PREFACE.

THE following devotions have already appeared in the Catholic Manual, edited by Ambrose Lisle Phillipps, Esq., of Grace Dieu Manor, Leicestershire. They are now published in the present form with the hope that they may make their way to, and be made use of by, those who have not the means of procuring that valuable work.

It is unnecessary to speak here of the beauty of these devotions: a glance at them is sufficient to show that they are the outpourings of one whose very life was to dwell with Christ, and to hold communion with Him, and who consequently felt the most tender and affectionate love for His most Holy Mother.

No Catholic need be told that it is ordinarily impossible to love our Blessed Saviour as we ought, without at the same time having a most intense devotion to the Blessed Virgin. The one naturally flows from the other, and the more we meditate upon the Mystery of the Incarnation, the more we dwell on and fix in our minds the great doctrine that God became man for us the more we shall see and feel, that no words, no language can adequately express the exceeding dignity to which the Blessed Virgin has been raised as Mother of God, the more shall we perceive the claim She has upon our veneration and love, and become convinced that no consequences are too great to follow from that most wonderful and incomprehensible mystery.

This thought, as will be seen, is very remarkably brought out in the following devotions; and though the most ardent and rapturous expressions are used towards our Blessed Lady, as if the author were at a loss to find words at all adequate to express his ideas of what She really is, and of what ought to be a Christian’s love and affection towards Her, as if he went out of himself and were lost in the contemplation of Her amazing dignity and position in the Church of God; yet in his addresses to our Blessed Redeemer we feel at once that he is no longer speaking to a creature, but to the Creator Himself, the source of all grace, before whose infinite holiness and perfections even the graces and gifts of the Blessed Virgin Herself fade away and are lost as a drop in the ocean.

With Mary he is most affectionate, most tender, most loving, as a child with its mother.

With Jesus he is loving, and tender, and affectionate, but his love, and tenderness, and affection, are mingled with awe, and reverence, and the fear of God; he is full of confidence indeed, and is open and unreserved, but still he speaks as a subject to his Sovereign, as a servant to his Master, as a creature to its Creator.

The end which the translator of these devotions has in view in offering them to the faithful in their present form will be answered, if they tend in any way to increase amongst them a like spirit to that which animated the Venerable Blosius in their devotion to our Divine Redeemer, and his most Blessed Mother.

May they assist in exciting a holy familiarity with Jesus. and Mary may they suggest thoughts and expressions of that tender and childlike love, that intimate intercourse, which the Catholic ought to entertain as the child of Jesus and Mary. May they help in their measure to increase amongst us that devotion to the most Holy Sacrament and to the Blessed Virgin, which is so special a feature in those countries where persecution has never forced the faithful to restrain themselves from giving the most full outward expression to feelings which animate and are the life of every Catholic soul.

Robert Aston Coffin,

Priest of the Oratory.

Maryvale,

March 14, 1848.

ADORATION OF THE MOST HOLY TRINITY.

THEE, O Father unbegotten, Thee, O only-begotten San, Thee, O Holy Ghost, the Comforter, One, Almighty, Everlasting and Unchangeable God, Creator of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible, I suppliantly adore. I confess that Thou art truly, and in an unspeakable manner, Three in person, and truly one in substance. I praise Thee, O Blessed Trinity, ever at rest in Thy glorious light, One Godhead, most merciful Lord, sweetest hope, most cherished light, rest deeply yearned after, joy, life, all and every good. I commend both my soul and body to Thy most tender care. I give up my whole self to Thy most sacred Majesty. I give and bind myself over wholly to Thy will. To Thee be honour and glory. Amen.

O Heavenly Father, O Father of Mercies, my Lord and my God, have mercy upon me a most worthless sinner, have mercy upon all men. In full amendment, and expiation, and satisfaction for all mine iniquities and negligences, and for the sins of the whole world, and to make up in the most perfect manner for all the good works and merits in which I am wanting, I offer unto Thee Thy Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, in union with that excessive love which caused Thee to send Him to us as our Saviour. I offer unto Thee His most Holy Incarnation, Life, Passion, and Death. I offer Thee His most wonderful virtues, and whatsoever He did and suffered for our sakes. I offer Thee His labours, His travails, His torments, and precious blood. I offer Thee the merits of the most Blessed Virgin Mary and all the Saints. Keep me, I beseech Thee, O most merciful Father, by this Thy Son, in the power of the Holy Ghost. Be present with all miserable sinners, and of Thy mercy bring them back into the way of salvation. Grant unto all the living, pardon and grace, and to the faithful departed, rest and everlasting light. Amen.

O Holy Spirit, most sweet Comforter, who proceedest in an ineffable manner from the Father and the Son, come, I beseech Thee, and glide into my heart. Wash me over and over, and cleanse me thoroughly from all sin, and hallow my soul. Look on my soul, wash its filth, bedew its drought, heal its wounds, bend its stiffness, warm its chill, guide its waywardness. Make me truly humble and resigned that I may please Thee; and do Thou ever rest upon me. O most blessed Light, Light of all loveliness, be Thou shed on me! O honied sweet of Paradise! O Fountain of most pure delights! Give Thyself to me, O my God, and enkindle in mine inmost breast the fire of Thy burning love. Teach Thou me, O my Lord. Guide and protect me in all things. Strengthen my spirit against an undue weakness of purpose, vouchsafe unto me a right faith, unswerving . hope, and sincere and perfect charity. Grant that I may always do Thy most gracious will. Amen.

SUNDAY MORNING.

HAIL, sweet Jesus! Praise, and honour, and glory, be to Thee, O Christ, Son of the living God, God most High, who hast created me, and hast formed, my soul after Thine own divine image and likeness, and hast made me capable of everlasting happiness. Grant that I may serve Thee, my Lord, my God, and my Father, with a faithful heart, that I may fight against my sins with an holy hatred, and that all sinful passions and affections being destroyed within me, I may be renewed in innocence of life.

Hail, sweet Jesus! Praise, and honour, and glory, be to Thee, O Christ, who hast given me, for my use, the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all things that are therein, and hast granted them for my service and comfort. Vouchsafe, I beseech Thee, that I may never abuse Thy creatures, but that all the works of Thy hands may tell me of Thy goodness, and may lead me to admire, to know, and love Thee.

Hail, sweet Jesus! Praise, and honour, and glory, be to Thee, O Christ, who, out of Thy affection for me, halt granted me to be born in the Catholick faith; and hast mercifully brought me up from the beginning of my life; and halt supplied me with food and other necessaries for the nourishment and support of my body. May my heart find no relish except in Thee. Mayest Thou alone possess my inmost soul. May I exceedingly hunger for Thee, the bread of heaven, and ardently thirst for Thee, the fountain of life, so that, this life’s exile ended, I may deserve to be satisfied with the joys of Thy perfection.

Hail, sweet Jesus! praise, and honour, and glory, be to Thee, O Christ, who, up to this time, heat preserved and delivered me from countless dangers of soul and body, and even when I abused Thy gifts, hast not deserted me. Illuminate my heart, I beseech Thee, with the brightness of Thy grace: that, truly perceiving Thy goodness to me, and my own ingratitude towards Thee, I may bewail myself, may be hateful in my own sight, but may please Thee, my Creator, and only Redeemer, in all things.

Hail, sweet Jesus! praise, and honour, and glory, be to Thee, O Christ, who, when I lay immersed in most loathsome vices, and was leading a most ungodly life, didst, in Thy longsuffering, bear with me so long a time, and didst bring me to repentance. Grant, that by acceptable contrition and holy works, I may expiate the stains of my past sins, and that henceforth I may lead a life of purity, and love Thee above all things with most burning love.

Hail, sweet Jesus! praise, and honour, and glory, be to Thee, O Christ, who, when I was on the brink of the precipice, and just within the very jaws of hell, didst not suffer me to perish, but didst recall me, though deaf, and endeavouring to fly from Thee, to the way of salvation. Grant, that henceforth I may follow after Thee with humble devotion, may, with a joyful heart, correspond to Thy holy inspirations, may, from my heart, bid farewell to all things visible, and may cleave inseparably to Thee alone.

Hail, sweet Jesus! praise, and honour, and glory, be to Thee, O Christ, who hast always thus directed me, the vilest of sinners, hast protected me, hast looked upon me with the eyes of Thy mercy, and dost still so fondly support and cherish me with Thy goodness, notwithstanding my daily transgressions, as if forgetful of all others, Thou caredst for me alone. Grant that I also may love Thee most ardently, may leave all transitory things for Thy sake, may think on Thee alone, and may, with a ready mind, and in all places, follow and perform Thy holy will. Amen.

SUNDAY EVENING.

HAIL, sweet Jesus! praise, and honour, and glory, be to Thee, O Christ, who was pleased for my sake, to descend from Thy royal throne, and from the sweet bosom of the Father, into this valley of tears, and was conceived incarnate by the Holy Ghost, in the most chaste womb of the Virgin Mary, and was made man. Take, I beseech Thee, my heart as Thine habitation, enrich it, fill it with all spiritual gifts, make it wholly Thine. O that I may invite Thee to come unto me with deep humility, and that I may receive Thee with ardent love, and never let Thee go. O may I be bound to Thee by the chains of such fervent love, that I may never be able to depart or turn away my heart from Thee.

Hail, sweet Jesus! praise, and honour, and glory, be to Thee, O Christ, who didst will that Thy virgin mother, when She had conceived Thee, should hasten to Her kinswoman Elizabeth, and didst inspire Her to salute and minister unto Her: in whose most chaste womb Thou didst not disdain to be concealed for nine months, God and man. Pour upon me the grace of perfect humility, and so thoroughly implant it in my heart, that I may be ever found ready to follow and obey Thee. Grant that my heart may eschew all perishable things, and that it may ever feel Thee to be its sole inmate and possessor.

Hail, sweet Jesus! praise, and honour, and glory be to Thee, O Christ, whom Thy Virgin Mother, without pain or the loss of her virginity, brought forth in a miserable stable to poverty and suffering, and whom, as soon as born, She humbly worshipped, O mayest Thou, by renewed fervour of spirit, be daily born again within me, and may I be wholly consumed by the fire of Thy love: mayest Thou be the only consolation of my heart, my only desire, my only joy: may I seek Thee alone, know Thee alone, love Thee alone.

Hail, sweet Jesus! praise, and honour, and glory be to Thee, O Christ, who didst vouchsafe to be born during the cold of winter, to be wrapt in swaddling clothes, and to be laid with sobbings in a manger, nor didst refuse to hang as a little infant upon Thy mother’s breasts. I adore Thee, O my dearest Redeemer, the King of angels: Hail, lovely Child, God most high, O sweetest Jesus. Hail, Prince of peace, Light of the Gentiles, the long-looked-for Saviour. Grant, O Lord, that I may for ever stand before Thee in deep humility and poorness of spirit. Grant that I may willingly undergo all vexations for Thy Name’s sake, may love nothing in this world save Thee alone, may desire to possess nothing but Thee.

Hail, sweet Jesus! praise, and honour, and glory be to Thee, O Christ, whom as soon as Thou wast born, the heavenly hosts praised with joyful hymns, and the shepherds sought with reverence, and when they had found Thee, worshipped with admiration and delight. Grant that I may with a Joyful spirit, persevere unwearied in praising and serving Thee, and that in purity, steadfastness, calmness, and quietness of soul, I may find my only joys, my only pleasures in Thy service.

Hail, sweet Jesus! praise, and honour, and glory be to Thee, O Christ, who on the eighth day wast circumcised after the manner of Thy countrymen, and even as an infant didst shed Thy blood, and didst vouchsafe for our exceeding consolation to be called Jesus. O that I may be circumcised in heart from every wicked thought, and word, and deed, and may be numbered amongst Thy children. Thou, O Lord, art called Jesus, that is, Saviour: salvation, therefore, is Thy gift. Let the remembrance, I beseech Thee, of this most longed-for Name drive from me all inordinate weakness of purpose, and make me steadfastly faithful unto Thee. By the virtue of this Name, protect me, as with an impenetrable shield, against all the snares and plottings of my invisible enemies.

Hail, sweet Jesus! praise, and honour, and glory be to Thee, O Christ, whom the wise men sought for in holy faith, and found by the guiding of a star, and having found Thee, fell down and worshipped Thee, offering Thee gifts, gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. Grant, O Lord, that I may with these blessed men always seek for and worship Thee in spirit and in truth, and that I may ever offer Thee the gold of burning charity, the frankincense of fragrant devotion, and the myrrh of perfect mortification. Give me grace to spend the whole strength of my soul in praising and worshipping Thee, according to Thy holy will, Amen.

MONDAY MORNING.

