PREFACE. Xlll 



" no concern in the blossoms of spring or in the glow- 

 " ings of summer, in the fruits of autumn or the frosts of 

 " winter. You are not solicitous about hours or days, 

 " or months or years, the variableness of the weather 

 " or the change of seasons. In what dreadful majesty, 

 " in what wonderful power, in what amazing providence 

 " did God Almighty distinguish you among all the 

 " species of creatures that perished in the universal 

 " Deluge ! You only were insensible of the mischief 

 " that had laid waste the whole world. All this, as I 

 " have already told you, ought to inspire you with 

 " gratitude and praise towards the Divine Majesty that 

 " has done so great things for you, granted you such 

 " particular graces and privileges, and heaped upon you 

 " so many distinguished favours. 



" And since for all this you cannot employ your 

 " tongues in the praises of your Benefactor, and are not 

 " provided with words to express your gratitude, make 

 " at least some sign of reverence, bow yourselves at His 

 " name. Give some show of gratitude according to the 

 " best of your capacities; express your thanks in the 

 " most becoming manner you are able ; and be not 

 " unmindful of all the benefits He has bestowed on you." 



He had no sooner done speaking than behold a 

 miracle ! The fish, as though they had been endued 

 with reason, bowed their heads with all the marks of 

 profound humility and devotion, moving their bodies 

 up and down with a kind of fondness, as approving 

 what had been spoken by St. Anthony. 



