affection, for He acted like the good Samaritan, "who bound up the wounds, of him that fell among robbers." (Luke x. 30.) Therefore "go thou and do in like man
Ill. Consider the reward attached to works of mercy. " They shall obtain mercy." This mercy will accompany them in this life, it will extend to both body and soul, and it will be their reward in the next life: "With the same measure, that you shall measure, it shall be measured to you again." (Luke, vi. 38.) Reflect how much you stand in need of God's mercy, and what your case would have been, had God dealt with you according to your deserts. Be merciful, therefore, to others, that you may obtain mercy. Meditate on the sentence of St. James: "judgment without mercy to him, that hath not done mercy." (James ii. 13.)
TUESDAY.
The Sixth Beatitude.
I. " Blessed are the clean of heart." (Matt. v. 8.) The Christian, whose heart is clean, is free from all sin, both mortal and venial; his mind is frequently exercised with pious and holy thoughts, and all his actions are accompanied with a right intention. He does nothing to gain the applause of mankind. Hence the Apostle requires from all Christians, " Charity from a pure heart and a good conscience, and an unfeigned faith." (1. Tim. i. 5.) Examine the state of your mind on these subjects.
II. Christ was a perfect model of this virtue, for He " did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth." (1. Pet. ii. 22.) Hence is "the brightness of eternal light,
