Chapter the Seventh. of the Office of Vespers for Sundays and Feasts During Pasohal Time
The Office of Vespers, or Evensong, consists firstly of the five following Psalms. According to our custom, we preface each Psalm with a short explanation, in order to draw the attention to what is most in harmony with the spirit of the Easter mysterips.
After the Pater and Ave have been said in secret* the Church commences this Hour with her favourite supplication : ft. Deus, in adjutorium ft. Incline unto my aid, 0 meum intende. God.
1$. Domine, ad adjuvan- 1$. O Lord, make haste to dum me festina. help ma
Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Glory be to the Father, and
Spiritui Sancto. to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost
Sicut erat in principio, et nunc et semper, et in ssecula sfficulorum. Amen. Alle-
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Alleluia, luia.
Ant. Alleluia. Ant. Alleluia.
Under this single Antiphon, all the Psalms are eung, if the Vespers are of the Sunday; but on Feasts the Antiphons are proper, and will be given on their respective days.
The first Psalm is a prophecy of the future glory of the Messias. It celebrates His Eternal Generation, His being equal with the Father, His Kingship and Priesthood. He was humbled for a while, even so as to drink of the torrent: but, now He has triumphed over His enemies, and will come in glory, at the end of the world, to judge them. psalm 109.
Dixit Dominus Domino meo : * Sede a dextris meis.
Donee poiiam inimicos tuos: * scabellum pedum tuorum.
Virgam virtutis tu» emittet Dominus ex Sion : * dominare in medio inimicorum tuorum.
Tecum principium in die virtutis tuse in splendor ibus sanctorum : * ex utero ante luciferum genui te.
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 I make thy enemies thy footstool.
0 Christ I 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 of 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.
He shall drink, in the way, of the torrent of sufferings: therefore shall he lift up the head on the day of his triumph over death.
The following Psalm commemorates the mercies
Juravit Dominus, et non pcenitebit eum : * Tu es Sacerdos in seternum secundum ordinem Melchisedech.
Dominus a dextris tuis: * confregit in die irae suae
Judicabit in nationibus, implebit ruinas: * conquassabit capita in terra multorum.
De torrente in via bibet: * propterea exaltabit caput. of God to His people, the promised Covenant, the Redemption, His fidelity to His word. The Resurrection of Christ (of which our own is a consequence,) was one of God's promises; and we are now celebrating its accomplishment
Confitebor tibi, Domine, in toto corde meo : * in consilio justorum et congregatione.
Magna opera Domini: * exquisita in omnes voluntates ejus.
Conf essio et magnifi centia opus ejus: * etjustitia ejus manet in saeculum saeculi.
Memoriam fecit mirabilium suorum, misericors et miserator Dominus : * escam dedit timentibus se.
Memor erit in saeculum testamenti sui: * virtutem operum suorum annuntiabit populo suo.
U t det illis haereditatem Gentium : * opera manuum ejus, Veritas et judicium.
Fidelia omnia maudata ejus, confirmata in saeculum saeculi: * facta in veritate et aequitate.
Redemptionem misit populo suo: * mandavit in aeternum testament urn suum.
Sanctum et terribile nomen ejus: * initium sapientiae timor Domini.
Intellectus bonus omnibus
I will praise thee, O Lord with my whole heart : in the council 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 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 is the beginning of wisdom.
A good understanding to all facientibus earn . * laudatio that do it : his praise conejus manet in saeculum sae- tinueth for ever and ever*
•culi.
The next Psalm sings the happiness and hopes of the just man. The light that rises up in darkness, is our risen Jesus, who appears to us in His mercy. The wicked one, who is angry at the triumph of Him, who is, by excellence, the just, is the Jew, to whom the Resurrection was a source of the most bitter regret and confusion.
Beatus vir, qui timet Dominum: * in mandatis ejus volet nimis.
Potens in terra erit semen ejus: * generatio rectorum benedicetur.
Gloria, et divitije in domo «jus: * et justitiaejus manet in sseculum saeculi.
Exortum est in tenebris lumen rectis: * misericors, «t miserator, et justus.
