Begin as before, saying, "At the name of Jesus let every knee bend," &c., page 492.
The Eleventh Petition.
Jesus! (repeated ten times) grant me grace to avoid bad company; or, if I should chance to come in the midst of such, preserve me from being infected with the least temptation to mortal sin, through the merits of thine uncorrupt conversation among sinners. Art thou not always present, O Lord? and wilt thou not take an exact account of all our words and actions, and judge us accordingly? How then dare I converse with liars, slanderers, drunkards, or blasphemers; or with such whose discourse is either vain, quarrelsome, or dissolute?—Repress in me, dear Jesus, every inordinate affection to carnal pleasures, and to delights of taste; and strengthen me by thy grace to avoid such company as would enkindle the flames of those unruly appetites. May thy power, thy wisdom, and thy fatherly compassion defend, direct, and chastise me; and cause me to lead such a life here amongst men, as may qualify me hereafter for the conversation of angels.
Have mercy, &c. Our Father. Hail Mary.
The Twelfth Petition.
Jesus! (repeated ten times) grant me the grace to call on thee for help in all my necessities, and frequently to remember thy death and resurrection. Wilt thou be deaf to my cries, who hast laid down thy life for my ransom? or canst thou not save me, who took it up again for my crown? Call on me in the day of trouble, and I will deliver thee. Whom have I in heaven but thee, O my Jesus! from whose blessed mouth issued such balmy words? Thou art my sure rock of defence against all mine enemies, and my gracious assistant in every good work. I will, then, invoke thee with confidence in all my trials and afflictions, and when thou hearest me, O Jesus! thou wilt have mercy on me.
Have mercy, &c. Our Father. Hail Mary.
The Thirteenth Petition.
Jesus! (repeated ten times) enable me to persevere in a virtuous life, and never to grow weary in thy service till thou rewardest me in thy kingdom. In pious customs, holy duties, and in all honest and necessary employments, continue, O Lord, to strengthen me, both in soul and body. My life is nothing on earth but a pilgrimage towards the heavenly Jerusalem, to which he that sits down, or turns out of the way, can never arrive. May I always, O Jesus! follow thy blessed example. With how much pain, and how little pleasure, didst thou press on to a bitter death, that being the assured way to a glorious resurrection. Let me frequently meditate on those severe words of thine: He only that perseveres to the end shall be saved.