NOVICES REGULAR glory to come, that shall be revealed in us.” Never shall the servant of God possibly be over- come in the combat, or weighed down by the toil of time: who always bears in mind eternal goods or evils. Who therefore wishes to have a heart pure and quiet, let him shut out from himself all earthly ease and human solace. For speedily is lost the desire of Heaven acquired in silence: un- less it be guarded with all diligence from rumours from without.
A convent of monks is like the salt sea, which cannot retain within it dead bodies: but at once casts up on the shore what is corrupt, but nourishes what is healthy and fresh: and bringing it to per- fection, renders it agreeable to the beholder. Know therefore that a carnal man concealed under a poor garment, cannot long disguise himself: but either in himself he falls away through lukewarm- ness, and dries up in his fervour; or he speedily departs, or meditates departure: or remaining with murmuring, shows of himself the corruption of perverse conduct. And because he is light of heart and unbridled of mouth, he often mocks others; because proud and passionate, he arouses strife among the peaceful, and accuses the simple. And because he has not the root of humility, and heeds not to pluck out the thorns of sensuality: therefore he is unable to produce the sweet flowers of chastity with the fruits of obedience and charity.
In a community of the Devout the hearts of many are tried, as gold in a burning furnace: whether their desires are of God, or conceived of the flesh. For who seek their own ease, and care- lessly pass over community tasks and the observ- ances of the Order; these make little progress in the spirit: but turning aside to outward things 11 SERMONS TO THE they often slip back to former evil ways. How shall anyone be able to persevere long in discipline and devotion; who does not strive manfully against temptations and passions? Wherefore, while little vices lie hid, the remedies should be applied in due time: lest the thorns growing up choke the good seed. For the Saviour says of certain feigned and lukewarm brothers, in whom there is not spiritual fervour: but only the outward humble habit is seen with the desire of honour. “ Every plant which My heavenly Father hath not planted: shall be rooted up.” And in sooth he who does not build his house upon the strong rock, that is, his life upon Christ and true humility: when the wind of pride blows, he falls from the state of devotion to external occupations: and into divers tempta- tions of the devil. From which evils may Jesus Christ, the Son of God, lovingly defend us: Who hath taught us by word and example to walk humbly: and ever to keep peace with the brethren without guile and dissipation. Amen.
SERMON II @e OF THE Praise oF 4 Goop CONGREGATION way) BROTHER that is helped byhis brother: H [fj| 1s like a strong city. Beloved brethren, A Kd \a| remark these words wisely and fruit- ete) fully uttered by Solomon: and keep with perseverance your places in a good com- munity. Bear with one another in all humility and mildness, carrying your burdens: for the sake of escaping many dangers, and meriting very great rewards from God for your soul. For a good Congregation: is as a tower of strength against 12 NOVICES REGULAR the face of the enemy. For there a man lives with greater safety: there he is aided by many. And if at times he is troubled by one: again he is comforted by another. He who is of good will and seeks God: will make greater progress, and stand more firmly among them that seek God. There a man is more tried, and exercised in virtue: there he is frequently reproved for negligence. There he is drawn to higher perfection by word and example: there he is forced to consider and lament his own imperfection. There he is aroused by the fervour of one: he is taught by the humility of another; he is moved by the obedience of this one: he is edified by the patience of that. There he blushes to be less generous: there he is ashamed to be found less eager. There he finds some to fear; there he has some to love: and thus he profits by all. There the correction of another, is his own warning: there another’s dan- ger, is his mirror. There one is the warden of another: and one proves another in patience. There a man bears and is borne: there he hears and sees much from which he may learn. There the rule and holy custom keep in good: there confession and discipline correct excesses. There the good are commended that they may become better: there the careless are rebuked that they may grow fervent again. There a man is not suffered to become lukewarm: nor to act accord- ing to his own whim. There he is compelled to serve the spirit: and to resist the desires of the flesh. There there are divers offices: and many charitable services are performed. There every- thing has its time: and each one goes to his task out of obedience. There no man is allowed to idle: but to each a measure of toil is assigned. There 13 2 Macch. 12.
