followers grace to profit by it, to glorify Him and secure the end of their creation. When light passes through loathsome or infected places, it emerges as pure and uncontaminated as it entered; thus Christ and His apostolic followers, although they converse and treat with sinners, do not partake of their uncleanness. Hence, no one, whose duty it is to reclaim sinners, ought to fear the danger of corruption, if he act in obedience to God, and follow the example of Christ and His Apostles.
III. Christ says, that no one puts a light under a bushel. Thus He reprehends those, who do not employ the talents, which they have received, in enlightening their neighbors, but hide their light, from pusillanimity or sloth. They ought to imitate the stars at their creation, of which Baruch speaks in the sublimest strains. "They were called by the Almighty," says the Prophet, "and they said, here we are, and with cheerfulness they have shined forth to him, that made them." (Baruch iii. 25.)
TENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
Christ our Propitiation.
" With Thee, there is merciful forgiveness: and by reason of Thy law, I have waited for Thee, O Lord." (Ps. exxix. 4.)
I. Conceive yourself to be that publican, who is mentioned in the Gospel of to-day; for in consequence of your sins, you ought to deem yourself unworthy of raising up your eyes to Heaven, and only deserving of the privilege of striking your breast and crying out continually, " O God be merciful to me a sinner." (Luke, xviii. 13.) Call to mind the sins of your past life, and you will
