The PRAYER.
O Blessed and Eternal God, who didst suffer thy Holy Son to fly from the violence of an enraged Prince, and didst chuse to defend him in the ways of his infirmity by hiding himself, and a voluntary exile; be thou a defence to all thy faithful people when-ever Perse∣cution arises against them, send them the ministery of Angels to direct them into ways of se∣curity, and let thy holy Spirit guide them in the paths of Sanctity, and let thy Providence continue in custody over their persons till the times of refreshment and the day of Redemption shall return. Give, O Lord, to thy whole Church Sanctity and Zeal, and the confidences of a holy Faith, boldness of confession, Humility, content, and resignation of spirit, generous contempt of the World, and unmingled desires of thy glory and the edification of thy Elect; that no secular interests disturb her duty, or discompose her charity, or depress her hopes, or in any unequal degree possess her affections and pollute her spirit: but preserve her from the snares of the World and the Devil, from the rapine and greedy desires of Sacrilegious persons; and in all conditions, whether of affluence or want, may she still promote the interests of Religion: that when plenteousness is within her palaces, and peace in her walls, that con∣dition may then be best for her; and when she is made as naked as Jesus to his Passion, then Poverty may be best for her: that in all estates she may glorifie thee, and in all accidents and changes thou mayest sanctifie and bless her, and at last bring her to the eternal riches and abundances of glory, where no Persecution shall disturb her rest. Grant this for sweet Jesus sake, who suffered exile and hard journeys, and all the inconveniences of a friendless person, in a strange Province; to whom with thee and the eternal Spirit be glory for ever, and bles∣sing in all generations of the World, and for ever and ever.