Chapter the First. on Hearing Mass, During the Time after Pentecost
Of all the good acts wherewith a Christian can sanctify his day, there is not one which bears comparison with that of assisting at the holy Saorifice of Mass. It is in that Sacrifice, which is the supreme aot of Religion, that is centred all the homage due from man to his Creator ; and it is also, from the same Sacrifice, that God pours out upon his creature Man every sort of blessing, and profusely. The very Son of God is really present there ; there he is offered up to his Father, and the offering is always well-pleasing ; and they who assist at this divine immolation, with faith and love, receive into their souls graces of a far richer kind than are given by ordinary means.
The assistance at Mass, if completed by the real participating with the divine Victim, unites man to God in an ineffable way, by the renovation of his whole being, for it produces an intimate communion between him and the Word Incarnate. But if the Christian, who is assisting at the Holy Sacrifice, goes no further than the uniting his intentions with those of the divine Victim, even so, his mere presence at so great an Act includes a true participation in the supreme worship offered, by this earth of ours, to the Majesty of God, in Christ, and by Christ, So, too, he solemnly consecrates to God, by that same holy Act, the day he has just begun.
We have devoted the days within the Octave of Corpus Christi to the giving our Readers the fullest instruction regarding the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. As to the dispositions wherewith they should assist at
F£KT. HI. A
TIMB AFTER PENTECOST. it, they are given in the present Chapter, in which we explain briefly, and yet, as we believe, completely, the meaning of each ceremony and expression. Whilst thus endeavouring to initiate the Faithful into these sublime mysteries, we have not given them a bare and indiscreet translation of the sacred formulae, but have taken, what seemed to us so much better a plan, of suggesting such Acts as will enable those, who hear Mass, to enter into the ceremonies and spirit of the Church and the Priest. The conclusion to be drawn from this is one of great importance : it is that, in order to derive solid profit from the assisting at the Holy Sacrifice, the Faithful must attentively follow all that is being done at the Altar, and not stand aloof, as it were, by reading Books which are filled with devotions of a private and unseasonable character.
On the Sundays, if the Mass, at which the Faithful assist, be the Parochial, or, as it is often called, the Public Mass, two solemn rites precede it, and they are full of instruction and blessing ; — the Asperges, or sprinkling of the Holy Water, and the Procession.
During the Asperges, you should unite with the intentions which the Church has in this ceremony, so venerable by its antiquity : — you should pray for that purity of heart, which is needed for worthily assisting at the Mysteries, wherein God himself becomes present, and unites heaven and earth so closely together.
ANTIPHON OF THE ASPERGER.
Asperges me, Domine, hyssopo, et mundabor; lavabis me, et super nivem dealbabor.
Thou shaft sprinkle me with hyssop, O Lord, and I shall be cleansed; thou shaft wash me and I shall be made whiter than snow.
Ps. Miserere mei, Deus, Ps. Have mercy on me, O
MA88.
God, according to thy great mercy. t. Glory, &c.
Ant. Sprinkle me, &c. f. Show us O Lord, thy mercy. ft. And grant us thy salvation. f. O Lord, hear my prayer. ft. And let my cry come unto thee. t . The Lord be with you. ft. Ajid with thy spirit. secundum magnam misericordiam tuam.
^. Gloria Patri, &c.
Ant. Asperges me, &c. f, Ostende nobis t Domine, misericordiam tuam. ft. Et salutare tuum da nobis. f. Domine, eiaudi orationem meam. ft. Et clamor mens ad te veniat.
Dominus vobiscum. ft. Et cum spiritu tuo.
LET US PRAY.
Graciously hear us, O holy Lord, Father Almighty, Eternal God : and vouchsafe to tend thy holy Angel from heaven, who may keep, cheTish, protect, visit, and defend all who are assembled in this place. Through Christ our Lord. ft. Amen.
OREMTJS.
Exaudi nos, Domine sanete, Pater omnipotens, seterne Deus : et mittere digneris sanctum Angelum tuum de coelis, qui custodiat, foveat, protegat, visitet atque de^ fendat omnes habitantes in hoc habitaCulo. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. ft. Amen.
The Procession, which in many Churches, immediately precedes a Solemn Mass, is a prelude to the great Act which is about to be accomplished. It originated from the practice used in Monasteries, of going through the Cloisters, every Sunday, whilst chanting certain appointed Responsories ; and during which, the Hebdomadarian went through all the Conventual Places, blessing each of them. The practice is still in use.
But see Christians ! the Sacrifice begins ! The Priest is at the foot of the altar ; God is attentive, the Angels are in adoration, the whole Church is united with the Priest, whose priesthood and action are those Of the great High Priest, Jesus Christ. Let us tnake the sign of the Cross with him.
THE ORDINARY
In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen. f. Introibo ad altare Dei. Ad Deum qui lsetificat juventutem meam.
Judica me, Deus, et discerne causam meam de gente non sancta : ab homine iniquo et doloso erue me.
Quia tu 68, Deus, fortitudo mea : quare me repulisti P et quare tristis incedo, dum affligit me inimicus P
Emitte lucem tuam et veritatem tuam : ipsa me de~ duxerunt et adduxerunt in montem sanctum tuum, et in tabernacula tua.
Et introibo ad altare Dei : ad Deum qui lsetificat juventutem meam.
Oonfitebor tibi in cithara Deus, Deus meus : quare tristis es anima meaP et quare conturbas me P
Spera in Deo, quoniam adhuc oonfitebor illi: Salutare vultus mei, et Deus meus.
Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto.
Sicut erat in principio, et nunc et semper, et in ssecula sseculorum. Amen.
OF THE MASS.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
I unite myself, O my God, with thy holy Church, who thrills with joy at the approach of Jesus Christ thy Son, who is the true A Itar.
Like her, I beseech thee to defend me against the malice of the -enemies of my salvation.
It is in thee that I have put my hope; yet do I feel sad and troubled at being in the midst of the snares which are set for me.
Send me, then, him who is light and truth : it is he that will open to us the way to thy holy mount, to thy heavenly tabernacle.
He is the Mediator, and the living Altar ; I will draw nigh to him, and be filled with joy.
When he shall have come, I will sing in my gladness. Be not sad, 0 my soul ! Why wouldst thou be troubled ?
Hope in Him, who will soon show himself unto thee, as thy Saviour , and thy God.
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.
I am to go to the altar of God, and feel the presence of him who desires to give me a new life !
This my hope comes not from any merits of my own, but from the all-powerful help of my Creator.
^. Introibo ad altare Dei. Ad Deum qui lsetificat juventutem meam. f. Adjutorium nostrum in nomine Domini. ft. Qui fecit coelum et terrain.
The thought of his being about to appear before his God, excites, in the soul of the Priest, a lively sentiment of compunction. He cannot go further in the holy Sacrifice without confessing, and publicly, that he is a sinner, and deserves not the grace he is about to receive. Listen, with respect, to this confession of God's Minister, and earnestly ask our Lord to show mercy to him ; for the Priest is your Father ; he is answerable for your salvation, for which he every day risks his own. When he has finished, unite with the Servers, or the Sacred Ministers, in this prayer :
May Almighty God have mercy on thee, and, forgiving thy sins, bring thee to everlasting life.
Misereatur tui omnipotens Deus, et dimissis peccatis tuis, perducat te ad vitam seternam.
The Priest having answered Amen, make your confession, saying with a contrite spirit :
I confess to Almighty God, to blessed Mary ever Virgin, to blessed Michael the Archangel , to blessed John Baptist, to the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, to all the Saints, and to thee, Father, that I have sinned exceedingly in thought, word, and deed ; through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault. Therefore I beseech the blessed Mary ever Virgin,
Confiteor Deo Omnipotenti, beatse Mariae semper Virgini, beato Michaeli Archangelo, beato Joanni Baptistse, Sanctis Apostolis Petro et Paulo, omnibus Sanctis, et tibi, Pater, quia peccavi nimis cogitatione, verbo, et opere : mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa, ldeo precor beatam Manam semper Virginem, beatum Michaelem Archangelum, beatum Joan-
TIME APTBR PLNTB008T. nem Baptistam, sanctos Apostolos Petrum et Paulum, omnes sanctos, et te, Pater, orare pro me ad Dominum Deum nostrum. blessed Michael the Archangel, blessed John Baptist, the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and all the saints, and thee, Father, to pray to our Lord God for me.
Receive with gratitude the paternal wish of the Priest, who says to you :
Misereatur vestri omnipotens Deus, et dimissis peccatis vestris, perducat vos ad yitam eeternam. gt. Amen.
Indulgentiam, absolution nem, et remissionem peccatorum nostrorum tribuat nobis omnipotens et misericors Dominus.
R. Amen.
May Almighty God be merciful to you, and, forgiving your sins, bring you to everlasting life. Amen.
May the Almighty and merciful Lord grant us pardon, absolution, and remission of our sins.
Amen.
Invoke the divine assistance, that you may approach to Jesus Christ. y. Deus, tu con versus vivificabis nos.
$. Et plebs tua lsetabitur in te. f. Ostende nobis, Domine, misericordiam tuam.
$t. Et Salutare tuum da nobis. y. Domine, exaudi orationem meam.
Bt. Et clamor meus ad te veniat.
0 God, it needs but one look of thine to give us life.
And thy people shall rejoice in thee. f. Show us, O Lord, thy mercy.
And give us to know and love the Saviour whom thou hast sent unto us. f. 0 Lord, hear my prayer. fit. And let my cry come unto thee.
The Priest here leaves you to ascend to the altar ; but first he salutes you : f. Dominus vobiscum. p. The Lord be with you. Answer him with reverenoe : Et cum spiritu tuo. And with thy spirit. by Google
He ascends the steps, and comes to the Holy of Holies. Ask, both for him and yourself, the deliverance from sin : nobis, qusesumus Domine, iniquitates nosut ad Sancta sanctorum puris mereamur mentibus introire. Per Christum minum nostrum. Amen.
Take from our hearts, 0 Aufer a Lord, all those sins, which make us unworthy to appear tras ; in thy presence, we ask this of thee by thy divine Son, our Do- Lord,
When the Priest kisses the altar, out of reverence for the relics of the Martyrs which are there,
Oramus te, Domine, per merita sanctorum tuorum, quorum reliquiae hie sunt, et omnium sanctorum : ut in* digneris omnia pecmea. Amen.
Generous soldiers of Jesus Christ, who have mingled your own blood with his, interoede for us that our sins may be forgiven : that so. we dulgere may, like you, approach unto cata
If it be a High Mass at which you are assisting, the Priest incenses the Altar in a most solemn manner ; and this white cloud, which you see ascending from every part of the Altar, signifies the prayer of the Church, who addresses herself to Jesus Christ ; and which this Divine Mediator then causes to ascend, united with his own, to the throne of the majesty of his Father.
The Priest then says the Introit. It is a solemn opening-anthem, in which the Church, at the very commencement of the Holy Sacrifice, gives expression to the sentiments whioh fill her heart.
It is followed by nine exclamations, which are even more earnest, — for they ask for mercy. In addressing them to God, the Church unites herself with the nine choirs of Angels, who are standing round the altar of Heaven, one and the same as this before whioh you are kneeling.
LET TJS PRAT.
0 REMUS. say ;
To the Father :
Eyrie eleison. Lord, have mercy on us !
Kyrie eleison. Lord, have mercy on us !
Kyrie eleison. Lord, have mercy on us !
To the Son :
Christe eleison. Christ, have mercy on us !
Christe eleison. Christ, have mercy on us !
Christe eleison. Christ, have mercy on us !
To the Holy Ghost :
Kyrie eleison. Lord, have mercy on us !
Kyrie eleison. Lord, have mercy on us !
Kyrie eleison. Lord, have mercy on us !
Then mingling his voice with that of the heavenly host, the Priest intones the sublime Canticle of Bethlehem, which announces glory to God, and peace to men. Instructed by the revelations of God, the Church continues, in her own words, the Hymn of the A.ngels.
THE ANGELIC HYMN.
Gloria in excelsis Deo, et in terra pax hominibus bonae voluntatis.
Laudamus te : benedicimus te : adoramus te : glorificamus te : gratias agimus tibi propter magnam gloriam tuam.
Domine Deus, Bex coelestis, Deus Pater omnipotens.
Domine, Fili unigenite, Jesu Christe.
Domine Deus, Agnus Dei, Filius Patris.
Qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis.
Glory be to God on high, and on earth peace to men of good will.
We praise thee : we bless thee : we adore thee : we glorify thee : we give thee thanks for thy great glory.
0 Lord God, Heavenly King, God the Father Almighty.
0 Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son.
0 Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father.
Who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy on us,
Who takest away the sins of the world, receive our humble prayer.
Who sittest at the right hand of the Father, have mercy on us.
For thou alone art holy, thou alone art Lord, thou alone, 0 Jesus Christ, together with the Holy Ghost, art most high, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.
Qui tollis peccata mundi, suscipe deprecationem nostram.
Qui sedes ad dexteram Patris, miserere nobis.
Quoniam tu solus sanctus, tu solus Dominus, tu solus Altissimus, Jesu Christe, cum Sancto Spiritu, in gloria Dei Patris. Amen.
The Priest then turos towards the people, and again salutes them, as it were to make sure of their pious attention to the sublime act, for which all this is but the preparation.
Then follows the Collect or Prayer, in which the Church formally expresses to the divine Majesty the special intentions she has in the Mass which is being celebrated. Tou may unite in this prayer, by reciting with the Priest the Collects which you will find in their proper places : but on no account omit to join with the server of the Mass in answering Amen.
After this comes the Epistle, which is, generally, a portion of one or other of the Epistles of the Apostles, or a passage from some Book of the Old Testament. Whilst it is being read, give thanks to that God, who not satisfied with having spoken to us, at sundry times, by his Messengers, deigned, at last, to speak unto us by his well-beloved Son.
The Gradual is an intermediate formula of prayer between the Epistle and the Gospel. Most frequently, it again brings before us the sentiments already expressed in the Introit. Read it devoutly, that so you may the more and more enter into the spirit of the mystery proposed to you this day, by the Church.
1 Heb. i. 2,
The song of praise, the Alleluiay is next heard. Let us, whilst it is being said, unite with the holy Angels, who are, for all eternity, making heaven resound with that song, which we on earth are permitted to attempt.
The time is now oome for the Gospel to be read. The Gospel is the written word ; our hearing it will prepare us for the Word, who is our Victim and our Food.
If it be a High Mass the Deacon, meanwhile, prepares to fulfil his noble office, — that of announcing the Good Tidings of salvation. He prays God to cleanse his heart and lips. Then kneeling before the Priest, he asks a blessing ; and, having received it, at once goes to the place where he is to sing the Gospel.
