O holy Angel, whom God, by the effect of his goodness, and the tender regard of my welfare, hath charged with the care of my conduct; who doth assist me in all my wants, and comfort me in all my afflictions; who supporteth me when I am discouraged, and continually obtaineth for me new favours; I return thee profound thanks, and conjure thee, most amiable protector! to continue thy charitable care and defence of me against the malignant attacks of all my enemies. Keep me at a distance from all occasions of sin. Obtain for me the grace of hearkening attentively to thy holy inspirations, and of faithfully reducing them to practice. Protect me in all the temptations and trials of this life, but more especially at the hour of death; and do not quit me till thou hast conducted me into the presence of my Creator, in the mansions of everlasting happiness. Amen. Wednesday. The glorious functions wherewith God honoured Saint Joseph in this world, and the rare examples of humility, wisdom, patience, fidelity, obedience, and submission, which he hath given us, should inspire us with the highest idea of his sanctity, and the greatest devotion towards him. Honour him, therefore, but more especially by a faithful imitation of his virtues. Have recourse to him with confidence, and inspire this confidence into others. St. Teresa assures us, that she never asked any favour of God in his name but what she obtained. {165} A Prayer To St. Joseph. Illustrious Saint! who art that good and faithful servant, to whom God committed the care of his family; whom he appointed guardian and protector of the life of Jesus Christ, the comfort and support of his holy Mother, and co-partner in his great design of the redemption of mankind; thou who hadst the happiness of living with Jesus and Mary, and of dying in their arms; chaste spouse of the Mother of God; model and patron of pure souls; humble, patient, and reserved; be moved with the confidence we place in thy intercession, and accept with kindness this testimony of our devotion. We give thanks to God for the signal favours he hath been pleased to confer on thee, and we conjure him by thy intercession, to make us imitate thy virtues. Pray for us, then, O great saint; and by that love which thou hadst for Jesus and Mary, and by the love which Jesus and Mary had for thee, obtain for us the incomparable happiness of living and dying in the love of Jesus and Mary. Amen. Thursday.