Pradel, St. Vincent Ferrer

Pradel, St. Vincent Ferrer, 1875, pp. 321–322

I. In what light have I till now viewed the things of this world? Is it as a secondary means for accomplishing the providential object of my life, or as the chief end towards which all my efforts converge? Have I regarded the kingdom of God and His justice as the principal, and the things of the world as the accessory?
II. Have I been wanting in confidence in the Providence of God, which feeds the birds of the air, clothes the lilies of the field, and promises to supply the necessities of every human creature? Have I sighed after immoderate riches, fabulous treasures, vast possessions? Do I not amuse myself with dreams of unlimited wealth?
III. Have I been guilty of sordid meanness, unseemly parsimony, with a view to increase my prosperity? Have I refused to the poor what my fortune and position prescribed me to give to them? When I have shared with them God's gifts, have I done it reluctantly, with repugnance, without delicacy?
IV. Have I neglected to pay my debts through avarice? Have I been wanting in fairness in buying or selling? Have I tried to deceive my neighbour to his prejudice? When I have found any article, have I carefully sought to discover the owner? Have I restored what I knew belonged to another?
V. Have I regretted to have Masses said for the deceased members of my family, or for the souls in purgatory generally? What sacrifices have I made for the propagation of the Faith and other pious works of Catholic charity?