Chapter the Seventh

The Office of Vespers, or Evensong, consists firstly of the five following psalms and antiphons. According to our custom, we preface each psalm with a short explanation, in order to draw attention to what is most in harmony with the spirit of this season.

After the Pater and Ave have been said in secret, the Church commences this Hour with her favourite supplication:

V. Deus, in adjutorium meum intende.

IjZ. Domine, ad adjuvandum me f estina.

Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui sancto.

Sicut erat in principio, et nunc et semper, et in saecula saeculorum. Amen. f. Incline unto my aid, O God.

0 Lord make haste to help me.

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.

PASSIONTtDE AND HOLT WEEK

Laus tibi, Domine, Rex aeternae gloriae. Ant. Dixit Dominus.

Praise be to thee 0 King of eternal glory. Ant. The Lord said.

Lord,

Dixit Dominus Domino meo: Sede a dextris meis. lnimicos pedum

The first psalm is a propheoy of the future glory of the Messias ; but it also speaks of His humiliations. It tells of the triumphs of Christ ; but, before His exaltation, He is to drink of the torrent of sufferings.

Psalm 109

The Lord said to my Lord, his Son: Sit thou at my right hand, and reign with me.

Until, on the day of thy last coming, I make thy enemies thy footstool.

0 Christ/ the Lord thy Father, will send forth the sceptre of thy power out of Sion: from thence rule thou in the midst of thy enemies.

With thee is the principality in the day of thy strength, in the brightness of the saints: For the Father hath said to thee: From the womb before the day-star I begot thee.

The Lord hath sworn, and he will not repent: he hath said, speaking to thee, the God- Man: Thou art a Priest for ever, according to the order of Melchisedech.

Therefore, 0 Father, the Lord, thy Son is at thy right hand: he hath broken kings in the day of his wrath.

He shall also judge among nations: in that terrible coming, he shall fill the ruins of the world: he shall crush the heads in the land of many.

Donee ponam tuos: scabellum tuorum.

Virgam virtutis tu» emittet Dominus ex Sion: dominare in medio inimicorum tuorum.

Tecum principium in die virtutis tuae in splendoribus sanctorum: ex utero ante luciferum genui te.

Juravit Dominus, et non poenitebit eum: Tu es Sacerdos in aeternum secundum ordinem Melchisedech.

Dominus a dextris tuis: confregit in die ir» suae reges.

Judicabit in nationibus, implebit ruinas: conquassabit capita in terra multorum.

Vespers

De torrente, in via bibet: propterea exaltabit caput.

Ant. Dixit Dominus Domino meo, sede a dextris meis.

Ant. Fidelia.

He cometh now in humility: he shall drink in the way, of the torrent of sufferings: therefore, shall he lift up the head.

Ant. The Lord said to my Lord, sit thou at my right hand.

Ant. Faithful.

The following psalm commemorates the mercies of God to His people: of these, the greatest is His having given us a Redeemer, He has made an eternal Covenant with us: but this Covenant was signed with the Blood of His own Son.

Psalm 110

Confitebor tibi, Domine, in toto corde meo: in con- 8iUo justorum et congregatione.

Magna opera Domini: exquisita in omnes voluntates ejus.

Conf essio et magnificentia opus ejus; et justitia ejus manet in sseculum saeculi.

Memoriam fecit mirabilium suorum, misericors et miserator Dominus: escam dedit timentibus se.

Memor erit in sseculum testamenti sui: virtutem operum suorum annuntiabit populo suo.

Ut det illis hsereditatem Gentium: opera manuum ejus Veritas et judicium.

Fidelia omnia mandata ejus, confirmata in s»culum

I will praise thee, 0 Lord, with my whole heart: in the counsel of the just, and in the congregation.

Great are the works of the Lord: sought out according to all his wills.

His work is praise and magnificence; and his justice continueth for ever and ever.

He hath made a remembrance of his wonderful works, being a merciful and gracious Lord: he hath given food to them that fear him.

He will be mindful for ever of his covenant with men: he will show forth to his people the power of his works.

That he may give them, his Church, the inheritance of the Gentiles: the works of his hands are truth and judgment.

All his commandments are faithful, confirmed for ever saeculi: facta in veritate et aequitate.

Eedemptionem misit populo suo : mandavit in aeternum testamentum suum.

Sanctnm et terribile nomen ejus: initium sapientiae timor Domini.

Intellectus bonus omnibus facientibus eum: laudatio ejus manet in sseculum saeculi.

Ant. Fidelia omnia mandata ejus; confirmata in saeculum saeculi.

Ant. In mandatis. and ever: made in truth and equity.

He hath sent redemption to his people : he hath thereby commanded his covenant for ever.

