; since I suffered death in order that they might have life. I glory in that death, whereby, whilst the love of My Heart triumphed, the Eternal Father was appeased and exceedingly honored ; whereby men were set free and saved ; whence arose for Me the glory of the Resurrection, and Ascension, and of My everlasting reign over all things. And, therefore, I willed that there should be, always and everywhere, a remembrance of My Passion ; and that they who reaped the fruits thereof, whether in heaven or on earth, should ever thankfully remember so great a condescen- sion. 2. And, assuredly, in their heavenly bliss, the CHAPTER XIII. 655 Elect are ever mindful of My Passion, knowing that to the same they owe their salvation and glory : and they worship forever the Lamb of God, as it were slain, having five wounds, more splendid and dazzling than the sun. On earth, the Church, — acknowledging that she was brought forth by My Heart when It expired upon the holy Mountain, and that, from that same fountain, all good things flow down upon her, — does not cease to commemorate with every feeling of gratitude My death, all days, until I come to take her up with Me into glory. For the Sacrifice which she offers daily, has Me present as the Vic- tim, and, by the separate Consecration of the Body and Blood, exhibits Me as it were dead. Besides, in every soul that partakes of the most Blessed Sacrament, there is made some representa- tion and commemoration of My death. For, as upon the bed of the Cross, through the Passion, I lost My mortal life, so, through Communion, I lose My Sacramental life in the heart of the faithful. Nay more, My Child, the state itself wherein I here continue, is a certain image of My Passion. For, in My Passion, the splendor of My Divinity, and the very beauty of My Humanity was in some manner vailed : and are not the lowly and gentle species of the Sacrament an evident representation of this vailing ? ^ 3. The Sacrifice of the life of My Heart, My 656 THE FOURTH BOOK. death, is the centre of time. Whatever had gone before, sacrifices, ceremonies, and everything else belonging to Religion, had reference to it : thence they derived all their power and efficaciousness. In like manner, whatever follows it, Oblation, Sacraments, and the rest, all have relation to the same, and possess thence their virtue and efficacy. Behold, then, the Sacrifice offered up from the beginning of the world in types, upon the cross in truth, continued, substantially, in the Church even to the end of ages. Such, My Child, is the unfathomableness of the designs of My Heart : such is the extent of My love ! Hence, My whole career on this earth, from the beginning even to the end of the world, whether through My promised presence, My mortal life, or My Sacramental abiding, and whatsoever I effect by these means, is one whole, one perfect work of infinite Goodness ; to be completed only then, when, at the end of time, with the Church, I shall mount on high, to enjoy an everlasting triumph. 4. What wonder, then, My Child, if the mystery appears to thee ever new, ever equally worthy of veneration, when thou receivest the holy Com- munion, when thou hearest or celebratest the holy Mass ? For, when thou receivest the holy Eucharist, thou shouldst ever be present with the same dispo- sition of heart, with the same affection, as if thou CHAPTER XIII. 657 wert at the last Supper, and didst sit down to the same, to receive from Myself the Bread of life. It is in reality the same Supper : and the same death, that I foreshowed in the Supper-room, thou showest in the Sacrament, By the action itself, Child, when thou celebratest Mass, or takest the holy Communion, thou pro- claimest My death ; since the manner of either, as well of the offering of the Sacrifice, as the consu- ming of the Sacrament, proclaims the same death. 5. But when thou art engaged in mysteries so great, which My Heart by Its death merited for thee, thou must also, on thy part, do that, whereby thou mayst be enabled to commemorate it in an ap- propriate manner. As, therefore, in My Passion, I offered Myself to God the Father for a perfect holocaust ; so thou also shouldst offer thyself to Me in holy Commu- nion as a clean and entire victim. Yea, even whilst visiting Me, it is proper that, with great feeling of piety, thou do commemorate the sacrifices of My once suffering life : which thou wilt do, if thou meditatest with devotedness, if thou resignest thyself to Me in every affliction ; if thou givest thyself wholly to Me, in the presence of the sacred Tabernacle ; where all thou perceiv- est around thee serves to put thee in mind of those sacrificings of My Heart. Thus, Child, thou wilt better feel the greatness of that charity, whereby, from a life of labor and 658 THE FOURTH BOOK. sorrow, I advanced through many and great sacri- fices, to that last and supreme sacrifice, even to death, and to this captivity of love, wherein I con- tinue an abiding Victim of love. By affectionately calling this to mind, wilt thou not be excited to gratefulness, to a requital of love, to imitation ; so as to show forth in thyself the effect of My example, not only in thy heart but also in thy works ? Thus, whilst, in a practical manner, thou com- memoratest My Passion more profitably to thy- self, thou wilt learn not to be cast down or troubled by humiliations; but rather, in a supernatural man- ner, to glory and rejoice therein. This active remembrance of My death will be perfect, My Child, if as often as thou approachest the sacred mysteries, thou dost ever more and more die to thyself and to creatures, in order that thou mayst live for Me, as I, after having died for thee, here live for thee. 6. But alas ! although there are many who wish to be refreshed by this heavenly food, and to be thence replenished with the delights of the Angels ; how few there are willing actively to recall My Passion, to imitate it in practice ! Therefore also, My Child, many are and continue ever the same, ever imperfect, although they do not uufrequently approach the sacred Table. For, since they do not correspond to the end of CHAPTER XIII. 659 its divine institution and to grace granted therein, they remain deprived of much fruit. Would that this were understood by those souls, that are more anxious about the number of their Communions, whereby they may show or feel devo- tion, than about the fruit of them, whereby they may be sanctified and raised to greater perfection ! Thou, Child, be thou wiser and more faithful. So recall My Passion, so express My death in thy conduct, that, whenever thou receivest the holy Communion, thou dost always obtain its fruits of sanctification. 7. The voice of the Disciple . — 0 most bountiful, most sweet Jesus ! Thou didst die for love of me, and here livest for me by love : and Oh ! how dost Thou here live for me ! Truly, Lord, truly he deserves death, who re- fuses to- die to self, that he may live for Thee. If Thou, Lord God, thus sacrificest Thyself for love of me, how is it anything great, how is it won- derful, if I, wretched creature, sacrifice myself for love of Thee ! And yet, I blush to say it, sometimes I hesitate to sacrifice, not myself, but a trifle, some pride, some aversion, or inclination of corrupt nature. Woe is me! whilst in words I make profession of loving and following Thee, I show in my deeds, how little I cherish Thee, how far I am from a practical remembrance of Thy passion, from a true Imitation of Thy Heart. 660 THE FOURTH BOOK. And can I complain or wonder, that my Commit nions produce so little fruit for me ? One Communion can make a person, that is well- disposed and co-operates with Thy grace, a Saint. And, after so many Communions, alas ! who and what am I ! I myself, 0 Lord, I myself, I own it, am in fault : for in so many Communions I have received grace enough to sanctify a thousand souls ; but I have neglected to co-operate therewith. For I acted as if grace alone, without my co-operation, ought to sanctify me : and, meanwhile, I have con- tinued to live for nature, not for grace, for myself, not for Thee. I acknowledge that, in Thy sight, I have become unworthy of life, since, abusing Thy infinite love, I have neglected to live for Thee. But spare, Lord Jesus, spare, I beseech Thee, my past negligence, of which, for Thy love, I re- pent exceedingly. Henceforth, I will be more faithful : co-opera- ting with the grace of the Sacrament, I will die to the things of this world, to the ill-ordered inclina- tions of nature, that I may live for Thee. Assist me, most kind Jesus, that I may thus prove my love for Thee in deed, and may ever de- rive, from holy Communion, abundant fruit of sanctification. CHAPTER XIV. 661 CHAPTER XIV. THE MOST SACRED HEART OP JESUS DISPLAYS IN THIS WONDERFUL SACRAMENT THE SUM AND SUBSTANCE OF ALL DIVINE MYSTERIES. 1. The voice of Jesus . — Being merciful and gra- cious, the love of My Heart has made a remem- brance of Its wonderful works. This It has chiefly done in the Sacrament, where It has gathered together Its astounding prodigies, where It incloses even the profound mysteries of God. And because these things were done, not for the Angels but for men, it was proper that it should be under visible symbols, that, by the sight of things seen, they might be put in mind of the unseen, and that their sensitive heart might be worked upon by sensitive proofs of the divine love. Such things, therefore, did the love of My Heart do : and It saw that all It had done was exceed- ingly good, and It was delighted with Its works. All Its works are perfect and full of sweetness, whereby It has poured out, as it were, the riches of Its goodness toward men, in this mystery, — wherein the plentitude of the Divinity corporally dwells. 2. Hence, My Child, this divine Sacrament pos- sesses, by concomitance, and ever recalls to the 662 THE FOURTH BOOK. minds of the faithful, the sublimest of mysteries, that of the Trinity. For I and the Father are one : and he that sees Me, sees also the Father; but where the Father and the Son are acknowledged, the love of the two, which is the Holy Ghost, is certainly not unknown. But to know this mystery the better, to love it the more, to adore it the more worthily, grace is here given to the faithful, that, aided and enlight- ened thereby, they may believe it more firmly, love it with purer affection, and venerate it with a more perfect worship. Guided by this light from above, and strengthened by this assistance, they proceed from one mystery to another. 3. For behold! the most sweet mystery of the Incarnation is also contained in the holy Eucharist, and extended in a marvelous manner. Indeed, what is the mystery of the Incarnation? The Word, and a Soul, and the Body come together in one Person : and these three are one Jesus, the God-man. Now, in the most Blessed Sacrament, the Word, that is Eternal and God ; the Soul, which was cre- ated when it was infused ; the Body, which, by the divine operation, was taken without blemish of the Immaculate Virgin ; these three abide : but they abide in the unity of Person. Moreover, here there is an extension of this mys- tery, marvelous and overflowing with every delight. CHAPTER XIV. 663 For I, the same who, by the Incarnation, dwelled in the bosom of the Virgin, dwell by the Commu- nion in the heart of each one of the faithful com- municants. Astounding, indeed, and awe-inspiring is the depth and breadth of this mystery ; but it is all the more worthy of love, it should be relished with the more delight, devotion, and tenderness. 4. Besides, all the mysteries, so full of consola- tion, of My whole life are also contained in this di- vine Sacrament. For although the time, when these began and took place, has passed away, yet, by reason of My personal presence, these continue in their effects and are present. Therefore, also, the Church ever views and cele- brates them as present : and, in meditating on them and commemorating them, she is ever animated with her first sentiments, ever burns with her first fervor. Look, on the other hand, at heresies and sects, which deny My perpetual presence in the Eucha- rist : how in them all things spiritual languish : how dead their ways as well as themselves, when they attempt to recall My actions by means of fes- tivals ! It is not so with My beloved, My holy Church. When the time returns, she hastens to the Cave of My Nativity ; there prostrate, she gazes upon Me, lying in the manger; she adores, rejoices, sheds tears-— through tenderness of devotion. 664 THE FOURTH BOOK* 5. Here is the Bethlehem, where faithful souls find Me more sweetly and more easily, than they whom heaven called formerly to the Stable : where they enkindle their fervor, nourish their piety, sanctify themselves : where they pour out their hearts, and consecrate them to Me: where, in return, they are inebriated and rendered blissful with the sweetness of My love : where the Angels do not promise peace to men of good will, but where I Myself bestow it upon them with a lavish Heart. Here is the Sanctuary, wherein I am presented to God the Father, and devoted to the salvation of men ; wherein I so give Myself to the faithful, that they may not only take Me into their arms, like Simeon, and caress Me as did Anna, but receive Me into their very hearts, and enjoy Me intimately, by a favor granted neither to Simeon nor to the blessed Anna. Here is the exile of Egypt: a banishment, not, as formerly, of seven years, but of all ages : a ban- ishment, among men likewise given to idolatry, — who worship pleasures, riches, honors as their dei- ties : a banishment, wherein I am unknown, except to a few, and looked upon and slighted by many as a stranger. Here is the Temple, wherein I continue to be occupied in what concerns My Father : where, in the midst of the listening doctors, I utter My Spirit, instruct souls, communicate the hidden things of the spiritual life : where they that love CHAPTER XIV. 665 Me, seek Me, and, like Mary and Joseph, rejoic- ing find Me. Here is Nazareth, where I lead a life hidden in God : where, being made subject, I am occupied in ceaseless actions, which do not indeed strike the senses of men, but excite the admiration of Angels: where, a pattern of the interior life, I live with in- terior souls in a manner known to them alone. 6. Nay more, My Child, in this Sacrament are- seen the mysteries of My Evangelical life. Behold, here truly the field of My labors, the place of the well-doings of My Heart. For here I am the Saviour , who seek that which] was lost; who, amid My labors, seat Myself near the Well ; where I give, from the fountain of My Heart, to every Samaritan — every soul that thirsts-, the living water, which quenches the thirst for earthly things, and springs up into life everlasting,;: who, when the labors of the day are over, pass the night in the prayer of God. Here I am the Good Shepherd: I go in search of the lost sheep, and, when found, I carry it,, and warm it in My bosom : I love My flock and feed the same with My own substance : I guard all, watching over them with My Heart, by day and by night. Here I am the kind Father , who with gladness I embrace My prodigal son, when he returns; who, having clothed him with his first garment, restore and entertain him with a heavenly banquet : and GG6 THE FOURTH BOOK. wlio, according to tlieir capacity, share all things with My faithful children. Here I am the divine Physician, since I soothe ?and alleviate, with the unction of My Heart, the sorrows of the suffering : since I cure the souls that are .ill, healing every ailment and infirmity: since I do also take away the deformity caused by the sickness of sin, and restore former beauty. Here I am a Teacher . For I teach by the whis- perings of My Heart, as well as by My example : Blessed are the poor. in spirit: blessed the meek: blessed they that mourn for sin : blessed they that hunger and thirst after justice : blessed the merci- ful : blessed the clean of heart : blessed the peace- makers : blessed they that suffer persecution for justice’s sake : blessed, in fine, they that do the divine Will; because they are My brethern and sis- ters, and co-heirs of the kingdom of heaven. Here I am a Friend, who style the faithful, that, by grace, lead a supernatural life, no more My ser- vants, but My friends : a Friend, such as there is none other, more sincere, more sweet, more faithful than all, in prosperity and in adversity, in life and in death : a Friend that under no circumstances is wanting, yea, accompanying and consoling even in eternity. Here I am the Bridegroom : yea, My Child; the divine Bridegroom of virginal and chaste souls, whom I have chosen and espoused to Myself, that., always and everywhere, they may follow Me as My CHAPTER XIV. 667 companions ; them I here honor and enrich, and render blissful, in a manner which fills the very Angels with wonder, and yet is merely a prelude to that which I reserve for them in the kingdom of My glory. 7. Here, lastly, are also the mysteries of the rest of My life. For, is not here the Supper-room, where I eat the Passover with My Disciples ; where I pour out My Heart to them ; where I leave them My peace ? Is not here Gethsemane, Jerusalem, the theatre of My sorrows ? Remember, Child, the Holy Week, how the faithful come hither, as to the spectacle of My Sufferings ; how they weep, as if before their eyes they beheld Me in suffering. Is not here, too, the mystery of the Resurrection ? See how the Church, when celebrating this solem- nity of solemnities, returns, as it were, with Me to life, and how, like other Mary’s, at the first dawn, pious souls hasten to My glorious Sepulchre, and behold Me, by faith, in My glory ; embrace Me, by hope, enjoy Me, by love. And is this not lawfully so ? is it not rightly ? is it not sacredly ? for, here I am truly present with the same qualities, with which I rose again : with a heavenly beauty, with a glorious brightness, with an incomprehensible subtility, with a perfect impassibility, adorned and blissful with immortality. Thus, My Child, the Church accompanies Me through every mystery, puts on in each of them the 668 THE FOURTH BOOK. feelings of My Heart, and celebrates each with similar affections. 8. From the mysteries here celebrated before Me, the Church, mindful that I am reigning in the glory of heaven, gazes forward into eternity : she con- templates with rapture, she anticipates in affection, those most joyous mysteries of the life in heaven, those ever-enduring festivals prepared for her, pro- mised to her. 0 Jesus ! she exclaims in her ardor, may that soon be for which I long so exceedingly, that, be- holding Thee with face unvailed, I may be blessed with the sight of Thy glory. Thus, Child, glows the Church, enkindled with the fire of My Heart here present : thus has she all things present to herself : thus is she filled with every consolation. Take the sun away out of this world ; what will this earth be, except a dark, cold, and dreary place ? In like manner, if My living and life-giving Heart, if My Sacramental presence were taken away from the Church, all the mysteries of Religion, now so full of splendor, so soul-stirring, so consoling, — how different should they then appear ! 