Page:The Catholic prayer book.djvu/511

 the inordinate  cravings  of  my  rebellious  flesh. Obtain for me,  I beseech  you,  a holy  hatred  of  myself,  that I may courageously  enter  upon  the  narrow  path  of penance  which  leads  to  life. Suffer me  not,  most loving Patron,  by  pampering  my  flesh,  and  treating it with  a shameful  delicacy,  to  engage  in  the  broad road that  inevitably  leads  to  perdition. May the Almighty, through  your  intercession,  dart  upon  me one  ray  of  heavenly  light,  by  which  I may  be  convinced that  I have  not  a more  dangerous  enemy  than myself, and  that  I must  consider  and  treat  myself  as such,  by  labouring  without  ceasing  to  subdue  my sinful  inclinations,  and  to  restrain  my  self-love. This, assisted  by  your  protection,  and  animated  by your  example,  I resolve  to  do. Amen.

REAT Saint,  whose  angelical  purity  was  never sullied with  the  slightest  stain,  and  who  during the whole  course  of  your  life  were,  by  a singular favour of  heaven,  exempted  from  even  the  faintest attacks of  the  unclean  spirit! I behold with  admiration and  respect  this  perfect  innocence,  whose  lustre, out of  the  reach  of  the  infectious  breath  of  the  devil, surpasses the  whiteness  of  lilies. But I feel  greatly humbled and  confounded  in  the  presence  of  a soul  so pure  and  holy,  having  nothing  to  offer  to  your  chaste looks but  a soul  defiled  with  so  many  sins: I now  am sincerely  sorry  for  them. You can,  by  your  intercession, obtain  the  pardon  of  them. Be my  protector and advocate  with  the  Sovereign  Judge;  offer  to Jesus  Christ  and  to  his  holy  Mother,  my  sighs  and tears. Obtain for  me  from  God  a sincere  chastity, that may  not  leave  even  the  shadow  of  crime  in  my thoughts,  my  sentiments,  and  desires. Impress my