As a preparation for hearingit worthily, you may thus pray, together with both Priest and Deacon :
Munda cor meum, ac la- Alas ! these ears of mine are bia mea, Omnipotens Deus, but too often defiled with the qui labia Isaiee Prophetae world's vain words: cleanse oalculo mundasti ignito ; ita them, 0 Lord, that so I may me tua grata miseratione hear the words of eternal life, dignare mundaro, ut sane- and treasure them in my heart, turn Evangelium tuum dig- Through our Lord Jesus ne valeam nuntiare. Per Christ. Amen. Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.
Dominus sit in corde meo, Grant to thy ministers thy et in labiis meis : ut digne grace, that they may faithfully et competenter annuntiem explain thy law ; that so all,
Evangelium suum ; In no- both pastors and flock, may mine Patris, et Pilii, et Spi- be united to thee for ever, ritus Sancti. Amen. Amen.
You will stand during the Gospel, as though you were waiting the orders of your Lord ; and at the commencement, make the sign of the Cross on your forehead, lips, and breast ; and then listen to every word of the Priest or Deaoon. Let your heart be
THB ORDINARY OF THE MASS. ready and obedient. Whilst my beloved was speaking, says the Spouse in the Canticle, my soul melted within me} If you have not suoh love as this, have at least the humble submission of Samuel, and say : Speak Lord ! thy servant heareth !
After the Gospel, if the Priest says the Symbol of Faith, the Credo, you will say it with him. Faith is that gift of God, without which we cannot please him. It is Faith that makes us see the Light which shineth in darkness, and whioh the darkness of unbelief did not comprehend. Let us, then, say with the Catholic Church, our Mother :
THE NICENE GREED.
I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God. And born of the Father before all ages; God of God, light of light; true God of true God. Begotten, not made ; consubstantial to the Father, by whom all things were made. Who for us men, and for our salvation, came down from heaven. And became incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary ; and was made man. He was crucified also for us, under Pontius Pilate, suffered, and was buried. And the third day he rose again, according to the Scriptures. And ascended into heaven,
1 Cantic. v. 6.
Credo in unum Deum, Patrem omnipotentem, factorem coeli et terrae, visibi- Uum omnium et invisibilium.
Et in unum Dominum Jesum Christum, Filium Dei unigenitum. Et ex Patre natum ante omnia seacula, Deum de Deo, lumen de lumine, Deum verum de Deo vero. Genitum non factum, con8ubstantialem Patri, per quern omnia facta sunt. Qui propter nos homines, et propter nostram salutem, descendit de coelis. Et incarnatus est de Spiritu Sancto, ex Maria Virgine; et homo
FACTUS EST. CrucifixuS etiam pro nobis sub Pontio Pilato, passus, et sepultus est. Et resurrexit terha die, secundum Scripturas. Et ascendit in caelum ; sedet ad
2 1 Ejngs, iii. 10. dexteram Patris. Et iterum sitteth at the right hand of
Venturas est cum gloria judi- the Father. And he is to care vivos et mortuos ; cujus come again with glory, to regni non erit finis. j udge the living and the dead ; of whose kingdom there shall be no end.
Et in Spiritum Sanctum, And in the Holy Ghost,
Dominum et vivificantem, the Lord and giver of life, qui ex Patre Pilioque proce- who proceedeth from the dit. Qui cum Patre et Filio Father and the Son. Who simul adoratur, et conglori- together with the Father and ficatur ; qui locutus est per the Son, is adored and glori-
Prophetas. Et unam sane- fied ; who spoke by the Pro- tam Catholicam et Apostoli- phets. And one holy Catho- cam Ecclesiam. Confiteor lie and Apostolic Church. I unum Baptisma in remissio- confess one Baptism for the nem peccatorum. Etexspec- remission of sins. And I to resurrectionem mortuo- expect the resurrection of the rum, et vitam venturi saeculi. dead, and the life of the world
Amen. to come. Amen.
The Priest and the people should, by this time, have their hearts ready : it is time to prepare the offering itself. And here we come to the second part of the Holy Mass, which is called the Oblation, and immediately follows that which was named the Mass of Catechumens, on aooount of its being formerly the only part, at which the candidates for Baptism had a right to be present.
See, then, dear Christians ! bread and wine are about to be offered to God, as being the noblest of inanimate creatures, since they are made for the nourishment of man ; and even that is only a poor material image of what they are destined to become in our Christian Sacrifice. Their substance will soon give place to God himself, and of themselves nothing will remain but the appearances. Happy creatures, thus to yield up their own being, that God may take its place ! We, too, are to undergo a like transformation, when, as the Apostle expresses it, that which is mortal, will be swallotved up by life} Until that
1 2 Cor. v. 4. happy ohange shall be realised, let us offer ourselves to God, as often as we see the bread and wine presented to him in the Holy Saorifioe ; and let us glorify Him, who, by assuming our human nature, has made us partakers of the divine nature.
The Priest again turns to the people with the usual salutation, as though he would warn them to redouble their attention. Let us read the Offertory with him, and when he offers the Host to God, let us unite with him in saying :
All that we have, 0 Lord, comes from thee, and belongs to thee ; it is just, therefore, that we return it unto thee. But how wonderful art thou in the inventions of thy immense love ! This bread which we are offering to thee, is to give place, in a few moments, to the sacred Body of Jesus. We beseech thee, receive, together with this oblation, our hearts which long to live by thee, and to cease to live their own life of self.
When the Priest pats the wine into the chalice, and then mingles with it a drop of water, let your thoughts turn to the divine mystery of the Inoarnation, which is the souroe of our hope and our salvation ; and say :
Suscipe, sancte Pater, omnipotens seterne Deus, hanc immaculatam hostiam, quam ego indignus famulus tuus offero tibi Deo meo vivo et vero, pro innumerabilibus peccatis et offensionibus et negligentiis meis, et pro omnibus circumstantibus, sed et pro omnibus fidelibus christianis vivis atque defunctis; ut mini et illis proficiat ad salutem in vitam seternam. Amen.
O Lord Jesus, who art the true Vine, and whose Blood, like a generous wine, has been poured forth under the pressure of the Cross ! thou hast deigned to unite thy divine nature to our weak humanity, which is signified
Deus qui humanae substantise dignitatem mirabiliter condidisti, et mirabilius reformasti : da nobis per hujus aquae et vini mysteriuin, ejus divinitatis esse consortes, qui humanitatis nostra fieri dignatus est
1 2 St. Peter, i. 4.
TIME AFTER PENTBCOST. particeps* Jesus Ohristus by ihia drop of water. O
FiUus tuus Dominus noster : come and make ns partakers
Sui tecum vivit et regnat of thy divinity, by showing
I unitate Spiritus Sancti thyself to us in thy sweet ana
Dens, per omnia saecula wondrous visit* sseculorum. Amen.
The Priest then offers the mixture of wine and Water, beseeching God graciously to accept this oblation, which is so soon to be changed into the reality, of whioh it is now bttt the figure. Meanwhile, say, in union with the Priest :
Offerimua tibi, Domine, Graciously accept these calioem salutaris, tuam de- gifts, 0 sovereign Creator of preoantes olementiam : ut in all things. Let them be fitted conspeotu divinse Majestatis for the divine transformation, tues, pro nostra et totius which will make them, from mundi salute, cum odore being mere offerings of created suavitatis ascendat. Amen, things, the instrument of the world's salvation.
After having thus held up the sacred gifts towards heaven, the Priest bows down : let us, also, humble ourselves, and say :
In spiritu humilitatis, et Though daring, as we do, to in animo contrito suscipia- approach thy altar, 0 Lord, mur a te, Domine : et sic fiat we cannot forget that we are sacrificium nostrum in con- sinners. Have mercy on us, spectu tuo hodie, ut placeat and delay not to send us thy bbi, Domine Deus. Son, who is our saving Host.
Let us next invoke the Holy Ghost, whose operation is about to produce on the altar the presence of the Son of God, as it did in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in the divine mystery of the Inoarnation:
Veni, Sanctificator omnipotens eeterne Deus, et liedio hoc sacrificium tuo sancto nomini prseparatum.
Come, 0 Divine Spirit, be- make fruitful the offering' which is upon the altar, ana produce in our hearts Him whom they desire.
THE ORDINARY OF THB MASS.
If it be a High Mass, the Priest before proceeding any further with the Sacrifice, takes the thurible a second time. He first incenses the bread and wine which have just been offered, and then the altar itself; hereby inviting the faithful to make their prayer, which is signified by the incense, more and more fervent, the nearer the solemn moment approaches. Saint John tells us that the inoense he beheld burning on the Altar in heaven is made up of the prayers of the Saints; let us take a share in those prayers, and with all the ardour of holy desires.
But the thought of his own un worthiness becomes more intense than ever in the heart of the Priest. The public confession, which he made at the foot of the altar, is not enough ; he would now, at the altar itself, express to the people, in the language of a solemn rite, how feu* he knows himself to be from that spotless sanctity, wherewith he should approaoh to God. He washes his hands. Our hands signify our works ; and the Priest, though by his priesthood he bear the office of Jesus Christ, is, by his works, but man. Seeing your Father thus humble himself, do you also make an act of humility, and say with him these verses of the Psalm. psalm 25.
I, too, would wash my bands, O Lord, and become like unto those who are innocent, that so I may be worthy to come near thy altar, and hear thy sacred Canticles, and then go and proclaim to the world the wonders of thy goodness. I love the beauty of thy House, which thou art about to make the dwelling-place of thy gjlory. Leave me not, O God, in the midst of
Lavabo inter innocentes manus meas : et circumdabo altare tuum, Domine.
Ut audiam vocem laudis; et enarrem universa mirabilia tua.
Domine, dilexi decorem domns tuee, et locum habitationis glories tuse.
Ne perdas cum impiis, Deus, animam meam, et cum viris sanguinum vitam meam.
In quorum manibus iniqui-
TIMS AFTER PENTECOST. them that are enemies both to thee and me. Thy mercy haying separated me from them, I entered on the path of innocence and was restored to thy grace ; but have pity on my weakness still; redeem me yet more, thou who hast so mercifully brought me back to the right path. In the midst of these thy faithful people, I give thee thanks. 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.
The priest, taking encouragement from the act of humility he has just made, returns to the middle of the altar, and bows down full of respectful awe, begging of God to receive graciously the Sacrifice which is about to be offered to him, and expresses the intentions for which it is offered. Let us do the same.
Suscipe, Sancta Triuitas, O hanc oblationem, quam tibi offerimus ob memoriam Pasrememsionis, Resurrectionis, et branceof Ascensionis Jesu Christi rection, Domini nostri: et in honore beatae Mariae semper Virginis, et Beati Joannis Baptistse, et sanctorum Apostolorum Petri et Pauli, et istorum, et omnium Sanetorum : ut illis proficiat ad honorem, nobis autem ad salutem: et illi pro nobis coelis, quorum memoriam agimus in terris. Per eum- crease dem Christum Dominum joying, nostrum. Amen. ers
Holy Trinity, graciously accept the Sacrifice, we have begun. We offer it in the Passion, Resurand Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ. Permit thy Church to join with this intention that of honouring the ever glorious- Virgjn Mary, the Blessed Baptist John, the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, the Martyrs whose relics lie here under our altar awaiting their resurrection, intercedere dignentur in and the Saints whose memory we this day celebrate. Inthe glory they are enand receive the praythey address to thee for us.
The Priest again turns to the people ; it is for the tates sunt : dextera eorum repleta est muneribus.
Ego autem in innocentia mea ingressus sum : redime me, et miserere mei.
Pes meus stetit in direoto : in ecclesiis benedicam te Domine.
Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto.
Sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et semper, et in saecula saeculorum. Amen. last time before the sacred Mysteries are accomplished. He feels anxious to exoite the fervour of the people. Neither does the thought of his own unworthiness leave him ; and before entering the cloud with the Lord, he seeks support in the prayers of his brethren who cure present. He says to them :
Brethren, pray that my Sa- Orate, fratres : ut meum crifice, which is yours also, ac vestrum sacrificium ac- inay be acceptable to God, ceptabile fiat apud Deum our Almighty Father. Patrem omnipotentem.
This request made, he turns again to the altar, and you will see his face no more, until our Lord himself shall have come down from heaven upon that same altar. Assure the Priest that he has your prayers, and say to him :
May our Lord accept this Suscipiat Pominus sacri-
Sacrince at thy hands, to the ficium de manibus tuis, ad praise and glory of his name, laudem et gloriam nominis and for our benefit and that sui, ad utilitatem quoque of his holy Church through- nostram totiusque Ecclesise out the world. suae sanctse.
Here the Priest recites the prayers oalled the fifecrets, in which he presents the petition of the whole Church for God's acceptance of the Sacrifioe, and then immediately begins to fulfil that great duty of religion, — Thanksgiving. So far he has adored God, and has sued for mercy; he has still to give thanks for the blessings bestowed on us by the bounty of our heavenly Father, the chief of which is the having sent us his own Son. The blessing of a new visit from this divine Word is just upon us; and in expectation of it, and in the name of the whole Church, the Priest is about to give expression to the gratitude of all mankind. In order to exoite the Faithful to that intensity of gratitude whioh is due to God for all his gifts, he interrupts his
PKXT, III. B ot?n and their silent prayGf by terminating it aloud, saying :
Per omnia sfcecula sseculb- For ever and ever, ram !
In the same feeling, atiswe* your Amen ! Then hd continues : f. Dominus vobisoum'. The Lord be with you.
Et cum spiritu tuo. £. And with thy spirit, y. Sursum corda ! J. Lift up your hearts !
Let your response be sincere :
Habemus ad Domi * We have them fixed on num. God.
And when he adds : f. Gratias agamus Do- f. Let Us give thanks t mino Deo nostro. the Lord our God.
Answer him with all the earnestness of your soul !
Dignum et justum est. It is meet and just.
Then the Priest :
THB PREFACE.
Vere dignum et justum It is truly meet and just, est, sequum et salutare, nos right and available to salva- tibi semper et ubique gra- tion, that we should always, tias agere : Domine Sancte, and in all places, give thanks
Pater omnipotens, seterne to thee, 0 Holy Lord, Fathetf
Deus ; per Christum Domi- Almighty, Eternal God ; num nostrum. Per quern through Christ our Lord ; by majestatem tuam laudant whom the Angels praise' thy
Angeli, adorant Dominatio- majesty, the Dominations lies, tremunt Potestates; adore it, the Powers tremble
Gteli ootlorumque Virtiites, bef or* it } the Heavens and the ac beata Seraphim, sbcia exsultatione oonoelebrant. Cum quibus et nostras Vo* ut admitti jubeas desione dioemtes: heavenly Virtues, and the blessed Seraphim, with oommon jubilee, glorify it* Together with whom, we beseech oes, taee that we may be admitted preoamur, supphoi confes* to join our humble voices, saying:
Here unite with the Priest, who, on his part, unites himself with the blessed Spirits, in giving thanks to God for the unspeakable Gift : bow down and Bay :
, Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Sanetus, Sanotus, Sanctus of hosts ! Dominus Deus sabaoth !
