tion, by remaining nine months imprisoned in His mother's womb, in the most distressing situation. 5. In order that He might satisfy, in the flesh, for our debts, like a condemned criminal. You, who are but dust and ashes, learn to be humble, when you see the Lord of hosts thus humbled for your sake.
III. What were the first acts of the divine infant immediately after His conception? He offered Himself and His whole life to the eternal Father, as a holocaust and a sacrifice for our sins, He said, in the inspired language of His prophet, " Behold, I come." (Ps. xxxix. 8.) The eternal Father was pleased with His new born Son, and He might well have said, "Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten Thee." (Ps. ii. 7.) This day was a day of joy to heaven and to earth. — On this day, " Mercy and truth met each other: and justice and peace kissed. Truth has sprung out of the earth: and justice has looked down from heaven." (Ps. lxxxiv. 11, 12.)
THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT.
Christ the Anointed of the Lord.
" Draw me, we will run after Thee to the odor of Thy ointments." — (Cant. i. 3.)
I. The Pharisees, in the gospel of to-day, sent to St. John, to inquire whether or not he were the Christ. This title belongs to none but the Redeemer, or the anointed of the Lord. He was anointed by a triple unction, as King, Prophet, and High Priest. — " Thy name is as oil poured out." (Cant. i. 2.) "Thy God hath anointed Thee with the oil of gladness above Thy fellows." (Ps. xliv. 8.) Who, then, would not "run after Him to the odor of His ointments." (Cant. i. 3.)
II. This anointed of the Lord will visit you to-day in
