CHAPTER X.
THAT THE HOLY COMMUNION IS NOT LIKELY TO BE FORBORNE.
HOU oughtest often to have recourse to the Fountain of grace and of divine mercy, so that thou mayest be healed of thy sins, and be made more strong and vigilant against the Fountain of goodness and of all purity; all the temptations and deceits of the devil.
The enemy, knowing what exceeding great profit and restoring aid cometh by the holy communion, endeavours by all means and on all occasions, to hinder the faithful and devout from partaking therein.
2. Thus it is that some persons when they are preparing to fit themselves for holy communion, suffer from the promptings of Satan worse than before.
That wicked spirit himself (as it is written in Job) cometh amongst the sons of God, to trouble them according to his accustomed malice, or to render them over fearful and perplexed; to the end he may, if possible, prevail on them, either altogether to forbear communicating, or at least to come with lukewarmness.
But there is no heed at all to be taken of his crafty suggestions, be they never so filthy and hideous, but all such vain imaginations are to be turned back upon his own head.
Thou must despise him and laugh him to scorn,
