religious rules; sixthly, the means to attain it which the Saints have used.

V. Consider the examples which are set before thee, as if they were given and bequeathed to thee in particular; first, indeed, of Examples.

all, consider, as in God most Good and Great, that which is

in Christ the Lord; and then also in His Saints, philosophers, and others; and lastly, in thine own acquaintance.

VI. Consider, first, how pleasing to God this virtue is. Secondly, the praise and good report of those who have been remarkable for that virtue in this world, as well Saints as philosophers. Thirdly, the heavenly reward which is promised to the virtue; and shall be given by the Lord to him who hath fought a good fight.

Ejaculations.

"Lead me, O Lord, in Thy righteousness, because of mine enemies; make Thy way plain before my face." Psalm v. 8.

"Hear, O Thou Shepherd of Israel, Thou that leadest Joseph like a sheep.” Psalm lxxx. 1.

“Turn Thee again, Thou God of hosts, look down from heaven; behold, and visit this vine; and the place of the vineyard that Thy right hand hath planted.” Psalm lxxx. 14.

Lord, Thou knowest all my desire; and my groaning is not hid from Thee." Psalm xxxviii. 9.

"Mine eyes gush out with water, because men keep not Thy law." Psalm cxix. 136.

“As for lies, I hate and abhor them; but Thy law do I love." Psalm cxix. 163.

"Deliver me from all mine enemies; and make me not a rebuke unto the foolish." Psalm xxxix. 9.

"Wash me throughly from my wickedness; and cleanse me from my sin.” Psalm li. 2.

IMAGE THE SEVENTH.

BE CAREFUL OF THINE ACTIONS AND REGULATE THEM AS IN THE

PRESENCE OF GOD, TO THE GLORY OF HIS GREAT NAME.

Consider what things thou hast to do during this day, and at this very hour (A); and in like manner as if thou wert running in a race, direct all thy works (B) and all thy steps to the goal, that is to say, to the glory of God, with a burning heart (C). And be assured of this, that without the Grace of God thou art utterly helpless, and canst do nothing (D). Pray therefore for this Grace, and do all thy works as in weight, number, and measure (E), and not otherwise than if Death were following close behind thee (F), and an Angel (G) and an evil spirit (H) were watchfully observing thee by the way, and all thy actions. Moreover do all thy works in such a manner (I) as if thy grave were already being dug for thee (K). Nor this only, but perform all thy actions after the example of Christ and His Saints (L), that they may be such as the Angels (M) may bear and offer before God. But above all things consider always and remember this, that God (N), with all the company of Heaven, is at all times beholding thee.

Exercise

ON THE CONSIDERATION OF THINGS TO BE DONE.

FOR the place of thy meditation consider thyself in the presence of God, amidst the company of Heaven, to set in order thy life and way for eternity.

In what per

sists.

God to be

carefully

POINT THE FIRST.

CONSIDER Well, that perfection may, yea rather ought, to be gathered from the perfection of single actions, so that he may rightly fection con- be called a perfect man, whose actions are performed with exactness and perfection. See therefore that this be thy endeavour to perfect thine actions day by day, and as we are warned in Deuteronomy, "that which is altogether just shalt thou follow a." For from thy works oughtest thou to perceive thy own proficiency. These are as the fruits that denote the increase of virtue within. For neither Talents of is it enough simply to do well, that is, to render some fruit, but we must labour that the seed of God's grace may bring laid out. forth thirty, sixty, and an hundred-fold; that His talents may yield the very greatest usury to the greatest glory of the Divine Majesty, and our own advantage. Think what unworthiness it must be deemed, when thou mightest gather an hundred-fold from the field of thine heart, which God has watered so often with the showers of His grace and of His blood, to yield but a scanty and poor return, that is, to perform thy prayers and thy actions in an imperfect manner. St. Bernard is said to have seen angels, at matins, writing down the prayers of the brotherhood, some in gold, some in silver, some in water, and passing by others altogether. Consider therefore thy works, and how they may be worthy to be written by angels, and run over in thy thoughts the doings of the whole day.

Fruit an hundredfold should

be gathered.

POINT THE SECOND.

CONSIDER Well, that in every action three things are to be considered; first of all, God; secondly, thyself; thirdly, the thing in hand. First,

a Deut. xvi. 20.