Gesta Romanorum Vol. II (1871)/Of conciliating God whilst we have Opportunity
TALE XVIII.
OF CONCILIATING GOD WHILST WE HAVE OPPORTUNITY.
The Romans had an ancient custom, that when they besieged a castle or city, a lighted candle should be put under a certain measure; and as long as it burnt, they were prepared to receive overtures of peace, however vile the proposer. But after it was consumed they exercised the severest justice upon their enemies, nor could any one then be redeemed even by the sacrifice of all he was worth[1].
APPLICATION.
My beloved, God thus treats sinners. For the soul, when beset by vices, has an opportunity of procuring peace as long as the light of life burns.