Avenue to the centre constituted by the history of monasteries-interwoven with
history of Christianity, 84; with that of the best kings, 87. The historical
associations of many abbeys supply signals, 90; the illustrious men who die in
them, 96; value of some monastic traditions as sources of history, 98; the
false critics who attacked them, 101. Signal by observing the motives of men
in founding and enriching monasteries, 102; the charters show that they were
built through natural affection sanctified and spiritually directed, 103; through
love, 104; through remorse and repentance, 105; to do good to mankind gene-
rally, 107; to manifest love of Jesus Christ, 109; to benefit the soul, 112;
through a desire of heaven, 114. Avenue by a consideration of the character
of monastic life in general, 116. What may suit some may not suit others,
116. These institutions provide for that variety of wants, 121; it is the life of
the prophets and apostles, 122; the diversity of rules explained, 124; the sanc-
tity of this life, 129; its temptations, 135; its spirit of prayer, 139; the chant
and nocturnal office, 143; its mystic side-visions, 147; its humility, 150; its
spirit of poverty, 158; why misunderstood in England, 165; its frugality and
austerity, 167; its happiness contrasted with worldly alternations, 172; its
poetry, 177; its adaptation to the desires of the ancient philosophy, 181.
Avenue by the facts of conversion, 183; forms of admission and precau-
tions significative, 184; must be voluntary, 186; causes of conversion,
desire of changing life, 187; calamity, 188; love, 190; sickness, 192; grati-