SERMONS TO THE he was prudent and faithful over a few goods. For of the five talents delivered to him, that is, the five senses of his body, he was a good steward: living blamelessly, and showing others a good example, For these two things especially in re- ligious and retired persons please God, and shine before men: a good life and holy doctrine. And such a servant after his labours have been ac- complished shall enter gladly into the joy of his Lord: because he was found faithful in every work and good word: to the praise of God and the edifica- tion of the neighbour for ever and ever. Amen.
SERMON XIII @2 OF A CAREFUL WATCH OVER THE HEART, AND THE GRACE OF INTERIOR DEVOTION aS Peal TH all watchfulness keep thy heart: 2 S| because life issueth out fromit. Be- a &| loved brethren, carefully ponder Mics Bin i} the admonition of the most wise king Solomon: and anxiously watch over the keeping of your heart: lest the devil find an open- ing to enter. He does not seek aught but to de- ceive you: and guilefully to draw you away from God. For when the heart of man is withdrawn from the sovereign good; then it seems to be de- lighted in the lowest: and is driven hither and thither by various desires. And he who does not withstand betimes: is taken captive and overcome. Nothing is more toilsome than to guard the heart from wandering and from vicious imaginations: gathered from the things of sense. The heart of man is perverse and unsearchable; and prone to evil from his youth. And who can know it; and 74 NOVICES REGULAR reckon all its motions every day? Certainly God alone, Who beholds all things before they happen: of Whom it is said in the Psalm: “The Lord knoweth the thoughts of men: that they are vain.” The heart is never at rest from occupa- tion in something: whether it be good or evil. In good the heart is comforted: in evil it is troubled. If any man desire to keep his heart and to restrain it from wandering; let him endea- vour to take up a good meditation; and gather honeycomb from the words of Holy Writ, whereby to nourish his soul: let him dismiss light words, not seek curious things; not uplift himself in pros- perity; in adversity keep patience: and freely commit to God all things that are to come upon him. Let him also especially ponder this, how he can possess union with God: Who seeks a dwell- ing-place in a reposeful heart. Therefore with all his strength let him separate himself from lower cares; and by inflamed prayers and frequent sighs raise up his heart wont to wander, and say: “ My eyes are ever towards the Lord.” And as often as from frailty, or some need he be hindered from the supreme good: let him begin afresh, and speedily rise by prayer; repent with groans and sorrow that for a moment he neglected the Creator for the creature: to Whom according to his powers he ought to aspire with all his affections and con- stantly cleave. For from holy reading is drawn a good meditation about God: from a good medita- tion proceeds devout affection and ready raising of the mind to God. Thence arises fervent and interior prayer piercing the heavens: forsaking all creatures, and longing to cleave to God alone: in Whom are all good things that can be desired. For God alone it is Who fills the whole desire of 75 Note.
SERMONS TO THE SERMONS TO THE the soul, pacifies, and rejoices; to Whom every religious should aspire and fly, loving secrecy: and shunning occasions of discourse. For he who seeks places to wander abroad, and neglects to watch over his heart: either does not relish this grace of union: or tasting it but little speedily loses it. And, alas, hardly with great labour and sorrow shall he recover the sweetness of devotion: because he did not keep it with sufficient care. It remains then, leaving aside all trifles, earnestly to flee to Christ and to be united in friendship chiefly with Him: and to cast away and reject all things that withdraw from His love. Whatever does not make a good conscience, or give or increase the heat of the love of Christ; is utterly to be shunned and refused by every cloistered man and religious monk: whose heart ought to be in Heaven, not wandering in the world. O brother monk, who bearest the appearance of holiness in habit and name: close the door of thy mouth and show not the ‘secret of thy heart to all. Open the chamber of thy heart to Jesus Christ the most loving comforter and the most faithful protector of thy life; so that the blessed Jesus before all and above all in Heaven and on earth beloved of thee, long desired and awaited: may deign to come to thee, and take up His abode. Earnestly beseech that He often visit thee and illumine: teach thy ignor- ance, strengthen thy cowardice; upraise thy heart, drive away distrust: strengthen thy faith, pour in love, and increase fervour. O how well he is™ guarded and armed against the snares of the devil and evil thoughts and impure imaginations, who has the image of the Crucified fixed in his heart, penetrating all his interior: and always and everywhere urging to the thought and perform- "6 \ } ‘ NOVICES REGULAR ance of every good. Then inwardly consoled with wondrous sweetness of heart from the presence of Christ shall he be able justly to say: what holy David with great joy sang to God: “I have run the way of Thy commandments: when Thou didst enlarge my heart.”,Let nothing then come be- tween thee and Jesus, the lover of innocence and _ purity, nor lie concealed within, nor endure: yea not even touch as in passing, nor caress with vain praises lest it infect: for the pure and tender heart offered to God in religion: does not suffer with Him anyone outside of Jesus to be joined or con- verse with it. For all things comforting and beautiful for a time in creatures do not suffice for the full joy of the soul: but Jesus alone is able to satisfy every desire. All things out of Jesus cruci- fied beget weariness and fall short: and as absinthe and most bitter gall torment the soul occupied with various desires. The source therefore of all good and the honeyed stream of all consolation: is Jesus Christ, the true comforter of souls. He who wishes to be comforted by God, let him choose Jesus as his companion: with Whom to speak and walk until he arrive in Heaven. Strive to live in the love of Jesus, to die to the whole world: and to glory in the cross of Christ, not in thyself, or in men, That hour is to be often considered by thee: when thou shalt not be able to utter another word, or move a limb. And although the religious be deprived of earthly goods and friends: he has nevertheless a heavenly treasure locked up in the casket of his heart, Jesus Christ and Him crucified. He has also a most faithful friend of his soul and a most wise guide of his life: the very King of angels and Creator of all things, Wilt thou then have peace and tranquillity of heart: and merit 77 Note.
