Page:Meditations For Every Day In The Year.djvu/149

 well and  advance  cheerfully  "  and  in  their  hearts  have disposed  to  ascend"  (Ps.  lxxxiii.  6)  from  virtue  to virtue. Examine in  which  of  these  classes  you  have ranked yourself,  or  in  which  you  would  wish  to  be placed. The last  is  the  only  one  in  which  you  can  find security and  safety.

I. "  Jesus  increased  in  wisdom  and  age,  and  grace with  God  and  men." We must  also  do  this,  Doth  before God and  men,  and  acoid  extremes. The only  care  of many  is  to  appear  wise  and  virtuous  before  men;  they disregard real  virtue,  and  care  not  for  the  sight  of  God nor the  wounds  of  their  consciences. Such was  the  conduct of  the  Pharisees,  of  whom  Christ  says,  "  they  disfigure their  faces,  that  they  may  appear  to  men  to  fast. Amen,  I  say  to  you,  they  have  received  their  reward." (Matt. vi.  16.)  Examine  whether  this  be  not  the  motive of some  of  your  actions  at  least. Do you  not  even  sometimes frequent  the  sacraments  or  hear  mass  from  mere human respect,  and  to  avoid  the  imputation  of  being  indevout? Correct every  fault  on  this  subject,  and  act with purity  of  intention.

II. There are  others  who,  on  the  contrary,  pay  no  regard to  the  edification  of  their  neighbors,  but  in  all  their actions are  guided  by  the  principles  of  an  indiscreet  fervor. Their conduct  is  pregnant  with  mischief;  "  they have  a  zeal  of  God,"  says  the  Apostle,  "  but  not  according to  knowledge." (Rom. x.  2.)  Hence  He  exhorts persons of  this  character  to  "  provide  things  good,  not only  in  the  sight  of  God,  but  also  in  the  sight  of  all men." (Rom. xii.  17.)