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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..9adfe95 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #62988 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/62988) diff --git a/old/62988-0.txt b/old/62988-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 6b92b4a..0000000 --- a/old/62988-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,21910 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Complete Manual Of Catholic Piety, by -Rev. William Gahan - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: The Complete Manual Of Catholic Piety - -Author: Rev. William Gahan - -Release Date: August 20, 2020 [EBook #62988] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK COMPLETE MANUAL OF CATHOLIC PIETY *** - - - - -Produced by Don Kostuch - - - - - -[Transcriber's notes: This work is derived from -https://archive.org/details/CompleteManualOfCatholicPiety/page/n5. -The Author's Side notes and comments are indented. In HTML they are -also in a slightly smaller font, as in the original text.] - - - -{1} - - The Complete Manual Of Catholic Piety; - - Containing - - A Selection Of Fervent Prayers, - Pious Reflections, And Solid Instructions, - Adapted To Every State Of Life. - - - - To Which Is Annexed A Supplement, - Containing Excellent And Approved - Devotions, With The Epistles And - Gospels For All The Sundays And - Festivals Of The Year. - - - - By The Rev. William Gahan, O.S.A. - - - - DUBLIN: - - Published By James Duffy, - 25, Anglesea Street. - 1844. - -{2} - - - Dublin: - Printed By J. M. O'Toole, - 33, Abbey-street. - -{3} - - Contents. - - - -Preface, -- 7. - -Table of Moveable Feasts, -- 10. - -Feasts and Fasts throughout the Year, -- 11. - -Unlawful Marriages, -- 12. - -Plenary Indulgences, -- 12. - -Manner of Lay Baptism, -- 14. - -Ecclesiastical Calendar, -- 14. - -Morning Prayer, -- 25. - -Acts of Faith, Hope, and Charity, -- 30. - -The Litany of the holy Name of Jesus, -- 33. - -The _Salva Regina_,--in verse, -- 36. - -The _Angelus Domini_, -- 37. - -Short Ejaculations in the course of the Day, -- 38. - -Prayers for Night, -- 39. - -The Litany of the Blessed Virgin, -- 44. - -The Hymn, _Te lucis ante terminum_, -- in English, -- 47. - -A Prayer before Sermon, Spiritual Reading, &c. -- 49. - -A Prayer before Mass, -- 50. - -Prayers at Mass, -- 56. - -Preparation for Confession, -- 80. - -A Protestation before the Examination of Conscience, -- 81. - -Prayers before the Examination of Conscience, -- 82. - -An Examination of Conscience, -- 85. - -Prayers before Confession, -- 92. - -A Prayer at receiving Absolution, -- 97. - -Prayers after Confession, -- 98. - -Instructions for Communion, -- 103. - -Prayers before Communion, -- 107. - -Acts of Virtue before Communion, -- 111. - -{4} - -A Prayer to obtain the effects of a Plenary Indulgence, -- 118. - -Prayers after Communion, -- 124. - -Acts of Virtue after Communion, -- 130. - -The Seven Penitential Psalms, -- 141. - -The Litany of Saints, -- 150. - -Motives to Perseverance in a Virtuous Life, -- 158. - -Devotions for every Day in the Week, -- 160. - -Pious Reflections for every Day in the Month; from the - French of the Rev. F. Bouhours, -- 171. - -Meditations on the Articles of the Creed--to be used as a - Devotion by Societies, Families, &c, -- 210. - -Anthem of the Blessed Virgin, _Salve Regina_, -- 224. - -An Universal Prayer for all things necessary to Salvation, -- 