A PRAYER TO ST. ALOYSIUS.
523
that he is not thus loved by us, is a sign and token that we really love him.
3. He does not truly love God who is not willing and desirous to suffer great things for
his sake.
1. The saints rejoice to see men imitate their virtues, Wherefore, if you desire to acquire any one in particular, let his example, who flourished and excelled in it, be your copy and pattern; he will still rejoice to see the same followed by his clients.
2. Approve yourself to God by your actions, without being solicitous for the favour or applause of man, which at best is no more than a thief, who lies in wait for the treasure of your
merits.
3. It is a greater comfort to leave riches and honours for God's sake, than to acquire them with care and solicitude. A wise man would rather rid himself of those which he enjoys, than desire to be entangled and charged with new acquisitions.
A Prayer to St. Aloysius.
O ANGELICAL ST. ALOYSIUS! I, your most humble client, recommend to you, in a particular manner, the purity of my body and soul: I beseech you, by your angelic chastity, to recommend me to Jesus Christ, the Immaculate Lamb, and to his blessed mother, the Virgin of virgins, and to preserve me from all sin. Never permit me to be defiled by any s'ain of impurity; but when you see me exposed to


