Make ready and adorn for me the great chamber, and I will keep with thee the passover among my disciples.
2. Know thou, notwithstanding, that no merit of any action of thine is able to make this preparation, altho’ thou shouldst prepare thyself a whole year together, and think of nothing else.
Thou art of my mere grace and favour suffered to come to my table.
Like a beggar invited to dinner by a rich man, who hath nothing else to return him for his benefits, but to humble himself, and give him thanks.
Do what lieth in thee, and do it diligently; not for custom, nor for necessity; but with fear and reverence, and affection, receive thy beloved Lord God, who vouchsafeth to come unto thee.
*I am he that hath called thee; I have commanded it to be done; I will supply what is wanting in thee; come and receive me.
3. When I bestow the grace of devotion, give thanks to thy God; for it is given thee, not for that thou art worthy, but because I have mercy on thee.
If thou hast it not, but dost feel thyself dry, continue in prayer, sigh, and knock, and give not over until thou art meet to receive some crumb or drop of saving grace.
Thou hast need of me, not I of thee.
Neither comest thou to sanctify me, but I come to sanctify and improve thee.