6. On the conformity of the de- vout soul to the cross

" Cum ipso sum in tribulationey* " I am with him in tribulation y 1 . The faithful Soul. — Lord, what mean those words that I hear ? " Give to thy servant a right understanding ;" — unfold to me all the consolation these words inclose.

The Lord. — Hearken unto Me, my son.

When thy heart is fallen into tribulation or anguish of soul, then art thou fastened with Jesus to His cross.

When consolations return in the fervour of devotion, and thou art constrained to express thy joy, o o by the singing of hymns and holy canticles, then art thou raised again with Jesus, in newness of spirit ; then dost thou rise again from the dead, singing alleluias of joy.

2, When on bended knees, thou implorest pardon of thy sins, lamenting and deploring them in the bottom of thy heart ; then with repeated blows, thou knockest loudly at the gate of heaven.

When turning away from the vanities of the world, thou givest thyself up entirely to the meditation of the good things of eternity ; then thou mountestto heaven with Jesus, to live there in the company of the angels.

JBe then meek, humble, and resigned to the infirmities and reverses which may come upon thee in the service of God ; patiently bear thy cross with Jesus ; die daily on the cross, for thy eternal salvao o o o tion ; for every affliction of the flesh, when borne with patience, i-s a remedy for the evils of the soul, a satisfaction for sins, and the hope of future blessedness and glory. Amen.