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Rh knowledge, but we too frequently forget to take the more solid and substantial principles of heavenly love and charity, for the nourishment of our wills and affections.

13. Jesus takes a little child and sets him in the midst of the apostles, (Mark ix. 36,) to teach us, by the most significative language, that innocence is the central virtue, and that other virtues derive thence all their excellence: and He adds, Whosoever shall receive one of such children in My name, receiveth ; to instruct us further, that innocence is from Himself, and that He is in it, and that no communication can be had with Him but by and through this heavenly grace, and that wheresoever innocence is, there He is.

14. They gnaw not the bones till the morrow; (Zeph. iii. 3;) or, as it is expressed in the original, they do not pick (or make clean) till the morning, is recorded as an accusation against the Judges of Israel, because in cases of judgment they were hasty and impetuous in their own spirits, and did not wait for the light of truth to guide and direct them. The accusation stands in equal force against all who are more prompt to decide from their own spirits, than patient to wait for the decision of the Divine Spirit.

15. She hath done what she could; (Mark xiv. 8;) or, as it might perhaps be better rendered, she hath offered what she had, is a most high commendation from the mouth of the Eternal Truth, which yet, we must be forced to confess, is in every one’s power