Page:The Catholic prayer book.djvu/515

 most  Holy  Trinity,  who  has  elevated  you  to  so  exalted  a stationed  has  rewarded  your  innocence, your  penance, and your  charity  with  so  magnificent  a crown. You are now  become  the  object  of  the  eternal  complacency of your  bountiful  Master. Be pleased  to  cast  a favourable look  upon  your  client. Under your  protection I hope to  obtain  from  the  God  of  Mercies  all  those blessings of  which  I stand  in  need. Stretch forth your fostering  hand  upon  a poor  wretch  who  implores your assistance,  that  you  may  deal  charitably  with him, and  may,  shower  down  your  blessings  upon  him. Let the  first  fruit  of  your  protection  be  to  obtain  for me the  grace  to  begin  at  length  to  lead  a truly Christian life,  and  to  surmount  with  courage  every obstacle that  the  enemies  of  my  salvation  may  throw in my  way. May I conceive  a firm  resolution  to  walk in your  footsteps,  and  like  you  to  desire  nothing but God  and  his  holy  grace. By these  means  I shall infallibly attain  to  the  happiness  of  one  day  reigning with you  in  heaven. With what  sentiments  of  gratitude shall  I not  then  be  impressed  towards  my beloved  patron,  for  having  assisted  me  by  his  example and prayers,  to  merit  this  never-ending  felicity! This favour I expect  from  your  powerful  intercession. Amen.

  

MOST faithful  companion,  whom  God  has appointed to  watch  over  me,  my  guide and  my protector,  ever  at  my  side. What thanks  can  I offer thee for  thy  love,  thy  constancy,  and  thy  innumerable benefits? Thou watchest  over  me  in  sleep; thou consolest me  in  sorrow; thou  raisest  me  when  I fall; thou wardest  off  danger; thou  preparest  me for the 