the just man shall scarcely be saved. 1 St. Peter iv. 18. O Jesus, my Saviour and my Judge, what will become of me, since my whole life has hitherto been the reverse of thine? But thy passion is my hope. I am a sinner, but thou canst make me a saint, and this I hope for from thy bounty.
II. The Venerable Father Louis da Ponte, reflecting on the account which he should have to give of his whole life at the time of his death, trembled to such a degree as to make the whole room shake. And how ought we to tremble at the thought of Ibis account, and how diligent ought we to be in seeking the Lord whilst we may find him. At the time of death it will be difficult to find him, if we are overtaken in our sins; but now we may easily find him by repentance and love. Yes, my God, I am sorry above every evil for having despised thee; and I now esteem and love thee above every good.
III. What shall l do, said holy Job, when God shall rise to judge? and when he shall examine, what shall I answer him? xxxi. 14. And what shall I answer him, if after so many mercies, so many calls, still I resist him? No, Lord, I will no longer resist thee, I will no longer be ungrateful to thee. I have committed many offences and disloyalties against thee, but thou hast shed thy blood to save me from my sins. Help thy servants whom thou hast redeemed with thy precious blood. I am sorry, my sovereign good, for having offended thee, and I love thee with my whole heart; have pity on me. And O Mary, my mother, do not abandon me.
