penance, prayer, and the practice of good works; and they trembled when they came to die. The venerable John Avila, although he had led a very holy life from his youth, when it was announced to him that he was about to die, made answer and said, " Oh that I had a little more time to prepare myself for death!" And what shall we say when the summons of death shall be brought to us?
No, my God, I do not wish to die disquieted and ungrateful, as at present I should die, if death were to over take me; I desire to change my life, I desire to bewail my offences against Thee, I desire to love Thee with my whole heart. O Lord! help me, enable me to do some thing for Thee before I die, — for Thee who hast died for the love of me.
3. The time is short? says the Apostle. Yes, we have but a short time in which to set our accounts in order. Hence the Holy Ghost admonishes us, Whatsoever thy hand is able to do, do it quickly? Whatever thou art able to do to-day, put it not off till to-morrow; for to-day is passing away, and to-morrow may bring death, which will deprive thee of all means of doing good, or of amending what thou hast done amiss. Woe to me! if death should find me still attached to this world.
Ah, my God, how many years have I lived at a distance from Thee! And how hast Thou had so much patience with me, in waiting for me and in calling me so often to repentance! I thank Thee, O my Redeemer! for Thy long forbearance, and I hope to thank Thee for it for ever in heaven. The mercies of the Lord I will sing for ever? Hitherto I have not loved Thee, and have made little account of being or not being loved by Thee, but now