9. Taught by the example of thy holy Mother, apply thyself, My Child, to celebrate the festivals of Religion with the same feelings ; to recall to mind the mysteries which I display here in the Sacrament ; in fine, to draw for thyself, from all these sources, the plenitude of all graces. CHAPTER XIV. 669 For this end do thou animate the fervor of thy heart : a fervor, I say, not necessarily sensible, but vigorous with the liveliness of faith, the confideilce of hope, the generosity of love. If thou art destitute of this fervor, thou wilt do everything without affection, without relish, with- out much fruit : that which enraptures fervent souls, stirs up the Angels themselves, will not affect, will not move thee. But this fervor thou wilt awaken and foster in thyself by prayer, by devout meditation, by pious reading, by mortifying and denying thyself in some things ; and, especially, by frequently visiting this divine Sacrament, and by religiously partaking thereof ; since here there is fire enough to inflame the whole world. 6. The voice of the Disciple . — 0 Lord Jesus! how boundless are the excesses of the love of Thy Heart ! how many wonders dost Thou here present to me ! how many good things ! how sweet ! how desirable ! What wonder if I am allured, if I am gently and powerfully drawn hither ! what wonder if here is the place of my heart’s delights ! Here, amidst the Angels, I can find Thee in every mystery ; I can behold Thee in every condition of Thy life, as my necessities, my profit, or my com- fort may require. Yea, here I can now be with Thee and enjoy Thy favors; here again, if I lift myself up, I may con- 670 THE FOURTH BOOK. template Thee in Thy glory, view the wonders of Thy kingdom, and rejoice beforehand in what Thou hast there prepared for me. How easy, 0 Beloved of my soul ! how easy and sweet it is, to meditate here, to occupy the mind and the heart with Thee here, to enjoy Thee here ! for this I need no skill, no book, no labor. Here, present before Thee, I need only gaze upon Thee by faith in every mystery, hearken to Thee, watch Thy actions, implore Thee, love Thee. 0 how delightful is this place ! how lovely the company ! how sweet the employment ! how holy the intercourse ! Who does not wish to be here with Thee forever? Here certainly I will be present at Thy feet, among the heavenly Spirits, as often as I can. 0 that I could spend here all my time ! But Thy Will, which is my sole comfort, requires that I be often absent in person, that I comply with the obligations of my state, that I fulfill the duties of my office, that I provide for the needs of nature, that I even use an innocent relaxation. Yet, amidst all these, I will frequently turn in affection to Thee, I will occupy my heart with Thee : for wherever is the object of my love, thither also tends my heart : wheresoever my treasure is, there also will be my heart. CHAPTER XV. 671 CHAPTER XY. THE MOST SACRED HEART OP JESUS, IN THE MOST BLESSED SACRAMENT OP THE EUCHARIST, LEADS US TO THE DIVINE PERFECTIONS. 1. The voice of Jesus. — Attend, My Child, and here, in the Sacrament, I will show thee a still higher way, whereby thou mayst ascend in contem- plation even to the very perfections of the Deity. Be thou prepared, that thou mayst enter into the divine secrets, and that, with all the Saints, thou mayst contemplate the hight, and breadth, and depth of those oceans, whence in heaven the Angels and Blessed, and, on earth, pure and interior souls draw, and are inebriated. Behold what My Heart makes known to thee here in this most sacred mystery : and, following the divine Spirit, from what is here made known, go thou forward into the plenitude of things. But do all this in such a manner, My Child, that thou becoinest more and more established in hu- mility, that thou ever glowest with a purer love, so that, being introduced by My sacred Humanity, by My Heart Itself, thou mayst cling — as forming but one and the same Spirit — to the Deity, as perfectly as thou art able. 2. Look into, and ponder the divine Wisdom, 672 THE FOURTH BOOK. which My Heart displays in this adorable Sacra* inent. Here It shows forth those marvelous inventions, whereby It reconciled those things which appeared contrary; so that, at one and the same time, I should reign amidst glorious triumphs in heaven, and abide upon earth the everlasting Comforter of men ; whereby I might be enabled to give Myself not only to the human race, but to every individual as well : whereby, in fine, through the most simple means, such as those of the Sacramental species, I might obtain the most sublime ends. Hence do thou mount higher, and contemplate this infinite Wisdom, which reaches all things from eternity to eternity : which beholds all present, the past and the future, things existing and things pos- sible. This, by its eternal counsels, ordained, in a man- , ner so marvelous, all the stupendous works of the Creation and Restoration, of nature and grace, of sanctification and glory. This divine perfection is like an infinite light, which penetrates all ; which completely surveys thee and thy whole interior; from which thoucanst not recede, which thou art unable to grasp. In this light do thou rejoice, My Child : herein live thou cheerfully for thy God. 3. Observe the divine Goodness , which is made manifest in this most sweet Sacrament, and is resplendent with such flames of love. CHAPTER XV. 673 Nowhere on earth does the divine Goodness shine forth with so wonderful a profusion, with so great a sweetness : for here it does, as it were, pour out and exhaust itself : here it gives all things and itself over and above. Elsewhere, are the rays of divine love, here is its focus. Elsewhere, there are some good things, here is the fountain of them all. From this, proceed thou to the contemplation of this abyss of Goodness. Look into its depth, sur- vey eternity itself; thou shalt find no bounds. From this infinite Goodness everything that is good, whether in heaven or on earth, derives its goodness : everything that lives, its life : every- thing that moves, its vigor: everything that under- stands, its intelligence: everything that is happy, its bliss. This divine attribute is, as it were, a boundless ocean, whence arises as a cloud, the plenitude of all things good : into which, while the Blessed and Elect are immersed, they rejoice in supreme de- light. My Child, plunge thyself also into the same: taste how sweet is the Goodness of thy God : therein do thou rejoice, love, praise. 4. Behold the Almighty Power , which is re- vealed in the venerable mystery of the Eucharist ; in which alone it works more and greater wonders than in all the world beside : in which it ceases not to renew these astonishing prodigies. 57 674 THE FOURTH BOOK. After having reverently viewed these things, lift thyself up to a general contemplation of tliis^ stu- pendous Omnipotence ; which, without labor, at its mere pleasure, made all things that have existence : which produces countless and unutterable objects of every kind, all things, in short, if it only wills : which, again, by its simple nod, is able to destroy the whole world, and bring all things to naught. Contemplate the efficacy of this infinite Power ; which can overthrow all the attempts of its oppo- nents, and bring it to pass that all things warring against it, — not only those which are indifferent? but even such as are evil, — do, unconsciously, and even in spite of themselves, concur to its own holy ends. By this Omnipotence, not only are creatures pre- served in being, but they receive besides power to effect whatsoever they do : men receive the divine concurrence to use the faculties of body and soul : animals their efficiency : the stars their force of rolling and glittering in space: the earth its vigor to produce fruits: the winds and storms their might and impetuosity : in fine, all things their excel- lence. This divine perfection, in its manifestation, is like the atmosphere, which, when it is gently stirred, refreshes and invigorates the life of creat- ures : when it moves with violence, lays prostrate and scatters whatever opposes, but to whatever yields, , gives a new impulse, and helps it to go forward. CHAPTER XV. 675 Rejoice, My Child, at so great a Power of thy God : place thy trust therein ; and, by prayer, have frequently recourse to the same. 5. Consider the divine Justice , of which My Heart reminds thee in this most Blessed Sacra- ment. Behold ! My sacred Humanity, which is here present for thee, is the sign of the divine Justice; for I assumed it, to make satisfaction to the same. And does not the Sacrifice, which My Heart here offers daily, through the ministry of the priests, put thee in mind of the divine Justice ? Nay more, do I not display an adorable Justice in the Communion, when I give there to every one accord- ing to his works, according to his disposition ? Contemplate thence the perfection of this divine Justice, whether in heaven, — whence it hurled, like lightning, the wickedly rebellious spirits ; and wh'erein it recompenses forever with a condign re- ward all, even the least, good deeds of the Angels and Saints : — or whether on earth, where, through My Heart, it i3 allied to the divine mercy, and reaches those only who are unwilling to embrace mercy ; where, also, when it is justly incensed, it is mindful of mercy : — or whether in hell, where, for My sake, it punishes below the full desert of the reprobate, and so adapts punishment to the number and grievousness of sins, that it forces the con- demned themselves to confess, that the divine Jus- tice is good. 676 TIIE FOURTH BOOK. Consider the consolation of this divine attribute, which will one day justify, in the presence of all, them that are now oppressed by unmerited detrac- tion, by reproaches, or by calumnies ; and which will not only restore reputation, and honor, and glory, and whatsoever else has been taken away, but will exalt all things the more, the lower they have been depressed ; which will make good, by an ever-enduring reward, all deeds of virtue, even those which men slighted ; which, in fine, estimates and repays the merits of works, not according to their outward success, as does the world, but accord- ing to the inward disposition of him that performs them. This divine perfection is like fire, which, accord- ing as objects are disposed, by the same action, consumes these, cheers those ; hardens some, soft- ens others. Admire this attribute of the Deity, My Child ; exalt it with a holy fear ; but cherish it more. 6. Direct thy mind to the divine Mercy , which My Heart displays in the most Holy Sacrament, in ways as sweet as they are wonderful. Is not this whole mystery a marvel of infinite Mercy ? Who is there alive, that does not endure misery ? but what unfortunate one has come hither with proper dispositions, and has not found mercy? Boundless is here the kindness of My Heart, and there is no end to Its compassion. When thou hast devoutly meditated hereon, CHAPTER XV. 677 proceed to the consideration of the infinite Mercy visible everywhere : in heaven, which the divine Mercy fills with Saints, whom formerly it freed from sin and now crowns with bliss : on earth, where it hovers over all the works of God. and refreshes them by remedy, and assistance, and con- solation : finally, in hell itself, where, on account of the merits of My Heart, it punishes less than what is due, and is acknowledged by the reprobate themselves. Contemplate the vastness of this divine Mercy toward men ; which embraces all, excludes none, casts off nobody ; which waits for the very sinners so long as they live, and offers them grace sufficient for their conversion and pardon ; which, in fine, extends itself to all miseries of whatsoever kind, and finds naught in this world, how wretched soever it may be, which it is not willing to relieve, and, in a direct or indirect manner, to turn into a means of salvation. Behold a divine perfection, like an infinite abyss, which no magnitude of miseries cast into it, can fill up; which no multiplicity of necessities which draw therefrom, can exhaust. Use thou, My Child, but do not abuse so sweet an attribute of thy God: widen thy heart: be thankful : fly to this abyss of mercy with faith, with hope, with love. 7. Observe the Sanctity which shines forth 'u 678 THE FOURTH BOOK. this Holy of Holies ; which by its splendor throws the Angels themselves into an ecstasy. With deep piety look thou into this Sacrament, the mirror of the divine Sanctity. Here, every- thing is perfect purity : here, My Body is itself as a Spirit : here, all breathes holiness. Hence, thou mayst contemplate infinite Sanc- tity, which, absolutely perfect in itself, is the cause, the standard, the end of all created holiness, of all purity, of all beauty ; which is such, that nothing can be added thereto, nothing be taken therefrom. Gaze upon this divine perfection; captivated by the purest beauty of which, the inhabitants of heaven are overspread with a beatific joy : by the similitude of which, when the souls of mortals are adorned, they become supremely ennobled: on account of the majesty of which, the demons tremble even in the lowest hell. From the brightness of this perfection, whatso- ever is beautiful, whatsoever is lovely, whatsoever is excellent, borrows its every beauty, its every love- liness, its every excellence. This divine attribute is like the sun in the firma- ment; which imparts to objects the brightness of color, elegance, cheerfulness : which, shining upon things clean and unclean, is ever equally pure, ever equally beautiful. Bejoice thou, My Child, at so great a beauty and loveliness ; so great and varied an excellence of the CHAPTER XV. 679 sanctity of thy God : affectionately revere the same : imitate it according to thy ability. 8. Behold the divine Immensity , which this Sa- crament of My Heart represents. For here I am wholly in the whole Consecrated Host, and wholly in every particle of the Host when divided. And, by the multiplication or rep- lication of My presence in all the Hosts, all over the earth, do I not display a certain representation of immensity? Finally, in every place, where I abide sacramentally, do I not so deal with each one, as if I there abode for him alone ? By conceiving these things with a lively faith, thou wilt assuredly be led to the contemplation of the divine immensity, which contains all things, whether existing or whether merely possible, and is contained by none : whereby the Deity is wholly in the whole universe, and wholly in every part of the universe. Contemplate this universal presence of the Di- vinity, together with His infinite Wisdom, and Goodness, and Power, and Justice, and Mercy, and Sanctity, and infinite Perfection of every kind : and remember that in Him thou art, thou livest, thou movest. Whithersoever thou mayst turn thyself, thou perceivest the Deity present in every object, and so caring for the same, as if He were there for it alone. Behold the birds of the air : they neither sow nor reap, and yet He that is present everywhere, feeds * 680 THE FOURTH BOOK. them. Consider the lilies of the field : they labor not, neither do they spin ; and yet, not even Solo- mon in all his glory was arrayed as one of these. To this divine Providence, therefore, do thou in- trust thyself : rest thou in the same, as in the bosom of a Father supremely perfect : abandon thyself wholly to Him, for He has a care of thee. Behold the very hairs of thy head ar r e all numbered, neither does one fall without His Will. Fear not then, neither be thou troubled, nor uneasy : but live resigned to Him, and blissful in Him. 9. The voice of the Disciple . — Truly full of con- solation is all this, 0 Lord God, but how sublime ! Of my own accord, I neither dare nor can essay things so exalted. • If, however, Thy divine Spirit guide me, reve- rently indeed and conscious of my own weakness, I will follow Thee with joy and security, and hav- ing entered, through Thy most sacred Humanity, into the wonderful works of the Divinity, I will contemplate the things which surpass all under- standing. Send, therefore, I beseech Thee, Thy Holy Spirit, to lead me so far into this contemplation, as Thou wilt kindly deem it conducive to my sanctification and Thy glory. Grant me, I humbly implore Thee, this divine Spirit, with His seven-fold gifts, that He may guide me both in contemplation and in action. The Spirit of wisdom, who may so dispose mo CHAPTER XY. 681 wholly, that I do find all things of earth distasteful, and those of God full of delight ; that I do rightly judge and feel concerning all ; that I seek with affection after whatsoever serves for my sanctifi- cation. The Spirit of understanding, to remove and dis- perse darkness of mind, illusions of heart ; that, with a calm mind and clean heart, I may view all that infinite Goodness has made, things seen and unseen; and that I may ever understand what the divine Will, infinitely good, requires of me. The Spirit of counsel, to remind me ever of my own weakness, — whereby I am unable to do aught for my salvation, — and to induce me efficaciously to have recourse to the help of divine Omnipotence, bv whose aid I can do all things. The Spirit of fortitude, that lie may move me to exert all my strength, to co-operate faithfully with the help of divine grace ; that thus I may, by generous efforts, aspire after perfect justice, without caring for the judgments of men, regarding Thee alone, the just Judge. The Spirit of knowledge, that He may teach me discernment, whereby I may, practically, distinguish between things natural and supernatural ; so that ray every prayer and action may always begin from Thee, and be perfected through Thee ; and whereby I may so devote myself to praying and acting, that, for the sweetness of contemplation, I do neither neglect the works of corporal and spiritual mercy 682 THE FOURTH BOOK. toward my neighbor, nor, for the sake of works of mercy toward others, overlook mercy toward my own soul. The Spirit of piety, who, by fostering in me a tender devotion, may stimulate me gently and strongly to holiness ; and may cause me to conduct myself as a compassionate parent toward inferiors, as an affectionate brother toward equals, as a du- tiful son toward Superiors. The Spirit of a loving fear, of a filial, pure love; whereby I may, everywhere, supremely revere Thee, my God, and joyfully fulfill, with a holy affection, Thy every Will. CHAPTER XYI. HOW GREAT A REVERENCE, BOTH OUTWARD AND INWARD, THE HEART OF JESUS WILLS US TO HAVE FOR THE MOST BLESSED SACRAMENT. 