Tractatus Prior, Pars Prior, Cap. 13. De sanctis innocentibus ab Herode pro nomine lesu occisis.

Tractatus Prior, Pars Prior, Cap. 13. De sanctis innocentibus ab Herode pro nomine lesu occisis.

I bless you and give thanks to you, Lord Jesus Christ, hope of orphans, glory of the humble, and crown of all saints, for the innocent slaughter of so many children for the sake of your name by those who were slaughtered. I praise and glorify you for the first fruits of the children whom you allowed to depart from this world without sin, granting them the merit of martyrdom, even though they had not yet reached the use of reason. I adore the fairness of your judgments in all your marvelous works, who have exalted the humble and innocent to eternal glory, while you have cast down the proud Herod into the infernal depths with those who consented to him in perpetual confusion. I humbly plead with you, most innocent Jesus, teach me to seek the innocence and humility of little children in my heart and actions, so that, having set aside all bitterness and pride, I may be found gentler, purer, humbler, more patient, and more joyful among my companions. May no softness of the flesh weigh me down, but may perfect mortification of vices keep me safe from all harm.