playing upon his harp, inspired with the grace of the Holy Ghost. He taught the people of Israel to praise God with their whole heart and to join their voices in blessing and magnifying Him every day. If so great devotion was then used and such remembrance of the praise of God before the Ark of the Covenant, how great ought to be the reverence and devotion which I and all Christian people should have in the presence of this sacrament, in the receiving of the most excellent body of Christ!
Many run to sundry places to visit the relics of the saints, and are astonished to hear of their wonderful works; they behold the noble churches erected in their honor, and kiss their sacred bones wrapt up in silk and gold: and behold, I have Thee here present on the altar, my God, the Saint of saints, the Creator of men, and the Lord of angels. Oftentimes in seeing those things men are moved with curiosity and the novelty of the sight, and but little fruit of amendment is reaped thereby, especially when persons lightly run hither and thither without true contrition for their sins. But here in the Sacrament of the Altar Thou art wholly present, my God, the man Christ Jesus; where also the fruit of eternal salvation is plentifully reaped, as often as Thou art worthily and devoutly received. And to this we are not drawn by any levity, curiosity, or sensuality, but by a firm faith, a devout hope, and a sincere charity.
O God, the invisible Maker of the world, how wonderfully dost Thou deal with us! how sweetly and graciously dost Thou order all things in favor of Thy elect, to whom Thou offerest Thyself to be received in this sacrament! For this exceeds all understanding of man; this in a particular manner engages the hearts of the devout, and enkindles their love. For Thy true faithful, who dispose their whole life to amendment, by this most worthy sacrament
