If there were clouds before him in the sky they became like burnished brass, and only served to mark his way with brilliance. The moon hung far below, a palace of limpid crystal swinging in a sky of turquoise blue. Her silver light flooded everything with beauty, and twinkling moonbeams lay like jewels all along his path. And then, as if heaping splendor upon splendor, the stars flamed out, like gems woven into the celestial tapestry. What a wonderful background of magnificence for the descent of the Holy Angel and the Blessed Maid! The earth lay at their feet reflecting the luster of the skies. The immensity, the mystery of God was all about them.

Gently the angel laid the tiny baby in its mother's arms; and thus a princess came upon the earth, for Mary was of royal blood, belonging to the house of David. She grew in strength, and her beauty was marvelous to behold. Her face and form were perfect, and as God loved to look upon her too, her sweet innocence was greater still.

Lovely as a dream, and in purest modesty, Mary went her way, growing to sweet womanhood in absolute perfection. Her crowning joy of life came with her motherhood. Oh, glorious destiny! Mother of God!

At length, when Mary's mission on earth was finished, the angel again bore her pure white soul to

CATH. FIFTH READER- - 11

Every habit and faculty is maintained and increased by the corresponding actions: the habit of walking by walking, the habit of running by running. If you would be a good reader, read; if a writer, write. But when you shall not have read for thirty days in succession, but have done something else, you will know the consequence. In the same way, if you shall have lain down ten days, get up and attempt to make a long walk, and you will see how your legs are weakened. Generally, then, if you would make anything a habit, do it; if you would not make it a habit, do not do it, but accustom yourself to do something else in place of it.

So it is with respect to the affections of the soul: when you have been angry, you must know that not only has this evil befallen you, but that you have also increased the habit, and in a manner thrown fuel upon fire.

He who has had a fever, and has been relieved from it, is not in the same state that he was before, unless he has been completely cured. Something of the kind happens also in diseases of the soul. Certain traces and blisters are left in it, and unless a man shall completely efface them, when he is again

draw lively pictures of the things which will follow, for if you do, it will carry you off wherever it pleases. But rather bring in to oppose it some other beautiful and noble appearance, and cast out this base appearance. And if you are accustomed to be exercised in this way, you will see what shoulders, what sinews, what strength you have. But now it is only trifling words, and nothing more.

This is the true athlete, the man who exercises himself against such appearance. Stay, wretch, do not be carried away. Great is the combat, divine is the work; it is for kingship, for freedom, for happiness. Remember God; call on him as a helper and protector.

For take away the fear of death, and suppose as many thunders and lightnings as you please, and you will know what calm and serenity there is in the ruling faculty. But if you have once been defeated and say that you will conquer hereafter, and then say the same again, be assured that you will at last be in so wretched a condition and so weak that you will not even know afterwards that you are doing wrong, but you will even begin to make apologies for your wrongdoing.

EPICTETUS.