heart with a decided horror for every kind of impurity, that I may not only detest it, but may also carefully shut up all the avenues by which it might seek to insinuate itself into my soul. This I am resolved to do, with the assistance of your protection, and of the patronage of the most holy Mother of God. May my heart become undefiled, that I may never be confounded. Amen.

Prayer.

FAITHFUL servant of God, Aloysius, who have deigned to take me under your protection! how greatly must you be shocked at the pointed difference which you cannot but perceive between your dispositions and mine! Your soul was ever so pure, and so disengaged from the things of the earth, and mine is a slave to earthly sentiments, and longs only for the false goods of this world. You were always closely united with God; and, to my shame, I seek only to estrange myself from him, Alas! when I consider the frivolous goods which engross all the affections of my heart, I feel that I ought to be ashamed of my misery and weakness. You will doubtless tell me that I am so miserable and weak, only because I do not think of God. You will say to me what the Prophet Isaias said to the unfaithful Jews: "You have forgotten your Saviour, and you have not called to mind the God who is your strength and your support." I must own that I justly merit this reproach; but I address myself with confidence to you, and beseech you to obtain for me some part of that divine grace which united you so closely with God. May the eternal truths ever force themselves, in a manner, upon my mind, and may my mind always remain fixed and absorbed in the contemplation of

these great truths; and, instead of following the false lights of the spirit of the world, as I hitherto have done, may I allow myself to be guided only by the sincere light of the spirit of God, that thus the "word of God may be a lamp to my feet, and a light to my paths." Amen.

Prayer.

and glorious

neighbour even more than yourself! if it be true, as it most certainly is, that charity never fails, and though commenced in this world, receives its increase and perfection in heaven, may I not hope, that being now raised to that seat of glory, you will make me feel the effects of that tender and generous charity which you exercised during your mortal life, and that you will not refuse me a place in your heart. I have recourse to you with an humble confidence: be pleased to obtain for me from God, who is charity itself, some sparks of that divine fire with which your heart always glowed. I am a Christian, and to my shame I must own, that I do not love my neighbour as I ought. I do not love him in the manner that God wishes me to love him. I do not love him as much as God orders me to love him. I do not love him purely for God's sake, but too often I allow my passions to regulate my conduct towards him. Employ your powerful mediation in assisting me to reform this habitual disorder which reigns in my affections. Teach me to sanctify all the actions of my life by a purity of intention, to the end that, like you, I may die the death of the just; and obtain for me those graces which may calm and comfort my soul at that awful moment of death, which will decide my doom, either for eternal happiness or eternal misery. Amen.

Prayer.

as tender, and inflamed with the love of God as yours was? During your mortal life upon earth, you imitated that lively and ardent charity which animates the blessed spirits in heaven. This encourages me to apply to you, to obtain for me from the Almighty a thorough change of my heart. Yes; I make bold to present to you this frozen and insensible heart. Obtain for me some sparks of that divine fire which inflamed and consumed your soul. Teach me at length to know and to love my God, my sovereign, my only good. Alas! I see, and to my shame I own it, that I am deficient in my most essential duty, whilst I refuse to my God the love which I owe to him. I foolishly give my heart to vile and perishable creatures, and I do not love my Creator, my Redeemer,and my Father. I therefore con jure you, through that ardent love which you ever had for this divine Master, and which you wished you had the power to enkindle in every heart, to inspire me with sentiments far different from those which I have hitherto entertained. Exert your influence with our common Lord, to obtain for me the grace to live and to die in the love of my God: this is the greatest favour that I can expect from your powerful protection. Amen.

FEAST OF ST. ALOYSIUS.

Prayer.

ALLOW me, great Saint, to prostrate myself at the

feet of the throne of glory to which the Lord

has raised you in heaven. Allow me to congratulate with you on that unspeakable happiness which younow enjoy, and will enjoy for all eternity. Blessed be the

most Holy Trinity, who has elevated you to so exalted a station, and has rewarded your innocence, your penance, and your charity with so magnificent a crown. You are now become the object of the eternal complacency of your bountiful Master. Be pleased to cast a favourable look upon your client. Under your protection I hope to obtain from the God of Mercies all those blessings of which I stand in need. Stretch forth your fostering hand upon a poor wretch who implores your assistance, that you may deal charitably with him, and may shower down your blessings upon him. Let the first fruit of your protection be to obtain for me the grace to begin at length to lead a truly Christian life, and to surmount with courage every obstacle that the enemies of my salvation may throw in my way. May I conceive a firm resolution to walk in your footsteps, and like you to desire nothing but God and his holy grace. By these means I shall infallibly attain to the happiness of one day reigning with you in heaven. With what sentiments of gratitude shall I not then be impressed towards my beloved patron, for having assisted me by his example and prayers, to merit this never-ending felicity! This favour I expect from your powerful intercession. Amen.

MOST faithful companion, whom God has appointed to watch over me, my guide and my protector, ever at my side. What thanks can I offer thee for thy love, thy constancy, and thy innumerable benefits? Thou watchest over me in sleep; thou consolest me in sorrow; thou raisest me when I fall; thou wardest off danger; thou preparest me for the

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future; thou withdrawest me from sin; thou urgest me to good; and movest me to do penance, and reconcilest me with my God. Already, perhaps, I should have been thrust into hell, unless thou by thy prayers hadst averted from me the dreadful wrath of God. Desert me not, then, I beseech thee; encourage me in adversity; restrain me in prosperity; protect me in dangers; and assist me in temptations, lest at any time I yield to them. Offer to the Divine Majesty all my prayers and sighs and works, and obtain for me the grace to die in the friendship of God, and so to enter into life eternal. Amen.

0

Prayer.

MOST holy angel of God, appointed by him to be my guardian, I give thee thanks for all the benefits which thou hast ever bestowed on me in body and in soul. I praise and glorify thee that thou dost condescend to assist me, miserable and worthless as I am, with such patient fidelity, and to defend me against all the assaults of my enemies. Blessed be the hour in which thou wast assigned me for my guardian, my defender, and my patron. Blessed be all thy love to me, and all thy care for me, wherewith thou dost unwearingly further my salvation. In acknowledgment and return of all thy loving ministries to me from youth I thank God for th glory conferred on thee, and I offer him thy joy in h presence, thy adoration, thy love: I beseech thee t forgive me for having so often striven against th holy inspirations, and saddened thee, my neares dearest friend; and firmly purposing to obey the henceforward, and most faithfully to serve my Goo Amen..