Page:ThePathToHeaven.djvu/482



Plenary Indulgence to  be  obtained  by  all  the  faithful,  who,  after having confessed  their  sins  with  contrition,  received  the  Holy  Communion, and  prayed  for  the  intention  of  the  Sovereign  Pontiff, shall devoutly  recite  it  before  an  image  or  representation  of  Christ crucified.

Behold, O  kind  and  most  sweet  Jesus,  I  cast  myself  upon my knees  in  thy  sight,  and  with  the  most  fervent  desire  of my  soul  I  pray  and  beseech  thee  that  thou  wouldst  impress upon my  heart  lively  sentiments  of  faith,  hope,  and  charity, with true  repentance  for  my  sins,  and  a  firm  desire  of  amendment, whilst  with  deep  affection  and  grief  of  soul  I  ponder within myself,  and  mentally  contemplate  thy  five  most  precious wounds;  having  before  my  eyes  that  which  David  spake in prophecy:  "They  pierced  my  hands  and  my  feet;  they have  numbered  all  my  bones."

1 . O  good  and  gracious  Jesus! who, being  most  high in the  glory  of  thy  Father,  and  of  one  essence  with him, didst  vouchsafe  of  thy  infinite  love  to  be  made man, to  be  born  in  a  stable,  to  be  laid  in  a  manger,  to be  circumcised,  and  to  fly  into  Egypt;  afterwards  to be  baptised,  to  be  tempted,  to  fast,  to  watch,  to  teach the ignorant,  and  to  heal  the  diseased;  in  thy  whole life to  suffer  continual  afflictions  and  persecutions; and at  length  voluntarily  to  suffer  death  upon  the cross; and  all  this  for  me,  and  such  wretched  creatures as myself.

2. O  good  and  gracious  Jesus! who, having  eaten  the paschal lamb  with,  thy  dearly  beloved  disciples,  didst arise from  supper,  gird  thyself  with  a  towel,  pour  water