Page:Writings of Saint Patrick, Apostle of Ireland.djvu/114

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108
Writings of Patrick.

I have sinned in marrow and in veins.

I have sinned in my mind and in my whole body.

If now Thy vengeance will be upon me as great as my sins have been multiplied in myself, how shall I sustain Thy judgment? But I have Thee as the High Priest[1] to whom I confess all my sins. [I do] that to Thee alone, my God,[2] because 'I have sinned against Thee alone,[3] and done evil before Thee.'[4] And because Thou art, O God, alone without sin, I beseech Thee, O Lord my God, by Thy passion, and by the sign of Thy salvation-bringing cross, and by the shedding of Thy blood, in order that Thou mayest grant to me remission of all my sins. I beg Thee, my Lord Jesus Christ, that Thou wilt not render to me according to my deserving, but according to Thy great compassion. Judge me, O Lord, according to the judgment of Thy indulgence. I beg Thee and I adjure Thee, O my God omnipotent, that Thou mayest plant in me Thy love and fear. Awake in me repentance of my sins, and sorrow, for Thy name's sake. Give to me the remembrance of Thy commands, and assist me, O my God, blot out my iniquity from Thy sight, and turn not away Thy face from my prayer. 'Cast me not out from Thy presence.'[5] Leave me not, my God, neither depart from me, but confirm me in Thy will. Teach me what I ought not to do, what to do, or to speak, what to keep silent. Defend me, O Lord my God, against the darts of the devil, and against the angel of hell suggesting and teaching many evil things.[6] Do not desert me, O Lord my God, nor leave Thy miserable servant, but assist me, my God, and perform in me Thy teaching.[7] Teach me to do Thy will, because Thou art my teacher and my God,[8] who reignest for ever and ever. Amen.