225. - -A Prayer for the Choice of a State of Life, -- 227. - -A Prayer for a Pregnant Woman, -- 227. - -Litany of Divine Providence, -- 229. - -Prayer of St. Bernard to the Blessed Virgin, -- 232. - -Litany of St. Winefrid, -- 233. - -The Golden Litany, -- 239. - -The Prayers of St. Bridget, -- 247. - -Devotions to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, -- 258. - -Litany of the Sacred Heart, -- 259. - -Reparation of Honour to the Sacred Heart, -- 262. - -Devotions for the Sick, -- 264. - -A Prayer upon Recovery from Sickness, -- 277. - -Preparation for Death, -- 278. - -A Prayer by St. Liguori, -- 291. - -A Prayer of St. Augustin on the Sufferings of Christ, -- 292. - -A Prayer of St. Jerome in time of Agony, -- 293. - -Prayers to be recited by the Assistants when the Dying Person - loses the use of Speech, -- 294. - -Recommendation of a Soul Departing, -- 298. - -Litany for a Happy Death, -- 305. - -A Prayer for all that are buried in a Church or Church-yard, -- 309. - -Exequies, or Sacred Rites over the Tomb, (in Latin and - English), -- 310. - -Litany for the Dead, -- 316. - -A Prayer upon the day of Decease or Burial, -- 320. - -Vespers for Sundays, (in Latin and English), -- 321. - -The Hymn, _Lucis Creator Optime_, (Latin and English), -- 326. - -Litany of the Blessed Virgin, (in Latin), -- 328. - -Method of Serving at Mass, -- 330. - -{5} - - Supplement. - -On the Mass, and the use of the Latin Liturgy, -- 336. - -The Ordinary of the Holy Mass, -- 340. - -Explanatory Prayers at Mass, -- 367. - -Epistles and Gospels for the Sundays and Principal Festivals - throughout the Year, -- 388. - -Instructions and Devotions for Confirmation, -- 482. - -The Psalter of Jesus, -- 492. - -The Rosary of the blessed Name of Jesus, -- 503. - -The Rosary of the Blessed Virgin, -- 510. - -The Hymn, _Te Deum_, (in English), -- 521. - -The Thirty Days' Prayer, -- 522. - -Hymns for Festivals, (in Latin and English) - - Advent, _Alma Redemptor_, -- 527. - - Christmas, _Adeste Fidelis_, -- 527. - - Passion and Palm-Sundays, _Vexilla regis_, -- 528. - - Good-Friday, _Stabat mater_, -- 529. - - Easter, _O Filii_, -- 532. - - Whit-Sunday, _Veni Creator_, -- 534. - - Sequence to do., _Veni Sancte_, -- 536. - - Corpus Christi, _Pange lingua_, -- 538. - - At the Elevation, _O Salutaris_, -- 540. - -{6} - -{7} - - Preface. - - - -Of all the means we can employ for our advancement in the great -affair of our salvation, Prayer is certainly one of the most -powerful. Saint Augustin calls it the Key of Heaven, that unlocks -the treasures of God, and gives us free access to the riches of -his divine bounty. It was by prayer that Elias, when he pleased, -opened and shut the sluices of heaven, and caused fire to descend -from above to consume his sacrifice. It was by prayer that Joshua -caused the sun to stop in the midst of its course. The prayer of -Moses contributed more to the signal victory obtained by Joshua -over the army of the Amalekites, than all the weapons of Israel: -for as long as his hands were raised up to heaven, his prayers -drew down a blessing on the people of God: but no sooner did he -let his hands fall, (being unable to keep them in that painful -posture,) and had ceased from prayer, than the Amalekites began -to prevail. - -But if Prayer be so powerful, it is no less necessary: our -poverty and indigence; our manifold wants, infirmities, and -miseries; the various dangers to which we are continually -exposed; the