March 10 — The Forty Martyrs

her people may be stanch to the faith, edifying by holiness of life, and loyal to the Church. May thy powerful intercession bring blessings on the faithful throughout the world, add to their number, and make them fervent as were our fathers of old.

March 10

THE FOBTY MAETYES

We know the mystery of the number forty. This tenth of March brings it before us. Forty new advocates ! Forty encouraging us to enter bravely on our career of penance ! On the frozen pool, which was their field of battle, these martyrs reminded one another that Jesus had fasted for forty days, and that they themselves were forty in number ! Let us, in our turn, compare their sufferings with the lenten exercises which the Church imposes upon us ; and humble ourselves on seeing our cowardice ; or, if we begin with fervour, let us remember that the grand thing is to be faithful to the end, and bring to the Easter solemnity the crown of our perseverance. Our forty martyrs patiently endured the cruellest tortures ; the fear of God, and their deep-rooted conviction that He had an infinite claim to their fidelity, gave them the victory. How many times we have sinned, and had not such severe temptations as theirs to palliate our fall? How can we sufficiently bless that divine mercy, which spared us, ipstead of abandoning us as it did that poor apostate, who turned coward and was lost ! But, on what condition did God spare us ? That we should not spare ourselves, but do penance. He put into our hands the rights of His own justice ; justice, then, must be satisfied, and we must exercise it against ourselves. The lives of the saints will be of great help to us in this, for they will teach us how we are to look upon sin, how to avoid it, and how strictly we are bound to do penance for it after having committed it.

The Church, in her liturgy, thus relates to us the martyrdom of the soldiers of Sebaste.

Licinio imperatore, et Agricolao prseside, ad Sebasten Armenian urbem, quadraginta militum fides in Jesum Christum, et fortitude* in cruciatibus perferendis enituit. Qui ssepius in horribilem carcerem detrusi, vinculisque constricti, cum ora ipsorum lapidibus contusa fuissent, hiemis tempore frigidissimo, nudi sub aperto aere supra stagnum rigens pernoctare jussi sunt, ut frigore congelati necarentur. Una autem erat omnium oratio : Quadraginta in stadium ingressi* sumus, quadraginta item, Domine, corona donemur ; ne una quidem huic numero desit. Est in honore hie numerus, quern tu quadraginta dierum jejunio decorasti, per quern divina lex ingressa est in orbem terrarum. Elias quadraginta dierum jejunio Deum quaerens, ejus visionem consecutus est. Et hsec quidem illorum erat oratio.

Cseteris autem custodibus somno deditis, solus vigilabat janitor, qui et illos orantes, et luce circumfusos, et quosdam e ccelo descenden-

During the reign of the Emperor Licinius, and under the presidency of Agricolaus, the city of Sebaste in Armenia was honoured by being made the scene of the martyrdom of I forty soldiers, whose faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and patience in bearing tortures, were so glorious. After having been frequently confined in a horrid dungeon, shackled with chains, and having had their faces beaten with stones, they were condemned to paps a most bitter winter night in the open air, and on a frozen pool, that they might be frozen to death. When there, they united in this prayer: * Forty have we entered on the battle ; let us, O Lord, receive forty crowns, and suffer not our number to be broken. The . number is an honoured one, for thou didst fast for forty days, and the divine law was given to the world after the same number of days was observed. Elias, too, sought God by a forty days' fast, and was permitted to see him.' Thus did they pray.

All the guards, except one, were asleep. He overheard their prayer, and saw them encircled with light, and angels coming down from heaven, like by Google

MARCH 10. THE FORTY MARTYRS tes angelos tanquam a Rege missos, qui coronas triginta novem militibus distribuerent, intuens, ita secum loquebatur : Quadraginta hi sunt ; quadragesimi corona ubi est ? Quae dum cogitaret, unus ex illo numero, cui animus ad frigus ferendum defecerat in proximum tepefactum balneum desiliens, sanctos illos summo dolore affecit. Verum Deus illorum preces irritas esse non est passus; nam rei eventum admiratus janitor, mox custodibus e somno excitatis, detractisque sibi vestibus, ac se christianum esse clara voce professus, martyribus se adjunxit. Cum vero prsesidis satellites janitor em quoque christianum esse cognovissent, bacillis comminuta omnium eorum crura fregerunt.

In eo supplicio mortui sunt omnes prseter Melithonem, natu minimum. Quern cum prsesens mater ejus fractis cruribus adhuc viventem vidisset, sic cohortata est : Fili, paulisper sustine, ecce Ohristus ad januam stat adjuvans te. Cum vero reliquorum corpora plaustris imponi cerneret, ut in rogum inferrentur, ac filium suum relinqui, quod speraret impia turba, puerum, si vixisset, ad idolorum cultum revocari posse ; ipso in humeros sublato, sancta mater vehicula mar- messengers sent by a King, who distributed crowns to thirty -nine of the soldiers. Whereupon, he thus said to himself : ' There are forty men ; where is the fortieth crown ?' While he was thus pondering, one of the number lost his courage ; he could bear the cold no longer, and threw himself into a warm bath, which had been placed near at hand. His saintly companions were exceedingly grieved at this. But God would not suffer their prayer to be void. The sentinel, astonished at what he had witnessed, went immediately and awoke the guards ; then, taking off his garments, he cried out, with a loud voice, that he was a Christian, and associated himself with the martyrs. No sooner did the governor's guards perceive that the sentinel had also declared himself to be a Christian, than they approached the martyrs, and broke their legs with clubs.

All died under this torture except Melithon, who was the youngest of the forty. His mother, who was present, seeing that he was still living after his legs were broken, thus encouraged him : * My son, be patient yet a while. Lo I Christ is at the door, helping thee.' But, as soon as she saw the other bodies being placed on carts, that they might be thrown on the pile, and her son left behind (for the impious men hoped that, if the boy survived, he might be induced to worship the idols), she lifted him up into her tyruru corporibus onusta strenue prosequebatur ; in cujus amplexu Melithon spiritum Deo reddidit, ej usque corpus in eumdem ilium caeterorum martyruin rogum pia mater injecit : ut qui fide et virtute conjunctissimi fuerant, funeris etiam societate copulati, una in coelum pervenirent. Combustis illis, eorum reliquiae project® in profluentem, cum mirabiliter in unum confluxissent locum, salvae et integrae repertae, honorifico sepulchro conditae sunt. arms, and, summing up all her strength, ran after the waggons, on which the martyrs' bodies were being carried. Melithon died in his mother's arms, and the holy woman threw his body on the pile, where the other martyrs were, that as he had been so united with them in faith and courage, he might be one with them in burial, and go to heaven in their company. As soon as the bodies were burnt, the pagans threw what remained into a river. The relics miraculously flowed to one and the same place, just as they were when they were taken from the pile. The Christians took them, and respectfully buried them.

