Page:Meditations For Every Day In The Year.djvu/278

 grace of  that  adoption. The chief  of  these  means  are the seven  sacraments,  through  which,  as  through  so many  channels,  He  wishes  His  favorite  graces  to  flow, and render  your  soul  fertile  in  good  works. In these you can  find  an  antidote  against  every  disease,  and  assistance in  every  distress. Hence, the  Church  may  say to you  with  the  Prophet:  "You  shall  draw  waters  with joy,  out  of  the  Saviour's  fountain." (Is. xii.  3.)

II. The infinite  wisdom  of  God  has  adapted  the sacraments to  all  our  spiritual  wants  and  necessities. By Baptism  we  are  regenerated,  freed  from  original  sin, and admitted  into  the  Church. This regenerated  life  is increased  and  strengthened  by  Confirmation. The Eucharist is  its  solid  and  substantial  support. If it  be attacked  by  any  spiritual  disease,  or  even  if  it  be  vitally injured, we  have  a  remedy  in  Penance,  and  Extreme Unction arms  it  for  the  last  and  most  dangerous  combat. Holy Orders  and  Matrimony  are  instituted,  in order  to  enable  those,  who  embrace  them,  to  perform their important  duties  consistently  with  the  Spirit  of God  and  religion. We may  truly  say  with  the  Psalmist,. " Blessed  are  they,  that  dwell  in  thy  house,  O  Lord," (Ps. lxxxiii.  5.)  that  is  in  the  true  Church  of  Jesus  Christ.

III. These fountains  of  grace  are  open  to  all;  none are excluded  from  them,  however  poor  they  may  be. Hence the  Prophet  exclaims:  "All  ye  that  thirst,  come to  the  waters,  and  you  that  have  no  money,  make  haste; buy  and  eat." (Is. lv.  1.)  These  fountains  are  continually flowing,  like  the  widow's  oil  mentioned  in  the fourth book  of  Kings,  as  long  as  there  are  empty  vessels (that is,  humble  souls,)  to  receive  the  life-giving  waters. The efficacy  of  the  sacraments  does  not  depend  on  the virtues or  vices  of  their  ministers;  but  they  infallibly work their  effect,  by  virtue  of  their  divine  institution,