On the first day of every month renew your Firm Resolutions, after meditation as given in the First Part, Chapter 20. At every moment, affirm your determination to keep it, saying with David: No, I will never forget your justifications, my God, for by them you have given me life (Ps. 119:93). When you feel any disorder in your spirit take your Firm Resolution in your hand, and kneeling in a spirit of humility read it though with your whole heart, and you will find great relief.
Declare gently that you want to be devout; not that you “are devout”, but that you “want to be devout.” Never be ashamed of ordinary and necessary actions which lead us to the love of God. make known to all boldly that you try to meditate, that you would rather die than commit mortal sin, that you desire to frequent the Sacraments and follow the advice of your spiritual director. (Very often, for various reasons, there is no need to mention his name). This frank profession of our desire to serve God, and that we have consecrated ourselves to his love with special affection, is very pleasing to his divine Majesty. He does not want us to be ashamed of him or of his Cross. Besides, it cuts off many contrary invitations fro the world. In this way, we are committed to live up to our reputation of professing to seek devotion. Philosophers used to proclaim themselves philosophers that they might be allowed to live as philosophers. We too should proclaim our desire for devotion so that we may be allowed to live devoutly. In case anyone tells you that it is possible to live devoutly, without practising these counsels and exercises do not deny it. But reply with kindness that you are so weak, that you need more help and assistance than others.
Finally, my dear Philothea, I entreat you by all that is sacred in Heaven and on earth, by the Baptism you have received, by the breasts which nourished Jesus Christ, by the loving heart with which he loved you, by the tender mercy in which you hope, continue and persevere in this happy venture of the devout life. Our days pass away, death is at the door. “The trumpet sounds the retreat,” says Gregory Nazianzen, “let everyone be ready, for the judgement is near.” When the mother of St. Symphorian, seeing him being led away to martyrdom, cried out after him: “My son, remember eternal life; look up to Heaven and think of Him who reigns there; your approaching death will soon end the brief course of this life.” Dear Philothea, I say the same to you: Look up to Heaven, and do not forsake it for the earth; look down to hell, and do not caste yourself into it for the sake of fleeting moments; look upon Jesus Christ, do not deny him for the sake of the world; and should the difficulties of the devout life seem hard to you, sing with St. Francis of Assisi:
I hope for good things without measure
Life’s troubles to me are but pleasure.[1]
VIVE JESUS (LIVE JESUS), to whom with the Father and the Holy Spirit, be honour and glory, now and for ever and ever. Amen.
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[1] St. Francis de Sales quotes in verse and so we have translated in verse.