be merry." (S. Luke xii. 19.) But this unhappy one was called a fool; and with reason, as S. Bernard observes. " Hast thou the soul of a hog?" " Ah, wretched one," exclaims the saint, " perhaps thou art like a beast, so that thou canst be satisfied with eating, with drinking, with sensual pleasures? " S. Bernard observes, that a man may be filled with the good things of this world, but not satisfied. The goods of the world are apparent goods, and therefore cannot satisfy the heart of man. " Ye eat, but ye have not enough." (Hag. i. 6.) And for this reason, the more the avaricious man acquires, the more does he seek to acquire. S. Augustine observes, that increased riches do not close, but rather extend, the jaws of avarice! When Alexander the Great had acquired many kingdoms, he wept, because he could conquer no more.
If the riches of this world could satisfy a man, the rich and those who govern, would be fully happy; but experience teaches us the contrary. Solomon observes the same thing, even he who asserts that he never denied his senses one thing. " And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them." (Eccles. ii. 10.) But notwithstanding, what does he say? "Vanity of vanities; .... all is vanity." (Eccles. i. 2.) As if he had said, all that is in the world is mere vanity, deceit, and folly.
Affections and Prayers.
Ah, my God! what is there remaining to be of all the offences I have committed against Thee, but trouble, bitterness, and the feeling that I deserve hell? The bitterness which I feel does not displease me; nay, it rather consoles me, for it is the gift of Thy grace, and causes me to hope, since Thou dost give it to me, that Thou art willing to pardon me. That which does displease me, is the bitterness I have caused Thee, my Redeemer, Thou who hast loved me so much. My Lord, I deserved to be left by Thee then; but, instead of leaving me, Thou dost offer me pardon; nay, Thou art the first to ask for peace. Yes, my Jesus, I would be at peace with Thee, and I desire Thy grace more than any other good. I repent, O Thou Infinite Goodness, for having offended Thee. I would die of grief. Ah, through that love which Thou didst bear for me when dying on the Cross,
