Nova Et Vetera; Informal Meditations (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1905 Excerpt: ... your hearts you seek Me, you shall surely find Me." The whole-hearted desire for light will make the seeker scan the sky hour after hour for the sign of its coming; it will make his vision keen to catch the first glimmer, while others, like Herod or the priests, will be listless and dead, and will slumber on right into the heart of the day. First graces as a rule are small and hardly noticeable save to those "who watch for the morning." The Wise Men follow the clue, promptly, diligently, perseveringly. Promptly, like Matthew, who arose and left his money-table; like the Apostles, who left their half-mended nets and their father. How many lose the light by procrastination If we take our eyes from the star for one instant we may never find its place again. Diligently, i.e., as one who loves, and therefore is ready for suffering and sacrifice, who is paratus omnia respuere propter dilectum--" ready to contemn everything for the beloved." They leave home and occupation, perhaps reputation; they enter on a tedious uncertain journey; they have no eye whatever to temporal or selfish gain; they are ready to make rich offerings of their best, and, by adoration and homage, to offer themselves, their service, and labour to the new-born King. Such souls as these God would draw out of the darkness of Hell itself, could they be found there. Perseveringly: Usque dum veniens staret supra M ubi erat puer. To begin well and zealously is common enough, but how few survive the death of novelty or the monotonous day by day routine of journeying, or the encounter of perils and oppositions unforeseen and even foreseen; or the sudden and unaccountable withdrawals of special guidance Such souls following the first glimmer of faith, are led through the wi...