§ 4. The frequency with which we should approach the most holy mysteries.
Man. But I see, O Lord, that this saying is hard to many, and all do not take it. For, to say nothing of those who walk in darkness, and believe not the word of truth, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat?[1] we everywhere see many others easily assenting to the arguments by which infrequent communion would seem to be recommended.
Christ. I know how prone to evil are the imaginations of men,[2] by what light and frivolous excuses they suffer themselves to be dragged back, and hindered from my worship and service, who in other things too eagerly catch at every opportunity of serving the world, the flesh, and their pleasures. Oh, how easily do they believe the devil when he persuades them to pleasure, invites them to eat the forbidden fruit, and lyingly promises them divinity! And me, who offer them my own flesh for food, and so lovingly invite and encourage them to eat, and promise too that by eating they shall be partakers of the divine nature, and immortal besides, they refuse to believe and obey! Me, who am the very way, the truth, and the life.
But behold, and recognise even here the craft of Pharao, who, through envy of my honour, will not let my people go, that they may sacrifice to me in the desert, but employs them in the midst of Egypt with works of clay, bricks, and straw (for what else are those things of earth, the silver and gold, the riches, honours, and cares of this world?) so that they want leisure to serve me; and yet how eager and unwearied men are in the toils by which they only eat the bread of sorrow, when, with much less toil, they could have eaten the bread that has in itself all delight and all sweetness of taste!
Not so my faithful ones of old, not so, but they walked in the simplicity of their heart; full of love and zeal, they were persevering in the communication of the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Thus it was that, by the daily use of this Sacrament, my primitive Church grew and increased; so that, for desire of it, they readily despised all things, and would suffer no threats, torments, or allurements to draw them away.
Call to mind, O Christian! but thou especially, O cleric! that beginning of the new-born Church, when believers had but one heart and one soul:[3] admire their zeal and love. Behold, the greater their contempt for earthly things, the greater was their regard for
