and gives eternal life, is promised to all christians._[488] If there is any one among you who does not praise this science above all other sciences, I would ask him, what will he praise? Would you delight the mind of man, give him repose of heart, teach him to live holy and happily? Christian philosophy abundantly supplies him with these admirable blessings; and, at the same time, it subdues, as with a wholesome rein, the impetuous movements of the soul.[489] Sirs, since the dignity and glory of this Gospel are so great, how I rejoice that the office with which I am invested calls upon me to lay it before you to-day!' This appeared a strange exordium to a great number of hearers: What! not a word about the saints whom all catholics glorify on this day?... Let us wait, however, and see. The rector then announced that according to custom he would explain the Gospel of the day, that is, the beatitudes pronounced by Jesus on the mountain. 'But first of all,' he said, 'unite with me in earnest prayer to Christ, who is _the true and only intercessor with the Father_, in order that by his fertilising Spirit he may enlighten our understandings, and that _our discourse may praise him, savour of him, be full of him, and reflect his image, so that this divine Saviour, penetrating our souls, may water them with the dew of his heavenly grace_!'[490] Then the rector explained the happiness of those who are _poor in spirit_, who _mourn_, who _hunger and thirst after righteousness_. [Sidenote: THE DISCOURSE CAUSES A SENSATION.]