1. The voice of Jesus . — My Child, if the heavens were thrown open before thee, and if thy eyes be- held there My glory ; how thou wouldst be affected by this sight ! how thou wouldst tremble with hoty awe ! with what reverence thou wouldst fall pros- trate ! For, before My throne, sending forth the splen- dors of glory, like blazing flames and lightnings, thou shouldst behold thousands of thousands of CHAPTER XVI. 683 Angels praising Me with all veneration ; and, stand- ing around the throne, ten thousand times a hun- dred thousand ministering to Me. Thou shouldst, also, behold the mighty throng of Saints, whom thou couldst not count, falling upon their faces in sight of the throne, adoring, and melting with love. Thou shouldst behold how everything is aglow in My presence : at one time thou shouldst perceive how, by reason of the greatness of the all-pervading reverence, there reigns a deep silence throughout heaven ; at another, how the whole place resounds with the voice of its inhabitants, bursting forth and singing in unison : Amen : blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor, and power, and strength, to our Grod forever and ever. Now, My Child, I the same, who in heaven am -worshiped with such a manifestation of honor and praise, am here present in the most Blessed Sacra- ment, surrounded by a multitude of heavenly Spirits. See, therefore, and consider, how mortals ought to conduct themselves toward Me. If the very pil- lars of heaven tremble with awe, what should the dust of the earth do? 2. Here, I desire reverence, here I claim honor, here I exact due worship. By the free choice of My Heart, I was born in a Stable, and I so passed My mortal life, that I had not where to recline My head; but, when I was C84 THE FOURTH BOOK. about to institute this most Holy Sacrament, I or- dered to be prepared a large Supper-room furnished, to show how much I wished to be respected and honored, and worshiped in My Sacramental life. Taught by this, the Church has ever loved the beauty of My house, and erected, to the best of her power, magnificent temples : she has called to her aid nature, that by richness, and art, that by genius, they might adorn My chosen dwelling-places : ever full of solicitude, she has taken care that, accord- ing to the desire of My Heart, she may honor Me every way in this most august mystery, and thus testify her own love for Me. If thou lovest Me, My Child ; yea, if thou hast faith, and by its supernal light, viewest My Ma- jesty here vailed, and all that visibly and invisibly surrounds Me, thou wilt surely ever exhibit here supreme reverence. Thou wilt not here appear before Me among the Angels, except inwardly and outwardly full of re- collection and veneration ; thou wilt show interi- orly and exteriorly naught save piety and devoted- ness, reverential awe and love. o. The voice of the Disciple. — Truly, O Lord Jesus, Thou, the love and beatitude of all the An- gels and Saints! truly, Thou art here to be wor- shiped with every regard, with every sanctity of love. Holiness becomes Thy very Tabernacle, Thy very house. For Thou art the Holy of Holies, and dwellest CHAPTER XVI. 685 in Holiness, where the Angelic Spirits themselves appear trembling with awe, and admire the unap- proachable splendors of sanctity. How, then, shall a mortal man, if he considers Thy infinite Majesty, and his own utter unworthi- ness, dare to present himself before Thee ? Assuredly, didst Thou Thyself not invite me to draw near, and did not the well-known goodness of Thy Heart calm the vehemence of my dread ; fright- ened, I would depart from Thee, because I am a sinful person ; neither should I dare to come to Thee, lest, perhaps, I might be guilty of Thy of- fended Majesty. But behold ! that very kindness of Thy Heart, which calls on me so mercifully, and breathes con- fidence into me with so fatherly an affection, is a new cause for reverence. For if, through w T ant of reverence, I misuse this grace, I become the more guilty, since I am bad, because Thou art good. 4. 0 Christ Jesus, my God, All-knowing and All-powerful ! how awe-inspiring is this place, wherein Thou art truly present ! IIow shall I demean myself, in a manner worthy of Thy presence in this most Holy Sacrament; where all that I behold around me, warns me that the highest respect must be shown ! This ever-burning light tells me, that, through a lively faith, I should be mindful where, and in whose presence I am. 686 THE FOURTH BOOK. The secluded Sanctuary warns me, that the place of Thy abode is holy with no ordinary sanctity. The lofty Tabernacle reminds me, how lowly and full of revential feeling, I ought to appear in Thy sight. The brightness of the sacred vessels teaches me, how great an inward and outward purity is re- quired. Every soul, here rapt in thought, busied with Thy love, admonishes me, with how great a devo- tion, with how tender an affection, it behooves me to deal with Thee. 5. 0 Jesus, God of all sanctity ! Thou teachest me how perfect a reverence must here be shown to Thee ; since Thou art not willing that any one should be near to Thee here, or dwell beneath !he same roof with Thee, except heavenly Spirits, and those angels of earth, religious persons and Thy priests ; who are to be so clean of heart, that they may deserve to see God, so chaste in body, that they may embrace purity itself! With what dispositions of body and soul ought I, therefore, to come hither, since I am associated with so pure, so holy a company ! If Daniel, if Tobias, if John, the beloved Disci- ple, if other Saints, in the presence of one Angel, were so struck with his aspect, and seized with so great a reverence, that they fell prostrate upon the ground ; with what sentiments should I be ani- mated here, where I am in the presence of so many CHAPTER XVI. 687 Angels ; yea, even before Thyself, the Lord of all the Angels ! Surely, no unbefitting thought, no inferior affec- tion ought to occupy me here. Nay more, as often as I repair hither, I must not only keep myself free from every evil, but also honor Thee by holy acts of virtue. G. Of how great a wrath of Thy indignation, of how great a punishment of Thy justice should I be deserving, if, in Thy presence, I should busy my heart with unlawful thoughts or evil affections ; if thus I dared here to appear unholy among angelic Spirits, and insult Thee to Thy face with so great a disrespect, so offensive to Thy Heart ! 0 did I but follow faith, I should doubtless neither suffer my thoughts to stray, nor my affec- tions to be poured out elsewhere, nor myself to be turned in any wise away from Thee, as if Thou, 0 supreme bliss of all ! wert not sufficient for me, and worthy of my attention ! 0 Lord God ! I tremble when I think on the greatness of the irreverence whereof I render my- self guilty, when I appear to honor Thee with my lips, whilst my heart is far away from Thee, en- gaged with things which it either inordinately loves or fears, or with objects of dissipation, which it cares not to remove. Alas ! my very exterior proves by bow great a distraction my heart is dissipated ; in how great * 688 THE FOURTH BOOK. desolateness it languishes, even when here before Thee I partake of a heavenly fellowship. 7. And yet, my outward deference ought not to be less than the inward; since Thou requirest equally the homage of the body and of the soul in this most august Sacrament, where Thou, my God, art Thyself present with Body and Soul. It is befitting, therefore, that the greatest mod- esty do here appear, and be made known to all men, because Thou, 0 Lord, art so near. Here no idle word should find a place : no in- quisitive, no wandering look; no position, no mo- tion of the body in the least disrespectful. 0 Jesus, life and sweetness of my soul ! although there is naught on earth, which delights me more, than the most Holy Sacrament of the love of Thy Heart ; there is, at the same time, naught that fills me more with dread. For, if I use it rightly and reverently, I find in it all things desirable. If, on the contrary, I use it wrongfully and irreverently, what dreadful evils do 1 draw upon myself! 8. But, 0 if I loved Thee sufficiently, if my heart were inflamed with that divine fire, with which Thy Heart is here burning, there would be no need of such an amount of reasons to induce me to exhibit to Thee a due regard. For, then I would not only most studiously avoid every irreverence, but I would demean myself be- fore Thee in that manner, which love alone under- CHAPTER XVI. 089 stands ; 'with that delicate attentiveness, which the purity alone of love can teach. Then, how sweet would it be for me to spend in Thy presence a happy and joyous time, rapt in love of Thee, forgetful of all beside ! Then, how eagerly would I desire, to visit Thee in Thy most lovely Tabernacle, and prove to Thee my love ! Then, with how holy and delicious a hunger and thirst would I be urged forward, to resort frequently to the heavenly banquet, which Thou hast here pre- pared with so great a sweetness ! 9. Grant me, therefore, most loving and amiable Jesus ; grant me love for Thee ; a love which may soften and expand my hard heart, and fill it with the unction of piety. Inflame me wholly with that love, wherewith the Angelic Spirits, and so many pure souls, are here burning in Thy presence, and w 7 hereby they honor Thee so perfectly. 0 Lord ! have pity on me, and forgive me every negligence in Thy regard; every distraction of mind, every dissipation of heart, whatsoever, in fine, I have done contrary to that reverence which is due to Thee : And kindly grant that, as Thy favors to me are ever increasing, and being heaped up, so also my love for Thee may be augmented and redoubled. 58 690 TIIE FOURTH BOOK. CHAPTER XVII. THAT WE SHOULD ENDEAVOR BY EVERY MEANS TO ATONE FOR TIIE INSULTS, WHICH ARE OFFERED TO THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS, IN THE SACRAMENT OF HIS LOVE. 1, The voice of Jesus . — My Child, they repaid Me evil for good, and returned Me hatred for My love. Whatever is best and most precious in heaven, whatever on earth is most useful and wholesome to men, whatever is most sacred and consoling in Re- ligion, I placed, by the disinterested generosity of My Heart, by the most pure love, in this Sacra- ment. Are not these things so great, My Child, that if the hearts of all should be consumed with love ; if the tongues of all mortals should together be cm- ployed to return just thanks ; if the whole world should sacrifice itself as a victim of praise ; all this should be still so far from what is deserved, as things divine surpass those which are human, as the finite is below the infinite ? Heaven itself stands astounded at the boundless grandeur of this gift : and the Angelic Spirits ex- claim, in admiration : Behold our God ! behold the marvels He has wrought upon earth ! Thinkest thou, then, that, on earth, there can be CHAPTER XVII. 691 found a person, who is insensible or indifferent tc this gift of gifts ? And yet, My Child, there are souls without feel- ing, without affection, thankless creatures, that, so far from loving Me, the generous donor of a trea- sure of such blessings ; on the contrary, do use these very blessings to loa$ My Heart with bitter insults . 2. Behold! very many run whithersoever their interest or passion impels them ; but, in order to visit Me, they are unwilling to leave their house, or to turn ever so little aside from their way. So little do they esteem My gifts, so cold- hearted do they feel toward Me, that they are un- willing to undergo the least inconvenience of nature to come hither, to ask for the good things I have prepared, or to testify their Ibve for Me, who, for love of them, came down from heaven through every inconvenience, and abide here for their sake. To how many can I truly say : So long a time have I been with you, and ye have not known Me ! To them I am as a stranger ; and, as an alien, I am neglected by them. So little do they think of Me : so little do they care for Me ! 3. And even among them that frequently resort to My Tabernacle, how many there are, who do in- deed come, but place an abomination in the holy place ! For, how many present themselves before My eyes, in My sacred temple as idols, to lead men 692 THE FOURTH BOOK. astray from devotional love for Me, and to turn away their mind and attention toward themselves ! Not a few resolve in their mind things execrable, cherish in their heart things detestable ; and, by their will, commit sins in My very sight, thus shamefully insulting Me. How many, also, who by look, or gesture, or by tbeir very dress sadden the Angels, and exasperate Me! How many there are who would rightly blush, to demean themselves toward a mortal with so much insolence, so much irreverence, as they here ex- hibit toward Me ! 4. Nowhere, My Child, are more cruel affronts heaped upon Me, than in this divine mystery. Where abounds the goodness of My Heart, there also abounds the wickedness of men. For, how many heretics do impiously deny Me ! how many unbelievers do horribly blaspheme Me, whom they know not ! But, My Child, although these things are most grievous, they are, however, less painful to My Heart, than the horrifying profanations of them that receive Me sacrilegiously through Communion. O how great an insult ! how abominable an at- tempt, when men, even the dispensers of My mys- teries, approach Me, whilst they possess the devil within themselves ; and, after sacrilegiously receiv- ing Me, cast Me, their God, at the feet of Satan, who sits enthroned in their heart. CHAPTER XVII. 693 5. The voice of the Disciple . . — How long, 0 Lord God, how long shall sinners do such things with impunity? Arise, 0 Thou All-powerful One, scatter those monsters ! place the sacrilegious wretches like stubble before the face of the raging fire : for this they have deserved. The voice of Jesus . — Not so, My Child, not so as yet, although they deserve, even at present, the ex- treme of punishment : I wish to show that the love of My Heart is greater than the malice of the heart of men. My mind, therefore, is disposed to give them still grace, that they may yet be able to save them- selves. For if, co-operating with the same, they reform, it will be the triumph, the joy, the exulta- tion of My Heart, at the salvation of these souls, for which I did not hesitate to lay down My life. And if they are unwilling to be converted, and to love Me in return, I have time sufficient to satisfy My justice, since everlasting ages are Mine. Meanwhile, Child, lo ! I will continue to bear those insults for love of thee, for the love of the Elect ; whom I love more than I am offended by sinners, and for whom I gladly continue to reside here. 6. Thou, My Child, wilt not be insensible, I trust, to this singular excess of love, by which My Heart, during so many ages, endures such indigni- ties from the wicked, in order that It may bestow 694 THE FOURTH HOOK. upon tiiee all the good things, which It has stored up in this Sacrament. If thou lovest Me, thou wilt cheerfully do what- soever thou canst, to make amends for sacrifices so numerous and so great, which My Heart h ie makes ; and to repair My honor, which is here in- jured in so many unworthy ways. Indeed, it is one of the chief ends of the devo- tion to My Heart, to atone, so far as possible, for the insults which My Heart receives from every side in this most holy Sacrament. Do not believe thyself a true Disciple of My Heart, if thou dost not burn with zeal for Its honor. 7. Here, then, before My Tabernacle, do thou frequently pour forth the ardent affections of thy heart, — affections of thankfulness, of generosity ? of self-offering, of manifold love, whereby My Heart may be comforted. Let thy devotion be fervent, when here thou prayest, or worshipest, or busiest thyself in any manner; so that, as much as thou canst, thou make up for the indifference of the lukewarm, and awake in them an incentive to shake off their sluggish- ness. • Exhibit everywhere a sincere, not a fictitious veneration for the most Blessed Sacramento that thou mayst in some sort make amends to My honor; and, whilst edifying others, induce them to rever* CHAPTER XVII. 695 ence Me. and tlms lighten the burden laid upon My Heart. Frequently offer up thy good works, thy suffer- ings, and all the meritorious deeds which are per- formed in the Church, throughout the world, to honor Me in the holy Eucharist. For the same end offer up the virtues and merits of all the Angels and Saints : all the praise, and honor, and whatsoever else is done in heaven. As often as thou hearest or c-elebratest Mass, or rcceivest holy Communion, among others, have this intention, to atone, by this holy action, for the insults, which at any time have here been offered, by thyself or by others, to My Heart. Nay more, My Child, imitating My Heart, pray for those who behave so unworthily towards Me ; that the patience of My Heart in waiting for them, and Its readiness in pardoning them, when return- ing, may triumph, to Its own great joy, and to their everlasting happiness. Lastly, whether iuteriorly or exteriorly, endeavor to do everything thou art able, that, insults being set aside, all may show Me honor and love, in this holy Sacrament. 8. The voice of the Disciple . — 0 most sweet Je- sus ! how greatly didst Thou honor us ! how much didst Thou love us ! Lo ! for love of us Thou earnest down from heaven upon earth : and, to lead us from earth to heaven, Thou didst not c eor>e tea labor and suffer. 696 THE FOURTH BOOK. Thou didst sacrifice all Thy interests, and shed even Thy blood, to redeem us when dead : Thou didst suffer death to give us life : Thou wast willing that thy Heart, wounded by love, should remain open, that Thou mightst thence bestow upon us all blessings : Thou didst condescend to be wholly ours, always and everywhere. In Thy mortal life, Thou gavest Thyself to us as the price of salvation, the fountain of life, the pat- tern of perfection, the way and guide to heaven. In Thy Sacramental life, Thou givest Thyself over and above to us as the food of life, the sancti- fication of soul and body, the solace of our pil- grimage, the abundance of all things good. In Thy glorious life itself, Thou givest Thyself to us as the Advocate with the Father, as the giver of the Spirit the Comforter, as an everlasting reward. What more, 0 most loving Jesus ! what more could Thy Heart invent, what more could It do, which It did not invent and accomplish for us ? How great a thankfulness, then, how great a love, how great a fidelity hadst Thou a right to expect ! But alas ! Lord, alas ! instead of gratitude, of love, of fidelity, oh ! behold, affronts, profanations, sacrileges, and every most cruel misdeed ! Was it this, 0 good Jesus ! was it this, — which moves the Angels themselves to shed tears, — was it this Thou hadst to expect from us for all Thou CHAPTER XVII. 697 didst do, and endure, and bestow, and prepare for us. 9. Would, 0 Lord, that, with my blood, I could wash away things so horrible ! Would that I were able, at the cost of my own honor and life, to atone for indignities so great, insults so cruel ! But, since I can only desire these things : I of- fer to Thee, as a compensation for all the injuries ever done to Thy Heart, as an atonement for Thy honor, — in whatsoever manner it may have been wounded by myself and others, — all my thoughts, words, actions, all that I may do or suffer. For the same end, I offer to Thee my whole self, to undergo all the humiliations, to suffer all the insults, to endure whatsoever Thy divine good pleasure may will. I offer to Thee, also, all the pious affections, the holy desires, the meritorious works of all the faith- ful who are pleasing to Thee, throughout the world : all the Sacrifices of the Mass, the holy Communions, in short, whatsoever is done for Thee in the whole Church. I, likewise, offer to Thee the praises, and thanks- givings, and blessings, and all the testimonials of love of all the heavenly Spirits, and of the Saints who reign in heaven. Accept, I beseech Thee, 0 most kind Jesus, these offerings in union with the merits of Thy most Sacred Heart : receive them through the Irn- 59 693 THE FOURTH BOOK. maculate Heart of Thy Yirgin Mother, through which I dare to present all this to Thee. Through that innocent Heart : guilty as I am, I yet do confidingly draw near to Thy Heart ; and implore merely and grace for myself and for all other miserable sinners. Spare, 0 Lord, spare us sinners : forgive the evils we have done : forget the insults we have of- fered to Thy Heart. Grant that, by purity of life, we may repair the past ; that, by the fervor of our affections, we may return Thy love ; and, that, by a persevering fidel- ity, we may delight Thy Heart. CHAPTER XVIII. THAT WE MUST PROVE OURSELVES BEFORE WE APPROACH THE HOLY SACRAMENT OF THE EU- CHARIST. 1. The voice of Jesus. — My Child, let a man prove himself, and so let him eat of that Bread, and drink of the Cup. For he that eats and drinks unworthily, eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Body of his Lord. No small punishment threatens him, that re- ceives the Lord his God unworthily. Behold ! My CHAPTER XVIII. 