Charity for the Suffering Souls; An Explanation of the Catholic Doctrine of Purgatory. with a Treatise on the Archconfraternity of the Most Precious B (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1895 edition. Excerpt: ... 53. Motives Relating to God. 319. One man has a strong affection for another. How will he show it? He will strive always and everywhere to please his friend, to gladden his friend's heart; he will endeavor to influence others that they also may love, praise and honor the person whom he himself loves. The same may be said as regards our love for God. If we truly love God, we will prove our love by being eager to do whatever we know is pleasing to Him; we will strive to promote His glory to the best of our ability. It was thus our Divine Savior Himself manifested His infinite love for His Heavenly Father; for He said, "I do always the things that please Him." (John vni. 29.) And again, "The works that I do in the name of My Father, they give testimony for Me." (John x. 55.)--The purpose for which man was created is this: "Thou shalt love the Lord, thy God, with thy whole heart, and with thy whole mind, and with thy whole soul." (Matth. xxvn. 17.)--In the Book of Proverbs we read, "The Lord hath made all things for Himself." (Prov. xvi. 4.) The Lord Himself, through His prophet, says of man, "I have created him for My glory." (Isai. Xliii. 7.) Man was therefore created for this sole end--to love, to serve, to honor and adore God. 320. "The greater glory of God"--this was the controlling motive of the saints in all their actions. Our Lord Himself taught us to pray, "Hallowed be Thy name." And in the Gloria of the Mass the Church says, "We thank Thee for Thy great glory." Finally, to praise and glorify God is the chief occupation of the saints in heaven. The glory of God must therefore be the chief motive also in our works of charity for the Suffering Souls. And in fact we do promote His glory in a most efficient manner by hastening...