Page:Perswasive to frequent communion (2).pdf/25

 we expect to have the forgiveneſs of our ſins ſealed to us, we ſhould lay aſide all enmity and thoughts of revenge and heartily forgive thoſe that have offended us, and put in practice that univerſal love and charity which is repreſented to us by this holy Communion. And to this purpoſe we are earneſtly exhorted in the publick office of the Communion by way of due preparation and diſpoſition for it, to repent as truely of our ſins paſt, to amend our lives, and to be in perfect charity with all men, that ſo we may be meet partakers of those holy myſteries.

And becauſe this work of examining our ſelves concerning our ſtate and condition, and of exerciſing repentance towards God, and charity towards men is incumbent upon us as we are Chriſtians, and can never be put practice more ſeaſonably, and with greater advantage, than when we are meditating of this Sacrament, therefore beſides our habitual preparation by repentance and the conſtant endeavours of a holy life, it is a very pious and commendable cuſtom in Chriſtians before their coming to the Sacrament, to ſet a part ſome particular time for this work of examination. But how much time every perſon ſhould allot to this purpoſe, is matter of prudence; and as it need not, ſo neither indeed can it be preciſely determined. Some have greater reaſon to ſpend more time upon this work than others, I mean theſe, whoſe accounts are heavier, becauſe they have long run upon the ſcore, and neglected themſelves; and ſome alſo have more leiſure and freedom for it, by reaſon of their eaſie condition and circumſtances in the world; and therefore are obliged to allow a greater portion of time for the exerciſes of piety and devotion. In general, no man ought to do a work of ſo great moment & concernment flighty and perfunctorily. And in this, as in all other actions, the end is principally to be regarded. Now the end of examining our ſelves is to underſtand our ſtate and condition, and to reform whatever we find amiſs in our ſelves. And provided this end be obtained, the circumſtances of the means are leſs conſiderable; whether more or leſs time be allowed to this work, it matters not