the Jews; the integrity of the most blessed Virgin Mary; the protection of the holy Angels, especially my guardian. and the suffrages of all God’s elect, be between me and all my enemies, visible and invisible, now, and at the hour of my death. Amen. In the name of the Father, and the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
EVENING EXERCISE.
At night, when going to bed, take care not to forget God, by whose favour thou hast lived through the day and thy life hitherto; and perhaps wilt not live till morning, unless this night thou make thy peace with God. Thy very bed, in fact, in which, as in the tomb, thou layest thy naked limbs to rest, in a manner reminds thee of death. And what is sleep itself but the brother and image of death? He is over rash, who, with God offended and unreconciled, ventures to commit himself to the night’s sleep. Rather prepare thyself for thy night’s rest as though one whispered in thy ear: This night shall they require of thee thy soul. [1] And therefore remember to pray with the Prophet: Enlighten my eyes, that I never sleep in death, lest at any time my enemy say, I have prevailed against him.[2]
The five points of the Evening Exercise.
1. Thank God.
2. Ask light.
3. Thy heart examine well.
4. Ask pardon of thy faults.
5. All ill repel.
I. THANKSGIVING.
O infinite goodness, I thank thee from the bottom of my heart for all the blessings which, this day and during my whole life, thou hast so bountifully bestowed upon me, however unworthy. To thee be praise and glory from me, and from thy elect, in heaven and in earth, and from all creatures, for ever and ever.
II. PRAYER FOR LIGHT.
O eternal wisdom, in many things, alas! we all offend; but who can understand sins? Enlighten my darkness, O thou true Light, that I may see and know my failings. Thou knowest all the secrets of my heart, and considerest all my steps. Grant me, therefore, however I have sinned against thee, fully to recount to thee, in the bitterness of my soul, all that I have committed against thee this day by thought, word, or deed.
III. EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE.
O God, the searcher of hearts and reins ! woe is me, that I have this day sinned against heaven and before thee; and how can I hide it
