Page:The Catholic prayer book.djvu/460

 mightest then  be  said  to  have  no  particular  interest in our  salvation; but  God  clothed  himself  in  thy flesh for  the  sake  of  all  mankind. Help us,  therefore, and  protect  us. Thou knowest  the  need  which we have  of  thy  assistance,  and  we  earnestly  recommend ourselves  to  thy  prayers. Pray that  we  may not be  eternally  lost,  but  with  thee  may  love  and serve Jesus  Christ  for  ever.

Short prayer,  etc. — “ O Mary,  all  my  hopes  are placed on  thee.”

HAT comfort  I find  in  my  troubles,  how  I am consoled  in  my  sorrows,  what  strength  I find in my  temptations,  when  I think  of  thee,  and  call  thee to my  aid,  O my  sweet  and  holy  mother,  Mary! O Saints of  Paradise,  you  had  great  reason  to  give  my Sovereign  Lady  the  beautiful  names  of  “ Harbour  of the  Afflicted,”  like  St.  Ephrem; “ Remedy  of  our Misery,” and  “Consolation  of  the  Unhappy,” like St. Bonaventure; “End of  our  tears,”  like  St. Germain. Dear Mary,  console  me,  then,  for  I see myself all  covered  with  sins,  and  surrounded  by enemies,  without  virtue,  and  grown  cold  in  the  love of God. Comfort me,  comfort  me! Bring me  the consolation which  springs  from  the  beginning  of  a new  life,  a life  truly  pleasing  to  thy  Son  and  to  thee.

AIL, Mary! thou hope  of  Christians. Hear the petition of  a sinner  who  wishes  to  love  thee with the  greatest  tenderness,  and  to  honour  thee  as thou  deservest,  and  who  reposes  in  thee,  next  after