Page:Prayerbookforrel00lasa 0.djvu/585

 of so  pure  a  spirit  as  thou  art,  who  never  sinned? But, as my  ingratitude  and  thoughtlessness  have  not  lessened thy charitable  interest  for  my  salvation,  so  neither  shall  they diminish my  confidence  in  thy  goodness,  nor  prevent  me from  abandoning  myself  to  thy  care,  since  God  Himself  has entrusted thee  with  the  charge  of  my  soul. Penetrated with sorrow for  the  little  progress  I  have  made  in  virtue,  though blessed with  such  a  Master,  and  sincerely  determined  to correspond  in  future  with  thy  exertions  for  my  salvation,  I most  earnestly  entreat  thee,  O  protecting  spirit,  to  continue thy zealous  efforts  for  my  eternal  interest;  to  fortify  my weakness,  to  shield  me  from  the  innumerable  dangers  of the  world,  and  to  obtain  by  thy  powerful  prayers  that  my life  may  rather  be  shortened,  than  that  I  should  live  to  commit a  mortal  sin. Remember, O  most  happy  spirit,  that  it was  one  act  of  profound  humility,  and  one  transport  of  ardent love for  thy  Creator,  that  caused  God  to  establish  thee  forever in glory;  obtain  that  those  virtues  may  be  implanted  in  my soul,  and  that  I  may  seriously  endeavor  to  acquire  docility, obedience, gentleness,  and  purity  of  heart. Conduct me safely  through  this  world  of  sin  and  misery;  watch  over  me at  the  awful  hour  of  my  death;  perform  for  my  soul  the  last charitable office  of  thy  mission,  by  strengthening,  encouraging, and supporting  me  in  the  agonies  of  dissolution,  and  then,  as the  angel  Raphael  conducted  Tobias  safely  to  his  father, do thou,  my  good  angel  and  blessed  guide,  return  with  me to  Him  Who  sent  thee,  that  we  may  mutually  bless  Him,  and publish His  wonderful  works  for  a  happy  eternity. Amen.

MY dear  angel  guardian,  preserve  me  from  the  misfortune  of  offending  God.

ORD, have  mercy. Lord, have  mercy.

Christ, have  mercy. Christ, have  mercy.

Lord, have  mercy. Lord, have  mercy.

Christ, hear  us. Christ, graciously  hear  us.

God the  Father  of  heaven,  have  mercy  on  us.