4. “The heavens,” it is said,
“declare the glory of God.” Ps. xix.
[xviii.] 1. When this Psalm is read, it
occurs to one that not so much the material elements as the heavenly
merits seem to offer praise worthy of God. And by the chance of
this day’s lessons it is made clear what “heavens”
declare the glory of God. Look at the holy relics at my right
hand and at my left, see men of heavenly conversation, behold the
trophies of a heavenly mind. These are the heavens which declare
the glory of God, these are His handiwork which the firmament
proclaims. For not worldly enticements, but the grace of the
divine working, raised them to the firmament of the most sacred
Passion, and long before by the testimony of their character and
virtues bore witness of them, that they continued steadfast against the
dangers of this world.