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Of S. Pauls Vocation.* 1.1
* 1.2COnsider 1. And Saul as yet breathing forth threatnings and slaughters against the Disciples of our Lord, &c. Ponder the unspeakable mercy of God: Saul persecuted his Church, and was in a ra∣ging fury to destroy it; when as our Lord, on the contrary, not seeking revenge, but intending cogi∣tations of peace, prevents him, while he is yet con∣triving his wickedness, and casts him off his horse, to cure his mind, while he graciously calleth upon him, saying, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? that you might learn to reverence Christ in your Neighbours, and esteem their injuries, as done to Christ himself.
Consider 2. Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? Ponder the admirable resignation of his Will: So ought you also to pray, and to offer your self ready for whatsoever he shall please to do with you; and with much prayer, and great fervour, to seek after the Divine Will, and resolutely to fulfill it, when once you know it.
Consider 3. Arise, and go into the City, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. Our Lord, though after a miraculous manner he had prostrated him on the ground, yet would not instruct him him∣self, but sent him to Ananias, to learn what he would have him to do; that you might learn to ac∣knowledge and reverence God in your Superiours, and spiritual Directors. Observe moreover, how Saul spent three whole daies in prayer, without ta∣king either meat or drink, before he had his sight restored; for fasting, and prayer, are the best dispo∣sition for the receiving of spiritual sight. Lastly, until Ananias had imposed his hands upon him, his eyes being opened, he saw nothing, representing there∣by