•

That we may the more worthily celebrate the memory of the forty martyrs, we borrow a few stanzas from the hymn in which the Greek liturgy so enthusiastically sings their praises.

HYMN

(Die I

Generose praesentia sufferentes, in praemiis quae sperabant gaudentes, sancti martyres ad invicem dicebant : Non vestimentum exuimus, sed veterem hominem deponimus; rigida est hiems, sed dulcis paradisus ; molesta est glacies, sed jucunda requies. Non ergo recedamus, O commilitones : paulum sustineamus, ut victoriae coronas obtineamus a Christo Domino et Salvatore animarum nostrarum. r. Martii)

The holy martyrs, generously suffering present evils, and rejoicing in the hope of reward, said to each other: 'It is not our raiment, but the old man that we have put off. The winter is cold ; but paradise is sweet. The ice is a torture; but the repose is pleasant. Fellow-soldiers I let us not retreat. Let us suffer for a while, that we may obtain our crowns of victory from Christ our Lord, the Saviour of our souls.'

Fortissima mente martyrium sustinentes, athletae admirandi, per ignein et aquam transivistis, et inde ad salutis latitudinem pervenistis, in haereditatem accipientes regnum ccelorum, in quo divinas pro nobis preces f acite, sapientes quadraginta martyres.

Attonitus stetit quadraginta martyrum custos coronas aspiciens, et amore hujus vitae contempto, desiderio gloriae tuae, Domine, quae iUi apparuerat, sublevatus est, et cum martyribus cecinit : Benedictus es, Deus patrum nostrorum.

Vitas amator miles ad lavacrum currens pestiferum mortuus est ; Christi autem amicus egregius raptor coronarum quae apparuerant, velut in lavacro immortalitatis, cum martyr ibus canebat: Benedictus es, Deus patrum nostrorum.

Virili praedita pectore, mater Deo arnica, super humeros tollens quern genuerat fructum pietatis, martyrem cum martyribus victimam adducit, patris Abrahae imitatrix. O fili, ad perenniter manentem vitam velocius currens carpe viam, Christi arnica mater ad puerum clamabat. Non fero te secundum ad Deum praemia largientem pervenire.

Venite, fratres, martyrum laudibus celebremus pha-

O admirable combatants ! you suffered martyrdom with most brave hearts. You passed through fire and water, and thence you came to the spacious land of salvation, receiving the kingdom of heaven as your inheritance. There, 0 prudent forty martyrs, offer up your holy prayers for us.

The gaoler of the forty martyrs stood in astonishment as he beheld the crowns. Despising this present life, and ambitious to enjoy thy glory, O Lord, which had been shown him in vision, he joined the martyrs in this hymn:

• Blessed art thou, 0 God of our fathers I'

The soldier that loved this life, ran to the cursed bath, and there he met with death : but the friend of Christ, he that nobly seized the crown which was offered him, as it were laved in immortality, sang with the martyrs : * Blessed art thou, the God of our fathers 1'

The mother, whose manly spirit made her dear to God, taking on her shoulders the beloved fruit of her womb, brings him to the martyrs that he may be a martyred victim with them. Thus does she imitate our father Abraham. This mother, dear to Christ, cried out to her child :

• O my son ; quickly run the path that leads to life eternal. I cannot brook thy being second to any in coming to the God, who rewards us.'

Come, brethren, let us sing the praises of the troop of langem, frigore incensam, martyrs, who were burnt with et erroris frigus ardenti zelo frost, and whose ardent zeal incendentem ; generosissi- set fire to the frosty cold of mum exercitum, sacratissi- error. Most heroic army ; mum agmen, consertis pu- most holy legion, that fought gnans clypeis, infractum et with shields close knit to- invictum, defensores fidei gether ; unbroken and uncon- et custodes, martyres qua- quered troop ; defenders and draginta, divinam choream, guardians of the faith ; the forty legatos Ecclesiae, potenter martyrs, the sacred choir, the

Christum deprecantes ut legates of the Church : their pacem animis nostris con- powerful prayers to Christ cedat et magnam miseri- draw down upon our souls his cordiam. peace and rich mercy.

Valiant soldiers of Christ, who meet us, with your mysterious number, at this commencement of our forty days* fast, receive the homage of our devotion. Your memory is venerated throughout the whole Church, and your glory is great in heaven. Though engaged in the service of an earthly prince, you were the soldiers of the eternal King : to Him were you faithful, and from Him did you receive your crown of eternal glory. We, also, are His soldiers ; we are fighting for the kingdom of heaven. Our enemies are many and powerful ; but, like you, we can conquer them, if, like you, we use the arms which God has put in our hands. Faith in God's word, hope in His assistance, humility, and prudence, with these we are sure of victory. Pray for us, 0 holy martyrs, that we may avoid all compromise with our enemies ; for our defeat is certain, if we try to serve two masters. During these forty days, we must put our arms in order, repair our lost strength, and renew our engagements ; come to our assistance, and get us a share in your brave spirit. A crown is also prepared for us : it is to be won on easier terms than yours ; and yet we shall lose it, unless we keep up within us an esteem for our vocation. How many times, in our past lives, have we forfeited that glorious crown ! But God, t in His mercy, has offered it to us again, and we are resolved on winning it. Oh, for the glory of our common Lord and Master, make intercession for us.

Our work of preparation is over : we are ready to obey our mother's call to Lent. During the three past weeks, we have studied the fall of our first parents, and the miseries it brought upon man ; the necessity of a Saviour ; the justice of God, against which the human race dared to rebel ; the terrible chastisement of the deluge, wherewith that revolt was punished ; and finally, the covenant made by God, through Abraham, with those who are faithful to Him, and shun the maxims of a perverse and guilty world.

Now we are to see the accomplishment of the great mysteries, whereby the wounds of our fall were healed, the divine justice was disarmed, and God's grace was poured out upon us, and delivered us from the yoke of Satan and the world.

The Man-God, whose sweet presence has been less sensible during this Septuagesima season, is now about to show Himself to us again, but this time it is on His way to Calvary, where He is to be immolated for our redemption. The dolorous Passion, which our sins have imposed upon Him, is about to be brought before us : the greatest of anniversaries will soon be upon us.

Let us be all attention to the mysteries : let us be fervent in the great work of our own purification. Let us walk on courageously in the path of penance, so that each day the burden of our sins may be lightened, and after we have partaken, by heartfelt compassion, of the cup of our Eedeemer's Passion, our lips will be once more permitted to sing the songs of joy, and our hearts will thrill at Easter with the loud burst of the Church's Alleluia !

I

THE SEVEN PENITENTIAL PSALMS

David, struck down by sickness, asks pardon of God, and beseeches Him to heal the wounds of his soul.

