the following of christ · 2019. 9. 19. · 25 bookii. " 7. 20 bookiii. " 20,42. th1rd degree. it...

PASSAGES

nt

THE FOLLOWING OP CHRIST.

SUITABLE TO THE DIFFERENT STATES OF LIFE AND

SPIRITUAL NECESSITIES OF THE FAITHFUL.

FOR PRIESTS.

Book I. Chap. 18, 19, 20, 25.

II. " 11, 12.

III. " 3, 10, 31, 56.

IV. " 5, 7, 10, 11, 1.2, 18.

FOR THOSE WHO LIVE IN SEMINARIES.

Book I. Chap. 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25.

III. " 2, 3, 10, 31, 56.

IV. " 5, 7, 10, 11, 12, 18.

FOR STUDENTS. .(

Book I. Chap. 1, 2. 3, 5. *

III. " 2, 38, 43, 44, 58.

IV. " 18.

FOR THOSE WHO ARE GRIEVED AT MAKING LITTIE

PROGRESS IN THEIR STUDIES.

Book III. Chap. 29, 30, 41, 47.

(*88)

4m Tlte Foltowiiig of Christ.

FOR PERSONS WHO ASPIRE TO PIETY.

Book I. Chap. 15, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 25,

II. " 1, 4, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12.

III. " 5, 6, 7, 11, 27, 31, 32, 33, 53,

54, 55, 56.

FOR PERSONS IN AFFLICTION AND HUMILIATION.

Book I. Chap. 12.

II. " 11, 12.

III. " 12, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21,

29, 30, 35, 41, 47, 48, 49,

50, 52, 55, 56.

FOR THOSE WHO ARE TOO SENSIBLE OF SUF

FERINGS.

Book I. Chap. 12.

II. " 12.

FOR THOSE WHO LABOR UNDER TEMPTATIONS.

Book I. Chap. 13.

II. " 9.

III. " 6, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 23, 30,

35, 37, 47, 48, 49, 50, 52, 55.

FOR THOSE WHO SUFFER INTERIOR TRIALS.

Book II. Chap. 3,9,11,12.

III. " 7, 12, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21,

30, 35, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51,

52, 55, 56.

Passages. 487

FOR THOSE WHO ARE TROUBLED ABOUT THE

FUTURE, THEIR HEALTH, THEIR FORTUNE,

THE SUCCESS OF THEIR UNDERTAKINGS.

Book III. Chap. 89.

FOR PERSONS LIVING IN THE WORLD, OR WHO

ARE DISTRACTED WITH THEIR EMPLOYMENTS.

Book III. Chap. 38, 53.

FOR THOSE WHO ARE ASSAILED WITH CALUMNIES

OR LIES.

Book II. Chap. 2.

III. " 6, 11, 28, 36, 46.

FOR PERSONS WHO ARE BEGINNING THEIR CON

VERSION.

Book I. Chap. 18, 25.

II. " 1.

III. " 6, 7, 23, 25, 26, 27, 33, 37, 52,

54.

FOR TIMID, WEAK, OR NEGLIGENT PERSONS.

Book I. Chap. 18, 21, 22, 25.

II. " 10, 11, 12.

III. " 3, 6, 27, 30, 35, 37, 54, 55, 57.

488 The Followvng of Christ.

FOR A RETREAT.

Book III. Chap. 53. \ PreDaratiollI. " 20, 21. | rreParauon-

22. Miseries of man.f

J

f "

I. | "

I "

.

23. Death.

14 } Judgment and Hell.

III. " 48. Heaven.

59. Conclusion.

TO OBTAIN INTERIOR PEACE.


II. " 3, 6.

III. " 7, 23, 25, 38.

FOR HARDENED SINNERS.


III. " 14, 55.

FOR INDOLENT PERSONS.


FOR THOSE WHO HEAR LIES.

Book I. Chap. 4.

FOR THOSE WHO ARE INCLINED TO PRIDE.


II. " 11.

III. " 7, 8, 9, 11, 13, 14, 40, 52.

Passages, 489

FOR QUERULOUS AND OBSTINATE PERSONS.

Book I. Chap. 9.

III. " 13, 32, 44.

FOR IMPATIENT PERSONS.

Book III. Chap. 15, 16, 17, 18, 19.

(PAR. 5.—Prayer to obtain patience) .

FOR THE DISOBEDIENT.

Book I. Chap. 9. .

III. . " 13,32.

FOR THOSE WHO ARE GIVEN TO MUCH TALKING.

Book I. Chap. 10.

III. " 24, 44, 45.

FOR THOSE WHO BUSY THEMSELVES ABOUT THE

FAULTS OF OTHERS AND NEGLECT THEIR OWN.

Book I. Chap. 11, 14, 16.

II. " 5.

FOR THOSE WHOSE DEVOTION IS FALSE OR BADLY

DIRECTED.

Book III. Chap. 4, 6, 7.

TO DIRECT THE INTENTION.

Book III. Chap. 9.

488 The Following of Christ.

FOR A RETREAT.

Book III. Chap. 53.I "'20 21. f * reP'"uuOn'

" 22. Miseries of man.•• 23. Death.

, „ -/ v Judgment and Hell.

III. | " 48*. Heaven.

(. " 59. Conclusion.

TO OBTAIN INTERIOR PEACE.


II. " 3, 6.

III. " 7, 23, 25, 38.

FOR HARDENED SINNERS.


III. " 14, 55.

FOR INDOLENT PERSONS.


FOR THOSE WHO HEAR LIES.

Book I. Chap. 4.

FOR THOSE WHO ARE INCLINED TO PRIDE.


II. " 11.

III. " 7, 8, 9, 11, 13, 14, 40, 52.

m

1L

11.

f GOD.

XJZjl .' 9- -*fxtf.- . - - -

***. .. ---.

if GOD.

• PIETY.


FOR THOSE WHO ARE TOO SUSCEPTIBLE.

Book III. Chap. 44.

FOR THOSE WHO ARE TOO HUGH ATTACHED TO

THE DELIGHTS OF HUMAN FRIENDSHIP.


II. " 7, 8.

III. " 32, 42, 45.

FOR THOSE WHO TAKE OFFENCE AT THE SIM

PLICITY OR THE OBSCURITY OF THE HOLY

6CRIPTURES.

Book I. Chap. 5.

FOR THOSE WHO ARE INCLINED TO JEALOUSY.


PRAYERS

FROM

THE FOLLOWING OF CHRIST.

BEFORE SPIRITUAL READING.

Book III. Chap. 2.

TO OBTAIN THE GRACE OF DEVOTION*.

Book III. Chap. 3. Par. 6 and 7.

FOR THE HELP OF DIVINE CONSOLATION.


(Before or after Communion) .

TO OBTAIN AN INCREASE OF THE LOVE OF GOD.

Book III. Chap. 5. Par. 6.

ACTS OF ABASEMENT IN THE PRESENCE OF OOD.

Book III. Chap. 8.

(Before Communion).

FOR ONE WHO LIVES IN RETIREMENT AND PIETY.

Book III. Chap. 10.

(481)

The Following of Christ.

