age and energy, he lies in the abyss of his first sin, and abandons himself to cowardice, or even to despair. Never do this, my friend! However hopeless the case may appear, whatever the circumstances may be, take courage, be of good cheer, trust in God!
2. Never think or say: " God will never forgive my sins; He will not grant me the grace which is necessary, if I am to attain heaven; whatever I do, I shall be damned, there is no help for it!" This would be to despair, and despair is a terrible sin, a blasphemy against God. On this subject St. Thomas tells us that there is scarcely a greater sin than despair, and St. Augustine assures us that Judas sinned yet more grievously through despair, than even by betraying his divine Master.
And how awful are the consequences of this sin! The unhappy man who despairs loses all courage, all joy ; he falls from sin to sin, because he thinks that nothing can be of any consequence, since he is already lost. Thus in his despair he lives a wretched life while on earth, till he exchanges his misery here below for the everlasting misery of hell.
3. For this reason I say to you: Trust in God, have confidence in His goodness and mercy. It is, of course, no bad sign that you should feel alarm and terror on account of your sins, that you should regret your past folly, that you should tremble at the thought of the peril incurred by a sinful life. When, after a long-winter, it begins to lighten, thunder, and rein, it is a sign that spring is near.
Therefore, when the storm agitates the heart of the sinner, that is, when his conscience torments him and exhorts him to repentance, it is
