For it is necessary to know in what manner I should reverently and devoutly prepare my heart to thee, for the profitable receiving of thy sacrament, or for celebrating also so great and divine a sacrifice.
Chap. VII.
Of the discussion of one's own conscience,
and of a resolution of amendment.
The Voice of the Beloved.
1. Above all things it behoves the priest of God to come to the celebrating, handling, and receiving this sacrament, with great humility of heart, and lowly reverence; with an entire faith, and with a pious intention of the honour of God.
Diligently examine thy conscience, and to the best of thy power cleanse and purify it by true contrition and humble confession; so that there be nothing weighty to give thee remorse, and hinder thy free access.
Repent thee of all thy sins in general, and in particular lament and grieve all thy daily offences;
And if thou hast time, confess to God, in the secret of thy heart, all the miseries of thy passions.
2. Sigh and grieve that thou art yet so carnal and worldly; so unmortified in thy passions.