PSALM 6

Domine, ne in furore tuo arguas me : * neque in ira tua corripias me.

Miserere mei, Domine, quoniam infirmus sum: * sana me Domine, quoniam conturbata sunt ossa mea.

Et anima mea turbata est valde : * sed tu Domine usquequo ?

Convertere, Domine, et eripe animam meam : * salvum me : f ac propter misericordiam tuam.

Quoniam non est in morte qui memor sit tui : * in inferno autem quis confitebitur tibi ?

Laboravi in gemitu meo, lavabo per singulas noctes lectum meum : * lacrymis meis stratum meum rigabo.

Turbatus est a furore oculus meus : * inveteravi inter omnes inimicos meos.

Discedite a me, omnes qui operamini iniquitatem : * quoniam exaudivit Dominus vocem fletus mei.

Exaudivit Dominus deprecationem meam : * Dominus orationem meam sus-

0 Lord, rebuke me not in thy indignation, nor chastise me in thy wrath.

Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am weak ; heal me, O Lord, for my bones are troubled.

And my soul is troubled exceedingly: but thou, 0 Lord, how long ?

Turn to me, 0 Lord, and deliver my soul : O save me, for thy mercy's sake.

For there is no one in death that is mindful of thee: and who shall confess to thee in hell?

1 have laboured in my groanings, every night I will wash my bed : I will water my couch with my tears.

My eye is troubled through indignation : I have grown old among all mine enemies.

Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity : for the Lord hath heard the voice of my weeping.

The Lord hath heard my supplication : the Lord hath received my prayer.

Erubescant et conturbentur vehementer omnes inimici mei : * convertantur et erubescant valde velociter.

Let all mine enemies be ashamed and be very much troubled : let them be turned back, and be ashamed very speedily. n

David experiences the happiness felt by a soul whose sins have been forgiven her by God ; he expresses his feelings, by comparing himself to a sick man, who was at the point of death, and is restored to health. psalm 81

Beati, quorum remissse sunt iniquitates : * et quorum tecta sunt peccata.

Beatus vir, cui non imputavit Dominus peccatum : * nec est in spiritu ejus dolus.

Quoniam tacui, inveteraverunt ossa mea : * dum clamarem tota die.

Quoniam die ac nocte gravata est super me manus tua: * conversus sum in serumna mea, dum configitur spina.

Delictum meum cognitum tibi feci : * et injustitiam meam non abscondi.

Dixi : Confitebor adversum me injustitiam meam Domino : * et tu remisisti impietatem peccati mei.

Pro hac orabit ad te omnis sanctus : * in tempore opportuno.

Verumtamen in diluvio aquarum multarum : * ad eum non approximabunt.

Tu es refugium meum a tribulatione, quae circum-

Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven : and whose sins are covered.

Blessed is the man, to whom the Lord hath not imputed sin : and in whose spirit there is no guile.

Because I was silent, my bones grew old : whilst I cried out all the day long.

For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me : I am turned in my anguish, whilst the thorn is fastened.

I have acknowledged my sin to thee : and my injustice I have not concealed.

I said, I will confess against myself my injustice to the Lord: and thou hast forgiven the wickedness of my sin.

For this shall every one that is holy pray to thee, in a seasonable time.

And yet, in a flood of many waters they shall not come nigh unto him.

Thou art my refuge from the trouble which hath encom-

SEPTUAGBSIMA dedit me : * exsultatio mea, erue me a circumdantibus me.

Intellectum tibi dabo, et instruam te in via hac qua gradieris : * firmabo super te oculos meos.

Nolite fieri sicut equus et mulus : * quibus non est intellectus.

In camo et f reno maxillas eorum constringe : * qui non approximant ad te.

Multa flagella peccatoris : * sperantem autem' in Domino misericordia circumdabit.

Laetamini in Domino, et exsultate justi : * et gloriamini omnes recti corde. passed me : my joy ! deliver me from them that surround me.

Thou hast said to me: I will give thee understanding, and I will instruct thee in this way in which thou shalt go : I will fix mine eyes upon thee.

Do not become like the horse and the mule, who have no understanding.

With bit and bridle bind fast their jaws, who come not near unto thee.

Many are the scourges of the sinner : but mercy shall encompass him that hopeth in the Lord.

Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice ye just : and glory, all ye right of heart.

III

The royal prophet feels the consequences left in him by his past sins, and he begs God to have pity on him. psalm 87

Domine, ne in furore tuo arguas me : * neque in ira tua corripias me.

Quoniam sagittae tuae infixes sunt mihi : * et confirmasti super me manum tuam.

Non est sanitas in carne mea a facie irae tuae : * non est pax ossibus meis a facie peccatorum meorum.

Quoniam iniquitates meae supergressae sunt caput meum : * et sicut onus grave gravatae sunt super me.

Bebuke me not, O Lord, in thy indignation : nor chastise me in thy wrath.

For thine arrows are fastened in me : and thy hand hath been strong upon me.

There is no health in my flesh, because of thy wrath : there is no peace in my bones, because of my sins.

For my iniquities are gone over my head : and as a heavy burden, are become heavy upon me.

Putruerunt, et corruptee sunt cicatrices mese, * a facie insipientise mese.

Miser factus sum, et curvatus sum usque in finem : * tota die contristatus ingrediebar.

Quoniam lumbi mei impleti sunt illusionibus : * et non est sanitas in came mea.

Afflictus sum et humiliatus sum nimis: * rugiebara a gemitu cordis mei.

Doniine, ante te omne desideriuni meum : * et gemitus meus a te non est absconditus.

Cor meum conturbatum est, dereliquit me virtus mea : * et lumen oculorum meorum, et ipsum non est mecum.

Amici mei et proximi mei : * adversum me appropinquaverunt et steterunt.

Et qui juxta me erant, de longe steterunt : * et vim faciebantqui quserebant animam meam.

Et qui inquirebant mala mini, locuti sunt vanitates : * et dolos tota die meditabantur.

Ego autem tanquam surdus non audiebam : * et sicut mutus non aperiens os suum.

Et factus sum sicut homo non audiens : * et non habens in ore suo redargutiones.

Quoniam in te, Domine, speravi : * tu exaudies me, Domine Deus meus.

Quia dixi : Nequando supergaudeant mihi inimici

My sores are putrefied and corrupted, because of my foolishness.

I am become miserable and am bowed down even to the end : I walked sorrowful all the day long.

For my loins are filled with illusions : and there is no health in my flesh.

I am afflicted and humbled exceedingly : I roared with the groaning of my heart.

O Lord, all my desire is before thee : and my groaning is not hidden from thee.

My heart is troubled, my strength hath left me : and the light of mine eyes itself is not with me.

My friends and my neighbours have drawn near, and stood against me.

And they that were near me, stood afar off: and they that sought my soul, used violence.

