cleansed by pure and humble confession: accus- tomed bad habits return, grow, harden, oppress and afflict. Wherefore it is needful that a religious brother admonish chiefly himself, and receive kindly the admonitions of others; exercise great care against his passions, and bravely war against the assault of vices: for without doubt brave fighting is the way to the everlasting joys, to be bestowed on the victors at the finish. Hence Christ, speaking by blessed John in the Apoca- lypse, earnestly exhorts His faithful soldier to fight: and to be on his guard against the wicked- ness of the devil by prayer and sacred studies. “Be thou faithful unto death,” He saith, “and I will give thee the crown of life.” And again in the same. ‘‘To him that overcometh I will give the hidden manna: and a new name written, which no man knoweth but he that receiveth.” Whereof blessed Paul saith: “‘ No man shall be crowned: except he strive lawfully.” Two precious gifts Christ promises His warrior so that he fail not in the combat against vice; to wit, the manna of divine consolation in the present: and the Crown of everlasting joy in the kingdom of Heaven. Be not therefore, brethren, seduced with empty words by friends in the world,nor heed temporal honours: but hold to the good and right path leading by the regular life to life eternal. Which may our Lord Jesus Christ grant us all after the labours and sorrows of this mortal life: Who for our salvation mightily toiled in the world, fought, grieved, wept, prayed: suffered and being crucified triumphed. Amen.
NOVICES REGULAR -SERMON XVI @@ OF THE STRICT JUDGEMENT OF GoD, WHERE ALL CREATURES SHALL ACCUSE US God: that He may exalt you in the time 2 We) J) of visitation. Beloved brethren, gravely eit} heed these sacred words of blessed Peter the apostle: which have just been read in his epistle. For he exhorts all to true humility of heart; that a man consider the most sublime power of God over him: and the manifold misery of his own weakness. These two joined together make a man deem humbly of himself: and take pride of no good work. Hence again he saith: ‘God resisteth the proud: but to the humble He giveth grace.” Examine then your hearts open in all things to God: think over the evils of the past, the dangers of the present, the judgements of God to come: and how severely all our works are to be searched. We know not, brethren, how God will judge us. But I fear that our accusers will urge many serious charges against us: of which we now think little. But who are these our accusers? Truly very many: of whom now some are to be mentioned.
The holy angels will accuse us; because we did not obey the divine inspirations: but often rather indulged flesh and blood beyond need.
The terrible and malignant demons will accuse us: alleging the places, times and persons, in which and with whom we have sinned: and have not done due penance.
The holy patriarchs and prophets will accuse us: because we have not followed their good ex- “G\E you humbled under the mighty band of: Pet. s. 6.
Te Pete iss Angels.
Demons, Patriarchs and Pro- phets.
Apostles.
Martyrs.
Confessors.
Pastors of churches.
foly books.
SERMONS TO THE ample and faith by our works: who foretold us many good things by the sacred writings con- cerning Christ and the life to come.
The holy apostles and evangelists will accuse us; because we have so carelessly and lukewarmly trodden that way of perfection, which they learnt from Christ and observed: even after we have entered the cloister, and promised to serve God.
The holy martyrs slain for Christ will accuse us; because we have but feebly imitated their patience, when vexed even in few things: and having fallen to softness of the flesh, scarcely re- tain a spark of our first fervour.
The holy confessors and all the religious Orders will accuse us: because we have not followed ac- cording to our powers their abstinence and labour in watchings and many fasts, in prayers, readings, and holy meditations, as we read of them.
Good pastors, priests and doctors will accuse us: who toiled much for the salvation of souls, for the conversion of sinners, for the discipline of re- ligious, for the consolation of the afflicted: because we have not in the cloister perfectly followed their prudence and their preaching by contempt of the world: nor with sufficient reverence and love grate- fully received their books most sweet beyond honey and the honeycomb: nor studiously read, nor diligently given heed to their holy discourses.
The readers, the cantors, the writers and all the books which we have in the choir, in the dormitory, in the refectory, and in our cells for study will accuse us; because we have made little profit of them: but have more often listened to foreign and vain discourses. Therefore they would say, if they could speak: “We have piped to you and you have not danced for the greatness of the NOVICES REGULAR joys and the rewards to come which are contained written in our volumes: which God has handed down to you for your comfort and instruction.” And again lamenting with the weeping children they would say: “ We have mourned for you, and you have not wept for the exceeding miseries and pains to come: which we have frequently de- nounced to you.”