HAIL, sweet Jesus! praise, and honour, and glory be to Thee, O Christ, who for our sakes didst vouchsafe to be subject unto Thy parents; and to teach us humility, vast carried by Thy mother into the temple, and there redeemed with the offerings of the poor, when the righteous Simeon and the prophetess Anna, gladdened by Thy presence, gave glorious testimony concerning Thee. O may the slightest breath of vanity never affect my inmost soul! O may all arrogance be ever cast down, may all longing for the praise of men be extinguished, may all wantonness of self-conceit be quenched within me. Give me grace, O Lord, to flee all honours, to hate distinction, and to submit myself with readiness to all men for Thy sake.

Hail, sweet Jesus! praise, and honour, and glory be to Thee, O Christ, who as a little child didst, with Thy tender Mother, suffer persecution, and didst not refuse to be carried as an exile, and to fly into Egypt. Give me grace amidst the storms of adversity and the blasts of persecution and misfortunes, to fly for refuge unto Thee alone, to seek Thee, to call upon Thee. Grant that I may receive all things with gladness at Thy hands, may endure everything in meekness of heart, and may cleave with thanksgiving, without wavering, unto Thee.

Hail, sweet Jesus! praise, and honour, and glory, be to Thee, O Christ, whom, when Thou didst remain behind in the temple, Thy pious Mother sought for sorrowing, and at length with joy found Thee, sitting in the midst of the doctors hearing and asking them questions. O mayest Thou so give and communicate Thyself to me, that I may never be separated from Thee, and never be bereft of the comfort of Thy blessed friendship. Drive all sloth from my heart; dispel all dulness that is displeasing in Thy sight; grant me perfect devotion, and such an ardent thirst after piety, that my soul may be so affected and possessed by it, as never to feel satisfied with worshipping Thee.

Hail, sweet Jesus! praise, and honour, and glory, be to Thee, who vouchsafedst to live concealed for thirty years, to be reputed by the Jews the son of Joseph the carpenter, and to be subject to the commands of Thy mother Mary and the same Joseph! May Thy grace, I beseech Thee, root out and thoroughly pluck up from the inmost recesses of my heart, all ambition and vain-glory, that I may be little in my own eyes, and may love to be unknown and considered of no account,. and may submit myself to all and obey them for Thine honour.

Hail, sweet Jesus! praise, and honour, and glory, be to Thee, O Christ; who didst not refuse to come to the river Jordan, and to be baptized therein by Thy servant John. O mayest Thou thoroughly cleanse me by Thy merits in this life, that, freed from all vices and sins, I may be filled with the love of Thee, and long for my heavenly country. Make me, I beseech Thee, ere my soul quits the body, pleasing to Thee in all things; that, departing this life, I may be over in Heaven with Thee, to see Thee, enjoy Thee, and to praise Thy Holy name for ever and ever.

Hail, sweet Jesus! praise, and honour, and glory, be to Thee, O Christ, who for our sakes didst dwell in the wilderness, amongst the wild beasts, and didst continue fasting and watching in prayer for forty days and forty nights, and didst suffer Thyself to be tempted by the devil, whom when Thou hadst overcome, angels came and ministered unto Thee; give me grace to discipline, overcome, and bring into subjection, my sinful flesh with its evil affections. Give me grace to be instant in prayer and all other spiritual exercises; and grant that by Thine assistance, I may thoroughly overcome the sin of gluttony, and may escape the snares and artifices of the devil. Let no temptations, I beg of Thee, defile me, nor separate me from Thee, but may they rather purify me, and unite and join me unto Thee.

Hail, sweet Jesus! praise, and honour, and glory, be to Thee, O Christ, who didst vouchsafe to preach repentance, to call unto Thee disciples, and from them to choose the twelve Apostles to be the especial heralds of the faith, and to gather together the children of God, that were scattered abroad. Draw me after Thee, and powerfully excite my heart to love Thee. Suffer me not to neglect the grace with which Thou halt called me, but make me ready to despise the world and all perishable things, and to follow Thee, taking Thy humility and charity for my example. Give me grace to seek Thee alone, and with earnest longings to sigh continually after Thee. Amen.

MONDAY EVENING.

HAIL, sweet Jesus! praise, and honour, and glory, be to Thee, O Christ, who for my sake didst endure the discomforts of heat and cold, of hunger, thirst, of sweatings, and painful labours. Grant that I may receive whatsoever adversity with cheerfulness from Thy hand, and may endure it patiently for thine honour. Whatever strait, whatever desolation of spirit, whatever circumstance comes upon me, grant me to abide immoveable in Thee. May I always consider and seek after Thee, and not myself; and have at heart, not my own, but Thy most Holy Will,

Hail, sweet Jesus! praise, and honour, and glory, be to Thee, O Christ, who didst undergo many labours, whilst as the Saviour of the world, and thirsting for the conversion of souls, Thou didst pass whole nights in prayer, wert wearied with journeyings, didst run from country to country, from city to city, from district to district, from village to village. Grant, I beseech Thee, that my love for Thee may make me ready and active in every good work, and that I may never become slothful in Thy service. Make me ardently desire, and as far as in me lies, earnestly promote the salvation of all men. Make me at all times zealous for Thine honour, and ready to spend myself wholly for Thy sake.

Hail, sweet Jesus! praise, and honour, and glory be to Thee, O Christ, who, whilst Thou didst dwell with men, vouchsafedst to comfort them with exceeding kindness, and mercifully to cure them, by the working of many miracles, of their sicknesses and diseases. Give me a good heart, full of affection and compassion for all men, so that I may have pity on the afflictions of others, may feel their misfortunes as my own, may bear cheerfully with their failings, and according to my power, may with gladness minister unto their necessities. O cleanse and heal my soul from all evil passions and wicked desires, that, delivered from these evils, it may freely raise itself to Thee, and cleave to Thee with most spotless love.

Hail, sweet Jesus! praise, and honour, and glory, be to Thee, O Christ, who didst preach peace, mid the kingdom of heaven with singular zeal and unspeakable affection, earnestly longing for the salvation of all men, and desiring to bring all men unto Thyself, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings. Grant me grace to long most earnestly for the salvation of others, grant that I may never selfishly spare myself, may never refuse any thing for Thy sake, and that I may always temper my zeal with holy discretion.

Hail, sweet Jesus! praise, and honour, and glory, be to Thee, O Christ, who didst not refuse the company of publicans and sinners, but didst show most condescending kindness to Matthew, Zaccheus, Mary Magdalen, to the woman taken in adultery, and to many other penitents, and didst at once grant them remission of their sins. Grant that I may most gladly receive all men with charity and affection, may readily forgive all who injure me, and may love most truly those who hate me, and may never be so weak as to show to any a want of sincere affection. Grant me the entire pardon of my sins, give me an undoubting hope of Thy grace, and a perpetual and holy confidence in Thy mercy.

Hail, sweet Jesus! praise, and honour, and glory, be to Thee, O Christ, who, for my sake didst suffer so many injuries, so many blasphemies, so many reproaches and deceits, such innumerable persecutions from those very persons whom Thou hadst loaded with kindness. Give me a truly innocent and simple heart, that I may sincerely love my enemies, may pity them from my inmost soul, may lovingly excuse them, and by repaying their evil with good, may please Thee by charity and most perfect patience.

Hail, sweet Jesus! praise, and honour, and glory be to Thee, O Christ, who didst approach Jerusalem in lowliness, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and amidst the songs of praise of the crowds who went forth to meet Thee, didst shed tears, weeping over the destruction of the city, and the ruin of ungrateful souls. Vouchsafe to me a perfect knowledge of myself, that I may see how unworthy I am, and may deeply humble and despise myself. O that I may never take any delight in the praise and applause of men, but may give myself up, to my soul’s profit, to hidden tears of penitence and love. May I feel the wants of others as if they were my own, and weep over their sins with a loving heart, as I should over my own. Amen.

TUESDAY MORNING.

HAIL, sweet Jesus! praise, and honour, and glory, be to Thee, O Christ, whom Thy faithless disciple Judas, did sell for a vile sum of money to the Jews who were persecuting Thee, and conspiring against Thy life. Root out, I beseech Thee, from my heart all evil love of creatures. Grant that I may never prefer any thing to Thee: make me always show the most perfect charity towards all men, and especially to those who trouble me. Pardon me, O holy Redeemer, for having so often preferred vain and perishable things to Thee, and for having for the sake of vile pleasures, turned myself from Thee.

TUESDAY EVENING.

HAIL, sweet Jesus! praise, and honour, and glory be to thee, O Christ, who, touched with compassion towards Thy disciples, preferred their sadness to Thine own anguish, and leaving off Thy prayer, on which Thou wert so intent, didst come to them for the third time, and raised them from their sorrow, and urged them, giving way to sleep, to the practice of prayer. Give me grace to avoid, in all my exercises and works, the vice of sloth. Grant that I may serve Thee with an active and watchful heart, that I may prefer the salvation of my neighbours to my own private devotions, may always show bowels of mercy to others in whatsoever necessity they may be placed; and may I never seek myself, but on all occasions fly from myself for love of Thee.

Hail, sweet Jesus! praise, and honour, and glory be to Thee, O Christ, who, when in agony didst pray the longer, and whereas Thou wert the Creator of heaven and earth, the King of kings, and Lord of angels, didst not disdain to be strengthened by the ministry of an angel. Grant that I may seek for Thee as my only comforter in all adversity and anxiety, in all sadness and heaviness of soul, and may ever find Thee ready to help and protect me. O that in all changes and chances I may trust in Thee, may submit myself wholly to Thy providence, may offer myself to Thy will, and cast myself entirely upon Thee.

Hail, sweet Jesus! praise, and honour, and glory, be to Thee, O Christ, who, by reason of the vehemence and excess of the anguish of Thy soul, wert bedewed over Thy whole body with a bloody sweat. O that tears of holy contrition may stream forth from all the members of my inward man. O may I worthily bewail myself before Thee, that I have so long continued ungrateful to Thy love and mercy. O May I bear with a quiet mind all trouble, both from within and from without, and may I never complain that I am scourged and beaten by Thy chastisements, O most holy Father, but receiving good and evil with cheerfulness from Thy hand, may I rejoice continually in Thee.

Hail, sweet Jesus! praise, and honour, and glory be to Thee, O Christ who willingly gave Thyself up into the hands of the traitor Judas, and the rest of Thine enemies who were thirsting for Thy blood and longing for Thy death; give me grace never to fly from adversities for Thine honour, but grant that I may readily meet them, and receive them gladly as precious gifts from Thee, and may I humbly and steadfastly endure them as long as it shall please Thee.

Hail, sweet Jesus! praise, and honour, and glory, be to Thee, O Christ, who didst not repel the traitor Judas when he came to Thee with stealth, but didst fondly kiss him, and with the utmost calmness of countenance and sweetness of speech, didst tell him that Thou lovedst him, and didst exhort him to repentance. Grant me grace always to be gentle and full of charity to all my enemies, and howsoever they may sin against me, to pardon them with all my heart, and to love them as the ministers of Thy providence and my own salvation.

Hail, sweet Jesus! praise, and honour, and glory, be to Thee, O Christ, who didst suffer Thine enemies to lay their sacrilegious and infuriated hands upon Thee, and though cruelly bound by them, Thou didst not avenge, but didst. meekly bear all the reproaches, and blasphemies, and injuries, which they wantonly uttered against Thee. O mayest Thou deliver me from the chains of my sins, and bind me on all sides with the chains of Thy sweetest love! O that Thou wouldst grant me the grace of true patience, so that I may cheerfully bear with all my enemies, and may endure every kind of trouble without _the slightest desire to kick against it.

Hail, sweet Jesus! praise, and honour, and glory, be to Thee, O Christ, who didst restore and heal the ear of Malchus, one of Thy furious persecutors, which Thy disciple Peter had cut off, that by repaying injury with kindness Thou mightest show us the riches of Thy gentleness and goodness. Grant, I beseech Thee, that the desire of revenge may never entwine itself within my heart, and vouchsafe that I may always show towards my neighbours, even should they injure me, a spirit of deep commiseration and most perfect love. Amen.

WEDNESDAY MORNING.

HAIL, sweet Jesus! praise, and honour, and glory, be to Thee, O Christ, who, when Thy disciples and friends did desert and leave Thee, didst remain alone in the hands of sinful men, like a most gentle lamb within the jaws of a ravening wolf. Strengthen my excessive weakness, and confirm my too great unstableness by the support of Thy grace, and so join me to Thyself with the bonds of love, that I may neither have the wish nor the power ever to depart or separate myself from Thee.

