This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1894 edition. Excerpt: ... The wings of prayer. Our prayers should bo joined to fasting and alms-deeds, or in other words to works of self-denial and charity. By this means they have greater power, are more pleasing to God, and are more surely heard. The holy Fathers say, therefore: "Fasting and alms are the two wings with which our prayers fly to heaven." HI. Application. Do you keep in your mind that your holy guardian angel is always with you? Do you commend yourself to his care, and obey his inspirations? Do you take pains, like young Tobias, to be a joy to your parents, and to spare them anxiety and vexation? Do you return home as soon as you can, when you are sent out by them on an errand? DECLINE OF THE KINGDOM OF JUDA. Chapter LXX. THE PROPHETS JOEL AND MICHEAS. (790--730 B. C.) I. Narrative ami Explanation. OD also sent to the inhabitants of the kingdom of Juda a great number of prophets, whose powerful voice was heard throughout the land calling them to repentance i. Many times did their words produce the desired effect, and bring the people to repentance, and fora while they served God with fidelity and sincerity. Unhappily these returns to virtue and religion were of short duration 2. Then it was that the prophets, with sorrowful hearts, began to announce to the rebellious people the downfall of their country3, and the only consolation left to the prophets was the thought of the Messias, whose coming they saw more clearly as time went on. j.. The prophet Joelspoke to the people in these terms: Hear this, ye olamen, and give ear, all ye inhabitants of the land. Blow the trumpet in Sion, sound an alarm in my holy mountain; because the day of the Lord comes; because it is nigh at hand. A day of darkness DEGREES and of gloom; a day of clouds and whirlwinds; a...