Page:Meditations For Every Day In The Year.djvu/112

 II. This star  appeared  to  all  in  the  East;  but  observe how few  took  the  pains  to  consider  it,  to  obey  the  call of God,  and  to  seek  for  the  new-born  Saviour. Thus, "many are  called,  but  few  are  chosen. "  (Matt.  xxii.  14.) There are  many,  to  this  very  day,  so  entirely  immersed in worldly  affairs  that  they  neglect  the  light  of  divine inspiration. They make  a  thousand  excuses,  and  conjure up  a  thousand  difficulties,  saying  with  the  sluggard in the  Proverbs,  "There  is  a  lion  without,  I  shall  be  slain in  the  midst  of  the  streets." (Prov. xxii.  13.)  But,  as Job  observes,  "  upon  them  that  fear  the  hoar  frost,  the snow  shall  fall "  (Job.  vi.  16),  that  is,  those  who  are  too much concerned  for  temporal  losses  will  incur  that which is  irrevocable  and  eternal.

III. Consider the  singular  benefit  which  was  bestowed upon the  Wise  Men,  that  they  alone,  above  all  others, should be  efficaciously  called  to  seek  and  find  Christ. Such is  the  happiness  which  you  enjoy,  in  preference  to so  many  thousands  around,  who  do  not  seek  Christ  as they  ought,  and  have  not  found  Him. You, abovjs  so many  others,  God  has  "called  out  of  darkness  into  His admirable  light." (1 Pet.  ii.  9.)  Be  grateful  for  the  favor which you  have  received. Ponder how  the  sages,  having overcome  every  difficulty,  commence  their  journey: and how  they  exhort  each  other  on  the  way. Observe how the  star  goes  before  them,  and  directs  their  steps. The assistance  of  God  is  never  wanting  to  those  who, like the  Wise  Men,  undertake  any  enterprise  in  the  service  of  God,  with  courage  and  resolution. The sages followed the  lead  of  the  star. Imitate them,  and  follow those guides  which  God  and  His  Church  have  given  you.