Page:TheYoungMansGuide.djvu/229

 ward against  the  frequent  reception  of  the Eucharist. In the  first  place  it  is  said  that in earlier  times  people  did  not  communicate frequently,  and  yet  they  saved  their souls; why  should  not  this  custom  still prevail?

I reply  that,  on  ths  contrary,  in  the  first centuries of  Christianity  it  was  the  universal custom for  every  one,  including  grown-up men, and  youths  also,  to  receive  communion every day.

In the  second  place  you  may  perhaps  say that you  are  not  pious  enough  to  communicate so  frequently. But remember  that  holy communion was  instituted  not  so  much  for saints as  for  sinners,  just  as  the  physician  is wanted  not  so  much  for  those  who  are  in health,  as  for  the  sick  and  the  ailing.

4. A  third  objection  which  you  bring  forward is  that  if  you  go  so  frequently  to  communion you  must  pull  a  long  face,  and  never indulge in  merriment. Never be  merry  any more! My dear  young  friend,  it  is  just  the truly pious  people,  I  mean  all  who  seek  to keep  themselves  constantly  in  a  state  of grace,  who  are  the  most  cheerful  persons  in the  world :  God  grant  that  your  own  experience may  convince  you  that  such  is  the  truth. UA dear  conscience  is  a  soft  pillow."

A fourth  objection  which  you  bring  forward is  that  if  you  go  to  communion  so  frequently  you  will  find  nothing  more to  confess! So much  the  better;  it  is  just  that  which  ought