frequent temptations we have to encounter; our -absolute insufficiency of ourselves, and inability to do the -least good without the grace of God; are corroborating proofs of -the indispensable necessity of Prayer. - -{8} - -Though every good gift comes from the Father of Lights, who knows -our wants, and is always inclined to relieve us, yet he requires -that we have recourse in all our necessities, corporal and -spiritual, to the throne of his mercy, under the assurance that -whatever we ask with confidence, humility, piety, and -perseverance, in the name of Jesus, shall be granted. - -However, the idea of Prayer is not to be confined to that of -Petition, as frequently happens. Many Christians, indeed, pray to -God; but where are they to be found, who, like David, are -incessantly employed in singing the mercies of the Lord, and have -the remembrance of them deeply engraven in their hearts? They -call upon God, to represent to him their wants, either temporal -or spiritual; they appear only in his presence with a hand lifted -up to receive, as if they imagined he was indebted to them, and -that he never gave them enough. They have a heart but to wish, -and a tongue but to ask. Their wants are eloquent and pressing, -their gratitude cold and silent; for how seldom do they think of -appearing before him to bless and praise him, and to celebrate -the wonders of his love for us! Alas! to recollect his benefits, -to thank him for them, to feel confused at the sight of their own -ingratitude, to excite themselves, from this motive, to -confidence and love, to be ready to do all, to suffer all, for a -God who has shown them so much goodness, is a practice which is -known but to a small number of fervent souls. We are all earnest -in asking; but in general so deficient in thanksgiving, that, -like the Lepers in the Gospel, it is to be feared not above one -in ten gives due thanks to God for the blessings received. - -{9} - -Nevertheless, nothing would be more pleasing to God, nor more -proper to draw down upon us new graces. - -To facilitate, therefore, the exercise of this important duty, -certain forms of vocal prayers have always been recommended, -particularly such as have been used by the Saints, and drawn from -the divine Psalms, which are so full of sublime ideas, of tender -sentiments of piety, of fervent aspirations, of transports and -raptures in God, that all the subjects of Prayer which are -suitable either to the penitent way, the illuminative way, or the -unitive way, are to be met with therein. - -The Manual now offered to the piety of Irish Catholics, will be -found, on a diligent perusal, to have no small claim to this -merit. The many editions it has gone through, the high esteem it -is held in by interior souls, the constant and universal demand -for it, is all we shall say in its praise. - -To render it still more acceptable and more complete, the present -edition has been very considerably enlarged, improved, and -enriched with Instructions and Devotions for Confirmation; with -an explanation of the Latin Liturgy, and of the Ceremonies used -in the sacrifice of the Mass, and different pious methods of -assisting thereat; with particular Devotions for every day in the -Week; in short, with a great variety of Sacred Hymns of praise -and thanksgiving, and of spiritual Exercises of Piety for several -occasions, taken from the most approved Books of Devotion in the -French and English Language. [Footnote 