Page:The Catholic prayer book.djvu/623



INFINITE God! how truly  may  it  be  said  of  me, The ox  knoweth  his  owner,  and  the  ass  his  master's crib,  but  thou  knowest  not  thy  Lord. I admire thy love and  charity! I am ashamed  of  my  tepidity  and ingratitude. Infinite goodness! I come too  late  to love  thee,  but  although  it  be  the  eleventh  hour, bestow on  me  the  promised  reward:  be  to  me  a Saviour. Thou hast  died  for  me,  let  me  partake  of thy  eternal  charity. Grant that,  through  the  intercession of  St.  Joseph,  my  good  resolutions  may  be perfected. I also beg  that  when  I entertain  thee  in the  most  Blessed  Sacrament,  I may  be  favoured  with the same  sentiments  of  adoration,  love  and  thanksgiving that  St.  Joseph  experienced  when  he  received thee from  Simeon,  to  restore  thee  to  thy  blessed Mother. Amen.

ESUS, my  Maker  and  my  Master,  without  whose merciful assistance  I walk  in  darkness  and  perish! I most humbly  beg,  through  the  intercession  of St.  Joseph,  that  thou  wilt  grant  me  grace  to  escape from the  servitude  of  sin,  under  which  I have  so  long groaned, in  order  that  I may  enjoy  the  liberty  of  thy faithful servants. I have frequently  experienced  thy goodness, and  I know  thy  power; my  trust  is  in both. O! grant me  constancy  to  despise  the  allurements of  the  world,  and  to  remain  undaunted  under afflicting terrors. My dear  Redeemer,  I have  too often lost  thee  by  sin; I have  willingly  and  wilfully parted with  thee,  to  follow  my  corrupt  inclinations. O God! who didst  come  to  seek  sinners,  take  pity on me  who  am  the  greatest. Thou art  now  pleased