tribulation became the common heritage of man. " Cursed be the earth," said the Lord, " thorns and thistles shall it bear you." To punish is God's; 'tis ours to suffer, and happily merit by suffering patiently. When Moses led the chosen people through the Red Sea, they hoped to enter, immediately, the promised land, but finding a vast desert lay between, some were for returning into Egypt and sought to turn the people from their leader. But Moses sent ambassadors to view the land of promise, who returned with messages of comfort and despair,— of comfort because it was a land flowing with milk and honey, and of despair because they found it strongly fortified, with one small entrance guarded by giant warriors. Ah, Brethren, how many, when, through the waters of Baptism or sacramental penance they have fled from the tyranny of sin, are tempted to return because before them lies the seemingly cheerless waste of a virtuous life — because the fierce enemies of their souls so guard the one small door of paradise! They easily forget Paul's words: " that all who piously wish for life in Christ must suffer persecution," and that: " it is only through many tribulations one can enter into the kingdom of God." Not one of those fainthearted Israelites was spared to see the promised land — and yet our inconstancy is guiltier than theirs. Not ten, but tens of thousands have glowingly described our heavenly inheritance. " O Lord of hosts," exclaims the Psalmist, " how lovely are Thy tabernacles." " Without Thee, O Lord," says Isaias, " nor eye can see nor heart conceive what things Thou