The holy hermits, lovers of the solitary life, separated in mind and body from the world, will accuse us; because we have neglected perfectly to copy their angelic manner of life, and heavenly contemplation in continual prayers and devout meditations, in silence and toils: in renunciation of earthly things and mortification of vices. And so they will rejoice in great glory before God and the angels: but we shall stand ashamed because of the luxuries which we have willingly received.
The holy virgins, saintly widows, and all youths and maidens, observing, with constancy, chastity beloved of God, will accuse us: who although they were frail by sex and age: nevertheless could not be torn away by cruel torments from love and fidelity to their heavenly Spouse. But we with difficulty refrain from the dangers and occasions of sins of the flesh; for the most part fast unwill- ingly and observe strictness of silence with laxity: foolishly dread the cloister and the retirement of the cell established for peace of heart and preser- vation of devotion; and alas, often give offence whispering with light words at the instigation of the devil: who is the author of the disturbance of whispering and levity. For many sacred virgins and noble matrons, amid friends and kinsfolk in the world, amid wealth and honours, refrained from pleasures; amid persecutors and mockers, Hermits.
Virgins.
The Place, Order, Habit.
Our Superi- ors.
SERMONS TO THE held bravely their purpose of chastity: bore most patiently imprisonment and dungeons, chains, blows, and exile. What then shall we say to this, who are men? For too often we seek to wander abroad: whence we bring back little fruit. Let us blush, dear brethren, that we read of so many glorious saints and holy virgins, old men and maidens suffering: and still we are little able to suffer. Let us follow them doing penance for our sins: whom we cannot follow dying for virtue. Let us all say groaning and weeping: ‘Have mercy on us, O Lord, spare our sins; grant pardon for all our offences: be appeased by the merits and prayers of Thy saints most gratefully accepted by Thee.”
There are moreover many other accusers for us also: to wit, a convenient place, a holy Order, and the religious habit. For even if we have left the world to outward appearance, and wear a religious habit with others: nevertheless we do not so strictly keep the statutes of the Order as we have promised.
Our superiors and directors will accuse us: when they are carefully questioned on each point concerning our good conduct in the presence of Christ. For it is necessary that they say simply the truth of the matter: before Christ the judge Who knows all secrets. Among many things it will be chiefly demanded of them and required of us: whether we have been obedient in all with due reverence; whether we have kept peace and concord with the brethren, saving the discipline of the Order: whether we have celebrated the Divine Office day and night devoutly and atten- tively, cheerfully and watchfully: whether we have prayed fervently and frequently for benefactors NOVICES REGULAR living and dead: whether we have done meet penance for our excesses and shortcomings; whether from charity and loving compassion we have poured out prayers for friends and foes in affliction: whether we have set the common good and obedience before private study and devotion.
Our brothers also will accuse us, seeing our manner of life from morning until evening: be- cause we have not given them good example, watching, praying, toiling, and instant in other devout exercises; but have often spent the precious time of penance fruitlessly: seeking our own ease, and neglecting things profitable.
Men of the world will accuse us, wayfarers and chance guests: because they have seen us wander- ing outside, light of manners, dissolute of words: well clothed, eating daintily, working little, talk- ing long: late to choir, hastening to the cell and repose. For we are bound to give them and all men an example of holy conduct: because we are made a spectacle to God and angels: and to all who behold us, learned and unlearned, it behoves us to show the way of eternal life: and to bear the repute of a good name.
Moreover the elements will accuse us, and all creatures of Heaven and earth, because of the many services rendered for our use; because we have not shown meet worship to our Creator: and have not paid, as was due and befitting, thanks- giving for blessings bestowed with all the affec- tion of our heart, according to the strength which we have received from God. For since we are in health, and receive without great anxiety from our providers daily necessaries; and willingly accept gratuitous gifts: therefore we are now the more obligedtowards God,as guests ofthe King of Heaven.
The Conven- tual Breth- ren, Men of the World.
The Ele- ments, Fire.
met. am. wy.
