us to aspire to perfection. Examine how you correspond with these graces, lest He may have reason to say of you> " for the day shall come upon thee, and thy enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and beat thee flat to the ground." (Luke xliii. 44.)
MONDAY.
The Fifth Beatitude.
I. " Blessed are the merciful." (Matt. v. 7.) There are seven acts of spiritual mercy, and seven works of mercy corporal. These are known to every one, who is acquainted with the elements of his religion. These works of mercy, however, must be accompanied with three conditions to render them perfect and acceptable to God. 1. They must extend themselves to all without exception, even to our enemies. 2. We must take advantage of every occasion of doing good, in every species of distress, and exert ourselves to the extent of our abilities. 3. They must be accompanied with internal motives and internal devotion. Examine yourself on this subject, and remember, that a good intention alone, can sanctify an action, which might otherwise be only good.
II. On this subject, as well as the other beatitudes, Christ has given us the most perfect example. He addressed Himself to all mankind, when in His mercy He said, " Come to Me, all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will refresh you." (Matt. xi. 28.) He took advantage of -every occasion of doing good, therefore, " He was teaching daily in the temple." (Luke, xix. 47.) And " He went about doing good, and healing all, that were oppressed by the devil." (Acts, x. 38.) He performed all these works of mercy with the most tender