SERMONS TO THE the weak are supported by the stronger: there the healthy visiting the sick rejoice to serve Christ. There when one fails, another takes his place: there the sound members take thought for the sickly. There the active toil for them that take leisure: there they, that take leisure in God, pray for them that toil. There while one reads, many are edified: there all respectively fulfilling their weekly offices, relieve one another, that they be not wearied. There a man has many to pray for him: and in his last hour to defend him against the devil. There he finds as many helpers as he has companions: to assist him in his need. There he falls happily asleep in the Lord; there he is speedily freed from Purgatory by the intercession of many. There after death he leaves as his heirs who will certainly be mindful of him at times; the servants of God whose devout pursuits shall be his joy in Heaven. There his toil and his edifying life shall not be forgotten: but shall profit as an example for many coming after. There those that follow are obliged to pray for them that go before: and to praise God tor the good deeds of bene- factors, There whatever good is performed: is considered as shared by all who rest therein. There those, who yet live, take thought for departed brethren that they may be loosed from their pains; and those, who are now reigning with Christ, supplicate for the wayfarers, that they may continue in good: and those, who still survive, long to join their brothers. There the good of the individual becomes the good of the com- munity: there what is of time becomes eternal. There those that live together in time: shall re- joice together for eternity. A great therefore and a pleasant good: is the dwelliag of many Devout 14 NOVICES REGULAR in unity. Who perseveres in a holy Congregation unto the end, even if he be imperfect: because of the prayers of many, and the merits of the perfect by the mercy of God he shall attain a happy con- summation. But who abandons a good Congre- gation: wandering as it were outside the harbour of perseverance and salvation, he exposes himself to the storms of the sea. For who separates him- self from the midst of a Congregation: it is doubt- ful where he will yet persevere. The end will soon make clear: whether he departed moved by God, or by passion. Abide therefore in the midst of the holy Congregation: and the Lord will abide with thee. For He Himself saith: “Iam in the midst of you: as he that serveth.” And to His disciples He saith. “ You are they who have con- tinued with Me in My temptations.” If thou art good: remain and edify others. If thou art a sinner and weak: remain to be edified by others. But whithersoever thou shalt go, know that the devil will be thy enemy: and thy passion will follow thee, even if thou shouldst be alone and enclosed. For often from light words and a fanciful raiment without: is known the condition of the mind, what vanity is nourished within.
An ExampLe oF Two BRETHREN Two brethren once arrived at the house of a certain man, a noble and a prince of the land: for some matter concerning the interests of the mon- astery. The good prince therefore observing them closely: noted the exterior habit and behaviour of each. And when they were gone, this wise man said to his ladyin private: without, however, openly detracting any one: “It seemed to me that one of those either has recently come there: or will soon 15 SERMONS TO THE want to depart.” To whom the mistress in wonder said: “ How do you know this?” He answered: “From the difference in garb and gesture, in words and behaviour: I guess the difference of life.” A short time after therefore: the thing that was hidden was made manifest.
