Part 14 (1/2)
_Third Lesson._
But he, who after the example of the Baptist, with constancy had conceived in a perfect heart that the zeal of righteousness should be purified, studied also to imitate him in the garb of penitence. For casting off the fine linen which hitherto he had been accustomed to use, whilst the soft delicacies of kings pleased him, he was clothed on his naked body with a most rough hair s.h.i.+rt. He added, moreover, hair drawers, that he might the more effectually mortify the flesh, and make the spirit live. But these, as also the other exercises of his spiritual life, very few indeed being aware of it, he removed from the eyes and knowledge of men by superadding other garments, because he sought glory not from man, but from G.o.d. Even then the man of virtue entering upon the justifications of G.o.d, began to be more complete in abstinence, more frequent in watching, longer in prayer, more anxious in preaching. The pastoral office intrusted to him by G.o.d, he executed with so great diligence, as to suffer the rights neither of the clergy nor of the Church to be in any degree curtailed.
There seems here also to be another commencement, for the next lesson is called the First.
_Lesson First._
So large a grace of compunction was he wont to possess, between the secrets of prayer or the solemnities of ma.s.ses, that with eyes trained to weeping he would be wholly dissolved in tears; and in the office {218} of the altar his appearance was as though he was witnessing the Lord's pa.s.sion in the flesh. Knowing also that mercy softens justice, and that pity hath the promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come, therefore towards the poor and the afflicted did he bear the bowels of mercy piteously, and was anxious to reach the poor by the blessings of his alms.
_Lesson Second._
The more humble of those whom a character for religion raised high, he made his acquaintance and intimates; and that he might learn from them to hunger and thirst after righteousness, he enjoyed more frequently their secret conversation. Towards such servants and soldiers of Christ this merciful man preferred to be liberal and abundant in food and raiment, he who determined in himself to be moderate and sparing. For what would he deny to Christ, who for Christ was about to shed his blood? He who owed his coat or cloak to one who asked it, desired to add, moreover, his own flesh. For he knew that the man would never freely give his own flesh, who showed himself greedy of any temporal thing.
_Lesson Third._
Hitherto the merciful Lord, who maketh poor and enricheth, bringeth low and lifteth up, wished to load his servant with riches, and exalt him with honours; and afterwards he was pleased to try him with adversity.
By trying whether he loved Him, He proved it the more certainly; but He supplied grace more abundantly. For with the temptation He made a way to escape, that he might be able to bear it. Therefore, the envious enemy, considering that the new prelate {219} and the new man was flouris.h.i.+ng with so manifold a grace of virtues, devised to send a burning blight of temptation, which might suffocate the germ of his merits already put forth. Nor was there any delay. He who severs a man from his G.o.d, and one friend from his neighbour, sowed irreconcileable quarrels between the king and the archbishop.
Pray for us, O blessed Thomas.
_In Lauds._
A grain falls and gives birth to an abundance of corn.
The alabaster-box is broken, and the odour of the ointment is powerful.
The whole world vies in love to the martyr, Whose wonderful signs strike all with astonishment.
The water for Thomas five times changing colour, Once was turned into milk, four times into blood.
At the shrine[81] of Thomas four times the light came down, And to the glory of the saint kindled the wax-tapers.
DO THOU BY THE BLOOD OF THOMAS, WHICH HE[82]
SHED FOR THEE; MAKE US, O CHRIST, ASCEND, Whither Thomas has ascended.
Extend[83] succour to us, O Thomas, Guide those who stand, {220} Raise up those who fall,
Correct our morals, actions, and life;
And guide us into the way of peace.
[Footnote 81: Ad Thomae memoriam.]
[Footnote 82: Tu per Thomae sanguinem quem pro te impendit, Fac nos, Christe, scandere, quo Thomas ascendit.]
[Footnote 83:
Opem n.o.bis, O Thoma, porrige, Rege stantes, jacentes erige, Mores, actus, et vitam corrige, Et in pacis nos viam dirige.
_Final Anthem._