699 Blood shall be upon him, and shall cause a curse to fall upon his body and soul. Consider, Child, how indignant thou art at the conduct of Judas, the betrayer. But, he surpasses in audaciousness, ingratitude and wickedness this faithless Disciple, who, — not restrained by the most lamentable fate of Judas, and abusing My forewarn- ings, as well as My favors, — whilst at this most sa- cred banquet he reclines upon My very Heart, betrays Me by a sacrilegious Communion. How dreadful, then, how terrible the expecta- tion of judgment! how fearful a punishment awaits him, who betrays, who persecutes Me by so cruel a baseness ! If they, who misused the ancient types of this divine Sacrament, were punished so severely : if the sons of Heli, because they had behaved in an unbe- coming manner in the Sanctuary of old ; if Oza, because he had irreverently touched the Ark of the Covenant ; if Balthassar, because he had used the sacred vessels for an unholy purpose ; if all these, in punishment of their crimes, were overtaken by death ; what does that sacrilegious wretch deserve, who, so far as in him lies, tramples under foot and spurns God Himself, his Creator and Saviour ? Would not the earth open and swallow him alive, did not My Heart prevent it, in order that It may still offer him a chance of salvation ? 0 crime ! 0 enormity ! how horrible it is, for one 700 THE FOURTH BOOK. guilty of so great an impiety, to fall into the hands of an Almighty God ! 2 . The voice of the Disciple. — Lord! Lord! I shudder with horror, when I reflect on the lieinous- ness of such an abominable crime ! Prostrate in the dust before Thee, I beg and be- seech Thee : preserve me from an unworthy Com- munion of Thy Body and Blood. By Thy Heart Itself, I implore Thee, Lord God, make me understand what it is, to eat this Bread and drink this Cup unworthily, that knowing it, I may sedulously be on my guard, lest I draw upon myself a most frightful condemnation. The voice of Jesus. — It is, My Child, to receive the holy Sacrament of the Eucharist, whilst the consciousness of a grievous sin burdens him that receives. Lest, therefore, he take so great a mystery un- worthily, and consequently death and condemna- tion, let a person prove his conscience. And this proving is necessary, so that no one, self-conscious of a mortal sin, how contrite soever he may appear to himself, should approach the holy Eucharist, without previous sacramental Con- fession. 3 . The voice of the Disciple.- — Forgive me, I be- seech Thee, 0 Lord, if I appear not to understand fully what is said ; for I am dull of comprehension. Pardon me, also, if I ask things which seem leS3 appropriate ; for I am uneasy in heart. CHAPTER XVIII. 701 Not that I am not willing to make a greater pre- paration foi so great a Sacrament, than that which is required not to receive unworthily ; but because the enemy of my salvation, sometimes, suggests that, even after I have done what I could, I should be guilty of the Body and Blood of the Lord, were I to approach holy Communion. Thus, when darkness covers my interior, and the enemy roars in the obscurity, so that I cannot clearly discern objects, nor distinctly hear Thy voice within me ; I either approach with reluctance and with danger, or, deceived by the wiles of the devil, I abstain from the best remedy for all my miseries. Show me, therefore, I entreat Thee, what signi- fies to be conscious of mortal sin. For, this being well understood, I shall more easily avoid the snares of the devil, and guard more effectually against an unworthy Communion. 4. The voice of Jesus . — My Child, he is self-con- scious of mortal sin, who knows in his heart, that he is in a state of mortal sin. For he is conscious of a thing, who has the consciousness of it. Now, consciousness is certain knowledge. Knowledge, however, is not to be sought in the same way in all things, but in every matter accord- ing to its own manner : absolute in matters abso- lute, physical in things physical, moral in what be- longs to morality. Wherefore, Child, they that are wont to sin vol- 702 THE FOURTH BOOK. untarily, if they doubt, whether, when solicited to a sin, they did commit that sin, are morally certain, from what commonly happens to them, that they are guilty of that sin. On the contrary, when thou strivest sincerely to cling to Me, or so long as thou art habitually in dread of being deprived of divine grace ; if thou knowest not, if thou hast no certain knowledge, that, in grievous matters, thou didst voluntarily consent to the temptations of the enemy, or didst, in any way, lose the state of grace ; if thou receiv- -est the Sacrament, thou dost not receive it unwor- thily. 5. Let these truths, My Child, ever console thee, let them encourage, let them guide thee ; especially, when serenity does not reign within — when the noise of the foe fills thy heart. Thou wilt, however, do rightly, if thou ever mak- est as perfect an act of contrition as thou art able for all, even thy hidden transgressions, such as they are in the sight of God ; that, being thus better disposed, thou mayst, amid the Angels, approach the divine mystery. It will, likewise, prove useful, if, when thou art about to approach the sacred Table, thou provest thyself even in slighter sins ; and, by an ardent love, purifiest thyself from them and all inordinate affections ; so that, entering with a stainless wed- ding-garment, thou mayst sit down with Me tc the heavenly banquet. CHAPTER XVIII. 703 If then, Child thou dost not consent to mortal sins, although thou feelest thyself tempted thereto ; if thou dost not voluntarily commit venial ones*, if thou strugglest to go against nature, when it op- poses itself to the divine good pleasure ; behold, with the permission of the director of thy con- science, it is lawful for thee to approach holy Com- munion, whensoever thou art willing. And, although this purity is infinitely below that divine purity, which is received in the most Blessed Sacrament ; yet, it suffices for man, in order to fre- quent with humble confidence and affection this sacred and sanctifying mystery, and to be thereby more perfectly purified. For this divine Sacrament is not instituted for creatures that are by nature Angels, who cannot sin, but for men, who are angels by desire, and are not willing to sin ; so that by it they may attain to the perfection of purity and sanctity, which is rather the fruit of Communion than a preparation for it. 6. It belongs peculiarly to the demon, to turn away from frequent Communion souls that are suf- ficiently well-disposed ; and eveiy one among men who does so, whether directly or indirectly, imi- tates the demon, and does the devil’s work. Undoubtedly, I require reverence; but I desire love more : and thou wilt show the one and the other better by frequent than by infrequent Com- munion. 704 THE FOURTH BOOK. I, indeed, do not desire, My Child, that thou shouldst often approach holy Communion, and at the same time continue to sin, although only ve- nially, or follow the ill-ordered likings or dislikings of nature : but this I will, that, with a fixed will thou be determined to abstain both from commit- ting even the least sin, and from following the in ordinate inclinations of nature, and that thou fre- quently approach thus the holy Sacrament, in spite of what they may think who, in this matter, defend the part of the evil spirit. If, in consequence of this determination, thou art wont to lead a pure life, then, Child, even if, through frailty, thou fall occasionally into some defect, do not on that account omit thy usual Communion ; but, after having made the requisite proving, come to it with a more intense preparation. Consider, Child, and remember, how greatly My Heart is honored and delighted by a pious and holy Communion, with how great a joy heaven is filled, with how much comfort the faithful departed are helped., with how many gifts and graces a well- disposed soul is replenished, to secure her salvation the better, and to attain to sanctity. Are all these results not such that they do not only counterbalance, but infinitely outweigh, the labor or effort required for the proving and cleans- ing of thyself? 7. There is no one, who cannot in this manner CHAPTER XVIII. 705 prove himself, cleanse himself, in fine, dispose him- self ; since to all grace is given for this purpose. Nor can any one attribute the lack of disposition to nature, or to his condition in life ; since neither nature nor condition in life, but an ill-regulated will, or carelessness, renders the soul indisposed. Excite thy fervor, My Child, stir up thy heart for a matter of such importance, that, in this life, there can be naught greater, naught more useful for thee. Here every one receives the reward of the labor which he has employed in preparation, and, in pro- portion as he draws nigh purified and disposed, ho departs laden with graces and favors. 8. The voice of the Disciple . — Thanks to Thee, most kind Jesus, for that, in so weighty a matter, Thou instructest me so clearly, so distinctly ; and, with so great a benignity of Heart, invitest and pressest me, although so poor and wretched, to a frequent participation of the divine banquet. Henceforth, I will come with more security and cheerfulness to this sacred Table ; since I know, how I must prove and dispose myself, as well to be acceptable to Thee, as to partake with fruit of this heavenly food. I ardently desire, Thou knowest it, 0 Lord, and I most firmly resolve, to live free from every volun- tary sin whatsoever, and from every inordinate affection ; that, without hindrance, I may, as fre- 706 THE FOURTH BOOK. quently as possible, receive Thee in holy Com* munion. Whatsoever may be wanting to me, poor and des - titute as I am, do Thou, I beseech Thee, good and merciful Jesus, supply from the treasury of Thy Heart : clothe me with the white robe of innocence : adorn me with the beauty of faith, hope, charity, and of all virtues, that I may deserve to appear among the holy Angels, and banquet with Thee, unto Thy joy and honor, and my consolation and sanctification. CHAPTER XIX. HOW WE OUGHT TO PREPARE OURSELVES FOR HOLY COMMUNION. 1. The voice of Jesus . — My Child, My time is near at hand ; do thou await Me : behold ! I will come, and will enter with thee, and I will make My abode with thee. And when I come, I shall not be alone, but many Angels with Me; nor shall. I come with empty hands, but bring along riches, and honors, and hap- piness, that I may enrich and ennoble thee ; that I may make thee contented and blissful. Prepare, therefore, a place for Me, in which thero CHAPTER XIX. 707 is not only no stain, but wherein also everything is becomingly adorned. If thou considerest well, whom thou art about to receive, thou wilt, indeed, acknowledge that, even if thou didst possess the innocence of Angels, thou oughtest still to prepare thyself with the utmost care. For, with how great a purity, how great a holi- ness should his body and soul be glittering and adorned, who does not merely approach and em- brace purity itself, sanctity itself ; but receives the same, is incorporated with the same ! Do, then, whatsoever thou canst, to prepare thy^ self in body and soul for this grand work. 2. Grand, indeed, is this work: for thou pre- parest a dwelling-place not for a superior or a prince, but for thy Saviour-God : neither dost thou labor for perishable things, but for everlasting pos- sessions. Wherefore, some time before the day previous tc My coming, begin to dispose and prepare thyself remotely, according to thy condition, by some acts of self-denial and other virtues. Direct thy good works, yea, even those which are indifferent, thy words, and thoughts also, to this object; and offer them all, that they may be as so many ornaments, pleasing in My sight, of the place, which thou art exerting thyself to prepare for Me. 3. Excite and cherish a living desire of the hap- piness, which thou art about to enjoy in the holy 708 THE FOURTH BOOK. Communion. This will stir up and animate all the rest. And why shouldst thou not be goaded on by this desire, if thou considerest in how manifold ways thou standest in need of Me ? Why shouldst thou not experience an ardent longing, if thou givest heed to the great blessings which thou art about to receive ? Why, in fine, shouldst thou not be wholly inflamed, if thou meditatest, how eagerly My Heart desires to bestow Itself upon thee ? In correspondence with this desire of My Heart, let thy heart, in return, long for Me ; and let it, from time to time, renew and inflame its eagerness to be dissolved by love, and be with Me. Now address the Angels: Have ye seen whom my soul loves? I adjure you, that ye tell Him that I languish with love. Then call upon the Saints : I entreat you, Breth- ren, by our Lord and by His Heart, assist me with your prayers. Again, express to Me thy longing desire : 0 my Beloved ! my chosen one among all others, show me where Thou feedest among the lilies. Who will grant me that I may find Thee, that I may em- brace Thee, that I may lead Thee into the dwelling of my heart ! Bid, O bid me experience how good Thou art to them that seek Thee ; how sweet to them that find, how ineffable to them that possess Thee ! Come, Lord, and do not delay. With these, and other affections suited to the CHAPTER XIX. 709 state of thy soul, entertain thy fervor ; excite a spiritual hunger after the most wholesome Sacra- ment of the Eucharist, which demands a hungry soul, and fills and satiates the hungry soul with good things. 4. Make, besides, a pure and holy intention, and cause the same to bear on the various ends, par- ticular as well as general, which thou hast proposed to thyself. Beware, My Child, lest thou approach the holy Communion for form’s sake, or through custom, as it were without any purpose : nor be thou less on thy guard, lest thou go to it in order that thou mayst appear devout, or, on the contrary, that thou mayst avoid reproach • or, lastly, that thou mayst experience sensible consolation. Proceed with straightforwardness, follow after things pure and holy, according to the divine good pleasure, from which thou oughtest for no consid- eration whatsoever to turn aside. For, whatsoever is foreign thereto, is of no value, how good soever it may appear. Thus it will happen, that, when about to ap- proach the holy Sacrament, after a careful prepara- tion, if thou dost not feel, according to thy desire, the fervor and relish of devotion, thou wilt bear it in peace and with profit, resigned to My divine Will, which thou wilt deem the greatest of all con- solations. And if thou dost experience the ardor or sweet- 710 THE FOURTH BOOK. ness of devotion, thou wilt receive it with a humble and grateful mind, and relish it in thy innermost heart ; knowing that it is not an effect of thy own seeking, but a gift of the goodness of My Heart. 5. When the time is now near at hand, that I am about to come, think that thou hearest thy Guar- dian Angel, who says to thee : Behold, the Bride- groom comes : go thou forth to meet Him. Arise thou quickly, and, having with thee thy lamp lighted with sanctifying grace, hasten to My holy Tabernacle, watch there, and make the immediate preparation for My coming. Let thy heart be dilated, let all the powers of thy soul exult : let the present felicity replenish thee wholly inwardly and outwardly. Imagine that now thou art no longer on earth, but amidst the Angels, who invisibly surround thee. 6. And whilst I tarry in the Tabernacle, adore Me with a lively faith, cherish a great hope, renew thy love for thy neighbor. Apply thyself dili- gently to this : insist on this with much affection. Then, occupy thyself with acts of those virtues, which are peculiarly pleasing to My Heart, and which I Myself practiced in a marvelous manner in the Supper-room, before I instituted this Sacra- ment; thus giving thee an example, that as I did in My Heart, so thou shouldst also dD before holy Communion. For, how deeply did I there humble Myself, when CHAPTER XIX. 711 I cast Myself at My Disciples’ feet, and washed and wiped them ! Taught by such an example, humble thyself, as much as thou art able, with thy whole heart, with thy whole mind, with all thy strength. And, when thou hast done all thou ouglitest and oanst, acknowledge that thou art unworthy to re- ceive Me, to enter into divine companionship with Me. What more do I ask, than a soul truly humble, in which My Soul finds its delight, upon which My Heart may pour out the abundance of Its graces, and which My pure love may pervade, ravish, transform ? By love, My Child, by love was this most de- lightful Sacrament instituted : by love it must be received. As the love of My Heart in this mystery is ex- ceeding, and pours itself out without measure? without restriction : so, Child, when thou becom- cst a partaker of the same, give thyself wholly up, without limit, without terms, to divine love. This living love, this pure affection, this entire surrendering of thyself, is the highest preparation for holy Communion ; because it is the nearest dis- position to the divine union. Here, therefore, do thou linger : here act with thy whole heart ; ask, give, according as the Spirit of grace will interiorly teach or direct thee. 7. If thou lovest Me purely, My Child, thou 712 THE FOURTH BOOK. wilf perceive that it is not in thy power to love Me sufficiently : and thou wilt feel, that whatsoever thou dost or art able to do, is as nothing compared to what thou seest is befitting to receive Me in thy heart. Wherefore, be not satisfied with those adornings of virtue, which thou thyself makest ready or pos- sesses! ; but borrow from the Angels, the Saints, and all the good, whatsoever ornaments they have, for the solemn occasion, when thou art going to re- ceive Me. And this thou canst do, My Child, if, with a sin- cere and fervent heart, thou desirest, and offerest to Me, for thyself, all and each one of the merits and virtues of the Angels and Saints ; that b} T these thou mayst be pleasing to Me, and receive Me in a more worthy and perfect manner : If, for the same end, thou wisliest efficaciously to receive Me with that purity, faith, hope, char- ity : with that humility, love, and holiness, with which all the just and virtuous, yea, My Immacu- late Virgin-Mother herself, have ever received Me in the Sacrament. Holy affections of this kind, Child, if they flow from a pure love for Me, are so pleasing to Me, that I am not less delighted with these pure and burn- ing desires, than if thou didst thyself possess the things desired. But, J\Iy Child, seek thou after still better CHAPTER XIX. 713 things : perfect the adornment of thy heart ’with the very virtues of My Heart. Finally, when I come out of the Tabernacle, when thou hearest the words : Behold the Lamb of God ! inwardly and outwardly collected, and full of reliance upon the goodness of My Heart, come thou amidst the Angels, come forth to meet Me. At this supreme moment, forget in some manner thyself, and, intent on Me alone, receive Me with all thy affections, and enter with Me into thy heart. 8. Behold here the manner, My Child, in which it behooves thee to prepare thyself for holy Com- munion. If, as is befitting in a Disciple of My Heart, thou drawest these preparatory acts out of thy own heart, instead of reading them out of a book, thou shalt find this method, as it were, ever new. For thou wilt elicit these acts, now in one way, then in another; according as thy wants, or thy de- votion, or the inward unction of the spirit shall move thee. But, if thou canst not yet act interiorly in this manner, make use of a book ; but use it so as to learn by degrees to converse with Me in thy heart, and to be able, at last, to make thy immediate pre- paration without a book. Detain, therefore, the method, but vary the man- ner of following it ; shorten one act, lengthen another, according to the present state of thy soul 60 714 THE FOURTH BOOK. Attend not to the form of the acts, but to the sincerity of the affections : bring forward, in a sim- ple and affectionate manner, the sentiments of thv heart ; but, above all, follow the spirit. Thus it will come to pass, My Child, that thou wilt prepare thyself every time in some new way, adapted to thy present circumstances, and also with new fervor. For this it will help thee much, to dispose thy- self, and to approach holy Communion in such a manner, as if it were to be the last of thy life. And, in truth, Child, thou knowest not whether thy next Communion shall not be the last : but this thou knowest, that some one unknown to thee shall be the last. It is, therefore, a prudent and pious counsel to go to every Communion with such a disposition and such an intention, that, if it be the last, it may be thy viaticum unto life everlasting. 