Page:The Catholic prayer book.djvu/252

 when indulged? Jesus Christ  judged  of  all  things as God  judges  of  them: he  viewed  the  things  of  this world in  the  light  of  God,  and  pronounced  on  every thing passing  in  it  accordingly. He valued  what  God values, and  despised  all  that  God  despises. His adorable heart,  inflamed  with  love  for  God,  and desire for  his  glory,  was  incapable  of  a single  sentiment of  joy,  of  sorrow,  of  fear,  of  hope,  of  consolation, or  sadness,  but  according  as  the  interests,  the glory, the  worship  of  his  heavenly  Father  were concerned. Examine your  mind  and  heart  on  this most perfect  and  adorable  model. Be ashamed  of the  trifles  with  which  you  have  been  hitherto delighted, or  the  insignificant  incidents  at  which  you have been  grieved. Consider what  would  Jesus have thought  of  them,  how  he  would  have  regarded what you  so  much  value  or  so  greatly  apprehend. O my divine  and  adorable  Master! instead of  looking on all  things  as  thou  seest  them,  and  as  I myself shall see  them  after  death,  1 have  consulted  my interests,  my  passions,  my  imagination,  and  the corrupt maxims  of  the  world,  in  forming  my opinions  and  ideas. I have unfortunately  sought after those  very  things  which  thou  didst  shun; 1 loved what  thou  didst  hate; I have  hated  what  thou didst love. Thou didst  pronounce  those  blessed and happy  who  suffer,  and  I have  always  considered them as  objects  of  compassion; thou  didst  despise and flee  from  the  riches,  honours,  and  pleasures  of this  world,  and  I have  desired  and  esteemed  them  as great  advantages. O my God ! enlighten me  to  see and detest  my  folly

Second Point. — Consider,  that  the  first  lesson  which Jesus Christ  gives  you  in  his  early  years,  is  the necessity of  becoming  more  virtuous,  more  rational.