Jucundus homo, qui miseretur et commodat, dispone t sermones suos in judicio: * 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. if 111.
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 he shall not be moved for ever.
The just shall be in everlasting remembrance: he shall not fear the evil hearing.
Bis heart is ready to hope in the Lord; his heart is strengthened: he shall not be moved until he look over his enemies.
Dispersit dedit pauperisms, justitia ejus manet in BKCulum sseculi: * cornu «jus exaltabitur in gloria.
Peccator videbit, et irascetur, dentibus suis fremet et tabescet: * desiderium peccatorum peribit.
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.
The Psalm Laudate pueri, is a Canticle of praise to the Lord, who, from His high heaven, has taken pity on the fallen human race, and humbled Himself by taking our nature, which He afterwards raised up by His Resurrection. psalm 112.
Laudate, pueri, Dominum: * laudate nomen Domini.
Sit nomen Domini benedictum: * ex hoc nunc et usque in ssaculum.
A solis ortu usque ad occasum: * laudabile nomen Domini.
Excelsus super omnes gentes Dominus : * et super coelos gloria ejus.
Quis sicut Dominus Deus noster qui in altis habitat: * *t humilia respicit in ccelo et in terra.
Suscitans a terra inopem : * et de stercore erigens pauperem.
Ut collocet eum cum prin- ^ipibus : * cum principibus populi sui.
Qui habitare facit sterilem in domo: * matrem filiorum l»tantem.
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 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 I
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 io.yf ul mother of children.
The fifth Psalm, In exitu, speaks of the ancient Pascb, (the exodus from Egypt,) and the prodigies that accompanied and followed it; of the Red Sea, the figure of Baptism ; of the water which issued from the rock in the desert ; and of the abolition of idol-worship. Our Christian Pasch and Pentecost are the fulfilment of all these figures ; they bring a blessing upon all, Jews or Gentiles, who love or fear Christ. In consequence of our sins, we were condemned to go down into hell, where we should never have heard the glad hymns of praise sung to our God in the heavenly Jerusalem : but the Resurrection of Christ has restored us to life, and we sing, to His and His Father's praise, the joyous Alleluia. psalm 113.
In exitu Israel de ^Egypto: * domus Jacob de populo barbaro.
Facta est Judaea sanctificatioejus: * 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 conversus es retrorsuml
Montes exsultastis sicut arietes: * et colles sicut agni ovium %
A facie Domini mota est terra: * a facie Dei Jacob.
Qui convertit petram in stagna aquarum: * et rupem in fontes aquarum.
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, O thou sea, that thou didst flee: and thou, O 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 water.
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 ccelo : * omnia quaecumque voluit, fecit.
Simulacra (Pentium argentum et aurum : * opera manuum homiuum.
Os habent, et non loquentur : * oculos habent, et non videbunt.
Aures habent, et non audient: * nares habent et non odorabunt.
Manus habent, efc non palpabunt, pedes habent et non ambulabunt: * non clamabunt in gutture suo.
Similes ill is tiant qui faciunt 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 eorum est.
Qui timent Dominum, speraverunt iu Domino: * adjutor eorum, et protector eorum est.
Dominus memor fuit no- 8tri : * 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.
Not to us, O Lord, not to us: but to thy name give glory.
For tby mercy and for thy truth's sake : lest the Gentiles should say: Where is their God?
But our God is in heaven : he bath done all things whatsoever he would.
The idols of the Gentiles ar« 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 : ho is their helper and their protector.
The house of Aaron hath hoped in the Lord : he is their helper and their protector.
They that feared the Lord v 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 Isiael : 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.
Benedicti vos a Domino: * qui fecit coelum et terram.
Coelum coeli Domino: * terram autem dedit filiis hominum.
Non mortui laudabunt te, Domine: * neque omnes qui descendunt in inf ernum.
Sed nos quivivimus,benedicimus Domino: * ex hoc nunc et usque in saeculum.
Ant. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
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, O 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. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
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 Sundays of Lent are given in the Proper.
