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THE CORONATION 283
not like the foolish, but as wise, redeeming their time;
because the days of mortal life are evil and full of
dangers (Ephes. 5, 15). Again he exhorts them to be
fixed and constant in good works, because their labor
shall not be in vain before the Lord (I Cor 15, 58). The
truth of this our enemy knows and dreads, hence he
seeks with deepest malice to cause dismay in the souls
at the commission of one sin, in order that they may
ruin themselves by despair and leave off all
good works ;
for thus would they throw aside the weapons with which
the angels can defend them and do battle with the
demons. Although these works in the sinner have not
the life of charity or of merit for grace or glory yet
they are very useful. Sometime it happens, that on account
of the habit of doing good the divine clemency furnishes
efficacious help for performing these works with greater
fervor, or with sorrow for sins and true charity, by
which the soul regains justification.
301. By all our good deeds as creatures we open up
ways to the blessed for defending us and for asking the
divine mercy to look upon us and snatch us from sin.
The saints also feel obliged to come to the assistance of
those that sincerely invoke them in danger and that show
them a special devotion. If the saints in their charity
are so inclined to favor men in the
dangerous conflicts
with the devils, thou must not be surprised, my dearest,
that I am so merciful with the sinners who take refuge
in my clemency; for I desire their salvation infinitely
more than they themselves. Innumerable are those whom
I have saved from the infernal dragon because of their
devotion to me, even though they have recited only one
Ave, or have said only one word in my honor and in
vocation. So great is my love for them, that if they
would call
upon me in time and with sincerity, none of
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