Heaven and earth are full Pleni sunt ooeli et terra of thy glory. gloria tua.
Hosanna in the highest ! Hosanna in exoelsis !
Blessed be the Saviour who Benedictus <jui venit in is coming to us in the name of nomine Domini, the Lord who sends him.
Hosanna be to him in the Hosanna in exoelsis ! highest !
After these words commences the Canon, — that mysterious prayer, in the midst of whioh heaven bows down to earth, and God descends unto us. The voice of the Priest is no longer heard ; yea, even at the altar all is silence. It was thus, says the Book of Wisdom, in the quiet of silence, and while the night was in the midst of her course, that the Almighty Word came down from his royal throne. Let a profound respeot stay all distraotions, and keep our senses in submission to the soul. Let us respectfully fix our eyes on what the Priest does in the Holy Place.
THE CANON OF THE MASS.
In thiB mysterious colloquy with the great God of heaven and earth, the first prayer of the sacrificing Priest is for the Oatholio Church, his and our Mother.
1 Wisd. xviii. 14, 15,
TIMB AFTER PBNTECOST.
Te igitur, clementissime Pater, per Jesum Christum Filium tuum Dominum nostrum supplices rogamus ac petimus, uti accepta habeas, et benedicas haec dona, haec munera, hsec sancta sacrificia illibata ; in primis quae tibi offerimus pro Ecclesia tua sancta Catholica ; quam pacificare, custodire, adunare, et regere digneris toto orbe terrarum, una cum famulo tuo Papa nostro N. et Antistite nostro N., et omnibus orthodoxis, atque catholicae et apostolicae fidei cultoribus.
0 God, who manifestest thyself unto us by means of the mysteries which thou hast intrusted to thy holy Church, our Mother ; we beseech thee, by the merits of this sacrifice, that thou wouldst remove all those hindrances which oppose her during her pilgrimage in this world. Give her peace and unity. Do thou thyself fuide our Holy Father the 'ope, thy Vicar on earth. Direct thou our Bishop, who is our sacred link of unity ; and watch over all the orthodox children of the Catholic, Apostolic, Eoman Church.
Here pray, together with the Priest, for those whose interests should be dearest to you.
Memento, Domine, famulorum, famularumque tuarum N. et N., et omnium circumstantium, quorum tibi fides cognita est, et nota devotio: pro quibus tibi offerimus, vel qui tibi offerunt hoc sacrificium laudis pro se suisque omnibus, pro redemptione animarum suarum, pro spe salutis et incolumitatis suae ; tibique reddunt vota sua aeterno Deo vivo et vero.
Permit me, 0 God, to intercede with thee for special blessings upon such of thy servants for whom thou knowest that I have a special obligation to pray : * * * Apply to them the fruits of this divine Sacrifice, which is offered unto thee in the name of all mankind. Visit them by thy grace, pardon them tneir sins, grant them the blessings of this present life and of that which is eternal.
Here let us commemorate the Saints : they are that portion of the Body of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is called the Church Triumphant.
Communicantes, et me- But the offering of this moriam venerantes, in pri- Sacrifice, 0 my God, does not mis gloriosae semper Virginis unite us with those only of
Manae, Genitricis Dei et our brethren who are still in
Domini noatri Jesu Christi : sed ot beatorum Apostolorum ac Martyrum tuoruin, Petri et Pauh, Andreae, Jacobi, Joannis, Thomae, Jacobi, Philippi, Bartholomew, Matthaei, Simonis et Thaddaei : Lini, Cleti, Clementis, Xysti, Cornelii, Cypriani, Laurentii, Chrysogoni, Joannis et Pauli, Cosmae et Damiani, et omnium sanctorum tuorum : quorum mentis precibusque concedas, ut in omnibus protectionis tuae muniamur auxilio. Per eumdem Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.
The Priest, who up to this time had been praying with his hands extended, now joins them, and holds them over the Bread and Wine, as the High Priest of the Old Law was wont to do over the figurative victim : he thus expresses his intention of bringing these gifts more olosely under the notice of the Divine Majesty, and of marking them as the material offering whereby we express our dependence, and whioh, in a few instants, is to yield its place to the living Host, upon whom are laid all our iniquities. this transient life of trial : it brings us closer to those also, who are already in possession of heaven. Therefore it is, that we wish to honour, by it, the memory of the glorious and ever Virgin Mary, of whom Jesus was born to us ; of the Apostles, Confessors, Virgins, and of all the Saints ; that they may assist us, by their powerful intercession, to be worthy of this thy visit, and of contemplating thee, as they themselves now do, in the mansion of thy glory.
Vouchsafe, 0 God, to accept the offering, which this thine assembled family presents to thee as the homage of its most happy servitude. In return, give us peace, save us from thy wrath, and number us among thine elect, through Him who is coming to us, — thy Son, our Saviour !
Yea, Lord, this is the moment when this bread is to become his sacred Body, which
Hanc igitur oblationem servitutis nostra, sed et cunctae familiae tuae, quaesumus, Domine, ut placatus accipias : diesque nostros in tua pace disponas, atque ab aeterna damnatione nos eripi, et in electorum tuorum jubeas grege numerari. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.
Quam oblationem tu, Deus, in omnibus, quaesumus, benedictam, adscriptam, ra-
TIME AFTER fENTEOOflT. rationabilem, acoeptabilemque facere digneris : nobis Corpus et Sanguis defiat dilectissuni Filii tui Domini nostri Jesu Ohristi. tarn, is oar food; and this wine is to be changed into his Blood, at which is our drink. Ah ! lay no longer, but bring us into the presence of this divine
Son, our Saviour !
And here the Priest ceases to act as man ; lie now becomes more than a mere minister of the Church. His word becomes that of Jesus Christ, with its power and efficacy. Prostrate yourself in profound adoration, for the Emmanuel, that is, God with us, is ooming Upon our alter.
Qui pridie quam patere- What, O God of heaven and tur, accepH panem in sane- earth, my Jesus, the long ex- tas ac venerabiles ma mis pected Messias ! what else can suas: et elevatis oculis in I do, at this solemn moment, ccelum, ad te Deum Patrem but adore thee in silence, as strum omnipotent em, tibi my sovereign Master, and irratias agens, benedixit, open to thee my whole heart, rregit, deaitque discipulis as to its dearest Kong P Come suia, dicens : Accipite, et then, 0 Lord, Jesus, come ! manducate ex hoc omnes.
HOC EST EN1M OOEPTJS
The Divine Lamb is now lying on our Altar ! Glory and love be to him for ever I But, he is come that he may be immolated. Hence the Priest, who is the minister of the derigns of the Most High, immediately pronounces, over the Chalice, the sacred words which follow, that will produoe the great mystical immolation, by the separation of the Victim's Body and Blood. After those words, the substanoes of both bread and wine have ceased to exist; the
Stories alone are left, veiling, as it were, the Body and lood of our Redeemer, lest fear should keep us from a mystery, whioh (rod gives us for the very purpose of infusing confidence into our hearts. Whilst the Priest is pronouncing those words, let us associate ourselves to the Angels, who tremblingly gaae upon this deepest wonder.
O Precious Blood ! thou price of my salvation ! I adore thee ! Wash away my sins, and make me whiter than snow. O Lamb ever slain, yet ever living, thou eomest to take away the sins of the world ! Come, also, and reign in me by thy power, and by thy love.
Simili modo postquam eeenatum est, accipiens et hone praeclarum Calioem in sanctas ao venerabiles manus suas : item tibi gratias agens, benedixit, deditque discipulis suis dicens : Accipite et bibite ex eo omnes.
HlC EST ENIM CALIX SAN- GUINIS MEI, NOVI ET -ETER- NI TESTAMENTI : MYSTERIUM FIDEI: QUI PRO VOBIS ET PRO MULTIS EFFUNDETUR IN REMISSIONEM PECCATORUM.
Hsec quotiescumque feceritis, in mei memoriam facie - tie.
The Priest is now face to faoe with God. He again raises bis hands towards heaven, and tells our heavenly Father, that the oblation, now on the altar, 20 no longer an earthly material offering, but the Body and Blood, the whole Person, of his diving Son.
Father of infinite holiness ! the Host so long expected is here before thee. Behold this thine eternal Son, who suffered a bitter Passion, rose again with glory from the grave, *nd ascended triumphantly into heaven. He is thy Son ; but he is also our Host, Host pure and spotless, — our Meat And Drink of everlasting life.
Heretofore, thou acceptedst the sacrifice of the innocent
Unde et memores, Domine, nos servi tui, sed et plebs tua sancta, ejusdem Christi filii tui Domini nostri tarn beatee Passionis, nee non et ab inf oris Besurrectionis, sed et in ooelos gioriosse Ascensionis : offerimus prseclarse Majestati tuse de tuis donis ao datis, Hostiain pur am, Hostiam sanetarn, Hostiam immaoulatam : Panem sanctum vitae seternse, et Oalicem salutis perpetuse.
Supra quae propitio ac sereno vultu respicere digne^ ris : et accepta habere, sicuti accepta habere dignatus es munera pueri tui justi Abel, et sacrificium Patriarchse nostri Abrahae, et quod tibi obtulit summus Sacerdos tuus Melchisedech, sanctum sacrificium, immaculatam hostiam. lambs offered unto thee by Abel ; and the sacrifice which Abraham made thee of his son Isaac, who, though immolated, yet lived ; and, lastly, the sacrifice, which Melchisedech presented to thee, of bread and wine. Receive our Sacrifice, which surpasses all those others: it is the Lamb, of whom all others could be but figures ; it is the undying Victim ; it is the Body of thy Son, who is the Bread of Life, and his Blood, which, whilst a drink of immortality for us, is a tribute adequate to thy glory.
' The Priest bows down to the altar, and kisses it as the throne of love, on which is throned the Saviour of men.
But, 0 God of infinite power ! these sacred gifts are not only on this altar here below : they are, also, on that sublime Altar in heaven, which is before the throne of thy divine Majesty. These two Altars are one and the same, on which is accomplished the great mystery of thy glory and our salvation. Vouchsafe to make us partakers of the Body and Blood of the august Victim, from whom flow every grace and blessing.
Nor is the moment less favourable for our making supplication for the Church Suffering. Let us, therefore, ask the divine Liberator, who has come down among us, that he mercifully visit, by a ray of his oonsoling light, the dark abode of Purgatory ; and permit his Blood to flow, as a stream of mercy's dew,
Supplices te rogamus, omnipotens Deus, jube hsec perferri per manus sancti Angeli tui in sublime Altare tuum, in conspectu divinae Majestatistuae: utquotquot ex hac altaris participatione, sacrosanctum Filii tui Corpus et Sanguinem sumpserimuSj omni benedictione coelesti et gratia repleamur. Per eumdem Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.
THE ORDINARY OF THB MASS. from this our altar, and refresh the panting oaptives there. Let us pray expressly for those among them, who have a olaim upon our suffrages.
Dear' Jesus! let the happiness of this thy visit extend to every portion of thy Church. Thy face gladdens the elect, in the holy City ; even our mortal eyes can see thee beneath the veil of our delighted faith; ah! hide not thyself from those brethren of ours, who are imprisoned in the abode of expiation. Be thou refreshment to them in their flames, light in their darkness, and peace in their agonies of torment.
Memento, etiam, Domine, famulorum famularumque tuarum N. et N., qui nos prsecesserunt cum signofidei, et dormiunt in somno pacis. Ipsis, Domine, et omnibus in Christo quiescentibus, locum refrigerii, lucis et pacis, ut indulgeas, deprecamur. Per eumdem Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.
This duty of charity fulfilled, let us pray for ourselves,— sinners, alas ! and who profit so little by the visit whioh our Saviour pays us. Let us, together with the Priest, strike our breast, saying :
Alas! we are poor sinners, O God of all sanctity ! yet do we hope that thine infinite mercy will grant us to share thy kingdom ; not indeed, by reason of our works, which deserve little else than punishment,— but because of the merits of this Sacrifice, which we are offering unto thee. Remember, too, the merits of thy holy Apostles, of thy holy Martyrs, of thy holy Virgins and of all thy saints. Grant us, by their intercession, grace in this world, and glory eternal in the next : which we ask of thee, in the name of our Iiord Jesus Christ, thy Son. It is by him thou bestowest
Nobis quoque peccatoribus famuhs tuis, de multitudine miserationum tuarum sperantibus, partem aliquam et societatem donare digneris cum tuis Sanctis Apostolis et Martyribus ; cum Joanne, Stephano, Matthia, Barnaba, Ignatio, Alexandro, Marcellino, Petro, Felicitate, Perpetua, Agatha, Lucia, Agnete, Csecilia, Anastasia, et omnibus Sanctis tuis ; intra quorum nos consortium, non aestimator meriti, sed venise, qusesumus, largitor admitte : per Christum Dominum nostrum. Per quern haBc omnia, Domine, semper
TXMB AFTER PENTB008T. bona creas, sanetifioas, vi- upon us tky blessings of life vificas, benedicis, et prsestas and sanctification ; and, by nobis; per ipsiim, et cum him also, with him, and in ipso, et in ipso, est tibi Deo him, in the unity of the Holy
Patri omnipotenti, in uni- Ghost, may honour and glory tate Spiritus Sancti, omnis be to thee ! honor et gloria.
Whilst saying the last of these words, the Priest has taken up the Sacred Host, which was upon the altar ; he has held it over the Ohalioe : thus re-uniting the Body and Blood of the divine Victim, in order to show that he is now immortal. Then raising up both Ohalioe and Host, he offers to God the noolest and most perfect homage which the divine Majesty oould receive.
This sublime and mysterious rite ends the Canon. The silenoe of the Mysteries is interrupted. The Priest oonoludes his long prayers, by saying aloud, and so giving the Faithful tae opportunity of expresing their desire, that his supplications be granted :
Per omnia ssBCula s®eu- For ever and ever ! lorum.
Answer him with faith, and in a sentiment of union with your holy Mother, the Church ;
Amen. Amen ! I believe the mys- tery which has just been accomplished. I unite myself to the offering which has been made, and to the petitions of the Church.
It is now time to recate the Prayer, taught us by our Saviour himself. Let it ascend up to heaven together with the sacrifice of the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. How oould it be otherwise than heard, when he himself who drew it up for us, is in our very hands now whilst we say it? As this
Prayer belongs in oonituOn to all G-o&'b children, the Priest recites it aloud, and begins by inviting us all to join in it ; he says :
LET US PRAY.
