abyss and led into the right path. Nihil ita gratum est Deo et ita curce, ut animarutn salus, says St. Chrysostom.
It is the favourite theme of Holy Writ, the omega of all the mysteries, the centre of His love, the end of all His designs and of His labours; for which, as says St. Augustine, He created the heavens, extended the seas, and formed the foundations of the earth. And what is of greater value? for this He sent His only Son.
This is the reason that St. Gregory the Great gives when he tells us that we cannot offer to the Almighty a more pleasing service than a zeal for souls; and St. Chrysostom assures us that we can do nothing more agreeable to God than to sacrifice our life to the common benefit of all men.
Meditate awhile on this, you who have so many persons under your charge and direction; and at least, if you cannot place them in heaven, try not to lose one whom God has given to you to direct and govern, to whose hands He has confided under your care, so that you may be able to say with our Saviour, Quos dedisti MiAi, non perdidi ex eis quemquam.
