25. But the relics of saints are enclosed in a case together with three grains of frankincense, because we ought to retain in our recollection the examples of the saints, together with faith in the Trinity, that is, in the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. For we ought to believe one God, one faith, one baptism, because 'the just liveth by faith,' [Footnote 445] without which, as the Apostle hath said, 'It is impossible to please God.' [Footnote 446] There is placed upon and fitted to the sepulchre itself a certain board fortified by the sign of the cross made with chrism. [Footnote 447] For by chrism is understood the gift of the Holy Spirit, with which this board, that is charity, is anointed; because our heart is fortified by the grace of the Holy Spirit to observance of the heavenly mysteries. The board therefore fortified by this sign is placed over the relics, because by the example of the saints is inflamed charity, 'which covereth a multitude of sins,' [Footnote 448] just as also the board covereth the relics. Whence saith the Apostle, 'The love of God is spread abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit which is given unto us.' [Footnote 449] But this slab or stone containeth, or is called, the _seal_ of the sepulchre; as saith Pope Alexander III. [Footnote 445: Romans i, 17.] [Footnote 446: Hebrews xi 6.] [Footnote 447: See above, section 4, note 7.] [Footnote 448: I S. Peter iv, 8.] [Footnote 449: Romans v, 5.] After this, however, the stone, which is called the _table_ of the altar, is fitted to the top of the altar; by which we may understand the perfection and solidity of the knowledge of God; and it ought to be of stone, not because of the hardness, but the solidity of faith. Just as the Lord said unto Peter, 'Thou art Peter, and upon this rock'--that is, upon this firmness of faith--'I will build My Church.' [Footnote 450] [Footnote 450: S Matthew xvi, 18.] {125} 26. For as this _table_ is the completion and finishing of the altar, so is the knowledge of God the confirmation and perfection of all good gifts. Whence in the book of Wisdom it is said unto the Lord, 'For to know Thee is perfect wisdom, and to know Thy justice and Thy virtue is the root of immortality.' [Footnote 451] The Lord saith by Jeremiah, 'Let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth Me.' [Footnote 452] [Footnote 451: Wisdom xv, 3.] [Footnote 452: Jeremiah ix, 24.]