PREFACE TO THIS EDITION.
IT is unnecessary to dwell upon the peculiar merits of the works of the truly learned and pious ALBAN BUTLER. They form in themselves their best eulogium. Clear, solid, and powerful not in loftiness of speech nor in the fanciful language of the human understanding; but, in the spirit and wisdom of God, they explain the doctrines, and maintain the morality of the Church, in terms fitted to the lowest, as well as to the highest capacity. His “ Lives of the Saints” have been justly styled “ An Encyclopædia of religious knowledge.” His work on “ The Feasts, Fasts, and other Annual Observances of the Catholic Church” (recently printed by the publisher in a manner, it is hoped, worthy of such a treasure), is a complete introduction to the “ Lives of the Saints, and a masterpiece of learning and piety. The “ Meditations and Discourses,” here presented to the public, have ever obtained the highest commendations of all Catholic bishops and pastors.
MEDITATION I - SALVATION OUR ONLY AFFAIR.
OUR salvation is the only end for which Almighty God created us, and placed us in this world. It was his only end in redeeming us, It is the only thing he has given us in charge, and this by the most severe command.
1. “ One thing is necessary,” says our dearest Saviour, viz., that we love and serve God, and save our souls. This was the sole and whole design of the most holy Trinity in creating me and all mankind. Nor could he produce anything but for himself, as it is the indefeasible right of the Creator, that every creature always depend on, and ever be referred to him, its essential last end and centre. He stood in no need of any creature, being infinitely happy in himself, and incapable of receiving any addition or accession. “ Thou art my God, because thou standest not in need of my goods.” It was out of his mere boundless goodness that he was pleased to create men, that he might communicate himself to them, and make them happy in himself. Thus he made them for himself.
“The Lord wrought all things for himself.” I lay buried in the abyss of nothing. If God stretched out his merciful arm and drew me thence if he gave me this noble being capable of knowing and praising him if he bestowed on me this body with all its wonderful organs and senses, this immortal soul endowed with reason and all its faculties, it was only, that I might know and love him, and be made partaker of his happiness and goodness. He framed the sun, moon, and other planets; the vast firmament spangled with so many bright stars, and the heavens with all the bodies they contain; and established the laws of their uninterrupted revolutions and various movements, for me. He created for me this earth with all its elements, metals, fruits, trees, and plants; and with all the innumerable variety of living creatures that fill the air, the earth, and the waters: all for this same only end, that I might thank, praise, and obey him. It was no part of his adorable design in making and placing me here, that I should occupy myself in pleasures, riches, honours, or any other thing whatsoever, which should not totally and purely belong and be referred to this his only end.
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