Page:The Catholic prayer book.djvu/211

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orifice of this heavenly well, that so I may draw from thence, some small drop to refresh my thirst, to the end that I may not be wholly dried up. And if I cannot as yet be all heavenly, and all on fire, like the cherubim and seraphim, I will, however, endeavour to apply myself to devotion, and to prepare my heart for the acquiring of some small flame of divine fire, by the humble receiving of this life-giving sacrament. And whatever is wanting to me, O good Jesus, most blessed Saviour, do thou in thy bounty and goodness supply for me, who hast vouchsafed to call all unto thee, saying, "Come to me all you that labour and are burdened , and I will refresh you .” (Matt. xi. 28.)

I labour indeed, in the sweat of my brow, I am tormented with grief of heart, I am burdened with sins, I am troubled with temptations, and am entangled and oppressed with many evil passions; and there is no one to help me, no one to deliver and save me, but thou, O Lord God, my Saviour; to whom I commit myself, and all that is mine, that thou mayst keep me, and bring me to everlasting life. Receive me for the praise and glory of thy name, who hast prepared thy body and blood for my meat and drink. Grant, O Lord God, my Saviour, that with the frequenting this thy mystery, the affection of my devotion may increase.

Lord, all things are thine that are in heaven, and on earth. I desire to offer up myself to thee as a voluntary oblation, and to remain for ever thine. Lord, in the sincerity of my heart, I offer myself to thee this day, to be thy servant evermore, to serve thee, and to become a sacrifice of perpetual praise to thee. Receive me with this sacred oblation of thy precious body, which I offer to thee this day, in the presence of thy angels invisibly stand-