PREFACE.

I HAVE written this little book, overcome by the pious importunity of a certain friend. He ceased not to entreat me to compose a sort of spiritual mirror, in which I might briefly note down those things which most conduce to leading a holy life, and carefully insert whatever can give consolation, true hope, and confidence in God to the sinner, or to him who is imperfect, but of good will; so that this mirror might be of use to any Christian. I, therefore, wishing to satisfy in some measure the just desire of my friend, have here put together a few things, as they occurred to my memory. And what I have done, I have done for the honour of God; humbly submitting all that I have collected and written to the judgment of Holy Mother Church.

But those who, casting away the fear of God, remain of their own accord in their sins and iniquities, must on no account imagine that to them belong the consolations spoken of in this little 104book, since they neither have good will, nor are true Christians. Let them correct themselves, and then they may claim a part in what is said and written of the immense pity and mercy of God. But if they will not amend their perverse lives, they will feel the utmost severity of the Divine justice, and will suffer eternal torments in hell.