My Christian brother, I will say the same to you if you have contracted the habit of some sin, You are unwell, and are one of those infirm ones who are " seldom cured." As S. Thomas of Villanova remarks, you are ready to be condemned. If, therefore, you are willing to be cured, there is the remedy; but you must not expect a miracle of grace; you must, on your part, exert all your strength, to deliver yourself from the occasion to sin; you must avoid evil companions; resist when you are tempted, by commending yourself to God. You must use every means, frequently confessing, and reading a spiritual book daily. You must exert all your strength, otherwise the threat of the Lord against the obstinate will be fulfilled in you, " Ye .... shall die in your sins." (S. John viii. 21.) And if, now that God grants you light, you do not amend, you will afterwards amend with great difficulty. Listen to God, who calls you, " Lazarus, come forth." Poor sinner, already dead, come forth from this dark tomb of your evil life. Answer quickly, and give yourself to God, and fear lest this should be the last call for you.
Affections and Prayers.
Ah, my God, and for what shall I wait until Thou dost abandon me, and send me to hell? Ah, Lord, wait for me, for I wish to change my life, and give myself to Thee. Tell me what I am to do, that I may do it. O Blood of Jesus, do Thou help me. And Thou, O Eternal Father, through the merits of Jesus, have mercy upon me. I repent, O God of infinite goodness, for having offended Thee, and I love Thee beyond all things. Pardon me, through the love of Jesus Christ, and give me Thy love. Give me also a great fear for my eternal ruin, should I offend Thee again. Light, my God; light and strength. I hope for everything because of Thy mercy. Thou didst grant me many graces when I wandered far from Thee; much more do I hope for, now that I return to Thee, being resolved to love none other than Thee. I love Thee, my God, my Life, my All.