Holy and terrible is his name: the fear of the Lord U the beginning of wisdom,

A good understanding to all that do it; his praise continueth for ever and ever.

Ant. Faithful are all his commandments; confirmed for ever and ever.

Ant. In his commandments.

The next psalm sings the happiness of the just man, and his hopes on the day of his Lord's ooming. It tells us, likewise, of the confusion and despair whioh will torment the sinner, who, during life,, was insensible to his own interests, and deaf to the invitations made him by the Church.

Psalm 111

Beatus vir, qui timet Dominum: in mandatis ejus volet nimis.

Potens in terra erit semen ejus : generatio rectorum benedicetur.

Gloria et divitiae in domo ejus: et justitia ejus manet in sseculum saeculi.

Exortum est in tenebris lumen rectis: misericors, et miserator, et justus.

Jucundus homo, qui miseretur et commodat, disponet sermones suos in judicio:

Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord; he shall delight exceedingly in his commandments.

His seed shall be mighty upon earth; the generation of the righteous shall be blessed.

Glory and wealth shall be in his house; and his justice remaineth for ever and ever.

To the righteous a light is risen up in darkness: he is merciful, and compassionate, and just.

Acceptable is the man that showeth mercy and lendeth; he shall order his words with judgment: because lie shall not be moved for ever.

The just shall be in everlasting remembrance: he shall not fear the evil hearing.

His heart is ready to hope in the Lord; his heart is strengthened: he shall not be moved until he look over his enemies.

He hath distributed, he hath given to the poor; his justice remaineth for ever and ever: his horn shall be exalted in glory.

The wicked shall see, and shall be angry; he shall gnash with his teeth, and pine away: the desire of the wicked shall perish.

Ant. In his commandments he delighteth exceedingly.

Ant. May the name of the Lord.

The psalm Laudate pueri is a oanticle of praise to the Lord, who, from His high heaven, has taken pity on the fallen human race, and facilitated its return to its Maker. %

Psalm 112 quia in aeternum non commovebitur.

In memoria aeterna erit Justus : ab auditione mala non timebit.

Paratum cor ejus sperare in Domino, confirmatum est cor ejus: non commovebitur donee despiciat inimicos suos.

Dispersit, dedit pauperibus, justitia ejus manet in gseculum seeculi: cornu ejus exaltabitur in gloria.

Peccator videbit, et iragcetur, dentibus suis fremet et tabescet: desiderium peccatorum peribit.

Ant. In mandatis ejus cupit nimis.

Ant. Sit nomen Domini.

Laudate, pueri, Dominum: laudate nomen Domini.

Sit nomen Domini benedictum: ex hoc nunc et usque in saeculum.

A solis ortu usque ad occasum: laudabile nomen Domini.

JSxcelsus super omnes

Praise the Lord, ye children: praise ye the name of the Lord.

Blessed be the name of the Lord: from henceforth now and for ever.

From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same, the name of the Lord is worthy of praise.

The Lord is high above all

PASSIONTTDE AND HOLT WEEK

Gentes Dominus: et super coelos gloria ejus.

Quia sicut Dominus Deus noster qui in altis habitat: et humilia respicit in coelo et in terra?

Suscitans a terra inopem: et de stercore erigens pauperem.

Ut collocet eum cum principibus: cum principibus populi sui.

Qui habitare facit sterilem in domo: matrem filiorum leetantem.

Ant. Sit nomen Domini benedictum in ssecula.

Ant. Nos qui vivimus. nations: and his glory above the heavens.

Who is as the Lord our God, who dwelleth on high: and looketh down on the low things in heaven and in earth?

Raising up the needy from the earth: and lifting up the poor out of the dunghill.

That he may place him with princes: with the princes of his people.

Who maketh a barren woman to dwell in a house, the joyful mother of children.

Ant. May the name of the Lord be for ever blessed.

Ant. We that live.

The fifth psalm, In exitu, recounts the prodigies witnessed under the anoient Covenant: they were figures, whose realities are to be accomplished in us, if we will but return to the Lord our (rod. He will deliver Israel from Egypt, emancipate the Gentiles from their idolatry, and pour out a blessing on every man who will consent to fear and love the Lord.

Psalm 113

In exitu Israel de iEgypto : domus Jacob de populo barbaro.

Facta est Judaea sanctificatio ejus: Israel potestas ejus.

Mare vidit, et fugit: Jordanis conversus est retrorsum.

Montes exsultaverunt ut arietes: et colles sicut agni ovium.

Quid est tibi, mare, quod fugisti: et tu, Jordanis, quia

When Israel went out of Egypt, the house of Jacob from a barbarous people.

Judea was made his sanctuary, Israel his dominion.

The sea saw and fled; Jordan was turned back.

The mountains skipped like rams: and the hills like the lambs of the flock.