OREMT7S.
Having been taught by a saving precept, and following the form given us by divine instruction, we thus presume to speak :
Preeceptis salutaribus moniti, et divina institutione formati, audemus dioere :
THB LORD 8 PRAYER.
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name: thy kingdom come; tby will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us and lead us not into temptation.
Pater noster, qui es in coelis, sanctificetur nomen tuum : adveniat regnuin tuum : fiat voluntas tua sicut in coelo, et in terra. Panem nostrum quotidianum da nobis hodie : et dimitte nobis debita nostra, sicut et nos dimittimus debitorfbus nostris : et ne nos inducas in tentationem.
Let us answer "with deep feeling of our misery :
But deliver us from evil. Bed libera nos a malo.
The Priest falls, onee more, into the silence of the holy Mysteries. His first word is an affectionate Amen to your last petition — deliver us from evil — on which he forms his own next prayer : and, could he pray for anything more needed P Evil surrounds us everywhere; and the Lamb on our altar has been sent to expiate it, and deliver us from it.
How many, O Lord, are the evils which beset us! Evils pott, which are the wounds left on the soul by her sins, and strengthen her wicked
Libera nos, gusesumus, Domine, ab omnibus malis, preeteritis, pwesentibus et futons : et iaiberosdente bea~ ta et gluriosa semper Virgi- propensities. Evils present, that is, the sins now, at this very time, upon our soul ; the weakness of this poor soul; and the temptations which molest her. There are, also, future evils, that is, the chastisement which our sins deserve from the hand of thy justice. In presence of this Host of our Salvation, we beseech thee, O Lord, to deliver us from all these evils, and to accept in our favour, the intercession of Mary the Mother of Jesus, of the holy Apostles, Peter and Paul and Andrew: Liberate us, break our chains, give us peace : through Jesus Christ, thy Son, who with thee, liveth and reigneth God.
The Priest is anxious to announce the Peace, which he has asked and obtained ; he therefore finishes his prayer aloud, saying :
Per omnia saecula sseculo - World without end. rum.
Amen. &. Amen.
Then he says:
Pax Domini sit semper May the peace of our Lord vobiscum. be ever with you.
To this paternal wish, reply : Et cum spiritu tuo. And with thy spirit.
The Mystery is drawing to a olose ; God is about to be united with man, and man with God, by means of Communion. But first, an imposing and sublime rite takes place at the altar. So far, the Priest has ne Dei Genitrice Maria, cum beatis Apostolis tuis Petro et Paulo, atque Andrea, et omnibus Sanctis, da propitius pacem in diebus nostris : ut ope misericordise tuse adjuti, et a peccato simus semper liberi, et ab omni perturbatione securi. Per eumdem Dominum nostrum Jesum Christum Filium tuum, qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitate Spiritus Sancti Deus. announced the Death of Jesus ; it is time to proclaim his Resurreotion. To this end, he reverently breaks the sacred Host; and having divided it into three parts, he puts one into the Chalice, thus re-uniting the Body and Blood of the immortal Victim. Do you adore, and say :
Glory be to thee, 0 Saviour Haec commixtio et conse- of the world ! who didst, in cratio Corporis et Sanguinis thy Passion, permit thy pre- Domini nostri Jesu Christi, cious Blood to be separated fiat accipientibus nobis in from thy sacred Body, after- vitam seternam. Amen, wards uniting them again together by thy divine power..
Offer now your prayer to the ever-living Lamb, whom St. John saw, on the Altar of Heaven, standing though slain : 1 say to this your Lord and King, who has taken upon himself all our iniquities, in order to wash them away by his Blood :
Lamb of God, who takest Agnus Dei, qui tollis away the sins of the world, peccata mundi, miserere have mercy on us ! nobis.
Lamb of God, who takest Agnus Dei, qui tollis away the sins of the world, peccata mundi, miserere have mercy on us ! nobis.
Lamb of God, who takest Agnus Dei, qui tollis away the sins of the world, peccata mundi, dona nobis give us Peace f pacem.
Peace is the grand object of our Saviour's coming into the world : he is the Prince of Peace? The divine Sacrament of the Eucharist ought therefore to be the mystery of Peace, and the bond of Catholio Unity ; for, as the Apostle says, all we who partake of one Bread, are all one Bread and one Body? It is on this account that the Priest, now that he is on the point of receiving, in Communion, the Saored Host, prays that fraternal Peace may be preserved
1 Apoc. v. 6, 8 Is. ix. 6, 8 I Cor. x. 17,
TIME AFTHR PKfTEOOST. in the Church, and more especially in this portion of it, which is assembled around the altar* Pray with him, and for the same blessing.
Detains Jesu Ohriste, qui dixisti Apostolis tuis; Pacem relinquo yobis : paoem meam do yobis : ne respicias peccata mea, sed fidem Ecclesise tuse : eamque secundum voluntatem tuam pacificare et coadunafe digneris. Qui viyis et regnas Deus, per omnia saecula sseculorum. Amen.
Lord Jesus Ohrist, Who saidst to thine Ajwstles, " my peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you :" regard not my sins, but the faith of thy Church, and grant her that peace and unity which is according to thy will. Who livest and reignest God, for ever and ever. Amen.
If it be a High Mass, the Priest here gives the kiss of peaee to the Deacon, who gives it to the Subdeooon, and he to the Choir. During this ceremony, you should excite within yourself feelings of Chris* tUn charity, and pardon your enemies, if you have any. Then continue to pray with the Priest :
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, who according to the will of the Father, through the co-operation of the Holy Ghost, hast, by thy death, given life to the world ; deliver me, by this thy most sacred Body and Blood, from all mine iniquities, and from all evils ; and make me always adhere to thy commandments, atid never suffer me to be separated from thee, who with the same God the Father and the Holy Ghost, livest and reignest God for ever and ever* Amen.
If you are going to Oommunion at this Mass, say the foil owing ftayer ; otherwise, prepare yourself for a Spiritual Communion :
Perceptio Corporis tui, Let not the participation of
Domine Jesu Christe, Fili Del vivi, qui ex voluntate iPatris, cooperante Spiritu Sancto, per mortem tuam mundum vivificasti: libera me per hoc sacrosanctum Corpus, et Sanguinem tuum, ab omnibus iniquitatibus meis, et universis malis, et fac me tuis semper inhserere mandatis, et a te nun^uam separalipermittas. Qui cum eodem Deo Patre et Spiritu Sanoto vivis et regnas, Deus, in sseeula sseouloruni. Amen. thy Body, 0 Lord Jesus Christ, Domino Jeiu Christe, quod
Which I, though unworthy, ego indignus sumere pr»* presume to receive, turn to my sumo, non mini proveaiat iudgment and condemnation; in judicium et condemna-
ut through thy mercy, may tionem : sed pro iua pietate it be a safeguard and remedy, prosit mi hi ad tutamentum both to my soul and body, mentis et corporis, et ad
Who -with God the Father, m medelam peroipiendam. Qui the unity of the Holt Ghost, vivis et regnas Cum Deo litest and reignest God, for Patre, in unitate Spiritus eter and ever. Amen. Sancti, Deus, per omnia sseoula sseculorum. Amen.
When the Priest takes the Host into his hands, in order to his reoeiving it in Communion, say :
Come, my dear Jesus, come ! Panem ccelestem aoci- piam, et nomen Domini invocabo.
When he strikes his breast, confessing his unworthiness, say thrioe with him, these words, and in the same dispositions as the Centurion of the Gospel, who first used them :
Domine, non sum dignus ut intres sub tectum meum ; sed tantum die verbo, et sanabitur anima mea.
Lord ! I am not worthy that thou enter under my roof ; say it, only with one word of thine, and my soul shall be healed.
Whilst the Priest is receiving the sacred Host, if you also are to communicate, profoundly adore your Gtod, who is ready to take up his abode within you ; and again say to him with the Bride : Com, Lord Jesus, come fl
But should you not intend to receive sacramentally, make here a Spiritual Communion, Adore Jesus Christ, who thus visits your bouI by his grace, and say to him :
I give thee, 0 Jesus, this Corpus Domini nostri 1 Apoc. xxii. 30.
Jesu Christi custodiat ani- heart of mine, that thou maymam meam in vitam seter- est dwell in it, and do with me nam. Amen. what thou wilt.
Then the Priest takes the Chalice, in thanksgiving, and says :
Quid retribuam Domino pro omnibus quae retribuit mini p Calicem salutaris accipiam, et nomen Domini invocabo. Laudans invoeabo Dominum, et ab inimicis meis salvus ero.
What return shall I make to the Lord for all he hath given to me P I will take the Chalice of salvation, and will call upon the name of the Lord. Praising, I will call upon the Lord, and I shall be saved from mine enemies.
But if you are to make a Sacramental Communion, you should at this moment of the Priest's receiving the precious Blood, again adore the God who is coming to you, and keep to your prayer: Come, Lord Jesus, come !
If you are going to communicate only spiritually, again adore your divine Master, and say to him :
Sanguis Domini nostri I unite myself to thee, my
Jesu Christi custodiat ani- beloved Jesus ! do thou unite mam meam in vitam seter- thyself to me and never let nam. Amen. us be separated.
It is here that you must approaoh to the altar, if you are going to Communion.
The Communion being finished, whilst the Priest is purifying the Chalice the first time, say :
Thou hast visited me, 0 God, in these days of my pilgrimage : give me grace to treasure up the fruits of this visit, and to make it tell upon my eternity.
Whilst the Priest is purifying the Chalice the second time, say :
Quod ore sumpsimus, Domine, pura mente capiamus ; et de munere tempo - rali fiat nobis remedium sempiternum.
Be thou for ever blessed, 0 Corpus tuum, Domine, my Saviour, for having ad- quod sumpsi, et Sanguis, mitted me to the sacred mys- quern potavi, adhaereat vis- tery of thy Body and Blood, ceribus meis : et praesta ut
May my heart and senses pre- in me non remaneat scele-
6erve, by thy grace, the purity rum macula, quern pura et thou hast imparted to them, sancta refecerunt Sacra- and I be thus rendered less menta. Qui vivis et regnas in unworthy of thy divine visit. ssecula saeculorum. Amen.
The Priest, having read the Anthem, called the Communion, which is the first part of his Thanksgiving for the favour just received from God, whereby he has renewed his divine presenoe among us, — turns to the people, greeting them with the usual salutation ; and then recites the Prayer, called the Postcommunion, which is the continuation of the Thanksgiving. You will join him here also, and thank God for the unspeakable gift he has just lavished upon you, of admitting you to the celebration and participation of mysteries so divine.
As soon as these Prayers have been recited, the Priest again turns to the people ; and, full of joy at the immense favour he and they have been receiving, he says :
The Lord be with you. Dominus vobiscum.
Answer him : And with thy spirit. Et cum spiritu tuo.
The Deacon, or, (if it be not a High Mass,) the Priest himself, then says :
Go, the Mass is finished. Ite, missa est.
Thanks be to God. Deo gratias.
The Priest makes a last Prayer, before giving you his blessing ; pay with him ; c
TIMB AFTER PENTECOST r Placeat tibi, sancta Trinitas, obsequium servitutis 0 meae, ot prsesta ut sacrificium, quod oculis tuse Ma- me, in jestatis indignus obtuli, tibi sit omnibus pro quibus iUud obtuli, sit te miserante, propitiabile. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen,
Eternal thanks be to thee, adorable Trinity, for the mercy thou hast shown to permitting me to assist at this divine Sacrifice. Paracceptable, mihique, et don me the negligence and coldness wherewith I have received so great a favour; and deign to confirm the Blessing, wnich thy Minister is about to give me in thy Name.
The Priest raises his hand, and blesses you thus :
Benedicat vos omuipotens May the Almighty God,
Deus, Pater, et Filius, et Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
Spiritus Sanctus. bless you !
Amen. Amen.
He then concludes the Mass, by reading the first fourteen verses of the Gospel according to St. John, whioh tell us of the eternity of the Word, and of the mercy which led him to take upon himself our flesh, and to dwell among us. Pray that you may be of the number of those who received him when he came unto bis oum people, and who, thereby, were made Sons of God. f. Dominus vobiscum. ^. The Lord be with you. gt. Et cum spiritu tuo. And with thy spirit.
THE LAST GOSPEL.
Initium sancti Evangelii The beginning of the Holy secundum Joannem. Gospel according to John.
Cap. I.
In principio erat Verbum, et Verbum erat apud Doum et Deus erat Verbum. Hoc erat in principio apud Deum. Omnia per ipsum facta sunt; et sine ipso factum est nihil.
Ch. I.
In the beginning; was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him, and without hi*n was made nothing that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men : and the light shineth in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to give testimony of the light, that all men might believe through him. He was not the light, but was to rive testimony of the light. That was the true light which enlighteneth every man that cometh into this world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them he gave power to be made the sons of God ; to them that believe in his name, who are born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made FiiESH, and dwelt among us ; and we saw his glory, as it were the glory of the Only- Begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
Thanks be to God.
Quod factum est, in ipso vita erat, et vita erat lux hominum, et lux in tenebris lucet, et tenebr® earn non comprehenderunt. Fuit homo missus a Deo, cui nomen erat Joannes. Hie venit in testimonium, ut testimonium perhiberet de lumine, ut omnes crederent per ilium. Non erat ille lux, sed ut testimonium perhiberet de lumine. Erat lux vera, quse illuminat omnem hominem venientem in hunc mundum. In mundo erat, et mundus per ipsum faefcus est, et mundus eum non cognovit. In propria venit, et sui eum non receperunt. Quotquot autem receperunt. eum, dedit eis potestatem filios Dei fieri, his qui credunt in nomine ejus : qui non ex sanguinibus, neque s ex voluntate carnis, neque ex voluntate viri, sed ex Deo, nati sunt. Et Verbttm oabo factum est, et habitavit in nobis: et vidimus gloriam ejus, gloria m quasi Unigeniti a Patre, plenum gratiss et veritatis.
Deo gratias.
CHAPTEE THE SECOND.
ON THE OFFICES OF TIERCE, SEXT, AND NONE, DURING THE TIME AFTER PENTECOST.
The limits we have been obliged to observe in this work, do not allow us to give the text of all the Offices of the Church; we have oonfined ourselves to those at which the faithful generally assist, and which, for that reason, are celebrated with more solemnity. To Vespers and Compline, which it was impossible to omit, we have added, for this Volume, the Hours of Tierce, Sext, and None, that the Faithful may be able to follow them, in those Churohes where they are said or sung.