Note.
SERMONS TO THE the grace of Christ and the friendship of the angels? Despise thyself for Christ: and as much as is possible aim to have a heart pure, cut off from the world: fervent to things divine and up- lifted to heavenly things. For he who seeks no earthly solace without: loves naught in creatures unduly: shall speedily experience interior peace and the love of Christ: and shall most easily bear with the comfort and aid of Christ within all burdens whencesoever they come. For he cuts off many occasions of trouble: he escapes and overcomes many snares of temptations: who for Christ’s sake perfectly strips and separates him- self from all earthly desires. This man, oppressed by no weight of earthly things, can freely fly to heavenly things: as often as he shall be mindful of his dear lover, Who is in Heaven: or shall hear or read His words. Sadness indeed for the absence of Jesus sharply pierces; but love from the pre- sence of His grace soothes the languishing soul: consoles the sorrowful, and enkindles the luke- warm. He who cannot so quickly attain this grace of devotion and height of contemplation: let him not lose courage, nor cease to labour: let him groan, pray, sit apart: be silent and recollect himself, await with longanimity, hope with con- fidence: and he shall be abundantly consoled be- yond all that can be thought. For Jesus is loving towards all His saints: and He abandons not them that hope in Him. He frequently proves, He lovingly corrects, He wisely instructs; He calls incessantly, He knocks loudly, He opens freely, He receives joyously: He pardons tenderly, He gives abundantly, He crowns gloriously. Let not therefore the loving blows of Jesus crush thee; and disdain not to listen to His sacred words: by 78 NOVICES REGULAR whomsoever or wheresoever they be read. Let not the inconstancy of thy heart cast thee down, nor sickness of body: nor aching of head, incurred in the service of Christ. He Who created thee and called thee to His service: will not be wanting to thee in thy suffering for His name. For all the ills which thou endurest, and whatever good thou shalt do in this house to the honour of God per- severing in discipline; shall be written in the book of eternal life: and shall be accounted to thee for a very great reward in the kingdom of Heaven. Turn thee then away from vain things, return to the interior of the mind; think over the benefits of thy dear Lover often vouchsafed to thee: and the still greater to be made known in the time to come. Let His boundless loving-kindness draw thee gratefully to serve the most gentle Saviour: His infinite goodness to love Him: His charity, enduring unto all time, to hope in His mercy: promised to the truly penitent in the end, to be rendered to them that persevere. All things pass away except the love of God; all things perish without Christ: all things become bitter without Jesus incarnate, suffering, crucified, risen, and glorified for the salvation of the world. Let this be your wisdom, brethren, choose this as your study in preference to all study of letters: to meditate day and night on Jesus crucified, sacri- ficed for us all on the cross, and exalted in Heaven: so that your whole hope tend upwards unto Him lovable and praiseworthy above all. Therefore to suffer for Him and to be wearied in His service: reckon a very great treasure found in the field of the holy cross. Meditation on the divine works and words of Christ begets sweetness and joy: strengthens faith, raises hope, and enkindles 79 Note.
SERMONS TO THE charity in the heart: which He has promised that He will give to His faithful. But the devil in envy, who dared to tempt Christ, and has often aroused persecutions in the Church, and afflicted many of the saints: still does not cease molesting the devout: inducing weariness of good, and dis- suading from the severity of the cloister. Alas, with his cunning suggestion he beguiles many by softness and caresses: he terrifies by hardships and austerities. However with the help of Christ his most wicked darts shall not harm: but they shall be to them that fight bravely and resist manfully unto praise and glory: and to the devil unto ever- lasting shame and punishment. From whose snares and frauds may Jesus Christ ever defend us: Who is at the right hand of the Father above all, God blessed for ever. Amen.