And they that sought evils to me, spoke vain things : and studied deceits all the day long,

But I as a deaf man heard not : and as a dumb man not opening his mouth.

And I became as a man that heareth not : and that hath no reproofs in his mouth.

For in thee, O Lord, have I hoped : thou wilt hear me, O Lord my God.

For I said : Lest at any time mine enemies rejoice over me ; 23 mei : * et dum commoventur pedes mei, super me magna locuti sunt.

Quoniam ego in flagella paratus sum: * et dolor meus in conspectu meo semper.

Quoniam iniquitatem meam annuntiabo : * et cogitabo pro peccato meo.

Inimici autem mei vivunt, et confirmati sunt super me : * et multiplicati sunt qui oderunt me inique.

Qui retribuunt mala pro bonis, detrahebant mihi: * quoniam sequebar bonitatem.

Ne derelinquas me, Domine Deus meus : * ne discesseris a me.

Intende in adjutorium meum : * Domine, Deus salutis meee. and whilst my feet are moved, they speak great things against me.

For I am ready for scourges : and my sorrow is continually before me.

For I will declare my iniquity : and I will think for my sin.

But mine enemies live, and are stronger than I : and they that hate me wrongfully, are multiplied.

They that render evil for good have detracted me : because I followed goodness.

Forsake me not, 0 Lord my God : do not thou depart from me.

Attend unto my help, O Lord the God of my salvation.

IV

The grief and prayer of David, when the prophet Nathan was sent, by God, to reproach him for the twofold crime he had committed by his sin with Bethsabee, are the subject of this psalm. psalm 50

Miserere mei Deus : * Have mercy on me, O God, secundum magnam miseri- according to thy great mercy, cordiam tuam.

Et secundum multitudi- And according to the multi- nem miserationum tuarum : tude of thy tender mercies, blot

• dele iniquitatem meam. out my iniquity.

Amplius lava me ab ini- Wash me yet more from my quitate mea : * et a peccato iniquity, and cleanse me from meo munda me. my sin.

Quoniam iniquitatem For I know my iniquity, meam ego cognosco: * et and my sin is always before peccatum meum contra me me. est semper.

Tibi soli peccavi, et malum coram te feci : * ut justificeris in sermonibus tuis et vincas cum judicaris.

Ecceenim in iniquitatibus conceptus sum : * et in peccatis concepit me mater mea.

Ecce enim veritatem dilexisti : * incerta et occulta sapientiae tuse manifestasti mihi.

Asperges me hyssopo, et mundabor : * lavabis me, et super nivem dealbabor.

Auditui meo dabis gaudiuin et laetitiam: * et exsultabunt ossa humiliata.

Averte faciem tuam a peccatis meis: * et omnes iniquitates meas dele.

Cor mundum crea in me Deus : * et spiritum rectum innova in visceribus meis.

Ne projicias me a facie tua : * et Spiritum sanctum tuum ne auferas a me.

Bedde mihi laetitiam salutaris tui : * et spiritu principali confirma me.

Docebo iniquos vias tuas : * et impii ad te convertentur.

Libera me de sanguinibus, Deus, Deus salutis meas : * et exsultabit lingua mea justitiam tuam.

Domine, labia mea aperies : * et os meum annuntiabit laudem tuam.

Quoniam si voluisses sacrificium, dedissem uti-

To thee only have I sinned, and have done evil before thee : that thou mayst be justified in thy words, and mayst overcome when thou art judged.

For behold ! I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother conceive me.

For behold ! thou hast loved truth: the uncertain and hidden things of thy wisdom thou hast made manifest to me.

Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be.cleansed : thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.

To my hearing thou shalt give joy and gladness : and the bones that have been humbled, shall rejoice.

Turn away thy face from my sins : and blot out all my iniquities.

Create a clean heart in me, O God : and renew a right spirit within my bowels.

Cast me not away from thy face : and take not thy holy Spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation : and strengthen me with a perfect spirit.

I will teach the unjust thy ways : and the wicked shall be converted to thee.

Deliver me from blood, O God, thou God of my salvation! and my tongue shall extol thy justice.

O Lord, thou wilt open my lips : and my mouth shall declare thy praise.

For if thou hadst desired sacrifice, I would indeed have 28—2 que : * holocaustis non delectaberis.

Sacrificium Deo spiritus contribulatus : * cor contritum et humiliatum, Deus, non despicies.

Benigne fac, Domine, in bona voluntate tua Sion : * ut sedificentur muri Jerusalem.

Tunc acceptable sacrificium justitiee, oblationes, et holocausta : * tunc imponent super altare tuum vitulos. • given it: with burnt offerings thou wilt not be delighted.

A sacrifice to God is an afflicted spirit : a contrite and humbled heart, 0 God, thou wilt not despise.

Deal favourably, O Lord, in thy good -will with Sion; that the walls of Jerusalem may be built up.

Then shalt thou accept the sacrifice of justice, oblations, and whole-burnt offerings : then shall they lay calves upon thine altar.

David laments over the captivity of God's people in Babylon, and prays for the restoration of Sion, His words are appropriate for the soul, who grieves over her sins, and implores to be regenerated by grace. psalm 101

Domine, exaudi orationem meam : * et clamor meus ad te veniat.

Non avertas faciem tuam a me: * in quacumque die tribulor, inclina ad me aurem tuam.

In quacumque die invocavero te : * velociter exaudi me.

Quia defecerunt sicut fumus dies mei: * et ossa mea sicut cremium aruerunt.

Percussus sum ut f oenum, et aruit cor meum : * quia oblitus sum comedere panem meum.

A voce gemitus mei : *.

Hear, 0 Lord, my prayer: and let my cry come unto thee.

Turn not away thy face from me : in the day when I am in trouble, incline thine ear to me.

In what day soever I shall call upon thee, hear me speedily.

For my days are vanished like smoke : and my bones are grown dry like fuel for the fire.

I am smitten as grass, and my heart is withered : because I forgot to eat my bread.

Through the voice of my adhaesit os meum carni mese.

Simili factus sum pellicano solitudinis : * factus sum sicut nycticorax in domicilio.

Vigilavi : * et factus sum sicut passer solitarius in tecto.

Tota die exprobrabant mihi inimici mei : * et qui laudabant me adversum me jurabant.

Quia cinerem tamquam panem manducabam : * et potum meum cum fletu miscebam.

A facie irae et indignationis tuae : * quia elevans allisisti me.

Dies mei sicut umbra declinaverunt : * et ego sicut foenum arui.

Tu autem, Domine, in aeternum permanes: * et memoriale tuum in generationem et generationem.

Tu exsurgens misereberis Sion : * quia tempus miserendi ejus, quia venit tempus.

Quoniam placuerunt servis tuis lapides ejus : * et terrae ejus miserebuntur.

