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GENERAL DEVOTION.
charge of souls. What if any, even the weakest of the brethren, should be lost through any offence or fault of me, O Lord! Save me from the blood of all men by Thine own blood, “My Lord and my God.”
That I faint not under so great a charge, teach me, Jesu, to remember the exceeding great reward which Thou offerest to the stewards of Thy mysteries, who shall be found faithful at Thy coming. Remind me of those holy texts wherein Thou dost speak of the recompense of reward. “Take heed,” hast Thine Apostle said unto Timothy, “unto thyself and unto the doctrine; continue in them, for in doing this, thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.” Thou hast said through St. James, “If any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him, let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way, shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.” Thou hast said through Thy prophet Daniel, “They that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament, and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.” Even our endeavours to save, though unblest to others, bring a blessing unto ourselves. “If thou warn the wicked of his way, to turn from it, if he do