sin; and the second person voluntarily offered Himself as an atonement for that guilt. And when His Father said : " Sacrifice and oblation I did not desire," then He said, " behold I come." (Ps. xxxix. 7.) Admire this voluntary self-oblation of the Son, and admire, 100, the Father's acceptance of it. O, ineffable effect of charity! To redeem His slave, the Father did not refuse to deliver up His only Son. Give thanks to both, and uniting with Them the Holy Ghost, expand your heart in sentiments of gratitude.
III. What would have become of you "had not Christ acted as your mediator? You would have remained involved in all the consequences of sin, and you would besides have been subjected to the pains of hell. So that you might justly say, "unless the Lord had been my helper, my soul had dwelt in hell." (Ps. xciii. 17.) Learn hence to esteem the benefit conferred on you; and since God has given Himself to you, do you give yourself to God. Say with the Royal Prophet, " my heart is ready, O, God, my heart is ready." (Ps. cvii. 2.) Do not recall or take back the gift which you have offered to God.
THURSDAY.
The Decree Concerning the Incarnation. II.
I. Consider the admirable perfections of God displayed in this decree. His infinite wisdom dictated that our moral evils should be cured by their opposite virtues. Man sinned through pride, vainly affecting an equality with God. The tempter told our first parents in Paradise; "You shall be as gods." (Gen. iii. 5.) This vice was to be cured by the Redeemer, who "debased Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men." (Phil. ii. 7.) Detest pride, which has
