Page:Meditations For Every Day In The Year.djvu/31

 form the  part  of  an  industrious  merchant,  and  by  good works to  "lay  up  to  yourselves  treasures  in  heaven." (Matt. vi.  20.)

II. Consider the  motives  which  ought  to  induce  you to  labor  in  the  pursuit  and  increase  of  virtue. 1. The will  of  your  heavenly  Father,  "For  this  is  the  will  of God — your  sanctification." (1 Thes.  iv.  3.)  2. The name of  Christian,  whose  profession  is  sanctity;  and therefore  Christians  are  called  by  the  Apostle  "a  chosen generation,  a  royal  priesthood,  a  holy  nation." (1 Pet. ii.  9.)  3. The examples  of  Saints  of  both  sexes,  of  all ages  and  conditions. By these  examples  St.  Augustine frequently encouraged  himself,  by  inquiring,  "Cannot you  do  what  such  and  such  have  done?" viz., tender youths and  timorous  virgins. 4. The  greatness  of  the reward. "Be glad  and  rejoice,  for  your  reward  is  very great  in  heaven." (Matt. v.  12.)

III. Consider the  many  helps  which  God  has  afforded you  for  your  spiritual  profit. 1. His  divine  word,  communicated to  you  in  Holy  Scripture,  sermons,  and  pious books,  by  which  He  informs  your  understanding  and inflames  your  will. 2. His  holy  grace,  which  He  is always  ready  to  give  you,  to  enable  you  to  commence, prosecute,  and  complete  any  good  work. 3. The  sacraments, instituted  by  Christ,  to  give  us  a  spiritual  life, and  to  nourish  and  strengthen  us  in  it. 4. The  life, merits,  and  passion  of  our  Saviour,  "who  is  the  way,  and the  truth,  and  the  life." (John xiv.  6.)  And,  "who  gave Himself  for  us,  that  He  might  redeem  us  from  all  iniquity, and  purify  unto  Himself  a  people  acceptable, zealous  of  good  works." (Tit. ii.  14.)  Let  not  these helps  be  thrown  away  on  you.