of by the generality of communicants; they would be ashamed of treating an earthly friend or benefactor with indifference; they would reproach themselves with insensibility, if they received favours from a fellow-creature without acknowledging them, and would be delighted at an opportunity of repaying them with gratitude. It is God alone, in this mystery of love, whose goodness is scarcely ever felt or acknowledged, and whose most precious favours do not often induce his servants to make him even a trifling return. Let not this be your case; be you at least that thankful Samaritan, whose first care was to cast himself at the feet of his Benefactor, penetrated with gratitude for the favour he had received, and disposed no doubt to acknowledge it to the best of his power. Return this day to give glory to him, who has given you his precious body and blood, his soul and divinity, and thus rendered you in some respect an object of envy to the angels themselves, since they never received that mark of infinite love. Beg of God most earnestly to enlighten your mind, that you may understand the greatness of the favour conferred on you; and also to touch your heart, that you may feel your obligation of acknowledging it by every means in your power.
Second Point. — Cast yourself in spirit at the feet of your Creator, and present to him the sacrifice of thanksgiving which he deserves, viz., a voluntary, unreserved oblation of your whole being. Can that be too much for him who has created you to his image and likeness, and redeemed you with his precious blood? or rather, what can be enough for him who has loved you so far as to give you himself? If you would really and entirely belong to God, you should make a two-fold sacrifice — a sacrifice of your
