The Following of Christ · 2019. 9. 19. · 25 BookII. " 7. 20 BookIII. " 20,42. TH1RD DEGREE. It...
Transcript of The Following of Christ · 2019. 9. 19. · 25 BookII. " 7. 20 BookIII. " 20,42. TH1RD DEGREE. It...
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PASSAGES
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THE FOLLOWING OP CHRIST.
SUITABLE TO THE DIFFERENT STATES OF LIFE AND
SPIRITUAL NECESSITIES OF THE FAITHFUL.
FOR PRIESTS.
Book I. Chap. 18, 19, 20, 25.
II. " 11, 12.
III. " 3, 10, 31, 56.
IV. " 5, 7, 10, 11, 1.2, 18.
FOR THOSE WHO LIVE IN SEMINARIES.
Book I. Chap. 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25.
III. " 2, 3, 10, 31, 56.
IV. " 5, 7, 10, 11, 12, 18.
FOR STUDENTS. .(
Book I. Chap. 1, 2. 3, 5. *
III. " 2, 38, 43, 44, 58.
IV. " 18.
FOR THOSE WHO ARE GRIEVED AT MAKING LITTIE
PROGRESS IN THEIR STUDIES.
Book III. Chap. 29, 30, 41, 47.
(*88)
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4m Tlte Foltowiiig of Christ.
FOR PERSONS WHO ASPIRE TO PIETY.
Book I. Chap. 15, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 25,
II. " 1, 4, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12.
III. " 5, 6, 7, 11, 27, 31, 32, 33, 53,
54, 55, 56.
FOR PERSONS IN AFFLICTION AND HUMILIATION.
Book I. Chap. 12.
II. " 11, 12.
III. " 12, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21,
29, 30, 35, 41, 47, 48, 49,
50, 52, 55, 56.
FOR THOSE WHO ARE TOO SENSIBLE OF SUF
FERINGS.
Book I. Chap. 12.
II. " 12.
FOR THOSE WHO LABOR UNDER TEMPTATIONS.
Book I. Chap. 13.
II. " 9.
III. " 6, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 23, 30,
35, 37, 47, 48, 49, 50, 52, 55.
FOR THOSE WHO SUFFER INTERIOR TRIALS.
Book II. Chap. 3,9,11,12.
III. " 7, 12, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21,
30, 35, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51,
52, 55, 56.
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Passages. 487
FOR THOSE WHO ARE TROUBLED ABOUT THE
FUTURE, THEIR HEALTH, THEIR FORTUNE,
THE SUCCESS OF THEIR UNDERTAKINGS.
Book III. Chap. 89.
FOR PERSONS LIVING IN THE WORLD, OR WHO
ARE DISTRACTED WITH THEIR EMPLOYMENTS.
Book III. Chap. 38, 53.
FOR THOSE WHO ARE ASSAILED WITH CALUMNIES
OR LIES.
Book II. Chap. 2.
III. " 6, 11, 28, 36, 46.
FOR PERSONS WHO ARE BEGINNING THEIR CON
VERSION.
Book I. Chap. 18, 25.
II. " 1.
III. " 6, 7, 23, 25, 26, 27, 33, 37, 52,
54.
FOR TIMID, WEAK, OR NEGLIGENT PERSONS.
Book I. Chap. 18, 21, 22, 25.
II. " 10, 11, 12.
III. " 3, 6, 27, 30, 35, 37, 54, 55, 57.
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488 The Followvng of Christ.
FOR A RETREAT.
Book III. Chap. 53. \ PreDaratiollI. " 20, 21. | rreParauon-
22. Miseries of man.f
J
f "
I. | "
I "
.
23. Death.
14 } Judgment and Hell.
III. " 48. Heaven.
59. Conclusion.
TO OBTAIN INTERIOR PEACE.
Book I. Chap. 6, 11.
II. " 3, 6.
III. " 7, 23, 25, 38.
FOR HARDENED SINNERS.
Book I. Chap. 23, 24.
III. " 14, 55.
FOR INDOLENT PERSONS.
Book III. Chap. 24, 27.
FOR THOSE WHO HEAR LIES.
Book I. Chap. 4.
FOR THOSE WHO ARE INCLINED TO PRIDE.
Book I. Chap. 7, 14.
II. " 11.
III. " 7, 8, 9, 11, 13, 14, 40, 52.
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Passages, 489
FOR QUERULOUS AND OBSTINATE PERSONS.
Book I. Chap. 9.
III. " 13, 32, 44.
FOR IMPATIENT PERSONS.
Book III. Chap. 15, 16, 17, 18, 19.
(PAR. 5.—Prayer to obtain patience) .
FOR THE DISOBEDIENT.
Book I. Chap. 9. .
III. . " 13,32.
FOR THOSE WHO ARE GIVEN TO MUCH TALKING.
Book I. Chap. 10.
III. " 24, 44, 45.
FOR THOSE WHO BUSY THEMSELVES ABOUT THE
FAULTS OF OTHERS AND NEGLECT THEIR OWN.
Book I. Chap. 11, 14, 16.
II. " 5.
FOR THOSE WHOSE DEVOTION IS FALSE OR BADLY
DIRECTED.
Book III. Chap. 4, 6, 7.
TO DIRECT THE INTENTION.
Book III. Chap. 9.
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488 The Following of Christ.
FOR A RETREAT.
Book III. Chap. 53.I "'20 21. f * reP'"uuOn'
" 22. Miseries of man.•• 23. Death.
, „ -/ v Judgment and Hell.
III. | " 48*. Heaven.
(. " 59. Conclusion.
TO OBTAIN INTERIOR PEACE.
Book I. Chap. 6, 11.
II. " 3, 6.
III. " 7, 23, 25, 38.
FOR HARDENED SINNERS.
Book I. Chap. 23, 24.
III. " 14, 55.
FOR INDOLENT PERSONS.
Book III. Chap. 24, 27.
FOR THOSE WHO HEAR LIES.
Book I. Chap. 4.
FOR THOSE WHO ARE INCLINED TO PRIDE.
Book I. Chap. 7, 14.
II. " 11.
III. " 7, 8, 9, 11, 13, 14, 40, 52.
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m
1L
11.
f GOD.
XJZjl .' 9- -*fxtf.- . - - -
***. .. ---.
if GOD.
• PIETY.
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490 The Following of Christ.
FOR THOSE WHO ARE TOO SUSCEPTIBLE.
Book III. Chap. 44.
FOR THOSE WHO ARE TOO HUGH ATTACHED TO
THE DELIGHTS OF HUMAN FRIENDSHIP.
Book I. Chap. 8, 10.
II. " 7, 8.
III. " 32, 42, 45.
FOR THOSE WHO TAKE OFFENCE AT THE SIM
PLICITY OR THE OBSCURITY OF THE HOLY
6CRIPTURES.
Book I. Chap. 5.
FOR THOSE WHO ARE INCLINED TO JEALOUSY.
Book III. Chap. 22, 41.
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PRAYERS
FROM
THE FOLLOWING OF CHRIST.
BEFORE SPIRITUAL READING.
Book III. Chap. 2.
TO OBTAIN THE GRACE OF DEVOTION*.
Book III. Chap. 3. Par. 6 and 7.
FOR THE HELP OF DIVINE CONSOLATION.
Book III. Chap. 5. Par. 1 and 2.
(Before or after Communion) .
