a great deal of fervour in the beginning, during the first year of their probation; but as soon as that is over, they begin to relent, and rather become tepid and negligent, than zealous and fervent. For those who are truly zealous, will never grow remiss in their devotion, but will always keep up the same fervour for their religious duties; and instead of being tired in God's service, they desire nothing so much, as to serve him still better and better, according to those words of the royal prophet: " He who fears the' Lord, will have great delight in his commandments." (Psal. cxi. 1.)
CHAPTER XV.
That it is very advantageous to consider and often to ask ourselves, for what End we entered into Religion.
Another means, which may assist us very much in acquiring perfection, is that made use of by St. Bernard himself. He had always in his thoughts, says the author of his Life, and often in his mouth, these words: " Bernard, Bernard, for what art thou come hither?" St. Arsenius often asked himself the same question, and often entering into himself, demanded an account of his own actions. "Arsenius," said he, " wherefore hast thou left the world? What was thy intention in quitting it. and entering into religion? Was it not to apply thyself wholly to please God, and not to be at all solicitous to procure the esteem and good will of men? Be then serious and diligent, in carrying on the design thou hadst at that time, and value not what opinion men may have of thee. All desire of honour, praise, and vanity is, properly speaking, that world thou hast renounced. Do not suffer thy heart to be seized anew with these follies; for it will be of no service to keep thy body shut up in a cloister, if thy heart still sighs and longs for the esteem of men, and so hurries thee continually back again to the world." Thus did these great saints encourage and fortify themselves; and so should we in like manner animate and strengthen ourselves against all the difficulties we can meet with in religion. When you find a repugnance to obey a superior in what he orders, encourage yourself by these or the like words: " Wherefore art thou entered into religion?" Was it to do thy own will? Was it not rather to submit it to the will of another? Wherefore
