CHAPTER XX. A hearty Protest made with the object of confirming the Soul’s
resolution to serve God, as a conclusion to its acts of Penitence.

I, THE undersigned,–in the Presence of God and of all the company of
Heaven, having considered the Infinite Mercy of His Heavenly Goodness
towards me, a most miserable, unworthy creature, whom He has created,
preserved, sustained, delivered from so many dangers, and filled with
so many blessings: having above all considered the incomprehensible
mercy and loving-kindness with which this most Good God has borne with
me in my sinfulness, leading me so tenderly to repentance, and waiting
so patiently for me till this–(present) year of my life,
notwithstanding all my ingratitude, disloyalty and faithlessness, by
which I have delayed turning to Him, and despising His Grace, have
offended Him anew: and further, remembering that in my Baptism I was
solemnly and happily dedicated to God as His child, and that in
defiance of the profession then made in my name, I have so often
miserably profaned my gifts, turning them against God’s Divine
Majesty:–I, now coming to myself prostrate in heart and soul before
the Throne of His Justice, acknowledge and confess that I am duly
accused and convicted of treason against His Majesty, and guilty of the
Death and Passion of Jesus Christ, by reason of the sins I have
committed, for which He died, bearing the reproach of the Cross; so
that I deserve nothing else save eternal damnation.

But turning to the Throne of Infinite Mercy of this Eternal God,
detesting the sins of my past life with all my heart and all my
strength, I humbly desire and ask grace, pardon, and mercy, with entire
absolution from my sin, in virtue of the Death and Passion of that same
Lord and Redeemer, on Whom I lean as the only ground of my hope. I
renew the sacred promise of faithfulness to God made in my name at my
Baptism; renouncing the devil, the world, and the flesh, abhorring
their accursed suggestions, vanities and lusts, now and for all
eternity. And turning to a Loving and Pitiful God, I desire, intend,
and deliberately resolve to serve and love Him now and eternally,
devoting my mind and all its faculties, my soul and all its powers, my
heart and all its affections, my body and all its senses, to His Will.
I resolve never to misuse any part of my being by opposing His Divine
Will and Sovereign Majesty, to which I wholly immolate myself in
intention, vowing ever to be His loyal, obedient and faithful servant
without any change or recall. But if unhappily, through the promptings
of the enemy, or human infirmity, I should in anywise fail in this my
resolution and dedication, I do most earnestly resolve by the grace of
the Holy Spirit to rise up again so soon as I shall perceive my fall,
and turn anew, without any delay, to seek His Divine Mercy. This is my
firm will and intention,–my inviolable, irrevocable resolution, which
I make and confirm without any reserve, in the Holy Presence of God, in
the sight of the Church triumphant, and before the Church militant,
which is my mother, who accepts this my declaration, in the person of
him who, as her representative, hears me make it. Be pleased, O
Eternal, All-Powerful, and All-Loving God,–Father, Son, and Holy
Spirit, to confirm me in this my resolution, and accept my hearty and
willing offering. And inasmuch as Thou hast been pleased to inspire me
with the will to make it, give me also the needful strength and grace
to keep it. O God, Thou art my God, the God of my heart, my soul, and
spirit, and as such I acknowledge and adore Thee, now and for all
eternity. Glory be to Jesus. Amen.
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