1] - - [Footnote 1: See the Supplement attached to this Book.] - -{10} - - A Table Of Moveable Feasts. - -DL = Dominical Letter - -Year DL Ash Easter Ascension Whit Corpus 1st Sunday -of our Wed Sunday Thursday Sunday Christi in Advent. -Lord - -1844 GF 21 Feb 7 Apr 16 May 26 May 6 June 1 Dec -1845 E 5 Feb 23 Mar 1 May 11 May 22 May 30 Nov -1846 D 25 Feb 12 Apr 21 May 31 May 11 June 29 Nov -1847 C 17 Feb 4 Apr 13 May 23 May 8 June 28 Nov -1848 BA 8 Mar 23 Apr 1 June 11 June 22 June 3 Dec -1849 G 21 Feb 8 Apr 17 May 27 May 7 June 2 Dec -1850 F 13 Feb 31 Mar 9 May 19 May 30 May 1 Dec -1851 E 5 Mar 20 Apr 29 May 8 June 19 June 30 Nov -1852 DC 25 Feb 11 Apr 20 May 30 May 10 June 28 Nov -1853 B 9 Feb 27 Mar 5 May 15 May 26 May 27 Nov -1854 A 1 Mar 16 Apr 25 May 4 June 15 June 3 Dec -1855 G 21 Feb 8 Apr 17 May 27 May 7 June 2 Dec -1856 FE 6 Feb 23 Mar 1 May 11 May 22 May 30 Nov -1857 D 25 Feb 12 Apr 21 May 31 May 11 June 29 Nov -1858 C 17 Feb 4 Apr 13 May 23 May 3 June 28 Nov -1859 B 9 Mar 24 Apr 2 June 12 June 23 June 27 Nov -1860 AG 22 Feb 8 Apr 17 May 27 May 7 June 2 Dec -1861 F 13 Feb 31 Mar 9 May 19 May 30 May 1 Dec -1862 E 5 Mar 20 Apr 29 May 8 June 19 June 30 Nov -1863 D 18 Feb 5 Apr 14 May 24 May 4 June 29 Nov -1864 CB 10 Feb 27 Mar 5 May 15 May 26 May 27 Nov -1865 A 1 Mar 16 Apr 25 May 4 June 15 June 3 Dec -1866 G 14 Feb 1 Apr 10 May 20 May 31 May 2 Dec -1867 F 6 Mar 21 Apr 30 May 9 June 20 June 1 Dec -1868 ED 26 Feb 12 Apr 21 May 31 May 11 June 29 Nov -1869 C 10 Feb 28 Mar 6 May 16 May 27 May 28 Nov -1870 B 2 Mar 17 Apr 26 May 5 June 16 June 27 Nov -1871 A 22 Feb 9 Apr 18 May 28 May 8 June 3 Dec -1872 GF 13 Feb 31 Mar 9 May 19 May 30 May 1 Dec -1873 E 26 Feb 13 Apr 22 May 1 June 12 June 30 Nov -1874 D 18 Feb 5 Apr 14 May 24 May 4 June 29 Nov - - [Transcriber's note: The following table is from - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dominical_letter. - - A: common year starting on Sunday (or ending on Sunday) - B: common year starting on Saturday (or ending on Saturday) - C: common year starting on Friday (or ending on Friday) - D: common year starting on Thursday (or ending on Thursday) - E: common year starting on Wednesday (or ending on Wednesday) - F: common year starting on Tuesday (or ending on Tuesday) - G: common year starting on Monday (or ending on Monday) - AG: leap year starting on Sunday (or ending on Monday) - BA: leap year starting on Saturday (or ending on Sunday) - CB: leap year starting on Friday (or ending on Saturday) - DC: leap year starting on Thursday (or ending on Friday) - ED: leap year starting on Wednesday (or ending on Thursday) - FE: leap year starting on Tuesday (or ending on Wednesday) - GF: leap year starting on Monday (or ending on Tuesday)] - -{11} - - Feasts And Fasts - - Throughout The Year. - - - - Holy-days On Which There Is A Strict Obligation To - Hear Mass, And Refrain From Servile-works. - -All Sundays in the Year. -Ascension of our Lord. -Corpus Christi. -January 1--The Circumcision of our Lord. -January 6--The Epiphany. -March 17--The Feast of St Patrick. -March 25--The Annunciation of the B.V.M. -June 29--St. Peter and St. Paul. -August 15--Assumption of the B.V.M. -November 1--Feast of All Saints. -December 25--Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ. - - [The obligation is taken away on all other days, by decrees - of Popes Pius VI. and VIII.] - - - Fasting Days On One Meal. - -All the Days in Lent, except Sundays. - -The Eve of Whitsuntide. - -The