Catholic World (Volume 88) (Paperback)

Book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1909. Excerpt: ... TAULER'S SERMONS IN ENGLISH. VER since John Tauler's Sermon's were first published, in the latter half of the fourteenth century, his fame as a spiritual writer has been established and has gone on increasing. There is a vehemence in him that has the urgent power of a leader. And there is a rare maturity of knowledge of spiritual conditions displayed in his writings. But the best reason for the constant reference to him by all kinds and schools of writers on devout subjects, is that, his teaching is integrals combining the ascetical and the mystical in proper proportion and perspective. Scarcely any author who treats extensively of the ways of God in men's lives but quotes Tauler. And some of them, like the famous Abbot Blosius, are content to summarize him for the best expression of their own plans of attaining to the most perfect states of prayer. Tauler is named and is a mystic. But it would be a sad error to suppose that these Sermons constantly carry one's soul far up into the dim regions of contemplative love. No, by no means; for there is not a simple Christian duty but is explained and enforced in these living words of wisdom, nor any ordinary Christian privilege whose plainest value is not exposed and fully commended, and that in many places with much variety of illustration. The parish priest who would have his instructions savor of Chtist's love, and be fragrant of the unction of the Holy Spirit, can do no better thing than read Tauler in preparation for his Sunday discourses. Take as an example the following on Holy Communion: This holy sacrament banishes sin. It puts sin to death, and causes a man to grow strong In a virtuous life, ever imparting new graces. It safeguards him from future dangers, and from the snares of the enemy, snares incessantly being laid for us. Wi...