trust, for it is not strange for a man to " fall seven times," and to " rise again" [1] as often.
2. The second thing that I ought to do is, forthwith to perform all my penance, if it can be performed, and if not some part of it, with a spirit and affection of obedience and love, to pay somewhat of the great debt that I owe to Almighty God, wishing that I had ability to do much more for Him that has done me so many benefits, and saying that of the other servant, " Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all." [2]
3. The third thing is, in thankfulness of the benefit received in this sacrament of Penance, to dispose myself with great fervour to receive that of the sacred Communion; because for this end it is ordained, according to that of the Prophet David, " What shall I render to the Lord for all the things that He hath rendered to me? I will take the chalice of salvation, and will call upon the name of the Lord." [3]
MEDITATION XXXIII.
MEDITATION ON THE MOST BLESSED SACRAMENT OF THE ALTAR BEFORE COMMUNION.
Of the excellences and fruits of this most blessed sacrament of the Altar we shall speak in the fourth part among the mysteries of the Supper, but more largely in the sixth part among the divine benefits. In this meditation I will only point out certain considerations to communicate with reverence and devotion, in which I am to fix my eyes upon these four things, viz.: i. The excellences of our Lord that comes to visit us; ii. The vileness of man whom He comes to visit; iii. The amiable guise in which He comes;