Quarter-tenses, or Ember-days, being the Wednesdays, Fridays, -and Saturdays, next after the first Sunday of Lent; after -Whit-Sunday; after September 14th: and after December 13th. - -The Eves of St. Peter and St. Paul; of the Assumption -of the Blessed Virgin Mary; of All Saints; and of Christmas-day. - -The Fridays and Saturdays in Advent. - - - Days Of Abstinence From Flesh Meat. - -All the Sundays in Lent, except when the use of meat is allowed -by the Archbishop or Bishop of the diocese. - -All the Fridays throughout the Year. - -N. B.--Eggs are forbidden on Fridays, when a fast falls on them; -and if a Fasting Day fall on a Sunday, the fast is kept on the -Saturday before. If Christmas-day fall on a Friday, neither fast -nor abstinence is observed. - -{12} - -N.B.--The Catholic Church commands all her children to be present -at the great Eucharistic Sacrifice, which we call the Mass, and -to rest from servile work, on Sundays and Holy-days. - -Secondly--To abstain from flesh on all the days of fasting and -abstinence, and on fasting days to eat but one meal. - -Thirdly--To confess their sins at least once a year. - -Fourthly--To receive the blessed sacrament at least once a year, -and that at Easter, viz., between _Palm_ and _Low -Sundays_. - -The time appointed in the Archdioceses of Dublin, for complying -with the Easter Duty, begins an Ash-Wednesday, and terminates on -Ascension Day. They who, without some reasonable cause, neglect -this important duty, are liable to be excommunicated whilst -living, and when they die, to be deprived of Christian burial, -according to the fourth Council of Lateran, can. 21. - -Marriage cannot be contracted by persons within the fourth degree -of kindred without a dispensation, and if attempted is invalid. -Spiritual kindred, contracted by baptism or confirmation, is an -impediment. - -Clandestine marriage is that which is not performed by the pastor -of one of the party, with certificate, or by another priest, with -his license, and in the presence of two or three witnesses. - -Clandestine marriages are unlawful, and forbidden by the church; -and are null or invalid in all the dioceses of Ireland, as the -Decree of the Council of Trent, which annuls clandestine -marriages, has duly been received in them all, 2nd December, -1827, and was in force thirty days after, or 1st January, 1828. - -The solemnizing of marriage is forbidden from the first Sunday in -Advent till after Twelfth-day; and from the beginning of Lent -till Easter-Sunday. At all other times it may be solemnized. - - - Plenary Indulgences - -Plenary Indulgences are granted to the faithful of this kingdom -by complying with the usual conditions:-- - - On the feast of St. Patrick, or any day within the octave. - - Item, on the feast of SS. Peter and Paul, or any day within the - octave. - - Item, at the hour of death, to such as devoutly invoke the - sacred name of Jesus, at least with the heart. - -{13} - -The other Indulgences which are granted to the faithful of the -Archdioceses of Dublin, on the feasts of the Nativity of our -Lord, the Circumcision, the Epiphany, the Resurrection, the -Ascension, Pentecost, Corpus Christi, on the five principal -festivals of the Blessed Virgin, and the feast of All Saints, &c, -are commonly published from the altars. - -_Note_.