SECTION VI.

EXAMINATION OF SINS.

WE were created that we might render homage and reverence to our Almighty, most glorious and gracious Creator, and that we should love and praise Him. But in sinning we have turned from Him, to the love of vain, sinful, and perishing creatures, and therefore have become unworthy of His grace and deserving of eternal punishment.

Call to mind, therefore, as far as you are able, in the bitterness of your soul, all the grievous sins which you have committed in thoughts, words and deeds, and by omissions, from the beginning of your life unto the present hour. But do not dwell long on the sins of the flesh, lest they pollute the mind. Diligently run over from year to year, from day to day, and time to time, recalling the places in which you have been, the persons with whom you have conversed, and the state and

offices which you have held. Examine how often you have repeated the worst sins, and be ashamed, mortified and humbled.

Remember those aggravated sins, by which thou, a vile and abject wretch, hast dishonoured and despised the Creator of heaven and earth; even the Lord Almighty. And hast in some degree crucified Christ afresh, who nevertheless always graciously preserves and blesses you.

Reflecting upon your pride, perversity, and ingratitude, humble yourself before God as a miserable sinner, who, but for His mercy, would be cast into hell. Consider how God hates and punishes sin, that for one transgression He should have cast the angels out of heaven; and Adam and we from paradise. If one sin brought such condemnation on them, what ought to be done to me, who have altogether offended the most holy King of glory? Reflecting deeply on these things, judge and condemn yourself that you be not judged by the Lord; and praise God for having so long spared you to repent.

Lastly, sorrowing with all your heart, and

meditating on Jesus crucified, and His bleeding Wounds, cry out from the depths of the heart; Alas, most gracious Lord Jesus Christ, Creator, Redeemer, and Benefactor, I a most miserable sinner have offended and despised Thee thus, and thus, (here name the sins). I have repeated such and such iniquities, and have been disobedient and ungrateful to Thee. But pardon me, I beseech Thee, for Thy boundless goodness and charity, with which Thou didst bear Thy most bitter Passion for me. Amen.

If you thus humbly, fervently, and sincerely confess your sins, you need never despair; but with a full and loving faith in God, firmly resolve to amend your life and forsake every evil way.

Prayers for Pardon.

BLESSED JESU! alas, I have grievously offended Thee all the days of my life, I have ever been ungrateful to Thee, resisting Thy grace and adding sin to sin. My sins are many and great, but Thy mercy is vast and infinite. I confess that I am altogether unworthy to be called Thy son, but yet I ac

knowledge Thee, O God, to be my Father. Thou art all my confidence; Thou art the Fountain of mercy, who dost not reject sinstained souls when they fly to Thee, but mercifully cleansest them. Behold, O Lord, Thou that art my sure Refuge; behold I, a vile sinner, come to Thee, bringing nothing but the burden of my sins. I humbly cast myself at Thy feet; 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. Amen.

O LORD Jesus my Creator, Redeemer, and loving Benefactor, who mercifully hearest those who devoutly cry unto Thee, have mercy on me now calling upon Thee. Purify me, I beseech Thee, by Thy most holy Incarnation and Passion, from all sin. Destroy in me all pride, haughtiness, arrogance, hardness and stubbornness of heart; all feelings of impatience, anger, malice, and revenge; all desire of vain glory and every evil passion. Take

from me whatever displeases Thee, and give me what is well-pleasing to Thee. Grant me a right spirit, a meek and quiet spirit; grant me internal purity and integrity; implant in my heart pure affections and a fervent desire of serving Thee, and a contempt of all sinful and vain things. Give me true humility, meekness, patience, tender love, compassion and benevolence. Grant me sobriety and chastity, and give me grace wholly to hope and trust in Thee in all the events of life. Teach, enlighten, direct, protect, and keep me every moment of my life, that I may do all things to Thy honour and glory. Amen.

Another.

O MOST gracious Father, by the love and humble prayers of Thy beloved Son, pardon the errors of Thy sinful servant, accept His most worthy sacrifice, and blot out the grievous sins of Thy servant, since He has paid all the debt due for them. For His goodness, and the merits of His bitter Passion, far outweigh my sins and wickednesses. For what sin can be so aggravated, that such sadness, such suffer