17. On watching over the con- science, in every place and at all times

^^ Anima mea in manibus meis semper^* / " My soul is continvally in my hands}' 1 . Nothing is more useful or more salutary for one desirous of attaining eternal life, than to meditate continually on the salvation of his soul.

Open every book of piety — run through all the treatises on the spiritual life, the soul will find no salvation but in God, and in a virtuous life.

Hence the Lord and Redeemer of souls said to His disciples, " What doth it profit a man, if he gain the whole world and sulfer the loss of his own soul ?"* He that meditates often on these words, and who is more seriously concerned for the welfare of his soul than for the increase of his fortune, or for the entertainment of his body, is a merchant truly wise ;t for he prefers spiritual riches, which perish not, to the perishable goods of earth.

He is one of those good and o o faithful servants of Christ, who makes his two talents four, his five ten : and who on receiving only one, instead of hiding it in the earth, laying it apart, throwing it away, or treating it with contempt, distributes it to the poor, that he may have part in their prayers ; or offers it at the akarof God, returning thanks to the Lord, for the smallest benefits received,* Blessed is the good servant who is faithful in a little,! who employs every moment of his life in a useful manner ; who is not busied in what concerns him not, and who, to please God, becomes like one that is deaf and dumb. He walks in peace through the tumult of the world, "having his soul continually in his hands."

Take no thought then of the conduct of thy neighbour, but in as far o o o as the love of God and charity may require.

2. Covet not the praises of men, for they are vain. Be not afraid of their reproach; for, far from hurting thy soul, humiliations purify, and make it worthy to receive in heaven a more brilliant crown ; and none deserve to be glorified in the kingdom of heaven who cannot endure reproach for the love of God on earth.

A meditaYiox and prayer.

Since then thou hast suffered for the love of me, O my God, it is but fitting that I should suffer for the love of Thee ; and that I should walk in Thy footsteps as far as I am able.

Thou h^^st said to St. Peter, " Follow thou Me,"* but alas ! how little i;an I bear for Thee !

I make many resolutions, but scarcely one in ten, do I execute : my words are many, but my works are few ; all blame is mine ; there is no excuse ; idleness and indifference increase each day the number ofmysins. What should I think or say on these offences ? alas ! nought remains but to entreat thy mercy , and to cry, " Lord, I have sinned, have mercy upon me."

Thus were led all the saints that have gone before us ; such are the lessons they have left us ; such, each day, is still the conduct of all thy faithful.

Oh all ye saints and friends of God, pray for me ; for I am weak and indigent, and I humbly implore the assistance of all.

O Thou Holy of holies^ O Lord my God, incline Thine ear to the -prayer of Thy poor serv^mit ; " Help me, and I shafl he saved, and I will meditate always on thy justifications:'* Oh that ] may deserve to he one of the least of Thy servants, in the kingdom which Thou hast prepared for those who are humhle and who love Thee.

I will love Thee then, 0 Lord, my strength, with all my heart, as Thov thyself, hast commanded by Thy sacred mouth.

Thou art my hope, and my salvation, and my desire is ever towards Thee.

Keep me from all error, hy a clear understanding ; — from all impurity by a clean heart ; — from all kind of doubt, hy a right faith ; — from all distrust, by a steadfast hope ; — from all disgust and negligence, by an ardent charity ; — from all disquietude by invincible patience ; — -from all unclean thoughts by holy meditation ; — from the attacks of the devil, by continual prayer ; — from frequent distractions, by a sustained attention in reading ; — from listlessTiess and drowsiness, by useful occupation, — and from thinking of satisfying my vices, bij the remembrance of thy holy passion. Come with all these graces, O Lord, and confirm me in all Thy holy words. Amen o o