O God, who justifiest the wicked, and desirest not the death of the sinner, we humbly entreat of thy majesty, graciously to protect thy servants who trust in thy mercy, and constantly to preserve them by thy heavenly aid; that we may continually serve thee, and never by any temptations be separated from thee.
O God, who desirest not the death, but the repentance of sinners, most tenderly regard the weakness of our human condition, and of thy goodness further our endeavours; that, by thy infinite mercy, we may happily obtain pardon of our sins, constancy in thy service, and finally, the rewards promised to those who persevere to the end; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
CHAPTER III.
VARIOUS PRAYERS FOR PENITENTS.
PRAYERS AGAINST THE SEVEN CAPITAL SINS, ONE OF WHICH MAY BE SAID AFTER EACH OF THE PENITENTIAL PSALMS.
I. Against pride,
O Lord Jesus Christ, meek and humble of heart, who by word and example hast commanded us to learn humility of thee; for, being in the form of God equal to the eternal Father, thou didst humble thyself, taking upon thee the form of a servant, and becoming obedient to death, even to the death of the cross.
Take away from us all pride and swelling of spirit, that, glorying in nothing but thee, and despising none, we may think humbly of ourselves, and, with a lowly heart, praise thee alone; and if we seem to have any good, make us acknowledge it to come, not from ourselves, but from thee, the everflowing fountain of all good; that so we may ever give glory, not to ourselves, but to thee. Amen.
2. Against avarice.
Most bountiful God, who needest not any thing that we have, and who in so abundantly bestowing upon us thy blessings, biddest us be liberal to our poor neighbours of the things granted to us for the support of life, and therefore constantly recommendest to us alms-giving and works of charity: incline our hearts to thy testimonies. and not to covetousness; grant that for thy
