Part I, Chapter XX

An Authentic Protestation, to Engrave in the Soul the Resolution to Serve God, and to Conclude the Acts of Penance

I, N., in the presence of the eternal God, and of the whole court of heaven, having considered the infinite mercy of his divine goodness towards me, a most unworthy and wretched creature, whom he has created out of nothing, preserved, supported, and delivered from so many dangers, and loaded with so many benefits; but considering, above all, the incomprehensible sweetness and clemency with which this merciful God has so graciously borne my iniquities; so frequently called upon me and invited me to amendment, and so patiently waited for my repentance and conversion until this present time, notwithstanding the innumerable instances of ingratitude, disloyalty, and infidelity, by which I have despised his grace, rashly offended him, and deferred my conversion from day to day; having, moreover, reflected that upon the day of my holy baptism I was dedicated to God, to be his child; and that, contrary to the profession then made in my name, I have so often, so execrably and detestably, profaned and violated all the powers of my soul and the senses of my body, applying and employing them against his divine majesty; at length, returning to myself, prostrate in spirit before the throne of the divine justice, I acknowledge, avow, and confess myself lawfully attainted and convicted of treason against God, and guilty of the death and passion of Jesus Christ, on account of the sins I have committed, for which he died and suffered the torment of the cross; so that, consequently, I deserve to be cast away and condemned forever. But, turning myself towards the throne of the infinite mercy of the same eternal God, having detested with my whole heart and strength the many iniquities of my past life, I most humbly beg pardon, grace, and mercy, with an entire absolution from them, by virtue of the death and passion of this same Lord and Redeemer of my soul, on which relying, as on the only foundation of my hope, I confirm again and renew the sacred profession of allegiance to my God made in my behalf at my baptism; renouncing the devil, the world and the flesh; detesting their base suggestions, vanities, and concupiscences during the residue of my mortal life, and for all eternity. And, turning myself towards my most gracious and merciful God, I desire, purpose, and am irrevocably resolved to serve and love him now and forever; and to this end, I give and consecrate to him my soul with all its powers, my heart with all its affections, and my body with all its senses, protesting that I will never more abuse any part of my being against his divine will and sovereign majesty, to whom I offer up and sacrifice myself in spirit, to be forever his loyal, obedient, and faithful creature, without ever revoking or repenting of this my act and deed.

But if, alas! I should chance, through the suggestion of the enemy, or through human frailty, to transgress in any point, or fail in adhering to this my resolution and dedication, I protest from this moment, and am determined, with the assistance of the Holy Ghost, to rise as soon as I shall perceive my fall, and return again to the divine mercy, without any delay whatsoever. This is my inviolable and irrevocable will, intention, and resolution, which I declare and confirm without reservation or exception, in the sacred presence of God, in the sight of the Church triumphant, and in presence of the Church militant, my mother, which hears this my declaration in the person of him who, as her officer, hears me in this action.

May it please thee, O my God! eternal, almighty, and all-gracious Father, Son and Holy Ghost! to confirm in me this resolution, and to accept this inward sacrifice of my heart, in the odor of sweetness. And as it hath pleased thee to inspire me with the will to do this, so grant me the strength and grace to perform it. O my God! thou art my God, the God of my heart, the God of my soul, and the God of my spirit: as such I acknowledge and as such I adore thee now and forever. Live, O Jesus!

About ReligiousBookshelf.com · A Supernerd Media project