heavenly lessons; I am unworthy that thou shouldst speak to my soul; for I have often transgressed thy law, trampled on thy graces, and slighted thy inspirations. I have gone astray from thee like a sheep that was lost; but, O charitable Pastor, seek thy servant, because, amid all my wanderings, I have not forgotten thy commandments ( Psalm cxviii. 176); I have never ceased to acknowledge thee for my God, my Redeemer, my heavenly Guide. Oh, had I fled from sin with the horror it is calculated to inspire — had I valued as I ought the graces which were purchased for me by thy precious blood — how near should I be to thee at this moment! how pleasing would my sold be in thy sight! how dear would it be to thy merciful heart! O my God, the hope and salvation of those who trust in thee, enlighten my darkness, that I may know* thy testimonies, for I have inclined my heart to keep them for ever. (Psalm cxviii.)
AT THE OFFERTORY.
O ADORABLE Jesus, how insensible should I be to my own eternal and temporal welfare, did I refuse my heart to thee, for whom it was created, and who alone can satisfy its desires ! Yet, my God, in offering thee all that I have, what do I present? A soul, redeemed indeed by thy precious blood, but stained with such sins as should render it hateful in thy sight; an ungrateful heart, which thou hast repeatedly demanded, but which I have so long refused. O my God, canst thou accept now a gift which thy mercy alone could have caused thee to require? Yes, divine Jesus, thou wilt now accept my offering, for I present it to thee, not as my heart, but as thy sanctuary: not single, but incorporated with thee by the closest union which God can grant to
