rather be esteemed the Father of mercies than the God of vengeance; all which makes me hope, that thou wilt not reject a contrite and humble heart, especially when presented by thy own beloved Son, who, as High Priest, is going to immolate himself in my behalf. For his sake, receive me again as thy child. Give me what the depth of my necessities requires, and what the greatness of thy goodness knows how to bestow. Imprint in my heart those dispositions which will render it pleasing in thy sight. Give me a humility as profound as the nothingness whence I sprang, or rather as deep as the abyss into which my sins have cast me. Renew in me thy image, defaced by sin; and destroy in me all that is offensive in thy eyes, that I may become a child worthy of such a Father. Let neither pleasure nor fear again withdraw me from the line of duty, or cause me ever to offend thee more.
During the Epistle and Gospel.
CONSIDERATION.
REFLECT, that by sin you have transgressed the law of God. preferring to it the law of flesh and blood, in the indulgence of your own will. Beg grace in future to make the divine law the rule of all your actions.
AFFECTIONS.
O MY God! when I listen to thy holy Gospel, do I not hear the sentence of my own condemnation, unless thy infinite mercy avert it? For he who refuses to bear thy sweet yoke, deserves severe punishment. And when have I submitted to the restraints it imposes? Have I not rather criminally followed the perverse inclinations of my heart, and the corrupt maxims of the world, than the holy rules
