Page:AceticLibraryV2PreparationForDeath.djvu/16

 Again, are we sorely troubled by our struggles with self-will? We find a "Consideration" on conformity to the will of God (c. xxxiv.), the "First Point" of which indicates the connection between perfect resignation to God's will and perfect love towards His Person. The "Second Point" shows that nothing comes amiss of earthly sorrow and humiliation, not even martyrdom itself, if all things be submitted to His Divine will. The "Third Point" explains that peace of soul which fills a heart whose every desire is in conformity to God's will. Let come what may, I wish for it, " because God wills it."

Perhaps, with its cares and pleasures, the world is occupying too large a portion of our time and thoughts. The " Consideration " upon its vanity (c. xiii.) will teach us, in the first place, to care chiefly for those things which we can carry away with us after death, to endeavour to gain eternal possessions. In the second place, to weigh the things of time against those of eternity, and to mark their lightness. In the third place, to contrast time with eternity, and so to become " rich toward God." Each Consideration opens up three points for meditation, and to each of these is added an " Affection" and a " Prayer."

The "Considerations" employ the mind, the "Affections" excite the heart; they awake in us those emotions