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t the close of my instructions in regard to the conflict for the preservation of chastity comes perhaps the most pleasing and consoling of all, the one best calculated to inspire you with a glad hope of victory. Whither does a dutiful son betake himself when any burden weighs heavily upon him? To his beloved mother.

She, the good mother, always has a word of advice, of comfort, and of encouragement. And even the youthful soldier amid the rush and roar of battle thinks, in the moment of greatest peril, of his dear mother far away.

Upon you, my friend, a heavy burden is pressing; the preservation of your chastity; you also are standing in the thick of the battle, surrounded on every side by the enemies of innocence. Do you, therefore, think of your mother, do you also have recourse to your mother; for truly you have a mother in Mary, the ever blessed virgin. She is called by the Church in the Litany of Loretto: "Help of Christians."

2. Beseech Mary, that her maternal eye may watch over and protect you. St. Bernard, who was so enthusiastically devoted to Mary, addresses you in the following touching words:

"O man, whoever thou art, if thou wouldst