religious instructions is always a sign of great tepidity. Our Lord said to the Jews: " He that is of God heareth the words of God; therefore you hear them not, because you are not of God" (John viii. 47). The same words apply to the Christian who does not go to hear sermons; if you were of God, a child of God, you would take delight in hearing His word; you would willingly hear sermons, and attend catechetical instructions. Happy are those young men who diligently receive the seed of the word of God: "who in a good and perfect heart, hearing the word, keep it and bring forth fruit in patience" (Luke viii. 15). To them the promise of Jesus may be applied: "Blessed are they who hear the word of God, and keep it" (Luke xi. 28). Notice that Jesus does not merely say:" Blessed are they that hear the word of God," but expressly adds: "Blessed are they that keep it."
Wherefore resolve to keep the word of God; and by so doing render to God the things that are God's.
Hail, Sunday, peaceful day of rest.
The Lord's own day, which He has blest;
Rejoice to sanctify the day
And in the church your homage pay.
XLI. A Ladder to Heaven: Prayer
1.ONE death-bed scene which I witnessed in the course of my life as a pastor of souls can never fade from my