TO OBTAIN AN INCREASE OF THE LOVE OF GOD.
Book III. Chap. 5. Par. 6.
ACTS OF ABASEMENT IN THE PRESENCE OF OOD.
Book III. Chap. 8.
(Before Communion).
FOR ONE WHO LIVES IN RETIREMENT AND PIETY.
Book III. Chap. 10.
(481)
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The Following of Christ.
ACTS OF PROFOUND HUMILITY.
Book III. Chap. 14.
(Before or after Communion) .
FOR RESIGNATION TO THE WILL OF GOD.
Book III. Chap. 15. Par. 1, verses 3 and 4.
Par. 2, verse 3 to the end.
ACTS OF RESIGNATION.
Book III. Chap. 10 to the end.
III. " 17. Par. 2 and 4.
111. " 18. Par. 2.
FOR PATIENCE.
Book III. Chap. 19. Par. 5.
FOR ONE IN AFFLICTION OR TEMPTATION.
Book III. Chap. 20, 21. Par. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
(The same prayer for those who experience the eye
of God).
(Before or after Communion) .
AN ACT OF THANKSGIVING.
Book III. Chap. 21. Par. 7.
(After Communion).
FOR THOSE WHO THINK THEY HAVE RECEIVED
LESS FROM GOD THAN OTHERS, EITHER FOR
BODY OR FOR SOUL.
Book III. Chap. 23.
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Prayers. 493
FOR PURITY OF MIND AND DETACHMENT FROM
CREATURES.
Book III. Chap. 23. Par. 5 to the end.
POR ONE WHO IS BEGINNING HIS CONVERSION.
Book III. Chap. 26.
(The same for one who Is desirous of advancing In
virtue) .
TO OBTAIN THE SPIRIT OF STRENGTH AND
WISDOM.
Book III. Chap. 27. Par. 4 and 5.
FOR A PERSON IN GREAT AFFLICTION.
Book III. Chap. 29.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION.
Book III. Chap. 34.
(The same to excite one's self to the love of God) .
ACTS OF RESIGNATION AND RELIANCE ON DI
VINE PROVIDENCE.
Book III. Chap. 39. Par. 2.
AN ACT OF HUMILITY.
Book III. Chap. 40.
(Before or after Comnwnlon).
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484 3%« Following of Christ.
WHEN WE RECEIVE ANY GRACE FROM GOD.
Book HI. Chap. 40.
AN ACT OF RESIGNATION.
Book III. Chap. 41. Par. 2.
PIOUS SENTIMENTS.
Book III. Chap. 44. Par. 2.
WHEN ATTACKED WITH CALUMNY.
Book III. Chap. 46. Par. 5.
PRAYER ON THE HAPPINESS OF HEAVEN.
(Which may be salcf particularly on the Feasts of
Easter, the Ascension, and all Saints) .
Book III. Chap. 48.
(Before or after Communion) .
ACTS OF HUMILITY AND CONTRITION.
Book III. Chap. 52.
(Before Communion).
TO OBTAIN GRACE.
Book III. Chap. 55.
FOR PKIESTS AND RELIGIOUS, TO OBTAIN PERSE
VERANCE IN THEIR VOCATIONS.
Book III. Chap. 56. Par. 3, 5, 6.
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Prayers. 495
AN ACT OF CONFIDENCE IN GOD.
Book III. Chap. 57. Par. 4.
FOR ALL CHRISTIANS WHO ASPIRE TO PIETY.
Book III. Chap. 59.
(Alter Communion, or at the conclusion of a retreat) .
IN THE PRESENCE OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT.
Book IV. Chap. 1, 2, 3, 4, 9, 11 (to par. 6),
13, 14, 16, 17, and part of the
prayers above.
THE DIGNITY OF PRIESTS, AND THE SANCTITY
OF THEIR MINISTRY.
Book IV. Chap. 5.
FOR PRIESTS AND THOSE IN SEMINARIES.
Book IV. Chap. 11. Par. 6, 7, 8.
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DEVOTIONS FOR THE HOLY COMMUNION.
A RETREAT OF THREE DAYS.
F/RST OKI.
MORNING.
Book III. Chap. 53. Spirit of retirement.
NOON.
I, " 20. Spirit of retirement.
EVENING.
I. " 20. Spirit of retirement.
SECOND DAY.
MORNING.
Book I. Chap. 22. Miseries of man.
III. " 23. Death.
NOON.
I. " 24. Judgment and Hell.
III. " 14. Judgment and Hell.
EVENING.
III. " 48. Heaven.
III. " 09. Conclusion.
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Devotions. 497
THIRD DAY.
HORNING.
Preparation and exercise of humility.
Book IV. Chap. 6. Prayer to obtain the grace
of approaching the Sacraments
worthily.
TV. Chap. 7. Examination of conscience,
contrition, resolution of amend
ment, confession, and satisfac
tion.
(Bead also on your knees the 8th chapter of Book III) .
NOON.
Book IV. Chap. 18. Faith obedient to the
mystery of the Eucharist.
IV. Chap. 10. Advantages of frequent
communion.
(Omit the second part of Par. 7 to the end.—Read on
your knees the 52nd chapter of Book HI) ,
EVENING.
Book IV. Chap. 12. Preparation for the Holy
Communion.
IV. Chap. 15. Devotion founded on
humility and self-renunciation.
IV. Chap. 9. 'Offering of one's self to
God in the Holy Communion.
(Bead on your knees the 40th chapter of Book III) .
FOR THE DAY OF COMMUHIOH.
MORNING.
Book IV. Chap. 1, 2, 3, 4.
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498 The Followiiig of Christ.
BEFORE AND DURING MASS.
IV. Chap. 9, 16, 17.
AFTER MASS.
IV. Chap. 11, 43, 14.
(Omit Par. 6, 1, »),
DURING THE DAY AND EVENING.
III. Chap. 21, 34, 48.[Repeat the 9th chapter of Book IV, and choose one of
the prayers before set down, Book IV. Chap. 6, and
following) .
AFTER HOLY COMMUNION.
Return thanks to Jesus Christ, and excit*
yourself to His Love.
Book III. Chap. 5, 7, 8, 10.
Listen to the voice of Jesus Christ speaking
to the soul after it has received Him.
Book II. Chap. I. Book III. Chap. 1, 2, 3.
Detatch the soul from creatures.
Book III. Chap. 26, 31, 42, 45.
Eenounce thyself, and give thyself entirely to
God.
Book III. Chap. 15, 17, 27, 37.
Suffer with patience, and in union with tho
sufferings of Jesus Christ.
Book II. Chap. 12. Book III. Chap. 16, 18, 19.
Persevere in fervor, and be constant in youi
good resolutions.
Book I. Chap. 19, 25. Book ITT. Chap. 23. 55.
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Methodical and Explanatory Table
OF THE CHAPTERS OF
THE "FOLLOWING OF CHRIST,"
ARRANGED FOR EVERY DAY IN THE YEAH, IN THI:
ORDER BEST CALCULATED TO LEAD
TO PERFECTION.
Christian perfection, to which we should
all aspire, is the aim of the "Following of
Christ." It includes all that conduces to
this end, viz. : 1. The method of reaching
perfection, and its degrees. 2. The means of
attaining it. 3. The duties which it imposes.
CHAPTER I.
THE METHOD OF REACHING PERFECTION, AND ITS
DIFFERENT DEGREES.
