Page:Meditations For Every Day In The Year.djvu/397

 wind, in  consequence  of  lightness  and  weakness,  but solidly virtuous. Examine yourself  seriously,  whether this be  your  character,  or  whether  like  a  reed  you  be easily  shaken,  by  the  breath  of  men,  in  your  good  purposes, and  without  the  substance  of  solid  virtue,  to  support your  outward  appearance  of  religion. External appearances of  virtue,  without  the  substance,  is  sacrilegious mockery.

II. The Baptist  is  also  commended  for  the  austerity  of his  life,  and  that  he  was  not  "clothed  in  soft  garments." (Matt. xi.  8.)  If  you  desire  to  merit  the  approbation  of Christ,  you  must  divest  yourself  of  all  superfluities  in what  regards  your  body. He is  denominated  by  Christ "an angel,"  both  in  relation  to  his  office  and  to  the purity of  his  life. Endeavor to  imitate  him  in  his angelic behavior,  and  incomparable  purity  of  life.

III. Upon this  occasion  Christ  says,  "  the  kingdom  of heaven  suffers  violence,  and  the  violent  bear  it  away." Reflect how  true  was  this  expression  in  regard  to  St. John,  to  the  martyrs,  and  in  a  word,  to  all  the  saints. There are  two  descriptions  of  Christian  violence,  one exterior, and  the  other  interior. Both are  necessary  for a virtuous  life. The first  curbs  the  senses,  the  second brings under  proper  restraint,  the  wanderings  of  the imagination and  the  irregular  desires  of  the  will. With good reason,  St.  Jerome  observes,  "In  proportion  as  you offer  violence  to  yourself,  in  the  same  proportion  will you  advance." Examine your  conduct  carefully  on  this point.