What ailed thee, 0 thou sea, that thou didst flee; ancj

VBSPERS con versus es retrorsum?

Montes exsultastis sicut arietes: et colles sicut agni ovium?

A facie Domini mbta est terra: a facie Dei Jacob.

Qui convertit petram in stagna aquarum: et rupem in fontes aquarum.

Non nobis, Domine, non nobis: sed nomini tuo da gloriam.

Super misericordia tua, et veritate tua: nequando dicant Gentes: Ubi est Deus eorum?

Deus autem noster in cobIo: omnia quaBcumque voluit fecit.

Simulacra Gentium argentum et aurum : opera manuum hominum.

Os habent, et non loquentur: oculos habent, et non videbunt.

Aures habent et non audient : nares habent et non odorabunt.

Manus habent et non palpabunt, pedes habent et non ambulabunt: non clamabunt in gutture suo.

Similes illis fiant qui f aciunt ea: et omnes qui confidunt in eis.

Domus Israel speravit in Domino: adjutor eorum, et protector eorum est.

Domus Aaron speravit in Domino: adjutor eorum, et protector eonnn est, thou, 0 Jordan, that thou wast turned back?

Ye mountains that ye skipped like rams: and ye hills like lambs of the flock?

At the presence of the Lord the earth was moved, at the presence of the God of Jacob.

Who turned the rock into pools of water, and the stony hills into fountains of waters.

Not to us, 0 Lord, not to us; but to thy name give glory.

For thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake: lest the Gentiles should say: Where is their God?

But our God is in heaven: he hath done all things whatsoever he would.

The idols of the Gentiles are silver and gold: the works of the hands of men.

They have mouths, and speak not: they have eyes, and see not.

They have ears, and hear not: they have noses, and smell not.

They have hands, and feel not: they have feet, and walk not: neither shall they cry out through their throat.

Let them that make them become like unto them: and all such as trust in them.

The house of Israel hath hoped in the Lord: he is their helper and their protector.

The house of Aaron hath hoped in the Lord: he is their helper and their protector,

Qui timent Dominum, speraverunt in Domino: adjutor eorum, et protector eorum est.

Dominus memor fuit nostri: et benedixit nobis.

Benedixit domui Israel: benedixit domui Aaron.

Benedixit omnibus qui timent Dominum : pusillis cum majoribus.

Adjiciat Dominus super vos: super vos, et super filios vestros.

Benedicti vos a Domino: qui fecit coelum et terram.

Ccelum coeli Domino: terram autem dedit filiis hominum.

Non mortui laudabunt te, Domine: neque omnes qui descendunt in infernum.

Sed nos qui vivimus, benedicimus Domino: ex hoc nunc et usque in saBculum.

Ant. Nos qui vivimus, benedicimus Domino.

They that feared the Lord have hoped in the Lord: he is their helper and their protector.

The Lord hath been mindful of us, and hath blessed us.

He hath blessed the house of Israel: he hath blessed the house of Aaron.

He hath blessed all that fear the Lord: both little and great.

May the Lord add blessings upon you: upon you, and upon your children.

Blessed be you of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

The heaven of heaven is the Lord's: but the earth he has given to the children of men.

The dead shall not praise thee, 0 Lord: nor any of them that go down to hell.

But we that live bless the Lord: from this time now and for ever.

Ant. We that live bless the Lord.

After these five psalms, a short lesson from the holy Scriptures is read. It is called Capitulum, because it is always very short. Those for the two Sundays are given in the Proper.

After the capitulum, follows the hymn Vearilla Regis* It is the c hymn of the cross 9 composed by St. Venantius Fortunatus, at the request of Saint Eadegund. breve. De ore leonis, * humilitatem meam. * Libera. Libera me, Domine. De ore. De oret y, ft a oornibus unicornium

• According to the monastic rite, it is as follows : — Then is repeated : £t.

HTMN

Vexilla Regis prodeunt; Fulget crucis mysterium, Qua Vita mortem pertulit, Et morte vitam protulit.

Qusb vulnerata lancese Mucrone diro, criminum Ut dob lavaret sordibus, Manavit unda et sanguine.

Impleta sunt quae concinit David fideli carmine, Dicendo nationibus: Eegnavit a ligno Deus.

Arbor decora et fulgida, Ornata regis purpura, Electa digno stipite Tarn sancta membra tangere.

Beata cujus brachiis Pretium pependit saeculi, Statera facta corporis, Tulitque praedam tartari.

0 crux, ave, spes unica,

The standard of our King comes forth ; the mystery of the cross shines upon as, that cross on which Life suffered death,and by his death gave life.

He was pierced with the cruel spear, that, by the Water and the Blood which flowed from the wound, he might cleanse us from sin.

