Page:The Catholic prayer book.djvu/436

 of  your  faith,  at  least  for  a wish  to  conceal  it. Among those, you  may,  for  example,  consider  the  custom  of blessing  yourself  before  and  after  meals; because  in all  companies,  though  composed  of  different  persuasions, Catholics  are  expected  to  make  the  sign  of  the Cross. Then, and  on  all  such  occasions,  you  should call to  mind,  that  those  who  deny  Jesus  Christ  before men, shall  be  denied  by  him  before  his  Father (St. Matt.  x.  88),  and  do  not  hesitate  to  show  yourself a Catholic  by  making  the  sign  of  the  Cross openly, devoutly,  and  with  that  generous,  noble species of  pride,  which  made  St.  Paul  glory  in  this Cross of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  by  which  the  world was crucified  to  him,  and  he  to  the  world.

AITH teaches,  and  we.are  bound  to  believe,  that Jesus Christ  is  really  present  in  the  consecrated Host, under  the  appearance  of  bread. But we  must know also  that  he  remains  on  our  altars,  as  on  a throne  of  love  and  mercy,  there  to  dispense  his  graces to us,  and  to  show  his  love. He remains  with  us night  and  day,  in  this  hidden  manner,  that  Christians may visit  him  in  the  church,  and  by  their  devotions, their thanksgivings,  and  affections, gratefully  acknowledge and  honour  the  loving  presence  of  Jesus  Christ, dwelling in  the  Sacrament  of  the  Altar. In the following visits  you  will  find  many  examples  of  the tender affection  with  which  souls  inflamed  with  the