9. The voice of the Disciple . — How great and wonderful is the goodness of Thy Heart, Lord Jesus, that Thou dost so instruct me, and teach me a method so holy and so sweet, to prepare myself for holy Communion ! With thankfulness do I embrace, 0 Lord, and faithfully will I follow the method Thou givest me; which I own, — as it is so simple and varied, — will be easy and ever new. Butj behold ! when I shall have performed what- soever I can, to prepare myself for Thy reception CHAPTER XIX. 715 witliin my heart : what is it all compared with Thy dignity ? Or what is it in comparison with the bliss which I am to enjoy? In that most delightful hour, when Thou wilt enter into my innermost heart, what shall be want- ing to my felicity ? Shall I not find in Thee what- soever I can desire ? For Thou, 0 unfailing fountain of all good ! Thou art my life and joy ; Thou art my virtue and sanctification, Thou my wealth and honor, Thou my rest and sweetness, and every bliss. 0 Jesus, the most beloved of all the beloved ! how I long for Thee ! how I stand in need of Thee ! 0 when wilt Thou come ? When wilt Thou admit me, miserable, weak, ignorant, hungry, and lonely ! For Thou, 0 my Jesus! Thou art my Saviour, my Physician, my Leader ; Thou art my Shepherd, my Friend, the Beloved of my soul. 0 Lamb of God ! Thou who takest away the sins of the world, I am not worthy that Thou shouldst enter beneath my roof ; but have pity on me, follow the goodness of Thy Heart, come. 0 my Beloved, 0 Thou the Bridegroom of my soul, sweeter than honey and the honey-comb ; fair with the beauty of innocence, blushing with the purity of love, draw me to Thee, make me like to Thee. Assist me to prepare myself, in holiness, for Thy coming: grant that I may keep my lamp trimmed 716 THE FOURTH BOOK. and lighted; that I may neither sleep nor be slug- gish ; but that I may so watch for Thee in prayer that I may so glow with piety, that, when Thou comest out, I may go forth to meet Thee with my soul prepared, and be found worthy to enter with Thee. CHAPTER XX. WHAT WE MUST DO AFTER WE HAVE RECEIVED THE BLESSED SACRAMENT. 1, The voice of Jesus . — My Child, so soon as, through holy Communion, thou hast received Me, setting aside all other care, be thou wholly Mine, as I am thine. Behold ! then surrounding and prostrate Angels adore, worship with reverential awe, marvel in as- tonishment, burn with love : canst thou, in the midst of all this, remain indifferent? Everything within and without is holiness and devotedness, peace and joy, and pouring out of favors and gifts, sweetness and felicity. Partake thou of the same, My Child : enjoy all these bless- ings in Me, whom thou possessest. For lo ! in thy innermost heart I Myself am present, thy God, thy all. Stay with Me, My Child, CHAPTER XX. 717 nor leave Me alone, by wandering away witli thy mind, thy heart, or thy senses. Having closed the doors of every avenue, spend with Me that time, than which none can be better, more pleasant, more precious for thee. Blessed art thou, if thou knowest how to employ this time, on which the principal fruit of Com- munion, the chief progress of thy soul, depends ! How many things thou hast to do in this most joyous hour! how much to pray and to ask for! how many wants to make known to Me ! how much, also, hast thou to hear from Me ! how many sacri- fices to make : how much, in fine, to receive for thyself and for others ! Wherefore, do not neglect the time of my vis- itation : but have a care, that not the least part of so good a gift overpass thee. 2. First, then, in sincerity of heart, return the greatest thanks to Me, thy Saviour-God, for that I have deigned so mercifully and so lovingly to visit thee. And, since thou art unable to return worthy thanks for an infinite favor, call upon the Angels, who are attending unseen : invite all the heavenly Spirits and the Saints ; nay more, invite everything that breathes, every created being, great and small, that, with thee and for thee, they may praise to- gether, and extol exceedingly the Beloved of thy soul, so loving and so lovely. But, because all these are below the greatness of 713 THE FOURTH BOOK. the divine well-doing, offer up all the thanksgivings, the praises, the acts of love, which the Angels and the Saints, and all the just have ever offered, and will offer forever. Offer all this, united with the merits of My Heart ; which, since they are infinite, are equal to the infinite gift. 3. Then, make acts of the most profound adora- tion, freely submitting for a holocaust, all the powers of thy soul, and the senses of thy body, as a homage of faith due to Me. This holocaust, containing as it does the great- est humility, and as it immolates thee wholly to Me, pleases and honors Me supremely. After this, what is there for which thou maysfc not hope from My Heart, so lavish of Its gifts. Hope boldly, My Child : form great and strong acts of firm hope. Now cherish an assured hope that, whatsoever thou mayst ask, will be given thee. Again cast thyself upon My Heart, as a child upon the bosom of its parent, trusting that here thou shalt find what thou desirest, hoping that here thou shalt be safe. And will not, meanwhile, thy heart be burning in thee, when so great a kindness is shown thee, so undue a condescension, so disinterested a love ? Here be persevering, My Child : give thyself altogether to the divine love ; cease not to make acts of love, until thou hast satisfied thy devotion, or the Spirit of grace directs thee to other matters. CHAPTER XX. 719 For, while the divine love is working in thy heart, and exercises its power, then is the accept- able time, — if, through human frailty or in any other manner, thou hast done things which may be displeasing to My Heart, — both to grieve, out of pure love of God, for having committed them, and to resolve to commit them now no more. The living heat of divine love, if thou co-oper- atest with it, pursues sin like dry stubble, burns and consumes it. 4. Then, that thou mayst not fall again, pray earnestly to be cured of thy evil passions, if thou have any ; to be freed from inordinate affections, whereby thou either lovest or shunnest unsuitably created objects ; to be delivered from miseries, to which thou art subject; lastly, to be preserved from sins and defects, especially from those to which experience teaches thee that thou art more inclined. . Nay more, in order that thou mayst become more solid and perfect, as well as more alike and dear to My Heart, do thou beg earnestly for virtues or an increase of them. Ask for a more lively faith, a more firm hope, a more fervent love, a greater affection for holy pov- erty, a more Angelic purity, a more perfect obe- dience, a more eminent humility and meekness, con- formity to My divine Will, an intimate and abiding union with Me : other virtues, in fine, which thy 720 THE FOURTH BOOK. state requires, and which are befitting in a Disciple of My Heart. Proceed still further, and implore a special help, whereby, for love of Me, thou mayst perform cheerfully and meritoriously those sacrifices in particular, which grace asks and desires of thee. Devote thyself wholly, with all thou art and hast, as a living victim to My honor and to My love. 5. Lastly, My Child, exercise the zeal of love: pray much and fervently for others, to the greater glory and joy of My Heart. Through the merits of the Saints and Angels, through the Heart of My Immaculate Virgin Mother, through My Heart Itself, pray humbly for the universal Church ; that she may enjoy peace, increase in holiness, and be spread throughout the world. For the Supreme Pontiff, My Vicegerent, and for all My Ministers ; that they may be good labor- ers in My Vineyard, may possess rightness of in- tention, purity of life, the pursuit of perfection, the fervor of zeal*. For Religious; that they may preserve their first spirit, make constant progress in virtue, edify the world, console the Church. For all the faithful people ; that every one, in the vocation to which he was chosen, serving Me in a worthy and laudable manner, may strive to make his calling sure. CHAPTER XX. 721 Pour forth, likewise, thy prayers and supplica- tions for the conversion of infidels, of heretics, of all sinners ; that, freed from the errors of the mind and the vices of the heart, they may direct their steps into the way of salvation and peace. For thy kindred, benefactors, friends, and ex- pressly for thy enemies ; that they may be assisted with help from above, be sanctified, and that they may obtain all things necessary and useful to them. For all the just, the afflicted, those in danger, those who are in their death-struggle ; that they may obtain perseverance, comfort, protection, and a happy end. Finally, for the faithful departed, for those es- pecially for whom thou mayst, in any manner, be obliged to pray ; that they may deserve to enter heaven, and be able to intercede for thee before the throne of the divine mercy. 6. Do all these things faithfully, My Child, and endeavor to perform them in a gentle and effica- cious manner, according to the spirit. However, if I whisper or communicate anything to thee, or occupy thee in any wise, or deal with thee, leave off all beside, and hearken to Me with docility and reverence. If I chide thee for anything, receive My rebuke with a submissive heart : if I exhort, if I press aught upon thee, resolve, decide : if I grant or promise aught, be liberal in return : if I bestow 61 722 THE FOURTH BOOK. any comfort, receive it humbly, allow thyself to be replenished with the sweetness of consolation, re- membering that I am good, that My mercy endures forever. And, if it happen that the love bursting forth from My Heart suddenly takes possession of thee, fills thee with rapture, yield thou, My Child, and suffer thyself to be carried whithersoever it wills. Conceal thou outwardly, as much as thou canst, that which grace does inwardly, — lest some may attribute to thee what is exclusively due to Me, — and suffer love to be excessive, and to carry thee through all its transports : permit thyself to be enkindled with the divine fire, to be melted, to be dissolved. Such things, through Its exceeding love, does My Heart sometimes effect, in regard to My true Disciples, in order to reward them for their toils and troubles, lovingly endured for My sake, or for sacrifices which they have generously made for Me : or to make them taste, with a full heart, how de- lightful It is in the Sacrament, and how great a sweetness It reserves for them in heaven : or, yet, that, when disposed, It may, by a wonderful power of love, transform them into Me. But, Child, if, after piously and devoutly receiv- ing Communion, thou dost not experience the sen- sible effects of grace, the motions of divine love, be not uneasy, be not troubled. The fruit may not be less, without the feeling of these gifts. CHAPTER XX. 723 And even if, by straining thyself, thou do excite this feeling, thou shalt derive no profit from this emotion of nature ; but, on the contrary, thou wilt foster self-love, nourish vanity, and expose thyself to delusions. But continue thou humbly and quietly in My presence, exercising ordinary acts of virtues : and thus endeavor to carry with thee a greater humility, a more perfect conformity to the divine good pleas- ure, if thou do not feel the ardor and sweetness of love. This, My Child, is the common way of the Saints, who rested contented wheresoever they were placed: if not at My Side with Thomas, nor on My Breast with John, they remained with Mary at My feet, contin- uing faithful to the present grace, and thankful therefor : and, whether prostrate at My knees, or admitted to My embrace, under either circumstance, they profited according to the measure of grace granted to them. 7. In this manner, therefore, wilt thou act, My Child, after thou hast received the most Blessed Sacrament. And this method, although ever the same, will ever appear new : for thou wilt each time use it differently and variedly, according to the state of thy soul, and the motion of the spirit. For I wish that, after Communion, thou sufferest thy heart to pour itself out before Me ; to speak and deal with Me, according as it is affected or able. If thou readest certain forms of prayers, even 724 THE FOURTH BOOK. the most pious, thou dost not so much give utter- ance to what is thy own, as rehearse what belongs to another ; thou dost not communicate to Me thy heart, but, with or without feeling, thou recitest in My presence, what another heart has said. Shall I praise thee ? herein I do not praise. • Thinkest thou that, in this manner, thou canst become a truly interior person? that thou canst discern the secrets, which I am wont inwardly to suggest to the soul ? or enjoy My intimate commu- nications ? Wherefore, Child, accustom thyself to converse with Me, heart to Heart, to unfold to Me thy sen- timents, to receive Mine for thyself, to give what thou hast, and take, in return, what I liberally be- stow. Jf, however, by reason of thy want of skill, or some desolateness which presses upon thee, thou canst do nothing, unless thou readest some forms of prayer; read, but read little and slowly and at- tentively, and, pausing now and then, endeavor to draw something from thy heart and communcate it to Me. Thus thou wilt make progress ; thus thou wilt acquire, by degrees, the science of the Saints, the art of inwardly conversing and dealing with Me. 8. When it is now time to return to thy own, forget not the remote thanksgiving. Entreat the holy Angels, to continue, in tliy stead, their praises before Me : and, together with CHAPTER XX. 725 their praises, offer to Me whatsoever thou art about to do or suffer. Then, go whithersoever the divine Will calls thee : but outwardly and inwardly give heed to thy- self : shun unnecessary occasions of distraction and dissipation : take care lest thou pour forth thy heart in things worldly or useless. Make for Me in thy innermost heart a sanctuary, where thou mayst keep Me ever present ; pray to Me frequently, consult Me, and communicate to Me all thy concerns. According to thy ability, prove by deed that thou art mindful of the divine favor thou didst re- ceive : exercise some virtue in a more perfect man- ner : show a greater charity to them that are ill- affected toward thee ; or, on the other hand, to those against whom thou feelest some bitterness : exhibit a deeper humility, a gentler meekness, and other virtues, whereby thou dost manifest to Me thy gratefulness and love ; and, at the same time, edify thy neighbor to be zealous for better things, and de- light My Heart. 9. The voice of the Disciple . — 0 most kind, 0 most sweet Jesus ! from my heart of hearts, do I return thanks to Thee, for that thou didst conde- scend to instruct me so perfectly, so lovingly, so gently. If, henceforth, after holy Communion, I do not spend my time well, if I do not act rightly, I con- fess myself inexcusable. 726 THE FOURTH BOOK. Hadst Thou not spoken to me, hadst Thou not thus taught me, my imperfect manner of acting, the little fruit derived from my Communions, might, perhaps, to a certain extent, have found an excuse before Thee : but now I have no excuse. 0 Jesus, infinite goodness ! excite me to fervor : assist me with Thy grace, that I may reduce to practice the sweet and holy things, which Thou hast drawn out of Thy Heart, and delivered to me, and which I desire with all my affections. For what is there sweeter in life? what is there happier in this world ? what is there better or holier ? 0 my love, Jesus, divine Bridegroom of my soul, Thou ever-enduring delight of the Angels and Saints! when I enjoy Thee, what can I desire be- yond ? Grant, I beseech Thee, that then I may be wholly Thine, and Thou wholly mine ; that I may deal with Thee according to the good pleasure of Thy Heart ; that I be and remain wholly resigned, and united to Thee. CHAPTER XXI. 727 CHAPTER XXI. THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESIJS, IN THE BOUN- TIFUL SACRAMENT OF THE EUCHARIST, GIVES US A REMEDY, WHEREBY WE ARE FREED FROM VENIAL, AND PRESERVED FROM MORTAL SINS. 1. The voice of Jesus . — My Child, this is the Bread which comes down from heaven ; so that if any one eat of it, he may not die. The first substantial and enduring fruit, that the soul gathers from My Heart, in holy Communion, is that she is freed from defects, is strengthened in good, and preserved from spiritual death. That this, so consoling an effect of Communion, might be made known, this life-giving Sacrament was instituted under the appearance of food. For nourishment keeps the body from weakness, in- creases its strength, continues its life. What natural food does in the body, that, but in a much more perfect and marvelous manner, this supernatural nourishment, this Bread of Angels, effects in the soul. If the fruit of the tree of life, placed in Para- dise, could save the human body from death, and preserve it in an everlasting youthfulness; how Much more will this food, which comes down from heaven, be able to guard the soul against death and keep her in permanent vigor ? 728 THE FOURTH BOOK. Yea, My Child, the fruit of the Sacrament, this heavenly nourishment does, sometimes, for the soul what neither the fruit of the tree of life, nor any terrestrial food can effect for the body. For should it happen, that some one, after a sincere proving of himself, after a sincere examination of his conscience, should invincibly and, therefore, inculpably, be ignorant of a mortal sin, and so in good faith eat of this living Bread, he would ob- tain, at the same time, the life of sanctifying grace and the remission of his hidden sin. 2. This divine Sacrament supplies, not only great strength to turn away from evil, but even hinders or lessens the very causes of evil. Does not water extinguish fire? But the divine Eucharist extinguishes, much more effectually, the heat of the passions. For it contains every virtue, and. therefore, it checks every passion. What wonder, My Child, if this heavenly mys- tery renders all vices and unlawful pleasures un- pleasant and distasteful, since it gives to men to drink the wine whose fruit are virgins, and offers to them the delights of Angels ? Am not I the Bread of the life of bliss, the fountain of everlasting sweetness? He that comes to Me shall no longer hunger or thirst after the forbidden and dangerous aliments of the world : for, him I satiate with the good things of God, which, by their deliciousness, have the power of CHAPTER XXI. 729 causing all that is prohibited, all that is of earth, to appear bitter and distasteful. 