The Intermountain Catholic. (Salt Lake City [Utah] ;) 1899-1920, 1900-03-24

The holy Martyr Lawrence, with his
Priest. overcome the world because he
deSpised whatever seemed delightful
in this world; and for the love Of Christ
he suffered the High Priest of God
SiXtus, whom he exceedingly loved, to
be taken away from Him.
He overcame, therefore, the love OF
man by the love of the Creator; and
instead of the consolation he had in
man, he made choice rather of God 6
good pleasure.
So do thou also learn to part with an
intimate and beloved friend FOR the love
| of God.
And take it not to heart when thou
art fOrsaken by a friend, knowing that
at last we must all be separated one
! from another.
3. A man must have a great and a
/ long conflict within himself before he
can learn fully to overcome himself,
and to direct his whole affection to-
wards God.
! When a man stands upon himself he
| easily inclines after human consola-
| tons.
| But a true lover Of Christ and a dill
back upon comforts, nor seek such SEN
sible delights, but rather prefers hard
| exercise and to sustain severe lahors
| for Christ.
4. Therefore, when God gives spurious
consolation, receive it with thanksgiv-
ing; but know that it is Gods free gift.
and no merit Of thine.
Be net lifted W, be not enioyed, nor
vainly presume, but rather pc the more
humble for this gift, more cautious,
too, and fearful in all thy actions; for
that hour will pass away, and tempta-
ton follow.
When consolation shall be taken
away from thee, DO not presently de-
spair, but with humility and patience
await the heavenly visitation, since
God is able 20 restore to thee more
abundant consolation.
This is no new nor strange occurrence
to those who have known the way of
Gods for among the great Saints and
ancient Prophets there has often beer
this kind of vicissitude.
5. Hence there WAS one who, VAen
grace was with him, exclaimed; Il Gaid
in my abundance, l shall not be moved
forever
But when grace was Withdrawn ne
tells what he experienced in himself,
saying: Thou hast turned away Thy
face from me, and I became troubled
Yet even then he despaire1h not, but
more earnestly pTayeth to the Lord, and
saith:
Unto Thee, o Lord, will I cry; and
to my God will I make supplication.
AT length he receiveth the fruit of
his prayer, and witnesseth that be was
heard, saying:
THE Lord hath heard, and hath had
mercy on me; the1Lord hath become
my helper"
But in what way? Thou hast turn
ed" he saith, my mourning into JOY,
and Thou hast encompassed me with
gladness."
If it hath been thus with great Saints,
we that are weak and poor must not
be discouraged if we are sometimes
fervent, sometimes cold, because the
Spirith cometh and goeth according to
his own good pleasure.
Wherefore, holy Job saith: "Thcu
viGitest him early in the morning, and
on a sudden Thou tryest him"
6. Wherein, then, can [ hope, or IN
what must l put my trust, but in Gods
great mercy alone, and in the hope oe
heavenly grace?
or whether [ have with me good men
or devout brethren. or faithful friends
sweet carticles and hymns, all these
help but little, give me but little relish,
when I am forsaken by grace and left |
in my own poverty.
At such a time there is no better |
than patience and denying of |
myself according to the will of God.
Z. I never found anyone so religious |
and devout as not sometimes to exper- |
fence withdrawal of grace, or feel a di- |
minution of fervor.
No Saint was ever so sublimely rapt |
and illuminated as not to be tempted (
sooner or later.
For he is not worthy the sublime con-
of God who has not, for /
Gods sake, been exercised with some |
For preceding temptation is usually
a sign of ensuing consolation.
For heavenly comfort is promised to
such as have been proved by tempta-
ton.
ITO him that shall overcome" saith
the Lord. 81 will give to eat of the
tree Of life"
s. Now, divine consolation is given,
that a man may the better be able to
support Universities.
And temptation followeth, that ne
may not be elated by the good.
The devil sleepeth not, neither is the
flesh vet dead; therefore, thou must
not cease to prepare thyeelf for the
battle;
For on the right hand and on the left
are enemies that never rest.