ANOTHER REMARKABLE EXAMPLE A certain Devout being grievously tempted by the devil: went out from the Congregation of the \Brothers toseek comfort in the world inidle games. Having forsaken therefore the lowly fellowship of the clerics: he frequently joined the company of laymen. One day, however, going out beyond the city gate, he commenced to play with his com- rades for money; and playing for some time he lost his stake: and what is worse the repute of a good conscience. When at length the game of pyramid was ended: he was called upon to pay his debts without further delay. He refuses to pay the tricksters their gains: he resists violently, he endeavours to escape: he struggles and will yield nothing of his own accord. The players therefore, excited and crowding together round the dishonest debtor like rabid dogs against a wolf: shout, push, strike with the hands, curse with the words: “Give up, cheat, what thou owest.” But when he would not yield to his per- secutors: being exceedingly angry, they bestowed on him many hard blows for the few pence. When he had at length come to himself: he was brought back by some people into the town. He sent word therefore to the Devout Brethren, his fellow countrymen, beseeching them with many prayers to visit him stricken down by sick- 16 NOVICES REGULAR ness: telling them the story of his miserable pas- sion. For the music of worldly amusement had been changed: into themourning of bitter affliction. When they had heard this, the gentle Brothers visit the sick man, compassionating the soul in affliction; nevertheless they severely reprimand him for the crime he has committed: telling him that he received blows well deserved, according to those gospel words of our Lord: “Go out quickly into the highways and hedges and compel them to come in.” “For if,” say they, “thou hadst remained in the Congregation: thou wouldst not have received so many wounds.” Then he with much groaning: owned that he had done foolishly and sinned. ‘ Therefore,” said he, “if I recover: by God’s help, I purpose to amend,” But many of the Brethren hearing of these mis- fortunes were seized with fear: and being rendered more constant made better progress, according to that of Solomon: “The wicked man being scourged: the fool shall be wiser.” It is good then to remain at home with the Brothers and to keep away from worldly company: and to undertake nothing without the superior’s advice: nor to ex- tort permission to go out by false pretence or supplications. For that often causes regret in the end: which is ill obtained by our own whim. He who will make progress and persevere in the Congregation: ought to be open to his superior in confession: faithful in labour, true in word. Among the Brethren he should be modest, humble, silent, quiet: pious, well-behaved, patient, grate- ful, and obedient. These things make one dear to God: lovable to men and a trouble to no one.
Note.
SERMONS TO THE ANOTHER OF A CERTAIN CLERIC OFTEN GOING ABROAD A certain Cleric, who dwelt in a community of the Brothers for the sake of studies; often visited his friends in search of amusement: often also went to the places and houses of religious. The Brothers therefore and his fellow students: fear- ing danger for him from constant going abroad, said to him: “If thou wilt persevere in a good state, do not go out of the house so often: be on thy guard against visiting friends, and familiarity with women.” When therefore he had been often and gravely warned by many: and did not abandon his bad habit; at length the temptation grew stronger and he left the holy company: and re- turning to his friends, took to himself a wife and became wholly worldly and dissipated.
SERMON II ae Or HUMBLY HEARING THE WorDS AND COUNSELS oF ELDERS mm SK thy father and he will declare to thee: A [i thy elders and they will tell thee. Be- &| loved brethren, listen willingly to the wesaxt} wholesome counsels of your elders; or be not wise in your own conceits: lest you fall into the snare of the devil and incur scandal to your soul. Search not things sublime; nor curiously examine the deeds of others: but what is the will of God, and what you have promised to observe: always keep in mind. A certain devout religious said: “He who holds his peace concern- ing the affairs of all others: has peace with all,” 18 NOVICES Recutar O precious word: profitable to be ever kept in the soul, For the more a man is spread abroad with- out: the more is he lessened within. Let no man then, looking at others, neglect himself: having a care of himself before all, let him be silent as to the rest: which does not concern his charge. And so let every one, who wishes to be interior, say with the psalmist: ‘“‘ My soul is continually in my hands: and I have not forgotten Thy law.” Who- ever will make progress in the spirit: let him give himself often to prayer and the privacy of silence; let him shun many questions and the making of long discourses: but rather let him devoutly pray with holy David: ‘“‘O Lord, to Thee have I fled: teach me to do Thy will.” If you ask what is the will of God: blessed Paul plainly and clearly an- swers us all: “This is the will of God, your sanctification.” What is this sanctification; if not to keep away from evil, and daily to exercise one- self in good? If you do not know what is more pleasing to God, and what you should do for greater profit; go at once and diligently ask of our superior, or of the more experienced elders: lest it befall you to abound in your own sense, and err. What is the cause that so many fall awa from their first devotion; and make so little head- way in true virtues? Because, alas! they depart little by little from the holy purpose of poverty and simplicity, which they received and learnt from the elders; and follow rather their own fancies, and devise new conveniences, dread things simple and lowly, seek the familiarity of men; desire to show their knowledge: and esteem them- selves above even learned elders. And would that they would learn again the humble exercises of novices: and gratefully receive a little warning.