Hail, sweet Jesus! praise, and honour, and glory be to Thee, O Christ, who didst suffer Thyself to be led bound by an armed band to Annas, and didst vouchsafe to stand before him as if Thou hadst been a malefactor and robber. O unspeakable gentleness of my Redeemer! Behold, whilst they take and drag and thrust Thee forward, Thou utt4rest not a single complaint, or murmur, or word of resistance, but in silence Thou followest them whithersoever they lead Thee, obeyest their commands, and dost submit to their wanton injuries. Grant, O Lord, that these Thy virtues may shine forth in me, to the everlasting glory of Thy name.

Hail, sweet Jesus! praise, and honour, and glory, be to Thee, O Christ, King of heaven and earth, who, in great humility, as poor and needy, and of none account, didst stand before the proud High Priest, and didst most sweetly endure the dreadful blow which his impious servant gave Thee. Restrain, I beseech Thee, in me all outbreaks of anger and passion, keep down all acts of indignation, and quench within me all desire of revenge, so that when I am provoked by injury, I may not be disturbed, may offer no resistance, may suffer no disquiet, but enduring every thing with a quiet mind, may I even repay evil with good.

Hail, sweet Jesus! Praise, and honour; and glory be to Thee, O Christ, who didst vouchsafe to be led bound in a shameful manner to Caiphas, that Thou mightest deliver us from the penalty of eternal death, and restore us to true liberty. Make me most ready to endure every reproach, and all contempt for Thy name’s sake. Grant that in the very midst of ridicule and outrage, I may give Thee thanks with a perfect heart, and by means of these trials may grow and increase more and more in Thy love.

Hail, sweet Jesus! Praise, and honour, and glory be to Thee, O Christ, who, when thrice denied by Thine Apostle Peter, didst mercifully turn and look upon him with kindness, and didst bring him to repentance and holy sorrow for his sin. O mayest Thou turn upon me also Thine eye of mercy and love, that I may weep over my past sins with the tears of true penitence, and may never again commit them! O may I never be found sinning against Thy goodness in word or deed.

Hail, sweet Jesus! Praise, and honour, and glory be to Thee, O Christ, who didst stand before the elders and people of the Jews with a calm countenance and humble look, and didst not refuse to be falsely accused and to suffer divers injuries. Give me grace never to say an untrue word, or falsely to accuse my neighbour, but may I bear with all quietness of heart the calumnies that are heaped upon me; and casting all my troubles upon Thee, may I always in silence look for grave and consolation at Thy hands.

Hail, sweet Jesus! Praise, and honour, and glory be to Thee, O Christ, who, when Caiphas the High Priest adjured Thee by the Name of God, didst declare the truth and proclaim Thyself to be the Son of God, and didst not refuse to be accounted by him and the rest who stood by a blasphemer. O may I fully abhor this contempt and offence against Thee. May I in every place reverence the presence of Thy divinity and majesty. O may I think on Thee, adore, praise, and love Thee, above all things for ever and ever. Amen.

WEDNESDAY EVENING.

HAIL, sweet Jesus! Praise, and honour, and glory be to Thee, O Christ, who wert declared guilty of death by the ungodly Jews, and wert condemned without a clause, that Thy unjust condemnation might be the means of freeing us from the guilt of those crimes; under which we justly lay. Give me grace to reject unkind and rash suspicions, and to bear without bitterness of spirit whatever evil may be said against me, or any unfavourable judgments which may be made concerning me, and grant that with the assistance of Thy grace I may always keep myself in a quiet and loving spirit.

Hail, sweet Jesus! praise, and honour, and glory, be to Thee, O Christ, who wert made for me the reproach of men and the outcast of the people, and didst not turn Thy most holy face, on which the angels desire to look, from shame and spitting. Grant that I may imitate Thy gentle patience; suffer me not to defile my soul by sin, but do Thou keep it unspotted for Thyself, so that after the darkness of this life, I may be wholly cleansed and found meet, to contemplate Thine eternal brightness.

Hail, sweet Jesus! praise, and honour, and glory be to Thee, O Christ, who didst vouchsafe for my sake, to be most cruelly buffeted and struck, and to be shamefully loaded with divers insults and reproaches.. Grant, I beseech Thee, that I may never shrink from being accounted vile and worthless, nor refuse to submit to whatever injuries Thou mayest permit to be inflicted upon me. Give me grace to be always ready to endure any troubles for Thine honour; may I receive whatsoever Thou in Thy Fatherly love, shalt send upon me; may I in all things give thanks, and give myself up wholly and entirely unto Thee.

Hail, sweet Jesus! praise, and honour, and glory, be to Thee, O Christ, who didst suffer Thyself to be laughed to scorn, and didst permit Thy most lovely face, the very sight of which is most perfect happiness, to be blindfolded for Thy greater shame. Grant, that the veil of ignorance being removed, I may be filled with the knowledge of Thy will; implant in my heart a continual remembrance of Thee grant that I may feel Thy presence in every place, and may love and always do that which is pleasing in Thy sight.

Hail, sweet Jesus! praise, and honour, and glory, be to Thee, O Christ, who for my sake wert for a whole night, mocked and tormented in various ways, by the sinful Jews. Thou knowest, O Lord, how hard I find it to bear even the slightest injury: Thou knowest how devoid I am of virtue, how sluggish is my will, how cold my desires. Mercifully therefore assist my weakness; and grant that I may not cowardly shrink from, or be wanting in any adversity. Grant that I may never lose my peace of mind, by reason of the wrongs that are done against me, nor become unsettled because of unjust accusations, but give me grace to offer them all up to Thee, with thanksgiving and everlasting praise.

Hail, sweet Jesus! praise, and honour, and glory, be to Thee, O Christ, who didst vouchsafe to be led, bound and loaded with scorn, to the profane judgment seat of Pilate, and Thyself the Judge of quick and dead, didst submit to be reproachfully gazed upon by him. Grant that I may submit myself to the powers that are ordained by Thee, may obey my equals, and may honour and love all mankind. Grant that I may not fear the judgments of others concerning me; but may hear them with a ready mind, and patiently endure them. May I follow Thee, I beseech Thee, not only when joy and prosperity smile upon me, but even when I am weighed down with sorrow and affliction.

Hail, sweet Jesus! praise, and glory, be to Thee, O Christ, King of heaven and earth, who didst testify that Thy kingdom is not of this world, that by this confession Thou mightest wean our hearts from the love of this present world. Grant I pray Thee, that I may thoroughly bid farewell to all affection for earthly and perishable things. May my heart never long after any of those things that perish, may it never love any thing without a holy purpose: but may I love Thee, the only true and everlasting good, may I continually sigh after, and cleave unswervingly unto Thee. Amen.

THURSDAY MORNING.

HAIL, sweet Jesus! praise and honour, and glory, be to Thee, O Christ, who standing before Pilate, didst in great humility, keep silence at all the unjust accusations, and slanders of the Jews; and as a gentle lamb that openeth not its mouth, didst not contradict them when they brought forward their charges against Thee. Give me grace never to be disturbed by the false accusations of others, but may I overcome every injury, by silence tad meekness. Give me the grace of perfect humility; so that I may never desire praise, nor refuse any measure of contempt.

Hail, sweet Jesus! praise, and honour, and glory be to Thee, O Christ, Thou Lamb without spot, against whom the pious Pharisees and Scribes raged with obstinate hatred. For although Pilate testified that he found no cause of death in Thee, yet they would not be satisfied with any thing save Thy death. Give me grace to imitate Thine innocence and patience, that I may both lead a godly life, and if, for so doing, I am evil spoken of, that I may remain at rest in Thee, giving way to no indignation, but rendering Thee thanks in all adversity.

Hail, sweet Jesus! praise, and honour, and glory, be to Thee, O Christ, who wert led with the greatest ignominy, as a wicked criminal, through the midst of the city, from one judgment seat to another, and from Pilate to Herod, amidst the noise and shouts of the people. O give me grace never to be overcome by the injuries of my enemies, nor to be exasperated by any slander: may I never feel any false shame at being despised, but may I receive everything in meekness, and endure all things in silence for Thine honour, so that, by the assistance of Thy grace, I may in patience possess my soul.

Hail, sweet Jesus! praise, and honour, and glory, be to Thee, O Christ, who, when Herod did ask Thee many vain and foolish questions, and when Thou wert falsely wound in divers ways by the chief Priests and Scribes, didst humbly keep a meet and becoming silence. O give me grace to restrain my tongue in a manner well pleasing unto Thee: suffer me not to utter hurtful words: suffer me not to be taken up with fruitless stories, but give me grace to say what is right, and profitable, and honest, according to Thy will may . I abhor the sin of evil speaking, and be ever glad to think and speak well of all men.

Hail, sweet Jesus! praise, and honour; and glory, be to Thee, O Christ, who didst condemn, by Thy silence, the foolish curiosity of Herod, and wouldst not gratify his curious eyes by the performance of any miracle, because he had not his own salvation at heart, and didst thereby teach us to avoid all ostentation before the great ones of this world. Pour into my heart a spirit of deep humility, mortify and quench within me all desire of vain-glory. Grant that I may never do any thing in order to gain the praise of men, but may always act with a single eye to the glory of Thy most holy name, and may come before Thee day by day in a true spirit of humility and meekness.

Hail, sweet Jesus I praise, and honour, and glory, be to Thee, O Christ, who didst not refuse to be set at nought by Herod and his men of war, nor to be clothed in a white garment, and to be mocked and laughed at as a fool and madman. Give me grace, O Lord, to choose rather to be an outcast with Thee, than to be glorious with the world; may I think it better and more honourable to suffer reproach for Thy name, than to prosper in the vain honours of the world. Give me grace, that truly acknowledging my Own sins, and my own unworthiness, I may be nothing in my own sight, but may always despise and accuse myself, and daily lament over my own wretchedness.

Hail, sweet Jesus! praise, and honour, and glory, be to Thee, O Christ, who wert sent back with shame, clothed in a fool’s garment, from Herod to Pilate, and didst in all things obey Thy enemies, going backwards and forwards according to their pleasure. Grant that I may not shrink from being despised, nor refuse obedience even to those who injure me. Give me grace to have no feeling for the things of this world, but to think of, and care for, and love Thee alone. Mayest Thou alone be my honour, my delight, my love, my glory, and my joy. Amen.

THURSDAY EVENING.

HAIL, sweet Jesus! praise, and honour and glory be to Thee, O Christ, who wert compared with the notorious robber Barabbas, and wert judged to be more wicked and worthier of death than he: the murderer is released, and the malicious Jews demand that Thou, the Author of life should be put to death. Thou, therefore, art that corner-stone set at nought by men, but chosen by God. O that I may prefer nought to Thee, nor change Thee for any thing whatever. O that I may count all things as dross, that I may gain Thee. Grant, O Lord, that the stain of envy may never soil my soul, and vouchsafe unto me to be built on Thee the living corner-stone, and to be stablished and to find my salvation in Thee.

Hail, sweet Jesus! praise, and honour, and glory be to Thee, O Christ, who wert stripped in the judgment hall, and bound to a pillar, and there didst suffer Thy most holy and virginal flesh to be torn with. dreadful stripes, .that by Thy bruises Thou mightest heal our wounds. O Jesus, greatly to be loved, I choose Thee, covered as Thou art with wounds, to be the spouse of my soul, and I desire to be inflamed and thoroughly consumed by the fire of Thy sweetest love. Strip my heart, I beseech Thee, of every unseemly thought: take off from me the old man with his deeds, and put on me the new man, which is created after God in righteousness and holy truth. Grant that I may patiently endure in this life the scourges of Thy fatherly correction, that at its close, I may be found meet to rejoice with Thee, and to praise and glorify Thee for ever and. ever.

FRIDAY MORNING.

HAIL, sweet Jesus! Praise, and honour, and glory, be to Thee, O Christ, who, given up to the will of Thy persecutors, didst suffer exceeding torments when they took off the purple robe which stuck to Thy wounds, and put on Thee Thine own garments. Grant that after I have put off the clothing of this body, I may be clad with the robe of perfect charity, and that I may appear adorned with Thy merits, and may, through Thy mercy, be introduced as an adopted Son into the heavenly inheritance.

Hail, sweet Jesus! Praise, and honour, and glory, be to Thee, O Christ, who, in the midst of reproaches and injuries, didst bear Thy cross with excessive pain on Thy sacred and lacerated shoulders, and wearied and panting for breath didst toil exceedingly under its heavy weight. Give me grace to take hold of the cross of self-denial with ardent devotion, and to imitate, with the most fervent charity, the example of Thy virtues, and to follow Thee in all humility even unto death.

