‘Tossed on the stormy billows of life, I flee to this haven of rest;
Lord, let me here find peace, and balm for the wounds of my heart.
With my tears, O Lord, I will wash away the evil tale of my misdeeds,
And my life henceforth shall be vowed to Thee, in penance and humble prayer;
But the fiend will come to entice and deceive my wavering soul;
Lord, help me then with Thy might, that I may not yield to his wiles.
I am a sheep of Thy flock, O Lord; unto Thee do I flee for refuge.
Though a wanderer, let me come to Thee; O God, have mercy upon me.’
Portions were next read from the Epistle to the Ephesians (vi. 10–17) and from the Gospel according to St. Matthew [[76]](x. 37, 38; and xi. 28–30). Then, during the recital of a prayer, the Prior laid a cross on the novice’s chest and shoulders, and called upon him to bear in mind the words of Christ (St. Matt. x. 38). He handed him a lighted taper, and with this in his hand he was to stand before the picture of Christ, until the administration of the Holy Communion. When he handed him this taper, he said, ‘Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven’ (St. Matt. v. 16).
The only thing which now remained was for Ambrose, with the Superior and Brothers, to receive the Blessed Sacrament, and they had all to give him the kiss of peace, in token that he was received as a Brother in their community.