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 yourself the  spirit  of  contrition, and  make  a firm resolution.]

III. Consider well,  O Christian,  and  say  to  yourself: I have  only  one  soul; if  I lose  that  I lose  all. I have only  one  immortal  soul; if  I gain  the  whole world and  ruin  that,  what  does  it  profit  me? If I raise  myself  to  high  honour  and  distinction,  and  lose my soul,  what  does  it  profit  me? If I succeed  in becoming  rich,  and  enlarge  my  house,  and  provide well for  my  children,  and  lose  my  soul,  what  will  it profit  me? How much  have  the  splendours,  amusements, and  vanities  of  life  helped  those  who  once lived in  this  world,  and  who  have  now  become  dust in the  grave,  and  their  souls  the  prey  of  hell. Since this soul  is  mine,  and  since  I have  only  one,  which  if once  lost  is  lost  for  ever,  then  ought  I indeed  most seriously to  think  of  my  salvation. Something of far  greater  than  common  importance  depends  on  it; for eternal  happiness  or  eternal  misery  is  involved. O my God  I deeply  penetrated  with  shame,  I see  that I have hitherto  lived  like  one  blind,  and  that  I have wandered far  from  thee. [Think here  once  more  of your  besetting  sin.]  I have  not  thought  of  saving  my soul. Save me,  O my  Father  1 for  Jesus  Christ’s sake. I am content  to  lose  all  things,  only  if  I do not  lose  thee,  O my  God ! Mary, my  hope! O save me by  thy  intercession. [Excite your  heart  to  a deep contrition,  and  make  a firm  resolution.]

I. Consider  that  God  has  created  you  in  order  that you may  love  him; but  you  have  rebelled  against him with  the  blackest  ingratitude; you  have  treated