The liturgical form of these Hours is the same for all three. After the invocation of the divine aid, there are sung a Hymn and three divisions of the 118th Psalm. These are followed by a short Lesson called the Capitulum ; by a Responsory, called the Brief Responsory, to distinguish it from the ordinary ones, which are longer ; and, finally, by a Collect, which is the summary of the desires and petitions of the Church, for the special Feast she is keeping.
The 118th Psalm, which, as we have just said, is used for these Hours, and is every day recited by the Church, is regarded as the Canticle of prayer by excellence. The Prophet addresses himself, all through it, to the Incarnate Word, who is, at onoe, both divine Law and Lawgiver, It is not difficult to appreciate the special beauty of this Psalm, and adapt it to the mysteries of each day of the Church's celebrations. It lends itself to every phase of every Feast, and seems as though it were just made to
TIERCE. express the sentiment that is uppermost in the heart, liturgical prayer is the manna of our desert, which suits itself to the taste of each one eating it.
TIEBCE. y. Incline unto mine 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. Alleluia.
P. Deus in adjutorium meum intende.
8t. Domine, ad adjuvandum me festina.
Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui sancto ;
Sicut erat in principio, et nunc et semper, et in ssecula saeculorum. Amen. Alleluia.
HYMN.
( Composed by St. Ambrose.)
O Holy Spirit, one substance with the Father and the Son, vouchsafe, at this hour, to descend upon us without delay, and penetrate into our hearts.
May our mouth, our tongue, our mind, our senses, our strength, publish thy praise; may the fire of charity be kindled, and its ardour inflame our brethren.
Hear us, most merciful Father! and thou, the Son, equal to the Father ! and thou the Spirit, the Comforter! reigning God for ever. Amen.
Nunc Sancte nobis Spiritus,
Unum Patri cum Filio, Dignare promptus ingeri, Nostro refusus pecton. Os, lingua, mens, sensus, vigor,
Confessionem personent, Flammescat igne charitas, Accendat ardor proximos.
Praesta, Pater piissime, Patrique compar unice, Cum Spiritu Paraclito, Eegnans per omne saeculum. Amen.
Division of Psalm 118.
Set before me, for a law, Legem pone mihi, Do- the way of thy justifications, mine, viam justificationum
O Lord : and I will always tuarum : * et ezquiram earn seek after it. semper.
Da mihi intellectum, et scru tabor legem tuam : * et eustodiam iflam in to to corde meo.
Dednc me in semitam mandatornm tuorum : * quia ipsam yolui.
Inclina cor menm in testimonia tua : * et non in ayaritiam.
Ayerte oculos meos ne videant yanitatem: * in via tua vivifica me.
Statue servo tuo eloquium tuum : * in timore tuo.
Amputa opprobrium menm quod suspicatus sum : quia judicia tua jucunda.
Ecce concupivi mandata tua : * in aequitate tua vivifica me.
Et veniat super me misericordia tua, Domine : * Salutare tuum, secundum eloquium tuum.
Et respondebo exprobran - tibus mihi verbum : * quia speravi in sermonibus tuis.
Et ne auferas de ore meo verbum veritatis usquequaque: * quia in judiciis tuis supersperavi.
Et eustodiam legem tuam semper : * in saeculum et in saeculum ssBCuli.
Et ambulabam in latitudine : quia mandata tua exquisivi.
Et loquebar de testunoniis tuis in conspectu regum : * et non confundebar.
Et meditabar in mandatis tuis : * quae dilexi.
Give me understanding, and I will search thy law : and I will keep it with my whole heart.
Lead me into the path of thy commandments: for this same I have desired.
Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness.
Turn away mine eyes, that they may not behold vanity: quicken me in thy way.
Establish thy word to thy servant, in thy fear.
Turn away my reproach, which I have apprehended : for thy judgments are delightful.
Behold, I have longed after thy precepts : quicken me in thy justice.
And let thy mercy, also, come upon me, 0 Lord : thy salvation, according to thy word.
And I will answer the enemies of my soul who reproach me in anything, that I have trusted in thy words.
And take not thou the word of truth utterly out of my mouth : for in thy words I have hoped exceedingly.
And I will always keep thy law, for ever and ever.
And I walked at large, and joyously , because I have sought after thy commandments.
And I spoke of thy testimonies before kings : and I was not ashamed.
And I meditated on thy commandments which I loved.
TIERCE
And T lifted up my hands to thy commandments, which I loved : and I was exercised in thy justifications.
Glory be to the Father &c.
Be thou mindful of thy word to thy servant, in which thou hast given me hope.
This hath comforted me in my humiliation : because thy word hath enlivened me.
The proud did iniquitously altogether : but I declined not from thy law.
I remembered, 0 Lord, thy judgments of old : and I was comforted.
A fainting hath taken hold of me, because of the wicked that forsake thy law.
Thy justifications were the subject of my song, in the place of my pilgrimage.
In the night I have remembered thy name, O Lord : and have kept thy law.
This happened to me because I sought after thy justifications.
0 Lord, my portion, I have said I would keep thy law.
1 entreated thy face with all my heart : have mercy on me according to thy word.
I have thought on my ways: and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.
I am ready, and am not troubled : that I may keep thy commandments.
The cords of the wicked have encompassed me : but I have not forgotten thy law.
Et levavi manus meas ad mandata tua, quae dilexi : * et exercebar in justifica^ionibus tuis.
Gloria Patri.
Memor esto verbi tui servo tuo : * in quo mini spem dedisti.
Haec me consolata est in humilitate mea : * quia eloquium tuum vivificavit me.
Superbi inique agebant usquequaque: * a lege autem tua non declinavi.
Memor fui judiciorum tuorum a saBculo, Domine : * et consolatus sum.
Defectio tenuit me : * pro peccatoribus derelinquentibus legem tuam.
Cantabiles mihi erant justificationes tuae : * in loco peregrinationis meaa.
Memor fui nocte nominis tui, Domine : * et custodivi legem tuam.
Haec facta est mihi: * quia justificationes tuas exquisivi.
Portio mea, Domine : * dixi custodire legem tuam.
Deprecatus sum faciem tuam in toto corde meo : * miserere mei secundum eloquium tuum.
Cogitavi vias meas : * et converti pedes meos in tes* timonia tua.
Paratus sum, et non sum turbatus: * ut custodiam mandata tua.
Funes peccatorum circumplexi sunt me : * et legem tuam non sum oblitus*
Media nocte surgebam ad confitendum tibi : * super judicia justificationis tuae.
Particeps ego sum omnium timentium te : * et custodientium mandata tua.
Misericordia tua, Doraine, plena est terra : * justificationes tuas doce me.
Gloria Patri.
Bonitatem fecisti cum servo tuo, Domine: * secundum verbum tuum.
Bonitatem et disciplinam, et scientiam doce me : * quia mandatb tuis credidi.
Priusquam humiliarer ego deliqai: * propterea eloquium tuum custodivi.
Bonus es tu : * et in bonitate tua doce me justificationes tuas.
Multiplicata est super me iniquitas superborum : * ego autem in toto corde meo scrutabor mandata tua.
Ooagulatum est sicut lac cor eorum : * ego vero legem tuam meditatus sum.
Bonum mini quia humiliasti me : * ut discam justificationes tuas.
Bonum mihi lex oris tui : * super millia auri et argenti.
Manus tuae fecerunt me, et plasmaverunt me : * da mihi intellectum, et discam mandata tua.
Qui timent te, videbunt me et lratabuntur: * quia
I rose at midnight to give praise to thee, for the judgments of thy justification.
I am a partaker with all them that fear thee, and that keep thy commandments.
The earth, 0 Lord, is full of thy mercy : teach me thy justifications.
Glory be to the Father, &c.
Thou hast done well with thy servant, 0 Lord, according to thy word.
Teach me goodness, and discipline, and knowledge : for I have believed thy commandments.
Before I was humbled, I offended : therefore, now that I am enlightened, have I kept thy word.
Thou art good : and, in thy goodness, teach me thy justifications.
The iniquity of the proud hath been multiplied over me : but I will seek thy commandments with my whole heart.
Their heart is curdled like milk : but I have meditated on thy law.
It is good for me that thou hast humbled me, that I may learn thy justifications.
Thy word, which is the law of thy mouth, 0 heavenly Father, is good to me above thousands of gold and silver.
Thy hands have made me, and formed me : give me understanding, and I will learn thy commandments.
They that fear thee, shall see me and be glad : because I have greatly hoped in thy words.
I know, 0 Lord, that thy judgments are equity : and in thy truth thou hast humbled me.
Oh! let thy mercy be f or my consolation, according to thy word unto thy servant.
Let thy tender mercies come unto me, and I shall live : for thy law is my meditation.
Let the proud be ashamed, because they have done unjustly towards me : but I will be employed in thy commandments.
• Let them that fear thee turn to me : * and they that know thy testimonies.
Let my heart be undenled in thy justifications, that I may not be confounded on the day when thou 'earnest to judge me.
Glory be to the Father, &c. r. 41 in verba tua supersperavi.
Oognovi, Domine, quia aequitas judicia tua, * et in veritate tua humiliasti me.
Fiat misericordia tua ut consoletur me : * secundum eloquium tuum servo tuo.
Veniant mihi miserationes tuse, et vivam : * quia lex tua meditatio mea est.
Confundantur superbi, quia in juste iniquitatem fecerunt in me : * ego autem exercebor in mandatis tuis.
Oonvertantur mihi timentes te : * et qui noverunt testimonia tua.
Fiat cor meum immaculatum in justificationibus tuis : * ut non confundar.
Gloria Patri.
The Antiphon, Capitulum, Brief Responsory, Versicle and Prayer which complete the Office of Tierce, are given in their proper place, on the Feasts which are being kept.
SEXT. y. Incline unto mine aid, O y. Deus in adjutorium God. meumintende. ft. 0 Lord, make haste to ft. Domine, ad adjuvanhelp me. dum me festina.
Glory be to the Father, &c. Gloria Patri.
TIME AFTER PBNTBC08T.
HYMN.
( Composed by St Ambrose.)
Bectorpotens, veraxDeus, Qui temperas rerum vices, Splendore mane illuminas, Et ignibus meridiem.
Exstingue flammas litium; Aufer calorem noxium, Confer salutem corporum, Yeramque pacem cordium.
Frsesta, Pater piissime, Patrique compar tTnice, Cum Spiritu Faraclito, Begnans per omne s&culum.
Amen.
0 powerful ruler, God, the very truth, who regulatest the vicissitudes of all things, thou lightest up the morn with splendour, and the noon with nery glow.
Quench the flames of dispute ; remove noxious heat ; give us health of body, and true peace of heart.
Hear us, most merciful Father ! and thou, the Son, equal to the Father ! and thou the Spirit, the Comforter! reigning, God for ever. Amen.
Division of Psalm 118.
Defeoit in Salutare tuum anima mea : * et in verbum tuum supersperavi.
Defecerunt oculi mei in eloquium tuum : * dicentes: Quando consolaberis me ?
Quia f actus sum sicut uter inpruina: * justificationes tuas non sum oblitus.
Quot sunt dies servi tui: * quando f acies de persequentibus me judicium ?
Narraverunt mihi iniqui fabulationes : sed non ut lex tua.
Omnia mandata tua Veritas : * inique persecuti sunt me; adjuvame.
Paulo minus consummaverunt me in terra: * ego
My soul hath fainted after thy salvation fthe Saviour whom thou promisedst me J: and in thy word 1 have very much hoped.
Mine eyes have failed for thy word, saying : When wilt thou comfort me ?
For 1 am become like a bottle in the frost: 1 have not forgotten thy justifications.
I said : How many are the days of thy servant? When wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me ?
The wicked have told me fables : but not as thy law.
All thy statutes are truth : they have persecuted me unjustly, do thou help me.
They had almost made an end of me upon earth : but I
SEXT. have not forsaken thy commandments.
Quicken thou me according to thy mercy: and I shall keep the testimonies of thy mouth.
For ever, O Lord, thy word standeth firm in heaven.
Thy truth unto all generations : thou hast founded the earth and it continueth.
By thine ordinance the day goeth on : for all things serve thee.
Unless thy law had been my meditation : I had then perhaps perished in my abjection.
Thy justifications I will never forget : for by them thou hast given me life.
I am thine, save thou me : for I have sought thy justifications.
The wicked have waited for me to destroy me : but I have understood thy testimonies.
I have seen an end of all perfection : thy commandment is exceeding broad.
Glory be to the Father, &c.
0 how have I loved thy law, O Lord : it is my meditation all the day.
Through thy commandment, thou hast made me wiser than mine enemies : for it is ever with me.
1 have understood more than all my teachers: because thy testimonies are my meditation.
I have had understanding above ancients : because I have sought thy commandments. autem non dereliqui mandata tua.
Secundum misericordiam tuam vivifica me : * et custodiam testimonia oris tui.
In seternum, Domine: * verbum tuum permanet in coelo.
In generationem et generationem Veritas tua: * f undasti terram et permanet.
Ordinatione tua perseverat dies : * quoniam omnia serviunt tibi.
Nisi quod lex tua meditatio mea est : * tunc forte periissem in humilitate mea.
In seternum non obliviscar justificationes tuas: * quia in ipsis vivifieasti me.
Tuus sum ego, salvum me fac: * quoniam justificationes tuas exquisivi.
Me exspectaverunt peccatores ut perderent me : * testimonia tua intellexi.
Omnis consummations vidi finem : * latum mandatum tuum nimis.
Gloria Patri.
Quomodo dilexi legem tuam, Domine: * tota die meditatio mea est.
Super inimicos meos prudentem me fecisti mandate tuo : * quia in seternum mini est.
Super omnes docentes me intellexi : * quia testimonia tua meditatio mea est.
Super senes intellexi : * quia mandata tua qusesivi.
Ab omni via mala prohibui pedes meos : * ut custodiam verba taa.
A judiciis tuis non declinavi : * quia tu legem posuisti mihi.
Quam dulcia faucibus meis eloquia tua: * super mel ori meo.
A mandatis tuis intellexi : * propterea odivi omnem viam iniquitatis.
Lucerna pedibus meis verbum tuum : * et lumen semitis meis.
Juravi, et statui : # custodire judicia justiti® tu».
Humiliatus sum usquequaque, Domine: * vivifica me secundum verbum tuum.
Voluntaria oris mei beneplacita fac, Domine: * et judicia tua doce me.
Anima mea in manibus meis semper : * et legem tuam non sum oblitus.
Posuerunt peccatores laqueum mihi : * et de mandatis tuis non erravi.
Hsereditate acquisivi testimonia tua in seternum : * quia exsultatio cordis mei sunt.
Inclinavi cor meum ad f haciendas justificationes tuas in 83ternum: * propter retributionem.
Gloria Patri.
Iniquos odio habui : * et legem tuam dilexi.
I PENTBOOST.
