Page:Meditations For Every Day In The Year.djvu/500

 condescends by  various  ways,  by  preachers,  by  good books, by  holy  inspirations,  by  superiors  and  directors, and by  the  influence  of  good  example,  to  go  forth  and' sow in  our  hearts  the  seed  of  eternal  salvation. Reflect how precious  must  be  that  seed  whose  fruit  is  everlasting life.

II. The earth  on  which  this  seed  is  sown  is  the  heart of man;  but  there  are  three  kinds  of  soil,  in  which  this, seed produces  no  fruit:  i.  In  the  highway;  that  is,  in  at heart  which  is  continually  exposed  to  distracting thoughts. 2. In  a  stony  soil;  that  is,  in  a  hard  heart,  ira which there  is  no  moisture  of  devotion. 3. In  a  field  full of thorns  and  briers;  that  is,  in  a  heart  which  is  overrun with the  cares,  and  pleasures,  and  desires  of  earthly riches. Examine your  heart  on  these  subjects,  and  see if it  be  in  a  fit  condition  to  receive  the  seed  of  eternal life.

III. It is  the  property  of  the  good  soil,  to  "  keep  the seed  and  bring  forth  fruit  in  patience." (Luke viii.  15.) It is  not  sufficient  to  receive  holy  inspirations;  you  must endeavor to  retain  them;  "for  whosoever,"  writes  St. Gregory,  "  is  unable  to  retain  his  food  is  in  a  desperate situation." The field  of  your  heart  must  be  patient; that is,  it  must  willingly  bear  the  plough  of  affliction, and wait  for  the  dews  of  Heaven  and  the  showers  of divine  grace. " In  your  patience,  you  shall  possess your  souls." (Luke xxi.  19.)

I. "  The  kingdom  of  heaven  is  likened  to  a  man  that sowed  good  seed  in  his  field." (Matt. xiii.  24.)  By