Page:HalfHoursWithTheSaints.djvu/88

 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  Mihi,  non  perdidi  ex  eis quemquam.

PERE NOUET.

Meditations.