Page:Withgodbookofpra00las.djvu/774



Oh! yes, there  is  joy  in  sorrow, Oh! yes, there  is  balm  in  tears: For their  fruit  —  God's  greater  glory  — Shall last  for  eternal  years. — Ibid.

MY God,  I  believe  in  Thee;  do  Thou  strengthen  my  faith. All my  hopes  are  in  Thee;  do  Thou  secure  them. I love  Thee;  teach  me  to  love  Thee  daily  more  and  more. I am  sorry  that  I  have  offended  Thee;  do  Thou  increase my sorrow.

I adore  Thee  as  my  first  beginning;  I  aspire  after  Thee as my  last  end. I give  Thee  thanks  as  my  constant benefactor; I  call  upon  Thee  as  my  sovereign  protector.

Vouchsafe, O  my  God! to conduct  me  by  Thy  wisdom, to restrain  me  by  Thy  justice,  to  comfort  me  by  Thy  mercy, to defend  me  by  Thy  power.

To Thee  I  desire  to  consecrate  all  my  thoughts,  words, actions, and  sufferings;  that  henceforward  I  may  think of Thee,  speak  of  Thee,  refer  all  my  actions  to  Thy  greater glory, and  suffer  willingly  whatever  Thou  shalt  appoint.

Lord, I  desire  that  in  all  things  Thy  will  may  be  done because it  is  Thy  will,  and  in  the  manner  that  Thou  wiliest.

I beg  of  Thee  to  enlighten  my  understanding,  to  inflame my will,  to  purify  my  body,  and  to  sanctify  my  soul.

Give me  strength,  O  my  God! to expiate  my  offenses, to overcome  my  temptations,  to  subdue  my  passions,  and to acquire  the  virtues  proper  for  my  state  of  life.

Fill my  heart  with  tender  affection  for  Thy  goodness, hatred of  my  faults,  love  of  my  neighbor,  and  contempt  of the  world.

May Thy  grace  help  me  to  be  submissive  to  my  superiors, condescending  to  my  inferiors,  faithful  to  my  friends, and charitable  to  my  enemies.

Assist me  to  overcome  sensuality  by  mortification,