7. Humbly beg God's grace. — But, O my God, thou knowest my great poverty and misery, and that of myself I can do nothing; thou knowest how unworthy I am of this infinite favour, and thou alone canst make me worthy. Oh! since thou art so good as to invite me thus to thyself, add this one bounty more to all the rest, to prepare me for thyself. Cleanse my soul from' its stains, clothe it with the nuptial garment of charity, adorn it with all virtues, and make it a fit abode for thee. Drive sin and the devil far from this dwelling, which thou art here pleased to choose for thyself, and make me one according to thy own heart, that this heavenly visit which thou designest for my salvation, may not, by my unworthiness, be perverted to my damnation. Oh ! let me never be guilty of thy body and blood, by an unworthy communion. For the sake of this same precious blood, which thou hast shed for me, deliver me from so great an evil. O rather let me die ten thousand deaths, than thus presume to crucify thee again.
8. Implore the prayers of the Blessed Virgin and of the Saints. — O all ye blessed angels and saints of God, who see, face to face, him whom I shall receive under these humble veils; and thou most especially, ever •Blessed Virgin, Mother of the same God and Saviour, in whose sacred womb he was conceived and borne for nine months; I most humbly beg the assistance of your prayers and intercession, that I may in such manner receive him here in this place of banishment, as to be brought one day to enjoy him with you in our true country, and there to praise him and love him for ever.
