character of "a helper, in due time, in tribulation." (Ps. ix. 10.)
II. The disciples seeing Him walking on the waters- , exclaimed, "It is an apparition." It too frequently happens, that men consider Christ as a mere apparition, interior inspirations the mere effects of a melancholy disposition, and solid virtue, nothing but idle superstition and weakness of mind. Others consider their own crude imaginations, the effect of Christ's presence; believe their foolish ideas are revelations; that their passions are virtues; that their anger and malice are zeal; and seek their own private interest, under the cover of the greater glory of God. The virtuous soul avoids both extremes, and follows the counsel of the Apostle, " Believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they be of God." (1 John iv. 1.)
III. Consider the words of Christ, " It is I, be not afraid." It is I, who so lately fed five thousand in the wilderness; it is I, who appeased a similar tempest; it is I, who command the stormy winds and the raging sea; it is I, who am now walking on that untractable element; be not therefore afraid. Hear Him address the same language to you, when you are assaulted by temptation, and rejoice that you have a helper so powerful as He is, and a refuge in all your distresses and miseries.
WEDNESDAY.
Peter Walks on the Water.
I. As soon as St. Peter understood that it was Christ who was walking on the water, his fervor was immediately inflamed, and he felt an ardent desire of being with
