than seven watchmen who sit in a high place to watch." (Ecclus. xvii. 18.)
III. By "fortitude" we are encouraged to undergo every difficulty which stands between us and heaven, and to resist those who wish to make us deviate from virtue, even to death. By " piety" we are taught to act as children towards our superiors, as mothers towards our inferiors, and as brethren towards our equals. Lastly, " The fear of God hateth evil " (Prov. viii. 13), and preserves us from every sin, because "he that feareth God neglecteth nothing." (Ecclus. vii. 19.) Therefore, beg these gifts of God, " Who giveth to all abundantly." (James i. 5.)
FRIDAY.
Fruits of the Holy Ghost.
I. The Holy Ghost resembles a large tree, whose top reaches heaven and whose branches extend over the whole world. " The fruit of the Divine Spirit," says the Apostle, " is charity, joy, peace, patience, benignity, goodness, longanimity, mildness, faith, modesty, continency, chastity." (Gal. v. 22.) These are the effects which the presence of the Holy Ghost in the soul produces. Admire the goodness and purity of God, who does not disdain to make poor man sensible of His presence by producing in his soul these fruits of holiness.
II. Examine whether you be possessed by the spirit of God, and whether you partake of His fruits; for it is written in the sacred volume: " By their fruits you shall know them." (Matt. vii. 16.) Examine, therefore, how charitable you are; how patient, mild, and modest. If you be destitute of these virtues, you are a stranger to the
