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 humours, pleasures, appetites. I must seek to mortify my heart, to mortify my flesh also, that I may “walk after the Spirit” and be under the dominion of the spiritual mind.

How could I preach mortification, self-denial, deadness to the world, unless I have myself experience of the Cross. Thy servant John Baptist was one of a mortified life when he preached repentance, that his life also might preach his doctrine. Ought I not then to take up my cross, if I would effectually preach the Cross?

And how shall I wear this yoke? even in fasting—in almsgiving—in labouring among my people—in simplicity and plainness of living.

Teach me. Lord, on the days of abstinence appointed by the Church to begin to fast, for Thou hast commanded fasting. “The days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.” These are Thy own words, fulfilled by the Apostles and all saints of old. Alas! I scarcely know how to fast; I shrink from this cross; I behold so few fasting that I excuse myself through the general neglect, or soften the interpretation of Thy words. I desire to amend, to practise abstinence in things allowed, that from things not allowed I may the more easily abstain, that I may have a more