Hail, sweet Jesus! Praise, and honour, and glory, be to Thee, O Christ, who, led out of the city with two thieves, didst not refuse to be pressed on and thrust, and hastened, and to be afflicted in many other ways. Draw me after Thee, and O may I quickly follow Thee! Grant that for Thy sake I may entirely deny, forsake, and go out of myself. Give me grace to think of Thee alone, and to find no joy save in Thee, my afflicted Redeemer. Grant that I may love Thee alone, may return love for love, may earnestly seek after Thee, and live to Thee alone.

Hail, sweet Jesus! praise, and honour, and glory, be to Thee, O Christ, who, bowed down with the weight of Thy cross, didst at length reach the place of punishment, where, quite exhausted, they offered Thee wine mingled with gall. O mayest Thou extinguish in me all gluttonous and carnal desires, and give me grace never to consent to any impure. or unlawful pleasure: but may I take my food in moderation to the glory of Thy name, and may hunger and thirst after Thee alone, and find no pleasure or gladness save in Thee.

Hail, sweet Jesus! praise, and honour, and glory, be to Thee, O Christ, who wert stripped before the gaze of the people on Mount Calvary, and the soreness of Thy wounds being increased by the pulling off of Thy garments, Thou didst not refuse to undergo for my sake most dreadful pain. Grant me to love the spirit of poverty, and never to be disturbed by want or scarcity. Give me grace to bear patiently any straits or troubles in this life for the glory of Thy name. Strip my heart of every vain fancy And affection, and give me a holy intention, and pious desires,. and renew within me daily a most pure love for Thyself.

Hail, sweet Jesus! Praise, and honour, and glory, be to Thee, O Christ, who didst vouchsafe to be extended naked upon the wood of the cross, and the joints of Thy most holy limbs being wrenched asunder, wert most cruelly nailed and fastened thereunto. And thus, for my sake, Thou didst suffer Thy most delicate hands and Thine undefiled feet to be most deeply wounded. Grant me, O Lord, to remember with a faithful and grateful heart, this Thine unspeakable charity, when Thou didst of Thine own accord stretch forth Thy hands to be bored and Thy feet to be pierced through and through. O Lord, enlarge and extend my heart by a perfect love of Thee: pierce it, and fix it to Thyself with the nail of Thy sweetest love, and shut up within Thyself alone all my senses, all my thoughts and affections. Amen.

FRIDAY EVENING.

HAIL, sweet Jesus! Praise, and honour, and glory, be to Thee, O Christ, who didst hang suspended for three hours upon the shameful cross with Thy feet and hands pierced through: and with a great loss of Thy precious blood, didst, of Thine own free will, undergo an unspeakable agony in all Thy sacred limbs. Lift up, I beseech Thee, and fasten to the wood of Thy cross my poor soul now lying in the dust; cleanse it from the dregs of vicious affections, and inflame it with earnest longings after Thee, and with the love of its heavenly country. O saving blood! O life-giving blood! O mayest Thou, O my Lord, mayest Thou thoroughly wash, and cleanse, and heal me, by this Thy precious blood. Mayest Thou offer it to Thy Father as a full satisfaction for all my sins! Grant that my inward soul may receive and lick up the life-giving drops of this same blessed blood, and may truly taste how sweet is Thy Spirit.

Hail, sweet Jesus! Praise, and honour, and glory be to Thee, O Christ, who wert hung upon the cross between two wicked robbers and wert numbered with the transgressors, that by thine unspeakable humility and patience Thou mightest correct our impatient pride, and at the same time expiate it. Raise up, I beseech Thee, my soul to heaven, that looking down from thence on all transitory things, I may admire nothing save Thee, my God, who wert crucified for me, may love Thee alone, may pant after Thee, think of Thee, speak of Thee, dream of Thee, relish nought but Thee, rejoice in nought save Thee, that thus I may be unable to find any consolation save in Thee alone.

Hail, sweet Jesus! Praise, and honour, and glory be to Thee, O Christ, who wert so good even to the worst of men, that Thou didst beseech Thy Father even for those who were crucifying Thee, and didst say, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Give me, I beseech, the grace of true gentleness and forbearance, so that according both to Thy command and example I may love my enemies, do good to those that hate me, and may pour forth before Thee humble prayers for those that hurt and persecute me, and May have compassion on them and heartily pardon them.

Hail, sweet Jesus! Praise, and honour, and glory be to Thee, O Christ, who didst will that a title written in a threefold tongue should be fastened to Thy cross, a trophy as it were of victory, so that we, when we look up to it, might vigorously war against our invisible enemies. Shield me by the protection of this title from all the snares and deceits of the devil. Teach me by this title to overcome all temptations, to subdue all vices, that having mastered them by the help of Thy grace, I may be free to praise and glorify Thee for ever and ever.

Hail, sweet Jesus! Praise, and honour, and glory be to Thee, O Christ, for whose garments the soldiers did cast lots, but did not by Thine appointment, rend Thy coat which was without seam, and a type of the unity of the Catholic Church. May the Spirit of peace, I beseech Thee, descend into my heart, and so dwell within it and take possession of it, that I may never be the cause of the disturbing or severing of brotherly love, but may always strive to heal divisions, and to promote peace amongst those that are at variance.

Hail, sweet Jesus! Praise, and honour, and glory be to Thee, O Christ, whom the Jews did wantonly insult, pouring forth from their impious mouths divers blasphemies, even at the very moment whilst Thou wert enduring unspeakable torments, and an indescribable anguish upon the Altar of the Cross. Grant, O Lord, that mindful of Thy humility, patience, and gentleness, I may patiently endure pain, reproach, persecution, infamy, and scorn, and may continue with Thee upon the cross even unto the end. May no assaults of temptation, no blasts of adversity, nor gathering of contempt, shake me from my holy purpose: may neither death nor life, nor things present, nor things to come, nor any other creature separate me from the love of Thee.

Hail, sweet Jesus! Praise, and honour, and glory be to Thee, O Christ, who didst bear with one thief uttering reproaches against Thee, but didst most graciously promise the glory of Paradise to the other when he humbly acknowledged his wickedness and confessed with pious faith that Thou wert God and King. Look upon me, I beseech Thee, with those eyes of mercy which Thou didst turn upon the thief repenting for his sins. O may I, by the help of Thy grace, lead such an innocent life, and so faithfully serve, and purely love Thee, that at the close of my life, I may be found meet to hear from Thee, my most holy King, that longed-for voice, “To-day shalt Thou be with me in Paradise.” Amen.

SATURDAY MORNING.

HAIL, sweet Jesus! Praise, and honour, and glory be to Thee, O Christ, who, from the cross, didst look down upon Thy sweetest Mother, overwhelmed with grief and tears, and didst so truly take compassion on Her sorrow as to commend Her to the care of Thy disciple John, as also Thou didst commend John, and in him all of us to Her maternal care. Grant me to love and honour Her with the purest and most ardent love, that I may have Her for my Mother and be worthy to be acknowledged by Her as Her son. Grant that in every necessity; and specially at the hour of my death, I may ever find Her present and at hand to help me.

Hail, sweet Jesus! Praise, and honour, and glory be to Thee, O Christ, who with Thy wounds all gaping, and Thy head crowned with thorns, and whilst hanging in misery upon the cross, didst declare that Thou wert bereft of all consolation. Grant that in all adversity and times of temptation and desolation, I may fly with pious faith unto Thee, my most holy Father, and putting no confidence in myself, grant that I may place all my hopes in Thee alone, and entirely resign myself and trust in Thee. Wound my inmost soul with the remembrance of Thy wounds, write and imprint them upon my heart, satiate me wholly with Thy blood, that all my intentions may be fixed in Thee alone, and that I may seek and find, and hold Thee fast, and possess Thee for ever and ever.

Hail, sweet Jesus! Praise, and honour, and glory be to Thee, O Christ, who, when Thy body was exhausted from the loss of blood, didst gasp for breath, and didst cry out upon the cross that Thou wert tormented with thirst, whilst Thou didst burn with an unspeakable desire for our salvation. Give me grace to thirst most ardently after Thine honour and the salvation of souls, and to be ready cheerfully to spend myself for them according to Thy will. Grant that no love of transitory objects may possess my soul, that I may never attach myself to creatures, and that even what I. am bound to love I may love only in Thee, but give me grace to love Thee above all things, and with my whole soul, and quietly to rest in Thee.

Hail, sweet Jesus! Praise, and honour, and glory, be to Thee, O Christ, who, when Thou wert athirst, even unto death, didst suffer a sponge filled with vinegar to be offered unto Thee, that by tasting thereof, Thou mightest make satisfaction for our gluttony, and leave us an example of poverty. Give me the grace to despise all unlawful pleasures and delights, and to avoid all excess in eating and drinking, and may I use with moderation and thanksgiving whatsoever Thou dost furnish me with for the support of my poor body. So cleanse, I beseech Thee, the taste of my heart, that it may relish nought save that which is pleasing unto Thee, and may find nothing but bitterness in whatever is displeasing in Thy sight.

Hail, sweet Jesus! Praise, and honour, and glory be to Thee, O Christ, Thou greatest lover of the human race, who when Thou wert duly bringing the work of our redemption to a close, didst offer Thyself as a holy victim upon the Altar of the Cross, for the sins of all mankind. May this be the only end, I beseech Thee, of all my thoughts, words, and works; namely, to seek Thine honour with an upright and sincere intention, and to desire nothing save Thee alone, Grant that I may never grow weary or lukewarm in Thy service; but a fervent spirit being ever renewed within me, may I be daily more and more inflamed to love and praise Thee.

Hail, sweet Jesus! Praise, and honour, and glory, be to Thee, O Christ, who didst willingly undergo death, when commending Thyself to Thy Father, and bending Thy adorable head, Thou gayest up the ghost; and thus by laying down Thy life for Thy sheep, didst .show Thyself to be the good Shepherd. Thou art dead, O only-begotten Son of God, Thou art dead, O my beloved one, that I might live for ever! O what hope, what confidence is laid up for me in Thy death, and in Thy blood! I glorify Thee, I give Thee thanks as far as in me lies; give me grace to die entirely to sin and all evil desires; and to live to Thee alone. O may I think of Thee alone, may my understanding exercise itself in nought save Thee; so that, clad with Thy grace and with holy charity, I may soon after the close of this life come to Thee, the true Paradise. O good Jesus, by Thy bitter passion and death grant to the living pardon and grace, and to the faithful departed rest and everlasting light,

Hail, sweet Jesus! Praise, and honour, and glory be to Thee, O Christ, at whose death the sun withdrew its light, and the veil of the temple was rent in twain, and the earth quaked, and the rocks were rent, and the graves opened. O may the rays of Thy grace never forsake me, I beg of Thee, Thou Sun of righteousness, Thou that art my God; but may they always lighten even the very inmost recesses of my heart, so that I may joyfully serve Thee. Tear away from me the veil of hypocrisy, make the ground of my soul quake with saving penitence, rend in twain this heart of stone; so that, being wholly renewed within,. I may despise all perishable things, and love but those that are of heaven. Amen.

SATURDAY EVENING.

HAIL, sweet Jesus! Praise, and honour, and glory be to Thee, O Christ, who didst suffer Thy most holy side to be pierced with the soldier’s lance, and forthwith there flowed out blood and water, wherewith Thou mightest wash and quicken our souls; Thou didst will, O my most beloved one, that Thy sweet heart should be wounded for my sake. O mayest Thou wound my heart with the lance of Thy most piercing love, so that I may have no will but Thine; lead my soul, O Lord, lead it through the wound in Thy side, into the secret recesses of Thy love, into the treasure-house of Thy divinity; that I may with gladness glorify Thee, my God, who wert crucified and diedest for me; and that all ideas of visible things being blotted out from my remembrance, my intention may be fixed in Thee alone. Lo! I salute with all the devotion in my power, Thy five principal wounds. Hail! O Hail, ye ruddy glorious and most sweet wounds of my Redeemer and my King! Hail, precious seals of my reconciliation and salvation, I ask to dwell and lie concealed within ye, and thus shall I be secure from all evil.

Hail, sweet Jesus! Praise, and honour, and glory be to Thee, O Christ, who wert taken down from the cross amidst the bitter lamentation of Thy friends, and didst vouchsafe to be anointed with spices and ointments, to be wrapt in a linen cloth, and to be laid in another’s sepulchre. Bury within Thyself, I beseech Thee, all my senses, my strength, my affections, so that being joined to Thee by the power of Thy love, I may become insensible to every thing else, and may care to know and feel nought save Thee, my only Redeemer, Thee, my soul’s only good.

