CHAPTER I.
WITH HOW GREAT REVERENCE CHRIST OUGHT TO BE RECEIVED.
HESE are Thy words, Christ, the everlasting truth, though not spoken all at one time, nor written in the same place.
Because therefore they are Thine and true, they are all thankfully and faithfully to be received by me.
They are Thine, and Thou hast pronounced them: and they are mine also, because Thou hast spoken them for my salvation.
I cheerfully receive them from Thy mouth, that they may be the more deeply implanted in my heart.
They arouse me, those most gracious words, so full of sweetness and of love; but mine own offences do dishearten me, and an impure conscience driveth me back from the receiving of so great mysteries.
The sweetness of Thy words doth encourage me, but the multitude of my sins weigheth me down.
2. Thou commandest me to come confidently unto Thee, if I would have part with Thee; and to receive the food of immortality, if I desire to obtain everlasting life and glory.
"Come unto Me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will refresh you."
O sweet and loving word in the ear of a sinner, that Thou, my Lord God, shouldst invite the poor
