That he who is about to Communicate with Christ ought to prepare himself with great diligence.
The Voice of the Beloved.
I am the Lover of purity, and Giver of sanctity. I seek a pure heart, and “there is the place of My rest.” Prepare for Me “the larger upper room furnished,” and “I will keep the Passover at thy house with my disciples.” If thou wilt that I come unto thee and abide with thee, “purge out the old leaven,” and cleanse the habitation of thy heart. Shut out the whole world, and all the throng of sins; sit “as a sparrow alone upon the housetop,” and think upon thy transgressions with bitterness of thy soul. For everyone that loveth prepareth the best and fairest place for his beloved, because hereby the affection of him that entertaineth his beloved is known.
Yet know thou that thou canst not make sufficient preparation out of the merit of any action of thine, even though thou shouldest prepare thyself for a whole year, and hadst nothing else in thy mind. But out of My tenderness and grace alone art thou permitted to draw nigh unto My table; as though a beggar were called to a rich man’s dinner, and had no other recompense to offer him for the benefits done unto him, but to humble himself and to give him thanks. Do therefore as much as lieth in thee, and do it diligently, not of custom, nor of necessity, but with fear, reverence, and affection, receive the Body of thy beloved Lord God, who vouchsafeth to come unto thee. I am He who hath called thee; I commanded it to be done; I will supply what is lacking to thee; come and receive Me.
When I give the grace of devotion, give thanks unto thy God; it is not because thou art worthy, but because I had mercy on thee. If thou hast