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While full of penitence I perceive how little I have done, I promise to myself that in the days to come I shall act better. But will the morrow yet be mine? Let this moment bring to my mind the guilt of so many misspent minutes; let it make good the sins of my past years, but how fruitless is the wish if thou, my Redeemer, should not aid my weak endeavours. Let thy precious blood free me from the banishment I have so justly deserved, and let it sanctify my future life that I may spend it to thy honour and my soul's health. Amen.

XII.

For God's Protection.

EHOLD, O Lord, I am dust, but thou hast formed my spirit from eternity; have pity upon me: from my wicked heart, from my indolence and coldness of spirit preserve me, O Lord my God, through the support of thy Holy Spirit: from all rebellion to thee, from enmity to my fellow creatures, from too strong temptations, from the death of the soul preserve me, thou Lord

Teach me to be ever more

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of my life! mindful of my heavenly calling, that I not be lost to heaven through attachment to earth. Be thy word my comfort when I suffer, my strength when I fail. Keep me sure to thy holy word. Do thou carry me through the narrow gate which leads to everlasting life. O that I might love thee with all my soul, with all my heart, with all my faculties. Keep me to struggle against and to conquer sin. O eternal God, have compassion on me! Lord, Lord! have mercy upon me! Father and Creator, have compassion upon me! Lord, thou Son of God, Mediator of the world, have mercy upon me. Spirit of the Father and the Son, have mercy upon me! Amen.

XIII.

On Death.

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VERY day do I find new cause to busy myself with the thoughts of death. Wherever I cast my eyes, I find change and decay. All nature proclaims my perishable state, but yet more strongly the decay of my body

reminds me of my approaching end: the graves of the beloved friends who are gone before me, warn me. The house in which I dwell silently tells of death; in a short time I shall make place for new possessors. And who knows how soon I may there be with those dead whom I loved so much in life. I will not let these contemplations depart from me, for they are able to make me wise to eternity. As often as I waver, when worldly cares, discontent and regret for past pleasure arise, let me reflect upon the hour when no worldly good can avail. Thou knowest my heart, O God, and how it struggles with the terror of death. Sustain me with thy strength and replenish me with heavenly thoughts. My heart is too strongly fettered to the earth. I feel how impossible it is for my corrupted heart to bend all my wishes to the possessions of eternity. I therefore implore thee, my God, to teach me to consider this world and all it contains with a truly Christian spirit, my home is in heaven, but my way to it passes over earth. O be thou my guide, I implore thee in the name of my gracious Lord and Saviour. Amen.

XIV.

For sincere Piety.

WHEREFORE have I not long since bowed myself under the sceptre of Jesus: hasten, my soul, to the foot of the cross, cast off the ties which bind thee to earth. O cast from thee the burden of thy sins, and in Jesus seek repose for thy spirit, in him absolution from thine iniquities, in him joy for the present, and hope for the future.

Lord, I confess my utter unworthiness, and humble myself before thee. Accept, O my God, with thy accustomed mercy the incense of a deeply contrite heart for Jesus' sake: continue thy mercy to thy servant who resigns herself to thy guidance, and continue in thy long-suffering to hear a sinner who can only plead the sacrifice which Jesus offered for the abolition of sin. I will strive to become more worthy of the grace for which I supplicate, of the blessings which thou hast bestowed, of the patience with which thou dealest with me. O God, how happy should I be were I devoted to

thee with a truly pious heart: do thou thyself remove the obstacles which prevent me from being wholly thine, for Christ's sake. Amen.

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XV.

On Long Life.

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HEN I know that I shall enter into a higher state of existence, why should I wish to remain longer in the world

and to become a burthen to others. Be this my only wish and care that I may at the appointed hour finish like a good labourer my task in this world. Father and Lord of my life, I leave to thy wise counsel to decide how long I shall still live in this earth! thy goodness determines the period when I shall lay down the burthen of life, and this period is for me the most to be desired. If I only retire from the earth in thy peace, then is my full wish accomplished.

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