After the Capitulum, follows the Hymn, Ad regias, which was written by St. Ambrose, though somewhat changed in the 17th century.
HYMN.*
. Ad regias Agni dapes, Stolis amicti candidis,
Having passed the Red Sea, and now seated at the royal
- According to the Monastic Bite, it is as originally composed. It is preceded by the following Besponsory:
R7. breve. — Surrexit Dominus vere. * Alleluia, Alleluia. Surrexit.
$\ Et apparuit Simoni. Alleluia. Gloria Patri, etc. Surrexit.
Ad ccenara Agni providi, Et stolis albis candidi, Post transitum maris Bubri Ghristo canamus Principi.
Cujus corpus sanctissimum, In ara Crucis torridum, Cruore ejus roseo Gustando vivimus Deo.
Protecti Paschaa vespere A devastante Angelo, Erepti de durissimo Pharaonis imperio.
JamPascha nostrum Ghristus est,
Qui immolatus Agnus est, Sinceritatis azyma Caro ejus oblata est.
O vere digna hostia, Per quam fracta sunt tartara, Redempta plebs captivata, Reddita vitas praemia.
Consurgit Christus tumulo, Victor redit de barathro. Tyr annum trudens vinculo Et paradisum reserans.
Qu83sumus Auctor omnium, In hoc Paschali gaudio, Ab omni mortis impetu Tuum defende populum.
Gloria tibi Domine, Qui surrexisti a mortuis, Gum Patre et Sancto Spiritu, In sempiterna saecula. Amen.
Post transitum maris Rubri, Christo canamus principi.
Divina cujus charitas Sacrum propinat sanguinem,
Almique membra corporis Amor sacerdos immolat. Sparsum cruorem postibus
Vastator horret Angelus: Fugitque divisam mare, Merguntur hostes fluctibus.
Jam Pascha nostrum Christus est* Paschalis idem victima, Et pura puris mentibus Siaceritatis azyma.
O vera coeli victima, Subjecta cui sunt tartara, Soluta mortis vincula, Recepta vitee prsemia.
Victor subactis inferis Trophaea Christus explicat, Cceloque aperto, subditum Regem tenebrarum trahit.
Ut sis perenne mentibus Paschale, Jesu, gaudium, A morte dira criminum Vitro renatos libera.
Deo Patri sit gloria, Et Filio, qui a raortuis Surrexit, ac Paraclito, In sempiterna sascula. Amen. p. Mane nobiscum, Domine, alleluia.
1$. Qaoniam advesperascit, alleluia. banquet of the Lamb, clad in our white robes, let us sing a hymu to Christ our King.
He, in His divine love for us, gives us to drink of His precious Blood. Love is the Priest that immolates His sacred Body.
The destroying Angel looks with awe upon the Blood that is sprinkled on the thresholds. The sea divides its waters, and buries our enemies in its waves.
Christ is now our Pasch; He is our Paschal Lamb; He is the unleavened Bread of sincerity, pure food for pure souls.
O truly heavenly Victim! by whom hell was vanquished, the fetters of death were broken, and life was awarded to mankind.
Christ, our Conqueror, unfolds His banner, tor He has subdued the powers of hell. He opens heaven to man, and leads captive the prince of darkness.
That Thou, O Jesus, mayst be an endless Paschal joy to our hearts, free us, who have been regenerated unto life, from the dread death of sin.
Glory be to God the Father, and to the Son who rose from the dead, and to the Paraclete, for everlasting ages.
Amen.
"f. Stay with us, 0 Lord, alleluia. B. For it is now evening, alleluia.
Then is said the Magnificat Autiphon, which is to be found in the Proper for the several days. After this, the Church sings the Canticle of Mary, the Magnificat This exquisite Canticle is an essential part of the Vespers, throughout the year. It gives us the words of our Blessed Lady, wherein she expresses to St. Elizabeth the transports of her joy and gratitude at bearing God within her womb. Let us join her in celebrating the ineffable honour bestowed upon her, the merits of that profound hv/mility whicb rendered her worthy of such an honour, the overthrow of the proud spirits who were driven from heaven, and the exaltation of human nature, of itself so poor and miserable, to that high place from which the Angels felL our lady's canticle.
