4. Again, who deems himself more safe from death than a merry young person at a dance? Yet it has happened more than once, that such a one has suddenly expired, the excitement of dancing having brought on an apoplectic attack.
I remember reading some years ago of a young girl, eighteen years old, who returned home late at night from a dance, went to bed, and was found dead the next morning!
5. Uncertain as it is "when" we shall die, it is equally uncertain "where" we shall die. Shall you die in a sick-bed, fortified with all the last rites of Holy Church; or will death surprise you while you are asleep, or when you are walking out; in your own room, or in some strange place; while you are at work, or when you are engaged in animated conversation; in a saloon or dancing-hall; on the water or on land; when you are on foot, or in a railway coach, and so on? One might go on forever with a string of such questions as these; but what man or angel could answer them?
It may not be pleasant to consider all these uncertainties; but for this very reason reflect upon them, since it is profitable for salvation.
6. But the "when" and "where" of your death is comparatively of very slight importance. Your eternity depends solely and wholly upon the question of "hour" you will die, whether in the grace of God, or in mortal sin.