ACTS OF PROFOUND HUMILITY.

Book III. Chap. 14.


FOR RESIGNATION TO THE WILL OF GOD.

Book III. Chap. 15. Par. 1, verses 3 and 4.

Par. 2, verse 3 to the end.

ACTS OF RESIGNATION.

Book III. Chap. 10 to the end.

III. " 17. Par. 2 and 4.

111. " 18. Par. 2.

FOR PATIENCE.


FOR ONE IN AFFLICTION OR TEMPTATION.

Book III. Chap. 20, 21. Par. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.

(The same prayer for those who experience the eye

of God).


AN ACT OF THANKSGIVING.


(After Communion).

FOR THOSE WHO THINK THEY HAVE RECEIVED

LESS FROM GOD THAN OTHERS, EITHER FOR

BODY OR FOR SOUL.

Book III. Chap. 23.

Prayers. 493

FOR PURITY OF MIND AND DETACHMENT FROM

CREATURES.

Book III. Chap. 23. Par. 5 to the end.

POR ONE WHO IS BEGINNING HIS CONVERSION.

Book III. Chap. 26.

(The same for one who Is desirous of advancing In

virtue) .

TO OBTAIN THE SPIRIT OF STRENGTH AND

WISDOM.


FOR A PERSON IN GREAT AFFLICTION.

Book III. Chap. 29.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION.

Book III. Chap. 34.

(The same to excite one's self to the love of God) .

ACTS OF RESIGNATION AND RELIANCE ON DI

VINE PROVIDENCE.


AN ACT OF HUMILITY.

Book III. Chap. 40.

(Before or after Comnwnlon).

484 3%« Following of Christ.

WHEN WE RECEIVE ANY GRACE FROM GOD.

Book HI. Chap. 40.

AN ACT OF RESIGNATION.


PIOUS SENTIMENTS.


WHEN ATTACKED WITH CALUMNY.


PRAYER ON THE HAPPINESS OF HEAVEN.

(Which may be salcf particularly on the Feasts of

Easter, the Ascension, and all Saints) .

Book III. Chap. 48.


ACTS OF HUMILITY AND CONTRITION.

Book III. Chap. 52.

(Before Communion).

TO OBTAIN GRACE.

Book III. Chap. 55.

FOR PKIESTS AND RELIGIOUS, TO OBTAIN PERSE

VERANCE IN THEIR VOCATIONS.

Book III. Chap. 56. Par. 3, 5, 6.

Prayers. 495

AN ACT OF CONFIDENCE IN GOD.


FOR ALL CHRISTIANS WHO ASPIRE TO PIETY.

Book III. Chap. 59.

(Alter Communion, or at the conclusion of a retreat) .

IN THE PRESENCE OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT.

Book IV. Chap. 1, 2, 3, 4, 9, 11 (to par. 6),

13, 14, 16, 17, and part of the

prayers above.

THE DIGNITY OF PRIESTS, AND THE SANCTITY

OF THEIR MINISTRY.

Book IV. Chap. 5.

FOR PRIESTS AND THOSE IN SEMINARIES.

Book IV. Chap. 11. Par. 6, 7, 8.

DEVOTIONS FOR THE HOLY COMMUNION.

A RETREAT OF THREE DAYS.

F/RST OKI.

MORNING.

Book III. Chap. 53. Spirit of retirement.

NOON.

I, " 20. Spirit of retirement.

EVENING.

I. " 20. Spirit of retirement.

SECOND DAY.

MORNING.

Book I. Chap. 22. Miseries of man.

III. " 23. Death.

NOON.

I. " 24. Judgment and Hell.

III. " 14. Judgment and Hell.

EVENING.

III. " 48. Heaven.

III. " 09. Conclusion.

Devotions. 497

THIRD DAY.

HORNING.

Preparation and exercise of humility.

Book IV. Chap. 6. Prayer to obtain the grace

of approaching the Sacraments

worthily.

TV. Chap. 7. Examination of conscience,

contrition, resolution of amend

ment, confession, and satisfac

tion.

(Bead also on your knees the 8th chapter of Book III) .

NOON.

Book IV. Chap. 18. Faith obedient to the

mystery of the Eucharist.

IV. Chap. 10. Advantages of frequent

communion.

(Omit the second part of Par. 7 to the end.—Read on

your knees the 52nd chapter of Book HI) ,

EVENING.

Book IV. Chap. 12. Preparation for the Holy

Communion.

IV. Chap. 15. Devotion founded on

humility and self-renunciation.

IV. Chap. 9. 'Offering of one's self to

God in the Holy Communion.

(Bead on your knees the 40th chapter of Book III) .

FOR THE DAY OF COMMUHIOH.

MORNING.

Book IV. Chap. 1, 2, 3, 4.

498 The Followiiig of Christ.

BEFORE AND DURING MASS.

IV. Chap. 9, 16, 17.

AFTER MASS.

IV. Chap. 11, 43, 14.

(Omit Par. 6, 1, »),

DURING THE DAY AND EVENING.

III. Chap. 21, 34, 48.[Repeat the 9th chapter of Book IV, and choose one of

the prayers before set down, Book IV. Chap. 6, and

following) .

AFTER HOLY COMMUNION.

Return thanks to Jesus Christ, and excit*

yourself to His Love.

Book III. Chap. 5, 7, 8, 10.

Listen to the voice of Jesus Christ speaking

to the soul after it has received Him.

Book II. Chap. I. Book III. Chap. 1, 2, 3.

Detatch the soul from creatures.

Book III. Chap. 26, 31, 42, 45.

Eenounce thyself, and give thyself entirely to

God.

Book III. Chap. 15, 17, 27, 37.

Suffer with patience, and in union with tho

sufferings of Jesus Christ.

Book II. Chap. 12. Book III. Chap. 16, 18, 19.

Persevere in fervor, and be constant in youi

good resolutions.

Book I. Chap. 19, 25. Book ITT. Chap. 23. 55.

Methodical and Explanatory Table

OF THE CHAPTERS OF

THE "FOLLOWING OF CHRIST,"

ARRANGED FOR EVERY DAY IN THE YEAH, IN THI:

ORDER BEST CALCULATED TO LEAD

TO PERFECTION.

Christian perfection, to which we should

all aspire, is the aim of the "Following of

Christ." It includes all that conduces to

this end, viz. : 1. The method of reaching

perfection, and its degrees. 2. The means of

attaining it. 3. The duties which it imposes.

CHAPTER I.

THE METHOD OF REACHING PERFECTION, AND ITS

DIFFERENT DEGREES.

It is necessary to pass through three states

to reach Christian perfection. These three

stagps through which the soul must pass suc

cessively are : 1. The purgative state. 2. The

illuminative state. 3. The unitive state, or

union with God.

(499)

500 The Follmeii\g of Christ.

Article, I.—The Purgative State.

The purgative state is that in which the soul

endeavors to purify itself from' its sins, and to

quit the vices and evil habits that cause them.

It has five degrees.

FIRST DEGREE.

