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ACTS OF FAITH, HOPE, AND CHARITY.
Act of Faith.
I most firmly believe, because God, who is the infallible Truth, hath so revealed to the Holy Catholic Church, and through the Church to us, that there is one only God in three divine Persons, equal and distinct, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; that the Son became man by taking to himself flesh and a human soul, through the operation of the Holy Ghost in the womb of the most pure Virgin Mary; that he died for us upon the cross, rose again, ascended into heaven, and from thence shall come again at the end of the world to judge all the living and the dead, to give paradise for ever to the good and hell to the wicked; moreover, for the same motive I believe all that the same holy Church believes and teaches.
Act of Hope.
My God, because thou art almighty, infinitely good, and full of pity, I hope that by the merits of the Passion of Death of Jesus Christ our Saviour, thou wilt grant me eternal life, which thou, the faithful God, hast promised to all those who shall do the works of a good Christian, as I purpose to do by thy holy help.
Act of Charity.
My God, because thou art the highest and most perfect good, I love thee with my whole heart, and above all things; and rather than offend thee I am ready to lose all things'else, and for thy love I love and desire to love my neighbour as myself.
Act of Contrition.
My God, I abhor and detest all my sins, and I am heartily sorry for them, not only for the fear of punishment, or the hope of reward, but chiefly because by sinning I have offended thee, who art infinitely good, and whom I love above all things. I firmly purpose, by the assistance of thy divine grace, to avoid the occasions of sin, and never more to break thy commandments.
LAUS DEO SEMPER.