Ettimebunt gentes nomen tuum, Domine : * et omnes reges terrae gloriam tuam.

Quia aedificavit Dominus Sion : * et videbitur in gloria sua.

Kespexit in orationem humilium : * et non sprevit precem eorum. groaning, my bone hath cleaved to my flesh.

I am become like to a pelican of the wilderness: I am like a night-raven in the house.

I have watched, and am become as a sparrow all alone on the housetop.

All the day long mine enemies reproached me : and they that praised me, did swear against me.

For I did eat ashes like bread: and mingled my drink with weeping.

Because of thy anger and indignation: for having lifted me up, thou hast thrown me down.

My days have declined like a shadow : and I am withered like grass.

But thou, 0 Lord, endurest for ever : and thy memorial to all generations.

Thou shalt arise and have mercy on Sion : for it is time to have mercy on it, for the time is come.

For the stones thereof have pleased thy servants : and they shall have pity on the earth thereof.

And the Gentiles shall fear thy name, O Lord: and all the kings of the earth thy glory.

For the Lord hath built up Sion : and he shall be seen in his glory.

He hath had regard to the prayer of the humble : and he hath not despised their petition.

Scribantur hsec in generatione altera : * et populus qui creabitur laudabit Dominum.

Quia prospexit de excelso sancto 8uo: * Dominus de ccelo in terram aspexit.

Ut audiret gemitus compeditorum : * ut solveret filios interemptorum.

Ut annuntient in Sion nomen Domini : * et laudem ejus in Jerusalem.

In conveniendo populos in unum : * et reges, ut serviant Domino.

Respondit ei in via virtutis suse : * paucitatem dierum meorum nuntia mini.

Ne revoces me in dimidio dierum meorum : * in generationem et generationem anni tui.

Initio tu, Domine, terram fundasti : * et opera manuum tuarum sunt cobK.

Ipsi peribunt, tu autem permanes : * et omnes sicut vestimentum veterascent.

Et sicut opertorium mutabis eos, et mutabuntur : * tu autem idem ipse es, et anni tui non deficient.

Filii servorum tuorum habitabunt : * et semen eorum in seeculum dirigetur.

Let these things be written unto another generation: and the people that shall be created, shall praise the Lord.

Because he hath looked forth from his high sanctuary : from heaven, the Lord hath looked upon the earth.

That he might hear the groans of them that are in fetters: that he might release the children of the slain.

That they may declare the name of the Lord in Sion, and his praise in Jerusalem.

When the people assembled together, and kings to serve the Lord.

He (the royal prophet), longing to see these glorioles things, answered him though still in the way of his strength : Declare unto me the fewness of my days ;

Call me not away in the midst of my days: thy years are unto generation and generation.

In the beginning, 0 Lord, thou f oundedst the earth : and the heavens are the works of thy hands.

They shall perish, but thou remainest : and all of them shall grow old, like a garment.

And as a vesture thou shalt change them, and they shall be changed: but thou art always the self-same, and thy years shall not fail.

The children of thy servants shall continue : and their seed shall be directed for ever.

VI

The sinner seeing the depths of the abyss into which sin has led him, can hope for help from none but his God, whose mercy is infinite. psalm 1 129

De profundis clamavi ad te, Domine : * Domine, exaudi vocem meam.

Fiant aures tuse intendentes: * in vocem deprecationis meae.

Si iniquitates observaveris Domine : * Domine, quis sustinebit ?

Quia apud te propitiatio est : * et propter legem tuam sustinui te, Domine.

Sustinuit anima mea in verbo ejus : * speravit anima mea in Domino.

A custodia matutina usque ad noctem : * speret Israel in Domino.

Quia apud Dominum misericordia : * et copiosa apud eum redemptio.

Et ipse redimet Israel : * ex omnibus iniquitatibus ejus.

Out of the depths I have cried to thee, O Lord : Lord, hear my voice.

Let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication.

If thou, 0 Lord, wilt mark iniquities: Lord, who shall stand it ?

For with thee there is merciful forgiveness : and by reason of thy law, I have waited for thee, 0 Lord.

My soul hath relied on his word : my soul hath hoped in the Lord.

From the morning watch even until night, let Israel hope in the Lord.

Because with the Lord there is mercy : and with him, plentiful redemption.

And he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities.

VII

David, who had taken refuge in a cave, sees himself surrounded by the army of Saul ; he beseeches God not to deal with him according to the rigour of His just judgments, but to show him a way whereby to escape the danger that threatens him. The sinner implores God to deliver him from the sins and temptations which beset him.

PSALM 142

Domine, exaudi orationem meam, auribus percipe obsecrationem meam in veritate tua : * exaudi me in tua justitia.

Et non intres in judicium cum servo tuo : * quia non justificabitur in conspectu tuo omnis vivens.

Quia persecutus est inimicus animam meam : * humiliavit in terra vitam meam.

Collocavit me in obscuris sicut mortuos sseculi : et anxiatus est super me spiritus meus: * in me turbatum est cor meum.

Memor fui dierum antiquorum, meditatus sum in omnibus operibus tuis : * in factis manuum tuarum meditabar.

Expandi manus meas ad te : * anima mea sicut terra sine aqua tibi.

Velociter exaudi me, Domine : * defecit spiritus meus.

Non avertas faciem tuam a me : * et similis ero descendentibus in lacum.

Auditam fac mihi mane misericordiam tuam : * quia in te speravi.

Notam fac mihi viam in qua ambulem : * quia ad te levavi animam meam.

Eripe me de inimicis meis, Domine, ad te confugi : * doce me facere voluntatem tuam, quia Deus meus es tu.

Spiritus tuus bonus deducet me in terram rectam : *

Hear, O Lord, my prayer; give ear to my supplication in thy truth : hear me in thy justice.

And enter not into judgment with thy servant : for in thy sight no man living shall be justified.

For the enemy hath persecuted my soul : he hath brought down my life to the earth.

He hath made me to dwell in darkness, as those that have been dead of old ; and my spirit is in anguish within me : my heart within me is troubled.

I remembered the days of old, I meditated on all thy works : I meditated upon the works of thy hands.

I stretched forth my hands to thee : my soul is as earth without water, unto thee.

Hear me speedily, O Lord : my spirit hath fainted away.

Turn not away thy face from me : lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit.

Cause me to hear thy mercy in the morning : for in thee have I hoped.

Make the way known to me, wherein I should walk : for I have lifted up my soul to thee.

Deliver me from mine enemies, O Lord ; to thee have I fled : teach me to do thy will, for thou art my God.

Thy good Spirit shall lead me into the right land : for propter nomen tuum, Do- thy name's sake, O Lord, thou mine, vivificabis me in wilt quicken me in thy justice, sequitate tua.

Educes de tribulatione Thou wilt bring my soul animam meam : * et in mi- out of trouble : and in thy sericordia tua disperdes ini- mercy, thou wilt destroy mine micos meos. enemies.

