ACT OF FAITH
O MY God! thou who art infallible Truth! I believe everything which the holy Church commands me to believe, because thou hast revealed it to her. I believe that thou art the Creator of heaven and earth, that thou dost reward the just in paradise, and punish the wicked eternally in hell. I believe that thou art one divine Essence in three persons, namely: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. I believe the incarnation, and the death of Jesus Christ. In a word, I believe all that the holy Church believes. I thank thee for having made me a Christian and a Catholic, and I protest that I will live and die in this holy faith.
ACT OF HOPE.
O MY God! I confide in thy promises, because thou art faithful, powerful, and merciful, and hope, through the merits of Jesus Christ, for the pardon of my sins, final perseverance, and the everlasting glory of paradise.
ACT OF CHARITY.
O MY God! I love thee with all my heart, and above all things, because thou art infinitely good and worthy of infinite love, and for love of thee I love my neighbour as myself.
ACT OF CONTRITION.
O MY God! I am heartily sorry for all my sins, because by them I have offended thee. I detest them above all things; and I am firmly resolved, by the help of thy holy grace, which I beseech thee to grant me now and always, rather to die than offend thee any more.Amen.
N.B.—It is a most profitable exercise for those whose way of life allows of it, to make at least a quarter of an hour's meditation after their morning prayers. See Meditations at page 255.
