this state, N. and office N., I will apply myself more diligently to the works and occupations, as N. and N., that are agreeable to my vocation; and I will endeavour to do all things decently and according to order.
And because thou commandest me to seek first the kingdom of God, I will devote myself but sparingly to the cares of exterior business, that I may not want for time for the greatest of all business, the care of my eternal salvation. For I know the vanity of pursuing and gaining all things, and yet losing thee, the only supreme good. No, rather shall my soul seek thee before all things, and in all things, O my God and my all!
IV. AVOIDANCE OF SIN.
Oh, that my ways, O Lord, may this day be directed to keep thy justifications! It is, indeed, no pleasure to me to walk in hard ways, the ways of sinners, in which there is nothing but destruction and unhappiness, for although at first they seem good, yet their end leads to death.[1] I have sworn, and am determined to keep the judgments of thy justice. I have said I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue; I will turn away my eyes, that they may not behold vanity. And oh, that with all watchfulness I may keep my heart! I know that these occasions, N. and N., have often been hurtful to me, and how shall I expose myself to the same danger again to-day? No, O Lord, for love of thee I will not, for my soul desires to please, serve, and adhere to thee alone.
V. PRAYER FOR DIVINE GRACE.
But, O Lord, to what purpose have I this wish, if thou give me not the power to accomplish it? ’Tis in vain that man proposes, if he is not disposed by thy grace. Thou knowest my frailty, that I am poor and miserable, and that without thee I am unable to do, or even think, any thing at all, but that from thee alone is all my sufficiency. Rise up, therefore, to help me, and by thy powerful grace give me strength successfully to accomplish the good that I wish.
And thou too, O most holy Virgin, Mother of God, and my special patroness! take upon thee the care of thy client, and shew thyself a mother. And thou, O my angel guardian, who by command of the divine goodness hast taken upon thee my charge; and you, O holy Patrons, N. N., who are specially dear to me, faithfully assist your client this day, and direct him into the way of sal-
- ↑ Ps. xiii. 3.
