tages of the sacrifices of the old law: (i) In its exterior decorum, for it is more decent and is performed without the revolting sight of burning or the effusion of blood; (2) In its interior worth and dignity it far excels the sacrifices of the old law, for, in them, only beasts were immolated, but in this the Son of God is offered; (3) As to the effects; for this sacrifice possesses a virtue and efficacy which .are beneficial to the living in this world, to the suffering souls in purgatory, and productive of increasing glory to the saints in heaven.
III. In order to offer this sacrifice with advantage, singular piety, in the first place, is requisite. God requires, in a moral sense, what He required from the priests of the old law in a physical point of view. If any one of the descendants of Aaron was deformed in body, he might eat of the food which had been offered, "yet so that he enter not within the veil nor approach to the altar, because he hath a blemish and he must not defile My sanctuary." (Lev. xxi. 23.) The next requisite is fraternal charity and brotherly union. " If thou offer thy gift, etc., first go to be reconciled to thy brother." This was required in all sacrifices, but it is chiefly called for in that of the holy Eucharist, which was instituted to unite us all together as members of the same body, under the same head. Hence it is called, in the language of the Council of Trent, "the seal of unity, the bond of charity, and the symbol of concord."