Here on the cross was fulfilled the prophecy foretold in David's truthful words: 4 God hath reigned from the tree.*

0 fair and shining tree! beautified by the scarlet of the King, and chosen as the noble trunk that was to touch such sacred limbs.

0 blessed tree! on whose arms hung the ransom of the world! It was the balance, wherein was placed the Body of J esus, and thereby hell lost its prey.

Hail, 0 cross ! our only hope !

Vexilla Regis prodeunt ; Fulget crucis mysterium, Quo carne carnis Conditor Suspensus est patibulo.

Quo v nine rat us insuper Mucrone diro lance®, Ut nos lavaret crimine, Manavit unda et sanguine.

Impleta sunt ques concinit David fideli carmine, Dicens : In nationibus Regnavit a ligno Deus.

Arbor decora et fulgida, Ornatft Jtegis purpura,

Electa digno stipite

Tarn sancta membra tangere.

Beata, cujus brachiis Saecli pependit pretium, Statera facta corporis, Pradamque tulit tartari.

0 crux, ave, spes unica, Hoc Passionis tempore, Auge piis justitiam, Reisque dona veniam.

Te summa, Deus, Trinitas, Collaudet omnia spiritus : Quos per crucis mysterium Salvas, rege per saecula. Amen.

During these days of the Passion, increase to the good their grace, and cleanse sinners from their guilt.

May every spirit praise thee, 0 holy Trinity, thou fount of salvation! and by the cross, whereby thou gavest us victory give us, too, our recompense. Amen.

It. Deliver me, 0 from the evil man. ty. Kescue me from unjust man.

Lord, the

Hoc Passionis tempore, Piis adauge gratiam, Reisque dele crimina.

Te, fons salutis, Trinitas, Collaudet omnis spiritus; Quibus crucis victoriam Largiris, adde praemium.

Amen. f. Eripe me, Domine, ab homine malo. ty. A viro iniquo eripe me.

Then is said the Magnificat antiphon, which is to be found in the proper. After this, the Church sings the canticle of Mary, the Magnificat, in whioh are celebrated the divine maternity and all its consequent blessings. This exquisite oanticle is an essential part of the Vespers throughout the year. Let us unite with all generations, and call her blessed ; but let us, also, enter into those sentiments of humility, which she recommends to us both by her words and her example. Her inspired lips speak to us this promise: If the great God, whose triumph is to gladden us on the glorious day of Easter, find us humble and submissive, He will exalt us, yea, raise us up even to Himself ; if we confess our misery and poverty to Him, He will enrich us, even to the full, with every blessing. our lady's canticle

( St. Luke i.)

Magnificat: anima mea Dominum.

Et exsultavit spiritus meus: in Deo salutari meo.

Quia respexit humilitatem ancillse su&b: ecce enim

My soul doth magnify the Lord.

And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.

Because he hath regarded the humility of his handmaid; ex hoc beatam me dicent omnes generationes.

Quia fecit mihi magna qui potens est: et sanctum nomeh ejus.

Et misericordia ejus a progenie in progenies: timentibus eum.

Fecit potentiam in brachiosuo: dispersit superbos mente cordis sui.

Deposuit potentes de seder et exaltavit humiles.

Esurientes implevit bonis: et divites dimisit inanes.

Suscepit Israel puerum suum: recordatus misericordiae suae.

Sicut locutus est ad patres nostros: Abraham et semini ejus in ssecula. for, behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.

Because he that is mighty hath done great things to me: and holy is his name.

And his mercy is from generation unto generation, to them that fear him.

He hath showed might in his arm: he hath scattered the proud in the conceit of their heart.

He hath put down the mighty from their seat: and hath exalted the humble.

He hath filled the hungry with good things: and the rich he hath sent empty away.

He hath received Israel his servant, being mindful of his mercy.

As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed for ever.

The Magnificat antiphon is then repeated. The praver, or Collect, will be found in the proper of each Sunday.

The Vespers end with the following versioles: f. Benedicamus Domino. Deo gratias. Fidelium animae per misericordiam Dei requiescant in pace, ty. Amen. f. Let us bless the Lord.

15?. Thanks be to God. f. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. ty. Amen. n

PASSION TIDE AWP HOLT WEEK

CHAPTER THE EIGHTH

ON THE OPFICE OP COMPLINE DURING PA 8810NTIDE AND HOLY WEEK

This Office, which concludes the day, commences by a warning of the dangers of the night: then immediately follows the public confession of our sins, as a powerful means of propitiating the divine justice, and obtaining God's help, now that we are going to spend so many hours in the unoonscious and therefore dangerous state of sleep, which is also such an image of death.

The lector, addressing the priest, says to him:

Jube, domne, benedicere. Pray, father, give thy blessing.

