Page:StVincentsManual.djvu/266

 time  to  time,  examine  seriously  what  fruits  they  derive  from  this  best  of  all  graces;  and  if  they  find  that they are  so  unhappy  as  to  be  less  fervent  in  prayer, more remiss  in  the  performance  of  their  duties,  and that their  hearts  are  less  united  to  God,  they  must  use their utmost  endeavors  to  recover  their  former  fervor, or refrain  from  communicating  so  frequently. St. Augustine  says,  that  to  approach  this  sacrament  with  an affection  for  venial  sins,  is  more  injurious  than  beneficial;  and  that  we  will  have  to  render  a  severe  account of  such  communions  at  the  tribunal  of  our  Lord. Besides being  detached  from  venial  sin,  we  should keep ourselves,  as  much  as  possible,  in  the  presence of God,  and  frequently  raise  our  hearts  to  him:  we are  not  worthy  to  receive  our  Lord  so  often,  when  we think  of  him  but  seldom,  and  when  we  neglect  to  entertain  ourselves  often  with  him  in  prayer. Cultivate then the  spirit  of  an  interior  life,  if  you  desire  to  reap the fruit  of  your  frequent  communions;  and  do  not lose in  dissipation  the  inestimable  treasure  you  have acquired at  the holy  table,  where  you  received  the Bread of  heaven,  which  gives  that  supernatural  life so incompatible  with  a  life  of  dissipation. Love God with all  your  heart,  and  your  neighbor  as  yourself; multiply sincere  acts  of  the  love  of  your  God,  and seek opportunities  to  manifest  this  love.

The following,  or  similar  Aspirations,  may  be  used whilst preparing  for  Communion.

MY blessed  Mother,  obtain  for  me  some  portion of those  virtues  which  made  thee  so  agreeable  to