Et perdes omnes qui tri- And thou wilt cut off all bulant animam meam : * them that afflict my soul : for quoniam ego servus tuus I am thy servant.

Ant. Ne reminiscaris, Ant. Eemember not, O

Domine, delicta nostra, vel Lord, our offences, nor those parentum nostrorum, neque of our parents, and take not vindictam sumas de pecca- revenge on our sins, tis nostris. sum.

THE DEVOTIONS FOE THE FOETY HOUES

HYMN

Pange, lingua, gloriosi Corporis mysterium, Sanguinisque pretiosi, Quern in mundi pretium, Fructus ventris generosi, Kex efludit gentium.

Nobis datus, nobis natus Ex intact a Virgine, Et in mundo conversatus, Sparso verbi semine, Sui moras incolatus Miro olausit ordine.

In supremae nocte coense Keoumbens cum fratribus, Observata lege plene Cibis in legalibus, Cibum turbae duodenae Se dat suis manibus.

Verbum caro, panem verum

Verbo carnem eflicit : Fitque sanguis Christi me- rum : Et si sensus deficit, Ad firmandum cor sincerum Sola fides sufncit.

Tantum ergo Sacramentum

Veneremur cernui :

Et antiquum documentum

Novo cedat ritui :

PrsBstet fides supplementum

Sensuum defectui.

Sing, O my tongue, the mystery of the glorious Body, and precious Blood which was shed as the world's ransom, by him who is the fruit of Mary's generous womb, him the King of nations.

Given unto us, and born for us from the purest of Virgins, he lived in this our world, casting the seed of the word; and closing the days of his sojourn here, by a way full of marvel.

On the night of the last Supper, he sat at table with his brethren ; and having fully observed the Law as to its legal repast, he gave himself, with his own hands, as food to the assembled twelve.

The Word made Flesh, makes, by a word, that true bread should become Flesh, and wine the Blood of Christ ; and though our sense may fail, faith of itself is enough to assure an upright heart.

Then let us, prostrate, adore so great a Sacrament : and let the ancient law give place to the new rite : let faith supply the senses' deficiency.

Genitori, Genitoque Laus et jubilatio, Salus, honor, virtus quoque Sit et benedictio : Procedenti ab utroque Compar sit laudatio.

Amen.

To the Father and the Son, be praise and jubilation, salvation, honour, power and benediction : to him that proceedeth from both, be equal praise !

Amen.

THE LITANY OF THE SAINTS

Kyrie, eleison.

Christe, eleison.

Kyrie, eleison.

Christe, audi nos.

Christe, exaudi nos.

Pater de ccelis, Deus, miserere nobis.

Fili, Kedemptor mundi, Deus, miserere nobis.

Spiritus sancte, Deus, miserere nobis.

Sancta Trinitas, unus Deus, miserere nobis.

Sancta Maria, ora pro nobis.

Sancta Dei Genitrix, ora.

Sancta Virgo virginum, ora.

Sancte Michael, ora. Sancte Gabriel, ora. Sancte Raphael, ora. Omnes sancti angeli et archangeli, orate. Omnes sancti beatorum spirituum ordines, orate. Sancte Joannes Baptista, ora.

Sancte Joseph, ora. Omnes sancti patriarch® et prophet ae, orate. Sancte Petre, ora. Sancte Paule, ora. Sancte Andrea, ora. Sancte Jacobe, ora. Sancte Joannes, ora.

Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us. God the Father of heaven, have mercy on us. God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us. God the Holy Ghost, have mercy on us. Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us. Holy Mary, pray for us. Holy Mother of God, pray for us.

Holy Virgin of virgins, pray for us.

Saint Michael, pray for us. Saint Gabriel, Saint Raphael,

All ye holy angels and archangels,

All ye holy orders of blessed spirits, Saint John Baptist,

Saint Joseph,

All ye holy patriarchs and prophets, Saint Peter, Saint Paul, Saint Andrew, Saint James, Saint John,

DigitftedbyC 30gk . kJCVXAVU^ JL XX \J III Oty ora.

Sonets Jacobe, Sancte Philippe, ora. ora.

Sancte Bartholomaee, ora.

Sancte Matthsee, ora.

Sancte Simon, ora.

Sancte Thaddsee, ora.

Sancte Mathia, ora.

Sancte Barnaba, ora.

Sancte Luca, ora.

Sancte Marce, ora.

Omnes sancti apostoli et evangelist®, orate.

Omnes sancti discipuli Domini, orate.

Omnes sancti Innocentes, orate.

Sancte Stephane, ora. Sancte Laurenti, ora. Sancte Vincenti, ora. Sancti Fabiane et Sebastiane, orate. Sancti Joannes et Paule, orate.

Sancti Cosma et Damiane, orate.

Sancti Gervasi et Protasi, orate.

Omnes sancti martyres, orate.

Sancte Sylvester, ora. Sancte Gregori, ora. Sancte Ambrosi, ora. Sancte Augustine, ora. Sancte Hieronyme, ora. Sancte Martine, ora. Sancte Nicolae, ora. Omnes sancti pontifices et confessores, orate. Omnes sancti doctores, orate.

Sancte Antoni, ora. Sancte Benedicte, ora. Sancte Bernarde, ora. Sancte Dominice, ora. Sancte Francisce, ora.

Saint Thomas, Saint James, Saint Philip, Saint Bartholomew, Saint Matthew, Saint Simon, Saint Thaddeus, Saint Mathias, Saint Barnaby, Saint Luke, Saint Mark,

All ye holy apostles and evangelists, All ye holy disciples of our

Lord,

All ye holy Innocents,

Saint Stephen, Saint Laurence, Saint Vincent,

Saints Fabian and Sebastian,

Saints John and Paul,

Saints Gosmas and Damian,

Saints Gervasius and Pro- tasius, All ye holy martyrs,

Saint Sylvester, Saint Gregory, Saint Ambrose, Saint Augustine, Saint J erome, Saint Martin, Saint Nicholas,

All ye holy bishops and confessors, All ye holy doctors,

Saint Antony, Saint Benedict, Saint Bernard, Saint Dominic, Saint Francis,

Omnes sancti sacerdotes et levitae, orate.

Omnes sancti monachi et eremitae, orate.

Sancta Maria Magdalena, ora.

Sancta Agatha, ora. Sancta Lucia, ora. Sancta Agnes, ora. Sancta Caecilia, ora. Sancta Catharina, ora. Sancta Anastasia, ora. Omnes sanctae virgines et viduae, orate. Omnes sancti et sanctae Dei, intercedite pro nobis. Propitius esto, parce nobis,

Domine. Propitius esto, exaudi nos,

Domine Ab omni malo, libera nos,

Domine. Ab omni peccato, libera nos,

Domine. Ab ira tua, libera. Ab imminentibus periculis, libera.