I have restrained my feet from every evil way: that I may keep thy words.
I have not declined from thy judgments, because thou hast set me a law.
How sweet are thy words to my palate: more than honey to my mouth.
By thy commandments, I have had understanding : therefore have I hated every way of iniquity.
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light to my paths.
I have sworn and am determined, to keep the judgments of thy justice.
I have been humbled, O Lord, exceedingly : quicken thou me, according unto thy word.
The free offerings of my mouth make acceptable, 0 Lord : and teach me thy judgments.
My soul is continually in my hands : and I have not forgotten thy law.
Sinners have laid a snare for me : but I have not erred from thy precepts.
I have purchased thy testimonies for an inheritance for ever : because they are the joy of my heart.
I have inclined my heart to do thy justifications for ever, for the reward.
Glory be to the Father, &c.
I have hated the unjust : and have loved thy law.
NONB.
Thou art my helper and my protector : ana in thy word I have greatly hoped.
Depart from me, ye malignant: and I will search the commandments of my God.
Uphold me according to thy word , and I shall live : and let me not be confounded in my expectation.
Help me and I shall be saved: and I will meditate always on thy justifications.
Thou hast despised all them that fall off from thy judgments; for their thought is unjust.
I have accounted all the sinners of the earth prevaricators: therefore have I loved thy testimonies. rierce thou my flesh with thy fear: for I am afraid of thy judgments.
I have done judgment and justice: give me not up to them that slander me.
Uphold thy servant unto good : let not the proud calumniate me.
Mine eyes have fainted after thy salvation: and for the word of thy justice.
Deal with thy servant according to thy mercy : and teach me thy justifications.
I am thy servant : give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies.
It is time, 0 Lord, to do : they have dissipated thy law.
Therefore have I loved thy commandments, above gold and the topa?.
Adjutor et susceptormeus es tu : * et in verbum tuum supersperavi.
Decunate a me, maligni : * et scrutabor mandata Dei mei.
Suscipe me secundum eloquium tuum, et vivam: * et non confundas me ab exspectatione mea.
Adjuva me, et salvus ero :
- et meditabor in justificationibu tuis semper.
Sprevisti omnes discedentes a judiciis tuis: * quia injusta cogitatio eorum.
Praevaricantes reputavi omnes peccatores terras: * ideo dilexi testimonia tua.
Oonfige timore tuo carnes meas : * a judiciis enim tuis timui.
Feci judicium et justitiam : * non tradas me calumniantibus me.
Suscipe servum tuum in bonum : 4 non calumnientur me superbi.
Oculi mei defecerunt in Salutare tuum : * et in eloquium justitiaa tuae.
Fac cum servo tuo secundum misericordiam tuam :
- et justifications tuas doce me.
Servus tuus sum ego : * da mihi intellectum, ut sciam testimonia tua.
Tempus faciendi, Domine : * dissipaverunt legem tuam.
Ideo dilexi mandata tua :
- super aurum et topazion,
, Propterea ad omnia man- Therefore was I directed to data tua dirigebar : * om- all thy commandments : I have nem viam iniquam odio hated all wicked ways, habui.
Gloria Patri. Glory be to the Father, &c.
The Antiphon, Capitulum, Brief Responsory, Versicle and Prayer, whioh complete the Office of Sext, are given on the respective Feasts.
NONE. jf. Deus in adjutorium, &c. Incline unto mine aid, &c. Gloria Patri. Glory be to the Father, &c.
HYMN.
Eerum Deus tenax vigor, Immotus in te permanens, Lucis diurnae tempora Succes8ibus determinans.
Largire lumen vespere, Quo vita nusquam decidat ; Sed praemium mortis sacrse Perennis instet gloria.
Prsesta, Pater piissime, Patrique compar Unice, Oum Spiritu Paraclito, Eegnans per omne saeculum.
Amen.
0 God, thou power that holdest all things, abiding immovable in thyself, thou determinest, by their changes, the seasons of the days.
Grant us light at the evening of our time, whereby life may nowhere droop ! but may eternal glory soon be the recompense of a holy death.
Hear us, most merciful Father ! and thou the Son equal to the Father ! and thou the Spirit, the Comforter ! reigning God for ever.
Amen.
Division of Psalm 118.
Mirabilia testimonia tua : Thy testimonies are wonder- ideo scrutata est ea anima ful : therefore my soul J hath mea. sought them.
Declaratio sermonum tuo- The declaration of thy words rum illuminat : et intel- giveth light : and giveth un-
Jectum dat parvulis. derstanding to little ones.
NONB.
I opened my mouth, and panted ; because I longed for thy commandments.
Look thou upon me, and have mercy on me, according to the judgment of them that love thy name.
Direct my steps according to thy word : and let no iniquity have dominion oyer me.
Redeem me from the calumnies of men : that I may keep thy commandments.
Make thy face to shine upon thy servant : and teach me thy justifications.
Mine eyes have sent forth springs of water : because they have not kept thy law.
Thou art just, 0 Lord, and thy judgment is right.
Thou hast commanded justice thy testimonies : and thy truth exceedingly.
My zeal hath made me pine away: because mine enemies forgot thy words.
Thy Word is exceedingly refined : and thy servant hatn loved It.
I am very young and despised: but I forgot not thy justifications.
Thy justice is justice for ever : and thy law is the truth.
Trouble and anguish have found me : thy commandments are my meditations.
Thy testimonies are justice for ever : give me understanding, and I shall live.
Glory be to the Father, &c.
J cried with my whole heart,
Os meum aperui, et attraxi spiritum: quia mandata tua desiderabam.
Aspice in me, et miserere mei : secundum judicium diligentium nomen tuum.
Gressus meos dirige secundum eloquium tuum : et non dominetur mei ononis injustitia.
Kedime me a calumniis hominum : ut custodian* mandata tua.
Faciem tuam illumina Super servum tuum: et doce me justificationes tuas.
Exitus aquarum deduxerunt oculi mei : quia non custodierunt legem tuam.
Justus es, JDomine: et rectum judicium tuum.
Mandasti justitiam testimonia tua: et veritatem tuam nimis.
Tabescere me fecit zelus meus : quia obliti sunt verba tua inimici mei.
Ignitum eloquium tuum vehementer : et servus tuus dilexit illud.
Adolescentulus sum ego et contemptus : justificationes tuas non sum oblitus.
Justitia tua, justitia in aeternum : et lex tua Veritas.
Tribulatio et angustia invenerunt me: mandata tua meditatio mea est. jEquitas testimonia tua in aeternum : intellectum da mini, et vivam.
Gloria Patri.
Clamayi in to(» corde meo, exaudi me, Domine: justificationes tuas requiram.
Olamavi ad te, salvum me fac : ut custodiam mandata tua.
Praeveni in maturitate, et clamavi : quia in yerba tua supersperavi.
Pwevenerunt oculi mei ad te diluculo : ut meditarer eloquia tua.
Vocem meam audi secundum misericordiam tuam, Domine : et secundum judicium tuum vivifica me.
Appropinquay erunt persequentes me iniquitati : a lege autem tua longe facti sunt.
Prope es tu, Domine : et omnes vise tuae Veritas.
Initio cognovi de testimoniis tuis : quia in seternum fundasti ea.
Vide humilitatem meam, et eripe me : quia legem tuam non sum oblitus.
Judica judicium meum, et redime me : propter eloquium tuum vivifica me.
Longe a peccatoribus salus : quia justificationes tuas non exquisierunt.
Misericorcuse tuse mult®, Domine : secundum judicium tuum vivifica me.
Multi qui persoquuntur me, et tribulant me: a testimoniis tuis non declinavi.
Vidi praevaricantes, et ta- hear me, 0 Lord, I will seek thy justifications.
I cried unto thee, save me : that I may keep thy commandments.
I prevented the dawning of the day, and cried: because in thy words I very much hoped.
Mine eyes unto thee have frevented the morning: that might meditate on thy words.
Hear thou my voice, 0 Lord, according to thy mercy : and quicken me, according to thy judgment.
They that persecute me have drawn nigh to iniquity : but they have gone far off from thy law.
Thou art near, 0 Lord : and all thy ways are truth.
I have known from the beginning, concerning thy testimonies : that thou hast founded them for ever.
See my humiliation, and deliver me : for I have not forgotten thy law.
Judge my judgment, and redeem me : quicken thou me, for thy word's sake.
Salvation is far from sinners; because they have not sought thy justifications.
Many, O Lord, are thy mercies; quicken me, according to thy judgment.
Many are they that persecute me, and afflict me : but I have not declined from thy testimonies.
I beheld the transgressors, and I pined away; because they kept, noli thy words.
Behold ! I have loved thy commandments, Q Lord : quicken me thou* in thy aewy.
The beginning of thy wortf is. troth ; ail the judgments of thy justice are for ever.
Glory be to the Eathor, &c.
Princea have persecuted me, without cause : and my heart, hath been in awe. of thy words.
I will rejoice at thy words* as one- that hath found great spoil.
I hav«j hated and abhorred iniquity ; but I have loved thy law.
Seven times: a day I have, given praise unto thee, for the judgments of thy justice.
Much peace have they that love thy law, and to them there is no stumbling-block.
I looked for thy salvation, O Lord ; and I loved thy commandments.
My soul hath kept thy testimonies, and hath loved them exceedingly.
I have kept thy commandments and thy testimonies; because all my ways are in thy sight.
Let my supplication, 0 Lord, come near in thy sight : give me understanding according to thy word.
Let my request come in before thee; deliver thou me according to thy word.
My lips shall utter a hymn, when thou shalt teach me thy fEKT. III. bescebam: * qat&. eloquda. tua non custodierunt.
Yide quoniam mandata tua. dilexi* Bomine: ;: * in miserieordia. tua. vrvifica me..
Principium verborum tworum Veritas : * in aeternum omnia judicia j.usfciti» tuse,
Gloria Patri.
Principes persecuti aunt me gratis : * et a verbis tins: formidayit cor mearn.
Leetabor ego super elo^ quia tua : * sicut qui invenit; spolia multa.
Iniquitatem odto habui, et abominatus sum : * legem autem tuam dilexi.
Septies in die laudem dixi tibi: * super judicia justitise ruse.
Pax multa diligentibus legem tuam : * et non est ilhs scandalum.
Exspectabam Salutare tuum, Domine : * et mandata tua dilexi.
Custodivit anima mea testimonia tua : * et dilexit ea vehementer.
Servavi mandata tua, et testimonia tua : * quia omnes vise mese in conspectu tuo.
Appropinquet deprecatio mea m conspectu tuo, Domine: * juxta eloquium tuum da mini intellectum.
Intret postulatio mea in conspectu tuo, * secundum eloquium tuum eripe me.
Eructabunt labia mea hymnum : * cum docueris D me justificationes tuas.
Pronuntiabit lingua mea eloquium tuum : * quia omnia mandata tua sequitas.
Fiat manus tua, ut salvet me; * quoniam mandata tua elegi.
Concupivi Salutare tuum, Domine : * et lex tua meditatio mea est.
Vivet anima mea, et laudabit te : * et judicia tua adjuvabunt me.
Erravi sicut ovis quae periit : * quaere servum tuum quia mandata tua non sum oblitus.
Gloria Patri. justifications.
My tongue shall pronounce thy word: because all thy commandments are justice.
Let thy hand be with me, to save me; for T have chosen thy precepts.
I nave longed for thy Salvation, 0 Lord ; and thy law is my meditation.
My soul shall live, and shall praise thee ; and thy judgments shall help me.
I have gone astray like a sheep that is lost : seek thy servant, because I have not forgotten thy commandments.
Glory be to the Father, &c.
The Antiphon, Capitulum, Brief Responsory, Versicle and Prayer, which complete the Office of None, are given on the respective Feasts.
Sunday's vespers.
CHAPTER THE THIKD.
ON THE OFFICE OF VESPERS, FOR SUNDAYS AND FEASTS, DURING THE TIME AFTER PENTECOST.
The Office of Vespers, or Even Song, oonsists firstly of the five following Psalms. For certain Feasts, some of these Psalms are changed for others, which are more appropriate to the day ; but those we now give, are the ones for Sunday's Vespers.
After the Pater and Ave have been said in seoret, the Church commences this Hour with her favourite supplication : y. Incline unto my aid, O 1?. Deus, in adjutorium
God. meum intende.
R. 0 Lord, make haste to $. Domine, ad adjuvan- help me. dum me festina.
Glory be to the Father, Gloria Patri, e*t Filio, et and to the Son, and to the Spiritui Sancto. Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning Sicut erat in principio, et is now, and ever shall be, nunc et semper, et in ssecula world without end. Amen. sseeulorum. Amen.
Alleluia. Alleluia.
Ant. Dixit Dominus. Ant. The Lord said.
The first Psalm is a prophecy of the future glory of the Messias. The Son of David shall sit on the right hand of the heavenly Father. He is King ; he is Priest; he is Son of Man; and Son of God. His enemies will attack him, but he will crush them. He will be humbled ; but this voluntary humiliation wilj lead him to highestglory.
PSALM 109.
Dixit Dominus Domino meo : * Sede a dextris meis.
Donee ponam inimicos tuos: * scabellum pedum tuorum.
Virgam virtutis tuse emittet Dominus ex Sion : * dominate in media inunicorum tuorum.
Tecum principium in die vhrtatis tuse in splendoribus sanctorum : * ex utero ante luciferum genui te.
Juravit Dominus, et non posndtebit eum : * Tu es Sacerdos in aeternum secundum ordinem Melchisedeeh.
Dominus a dextris tuis : * coaf regit in die irse suee reges.
Judicabit in natienibus, implebit ruinas : * conquassabit capita in terra multoruuu
De torrente in via bibet : * propterea exaltabit caput.
Ant. Dixit Dominus Domino meo, sede a dextris meis.
Ant. Fidelia.
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 ruie thou in the- midst of thy enemies.
With thee is the principality in the day of thy strength, in the brightness of thet 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: h& hath said, sneaking to theer the God- Man: Thou art a Priest for ever, according to the order of Melchisedeeh.
Therefore, 0 Father, the Lord, thy S*n is at, thy right hand: he hath broken king& in the day of his wrath.
He shall also judge among, nations : in that terrible com* ingr he shall fill the ruins of the world : he shall crush the* heada in the land of many.
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 — the promised Covenant — tb$ suhday's vespers.
Redemption — his Fidelity to his word. But it also tells us that the Name of the Lord is terrible because it is holy ; and concludes by admonishing us, that the fear of the Lord is the beffinnmg of Wisdom,
PSALM 110.
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 continued 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 «ver of his covenant with men : he will -show forth to his people the power of hie works.
That he may give them, his Church, the inheritance of the Gentiles : the works of his hand are truth and judgment.
