What have I gained by so many sins? [Reflect on the frequent repetition of your besetting sin.] A guilty conscience, a heavy heart, a burdened soul, hell deserved, and God lost ! Ah, my God and Father, unite me to thee once more and for ever in sacred charity. [Excite the spirit of contrition in your heart, and make a firm resolution.]
II. Consider how this, the only important concern, is the most neglected of all. We think of everything but our salvation. We have time for everything but God. Exhort a man of the world, to receive the sacraments oftener, or to make a meditation of half an hour, and he will answer you: I have children, I have property to take care of, I have business, I have so much to do ! O my God! Have you not a soul too ! Call upon all your possessions, and your children, and relations, to help you at the hour of death; they will give you no relief, neither can they rescue you from hell when you are damned. Flatter yourself not with the hope that you can reconcile God and the world, paradise and sin. The affair of your salvation is not a thing which can be arranged easily; you must make efforts; you must do yourself violence if you would win the crown of eternal life. [ Think of that besetting sin which lies in your way.] Ah! how many Christians, who are now in hell, flattered themselves that at some future time they would serve God and save their souls. What folly ever to think always of what finishes so soon, and to think so little of that which will never end! O Christian ! think of your true home, remember that you will soon quit this earth, and enter into the dwelling of eternity. O horrible misfortune for you, should you be damned! Then, remember it well, then there is no more help for you. [Arouse in
