2. Know thou notwithstanding, that the merit of no action of thine is able to make this preparation sufficient, although thou shouldst prepare thyself during a whole year.
But it is out of My mere grace and favour that thou art permitted to come to My table. As if a beggar were invited to a rich man's dinner and he hath no other return to make to him for his benefits, but to humble himself and give him thanks.
Do what lieth in thee, and do it diligently; not for custom, not for necessity; but with fear and reverence and affection receive the body and blood of thy beloved Lord, when He vouchsafeth to come unto thee.
I am He that have called thee, I have commanded it to be done, I will supply what is wanting in thee; come Thou and receive Me.
3. When I bestow on thee the grace of devotion, give thanks to thy God; not because thou art worthy, but because I have had mercy on thee.
If thou have it not, but rather dost feel thyself dry: be instant in prayer, sigh and knock, and give not over until thou have received some crumb or drop of saving grace.
Thou hast need of Me, I have no need of thee.
Neither comest thou to sanctify Me, but I come to sanctify and make thee holy.
Thou comest that thou mayest be sanctified by Me, and united unto me, that thou mayest receive new grace, and be stirred up anew to amendment of life.
Do not neglect this grace, but prepare thy heart
