Page:The Catholic prayer book.djvu/231

 Oh that  I could ever  remember  thee,  ever  think  of thee,  and  love  thee  only ! Oh, that  my  senses  were ever shut  against vain  and  sinful  objects, and  my mind  freed  from  all  fruitless  solicitude,  that I might ever abide  in  thee! From henceforth  I will  with  the utmost diligence,  seek  thee,  my  only  good; my desires  shall  be  fixed on thee  alone,  and  all  my  actions shall be  directed  to  thy  glory.

I resign myself  into  thy  hands,  O God,  desiring that thy  holy  will  may  be  done  in  and  by  me,  both now and  for  ever. Be thou  my  instructor,  director, and helper,  on  all  occasions,  that  I may  neither  do, speak, think,  or  desire  anything  but  what  is  according to thy  good  will  and  pleasure.

II. Grant thy  servant,  O Lord,  understanding, that he  may  learn  the  way  of  thy  commandments, and lay  aside  all  interests  but  those  of  heaven.

O sweet Jesus,  thou  fountain  of  goodness,  direct my steps  in  thy  paths,  and  teach  me  to  do  thy  will. Inspire me  with  courage  to  take  up  my  cross  and follow thee. Disengage my  heart  from  all  unprofitable cares  and  vain  affections; and  though  I dwell among creatures,  yet  may  I ever  live  in  thee  and  for thee. Grant me  true  fervour  of  spirit,  and  enkindle in my  breast  the  fire  of  divine  love,  that  I may  find no rest  but  in  thee.

How sweet,  O Lord,  is  thy  spirit! how pleasant  to my  ear  are  the  words  of  thy  mouth! Oh, that  I could  ever  be  attentive  to  them,  and  fulfil  thy  law. May I die  to  the  world  and  all  its  concupiscences, and let  the  greatness  of  thy  love  make  all  that  is earthly  appear  to  me  as  nothing. Protect me  against my enemies,  and  in  all  danger  come  to  my  defence; make haste  to  help  me,  O God,  and  say  to  my  soul, I am thy  health  and  salvation.