Page:Spiritual Reflections for Every Day in the Year - Vol 3.pdf/46

 enables them to rest in peace undcr the true vine, none making them afraid; the charity which sacrifices the conveniences of self, and provides for the spiritual welfare of another—is a divine charity, because it flows direct from Him who "came to seek and to save that which was lost, to lay down his life for the sheep." And this charity is true temperance; it is that self-denial which eschews its own will, its own gratifications, and desires above all things, the happiness of others. We sometimes think, when we see our table spread, and the feast of fat things abundantly before us, that we are spiritual epicures; looking calmly on the famine that everywhere meets our eyes—not a famine of bread and water, but of hearing the words of the Lord—and taking no pains; providing no means to ameliorate it. We are satisfied with things as they are, if everything goes smoothly on with ourselves. We eat bread till we are full, and drink wine till we are satisfied, and care little for the wants of others; and though Providence has blessed us with the means, we are too idle to use them. Whether this be not a breach of charity, an infringement of the laws of spiritual temperance, let each one judge.

True temperance keeps every passion within its boundaries. For acts of use, it is our duty carefully to watch over and preserve our health and lives; but unless this duty is regulated by temperance, our watchfulness will become fear, It is our duty to trust in the Lord, to hope in all cases; but intemperate hope is presumption. That God will save us from our sins, if we trust in Him, and repent of our evils, is a wellfounded hope; but it is the greatest presumption to imagine that He will save us, if we continue in our