Intro:
Meditations often
Out of the first Part of St. Francis de Sales's Introduction, which are very proper to bring a Soul to a Resolution of serving God.
With desolation is all the land made desolate: because there is none that considereth in the heart.- Jeremiah xii. 11.
THE FIRST MEDITATION- On our Creation.
Prepara- PLACE yourself in the presence of God.
2. to inspire you.
Considerations.- 1. Consider that so many years ago you were not yet in the world, and that your being was a mere nothing. Where were we, O my soul, at that time? This world had lasted so many ages, and yet there was no news of us.
2. God has framed you out of this nothing, to make you what you are, merely of his own goodness; having no need at all of you.
3. Consider the being that God has given you; for it is the highest in this visible world, capable of eternal life, and of being perfectly united with his divine majesty.
Affections and Resolutions.- 1. Humble yourself exceedingly in the presence of God, saying in your heart with the Psalmist, O Lord, I am in thy sight a mere nothing, and how hadst thou remembrance of me to create me? Alas! my soul, thou wast ingulfed in that ancient nothing, and hadst yet been there had not God drawn thee thence. And what couldst thou have done remaining there?
2. Give thanks to God. O my great and good Creator, how am I obliged to thee, since thou hast vouchsafed to take me out of this nothing, and by thy mercy to make me what I am! What can I do to bless thy holy name as I ought, and to render due thanks to thy inestimable goodness!