Page:TheParadiseOfTheChristianSoul.djvu/293

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man, who, with great longing, was waiting for the redemption of Israel, Luke ii.
Who, by the sight of thee, didst comfort Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, who served thee constantly in the temple by fastings and prayers, Ibid.
Who didst inflame the three kings with strong desire to seek and adore the newborn King of heaven and earth, Matt. ii.
Who, by the leading of a star, didst enlighten the same kings with a noble faith to acknowledge a little infant to be God and man, Ibid.
Who didst send John the Baptist, of wonderful abstinence and austerity of life, to be thy precursor and preacher of penance, Matt. iii.
Who didst endue him with zeal and love for the truth, fearlessly to reprove the crime of the wicked king, Mark vi.
Who broughtest the whole world to the obedience of thy Gospel by those whom thou choosest to be thy disciples and apostles, though poor, simple, and unlearned men, Matt. iv.
Who didst vouchsafe to John, who was signally gifted with chastity, the special privilege of thy love, John xiii.
Who commendedst the woman of Canaan when she besought thee, for her faith and perseverance in prayer, Matt. xv.
Who approvedst the faith of the centurion and the ruler, and blessed them with a miraculous cure, Matt. viii.
Who didst mark the humility of the publican with special commendation, Luke xviii. and John iv.
Who didst favour with a miracle the zeal of the multitude that stayed with thee three days to hear thy word, Mark viii.
Who, by the fire of the Holy Ghost, on the day of Pentecost, didst confirm in thy love the hearts of thy Apostles, Acts ii.
Be favourable, O Lord, and spare us.
Be favourable, O Lord, and deliver us.

That we may deny ungodliness and worldly