Page:Thecompleteascet02liguuoft.djvu/42

 penance, prayer,  and  the  practice  of  good  works;  and they trembled  when  they  came  to  die. The venerable John Avila,  although  he  had  led  a  very  holy  life  from  his youth, when  it  was  announced  to  him  that  he  was  about to die,  made  answer  and  said,  "  Oh  that  I  had  a  little more  time  to  prepare  myself  for  death!" And what shall we  say  when  the  summons  of  death  shall  be  brought to us?

No, my  God,  I  do  not  wish  to  die  disquieted  and  ungrateful,  as  at  present  I  should  die,  if  death  were  to  over take me;  I  desire  to  change  my  life,  I  desire  to  bewail my offences  against  Thee,  I  desire  to  love  Thee  with  my whole  heart. O Lord! help me,  enable  me  to  do  some thing for  Thee  before  I  die, — for  Thee  who  hast  died  for the love  of  me.

3. The  time  is  short? says the  Apostle. Yes, we  have but a  short  time  in  which  to  set  our  accounts  in  order. Hence the  Holy  Ghost  admonishes  us,  Whatsoever  thy hand is  able  to  do,  do  it  quickly? Whatever thou  art  able to do  to-day,  put  it  not  off  till  to-morrow;  for  to-day is passing  away,  and  to-morrow  may  bring  death, which will  deprive  thee  of  all  means  of  doing  good,  or of  amending  what  thou  hast  done  amiss. Woe to  me! if death  should  find  me  still  attached  to  this  world.

Ah, my  God,  how  many  years  have  I  lived  at  a  distance from Thee! And how  hast  Thou  had  so  much  patience with me,  in  waiting  for  me  and  in  calling  me  so  often  to repentance! I thank  Thee,  O  my  Redeemer! for Thy long forbearance,  and  I  hope  to  thank  Thee  for  it  for ever in  heaven. The mercies  of  the  Lord  I  will  sing  for ever? Hitherto I  have  not  loved  Thee,  and  have  made little account  of  being  or  not  being  loved  by  Thee,  but  now