Luke, vi. 31; Tob. iv. 16. Mingling our joys and sorrows with each other (Rom. xii. 15).

2ndly. To practise the works of charity and mercy according to occasion (Fames, i. 27, which quote).

Recite the Works of Mercy, first the spiritual and then the corporal, saying a passing word on each, and enforcing it by a text of Scripture, for which see "Concordantia S. S. Scripturæ." In mentioning each work, it would be well to exemplify it in a practical case. With respect to the corporal works, you may ask the question in the end:

Is it to be expected of the poor to exercise these works? and this, in order to state, that they are an example to the rich in helping each other, so as to share the last necessaries of life in such a way, as that the poor would perish, if it were not for the poor; that is, if it were not for the succour they receive from their poor neighbours, who themselves have not food for to-morrow, who have only the clothes they are actually wearing to cover their limbs, &c. Will they not rise up in judgment against the rich on the last day?

CONCLUSION.

Recapitulate the points, and exhort to the practice of works of charity, stating that our judgment for an eternity of weal or woe is to depend upon the fulfilment of this great precept, quoting Matt. xxv. 34, 40.

Consult "Projets d'Instructions," par M. Guillet, lxv. lxvi. Insts.; Bishop Hay's "Devout Christian," vol. 2, chap. xiii., and also Theology on the Decalogue.

THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD IN GENERAL:

CONCLUDING DISCOURSE.

"Thou hast commanded Thy Commandments to be kept most diligently."— Ps. cxviii. 4.

INTRODUCTION.

We have reviewed the whole series of the ten Commandments. We have considered them in order and in particular, one after another. We have seen their obligations, both as to what they command, and what they forbid; and, remembering all through that it is God Who speaks in them, we listened with docility and reverence, giving Him our understandings to be enlightened, and our hearts to be moved by His divine grace, Who, when He orders us, is present to us "to work in us" at the same time, according to the words of the Apostle, "both to will and accomplish, according to His good will." (Phil. ii. 13.)

After having thus treated the Commandments in detail, it will be useful to look back upon them in a general view, in order to make some reflections. applicable to them all at large.

Need I invite your attention to a subject of such grave importance? I am sure its importance is of itself a sufficient motive to awaken the most lively interest in your souls. Let us, therefore, lift up our hearts on high, &c.

BODY OF THE SUBJECT.

1. We are to keep always in view the origin, from which the Commandments emanate.

Not from a human origin, such as parliaments or legislative bodies, whatever authority they may possess in this world, and in the order of Providence; nor even from the authority of the Church, though otherwise in charge of our souls, to conduct us to our final destiny; they proceed from God immediately. [Here relate briefly their history, Exod. xix., xx.]

2. All and each possible.

Mention and reprobate the errors of Luther and the Jansenists, showing the blasphemy they involved making God a tyrant. Notice that no lawgiver enacts a law impossible to observe; no superior issues a mandate impossible to execute; no father imposes a duty impossible to fulfil; and infer, "a fortiori," that God cannot order us anything above, or beyond, our strength. Quote texts of Scripture, referred to in Council of Trent, sess. vi. chap. xi., and canon xviii. Quote especially Deut. xxx. 11, 12, 13.

3. To be observed all and each.

Quote and explain Matt. xix. 17, where no exception is made. Quote also James, ii. 10, and expose the delusion of those who, being good, and observant of God's Commandments in many respects, take credit to themselves for what they do, as if the violation of one single Commandment were not sufficient for their damnation. Refer to the parable of the Pharisee and Publican, Luke, xviii.; and the example in the Apoc. iii. 17.

4. Their observance to be supernatural.

To be so first, by being referred to God, He being our first Beginning and last End, &c.; enlarge. See Bourdaloue's "Spiritual Retreat" on the end of man. 2ndly, By springing from divine grace in the soul. Mention and reprobate Pelagian heresy, as to grace not being necessary for

salvation. See Council of Trent, sess. vi., chap. v., can. 1 & 3, same sess. Quote parable, John, xv., and comment upon it. Quote also 2 Cor. iii. 5, and infer the necessity of continual prayer for grace.

5. Necessity to be in a state of grace, that our observance of the Commandments be meritorious.

See

Quote I Cor. xiii. 1, 2, 3, and comment thereon. Council of Trent, sess. vi., chap. xvi. ; and lament the condition of those, who rise from time to time out of a state of sin to a state of grace, and soon fall back into sin again. Observe, however, that even in a state of sin, their observance of the Commandments is always obligatory, and that they serve to obtain for sinners the mercy of God, in order to their return to grace; adding, that all the time there is no merit for sinners.

6. Perseverance.

Quote Matt. x. 22 ; and show, that as a vessel, after having made a long voyage, may perish in sight of the harbour, so, &c. Therefore, Phil. ii. 12; Eccles. v. 5.

7. They are to be always kept in view for the guidance of our conduct through life.

Quote Deut. xi. 18, 19, 20. Apply the passage by recommending the recital of the Commandments at night or morning prayers; by making the Commandments the motive of one's conduct, in doing what we do, and avoiding what we decline doing; by parents admonishing their children, by constant reference to the Commandments. Refer to Tobias, xiv.; and recommend the example to parents for a farewell address to their children.

CONCLUSION.

Recite the example, Matt. xix. 16, 17, 18, 19, and hold out the promise therein as a motive for observing the Commandments, and, as our text says, observing them "most diligently," in the various ways laid down.

N.B.-Intersperse pious reflections and appeals, particularly at the close of each point.

Consult Theology "de Actibus Humanis, de Gratia et Merito."

THE PRECEPTS OF THE CHURCH

IN GENERAL.

If he will not hear the Church, let him be to thee as the heathen and the publican."-MATT. xviii, 17.

INTRODUCTION.

Our Divine Saviour came on earth, as He Himself says, that we may have life, and have it more abundantly. Therefore, He not only laid down His life, and spilt His blood, for our ransom, but He instituted a Church, or a society to conduct us to everlasting life. As we look back on the institution and formation of this great work, we see how He selected from amongst His followers twelve men, to whom He gave the name of Apostles, or persons sent; that, in accordance with this title, He sent them to teach and propagate His religion throughout the world, promising that He Himself, and His Holy Spirit, would be with them and their successors to the end of time; that He made one of them the Rock and Foundation, on which He was to build His Church, entrusting to him in a special way the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, and appointing him Supreme Pastor, not only of the lambs, but also of the sheep, of His fold; that after the Apostles, He appointed seventy-two other disciples to aid them in their ministry; that this little flock increased after the Ascension of our Divine Lord, so as to spread over the world, bearing down every obstacle in its progress, and continuing its existence throughout the lapse of