It is necessary to pass through three states
to reach Christian perfection. These three
stagps through which the soul must pass suc
cessively are : 1. The purgative state. 2. The
illuminative state. 3. The unitive state, or
union with God.
(499)
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500 The Follmeii\g of Christ.
Article, I.—The Purgative State.
The purgative state is that in which the soul
endeavors to purify itself from' its sins, and to
quit the vices and evil habits that cause them.
It has five degrees.
FIRST DEGREE.
The first and most important step to make
in the path of perfection is, to obtam pardon
for the sins which we have committed. This
is obtained by contrition, confession, and satis
faction; above all, it is indispensable to con
ceive a thorough hatred of our sins.
The "Following of Christ" furnishes us
with motives for this hatred in the following
chapters:
' JANUARY.
1 Book I. Chap. 21—Compunction of heart.
. T> i TT »2 Book II. .cience.
3 Book III. ;; * j Detestation of sin.
4 Ibid. " 53 /
5 Book I. " 1—Vanity of the world.
rt Book I. " 22—Human misery.
7 Ibid. " 23—Death.
8 Ibid. " 24—Trials of sinners.
( An avowal of our in-
9 Book III. " 20-1 firmity and of the
I miseries of life.
10 Ibid, " 47)11 Ibid. " 48 }• Desire of eternal life.
12 Book III. " 49 J
13 Ibid. " SJ^g06 ot world-
14 Book IV. " 9—Deplore our sins.
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Table of Chapters. 501
SECOND DEGREE.
It is necessary, in the second place, to tight
against temptations, so as not to commit other
sins. To fight against them with strength and
courage; figltt until death forjitalice sake, and
God will fight for thee. Repel the decil and, he
will fly from thee.
15 Book I. Chap. 13, 2.
16 Ibid. 7,11.
17 Book III. 6.
18 Ibid. 12.
19 Ibid. 23.
20 Ibid. 35.
21 Book IV. 10.
22 Ibid. 18.
Fight against them with prudence for this,
avoid all that may cause them, avoid persons,
places, and things that are proximate occa
sions of sin, or if this cannot be done, render
yourself invincible to the attacks of the evil
one, by prayer, mortification, and vigilance.
23 Book I. Chap. 8, 10.
24 Ibid. " 20.
25 Book II. " 7.
20 Book III. " 20,42.
TH1RD DEGREE.
It consists in advancing daily in the spir
itual life. Now, nothing is more opposed to
this progress than affection to venial sin. To
commit venial sin deliberately and habit
ually, is to live in that state of tepidity of
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502 The Followiiig of Clvrist.
which Jesus Christ says: "/ would IJwu werl
cold, or hot. But because llwu art lukewarm,
I will begin to vomit thee out of My mouth."
an -o i T ni, 1 f It is necessary to over-27 Book I. Chap. Ij eome self. J
28 Ibid. " 19—To shun idleness.
29 Ibid. " 22 \ To renew one's resolu-
30 Ibid. " 19 J tions.
31 Ibid. " 6,11—To mortify ourselves.
FEBRUARY.
1 Ibid. Chap. 25-^-To be fervent.
0 T-.-J a 10 /To be faithful to our2 Ibid. 19 1 exercises.
FOURTH DEGREE.
It consists in the extirpation of the bad
habits which result from frequent acts of sin,
and which endanger our relapse. It is neces
sary to try and root them put entirely, in
order to secure our salvation; and, with
greater reason, to advance in perfection.
The "Following of Christ" speaks only of
ti few of these evil habits.
a Book I. Chap. 20—Curiosity.
(Ibid. " 10—Talking too much.
4-i j-. -, ,, r,t Pride and vain ex-[Jtnd. 7 1 pectations.
5 Ib'd " 13 /False unconcerned-
( IJ0SS.
f Book I. " 4 \ Indiscreet credulous-
I Book III " 45; ness.
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Table of Chapters. 60S
(Ibid.
S\ Book II.
(.Book III
9 Ibid.
10 Ibid.
Book I. Chap. 8—Familiarity.
„/ Attachment to one's
\ opinion.
^{To forget one's self
24 I and to judge others.
43 f Vain science
58 \ (knowledge).
n(Ibid.
11 \ Ibid.
12 Book I.
n (
q-j Discouragement.
no/ Attachment to the
' \ things of this world.
FIFTH DEGREE.
It is necessary, finally, to overcome our pas
sions, and to subject them to reason. These
passions which are love, hatred, cupidity,
flight, joy, sadness, hope, despair, fear, in
trepidity, and anger, are good m themselves,
and have been given to us by God himself.
Sinners lose their souls by making a bad use
of them ; while the saints sanctify themselves
by making them minister to the glory of God.
In order to reap the same advantage, we
must: 1. Watch over the movements of
our passions, and direct them towards, good.
3. Repress quickly sallies that may cause sin,
and regulate all the motions of our heart,
according to the spirit of God, and the ex
ample of Jesus Christ.
13
14
15
16
Book I. Chap.
Book III. "
Ibid.
Book II. "
.. f Love of harmful crca-
X tures.
27 1 Self-love, and the love
f, \ of Jesus Christ.
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604ZVie Follmciiig of Christ.
17 Book I. Chap. 2)
18 Ibid. " 6,9 Desires.
19 Book III. "15,33.
20 Book I. " 20'
21 Book 11. " 6
22 Jbid. " 9Joy.
23 Book III. "10,16.
24 Book I. ' 21 \Saduess25 Book III. ' 50;baaue!>s-
26 Book I. ' 7,251
27 Book III. ' 30 IH28 Jbid. ' 17 U°Pe'
29 Ibid. " 59 J
MARCH.
1 Book I. Chap. 231 p2 Book III. " 57;leai'
3 Ibid. " 6, 7—Intrepidity.
./Book II. " 3
4 \Book III. " 18
5 Ibid. " 19Anger and patience.
6 Ibid. " 35
7 Book I. " 1,2
8 Book II. " 1
9 Book III. " 32
•Flight or disdain.
10 Ibid. "10,41
Article II.—Tlte Illuniinative Slate.
After having in the purgative state de
stroyed sin and its causes, in order to accom
plish the whole of the precept, we must do
good—that is to say, we must practice virtue.
Now, St. Augustine says that "Virtue is but
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Tattle of Chapters. 505
the love of what we ought to love." The
practice of virtue, therefore, is what consti
tutes the illuminative state.
I. To love God above all things. He is the
Supreme Good. We love Him by a lively
faith in His Word, a firm hope in His prom
ises, an ardent charity for his perfections, and
a sincere piety by which we devote ourselves
entirely to Him.
II. To love ourselves for God, both body
and soul.
Our body, by chastity, temperance, modifi
cation, and love of employment; pur soul, by
prudence of the intellect and rectitude of the
will. For prudence of the intellect we must:
1. Seek the truth with sincerity, by con
sulting not the maxims of the world, nor the
sentiments of self-love, but the light of Faith
and the rules of the Gospel.
2. Avoid rashness in judging others, all
eager curiosity to hear idle news, vain reports,
and frivolous rumors.
3. Nourish our souls by meditating on the
truth* of Christianity, by reading good books
and by application to the duties of our state
of life.
