arrive at that glory by an easier, more comfortable way than the rude way of penance and the cross, which Christ our Head and all His saints have travelled. Oh, truly that is a self-deception that brings many a soul on the broad way that leads to the abyss of hell! If Christ had found a more comfortable way to heaven than the way of penance and the cross He would certainly have chosen it, or at least have pointed it out to us, whom He loves even to death. But, “Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and so to enter into His glory?”[1] Then have we nothing better to hope for? Certainly not; the Apostle assures us: “If we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection.”[2]
Conclusion and resolution to bear all suffering with joy, in the hope of a glorious resurrection. So that I must necessarily suffer here below? Yes. Then I will suffer here, either by voluntary mortification of my body or by patiently bearing the crosses and trials which God will deign to send me; and I shall be comforted and strengthened in this resolution by the certain hope of a resurrection to eternal glory. O death! how little I have to fear from thee, if I only serve God faithfully, for thou wilt transport me into a land of joy where I shall find my body again. O poverty! now I know what a rich treasure I owe thee, and I would not change thee for all the riches of earth. Sorrow and trials! would that I had known it sooner! you are now so desirable to me, that I can heartily thank God for you. Weakness and sickness! I knew it not before how good you are to me in depriving me of my bodily strength, and preparing me to receive still greater beauty in the resurrection. Dying friends, parents, children, why have I afflicted myself so much on your account? For I shall see you again in a far better place! Be sorrowful now, my soul! because there thou shalt swim in an ocean of delights! Eyes, ears, tongue, taste, touch, why do you seek pleasures here? Mortify yourselves and wait for the eternal pleasures that are coming! What would I say to the peasant who for the sake of seeing his casks filled with wine a little sooner begins the vintage in the month of July or August, and thus cuts off the green, unripe, and sour grapes? Wait, I should say to him, O foolish man! Do you wish to have wine? You shall have enough of it; but wait a few months, and then instead of a small quantity of sour,
