describes as having “nothing disagreeable in her looks, nothing inconsistent in her words, nothing imprudent in her actions; whose deportment was not assuming; whose voice was not loud or arrogant; and whose exterior modesty was a finished portrait of her interior purity.” O most blessed Virgin! take me under thy protection, and preserve me from defiling by sin the temple of thy only beloved Son.
Third Point. — Consider that your immortal soul was created by God for himself; stamped with his own sacred image; redeemed with his blood, adorned with his graces, enriched with his merits, and often strengthened with that sacrament of life which you have so lately received. Its value must then be great, since God himself did not think it too dearly purchased by the blood of his only Son. Yes, you cannot be too deeply convinced that your immortal soul is your great and only treasure; to save that no pains can be excessive, no security too great; — if that be lost, all is lost; and if you be so happy as to save that, though you lose all the rest, all is gained. What will it profit a man if he gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? (Matt. xvi. 26.) What does it now avail many of the damned to have been on earth honoured, loved, respected, endowed with such beauty, talents, wit, or accomplishments as made them the idols or envy of all around them? Alas ! what does all that avail them now, since they unfortunately lost their souls? Dwell on this irreparable misfortune, and you will soon feel the justice and necessity of curbing your passions, and leading a virtuous life. Your last words, perhaps, may be a recommendation of your soul into the hands of God; but remember, that the best, the only means of securing for it an asylum in the bosom
