of the world and forgetfulness of God, who were fed on earthly
luxuries, drunk with false wisdom, and loathing all that pertained to
religion. Among the latter, the sight of whom grieved me especially,
because Jesus so loved children, I saw many irreverent, ill-behaved
acolytes, who did not honour our Lord in the holy ceremonies in which
they took a part. I beheld with terror that many priests, some of whom
even fancied themselves full of faith and piety, also outraged Jesus in
the Adorable Sacrament. I saw many who believed and taught the doctrine
of the Real Presence, but did not sufficiently take it to heart, for
they forgot and neglected the palace, throne, and seat of the Living
God, that is to say, the church, the altar, the tabernacle, the
chalice, the monstrance, the vases and ornaments; in one word, all that
is used in his worship, or to adorn his house.

Entire neglect reigned everywhere, all things were left to moulder
away in dust and filth, and the worship of God was, if not inwardly
profaned, at least outwardly dishonoured. Nor did this arise from real
poverty, but from indifference, sloth, preoccupation of mind about vain
earthly concerns, and often also from egotism and spiritual death; for
I saw neglect of this kind in churches the pastors and congregations of
which were rich, or at east tolerably well off. I saw many others in
which worldly, tasteless, unsuitable ornaments had replaced the
magnificent adornments of a more pious age.

I saw that often the poorest of men were better lodged in their
cottages than the Master of heaven and earth in his churches. Ah, how
deeply did the inhospitality of men grieve Jesus, who had given himself
to them to be their Food! Truly, there is no need to be rich in order
to receive him who rewards a hundredfold the glass of cold water given
to the thirsty; but how shameful is not our conduct when in giving