Page:Imitation-of-christ-1901.djvu/261

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Of Exercise before Communion.
247

honoureth God, he rejoiceth the angels, he edifieth the church, he helpeth the living, he remembereth the departed, and maketh himself partaker of all good things.

CHAPTER VI.

AN ENQUIRY CONCERNING SPIRITUAL EXERCISE BEFORE COMMUNION.

WHEN I weigh Thy worthiness, O Lord, and mine own vileness, I tremble, and am confounded within myself.

For if I come not unto Thee, I fly from life, and if I unworthily intrude myself, I incur Thy displeasure.

What therefore shall I do, O my God, my helper and my counsellor in all necessity.

2. O teach Thou me the right way, appoint me some brief exercise, suitable to this holy communion.

For it is good for me to know how I ought reverently and religiously to prepare myself for Thee, for the profitable receiving of this sacrament, and for the celebrating so great and divine a sacrifice.