Page:The Catholic prayer book.djvu/500

 in torments and  humiliations,  deprived  of  everything this world  calls  pleasure  or  consolation; thou  art  my model. I know that  thou  art  the  way,  the  truth, and the life: that  all  who  would  be  saved  must  walk  after thee, and  all  who  would  reign  with  thee  in  heaven, must on  earth  take  up  their  cross  and  follow  thee.

I believe these  truths,  and  conjure  thee,  through  thy sufferings from  the  moment  of  thy  birth  unto  thy death, to  strengthen  me  to  bear  whatever  cross  thou mayst send  me. Thou hast  not  yet,  it  is  true, honoured me  with  a great  share  in  thy  sufferings; thou hast  spared  the  weakness  of  my  age  and  virtue; but I know  that  if  thou  lovest  me,  I shall  not  pass through this  life  without  sufferings. I am convinced that thou  knowest  what  is  best  for  me,  therefore  I now  accept  from  thy  hand,  with  resignation  to  thy holy will,  all  the  trials  and  sufferings  of  my  future life. I unite them  beforehand  to  thy  cross,  and  beg pf thee  to  strengthen  me  now  so  powerfully  by  the graces thou  hast  purchased  for  me  through  thy death and  passion,  that  I may  never  expose  myself to eternal  sufferings  hereafter.

Aspiration. — I adore  thee  and  bless  thee,  O Christ, because by  thy  cress  thou  hast  redeemed  the  world.

EVER-GLORIOUS Virgin  Mary! most perfect and amiable  of  all  creatures! I humbly cast myself at  thy  feet, and  beseech  thee  to  accept  the sincere protestations  of  respect  and  veneration,  which I now fervently  present  to  thee. I reverence thee,  O sacred  Virgin! as the  Mother  of  my  Redeemer,  and I fervently offer  thee  all  the  homage  which  is  due  to thee  in  that  august  dignity. I confide in thee, I love