The priest answers :

Noctem quietam, et finem May the almighty Lord perf ectum concedat nobis grant us a quiet night and a

Dominus omnipotens. perfect end. ty. Amen. Amen.

The lector then reads these words, from the first Epistle of St. Peter :

Fratres: Sobrii estote, et Brethren, be sober and vigilate: quia adversarius watch; for your adversary the vester diabolus, tamquam devil, as a roaring lion, goeth leo rugiens, circuit quserens about, seeking whom he may quern devoret: cui resistite devour: whom resist ye strong fortes in fide. Tu autem, in faith. But thou, 0 Lord,

Domine, miserere nobis. have mercy on us.

The choir answers :

Ip. Deo gratias, ty. Thanks be to God.

00M7LINB

Then the priest :

Adjutorium nostrum It. Our help is in the name in nomine Domini. of the Lord.

The choir :

Ip. Qui fecit ccelum et Ipf. Who hath made heaven terram. and earth.

Then the Lord's Prayer is recited in secret ; after whioh the priest says the Confiteor; and when he has finished, the choir says :

Misereatur tui omnipo- May almighty God have tens Deus, et dimissis pec- mercy on thee, and, forgiving catis tuis, perducat te ad thy sins, bring thee to ever- vitam aeternam. lasting life.

The priest having answered Amen, the ohoir repeats the Confiteor thus :

Confiteor Deo omnipo- I confess to almighty iGod, tenti, beat® Marire semper to blessed Mary ever Virgin, to

Virgini, beato Michaeli blessed Michael the Archangel,

Archangelo, beato Joanni to blessed John the Baptist, to

Baptist®, Sanctis apostolis the holy apostles Peter and

Petro et Paulo, omnibus Paul, to all the saints, and to

Sanctis, et idbi, pater, quia thee, father, that I have sinned peccavi nimis cogitatione, exceedingly in thought, word, verbo, et opere: mea culpa, and deed; through my fault, mea culpa, mea maxima through my fault, through my culpa. Ideo precor beatam most grievous fault. There-

Mariam semper Yirginem, fore I beseech blessed Mary beatum Michaelem Archan- ever Virgin, blessed Michael gelum, beatum Joannem the Archangel, blessed John

Baptistam, sanctos aposto- the Baptist, the holy apostles los Petrum et Paulum, Peter and Paul, and all the omnes sanctos, et te, pater, saints, and thee, father, to pray orare pro me ad Dominum to the Lord our God for me. Deum nostrum.

The priest then says:

Misereatur vestri omni- May almighty God be merpotens Deus, et dimissis ciful to you, and, forgiving

PASSIONTIDfc AttD HOLT WEE* peccatis vestris, perducat vos ad vitam aeternam. Amen. Indulgentiam, absolutionem, et remissionem peccatorum nostrorum tribuat nobis omnipotens et misericors Dominus. Amen.

Converte nos, Dens, salutaris noster.

15?. Et averte iram tuam a nobis. f. Deus, in adjutorium meum intende. ty. Domine, ad adjuvandum me f estina. Gloria Patri, &c. Laus tibi, Domine, Bex aeternae gloriae. Ant. Miserere. your 'sins, bring you to everlasting life, ty. Amen.

May the almighty and merciful Lord grant us pardon, absolution, and remission of our sins.

Amen.

Convert us, O God, our Saviour.

1$?. And turn away thy anger from us.

T. Incline unto my aid, 0 God.

]$r. 0 Lord, make haste to help me. Glory &c.

Praise be to thee 0 Lord, King of eternal glory. Ant. Have mercy.

The first psalm expresses the confidence with which the just man sleeps in peace ; but it also rebukes those tepid Christians whose dull hearts are but too often enslaved to vanity and lies, and exhorts them to examine, at the close of the day, the thoughts of their hearts, and be sorry for them at that time of stillness and repose.

Psalm 4

Cum invocarem exaudivit me Deus justitiae meae: in tribulatione dilatasti mihi.

Miserere mei: et oxaudi orationem meam.

Filii hominum, usquequo gravi corde: ut quid diligitis vanitatem, et quaeritis mendacium?

Et scitote quoniam miri-

When I called upon him, the God of my justice heard me: when I was in distress, thou hast enlarged me.

Have mercy on me: and hear my prayer.

0 ye sons of men, how long will you be dull of heart? why do you love vanity, and seek after lying?

Know ye also, that the Lord

COMPLINE ficavit Dominus sanctum suum: Dominus exaudiet me, cum clamavero ad eum.

Irascimini, et nolite peccare: quae dicifcis in cordibus vestris, in cubilibus vestris compungimini.

Sacrificate sacrificium justitisB, et sperate in Domino: multi dicunt: Quis ostendit nobis bona?

