to those only who persevere in it. ‘ But perseverance,’ as the Holy Fathers teach, ‘ is given to those only who pray for it.’ Our Blessed Saviour had before said: That we ought always to pray and not to faint. St. Luke xviii. 1. The cause why so many miserable sinners, although they may have been pardoned, continue not in the state of grace, is, because they do not pray always, but faint: they receive pardon, but, because they neglect to implore of God the gift of perseverance, particularly in the time of temptation, relapse into their former sins. On the other hand, although the grace of perseverance is entirely gratuitous, and cannot be merited by our own exertions, 'yet,’ says Father Suarez, 'it is infallibly to be obtained by means of prayer:' St. Augustin having said before him: 'The gift of perseverance is to be gained by prayer.”’
Blessed Liguori concludes his preface with the following devout offering to Almighty God and pious request to his readers, in which his unworthy translator begs humbly to join: “May all tend to the glory of God! I beg of my readers, when they shall read this book, to recommend me whether alive or dead to Jesus Christ; and I promise to do the same for all who shall do me this charity.”
