Page:Imitation-of-christ-1901.djvu/259

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Of the Dignity of the Sacrament.
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oppressed with many evil passions; and there is none to help me, none to deliver and save me, but Thou O Lord God, my Saviour.

Receive me for the honour and glory of Thy name, Thou Who hast prepared Thy body and blood to be my meat and drink.

Grant O Lord God, my Saviour, that by frequenting the celebration of Thy sacrament, the zeal of my devotion may grow and increase.

CHAPTER V.

OF THE DIGNITY OF THIS SACRAMENT, AND OF THE MINISTERIAL FUNCTION.

IF thou hadst the purity of an angel, and the sanctity of S. John Baptist, thou wouldst not be worthy to receive this sacrament, or to administer it.

For it is not within the compass of the deserts of men, that man should consecrate and administer this sacrament of Christ, and receive for food the bread of angels.

Great is this mystery; and great is the dignity of priests to whom is granted that which is not permitted to angels.

For only priests duly ordained in the church have power to celebrate this sacrament, and to consecrate the body of Christ.

The priest is indeed the minister of God, using the