(St. Luke, L)
Magnificat: * animamea Dominum.
Et exsultavit spiritus meus : * in Deo salutari meo.
Quia respexit humilitatem ancillsa suae: * ecce enim ex hoc Beatam me dicent omnes generationes.
Quia fecit mini magna qui potens est: * et sanctum nomen ejus.
Et misericordia ejus a progenie in progenies: * timentibus eum.
Fecit potentiam in brachio suo : * dispersit superbos mente cordis sui.
Deposuit potentesdesede: * et exaltavit humiles.
My soul doth magnify the Lord.
And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
Because he hath regarded the humility of his handmaid: 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
Eroud in the conceit of their eart.
He hath pat down the mighty from their seat: and hath exalted the humble.
Esurientes implevit bo- He hath filled the hungry nis: * et divites dimisit with good things: and the
Suscepit Israel pueram He hath received Israel his suum : * recordatns mise- servant, being mindful of his ricordiffi suae. mercy.
Sicut locutus est ad pa- As he spake to our fathers, tres nostras: * Abraham et to Abraham and to his seed
The Magnificat Antiphon is then repeated. The Prayer, or Collect, will be found in the Proper of each Sunday.
The Vespers end with the following Versicles:
% Benedicamus Domino. JJ\ Let us bless the Lord.
3$. Deo jrratias. 3$. Thanks be to God.
JF. Fidelmm anim» per May the souls of the misericordiam Dei requie- Faithful departed, through scant in pace. the mercy of God, rest in inanes. semini ejus in ssecula. for ever.
Amen. peace. Q. Amen,
PASCHAL TIMB.
CHAPTER THE EIGHTH.
OF THE OPPIOE OP COMPLINH,
DURING PASCHAL TIME. ♦
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 unconscious and therefore dangerous state of sleep, which is also such an image of death.
The Lector, addressing the Priest, says to him : f. Jube, Domne, bene- fl. Pray, Father, give thy dicere, blessing.
The Priest answers:
Noctem quietam, et finem May the Almighty Lord
Eerf ectum concedat nobis grant us a quiet night and a lominus omnipotens. perfect end.
1$. Amen. 1$. 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 goes about like a roaring leo rugiens circuit quserens lion, seeking whom he may de- quem devoret : cui resistite vour : resist him, being strong fortes in fide. Tu autem, in faith. But thou, O Lord,
Domine, miserere nobis. have meroy on us.
The Choir answers : 1$. Deo gratias. 1$. Thanks be to God.
Then, the Priest : y. Adjutorium nostrum $\ Our help is in the name in nomine Domini. of the Lord.
The Choir:
1$, Qui fecit cesium et 1$. Who hath made heaven terram. and earth.
Then the Lord's Prayer is recited in secret ; after which the Priest says the Confiteor; and, when he has finished, the Choir says:
Misereatur tui omnipo- May Almighty God have tens Dens, et dimissis pec- mercy on thee, and, forgiving catis tuis, perducat te ad thy sins, bring thee to ever- vitam ©ternam. lasting life.
The Priest having answered, Amen, the Choir repeats the Confiteor, thus :
Confiteor Deo omnipo- I confess to Almighty God, tenti, beato Marks semper to blessed Mary ever Virgin,
Virgini, beato Michaeli to blessed Michael the Arch-
Archangelo, beato Joanni angel, to blessed Joho Baptist,
Baptisto, Sanctis Apostolis to the holy Apostles Peter and
Petro et Paulo, omnibus Paul, to all the Saints, and to
Sanctis, et tibi, Pater : quia thee, Father, that I have sinned peccavi nimis, cogitatione, exceedingly in thought, word, verbo, et opere : mea culpa, and deed, through my fault, xnea culpa, mea maxima through my fault, through my culpa. Ideo precor beatam most grievous fault. There-
Mariam semper Virginem, fore I beseech the blessed Mary beatum Micnaelem Arch- ever Virgin, blessed Michael angelum, beatum Joannem the Archangel, blessed John
Baptistam, sanctos Aposto- Baptist, the holy Apostles los Petrum et Paulum, om- Peter and Paul, and all the nee Sanctos, et te, Pater, Saints, and thee, Father, to. orare pro me ad Dominum pray to our Lord God for me* Dean* nostrum.