19 t Thess. 4. 3.
Moses.
SERMONS TO THE Brethren, let no man be ashamed to learn from the elders; let no man spurn to receive an edifying word from the juniors: for this is a praiseworthy sign of humility; this is a very good omen of spiritual progress: according to that proverb of Solomon: ‘‘A wise man shall hear and shall be wiser, and he that understandeth shall possess governments.” Who wishes to be wise and to be accounted learned before he listens and learns: he shall long remain foolish in the midst of the wise. It is a true proverb: “ Who will not hear the master like a good scholar: he shall be beaten with the obstinate like an unmannered ass.”
Consider now in order from the writings of both Testaments, the holy fathers and doctors, the prophets and apostolic men resplendent in knowledge and virtues; how eager they were in life and in death to teach their children and subjects: how many secret things of God they foretold them concerning the future and heavenly goods under various figures and parables; thereby to render all their hearers well-disposed to observe the law: and to make them wishful to obtain all the divine promises both present and to come. For Moses, the chief teacher and lawgiver, spake thus: “Hear, O Israel, the commandments and judgements which I teach thee: that doing them thou mayest live. You shall not add to the word that I speak to you, neither shall you take away from it: and thou shalt teach them to thy children and children’s children.” And again in another place: “ Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with thy whole heart and with thy whole soul: and with thy whole strength. And these words which I command thee this day shall be in thy heart, and thou shalt tell them to thy children: and thou 20 NOVICES REGULAR 20 NOVICES REGULAR shalt meditate upon them sitting in thy house, and walking on thy journey, sleeping and rising. And thou shalt bind them as a sign on thy hand; and they shall move between thy eyes: and thou shalt write them in the entry and on the doors of thy house.” Behold what holy precepts and godly exercises of divine teaching are proposed to us by Moses: to be worthily followed also by all the faithful.
After holy Moses arose in his place Josue, a faithful minister chosen out of thousands: to whom the Lord said: “As I have been with Moses: so will I be with thee. Take courage and be very valiant; that thou mayest observe and do all the law, which Moses My servant commanded thee: and turn not from it to the right or to the left.” And because Moses laid his hand upon him, he merited the divine blessing; and he was filled with the spirit of wisdom which is most necessary for good government in a state and multitude: and the children of Israel obeyed him as Moses according to the commandment of the Lord. Hearing this each Brother, novice or professed, ought to apply it as a profitable example to himself, humbly obeying his superior or senior Brother for God’s sake, that he may deserve to have a heavenly blessing: because of his humility and ready obedience. For humble obedience merits a special grace from God; and it is protected from many snares of the devil: and it ~ shall be excused in the judgement of the ill deeds and offences charged against it. Therefore I beseech you, younger ones, listen humbly to the seniors, who have long experience in many things; who have long borne in the Order the burden of the day and the heats; often wearied in body, 21 Josue.
Note.
Samuel. x Kings, 1.
t Kings, 3.
SERMONS TO THE often afflicted in mind. Whom God tried mightily in the fire of poverty as gold in the furnace of fire; and after long want and distress of heart He very often comforted them with the joy of the Holy Ghost and the sweetness of the Sacrament: as of old He fed the children of Israel in the desert with manna from Heaven.
