A Petition concerning the exercise proper before Communion.

From Thomas à Kempis, The Following of Christ, tr. Richard Challoner (15th ed., London: Keating, Brown and Co., 1819). Wording reflects its time. Public domain; the text is given word for word as printed.

The Voice of the Disciple.

1. When I consider thy greatness, O Lord, and my own vileness, I tremble very much, and am confounded in myself:

For if I come not to thee, I fly from life; and if I intrude myself unworthily, I incur thy displeasure.

What then shall I do, O my God, my helper, my counsellor in necessities?

2. Do thou teach me the right way: appoint me some short exercise proper for the holy communion:

For it is necessary to know in what manner I should reverently and devoutly prepare my heart to thee, for the profitable receiving of thy sacrament, or for celebrating also so great and divine a sacrifice.

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