behold thy servant whom thou hast cast upon a bed of sickness; comfort, I beseech thee, my afflicted spirit; increase my faith, strengthen my hope, and perfect my charity, sanctify all my sufferings, and if thy mercy shall restore me to health, may I carefully correct the errors of my past life. If it please thee to call me out of this world, grant that I may safely pass through the shades of death, transported by thy holy angels into the mansions of bliss, where no fear shall trouble me, no pains afflict me, no grief disturb my peace of mind, but pure delight, unspeakable joy and perfect security shall be for ever confirmed to me: Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
PRAYER BEFORE RECEIVING THE HOLY VIATICUM.
O DEAR Jesus, I adore thee with my whole heart; I give thee thanks for that infinite love which thou didst show to poor sinners in dying for them on the cross, and for the unspeakable goodness displayed in thy heavenly banquet, to which thou art now pleased to invite me. How dare I approach, who have so ungratefully offended thee, and have lived so long unworthy of m>* profession.
I acknowledge, O God, that I am a sinner. Thou alone art my hope: I raise my eyes to thee, who art rich in mercy, who art my advocate and most powerful mediator. I commit my cause into thy hands. Help me now in my distress; let the infinite treasure of thy merits supply all my deficiencies, while I partake of this sacred food. Thou knowest my weakness and unworthiness; thou seest how unfit I am, through the multitude and enormity of my sins, to appear before thy judgment seat. I tremble for that
