(Job xix. 25.) Celestial harmony, such as mortal ear has never listened to, will regale the sense of hearing. The odors of heaven will gratify the smell. " Your Saints, O Lord," exclaims a pious and learned theologian, " will flourish as the lily, and shall be with you as the odor of balm." The taste will be delighted with something far more exquisite than material food: " The Lord will make them drink of the torrent of pleasure." (Ps. xxxv. 9.) The feeling, also, will be completely gratified. "The eye hath not seen," says St. Paul, " nor ear heard, neither hath it entered into the heart of man, what things God hath prepared for them that love Him." (1 Cor. ii. 9.)
III. How earnestly you ought to labor to attain this great reward! "The kingdom of heaven," says Jesus Christ, "suffereth violence." (Matt. xi. 12.) Offer, then, to your will and passions that necessary violence, for none but the violent can bear away this prize.
FRIDAY.
Expectation of the Holy Ghost. — I.
I. After the Apostles had witnessed the ascension of their Lord and Master into heaven, they returned to the city, and assembling in one room, prepared themselves by continual prayer and fervent acts of devotion, for the reception of the Holy Ghost. "All these," says St. Luke, " were persevering with one mind in prayer with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and His brethren." (Acts. i. 14.) Learn from their conduct, that the dispositions requisite for the receiving, of the Holy Ghost, are, 1. Retirement from noise and profane company. 2. Perseverance in prayer. 3. Concord, and union of mind. 4. The company of the Blessed Virgin.