Hail, sweet Jesus! Praise, and honour, and glory be to Thee, O Christ, who, having crushed the power of the devil, didst descend as to Thy soul in might and love to the abodes below, and didst gladden by Thy presence the ancient fathers who were there detained, and didst bring them out into the blessed abodes of Paradise, and to the full vision of God. May the virtue of Thy passion and blood descend, I beseech Thee, now into purgatory upon the souls of my parents, relations, friends, and benefactors, and all the faithful departed, that, delivered from punishment, they may be received into the bosom of everlasting peace.

Hail, sweet Jesus! Praise, and honour, and glory be to Thee, O Christ, who camest forth a Conqueror from the closed and sealed tomb, and didst rise in glorious triumph from the dead, and having received again that most bright serenity of countenance, didst pour upon the hearts of Thy friends exceeding gladness. Grant, O Lord, that I may rise from the sins of my former conversation, and may walk in newness of life, that I may seek those things which are above, that I may relish those alone, and nothing which savours of this earth, so that when Thou that art my life shall appear, I may also appear with Thee in glory.

Hail, sweet Jesus! Praise, and honour, and glory be to Thee, O Christ, who when the forty days after Thy resurrection were accomplished, didst ascend all glorious in the presence of Thy disciples into heaven, where Thou sittest at the right hand of the Father blessed for ever. O that my soul may ever languish for love of Thee! O may I have no taste for things of this world; but may I, with mine eyes fixed on Thee, sigh and hunger, and thirst after Thee alone! O may nothing affect me, may nothing give me any joy save Thou, my Lord and my God.

Hail, sweet Jesus! Praise, and honour, and glory be to Thee, O Christ, who didst give Thy Holy Spirit to Thy chosen disciples as they were persevering in prayer, and didst send them forth into all the world to teach all nations. Cleanse, I beseech Thee, the inmost of my heart: grant me true purity and steadfastness of soul, that the Comforter may find a fitting abode within my breast, and may enrich me with the abundant treasures of His grace, may console and strengthen me, may fill and govern me, and wholly take possession of me.-

Hail, sweet Jesus! Praise, and honour, and glory be to Thee, O Christ, who at the last day shalt come again as Judge, to render to every man reward or punishment according to his works. O most holy Lord, O my God, give me grace tango through the course of this miserable life with such innocence and conformity to Thy will, that when my soul shall quit the prison-house of this body, clad with Thy merits and Thy virtues, it may be mercifully received by Thee into heaven, where, with all Thy saints, it may laud and bless Thy name for ever and ever. Amen,

This Exercise may be used daily after each of the foregoing ones with great spiritual profit and advancement.

SWEET Jesus! Alas! I have grievously offended Thee through the whole course of my life; I have never ceased to be ungrateful to Thee, hindering in many ways the workings of Thy grace, and continually adding new sins to old ones. My sins are many and very great, but Thy mercy is vast and infinite. I confess that I am altogether unworthy to be called Thy son, but yet I acknowledge Thee as my Father. Thou art my true Father; Thou art all my confidence; Thou art the fountain of mercy, who dost not reject poor sin-stained souls when they fly unto Thee, but dost mercifully wash them. Behold, O Thou that art my sweetest refuge, behold, I, the very off-scouring of all Thy creatures, come unto Thee, bringing nought with me save thee, burden of my sins. I humbly cast myself at the feet of Thy love; I humbly implore Thy mercy: pardon me, I beseech Thee, Thou that art my surest hope, and save me for Thy name’s sake. For I believe that there are no sins, however dreadful and enormous, but can be expiated by the merits of Thy most sacred passion.

Sweet Jesus! I offer to Thee for the remission of my sins that stupendous love by which Thou, the God of everlasting majesty, didst not disdain to become man, and capable of suffering for our sakes, and for more than thirty years, didst undergo the pain and weariness of labours and persecutions. I offer Thee that agony, that bloody sweat, that anguish of soul with which Thou wert afflicted, when on bended knees, Thou prayedst in the garden to Thy heavenly Father. I offer Thee that exceeding desire of suffering with which Thou didst burn, when, of Thine own accord, Thou gayest Thyself up into the hands of Thine enemies. I offer Thee the bands, the stripes, the reproaches; the slanders, the blasphemies, the blows, the smitings on the cheek, the spitting, and every other injury which, for a whole. night, Thou didst endure in the house of Annas and Caiaphas. These I. offer unto Thee with thanksgiving, beseeching Thine infinite goodness, that by the merits of all these Thy sufferings, Thou wouldest cleanse my soul and bring me to everlasting life.

Sweet Jesus! I offer unto Thee for all mine iniquities that unheard-of shame which Thou didst bear when Thou wert led in the morning to Pilate, with blows and spittings, and bound with chains; then from him to Herod, and again from Herod to Pilate. I offer Thee that most holy silence which Thou didst observe when they wantonly insulted and slandered Thee. I offer Thee the scorn, and the shame of that ridiculous garment, with which Herod overwhelmed Thee. I offer Thee that most bitter punishment which Thou didst endure when Thou wert bound to a pillar and scourged. I offer Thee those gashes which the scourging made in Thy flesh, those streams of purple blood which gushed forth on all sides from Thy most holy limbs. These I offer unto Thee with thanksgiving, beseeching Thine infinite goodness, that for the merits of all these Thy sufferings, Thou wouldst cleanse my soul and bring me to everlasting life.

Sweet Jesus! I offer Thee for all my crimes, those most dreadful agonies, which Thou didst suffer when the wounds on Thy most holy body were opened afresh by the pulling off of Thy garments, when Thy hands and feet were fastened to the cross, when the joints of Thy limbs were loosened, when Thy precious blood gushed forth in streams from Thy sacred wounds as from a fountain. I offer Thee each drop of that ruddy blood. I offer Thee that incomprehensible gentleness and kindness with which Thou didst most patiently bear the wanton insults of Thine enemies, so that Thou didst even beseech Thy Father in their behalf. All this I offer unto Thee with thanksgiving, beseeching Thine infinite goodness that for the merits of all these Thy sufferings, Thou wouldst cleanse my soul and bring me to everlasting life.

Sweet Jesus! I offer Thee for all my faults, my vanity, my negligences, and my distractions, those incomprehensible torments which Thou didst endure when exposed in every way to anguish, and bereft of all consolation, Thou wert hanging shamefully upon the cross between two thieves, and when burning with excessive thirst they gave Thee to drink vinegar and gall. I offer Thee that most perfect charity by which Thou didst bend Thine adorable head, and for our sakes didst give up the ghost. I offer Thee that precious blood and life-giving water which flowed from Thy side when pierced with the lance. All this I offer unto Thee with thanksgiving, beseeching Thine infinite goodness, that for the merits of these Thy sufferings, Thou wouldst cleanse my soul and lead me to everlasting life.

Sweet Jesus! I offer Thee, for the entire remission of all the sins that I have over at any time of my life committed against Thee, I offer Thee all the mysteries of our redemption which Thou hast accomplished; I offer Thee Thine incarnation, Thy nativity, Thy life, Thy passion, and Thy death, I offer Thee whatsoever was pleasing to Thee in Mary Thy most glorious Mother, and in all. Thy Saints. Ah! sweetest Jesus! may Thy most perfect innocence satisfy Thy Father for my sins. Wrap my whole life, unworthy and exceedingly wicked as it is, in the clean linen cloth of Thy merits, that what is unclean in me, when united to Thee, may become clean, and what is imperfect may be made perfect when joined to Thee. And thus may I please Thee during the course of this life, and when my miserable pilgrimage is accomplished, may I come to Thee who art eternal salvation. Amen.

SUNDAY.

O MY beloved Jesus, my sweet Redeemer! wash, I beseech Thee, my soul in Thy blood, and blot out all my sins. Quench and mortify within me whatever is displeasing in Thy sight: for I desire to please Thee and to love Thee with my whole heart. Adorn me with the merits and virtues of Thy most holy humanity. Create in me a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within me. Gave me a quiet mind, clear and bright, like the blue of heaven; excite in me the desire of holy love. May Thy heavenly breath breathe over the length and breadth of my heart, that its icy stupidity being thawed, the odours of Thy grace may abound within it,

MONDAY.

DRAW me after Thyself, O my God, disentangle my heart from the love of creatures, and lift it up to Thee, who art over all things, and in all things. O may the noise of this fleeting world be silent in my ears, may vain imaginations, and fancies, and all distraction of thought be far from me. May my soul pass by all sensible delights, and fix the eyes of faith on Thee, her Creator, who art every where present. Grant, O Lord, that I may rest on Thee alone, and may find no delight, and seek for no consolation save in Thee.

O most lovely Jesus, pierce the inmost of my soul with the sweetest dart of Thy love; penetrate me through and through with the fire of charity; transfix my spirit with Thy sharpest arrows, that, wounded by Thee, I may languish for Thy love, and may swoon away as it were on Thee, and so be intimately united to Thee, to the glory of Thy name. O may Thy sweetest perfumes be wafted on my heart, and may the unspeakable fragrance of Thy love be so outpoured upon me, that it may excite within me everlasting longings after Thee.

TUESDAY.

SANCTIFY, O Lord, I beseech Thee, my heart which Thou hast created, and cast out from it all wickedness, fill it and keep it filled with Thy grace, that I may be made a temple worthy for Thee to dwell in, Thou that art sweeter than honey, brighter than the sun, more pleasant to the taste than nectar, more precious than gold and fine jewels. O mayest Thou alone give pleasure to my soul, mayest Thou be the only object of my earnest longings and desire.

O pleasant calmness! O calm delight! O Thou most gladsome light, which lighteneth every man that cometh into the world! shake off the darkness from my soul, enlighten my mind, that I may know myself and Thee, and may love Thee more than myself. May I love Thee, sweet Jesus, above heaven and earth, and all things that are therein; mayest Thou alone be my only aim, and Thou the single desire of my heart. May I meditate on Thee by. day, with a ready and grateful heart; may I think on Thee by night when I am asleep, and may my soul at all times hold sweet converse with Thee.

O true-love! O lovely truth! O everlasting God! I desire to cleave unto Thee, my thoughts are fixed on Thee, I pant after Thee, I sigh for Thee, I seek Thee; Thee do I desire to embrace, in Thee alone do I wish to find any consolation. So do I. desire to leave all save Thee alone, as if my . soul were separated from the body and stood before Thee, and enjoyed in all perfection, the amiable presence of Thy countenance.

O my sweetest Lord God, give rest to the wearied, strengthen the feeble, feed the hungry, gather the dispersed abroad, heal the maimed, open to him that knocks, stretch forth the hand of Thy goodness to me, Thy wretched creature; bid me come unto Thee, bid me remain with Thee, may my soul forget itself, may it, whether in prosperity or adversity, cleave inseparably. unto Thee, and thoroughly refuse all other consolation.

O light which always shineth and never groweth dull, do Thou enlighten me; O fire ever burning and that never waneth, do Thou enkindle me. O love that art ever burning, and that never groweth lukewarm, do Thou absorb and transform me into Thyself. Grant that I may long unceasingly after Thee. with my whole heart. May my every breath be drawn in Thee, who art full of sweetness. O Thou that art my joy, engladden my soul. Come into it, O Thou that art sweetness itself, let it taste of Thy delights, and find no pleasure save in Thee.

O Lord, comfort me in my affliction, pour into my heart the streams of Thy holy love. May the unspeakable virtue of Thy love penetrate and take possession of the inmost of my soul.

Great is my weariness in this my pilgrimage, great is my toil during the troubles of this present world. Grant that with renewed strength I may fly up to Thee on the wings of pure contemplation, even to the place where Thy glory dwelleth. May I there rest under the shadow of Thy wings, far from the noise and tumult of earthly thoughts that trouble me.

Wound, O my Lord, wound the very inmost of my inward man, with the dart of Thy love, and kindle the marrow of my drooping soul with Thy life-giving flame. Write with Thy finger on my breast a sweet remembrance of Thyself, which no forgetfulness may obliterate. O may I seek and follow Thee for ever, may I find Thee and for all eternity delight in nought but Thee. Amen.

WEDNESDAY.

CAST Thy bright beams upon my heart, O Thou that art the light of mine eyes; give Thyself unto me, O life of my soul, my exceeding delight, my much desired consolation. Thou that art my sweet rest, my glory, my honour and my only desire; may I hold Thee, Thou that art the object of all my wishes; may I draw Thee closely to myself, O heavenly spouse. May I feel Thee within and without, O Thou that art my glory; may I possess Thee, O blessed one, from all eternity; may I enjoy Thee within my heart, O everlasting life.

