wonderful effects, particularly in temptations against angelical purity: frequent communion being, as says a holy Doctor, the best support and guardian of this heavenly virtue. Frequent communion is also a safeguard against an unprovided death; for those who communicate often and with proper dispositions, are inspired with a sovereign horror for sin, and a holy ardor to keep their souls in the utmost purity. Frequent communion preserves us also from falling into a state of tepidity, and makes us strong to run in the paths of perfection. However, we must be extremely on our guard not to frustrate this powerful means of sanctification. To avoid so great a misfortune, we must free ourselves from all attachment to venial sin: this attachment is shown by the habit of it, by the little account made of it, and by the little care taken to correct it.
This divine sacrament produces its effects in proportion to the degree of faith, purity and love with which the soul receives it. It always increases sanctifying grace in the soul which is -free from mortal sin; but to the faithful and fervent soul, it gives a relish for God and the sweets of an interior life, and her union with God becomes more intimate, according to the frequency of her communions.
The manner in which the Israelites eat the paschal lamb, indicates the detachment of heart which those should have who receive the - holy eucharist — the immaculate Lamb of God prefigured by the paschal lamb. The Israelites always eat the paschal lamb standing, and with their staffs in their hands, as pilgrims ready to leave all, who have no earthly attachment; because their whole affections were fixed on the land of promise, which they had in view. Heaven is our land of promise, our father's house; and consequently, all the ardent desires of our heart should be directed towards it.
Those who communicate frequently should, from
