it were of fire." (Acts ii. 3.) The Holy Ghost appeared in the shape of fiery tongues, "because," as St. Gregory remarks, " those whom He replenishes He renders both fervent and eloquent." Desire Him to produce both effects in you, the first for your own good, and the second for the benefit and edification of others.
PENTECOST TUESDAY.
Descent of the Holy Ghost. — II.
I. "And they began to speak with divers tongues, according as the Holy Ghost gave them to speak." (Acts ii. 4.) Ponder the greatness of the miracle: poor ignorant fishermen begin to speak the languages of all nations. These languages were not employed upon trifles, but upon the great wonders which Christ had performed for all mankind. In the same manner those who are influenced by the Divine Spirit always speak of divine things, for "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh." (Matt. xii. 34.) See, therefore, whether or not "thy speech doth discover thee" (Matt, xxii. 73), as his did the timid Peter, to be unpracticed "in the things of God."
II. " The multitude came together and was confounded in mind." (Acts ii. 6.) Some believed in the doctrines of the Apostles, whilst others derided them, and said, " These men are full of new wine." There will never be wanting those in the world who will ridicule good actions; but not on that account ought you to desist from pursuing the career of virtue. Beseech our Lord that you may imbibe the same spirit which the Apostle did. i: He who is inebriated with the love of God," observes St. Bernard, "knows the relish of Jesus Christ; O how
