progress. In the first place, you must destroy all obstinacy of judgment and opinion, which is the source and origin of infinite evils. From this flow all heresies, schisms, and all illusions of the devil; all dissensions and strifes are referred to this. Detest this obstinacy, therefore, as the bane of all virtue. Learn to submit your judgment, therefore, to the Church, your superiors and directors, who hold the place of God. " Lean not upon thy own judgment, and be not wise in thy own conceit. (Prov. iii. 5, 7.)
III. This circumcision must extend itself particularly to self-love, which is the greatest enemy of salvation. It blinds the understanding, and inflames the mind with " many unprofitable and hurtful desires, which drown men in destruction and perdition." (1 Tim. vi. 9.) Such are the desires of possessing wealth, of enjoying the conveniences of life, of being honored and esteemed by men, of being preferred before others; again, the desire of vain and unprofitable knowledge, and the love of vanity and pleasures. "Cut off," therefore, all these passions, " and cast them from you." (Matt. v. 30.) Deny yourself, and follow Christ.
JANUARY 5.
Spiritual Circumcision.— II.
I. This spiritual circumcision ought not only to extend itself to the inward man; but, also, to the external senses! Reflect how many souls have lost the end of their creation by a single glance of the eye. How many others have perished by the indulgence of the other senses! Restrain your eyes, therefore, from all improper or dangerous objects; your ears from everything that savors of vanity or curiosity, and much more of immodesty,