--By an Indulgence is meant a relaxation or remission -of the temporal punishment due to sins already forgiven, both as -to the guilt and eternal punishment. Some Indulgences are called -_plenary;_ because, when the full effect of them is gained, -they remit all the debt of temporal punishment: others are called -_partial_; for example, an Indulgence of forty or an hundred -days, or of three, seven, ten, fifteen, or more years; because -the penitent is only thereby released in part, or from such a -proportion of the debt of temporal punishment as was formerly -enjoined by the penitential canons, according to the enormity of -the crimes committed, and as would have been remitted by God, had -the penitent undergone, for such a space of time, the severe -canonical penances which were in use in the Church until the -twelfth century. - -The direct and immediate effect, therefore, of an Indulgence is, -to remit the debt of temporal punishment, and not to pardon or -remit sin, as it supposes sin already forgiven. But the sinner's -repentance being seldom so perfect as to release him entirely -from the whole punishment he deserves, on account of the injury -he has committed against the Divine Majesty, there usually -remains some debt of temporal punishment to be discharged, either -in this world or in the next. For though the mercy of God is -moved by a true repentance, to pardon the guilt and eternal -punishment due in hell for mortal sin; yet his justice often -substitutes in its place, and reserves some debt of temporal -punishment, to which the repenting sinner is liable on account of -his past sins; as appears evidently from several remarkable -instances recorded in holy writ, particularly Adam, King David, -Manasses, the Israelites, &c. - -{14} - -It is to discharge and cancel this debt of temporal punishment, -that works of penance are enjoined in the sacred tribunal of -Confession; and that the Catholic Church, like a compassionate -and indulging mother, opens her spiritual treasures from time to -time, to supply the wants and make up the deficiency of her -children. In virtue of the power given to her by Jesus Christ, -and in imitation of St. Paul, (2 Cor. x.) and several other -renowned doctors and pastors who flourished in the purest ages of -Christianity, she grants indulgences to such of the faithful as -are properly disposed, and apply with fervour to those works of -piety and religion, charity and penance, that are required on -their part, as conditions necessary to gain the benefit of an -indulgence. - - ----------------------------------------- - - The Manner Of Lay Persons Baptizing An - Infant In Danger Of Death. - -Take common water, pour it on the head or face of the child, and -while you are pouring it, say the following words: "I baptize -thee in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy -Ghost. Amen." - -------------------------------------- - - The Roman Calendar - For The Kingdom Of Ireland: - - Containing - - The Feasts and Fasts of the said Kingdom, the Irish Saints, - and Patrons of each Diocese; all on their proper days. - - - Explanations. - - The Festivals of the Holy-Days are in small capital Letters. - -The Irish Saints are marked in _Italic Letters_. - -The Founders of Religious Orders are marked thus, † - -_Note_.