1. Self-probation. II. Excitement of devotion. III. Prayer for grace.
I. POINT.
SELF-PROBATION.
The necessity of self-probation is shewn: i. By the sacrifices of the Old Testament, which were but signs, shadows and figures of this sacrament, and yet were to be performed only by pure and holy persons. It is wonderful with what a number of rites and ceremonies those who offered them were to be purified.[1]
2. By those most solemn words of the Apostle, in which he declares that those who receive unworthily are guilty of the Body and Blood of the Lord. Oh, how necessary is it to listen seriously to his warning, or rather threat; Let a man prove himself, and so let him eat of this bread, &c.[2]
3. By reason itself, since holy things should be dealt with only in a holy manner; and what is more holy than this sacrament, in which is present the very Holy of holies?
I. Examine, then, thy conscience first of all, and if thou find it guilty of any considerable sin, thou wilt clear it in the sacrament of penance, that thou mayest not come unworthily, and eat judgment to thyself. Thou wilt also endeavour to remove thy lighter faults, and thy souls inordinate affections, in order to derive from this sacrament the fuller fruit. Then conceive an inward sorrow for thy sins, with firm purpose of amendment.
O my most loving God, my Creator and my Saviour! from the bottom of my heart I am sorry that I have ever offended thee, my Lord and my .God,— thee whom I ought to love above all things, because thou art good above all things, and hast given me the greatest blessings; and I, alas! wretched and ungrateful sinner, have rendered thee only evil for good.
But, O Lord, be favourable to my sins; for I now firmly purpose and determine not to offend thee any more, and to avoid all occasions of sin; and therefore I now desire to receive this sacrament, that I may be confirmed in thy love, and fortified against all the occasions of sinning, that thou mayest remain in me, and I in thee.
II. Consider whether thou comest with an upright and pure intention, or only from custom, or other unregulated motive, to these holy mysteries. It is very useful, moreover, to examine thy intention; because it is the in-