It is read in the First Book of Kings, that Samuel, dear to God and men, when he was yet a small child, was offered by his holy mother Anna to God, and entrusted to the priest Heli to be instructed; that under his teaching he might be accustomed from boyhood humbly to serve God in the tabernacle of the altar: and in good conduct according to the law of God gradually be made perfect to receive higher and more holy things. Which also was done with the gracious favour of God. And he in everything to be done and decided strove to obey at once the priest, as the vicar of God: so that he did not presume even to go to sleep without his leave. For called thrice by the Lord in the night: he at once arose from his bed. And because as yet he did not know the divine revelation, readily he ran to the presence of the priest which was known to him: and sub- mitted to the judgement of his superior the voice, which he heard; trusting more to the experience of the old man and the advice of the priest: than to his own innocence which might easily be de- ceived in the secret things of God or foolishly lifted up. O what will this child be in the future: who was so repectful and obedient to his elder in the opening of life. Certainly as he grew in age he increased also in the grace of a more sublime revelation: so that after the death of his priest he became the judge of the whole people; and NOVICES REGULAR NOVICES REGULAR anointed kings by the order of the Lord: and by the power of his prayer vanquished the force of the enemy. For all knew from Dan to Bersabee: that Samuel was a faithful prophet of the Lord. Who often calling the people together, and re- minding them of the very numerous blessings of God, rebuked them for the foolish worship of idols: and for their great ingratitude after somany favours bestowed. And because they had often offended God: therefore they deserved to be most grievously chastised by their foes. Then he earnestly calls back to the observance of the holy law all them that err, and says: “ Put away the strange gods from among you; and prepare your hearts unto the Lord, and serve Him only: and He will deliver you out of the hands of your enemies.”
David also, the king, powerful and holy, anointed by Samuel with holy oil prince of the people: when he had mightily ruled for many years the nation of Israel; before his death called Solomon his son to him: and charged him saying: ‘I am going the way of all flesh. Take thou courage and show thyself a man, and keep the charge of the Lord thy God: to walk in His ways, and observe His ceremonies, and His precepts, and judgements, and testimonies: as it is written in the law of Moses.” Again in a certain psalm inspired by the Holy Ghost, instructing the people commended to him, and urging them to the worship of God he prays and saith: “ Attend, O my people, to my law: incline your ear to the words of my mouth, How great things He commanded to our fathers that they should make the same known to their children: that another generation might know them. The children that should be born 23 x Kings,¥3.
x Kings, 7. 3.
David.
3 Kings, 2.
Solomon.
Mathathias.
SERMONS TO THE and should rise up: and should declare them to their children. That they may put their hope in God, and may not forget the works of the Lord: and may seek His commandments.” Behold how devout an admonition of the glorious king; to the keeping of the holy law.
Solomon also the most wise of kings following his father’s footsteps: among many proverbial say- ings instructing youth speaks thus: “ Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father: and attend that you may know prudence. I will give you a good gift: forsake not my law. For I also was my father’s son, tender and as an only son in the sight of my mother: and he taught me and said: ‘Let thy heart receive my words: keep my com- mandments and thou shalt live. Get wisdom, get prudence: forsake her not and she shall keep thee.’”? Behold how profitable a lesson the Wise Man delivers to youth and especially to you novices, who have entered the school of God: that by the help of God you may progress in virtues even to old age.
It is also read in the first Book of the Maccha- bees, of Mathathias, a most noble man and a most unyielding defender of the law; that on fire with the zeal of God and powerfully aided by the help of God and men, he drove the wicked and the forsakers of the law of the ancients from his bounds: and according to his strength brought back befittingly the neglected statutes of the early fathers to a holy observance pleasing to God. Who in all his warlike deeds aimed at no other end; but that the honour and worship of God should be most firmly established in the holy laws: and that the desolate people by serving God should enjoy a happy peace; and with sincere 24 NOVICES REGULAR 24 NOVICES REGULAR hearts should worship God almighty with un- bounded exultation: and with joyous voices should praise Him together. He at length, after many glorious deeds of good works, being at the point of death, and anxious with a father’s love for the future, lest the good commenced with devout en- deavour should perish through sloth; having called to his side his sons and friends who had zeal for God, he strengthens their hearts in most excellent words with many examples of holy men gone before: and earnestly urging and begging them all to perseverance in the good way on which they had entered, he said: ‘‘ Now, therefore, O my sons, be ye zealous for the law: and give your lives for the covenant of your fathers, And call to remembrance the works of the fathers, which the have done in their generations: and you shall re- ceive great glory and an everlasting name.”
