hat act seemed to be a declaration of war,
for they began to be assailed by every manner of temptation to
violate their vows and go back into the world. But, aided by the
all-powerful grace of God, they resisted manfully, and fought the
good fight unto the end.

These, and a thousand other differences, give rise to various degrees
of glory among the religious, who, having finished their course, have
received the crown of life. They who, like a St. Aloysius, a St.
Stanislaus, a St. Theresa, and many others, practised every virtue in
a heroic degree, are among the brightest and the highest in glory;
while they who led less perfect lives are far inferior. Nevertheless,
all, without exception, enjoy a peculiar glory, which is due to them
as a "crown of justice" for the great sacrifice they made to God by
the three vows of religion.

CHAPTER XX.

THE GLORY OF PENITENTS AND PIOUS PEOPLE.

Who are they that compose yonder bright multitude? They are headed by
a queen who does not wear a virgin's crown; and yet, she is so
beautiful, and enjoys so intimate a union with Jesus. Who is she? She
is Mary Magdalen, the bright queen of Penitents, and the star of hope
to all who have grievously sinned in this world.

She was once a sinner, and such a sinner! Her soul was the home of
seven devils! She was a hireling of Satan, to catch the souls of men.
But a flash of light came forth from the Heart of Jesus, and in that
light she saw herself sinful and hateful in the eyes of God. His
grace filled her heart with a deep and crushing sorrow for her many
sins. Prostrate at the feet of Jesus, she kissed them, and washed
them with the tears of true repentance. Jesus, who never despised or
rejected repentant sinners, commanded the devils to depart from her;
He then washed her soul, and made her clean as an angel. Her many
sins were forgiven her, because she loved much; for her deep
contrition was not dictated by servile fear, but by pure love. After
the ascension of Jesus, she shut herself up in a grotto, where she
wept and did bitter penance during the remainder of her days. When
her last hour was come, the angels descended from heaven, and took
her pure soul to the bosom of Jesus. Her intense love and her
penitential tears deserved for her a "crown of justice." They
beautified and glorified her far above many a one who never sinned
grievously; for she is crowned with the high honors of heaven, and
enjoys a union with Jesus far mor