II. My days, said holy Job, have been swifter than a post ix. 25. Death is hasting towards us more rapidly than a post, and we at every step, and every breath and moment are drawing nearer and nearer to death. At the time of our death, how shall we wish for one day or one hour of the many we now squander away to no purpose! Ah, Lord, if death were now announced to me, what should I find that I have done for thee? Alas! come to my assistance; let me not die ungrateful to thee as I hitherto have been. Grant me true sorrow for my sins, the gift of thy love, and holy perseverance.
III. Death hastens towards us; wherefore we must also hasten to do that which is good, and to put our accounts in order against the day of its arrival. When death comes, it precludes all remedies for what has been done amiss. How many are now in hell who thought of amending their lives at some future period, but were prevented by death and consigned to eternal torments! My dear Redeemer, I will no longer resist thy calls. Thou offerest me pardon and I am desirous of obtaining it, I pray for it, and hope for it, through that death which thou, my Jesus, hast suffered that thou mayest be able to impart it to me. I am sorry, O infinite goodness, for having offended thee. Thou, my Jesus, hast died for me, and I have postponed thy friendship to my own wretched inclinations. For the future, I hope with thy assistance always to love thee. I love thee, O God, I love thee. Thou art now and shalt be for ever my only good, my only love. Mary, mother of God, watch over me and take pity on me.
