Do not limit the devotion of this day to the foregoing prayers, but rather consider it as entirely consecrated to Jesus Christ; that by this means you may literally accomplish the precept of the Holy Ghost: "Let no part of a good day escape without profit."--_Ecclesiastes_ xiv. Recollect frequently this great action, and read some pious book, to nourish and enliven a spirit of devotion. Remark (or, if convenient write down) some of those tender sentiments and good resolutions with which you were affected at the time of communion; the recollection of them will serve as a bulwark to guard you against the attacks of tepidity or dryness. But, above all, endeavour to regulate your conduct for the time to come, in such a manner as to be enabled to say, with St. Paul: "I live, not I, but Christ Jesus liveth in me." In a word, let _your Redeemer only_, for the future, _think, speak,_ and _act_ in you; and let nothing remain in you that is unworthy of him, for no scandal can be more injurious to our holy religion, than for Catholics, after communicating, to lead disedifying and unchristian lives. {141} The Seven Penitential Psalms. Proper to be said on Fasting Days, and other Penitential Times. Anthem. Remember not, O Lord, our offences, nor those of our parents; neither take thou vengeance on our sins. The Sixth Psalm. The Psalmist prays to be healed from sickness, and implores pardon for his sins. After obtaining his request, he exults over his enemies. O Lord, rebuke me not in thy indignation; nor chastise me in thy wrath. Take pity on me, O Lord, for I am weak: heal me, O Lord, for all my bones are shaken. And my soul is troubled exceedingly: but thou, O Lord, how long? Return, O Lord, and deliver my soul: O save me for thy mercies' sake. For in death there is none that is mindful of thee: and who shall confess to thee in hell? I have tired myself with my groanings: every night I will wash my bed, I will water my couch with my tears. My eye is disturbed with rage: I am grown old amidst all mine enemies. Depart from me, all ye that work iniquity: for the Lord hath heard the voice of my weeping. The Lord hath heard my petition: the Lord hath received my prayer. {142} Let all my enemies be ashamed, and very much troubled: let them be turned back and put to shame very speedily. Glory be to the Father, &c. The Thirty-first Psalm. The Psalmist declares all those happy, whose sins are forgiven; and, from his own example, and that of the saints, exhorts all to seek this beatitude, and to avoid brutal obstinacy. Rewards and punishments are proposed. Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord hath not imputed sin: and in whose soul there is no guile. Because I was silent, my bones grew old: whilst I cried all the day.