the same way as one would of one's debts, which by this means one may endeavour gradually to discharge.

Seventh. It is of great service to reduce all one's actions to regularity and order, and then studiously to sustain that order and course which Actions to be one has prescribed to oneself. regulated.

Eighth. It will moreover be of very great advantage to avoid the least imperfections; for he that despiseth small things shall fall by little and Avoid small little; and he who turns his attention to the least faults will, by the

grace of God, easily avoid greater.

faults.

The ninth rule is, to take diligent heed not to prefer oneself before another, or to judge our neighbour: for when this is the case it often hap- Preserve hupens, as is found by experience, that in that point in which a person mility. judgeth another he condemneth himself.

Ejaculations.

“So run that ye may obtain, sayest Thou, O Lord; draw us after Thee, and let us run after the odour of Thy good ointments.” 1 Cor. ix. 24; Cant. i. 4. "Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and He will teach us of His ways, and we will walk in His paths." Isaiah ii. 3.

66

Thy God hath sent forth strength for thee; stablish the thing, O God, that Thou hast wrought in us." Psalm lxviii. 28.

"Blessed is the man whose strength is in Thee, in whose heart are Thy ways. Who going through the vale of misery use it for a well; and the pools are filled with water." Psalm lxxxiv. 5, 6.

IMAGE THE FIFTH.

IN EVERY THING GIVE THANKS, FOR THIS IS THE WILL OF GOD IN

CHRIST JESUS.

At all times, especially on seasons of meditation, give solemn thanks (A) to God for the innumerable benefits to thee: for Creation (B), for Redemption (C), for the two Sacraments of Baptism and the Lord's Supper (D), for the gift of Prayer (E), for the Virtues (F), for Holy Inspirations from above (G). Observe also and give thanks to God for the protection of His good Angel (H), who hath defended thee against the wiles of the devil (I) : for His guardian Providence, which hath preserved thee from so many dangers (K) which others have met with,-from diseases, from falls, from maimings, devourings, from self-murder, from robbers, from injury, and destruction from fire and water. And how canst thou repay Him for so many benefits? Give thanks unto Him, and especially for His having borne with thee with so great long-suffering, when otherwise thou wouldst have perished with wicked men and evil spirits (L). Let thy heart, there. fore, in pouring forth the praises of God, hunger and thirst after Perfection (M), and know that there is no rest or repose to be found but in Him and in His will.

Exercise

CONCERNING GIVING OF THANKS.

IN the former chapter thou hast exhortations and exercises on the study of perfection. I will now add four things more, by which thou mayst be assisted towards the attainment of it in the judgment of the Saints. Among these the first place hath the giving of thanks; for as ingratitude shuts up the fountain of blessings, so the giving of thanks makes the same to flow more largely, and draws down the streams more abundantly upon ourselves.

Preparation I. Place thyself as it were in the sight of God and in the court of Heaven; with great desire, but with modesty, approach the companies of the Saints which are singing praises to God.

II. Ask of God, that He will give thee His grace that thou mayst be able to give thanks unto Him; so that thy praises may not be altogether unworthy to be joined with those of the assemblies in Heaven.

POINT THE FIRST.

CONSIDER first of all what man is, how mindful of him his Lord is, and what thou thyself art. Secondly, reflect what and how great God is, Who confers on us blessings so many and great. Thirdly, how that all things which are in Heaven and on earth are the gifts of God, and with how great and sincere affection He hath bestowed them: for He hath made all things not for His own sake, but for thine, O man. Fourthly, what it is that He requires of him? nothing, forsooth, but gratitude alone. Fifthly, how unworthy is it to be on every side overwhelmed with benefits, to be loved with such tenderness and Ingratitude endearment, and yet to be ungrateful: and not this only, but in man defor benefits and blessings to return evils. Sixthly, observe that nothing is so displeasing to mankind as to experience ingratitude from those of whom they have deserved well, according to that common saying, that the earth gives birth to nothing worse than an ungrateful Now as it is to man, so also is it to God. Hear St. Bernard: Ingratitude, he says, is the enemy of the soul, the making void of all merits, the dispersion of virtues, the destruction of benefits. Ingratitude

man.

testable.