THE PRINCE IMPERIAL'S PRAYER.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIV, Issue 208, 13 September 1879, Page 6

THE PRINCE IMPERIAL'S PRAYER.

Among the papers in the desk of the late Prince Imperial was found in his own handwriting the following prayer written in French. The elucidation of his high character alone, aays the " Morning Post," justifies the publication of a sacred document which will prove to the world how intimately he was penetrated with all the feelings which most become a Christian, and which give higher hopaa than are afforded by the pains and perils of this transitory life : — My God i I give to Thee my heart, but give to me faith. Without faith there is no strong prayer, and to pray ia the longing of my soul. I pray, not that Thou shouideat take away the obstacles in my path, but that Thou mayeßt per nit ma to overcome them. I pray, not (hat Thou ehouldest disarm my enemies, but that Thou shouldest aid me to conquer myself. Hear, 0 Goi 1 my prayer. Preserve to my affecliou tboae who are dear to me. Grant them happy days. If Thou only givesl on this earth a certain sum of joy, take, 0 God, my share, and bestow it on the most worthy, and m&y the most worthy be my friends. If Thou seekest vengeance upon man, strike me. Misfortune is converted into happiness by the aweet thought that those whom we love ara happy. Happiueaa is poisoned by the bitter thought j while I rejoice, those whom I love a thousand times better than myself are suffering, For me, 0 God ! no more happiness. Take it from my path, I can only find joy in forgetting the past. If I forget those who are no more, I shall be for- ' gotten in my turD, and how sad the thought which makes one say,

" Time effaces all ! " The only satisfaction I seek is that which laata for ever, that which is gfven by a tranquil conscience. 0, my God ! show mo ever where my duly lies, and give me strength to accomplish it always. Arrived at the term of my life, I shall turn my looks fearlessly to the past. Remembrance will not be for a long remorse. T :eo I shall be happy. Grant, O God ! that my heart may be penetrated with the conviction that those whom I love, and who are dead, shall see all my actions. My life shall be worthy of their witness, and my innermost thoughts shall never make them blush.