[Sermones de eucharistiae sacramento]

¶ The most exquisite sermons of the venerable Lord Albert the Great, Bishop of Regensburg, on the most holy sacrament of the Eucharist, begin happily.

¶ Prologue or the method of proceeding of this book

About to speak concerning the most holy sacrament of the Lord's body, we propose, with God striving, to proceed in such a manner: First, we set forth what are principally to be noted concerning it. Second, we divide each of those into three parts. Third, we subdivide those so divided in a certain way. First, therefore, we set forth seven things principally to be noted concerning the sacrament of the Lord's body. The first is the cause of institution. The second is the form of bestowal. The third is the miracles of divine operation. The fourth is the quality of our preparation. The fifth is the manner of eating. The sixth is the effect of its goodness. The seventh is the consideration of the sacred blood. Second, we say that each of these is to be divided into three members in this way: The first thing principally to be noted concerning this sacrament, namely the cause of institution, is threefold: the memory of the Savior, the sacrifice of the altar, and the food of man. Concerning the other things to be principally noted, one must proceed in a similar form as is evident in the following. Third, the individual members so divided are to be subdivided, or some process is to be extended in this manner. The first cause of the institution of the Lord’s body is the memory of the Savior. Concerning this, three or four things can be inquired into or considered, or a threefold reason or similarity can be assigned. The same can be done concerning the other members, as is evident below in the titles of the following small work. Fourth, concerning the members thus subdivided, some are carried further in some way because they are demonstrated in a special paragraph. The theme, however, to be proposed can be taken as general, or special, or proper. General: that which can be understood about this sacrament in common. Special: in which there is something that conforms more specially to any principal member, such as the cause of institution or the form of bestowal, or another. Proper: in which there is that which sounds more properly with secondary words, such as the memory of the Savior, the sacrifice of the altar, or any of the others. From the aforementioned safeguards, therefore, and those strengthened by the testimony of Holy Scripture, some abundance of sermons will be able to spring forth, God granting, of which now this one, now that one, or certainly a part of one, a part of another, will be able to be useful for the place and time for strengthening the faith of souls, forming life, and exciting devotion.

¶ These are the titles of the work. i.
¶ On the three causes of the institution of the sacrament of the body of Christ, which are the memory of the Savior, the sacrifice of the altar, and the food of man. ii.
¶ On the first cause of institution by itself, namely on the memory of the Savior and on the preparation for his judgment. iii.
¶ On the second cause of institution, namely on the sacrifice of the altar. About which