Signatum est super nos lumen vultus tui Domine: dedisti laetitiam in corde meo.

A fructu frumenti, vini et olei sui: multiplicati sunt.

In pace in idipsum: dormiam et requiescam.

Quoniam tu, Domine, singulariter in spe: constituisti me. hath made his holy'One wonderful: the Lord will hear me when I shall cry unto him.

Be ye angry, and sin not: the things you say in your hearts, be sorry for them upon your beds.

Offer up the sacrifice of justice, and trust in the Lord: many say, who showeth us good things?

The light of thy countenance, 0 Lord, is signed upon us: thou hast given gladness in my heart.

By the fruit of their corn, their wine, and oil, they are multiplied.

In peace, in the self same, I will sleep, and I will rest.

For thou, 0 Lord, singularly hast settled me in hope.

The Church has introduced here the first six verses of Psalm xxx, because they contain the prayer which our Saviour made when dying: Into thy hands, 0 Lord, I commend my spirit ! — words so beautifully appropriate in this Office of the close of the day.

Psalm 30

In te, Domine, speravi, non confundar in aeternum: in justitia tua libera me.

Inclina ad me aurem tuam: accelera ut eruas me.

Esto mini in Deum protectorem, et in domum refugii: ut salvum me facias.

Quoniam fortitudo mea et refugium meum es tu:

In thee, 0 Lord, have I hoped, let me never be confounded: deliver me in thy justice.

Bow down thine ear to me: make haste to deliver me.

Be thou unto me a God, a protector and a house of refuge, to save me.

For thou art my strength, and my refuge: and for thy et propter nomen tuum deduces me, et enutries me.

Educes me de laqueo hoc, quern absconderunt mihi: quoniam tu es protector meus.

In manus tuas commendo spiritum meum: redemisti me, Domine, Deus veritatis. name's sake thou wilt lead me, and nourish me.

Thou wilt bring me out of this snare, which they have hidden for me: for thou art my protector.

Into thy hands I commend my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, 0 Lord, the God of truth.

The third psalm gives the motives of the just man's confidence, even during the dangers of the night. The description here given of peaoe of mind should make the sinner long for a reconciliation with his God, that so he, too, may enjoy that divine protection, without whioh there oan be no security or happiness in this life of peril and misery.

Psalm 90

He that dwelleth in the aid of the Most High, shall abide under the protection of the God of heaven.

He shall say to the Lord: Thou art my protector, and my refuge: my God, in him will I trust.

For he hath delivered me from the snare of the hunters: and from the sharp word.

He will overshadow thee with his shoulders: and under his wings thou shalt trust.

His truth shall compass thee with a shield: thou shalt not be afraid of the terror of the night.

Of the arrow that flieth in the day: of the business that walketh about in the dark: of invasion, or of the noonday devil.

Qui habitat in adjutorio Altissimi: in protectione Dei coeli commorabitur.

Dicet Domino: Susceptor meus es tu, et refugium meum: Deus meus, sperabo in eum.

Quoniam ipse liberavH me de laqueo venantium: et a verbo aspero.

Scapulis suis obumbrabit tibi: et sub pennis ejus sperabis.

Scuto circumdabit te Veritas ejus: non timebis a timore nocturno.

A sagitta volante in die, a negotio perambulante in tenebris: ab incursu et daemonic meridiano.

COMPtlNS

Cadent a latere tuo mille, et decern millia a dextris tois: ad te autem non appropinquabit.

Verumtamen oculis tuk considerabis: et retributionem peccatorum videbis.

Quoniam tu es, Domine, spes mea: Altissimum posuisti ref ugium tuum.

. Non accedet ad te malum: et flagellum non appropinquabit tabernaculo tuo.

Quoniam angelis suis mandavit de te: ut custodiant te in omnibus viis tuis.

In manibus portabunt te: ne forte offendas ad lapidem pedem tuum.

Super aspidem et basiliscum ambulabis: et conculcabis leonem et draconem.

Quoniam in me speravit, liberabo eum: protegam eum, quoniam cognovit nomen meum.

Clamabit ad me, et ego exaudiam eum : cum ipso sum in tribulatione, eripiam eum, et glorificabo eum.

Longitudine dierum replebo eum: et ostendam illi salutare meum.

The fourth psalm invites the servants of God to persevere, with fervour, in the prayers they offer during the night The faithful should say this psalm in a spirit of gratitude to God, for raising up in the Church adorers of His holy name, whose grand

A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand: but it shall not come nigh thee.

But thou shalt consider with thy eyes: and shalt see the reward of the wicked.

Because thou hast said: Thou, 0 Lord, art my hope: thou hast made the Most High thy refuge.

There shall no evil come to thee, nor shall the scourge come near thy dwelling.

