of dedication, of prayer, of resolves, of devout thoughts. To-day I must be exercised in those things that I resolved upon through Thy Spirit; to-day is the day of action. Prayers, devout thoughts, raptures, resolves, holy exultations of heart, what are these, if in action I fail? What are these, if they are not the forerunners of holy living, if my faith fails in trial, and I turn back in the day of battle?
O Lord, as I now enter upon the work of faith, the labours of mine office, give me more strength of heart; go forth with me when I go forth into the world; renew my zeal of yesterday; add a fresh gift of grace to the grace then given; make me to go forth in Thy name. May I remember my vows of yesterday, and keep them this day and ever. Let not the world dazzle me, nor corrupt me, nor turn me aside, nor fill me with vain dreams; keep me from the world and separate me from it, for by my office am I already separated. I go forth with Thy Cross laid on me; I am indeed a soldier of the Cross. May I have grace to make this a day of unworldly labour and self-denial.
I do greatly fear and distrust myself. Preserve me, holy Jesu, from my own particular faults,—from indolence, from worldliness however secret,