tabernacle of Moses, or the fixed. Temple of Solomon; but in a great chamber, a large upper room in the most ample Church, dispersed far and wide upon the face of the earth; here Christ Himself is the giver and the gift; the feeder and the food.

It is said of Hezekiah that he kept a passover, and such a passover as never was there any the like before but much more may be said of Christ's Holy Supper. Admire not any longer the sumptuous preparation, or the greatness of the gift of King Ahasuerus, in the 4th of Esther, after he betrothed unto him Esther in marriage; for those gifts were earthly, and could not give life and spirit. Admire rather the precious gift of Christ given unto His Church, after He had espoused her unto Himself; which gift is heavenly, and of such infinite value that it cannot be valued.

THE THIRD MEDITATION.

1. Consider the great excellency of this holy and heavenly feast, where Christ, the true Paschal Lamb, is received, the memory of His death and passion recounted, the mind filled with grace, and a pledge of future glory given unto us.

2. Consider these five differences, which are between this feast and the feasts of the world.

• 2 Chron. xxx.

1. The feasts of the world are profane, for in them neither is there holy meat, neither are they ordained for the health of the soul; but this feast is a sanctified feast, and ordained principally for the health of the soul.

2. In the feasts of the world there are variety, and by how much the more the variety is the greater, by so much the more is the feast commended. In this spiritual banquet it is not so, wherein Christ being infinite, containeth in Him all perfection, and can alone satisfy the soul.

3. In the feasts of the world there is little speech had of death, suffering, affliction, and tribulation; rather discourse is had of pleasures: but in the feast of Christ, the memorial of His death and passion, His sufferings of love for our salvation is remembered.

4. In this banquet, the mind is filled with the grace of Christ, which bringeth salvation, and the increase of heavenly gifts: but in the banquets of the world the body is replenished with meats, that often bring diseases to the body, and spiritual destruction to the soul.

5. In the feasts of the world, for the great excess used in them, they open a way to hell; but in this holy feast Christ setteth open unto us the ready way unto heaven.

FURTHER CONSIDERATIONS OF THIS

HEAVENLY BANQUET.

Consider how well-pleasing it is to the Lord Jesus, that we do all these things in this feast, which guests invited of the prince to some solemn preparation are wont to do.

1. They expect with great desire the hour of this feast, and give their diligent attendance, that they may come in decent and seemly manner, well adorned.

2. They knowing that nothing is more acceptable unto the prince who inviteth them, than to feed heartily on the means prepared, they come with empty stomachs, and a desire to be satisfied.

3. They diligently beware that they neither do nor speak anything which may be offensive to the person who hath called them.

4. They do not by and by depart, but stay awhile, and interchange familiar conference with the prince; at one time praising his liberality, at another the magnificence of the feast.

5. At their departure they yield reverence, and give humble thanks for the favour vouchsafed them. Acknowledging their bounden duty unto so noble a prince, they offer themselves to be ready at his

pleasure to perform any service he shall command them.

These properties of good and thankful guests should much rather be performed in this heavenly feast, whereunto we are called by the Son of God Himself and therefore we should expect, receive with joy, and yield thanks; promising to serve Him in holiness and righteousness all the days of our life.

THE FRUIT OF THESE CONSIDERATIONS.

The fruit of these considerations may be drawn from a meditation of the greatness and magnificence of this so holy a Mystery, which greatness may stir us up to be thankful to so liberal a Lord, who calleth to so great honour, and bestoweth so many benefits, yet requireth so few of us again.

A SPIRITUAL SOLILOQUY.

It is no marvel, O Lord, if the bountifulness of Thy holy feast do make us astonished; for Isaiah, in the 25th chapter of his prophecy, foreseeing it many ages before, as a picture shadowed over, stood amazed thereat, and saith, to the praise and glory thereof, "The Lord of Hosts shall make to all people, on this hill, a feast of fat things "."

P Isaiah xxv. 6.

Great shall this feast be, O holy Prophet, for that not every one, but the Lord of Hosts, shall ordain it; and that not to certain men alone, but to all the people of the world; neither in every place, but on a hill. Lastly, it shall be a feast of fat things ; yea, of the most heavenly food that ever was.

Be glad, O holy Church, for that thou art that holy hill, chosen of God for that heavenly banquet : in thee doth stand the table prepared; thy dear children are like the olive branches in the compass thereof.

Arise, O my soul, and depart from thyself forthwith out of this dark valley, for the Lord doth invite thee to His feast, not with thundering and lightning, as He did the children of Israel, in the 19th of Exodus, but He inviteth thee with loving words, "Come unto the marriage?" That law doth not any longer stand in force, "He that toucheth the hill shall die the death." But rather, he that cometh to this hill, and eateth of this Sacrament, shall live for ever.

But mark, my soul, that all cannot ascend to this hill, but only, as the kingly Prophet speaketh, the harmless and pure in heart; and not after every sort, but with a wedding garment, wherewith we ought to be decked at Christ's feasts, otherwise Matt. xxii. 4 Psalm xv. I. + Matt. xxii. 11.

Exod. xix. 12.

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