mercy. Finally, Satan purposely misquoted Scripture, suppressing the words, " that they keep thee in all thy ways," thus falsifying the entire tenor of God's promise, and throwing on God the burden of protecting man not only in the level paths of rectitude but also amid the precipices of sin. Thus it is the devil and his votaries garble the sacred word of God to foster vice. With murderous hand they poison the fountains of the knowledge of God to kill men's souls, and that they do not oftener succeed is due to God alone, whose mighty power reveals betimes their malice and out of evil brings much good.
Brethren, with the single exception of Christ's soul, all others have had and have their own duly appointed angel guardian. From the first moment of its creation until the settlement of its final destiny the angel of God is by its side, to light and guard, to rule and guide. In joy and sorrow, through virtue and through sin, the faithful monitor is ever there, beseeching, prompting, or applauding. From the lost soul he parts reluctant at the gates of hell, or stands triumphant at the heavenly portals to welcome in his charge. It helps us to realize the value of a human soul to think how God has hedged her round about with safeguards and protectors. A soul is God's most precious treasure, which He needs must leave for a time in a foreign land, but which meantime He guards with almost incredible care and vigilance. God's heart is where His treasure is, and the eyes of His providence are ever on her. The
