Page:The Catholic prayer book.djvu/513

 these great  truths;  and,  instead  of  following  the false lights  of  the  spirit  of  the  world,  as  I hitherto have done,  may  I allow  myself  to  be  guided  only  by the  sincere  light  of  the  spirit  of  God,  that  thus  the "word of  God,  may  be  a lamp  to  my  feet, and  a light  to my  paths”  Amen.

GREAT and  glorious  Saint,  who  loved  your neighbour even  more  than  yourself! if it  be true,  as  it  most  certainly  is,  that  charity  never  fails, and though  commenced  in  this  world,  receives  its increase and  perfection  in  heaven,  may  I not  hope, that being  now  raised  to  that  seat  of  glory,  you  will make me  feel  the  effects  of  that  tender  and  generous charity which  you  exercised  during  your  mortal  life, and that  you  will  not  refuse  me  a place  in  your  heart. I have recourse  to  you  with  an  humble  confidence: be pleased  to  obtain  for  me  from  God,  who  is  charity itself, some  sparks  of  that  divine  fire  with  which  your heart always  glowed. I am a Christian,  and  to  my shame  I must  own,  that  I do  not  love  my  neighbour as I ought. I do not  love  him  in  the  manner  that God wishes me  to  love  him. I do not  love  him  as  much as God  orders  me  to  love  him. I do  not  love  him purely for  God’s  sake,  but  too  often  I allow  my passions to  regulate  my  conduct  towards  him. Employ your powerful  mediation  in  assisting  me  to reform  this  habitual  disorder  which  reigns  in  my affections. Teach me  to  sanctify  all  the  actions  of my  life  by  a purity  of  intention,  to  the  end  that, like you,  I may  die  the  death  of  the  just; and  obtain for me  those  graces  which  may  calm  and  comfort  my sold  at  that  awful  moment  of  death,  which  will  decide my doom,  either  for  eternal  happiness  or  eternal misery. Amen.