The first and most important step to make

in the path of perfection is, to obtam pardon

for the sins which we have committed. This

is obtained by contrition, confession, and satis

faction; above all, it is indispensable to con

ceive a thorough hatred of our sins.

The "Following of Christ" furnishes us

with motives for this hatred in the following

chapters:

' JANUARY.

1 Book I. Chap. 21—Compunction of heart.

. T> i TT »2 Book II. .cience.

3 Book III. ;; * j Detestation of sin.

4 Ibid. " 53 /

5 Book I. " 1—Vanity of the world.

rt Book I. " 22—Human misery.

7 Ibid. " 23—Death.

8 Ibid. " 24—Trials of sinners.

( An avowal of our in-

9 Book III. " 20-1 firmity and of the

I miseries of life.

10 Ibid, " 47)11 Ibid. " 48 }• Desire of eternal life.

12 Book III. " 49 J

13 Ibid. " SJ^g06 ot world-

14 Book IV. " 9—Deplore our sins.

Table of Chapters. 501

SECOND DEGREE.

It is necessary, in the second place, to tight

against temptations, so as not to commit other

sins. To fight against them with strength and

courage; figltt until death forjitalice sake, and

God will fight for thee. Repel the decil and, he

will fly from thee.

15 Book I. Chap. 13, 2.

16 Ibid. 7,11.

17 Book III. 6.

18 Ibid. 12.

19 Ibid. 23.

20 Ibid. 35.

21 Book IV. 10.

22 Ibid. 18.

Fight against them with prudence for this,

avoid all that may cause them, avoid persons,

places, and things that are proximate occa

sions of sin, or if this cannot be done, render

yourself invincible to the attacks of the evil

one, by prayer, mortification, and vigilance.

23 Book I. Chap. 8, 10.

24 Ibid. " 20.

25 Book II. " 7.

20 Book III. " 20,42.

TH1RD DEGREE.

It consists in advancing daily in the spir

itual life. Now, nothing is more opposed to

this progress than affection to venial sin. To

commit venial sin deliberately and habit

ually, is to live in that state of tepidity of

502 The Followiiig of Clvrist.

which Jesus Christ says: "/ would IJwu werl

cold, or hot. But because llwu art lukewarm,

I will begin to vomit thee out of My mouth."

an -o i T ni, 1 f It is necessary to over-27 Book I. Chap. Ij eome self. J

28 Ibid. " 19—To shun idleness.

29 Ibid. " 22 \ To renew one's resolu-

30 Ibid. " 19 J tions.

31 Ibid. " 6,11—To mortify ourselves.

FEBRUARY.

1 Ibid. Chap. 25-^-To be fervent.

0 T-.-J a 10 /To be faithful to our2 Ibid. 19 1 exercises.

FOURTH DEGREE.

It consists in the extirpation of the bad

habits which result from frequent acts of sin,

and which endanger our relapse. It is neces

sary to try and root them put entirely, in

order to secure our salvation; and, with

greater reason, to advance in perfection.

The "Following of Christ" speaks only of

ti few of these evil habits.

a Book I. Chap. 20—Curiosity.

(Ibid. " 10—Talking too much.

4-i j-. -, ,, r,t Pride and vain ex-[Jtnd. 7 1 pectations.

5 Ib'd " 13 /False unconcerned-

( IJ0SS.

f Book I. " 4 \ Indiscreet credulous-

I Book III " 45; ness.

Table of Chapters. 60S

(Ibid.

S\ Book II.

(.Book III

9 Ibid.

10 Ibid.

Book I. Chap. 8—Familiarity.

„/ Attachment to one's

\ opinion.

^{To forget one's self

24 I and to judge others.

43 f Vain science

58 \ (knowledge).

n(Ibid.

11 \ Ibid.

12 Book I.

n (

q-j Discouragement.

no/ Attachment to the

' \ things of this world.

FIFTH DEGREE.

It is necessary, finally, to overcome our pas

sions, and to subject them to reason. These

passions which are love, hatred, cupidity,

flight, joy, sadness, hope, despair, fear, in

trepidity, and anger, are good m themselves,

and have been given to us by God himself.

Sinners lose their souls by making a bad use

of them ; while the saints sanctify themselves

by making them minister to the glory of God.

In order to reap the same advantage, we

must: 1. Watch over the movements of

our passions, and direct them towards, good.

3. Repress quickly sallies that may cause sin,

and regulate all the motions of our heart,

according to the spirit of God, and the ex

ample of Jesus Christ.

13

14

15

16

Book I. Chap.

Book III. "

Ibid.

Book II. "

.. f Love of harmful crca-

X tures.

27 1 Self-love, and the love

f, \ of Jesus Christ.

604ZVie Follmciiig of Christ.

17 Book I. Chap. 2)

18 Ibid. " 6,9 Desires.

19 Book III. "15,33.

20 Book I. " 20'

21 Book 11. " 6

22 Jbid. " 9Joy.

23 Book III. "10,16.

24 Book I. ' 21 \Saduess25 Book III. ' 50;baaue!>s-

26 Book I. ' 7,251

27 Book III. ' 30 IH28 Jbid. ' 17 U°Pe'

29 Ibid. " 59 J

MARCH.

1 Book I. Chap. 231 p2 Book III. " 57;leai'

3 Ibid. " 6, 7—Intrepidity.

./Book II. " 3

4 \Book III. " 18

5 Ibid. " 19Anger and patience.

6 Ibid. " 35

7 Book I. " 1,2

8 Book II. " 1

9 Book III. " 32

•Flight or disdain.

10 Ibid. "10,41

Article II.—Tlte Illuniinative Slate.

After having in the purgative state de

stroyed sin and its causes, in order to accom

plish the whole of the precept, we must do

good—that is to say, we must practice virtue.

Now, St. Augustine says that "Virtue is but

Tattle of Chapters. 505

the love of what we ought to love." The

practice of virtue, therefore, is what consti

tutes the illuminative state.

I. To love God above all things. He is the

Supreme Good. We love Him by a lively

faith in His Word, a firm hope in His prom

ises, an ardent charity for his perfections, and

a sincere piety by which we devote ourselves

entirely to Him.

II. To love ourselves for God, both body

and soul.

Our body, by chastity, temperance, modifi

cation, and love of employment; pur soul, by

prudence of the intellect and rectitude of the

will. For prudence of the intellect we must:

1. Seek the truth with sincerity, by con

sulting not the maxims of the world, nor the

sentiments of self-love, but the light of Faith

and the rules of the Gospel.

2. Avoid rashness in judging others, all

eager curiosity to hear idle news, vain reports,

and frivolous rumors.

3. Nourish our souls by meditating on the

truth* of Christianity, by reading good books

and by application to the duties of our state

of life.

Rectitude of the will, which ought: 1. To

be conformed to the will of God in all things,

ready to observe His commandments, to fol

low His inspirations, and to accept afflictions

from His hand. 2. To be wholly submissive

to the will of our superiors, and even to that

of equals, in indifferent things. 3. To be

resolved to do everything through n motive

of virtue, and never through caprice, or selC-

interest.

506 Tla Fallowing of Christ.

../Book II. Chap.

