When one that was in great anxiety of mind, often wavering between fear and hope, did once humbly prostrate himself in prayer, and said, O, if I knew that I should persevere! he presently heard within him an answer from God which said, If thou didst know it, what wouldst thou do? Do what thou wouldst do then, and thou shalt be safe. And being herewith comforted and strengthened, he committed himself wholly to the will of God, and his anxiety ceased: Neither had he any mind to search curiously farther what should befall him; but rather labored to understand what was the perfect and acceptable will of God, for the beginning and accomplishing every good work. Hope in the Lord, and do good, saith the prophet, and inhabit the land, and thou shalt be fed. One thing there is that draweth many back from a spiritual progress, and diligent amendment; the horror of the difficulty, or the labor of the combat. But they improve most in virtue, that endeavor most to overcome those things which are grievous and contrary to them. For there a man improveth more, and obtaineth greater grace, where he more overcometh himself and mortifieth himself in spirit. Gather some profit to thy soul wheresoever thou art; so if thou seest or hearest of any good examples, stir up thyself to the imitation thereof. But if thou seest anything worthy of reproof, beware thou doest not the same.—And if at any time thou hast done it, labor quickly to amend it. Be mindful of the profession thou hast made, and have always before thine eyes the remembrance of thy Savior crucified. Thou hast good cause to be ashamed, looking upon the life of Jesus Christ, seeing thou hast as yet no more endeavored to conform thyself unto him, though thou hast walked a long time in the way of God. A religious person that exerciseth himself seriously and devoutly in the most holy life and passion of our Lord shall there abundantly find whatsoever is necessary and profitable for him; neither shall he need seek any better thing out of Jesus. A CHRISTMAS PRAYER. Come thou O Lord, and dwell within me, giving me light, and love, and liberty. May the spirit of the sweet Christmas Child possess me! May the Star of Bethlehem abide above my dwelling place! May the angels who seek thee be drawn toward me, and surround my path! May their song fill my life. Glory to God in the highest. On earth peace, good will to men. [_December 30._] This life will soon be at an end; consider therefore how thy affairs stand as to the next. Man is here to-day; to-morrow he is gone. When he is out of sight, he is soon forgotten. Thou shouldst so order thyself in all thy thoughts and all thy actions, as if thou wert to die to-day. Hadst thou a clear conscience, thou wouldst not fear death. It were better to avoid sin than to fly death. If thou art not prepared to-day, how wilt thou be to-morrow? To-morrow is uncertain, and how knowest thou that thou shalt live till to-morrow?