I present myself before Thy Holy Face, O my Saviour, laden with my sins and the penalties which they have brought upon me. My sufferings are far less than what I deserve, for, although I am conscious of the just punishment of my sins, I do not, on that account, cease to commit fresh ones every day. I am bowed down under Thy scourges, and I do not become better; my heart is full of bitterness, and my obstinacy, in doing evil, remains for ever the same. My life passes away in misery, and I do not correct myself. When Thou chastisest me, I make the best promises in the world; as soon as Thou liftest up Thy hand, I forget all that I promised Thee.

I make to Thee, O God! a sincere confession of my sins; I protest in Thy presence, that if Thou do not show mercy upon me, I shall be in danger of perishing utterly. Grant me, my Saviour, what I beg of Thee, although I do not deserve it, since Thou hast of Thy goodness drawn me out of nothingness to put me into a state wherein I can pray to Thee. Amen.