O that I may love Thee, O Lord my strength; may I love Thee, my God, my refuge, and my deliverer. May I cleave to Thee, O my sweet hope, in every trouble; may I embrace Thee, O Thou everlasting good, apart from whom there is nothing good. Open the recessess of my ears, O word sharper than a two-edged sword, that I may hear Thy voice within me, and having heard it that I may live and rejoice in Thee.

Visit the forsaken, console the mourner, O my Jesus, show to the wretched one the bowels of Thy mercy. Grant me Thy grace which may plunge me in Thy love, wholly crucified to this world; blind my eyes, O light unfathomable, blind my eyes with the rays of Thy brightness, that they behold no vanity. Strike them with the sweet lightning of Thy divinity, and grant that with heartfelt tears, I may seek Thee day and night.

Give me sight, O Lord my God, that I may every where behold Thy lovely countenance: give me hearing to listen always to Thy sweetest voice: give me smelling whereby I may perceive the odour of Thy pace: heal my taste that I may relish the abundance of Thy sweetness. Give me a heart to fear Thee, a memory to be ever recollected in Thee, a will to cleave unswervingly unto Thee, that art the chiefest good. May my whole spirit be possessed by Thee alone, and rest for ever in Thee.

May the mighty force, I beseech Thee, of Thy love wean my heart from every thing that is under heaven. Grant that I may burn with such a perfect charity, which no torrents of waters could quench within me. Grant that for the greatness of my love for Thee, I may thoroughly forget all transitory things, and that I may never improperly grieve for them, nor foolishly rejoice because of them, but may I be strengthened and rest in Thee alone.

May all vicious affections, O Lord, wither within my heart, may all desires of the flesh die within me, that Thou alone mayest dwell in me, and the burning coals of holy desires be ever kindled in my inmost soul. Wound, O Lord, wound my sinful soul with the sharpest weapon of perfect charity pierce it with the darts of Thy most fervent love, that I may have the happiness to be smitten by Thee, and to breathe forth my soul as it were within Thy arms. Ah! most pleasant depth of inestimable pleasures, ravish and absorb my spirit in Thine. Amen.

THURSDAY.

RECEIVE me, O sweet Jesus, to the embraces of Thy sweetest love, by which my cold and drooping spirit may be inflamed and bound to Thee. Open unto me, O Lord, open to one that knocketh, and admit my orphan soul unto the sweet conclave of Thy divine heart. O my beloved, my beloved, I long after Thee, I desire Thee; introduce me to Thyself, and come Thou unto me, that I may be Thine, and Thou mayest be mine for ever and ever.

May I draw from Thee, Thou fountain of honied sweetness, living water, by the very taste of which may I never thirst again save for Thee: sprinkle me with the dew of heavenly wisdom, so that, being penetrated with it, I may keep myself pure from all .earthly desires.

Bless, I beseech Thee, bless this poor and piteous exile, O most bounteous God; kindle my inmost heart with the fire of Thy love, that I may perfectly love Thee, and desire nought but Thee. Hide me, O Thou dearest of all dear ones, hide me in the lovely, pleasant, and sweet opening of Thy side, that I may sweetly sleep in Thee, and be warmed to life again, by the influence of Thy honied love. I offer and give myself up wholly unto Thee: take Thou me up and wholly possess me, O sweet comfort of my soul: so join me, so fasten me unto Thyself, that I may never be separated from Thee: so give Thyself, so communicate Thyself unto me, that I may for ever rejoice in Thy most Holy Spirit, to the praise of Thy name.

O my Lord, O that Thou wouldst vouchsafe to open the inner room of Thy love to me, the vilest, the most unworthy of sinners, and admit me to the sanctuary of Thy sweetest heart. For my soul desireth exceedingly to be united unto Thee, in the closest ties of love. But never would there be in me any desire of loving, didst not Thou implant it in my heart. May I therefore obtain through Thee, what I desire of Thee, O day of vernal calmness. O my God! I thirst after Thee, I sigh for Thee, I languish for love of Thee. Join me closer to Thyself, O Thou most brilliant sun, that, by the heat of Thy countenance, the flowers of holy charity may bud forth in the soil of my heart. Light within me the lamp of Thy love, pour upon my heart Thy soothing peace, and in all things unite me to Thy grace, that I may please Thee.

O my Jesus, clothe me in the brilliant purple of Thy precious blood: crown me with the sparkling diadem of Thy death, and receive me into the fragrant chamber of Thy love. Remove from me whatsoever is displeasing unto Thee. Re-fashion my wicked, unclean, and vain heart according to Thine. Give me simple affections and a pure mind; embrace me with the arms of Thy love; draw me closely within the embraces of Thy divinity, that my soul may wholly melt away through the force of Thy burning love, and pour itself forth into the depths of Thy heavenly delights. Thy sweetness, O Lord, Thy goodness, Thy beauty, Thy loveliness, exceedingly entice me unto Thee: but unless Thou lettest Thyself down to me, I cannot ascend unto Thee. Bend Thyself, therefore, O fountain of mercy, unto the valley of my misery, that I may love Thee with all my heart, with all my soul, and with all my strength.

Ah! Jesus! my honour, my joy, and my true pleasure: kindle, I beseech Thee, such a fire in my inmost heart, that I may henceforth choose nothing under the sun save Thee, nor desire aught but Thee. May the heaven and earth and all that are therein, be to me without Thee but a winter ice-drop. O most lovely flower! O my beloved Jesus! Adorn my soul with that graceful charity in which Thou delightest; enrich it with the plenteousness of that love which is pleasing unto Thee. So smooth and burnish my heart, that nothing earthly may be able to cleave unto it. May the droppings of Thy blessing flow continually upon me, by which I may be washed and cleansed from all the filth of sin, and may for ever bring forth the fruits of holiness well pleasing unto Thee.

O sweet light of my soul, shine upon me, that the thick shades of my blindness may be turned into the brightness of noon-day. Grant me to repose under the shadow of Thy charity; suffer me to slumber on the bosom of Thy love, and there to forget entirely all earthly things. May nothing be more pleasant, nothing more profitable to me than to love Thee, and to be intimately united to Thee. Press me to Thy divine heart, and may I lose myself in the enjoyment of the freshness of Thy delights. Ah, sweetest fire! my God, consume and entirely devour my whole substance, which is but a grain of dust. Transfer my heart unto Thyself, that I may cleave unto Thee with the closest union, and live by Thee, and flourish for ever like a lily in Thy presence.

O sea of all sweetness, let the waters of Thy goodness fall upon my soul; open the fountains of the great deep, and let the waves of Thy mercy flow in upon me. Drown me in the deluge of Thy lively love, may the depth of Thy blessed charity absorb me. Break down, O Lord, the hateful wall of my wicked and lukewarm life: and grant that I may follow Thee with a love that nothing can quench. Send forth the blast of Thy most fervent love, which may impel me so violently unto Thee, that, carried out of myself, and dead as it were to myself, I may henceforth never draw even a single breath apart from Thee. Imprint on me the kiss of Thy forgiveness, that being sealed by it, I may love nothing henceforth but Thee: for Thou art my possession, Thou art my inheritance, Thou art the only expectation of my soul. Amen.

FRIDAY.

SWEET Jesus! may Thy holy love surround me, as a graceful garment, that I may not come into Thy presence unclad, but adorned with Thy grace. Raise me aloft by the power of Thy love, to divine contemplation: carry my spirit to the heights of the everlasting hills, that I be not involved in the darkness of this world, far away from Thee.

Gladden my sorrowing heart, by the wished-for presence of Thy grace. Send forth Thy most gladsome light, that my inmost soul may be renewed by its rays to joyousness of spirit. Be present in my heart, be present in my mouth, be present in every deed, and in my daily duties; for I earnestly long for Thee, and I pine away through my eager expectation of Thy coming.

O Lord, who hast entirely created and redeemed me, and hast a hundred thousand times brought me out when I was wholly lost, from the jaws of hell: give me grace to love Thee with the whole strength of my soul, because Thou hast first loved me. Inebriate me with the sober abundance of Thy love, that, detained here only as to my body, I may fly unto Thee, my only treasure, with a free unburdened soul.

O my Jesus, so strike, I beseech Thee, my soul with the sweetest violence of Thy love, that, overcome by holy fervour and amazement, and ravished out of itself, it may happily pass unto Thee. O Lord, may my whole spirit and body, and my very life praise Thee, that I may be an acceptable sacrifice unto Thee, every moment that I enjoy the gifts of Thy mercy.

O love that sweetly bindest and joinest all unto Thyself; O love that gently woundest and penetratest inmost souls; O love that wonderfully makest them to languish and faint in Thee; O Jesus Christ my God, come and tarry not, for continually do I desire Thee, and my spirit pants after Thee, with deep groans and piercing sighs.

Enlarge my heart, O Lord, with the immensity of Thy sweet love, and raise it to that abyss of Thy dazzling light, that by rapid contemplation it may even touch Thee, the eternal wisdom; mercifully look down upon me, struggling in the midst of the troubles of this life. Place my weary soul in the spots of that wished-for pasture, and by those purest streams of Thy pleasures, that quickened there by the warmth of heavenly delights, it may soon forget all its miseries.

O Thou that art every good, Christ Jesus, excite within me most ardent desires, that I may always seek after Thee, and continually sigh for the blessed abodes of my everlasting country.

O Thou that art my only salvation, may I love Thee more than myself, and myself only in Thee and for Thee. May Thy holy love overshadow me; may my soul, enticed by Thy sweetness, wholly melt away through love; and going out of itself, and passing wholly into Thee, may it taste of the crumbs of those unspeakable banquets, and the smallest drops of those incomprehensible delights, which Thou hast prepared for them that love Thee.

O my God and my all, may my soul, I beseech Thee, seek for nothing but Thee, may it even forsake itself for Thee, may it long after Thee, and be inflamed with Thy love; that, carried out of itself, and absorbed in the abyss of the riches of Thy glory, perceiving may it not perceive, and understanding may it not understand, but sleep entranced in Thee, and be joined to Thee by pure love. May my sighs and manifold sorrows on this earth move Thee; O my Lord, grant that meanwhile, during the toil and misery of this present exile, I may find refreshment and rest in Thee, and that whenever I shall put off this body, then may I be received into heaven by Thee. Amen.

SATURDAY.

O LORD, I have loved the glory of Thine house, the Strength of my soul faints within me when I call to mind the brightness and riches of Thy kingdom, and the everlasting happiness which the blessed enjoy there. For one day with Thee is better than a thousand here, with Thee, and in Thee, is every good. O when shall I come and appear before Thy dazzling and gracious face, when wilt Thou satisfy the desires of my soul with the presence of Thy divine countenance? O love of my heart, my God, when shall I perfectly possess Thee? when wilt Thou unite me more closely unto Thyself, that I may clearly see Thee? when wilt thou draw me to Thyself, all snares being broken, and dangers and temptations removed, so that I may be no longer stained with sin or offend Thee more, but may sing in safety a hymn to Thy majesty, to extol the multitude of Thy mercies? Ah! my beloved one, raise me from the dust, poor as I am, and in misery; lead me forth when it shall please thee from my prison, and carry me up mercifully into heaven, that there my soul may with never-ending songs of joy praise and thank Thee for all the benefits which Thou, my only salvation, hast freely bestowed upon me.

Sweet Jesus! O most blessed life, my heart pants and burns for Thee: for Thou art great, and exceedingly to be praised: Thou art all beautiful, and overflowing with unspeakable delights. O when shall I contemplate Thee face to face? O when shall I see Thee, Thou that are lovely beyond all men and angels? Thine unspeakable loveliness, O Lord, very greatly invites and draws me unto Thee, and excites within me chaste desires. Thy pleasant and admirable light, and Thy dazzling brightness, wonderfully gladden my spirit. Already is this corruptible body to me like a most sorrowful shell, and gladly would I choose to put it off, and throw it aside by death, so that my soul, that grain which is so dear unto Thee, might be gathered into Thy heavenly garner, and be ever with Thee, its true possessor. Ah! Thou beloved object of my wishes, listen to the voice of my prayer, for I seek Thee with a sighing heart, and I long to contemplate openly the spring-like loveliness of Thy divinity. The clear vision of Thee, O Lord, infinitely surpasses all beauty, and every delight which eye hath seen in this world, or ear heard, or hath entered into the heart of man to conceive. O when wilt Thou show Thyself unto me? When wilt Thou fill me with joy by the sight of Thy desirable countenance? When wilt Thou fully enlighten me with the wished-for rays of Thy divine brightness? When wilt Thou cause me to drink and fill myself with the torrent of Thy sweetest pleasures? When shall I gently embrace Thee, Thou spouse of my soul, and kiss Thee, and praise Thee, with Thy Saints in those realms above of joy and happiness? Behold, my soul is weary, and faints for love of Thee. Ah! my God, have mercy upon me, listen to my manifold groanings, and grant that, as soon as I shall put off this body, I may quickly come to Thee, and may glorify Thee for all eternity: since for this end hast Thou created and redeemed me.

