In a matter so delicate as the one now under consideration, we cannot be too precise. It is certain that must die in the state of grace in order to be saved, and that this suffices. It would appear then that for the faithful in the world, there is no other obligation than that of preserving the state of grace.

It is clear that, if God has done so much to have us share in His own life, we must in turn respond to His advances, gratefully accept His gift, cherish and foster it in our souls and thus prepare ourselves for that eternal bliss which will crown the efforts we shall have made on earth. This is for us a duty of gratitude.

The Common Doctor of the Church states that even though the end of an action is last in the order of execution, it is first