Rectitude of the will, which ought: 1. To
be conformed to the will of God in all things,
ready to observe His commandments, to fol
low His inspirations, and to accept afflictions
from His hand. 2. To be wholly submissive
to the will of our superiors, and even to that
of equals, in indifferent things. 3. To be
resolved to do everything through n motive
of virtue, and never through caprice, or selC-
interest.
-
506 Tla Fallowing of Christ.
../Book II. Chap.
11 \ Book III. "
III. To love our neighbor as ourselves for
the love of God, wishing and doing him all
the good we are able, in soul and body, honor
and fortune. The following chapters treat of
the practice of different virtues.
2]
4
12 Ibid. " 7
13 Ibid. " 8, 9
14 Ibid. " 13,14 Humility.
15 Ibid. " 20
16 Ibid. "40,41
17 Ibid. " 46
18 Ibid. ' 50 J
19 Book I. ' 22
20 Book II. ' 10
21 Ibid. ' 3,11
22 Ibid. ' 12
23 Book III. < 12
24 Ibid. ' 18
25 Ibid. ' 19
20 Ibid. '28,29
27 Ibid. ' 30
28 Ibid. " 36
29 Ibid. " 46
30 Ibid. " 47,51
31 Ibid. " 53 J
Patience
sity.
in adver-
APRIL.
Book III. Chap. 59 { gUy.Patience in adver-
3 Book I.
„ / Ibid.
* \ Book III.
4 Ibid.
" 15,16—Brotherly love.
9)
13 }• Obedience.
49 J
-
Table of Chapters. 607
5 Book I. Ch
R / Ibid.b \ Book III.
ftp. 3)
4 }• Prudence.
38]
7 Book I.
8 Book III.
9 Ibid.
6, 11)
23 [ Peace of heart.
25]
10 Book II. 10
11 Book III.
12 Ibid.
10
22- Gratitude.
13 Ibid. 3, 5.
-., f Book I.
14 I Book II.
15 Book III.
2
30Confidence.
16 Ibid. 39,59 J
17 Ibid. 26—Temperance.
18 Book I.the
Article III.—Union with God.
In this state the soul is united to its Creator
by the bonds of perfect charity. It may be
cither practical or mystical. For the practice
of this state, which is actually love of God,
meditate upon its different characters in the
following chapters :
19
20
Book II.
Book 111.
Ibid.
Chap.
21
it
tt
22 Ibid. " X
33 Ibid.
Ibid.24tt
HI
5r6J
To suffer willingly.
. f Thirteen other sign-s' J\ of His love.
( It manifests itself
48-1 in our thoughts
(. and words.
21—It longs for God.
-
308 The Following of Christ.
25
26
28 76$ "' g*} It is for God alone.
29 Book III. 12 \ It seeks consolation
30 Ibid. 16 / in God.
MAY.
fit desires nothing
1 Book III. Chap. 15 \ but what pleases
( God.
2 Ibid. " 9—It refers all to God.
The "Following of Christ" does not treat
of the mystical state of union with God, which
consists in contemplation and ecstasies, etc.,
although it is mentioned in the following
chapters:
../Book I. Chap. 11.a \ Book 111. " 31.
CHAPTER II.
MEANS OF REACHING CHRISTIAN PERFECTION.
These means are divided into two kinds—
interior and exterior means.
Article I.—Interior Means.
These are: Grace of God, meditation, ex
amination of conscience, discernment of the
emotions of the soul, and a good election.
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Table of Chapters. 509
1st.—The Grace of God.
Grace is a supernatural light and strength,
which God gives us, out of pure love, through
the merits of Jesus Christ, and by which we
are enabled to work out our salvation.
Nothing is more necessary than grace; it is
an article of faith, that without it we can do
nothing to save our souls. Therefore, it is
refused to no one, and God has promised with
an oath to grant it to us ; but we must ask
it of Him, and, above all, co-operate with it
exactly, although we should always attribute
the good wo do more to it than to ourselves.
4 Book III. Ch
5 Ibid.
*P- g4j Efficacy of grace.
8 Book III. 3
7 Ibid. ' 15,23 To implore its as
8 Ibid. ' 27 sistance.
9 Ibid. 40,
10 Book II. 8-
11 Ibid. ' 12 To admit its neces
12 Book III. ' 8, 15 sity.
13 Ibid. ' 14,26
3d.—Meditation .
In mental prayer or meditation, three things
must J* considered : Its necessity, its matter,
and its form.
Necessity of Meditation.
Every one acknowledges that prayer is
necessary, and many say a number of vocal
prayers, but necessity of mental prayer is not
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510 The Following of Christ.
sufficiently understood ; and yet, the doctrine
of the Saints is very explicit on this point.
St. Chrysostom considers a soul that does not
meditate, as dead; and St. Liguori says, with
Gerson: "That he who does not meditate, can
not, without a miracle, live as a Christian."
"How many do we not see," says the same
Saint, "who recite many vocal prayers, such
as the Office and the Rosary, and yet fall into
sin, and live in that state. On the contrary,
it is rare that a soul, which practices medita
tion, falls into sin, or if it does, it does not
remain long in this deplorable state : it will
either renounce sin, or discontinue meditation.
"He who does not meditate," says St.
Teresa, "needs not the devil to take him
to hell; he is precipitating himself into its
depths; while, on the contrary, no matter
how remiss a soul may be, if meditation be
persevered in, God will soon lead it back to
the path of salvation." Therefore, the Holy
Ghost exclaims: " With desolatimi is the land,
made desolate, because no one thinktth in hit
heart."
14 Book I. Chap. 20.
15 Book II. " 1.
16 Book III. " 48.
Mailer of Meditation.
The matter or subjects for meditatioii are
infinite. They comprise everything divine
and human, created and uncrented. But the
principal subjects for our meditations should
-
Table of Chapters. 511
56 I J. C.
be the perfections of God and His goodness to
us; sin and its punishments, virtue and its
rewards; and, above all, the life of our
Saviour Jesus Christ. Every chapter, every
verse of the "Following of Christ," may fur
nish a subject for meditation, which we should
continue in the spiritual reading appointed
for the day.
1 . "I Book I. Chap.
"/Book III. "
18 Book IV.
19 Book I. " 18\Th? Life of thc
) Samts.
20 Ibid. " 22—Human miseries.
21 Ibid. " 23)
22 Ibid. " 24 \ Our Last End.
23 Book IIT. " 48 J
24 Jbid. " 3—Blindness of men.
Form of Meditation.
This includes three parts: The prelude or
preparation, tho meditation, and the conclu
sion.
NOTE.—It is especially necessary to observe
this method of meditation in times of spiritual
dryness.
1st Part.—The Preparation.
We must prepare onr souls before medita
tion in order to pray well. "Before prayer,
prepare thy soul, and be nol like- a man that
tempteth (fod."
-
518 The Following of Christ.
There are two kinds of preparation—remote
preparation and immediate preparation.
Remote preparation predisposes the soul for
meditation by averting obstacles, which are :
1. Pride and self-esteem. " The Lord dwell-
efh in an humble and a contrite heart."
2. Hypocrisy. "The Holy Spirit will flee
from Ihe deceitfid. ' '
3. Attachment to sin. ''Wisdom wfll not
enter into a malicious soul, nor dwell in a body
subject to sins."
4. Dissipation and negligence in guarding
the senses. A dissipated and sensual soul
cannot apply itself to meditation.
We should endeavor to feel the necessity
and to appreciate the advantages of mental
prayer, that we may devote ourselves to it
with ardor, and never yield to temptations to
omit it.