11 \ Book III. "

III. To love our neighbor as ourselves for

the love of God, wishing and doing him all

the good we are able, in soul and body, honor

and fortune. The following chapters treat of

the practice of different virtues.

2]

4

12 Ibid. " 7

13 Ibid. " 8, 9

14 Ibid. " 13,14 Humility.

15 Ibid. " 20

16 Ibid. "40,41

17 Ibid. " 46

18 Ibid. ' 50 J

19 Book I. ' 22

20 Book II. ' 10

21 Ibid. ' 3,11

22 Ibid. ' 12

23 Book III. < 12

24 Ibid. ' 18

25 Ibid. ' 19

20 Ibid. '28,29

27 Ibid. ' 30

28 Ibid. " 36

29 Ibid. " 46

30 Ibid. " 47,51

31 Ibid. " 53 J

Patience

sity.

in adver-

APRIL.

Book III. Chap. 59 { gUy.Patience in adver-

3 Book I.

„ / Ibid.

* \ Book III.

4 Ibid.

" 15,16—Brotherly love.

9)

13 }• Obedience.

49 J


5 Book I. Ch

R / Ibid.b \ Book III.

ftp. 3)

4 }• Prudence.

38]

7 Book I.

8 Book III.

9 Ibid.

6, 11)

23 [ Peace of heart.

25]

10 Book II. 10

11 Book III.

12 Ibid.

10

22- Gratitude.

13 Ibid. 3, 5.

-., f Book I.

14 I Book II.

15 Book III.

2

30Confidence.

16 Ibid. 39,59 J

17 Ibid. 26—Temperance.

18 Book I.the

Article III.—Union with God.

In this state the soul is united to its Creator

by the bonds of perfect charity. It may be

cither practical or mystical. For the practice

of this state, which is actually love of God,

meditate upon its different characters in the

following chapters :

19

20

Book II.

Book 111.

Ibid.

Chap.

21

it

tt

22 Ibid. " X

33 Ibid.

Ibid.24tt

HI

5r6J

To suffer willingly.

. f Thirteen other sign-s' J\ of His love.

( It manifests itself

48-1 in our thoughts

(. and words.

21—It longs for God.


25

26

28 76$ "' g*} It is for God alone.

29 Book III. 12 \ It seeks consolation

30 Ibid. 16 / in God.

MAY.

fit desires nothing

1 Book III. Chap. 15 \ but what pleases

( God.

2 Ibid. " 9—It refers all to God.

The "Following of Christ" does not treat

of the mystical state of union with God, which

consists in contemplation and ecstasies, etc.,

although it is mentioned in the following

chapters:

../Book I. Chap. 11.a \ Book 111. " 31.

CHAPTER II.

MEANS OF REACHING CHRISTIAN PERFECTION.

These means are divided into two kinds—

interior and exterior means.

Article I.—Interior Means.

These are: Grace of God, meditation, ex

amination of conscience, discernment of the

emotions of the soul, and a good election.


1st.—The Grace of God.

Grace is a supernatural light and strength,

which God gives us, out of pure love, through

the merits of Jesus Christ, and by which we

are enabled to work out our salvation.

Nothing is more necessary than grace; it is

an article of faith, that without it we can do

nothing to save our souls. Therefore, it is

refused to no one, and God has promised with

an oath to grant it to us ; but we must ask

it of Him, and, above all, co-operate with it

exactly, although we should always attribute

the good wo do more to it than to ourselves.

4 Book III. Ch

5 Ibid.

*P- g4j Efficacy of grace.

8 Book III. 3

7 Ibid. ' 15,23 To implore its as

8 Ibid. ' 27 sistance.

9 Ibid. 40,

10 Book II. 8-

11 Ibid. ' 12 To admit its neces

12 Book III. ' 8, 15 sity.

13 Ibid. ' 14,26

3d.—Meditation .

In mental prayer or meditation, three things

must J* considered : Its necessity, its matter,

and its form.

Necessity of Meditation.

Every one acknowledges that prayer is

necessary, and many say a number of vocal

prayers, but necessity of mental prayer is not


sufficiently understood ; and yet, the doctrine

of the Saints is very explicit on this point.

St. Chrysostom considers a soul that does not

meditate, as dead; and St. Liguori says, with

Gerson: "That he who does not meditate, can

not, without a miracle, live as a Christian."

"How many do we not see," says the same

Saint, "who recite many vocal prayers, such

as the Office and the Rosary, and yet fall into

sin, and live in that state. On the contrary,

it is rare that a soul, which practices medita

tion, falls into sin, or if it does, it does not

remain long in this deplorable state : it will

either renounce sin, or discontinue meditation.

"He who does not meditate," says St.

Teresa, "needs not the devil to take him

to hell; he is precipitating himself into its

depths; while, on the contrary, no matter

how remiss a soul may be, if meditation be

persevered in, God will soon lead it back to

the path of salvation." Therefore, the Holy

Ghost exclaims: " With desolatimi is the land,

made desolate, because no one thinktth in hit

heart."

14 Book I. Chap. 20.

15 Book II. " 1.

16 Book III. " 48.

Mailer of Meditation.

The matter or subjects for meditatioii are

infinite. They comprise everything divine

and human, created and uncrented. But the

principal subjects for our meditations should


56 I J. C.

be the perfections of God and His goodness to

us; sin and its punishments, virtue and its

rewards; and, above all, the life of our

Saviour Jesus Christ. Every chapter, every

verse of the "Following of Christ," may fur

nish a subject for meditation, which we should

continue in the spiritual reading appointed

for the day.

1 . "I Book I. Chap.

"/Book III. "

18 Book IV.

19 Book I. " 18\Th? Life of thc

) Samts.

20 Ibid. " 22—Human miseries.

21 Ibid. " 23)

22 Ibid. " 24 \ Our Last End.

23 Book IIT. " 48 J

24 Jbid. " 3—Blindness of men.

Form of Meditation.

This includes three parts: The prelude or

preparation, tho meditation, and the conclu

sion.

NOTE.—It is especially necessary to observe

this method of meditation in times of spiritual

dryness.

1st Part.—The Preparation.

We must prepare onr souls before medita

tion in order to pray well. "Before prayer,

prepare thy soul, and be nol like- a man that

tempteth (fod."


There are two kinds of preparation—remote

preparation and immediate preparation.

Remote preparation predisposes the soul for

meditation by averting obstacles, which are :

1. Pride and self-esteem. " The Lord dwell-

efh in an humble and a contrite heart."

2. Hypocrisy. "The Holy Spirit will flee

from Ihe deceitfid. ' '

3. Attachment to sin. ''Wisdom wfll not

enter into a malicious soul, nor dwell in a body

subject to sins."

4. Dissipation and negligence in guarding

the senses. A dissipated and sensual soul

cannot apply itself to meditation.

We should endeavor to feel the necessity

and to appreciate the advantages of mental

prayer, that we may devote ourselves to it

with ardor, and never yield to temptations to

omit it.

25 Book III. Chap. 1.

28 Ibid.. " 6, 38.

27 Ibid. " 48.

28 Ibid. " 53,

For the immediate preparation we should :

1. Place vividly before our minds the truth,

virtue, or vice which we have chosen for our

meditation.

