of so many idle words? S. Gregory asks: " If account is to be taken of the idle, what about the impure words? " And particularly does the Lord forewarn those infamous sinners who have robbed Him of souls, " I will meet them as a bear that is bereaved of her whelps." (Hos. xiii. 8.) And then, speaking of works, the Judge will say, " Give her of the fruit of her hands." (Prov. xxxi. 31.) Reward according to the works which have been done.
Affections and Prayers.
Ah, my Jesus, if now Thou dost wish to pay me according to the works which I have done, no other than hell would be my fate. O God, how many times have I not written the sentence of my condemnation to that place of torments. I thank Thee for the patience which Thou hast had with me in having borne with me for so long. O God, if now I should have to appear at Thy tribunal, what account could I render to Thee of my life? " Enter not into judgment with Thy servant." Ah, Lord, do Thou wait for me a little longer; do not judge me yet. If now Thou shouldst judge me, what would become of me? Wait for me, since that Thou hast shown so many mercies towards me until now; grant me even this; give me a great grief for my sins. I repent, O Sovereign Good, for having so often despised Thee. I love Thee above all things. Eternal Father, pardon me through the love of Jesus Christ, and through His merits, grant me holy perseverance. My Jesus, I hope for all things through Thy Blood.
Second Point.
In conclusion, for the soul to obtain eternal salvation, it must be found to have led a life which was conformable to the life of Jesus Christ. " For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son." (Rom. viii. 29.) But it was this which caused Job to tremble. "What shall I do when God riseth up? And when He visiteth, what shall I answer Him?" (Job xxxi. 14.) Philip II. having a servant who told him a lie, reproved him, saying, " Is it thus thou wouldst deceive me? " The man, it is said, returned home, and died of grief. What will the sinner do, and what