25 Book III. Chap. 1.
28 Ibid.. " 6, 38.
27 Ibid. " 48.
28 Ibid. " 53,
For the immediate preparation we should :
1. Place vividly before our minds the truth,
virtue, or vice which we have chosen for our
meditation.
2. Recollect ourselves, and banish useless
thoughts and distractions.
3. Make an Act of Faith of the presence of
God, adore Him, and humble ourselves before
Him, considering His greatness and majesty,
and our nothingness.
-
Table of Chapters. 513
4. Unite our prayers with that of Jesus
Christ, beg the assistance of the Holy Ghost,
and the intercession of the Blessed Virgin,
and the angels and Smuts.
29 Book III. Chap. 28.
30 Hid. " 23.
31 Ibid. " 40.
i'd Part.—The Meditation.
It includes three points:
IST POINT. In the first point we consider
how our Saviour appeared in the scene which
we have chosen for our meditation, and pay
Him our humble homage.
1. We consider that Jesus Christ, our Mas
ter and Model, teaches us by His doctrine,
and His example in the mystery which we arc
contemplating. What the Saints, His imi
tators, teach us. How they reflect up«n and
profit by it. We should also endeavor to
recall to our minds all that we have learned,
seen or heard ot the subject which we arc
meditating upon, and beg God to speak to our
hearts Himself.
2. When the mind is thus imbued with the
sentiments of Christ, we should stir up our
affections, and, turning towards Him with
love, we should adore His majesty, admire
His perfections, praise His grandeur, be
moved by His goodness, thank Him for His
mercies, and rouse ourselves to believe and
hope in Him ; to fear His judgments, to offer
our hearts to Him ; to implore His grace, etc.
-
514 The Following of Christ.
The following chapters are full of pious
sentiments :
JUXE.
1 Book I. Chap. 18]
2 Ibid. 22
3 Book III.
4 Ibid.
5 Book IV.
5
10,44
1
Admiration and
astonishment.
« Ibid. 3
7 Ibid. 11,13
8 Book I. 12,18'
9 Ibid. 23
( Ibid. 24
1 Book III.
12 Ibid'.
13,20
46
3Sorrow and com
punction.
13 Ibid. 52
14 Book IV. 1,7
15 Ibid. 9, 14 J
16 Book III.
17 Ihid.
18 Jbid.
23"
24
4,14.
Fear.
19 Uirf. 17,18-
20 Ibid. 19
21 /fijrf. 30 • Hope.
22 Ibid. 46
23 /6id: 57,59
24 Book IV. 13'
25 Ibid. T7 .
26 Book III. ' 20 -Ardent desires.
27 Ibid. 21Oft 7*Ii**J
' 34,48 ,icO J ulti *
29 Book II.
30 7fotf.• Divine love.
-
Table of Chapters. 615
1 Book III. Chap. . 51
JULY.
2 Ibid.. 10
3 Ibid. 21 Divine love.
4 Ibid. 34
5 Ibid. 48
6 Ibid. 5,8'
7 Ibid. 10
8 Ibid. 22,29 " Praise and thanks.
9 Ibid. 40,50
10 Ibid. 49
11 /6tW. 15,87 :
12 Ibid. 50 Offering of self.
13 Book IV. 9
14 Book III. 3, 5"
15 Ibid. 15,23
16 Ibid-.
17 /&«*.
26,27
29,34
• Petitions.
18 76(d. 55
19 Book IV. 0,16
These are the principal acts in the first part
of our meditation; we should have in all of
them the intention of receiving Divine inspira
tion, with humility, devotion, and respect;
this is recommended in the following chapters:
20 Book I. Chap. 2, 3.
21 Book II. " 1, 2.
22 Ibid. " 3.
2o POINT. After having considered in the
first point what were the sentiments of Jesus
Christ and the Saints on the subject we are
meditating, we should, in the second point,
-
516 The Following of Christ.
endeavor to convince ourselves of the im
portance of being animated with the same
sentiments. Besides the reasons for this con
formity, suitable to particular individuals and
particular subjects of meditation, here are
some which are appropriate for all:
1. Motives of Prosperity.—What am I?
A rational being, created to the image and
likeness of God; a Christian disciple of Jesus
Christ, the Model of all virtues; of Jesus
Christ, holiness itself. What qualities ! what
titles!—but, to cprrespond with them, I must
aspire to resemble my divine model. "Be per
fect even as your heavenly Father is perfect."
2. Advantage.—How beneficial it will bo
for me, if I endeavor to form my conduct
upon that of Jesus Christ! 1 shall escape an
infinite number of sins, spare myself the sting
of remorse, abridge my sufferings in purga
tory, enjoy the peace of a quiet conscience,
multiply my acts of virtue, and increase my
future glory.
3. Consolation.—What happiness in this
conformity to Jesns Christ by the practice of
His doctrine! Can life be sad when it is such
as God wishes ; and if there be any true joy in
this valley of tears, is it not for the soul that
really tries to serve God? "O Israel!" says
He Himself, "if than hadst been faithful to My
laws thy peace would have been full as a stream,
and thyjuy deep as a sea."
4. Facility.—Conformity to Jesus Christ
is, in itself, extremely easy, as He Himself
assures us: "My yoke is sweet and My burden
-
Table of Chapters. 517
light." It is easy in consideration of the
reward which awaits us, which is nothing less
than eternal life. "All crosses become hght,"
exclaimed the seraphic St. Francis, " when
I consider the reward that I expect."
5. Necessity.—Even if this conformity were
difficult, I am obliged to practice it, under
pain of being unhappy ; at least I run a great
risk in neglecting it. "For if I preach the
Gospel," says St. Paul, "it is no glory to me,
for a necessity lieth upon me, for woe unto me,
if Ipreach not the Gospel!" Woe also to me,
if I neglect to imitate Jesus Christ, if I en
deavor not to act, think, and speak like Him !•' Whosoever doth not carry his cross and come
after Me," says Jesus Christ, "cannot be My
disciple;" and also, "he that is not with Me,
is against Me," and, "he that gathereth not
with Me, scatterelh."
23 Book I. Chap. 201 .,,24 Ibid. 25 1- Advantage.
25,BookII.
Book III.
20 Ibid.
27 Ibid.
28 Ibid.
6)
9 J-10,13]
Joy and propriety.
Necessity.
3o POINT. The third point should be de
voted to making tho meditation applicable to
ourselves, and to a detailed and exact exami
nation of what our sentiments have been in
regard to the subject of our meditation. What
have been my thoughts, my desires, my words ?
what has been my conduct? What are my
-
518 Tlte Following of Christ.
present dispositions? Are they, or are they
not, conformable to those of Jesus Christ and
His Saints? If we find, upon examination,
that our conduct has been all that it should
have been, let us thank God ; and if, on the
contrary, we feel convinced that we are guilty,
let us humble ourselves profoundly, urge our
selves to repentance, and promise God that,
by the aid of His grace, we will be more faith
ful for the future. We should also beg the
Blessed Virgin, our angel guardian, and our
patron Saint to intercede for us; lastly, to
come to a practical application of the whole,
we should take humble, firm and special resolu
tions.
Humble—that is to say, accompanied with
mistrust in ourselves, and confidence in God.
firm—that is to say, we should be deter
mined to keep them, no matter what it may
cost us, and desire to put them in practice.
