in spirit-with a calm and abiding consciousness, that we must be the true followers of "the man of sorrows." Then, like His servants of old, to whom revelations came in the hours of holy abstinence, we are better prepared to listen to the voice of God-our own prayers go up more earnestly to His throne-and our affections are crucified to a world which is fast fleeting away. Therefore it was, that when the Church was reformed from the corruptions of Rome, fasting was still prescribed" to discipline the flesh, to free the spirit, and render it more earnest and fervent to prayer, and as a testimony and witness with us before God of our humble submission to His High Majesty, when we confess our sins unto Him, and are inwardly touched with sorrowfulness of heart, bewailing the same in the affliction of our bodies."22 There is therefore, as much truth as poetry in the exhortation "Deem not such penance hard-thence from the soul The chords of flesh are loos'd, and earthly woes Lose half their power to harm; while self-control Learns that blest freedom, which she only knows."28 22 First part of the Homily on Fasting. 23 The Cathedral. by Thus it is then that we may keep this Holy Season by withdrawing from the world self-examination-by prayer and fasting so that when it has passed, we shall find that we have gained new strength for our onward course. And how strong the argument to do so, as one year after another goes silently by, and we press forward to the grave! Now indeed is our reward nearer than when first we believed. Now is the bridegroom with some of us, almost at hand. Soon we shall hear that warning cry, which will startle even the slumbering from their dreams, and then His train will sweep along, and the glorious band of the Elect who are with Him, go in to the marriage. But does each season, as it thus bears us nearer to the tomb, carry us also nearer to Heaven? Are we ready for that summons, with our account made up, and so living in watchfulness that the coming of the Son of Man can not surprise us? Are we numbered with those "little ones" whose "angels do always behold the face of our Heavenly Father," and whom the Church, by the quiet influence of her rites and services, is diligently training up for immortality? When this decaying life is over, and we are waiting in silence that stroke which dismisses the spirit to its Judge, shall we be able to feel, as we review our days, that we have availed ourselves of all the opportunities our Master afforded, of preparing for that solemn crisis? Life with each one of us must be employed, in becoming meet for the recompense of the just, and in gathering spoils for Eternity." This is the only true use of existence here, and thus only can it be something more than an empty dream. It must be a life, spent in looking forward to its close, and in preparing diligently for that solemn change which is to pass upon all men "Life that shall send A challenge to its end, And when it comes, say 'Welcome, friend."" |