what shall I say? lam confounded and ashamed to lift up my face to thee, for my iniquities are multiplied over my head. For I too am become very vile, in so often retracing my steps, and in returning so often to my vomit, like a dog that is abominable in thy sight. Whither shall I go from thy Spirit, or whither shall I flee from thy face?
Christ. Whither, indeed, my dear son, but to his mercy. whose power, by sinning, thou hast despised. None of you do right to fly from me, unless it be to me; from my severity to my goodness. Whither wilt thou fly, where thou wilt not find me present? But it is well if, in thus reproaching thee, I have made thee sorrowful to penance. For the sorrow that is according to God works penance steadfast to salvation. One warning I give thee, to learn wisdom from others’ danger and loss, who confess their sins with their mouth; but their heart is not right with God, for they continually repeat the same deeds, and so perish at last.
How easy would it be for many to escape sins, if they wished in earnest to flee from dangers! The senses of man are too prone to evil from his youth; and shalt thou pass unhurt through the very occasions or incentives to sin? Can a man hide a fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burnt; or walk upon hot coals and the soles of his feet not be scorched? Behold, David, Solomon, Peter, and many others, were famous for their wisdom and holiness, yet the occasion of sin was their fall; and therefore they are now set before thee for an example of human frailty, and need of care. For, by so easily falling, they teach thee that thou too canst fall; and canst thou venture to trust to thyself, and to promise thyself security in the midst of dangers? Happy is the man who is always afraid.
13. Good purpose,
Man. I have sworn, and am determined to keep tho judgments of thy justice. But what can I do without thee? In vain do I purpose, unless thou, too, give me thy grace, and reach out thy right hand to the work of thy hands. True, I wish to serve thee, but without thee I cannot; thou, who hast given the will, give also the power to perform. Confirm, O Lord, what thou hast wrought in me; cast me not away from thy face, and take not thy Holy Spirit from me. Pierce my flesh with thy fear, and wound my heart with thy love; that upon these two feet, as it were, I may constantly walk in the path of thy commandments.
