Part I, Chapter XVIII

Tenth Meditation: By Way of Election and Choice Which the Soul Makes of a Devout Life

Preparation

1. Place yourself in the presence of God. 2. Humble yourself before him, and implore his assistance.

Considerations

1. Imagine yourself again to be in an open field, alone with your good angel; and that you see the devil on your left hand, seated on a lofty throne, attended by many hellish spirits, environed by a numerous band of worldlings, who submissively acknowledge him for their lord, and do him homage, some by one sin, and some by another. Observe the countenances of all the wretched courtiers of this abominable king. Behold some of them transported with hatred, envy, and passion; others killing one another; others consumed with cares, pensive and anxious to heap up riches; others bent upon vanity, unable to obtain any but empty and unprofitable pleasures; others wallowing in the mire, buried and putrified in their brutish affections. Behold, there is no rest, no order, nor decency amongst them. Behold how they despise each other, and love in appearance only. In a word, you shall see a wretched commonwealth, miserably tyrannized over by this cursed king which will move you to compassion. 2. On the right hand, behold Jesus Christ crucified, who, with a cordial love, prays for these poor enslaved people, that they may be freed from the sway of this tyrant; and calls them to himself; behold around him, a band of devout souls with their angels. Contemplate the beauty of this kingdom of devotion. Oh, what a sight! to see this troop of virgins, men and women, whiter than lilies; this assembly of widows, full of holy mortification and humility! See the ranks of divers married people living together with mutual respect, which cannot be without great charity. Behold how these devout souls join the exterior care of the house with the care of the interior, the love of the husband or wife with that of the heavenly Spouse. Consider them all universally, and you shall see them in a holy, sweet, and lovely order, attending on our Lord, whom every one would willingly plant in the midst of his heart. They are joyful; but it is with a comely, charitable, and well-ordered joy; they love each other; but their love is most pure and holy. Such as suffer afflictions amongst this devout people, are perfectly resigned, and never lose courage. To conclude, behold how they look on our Saviour, who comforts them, and how they altogether aspire to him.

3. You have already left Satan, with all his execrable troop, by the good affections you have conceived; but you have not as yet enrolled yourself under the standard of the King Jesus, nor united with his blessed company of devout souls, but you have been hitherto hesitating between the one and the other.

4. The blessed Virgin, with St. Joseph, St. Lewis, St. Monica, and a hundred thousand others, who have lived in the midst of the world, invite and encourage you.

5. The crucified King calls you by name: Come, O my well beloved! come, that I may crown thee!

Election

1. O world! O abominable troop! No, never shall you see me under your banners! I have forever abandoned your trifles and vanities. O king of pride! O accursed king! infernal spirit! I renounce thee with all thy vain pomps, I detest thee with all thy works.

2. And, turning myself to thee, my dear Jesus! King of eternal glory and happiness! I embrace thee with all the powers of my soul! I adore thee with my whole heart, and choose thee now and forever for my king; with this inviolable fidelity, I pay thee irrevocable homage, and submit myself to the obedience of thy holy laws and ordinances.

3. O sacred Virgin! beloved Mother! I choose thee for my guide, I put myself under thy protection; I offer thee a particular respect and special reverence.

4. O my good Angel! present me to this sacred assembly, and forsake me not till I am associated to this blessed company, with whom I say, and will say forever in testimony of my choice, live Jesus, live Jesus!

Our Father. Hail Mary.

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