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"For myself," said he, "and for all my companions, who have been

chosen to the high privilege of serving Christ in you, I humbly

ask your forgiveness if we have not worthily fulfilled so great a

ministry. If indolence, or the waywardness of the flesh, has

rendered us less attentive to your wants, less prompt to your

call than duty demanded; if unjust impatience, or culpable

disgust, have caused us sometimes to appear severe and wearied in

your presence; if, indeed, the miserable thought that you had

need of us, has led us to be deficient in humility towards you;

if our frailty has made us commit any action which may have given

you pain, pardon us! May God remit also your offences, and bless

you!"