Let, then, the consideration of this privilege, with the others which we have mentioned, excite you to renewed ardor in the practice of virtue, which is able to save you from so many mise- ries and procure you so many blessings.
CHAPTER XXIII.
THE TWELFTH PRIVILEGE OF VIRTUE: THE HAPPY DEATH OF THE JUST.
THE end, it is said, crowns the work, and, therefore, it is in death that the just man's life is most fittingly crowned, while the departure of the sinner is a no less fitting close to his wretched career. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of the Saints,"[1] says the Psalmist, but "the death of the wicked is very evil."[2] Commenting upon the latter part of this text, St. Bernard says: "The death of the wicked is bad because it takes them from this world; it is still worse because it separates the soul from the body; and it is worst because it precipitates them into the fire of hell, and delivers them a prey to the undying worm of remorse." To these evils which haunt the sinner at the hour of death add the bitter regrets which gnaw his heart, the anguish which fills his soul, and the torments which rack his body. He is seized with terror at the thought of the past; of the ac-