3,' When I am Sacramentally present, the ene- mies of salvation flee far away from the soul, which, through holy Communion, has become ter- rible to them. If, at any time, they venture to assail her, they approach her full of dread, and make their attacks from afar. And these assaults themselves, — since the pas- sions of the soul have become more subdued and tranquilized, — affect her less, and expose her less to danger. For, when she perceives herself tempted to sin, if she thinks that she has received God in her heart, or that she is about to receive God therein, will not this mere thought suffice to repel the temptation ? will it not be an inducement to exert her strength, that she may preserve her heart un- sullied, and that she may remain faithful ? How many souls have there been in this world, that, — although at first they were the slaves of baneful passions, yet by the pious and frequent use of this saving Sacrament, — were not only, in a short time, happily delivered from them, but over- came, with ease, the attacks of demons, and con- tinued ever faithful. And, indeed, if during My mortal life, when I dwelled with men, a virtue went forth from Me, and healed all infirmities ; how much more now, in 730 THE FOURTH BOOK. My Sacramental life, does the virtue issuing from My Heart, heal and strengthen the souls united to Me by Communion ? 4. Moreover, My Child, when I come to the soul, through the holy Sacrament, I bring with Me all the sentiments of My Heart, and, according to the disposition of her heart, I share these with her : the love of humility, the love of charity, the love of holy poverty, the love of purity, the love of obedience, in fine, of all virtues which remove the sources of vice, that they themselves may occupy their place. This love, which is the soul of all virtues, and which My Heart communicates through the Sacra- ment, is strong as death. This, unless thou hin- der it, will render thee invincible. Call to mind the primitive Church : how great a fortitude of love My Heart was wont to impart through holy Communion, so that the faithful, — even they that were weakest by nature, children and tender maidens, — were victorious over all the enemies of salvation, and stronger than death itself. Whatever allurement the pride of life possessed, whatever the lust of the eyes could effect, whatever effort the concupiscence of the flesh could make, was not able, in the least, to captivate hearts, that,; — fortified with this food of the strong, re- plenished with the sweetness of My love, — longed CHAPTER XXI. 731 for naught save to persevere in love for Me, and feared nothing except to be deprived of My love. What could separate these from My love ? not tribulation, not distress, not persecution, not death in any shape. 5. That which this Sacrament of the love of My Heart did formerly work so visibly, the same it does even now. For, whence, except from My Heart in this di- vine mystery, among so many of the faithful, so great an abhorrence of whatsoever the world and self-love pursue ? whence, among so many youths and maidens, so great a love of innocence, that they spurn and trample under foot all things con- trary thereto, how charming soever they may ap- pear to nature ; that they seek, and embrace with joy, every safeguard of their beloved virtue, al- though disagreeable to nature ? Whence, in many, that generousness of heart, even to loving the cross for My sake, even to making sacrifices with glad- ness for love of Me ? Whence, in fine, in very many, of every condition in life, so great a forti- tude, that, although they own themselves weak, they withstand, unconquered, every opposition of the world, all the assaults of hell, yea, overcome them triumphantly ? Behold here marvelous things, My Child ; be- hold, how this divine Bread, which the love of My Heart bestows, gives life and preserves it from death and even from decay. 732 THE FOURTH BOOK. 6. The voice of the Disciple . — 0 living and life- giving Sacrament ! whence I have the Bread of life, whereby I may live and be strong in spirit. I be- seech Thee, 0 Lord, give me always this Bread : but so that I may not grow sick nor die. For how many examples have we heard, and how many have our fathers related to us, of them that have eaten this Bread of life, and died ! Nay, we have seen and known, and trembled with fear, that even of them that frequently or even daily banqueted with Thee, and ought there- fore to have lived like Angels, some have shame- fully gone away, and filled themselves with the husks of swine, and wallowed in the mire, despis- ing grace, despising heaven, despising the dread of hell itself! The voice of Jesus. — Behold, My Child, men who, when they were in honor, did not understand, but have become like to senseless beasts ! But judge thou rightly: if thou perceivest that even they, who here banqueted in purple, have sought their delight in filthiness, ascribe it solely to their senseless, evil will. For, this saving Sacrament, although of itself it preserves from death, does not however deprive man, if he be unwilling to live, of the power of causing death to himself. By weakening the passions and the foe, it strength- ens and assists, in a wonderful manner, the freedom of the will, but it places no necessity upon the same. CHAPTER XXI. 733 Wherefore, a person often and duly strengthened by this divine nourishment, will live and not die, although he may do so, if he misuses, for the purpose of causing death, what is given for the pur- pose of life. When, therefore, thou hearest the examples of them that have fallen, reflect on thyself, and say : He that stands let him take heed lest he fall. And be thou so much the more on thy guard, lest, by voluntary defects and lukewarmness, thou hinder holy Communion from producing its saving and divine effects. 7. The voice of the Disciple . — 0 Jesus! 0 life! through which I live, without which I die : bid me ever live by this life : bid me ever enjoy vigorous- ness of spirit. 0 my beatitude, 0 Lord ! whom I possess through holy Communion, I ask no sensible consolations, but that love, by which I may be so strong, that I do never grow weak ; by which I may be so replen- ished, that whatsoever the world offers me, may cause me disgust, never any relish. Grant me, I beseech Thee, to watch more cau- tiously over all the senses of my body, to guard more attentively every faculty of my soul, so that no fault do hinder the fruit of Communion. Drive, and keep far from me, all occasions of sin ; protect me powerfully, and preserve me unharmed amidst the dangers, to which, for the sake of Thy service, I must be exposed. 734 THE FOURTH BOOK. But, more than all, keep me from all sin, and grant that I may never be separated from Thee, who art my only true and blissful life. 8. How good it is to be with Thee, 0 Jesus, sweetness of my heart, sole felicity of my soul ! O do not suffer me to depart from Thee, nor do Thou Thyself, I implore Thee, withdraw from me. Stay with me, I entreat Thee, lest darkness seize me, lest dangers encompass me, lest, destitute of courage and strength, I perish : for Thou art my true light, Thou my place of refuge, Thou my strength and salvation. By the love of Thy Heart, I beg aiyj implore Thee, abide with me, 0 most kind and swgt Jesus : without Thee, nothing is well, nothing is pleasing. Without Thee, 0 how miserable am I ! but 0 how blissful with Thee ! * Stay, therefore, with me, and rather deprive me of the possession of all else, of the love of all creatures, than permit that I should he deprived of the possession and tho love of Thee. CHAPTER XXII. 735 CHAPTER XXII BY HOLY COMMUNION THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS, UNITES US WITH HIMSELF, AND MAKES US LIVE THROUGH AND FOR HIM. 1. The voice of Jesus . — My Child, he that eat- eth Me, the same shall live by Me. Why should he not also live for Me, since he is so united with Me, that he is incorporated with Me, and animated by Me ? For behold ! if ever, it is assuredly in Commu- nion thou art become a member of My Body, of My Flesh, of My Blood. Wilt thou, then, taking a member of Christ the Lord thy God, make it a member of the world or of iniquity ? God forbid. But, rendered living and holy by My very Body and Blood, thou wilt show thyself living of Me, holy, pleasing to Me in all things. As the body does, in some manner, put on the qualities of the food wherewith it is wont to be nourished ; so that he who, being properly dis- posed, nourishes himself with strong and solid ali- ments, becomes himself strong and robust : thus, My Child, thou shalt find by experience, if thou feedest often and properly on Me, the principle of all purity and sanctity, that thou also shalt become pure and holy. Thy soul cleaving to Me, will now no longer 736 THE FOURTH BOOK. crawl with her mind among earthly and perishable things, will no longer with her heart find delight among the low and vain pleasures of the world : but will seek the things which are above and en- during ; she will relish that which is supernal and good. Principles foreign to Me shall animate thee no more : merely natural sentiments shall no longer exercise an influence over thy life ; but because I live, thou slialt also live. This true, supernatural, holy life, which thou wilt live as effected by Me, which thou wilt live hidden in Me, thou wilt also live for Me. 2. If, in this thy life, thou dost any good works, if thou practicest any virtues, if thou performest any exercises of piety ; all these will be for Me. If any one ask thee, why thou thinkest, why thou speakest, why thou actest, why thou sufferest in this manner, thou wilt be able to answer : It is all for the sake of Him who loved Me, and gave Himself to me. Marvelous intercourse of My Heart, secret and divine communing with a pure and faithful heart, in this Sacrament of love ! The world understands not these things. And who can comprehend it, save the innocent in body and the clean of heart? The same shall know, he shall experience, he, in fine, being ad- mitted to higher and more interior things, shall live for Me in a still more marvelous manner. CHAPTER XXII. 737 3. For, being continually nourished of Me, and completely united with Me, he will at last not live save of Me : he will not breathe save by My breath, he will not love except by My love. Yea, as the living Father has sent Me, and I live through the Father : so he that eats My Flesh, the same shall in like manner live through Me. Attend, My Child, and understand all the sub- limity of this. As I receive of the Father, and un- ceasingly have in the Father, divine being, life, and perfection : so he that is rightly disposed, receives of Me, through holy Communion, and possesses uninterruptedly in Me a holy being, a holy life, a holy perfection. I am holy because My Father is holy : and he that is here incorporated with Me, partakes of My sanctity. 4. My Child, does not fire communicate its heat and color to the iron or wood which is put into it? But in the Sacrament there is a far more wonderful and more perfect communication, between Me and. the soul which is rightly prepared. She communicates herself wdiolly to Me, and, if disposed, she receives in return the communication not only of My Humanity, but also of My Divinity ; which, when My Humanity ceases to exist and act in her, continues to operate in her, like a super- substantial food, which not merely preserves, but even increases and perfects her spiritual, her holy life. 62 738 THE FOURTH BOOK. Yea, it causes My Spirit to flow perpetually into that blissful soul, and the love of My Heart to urge her on gently and strongly ; incited by which she allows herself to be guided by My Spirit : nay more, whithersoever she is guided by My Spirit, she cheer- fully concurs with the same, living always and ‘everywhere in Me. In this wise, therefore, does a well-disposed soul, through holy Communion, live through Me and for Me. Being *often refreshed sacramentally, she be- comes, at last, so assimilated to Me, that she mani- fests My life in herself. Take courage, Child, be zealous of these things, and strive diligently to attain to what is so consoling, -so advantageous, and so glorious to Me and to thee •forever. 5. The voice of the Disciple . — 0 Lord Jesus! Thou knowest how I long, how I yearn for these things. By Thy most Sacred Heart, I entreat Thee, 0 Thou the beginning and end of my life, do Thou frequently, in this Sacrament, nourish with Thyself me, whom by Thy grace Thou hast begotten, that X may live for Thee. Behold, 0 Lord, it is by Thy gift that I live : but for what do I live, if I live not for Thee ? 0 Jesus, fountain of life, never-failing bliss! free me from every inordinate disposition, that I may be wholly replenished with Thee, that I may wholly live for Thee. CHAPTER XXII. 739 So often as, through holy Communion, Thou eomest to me, if Thou findest in me aught that is worldly, aught that is foreign to Thy Spirit, aught that is opposed to the good pleasure of Thy Heart ; do Thou root it out, I beseech Thee, that it may yield its place to Thee, to the Spirit and love of Thy Heart. Free me altogether from every obstacle : with the divine fire of Thy Heart, do Thou consume whatsoever hinders me from being sacredly and perfectly united with Thee, so that, being no longer mine but Thine, I may altogether live for Thee. 6. Renew, sanctify my body and soul, that, being consecrated to Thee, and animated by Thee, they may be solely occupied with Thee, and for Thee. Grant, I entreat Thee, that I may undertake and perform every employment for Thee ; and that, during the same, so far as is allowed, I may often entertain myself with Thee. Grant, that, when I am free from my occupa- tions, I may forthwith, with mind and heart, turn myself to Thee, as the weight, when the obstacle is removed, hastens to its centre. Be Thou alone, henceforth, the beginning and the end of all I do or suffer, whether inwardly or outwardly. Ah Lord Jesus ! although nourished by Thee and for Thee, how long, how often, have I labored and endured not for Thee, but for the enemies of 740 THE FOURTH BOOK. Thy honor and glory, — for self-love, for a vain pride ! Forgive me, I implore Thee, this perverseness, this injustice, this great ingratitude. Give me efficacious grace, that, as is most just and worthy, living of Thee, I may likewise live for Thee. 7. O Jesus, most loving and most amiable Bride- groom of my soul ! enlighten me, enkindle me, that I may more perfectly know, more fervently love Thee, my only blissful life. I acknowledge and confess, 0 Lord, that I am not worthy that Thou shouldst raise me to the sub- limity of Thy life, which Thou art wont to com- municate, in the Sacrament, to Thy Saints : but Thou, Lord, art most worthy to be served, for the glory and joy of Thy Heart, in a holy manner — even by me. This grace, therefore, do Thou grant to me, that, through a frequent and devout Communion, I may attain to this, that I may live, as Thou also livest. Yea, live Thou, 0 Jesus, infinite sweetness, my everlasting happiness ! live Thou, reign Thou, tri- umph Thou in me, unto Thy honor, unto every- thing that can be pleasing to Thy Heart. May everything I possess, may all I am, be im- molated, be sacrificed to Thee by purest love : Thou alone, most sweet Jesus, art my life : Thou alone art everything to me. CHAPTER XXIII. 741 CHAPTER XXIII. # THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS, THROUGH HOLY COMMUNION, PERFECTS HIS UNION WITH US, AND TRANSFORMS TJS INTO HIMSELF. 1. The voice of Jesus . — My Child, he that eats My Flesh, and drinks My Blood, abides in Me, and I in him. Behold here a perfect union, whereby I, a divine Person, am found with Body and Soul in thee ; and thou, a human person, art found with body and soul in Me. This union is, therefore, true and substantial. For no one is in Me, unless I be in him. If some one pours melted wax into other melted wax, the one must necessarily commingle with the other : in like manner, when thou receivest My Body and Blood, thou art so united with Me, that thou art in Me, and I am truly and intimately in thee. Is not this, My Child, a mystery of love? Verily, it is even an excess of love ; for the force and power of love over My Heart are such, that thereby it is given to man, not only to be completely .made one with My Body, but also with My Soul and My very Divinity, and that he sweetly enjoy the same. How the Angels wonder at this 1 how they stand astonished ! how blissful they pronounce thee ! 742 THE FOURTH BOOK. 2. In this holy intercourse, My Heart pours forth that delicious and precious grace, whereby this consummate union becomes enduring, so that I abide in thee and thou in Me. For, even after the Sacramental species are con- sumed, I, as God, abide personally in thee, not only as living in a living temple, adorned with habitual grace, but also as the perpetual principle of super- natural sanctity, elevating thy life by the continual influence of sanctifying grace, and by the frequent infusion of actual grace ! and thus thou, in return, abidest, in a peculiar manner, in Me. Hence it is, My Child, that thou art enabled to live a life truly holy, a life, in some manner, divine : since thou possessest ever, both in thy body and soul, My Divinity, whence thou mayst draw life. And this abiding union between Me and thee will be perfect, whensoever there shall exist be- tween Me and thee a true similarity, a true uni- formity : for things dissimilar and different are difficultly and imperfectly united with each other. Blessed perfection of abiding union ! Blessed thou, My Child, if, through frequent and devout Communion, if, through manifold grace thence re- ceived, if, through a generous fidelity, if, through constant fervor of love, thou disposest thyself to this perfect union ! 3. For what springs from a perfect union, if not oneness? Therefore, we shall now be no longer two, but, in some manner, one. CHAPTER XXIII.. 743 This marvelous, delightful, beatific oneness is above all distinguished, — and excels all others, which are blended together from created objects — by this, that it arises, not from the combining or putting together of us both, but from the transformation of the one into the other. Thou wilt not, however, change Me into thee, like natural food : but thou shalt be changed into Me. Then, My Child, the affections of thy heart shall no longer be thine, thy desires shall be thine no more, thy joy thine no more. And, whatever natural inclinations thou shalt possess, and whatever other affections according to man, these, for this transformed life, shall be as if they were not; since thou shalt not live by them. But, in this new life, thou shalt live My life : the affections and inclinations of My Heart shall now be thy affections and inclinations : the love, the de- sires, the joy of My Heart, shall now be thy love ? thy desires, thy joy. The aversion of My Heart to evil, to the world, to everything vain, will pervade and replenish thy heart. The boundless zeal, wherewith My Heart is burn- ing, for the honor and glory of God, for the salva- tion and perfection of souls, will inflame thy heart. Whatsoever is bitter, thou shalt find sweet; what is distasteful, thou shalt deem delicious ; what 744 THE FOURTH BOOK. is difficult, thou shalt account easy in Him, in whom thou livest and art able to do all things. Thou shalt think of everything as I think ; thou shalt will as I will ; thou shalt live as, I live : yea^ thou shalt live, thyself no more, but I in thee. 4. Behold, My Child, the hight to which the faithful soul is raised through holy Communion ! Who, except one that has experienced it, can understand all the holy, all the delightful, all the marvelous things of a soul thus transformed into Me! Many are called to this supernatural transforma- tion, but few are chosen : not that I am unwilling to choose them that are called, but because they do not dispose themselves, by means of the grace im- parted to them. For, how many there are, who, even though they frequent the holy Sacrament, do yet continue, in almost everything, to follow nature ! How many, also, there are, who strive indeed to keep themselves in a state of grace, but who, satis- fied with this, so serve nature, that they perform their actions from natural aversion or inclination ! How many, in fine, who, although they make profession of a pious or even a religious life, and have spent several years therein, have not yet learnt to pass beyond nature ! What wonder, then, if these remain always im- perfect, always miserable, ever unprepared for that divine and perfect union ! CHAPTER XXIII. 