As to the past, you have already told me, perhaps, all that is of any moment to know.
It is in relation to the future that caution will be chiefly necessary.
Hitherto your actions have been nearly indifferent to the ends of your future existence.

Confessions of the past are required, because they are an earnest of the future character and conduct.

Have you then--but this is too abrupt.

Take an hour to reflect and deliberate.

Go by yourself; take yourself to severe task, and make up your mind with a full, entire, and unfailing resolution; for the moment in which you assume this new obligation will make you a new being.