Part V, Chapter XVIII

The Three Last and Principal Advices for This Introduction

On the first day of every month repeat, after your meditations, the protestation inserted in the first part, p. 50; and at all times protest that you are determined to observe it; saying, with David, “No, my God, thy justifications I will never forget, for by them thou hast given me life.” (Psalms 118) When you feel any disorder in your soul take your protestation in hand, and, prostrate in the spirit of humility, recite it with your whole heart, and you will find great ease and comfort.

Make an open confession, not of being devout, but of desiring to become devout. Be not ashamed to practise those necessary actions which conduct the soul to the love of God. Acknowledge frankly that you would rather die than commit a mortal sin; that you are resolved to frequent the sacraments, and to follow the counsels of your director, though sometimes it may not be necessary to name him; for this candid profession of our desire to serve God, and of consecrating ourselves entirely to his love, is very acceptable to his divine Majesty, who commands us not to be ashamed either of him or of his cross. Besides, it presents many proposals and invitations which the world might make to draw us into the contrary way, and oblige us in honor to act according to what we profess. As the philosophers professed themselves philosophers, that they might be suffered to live like philosophers; so we must profess ourselves to be desirous of devotion, that we may be suffered to live devoutly. If any one tell you that you may live devoutly without practising these advices and exercises, answer him mildly, that, your weakness being so great, you stand in need of more help and assistance than others.

In fine, my dearest Philothea, I conjure you by all that is sacred in heaven and on earth, by the baptism which you have received, by the breasts with which Jesus Christ was nourished, by the charity with which he loved you, and by the bowels of that mercy in which you hope, continue to persevere in this blessed enterprise of a devout life. Our days glide away, and death is at the gate. “The trumpet sounds retreat,” says St. Gregory Nazianzen; “let every man be ready, for judgment is near.” St. Symphorian’s mother, seeing him led to martyrdom, cried after him, “My son! remember eternal life, look up to heaven, and think upon him who reigns there; your approaching end will quickly terminate the short career of this life.” My Philothea, I also will say to you, Look up to heaven, and do not forfeit it for this despicable earth; look down into hell, and do not cast yourself into it for transitory joys; look at Jesus Christ, and do not renounce him for the world; and, when the labors of a devout life seem painful to you, sing with St. Francis: —

“How sweet are all those momentary toils, which lead to never-ending heavenly joy!”

Live Jesus! to whom, with the Father and Holy Ghost, be all honor and glory, now and throughout the endless ages of eternity. — Amen.

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