For he hath given his angels charge over thee: to keep thee in all thy ways.

In their hands they shall bear thee up: lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

Thou shalt walk upon the asp and the basilisk: and thou shalt trample under foot the lion and the dragon.

God will say of thee: Because he hoped in me, I will deliver him: I will protect him, because he hath known my name.

He will cry to me, and I will hear him: I am with him in tribulation, I will deliver him, and I will glorify him.

I will fill him with length of days: and I will show him my salvation. vocation is to lift up their hands, day and night, for the safety of Israel. On suoh prayers depend the happiness and the destinies of the world.

Psalm 133

Behold now bless ye the Lord, all ye servants of the Lord.

Who stand in ,the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God.

In the nights lift up your hands to the holy places, and bless ye the Lord.

Say to Israel: May the Lord out of Sion bless thee, he that made heaven and earth.

Ant. Have mercy on me, 0 Lord, and hear my prayer.

Ecce nunc benedicite Dominum: omnes servi Domini.

Qui statis in domo Domini: in atriis domus Dei nostri.

In noctibus extollite manus vestras in sancta: et benedicite Dominum.

Benedicat te Dominus ex Sion: qui fecit coelum et terrain.

Ant. Miserere mei, Domine, et exaudi orationem meam.

HYMN 1

Te lucis ante terminum, Rerum Creator poscimus, Ut pro tua dementia Sis prasul et custodia.

Procul recedant somnia, Et noctium phantasmata ; Hostemque nostrum cornprime, Ne polluantur corpora.

Praesta, Pater piissime, Patrique compar Unice,

Before the closing of the light, we beseech thee, Creator of all things ! that in thy clemency, thou be our protector and our guard.

May the dreams and phantoms of night depart far from us ; and do thou repress our enemy, lest our bodies be profaned.

Most merciful Father 1 and thou, his only-begotten Son,

• In the monastic rite, as follows :

Te lucis ante terminum, Rerum Creator, poscimus, Ut solita dementia Sis prasul ad custodiam.

Procul recedant somnia, Et noctium phantasmata,

Hostemque nostrum comprime, Ne polluantur corpora.

Prsesta Pater omnipotens, Per Jesum Christum Dominum, Qui tecum in perpetuum Regnat cum sancto Spiritu. Amex compline 99

Cum Spiritu Paraclito coequal with him, reigning for

Begnans per omne sseculum. ever with the holy Paraclete, Amen. grant this our prayer !

Amen.

CAP1TULUM

( Jeremias xiv )

Tu autem in nobis es, But thou art in us, 0 Lord,

Domine, et nomen sanctum and thy holy name has been tuum invocatum est super invoked upon us: forsake us nos ; ne derelinquas nos not, 0 Lord our God. Domine Deus noster.

Jty. In manus tuas, Domi- Ij?. Into thy hands, 0 Lord, ne: 0 Commendo spiritum 0 I commend my spirit. Into meum. In manus tuas. thy hands.

Redemisti nos, Domi- ~f. Thou hast redeemed us, ne Deus veritatis. ° Com- 0 Lord God of truth. ° I mendo. commend.

In manus tuas. Into thy hands. f . Custodi nos, Domine, f . Preserve us, 0 Lord, as ut pupillam oculi. the apple of thine eye.

Sub umbra alarum Protect us under the tuarum protege nos. shadow of thy wings.

Ant. Salva nos. Ant. Save us.

The oantiole of the venerable Simeon — who, while holding the divine Infant in his arms, proclaimed Him to be the Light of the Gentiles, and then slept the sleep of the just — admirably expresses the repose of heart whioh the soul that is in the graoe of God will experience in her Jesus ; for, as the apostle says, we may live together with Jesus whether we are awake or asleep.

CANTICLE OF SIMEON

( St. Luke, iL)

Nunc dimittis servum tu- Now dost thou dismiss thy urn Domine: secundum ver- servant, O Lord, according to bum tuum in pace. thy word in peace.

1 1 Thess. t. 10.

*A88lOflTlDB AND HOLT WEEK

Quia viderunt oculi mei: salutare tuum.

Quod parasti: ante faciem omnium populorum.

Lumen ad revelationem Gentium: et gloriam plebis tuae Israel.

Gloria Patri, et Filio, &c.

Ant. Salva nos, Domine, vigilantes, custodi nos dormientes; ut vigilemus cum Christo, et requiescamus in pace.

Because my eyes have seen thy salvation.

Which thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples.

A light to the revelation of the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

Glory, &c.

Ant. Save us, 0 Lord, while awake, and watch us as we sleep; that we may watch with Christ, and rest in peace.

PRAYERS

Kyrie eleison. Christe eleison. Kyrie eleison. Pater noster. f. Et ne nos inducas in tentationem. ty. Sed libera nos a malo.

