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Of Fervency.

CHAPTER XIV.

OF THE FERVENT DESIRE OF SOME DEVOUT PERSONS TO RECEIVE THE BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST.

O HOW great is the abundance of Thy goodness, O Lord, which Thou hast laid up for them that fear Thee!

When I call to mind some devout persons, who approach to this Thy sacrament, O Lord, with the greatest devotion and affection, I am oftentimes confounded and blush within myself, that I come with such lukewarmness, yea, coldness, to Thine altar and the table of sacred communion.

I grieve that I remain so dry, and without hearty affection; that I am not wholly inflamed in Thy presence, O my God, and not so earnestly drawn and affected as many devout persons, who out of a vehement desire of the holy communion, and strong affection of heart could not restrain themselves from weeping. And these with desire both of soul and body, earnestly longed after Thee, O God, the fountain of life: not being otherwise able to satisfy their hunger, but by receiving Thy body and blood with all delight and spiritual eagerness.

2. O the truly ardent faith of such a clear evidence of Thy sacred presence!

For they truly know their Lord in the breaking of bread, whose heart within them so vehemently