it be my first consolation in adversity. Let it produce in me confidence in alarms, security in dangers, courage in difficulties, patience in adversities, calmness in troubles, and repose of mind in the expectation of future events. Let it relieve me from all anxiety, that I may repose securely on the bounty of thy providence alone. Let it govern all that I do, and guide it to the end, as it knows best for thy glory and my salvation. Whatsoever means it may employ, whether prosperity or adversity, honour or disgrace, bad or good reputation, penury or abundance, sickness or health, life or death, — I refuse nothing, I reject nothing. Whatever it chooses, that I judge to be most right and proper, and I embrace it as the most welcome.
It is, and I hope always may be, my earnest desire and wish to do, say, and think only what thou, O my Lord, judgest best for thy glory and my salvation; that I may contemplate, admire, love, honour, praise, and bless thee, in all and above all things, for ever and ever. Amen.
i. O most merciful Lord, thou art that immeasurable mercy which infinitely surpasses all our misery and sin. For, first, thou drewest me out of the darkness of nothing, and gavest me life, and a noble nature made to thy image; and with it hast bestowed on me the great ornaments of the understanding, judgment, reason, memory, and will. Afterwards thou hast raised me from the low state of nature to the sublime state of grace, by adopting me for thy son. To these two first states thou hast added another, the most noble of all, the state of glory. For the gifts of glory are far more perfect and excellent than those of grace. To this high degree have I been destined by thy infinite goodness and mercy.
If, then, O my soul, thou hast gained the second degree, be diligent to reach to the third; especially when thou hast so many aids and supports to help thee to arrive at such happiness. Such are the most holy sacraments, purchased for us, and left to us by Christ Jesus our Lord, who, as the crown and perfection of all his favours, has left us also the most holy sacrament of his precious body and blood.
2. Ah, Lord, enlighten my heart, that I may understand thy boundless mercy, prize it highly when understood, and keep it always before my eyes
- ↑ Psal. xxxii. 5.
