of the world. There is, moreover, a
congregation of Magdalens, whereof she is the model and patroness. It
is attached to the order of the Good-Shepherd, and is filled, not
only with women who have sinned, but with virgins, too, who have
fallen in love with the beautiful penitential spirit of Mary
Magdalen.

* Matt. xiv. 9. + Mark xvi. 9.

All this must certainly be very consoling to those who have sinned
grievously, and who have, perhaps, thought that, on account of their
sins, they have lost all right to a high place in heaven. Mary
Magdalen, St. Peter, St. Augustine, and a host of other illustrious
penitents, teach us that a high degree of glory is ours, no matter
what sins we have committed, if we love ardently, lead a penitential
life, and practise other virtues in an eminent degree.

There is one more beautiful throng standing around the throne of God,
and enjoying a high degree of glory in heaven. It is made up of the
vast multitude of men and women who sanctified themselves while
living in the world. They are known as the Pious people. They lived
in the world, but were not of it. They did not live according to its
spirit; for its spirit is the sworn enemy of God. Many of them, while
surrounded with the wealth and magnificence of this world, practised
the virtues of the cloister. Others belonged to the middle classes of
society; and others, again, to the poorer classes. But in whatever
class their lot was cast, they all sanctified themselves by loving
God and their neighbor, and by acquitting themselves of their
respective duties. What a beautiful and glorious throng they are!

Here are kings and queens who, in their exalted position, knew how to
be humble, and who used their wealth and position for the benefit of
their subjects. Here are representatives of all professions and
trades in society--lawyers, physicians, soldiers, tradesmen, and
cultivators of the soil. Here, too, are the servants of the rich, who
thought it a kindness to be allowed to do all drudgery, in order to
have wherewith to live. Here are good husbands and wives, who truly
loved each other, and were faithful unto death. Here are those good
parents whose first care was to teach their children the knowledge
and love of God. Here, too, are the good children who honored their
parents, and cared for them with a tender charity, when age and
infirmity had rendered them helpless. Here, too, are young men, and
young women, who, though they had no