[St. Thomas treats of poverty in his Contra Impugnantes Dei Cultum (c.6), in the Contra Gentiles (III, 131-135) and in the Summit (II-II, 186, 3 and 188, 7). All these passages are important and will be considered elsewhere. But it seemed worth while to call attention to the little-known sermons translated here which have special qualities of simplicity and directness. Further matter of a similar kind will be found in Sermones Dominicales 48, 80 and 125 and in the Exposition of the Lord’s Prayer under Panem nostrum.]

Remember that thou didst receive good things in thy lifetime, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and thou art tormented. Lk. 16: 25.

In these words four things are shown us. First the temporal prosperity of the reprobate : Remember that thou didst receive good things in thy lifetime. Second, the brief adversity of the just in this world : Likewise Lazarus evil things. Third, the eternal blessedness of the just : But now he is comforted. Fourth, the perpetual misery of the wicked : And thou art tormented.