Special—that is to say, we should specify
the time, manner, and place oE their execu
tion, and put them into practice as soon as
possible. Without such resolutions mental
prayer is fruitless, and we resemble him of
whom St. James speaks, who, "peeing in a
glass spots on his face, takes no pains to
remove them."
00f Book III. Chap. 3]
-"' I Book I. " 18 I Motives and models
30 Ibid. " 22 f of resolutions.
31 Ibid. " 23 J
-
Table of Chapters. 51«
AUGUST.
i Book I. Chap. 24 \ Motives and models
2 Ibid. ' 25 J of resolutions.
3 Book III. 'i 1 q •< e \ Humble and firmld>1° / resolutions.
4 Ibid ' 9,14)
~ f Ibid. 39 V Humble resolutions.d \ Book IV.
12 j
6 Book II. 12)
„ f Book III. 11,27 J-Pirm resolutions.
13 j' \Book IV.
8 Book III.
9 Ibid.OQ OA r Special resolutions.
64)
-
520 Tlte Followiiq of Christ.
8. In placing all the fruit that we may
have gained from our meditation in the hands
of the Blessed Virgin, or in those of either
our guardian angel or our patron, begging
them to aid us in making a good use of it.
4. In forming a spiritual bouquet of the
thoughts and sentiments which have touched
us most during our meditation, that its pres
ence and odor may renew these holy senti
ments in our souls, and strengthen us to bear
any affliction that may befall us during the
course of the day.
3d.—Examination of Conscience.
We should examine our consciences often—
at least twice a day ; once on the sins to which
we are subject, and again on the virtues which
WH are endeavoring to acquire, for which we
should examine the purity of our intentions.
10 Book IV. Chap. 7—On our faults.
» as m. ::
Tlte Discernment of Spirits.
This discernment is an interior light, neces
sary in order to know the different motions of
the soul. To distinguish whether they are
good or bad, natural or supernatural, we can
class them under the eight following heads:
1. To examine if the motions of the soul
come from God. When in doubt, we should
-
Table of Chapters. 521
refer all to God without too exact an exami
nation.
13 Book III. Chap. 15.
14 Ibid. " 11.
2. To observe carefully the movements of
nature and grace, which are opposed to each
other. Nature always seeks self and the
gratification of the senses, and avoids hard
ships ; while grace, on the contrary, endeavors
to despise self, to suffer cheerfully, and to
seek God alone.
16 Book III. Chap. 54.
16 Ibid. " 55.
3. To discover if our virtues are real and
solid, or false and superficial.
17 Book I. Chap. 9, 15.
18 Ibid. " 11.
19 Ibid. " 17, 19.
20 Book III. " 20.
21 Ibid. " 4.
4. To see also if our consolations and deso
lations come from God, or from our passions.
They come from God if they render us more
humble and contrite.
22 Book II. Chap. 10, 11.
23 Ibtd. " 12.
24 Book III. " 35.
5. Our progress in virtue is determined
neither by the absence nor the abundance
of spiritual consolations; but it is a sign of
-
522 Tlie Follmcing of Chritsl.
true virtue to be able to suffer the privation
of them with cheerfulness.
25 Book I. Chap. 9.
26 Ibid. " 12.
27 Book III. " 7,25.
6. When we are favored with consolations
we should not seize them with too much eager
ness, but without attaching ourselves to them,
thank God in fear and humility. We should
receive them, in order that we may become
stronger and more courageous ; but we should
avoid all indiscretion, and think of the time
of trial that is to follow.
28 Book III. Chap. 5.
29 Ibid. " 6.
30 Ibid. " 7.
31 Book II. " 9.
7. In times of aridity we must not be dis
couraged, but thank God, as if it were a great
grace ; for if He humbles us, it is to teach us
to be more submissive to Him, and to abandon
ourselves entirely to Him, that we may be
ready for any sacrifice. It should never cause
us to omit any of our spiritual exercises : it is
just the moment to be faithful. Let us reflect
upon the advantages of this desolation ; it
humbles us and purifies our affection by mak
ing us seek consolation in God above, and not
in creatures.
SEPTEMBER.
1 Book II. Chap. 18.
3 Ibid. " 10.
3 Ibid. " 12.
-
Table of Chapters, 523
4 Book III. Chap. 9,80.
5 Ibid. " 50.
6 Book IV. " 15.
8. We should fortify ourselves beforehand
against a kind of insensibility in which it
seems that our passions have no longer any
influence over us. Some think that perfection
Bonsists in not being tempted, while really it
is not an evil to be tempted.
7 Book I. Chap. 13.
8 Book II.
9 Book III.
10 Ibid.
11 Ibid.
12 Ibid.
9.
6.
12.
80.
35.
A (rood Choice.
What is called choice, or election, is but the
choosing of the easiest and best means to
reach our last end. The "Following of
Christ" gives us sorr.e rules on this subject:
1. In this choice we should have in view
our last end—that is to say, the glory of God.
13 Book II. Chap. 9.
2. We should purify and reform our affec
tions if they tend towards creatures.
3. When we have thus considered our last
end, we should be indifferent as to the means;
to do only whatever seems most conducive to
the glory of God and our own salvation, and
then we should beg of Divine mercy to
-
524 r/te Following of Christ.
enlighten our minds and render our will cou-
formable to the will of God.
14 Book III. Chap. 3.
15 Ibid. " 31.
16 Ibid. " 15.
4. We should also examine what are our
feelings towards the object of our choice.
17 Book III. Chap. 11.
Article II.—Exterior Means.
The exterior means to reach perfection are
direction, spiritual reading, interior and ex
terior retirement, religious life, and frequent
Communion.
1st.—Spiritual Direction.
It is necessary to be governed in the path
of perfection by the counsels of a prudent
director.
18 Book I. Chap. 4, 8.
19 Ibid. " 9,10.
2d.—Spiritual Rr.adiny.
Book I. Chap. 5.
[Book III. " 43.
21 Book IV. " 11.
-
Table of Chapters. 525
3d.—Interior and Exterior Retreat.
32 Book I. Chap. 20.
23 Ibid. " 10,19.
24 Ibid. " 21.
35 Book II. " 1.
26 Book III. " 31,44.
4th.—Religious Life.
The "Following of Christ" sets down six
teen conditions for it.
27 Book I. Chap. 17, 19.
28 Ibid. " 25.
20 Book III " 10.
5th.—Frequent Commtmioti.
According to St. Teresa, this is the best
means of reaching perfection ; and experience
sufficiently proves it in those who practice it.
"But," says St. Liguori, "to approach the
holy Table monthly, two kinds of preparation
are necessary. The remote preparation for
frequent Communion consists: 1. In ab
staining from all disorderly and voluntary
affection for sin. 2. In making frequent
meditations. 3. In mortifying our senses and
our passions. For the immediate preparation
we should make the morning of our Com
munion at least half an hour's meditation."
Before each Com
munion, on the
80 Book IV. Chap. 10,18 day or days im-
meiiiately pre
ceding it.
-
53« Ttte Follmcing of Christ.
OCTOBER.
Before each Com
munion, ou the
day or days im
mediately pre
ceding it.
4 iSa. '•'• 2( 9~}ln the morning.