745 5. But they, who, being disposed, have reached this state of transformation, how great a happiness do they possess ! how holy a liberty do they enjoy! with what purity do they taste My sweetness ! Hence, they despise all things that perish, they forget themselves ; made perfect and blissful, they abide in Me. The greatest bliss, My Child, the greatest hight, the greatest perfection, to which a person can be raised in this mortal life, is this, that he abide transformed and consummated in Me. Marvelous, yea, unspeakable state, wherein Mine are and remain thine, and thine Mine, and wherein oneness and fellowship between Me and thee are perpetually strengthened ! Come then, My Child, do not lose the hope of so great a perfection, but, after having heard the bliss- fulness of such a state, be more courageous, more generous, more faithful : thus, at the proper time, I will lift thee up unto Myself. G. The voice of the Disciple . . — 0 Jesus, my love, most pure Bridegroom, most holy God ! with how great a sweetness dost Thou deal with me, who comest so often and so kindly to me in this most delicious Sacrament, in order to unite me, miserable creature, with Thyself, with Thy most sacred Humanity, with Thy adorable Divinity ! By the love of Thy Heart, whereby Thou deem- est me worthy of such a favor, I beg and beseech Thee, consume Thou whatsoever there is in me 63 746 THE FOURTH BOOK. contrary to the perfection of this union ; and en- kindle within me a great fervor ; that, generous and faithful to every motion of grace, I may trans- cend all merely natural things, and practice pure virtues. Thou knowest, 0 Lord, how great a desire, through Thy goodness, possesses me of disposing myself ever more and more to this perfect and permanent union with Thee. Behold ! I offer, I deliver up to Thee, whatso- ever I am : I give Thee my heart, that it may be united with Thine : I give Thee my spirit, that it may be absorbed by Thine : I give Thee my whole *?elf, that, by the efficacious grace of Thy Sacra- ment, I may be made of one likeness and form with Thee. Receive me, 0 Jesus ! accept me : unite me wholly with Thee : absorb me altogether : trans- form me into Thyself. 7. 0 how great and wonderful is the power of Thy love, whereby Thou cliangest the soul into Thyself! how great the condescension of Thy good- ness! how great, likewise, the dignity and excel- lence of the soul transformed into Thee ! 0 Lord my God ! lo, shall it ever be given me thus to enjoy Thee? 0 let it be so, I beseech Thee! all the honor and glory of so blissful, of so disinterested a favor shall belong to Thy Heart, the fountain of all blessings. Let me cease to be what I am, that I may begin CHAPTER XXIV. 747 to be what Thou art, Lord Jesus : live Thou alone in me with Thy love, with Thy Spirit, with all Thy IIeart’3 inclinations and dispositions, with Thy good pleasure for time and for eternity. CHAPTER XXIV. THROUGH HOLY COMMUNION, THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS BESTOWS UPON US THE GIFT OF PERSEVERANCE. 1. The voice of Jesus . — My Child, he that eats this Bread shall live forever. And why should he not lead an immortal life? for, he has within him an enduring, an ever-living principle, whereby he may continue upon earth the life of grace, until he arrive at the life of glory in heaven. Thou wilt understand the price of this saving fruit of holy Communion, and burn with love for the same, if thou attendest to the magnitude of the gift, whereby perseverance in the life of grace is secured. Perseverance, My Child, is the consummation of virtue, the guardian of merit, the last and perma- nent triumph, the secure reward of labors and suf- ferings, the crown of everlasting glory. Without perseverance, all other things, whatso- 743 THE FOURTH BOOK. ever they be, are devoid of their everlasting fruit and reward : perseverance alone crowns all. And therefore were all the Saints so particularly anxious about this great gift, that, since, they could not condignly merit the same, they might, at least, put no hindrance to it, and might, through the means given, carefully prepare themselves therefor. Do thou, in like manner, diligently dispose thy- self, My Child, by the removal of every obstacle : and, as they did, so wilt thou also, through holy Communion, obtain this most excellent gift of per- severance. 2. This have I determined in My Heart, Child, that the greatest Sacrament, the holy Eucharist should impart the greatest grace. — perseverance. And, indeed, since in the Sacrament I give My- self to thee, whereby the Majesty of the Divinity may seem to be debased ; why should I not give perseverance, whereby the glory of the Divinity is exalted ? Wherefore, although of thyself thou art weak and hast many miseries, here thou wilt receive for tl^self such strength from My Heart, that thou v T ilt be enabled to reach the goal in safety. For, if the Prophet, in the strength of the food, which was only a figure of the Sacrament, reached the mountain of God, how much more shalt thou be enabled, by the strength of the truly life-giving, of the truly divine food, to reach the higlits of the everlasting hills ? CHAPTER XXIY. 749 Lift up thy eyes, and see how many, of them- selves not less weak, not less feeble than thyself, have safely reached there even now. Take courage, and proceed thou cheerfully. 3. My Child, yield to no immoderate fear : united with Me, thou canst efficaciously and easily guard against falling. Whence arises the beginning of ruin if not from lukewarmness? For, when the soul languishes with lukewarmness, things spiritual must needs be- come unsavory and unpleasant, and nature desire and seek its own. Then man, by the propensity of his nature, be- gins to neglect watchfulness over the powers of his soul and the senses of his body ; yea, in order to en- tertain his failing heart, he gives a freer scope to them, and occasionally exposes them to the allure- ments of sin ; at first, not without some dread, but, by degrees, in a bolder manner. And hence, by three steps, he falls into destruc- tion. At the first, he acts carelessly, until he finds himself in the proximate danger of sin : at the sec- ond, he does not strive to pray earnestly, and im- plore the divine grace that he may escape the dan- ger, that he may not be overcome by sin ; at the third, alone and defenseless, in the midst of ene- mies, from within and from without, conspiring against him, he plays, and he amuses himself, as it were, with the charming monster, when, behold ! be is overpowered, and rolls headlong into the abyss. 750 THE FOURTH BOOK. 4. By what other means, My Child, canst thou more securely and more easily avert such evils, than by the saving Sacrament, which unites thee with Me, binds thee with the chain of love, and makes thee a partaker of My own strength? What is there so well suited to drive lukewarm- ness away from thy soul, as frequent and devout Communion ; through which the fervor of divine love enters, and takes wholly possession of thee? Yea, if, during the time intervening between Communion, any beginning of lukewarmness make its appearance, a new and devout receiving of the Sacrament removes it, and restores the first fervor. For heat and cold, fervor and tepidity, cannot dwell together in the heart. Nay more, My Child, a holy Communion recalls the whole man to interior things, and brings to- gether all the powers of his soul and the senses of his body, to celebrate with Me, in peace and glad- ness, the sacred banquet. But the propensity of corrupt nature does not lead to this ; for it is itself also curbed in the divine mystery, which soothes the passions of the soul and tranquilizes the ill-regulated motions of the body. Here, heavenly delights, whilst they satiate^ awaken a longing for them : and worldly pleasures, if any were tasted before, produce such a loathing that the desire of them appears base and unworthy. Wherefore, being frequently renewed in spirit through Communion, and self-collected in Me, CHAPTER XXIV. 751 taught by the experience of thy own heart, thou wilt understand how much thou art obliged, and of how great an importance it is to thee, to be faithful. On this account, during the intervals of thy Com- munions, thou wilt endeavor to be on thy guard, and not expose thyself, of thy own accord, to dan- ger. And, if at any time thou findest thyself in a necessary or unforeseen danger; by reason of thy wonted intimacy with Me, which thou hast learnt in Communion, and cherished all along, thou wilt forthwith have recourse to Me, and strive, by prayer and supplication, by distrust in thyself and reliance upon Me, to flee, as soon as possible, from the dan- ger, and to unite thyself more closely with Me. By so doing, My Child, thou shalt walk upon the asp and the basilisk, and thou shalt trample under foot the lion and the dragon, and avoid every monster of sin, and, at last, reach thy end safe and unharmed. 5. Wherefore, unless thou art often nourished with My Body and Blood, in the Sacrament ; and unless thou dost sufficiently co-operate with the grace of the Sacrament, thou shalt not persevere in the supernatural life. This co-operation is, however, made sweet and easy through Communion, by reason of the peculiar grace given for this end in the Sacrament, and on account of the special love infused from My Heart, whereby everything is alleviated and sweetened. 752 THE FOURTH BOOK. Behold, then, how thou mayst secure for thyself through a frequent, devout, and holy Communion, the gift of gifts, final perseverance. Come then, My Child ; it is a matter of supreme importance to thee : be brave and magnanimous, as is befitting a Disciple of My Heart. Faithfully employ the means : keep thyself constantly united with Me : thus thou shalt attain to those boundless and precious blessings, which now accompany holy perseverance, and will follow it throughout eternity. 6. The voice of the Disciple . — How limitless, how precious, Lord Jesus, are those blessings ! They are so great, that, for them, Thy Saints gave up willingly everything, and that, when, tasting them, they frequently shed tears in the excess of their blissfulness. How, then, could I be willing to exchange things so full of bliss for the miseries of sin ? how could I abandon charity, love of Thee, for the love of the enemy of my happiness? For, I shall not lose those things which are the effect and fruit of charity, unless I first abandon, unless I first expel charity itself from my heart. For, of itself, charity never falls away. Thou didst love me first, 0 most kind Jesus: Thou earnest first : but behold ! Thou wilt not be the first to withdraw : Thou wilt not forsake me first, unless I myself first forsake Thee. So kind is the goodness of Thy Heart ! CHAPTER XXIV. 753 0 Jesus ! suffer me not to leave Thee. Without Thee, what is there for me but darkness, and grief, and anguish, and bitterness, and misery, and never- ending death ? Oh ! allow not evils so great to befall me. Grant, O Lord, grant, I beseech Thee, that, united with Thee, I may rather die any death of the body what- soever, than lose Thee, the life of my soul, the fountain of all blessings. By Thy Heart, by the Heart of Thy Virgin- Mother, by whatever is pleasing to Thee in heaven and on earth, I beg and entreat Thee, grant me perseverance ; bestow grace, add courage, that ] may efficaciously employ the means Thou hast given. 7. I am, indeed, weak and infirm, 0 Lord ; but Thou art all-powerful and good. Assist me, there- fore, and stengthen me. Be Thou unto me a Sa- viour-God, and Thy Heart a house of refuge to save me. 0 Jesus, good Shepherd! for Thy Name’s sake, do Thou lead me, and nourish me with Thyself, do Thou refesh me with the living waters gushing out of Thy Heart, that I may cheerfully continue to follow Thee. 0 Jesus, heavenly Physician! have pity on me, heal my frequent infirmities, repair my shortcom- ings, restore my vigor, that I may not grow faint on the way. 754 THE FOURTH BOOK. 0 Jesus, my Teacher ! teach me to do Thy Will: guide my way even unto the end. 0 Jesus, my Beloved! entertain Thou me, com- fort me in my afflictions, help me in my difficulties, incite me, urge me on to proceed and to persevere. 0 Jesus, divine Bridegroom of my soul! hold me close to Thee : draw me after Thee : behold ! being willingly drawn, I will run by Thy strength : I will run unwearied to the secure and everlast- ing possession of Thee. CHAPTER XXV. THROUGH HOLY COMMUNION, THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS GIVES US A PLEDGE OF FUTURE GLORY. 1. The voice of Jesus . — He that eats My Flesh, and drinks My Blood, has everlasting life : and I will raise him up on the last day. Behold, My Child, a great mystery, but a great mystery of love, a great mystery of consolation. For, here in the most holy Sacrament, thou re- ceivest both the medicine of immortality, and the symbol of resurrection. Hence, not only the soul, vivified and sanctified through Me, attains to the life forever blissful, but even the body corruptible and obscure, united and CHAPTER XXV. 75 incorporated with My life-giving and glorious Body obtains never-ending glory and immortality. Wherefore, not merely on account of sanctifying grace, but also for a new reason, for the sake of the holy Communion, will I make thy soul forever joy- ous and blissful, reform thy body, render it like unto My Body, and adorn it, in a peculiar manner, with glorious properties. Lo, My Child, the most delightful and most mar- velous fruit of Communion — which completes and crowns all the others. 2. My Child, when the goodness of My Heart wishes to display all Its magnificence, behold ! all Its other qualities and virtues are at hand, and con- cur and vie to ennoble and perfect the object. Now, in the holy Sacrament of the Eucharist, the love of My Heart has decreed, so to manifest the grandeur of Its munificence, that Its most glorious fruits should endure for all eternity. Do not then marvel, if this mystery overflows with prodigies so great and numberless, if it pos- sesses so rich an abundance of blessings : if the whole is sublime, holy, delightful, replenished with consolation. A very great miracle, indeed, is here promised to thee, that thou shalt live not merely in soul, but also in body, through all eternity ; but this is less than that which has already been done for thee. For it is, assuredly, less that a person should live in eternity, than that God should die in time • it is 756 THE FOURTH BOOK. less, that man should be raised up unto a glorious life in heaven, than that Hod should be lowered unto a hidden life in the Sacrament. And why should not the member rise again, when the Head is risen ? And why should not he live forever, who possesses in himself everlasting life ? Wherefore, wdien I, thy Life, shall appear, then thou also shalt appear with Me in glory. 3. Behold, My Child, in the Sacrament thou hast the pledge of this ever-enduring glory, a pledge not of an ordinary kind, but one which is equivalent to the promise. See, therefore, how great an assurance of thy future blissfulness, My heavenly Father, on His part, has given to thee, when He gave, in so won- derful a manner, His only-begotten Son as a host- age ! And what must wholly complete thy joy and consolation, is that, in this pledge itself, thou hast wherewith, on thy part, thou mayst not render un- certain that most delightful assurance. What then remains, My Child, except to be thankful and faithful, to rejoice in the goodness of My Heart, to delight in the blessings poured out upon thee, and, as often as thou receivest Me, to call to mind, with gladness, that everlasting beati- tude of which thou possessest the pledge, which thou enjoyest by anticipation? When that which is promised shall come, the use of the Sacrament shall cease ; and thou shalt not CHAPTER XXV. 757 now have an anticipated partaking of bliss, but thou shalt possess the plenitude itself of bliss— thou shalt enter into it. and be penetrated by the same. Then, faith shall yield to sight, hope to complete fruition : and abiding charity shall burst forth into never-ending joys. In that beatitude of thine, thou shalt breathe naught save love, thou shalt speak naught save love, thou shalt do naught but love : for thou shalt be in the pure realm of love. 4. The Sacrament of love leads to the realm of love : the more love has been nourished here, and the more perfectly it has been kindled in thy heart in time ; the more will it there enrapture thee, and the more gloriously will it shine in thee during all eternity. Wherefore, My Child, live thou resigned by love, until the shadows of mortality decline, and the day of immortality dawn : advance thou peacefully by pure love. Whatsoever thou belioldest around thee, whether things prosperous or adverse, view them with the same eye of pure love, being, amidst them all, solely intent upon Me, in whom thou possessest life, and resurrection, and beatitude. If thou feelest this mortal life heavy with mise- ries, know, that thou wilt all the more relish thy future bliss, the more thou hast experienced the miseries of the present life ; and that thou wilt re- pose the more sweetly upon My Breast in heaven. 758 THE FOURTH BOOK. the more hardships thou hast endured, for love of Me, upon earth. Meanwhile, Child, be cheerful and valiant : re- pair thy strength and courage by the life-giving Sacrament ; for love of Me, remain conformed to My good pleasure, in life and in death. 5. The voice of the Disciple . — 0 excess of good- ness ! 0 Jesus! who can comprehend, in this life, what a Heart Thou hast ! Behold ! Thou givest Thyself to me in the Sa- crament, to procure for me in abundance all things desirable in time, and, together with this, Thou givest Thyself to me as the pledge of the everlast- ing bliss, which, by a gratuitous liberality, Thou hast promised to me. Thanks to Thee, most kind Jesus, endless thanks to Thee, for so great a charity of Thy Heart. With all my heart do I rejoice at so great, so precious a gift, so gently and so lovingly bestowed, whereby Thou givest me the sweetest confidence of my everlasting salvation. I beg, 0 Lord, my God, I humbly beg of Thee, that Thou wouldst grant me efficacious grace, that my election to the glory of heaven, so certainly and so divinely pledged on Thy part, may not be. made void; but that, on my part, through my faithfulness, good works, and true merits, it may, in like man- ner, become certain. 6. 