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Of the Eucharist compared to the Tree of Life, and its fruits. Part 2.
* 1.1THe fifth Misery, is want of the knowledge of our selves; Darkness was upon the face of the depth: so is it likewise upon the heart of that man, that is not enlightned with the grace of God: Therefore the Prophet saith, The heart of man is perverse,* 1.2 and unsearchable, who shall know it? The Eucharist remedieth this, enlightning our under∣standing; like to the honey, that enlightned the eyes of Jonathas: Your selves have seen that mine eyes are illuminated,* 1.3 because I have tasted a little of this honey.
* 1.4The sixth is want of love towards God, and our Neighbour: for where Iniquity shall abound, Charity shall wax cold: This is cured by the Eu∣charist, which inflameth the heart with divine love; for the lamps thereof, lamps of fire, and flames.
* 1.5The seventh is the indisposition of our spiritual appetite, whereby we relish not spiritual things; for the sensual man perceiveth not these things that are of the Spirit of God:* 1.6 And he that feedeth him∣self with the pleasures of this present life, his inte∣riour senses are so disordered thereby, that he can∣not relish spiritual things. The Eucharist helpeth this, curing the palat of our heart, so that we may tast, and see that our Lord is sweet.* 1.7
* 1.8The eighth is a faintness in perfecting what is good; we often begin fervorously, but soon fail: This man began to build, and he could not finish it: A∣gainst this the H. Eucharist doth strengthen us; like to that Loaf of Bread,* 1.9 which the Angel brought to Elias, In the strength whereof he walked fourty days