Page:Meditations For Every Day In The Year.djvu/249

 mighty in  work  and  word,  before  God  and  all  the  people." (Luke  xxiv.  17,  19.)  The  testimony  was  honorable to  our  Saviour.  Such  ought  to  be  the  character  of every  one  who  is  employed  in  gaining  souls,  and  of every  faithful  Christian.  They  should  join  action  to their  words  and  professions,  and  first  teach  by  example what  they  wish  others  to  practise.  "  That  discourse," says  the  great  St.  Gregory,  "  more  easily  penetrates  the heart of  an  audience  which  is  recommended  by  the  orator's life."

III. Consider the  words  of  their  divine  companion, " Ought  not  Christ  to  have  suffered  these  things,  and  so to  enter  into  His  glory?" (Luke xxiv.  26.)  It  was  necessary thai  His  sufferings  should  precede  His  glory. How can ycu  expect  to  enter  into  His  glory  when  you  are continually seeking  your  own  ease,  convenience,  and satisfaction in  everything,  and  when  you  cannot  endure to suffer  the  least  for  Him. Reflect how  little  you  have hitherto suffered  in  God's  cause,' and  remember  at  the same time  that  "  the  kingdom  of  heaven  suffereth  violence, and  the  violent  bear  it  away." (Matt. xi.  12.)

I. Christ  walks  with  His  disciples,  and  explains  to them  the  mysteries  of  His  passion. How their  hearts must have  been  inflamed  with  the  fire  of  divine  love, which burns  in  its  proper  element,  so  near  them! They had reason  to  say  to  one  another  afterwards,  "Was  not our  heart  burning  within  us  while  He  was  speaking  in the  way?" (Luke xxiv.  32.)  Fervor  is  a  sign  of  Christ's presence  in  the  soul,  as  are  tepidity  and  coldness  of  His absence.