the figure of a thing is not the reality, but only the image and representation of the thing signified. But now, when the figure has ceased, the one that died for all, immolated in the mystery of bread and wine, gives life through all the churches, and, being consecrated, sanctifies those that consecrate. This is the flesh of the lamb, this is his blood: for the bread that came down from heaven said : The bread, which I shall give you, is my flesh for the life of the world. His blood is rightly expressed by the species of wine ; because, when he says in the gospel, I am the true vine, he sufficiently declares all wine, which is offered in the figure of his passion, to be his blood." —And he who is the Creator and Lord of all natures, who produces bread from the earth; of the bread makes his own proper body, (for he is able, and he promised to do it) and who of water made wine, and of wine his blood. O the depth of the riches of the knowledge and wisdom of God! (Rom. xi. 33.) It is the pasch, he says, that is, the passover of the Lord: think not that earthly which is made heavenly by him, who passes into it, and has made it his body and blood. Believe what is announced to thee; because what thou receivest, is the body of that celestial bread, and the blood of that sacred vine; for when he delivered consecrated bread and wine to his disciples, thus he said: This is my body; This is my blood. Let us believe him, whose faith we profess; for truth cannot lie. -Let us not break
