O God! who for the redemption of the world didst vouchsafe to be born--to be circumcised--to be rejected by the Jews--to be betrayed with a kiss--to be bound like a malefactor, and like an innocent lamb to be led to the slaughter--to be ignominiously brought before Annas, Caiphas, Pilate, and Herod--to be accused by false witnesses--scourged with whips--buffeted--defiled with spittle--crowned with thorns--stripped of thy clothes--fastened to the cross, placed between two thieves--to have vinegar and gall given thee to drink--to have thy side pierced through with a spear! Thou, O Lord, by these most grievous pains, which I, though unworthy, do commemorate, and by thy most sacred passion and death, free me from the pains of hell, and conduct me whither thy mercy did conduct the good thief crucified with thee: who, together with the Father and the Holy Ghost, livest and reignest for ever. {293} A Prayer Of St. Jerome In Time Of Agony. Merciful Jesus, thou art my strength, my refuge, and my deliverer; in thee I have believed and hoped; in thee have I loved. Call me now, I beseech thee, and I will answer.--Stretch forth thy hand of mercy to the work of thy hands, and let me not perish, whom thou hast redeemed with thy precious blood. It is now time for dust to return to dust, and my spirit to thee who gavest it. Open then, Lord, the gate of life, and receive me; receive me most merciful Lord, according to the multitude of thy tender mercies, who receivedst the thief on the cross, and now prepare my soul for hearing the same promise of mercy which he did. I am sick, O Lord, and my life is withering away; therefore I come to thee my physician. Heal me then, my God, and I shall be healed: let me not be confounded; because I put my trust in thee. In thee have I hoped; let me not be cast off for ever. But what am I, most merciful Lord, that I should speak thus boldly to thee?--I am a sinner, grown up in sin, a rotten carcass, a vessel of corruption, and food for worms. But spare me still, my God; for what victory is there in overthrowing me, who am but as dust before the wind? Forgive me all my sins, and deliver me from my distress. {294} Arise and help me, Lord; arise and let thy mercy plead for me. Let my prayer ascend before thee, and stretch forth thy hand to help me; for behold I am covered with sin, and have done evil in thy sight, and there is none can heal me but thou, my God. If thou hadst not paid my ransom, by dying on the cross, should not I have been for ever miserable? Remember then, O merciful Jesus, that I have a share in that price that was paid. It was for me also, though most unworthy, thy blood was shed; let me, therefore, have a part in this mercy.