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completely done away, and the mysterious language of the Messias fully explained. On this day his mission is authenticated, his ministry acknowledged, his promises confirmed, his predictions accomplished, his doctrine justified, and his labours crowned. On this day his trembling disciples are invigorated, their sorrow is turned into joy, their incredulity is removed, the enemies of religion are confounded, and the faith of all nations is finally established. On this day the truth of our mysteries is confirmed, and the Church empowered to arise triumphant with her Deliverer from the grave. On this day the means of attaining immortal bliss are secured to us: the tribulations of the flesh are weakened; the sufferings of our exile are aller viated; and a life truly spiritual is proposed to Christians.

Yes, my beloved, Jesus died to crucify the old man, and he has risen to

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perfect the new: he died to deliver slaves, he is risen to teach us the right use of the liberty of holiness: he died to cancel our debts, he is risen to enrich us with his graces: he died to save the guilty, he is risen to instruct, and perfect the just: he died to shut the gates of hell, he is risen to open the gates of heaven: in a word, he died for our sins, he is risen for our justification, (Rom. iv. 25.): he is risen to animate us to arise with him at this time, and to teach us the most effectual means of preserving the grace which will accompany our resurrection. These are the benefits, and this is the instructive lesson contained in the mystery of this festival.

We all desire to partake of the mercies of the Lord, and to share in his triumph. We all purpose to arise to a new life, and to effect a reconciliation with our injured God by means of the sacraments. But shall we complete

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this great work? This will depend on ourselves. We must follow the pattern which was shown on the mount. (Heb. viii. 5.) Christ suffered for us leaving us an example, that we should walk in his footsteps, (1 Peter ii. 21.); it is by this alone that we shall be entitled to a full participation of the blessings of heaven. Be attentive, whilst I enlarge on this important subject.

1. Christ rising from the dead, dieth now no more, death shall no more have dominion over him, (Rom. vi. 9.) because his resurrection includes a full and entire renovation: because he brings nothing earthly with him from the grave: and because death is swallowed up in victory. 1 Cor. xv. 54. This, my beloved, is the pattern, this is the example after which we must model our resurrection, and secure our perseverance. In order, therefore, to avoid a relapse, we must leave behind us in the grave all the appurtenances

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of our former vices; we must be reformed in the newness of our minds, (Rom. xii. 2.) and become pure, and holy, and spiritual. One passion neglected preserves all the rest: one wound treated with undue lenity draws to it the humours of the whole body. Our attention, therefore, must be redoubled; our vigilance must increase: and as our blessed Lord did not reckon that his labours were concluded, or his victory complete, until death was entirely swallowed up in him; so we, my brethren, who are his followers, as long as we have any passions to combat, any desires to repress, any virtues to perfectionate, we, I say, must not consider our resurrection as complete, and • must not relax in our exertions until the new man be formed in our souls.

Nevertheless, the greater number of Christians consider the time of Easter as a time of relaxation, of repose, of liberty, and of pleasure. But I again repeat, that in order to preserve the grace of your resurrection, it must be to you a time of renovation and fervour: the following are my reasons, and they are deserving of your attention.

In the first place, the generality of Christians suppose, that they are now at liberty to devote more time to dissipation, and less to the care of their souls, because the time of public penance is concluded; they imagine that the peculiar advantage of Easter consists in the removal of all those restraints which they had impatiently endured; and that they are to rejoice and be glad on that account. To convince you of the fallacy of an opinion so popular, and so injurious to the sanctity of this time, it will be only necessary to state, that the festive gladness of the Church is occasioned by the victory which Jesus, and with him all the faithful, have gained over the powers of hell; that your return to

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