eat away and destroy the very marrow of the spiritual life. It is by this means the Devil spreads his nets and traps in the way of all of us, but especially of those who seek to become spiritual.
Watch, therefore, with prayer, and labour with diligence, and delay not to weave the web of your wedding-garment, for you should be found clothed in it when the Bridegroom comes.
Remember every day, that He Who gives you the morning does not promise the evening, and when He gives you the evening, does not promise the next morning.
Spend, then, every moment of the passing hour in a way which is pleasing to God, as if it were your last, and so much the more carefully, seeing that for every moment you must give the strictest account.
Finally, I advise you to consider that day as lost, in which (though you may have transacted much business in it) you have neither gained a victory over some sinful inclination, or form of self-will, nor thanked the Lord for all His benefits, and above all for His Sorrowful Passion endured for you, and for His Fatherly and sweet chastisements, when He has made you worthy to receive from Him the inestimable treasure of some trial.
