beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Here commend thy faith to God, as follows: for our Lord revealed to Ht. Mechtilde that those who do so shall be preserved from temptations against the faith to their lives' end.
I COMMEND this my faith to thine omnipotence, O eternal Father, beseeching thee that thou wouldest so strengthen me therein with thy divine strength, that I may never depart from it or waver in it.
I commend it to thine unsearchable wisdom, O only-begotten Son, beseeching thee that thou wouldest so enlighten me with the light of thy knowledge, that I may never be led astray by the spirit of error.
I commend it likewise to thy most compassionate goodness, O Holy Ghost the Comforter, beseeching thee that this my faith may so work in me by charity, that at the hour of my death it may be found perfect and entire.
TRUST IN GOD.
Our Lord said to St. Mechtilde: Of a truth it greatly pleases me that men should confidently expect great things from me, for it is impossible that a man should fail to obtain that which he believes and hopes for. Therefore it is good for a man to hope great things from me, and to confide sincerely in me. Our Lord gave also a like assurance to St. Gertrude.
O GOD of my heart, my only hope and
