self from it, by pursuing a conduct different from that which He held.
III. What reverence is due to this sacred name, and, consequently, how much you ought to honor it! You ought not to be content with honoring it yourself, but you ought to labor in increasing its honor among others. You ought first to begin, however, by yourself: " And whatsoever ye do in word or in work, do all in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Coloss. iii. 17.) If you do not act in this manner, you ought to be afraid of pronouncing that holy name. " Let every one who nameth the name of the Lord depart from iniquity." (2 Tim. ii. 19.) Say, therefore, with the Prophet, " Help us, O God our Saviour; and for the glory of Thy name, O Lord, deliver us, and forgive us our sins for Thy name's, sake." (Ps. lxxviii. 9.)
JANUARY 4.
Spiritual Circumcision. — I.
I. Every Christian ought to be spiritually circumcised, according to the example of his Lord and Master. This spiritual circumcision is enjoined in the words of the prophet Jeremias: "Be circumcised to the Lord, in your hearts, ye men of Juda and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, lest my indignation come forth like fire, and burn, and there be no one that can quench it, because of the wickedness of your thoughts." (Jer. iv. 4.) Convince yourself of the necessity of this spiritual circumcision and put it in practice, lest you incur the indignation of heaven.
II. This circumcision, as St. Bernard says, must extend itself to the whole man. Examine your heart, therefore, narrowly; cut off all inordinate passions, and every superfluity, which may prevent your spiritual
