Vol. 2

CHAPTER III. 325fire," if they have not good works at the hour ofdeath : and there can be none without charity, whichisthe root of them." 10. And the people asked him, saying, Whatshall we do then ?"The first step of a true penitent is, to resign himselfup to the conduct of an enlightened, prudent, anddisinterested director. There is no plainer indicationthat a sinner's heart is really touched by God,and that the time of mercy is come, than his appearingdocile, submissive, and ready to do every thingtoward his own recovery. A sinner must receivethe law, and not give it. It is an intolerable subversionof order, for a criminal to say to Iiis judge, ' Iwill not do this;' and a judge to a criminal, What'will you do?' But something like this is too oftenseen in the business of repentance, and we there findvery few vvho say as they ought,* What must I do?*" 1 1. He answereth and saith unto them, Hethat hath two coats, let him impart to him that hathnone; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise."One part of repentance, which here includes theother works of mercy, is to give that which is superfluousto the poor.John does not enjoin the sacrificesof the law, knowing their insufficiency, but thesacrifice of charity, which covers the multitude ofsins. The love of God is comprehended under thatof our neighbour, whom we ought to love and assist,only for the sake of God. Let us love to feed andclothe the poor. These works of charity are preferableto all others,as being the most necessary andindispensable. He who is not moved with his brother'smisery, deserves to find God unmoved withhis own.