Fourth meditation. Sin

First point.

We do not fear sin, because we do not sufficiently reflect upon its evil, for sin is called a turning away from God and a turning to the creature; and it is in this withdrawal from God that the principal malice of sin consists. Alas! how often you hav6 withdrawn from this good God! Ah! my soul, is it possible that you could take pleasure in turning away from the Source of all good, in order to follow the path of sin?

Second point.

Reflect that there are many unfortunate steps by which the soul descends to perdition: ingratitude; attention to worldly affairs, which withdraw the mind from heavenly things; the habit of yielding to frivolous and superfluous thoughts; and a certain detestable custom of speaking ill of our neighbor. By remarking the faults of others, we lose shame for our own transgressions; we neglect to have recourse to God by prayer; and finally, we precipitate ourselves so deeply into sin that we coolly drink in iniquity like water. O soul, destined for eternal delights! I picture to you this unfortunate descent, that you may withdraw your feet from evil ways.

Third point.

Reflect that, like Cain, they are lost who do not aim at making a good confession, or who make it through routine without true sorrow for their sins and a firm purpose of amendment. They, on the contrary, are

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saved with the good thief and with Job who do not conceal their sins, but who sincerely accuse themselves of them. £h! we sin in innumerable ways, by omission, commission, and inadvertence. Religious, removed from occasions of grievous sin, deceive themselves if they esteem their faults slight, and neglect to have compunction for them. No matter how small the sin may be, it is a base ingratitude toward God, who knows fully the gravity of our faults, though we may not be aware of it.

Affections.

Come, my soul, let us draw near to God, for He receives sinners. Let us not leave our J esus. It L He who calls us. " Return, return," says He, " erring children who forsake your Father." 0 Lord! behold I come to Thee, because Thou hast called me. Receive me according to Thy sm word, and I shall live. No never, Lord, with the help of Thy grace, never will I withdraw from Thee. Alas! I have sinned too frequently, but I now repent with all my heart.

0 God of clemency, Thy mercy is greater than my iniquity! If Thou wouldst reprove me according to Thy justice, what would become of me? I see that there is not one wicked step upon which I have not placed my foot. 0 my Father! I have sinned against heaven and before Thee. Though I am not worthy to be called Thy child, I still aspire to that happiness.

0 Lord! assisted by Thy holy grace, 1 will in future sorrowfully accuse myself of my sins. I will never again consider any fault trifling, since so great a God is offended by it. Ah, Lord! Thou art patient and Thou dost defer the punishment of the sinner; but Thou wilt not remain silent,

IIDigitiztd by

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if he does not amend. Hence, 0 my wretched heart, annihilate yourself in contrition and penance, by the consideration of the infinite goodness of God whom you have offended, and determine rather to die than to sin voluntarily. 0 Lord! Thou seest the weakness of my heart Strengthen me, that my resolution may become efficacious.

DEATH.