Page:TheParadiseOfTheChristianSoul.djvu/98

 eager to  declare, not  only  in frequent  discourses, as  opportunity offered, but  also  by  public proofs

In order  to  recite  this  little chaplet with  greater  fruit  and devotion, observe what  Thomas of Sallies  says  in  his  Treasury of Prayers: —

“1. This  Doxology  enables us to  effect  three  special  objects: 1st,  To  praise; 2d,  to thank;  3d,  to  petition  the most holy  Trinity. Reflect, then, before  you  begin  the Rosary, which  of  these  is  the object of  your  intention; whether all  of  them  together,  or one  for  each  decade, or  one throughout the  three.

“2. Propose  to  yourself  a reason  which  may  be  either general or  particular, for which you  thus  desire  to  praise God. For example,  I wish  to return  thanks,  and  to  praise God for  the  most  holy  Nativity, Passion, &c. of our Lord Jesus  Christ; for  my vocation,  for  such  and  such  a private  or  public  benefit. In like manner,  weigh  well  what you desire  to  ask,  whether  for some virtue, or  grace, or  deliverance from  some  temptation, or  for  help  and  assistance in  this  or  that  matter. For, ask  what  you  will  (so you  but  ask  rightly),  and  you may be  sure  that  you  have in it  no  end  in  view  but  the greater glory  of  God."

Most gracious  Lord,  my God,  Father,  Son,  and  Holy Ghost, who  hast  created  me for  thyself,  many  and  grave are the  causes  for  which  I owe  thee  the  tribute  of  my whole  self. I now, therefore, direct, and  offer  to  thy  divine majesty, with  all  the  ability I possess, all  the  thoughts, words, and  actions  of  my whole  life,  and  particularly  of this  day,  uniting  them  with the merits  and  works  of  Jesus Christ my  dearest  Redeemer, and of  the  most  Blessed  Virgin, my  sweetest  mother  and patroness, and  all  the  blessed angels, saints,  and  spirits  of the  just,  who  ever  were,  are, or shall  be.

Oh, that  by  thy  infinite power, to  which  nothing  is impossible,  I could  possess, besides this  narrow  heart  of mine,  other  hearts  of  boundless extent,  whose  whole  wish, occupation, and  continual  endeavour, should  be  constantly to look  up  to,  acknowledge, reflect upon,  love,  and  praise thee, my  God  and  my  Lord.

Accordingly, I now  protest before thee  and  the  whole court of  heaven,  that  it  is my  intention,  my  wish,  and