lem, foretold its destruction, and drove from the Temple them that sold therein and them that bought. In that Gospel, short as it was, we discerned three strong arguments against the anti-Christian spirit of our times — three convincing proofs of Christ's divinity. Now, taking that Gospel as an exarqple of the power of the Scriptures, as a weapon with which to defend truth and vanquish error, we drew for conclusion that lesson Leo XIII. is so anxious should be taught and learned, viz., how useful, how necessary, how sacred a duty it is for each to have his Bible, and to read it occasionally. To-day I wish to still further emphasize this lesson — to show you the value of the Scriptures not only as an intellectual weapon, but especially as a prolific source from which may be derived the strength, the guidance, the suggestive inspiration necessary to bring a human soul through life to God. Were one of you to arise and ask with the lawyer: "What must I do to possess eternal life?" I would answer in Christ's own words: "What is written in the law — in the Scriptures? How readest thou?" For, says St. Paul to the Romans: " What things soever were written, were written for our instruction, that through patience and the comfort of the Scriptures, we might have hope unto life everlasting."
Rich with meaning are these words of St. Paul. The Romans, whom he addressed, were a newly converted people — a mixture of Jews and Gentiles, that did not mingle very well — for the Jews looked with suspicion on the apparent laxity of the Gentiles;