0 most sweet Jesus ! with how much fervor and cheerfulness ought I to serve Thee ; with how CHAPTER XXY. 759 great a dourage to walk the roughest roads ; with how great a love to cling to Thee ; that I may reach those unspeakable joys, whereof I have here a foretaste, and whereof I possess here so sweet a pledge ? Ah Jesus, my Beloved, purest Bridegroom of my soul ! if it is so delightful, to enjoy Thee in my ex- ile, what shall it be in my own true country ? if Thy consolations are so sweet in the Sacrament, what shall they be in Thy kingdom ? if, whilst Thou art here vailed, Thy embraces so enrapture the heart, what shall they do, when I behold Thee face to face, when I recline upon Thy Heart, when I am satiated and inebriated from the torrent of Thy delights? O my God ! when I think on this, whatsoever I find upon earth becomes burdensome and weari- some to me. Life itself loses all pleasure, since naught there- in can wholly satisfy, or completely satiate me. Nay, even Thy consolations themselves and Thy very sweetness afflict me with a marvelous and un- utterable pain ; because they cause me to know Thee more distinctly, and to thirst with more eager- ness after Thee, the fountain of all consolations, and of every delight. After Thee, 0 my Jesus ! after Thee do I thirst: Thee do I wish to behold unvailed: upon Thee in Thy glory I desire to gaze : Thee, with all the ardor of my soul, do I long to enjoy by everlasting love. 760 THE FOURTH BOOK. Come then, 0 my love, come Thou : burn me : wholly consume me: dissolve me, that I may be with Thee, 0 Thou my sole desire, my only good ! CHAPTER XXVI. RECAPITULATION. THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS IS OUR ALL. 1. The voice of Jesus . — My Child, My Heart, which thou possessest in the most Blessed Sacra- ment as the pledge of future glory, and which in heaven will be thy beatitude, is meanwhile, so long as thou sojournest on earth, all things to thee. For It is wholly, with all It possesses, delivered up to thee, for thy use and enjoyment. Now this Heart, as It consists of a human nature, is indeed human, and can, therefore, feel for thee in a human manner; but, as It is hypostatically united with the divine Nature, It is, at the same time, divine, — is the Heart of a divine Person, and, consequently, possesses that which is divine and infinite. Behold, then, the fountain of all blessings, al- ways accessible, always gushing, whence thou canst ever draw, but which thou canst never drain. 761 CHAPTER XXVI. Here, My Child, here shall thou find whatsoever is necessary, whatsoever is useful to thee. If at any time thou growest cool in spirit, here thou shalt be kindled again, here thou shalt be re- newed interiorly, here thou shalt recover inward vigor. If thou hast offended, here thou shalt find mercy, here thou shalt obtain forgiveness, here thou shalt regain peace. If thou art languishing through weakness, here thou shalt be restored, here thou shalt be strength- ened, here thou shalt be invigorated with a divine power. If thou needest counsel, or courage, or assistance, here thou shalt obtain it in abundance. If thou desirest some divine grace, some useful favor, some genuine comfort, here thou shalt find the same. Whatsoever, finally, is conducive to thy real happiness, thou shalt here secure, at any time and in any place, in health and in sickness, in life’ and in death. 2. Moreover, My Child, in the Sacrament, My Heart is, likewise, a pattern of every virtue and of all sanctity. Contemplate with the eyes of faith, love, and imitate the virtues of My Heart all reduced to unity, and yet remaining separate. One and the same love combines, ennobles, and displays them all. 64 762 THE FOURTH BOOK. See here the gentleness of the love of My Heart. Its humble charity. Behold here truly the Heart of a hidden God, who emptied Himself: but to what an extent did He empty Himself! the more deeply thou shalt meditate hereon, the deeper thou shalt find the abyss of that humility, and the better thou shalt perceive the magnitude of that kindness, whereby My Heart, ever gentle, ever meek toward all, undergoes and endures so much for love of thee. Look at Its piety. Consider how It devotes It- self to the service of God Its Father: how It con- secrates Itself to His interests : how It is ever busy with the things that belong to His good pleasure. Look at Its poverty. Look into the innermost of this Heart, what are Its sentiments in regard to the possessions of this world. See how It uses them. See how It is destitute of what is suitable. Behold here the model of holy poverty. See Its purity. Yea, My Child, behold and ob- serve, how It possesses a Body, made in some man- ner spiritual, like the ray of the sun, pure always and everywhere : behold and observe, in what manner It employs Its senses : behold and observe, how r holy are all Its affections. Lo, the mirror of purity. See Its obedience. Behold and be astonished, My Child. Lo ! at the voice of a simple creature, at the word of the priest, I am ready, with My Heart prepared for everything : and even if the CHAPTER XXVI. 763 priest speak for the sake of sordid gain, yea, even if he be wicked, as soon as he has uttered the words of holy Consecration, I am present, with My Heart disposed to all things. In what place soever I may he put, there I rest, with My Heart resigned. In what manner soever I am treated, although I am not insensible, I yet am and remain full of bliss. This, My Child, is the pattern of perfect obedience. See Its prudence. Examine devoutly, how great a prudence It teaches thee, in the sacred Taber- nacle, by Its example, in devoting and applying the means to the end : how great a prudence in the choice of companions, since It dwells ever among Angels : how great a prudence in manifesting affec- tions, whether of liking or dislike. See Its justice. Contemplate, how It refers Its Sacramental life, and Its every occupation to God, to whom all is due. Examine and observe, with how great a fidelity It directs all things, great and small, to the divine glory. See Its fortitude. Mark Its virtue, in enduring, with an even and unconquered mind, every hard- ship, as well from the faithful, from sinners, from the lukewarm, and from all the ungrateful, as from the places wherein It is left, or neglected, or even treated with indignity : in persevering in the under- takings of divine love, in spite of every opposition and contrariety : in making use of things adverse 764 THE FOURTH BOOK. themselves to manifest a purer love for God and for man. See Its moderation or discretion. It distinguishes between the person who sins and the sin of the person. Knowing that man is the work of God, but sin the work of man, It desires and seeks, with unwearied patience, to destroy the sin and to save the man. It distinguishes between nature and grace, between the appearance of things and the reality. It distinguishes between good and good, and approves of that as better, which the divine Will actually requires or prefers. See Its zeal. It burns here with the desire of saving souls, seizes every opportunity, and labors in a marvelous manner. For this object, It pours forth prayers, night and day : for this, It shows an example of forbearance, of mercy, of every virtue : for this, It speaks to souls in many and various ways : for this, at one time It inspires and moves ; at another, It presses and urges. Thus It teaches a zeal possible for all, easy for them that love. See Its generosity. Behold what It gives, and with how great a cheerfulness : lo ! It gives not only gladly what It has, but even what It is ; not only Its graces, but also Its merits; and — more than all — Its very Self. See what It sacrifices, and with what nobleness of love. See what consola- tion It feels, when, for the divine glory, It com- forts the heart of man. CHAPTER XXYI. 765 See Its perseverance. Here, in holiness, It spends year after year, nay, age after age. Com- pare with this* the time of thy perseverance, during the short space of a lifetime. It perseveres, not like thyself — now growing lukewarm then again fervent, — but ever with the same fervor. It perse- veres with gladness, because It perseveres out of love. Behold, My Child, the crown of sanctity, the crown of the twelve constellations, — which embrace all the stars of virtue, — wherewith My Heart is adorned, and in each of which love is twinkling and glittering. For it is the love of My Heart that is humble, that is meek, that is pious, that is poor, that is pure, that is obedient, that is prudent, that is just, that is long-suffering, that is discreet, that by its zeal promotes faith, hope, charity ; that is generous and ennobles all things, that is ever persevering. 3. Lastly, My Child, My Heart is the Way, the Guide, and the Gate of heaven. The most safe Way, by following which thou canst not err: the shortest Way, because the straightest : the most pleasant and most easy Way, because the Way of love : the Way, in fine, wherein all My Saints have walked, and whosoever walks therein will become a Saint. The Guide, who will protect thee on every occa- sion, and ward off all danger from thee : who will assist thee with manifold crace, and reinvigorate 766 THE FOURTH BOOK. thee with the very Bread of Angels: who will en- tertain and sanctify thee with the display of mys- teries, through which he will lead thee, and by which he will keep thy mind and heart occupied in a pleasant and holy manner, — advancing from mys- tery to mystery, from virtue to virtue, from one degree of holiness to another. — until thou readiest the kingdom of heaven. The Gate, beside which there is none other, through which thou canst be admitted into heaven : the Gate, through which alone entrance is given : the Gate, through which, if any one do enter, he shall be saved and blissful forever. Beware, therefore, My Child, lest thou hearken to them that say, that there is a higher and better road for more perfect souls ; a way, not of My Heart, but of the mere Godhead, away, which, — set- ting aside or overlooking My Humanity, — can lead thee in a sublime manner to thy end, through the Divinity alone. Whosoever says this to thee, be he a man or an Angel, believe him not, trust him not. For, through My Humanity, I came to men: and, through this same Humanity, must men come to Me. Whosoever tries another road will go astray : he shall wander about amid dryness of mind and dry- ness of heart : frequently, destitute of inward oc- cupation and entertainment, he shall become ex- CHAPTER XXVI. 767 hausted ; yea, he shall be in danger, at last, of falling away altogether. But thou, My Child, be thou mindful of My Heart, wherein thou shalt find all things. Here do thou frequently resort to Me : here be often in My presence : here pray, give thanks, praise, hearken to My words, meditate on My Heart: gaze upon Me abiding with thee, offering thee all things. • Come then, My Child, yet a little while, and thou shalt repose secure upon My Heart forever. Meanwhile, occupy thyself with Me, and I will oc- cupy Myself with thee. Hold thyself in readiness : for coming I will come, and take thee up with Me into My everlast- ing kingdom. 4. The voice of the Disciple.— Yea, most loving and most lovely Jesus, until Thou comest, I will ever be mindful of Thy Heart : in It will I live, in It will I busy myself with Thee, in It will I hold myself in readiness. How could I ever forget that Heart, to which I owe everything, and in which I find all things? Behold, 0 infinite sweetness ! henceforth, Thy Heart shall be my rest, my true bliss. Here will I repose the more safely, and securely, and pleasantly, 0 Lord my God, the wiser, the more powerful, the more delightful Thou art. If the world lays snares, if the devil tempts, my heart shall not be troubled ; for its abode is in 768 THE FOURTH BOOK. peace, since it dwells in the aid of the Most High, in Thy very Heart Itself. 0 my soul : how intimately shalt thou he united with thy God in the Heart of Jesus ! how perfectly present to Him ! There shalt thou he ever with Him : thou shalt live blissful in Him, gazing upon Him not in figure, hut infused into thee ; loving Him not as appearing to thee, but working in thee; possessing Him not as holding Him, but as pos- sessed by Him. In this Paradise of most pure delights, thou shalt overflow with uninterrupted bliss, ceaselessly enjoying the good things of the Heart of Jesus, the Lord thy God. 0 Heart of my Jesus ! Heart of my God ! true heaven, everlasting repose of all the Elect ! be it but granted to me, that I may always dwell in Thee, enjoy Thee; naught on earth shall be wanting to my bliss. For Thou art the safeguard and security of them that dwell in Thee : Thou art the reward and glory of them that persevere in Thee : Thou art the joy and delight of them that enjoy Thee. In Thee is the light of the mind, the fortitude of the heart, the salvation of the soul, the perfec- tion of sanctity, the completion of beatitude. 0 Heart of my Beloved : in which there are infinitely more and better things than the mind can understand, or the heart can grasp ; why should I CHAPTER XXVI. Y69 seek for aught that is good outside of Thee ? Behold ! in Thee are all blessings. 5. Wherefore, most kind Jesus, in Thy Heart is for me the life of bliss: and O may death not find me except in Thy Heart ! Oh ! that there I may, at last, giye up my soul ! Yea, may Thy loye grant, that, henceforth, I may live, in Thy Heart, a life as it were dead, such as thou livest in the Sacrament ! What death can be more blissful than this? what rest is there comparable to this ? Behold ! this is my repose in that death, whereby I desire to be disengaged from everything, and, by pure love, to live in Thee and for Thee alone. O Jesus, my life and my every good: being thus perfectly dead, may I live for Thee so purely, that, when comes the end of mortal life, nothing remains for me, except calmly upon Thy Heart to breathe my last ! Let my last sigh be the sigh of Thy own expir- ing Heart: the sigh of pure love , resigned : let me die by love, as also Thou didst die ! let me die a holocaust of pure love, consumed in Thy Heart ! Will not this death, O Lord my God, be a blissful repose, a sweet slumber, whereby I fall asleep upon Thy Heart in the land of my banish- ment, to awake upon Thy Heart in the kingdom Go 770 THE FOURTH BOOK. of glory, to rest secure and rejoice for ever- more ? Thus, O thus, my Jesus and my God! thus I wish : thus let it be, I implore Thee, O Thou my sole desire, my Good supreme ! 6. O Heart of Jesus! Thou canst not be named, without enkindling : nor thought of, without consoling : nor seen represented, with- out cheering : what, then, shall it be to gaze upon Thee unvailed, to embrace Thee in truth, to be satiated with Thy everlasting joys ? O beatitude incomprehensible, most blissful life, life without end, without change; life free from all discomfort, replenished with all bless- ings ! how I delight in the remembrance of thee ! how I burn with longing for thee ! Appear Thou, O do appear, O Jesus, consum- mate blissfulness ! bid me enter into Thy joys, O Lord ! let me join in fellowship with the choirs of all the Angels and Saints, and begin, with them, the ever-enduring canticle of the lore of Thy Heart ! O beatitude above every beatitude: forever and evermore, may I gaze upon Thee, may I love Thee, may I enjoy Thee, for the honor and joy of Thy Heart, O Jesus, O my God and my all ! MEMENTO. 771 MEMENTO. Whosoever you are, Christian soul, remember, how greatly Jesus Himself has recommended the devotion to His most Sacred Heart. For, appearing to the Blessed Margaret Mary, He said: “Recommend this devotion to ecclesiastics and reli- gious, as an efficacious means of attaining to sanctity, the perfec- tion of their state : recommend it to those that labor for the sal- vation of souls as a sure help to move even the most obdurate hearts : recommend it, in line, to all the faithful, as a most solid dovotion, one best calculated to overcome their passions, to secure peace, to root out defects, to obtain a fervent love of God, and to reach in a short time a high perfection. My Heart will abundantly pour out Its riches upon all that devote themselves to the same.” (Month of the S. H. of J. with the approb. of Abp. Paris.) “ This devotion,” says St. Alphonsus, “ consists wholly in the practical love for Jesus. Now, this love is the devotion of devo- tions. It is truly to be lamented, that many Christians perform various exercises of piety, but neglect this devotion ; it is deser- vedly to be regretted, that there are many preachers and’ confes- sors, who inculcate many practices of piety ; and never, or almost never, mention this devotion, which yet ought to be the chief one of every Christian. From this neglect it comes that souls make so little progress in virtue, continue to live in the same defects, and relapse even into grievous sins.” ( Intro d. Noven. S. H. J.) Justly, therefore, does that Spouse of the Sacred Heart exclawm : “Why cannot I make known to the whole world Iriioso treasures of graces, which are stored up in the Heart of Jesus, aod which He is willing to pour out so plentifully, upon them that are devoted to him ! By moans of this devotion, He intends to pre- serve souls from destruction, and to establish in them the reign of His love , which will suffer no one of those consecrated to It to per- ish” (Blessed Margaret Mary.) 772 EPILOGUE. EPILOGUE. 1. Behold, O Lord Jesus, by a new favor of Thine, which Thou hast added to numberless oth- ers, I have accomplished, what, at death’s door, I had vowed to Thy Heart : but Thou knowest how imperfectly I have performed it, Thou who art a perfect judge of Thy gifts, and a perfect witness of my ungratefulness. O Jesus, meek and humble of Heart! by that very goodness of Thy Heart, whereby Thou hast bestowed upon me unworthy, such blessings, I beg and implore Thee, do Thou vouchsafe to forgive all my short- comings, and my ingratitude. 2. Relying upon the known kindness of Thy Heart, I offer to Thee, O most benign Jesus, this debt of mine, this little work every way so imper- fect; and I earnestly entreat Thee, to accept and bless the same, and to pour into it the holy unc- tion of thy heart; that thus it may become a rel- ishable and efficacious means of attracting hearts to Thee, of purifying them, of adorning them with Thy virtues, and of perfecting them by Thy sanc- tity, of uniting them with Thee, of consummat- ing them in Thee, for Thy everlasting glory. 3. Prostrate before Thee, O Lord my God, I earnestly pray for all those that shall use this lit- EPILOGUE. 773 tie work. I ask special and abundant graces for them that they may be truly Disciples and Apos- tles of Thy Heart, meek and humble of heart, and that before Thee they may remember me, — who am not worthy to be called a Disciple, much less an Apostle of Thy Heart, — that they may pray for me, so that I may save and sanctify my poor soul, through the Imitation of Thy most Sacred Heart. 4. This grace, O Lord Jesus, I myself do ur- gently request. For, of what avail is it to know, that Thou art meek and humble of Heart, if I myself am not meek and humble of heart ? Of what use is it to point out to others the easy and certain path of salvation and holiness, if I myself become a castaway ? 5. Wherefore, most loving and most lovely Jesus ! I pray and beseech Thee, by the Immacu- late Heart of Thy Virgin-Mother, and by Thy own Heart, crown Thou Thy gifts so gratuitously, so sweetly bestowed upon me. Grant me this choice gift that, united with Thee by the bond of love, I may never be separated from Thee : give me this perfect gift, that I may love Thee perseveringly; love Thee with that purity, with which the holy Virgins love Thee; with that fidelity, with which the holy Confessors love Thee; with that fervor, with which the Martyrs EPILOGUE. 7U love Thee; with that zeal, with which the Apos- tles love Thee; finally, with that love, with which the Angels love Thee; that I may repay its every love to the love of Thy Heart; that, in every way, I may atone for the insults ever offered to Thy Heart, that, having perfectly put on the senti- ments of Thy Heart, I may live out of sole love for Thee, until I be admitted into the endless kingdom of Thy love. Amen. THE END. Date Due DOES MOT C1RCUUSS f Books may be kept for two weeks and may be renewed for the same period, unless re- served. 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