Page:TheParadiseOfTheChristianSoul.djvu/332

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praise and glory of thy supreme majesty for ever.

Then, when I was unworthy of any grace or blessing, nay, full of uncleanness, and worthy of punishment, how graciously thou bestowedst upon me the Holy Ghost, together with his gifts; and, besides all this, preparedst for me in heaven eternal blessings and joys!

I beseech thee also, by thy infinite goodness, O most gracious Saviour Jesus Christ! to keep me this day from all sin, that I may not lose thy grace; but may devote my heart, and all my intentions, my understanding, and my will, with all the powers of my body and soul,, to thy honour and worship alone; that my thoughts, words, and works may please thee in every respect.

But because, from my utter imperfection, I am not sufficient to do, no, nor even think anything of myself that can be acceptable in the sight of thy divine majesty, meritorious or profitable to myself, for all our sufficiency is of thee; vouchsafe, I most humbly implore thee, to succour my deficiency or poverty out of the infinite abundance of thy charity, and the inexhaustible treasure of thy merits.

Thus, then, I now finally offer and recommend to thee, O Lord Jesus Christ, my works that are most worthless and vile in themselves, to be by thee united to the most worthy and holy works of thy whole life, done in the most ardent and perfect charity, with which thou wroughtest all things for our salvation in the midst of the earth, according to the will, and for the glory of thy eternal Father.

Lastly, whatever is necessary for me to do or suffer this day, I pray thee not only mercifully to accept, but also, by thy most holy incarnation, life, passion, and death, to make meritorious and saving in its effect, that my soul’s salvation may be more and more advanced by it, and my whole life be more perfectly conformed to the example of thy most holy life and passion; that thus I may be more fitted to promote my neighbour’s salvation, and to maintain with him peace and charity; but above all, that I may be able with my whole heart to promote and accomplish the will, service, and love of thy divine Majesty. Amen.

BENEDICTION FOR MORNING

AND EVENING.

From the Same.

The peace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the efficacy of his most sacred passion; the sign of the holy Cross with its triumphal title, Jesus of Nazareth the King of