Page:Lifeofsaintcatha.djvu/237

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three fingers' distance to the paten, which I was holding in my hand, I was so much occupied with the light that I had seen beaming from Catherine's countenance, and of the motion of the consecrated Host, which I distinctly saw, that I do not perfectly remember whether it placed itself alone on the paten, or whether I laid it there; I dare not affirm it, but I think it deposited itself thereon. God is my witness that I tell the truth; but should any one be unwilling to credit my assertion, because of my defects and the imperfect life he observes in me, let him remember that the bounty of the Saviour assists men, and even animals destitute of reason; (Ps. xxxv. 7) and that God's secrets are revealed not alone to the great, but to the insignificant; let them also recal the portion of inspired Truth, Novi enim vejiivocarejnstos, sedpeccatores. (Matt. ix. 13) " I came not to call the just, but sinners to repentance." As to such as despise sinners, inspiration again says: Euntes autem discite quid est: miser icordiatn volo et 7to?i sacrificium. " Learn that I desire mercy and not sacrifice." I limit myself to the defence that belongs to sinners; let the just and God's servants pardon me, as I am sure they will, for the servants of God are full of mercy. If others judge me, their judgment is naught; if I am firm, or if I fall, God alone is my Judge: he sees when I pause, and when I go forward; he is my master and he knows that I declare the truth. I cannot suppose that I was deluded by Satan, in the midst of so august a sacrifice; I am positive that I beheld the Sacred Host, without the least exterior agency, move and advance towards me, at the moment in which I was saying interiorly: " Come Lord to thy Spouse." Let those who believe, praise the Lord; as