RELIGIOUS, NOTE RELIGIOUS, NOTE Said a certain devout lover of solitude. “‘ Blessed is the lonely monk: to whom the world is an exile, Heaven a fatherland: the cell Paradise. Blessed the religious, devout to God, unknown to the world: to whom the town is a prison, the cloister a place of refreshment: toil repose, solitude solace: mourning joy, silence the asylum of peace. Blessed he to whom sacred reading is food: prayer drink, psalmody recreation: meditation Christ, contem- plation God. Blessed the religious who directs all his pursuits and exercises to virtue and the good- pleasure of God: and aims at nothing singular and showy in word or deed: everywhere careful not to give offence to God or the neighbour. Blessed he who takes it in good part when one corrects him and teaches him aright: lest he abide in error and perish miserably. Blessed he who strictly guards 80 NOVICES REGULAR 80 NOVICES REGULAR his mouth: that he utter not an idle or hurtful word. Such a one shall have great peace, a good conscience and repute: and shall gain a special grace of devotion. He makes many quarrels cease: who is patient and holds his peace. The religious abiding in retirement: is as a lamp in the night safely burning. Winds have blown: and they shall not harm him who takes leisure in God and prays. There is truly a great treasure in the mouth of the wise man: but not a less in the heart of him that is silent and prays.” A certain man of ex- perience said: “Whatever good I gather by silence: I scatter it nearly all by talking with men.” Because Samson told his secret to a woman, and did not conceal the parable of the honey: afterwards he was captured by the enemy and mocked. It is good therefore for a religious to keep silence: and carefully to weigh his words. For he who keeps silence well: as it were carries with him a bag full of money to the home of his mind. An EXAMPLE OF SILENCE There was in the up-country a certain monk of the Cistercian Order, a diligent warden of his mouth: and a careful observer of cloistral dis- cipline. He, on fire with the zeal of devotion, scarcely spoke a single word in a week. To whom the Abbot said by way of solace: “ Brother, I give thee leave to speak sometimes with the brethren:” Who replied: “‘ Reverend Father, I do not wish to have such a leave.” Hearing which the Abbot was edified in the answer of the brother who so will- ingly kept silence.
An EXAMPLE OF SOLITUDE A certain brother of the Order of Regulars SERMONS TO THE having been sent abroad, when he had finished his business strove to return quickly and with eagerness: that he might take leisure in God more freely in silence. But while on the way, he met a certain traveller, a friend and acquaintance of his: who stated that he had visited different holy places and monasteries. Questioned therefore concern- ing religious houses: he also said that he had been in the holy cloister of Chartreux. And when he had spoken much in praise of the situation of that place on a high mountain and in a lonely wilder- ness, and of the austerity of the brethren dwelling there; finally he narrated this: “I found there a brother, with whom it gave me great pleasure to speak: and I questioned him with curiosity, say- ing: ‘ How long hast thou dwelt here?’ Who an- swered: ‘ Forty years have passed, and meanwhile I have not seen the front gate: by whichI entered.’ ” Hearing this the aforesaid brother wondered: and related these things to his other brothers as a good example of the love of solitude. O how rare and strange is such conduct in many religious of these days; who would look on it as the penalty of a gaol: if withina year they should not go forth for the sake of travelling outside the monastic bounds, or beyond the gate.
