I do to pay the debt, recompensing it with augmentation of grace and glory.
3. Finally, I am to make another most effectual resolution to amend my life, and no more to return to the sins that I have committed; for if this purpose be wanting, the contrition is feigned, the confession sacrilegious, the satisfaction little available, and the absolution of no effect; for his sins are not remitted to him that has a purpose to return to them; and though it were but a venial sin, it cannot be pardoned unless there be purpose of amending it.
4. With this preparation, preserving these holy affections and purposes, I may securely come to this holy sacrament, putting in practice what I have determined with a desire to renew my life, and to make a great change in it, imagining that of the prophet Jeremias is spoken to me: " Set thee up a watch-tower, make to thee bitterness," bewailing bitterly thy sins; " direct thy heart into the right way, wherein thou hast walked." [1] " Et da cor tuum super humeros tuos," " And put thy heart upon thy shoulders," [2] undertaking with love the yoke of obedience to fulfil what Almighty God and His ministers may command me.
MEDITATION XXXII
ON THANKSGIVING AFTER CONFESSION.
1. Having ended the confession of my sins, and received absolution, it is very convenient to give some little time to the confession of praises for the favour that Almighty God has done me; for both confessions our Lord exacts of us, according to the saying of the prophet Hoseas, " Return, O Israel, to the Lord thy God; for thou hast fallen down by
