the beloved object of thy complacency. Behold this adorable Victim, who, to appease thy anger, sacrifices his own precious body and blood; that body, which was torn with stripes, and covered with wounds; and that blood, which was shed to wash away the sins of the world. He immolates himself with the same excess of mercy and love, as he did on Mount Calvary. O let not this sacred blood be shed in vain, but grant that its infinite merits may be applied to the souls of thy suffering servants, and give them admittance to thy presence, that they may bless and praise thee for ever and ever. Ah, my God! thou knowest that the flames which surround them are not more active than their ardent desire to behold thee.
When shall these souls be united to thee, O God? When shall they see thee in the land of the living? Till then, they sigh and bewail their banishment, desiring continually to enjoy thy divine presence, to be admitted into thy eternal kingdom. Alas! while myriads of blessed spirits see, love, and enjoy thee incessantly; while they are inebriated with the plenty of thy house, the souls of these thy servants are perhaps burning in flames, plunged in darkness, and far removed from the light of heaven. O! thou who art infinite in mercy! be not deaf to my supplications for their speedy relief. O blessed Angels and Saints! vouchsafe to join me in making intercession for N. N., and obtain for them admittance into your happy society. As the hart pants after the fountains of living water, so do these souls thirst after thee, O God! the inexhaustible source of eternal and ineffable joys. Thou knowest the longing sighs of these suffering souls, O infinitely bountiful and compassionate Father! and thou alone