All his commandments are faithful, confirmed for ever and ever : made in truth and equity.
He hath sent Eedemption to his people : he hath thereby commanded his covenant for ever.
Holy and terrible is his name : the /ear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
A good understanding to all
Confitebor tibi, Domine, in toto corde meo : * in consilio ju8torum <et congregatione.
Magna opera Domini : * exquisita in omnes voluntafces ejus.
Conf essio et magnificentia opus ejus : * et justitia ejus manet in sseculum seeculi.
Memoriam fecit mirabilium suorum, misericors et miserator Dominus: * esoam dedit timentibus se.
Memor erit in sseculum testamenti sui : * virtutem operum suorum annuntiabit populo suo.
Ut det illis haareditatem Gentium : * opera manuum ejus Veritas et judicium.
Fidelia omnia mandata ejus, confirmata in sseculum sseculi : * facta in veritate et sequitato.
Redemptionem misrt populo suo : * mandavit in setemum testamentum euum.
Sanctum et tenibile nomen ejus : * initium sapientise timor Domini.
Intellectus bonus omnibus facientibus eum : * laudatio ejus manet in saeculum
STBOUli.
Ant. Fidelia omnia mandata ejus ; confirmata in sseculum sseculi.
Ant. In mandatis. 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 coming. It tells us, likewise, of the confusion of the sinner, who shall have despised the mysteries of God's love towards mankind. psalm 111.
Beatus vir, qui timet Dominum : * in mandatis ejus volet nimis.
Potens in terra erit semen ejus : * generatio rectorum benedicetur.
Gloria et diviti® in domo ejus : * et justitia ejus manet in saeculum seeculi.
Exortum est in tenebris lumen rectis: * misericors, et miserator, et justus.
Jucundus homo, qui miseretur et commodat, disponet sermones suos in judicio : * quia in aeternum non commovebitur.
In memoria aeterna erife justus * ab auditione mala non timebit.
Paratum cor ejus sperare in Domino, confirmatum est cor ejus : * non commovebitur donee despiciat inimicos suos.
Blessed is the man that f eareth 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.
His heart is ready to hope in the Lord; his heart is strengthened: he shall not be moved until he look over his enemies.
Sunday's vespers.
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.
Dispersit, dedit pauperibus, justitia ejus manet in saeculuin sseculi : * cornu ejus exaltabitur in gloria.
Peccator videbit, et irascetur, dentibus suis fremet et tabescet : * desiderium peccatorum peribit.
Ant. In mandatis ejus cupit uimis. Ant. Sit nomen Domini.
The Psalm Laudate pueri, is a Canticle of praise to the Lord, who, from his high heaven, has taken pity on the human race, and has vouchsafed to honour it by the Incarnation of his own Son.
PSALM 112.
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 ?
Eaising 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.
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.
Excelsus super omnes Gentes Dominus : * et super ooelos gloria ejus.
Quis sicut Dominus Deus noster qui in altis habitat : * et humilia respicit in coelo et in terra ?
Suscitansaterrainopem: * et de etercore erigens pauperem.
Ut collocet eum cum principibus: # cum principibus populi sui.
Qui habitare f adtt sterilem in dome: * matrem filiorum lretantem.
Ant. Sit nomen Domini benedictum in ssecula.
Ant. Kos qui vivimus.
Who maketik 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 ezitu, recounts the prodigies witnessed under the anoient Covenant : they were figures, whose realities were to be accomplished in the mission of the Son ®i God, who came to 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. bsalm 113.
In exitu Israel de iEgypto : * domus Jacob de populo barbaro.
Facta est Judaea sanetificatio ejus : * Israel potestas ejuB.
Mare vidit, et f ugit : * Jord&ais oonversus est retrorsum.
Montes ^xsultayerunt ut arietes : * et colles sicut agni ovium.
Quid est tibi, mare, quod fugisti: * et tu, Jordanis, quia oonversus es retrorsum?
Montes exsultaslis 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.
Non nobis, Doraine, non
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 : and thou, 0 Jordan, that thou wast turned back ?
Ye mountains that ye skinned 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, O Lord, not to
.SUBWAY'S VB8PERS.
«: bat to thy name give glory.
For thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake : lest the Gentiles should say : Where is their Ood?
But -oar God is in heaven : he hath done ail 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 ory 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.
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 nobis : * sed Domini tuo da gloriam.
Super misericordia tna, et veritate tua : * nequando dicant Gentes : Ubi est Deus eorum P
Deus autem noster in ooeto : * omnia qusaconrque voluit fecit.
Simulacra Gentium argentum et aurum: * opera manuum hominum.
08 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 gutbture suo.
Similes illis fiant qui £aciunt ea : * et omnes qui confidunt in eis.
Domus Israel speravit in Domino : * adjutor eorum, et protector eorum est.
Doinus Aaron speravit in Domino : * adjutor eorum, et protector eorum est.
Qui tiTWATif. 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 z * pusillis cum majoribus.
Adjiciat Dominus super vos : * super vos, et super filios vestros.
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 infernum.
Sed nos qui vivimus, benedioimus Domino: * ex hoc nunc et usque in sseculum.
Ant. Nos qui vivimus, benedicimus Domino. 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 then read. It is oalled Capitulum, because it is always very short. The ones for the several Festivals are given in the Proper of each. We here give the Capitulum common to the Sunday.
CAPITULUM.
(2 Cor. i.)
Benedictus Deus et Pater Blessed be the God and
Domini nostri Jesu Christi, Father of our Lord Jesus
Pater misericordiarum et Christ, the Father of mercies
Deus totius consolationis and the God of all consolation, qui consolatur nos in omni who com forte th us in all our tribulatione nostra. tribulations. gt. Deo gratias. ffc. Thanks be to God.
Then follows the Hymn. We here give the one for Sundays. It was composed by St. Gregory the Great. It sings of Creation, and celebrates the praises of that portion of it which was called forth on this first day, — the Light.
Sunday's vespers.
HYMN.*
O infinitely good Creator of the Light! oy thee was produced the Light of day, providing thus the world's beginning with the beginning of the new-made Light.
Thou biddest us call the time from morn till eve, Day ; this Day is over ; dark Night comes on, — oh ! hear our tearful prayers.
Let not our soul, weighed down by crime, mis-spend thy gift of life : and, forgetting what is eternal, be earth -tied by her sins.
Oh ! may we strive to enter our heavenly home, and bear away the prize of life : may we shun what would injure us, and cleanse our soul from her defilements.
Most merciful Father ! and thou, his Only Begotten Son, co-equal with him, reigning for ever, with the Holy Paraclete ! grant this our prayer.
Amen.
Lucis Creator optime, Lucem dierum proferens : Primordiis lucis novae, Mundi parans originem.
Qui mane junctum vesperi Diem vocari prsecipis : Illabitur tetrum chaos, Audi preces cum fletibus.
Ne mens gravata crimine, Vitae sit exsul munere : Dum nil perenne cogitat, Seseque culpis illigat.
Coeleste pulset intimum, Yitale tollat praemium : Vitemus omne noxium, Purgemus omne pessimum :
Praesta, Pater piissime, Patrique compar Unice, Cum Spiritu Paraclito Eegnans per omne saeculum.
Amen.
- According to the Monasl R7. breve. Quam magnificata sunt. * Opera tua Domine. Quam. ft. Omnia in Sapientia fecisti * Opera. Gloria Patri, &c. Quam.
Lucis Creator optime, Lucem dierum proferens ; Primordiis lucis novas, Mundi parans originem.
Qui mane junctum vesperi Diem vocari praecipis, Tetrum chaos illabitur, Audi preces cum fletibus. ic Rite, it is as follows : —
Ne mens gravata crimine, Vitae sit exsul munere, Dum nil perenne cogitat, Seseque culpis illigat.
Coelorum pulset intimum, Vitale tollat praemium : Vitemus omne noxium, Purgemus omne pessimum.
Praesta, Pater piissime, Patrique compar Unice Cum Spiritu Paraclito Regnans per omne sasculum.
Amen.
The Versicle which folfows the Hymn, and which we here give, is that of the Sunday : those for the Feasts are given in their proper places. y. Dirjgatur, Demise, f * May my prayer, 0 Lord, oratio mea.
Sicut incensum in Like inoense an thy sight, eonspectu tuo.
Then is said the Magnificat Antiphon, whioh is to be found in the Proper. After this, the Church sings the Canticle of Mary, the Magnificat, in which «re celebrated the Divine Maternity and all its consequent blessings. This exquisite Canticle is an essential part of the Office of Vespecs. It it the evening incense, just as the Canticle Benedictm, fct Lauds, is that of the morning.
(St Luke, i.)
Magnificat : * anima mea My soul doth magnify the Dominum : Lord.
Et exsultavit spiritus me- And my spirit hath rejoiced us : * in Deo salutari meo. in God my Saviour.
Quia respexit humiHtatern ancillee suae : * ecce enim ex hoc Beatam me diomnes generationes.
Because he hath regarded the humility of his handmaid : for, behold from henceforth cent all generations shall call me
Blessed.
Quia fecit mini magna Because he that is mighty qui potens est : * et sane- hath done great things to me : turn nomen ejus. and holy is his name.
Et miserteordia ejus a pro- And his mercy is from gene - gjenie i& progenies :* timen- ration unto generation, to fibus eum. them that fear nim.
Fecit potentiam in brachio He hath Bhowed might in suo: * dispersit superbos his arm : he hath scattered the mente cordis sui. proud in the conceit of their heart.
Deposuit potantes de se- He hath put down the de: * et exaltavit humiles. mighty from their seat: and hath exalted the humble.
Sunday's yespirs.
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 spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed for ever.
Esurientes implevit bonis: * et divites dimisit inanes.
Suscepit Israel puerum suum : * recordatus misericorcfiBB1 suss-.
Sicut locutus est ad patrea nostra : * Abraham et semini ejus in ssecula.
The Magnificat Antiphon is then repeated. The* Prayer, or Collect, is given in the Proper of each Feast. y. Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God. p. May the soufe of the faaiihhd departed, tbroug^thoi mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen. f. Benedicamus Domino. Deo gratias. Fideiium animee perc naaeericordiam Dei requiescant in pace, gt. Amen.
CHAPTEK THE FOUBTH.
ON THE OFFICE OF COMPLINE, DURING THE TIME AFTER PENTECOST.
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 justioe, 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 :
Jube, Domne, benedicere. Pray, Father, give thy blessing
The Priest answers :
Noctem quietam, et finem May the Almighty Lord
S affectum concedat nobis grant us a quiet night and a ominus omnipotens. perfect end. £. 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 vester diabolus, tamquam the devil goes about like a leo rugiens circuit quserens roaring lion, seeking whom he quern devoret : cui resistite may devour : resist him, being fortes in fide. Tu autem, strong in faith. But thou, O
Domine, miserere nobis. Lord, have mercy on us.
The Choir answers : (£. Deo gratias. Thanks be to God.
COMPLINE.
Then, the Priest : t. Our help is in the name f. Adjutorium nostrum of the Lord. in nomine Domini.
The Choir: ft. Who hath made heaven ft. Qui fecit coelum et and earth. t err am.
Then the Lord's Prayer is recited in secret ; after which the Priest says the Confiteor, and when he has finished, the Choir repeats it.
The Priest, having pronounced the general form of absolution, says : f. Convert us, O God, our Converte nos, Deus,
Saviour. salutaris noster. ft. And turn away thine ft. Et averte iram tuam anger from us. a nobis. f. Incline unto my aid, O Deus, in adjutorium
God. meum intende. ft. 0 Lord, make haste to ft. Domine, ad adjuvan- help me. dum me festina.
Glory &c. Gloria Patri, &c.
Ant. Have mercy. Ant. Miserere.
The first Psalm expresses the confidence with which the just man sleeps in peace ; but the wicked know not what calm rest is.
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?
Cum invocarem exaudivit me Deus justitise mese : * in tribulatione dilatasti mihi.
Miserere mei : * et exaudi orationem meam.
Filii hominum, usquequo gravi corde ; * ut quid diligitis vanitatem, et quseritis mendacium f
TIME AFTXB PENTECOST.
Et scitote auoniam mirificavit Dominus sanctum suum l * Dominus, exaudiet me, cum clamavero ad eum.
Irascimini, et nolite peccare: * quae dicitis in cordibus vestris, in cubiHbus yestriacQmpungimini..
Sacrificate sacrificium justitise, et sperate in Domino :
- multi dicunl: Qjiis osteadit nobis bona ?
Signatum est super nos lumen vultus tui Domine:
- dedisti laetitiam in cordfi meo.
A fructu frumenti, vini et olei sua : * multiplicati suat.
In pace in idipsum: * dormiam et requiescam.
Quoniamtu, Domine, siagulariterinspe : * constitulsti me-
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 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, 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, 0 Lord, singularly hast settled me in hope.
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. psalm 30.
In te, Domine, speravi, nan confundar in seternum : * 'in juetitia tua libera me.
Inclina ad me aurem tuam : * accelera ut eruas me.
Esto mihi in Demm protectorem, et in domum refugii: * ut salvum me facias.
Quoniam fortitude
In thee, O Lord, have I hoped, let me never be confounded : deliver me m 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,
COMPLINE. and my refuge: and for tby 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. et refugium 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.
The third Psalm gives the motives of the just man's confidence, even during the dangers of the night. There is no snare neglected by the demons ; but the good Angels watch over us, with brotherly solicitude. Then, we have God himself speaking, and promising to send us a Saviour. 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 unto 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. 1
A thousand shall fall at thy
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 liberavit 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 nocturne
A sagitta volante in die, a negotio perambulante in tenebris : * ab incursu, et daemonio raeridiano.
Cadent a latere tuo mille, E et decern millia a dextris tuis : * ad te autem non appropinquabit.
Yerumtamen oculis tuis considerable : * et retributionem peccatorum yidebis.
Quoniara tu es, Domine, apes mea : * Altissimum posuisti refugium 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. side, and ten thousand at thy right: but it shall not come nigh thee.
But thou shalt consider with thine 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 unto thee, nor shall the scourge come near thy dwelling.
For he hath given his Angels charge over thee : to keep tnee 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 basilisk : and thou shalt trample under foot the lion and the dragon.
Ood 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 unto me, and I will hear him : I am with him in tribulation, I will deliver him, and I will glorify hira.
I will fill him with length of days : and I will show him my salvation.
The fourth Psalm invites the Servants of Grod 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 his raising up in the Church, adorers of his holy Name, whose grand vocation is to lift up their hands, day and night, for the safety of Israel. On such prayers, depend the happiness and destinies of the world.
COMPLINB.
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, O Lord, and hear my prayer.
Ecce nunc benedicite Dominum: omnes servi Domini.
