`` But if the courses be departed from , the ends will change . Say it is thus with what you show me ! '' The Spirit was immovable as ever . Scrooge crept towards it , trembling as he went ; and , following the finger , read upon the stone of the neglected grave his own name , EBENEZER SCROOGE . `` Am I that man who lay upon the bed ? '' he cried upon his knees . The finger pointed from the grave to him , and back again . `` No , Spirit ! Oh no , no ! '' The finger still was there . `` Spirit ! '' he cried , tight clutching at its robe , `` hear me ! I am not the man I was . I will not be the man I must have been but for this intercourse . Why show me this , if I am past all hope ? '' For the first time the hand appeared to shake . `` Good Spirit , '' he pursued , as down upon the ground he fell before it : `` your nature intercedes for me , and pities me . Assure me that I yet may change these shadows you have shown me by an altered life ? '' The kind hand trembled . `` I will honour Christmas in my heart , and try to keep it all the year .
I will live XXXXX the Past , the Present , and the Future .
For as at from if in of that to towards