There  were  the  strong  loving  hearts  of  the  Apostles,  the
innocence  of  the  little  children,  the  mature  virtue  of  those
who  were  waiting  in  patient  hope  for  the  dawning  of  the
day-star  of  justice,  and  the  newly-acquired  purity  of  con
verted  sinners,  whose  souls  were  sparkling  with  the  diamond
tears  of  their  repentant  sorrow.  All  these  were  His;  they
pressed  round  Him,  they  were  gathered  in,  and  held  close
to  His  sacred  heart,  which  thrilled  with  so  much  joy,  that  all
the  Angels  in  heaven  who  beheld  it,  were  moved  to  rejoice
with  Him  over  the  spoils  which  His  heart  had  won.
II.  Dear  children  !  you  think  it  a  privilege  to  be  able  to
give  joy  to  your  parents,  to  your  masters,  and  to  those
whom  you  respect  and  love ;  what  happiness  then  may  be


4/6  LECTURES  FOR  BOYS

yours,  if  you  can  give  joy  to  the  heart  of  Jesus  Christ,  your
Lord  and  your  God !  You  can  do  this,  and  He  expects
that  you  will  do  it.  Let  me  point  out  to  you  the  way.
