justice, already believes himself abandoned by the Divine Mercy; and though life still remains, with its opportunities for penance and reconciliation, yet fear too often drives hope from the heart, and in this miserable state he breathes his last sigh in the darkness of despair.
Most powerful is this passion of fear. It magnifies trifles and makes remote evils appear as if present. Now, since this is true of a slight apprehension, what will be the effect of the terror inspired by a danger so great and imminent? The sinner, though still in life and surrounded by his friends, imagines himself already a prey to the torments of the reprobate. His soul is rent at the sight of the possessions he must leave, while he increases his misery by envying the lot of those from whom he is about to be separated. Yes, the sun sets for him at mid-day, for, turn his eyes where he will, all is darkness. No ray of light or hope illumines his horizon. If he think of God's mercy he feels that he has no claim upon it. If he think of God's justice it is only to tremble for its execution. He feels that his day is past and that God's time has come. If he look back upon his life a thousand accusing voices sound in his ears. If he turn to the present he finds himself stretched upon a bed of death. If he look to the future he there beholds his Supreme Judge prepared to condemn him. How can he free himself from so many miseries and terrors?
If, then, the circumstances which precede our departure are so terrible, what will be those
