Chapter 28. On Devotion

1.—The severest infliction to which those who devote themselves to a life of prayer are subject, is the want of devotion which they so often feel; for nothing is sweeter than prayer when it is accompanied. by devotion. Therefore as we have already described the matter and substance of prayer, and the method to be followed in conducting it, it now devolves upon us to point out what will aid and what will check devotion, and the ordinary temptations to which the most _ devout are exposed, also to advise on some of the most necessary points for obtaining it. It will be well then first to define the meaning of devotion, in order to know for certain the quality of the jewel we are in search of.

2.—St. Thomas calls devotion, a virtue which qualifies a man for every other, and which awakens in him the power, and renders easy to him the duty, of working well. This definition shews clearly the necessity and great utility of this virtue which comprises within itself much more than people usually think.

__3,—It must always be borne in mind that man’s corrupt nature is the principal obstacle encountering him in his efforts to lead a good life. This corruption was engendered by sin which infused into our nature a strong inclination to evil and a great lethargy and indifference in the pursuit of virtue ; These two causes strew the road to virtue with every sort of impediment, otherwise it is of itself the loveliest most charming and agreeable path to follow. 4.—To overcome these difficulties the Divine Wisdom has provided the powerful aid of devotion as a most efficacious remedy. For as the breeze disperses the clouds and unveils the calm blue sky, so does true devotion sweep away the sorrows and troubles of the soul and qualifies her for every _ virtue. She is the virtue of all virtues, the special gift of the Holy Ghost, a heavenly dew, an aid and visitation direct from God, obtained by means of prayer. Her function is to wrestle with these difficulties, to expel laziness, promote energy, to enlighten the undérstanding, strengthen the will, kindle the love of God, quench the flames of concupiscence, excite a loathing for the world and detestation of sin ; also to substitute * fresh fervour, an altered spirit, new breath and redoubled strength for working well. Thus as Samson, whilst. his -hair remained untouched by the scissors, was the strongest man, but when his locks were cut, was reduced to the level of other men, so is the christian soul, whilst endowed with devotion fortified with superhuman strength, but shorn of it, is weak and feeble. We cannot exalt this virtue more than by saying, that she alone is the stimulant and spur to eyery other, he therefore who sincerely desires to travel along the road to virtue, should never be without this spur, otherwise he cannot expect to get his vicious beast out of the slough of laziness.

5.—From what we have said it is easy to discern the nature of true devotion, which does not consist in that tender feeling of the heart or internal consolation which is sometimes felt in prayer, but in a readiness and anxiety to work well. Hence it often happens, when our Lord wishes to try his own, that the one is unaccompanied by the other. True it is that — this devotion and readiness often merit and obtain this consolation, and on the other hand, this same consolation and spiritual delight increase true devotion. Hence may the servants of God with just reason seek and ask for these joys and consolations, not only on account of the delight derived from them, but because of the increase of devotion which springs from them, qualifying us to work well, according to that of the prophet: ‘‘I have followed the ways of thy commandments, Oh Lord, when thou didst expand my heart, that is, with the delight of thy consolation which was the cause of my joy.” We will now therefore proceed to treat on the mode of acquiring devotion, and as she is the stimulant of every other virtue, to treat on that, will be to discuss the means of acquiring’ all virtues.