Page:ThePathToHeaven.djvu/517

 of thy  servant  St.  Francis  Xavier,  who  though  he  excelled many, yet  humbly  submitted  himself-  to  all  superiors,  and readily fulfilled  their  commands,  in  them  acknowledging thy majesty. I beseech  thee  to  grant  me  ready  and  perfect obedience  to  all  my  superiors,  and  that  special  petition which  I  make  in  this  Novena,  to  thy  greater  honour and glory. Amen.

Lord God  of  the  Thrones,  on  whom  thou  dost  repose  as on  the  seat  of  thy  glory  and  chair  of  thy  majesty,  I  offer unto thee  the  merits  of  these  supreme  spirits,  and  those of thy  servant  St.  Francis  Xavier,  that  throne  of  thy glory, that  vessel  of  election  to  convey  thy  name  to  heathen nations,  who  denied  himself  to  himself,  and  to  all worldly things,  casting  them  out  of  his  heart,  that  thou alone mightest  possess  it. I beseech  thee  to  grant  that  I may  despise  all  worldly  things,  and. rest in  thee  alone; grant me  also  the  petition  I  make  in  this  Novena,  to  thy greater honour  and  glory. Amen.

Lord God of  the  Cherubim,  who  are  adorned  with  the most perfect  wisdom,  I  offer  unto  thee  the  merits  of  these most glorious  spirits,  and  those  of  thy  servant  St.  Francis Xavier,  to  whom  thou  didst  give  the  grace  of  supereminent  wisdom,  and  to  whom  thou  didst  reveal  most profound secrets,  that  he  might  teach  thy  law  to  many people and  nations. I beseech  thee  to  grant  that  I  may learn to  fear  and  please  thee,,  which  is  true  wisdom,  and that by  word  and  example  I  may  teach  others  to  keep thy commandments;  grant  me  also  the  favour  I  beg  in this  Novena,  to  thy  greater  honour  and  glory. Amen.

Lord God  of  the  Seraphim,  who  are  inflamed  with  most ardent love  of  thee,  I  offer  unto  thee  the  merits  of  these most fervent  spirits,  and  those  of  thy  servant  St.  Francis Xavier, who  like  a  Seraph,  was  inflamed  with  thy  love, conquering innumerable  hardships  and  dangers  of  life  to please  thee,  and  to  make  those  know  and  love  thee  who before offended  thee  and  knew  thee  not  I  beseech  thee to grant  that  I  may  love  thee,  my  only  God  and  Lord, and may  endeavour  to  bring  all  men  to  the  knowledge