CONSIDERATION XXXI
Of Perseverance
"He that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved." S. Matt. xxiv. 13.
First Point.
"It is of the many to begin, of the few to persevere," writes S. Jerome. Saul, Judas, Tertullian, began well, but they ended badly, since they did not persevere in good. " In Christians, the beginnings are not sought for, but the end," continues the saint; and S. Bonaventure confirms this by saying, " Perseverance alone is crowned;" hence, S. Laurence Justinian calls perseverance " the door of heaven." So that he cannot enter into heaven who cannot find the gate of entrance. My brother, you have at this present time abandoned sin, and may justly hope that you have been pardoned; in this case, you are the friend of God, but know that you are still, not saved. And when will you be saved? When you have persevered even to the end. " He that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved." Have you begun the good life? thank the Lord; but S. Bernard warns you, " The reward is promised to those beginning, it is given to those who persevere." It is not enough to run for the prize, but we must run until we obtain it; or, as the Apostle says, " So run that ye may obtain." (i Cor. ix. 24.)
Now, truly, you have. put. your hand to the plough, you have begun to live well; but now, ever very much, fear and tremble: " Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." (Phil.