Qui statis in domo Domini : in atrii domus Dei nostri.
In noctibus extollite manus vestras in sancta : et benedicite Dominum.
Benedicat te Dominus ex Sion: qui fecit coelum et terram.
Ant. Miserere mihi, Domine, et exaudi orationem meam.
HYMN.
Before the closing of the light, we beseech thee, Creator of all things ! that, in thy elemency, 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 ! and thou, his Only Begotten Son, co-equal with him ! reigning for ever, with the Holy Paraclete ! grant this our prayer.
Amen.
Te lucis ante terminum, Berum Creator, poscimus, Ut pro tua dementia. Sis prsesul et custodia.
Procul recedant somnia, Et noctium phantasmata; Hostemque nostrum cornprime, Ne polluantur corpora.
Praesta, Pater piissime, Patrique compar Unice, Cum Spiritu Paraclito Begnans per omue sseculum.
Amen.
- According to the Monastic Rite, as follows :
Te lucis ante terminum, Berum Creator, poscimus, Ut solita dementia Sis praesul ad custodiam.
Procul recedant somnia Et noctium phantasmata ;
Hostemque nostrum comprime, Ne polluantur corpora.
Praesta Pater omnipotens, Per Jesum Christum Dominum, Qui tecum in perpetuum Regnat cum Sancto Spiritu.
Amen.
CAPITULUM.
(Jeremias, xiv.)
Tu autem in nobis es, Domine, et Nomen sanctum tuum invocatum est super nos : ne derelinquas nos, Domine Deus noster.
In manus tuas, Domine : * Commendo spiritum meum. In manus tuas. y. Redemi8ti nos, Domine Deus veritatis. * Commendo.
Gloria. In manus tuas.
But thou art in us, 0 Lord, and thy holy Name hath been invoked upon us: forsake us not, O Lord, our God.
. In to thy hands, 0 Lord : * I commend my spirit. Into thy hands. t. Thou hast redeemed us, O Lord God of truth. * I commend.
Glory. Into thy hands.
Custodi nos, Domine, Preserve us, O Lord, as ut pupillam oculi. the apple of thine eye.
Sub umbra alarum ft. Protect us, under the tuarum protege nos. shadow of thy wings.
The Canticle of the venerable Simeon, — who, whilst holding the divine Infant in his arms, proclaimed him to be the Light of the Gentiles, and then slept the sleep of the just, — is admirably appropriate to the Office of Compline. Holy Church blesses God for having dispelled the darkness of night by the rising of the Sun of Justice ; it is for love of him, that she toils the whole day through, andnrests during the night, saying: I sleep, but my heart watcheth}
CANTICLE OF SIMKON.
(St. Luke, ii.)
Nunc dimitti servum Now dost thou dismiss thy tuum, Domine : secundum servant, 0 Lord, according to verbum tuum in pace. thy word, in peace.
Quia viderunt oculi mei : Because mine eyes have seen
Salutare tuum, thy Salvation.
Quod parasti: ante fa- Which thou hast prepared : ciem omnium populorum. before the face of all peoples.
Lumen ad revelationem A light to the revelation of
1 Cantic. v. 2.
COMPLINE. the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. Glory, etc.
Ant. Save us, O Lord, whilst awake, and watch us, as we sleep, that we may watch with Christ, and rest in peace.
LET XJS 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 livoth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen. f. The Lord be with you.
And with thy spirit. f. Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God. May the almighty and merciful Lord, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, bless and preserve us.
Amen.
Gentium : * et gloriam plebis tuae Israel. Gloria :
Ant. Salva nos. Domino, vigilantes ; custodi nos dormientes, ut vigilemus cum Christo, et requiesoamus in pace.
OREMUS.
Visita, qusesumus, 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 sseculorum. gt. Amen. f. Dominus vobiscum.
Bt. Et cum spiritu tuo. y. Benedicamus Domino. Deo gratias.
Benedicat et custodiat nos omnipotens et misericors Dominus, Pater et Filius, et Spiritus Sanctus. Amen.
ANTHEM TO THE
Hail, holy Queen, Mother of mercy.
Our Life, our Sweetness, and our Hope, all hail !
To thee we cry, poor banished children of Eve ;
To thee we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this vale of tears.
Turn, then, most gracious
LESSED VIRGIN.
Salve, Kegina, Mater misericordiee.
Vita, dulcedo, et spes nostra, salve.
Ad te clamamus, exsules filii Evse.
Ad te suspiramus, gementes et flentes in hac lacrymarum valle.
Eia, ergo, adyocata nos-
TIME AFTER *BNTEC08T. tra, illos tuos misericordes oculos ad nos converte ;
Et J osum benedictuin fructuni ventris tui, nobis post hoc exilium ostende ;
0 clemens,
O pia,
O dulcis Virgo Maria, W. Ora pro nobis, sancta
Dei Genitrix,
Ut digni efficiamur promissionibus Christi.
OREMXTS.
Omnipotens, sempiterne Deus, qui gloriosae Virginis Matris Marise corpus et animam, ut dignum Filii tui habitaculum effici mereretur, Spiritu sancto cooperante, prseparasti : da ut cujus commemoratione lsetamur, ejus pia intercessione ab instantibus malis et a morte perpetua liberemur. Per eumdem Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen. y. Divinumauxilium maneat semper nobiscum. Amen.
Advocate ! thine eyes of mercy towards us ;
And, after this our exile, show unto us the blessed Fruit of thy womb, Jesus ;
O merciful,
Okind,
O sweet Virgin Mary !
y. Pray for us, 0 holy Mother of God,
That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
LET US PRAY.
O almighty and everlasting God, who, by the co-operation of the Holy Ghost, didst prepare the body and soul of Mary, glorious Virgin and Mother, to become the worthy habitation of thy Son : grant that we may be delivered from present evils and from everlasting death, by Her gracious intercession, in whose commemoration we rejoice. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen. y. May the divine assistance remain always with us. Amen.*
Then, in secret, Pater, Ave, and Credo.
- In the Monastic Rite this response is as follows : — ty. Et cum fratribus nostris ty. And with our absent Breth- absentibus. Amen. ren. Amen.
PROPER OF SAINTS
PROPER OF SAINTS.
June 2.
SAINTS MARCELLINTJS, PETER, AND ERASMUS.
MARTYRS.
The glory of Martyrdom illumines this day, with a profusion rarely met with on the Cycle ; and already we seem to descry the rosy dawn of that glad day, excelling all the rest, on which Peter and Paul will consummate, in their blood, their own splendid confession. Italy and Gaul, Rome and Lyons concur in forming a legion of heroes in the servioe of Heaven. For, to-day, Lyons the illustrious daughter of Rome, is keeping the special festival of a whole phalanx of warriors, headed by the veteran chief, Saint Pothinus, disciple of Saint Polycarp, who in the second century, levied the brave recruits of his battalion, on the banks of the Rhone.* But to the Mother Church are due the first honours. Turn we then to Marcellinw, hailing him who, begetting by his fruitful Priesthood a numerous progeny, shares with them the honours of his triumph, in which they had been rendered worthy by the Holy Ghost at once to partake ; let us hail, likewise, the Exorcist Peter, leading to the sacred Font such a long line of
- Note of the Translator. SS. Pothinus, Blandina and companions, martyrs of Lyons are marked on this day in the Roman Martyrology, but as the feast is kept only in France we have omitted in our trans* lation the pages devoted to their memory in this place. pagans won over to Christ by witnessing, at his hand, how great is the weakness of the demons.
When Christianity appeared on earth, Satan was indeed, and visibly so, the Prince of this world. Unto him was every altar reared ; to his empire were all laws and customs subservient. From the depths of their famous temples, the demon chiefs directed the political affairs of the cities that came to consult their oracles ; under divers names, the frailest of the fallen angels found honour and influence, at the domestic hearth ; others had posts assigned to them, in forests, on mountains, at fountains, or on sea, occupying, in opposition to God, this world that had been created by him for his Glory, -but which Satan, through man's accomplicity, had conquered. Four thousand years of abandonment on the part of Heaven, permitted the usurper to consolidate his conquest ; and a well planned resistance was skilfully prepared, against the day wherein the lawful King should offer to re-enter on his rights.
The coming of the Word made Flesh, was the frand signal for the asserting of the divine claim, he prince of this world, personally vanquished by the Son of God, understood well enough that he must needs return to the depths of hell. But the countless powers of darkness constituted by him, would maintain the struggle, through the length of ages, and dispute their position inch by inch. Driven from towns by the abjurations of holy Church and the triumph of martyrs, the infernal legions would fain marshall their ranks in the wilderness ; there under the leadership of an Anthony or a Pachomius, the soldiers of Christ must wage against them ceaseless and terrific battle. In the West, Benedict, the Patriarch of Monks, in his turn, meets with altars to the demons, yea, with demons themselves on the heights of Oassino, as late as the sixth century. Even in tfye seventh, they Ate found contending against St. (Jail, fot hold on the woods, lakes* and rooks of what we now call Switzerland ; and at last they are heard uttering mournful complaint, because, driven as they have been from the haunts of men, even such desolate spots ad these are denied them. Verily, in the divine tniild, the vocation of a monk to the desert* has for its end, not alone flight of the world and its concerns, but likewise, the pursuit of demons into their last intfrenchments.
We have dwelt thus upon the foregoing considerations, because their importance is extreme, and is equalled only by depth of systematic ignoranoe persisted in, on this subject. True Christians of course firmly believe, now as formerly, in the secret and wholly spiritual combat which the soul has to sustain against hell, in the privaoy of one's own conscience ; but too many have no scruple in rejecting, as if belonging to the domain of imagination, whatever is related of those other combats maintained, by our fathers, against the demons, in an exterior and more public manner. The excuse for such Christians is no doubt, in the fact that they live in a land, where, centuries ago, this war in its external phases, was ended by the social victory of Christendom. But the Holy Ghost has declared that the old serpent, bound up for a thousand years, is at last to be again unchained for a while. If, perchance, we be nearing this fatal epoch, it is high time to look about us ; ill prepared shall we be for the waging again of the olden battles, by such ignorance as ours, in which we are maintained by that habit of abandoning, to the conceited impertinence ofjjthe shallow science that rules the day, faots, (under the name of legend,) the best attested in the history of our ancestors. Yea !
1 Apoc. xx. 2, 3. after all, what is History, even, since the revolt of Lucifer, but the picture of the war that is being waged between Q-od and Satan ? Now if, as we have said, Satan has, by divine permission, invaded the exterior world, as well as that of souls, must it not be needful, in order, (as our Lord expresses it) to cast him out, that the struggle with him be breast to breast and foot to foot, inasmuch as it has assumed an exterior and visible character ?
" The Word," says Saint Justin, " was made Flesh " for two ends : to save believers, and to drive away " demons."2 So also, the expulsion of demons from the places they occupy in this material world, and speoially the bodies of men, the noblest part thereof, would appear in the Gospel, to have been one of the chief characteristics of our Saviour's power. Again, when on quitting the earth, He sent his Apostles to continue His work amidst the Nations, this is the very thing He singles out as a primary sign of the mission they are to fulfil. The world of that day made no mistake about it. Soon enough had the pagans to state the cessation of the ancient oracles, in every place ; the oause of a phenomenon of such import to the ancient religion was evident to all : the very demons themselves were not baokward in ascribing to the Christian, this their enf orced silence. As regards this power of Christianity against hell, the Apologists of the second and third centuries, appeal, on the subjeot, to public testimony, without fear of a contradicting voice. " Before the eyes of everyone," says Saint J ustin to the Emperors, " the Christians drive "out demons in the Name of Jesus Christ, not "only in Rome, but in the whole universe."5 The gods of Olympus beheld themselves shamefully un-
1 St. John, xii. 31. 2 2 Apol. vi. 3 St. Mark, xvi. 17. 4 Plutarch. De oraculor. defectu. 5 2 Apol. vi. masked, in the presenoe of their confused adorers, and Tertullian might well challenge thus the magistrates of the Empire : " Let one of those men, who " declare themselves to be under the power of the "gods be brought before your tribunals: at the " commanding word of the first comer amongst us, " the spirit whereby they are possessed, will be oon- " strained to confess what he is ; if he avow not himself a demon and no god, fearing to lie unto a " Christian, at once shed the blood of this Christian "blasphemer. But no; the terror they have of " Christ is the reason why the mere touch, or even " breathing of one of his servants, forces them to take "to flight/'1
So then, we see, Baptism sufficed to give unto man suoh power as this ; and verily this was the real meaning of our Lord's promise, when speaking of those who would believe in Him, and not alone of the heads of the Church, He said : In my name they shall cast out devils. At an early date, however, the Church organising the holy war, constituted among her sons one special Order having for its direct mission the pursuit of Satan, on every point of this visible world. The Exorcists were by this delegation, invested with a power that must needs accelerate the downfall of the prince of this world ; and, what would be all the more odious and humiliating in this defeat, the Church raised no higher than to the rank of inferior clergy, an order so terrible to hell. Lucifer had aimed at being equal to the Most-High ; hurled down from heaven, he at least flattered himself in his folly to be able to supplant God upon the earth : and lo ! the charge of defeating him here, is confided not to angels, his equals by nature, but to
1 Apol. xxiii. 2 St. Mark, xyi. 17. 3 Is xiv. 12-15. men, yea, to the least and lowest of this race so easily tricked, that for long ages he had seen men prostrate before him ! Lo ! the hand of flesh constrains him, spirit though he be, to come off his throne ; at their word he must needs oast away his vain adornments, he must unmask himself ; the water they bless, rekindles within him his eternal tortures ; of the prince of this world and his pomps, naught remains but mere Satan, the ugly faced apostate, the condemned criminal wincing in the dust, at the feet of the sons of men, or fleeing like a dry leaf, at the breath of their mouth.
The archangel Michael recognises in these sons of Adam, the worthy allies of the faithful angels he led forward to victory. But amid these continuators of the mighty battle begun on the heights of heaven, the Exorcist, Peter, comes before us to-day radiant with matchless splendour. The triumph of martyrdom has been added to his viotories, won over Satan's cohorts. None better than he, drove hell backwards ; for, chasing the demons out of men's bodies, he moreover made conquest of their souls. The Priest Maroellinus, his companion in martyrdom, as he had been in victory, is likewise his associate in glory. The Church wishes that these two names of theirs so redoubtable to the spirits of darkness, should shine in one same aureola here below as in heaven. Daily doth she render them the most solemn homage in her power by naming them both, on the dyptich of the Holy Sacrifice together with the Apostles and her first sons. Such was the importance of the mission they fulfilled and the renown of their final combat, that their bodies, translated to the Via Latina, became the nucleus of an illustrious cemetery. The Christians of the age of peace, that came soon after
Chapter 2 of 26