The first Pointe.
FIrst, I am to consider, * 1.1 that our Lord Christ would that our owne actes, should bee partes of this sa∣crament, to witte, contrition, confession, and satis∣faction, which aunswere to the three sortes of sin∣ning by thought, worde, and deede, that I myselfe might concurre to the grace of my Iustification: and that seeing I sinned with my actes, with the same I might dispose myselfe to receiue my pardon. And now that it hath beene the good pleasure of our Lorde to ennoble my actes, making them the Instru∣ments of his grace, it is reason that I should exercise them, with the greatest excellencie that I may, * 1.2 la∣bouring (as the VViseman saithe) to bee in them superexcellent: requiring of the three Persons of the Godheade, particular fauour for euery one of them. Of the holy Spirit, to whome is attributed Charity, I will begge contrition of hearte, beseeching him that hee will kindle in my soule the fier of his loue, from the which may proceede such a dolour, as may consume all the drosse of my sinnes. Of the Sōne of God, who is the word of the eternal Father, to whome is attribued wisdome, I will begge light to knowe my sinnes, and such humble wordes to cō∣fesse them that I may bee purified, and cleansed of of them. Of the eternall Father, to whome is attri∣buted Power, I will begge force for the workes of satisfaction, with perseueraunce vntill I haue paide all the paines that I owe for my sinnes. * 1.3 O most bles∣sed Trinitie assist in my hearte, & in my lippes, that I may vvorthily confesse all my sinnes, and obtaine, complea∣te remission of them. Amen. Then am I to consider all that is necessarie to exercize these three actes with greate perfection, discoursing of euery one of them.