Of the fervent desire of some devout persons, to receive the body of Christ.
The voice of the disciple.
O HOW great is thy goodness, O Lord, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee!
When I remember some devout persons, who come unto thy sacrament, O Lord, with the greatest affection, I am confounded, and blush within myself, that I come so heavily and coldly to thy table.
That I remain so dry and without hearty affection, that I am not wholly inflamed in thy presence, my God, nor so earnestly drawn in affection, as many devout persons have been, who with desire both of soul and body, earnestly longed after thee, O God, the living fountain.
*Be merciful unto me, good Jesu, gracious Lord, and grant me, thy poor needy creature, to feel sometimes at least, in this holy communion, somewhat of thy tender, cordial affection!
That my faith may be more strengthened, my hope in thy goodness increased, and that my love once perfectly inflamed, after the tasting of heavenly manna, may never decay.
2. Thy mercy, O Lord, is able to give me the grace I desire, and to visit me most mercifully with the spirit of fervour when it shall please thee.
For though I burn not with so great desires as those that are so singularly devoted to thee: yet notwithstanding, by thy grace, I desire to have this inflamed desire:
Praying and craving that I may partake with all such thy fervent lovers, and be numbered among them.