Page:Meditations For Every Day In The Year.djvu/393

 degree touched  with  vain-glory,  in  consequence  of  the wonders which  they  had  performed. " Lord,"  they  said to their  Master,  "the  devils  also  are  subject  to  us." (Luke, x.  17.)  Observe,  how  subtle  a  vice  is  vain-glory; it insinuated  itself  into  the  actions  even  of  the  Apostles. Guard against  it,  then,  and  remember,  that  its  danger increases in  proportion  to  the  goodness  of  the  actions, which you  perform.

II. Christ's reprehension,  "  I  saw  Satan  as  lightning falling  from  Heaven." (Luke, x.  18.)  As  Satan  by  his pride and  ambition  fell  from  Heaven,  so  do  you  beware, lest the  same  vices  involve  you  in  the  same  ruin. Do you also  learn  to  stand  in  fear,  and  "  if  you  think  yourself to  stand,  take  heed,  lest  you  fall." (1 Cor.  x.  12.) Angels and  Apostles  have  erred  through  pride  and  vainglory, consequently  you  have  reason  to  fear.

III. "Rejoice not  in  this,  that  spirits  are  subject  to you,  but  rejoice  in  this,  that  your  names  are  written  in Heaven." (Luke x.  20). Solid joy  can  only  be  found  in  the exercise of  virtue,  and  in  the  hopes  of  eternal  life,  and not even  in  special  powers  or  favors,  or  miraculous  gifts. These ought  rather  to  increase  our  caution,  and  fear  of abusing  them,  than  inspire  vanity  or  pride. Learn, therefore, to  seek  contentment  of  mind  in  heavenly things alone,  for  the  joys  of  this  world  are  but  vain  and fictitious. "The joys  of  the  hypocrite,"  says  Job  (and  remember the  world  is  a  hypocrite)  "  are  but  for  a  moment." (Job xx.  5.)  Heavenly  joys  alone  are  everlasting; "everlasting joy  shall  be  upon  their  heads,  they  shall obtain  joy  and  gladness;  and  sorrow  and  mourning  shall flee  away." (Is. xxxv.  10.)