a small portion of the deadly poison of sin? Alas it is by doing so frequently, that many who began well, became so weak in virtue, that they were overcome by the first temptation, and miserably fell into mortal sin; because, as the catechism tells you, venial sin (particularly of habit and deliberation) leaves the soul feeble and tepid, and exposes her to fall into mortal sin. The other means of persevering are, attention to the presence of God, exactness in the discharge of your duties, but chiefly, and above all, fervent prayer. Perseverance is the most difficult, the most rare, and the most necessary of virtues; you should therefore earnestly and daily implore it of Him who is the Giver of all good gifts.
[Conclude your meditation, by begging
that peculiar assistance from God, without which you can do
nothing, and placing your resolutions in the adorable
Heart of Jesus, and in the sacred hands of your
blessed and glorious Patroness, the Mother of God.]
