13. On the invocation of the holt name of Jesus, and of the blessed Mary, his Virgin mother

" Dirige, Domine, Deus mens, in conspectu tuo viam meamy* '• O Lord, my God, direct my way in thy sight.''^ 1. Thy ways, O Lord Jesus Christ, are beautiful and pure ; and to those that walk therein, thy paths are safe, and right, and perfect.

All thy paths are peaceful and holy, and lead the faithful and humble of heart, to the kingdom of heaven.

Wherever thou mayest go, or mayest direct thy steps, wherever thou shalt rest or sojourn, chII upon Jesus, call upon Mary, His holy Mother : vvith confidence repeat these words of the psalmist, as the guide of thy way ; " Direct, O Lord, my way in thy sight :" then add the following, — " Perfect thou my goings," O Jesus, " in Thy paths, that my footsteps be not moved," to behold vanity, or to wound my soul, by words of idleness.

2. Next let this comfortable prayer be for thy life's viaticum, — a provision for thy journey ; — let it be as a staff for thy firm support ; — say it often, say it devoutly : — " Jesus and Mary, be ever toilh me in the way, as my good guards at all times and. in every place, lest I wander in bye-paths; lest rnxj senses or my heart he seduced by the many illusions within and without.'''' This holy prayer. " Jesus and Mary," is short, easily remembered, and carried about without inconvenience ; it is sweet and pleasing to the mind ; the poor pilgrim who flies from the vanities of the world, will find in it the consolation, strength, and protection which he is in need of, to hold on his course in safety ; it will refresh the fatigue of the journey, and calm the disquietude of his soul ; it w411 fill him with comfort, and aid him mightily in resisting the obstacles which he may meet with ; and it will help to lead him by a path direct to life eternal.

This holy prayer is addressed to surer companions, and a more powerful escort, than all the kings and princes of this world, and to higher saints than all the saints in heaven or on earth.

This praver spoken fervently o o will aid in procuring the favour of all the court of heaven ; who with all reverence, ever follow Jesus Christ their Lord, and Mary, their holy lady, the blessed mother of Jesus, most w'orthy of all praise, and of the homage and benediction of all created things.

He that has these for his companions in his earthly pilgrimage, shall find in them devoted and zealous patrons in the hour of death.

Never depart from Jesus and Mary on earth, if thou wouldst live and rejoice with Jesus and Mary for ever in heaven.

Thy steps will be more secure, with less fear of wandering, if thou hast Jesus and Mary in thy heart ; if they be the object of thy praise, thy benediction, thy applause, thy transports, thy cries of delight, the joy of thy heart, thy tears and sighs, thy aim, thy emo o I o braces, thy regards, and thy adoration.

3. Blessed are those who call on Jesus and Mary continually, — who salute them devoutly, — who recall them lovingly to their memory,— who honour them above all, — who sing their praise with lively joy, — who glorify them to the utmost height, — who love them ardently,— who make their love the delight of their souls, — and who deem it happiness to sing and celebrate their names for ever.

Oh, how sweet is Jesus ! how sweet is holy Mary, his beloved mother !

Blessed is the pilgrim, who in the time of his exile, is ever mindful of the celestial country ; where Jesus and Mary are surrounded by angels and saints in joy ineffable and glory without end.

Blessed is the pilgrim who seeks no dwelling-place on earth, who desires " to be dissolved and to be with Christ in heaven."

Blessed is the poor and needy, who every day beg^eth the bread of heaven, and who ceases not to stretch forth his suppliant hands, till he receives the crinnbs which fall from the table of his Lord.

Blessed is he that is invited to the Supper of the Lamb, who here below receives the sacrament of His love and waits in patience until called to sit down to the banquet in heaven.

4. Because, as often as a person receives the communion devoutly, or as often as the priest reverently and devoutly offers to the honour of God the holy sacrifice ; so often does he sit at the table with Jesus, and His blessed Mother, to eat and drink spiritually with them. c o Such a one is the disciple of Jesus, the minister of the blessed Virgin Mary, the companion of the angels, the fellow-citizen of the Apostles, the servant of God, is nearly allied to the saints, and the intimate friend of Heaven, He flies the tumult of the world; he turns away from idle talk ; he meditates on the words of Jesus, and watches carefully over his heart and affections, that no thought may enter there to offend Jesus, or Mary, or the saints.

" He shall receive a blessing from the Lord, and mercy from God his Saviour."* Whensoever he shall call upon Him, He shall hear him from His holy heaven — wheresoever he may be, and whatsoever danger may oppress him.

For the disciples were on the sea, in danger of sinking, and they o o called on Jesus, and Jesus appeared forthwith, and said to them. good heart, it is I. fear ye not."t The voice of Jesus is a voice full of sweetness to bring consolation ; of power to protect ; of joy to make the soul glad ; of indulgence to pardon, and of grace to lead to life eternal. o o