1 Book IV. Chap. 6, 7
3 Ibid. " 12, 15
5 Ibid. " 3, 4 \ Before and during
6 Ibid. " 16, 17 / Mass.
To reap good and abundant fruit from our
Communions, we should make a long thanks
giving after Communion. "This is the time,"
says St. Teresa, "to gain treasures of grace,
the best moment to inflame our souls with the
love of God ; and it is important not to loso
so good an opportunity of conversing with
God." "Let us," says St. Liguori, "con
verse with Jesus Christ, after Communion, for
half an hour, or, at least, for a quarter of an
hoar; but, alas!" exclaims the Saint, "a
quarter of an hour is too little." "Oh," ex
claims St. Bernard, "how is it that you are so
soon weary of the company of Jesus Christ,
who is in your heart?"
"Heu! quomodo Christum tam citd fastidis."
7 Book IV. Chap. 11 1 After Communion,
8 Ibid. " 13,14 [ after Mass.
9 Book IV. " 8,910 Book in. •• 21 a
13 S& «M'1!}The next day.
-
Table of Chapters, 937
CHAPTER III.
THE DUTIES WHICH CHRISTIAN PERFECTION
IMPOSES UPON US.
THE accomplishment of these duties above
enumerated, has the double advantage of
leading to perfection and of maintaining it.
They may be reduced to four: Sovereign ron-
tempt aiid entire abnegation of self; indiffer
ence for eveiy thing; perfect union of will to
the good pleasure of God.
Article, I.—Sovereign Contempt of Self.
It is impossible to attain perfection without
this contempt of self. The following chapters
show its admirable effects and peculiar quali
ties, as well as the different means of acquir
ing it.
18' Bodk I.' Chap. 2, 7, 16.
14 Book II. 2,6.
15 Ibid. 10.
16 Book III. 3,4.
17 Ibid. 7.
18 Ibid. 8,9.
19 Ibid. 31, 40.
20 Ibid. 41, 42.
21 Ibid. 49.
88 Ibid. 50, 52.
-
' 528 The Following of Chriti.
Article II.—Self-abnegation.
This abnegation consists in an antire renun
ciation of self-love :
1st.—Its Necessity.
23 Book I. Chap. 6, 9") Without self-denial
24 Book II. " IS- there can Ije neither
25 Book III. " 27,42) peace nor joy.
26 Book II. " 33.37 ilts true hbertv27 Ibid. " 27 }"s true liberty.
2d.—Different Characters of Abnegation.
28 {Book I. Chap. 17.
Book II.
2Q.! Ibid-
29 \Book III.
30 Ibid.
31 Ibid.
8.
11 1
32 J- Self-denial.
37,41 J
!,53—Trinmph over self.
NOVEMBER
1 Book III. Chap. 15,44}Spir.tual
of Book III
8 1 Book I.
Af Ibid.
4 \ Book II.
5 Book III.
6 Ibid.
7 Ibid.
12,21 \Absolute detach-
6 j ment.
15'
9 The renouncing of
16,17 > all consolation,
31,44 even divine.
56 J
3.—There are two kinds of abnegation, and
it is necessary to practice the first assiduously
before being able to acquire the second.
-
Table of Chapters. 529
The first consists in restraining and moder
ating the love of sensible and earthly tilings,
both interior and exterior; such as the love
of honor, of riches, of pleasures, of relations.
8 Book I. Chap. 6,22.
9 Book III. " 12,20.
10 Ibid. " 27,37.
11 Ibid. "41,42,53.
The second kind of abnegation is much more
sublime, and very few practice it. It consists
in purifying from every stain, from every im
perfection, the love and the desire of spiritual
things themselves, such as loving them only
for themselves and not for God.
12 Book I. Chap. 15.
13 Book II. " 9.
14 Ibid. "10,11.
15 Ibid. " 12.
16 Book III. "11,49.
Article III.—Entire Indifference.
This virtue of indifference tends to prepare
the soul for an intimate union with ttod.
The following chapters should be attentively
meditated on :
17 Book II. Chap. 11.
18 Book III. "15,17.
19 Ibid. "22,25.
Article IV.—Conformity to the Will of God.
The last duty of perfection, or perfect
charity, is the complete conformity of our
-
530 T\\A Following of Christ.
will to the will of God It is necessary to
meditate on its different conditions, and its
admirable acts, in the following chapters,
with the greatest attention:
ofi /Book II. Chap. 11 To turn towards~r° \BooKlII. " 28 / God.
21 Ibid. " 27]
23 Ibid. " 34 f To seek, to find, and
23 Book IV. " 12 relish God.
24 Ibid. " 15 J
35 Ibid. " 13 <To unite ourselves
with God.
26 Book III. ' 22-[To thank and praise
Him.
27 Book I. "14,151
28 /Book II. " 4
^ \Book III. " 33
^To have God alone
in view.
29 Book I. ' 171 Pure love, self-de-
30 Book 11. ' 2/ nial, resignation.
DECEMBER.
1 Book II. Ch
2 Book III.
3 Ibid.
ap. 11]
6
32
^Pure love, self-de
nial, resignation.
. ( Book I.
4 \Book III.
5 Ibid.
6 Ibid.
16 :
39
27
50
To abandon and
offer ourselves to
God without re
7 Book IV. 7,8.serve.
a f Book II.a \Book III.
101
9)•To refer all to God.
9 Ibid.
10 Ibid.
11 Ibid..
23]
26,28
37,38 J
;To enjoy liberty of
spirit.
-
Table of Chapters. 531
12 Book III. Chap.1 K ( To adhere to the
10 I will of God.
1 O Tl. "J 1 JQ/TO admire the13 Ibid.
\ grandeur of God.
14 Ibid.
15 Ibid.
* 1 .jg f To place ourselves
on\ in the hands ofd°l God.
1C
16 J&td.tt 4—To walk in truth.
17 Book I.tt
3) To leave ourselves
18 Book III." 31 }• in order to enter
19 Ibid." 56 J into God.
20 Ibid.tt 48—To find all in God.
01 / Book I.
^ 1 Book III.
23 Book II.
tt
tt
tt
7 1., ! [Not to rely on our-
g j selves.
oo /Book III.tt
42)~d I Book IV. tt
6 \ To advance in God.
24 7W.tt
13 J
0-/BookI.•"° \Book IV.
26 Book III.
tt
tt
tt
12) To strengthen our-
1 V selves entirely in
59 j God.
27 Ibid.tt *n j To subject ourselves
50 \ to God.
28 Ibid.tt K» / To reform our im-
\ perfections.oo 7"?ii*/7 1C 40 *W"? J (llil.lt
40! To fix our hearts
j/,1 upon God alone.30 J&R
31 Book IV.
-
INDEX.
The chapters of the "Following of Christ,"
arranged according to the Gospel of all the
Sundays of the year.
Sundays.
Books. Chapters.
I. 24 1st Sunday of Advent.
III. 18 2d
II. 5 3d " "
III. 21 4th "
II. 1 Native of pur Blessed Lord.
I. 20 Sunday within the Octave.
TTT 19 / TheCircumcision of our BlessedIIL 13 \ Lord.
" 32 The Epiphany.
II. 25 1st Sunday after Epiphany.
15 2d
IV. 2 3d " "
II. 35 4th " "
55 5th "
11 6th "
" 2 Septuagesima Sunday.
I. 5 Sexagesima Sunday.
III. 29 Quinquagesima Sunday.
I. 21 Ash-Wednesday.
-
534 The Following of Christ.
Books. Chapters.
