Page:The Catholic prayer book.djvu/95

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testimony of thy Jove for my soul, so I desire to give my life (which according to nature is most dear to me) as the greatest proof I can give that I love thee, and sincerely desire to be where I shall ever love and never more offend thee.

At the Agnus Dei.

CONSIDERATION.

BEHOLD Christ in the Blessed Sacrament as your strength, hope, and support, as the pledge of your salvation and of a happy eternity.

AFFECTIONS.

COME, sweet Saviour! come and take possession of my heart; it is thine by many titles: sustain, comfort, and encourage it against the terrors of death and fears of my salvation. Say to my poor soul at the hour of my death, as thou didst say to thy apostles, “ Peace be to you , it is I; fear not.” ( Luke xxiv. 86.) No attempt of the enemy could then hurt me. Say but these consoling words and my soul shall be saved. Who am I, dear Lord! that thou shouldst vouchsafe to visit me? How should I dare to approach thee, unless by reminding thee of thy comforting assurance of encouragement to sinners? "They that are whole, need not the physician but they that are sick. I came not to call the just, but sinners, to repentance .” (Luke v. 31, 32.) I have great cause to fear when I reflect on what my sins have deserved, but I have yet more reason to hope, when I remember what thou hast done for my salvation. I acknowledge thee for my God and my Saviour, and as such I confide in thee. It is in thy merits that I place all my hopes; fortify me in my passage from this world to eternity. Since thou hast been pleased