O my sweetest God, I earnestly desire to be with Thee, and to behold Thy lovely face. And when will that happen unto me? When shall I return from this exile into that true and heavenly country? O blessed land, where light is ever shining in perfect calmness, where spring with all its loveliness, and summer with its delights, endure for ever; where verdure ever lasteth, and the most lovely flowers never fade; where the sweetest perfumes are ever breathing, and the wondrous melody of songs, and well-tuned instruments, is echoed forth for ever and ever. O Lord, with Thee is there a Paradise of intellectual delights, a Paradise greatly to be desired, flowing unceasingly with streams of purest pleasures, and soothing all around with the unspeakable loveliness of every kind of beauty. With Thee is the fountain of life, and the lovely noon-day brightness, and the calm expanse of air, and the undisturbed peace. With Thee, and in Thee, there is found in all abundance, and in the highest degree, whatever can please or gratify the heart of man. What, therefore, do I wish for beside Thee? Thou art sufficient for me. Grant that I may love nought but Thee, and that at length I may fully possess Thee. Thou art my only true and unchangeable good.

I believe, O Lord, that which I do not see. I believe that the riches, the delights, the pleasures of heaven, are immense and everlasting. I believe that Thou art the chiefest, and the uncreated loveliness and sweetness, from whom all that is lovely, all that is sweet, proceeds. Grant, O Lord, that by dwelling upon that which I believe, but do not see, I may one day be found meet to behold that which I believe. O my dear Jesus, when, I ask of Thee, shall my body be destroyed by Thee, and return again unto its dust, and my soul flow back unto Thee its original source? When shall I rest and sleep in Thee, O sweetest peace, and openly behold Thy ineffable glory? When will the sweet fragrance of Thy divinity waft itself upon me, and the everlasting day, when I shall see Thee for ever, dawn upon my soul? O how good, my beloved one, is it to see Thee clearly, to hold Thee, to possess Thee for ever and ever! Ah! grant unto me to end this miserable life happily in thy grace and friendship.

O sweet Jesus, at the hour of my departure, bless Thou my soul, and unite my death to Thine, which is life, and the dearest pledge and firmest token of my reconciliation with Thee. Send to me at that hour, that faithful helper, the Virgin Mary, Thy beloved mother, that bright star of the sea, that, having seen this bright and lovely morning beam, I may know that Thou, the Sun of Righteousness, art near me. Say then unto my soul, I am thy Creator, thy Redeemer; thy lover, I have sought thee through the anguish of death and have found thee: fear not, thou shalt be ever with me.

Ah! most lovely jewel of divine greatness, and most graceful flower of human dignity, my sweetest Jesus, do Thou mercifully receive me as I pass from hence into the blessed abode of everlasting peace, and of the brightness of Thy presence. There console me, O my salvation, with the sweetest sweetness of that presence. There re. fresh me with the taste of that dear price with which Thou didst redeem me. There overwhelm and penetrate me with the gentle gales of Thy sweet spirit. There plunge me by the kiss of perfect union with Thee, into the depths of perpetual enjoyment of Thee, and may I live by Thee, and rejoice in Thee, and offer Thee the sacrifice of praise, for ever and ever. Amen.

I.

HAIL, sweet Mary! Hail, most Holy Virgin! whom God did choose from all eternity to be His Mother. Thou art that blessed mediatress between God and men, by whom what is lowest is united to that which is most sublime. Thou art the source of life; Thou art the gate of life; Thou art the haven from the shipwreck of this world. Obtain for me, I beseech Thee, perfect forgiveness of my sins, and the full grace of the Holy Spirit, that I may with all diligence serve, and most ardently love, Thy Son, my Saviour, and Thee, the Mother of mercy.

Hail, sweet Mary! whom, prefigured under many types and images, and promised by divers sayings of the prophets, the ancient fathers sighed after with earnest longings. Take me, O my Lady, for Thy poor servant: adopt me, O my Mother, for Thy son. Grant that I may be amongst the number of those who are written in the remembrance of Thy virgin heart, and whom Thou dost teach, direct, and cherish, and love.

Hail, sweet Mary! whom God did honour with so great a privilege as to preserve Thee free from original sin, and whom He adorned with singular graces, and precious gifts. O Virgin most renowned! O Virgin most peaceful! O Virgin most pure! O Thou who art the one chosen child among a thousand, reject me not by reason of mine iniquities, and because I am stained with the filth of sin; but hear me crying out to Thee in misery: comfort me who earnestly desire Thee, and help me, for I hope in Thee.

Hail, sweet Mary! whose birth was for ages desired and expected by the nations; Thou didst enlighten the world with a new light, and didst gladden it with an unheard of joy. O tender Virgin of most perfect innocence! obtain for me true holiness of life: remove from me whatever is displeasing to Thy virgin eyes. Have pity on me, O Lady, have pity upon me: for Thy compassion increased with Thy tender years.

II.

Hail, sweet Mary! whom, as Thou went giving Thyself up to holy exercises and contemplations, Almighty God did console with the frequent visits and intercourse of angels, and with the unspeakable joy of a pure conscience. Obtain for me, I beseech Thee, through Thy merits, that I may love silence and quiet, and that I may be constant in prayer and other spiritual exercises, with a sincere heart, and a calm and cheerful spirit. May these be my dearest pleasures as long as I am detained in the wretched prison. house of this body.

Hail, sweet Mary! who as a virgin wert betrothed by the divine counsels to the virgin Joseph, suffer me not, O Thou who art the comforter of hearts, suffer me not to wander far from Thee: look upon me with those benignant eyes of Thine, upon me who desire to please Thee. For as he cannot be saved and live for ever from whom Thou dost turn away Thy face, so he cannot perish everlastingly, whom, when he turns to Thee, Thou dost regard. Come out to meet me, O my Lady, as I seek for Thee, direct and preserve me, for I love Thee, and put my confidence in Thee. Be Thou ever propitious unto me, that I may find salvation through Thee.

Hail, sweet Mary! whom when Thou wert intent on heavenly things, the angel Gabriel having secretly entered Thy chamber, did respectfully salute, and did instruct in the secrets of the divine counsels. O that I may frequently salute Thee, and ever be glad to pay Thee all due reverence. May nothing ever be found cleaving unto me which may displease Thy more than angelic countenance.

Hail, sweet Mary! who by the power of the Holy Ghost, didst conceive in Thy most chaste womb the Son of God. O happiest of women! O what were Thy feelings at that moment in Thine inmost virgin breast? With what sweetness did Thy soul melt away for joy, when God, the Fountain and Source of all sweetness, entered the chamber of Thy womb, and took upon Him flesh of Thee? praise and glorify Thee, O Mary: I reverence in all humility Thy most holy womb. Preserve and increase in me the pious wish of serving Thee.

Hail, sweet Mary! who, when Thou wert carrying the King of glory in Thy womb, didst ascend, by the counsel of the Holy Ghost, to the hill country of Judea to visit Thy kinswoman Elizabeth, and didst salute her and give her Thy services. Visit, I beseech Thee, my soul, and grant that I may most fervently serve Thee all the days of my life, and love Thee with the chastest love.

Hail, sweet Mary! who didst not refuse to suffer a tedious journey in company with Thy most holy partner Joseph, when, though but a young girl, and withal with child, Thou didst go to Bethlehem. Obtain for me the grace to suffer patiently all the miseries of this exile, and continually to sigh after that heavenly Bethlehem where is the bread of life, Christ Jesus, the author of our salvation.

Hail, sweet Mary! who, when wearied with the labours of Thy journey, hadst no place of abode! but didst meet with a stable for an inn. Direct all the affections of my soul, that I may love nothing wrongly in this world, may cleave to no sensible thing; but as a stranger and pilgrim having no abiding city here, may I sigh after the Eternal One with all my heart, and repose myself in my God alone.

III.

Hail, sweet Mary! who, amidst the rejoicings of the angels, didst bring forth the Saviour without pain or injury to Thy virginity. O Virgin Mother, Thou art the temple of the true Solomon, Thou art the ark of God and the mercy-seat, Thou art the closed door which Ezekiel saw, Thou art the closed garden and the sealed fountain. Fill, I beseech Thee, my heart and all my senses with heavenly grace, that a good spirit being renewed within me, I may lead a life that shall be well-pleasing to Thee and to Thy Son.

Hail, sweet Mary! who didst wrap in swaddling clothes Jesus, the fruit of Thy most chaste womb, and didst place Him sobbing in the manger. O may the love of Thee so possess me, may purity of life be in me as in a new-born babe, that I may be meet to be assisted by Thee in whatever adversity, and to be refreshed by the sweet favour of Thy visits.

Hail, sweet Mary! who didst nourish the infant Jesus from thy virgin breasts, and didst carry Him in Thy arms, and didst sweetly press Him to Thy bosom through Thy ardent love, and didst bathe Him with kisses. Grant that when I am cast down by the troubles and temptations of this exile, I may always take refuge in the bosom of Thy maternal goodness, and that, strengthened with the milk of spiritual consolation, I may eschew every impure delight.

Hail, sweet Mary! who didst carefully watch over our Saviour’s infancy and childhood with a mother’s love, and didst follow Him with great devotion when He grew up to manhood, and began to preach the gospel. Grant that I may love and follow Thee, that I may long for Thy presence, and thoroughly despise all transitory things.

Hail, sweet Mary! who wert afflicted with the keenest sorrow in thy inmost soul, by reason of the labours and persecutions, and the atrocious and most shameful Passion which Thy only-begotton Son endured. Grant that I may always praise Him, my God, for all that He has done anti suffered for my sake, and truly have pity on all who are in misery and trouble.

Hail, sweet Mary! whose blessed soul the sword of grief did pierce, when Thou didst stand overwhelmed with tears under that cross on which Thy Son was hanging, and was suffering the most dreadful tortures, and shedding forth His blood, and breathing out His soul unto death. Grant that I may stand with Thee, and call to mind with a grateful heart the Passion and death of Jesus Thy only-begotten Son, my Redeemer.

Hail, sweet Mary! whom Jesus Christ did gladden by His triumphant resurrection, and after His ascension to His Father, did take up with unspeakable glory into heaven, where Thou, O glorious Queen, dolt sit exalted above the angelic choirs. We humbly ask of Thee that Thou wouldest take the care of our salvation on Thyself, and wouldest mercifully plead for us by Thy prayers to Thy Son, the Judge of quick and dead. Amen.

IV.

Hail, most glorious Lady! Mary, most holy after God of all the Saints, who didst in wonderful manner, as a fruitful Virgin, and with virginal fecundity, bring forth Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world. Thou art the most acceptable temple of God. Thou art the venerable sanctuary of the Holy Ghost. Thou art the glorious resting-place of the adorable Trinity. Through Thee, O Lady, the whole world lives: at the remembrance of Thee the hearts of the faithful are refreshed and cheered. Graciously incline Thine ears, I beseech Thee, to the prayers of this Thy servant, this miserable sinner, and scatter by the rays of Thy holiness the darkness of my sins, that I may please Thee.

Hail, most gracious mother of mercy! hail, O Mary greatly longed for, that obtainest for us pardon and grace! Who does not love Thee? Who does not honour Thee? for thou art a blessed light in doubt, a comfort in sorrow, a refreshment in anguish, a refuge in dangers and temptations. Thou, after Thy only-begotten Son, art the certain salvation of all the faithful. Thou art called, and truly Thou art, the most excellent of women, the most gracious of all, the loveliest of all. Blessed are they that love Thee, O Lady: Blessed are they that revere Thee: thrice and four times blessed are they who are intimately united to Thee by holiness of life, I commend to Thy goodness my soul and body: direct, teach, and protect me at every moment, in every hour, O my sweet refuge.

Hail, Mary, majestic hall and splendid palace of the Eternal King! hail, Thou perfumed resting-place of the Divinity! Thou art that lovely woman, holy, prudent, generous, and elegant, and greatly to be revered. Thou art that Queen of heaven and earth, that cometh forth as the rising morn, fair as the moon, bright as the sun, and terrible to the devils as an army set in array. Grant, O Lady, that, amidst the storms of this life, I may always wait for Thee, and that, despising all visible things, I may contemplate the loveliness and beauty of Paradise.