A flagello terraemotus, libera.

A peste, fame, et bello, libera.

A subitanea et improvisa morte, libera.

Ab insidiis diaboli, libera.

Ab ira, et odio, et omni mala voluntate, libera.

A spiritu fornicationis, libera.

A fulgure et tempestate, libera.

A morte perpetua, libera. Per mysterium sanctae Incarnationis tuae, libera. Per adventum tuum, libera. Per nativitatem tuam, libera.

All ye holy priests and levites,

All ye holy monks and hermits,

Saint Mary Magdalene,

Saint Agatha,

Saint Lucy,

Saint Agnes,

Saint Cecily,

Saint Catharine,

Saint Anastasia,

All ye holy virgins and widows, All ye saints of God, make intercession for us. Be merciful to us, spare us, 0

Lord.

Be merciful to us, graciously hear us, O Lord. From all evil, deliver us, 0

Lord.

From all sin, deliver us, 0

Lord. From thy wrath, From all dangers that threaten us,

From the scourge of earthquakes,

From plague, famine, and war,

From sudden and unprovided death,

From the snares of the devil, From anger, hatred, and all ill-will,

From the spirit of fornication,

From lightning and tempest,

From everlasting death, Through the mystery of thy holy Incarnation, Through thy coming, Through thy nativity,

Per baptismum et sanctum jejunium tuum, libera.

Per crucem et Passionem , tuam, libera.

Per mortem et sepulturam tuam, libera.

Per sanctam Besurrectionem tuam, libera.

Per admirabilem Ascensionem tuam, libera.

Per adventum Spiritus 8aneti Paracliti, libera.

In die judicii, libera.

Peccatores, te rogamus, audi nos.

Ut nobis parcas, te rogamus, audi nos.

Ut nobis indulgeas, te, etc.

Ut ad veram poenitentiam nos perducere digneris, te rogamus.

Ut Ecclesiam tuam sanctam regere et conservare digneris, te rogamus.

Ut Domnum apostolicum, et omnes ecclesiasticos ordines, in sancta religione conservare digneris, te rogamus.

Ut inimicos sanctse Ecclesiee humiliare digneris, te rogamus.

Ut Turcarum et hsereticorum conatus reprimere, et ad nihilum redigere digneris, te rogamus.

Ut regibus et principibus Christianis pacem et veram concordiam donare digneris, te rogamus.

Ut cuncto populo Christiano pacem et unitatem largiri digneris, te rogamus.

Ut nosmetipsos in tuo sancto servitio confortare et conservare digneris, te rogamus.

Through thy baptism and holy fasting,

Through thy cross and Passion,

Through thy death and burial, Through thy holy Eesurrection,

Through thy admirable Ascension,

Through the coming of the Holy Ghost the Comforter,

In the day of judgment,

We sinners, beseech thee, hear us.

That thou spare us, we beseech thee, hear us.

That thou pardon us,

That thou vouchsafe to bring us to true penance,

That thou vouchsafe to govern and preserve thy holy Church,

That thou vouchsafe to preserve our apostolic lord, and all ecclesiastical orders, in holy religion,

That thou vouchsafe to humble the enemies of thy holy Church,

That thou vouchsafe to defeat the attempts of Turks and heretics, and bring them to nought,

That thou vouchsafe to give peace and true concord to Christian kings and princes,

That thou vouchsafe to grant peace and unity to all Christian people,

That thou vouchsafe to strengthen and preserve us in thy holy service,

Ut mentes nostras ad coelestia desideria erigas, te rogamus. Ut omnibus benefactoribus nostris sempiterna bona retribuas, te rogamus. Ut animas nostras, fratrum, propinquorum, et benefactorum nostrorum ab aeterna damnatione eripias, te rogamus. Ut fructus terrse dare et conservare digneris, te rogamus. Ut omnibus ndelibus defunctis requiem aeternam donare digneris, te rogamus. Ut nos exaudire digneris, te rogamus. Fili Dei, te rogamus.

Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, parce nobis, Domine. Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, exaudi nos, Domine. Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis.

Christe, audi nos. Christe, exaudi nos. Kyrie, eleison. Christe, eleison. Kyrie, eleison. Pater noster. (Secreto.)

V. Et ne nos inducas in tentationem.

B. Sed libera nos a malo.

That thou lift up our minds to heavenly desires,

That thou render eternal good things to all our benefactors,

That thou deliver our souls, and those of our brethren, kinsfolk » and benefactors, from eternal damnation,

That thou vouchsafe to give and preserve the fruits of the earth,

That thou vouchsafe to give eternal rest to all the faithful departed,

That thou vouchsafe graciously to hear us. Son of God, we beseech thee, hear us. Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, spare us, 0 Lord, Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, 0 Lord. Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy on us. Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us. Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us. Our Father. (In secret.)

V. And lead us not into temptation.

JR. But deliver us from evil.

PSALM 69

Deus, in adjutorium me- O God, come to my assistum intende : * Domine, ad ance : O Lord, make haste to adjuvandum me festina. help me.

Confundantur et revereantur : * qui quserunt animam meam.

Avertantur retrorsum et erubescant : * qui volunt mihi mala.

Avertantur statim erubescentes : * qui dicunt mihi, Euge, euge.

Exsultent et laetentur in te omnes qui quaerunt te : * et dicant semper, magnificetur Dominus qui diligunt salutare tuum.

Ego vero egenus et pauper sum : * Deus adjuva me.

Adjutor meus et liberator meus es tu: * Domine, ne moreris.

Gloria Patri, et Filio, * et Spiritui sancto.

Sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et semper : * et in saecula saeculorum, Amen.

V. Salvos fac servos tuos.

B. Deus meus sperantes in te.

V, Esto nobis, Domine, turris fortitudinis. B. A facie inimici.

V. Nihil proficiat inimicus in nobis.

B. Et filius iniquitatis non apponat nocere nobis.

V. Domine, non secundum peccata nostra facias nobis.

B. Neque secundum iniquitates nostras retribuas nobis.

V. Oremus pro Pontifice nostro N.

B. Dominus conservet eum, et vivificet eum, et beatum faciat eum in terra,

Let them be confounded and ashamed that seek my soul.

Let them be turned backward, and blush for shame, that desire evils to me.

Let them be presently turned away blushing for shame, that say to me : 'Tis well, 'tis well.

Let all that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee : and let such as love thy salvation, say always, the Lord be magnified.

But I am needy and poor: O God, help me.

Thou art my helper and my deliverer: O Lord, make no delay.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

V. Save thy servants.

B. Trusting in thee, O my God.

V. Be unto us, O Lord, a tower of strength.

B. From the face of the enemy.

V. Let not the enemy prevail against us.

B. Nor the son of iniquity have any power to hurt us.

V. O Lord, deal not with us according to our sins.

B. Nor reward us according to our iniquities.

V, Let us pray for our chief Bishop N.

