Word! to adopt me as thy child; and take upon thyself the care of my salvation. Oh! let it not be said, my dearest Mother that I have perished where no one ever found but grace and salvation. Amen.
THE SEVEN PRINCIPAL DOLORS OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN.
Our blessed Saviour, as is related in the book of the Revelations with which St. Bridget was favored, promised his holy Mother, that whoever should piously commemorate and affectionately compassionate her dolors, and invoke her assistance through the merits thereof, should not quit the world without a true compunction for his sins; that in afflictions, particularly at the hour of death, they should find aid and relief; moreover, that on the motive of her dolors, no favor should be refused to her intercession, if the same were for the real advantage of her clients.
I.
HOLY SIMEON'S PROPHECY.
MOST afflicted Mother of God! suffer thy servant to remind thee of that grief which penetrated thy sacred heart, when holy Simeon foretold that a sword should pierce thy very soul, prophetically denouncing the excess of torments thou shouldst undergo in the passion and sufferings of thy most beloved Son. I bear a sensible part in thy affliction, most tender and distressed Mother! obtain for me, from thy divine Son, through the merits of this thy anguish, a meek and pure heart, and a happy departure from this life, under thy maternal care and powerful protection. Amen. Hail Mary.
II.
HEROD PERSECUTES THE CHILD JESUS.
MOST afflicted Mother of God! suffer thy servant to remind thee of that grief which pierced thy
