Third Part
Begin as before, saying, “At the name of Jesus let every knee bend,” &c., page 492.
The Eleventh Petition.
Jesus! (repeated ten times) grant me grace to avoid bad company; or, if I should chance to come in the midst of such, preserve me from being infected with the least temptation to mortal sin, through the merits of thine uncorrupt conversation among sinners. Art thou not always present, O Lord? and wilt thou not take an exact account of all our words and actions, and judge us accordingly? How then dare I converse with liars, slanderers, drunkards, or blasphemers; or with such whose discourse is either vain, quarrelsome, or dissolute?—Repress in me, dear Jesus, every inordinate affection to carnal pleasures, and to delights of taste; and strengthen me by thy grace to avoid such company as would enkindle the flames of those unruly appetites. May thy power, thy wisdom, and thy fatherly compassion defend, direct, and chastise me; and cause me to lead such a life here amongst men, as may qualify me hereafter for the conversation of angels.
Have mercy, &c. Our Father. Hail Mary.