SERMONS TO THE The fire will speak: and cry out against our sloth and ingratitude. “I by the order of God my Creator succour you in many ways; I as a faith- ful servant serve gratis the whole and the sick in the kitchen, in the bakery, in the brewery, in the lavatory and in the church: and as often as neces- . sary I show myself kind to all who wish to warm themselves at the fire. I by the power given me burn straw, turf, stones and wood: I dry the damp, warm the cold, soften the hard, harden the soft: I work in different materials contrary effects, by the wondrous power of God impressed on the laws of nature: that you may have your conveniences: to serve God with joy and great gratitude. For in winter I warm your hands and feet; I light the candles, put darkness to flight: render to your eyes the brightness of light. What should I do that I have not done? Answer thy Creator: if I have refused to obey His command. For I have done without contradiction both for the good and the bad: whatever the Lord my Creator, the al- mighty and merciful God, commanded to be done. For the good indeed and the just I give heat and light to their profit: but for the bad and ungrate- ful I flame unto vengeance. And when God in anger bids, then I burn cities, towns and castles: and waste both the rich and the poor without respect of persons; and reduce to ashes all the joy, beauty and abundance of the world; and still remain unharmed in the form of my own nature.”
The air will say: “I provide a good breeze and serenity that you may walk with ease: toil with ingenuity, sow with fruit: and gather the ripened harvest into the barns and stores of men. But because men often abuse good gifts to work vanities and unlawful gains: God, angered by NOVICES REGULAR their malice, of a sudden compels me to work terrors on land, on sea, on trees, on beasts, on castles, on towns, on fields, and on holy houses. For while it is still bright day and nobody is heeding, I raise clouds, produce winds, send forth lightnings, beget thunders, arouse storms, disturb the sea, cast down hail, pour out rain, strike the earth, tear up trees, overthrow houses, and show with terror the power of God over these lower creatures; that all the sinners of the earth may learn to fear God: and weigh from present evils, how dreadful shall be the judgement to come on the last day.”
The water will say. “I water the earth with showers, produce springs and rivers, nourish fishes of divers kinds, strongly carry ships and galleons laden with much wealth, and with the blowing of the wind bear them to distant lands and islands: I show many wonderful works of God to them that travel on the sea and in many waters; that they may proclaim His works with exultation when they arrive in port: and give thanks gener- ously as delivered from great dangers. And be- cause sins exact penalty, therefore when God is grievously offended I often strike and destroy ships with a tempest: often I drown men, drink in precious wealth, and cast to the bottom as the mud of the streets the gold and silver wherein men trust; so that thereby the avaricious and proud mighty ones, who oppress the poor and defraud the innocent, may not boast in their riches, nor place their hope in earthly things: but in the living God Who made all things out of nothing, and feeds the poor in little. I wash the hands and feet of the saints, and I serve in many ways the evil and ungrateful; I give drink to the Water.
oO.
Earth.
SERMONS TO THE thirsty, fill wells and canals, cleanse stains, make garments white: and from springs and torrents I produce sweet waters for various uses of men and beast. I because of the sins of men was changed into blood in the land of Egypt: against nature I flowed most plentifully from the rock in the desert; at the prayers of the saints I was changed into sweetness: and at the word of Christ into the taste of the best wine. They then are obliged to render many thanks to God who have abundance of water, and take fishes with their nets: but those who inebriate themselves with wine and various liquors and to the poor give little or nothing: shall be tormented with the rich man in Hell.” The earth will say: “I support men and brutes; I offer smooth ways and straight paths to wayfarers through fields and woods: I employ as a rainpart mountains and hills lest the waters prevail. I nourish trees, grasses and various kinds of herbs: I bring forth vines and olives, figs and pome- granates, apples, pears, nuts, almonds, beans, peas, ‘barley, wheat, flowers, roses, lilies, violets: and every year I render the usual return to the cultivators of the earth and the harvesters. And for all these blessings freely bestowed upon men, naught else do I ask and hold as thanks: but that everywhere all the nations of the earth, and the islands of the peoples know, serve, preach, praise and worship God; and above all goods visible and invisible love, honour and exalt Him: as long as they live, smell, breathe, tread the earth, dig, plant and build. I also after the death of the flesh