the Holy Ghost Amen. [2] The sign which we make with the hand puts us in mind of our redemp tion through the merits of the death of Jesus Christ upon the cross, [3] and the words, which we pro nounce at the same time, serve to remind us of the great mystery of the most holy Trinity, [4] We make use of this sign before and after our prayers, to signify that we place all our confidence of obtaining mercy, grace and salvation in the blessed Trinity and the merits of our crucified saviour.

I [5] By blessings are understood those prayers and ceremonies whereby the church dedicates certain things to the use of religion, such as water, salt, oil, chapels, altars, the vestments and linen used at the altar, &c. In the prayers which ich are employed in these blessings, she begs of the Almighty, that the use of them may produce grace in our souls. [6] The grace, however, which we expect to derive from using those things which are blessed, we do not be lieve to arise from any inherent virtue which they possess in their own nature, but from the virtue and omnipotence of God. [7] To attribute any superna tural efficacy to them independently of God, would be superstitious. [8] It must, also, be observed, that there is a wide difference between the efficacy of those things which are blessed for the administration of the sacraments and of such as are blessed for other pious uses, that of the former being derived from the in stitution of Jesus Christ himself, and that of the latter being only given by the Almighty according to his own good will and pleasure, and in such proportion as the faith, piety and respect of those who use them deserve.

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III. [9] Confraternities are associations which persons living in the world form amongst themselves to perform certain exercises of piety. [10] These associations are doubtless good and pleasing to the Almighty, when their rules are in accordance with the spirit of the church and they are kept free from abuses. [11] No new practices of devotion should be instituted, and much less should any indulgences be published in favour of the members of a confraternity, without the sanction of episcopal authority. [12] Such persons as wish to become members of a confraternity should examine well whether the particular obligations which its rule imposes will interfere with the faithful performance of their general duties; and if so, by no means ought they to engage in it, because works of precept must always have the preference to those which are only of council. [13] Their motive must, also, be good; that is, they must not be actuated by vanity or any worldly inducement, but solely by the desire of promoting the honour and glory of God and their own and neighbours' salvation. [14] After engaging let them faithfully observe their rule, and, at the same time, guard against the abuse of too many who rest their hopes of salvation more upon the performance of the particular practices of piety which they have taken upon themselves, or even upon the badge which they carry about with them, than upon the discharge of the general duties of religion.

CHAPTER THE SIXTEENTH,

I. Eight beatitudes.-II. Conclusion.

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I. There are eight things, which Jesus Christ assures us will make us happy upon earth and which alone can entitle us to hope for eternal happiness hereafter. [1] Blessed, says he (a) are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are the meek, for they shall possess the land. ·Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice, for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the clean of heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peace makers, for they shall be called the children of God. "Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. [2] By the poor in spirit are meant, Ist, the poor who are content with their condition and 2ndly, the rich; whose affections are disengaged from what they possess. [3] By the meek are meant, those who are mild in their general deportment, and are not given to quarrelling, murmurs and complaints. [4] By the mourners are understood, such as bewail their own sins and those of others; who lead a penitential life, and suffer, for the love of God, all temporal afflictions. [5] By those that hunger and thirst after justice are meant, such as ardently aspire after, and take all possible means to attain, perfection. [6] By the merciful Jesus' Christ means, those who compassionate and and do what lies in their power to assist their neighbours in

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their spiritual and corporal necessities. [7] The elean of heart are those whose hearts are disengaged from all affection to sin, and who continually strive to suppress the inordinate emotions of concupiscence. [8] The peace makers are such as live at peace in their own interior, with their neighbours, and with God, and endeavour, on all occasions, to promote peace amongst all men. [9] By those that suffer persecution for justice sake, we are to understand, such as are ill treated, calumniated and despised, because they support truth and justice, and are guided in all their words and actions by the line of duty.

II. [10] The conclusion of all that has been said is, that eternal life, or the everlasting sight and enjoyment of God, is the end for which man was made, and the end which he should have in view in all his thoughts, words, and deeds. It is to obtain this that he must believe all those truths which Jesus Christ has delivered; and often consider with gratitude what he has done and suffered, to conduct him to it. It is for the same end that he must avoid evil and do good; that he must approach worthily to the sacraments, pray, and practise all the other duties of religion. In a word, the abridgment of christianity, and of the foregoing instructions is, that this earth is but a land of exile; that heaven is the true country towards which we ought to make daily advances; and that, if we do so, we shall be eternally happy, and by neglecting it, we shall render ourselves eternally miserable.

END OF PART THE SECOND.