thee, O Lord! I need not even seek thee on this altar; for in this happy moment I enjoy thy sacramental presence. O divine Lord, what great things hast thou done in my soul! But, my God, what can be the reason that I am so little sensible of thy adorable presence? How is it possible that I conceal fire in my bosom, and yet do not bum? ( Prov . vi. 27.) Why am I so slothful and tepid, when I possess in my soul the fountain of life V Alas! how little return of gratitude hast thou ever met in my heart! but, my God, what can resist thee? Hast thou not often triumphed over hearts equal even in malice to mine? Do then, I conjure thee, that for which thou art come; transform me into thyself, and let me experience the effect of the petition thou didst deign to make on our behalf, viz., that we should be one with thee, as thou and thy heavenly Father art one. ( John xvii. 21.)
AT THE SECOND MEMENTO.
O ALMIGHTY God, the resurrection and the life, he that believeth in thee, even though he were dead, shall certainly live, and enjoy in thy kingdom the true liberty of the children of God. Look then, I beseech thee, with compassion and mercy on those suffering souls who have always believed and confessed thy name. O sovereign Lord, remember that they are the work of thy own hands ( Job x. 3), created in thy power, redeemed in thy mercy, preserved in thy goodness, and formed to thy adorable image. Ah! why then hidest thou thy adorable face from those who have been dear to thy sacred heart, and who long to behold and enjoy thee, their sovereign beatitude? Accept, O eternal God, in their favour, the adorable Victim who now offers
