intercession of Mary and Joseph, that I may serve thee faithfully in the state in which thou hast placed me. I firmly believe all thou hast revealed: protect me, lest I should be found among the number of those foolish virgins, who carried lamps without oil. Assist me with thy powerful grace, that I may be humble, charitable, and chaste; and not be like the barren fig tree, fit only to become fuel for eternal flames. This grace I implore through the infinite merits of Jesus, my Saviour. Amen.
ON THE FOURTH DAY.
HOLY Ghost, God of all comfort! If thou seest it expedient for the security of my salvation that I should be oppressed with tribulation, permit me not to fall. Infinite power! bear me up; thou knowest my weakness. Favour me with thy grace, that I may be compassionate towards my neighbour, and govern myself with the same spirit of lenity and charity as if the case were my own. I deplore my censorious temper, and resolve to be upon my guard. I return thee thanks for inspiring me with the resolution of becoming better; but of myself I am not able to persevere in my good intentions. I beg thy assistance, that I may fulfil what thou commandest; and then, dear Lord, command what thou pleasest. Afflict me with such crosses as I can endure, that I may discharge at least a part of the great debt due to the divine justice. Grant, through the intercession of St. Joseph, that after my temporal trials, whether exterior or interior, I may find that permanent joy with which thou renderest Him and His Immaculate Spouse eternally happy: Through the merits of our Lord Jesus Christ, &c.
