those which our divine Master is wont to lay upon souls that have resolved to refuse Him nothing. Among these may be reckoned ordinary hardships due to heat or cold, accidents or sickness, disappointments and humiliations. Besides these there are extraordinary trials, interior crosses, spiritual desolation, anguish of heart, and darkness of spirit. A Religious accepts all these crosses in proportion as his vocation lays them upon him. He welcomes them and bears them joyfully, following the example of his Saviour and in union with Him. 'Let us run by patience to the fight proposed to us: looking on Jesus, the author and finisher of faith, Who having joy set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and now sitteth on the right hand of the throne of God ' (Heb. xii. 1, 2).
"Alas! how apt we are to forget that our journey in this world: belongs only to time, and our joy in heaven to eternity! How often do the mists of this material existence obscure the brightness of eternity, our hopes based on faith, the promises given by faith, the everlasting realities, and the immortality of life in God! We are so steeped in lower pleasures that we forget what is higher. It is indeed necessary to bring back men's souls to the warm rays of the divine light, to disperse the clouds that envelop them, and to restore to them the thought of eternity and the desire to rise to heaven."
It is worthy of remark that the popular writer of juvenile stories — Father H. S. Spalding, S.J.— in his very interesting and instructive story: "The Sugar-Camp and After," incidentally calls attention to the utility of the contemplative life. Referring to the Trappists of Gethsernand, Kentucky, he writes: " Their- principal duty is to serve God and sing His praises. Morning and evening their labor is interrupted for prayer.
