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Rh seven years in building a magnificent temple to the praise of Thy name.

He also celebrated the feast of dedication thereof eight days together; he offered a thousand peace-offerings, and he solemnly set the ark of the covenant in the place prepared for it with the sound of trumpets, and great joy.

And I the most miserable and poorest of men, how shall I bring Thee into my house, I that can scarce spend one half hour in true devotion? And would that I could even once spend something like one half hour in worthy and due manner?

5. O my God, how earnestly did they study and endeavour to please Thee?

Alas, how little is that which I do! how short a time do I spend when I am preparing myself to receive the communion!

Seldom am I wholly collected; very seldom indeed am I cleansed from all distraction.

And yet surely in the life-giving presence of Thy Godhead no unbecoming thought ought to intrude itself, nor should any creature occupy my heart; for it is not an angel, but the Lord of angels whom I am about to receive.

6. And yet very great is the difference between the ark of the covenant with its relics, and Thy most pure body with its unspeakable virtues; between those legal sacrifices, figures of things to come, and the true sacrifice of Thy body, the fulfilment of all ancient sacrifices.

Why am I not more ardent and zealous in seeking Thine adorable presence?