Our Saviour also the Lord Jesus Christ, having accomplished the mystery of our redemption by His Passion and cross, after His blessed resurrec- tion appearing frequently to His disciples, among many sacred discourses, whereby He wisely and minutely instructed them: He uttered these part- ing and wholesome words. “Go ye,” He said, “into the whole world and preach the gospel to every creature: and teach all nations to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.” O happy and meritorious obedience: which regards nothing else than the eager fulfilment of the good- pleasure and will of the heavenly Father. O how holy the soul, which strives to resign itself: and to conform its whole life to the actions of Christ. Truly a most excellent pattern of a good life: Jesus Christ left to us all. He is the master of all: He the book and rule of religious; He the 25 xt Macch. 2.
The Saviour.
Matt. 28, Paul.
Note.
SERMONS TO THE commentary of monks: He the text and glossary of decrees. He is the pattern of life for clerics, the instruction of laymen; the light of the faithful, the joy of the just, the glory of the angels: the end and consummation of all the desires of the saints.
It is also read in the Acts of the Apostles, of most blessed Paul the apostle: that in the be- ginning of his conversion a heavenly voice said to him: “Arise, and go into the city: and there it shall be told thee what thou must do.” Who immediately arose and obeyed the voice of God; and became a holy and great preacher throughout the world: who before had been a persecutor of the churches. He has shown a pattern of perfect renunciation to all religious: but he has especially left an example of obedience to the newly con- verted: that they say every hour with Paul, “Lord, what will thou have me to do?” And as then all who had known him were astounded at his sudden conversion: so also now all the wise of the world, wherever Christ be named, wonder and rejoice at his doctrine. Therefore on fire with divine love: he urged all to the love of Christ, saying: “Be followers of me, dearly beloved, as I also am of Christ.” Of whom it is written in the Acts of the Apostles: that he was sent with Barnabas to preach the word of God to the gen- tiles: and converted many to the faith of Christ. And after some days Paul said again to Barnabas: “Let us return and visit the brethren in all the cities wherein we have preached the word of the Lord, to see how they do: whether they are pro- gressing or failing in their good beginnings.” And again: “But Paul choosing Silas as a suitable com- panion for the work of preaching, went through 26 NOVICES REGULAR 26 NOVICES REGULAR Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches: com- manding them to keep the precepts of the apostles and the ancients.”
Lo, brethren, you have now heard many good things, how golicitous the saints were in their day, to teach their children and subjects, to walk in the holy precepts of God: what examples also of holy conduct they left to their successors: which they themselves had first heard and learnt from the fathers and the ancients. So do you also, dearly beloved, as shoots of olive planted in the house of the Lord, stand in obedience and the dis- cipline of the cloister; hold to the traditions of the elders and the statutes of the General Chapter: drawn up by the Definitors under divine inspira- tion for your salvation. Receive gratefully the warnings of your superiors: and patiently bear their reproofs: for it is better that they should correct you now: than that the devil hereafter should more grievously punish and mock you. For if now for Christ’s sake you humbly yield to the advice of the elders, and forsake your own opinion; then you shall have great peace: and by the grace of Christ you shall receive eternal blessedness. Amen, SERMON IV a? OF HOLDING GOOD DiscoOURSES TOGETHER Pg] HERE there are two or three ga- Ri thered together in My name. there am I in the midst of them, saith wtaetidl| the Lord. Give heed, beloved bre- aaa to the presence of Christ in every place wheresoever you gather together, whether to pray 27 SERMONS TO THE