is so full of peril; from this unstable and troublesome world.
But see to it, O follower of Christ, that thou imitate Thy Master in that of which this Word speaks to thee: work on while time and strength for work are given thee: carry through what thou hast begun; that so, when the evening oi life's day closes in on thee, thou too, with Jesus, Who has befriended Thee as it ran its course, mayest be able to say: " It is finished." Walk therefore in the way of true virtue; follow after righteousness; make up thy mind to fight even unto death against thy besetting sins; that so thou mayest lay hold on eternal life, and mayest be able to say with St. Paul: "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." Thou hast yet somewhat left to do, thou hast yet to bear thy burden for a while: but soon the hour will come, when, being made perfect in a short space, thou mayest fulfil a long time.
O Jesus Christ, Who orderest all things in Heaven and in earth, Who art the brightest and most perfect Model of every virtue, and the endless Reward of every good work, direct, I pray Thee, all my actions in the way of Thy commandments, and purify and enlighten every thought of my mind. Teach me to begin, humbly and with an eye to the praise and glory of Thy Blessed Name, every work which I undertake; to be diligent in performing it, and to bring it to a happy end. Grant that I may not grow slack before the time appointed of the Father; but that until I breathe my last breath, I may labour night and day in the vineyard of holy Religion for the penny of eternal life, and may work my very hardest in the workshop of our Heavenly Father's business;
