CHAPTER III

THE DEDICATIONS OF THE CHURCHES IN ALL PLACES

AFTER this the sight was afforded us so eagerly desired and prayed for by all, the festivals of dedicating and consecrating the newly erected houses of prayer throughout the cities, and after this the convention of bishops, the concourse of foreigners from abroad, the mutual benevolence of the people, the unity of the members of Christ concurring in one harmonious body. Then was it according to the prophetic declaration, mystically indicating what would take place, “bone was brought to bone, and joint to joint,” and whatsoever other matters the divine word faithfully intimated before. There was, also, one energy of the Divine Spirit pervading all the members, and one soul among all, one and the same ardour of faith, and one song of praise to the Deity. Yea, now indeed, complete and perfect solemnities of the prelates and heads of the church, sacred performances of sacred rites, and solemn rituals of the church. Here you might hear the singing of psalms and the other voices given us from God, their divine and sacred mysteries performed. The mystic symbols of our Saviour’s passion were celebrated, and at the same time every sex of every age, male and female, with the whole power of the mind, and with a mind and heart rejoicing in prayer and thanksgiving, gave glory to God the author of all good. Every one of the prelates present, also, delivered panegyric discourses, desirous of adding lustre to the assembly according to the ability of each.