2. Recollect ourselves, and banish useless

thoughts and distractions.

3. Make an Act of Faith of the presence of

God, adore Him, and humble ourselves before

Him, considering His greatness and majesty,

and our nothingness.


4. Unite our prayers with that of Jesus

Christ, beg the assistance of the Holy Ghost,

and the intercession of the Blessed Virgin,

and the angels and Smuts.


30 Hid. " 23.

31 Ibid. " 40.

i'd Part.—The Meditation.

It includes three points:

IST POINT. In the first point we consider

how our Saviour appeared in the scene which

we have chosen for our meditation, and pay

Him our humble homage.

1. We consider that Jesus Christ, our Mas

ter and Model, teaches us by His doctrine,

and His example in the mystery which we arc

contemplating. What the Saints, His imi

tators, teach us. How they reflect up«n and

profit by it. We should also endeavor to

recall to our minds all that we have learned,

seen or heard ot the subject which we arc

meditating upon, and beg God to speak to our

hearts Himself.

2. When the mind is thus imbued with the

sentiments of Christ, we should stir up our

affections, and, turning towards Him with

love, we should adore His majesty, admire

His perfections, praise His grandeur, be

moved by His goodness, thank Him for His

mercies, and rouse ourselves to believe and

hope in Him ; to fear His judgments, to offer

our hearts to Him ; to implore His grace, etc.


The following chapters are full of pious

sentiments :

JUXE.

1 Book I. Chap. 18]

2 Ibid. 22

3 Book III.

4 Ibid.

5 Book IV.

5

10,44

1

Admiration and

astonishment.

« Ibid. 3

7 Ibid. 11,13

8 Book I. 12,18'

9 Ibid. 23

( Ibid. 24

1 Book III.

12 Ibid'.

13,20

46

3Sorrow and com

punction.

13 Ibid. 52

14 Book IV. 1,7

15 Ibid. 9, 14 J

16 Book III.

17 Ihid.

18 Jbid.

23"

24

4,14.

Fear.

19 Uirf. 17,18-

20 Ibid. 19

21 /fijrf. 30 • Hope.

22 Ibid. 46

23 /6id: 57,59

24 Book IV. 13'

25 Ibid. T7 .

26 Book III. ' 20 -Ardent desires.

27 Ibid. 21Oft 7*Ii**J

' 34,48 ,icO J ulti *

29 Book II.

30 7fotf.• Divine love.


1 Book III. Chap. . 51

JULY.

2 Ibid.. 10

3 Ibid. 21 Divine love.

4 Ibid. 34

5 Ibid. 48

6 Ibid. 5,8'

7 Ibid. 10

8 Ibid. 22,29 " Praise and thanks.

9 Ibid. 40,50

10 Ibid. 49

11 /6tW. 15,87 :

12 Ibid. 50 Offering of self.

13 Book IV. 9

14 Book III. 3, 5"

15 Ibid. 15,23

16 Ibid-.

17 /&«*.

26,27

29,34

• Petitions.

18 76(d. 55

19 Book IV. 0,16

These are the principal acts in the first part

of our meditation; we should have in all of

them the intention of receiving Divine inspira

tion, with humility, devotion, and respect;

this is recommended in the following chapters:

20 Book I. Chap. 2, 3.

21 Book II. " 1, 2.

22 Ibid. " 3.

2o POINT. After having considered in the

first point what were the sentiments of Jesus

Christ and the Saints on the subject we are

meditating, we should, in the second point,


endeavor to convince ourselves of the im

portance of being animated with the same

sentiments. Besides the reasons for this con

formity, suitable to particular individuals and

particular subjects of meditation, here are

some which are appropriate for all:

1. Motives of Prosperity.—What am I?

A rational being, created to the image and

likeness of God; a Christian disciple of Jesus

Christ, the Model of all virtues; of Jesus

Christ, holiness itself. What qualities ! what

titles!—but, to cprrespond with them, I must

aspire to resemble my divine model. "Be per

fect even as your heavenly Father is perfect."

2. Advantage.—How beneficial it will bo

for me, if I endeavor to form my conduct

upon that of Jesus Christ! 1 shall escape an

infinite number of sins, spare myself the sting

of remorse, abridge my sufferings in purga

tory, enjoy the peace of a quiet conscience,

multiply my acts of virtue, and increase my

future glory.

3. Consolation.—What happiness in this

conformity to Jesns Christ by the practice of

His doctrine! Can life be sad when it is such

as God wishes ; and if there be any true joy in

this valley of tears, is it not for the soul that

really tries to serve God? "O Israel!" says

He Himself, "if than hadst been faithful to My

laws thy peace would have been full as a stream,

and thyjuy deep as a sea."

4. Facility.—Conformity to Jesus Christ

is, in itself, extremely easy, as He Himself

assures us: "My yoke is sweet and My burden


light." It is easy in consideration of the

reward which awaits us, which is nothing less

than eternal life. "All crosses become hght,"

exclaimed the seraphic St. Francis, " when

I consider the reward that I expect."

5. Necessity.—Even if this conformity were

difficult, I am obliged to practice it, under

pain of being unhappy ; at least I run a great

risk in neglecting it. "For if I preach the

Gospel," says St. Paul, "it is no glory to me,

for a necessity lieth upon me, for woe unto me,

if Ipreach not the Gospel!" Woe also to me,

if I neglect to imitate Jesus Christ, if I en

deavor not to act, think, and speak like Him !•' Whosoever doth not carry his cross and come

after Me," says Jesus Christ, "cannot be My

disciple;" and also, "he that is not with Me,

is against Me," and, "he that gathereth not

with Me, scatterelh."

23 Book I. Chap. 201 .,,24 Ibid. 25 1- Advantage.

25,BookII.

Book III.

20 Ibid.

27 Ibid.

28 Ibid.

6)

9 J-10,13]

Joy and propriety.

Necessity.

3o POINT. The third point should be de

voted to making tho meditation applicable to

ourselves, and to a detailed and exact exami

nation of what our sentiments have been in

regard to the subject of our meditation. What

have been my thoughts, my desires, my words ?

what has been my conduct? What are my

518 Tlte Following of Christ.

present dispositions? Are they, or are they

not, conformable to those of Jesus Christ and

His Saints? If we find, upon examination,

that our conduct has been all that it should

have been, let us thank God ; and if, on the

contrary, we feel convinced that we are guilty,

let us humble ourselves profoundly, urge our

selves to repentance, and promise God that,

by the aid of His grace, we will be more faith

ful for the future. We should also beg the

Blessed Virgin, our angel guardian, and our

patron Saint to intercede for us; lastly, to

come to a practical application of the whole,

we should take humble, firm and special resolu

tions.

Humble—that is to say, accompanied with

mistrust in ourselves, and confidence in God.

firm—that is to say, we should be deter

mined to keep them, no matter what it may

cost us, and desire to put them in practice.

Special—that is to say, we should specify

the time, manner, and place oE their execu

tion, and put them into practice as soon as

possible. Without such resolutions mental

prayer is fruitless, and we resemble him of

whom St. James speaks, who, "peeing in a

glass spots on his face, takes no pains to

remove them."