--Ap. signifies Apostle, M. Martyr, B. Bishop, Ab. -Abbot, C. Confessor, V. Virgin, D. Diocese. - -{15} - - Calendar. - - - - January, 31 Days. - - -1 Circumcision of our Lord. - -2 Octave of S. Stephen. - In the Diocese of Limerick, S. _Munchin_. B. and C. - -3 Octave of S. John, Apostle and Evangelist. - -4 Octave of Holy Innocents. - -6 S. Telesphorns, Pope and Martyr. Vigil. - -6 Epiphany of our Lord, with an Octave. - -7 S. _Kenligerna_, Widow., - S. Lucian, Martyr. - -8 S. _Albert_. B. of Cashel. - S. Appollinaris, B. C. - -9 S. _Finan_, B. of Lindisfarne. - S. Peter of Sebaste, B. C. - -10 S. William, B. and C. - -11 S. Hyginus, Pope and Martyr. - S. Theodosius the Cenobiarch, Ab. - -12 S. Arcadius, Martyr. - -13 Octave of the Epiphany. - -14 S. Hilary, B.C. - S. Felix, Priest and Martyr. - -15 S. Paul, the first Hermit, - S. Maurus, Martyr. - -16 S. _Fursey_, Ab. - S. Marcellus. Pope and Mart. - -17 S. Anthony, Ab. - -18 Chair of S. Peter at Rome. - S. Prisca, V.M. - -19 S. Canute, King and M. - SS. Maurius, Martha, Audifacis, and Abackum. Martyrs. - -20 SS. Fabian and Sabastian, Martyrs. - -21 S. Agnes, Virg. & Mar. - -22 SS. Vincent and Anastatius, Martyrs. - -23 Desponsation, Blessed Virgin Mary - S. Emerentiana, V. and Martyr. - -24 S. Timothy, Bp. and M. - -25 Conversion of S. Paul the Apostle. - -26 S. Polycarp, Bp. and M. - -27 S. John Chrysostom, Bp. and Confessor. - -28 Commemoration of S. Agnes. - -29 S. Francis de Sales, Bp. and Confessor. - -30 S. Martina. V. and M. - S. _Amnichad_, Conf. - -31 †S. Peter Nolasco, Conf. - S. _Aidan_, Bp. of Ferns. - -Feast of the most holy Name of Jesus, 2nd Sunday after Epiphany. - -{16} - - February, 28 Days. - -1 S. _Bridget_. Virgin. Patroness of Ireland. - S. Ignatius, Bp. and Mar. - -2 Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary. - -3 S. Blase, Bp. and Mart. - -4 S. Andrew Corsini, Bp. and Confessor. - -5 S. Agatha, Virgin and Martyr. - -6 S. Dorothy, V. and M. - In the Diocese of Ardagh, S. _Mel_, B. and C. - -7 S. Romuald, Abbot. - S. _Malon_, Bishop. - -8 S. John of Matha, Conf. - -9 S. Apollonia, V. and M. - S. _Cairecha_, Virgin. - -10 S. Scholastica, Virgin and Martyr. - -11 S. Raymund of Pennafort, Conf. - S. _Elchin_, Bishop of Cluninfoda. - -12 S. _Sedulius_, Bishop of Dublin. - S. Benedict of Anian, Abbot. - -13 S. _Modomnoc_, B. - S. Catherine of Ricci, V. - -14 S. Valentine, Priest and Martyr. - -15 SS. Faustinas and Jovita. Martyrs. - -16 S. _Tanco_, Bishop and M. - S. Onesimus, Martyr. - -17 S. _Fintan_, Abbot. - -18 S. Simeon, Bp. and M. - -19 S. Barbas, Bp. and Conf. - -20 SS. Tyrannio, &c. Ms. - -21 S. Severianus, Bishop and Martyr. - -22 The Chair of S. Peter at Antioch. - -23 S. Serenus, a Gardener, Martyr. - -24 S. Matthias, Apostle. - -25 S. Terasius, Patriarch of Constantinople. Conf. - -26 S. Alexander, Patron of Alexandria. - -27 S. Leander, Bp. and Con. - -28 SS. Martyrs of Alexandria. - - In Leap-years February hath 29 days, and the Feast of St. - Matthias is kept on the 25th. - - - March, 31 Days. - -1 S. _Monenius_, Bishop of Cluainferta Brendam. - S. David, B. C. - -2 SS. Martyrs under the Lombards. - -3 S. Cunegundis, Empress. - -4 S. Cassimirus, Confes. - S. Lucius, Pope and M. - -5 S. _Kiaran_, Bp. and C. - SS. Adrian, &c. MM. - -6 S. _Fridolin_, Abbot. S. Chrodegang, B. and C. - -7 S. Thomas of Aquino, Confessor and Doctor. - SS. Perpetua and Felicitas, MM. - -8 S. _Cataldus_, B. C. - S. _Sennan_, B. - S. John of God, Confessor. - -9 S. Frances, Widow. - -10 SS. Forty Martyrs of Sebaste. - S. Firsullus, Bishop. - -11 S. _Ængus_, Abbot. - -{17} - -12 S. Gregory the Great, Pope, Conf. and Doctor. - -13 S. Nicephorus, Patriarch of Constantinople, C. - -14 S. Maud, Empress. - -15 SS. Abraham and Mary. - -16 S. Julian, Martyr. - -17 