re- ceive the bodies of the dead into my lap as a mother her children deprived of light: for of the earth all were made, and unto the earth all shall return as to their mother, whence Adam was NOVICES REGULAR formed: and as to the common hospice of all mortal pilgrims. For when any man becomes - useless to the world, either worn out with old age, or slain in battle, or infected by disease, or repulsive in appearance, and nobody will now re- tain him in the house, or nurse him in bed; then without long delay friends and neighbours have recourse to me, make ready a pit, and bring their castaway to me: and beneath my shelter hide him in the ground. And him whom they had loved in life, and praised and honoured highly: now dead they avoid, close their nostrils, dread to gaze on him, and depart. But I, the earth created by God, full of compassion, abhor and spurn no dead man however miserable a Lazarus, or wounded, or fetid; but without respect of persons I receive universally all the sons and daughters of Adam: who because of the sin of their first parent are compelled to return to the dust, whence all took their origin. I open indifferently to poor and rich a place of burial; and if sometimes the living quarrel for a more worthy position: the dead how- ever are silent, and contradict not them that bury them. All the kings of the earth, all princes, all dukes, counts, barons, military leaders, nobles, commoners, prelates, abbots, doctors, lawyers, priests, clerics and laics, in a small hut I enclose, ’ cover and keep: until at the sound of the last trumpet Christ shall appear in His majesty with the holy angels in the greatest glory. For then] am compelled to give up again the bodies sleeping in their graves: to present in judgement without delay all the good and bad with their bodies: that each may receive reward or punishment accord- ing to his works which he did in life. Nor then shall I be able to keep back by violence anyone, SERMONS TO THE nor by prayer nor bribe hide longer from the face of the Judge and from the wrath of the Lamb, nor protect by arms: for the just Lord shall judge justly all the bounds of the earth: saving the righteous in mercy: and most justly condemning the wicked for their demerits.” O would that all mortals would weigh these things: and frequently think with fear and groaning of the severe judge- ment of God. For, as the apostle says, we shall all stand before the judgement seat of Christ, to render an account of every past evil action: all creatures accusing us, as has been said, the angels standing round and the demons hungrily waiting to take with them the damned into the fire. There no man shall be able to excuse himself nor appeal to his excellence the Emperor: nor with apostolic letters or royal privileges defend himself against the sentence of the Judge beholding all things from eternity; Who knows with clear knowledge the most hidden thoughts and works of each ac- complished in whatsoever age and hour: and that without any report being made to Him. Whose awful judgement we should all fear now: and before the day of judgement and the hour of death repent with true sorrow of heart of all our evils, and humbly crave for pardon: lest haply snatched on a sudden from this world to the judgement, we be for ever condemned with the wicked. May the merciful God grant us, now and ever to find mercy before the throne of His grace: that we may merit to be blessed with the elect: and happily brought into the kingdom of glory.
Amen.
NOVICES REGULAR SERMON XVII @e Or SHUNNING VAINGLORY AND PURSUING HumBLe OBEDIENCE mmr] that glorieth: let bim glory in the Lord. Beloved brethren, if you think over your past life in the world with sxe] sorrow of heart, and how much you bie offended God: in what can you glory? If also you will ponder attentively your daily negli- gences and divers offences; whence have you cause to glory, who are so imperfect? He who watch- fully heeds his past sins, and present dangers, and strictly weighs them: can never vainly glory -of his works. Which of us knows how God regards and judges our every thought, word, and deed day and night; whether He accepts, or rejects them? A man also, however good and devout he may be now, knows not how long he will remain thus: whether he will become better or worse. Brethren, if you begin to think of the hidden judgements of God, His terrible works upon the sons of men from the commencement of the world: very soon will fade away everything lofty and car- nal that gives pleasure in earthly things. Whence holy David prays: ‘‘ Pierce Thou my flesh with Thy fear: for I am afraid of Thy judgements.” As God is loving and merciful towards the penitent and them that fervently amend: so is He harsh and terrible to them that do ill and negligently. Do not therefore glory in the malice and wicked- ness of your heart: as many fools do; who stained with filth are not ashamed: but even whed mocked by others » rejoice and laugh. Lift your eyes to Heaven, and look upon the dignity, purity and ty COE. T. 3%.
Note.