00f Book III. Chap. 3]

-"' I Book I. " 18 I Motives and models

30 Ibid. " 22 f of resolutions.

31 Ibid. " 23 J

Table of Chapters. 51«

AUGUST.

i Book I. Chap. 24 \ Motives and models

2 Ibid. ' 25 J of resolutions.

3 Book III. 'i 1 q •< e \ Humble and firmld>1° / resolutions.

4 Ibid ' 9,14)

~ f Ibid. 39 V Humble resolutions.d \ Book IV.

12 j

6 Book II. 12)

„ f Book III. 11,27 J-Pirm resolutions.

13 j' \Book IV.

8 Book III.

9 Ibid.OQ OA r Special resolutions.

64)

520 Tlte Followiiq of Christ.

8. In placing all the fruit that we may

have gained from our meditation in the hands

of the Blessed Virgin, or in those of either

our guardian angel or our patron, begging

them to aid us in making a good use of it.

4. In forming a spiritual bouquet of the

thoughts and sentiments which have touched

us most during our meditation, that its pres

ence and odor may renew these holy senti

ments in our souls, and strengthen us to bear

any affliction that may befall us during the

course of the day.

3d.—Examination of Conscience.

We should examine our consciences often—

at least twice a day ; once on the sins to which

we are subject, and again on the virtues which

WH are endeavoring to acquire, for which we

should examine the purity of our intentions.

10 Book IV. Chap. 7—On our faults.

» as m. ::

Tlte Discernment of Spirits.

This discernment is an interior light, neces

sary in order to know the different motions of

the soul. To distinguish whether they are

good or bad, natural or supernatural, we can

class them under the eight following heads:

1. To examine if the motions of the soul

come from God. When in doubt, we should


refer all to God without too exact an exami

nation.


14 Ibid. " 11.

2. To observe carefully the movements of

nature and grace, which are opposed to each

other. Nature always seeks self and the

gratification of the senses, and avoids hard

ships ; while grace, on the contrary, endeavors

to despise self, to suffer cheerfully, and to

seek God alone.


16 Ibid. " 55.

3. To discover if our virtues are real and

solid, or false and superficial.

17 Book I. Chap. 9, 15.

18 Ibid. " 11.

19 Ibid. " 17, 19.

20 Book III. " 20.

21 Ibid. " 4.

4. To see also if our consolations and deso

lations come from God, or from our passions.

They come from God if they render us more

humble and contrite.

22 Book II. Chap. 10, 11.

23 Ibtd. " 12.

24 Book III. " 35.

5. Our progress in virtue is determined

neither by the absence nor the abundance

of spiritual consolations; but it is a sign of

522 Tlie Follmcing of Chritsl.

true virtue to be able to suffer the privation

of them with cheerfulness.

25 Book I. Chap. 9.

26 Ibid. " 12.

27 Book III. " 7,25.

6. When we are favored with consolations

we should not seize them with too much eager

ness, but without attaching ourselves to them,

thank God in fear and humility. We should

receive them, in order that we may become

stronger and more courageous ; but we should

avoid all indiscretion, and think of the time

of trial that is to follow.


29 Ibid. " 6.

30 Ibid. " 7.

31 Book II. " 9.

7. In times of aridity we must not be dis

couraged, but thank God, as if it were a great

grace ; for if He humbles us, it is to teach us

to be more submissive to Him, and to abandon

ourselves entirely to Him, that we may be

ready for any sacrifice. It should never cause

us to omit any of our spiritual exercises : it is

just the moment to be faithful. Let us reflect

upon the advantages of this desolation ; it

humbles us and purifies our affection by mak

ing us seek consolation in God above, and not

in creatures.

SEPTEMBER.

1 Book II. Chap. 18.

3 Ibid. " 10.

3 Ibid. " 12.

Table of Chapters, 523

4 Book III. Chap. 9,80.

5 Ibid. " 50.

6 Book IV. " 15.

8. We should fortify ourselves beforehand

against a kind of insensibility in which it

seems that our passions have no longer any

influence over us. Some think that perfection

Bonsists in not being tempted, while really it

is not an evil to be tempted.

7 Book I. Chap. 13.

8 Book II.

9 Book III.

10 Ibid.

11 Ibid.

12 Ibid.

9.

6.

12.

80.

35.

A (rood Choice.

What is called choice, or election, is but the

choosing of the easiest and best means to

reach our last end. The "Following of

Christ" gives us sorr.e rules on this subject:

1. In this choice we should have in view

our last end—that is to say, the glory of God.


2. We should purify and reform our affec

tions if they tend towards creatures.

3. When we have thus considered our last

end, we should be indifferent as to the means;

to do only whatever seems most conducive to

the glory of God and our own salvation, and

then we should beg of Divine mercy to

524 r/te Following of Christ.

enlighten our minds and render our will cou-

formable to the will of God.


15 Ibid. " 31.

16 Ibid. " 15.

4. We should also examine what are our

feelings towards the object of our choice.


Article II.—Exterior Means.

The exterior means to reach perfection are

direction, spiritual reading, interior and ex

terior retirement, religious life, and frequent

Communion.

1st.—Spiritual Direction.

It is necessary to be governed in the path

of perfection by the counsels of a prudent

director.

18 Book I. Chap. 4, 8.

19 Ibid. " 9,10.

2d.—Spiritual Rr.adiny.

Book I. Chap. 5.

[Book III. " 43.

21 Book IV. " 11.


3d.—Interior and Exterior Retreat.


23 Ibid. " 10,19.

24 Ibid. " 21.

35 Book II. " 1.

26 Book III. " 31,44.

4th.—Religious Life.

The "Following of Christ" sets down six

teen conditions for it.

27 Book I. Chap. 17, 19.

28 Ibid. " 25.

20 Book III " 10.

5th.—Frequent Commtmioti.

According to St. Teresa, this is the best

means of reaching perfection ; and experience

sufficiently proves it in those who practice it.

"But," says St. Liguori, "to approach the

holy Table monthly, two kinds of preparation

are necessary. The remote preparation for

frequent Communion consists: 1. In ab

staining from all disorderly and voluntary

affection for sin. 2. In making frequent

meditations. 3. In mortifying our senses and

our passions. For the immediate preparation

we should make the morning of our Com

munion at least half an hour's meditation."

Before each Com

munion, on the

80 Book IV. Chap. 10,18 day or days im-

meiiiately pre

ceding it.

53« Ttte Follmcing of Christ.

OCTOBER.

Before each Com

munion, ou the

day or days im

mediately pre

ceding it.

4 iSa. '•'• 2( 9~}ln the morning.

