In fine, thou must excel in virtue : it will not do to
take heed to the appearance of virtues : thou must
labour to obtain them. No one can be conqueror with-
out a fight, no one cultivate virtues without violence to
themselves.
3. But who art thou. My son, who hast the name of
living, yet art daily dying ? Doth not the lightest breath
overthrow and cast down thine unreal virtue ?

Does not thy chastity fail on the lightest occasion ;
thy humility on the least flattery; thy patience at the
slightest irritation ; thy modesty at the faintest praises ?

Is not thy temperance upset in entertainments, and
thy charity in poverty }

Thy contempt of riches in the chance of gain ; thy
hatred of honours when in favour with the great ?

Is not thy zeal confounded in the presence of the
powerful ? Dost thou not honour Me with thy hps when
thy heart is far from Me ?

Be vigilant, and see whether thy works be perfect
before Me.
The Voice of the Disciple.
4. O Lord ! Renew a right spirit within me :



92 SOLEMN WARNINGS OP TBS

strengthen me with Thy free Spirit, that I may establish
my heart in solid virtue, and in the holiness of truth :
build up the edifice of my salvation, lest when I shall
appear before Thee, my Judge, Thou shalt say to me :

Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord ! shall
enter into My Kingdom : I know thee not : I never
knew thee : depart from Me : let thy portion be with
the hypocrites : there shall be weeping and gnashing of
teeth.
CHAPTER XXV.
OF L0WUNE8S.
The Voice of the Beloved.
