_Of the examples of the holy Fathers._
CONSIDER the lively examples of the holy fathers, in whom true religion
shone, and thou shalt see how little it is and almost nothing, which we
do now.
Alas! what is our life, if it be compared to theirs?
These saints and friends of _Christ_, served the Lord in hunger and
thirst, in cold and nakedness, in labour and weariness, in watchings
and fastings, in persecutions, and many reproaches.
2. O how many and grievous tribulations suffered the apostles, martyrs,
confessors, virgins, and all the rest that would follow the steps of
_Christ_!
They hated their lives in this world, that they might possess their
souls in everlasting life!
O how strict and self-renouncing a life led those holy fathers in the
wilderness! How long and grievous temptations suffered they! How often
were they assaulted by the enemy! What frequent and fervent prayers
offered they to God! How rigorous an abstinence did they dally use! How
great zeal and care had they of their spiritual proficiency! How strong
a combat had they for the overcoming of their lusts! How pure and
upright an intention did they preserve unto God!
All the day they laboured, and spent part of the night in prayer;
although, even while they laboured, they did not cease from mental
prayer.
3. They spent all their time usefully: all their hours of devotion
seemed short: and, by reason of the great sweetness they felt in
contemplation, they forgot the necessity of corporal refreshments.
They renounced all riches, dignities, honours, friends and kinsfolk;
they desired to have nothing of the world: they took no more of any
thing than was necessary for the sustenance of life.
They were poor in earthly things, but rich in grace.
Outwardly they wanted, but inwardly were refreshed with divine
consolation.
4. They were strangers to the world, but friends to God.
They seemed to themselves as nothing, and were despised by the world:
but they were precious in the eyes of God.
They were grounded in humility, walked in love and patience, and
therefore profited daily in spirit.
*Help me, O Lord God, in thy holy service, and grant that I may now
this day begin perfectly; for that which I have done hitherto is
nothing.
Much diligence is necessary to him that will profit much.
If he that firmly purposeth often faileth, what shall he do that seldom,
or feebly purposeth any thing?
It may fall out sundry ways that we break our resolution, and a little
omission of spiritual exercises seldom passes without some loss.
The purpose of just men depends, not so much upon their own wisdom, as
upon the grace of God, on whom they always rely in whatsoever they take
in hand.
*For man doth propose, but God doth dispose; neither is the way of man
in himself.
5. If any accustomed exercise be sometimes omitted, either for some act
of piety, or profit to thy brother, it may easily afterwards be
recovered again.
But to omit it out of sloth, or carelessness, is very blameable, and
will be found pernicious.
We must diligently search into, and regulate both the outward and
inward man; because both contribute to our advancement.
Gird thy loins like a man against the assaults of the devil; bridle thy
appetite, and thou shalt the more easily bridle all the motions of the
flesh.
*Be thou at no time idle altogether; but either reading, or writing, or
praying, or meditating, or endeavouring something for the public good.
_Blessed is that servant whom, when his |Lord| cometh, he shall find
watching: verily, I say unto you, He shall make him ruler over all his
goods_