1 Book IV. Chap. 6, 7

3 Ibid. " 12, 15

5 Ibid. " 3, 4 \ Before and during

6 Ibid. " 16, 17 / Mass.

To reap good and abundant fruit from our

Communions, we should make a long thanks

giving after Communion. "This is the time,"

says St. Teresa, "to gain treasures of grace,

the best moment to inflame our souls with the

love of God ; and it is important not to loso

so good an opportunity of conversing with

God." "Let us," says St. Liguori, "con

verse with Jesus Christ, after Communion, for

half an hour, or, at least, for a quarter of an

hoar; but, alas!" exclaims the Saint, "a

quarter of an hour is too little." "Oh," ex

claims St. Bernard, "how is it that you are so

soon weary of the company of Jesus Christ,

who is in your heart?"

"Heu! quomodo Christum tam citd fastidis."

7 Book IV. Chap. 11 1 After Communion,

8 Ibid. " 13,14 [ after Mass.

9 Book IV. " 8,910 Book in. •• 21 a

13 S& «M'1!}The next day.

Table of Chapters, 937

CHAPTER III.

THE DUTIES WHICH CHRISTIAN PERFECTION

IMPOSES UPON US.

THE accomplishment of these duties above

enumerated, has the double advantage of

leading to perfection and of maintaining it.

They may be reduced to four: Sovereign ron-

tempt aiid entire abnegation of self; indiffer

ence for eveiy thing; perfect union of will to

the good pleasure of God.

Article, I.—Sovereign Contempt of Self.

It is impossible to attain perfection without

this contempt of self. The following chapters

show its admirable effects and peculiar quali

ties, as well as the different means of acquir

ing it.

18' Bodk I.' Chap. 2, 7, 16.

14 Book II. 2,6.

15 Ibid. 10.

16 Book III. 3,4.

17 Ibid. 7.

18 Ibid. 8,9.

19 Ibid. 31, 40.

20 Ibid. 41, 42.

21 Ibid. 49.

88 Ibid. 50, 52.

' 528 The Following of Chriti.

Article II.—Self-abnegation.

This abnegation consists in an antire renun

ciation of self-love :

1st.—Its Necessity.

23 Book I. Chap. 6, 9") Without self-denial

24 Book II. " IS- there can Ije neither

25 Book III. " 27,42) peace nor joy.

26 Book II. " 33.37 ilts true hbertv27 Ibid. " 27 }"s true liberty.

2d.—Different Characters of Abnegation.

28 {Book I. Chap. 17.

Book II.

2Q.! Ibid-

29 \Book III.

30 Ibid.

31 Ibid.

8.

11 1

32 J- Self-denial.

37,41 J

!,53—Trinmph over self.

NOVEMBER

1 Book III. Chap. 15,44}Spir.tual

of Book III

8 1 Book I.

Af Ibid.

4 \ Book II.

5 Book III.

6 Ibid.

7 Ibid.

12,21 \Absolute detach-

6 j ment.

15'

9 The renouncing of

16,17 > all consolation,

31,44 even divine.

56 J

3.—There are two kinds of abnegation, and

it is necessary to practice the first assiduously

before being able to acquire the second.


The first consists in restraining and moder

ating the love of sensible and earthly tilings,

both interior and exterior; such as the love

of honor, of riches, of pleasures, of relations.

8 Book I. Chap. 6,22.

9 Book III. " 12,20.

10 Ibid. " 27,37.

11 Ibid. "41,42,53.

The second kind of abnegation is much more

sublime, and very few practice it. It consists

in purifying from every stain, from every im

perfection, the love and the desire of spiritual

things themselves, such as loving them only

for themselves and not for God.


13 Book II. " 9.

14 Ibid. "10,11.

15 Ibid. " 12.

16 Book III. "11,49.

Article III.—Entire Indifference.

This virtue of indifference tends to prepare

the soul for an intimate union with ttod.

The following chapters should be attentively

meditated on :


18 Book III. "15,17.

19 Ibid. "22,25.

Article IV.—Conformity to the Will of God.

The last duty of perfection, or perfect

charity, is the complete conformity of our

530 T\\A Following of Christ.

will to the will of God It is necessary to

meditate on its different conditions, and its

admirable acts, in the following chapters,

with the greatest attention:

ofi /Book II. Chap. 11 To turn towards~r° \BooKlII. " 28 / God.

21 Ibid. " 27]

23 Ibid. " 34 f To seek, to find, and

23 Book IV. " 12 relish God.

24 Ibid. " 15 J

35 Ibid. " 13 <To unite ourselves

with God.

26 Book III. ' 22-[To thank and praise

Him.

27 Book I. "14,151

28 /Book II. " 4

^ \Book III. " 33

^To have God alone

in view.

29 Book I. ' 171 Pure love, self-de-

30 Book 11. ' 2/ nial, resignation.

DECEMBER.

1 Book II. Ch

2 Book III.

3 Ibid.

ap. 11]

6

32

^Pure love, self-de

nial, resignation.

. ( Book I.

4 \Book III.

5 Ibid.

6 Ibid.

16 :

39

27

50

To abandon and

offer ourselves to

God without re

7 Book IV. 7,8.serve.

a f Book II.a \Book III.

101

9)•To refer all to God.

9 Ibid.

10 Ibid.

11 Ibid..

23]

26,28

37,38 J

;To enjoy liberty of

spirit.


12 Book III. Chap.1 K ( To adhere to the

10 I will of God.

1 O Tl. "J 1 JQ/TO admire the13 Ibid.

\ grandeur of God.

14 Ibid.

15 Ibid.

* 1 .jg f To place ourselves

on\ in the hands ofd°l God.

1C

16 J&td.tt 4—To walk in truth.

17 Book I.tt

3) To leave ourselves

18 Book III." 31 }• in order to enter

19 Ibid." 56 J into God.

20 Ibid.tt 48—To find all in God.

01 / Book I.

^ 1 Book III.

23 Book II.

tt

tt

tt

7 1., ! [Not to rely on our-

g j selves.

oo /Book III.tt

42)~d I Book IV. tt

6 \ To advance in God.

24 7W.tt

13 J

0-/BookI.•"° \Book IV.

26 Book III.

tt

tt

tt

12) To strengthen our-

1 V selves entirely in

59 j God.

27 Ibid.tt *n j To subject ourselves

50 \ to God.

28 Ibid.tt K» / To reform our im-

\ perfections.oo 7"?ii*/7 1C 40 *W"? J (llil.lt

40! To fix our hearts

j/,1 upon God alone.30 J&R

31 Book IV.

INDEX.

The chapters of the "Following of Christ,"

arranged according to the Gospel of all the

Sundays of the year.

Sundays.

Books. Chapters.

I. 24 1st Sunday of Advent.

III. 18 2d

II. 5 3d " "

III. 21 4th "

II. 1 Native of pur Blessed Lord.

I. 20 Sunday within the Octave.

TTT 19 / TheCircumcision of our BlessedIIL 13 \ Lord.

" 32 The Epiphany.

II. 25 1st Sunday after Epiphany.

15 2d

IV. 2 3d " "

II. 35 4th " "

55 5th "

11 6th "

" 2 Septuagesima Sunday.

I. 5 Sexagesima Sunday.

III. 29 Quinquagesima Sunday.

I. 21 Ash-Wednesday.


Books. Chapters.

