Imágenes de páginas
PDF
EPUB

graciously established for the working out my salvation.

That my precious time may not be employed in hunting after trifles; that my natural talents may not be buried and drowned in brutish sensuality; that 'my study may not be vanity, nor my labour folly; but that framing a right judgment in all things, I may fix my mind upon those pleasures which are at thy right-hand, which are permanent and durable.

And that the great care and business of my life be to obtain thy favour, who art the sovereign good of my soul, and who only canst satisfy all my desires.

To this end, inure me to spiritual objects by constant and fervent prayer, by entertaining my thoughts with pious meditations, by reading and hearing thy holy word with reverence and attention, and by frequently approaching thy altar with humility and devotion.

And, above all, let a constant fear of offending thee, my God, put me upon my guard, and make me watchful amidst those imminent dangers and temptations that surround me in this my pilgrimage on earth.

Thou, O Lord, who resistest the proud, and givest grace to the lowly, endue me with true model of which thy only Son

[merged small][merged small][ocr errors][ocr errors][merged small]
[graphic]

P

al

be

ng

ny

hy

›le.

life

ign

all

ing

ead

ence

ing

-nd

and

ent

and

true

Son

Oh! deliver me from the slavery and dominion of pride, which threw angels from heaven, and drove man out of paradise, which produces so much evil and torment wherever it resides, and which, above all, is so hateful in thy sight.

III. Grant, O Lord, that I may love thee above all things, who art infinitely perfect in thy nature.

That I may desire thee above all things, who art full of mercy and compassion towards the children of men.

Who is there in heaven but thee? and who upon earth that I can desire in comparison of thee? as the hart thirsteth after the waterbrooks, so let my soul long after thee, O God,

Let the allurements of the world, and the eniovments of sense, appear as trifling enter

tainments, in comparison of the pleasure and happiness of serving thee, and doing good.

Let the difficulties and dangers which I meet with in the way of my duty, be so far from discouraging me, that they may excite my zeal, increase my resolution, and serve only to make the pleasure of loving thee more intense and perfect.

Let the divine flame of thy love burn so bright in my soul, that it may free my mind from all vile affections, and may influence all my actions; so that I may carefully observe all thy holy laws, and farther evidence its certainty, by diligently consulting the temporal and spiritual happiness of my neighbour.

O let it suppress all the bitter effects of envy, that I may compassionate the misfortunes of others, and rejoice in all good things thou art pleased to bestow upon them.

That I may be tender of my neighbour's reputation, and never expose it to rash censures, nor diminish it by the relation of his real infirmities.

That I may guard my heart from secretly repining at his prosperity, or triumphing in his calamity.

That I may set a watch upon the door of my lips; that I may speak no evil concerning him,

words of detraction

0

n

t

[graphic]

1

0

se

all

[ocr errors]

cr

al

[ocr errors]

of

art

's

[ocr errors]

is

ly

in

y

[ocr errors]
[ocr errors]

lif

tribunal-seat, that it may mortify all inclinations and temptations to sinful pleasures.

And stir me up to zeal and diligence in performing all those things which are acceptable in thy sight, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

This may be added, with regard to the receiving

the Holy Sacrament.

In order to attain these blessed ends, O Lord, I approach thy holy table, that I may grow in grace, and may be enabled to imitate the suffering virtues of the crucified Jesus.

Grant, therefore, most merciful God, that the receiving symbols of his body and blood, which I am now about to partake of, may, by the grace and efficacy of his spirit, conform me to his divine image, and make me steadfast in serving thee, till thou takest me finally to enjoy thee, through Jesus Christ my blessed Saviour and Redeemer. Amen.

it

ho

th

th

fo

a

i

t

Some short Prayers, proper to be used for the enforcing our holy resolutions, and for the assistance of God's grace, to enable us to perform them.

O LORD Jesu! I give thee my body, my soul,

« AnteriorContinuar »