Spiritual Letters of Archbishop Fenelon

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1877 edition. Excerpt: ... or the means of effecting, his master's objects? Surely the king would answer, "You should have watched day and night to find all this out; neglect was a betrayal of my interests, a sacrifice of them to mere sloth." What, then, will the King of Kings say if you are even as these evil servants? You surely see, sir, that you would never forgive such affectation of ignorance, and that God can still less be expected to forgive it you. Moreover, the observation of the Lord's Day was expressly instituted that there might be one day in each week reserved for the study of God's Law, and for meditation on His Mysteries. And formerly those who became Christians were put under a long course of instruction before they were admitted to Baptism. The need to know God and Jesus Christ our Saviour is fully as great now, and never can be less; the Gospel whereby God teaches us is not given us to be a closed book. I know there are evil-minded, untrained men who might misuse their knowledge of it; but those who are prepared by means of a pure intention and teachable mind should not deprive themselves of its use. Be sure that we shall be judged by that Book, not by the judgment of man; therefore we should make ready to give our account according to its rules, which are God's. S. Paul tells the early Christians, "In everything ye are enriched by Him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge." Nevertheless he continually urges upon them the need of increasing daily in the knowledge of God; of being enlightened, that they may know His Will in all wisdom and understanding, and so become fruitful in every good work. Any one who really loves a friend is not content merely not to offend him, but seeks out every possible means of pleasing him. True...