them. Make from time to time a little pause, especially when you find yourself much affected; and, whenever you feel yourself interiorly drawn to pray mentally, lay your book aside, and yield to that attraction.
When the time of communion has arrived, approach the Sanctuary with gravity and recollection, wholly intent upon the signal happiness you are about to receive. Kneel down at the railing, holding the communion-cloth under your chin, and when the Priest comes to you, elevate your head a little, opening your mouth and protruding the tongue sufficiently to receive the sacred host; which ought to be swallowed as soon as it is moist. Then, collecting ail the powers of your soul, adore and welcome the divine guest within you, and retire from the railing with a profound sense of the eminent blessing that has been conferred upon you.
The time immediately following the reception of the holy communion is most precious, and it is of the utmost importance that you spend well the happy moments, during which Jesus Christ is corporally present in your breast. When could you have so favorable an opportunity of obtaining from him the graces and favors you have need o( as when he comes in person to visit you? Be careful then always to spend about fifteen minutes after your communion, in acts of adoration, praise, thanksgiving, love, oblation, petition, and in imploring the graces of God for yourself, do not omit to invoke the divine mercy upon all for whom you are bound to pray, and particularly the suffering souls of purgatory. The whole day after your communion be more retired than usual, spending more time in exercises of piety, and keeping a stricter. guard over your senses, your thoughts and actions, lest the spiritual enemy deprive you in any way of the precious gift that you have received.
MEDITATION
On the Advantages and Conditions of frequent Communion.
FIRST POINT.
THOSE who have the inexpressible happiness ot approaching the holy table frequently, should be extremely careful not to approach from habit, or without endeavoring to prepare themselves in the best manner possible. But, fear of receiving unworthily