The Priest then says:
Misereatur vestri omnipotens Dens, et dimissis peccatis vestris, perducat vos ad vitam seternam.
1$. Amen.
Indulgentiam, absolutionem, et remissionem peccatorum nostrorum, tribuat nobis omnipotens et misericors Dominus.
1$. Amen. y. Converte nos, Dens, Salutaris noster.
1$. Et averte iram tuam a nobis. ft. Deus in adjutorium meum intende.
IJ. Domine, ad adjuvandum me f estina.
Gloria Path, etc. Alleluia.
Ant. Alleluia.
May Almighty Qod be merciful to you, and, forgiving your sins, bring you to everlasting life.
1$. Amen.
May the Almighty and merciful Lord grant us pardon, absolution, and remission of our sins.
B. Amen. iV. Convert us, O God, out Saviour.
1$. And turn away thy anger from us. ft. Incline unto my aid, O God.
1$. O Lord, make haste to help me. Glory, etc Alleluia^
Ant. Alleluia.
The first Psalm expresses the confidence with which the just man sleeps in peace; but the wicked know not what calm rest is. The beautiful cowvbenance of our risen Lord sheds Ught and gladness upon the faithful, and renews the nope of their own resurrection, which is to be after their deep in the tomb. psalm 4.
Cum invocarem exaudivit me Deus justiti© mera: * in tribulatione dilatasti mini.
Miserere mei : • et exaudi oration em meam.
Filii hominum, usquequo gravi corde : * ut quid dili-
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.
O 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 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 you! 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 1
The Light of thy countenance, O 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, O Lord, singularly hast settled me in hope. gitis vanitatem? et quaeritis mendacium %
Et scitote quoniam mirificavit Dominus sanctum suum: * Dominus exaudiet me, cum clamavero ad eum.
Irascimini, et nolite peccare: * qu» dicitis in cordibus vestris, in cubilibus vestris compungimini
Sacrificate sacrificium justitiae,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.
The Church has introduced here the first six Verses of the thirtieth Psalm, 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. Jesus commends His soul, with confidence, into His Father's hands; on the third day, the Father restored it to Him. Let us confide ours to this Sovereign Lord of our whole being, and our hope will not be confounded. psalm 30.
In te, Domine, speravi, non confundar in aternum: * in justitia tua libera me.
In thee, O Lord, have I hoped, let me never be confounded : deliver me in thy justice.
Inclina ad me aurem tuam: * accelera ut eruas me.
Esto mihi in Deum protectorem, et in domum refugii: * ut salvum me facias.
Quoniam fortitudo mea, et ref ugium meum es tu : * 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.
Bow down thy ear to me: make haste to deliver me.
Be thou unto me a God, a protector, and a house of re* luge, to save me.
For thou art my strength, and my refuge: and for thy name's sake thou wilt lead me, and nourish me.
Thou wilt bring me out of the 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. Then, we have God Himself speaking, and promising to them that serve Him, eternal happiness, and the sight of the Saviour whose Resurrection gave them life* psalm 90.
Qui habitat in adjutorio Mtissimi : * in protectione Dei cceli commorabitur.
Dicet Domino: Susceptor meus es tu, et refugium meum: * Deus meus, sperabo in eum.
Quoniam ipse liberavit me de laqueo venantium : * et a verbo aspero.
Scapulis suis obumbrabit tibi: * et sub pennis ejus sperabis.
Scuto circumdabit te ve-
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 mv refuge : my God> in him wiu 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 ritas ejus: * non timebis a timore nocturno.
A sagitta volante in die, a negotio perambulante in tenebria: * ab incursu, et daemonio meridiano.
Cadent a latere tuo mille, et decern millia a dextris tuis: * ad te autem non appropinquabit
Verumtamen oculis tuis considerabis : * et retributionem peccatorum videbis.
