42. On high feasts, the treasures of the church are brought forth on three accounts. Firstly, by way of safeguard: that it may be made manifest that he who hath them in charge hath been careful in his care of them. Secondly, for the more reverence of the solemnity. Thirdly, for the memory of their oblation; namely, for the commemoration of them that bestowed them on the church. But in that the church is gloriously adorned within and not without, it is thereby signified that 'all its glory is from within.' [Footnote 326] For although its outward appearance be despicable, the soul which is the seat of God is illuminated from within: according to that saying, 'I am black but comely.' [Footnote 327] And the Lord saith to the Prophet: 'I have a goodly heritage.' [Footnote 328] Which the Prophet considering in his mind, saith, 'Lord, I have loved the beauty of Thine house': [Footnote 329] which is spiritually adorned by Faith, Hope, and Charity. Sometimes the church, both material and spiritual, hath need to be cleansed: concerning which in the seventh book. [Footnote 326: Psalm xlv (_Eructavit_), 6.] [Footnote 327: Cantic. i, 5.] [Footnote 328: The bishop probably refers to Psalm xvi (_Conserva me_), 6. The words in reality spoken by David are understood by him as if spoken by the Almighty.] [Footnote 329: Psalm xxvi (_Judica me_), 8.] {67} In some churches two eggs of ostriches and other things which cause admiration, and which are rarely seen, are accustomed to be suspended: that by their means the people may be drawn to church, and have their minds the more affected. 43. Again, some say that the ostrich, as being a forgetful bird, 'leaveth her eggs in the dust': [Footnote 330] and at length, when she beholdeth a certain star, returneth unto them, and cheereth them by her presence. Therefore the eggs [Footnote 331] of ostriches are hung in churches to signify that man, being left of God on account of his sins, if at length he be illuminated by the Divine Light, remembereth his faults and returneth to Him, Who by looking on him with His Mercy cherisheth him. As it is written in Luke that after Peter had denied Christ, the 'Lord turned and looked upon Peter.' [Footnote 332] Therefore be the aforesaid eggs suspended in churches, this signifying, that man easily forgetteth God, unless being illuminated by a star, that is, by the Influence of the Holy Spirit, he is reminded to return to Him by good works. [Footnote 330: Job xxxix, 14.]