my soul, and that I may seriously endeavour to acquire the docility, obedience, gentleness, and purity of heart, which should be the favourite virtues of my present years. Conduct me safely through this world of sin and misery; watch over me at the awful hour of my death; perform for my soul the last charitable office of thy mission, by strengthening, encouraging, and supporting me in the agonies of death, and then, as the Angel Raphael conducted Tobias safely to his father, do thou, my good Angel and blessed Guide, return with me to him who sent thee, that we may mutually bless him, and publish his wonderful works for a happy eternity. Amen.
Aspiration. — O my dear Angel Guardian, preserve me from the misfortune of offending God.
EXERCISE FOR WEDNESDAY.
Devotion to St. Joseph.
O GREAT St. Joseph! reputed Father of Jesus! and spouse of the Mother of God! thou art my special Patron, and the object of my sincere devotion, respect, and confidence; I rejoice from the bottom of my heart, in the sublime favours bestowed on thee. I thank the Almighty for having honoured thee with the most glorious commission which heaven could give thee for having made thee the guardian of the life of Jesus — the protector of Him who watches over the world, the support and consoler of his most blessed Mother. O great Favourite of Heaven! if thou wert so exalted on earth, how great must thou be in heaven! If this wretched world was rendered a paradise for thee by the constant presence of Jesus, how happy must thou be, now that thou beholdest him in the splendour of his glory! I will, notwithstanding thy dignity and my unworthiness,