SERMON XIV @¢ Or ConsTANCcy AND PERSEVERANCE IN THE STATE OF RELIGION wal LAND with confidence: and you shall = vi] see the help of the Lord over you. Be- ;.; Ei loved brethren, accept with pleasure a Sia) word of pious exhortation urging you to perseverance in the state of religion: which 82 NOVICES REGULAR has a very great recompense in Heaven. Purpose firmly in your hearts that you desire to remain with constancy in this place and Order which you have freely chosen: and to endure good things and evil with all in this house gathered together for Christ’s sake long before your time. He Who has granted a good beginning: will give by His grace a better consummation. For you have not been called to this community because of your merits: but you should believe that you are made partakers of their crowns. Be glad to be aided by their prayers and to be sustained by their help: and ever give thanks to God. For you have not come to idle and feast: but to serve God with fidelity and devotion. And so much the more care- ful and ready should you be for every observance of the Order and for the common labours; the more advantages you now have in buildings and books, in food and clothing: which many of the elders before you had not. You have entered into their labours, be grateful therefore for the good things you have received. These temporal things made ready by God: are bestowed upon you as a present for the sustenance of your body. If you use them moderately with giving of thanks and good will; then still greater goods will be added to you in Heaven: which shall be most assuredly rendered to all who persevere in the discipline of the Order. And if you cannot yet understand or grasp the joys to come prepared in the heavenly nuptials; nevertheless firmly believe that God is faithful and mighty to give what He has promised to them that love Him: who not by force but with a free mind serve Him day and night without complaint. Therefore with great care cast out of your heart speedily harmful sadness, and all in- 83 SERMONS TO THE dignation as poison of the devil: and strive to live among your brethren like angels of peace among their fellow citizens. Take upon your shoulders the yoke of the Lord, light and sweet to them that love: until you attain the fatherland of ever- lasting bliss. But meanwhile you must be tried after the manner of the saints by divers tempta- tions which often happen in religion: and are wont grievously to afflict novices from this side and that: that thereby proved as gold in the furnace, and purged from the rust of past bad habits: you may be bright in the sight of God as new lambs washed in the springs. For after tears and griefs you shall receive divine consolations and lights of the understanding: relieving all toil and distress. What more do you desire? Behold, now are given to you earthly goods for the support of the body on the way; and hereafter will be given heavenly and everlasting goods in the kingdom of God with the holy angels; because you have forsaken ac- quaintance and friends, and have chosen to serve God rather than the world. If therefore you abide constant in what you have commenced: you shall hear with joy and assurance from Christ in the judgement. “You are they who have continued with Me in My temptations; and I dispose to you, as My Father hath disposed to Me, a kingdom: that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom.” O sweet and comforting word, en- couraging to perseverance in the Order we have taken: and in whatsoever temptation and tribulation or weakness a man may be involved. It be- longs certainly to God to aid: and to free the afflicted from every distress of mind and body. And he who trusts in God, praying and patiently enduring himself: he shall be comforted in due 84 NOVICES REGULAR time, giving thanks for the help vouchsafed him from Heaven. God is not a respecter of persons, but in every condition and place, where there is the memory of His name under Heaven: He shall be nigh the tempted and troubled of heart. He shall hear them for His mercy; and shall show them in secret His judgements: and His wonders in all things which He works upon earth. No man can say to God, “Why dost Thou thus afflict me and leave me dry; and dost thus advance another and allow him to haye many of his wishes?” Foolish and vain is this thought: even in the least thing to doubt or complain of the providence and goodness of God. It is the habit of the weak and unwise to blame and interpret ill the actions of the prudent which they do not understand; who very often wonder and are scandalized within themselves: why God suffers this or that, so evi- dently evil, to happen. To whom the psalmist thus replies: ‘The Lord is just in all His ways: and holy in all His works.” And again: ‘‘ Thou art just, O Lord: and Thy judgement is right.” Hold this then firmly, that in every place the eyes of the Lord behold the good and the bad; and no man can hide from His judgements, nor excuse his sins with many fair words: nor appeal in con- tention to a higher judge. Whoever therefore abiding in a lowly condition and in his Order shall have more resolutely struggled against tempta- tions and his vices; he shall deserve greater grace of devotion now: and hereafter shall enjoy the blessedness of a fuller glory. Every religious can save his soul and make progress in virtue in his Order and in the place provided for him by God: if he carefully observe what the Order hath estab- lished, and what the superior commands and 85 SERMONS TO THE counsels to be done. Let no one therefore be lightly seduced; nor think with foolish and vain imaginings of another place: and prophesying of the uncertain future more pleasant things to him- self, say: “‘O God, if I were in such a place and Order: how well and devoutly I would conduct myself: and no longer complain or be troubled by anyone.” Alas, miserable and foolish man, who for want of fervour dost contemplate the world outside: and often dost imagine vain things because of the distress of thy present passion; why dost thou not do this good in this place, where with the grace of many brethren, and the peace of a good conscience thou canst live with God as witness and aider? Why dost thou neglect the little things told thee; and presumest of greater things in the future? Know beforehand that it most usually befalls lukewarm and indocile dis- ciples: otherwise and far worse than they in their mind first imagined, without fruit of any worth. This fancy has deceived many; easy changing of place has made many learned to err: hasty migra- tion to another Order has saddened very many. For it has been very often proved in others: that seldom has he come back better, who sought man places. For wherever aman may be, he shall find men: the blind also and the weak whom certainly it behoves to bear. And haply thou wilt see some more imperfect who will not be pleasing to thee in many things: nor wilt thou likewise be pleasing to them. Some maybe will say or think of thee askance: if thou hadst been worth anything, thou wouldst rather have remained in thy place and Order with peace. However the motive of one wandering from place to place will speedily be made clear: what moved him more. For feigned 86 NOVICES REGULAR