Page:MaryHelpOfChristians.djvu/76

 caused by  the  presence  or  absence  of  sanctifying grace in  their  soul. A soul  in  the  state  of  sanctifying grace  is  God's  friend;  without  it,  His enemy. A man  dying  in  the  state  of  sanctifying grace is  sure  of  eternal  bliss. Therefore we  ought to prize  this  grace  above  all  else,  and  do  everything in  our  power  to  preserve  it. St. Leo exhorts us,  "Recognize,  O  man,  thy  dignity!  As thou  hast  received  divine  grace,  beware  of  returning to  your  former  sinful  condition  by  a  wicked life."

Prayer of  the  Church  (p.  53).

Litany of  Loreto  (p. 322).

ary, bright  moon  of  purity,  I  rejoice  with thee, because  the  mystery  of  thy  immaculate conception  was  the  beginning  of  salvation for the  race  of  man  and  the  joy  of  the  whole world. I thank  and  bless  the  ever-blessed  Trinity, who  thus  did  magnify  and  glorify  thee;  and I beg  of  thee  to  obtain  for  me  the  grace  so  to profit  by  thy  dear  Son's  death  and  passion,  that His precious  blood  may  not  have  been  shed  in vain  for  me  upon  the  cross,  but  that,  after  a  holy life, I  may  reach  heaven  in  safety.

Hail Mary,  etc.

Ejaculation (p.  54).