form the part of an industrious merchant, and by good works to "lay up to yourselves treasures in heaven." (Matt. vi. 20.)
II. Consider the motives which ought to induce you to labor in the pursuit and increase of virtue. 1. The will of your heavenly Father, "For this is the will of God — your sanctification." (1 Thes. iv. 3.) 2. The name of Christian, whose profession is sanctity; and therefore Christians are called by the Apostle "a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation." (1 Pet. ii. 9.) 3. The examples of Saints of both sexes, of all ages and conditions. By these examples St. Augustine frequently encouraged himself, by inquiring, "Cannot you do what such and such have done?" viz., tender youths and timorous virgins. 4. The greatness of the reward. "Be glad and rejoice, for your reward is very great in heaven." (Matt. v. 12.)
III. Consider the many helps which God has afforded you for your spiritual profit. 1. His divine word, communicated to you in Holy Scripture, sermons, and pious books, by which He informs your understanding and inflames your will. 2. His holy grace, which He is always ready to give you, to enable you to commence, prosecute, and complete any good work. 3. The sacraments, instituted by Christ, to give us a spiritual life, and to nourish and strengthen us in it. 4. The life, merits, and passion of our Saviour, "who is the way, and the truth, and the life." (John xiv. 6.) And, "who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a people acceptable, zealous of good works." (Tit. ii. 14.) Let not these helps be thrown away on you.
