seventy years to reach us. Nay, men of science would assure us that there are stars so far away, as that they would require ten thousand years to send a ray of light to us Apply the words of Baruch iii. 9, 24, 33, 34, 35, 36, as if consecutive.

CONCLUSION.

Ask for what end did God create this wonderful fabric— this stupendous structure displayed in the work of the six days and answer, first, for His own glory, the essential end of all His works; and secondly, for man's use and benefit. Therefore, exhibit man as the lord and master under God of this nether world, quoting (Gen. i. 28, 29, 30), also (Ps. viii. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9).

[N.B.-In describing the various works of the six days, make the audience imagine themselves as if standing somewhere amidst the immense extent of space, and hearing the word of command coming from the mouth of God, and seeing the work immediately springing into existence. Mingle words of astonishment as you go along, keeping constantly in view the great Creator, Lord and Master of all.]

Consult Theology, " De Opere Sex Dierum;"" Catechisme de la Persévérance," par M. Gaume, vol. 1.; "Projets d'Instructions," par M. Guillet, vol. 1. inst. xii.

'I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth."

INTRODUCTION.

In treating of this article of the Creed we have seen that, in the first place, there is a God, and secondly, that there is but one God, and that there cannot be more gods than one. Being thus placed, as we may say, face to face with God, we are naturally and irresistibly led to inquire who God is, and what is His nature.

Observe how this inquiry can never lead us to a complete knowledge of God, He being beyond the reach of all created intelligence, that, as the more we gaze upon the sun, the more we are dazzled by its brilliancy, so also in our endeavours to fix the eyes of our mind on the great Creator of the world, we are overpowered, and in a manner blinded by the effulgence of His glory. Of this we are reminded in the book of Proverbs xxv. 27, where it is said, "A searcher of majesty shall be overwhelmed with glory."

Go on, however, to say, that though the great Creator and Ruler of the universe dwelleth, as the Apostle tells us, "in light inaccessible, whom no man hath seen, nor can see," (1 Tim. vi. 16), and the highest spirits in heaven cover their faces in His presence, being unable to withstand the effuigence of His giory, we should on that account be all the more desirous to know all we are capable of knowing by

our reason and the light of faith of His divine nature and perfection.

[Invite attention and invoke a blessing.]

BODY OF THE SUBJECT.

First: God is a pure spirit.

Secondly: He is infinitely perfect.

Thirdly: He is eternal.

Fourthly: He is incomprehensible.

Fifthly: He is omnipresent.

Sixthly: He is omnipotent.

Seventhly: He is omniscient.

Eighthly: He is infinitely good.
Ninthly: He is infinitely just.
Tenthly: He is infinitely merciful.
Eleventhly: He is infinitely holy.
Twelfthly: He is infinitely true.

Thirteenthly: He is infinitely beautiful, &c.

[N.B.-Define each of these perfections, explaining the terms of the definitions, enlarging upon them and illustrating them by comparisons and contrasts, removing all that is imperfect, and amplifying all that is perfect in the subjects of comparison. Blend sentiments of admiration, benediction, congratulation, gladness, gratitude, humiliation, love, oblation, praise, &c.]

CONCLUSION.

Recapitulate and end by referring to the scene in the Apocal. iv. or Isai. vi., or Daniel vii.

Consult Theology, "De Deo "; also "Projets d'Instructions," par M. Guillet, xi. inst; Bishop Hay's "Sincere Christian," vol. 1., chap. iv.; Catechism of Council of Trent on the Creed; " Meditations of St. Augustine,” xxix. med.

FOURTH DISCOURSE ON THE FIRST ARTICLE

THE

OF

APOSTLES' CREED.

ON THE ANGELS.

"I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth."

INTRODUCTION.

Moses, in his account of the creation and formation of the world, says, "In the beginning God created heaven and earth," and the Apostles' Creed says, therefore, of God, that "He is the Creator of heaven and earth."

The Nicene Creed, however, adds, “and of all things visible and invisible."

Therefore, we are to look beyond this visible to an invisible world, the beings comprising which are equally the works of God's creative power. These invisible beings are the angels, the most noble of all God's works. We are, therefore, in our present discourse to transport ourselves out of this region of visible and material objects, to enter into an unseen and invisible world, there to contemplate an order of things immeasurably superior to the works of creation, wonderful though they are, with which we are acquainted here below.

[Invite attention and invoke a blessing.]

BODY OF THE SUBJECT.

Ist. What are the angels? Answer and explain the words "spirits" and "pure" as being exempt from all mate

rial qualities, not only in composition, but in connection or association, differing in this respect from the human soul, which, though a spirit, is, in our present state, connected with our body.

2ndly. They are thought to have been created during the work of the six days, as forming part of the same universe with the works of God in this under world.

3rdly. Their number is beyond counting, (Dan. vii. 10). 4thly. Describe their distinction into orders or choirs, and hierarchies, specifying them respectively.

5thly. All created in grace, with liberty to merit and demerit.

6thly. The greater part merited eternal happiness, and were crowned with glory, whilst many of each order, it is thought one-third (Apoc. xii. 4), rebelled, and were cast into hell, then created for their punishment, (Isaias, xiv. 12, 13, 14); (2 Peter, ii. 4); (Apoc. xii.).

Take occasion here to inculcate a dread of sin from the punishment of the angels, arguing a fortiori.

7thly. Their employment in heaven.

8thly. Their missions and functions upon earth. Examples of various missions (Gen. xlviii. 16); (4 Kings, xix. 35); (Judith, xiii. 20); (Isai. xxxvii. 36).

CONCLUSION.

Inculcate devotion to the angels, stating they are our great friends with God, constantly interceding for us, going up to heaven to lay our wants at the foot of the throne of God, and bringing down His blessings to us as represented to us in the vision of Jacob's ladder (Gen. xxviii.).

Consult Theology," Projets d'Instructions," par M. Guillet, vol. 1, inst. xv. 15; Butler's "Lives of the Saints," (8th May), (29th Sept.), 2nd Oct.); Gaume, "Catechisme de la Persévérance," vol. 1, ch. xiv., xv.; Bishop Hay's "Sincere Christian," vol. 1. chap. iv. ; Catechism of Council of Trent on the Creed; Breviary, Feast and Octave of all Saints.