Chapter L. Of a Way of Meditating and Praying by means of the Angels and all the Blessed

THERE are two ways of dealing with the Saints and Angels in Heaven in order to obtain their assistance.

The first is, to represent to the Eternal Father the praises and glory which He receives from the heavenly Court, and also to bring before Him the toils and pains which the Saints have suffered on earth for His love; and by virtue of these to ask of His Divine Majesty all that we need.

The second is, to ask for the prayers of those glorious spirits, who not only desire our perfection, but also that we may be in a far higher position than they are; begging that they may aid you against every enemy and every form of sin, and especially may guard you in the hour of death.

At other times you will reflect upon the many and singular graces which they have received from their Sovereign Creator, kindling in yourself lively affections of love and joy for those precious gifts with which they are enriched, rejoicing as if all those gifts had been bestowed upon yourself.

You should carry this disinterested joy even to a greater pitch than this, and even, if possible, rejoice that they rather than yourself have been thus favoured, since it is God's Will; and render, therefore, to Him thanks and praise.

To practise this devotion with ease and order, you may divide the different orders of the Blessed into seven parts, according to the seven days of the week.

Thus:—on Sunday, honour the nine choirs of the Angels; on Monday, St. John the Baptist; on Tuesday, the Patriarchs and Prophets; on Wednesday, the Apostles; on Thursday, the Martyrs; on Friday, Bishops and other Saints; and on Saturday, the Virgins and other Saints.

But omit not on any day the Blessed Virgin, Queen of all Saints; your guardian Angel; St. Michael, the Archangel; and all your patrons.

Daily entreat the Eternal Father and His Beloved Son, and ask for the prayers of the Blessed Virgin, that St. Joseph, the spouse of the Blessed Virgin, may also aid you, and confidently ask God for his special care and protection. Many wonderful things are told us of this glorious Saint, and of the many favours, both temporal and spiritual, which have been granted to those who have honoured him with pious veneration, and devoutly sought his prayers,—more especially to those who have wanted help in prayer and meditation.

For if God has so greatly honoured other saints who during their life have rendered honour and service to Him, what esteem will He have for that most humble and blessed Saint, whom He Himself so honoured upon earth as to be subject to him as to a father, and so obeyed and served him!