I. Nature exhibits to us an enormous prodigality of creative power and bounty poured forth upon the universe in a measure which exceeds all requirements. Compare for instance the heat and the light of the sun, which is capable of doing so much, and of which only one ninety-seven-millionth part is utilized. Still more is this the case in the spiritual order which is nearer to God, and which is for the supreme advantage of the highest of creatures. The super abundance of creative and redeeming graces are intended for all mankind without exception, and are actually poured forth on them, in varying measure. The Father in heaven "maketh His sun to rise upon the good and the bad, and raineth upon the just and the unjust" (Matt. v. 45). His Eternal Son is "the true light that enlighteneth, every man that cometh into this world" (John i. 9). To every soul are offered all kinds of external helps and opportunities of virtue, with corresponding interior impulsions of grace. The abundance of these favours not only exceeds all human deserts, but exceeds even the superabundance of human guilt. Temptations are almost irresistible, the disadvantages we labour under are numerous and heavy, but God's graces outweigh them all, if only men would consent to avail themselves of them. Never say that God's requirements are too difficult or that grace has failed you. However much may be demanded of you, you can say, "I can do all things in Him that strengtheneth me" (Phil. iv. 13).
II. God's graces are given with particular richness to His faithful ones who struggle with their natural frailty to serve Him. "The eyes of the Lord are upon the just, and His ears unto their prayers" (Ps. xxxiii. 16). Those who hope in the Lord can always testify that they have never been confounded; in the midst of all the troubles inseparable from the present life, they always find abundant reason for recognizing the tender watchfulness of the All-merciful, and the unceasing flow of temporal and spiritual graces. But sinners are by no means excluded from God's mercies. However abominable their crimes and great their obduracy, these can never be greater than God's desire for their repentance and salvation "Thou hast mercy on all because Thou canst do all things, and overlookest the sins of men for the sake of repentance. For Thou lovest all things that are, and hatest none of the things which Thou hast made. . . . Thou sparest all, because they are Thine, O Lord, who lovest souls" (Wisd. xi. 24, 25, 27). There are some who lack all visible opportunities and who almost seem to be outside the pale of salvation; but to them God gives means of salvation according to their needs, in ways unknown to us. If some sinners receive but little grace, it is because they have hardened their hearts and made them no longer sensitive to grace, or because they will not use the infallible means of obtaining it in prayer. Thank God for His immense and universal bounty.
III. "Star differeth from star in glory" (1 Cor. xv. 41). Some vessels are made for more and some for less glory. The completeness of God's work requires that there be innumerable diversities. God chooses some, through no merits of their own, for higher functions and a higher place in heaven; and their graces are proportioned to their destiny. This however does not make their salvation more secure. Greater graces involve heavier responsibility, greater dangers, and more terrible consequences in case of failure. "To whom they have committed much, of him they will demand the more" (Luke xii. 48). A greater degree of fidelity, a higher interest on the talents lent, is required from those more favoured by grace. Many who have received the highest graces have failed; and those who receive less often profit by it the more. Be contented with the spiritual state to which God has called you. Make the most of your graces. You have been specially blessed by God; take care that you profit more than those who have been placed on a lower level.
Read from the Original Book.
