Page:HalfHoursWithTheSaints.djvu/71



St. Chrysostom and  Bishop  Flechier.

Jesus Christ  has  forewarned  us  that  we  should  be  persecuted in  this  world. St. Paul,  in  like  manner,  says  that  all they who  wish  to  dwell  in  Christ  will  suffer  great  afflictions, not only  through  the  agency  of  man,  but  through  the instrumentality of  the  devil  and  his  angels.

Job emphatically  says  that  the  whole  of  our  life  here below, is  one  chain  of  temptations?

Why then  should  we  be  so  sensitive  of  tribulations,  if such  be  the  period  fixed  for  all  kinds  of  afflictions?

You would  indeed  have  just  cause  to  groan  if  you  had passed through  a  life  of  pleasure  and  sensual  delight — a time  which  our  Saviour  has  allotted  for  troubles,  vexations, and mortifications.

If you  are  inactive,  or  apt  to  pine,  buckle  on  your  armour and fight  courageously;  if  you  walk  on  the  broad  path when the  narrow  way  is  recommended,  what  will  your  lot be? what fearful  thoughts  will  be  in  store  for  you!

Quote, I  entreat  you,  a  single  instance  of  a  person  who, after leading  a  cowardly  indifferent  life,  has  participated  in, the reward  God  has  promised  to  His  elect.

We must  always  keep  in  mind  that  our  Saviour  warns