yourself the spirit of contrition , and make a firm resolution.]
III. Consider well, O Christian, and say to yourself: I have only one soul; if I lose that I lose all. I have only one immortal soul; if I gain the whole world and ruin that, what does it profit me? If I raise myself to high honour and distinction, and lose my soul, what does it profit me? If I succeed in becoming rich, and enlarge my house, and provide well for my children, and lose my soul, what will it profit me? How much have the splendours, amusements, and vanities of life helped those who once lived in this world, and who have now become dust in the grave, and their souls the prey of hell. Since this soul is mine, and since I have only one, which if once lost is lost for ever, then ought I indeed most seriously to think of my salvation. Something of far greater than common importance depends on it; for eternal happiness or eternal misery is involved. O my God I deeply penetrated with shame, I see that I have hitherto lived like one blind, and that I have wandered far from thee. [Think here once more of your besetting sin.] I have not thought of saving my soul. Save me, O my Father 1 for Jesus Christ’s sake. I am content to lose all things, only if I do not lose thee, O my God ! Mary, my hope! O save me by thy intercession. [Excite your heart to a deep contrition, and make a firm resolution.]
MEDITATION FOR TUESDAY.
On Mortal Sin.
I. Consider that God has created you in order that you may love him; but you have rebelled against him with the blackest ingratitude; you have treated
