Affections and Prayers.
Ah, my God, if I had died during one of those nights, of which Thou knowest, where now should I have been? I thank Thee for having waited for me, and I also thank Thee for all those moments which would have been spent in everlasting punishment from that time when I first offended Thee. Ah, give me light, and make me to understand the great wrong I have done Thee, by willingly losing Thy grace, which Thou hast merited for me in sacrificing Thyself upon the Cross for me. Ah, my Jesus, pardon me, for I repent with my whole heart, above every other evil, that of having despised Thy Infinite Goodness. I hope that Thou hast already pardoned me. Ah, help me, O my Saviour, so that I may never lose Thee more. Ah, my Lord, if again I should offend Thee as I used to do, after having received so many lights and graces from Thee, should I not deserve a special place of torment? Ah, through the merits of that Blood which Thou hast shed through love of me, never permit this. Give me holy perseverance; give me Thy love. I love Thee, O my Sovereign Good, and I wish never to cease to love Thee, even until my death. My God, have mercy upon me for the love of Jesus Christ.
Second Point.
Therefore, my brother, as it is certain that you will have to die, lose no time in casting yourself at the feet of your Crucified Lord; thank Him for the time that He in His mercy gives you to make your conscience clear in His sight; and then take all the wickedness of your past life in review, especially the wickedness committed in youth. Glance over the Divine commands; examine what you have done, the society you have been in the habit of visiting; make a note of all your failings, and make a general confession of your whole life, if you have not done so already. Oh, how much a good general confession assists a Christian in living a holy life! Consider that these are examinations for eternity, and therefore make them as if you were on the point of being examined by Jesus Christ, Who will