SERMONS TO THE supreme blessedness of the angels: who seek not their own praise nor the glory of another, but the glory, honour, and magnificence of God: by Whom they acknowledge that they were created, in Whom also they love one another: and most gratefully ascribe to Him all that they have received from Him with mighty power. If therefore the holy angels are humble and grateful to God in such sublime heights: how much more man, mortal and a sinner, ought to humble himself, and cast away all vainglory. Learn, wretched and proud man, not to be high-minded, but with heart and mouth consent to the humble; that thou mayest find grace before God and the angels: which the puffed-up cannot attain, and that thou mayest not lose everlasting glory in Heaven, which the bad angels forfeited by pride. Strive to wish to please God alone in every good work: and to submit thyself to every human creature for God’s sake; to obey the seniors, assist the juniors, show rever- ence to all: bear with gentleness the conduct of the sick and the perverse. If thou seekest to be saved, if thou wilt be made happy and exalted: follow the humble Christ, and despise thyself. For thou canst not otherwise mount up to Heaven: unless thou humble thyself with thy whole heart for God’s sake. Desire not to be in the mouth of men: who with foolish praises deceive the silly lover of temporal glory. See into thy heart in truth, to how many passions it is exposed; and thou shalt not glory in thyself: nor despise thy neighbour, however poor he be and weak. Hold in mind the memorable word of Christ; and when the vainglory of the world tempts thee: answer thyself what Christ said to the Jews. “If I glorify myself: My glory is nothing.” Let vainglory NOVICES REGULAR then depart and the praise of men for any learn- ing or art acquired: let foolish boasting of good work or skilful discourse cease: let worldly cun- ning be uprooted from the heart of a religious: perish false imagining of holiness shown without: let the presumption of novelty blush, void of the fruit of charity, contrary to the peace of the com- munity. Rejoice ever, simplicity of the dove, free from the gall of bitterness; correct thy brother in the spirit of mildness: teach rather by humble example than by subtle word. Bear with patience the adversary: whom thou canst not amend to perfection. The time will soon come, that iniquity shall stop her mouth: and the wickedness of the deceiver shall fall on his own head; and he will bear his own shame, who eagerly desires human praise: and seeks the dignity of honour. What holiness does the report of a great name bring: when little or no virtue dwells in the conscience? What devotion does wandering through divers countries bestow: which is the cause of great vanity, and a distraction of the mind? What profit does acquaintance with the mighty afford a religious; and the curious gazing at high walls and castles? In sooth all these things are made of the earth: and unto the earth all shall return. Often also by the power of arms they are brought down to dust: and burnt with fire. Better there- fore is a poor man living unknown in a wretched hut eating herbs and vegetables with a good conscience; than a rich man dwelling in a fine man- sion, drinking wines and eating delicacies with mirth and pride: filled with an evil conscience, To whom may be justly applied that word of the gospel: “Thou fool, this night do they require thy soul of thee: and whose shall those things be SERMONS TO THE which thou hast provided?” Let no one then be glad for the vain praises of men: even if he do aught praiseworthy. Let no man trust too much in his own goodness: or foolishly presume of his own strength: or also boast of nobility of race. Let no man be puffed up for possession of know- ledge; let no man boast of the dignity of superior- ship over others: let no man, trusting in abund- ance of wealth and revenue, think himself happy and rich, nor despise the poor; for he knows not how long he will live and possess these things: he knows not what trouble may thence come to him, when God shall so permit. In fine, in every temporal thing and human work: uncertain is the progress and good issue. For very often things fall out otherwise than men think: and often counsels are changed to the contrary. Blind men cannot see mountains on a clear day: however clever they may be. The wise in their own eyes are often mistaken concerning the future: who, trusting in their own cunning, have not God before their eyes. For those who ambition earthly things, love honours, pursue pleasures, fear misfortunes, desire prosperity, seek high places, rejoice in vanities; by a just judgement of God will mourn in their turn: and will be miserably afflicted for good things lost. Betwixt the hope of good and the fear of evil the worldly and fleshly heart is constantly tossed; because it has not set the anchor of its hope in the desire of Heaven: where all good things abound and last for ever. Wherefore, most dear brethren, since no one knows for certain what of things to come may be more advantageous for him, or more expedient for the salvation of his soul: it is safer and more praise- worthy to follow the counsel of the wise and ex-