mind, which cannot be commonly brought to pass from the adversities and perturbations of this life.

Spirit. Yea, rather the afflictions of this life, and this wretched place of exile, ought to drive us to communicate often. For amongst the effects of this heavenly food, this one is mentioned, that it giveth strength in adversity, as the Prophet signifieth when he saith, "Thou hast prepared a Table in my sight, against those that trouble me."

Mund. If I did perceive I were called of God extraordinarily to communicate often, I would willingly obey.

Spirit. I pray when thou comest to thine ordinary prayers, when thou goest to church, dost thou perceive thou art called of God extraordinarily? Mund. No.

Spirit. Why then doest thou these things?

Mund. For that they are commanded me in the Word of God, and seem to me good things, and are laid down as parts of God's worship.

Spirit. But the Holy Communion, without question, is a part of God's worship, and commanded in His Word; and is so profitable, as it is called of the Church, the pledge of future glory.

Mund. Howsoever the matter is, to say the truth, I dare not come often to this heavenly Table, by

• Psalm xxiii. 5.

reason of fall into.

my

manifold imperfections that I so often

Spirit. It hath been answered to this before; either thou desirest to be delivered from these imperfections, or not to be delivered. If thou desire not to be delivered, thou art insensible of thy disease; and diseases which cause obstupefaction are dangerous. If thou desirest to be rid of them, this most Holy Sacrament, received with due preparation, will minister such strength that thou mayest by little and little remove them well.

Mund. I yield to thy reasons, and would gladly communicate, but I feel no devotion.

Spirit. Perchance thou thinkest thou hast no devotion unless thou shed forth tears; that is not absolutely necessary, neither in these consisteth all devotion. The tears of the heart may suffice, that is, sorrow for thy sins past, and a purpose to prevent those to come. Moreover he is called devout, who in all things conformeth himself unto God's will; wherefore I would not that thou shouldest therefore abstain, because tears and sighs are wanting, for these are not always required; God giveth them to whom He pleaseth.

Mund. To say what I think, and that I may confess a truth, thou hast plainly persuaded me, that it is better to communicate often than seldom;

but one thing yet remaineth, I am loath to acknowledge my sins.

Spirit. If we acknowledge our sins, God is just to forgive us our sins.

Mund. Many businesses do occur, which hinder this so weighty a matter; I mean the work of repentance.

Spirit. This is the temptation of the devil, who, that he may spoil thee of the fruit of this Divine Sacrament, causeth that repentance seemeth troublesome unto thee, and the whole preparation to the Holy Communion. Furthermore, businesses do not hinder good works; the businesses of greater moment are to be preferred before the less. There is time to despatch earthly affairs, but heavenly are far above them: when the Son of God standeth and knocketh at the door of thy heart, open unto Him, let Him not knock in vain. To conclude, remember that the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, whence we see we must labour to attain the same.

Mund. It is even so, I must needs confess I am overcome; wherefore my resolution is, with God's grace, to repair often to the Blessed Sacrament.

Spirit. Then shalt thou do that which appertains to a Christian to do.

dr John i. 9.

CHAPTER LXII.

ANOTHER DIALOGUE, WHEREIN IS DISCUSSED THE DOCTRINE AND BENEFIT OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT.

The speakers-Catechumenus; Doctor.

CATECH. I desire to be instructed in the doctrine of the Holy Sacrament.

Doct. I confess thou mayest well desire to be instructed in this doctrine, for it is a divine doctrine the more I consider of it, the more I admire the excellency thereof, which to me is more than words can express.

:

Catech. I can be content to submit myself to the judgment of the learned, without curious questioning.

Doct. Thou sayest well; for my part I had rather by far commune with the humble-minded in this doctrine, than any other that is over-curious. The goodness of God herein should with reverence be admired.

Catech. I rest satisfied in this case; but I would learn of you, what might move me to love the Giver of so great a gift.

Doct. Thou speakest religiously; for words of

devotion in this case are sweeter than honey, or the honeycomb. Now, the means to love the Author of this gift, is to consider His bounty, how He doth herein offer Himself unto thee, and all the benefits of His Blessed Passion.

Catech. I am moved with incredible joy to think of the innumerable benefits I receive hereby, and it stirreth me up to reverence and joy.

Doct. It may well do so, for what joy is here offered unto the faithful, the faithful do find; what may they not hope for at His hand, who hath given Himself unto them? what provokements to love and hope we have hence, there needs no long discourse to manifest and shew the same.

Catech. I acknowledge myself satisfied, beseeching God to make me a dutiful receiver of this most Holy Mystery, even for His mercies' sake. Amen.

Doct. To be a dutiful receiver thou must, before and after receiving, give thyself much to prayer, and observe other duties appertaining unto a careful Christian.