Hail, Mary! most brilliant star, and brightest sunbeam, from whom did arise Christ our God, the sun of righteousness. Thou art that Virgin, lovely beyond all loveliness. Thou art that Mother, graceful beyond all grace, who, with loving eyes, lookest down upon the pious children of the Church throughout the whole world. Thy sweet name refreshes the wearied, Thy peaceful brightness giveth sight to the blind, the sweet odour of Thy perfumes gladdens the righteous, the blessed fruit of Thy womb satisfies the Saints. Thou, after the Lord, art the first to merit the praise of angels and of men. Pray for me, O Lady, that, assisted by Thy prayers, I may be found meet to see and glorify Christ the God of gods, and Thee, the Queen of angels, in the heavenly Sion.

Hail, Mary, most blessed parent of exceeding joy, through whom the blessing of heaven and everlasting happiness have flowed even unto us. Thou art blessed among women, and abounding with spiritual gifts, Thou gayest birth to our Redeemer. He, the infant Jesus Christ, took flesh of Thee, and came forth from Thy virgin womb, the only Author of salvation, than whom nothing is sweeter, nothing is more lovely, nothing is more excellent: after whom nothing can be thought of more worthy, more divine, more desirable than Thee. The pious remembrance of Thee gladdens the sorrowful, the chaste contemplation of Thee soothes the saints, the faithful veneration of Thee cleanses sinners: all the children of God find a welcome peace of mind in Thee. Obtain for me, I beseech Thee, O my Lady, perfect purity of heart, that I may be of the number of those who shall be found worthy to behold and praise Thy only-begotten Son, and Thee the Queen of heaven.

Hail, Mary, most lovely virgin, O virgin brighter than the sun, and more brilliant than the stars, sweeter than honey, more pleasant than balsam. O Virgin ruddier than the rose, whiter than the lily. Thou art the fountain that watereth the springtide flowers; Thou art the well of living waters; Thou art the golden throne of the true Solomon; Thou art that purest vessel free from all bitterness; Thou art that cell of wondrous cleanness which sendeth forth on all sides the most grateful perfumes. The Lord created Thee a spotless virgin: He chose Thee for His humble handmaiden, and desired Thee for His lovely spouse. Thou art the glory of the human race, and the wondrous miracle of the whole world. Turn not away Thy face, O my Lady, from me, a wretched sinner; but make me clean instead of unclean, diligent instead of slothful, and devout instead of cold and lukewarm.

Hail, Mary, welcome hope of the desponding and ever-present helper of the destitute, to whom Thy Son doth pay so great an honour, as to grant at once whatever Thou askest for, and to fulfil whatever Thou dost desire. To Thee are committed the treasures of the heavenly kingdom. Thou art more honourable than the cherubim, nearer to God than the seraphim. Thou art the singular glory of Thy fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Every age, and sex, and tongue, confess the glory of Thy name, the splendour of Thy dignity, the abundance of Thy goodness. Thou art exalted, O Lady, above the angelic choirs. Rose-blossoms and lilies of the valley encompass Thee, as in the time of spring. Heal me, O blessed one, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be safe, and I will bless Thee for ever and ever. Amen.

V.

Hail Mary, in whom the heavens exult, and the earth rejoices: hail, fair lily of the glorious Trinity, and blooming rose of heavenly loveliness. Thou, after Thy Son, art the Mistress of all creation: so that at Thy name, also, every knee doth bow, of things in heaven, and things on earth, and things under the earth: Thee do the angelic hosts most reverently obey. Thou art that Mother of peaceful light, which lovingly enlighteneth the souls of them that love Thee. Thou art that sweetest parent of goodness, who dost happily lead thy faithful servants to the pleasant abodes of Paradise. Thou art that lovely dove,, rising above the water courses, from whose features exhale the sweetness of precious perfumes. The hosts of the blessed praise and continually bless Thy name. To Thee, O Lady, do I raise my countenance, on Thee do I cast the eyes of my heart, in Thee doth my soul confide. Have pity on me, for my salvation is in Thy hands.

Hail, undefiled, and free from all spot or stain, Thou virgin Mother of God: Hail Mary, most sure refuge of all that run to Thee. Thou art that strong tower, whose bulwarks protect all that are within it. Thou art the faithful protector of all that praise Thee. Thou art that fair cloud which cooleth the intensity of the heat. Thou art that timely dew which quencheth the fiery furnace. Thou art the pure grain, threshed from the straw. Thou art the lily among thorns, and the flower of the valley. Thou art wholly meek and lovely, and all beaming, and all bounteous. Those that are far from Thee, Thou enlightenest with the rays of mercy; those that are near, Thou cherishest with the sweets of devotion. Keep me, O sweetest advocate, and after the waves of this life are passed, lead me to the harbour of everlasting salvation.

Hail Mary, the theme of prophets, and glory of apostles, martyrs, confessors, and virgins. Thou art the most lovely palm of righteousness. Thou art the most fragrant spikenard of modesty. Thou art the blooming garden full of heavenly delights. Thou art the ark of the covenant, containing that sweetest manna. Thou art that blessed soil which bringeth forth a blessed fruit. Thou art the spiritual rock gushing forth with plenteous streams. Thou art that sacred fountain, swelling into the largest river. O Mary, how holy art thou; how sinful am I! how humble art Thou; how proud am I! how sublime art Thou; how unworthy am I! O undefiled one, how vast a distance is there between Thine angelic purity and my intolerable uncleanness Purify, I beseech Thee, my heart from the filth of sin: take from me whatever is displeasing to Thy virgin eyes. Separate my heart from earthly desires, and establish it in the love of heavenly things, to the everlasting praise and honour of Thy Son.

Hail Mary, most precious pearl, and after Thy Son, the choicest jewel of the human race. Thou art all beautiful, O Virgin, all lovely art Thou, and free from all spot of sin. Nothing impure ever clave unto Thy most chaste soul: no spiritual grace was ever wanting in it. Thou excellent the prophets in faith, the apostles in holy zeal, martyrs in patience, confessors in humility, virgins in innocence. Thou art decorated with ineffable ornaments: all the citizens of the heavenly palace are lost in admiration of Thee. Thou art the brightest sun which never sets. On earth Thou kindlest heaven with Thy rays; in heaven Thou enlightenest the earth, Thou Sun that scatterest the clouds of sin. When I consider, O Lady, the dazzling brightness of Thy holiness, I blush exceedingly at the darkness of my impurity; but, humbly prostrate at Thy feet, I acknowledge my sinfulness. Despise me not, I beseech Thee, Thou that art my sweetest hope. O may the vast and exceeding compassion of my most loving mother alleviate. the misery of me, a most worthless sinner.

Hail, most holy Virgin, hail Mary, Thou that art among all blessed women, remarkable for the greatness of Thy own blessedness. Thou art that pleasant valley blooming with the lilies of all virtues; Thou the blessed Paradise flowing with delicious consolations; Thou that lovely rose wafting forth unspeakable sweetness; Thou the chosen shell, dropping with the richness of most honied love; Thou the brilliant star of Jacob, the ornament of the heaven of heavens. Thou art the budding rod of Jesse, gladdening the whole world. Thy loveliness, Thy grace, Thy dignity, are the wonder and amazement of all blessed spirits. O Virgin of passing elegance, of exceeding holiness! O Lady most renowned, that sittest above the angelic choirs, having the throne nearest to Almighty God, attend, I beseech Thee, to my sorrows and my groanings. Visit and console me, Thy useless servant, and absolved from my sins, make me all pleasing unto Thee.

VI.

Hail, Mary, brightest and sweetest Mother of the Messiah and our King! O Lady, Thou art that most chaste turtle dove whose note doth wondrously soothe the ears of the Almighty. Thou art that purest dove whose plaintive notes do in all things please the Holy Ghost. O gracious Virgin, O Virgin of most amazing loveliness, cast out from my inmost heart whatever is impure or wanting in comeliness. Enlighten the darkness that reigns within me by a ray of Thy brightness, that my sins being chased away and blotted out, I may be able purely to contemplate Thy loveliness. Listen, O Lady, listen to my sighs and groanings after Thee. Come, thou desired, a thousand times, and out of the multitude of Thy graces pour somewhat on my soul, that I may intimately and most devoutly love Thee.

Hail, Mary, lonely handmaid of God, and most secret bride of a most secret spouse! Hail, lovely maiden, and chosen daughter of grace! O bashful virgin! O most beautiful of all women, show me, I beg of Thee, Thy lovely countenance, at the sight of which the most chaste affections that nought can quench, arise within me! Thy sweet voice soundeth in my ears, at the sound of which my spirit revives within me, and rises from the death of sin, and the slumber of a lukewarm life. May the unspeakable perfumes of Thy sweetness continually refresh my soul. May the unalloyed love of Thee enter the chamber of my heart, and happily take possession of all that is within, so that I may feel nothing but disgust for all worldly things.

Hail, Mary, spotless bosom friend of the blessed Trinity! Hail, O woman most pure in body and in soul. O virgin that delightest in silence, O virgin most humble, O virgin most beloved of God, cast, I beseech Thee, the dazzling beams of Thy most peaceful countenance upon my inmost soul, that my heart may rejoice and exult in Thee. Draw me after Thee, that I may cheerfully run after the odour of Thine ointments. Gladden my spirit, O Thon that art kind, that I may cheerfully serve Thee and love Thee from my inmost heart. Visit Thy poor little one, as he sighs and mourns: touch the lyre of my heart, that it may echo forth the praises of Thy sweet name. May my soul love Thee, and venerate and bless Thee for ever.

Hail, Mary, daughter of Sion, million times blessed! Hail, sweetest Mother of God! O virgin most holy, O virgin before the birth of Thy Son, O virgin in His birth, O virgin after His birth, clothe, I beseech . Thee, and adorn my soul with the grace of heavenly beauty. O most illustrious Queen, look down from the glory of thy lofty throne upon this poor wretched creature: draw nigh, O Lady, to the abode of me, a miserable sinner, and comfort me with Thy wished-for presence. May my spirit rejoice in Thee, may my heartstrings praise Thee, and may my soul melt away by reason of my love for Thee.

Hail, Mary, sweet and holy virgin! hail, eastern gate inviolate, through which He that is beautiful beyond the sons of men, hath come unto us! Turn, O glorious one, turn those gentlest eyes of Thy virgin countenance towards me: enlighten the shades of my blindness by the brightness of Thy approach. Listen to the complaints of my soul that longs to love Thee: satiate the desire of my heart, which day and night pineth and languisheth for Thee. Separate, O Lady, my soul from all things that are under heaven, and fix it in the purest contemplation of Thyself, and cause it to have a foretaste of the honied drops of the pleasures of eternity.

Hail, thou lover of solitude! hail, thou gentle cultivator of inward peace! hail, O woman wonderful for thine uprightness. O Mary, adorned with unspeakable wisdom, O chosen virgin, O virgin most beautiful among the daughters of Jerusalem, collect, I beseech Thee, the wandering thoughts of Thy poor servant, and compose my distracted mind, that I may give myself to pure and peaceful meditations upon Thee. May the vision of Thy lovely beauty, that inspirer of chastity, cleave to my soul; may the purest love of Thee for ever penetrate my heart’s very core. Thou art the most fragrant tabernacle of the Divinity, Thou the closed garden from which that loveliest and most rare flower came forth, Jesus Christ, the Saviour of our souls: may every age praise and venerate Thee.

Hail, Mary, Thou fragrant violet of lowliest humility, and deep red rose of most fervent charity! Hail, most generous Mother of our great Creator! O sweet virgin, O most beloved for Thy delights, may the perfumes of Thy precious spices come unto me, may my spirit feel Thee in the night, may my heart-strings yearn for Thee by day, may my breast feel Thy sweet influence, may the inmost marrow of my soul love Thee, may my tongue for ever, and at all times, be occupied in singing cheerfully Thy praises. Thou art the flowery bridal-chamber of the heavenly bridegroom; Thou art the pleasant paradise of holy delights; Thou art the perfumed storehouse of the divine sacraments; Thou art the mother, the daughter, the spouse of God; Thou art, and always shall be, my sweet hope, and the glad comfort of my soul. Be present with me, Thou holy Guide, whilst I traverse the dangerous ocean of this world; but especially be Thou present at the closing of my life, that by the beacon of Thy brightness, of Thy guidance, of Thy leading, I may happily arrive at the haven of the heavenly Jerusalem, where I may love and praise Thee, world without end. Ah, my Lady! show unto me, at the hour of my death, Thy most gladsome presence, assuage my pains and sorrows by Thy rosy and beaming countenance, and the glance of Thy gentle eyes, and for the glory of God secure for me the blessedness of eternal life for ever and ever. Amen.

Laus Deo

RICHARDSON AND SON, DERBY.

Index of Pages of the Print Edition