B. May our Lord preserve him, and give him life, and make him blessed upon earth, et non tradat eutu in animam inimicorum ejus.

V. Oremu pro benefactoribus nostris.

JR. Ketribuere dignare, Domine, omnibus nobis bona facientibus, propter nomen tuum, vitam seternam. Amen.

V. Oremus pro fidelibus defunctis.

R, Requiem seternam dona eis, Domine, et lux perpetua luceat eis.

V. Requiescant in pace.

R, Amen.

V. Pro fratribus nostris absentibus.

R. Salvos fac servos tuos, Deus meus, sper antes in te.

V. Mitte eis, Domine, auxilium de sane to.

R. Et de Sion tuere eos.

V. Domine, exaudi orationem meam.

R. Et clamor meus ad te veniat.

V, Domihus vobiscum.

R. Et cum spiritu tuo.

OREMUS.

Deus, qui nobis, sub Sacramento inirabili, Passionis tuaB memoriam reliquisti : tribue, quaesumus, ita nos Corporis et Sanguinis tui sacra mysteria venerari, ut Redemptionis tuse fructum in nobis jugiter sentiamus.

1 Concede nos famulos tuos, quaesumus, Domine and deliver him not to the will of his enemies. •

V. Let us pray for our benefactors.

R. Vouchsafe, O Lord, for thy name's sake, to reward, with eternal life, all them that have done us good. Amen.

V. Let us pray for the faithful departed.

R. Eternal rest give to them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.

V. May they rest in peace.

R. Amen.

F. For our absent brethren.

R. O my God, save thy servants trusting in thee.

V. Send them help, G Lord, from thy holy place.

R. And from Sion protect them.

V. 0 Lord, hear my prayer.

R. And let my cry come unto thee.

V. The Lord be with you. R. And with thy spirit.

LET US PRAY.

0 God, who, in this wonderful Sacrament, hast left us a perpetual memorial of thy Passion : grant us, we beseech thee, so to reverence the sacred mysteries of thy Body and Blood, that in our souls we may always be sensible of the fruit of the Redemption thou hast purchased for us.

1 Grant, 0 Lord, we beseech thee, that we thy ser-

1 This Collect varies in Advent, and at Christmas. See the Collects for these times, page 371.

Deus, perpetua mentis et corporis sanitate gaudere : et gloriosa beatae Mariae semper Virginis intercessione, a praesenti liberari tristitia, et aeterna perfrui laetitia.

Omnipotens sempiterne Deus, miserere famulo tuo Pontifici nostro N., et dirige eum, secundum tuam clementiam, in viam salutis aeternae ; ut, te donante, tibi placita cupiat, et tota virtute perficiat.

Deus refugium nostrum et virtus, adesto piis Ecclesiae tuae precibus, auctor ipse pietatis, et praesta ; ut quod fideliter petimus, efficaciter consequamur.

Omnipotens sempiterne Deus, in cujus manu sunt omnium potestates, et omnia jura regnorum, respice in auxilium Christianorum ; ut gentes paganorum et haereticorum, quae in sua feritate et fraude confidunt, dexterae tuae potentia conterantur.

Omnipotens sempiterne Deus, qui vivorum dominaris simul et mortuorum, omniumque misereris, quos tuos fide et opere futuros esse praenoscis ; te supplices exoramus ; ut pro quibus effundere preces decrevimus, quosque vel praesens saeculum adhuc in came retinet, vel futuruni jam exutos corpore suscepit, intercedenti- vants may enjoy constant health of body and mind : and by the glorious intercession of blessed Mary, ever a Virgin, be delivered from all present affliction, and come to that joy which is eternal.

O almighty and eternal God, have mercy on thy servant N., our chief Bishop, and direct him, according to thy clemency, in the way of everlasting salvation ; that, by thy grace, he may desire those things that are agreeable to thee, and perform them with all his strength.

0 God, our refuge and strength, fountain of all goodness, mercifully give ear to the fervent prayers of thy Church, and grant, that what we ask with faith, we may effectually obtain.

0 almighty and eternal God, in whose hand are all the powers and all the rights of kingdoms, come to the assistance of thy Christian people; that all pagan and heretical nations, who trust in their own violence and craft, may be broken by the might of thy right hand.

0 almighty and eternal God, who hast dominion over the living and the dead, and art merciful to' all, who thou foreknowest shall be thine by faith and good works ; we humbly beseech thee, that they, for whom we have determined to offer up our prayers, whether this present world still detain them in the flesh, or the world to come hath bus omnibus Sanctis tuis, pietatis tuae dementia, omnium delictorum suorum veniam consequantur. Per Dominum nostrum Jesum Christum Filium tuum, qui tecum vivit et regnat, in unitate Spiritus sancti, Deus, per omnia saecula saeculorum.

B. Amen.

V. Domine exaudi orationem meam.

B. Et clamor meus ad te veniat.

V. Exaudiat nos omnipotens et misericors Dominus.

B. Et custodiat nos semper, Amen.

V. Fidelium animae, per misericordiam Dei, requiescant in pace.

JR. Amen. already received them out of their bodies, may, by the clemency of thy goodness, all thy saints interceding for them, obtain pardon and full remission of all their sins. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, thy Son, who liveth and reigneth, one God with thee and the holy Ghost, world without end. B. Amen.

V. 0 Lord hear my prayer.

B. And let my cry come unto thee.

V. May the almighty and most merciful Lord graciously hear us.

B, And may he ever graciously preserve us, Amen.

V. May the souls of the faithful, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

B. Amen.

The second of these 8

From Advent

Deus, qui de beatae Marias Virginis utero, Verbum tuum, angelo nuntiante, carnem suscipere voluisti: praesta supplicibus tuis, ut qui vere earn Genitricem Dei credimus, ejus apud te intercessionibus adjuvemur. ix Collects is thus varied : to Christmas Day.

O God, who wast pleased that thy Word, at the message of an angel, should take flesh in the womb of the blessed Virgin Mary : grant to us thy humble servants, that we, who believe her to be truly the Mother of God, may be assisted by her intercessions with thee.

From Christmas Day to the Purification.

Deus, qui salutis aeternae, O God, who by the fruitful beatae Mariae virginitate virginity of blessed Mary, fcecunda, humano generi hast given to mankind the

24—2 praemia preestitisti : tribue rewards of eternal salvation : qufiesumus, ut ipsam pro grant, we beseech thee, that nobis intercedere sentiamus, we may experience her inter - per quam meruimus aucto- cession, by whom we received rem vitse suscipere, Domi- the Author of life, our Lord num nostrum Jesum Chri- Jesus Christ thy Son, stum Filium tuum.