"_Life everlasting_."--This is the fourth and final blessing attainable within the pale of the holy Catholic Church, and reserved for the children of light in the next world. It is the last end of man, the ultimate reward that awaits true faith, animated by charity and good works, and it essentially consists in the clear vision and fruition of God. O let us lead such lives here on earth, that we may hereafter live with Jesus Christ in the glory of his eternal Father, for ever and ever: and that this may be our happy case, let us devoutly say, "Our Father," &c. "Hail Mary," &c.
Hail, happy Queen! thou mercy's parent hail! Life, hope, and comfort of this earthly vale; To thee we eve's wretched children cry; In sighs and tears to thee we suppliants fly. Rise, glorious advocate, exert thy love, And let our vows thine eyes of pity move. O sweet, O pious maid! for us obtain-- For us who long have in our exile lain-- To see thy Jesus, and with him to reign.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
V. Pray for us, O ye holy apostles, and all ye saints of God,
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
We beseech thee, O Lord, that by the intercession of the blessed and glorious Virgin Mary, of thy holy apostles, and of all thy saints, thou wouldst vouchsafe to protect and defend us from the snares of the enemy, and conduct us unto life everlasting. Amen.
An Universal Prayer. For All Things Necessary To Salvation.
O my God, I believe in thee; do thou strengthen my faith. All my hopes are in thee; do thou secure them. I love thee with my whole heart; teach me to love thee daily more and more. I am sorry that I have offended thee; do thou increase my sorrow.
I adore thee as my first beginning. I aspire after thee as my last end. I give thee thanks as my constant benefactor. I call upon thee as my sovereign protector.
Vouchsafe, O my God, to conduct me by thy wisdom, to restrain me by thy justice, to comfort me by thy mercy, to defend me by thy power.
To thee I desire to consecrate all my thoughts, words, actions, and sufferings; that henceforward I may think of thee, speak of thee, willingly refer all my actions to thy greater glory, and suffer willingly whatever thou shalt appoint.