I. 12 1st Sunday of Lent.III. 1 2d " "II. 2 3d

III. 53 4th "tl

57 Passion Sunday.

II. 11 Palm Sunday.

III. 19 Feria 3d.

I. 13 Feria 3d.

III. 50 Feria 4th.

I.II.

9

8

Maund»y Thursday.

Good Friday.

III. 47 Holy Saturday.tt

46 Easter Sunday.

IV. 13 Feria 2d.

III. 23 Feria 3d.

II. 8 Low Sunday.

III. 51 2d Sunday after Easter.tt

48 3d " " "

II. 9 4th " " "

III. 39 5th "tt

23 Rogation Days.tt

9 The Ascension of our Lord.tt

28 Sunday within the Octave.tt 25 Feast of Pentecost.

II. 7 Feria 2d.

III. 56 Feria 3d.tt

81 Trinity Sunday.

IV. 1 Feast of Corpus Ohristi.«

18 Saturday within the Octave,tt

10 2d Sunday after Pentecost.tt

3 Feria 3d.it

6 " 3d.tt

17 " 4th.tt

14 " 5th.

Index.

Books.

III.

tt

I.tt

II.

I.

III.

tt

I.Ill.II.

Ill.

I.ill.

I.II.I.

ill.

I.

ill.

I.

IV.

III.

I.

III.

Chaptc,

37

4

15

30

20

22

5

10

27

16

34

6

16

12

17

6

2

15

46

18

23

58

12

10

10

3d Sunday after Pentecost.

4th

5th

6th

7th

8th

9th

10th

llth

12th

13th

14th

15th

16th

17th

18th

19th

20th

21st

22d

23d

24th

The Feast of All Saints.

Feast of All Souls.

The Festival of a Patron Saint.

/ The Transfiguration of our

\ Lord.

f Feast of the Invention and Bx-

\ altation of the Holy Cross,

f Feast of the Immaculate Con-

\ ception.

f Feast of the Nativity of the

\ Blessed Virgin Mary.

Feast of the Presentation.


Books. Chapteri

III. 4 Feast of the Annunciation.

I. 8 Feast of the Visitation.

III. 41 Feast of the Purification.

49 Feast of the Assumption.

< Feast of the Holy Angels ami

14\ St. Michael.

I. 14 Fe»st of St. Joseph.

19 Feast of St. John the Baptist.

III. 38 Feast oE St. Stephen.

52 Feast of St. Peter.

40 Conversion of St. Paul.

IV. 11 Feast of the four Evangelists.

In Adversity.

Book I. Chap. 12.

" II. 11.

" III. 12.

" III 15.

' 111. 17.

' III. 18.

' III. 29.

' III. 47.

' III. 59.

Of the Love of God.

Book II. Chap. 7, 8, 10.

" III. 5, 6, 9, 21, 22, 31, 34,

37, 42.

" IV. 8, 9.

Of tht Want of Spiritual Comfort.

Book II. Chap. 9.

" III. 7, 30, 50, 52.

Index. 88?

Of Holy Communion.

Hunks. Chapters.

Book IV. All the chapters,

How We Should Act Toward* Our Neighbor.

Book I.

" II.

" III.

Chap. 14,16.

" 3.

" 19, 24, 36, 45, 46.

On the Four Last Ends of Man.

Book I. Chap. 22,23,24.

" III. " 48,49.

Of Interior Peace.

Book I. Chap. 6.

" II. " 3.

" III. " 11,23,25,26,27.

On Progress in Piety.

Book I. Chap. 1, 2, 3, 11, 18, 19.

" II. " 5,6.

" III. " 10,43,5354,56.

" IV. " 7.

On Turning Our Mind to God.

Book I. Chap. 10,20,31.

" II. " 1.

" III. " 1, 2, 8.

In Time of Temptation.

Book I. Chap. 18.

" III. " 12, 14, 20, 29, 85, 57,


PRAYERS

CONTAINED IN THE "FOLLOWING OF CHRIST.'

A prayer to implore the grace of devotion.

Book III. chap. 3, verse 6th.

A prayer of thanks to God for consolation.

Book III. chap. 5, verse 1st.

A prayer against evil thoughts.


A prayer for fulfilling the will of God.

Book III. chap. 15, verse 3d.

A prayer to rest in God above all goods and

gifts. Book III. chap. 21, verse 3d.

A prayer against evil thoughts.

Book III . chap. 23, verse 5th .

A prayer for the enlightening of the mind.


A prayer for the cleansing of the heart and the

obtaining of heavenly wisdom.


A prayer in time of temptation and desolation.


A prayer to seek solely after God.

Book III. chap. 34, verse 3d.

I-ndex. 539

A prayer for the glory of God and the con

tempt o! self. Book 111. chap. 40, verse 5th.

A prayer against distractions, worldly

thoughts, temptations, etc.

Book 111. chap. 48, verse 5th.

A prayer against all kinds of interior desola

tion. Book III. chap. 50, verse 5th.

A prayer to place our confidence in God alone.


A prayer to reach a perfect union with God.

Book IV. chap. 13, verse 1st.

A prayer to offer up ourselves to God.

Book IV. chap. 9, verse 1st.

A prayer to lay open our spiritual necessities

to Christ. Book IV. chap. 16, verse 1st.

CHAP PAGE I OI tho Imitation of Christ, and Uie contempt of all the vanities of the world Of having a humble opinion of oneself Ot the doctrine of truth Ot prudence In what we do Ot reading the Holy Scriptures ot Inordinate affections Ot avoiding vain hope and arrogance Ot guarding against too much Intimacy Of obedience and subjection Ot avoiding superfluity of words Of acquiring peace, and zeal for our spiritual progress Ot the advantage of adversity Of resisting temptations Of avoiding rash judgment Of works done out of charity Of bearing the detects of others Ot the monastic life Ot the examples of the holy lathers Of the exercises of a good religious Of the love of solitude and silence Of compunction of heart Of the consideration of human misery Of the thoughts of death Of the fervent amendment of our whole life Of interior conversation ission eable Of humble submission CHAP PAGE Of the love of Jesus above all things xn Of the royal road of the Holy Cross Ot the internal discourse of Christ to HI That the words of God are to be heard Of concealing grace under the guardian- Of the mean estimation of oneself in That it is sweet to despise the world Of acquiring patience, and of striving Of considering the secret judgments CHAP CUM' I'AUIi O£ the confession of our own infirmity, Of four things which bring much That self-love chiefly keepeth us back Of asking the divine assistance, and Of self-abnegation, and the renuncia- That ho that loveth God rellshoth Against the vain judgment of men CHAP PAQE- things 30!) That all grievous things are to be Of the desires of eternal life, and That a man ought not to esteem him- Of the different motions of nature Of the corruption of nature, and of That all hope and confidence Is to be fixed That the great goodaess and love of That it is profitable to communicate often That many benefits are bestowed on those A self-interrogation concerning the Of the oblation of Chrlst on the Cross, That the Body of Christ and the Holy With how great diligence he who is Of the ardent desire of some devout per- CHAP PAGE That a man should not bo a curious

the following of christ · 2019. 9. 19. · 25 bookii. " 7. 20 bookiii. " 20,42. th1rd degree. it...

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