Quoniam tu es, Domine, spes mea: * Altissimum posuisti refugium tuum.
Non accedet ad te malum:
• et flagellum non appropinqnabit 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 conoulcabis leonem et draconem.
Quoniam in me speravit, Hberabo eum : * protegam eum, quoniam cognovit nomen meum.
Clamabit ad me, et ego exaudiam eum: * cum ipso eum in tribulatione, eripiam earn, et glorificabo eum.
Longitudine dierum replebo eum : * et ostendam illi Salutare meum.
The fourth Psalm in\
»linjl 107 with a shield : thou shalt not be afraid of the terror of the the arrow that ftieth in the day: of the business that walketh about in the dark: of invasion, or of the noonday devil.
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, O Lord, art my hope, thou bast 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 mil 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.
1 will fill him with length of days : and I will show him my Salvation. tea the servants of Qod to nigni
PASOHAL TIME.
Sersevere with fervour in the prayers they offer uring 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 vocation is to lift up thei/r hands, day and night, for the safety of Israel. On such prayers depend the happiness and the destinies of the world. psalm 133.
Ecce nunc benedicite Dominum : * omnes servi Domini.
Qui statis in domo Domini: * in atriis domus Dei nostri.
In noctibus extollite maims vestras in sancta : * et iMnedicite Dominum.
Benedicat te Dominus ex Sion : * qui fecit coelum et terrain.
Ant. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
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 youf 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. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
HYMN.
Te lucis ante terminum, Ibrum Creator, poscimus, Ut pro tua dementia, Sis prsesul et custodia.
Procul recedant somnia, St noctium phantasmata ;
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
- According to the
Te lucis ante terminum, Rerum Creator, poscimus, Ut solita dementia Sis prcesul ad custodiam.
Procul recedant somnia Bt noctium phantasmata; wtic Rite, as follows : —
Hostemque nostrum comprime Ne polluantur corpora.
Gloria tibi Domine Qui surrexisti a mortuis, Cum Patre et Sancto Spiritu In sempiterna saecula.
Host em que nostrum cornprime. Ne polluantur corpora.
Deo Patri sit gloria, Et Filio qui a mortuis Surrexit, ac Paraclito In sempiterna saecula.
Amen. us ; and do Thou repress our enemy, lest our bodies be profaned.
Glory be to God the Father, and to the Son, who rose from the dead, and to the Paraclete, for everlasting ages*
Amen.
CAPITULUM. (Jeremias, xiv.)
Tu autem in nobis es, Domine, et nomeu sanctum tuum invocatum est super nos; ne derelinquas nos, Domine Deus noster.
1$. In man us tuas, Domine : Commendo spiritum meum. * Alleluia, alleluia. In manus tuas.
Redemisti nos, Domine Deus veritatis. * Alleluia, alleluia.
Gloria. In manus tuas. Custodi nos, Domine, ut pupillam oculi, alleluia.
1$. Sub umbra alarum tuarum protege nos, alleluia.
Ant. Salva nos.
But Thou art in us, O Lord, and thy holy name has been invoked upon us: forsake us not, O Lord our God.
1$. Into thy hands, O Lord: I commend my spirit. * Alleluia, alleluia. Into thy hands.
Thou hast redeemed us, O Lord God of truth. * Alleluia, alleluia.
Glory. Into thy hands.
IJ. Preserve us, O Lord, as the apple of thine eye, alleluia. ff. Protect us under the shadow of thy wings, alleluia*
Ant. Save us.
The Canticle 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 which the soul, that is in the grace of God, will experience in her Jesus ; for, as the apostle says, we may live together with Jesus, whether we are awake or asleep.
1 1 These, v. 10.
PASCHAL TIMS.
CANTICLE OF SIMEON. {St. Luke, ii.)
Nunc dimittis servum tuum Domine : * secundum verbum tuum in pace.
Quia viderunt oculi mei : * salutare tuum.
Quod parasti : * ante faciem omnium populorum.