Credo in Deum, &c. f. Carnisresurrectionem.

Yitam aeternam. A- men. t . Benedictus es Domine Deus patrum nostrorum.

I£. Et laudabilis et gloriosus in ssecula. f. Benedicamus Patrem et Filium cum sancto Spiritu.

15?. Laudemus, et superexaltemus eum in saecula. f. Benedictus es, Domine, in firmamento cceli. ty. Et laudabilis, et gloriosus et superexaltatus in ssecula. f. Benedicat et custo-

Lord have mercy on us. Christ have mercy on us. Lord have mercy on us. Our Father. t . And lead us not into temptation.

I$r. But deliver us from evil.

I believe in God, &c. f. The resurrection of the body. ty. And life everlasting. Amen. f. Blessed art thou, 0 Lord, God of our fathers.

15?. And praiseworthy and glorious for ever. t . Let us bless the Father and the Son, with the Holy Ghost. ty. Let us praise and magnify him for ever. f. Thou art blessed, 0 Lord, in the firmament of heaven.

And praiseworthy, and glorious, and magnified for ever. f. May the almighty and

COMPLINE dtat nos omnipotent et misericors Dominus. I£. Amen. f. Dignare, Domine, nocte ista.

Sine peccato nos custodire. f. Miserere nostri, Domine.

Rr. Miserere nostri. y . Fiat misericordia tua, Domine, super nos. ty. Quemadmodum speravimus in te. f. Domine, exaudi orationem meam.

I£ Et clamor mens ad te veniat. meroifnl Lord bless ns and keep us. 1$?. Amen. f. Vouchsafe, 0 Lord, this night.

1$?. To keep us without sin.

"f . Have mercy on us, 0

Lord.

Have mercy on us. K Let thy mercy be upon us, 0 Lord.

I$r. As we have hoped in thee. f. 0 Lord, hear my prayer.

I$r. And let my cry come unto thee.

After these prayers (whioh are omitted if the Office be of a double rite), the priest says: t . Dominus vobiscum. Ipf. Et cum spiritu tuo.

OREMUS

Visita, quaasumus, Domine, habitationem istam, et omnes insidias inimici ab ea longe repelle: angeli tui sancti habitent in ea, qui nos in pace custodiant, et benedictio tua sit super nos semper. Per Dominum nostrum Jesum Christum, Filium tuum, qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitate Spiritus sancti Deus, per omnia s»cula saBCulorum. Amen. f. Dominus vobiscum. . Et cum spiritu tuo. Benedicamus Domino. IJ?. Deo gratias,

The Lord be with you. And with thy spirit.

LET US PRAY

Visit, we beseech thee, 0 Lord, this house and family, and drive far from it all snares of the enemy: let thy holy angels dwell herein, who may keep us in peace, and may thy blessing be always upon us. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen. t. The Lord be with you.

?. And with thy spirit. . Let us bless the Lord. ; ty. Thanks be to God,

Benedicat et custodiat May the almighty and mer- noB omnipotens et miseri- ciful Lord, Father, Son, and core Dominus, Pater, et Fi- Holy Ghost, bless and pre- lius, et Spiritns sanctus. serve us.

I£. Amen. ty. Amen.

ANTHEM TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN

Ave Begina coelorum, Ave Domina angelorum: Salve radix, salve porta, Ex qua mundo lux est orta; Gaude, Virgo gloriosa, Super omnes speciosa: Vale, O valde decora, Et pro nobis Christum exora. f . Dignare me laudare te, Virgo sacrata. ty. Da mihi virtutem contra hostes tuos.

OREMUS

Concede, misericors Deus, fragilitati nostra praesidium: ut, qui sanctsa Dei Genitricis memoriam agimus, intercessionis ejus auxilio, a nostris iniquitatibus resurgamus. Per eumdem Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen. f. Divinum auxilium maneat semper nobiscum. I$r. Amen. *

Hail, Queen of heaven I Hail, Lady of the angels ! Hail blessed root and gate, from which came light upon the world! Bejoice, O glorious Virgin, that surpassest all in beauty! Hail, most lovely Queen! and pray to Christ for us. f. Vouchsafe, O holy Virgin, that I may praise thee. ty. Give me power against thine enemies.

LET US PRAY

Grant, O merciful God, thy protection to us in our weakness; that we who celebrate the memory of the holy Mother of God, may, through the aid of her intercession, rise again from our sins. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen. f. May the divine assistance remain always with us. fy. Amen. °

Then, in secret, Pater, Ave, and Credo ; page 26.

• In the monastic rite, this response is as follows : —

Et cum fratribus nostris And with our absent absentibus. Amen* brethren. Amen.