I. 12 1st Sunday of Lent.III. 1 2d " "II. 2 3d
III. 53 4th "tl
57 Passion Sunday.
II. 11 Palm Sunday.
III. 19 Feria 3d.
I. 13 Feria 3d.
III. 50 Feria 4th.
I.II.
9
8
Maund»y Thursday.
Good Friday.
III. 47 Holy Saturday.tt
46 Easter Sunday.
IV. 13 Feria 2d.
III. 23 Feria 3d.
II. 8 Low Sunday.
III. 51 2d Sunday after Easter.tt
48 3d " " "
II. 9 4th " " "
III. 39 5th "tt
23 Rogation Days.tt
9 The Ascension of our Lord.tt
28 Sunday within the Octave.tt 25 Feast of Pentecost.
II. 7 Feria 2d.
III. 56 Feria 3d.tt
81 Trinity Sunday.
IV. 1 Feast of Corpus Ohristi.«
18 Saturday within the Octave,tt
10 2d Sunday after Pentecost.tt
3 Feria 3d.it
6 " 3d.tt
17 " 4th.tt
14 " 5th.
-
Index.
Books.
III.
tt
I.tt
II.
I.
III.
tt
I.Ill.II.
Ill.
I.ill.
I.II.I.
ill.
I.
ill.
I.
IV.
III.
I.
III.
Chaptc,
37
4
15
30
20
22
5
10
27
16
34
6
16
12
17
6
2
15
46
18
23
58
12
10
10
3d Sunday after Pentecost.
4th
5th
6th
7th
8th
9th
10th
llth
12th
13th
14th
15th
16th
17th
18th
19th
20th
21st
22d
23d
24th
The Feast of All Saints.
Feast of All Souls.
The Festival of a Patron Saint.
/ The Transfiguration of our
\ Lord.
f Feast of the Invention and Bx-
\ altation of the Holy Cross,
f Feast of the Immaculate Con-
\ ception.
f Feast of the Nativity of the
\ Blessed Virgin Mary.
Feast of the Presentation.
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536 The Following of Christ.
Books. Chapteri
III. 4 Feast of the Annunciation.
I. 8 Feast of the Visitation.
III. 41 Feast of the Purification.
49 Feast of the Assumption.
< Feast of the Holy Angels ami
14\ St. Michael.
I. 14 Fe»st of St. Joseph.
19 Feast of St. John the Baptist.
III. 38 Feast oE St. Stephen.
52 Feast of St. Peter.
40 Conversion of St. Paul.
IV. 11 Feast of the four Evangelists.
In Adversity.
Book I. Chap. 12.
" II. 11.
" III. 12.
" III 15.
' 111. 17.
' III. 18.
' III. 29.
' III. 47.
' III. 59.
Of the Love of God.
Book II. Chap. 7, 8, 10.
" III. 5, 6, 9, 21, 22, 31, 34,
37, 42.
" IV. 8, 9.
Of tht Want of Spiritual Comfort.
Book II. Chap. 9.
" III. 7, 30, 50, 52.
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Index. 88?
Of Holy Communion.
Hunks. Chapters.
Book IV. All the chapters,
How We Should Act Toward* Our Neighbor.
Book I.
" II.
" III.
Chap. 14,16.
" 3.
" 19, 24, 36, 45, 46.
On the Four Last Ends of Man.
Book I. Chap. 22,23,24.
" III. " 48,49.
Of Interior Peace.
Book I. Chap. 6.
" II. " 3.
" III. " 11,23,25,26,27.
On Progress in Piety.
Book I. Chap. 1, 2, 3, 11, 18, 19.
" II. " 5,6.
" III. " 10,43,5354,56.
" IV. " 7.
On Turning Our Mind to God.
Book I. Chap. 10,20,31.
" II. " 1.
" III. " 1, 2, 8.
In Time of Temptation.
Book I. Chap. 18.
" III. " 12, 14, 20, 29, 85, 57,
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538 The Following of Christ.
PRAYERS
CONTAINED IN THE "FOLLOWING OF CHRIST.'
A prayer to implore the grace of devotion.
Book III. chap. 3, verse 6th.
A prayer of thanks to God for consolation.
Book III. chap. 5, verse 1st.
A prayer against evil thoughts.
Book III. chap. 6, verse 6th.
A prayer for fulfilling the will of God.
Book III. chap. 15, verse 3d.
A prayer to rest in God above all goods and
gifts. Book III. chap. 21, verse 3d.
A prayer against evil thoughts.
Book III . chap. 23, verse 5th .
A prayer for the enlightening of the mind.
Book III. chap. 23, verse 8th.
A prayer for the cleansing of the heart and the
obtaining of heavenly wisdom.
Book III. chap. 27, verse 4th.
A prayer in time of temptation and desolation.
Book III. chap. 29, verse 1st.
A prayer to seek solely after God.
Book III. chap. 34, verse 3d.
-
I-ndex. 539
A prayer for the glory of God and the con
tempt o! self. Book 111. chap. 40, verse 5th.
A prayer against distractions, worldly
thoughts, temptations, etc.
Book 111. chap. 48, verse 5th.
A prayer against all kinds of interior desola
tion. Book III. chap. 50, verse 5th.
A prayer to place our confidence in God alone.
Book III. chap. 59, verse 1st.
A prayer to reach a perfect union with God.
Book IV. chap. 13, verse 1st.
A prayer to offer up ourselves to God.
Book IV. chap. 9, verse 1st.
A prayer to lay open our spiritual necessities
to Christ. Book IV. chap. 16, verse 1st.
CHAP PAGE I OI tho Imitation of Christ, and Uie con- tempt of all the vanities of the world Of having a humble opinion of oneself Ot the doctrine of truth Ot prudence In what we do Ot reading the Holy Scriptures ot Inordinate affections Ot avoiding vain hope and arrogance Ot guarding against too much Intimacy Of obedience and subjection Ot avoiding superfluity of words Of acquiring peace, and zeal for our spiritual progress Ot the advantage of adversity Of resisting temptations Of avoiding rash judgment Of works done out of charity Of bearing the detects of others Ot the monastic life Ot the examples of the holy lathers Of the exercises of a good religious Of the love of solitude and silence Of compunction of heart Of the consideration of human misery Of the thoughts of death Of the fervent amendment of our whole life Of interior conversation ission eable Of humble submission CHAP PAGE Of the love of Jesus above all things xn Of the royal road of the Holy Cross Ot the internal discourse of Christ to HI That the words of God are to be heard Of concealing grace under the guardian- Of the mean estimation of oneself in That it is sweet to despise the world Of acquiring patience, and of striving Of considering the secret judgments CHAP CUM' I'AUIi O£ the confession of our own infirmity, Of four things which bring much That self-love chiefly keepeth us back Of asking the divine assistance, and Of self-abnegation, and the renuncia- That ho that loveth God rellshoth Against the vain judgment of men CHAP PAQE- things 30!) That all grievous things are to be Of the desires of eternal life, and That a man ought not to esteem him- Of the different motions of nature Of the corruption of nature, and of That all hope and confidence Is to be fixed That the great goodaess and love of That it is profitable to communicate often That many benefits are bestowed on those A self-interrogation concerning the Of the oblation of Chrlst on the Cross, That the Body of Christ and the Holy With how great diligence he who is Of the ardent desire of some devout per- CHAP PAGE That a man should not bo a curious