Page:TheParadiseOfTheChristianSoul.djvu/330

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tion of the most sacred Host, or take in my hand a rosary or a book; whenever I feel myself tempted by the flesh, the world, and the devil, in anything affecting faith, hope, charity, chastity, patience, humility, &c., I declare once for all, that I wish to make and exercise, in the best form and manner possible, these acts following, though I may not perhaps recollect it at the time.

On such occasions I say from my heart, I rejoice, and give thee joy for thy infinite perfections, — that thou art who art, a God supremely powerful, wise, good, merciful, just, &c., the supreme good of the rational creature; that thou needest nothing, for thou art happy enough in thyself, and sufficient for thyself, while all our sufficiency is from thee.

I rejoice, too, O Lord, for the good works ever heretofore, this day, or hereafter to be done for the love of thee, and for all others which could be done by those whom thou hast and couldst have created; and this with all the perfection of which I am capable.

I rejoice for what our Lord Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary, the holy Angels, Patriarchs, Prophets, Apostles, Martyrs, Confessors, Virgins, all the Saints, and all the Faithful have done for thy glory; for the love they will eternally bear thee, and the praise they will give thee for ever.

I offer thee all the sacrifices of the holy Mass, hitherto and hereafter to be celebrated in the Church, even to the consummation of the world; and this with the intention" of adoring and praising thee as a God of supreme majesty, power, wisdom, goodness, &c., as well as of giving thee thanks, of propitiating thee, and of obtaining from thee the blessings of grace and glory.

From my heart, too, for love of thee, I am sorry for all and each of my sins. Of thy infinite mercy I hope for forgiveness. And, by thy grace, I purpose never more to offend thee.

I am sorry, too, for the many sins committed, by what persons soever, from the beginning of the world until now, and for the heavy offence they have given thee. From my heart I wish that my blood could in some degree compensate for them. Oh, that every moment of eternity, the holy Angels and all the blessed might render thee a thousand acts of obedience for every sin!

For love of thee, I forgive from my heart all who have any way whatever offended or injured me, and for every offence I wish they may obtain of thee some especial favour or blessing; and oh, that they may never