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 a small portion  of  the  deadly  poison  of  sin? Alas it is  by  doing  so  frequently,  that  many  who  began well, became  so  weak  in  virtue,  that  they  were  overcome by  the  first  temptation,  and  miserably  fell into mortal  sin; because,  as  the  catechism  tells  you, venial sin  (particularly  of  habit  and  deliberation) leaves the  soul  feeble  and  tepid,  and  exposes  her  to fall  into  mortal  sin. The other  means  of  persevering are, attention  to  the  presence  of  God,  exactness  in the  discharge  of  your  duties,  but  chiefly,  and  above all, fervent  prayer. Perseverance is  the  most  difficult, the most  rare,  and  the  most  necessary  of  virtues; you should  therefore  earnestly  and  daily  implore  it of  Him  who  is  the  Giver  of  all  good  gifts.

[Conclude your  meditation,  by  begging that peculiar assistance  from  God,  without  which  you  can  do nothing,  and  placing  your  resolutions  in  the  adorable Heart of  Jesus,  and  in  the  sacred  hands  of  your blessed and  glorious  Patroness,  the  Mother  of  God.]