3. On the probation of the just by adversity

" Exultate justi, in Domino J^* " Rejoice in the Lord, O ye just."

1 . Joy is eternal in heaven ; sorrow is ete^-nal in hell : both dwell occasionally on earth, to prove the good and the bad.

The sky is pure and serene in summer, dark and cloudy in Avinter ; so also is it with the devout soul : — when the grace of God comes and illuminates it, it discovers many truths which were before unknown, and understands what before it understood not. It rejoices with great joy, and expresses in songs of gladness, the o o o c happine^ which it feels. But the season of trial comes at last, and the grace of devotion is withdrawn ; then winter comes, in ice and cold, in the gloom of the intellect and fear of soid. Then patience, most needful to our wants as It is pleasing to God, comes to our aid ; in such trials our advance in virtue grows apace, and by patience, will our eternal recompense hereafter be increased.

2. The chastisements of God humble and purify the soul, confound our pride, and dissipate all vain-glory.

So long as the soul is united to the body, so long does God prove man, in turn, under both relations, that he may make greater progress in the love of Christ.

Wherefore it is a proof of great knowledge and virtue, to profit by adversity as well as prosperity. o o Bless then, 0 my soul, bless the Lord, at all times. Sing, 0 Sion, day and night, the praises of the Lord, and thy reward shall be great in the sight of God, in heaven and on earth ; for all shall tend to thy spiritual advantage, whether prosperity or adversity, good or evil, joy or sorrow. Whence the apostle saith ; " We know that to them that love God, all things work together unto good ;''* and nothing shall ever be wanted to those that fear Him. Blessed are they who in all things follow the will of God. o o