be speaking when " in the time of the harvest He will say to the reapers: Gather ye the wheat into My barn."
Sixth Sunday after Epiphany.
The Stability of the Christian Church.
"The kingdom of heaven is like to a mustard-seed . , , to a leaven hid in three measures of meal." — Matt. xiii. 31. 33.
SYNOPSIS.
Ex. : I. Paul's confidence. II. Destruction and construction. III. No cause for alarm.
I. An imperial power: 1. Christ a king. 2. Delegated power. 3. Two parables.
II. Danger: 1. Conflict of rights. 2. Spirit of State. 3. Church's solution.
III. Church indispensable: 1. Liberty and peace. 2. Political integrity. 3. Patriotism.
Per.: 1. Church and State in America. 2. Calm progress. 3. Our duty.
SERMON.
Brethren, in these parables Christ guarantees the steady progress of the Christian Church. He would have us " feel confident of this very thing that He who hath begun a good work in you will perfect it unto the day of Christ Jesus."
In these words, Paul the Apostle expresses his firm trust in God's power and Christ's promise to sustain, protect and advance His Church against all opposition all days, even to the consummation of the world. And we Catholics of to-day have sore need of Paul's spirit — of his faith and hope. When we
