Vol. 2

;504 ST. LUKE.hast been pleased to re-enter upon thy rights, and toreinstatethyself therein, by overcoming in me concupiscenceby a stronger charity. Without concupiscence,the devil has no power : that is the thingwherein he places his whole strength and confidence.Christ takes from him all his armour, whenever heroots out of the heart the love of pleasures, the desireof riches, and the pride of life." 23. He that is not with me is against me ; andhe that gathereth not with me scattereth."Indifference is a crime in a pastor and minister ofthe church, who is a man of God, obliged by hisprofession tohave the interests of Christ and of hisspouse at heart. In vain does he flatter himselfthat he does no evil, if so be that he do no good.He disperses the flock of God, if he is not diligentin seeking and bringing home the sheep which aregone astray, insecuring those which are in the fold,and in feeding, strengthening, and curing them.That person scatters, who does not gather with JesusChrist, in the unity of his body, in his Spirit,and by his grace." 24. When the unclean spirit is gone out of aman, he walketh through dry places, seeking restand finding none, he saith, I will return unto myhouse whence I came out."The rage of the devil against those who are returnedto God, is greater than we can imagine.Wehave but little knowledge of this enemy of our salvation,if we suffer ourselves to grow careless afterhaving been delivered from his yoke. No personhas greater reason to be afraid of his assaults andsnares, than one who has vanquished him, if the vie-