My Memory! the mysterious book--reflection of that of eternity, in which at
each moment are inscribed my thoughts, affections, and desires.
Into Thy Hands I commend it, LORD, that Thou alone mayst write there, Thou
alone efface!
Leave there, LORD, the remembrance of my sins, but efface forever the
pleasures that led to them--were I to catch but a glimpse of their enticing
sweetness, I might again desire them. Leave there the sweet memories of
childhood, when I loved Thee with such simplicity, and my father, my
mother, my family, were my sole affections. Those days, when the slightest
untruthfulness, or even the fear of having sinned, left me no peace till I
had confessed it to my mother. Those days, when I always felt my Guardian
Angel near me, helping me in my work, and soothing my little troubles!
Leave me the remembrance of my first sense of the Divine absolution, when
my heart overflowing with secret joy, I cried, _I am forgiven, I am
forgiven_!
And then the recollection of my first Communion! oh, recall it to me,
LORD, with its preparation so fearful, yet so loving; its joy so calm, so
holy, yet so sweet, that even now the thought of it fills mine eyes with
tears!
Leave me the remembrance of Thy Benefits! each year of my life is crowned
with blessings ... at _ten_ ... _fifteen_ ... _eighteen_ ... _twenty_
years ... oh! I can well recall all Thy goodness to me, my GOD! Yes,
receive my memory, blot out all that can estrange me from Thee, and grant
that nothing apart from Thee may again find a place there!