Vol. 2

544 ST. LUKE.to do in oruer to our salvation : but even this reflection,obtainedwhich we think need cost nothing, is only to beby the gift of God." 58. f When thou goest with thine adversaryto the magistrate, as thou art in the way, give diligencethat thou mayest be delivered from him;lesthe hale thee to the judge, and the judge deliver theeto the officer, and the officer cast thee into prison."We must not delay to appease and quiet the remorsesof our conscience:but the only way to do itas we ought, is to avoid, or to make some amendsfor the evil with which it upbraids us, in preventingthe justice of God by a speedy repentance. Thereis not so much as one moment to be lost, since wecannot be certain of one moment. Men improvetheir time with consummate skill and prudence, whenthe interests of this mortal life are concerned : butthey squander it away in a foolish and desperatemanner, when their everlasting salvation lies at stake.Thou, O Lord,givest us these moments, on whicheternity depends : give us likewise, we beseech thee,the grace to employ them in such a manner as eternitydeserves !" 59. I tell thee, thou shalt not depart thence,till thou hast paid the very last mite."Observe here the dreadful severity of the judgmentsof God. Wise and prudent is he, who preventsit by repentance, and by a faithful performanceof all the good which his conscience dictates andgrace inspires.When we are once out of the wayof repentance and mercy, what can we expect butthe rigour of an inflexible justice ? Where there isno longer charity, there is no longer any return to