Lumen ad revelationem Gentium : * et gloriam piebis tuse Israel. Gloria Patri, et Filio, etc. Ant. Salva dos, Domine, vigilantes, custodi nos dormien tes : ut vigilemus cum Christo, et requiescamus in pace. Alleluia.
^ Dominus vobiscum. Et cum spiritu tuo.
OREMUS.
Visita, quaesumus, 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 ssecula saecuiorum. Amen.
^. Dominus vobiscum.
1$. Et cum spiritu tuo.
J^. Ben edicamus Domino.
]$. Deogratias.
Benedicat et custodiat nos omnipotens et misericors Dominus, Pater, et Filius, et Spiritus Sanctus.
1$. Amen.
Now dost thou dismiss thy servant, O Lord, according to thy word, in peace.
Because my eyes have seen thy salvation.
Which thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples.
A light to the revelation of the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
Glory, etc.
Ant. Save us, O Lord, while awake, and watch us as we sleep; that we may watch with Christ, and rest in peace. Alleluia. W* The Lord be with you, 3$. And with thy spirit.
LET US PRAY.
Visit, we beseech thee, O 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, ana 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.
The Lord be with you.
B. And with thy spirit.
(V. Let us bless the Lord. fi. Thanks be to God.
May the Almighty and merciful Lord, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, bless and preserve us.
R. Amen.
III
ANTHEM TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN.
There is a venerable tradition connected with this joyous Anthem. It is related that a fearful pestilence raged in Borne, daring one of the Easters of the pontificate of St. Gregory the Great In order to propitiate the anger of God, the holy Pope prescribed a public procession of both people and clergy, in which was to be carried the portrait of our blessed Lady painted by St Luke. The procession was advancing in the direction of Saint Peter's; and as the holy picture, followed by the Pontiff, was carried along, the atmosphere became pure and free from pestilence. Having reached the bridge which joins the city with the Vatican, a choir of angels was heard singing above the picture, and saying : ' Rejoice, O Queen of heaven, alleluia! for He whom thou deservedst to bear, alleluia! hath risen, as he said, alleluia! As soon as the heavenly music ceased, the saintly Pontiff took courage, and added these words to those of the Angels : ' Pray to God for us, alleluia ! Thus was composed the Paschal Anthem to our Lady. Raising his eyes to heaven, Gregory saw the destroying Angel standing on the top of the Mole of Hadrian, and sheathing his sword In memory of this apparition, the Mole was called the Castle of Sanf Angelo, and on the dome was placed an immense statue representing an Angel holding his sword in the scabbard.
ANTHEM.
Regina cceli, laatare, alle- Rejoice, O Queen of heaven, luia, alleluia,
Quia quern meruisti por- For he whom thou deservedst tare, alleluia, to bear, alleluia,
Resurrexit sicut dixit, alle- Hath risen, as he said, alleluia, luia.
Ora pro nobis Deum, alle- Pray to God for us, alleluia luia.
Gaude et l»tare, Virgo Maria, alleluia.
1$. QuiasurrexitDominus vere, alleluia.
^. Rejoice and be glad, 0 Virgin Mary, alleluia.
1$. For the Lord hath truly risen, alleluia.
OR EMUS.
Deus, qui per Resurrectionem Filii tui Domini nostri Jesu Christi, mundum lretificare dignatus es: praesta quaesumus, ut per ejus Genitricem Virginem Mariam, perpetuas capiamus gaudia vitas. Per eumdem Christum Dominum nostrum. ft. Amen.
JT. Divinum auxilium maneat semper nobiscum. ft. Amen.*
LET US PRAY.
O God, who, by the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ thy Son, didst vouchsafe to make the world rejoice, grant, we beseech thee, that, by the intercession of the Virgin Mary, his Mother, we may receive the joys of eternal life. Through the same Christ our Lord.
Amen.
May the divine assistance remain always with us. ft. Amen.*
Then in secret, Pater, Ave, and Credo; page 30.
- In the Monastio Bite, this Response is as follows :
R7. Et cum fratribus nostris K7. And with our absent absentibus. Amen. brethren. Amen.
Chapter 7 of 80