Patrick, Bishop and Confessor and Patron of Ireland. - -18 S. _Fridian_, Bishop and Confessor. - -19 S. Joseph, Conf. Spouse of the B. V, M. - -20 S. _Cuthbert_, Bp. and C. - -21 S. Benedict, Ab. Patron of the Western Monks. - -22 S. Basil of Ancyra, Priest and Martyr. - -23 S. Alphonsus Turibius, Bishop and Confessor. - -24 S. _Carlain_, Bishop of Armagh. - S. Ireneus, Bishop and Confessor. - -25 Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. - -26 S. Ludger, Bp. and C. - -27 S. _Rupert_, Bp. and C. - -28 SS. Priscus, MM. - -29 SS. Jonas, &c. MM. - -30 S. _Fergus_, Bp. of Drumleth-glass. - S. John Clymacus, Abbot. - -31 S. Benjamin, Martyr. - - The Feast of the Seven Dolors of the Blessed Virgin Mary. - Friday after Passion Sunday. - - - April, 30 Days. - -1 S. Hugh, Bp. and Conf. - -2 † S. Francis of Paula, C. - -3 SS. Agape, &c. MM. - -4 S. Isadore, Bp. and Con. - S. _Tigernach_, Bishop. - -5 S. Vincent Ferrer, Conf. - -6 S. _Celestine_, Pope and Confes. - S. Cathubius, Abbot. - -7 S. _Celus_, B. of Armagh. - -8 S. _Kensalud_, Abbot of Benchor. - S. Dionisius, Bishop and Confessor. - -9 S. Mary of Egypt. - -10 S. Bademus, Abbot. - -11 S. Leo the Great, Pope Confessor and Doctor - -12 S. Sabas, Martyr. - -13 S. Hermenegild, Mart. - -14 SS. Tiburtius, Valerian, and Maximus, MM. - -15 S. _Rundham_, Bishop. - S. Peter Gonzales, C. - -16 S. _Tegalius_, Bp. - SS. Martyrs of Saragossa. - -17 S. Anicetus, P. and M. - S. _Leochadius_, Abbot. - -18 S. _Laserian_, Bishop of Leighlin. - S. Apollonius the Apologist, M. - -19 S. Leo IX. Pope and C. - -20 S. Agnes, Virg. and Ab. - -21 S. Anselm, Bp. and C. - S. _Berachus_, Abbot. - -22 SS. Soteras and Cauis, Popes and Martyrs. - -23 S. George, Martyr, S. _Ibar_, Bishop. - -24 S. Fidelis of Simarengen, Martyr. - -25 S. Mark, Evangelist. - -26 SS. Cletus and Marcellinus. Popes and Mars. - -27 S. _Asicus_, Bp. of Elphin. - SS. Anthimus, Bishop, &c. MM. - -{18} - -28 S. Vitalis, Martyr. - S. _Cronan_, Abbot. - -29 S. Peter, M. S. _Ficano_, Confessor. - -30 S. Catherine of Sienna, Virgin. - - Patronage of S. Joseph, 3rd Sunday after Easter. - - - May, 31 Days. - -1 SS. Philip and James, Apostles. - S. _Ultan_, Ab. - -2 Athanasius, Bp. and C. - -3 The invention of the Holy Cross. - In the Diocese of Kildare, S. _Conleath_, Bp. and C. - -4 S. Monica, Widow. - -5 S. Pius V. Pope and C. - -6 S. John before the Latin Gate. - -7 S. Stanislaus, Bp. and M. - -8 Apparition of S. Michael Arch. - S. _Indratht_, M. - -9 S. Gregory Nazianzen, Bishop and Confessor. - -10 S. _Comgall_, Ab. S. Antonius Bp. and Conf. - SS. Gordian and Epimachus, MM. - -11 S. Mammertus, Bishop and Confessor. - -12 SS. Nereus and Achilleus, Martyrs. - -13 S. John the Silent, Bp. and Confessor. - -14 S. Boniface, Martyr. - S. _Carthagh_, Bishop of Lismore. - -15 S. _Dympna_, V. and M. - S. _Gonebrard_, Martyr. - -16 S. Ubaine, B. C. and - S. John Nepomucen, M. - In the Diocese of Ardfert and Clonfert, S. _Brendan_. Abbot. - -17 S. _Maw_, C. - S. Paschal Baylon, Confessor. - -18 S. Venantius, Martyr. - -19 † S. Peter Celestine, Pope and C. - S. Prudentiana, V. - -20 S. Bernardin of Sienna, C. - -21 S. Ubaldus, Bp. and C. - -22 S. Ivo. Confessor. - -23 S. Julia, Virg. and M. - -24 S. Vincent of Lerins, C. - S. _Mac-Cartin_, Bishop of Clogher. - -25 S. Greg. VII. P. and C. - S. Urban, P. and M. - -26 † S. Philip Neri, C. - S. Eleutherius, P. and M. - -27 S. Mary Magdalen of Pazzi, V. - S. John, P. and M. - -28 S. Germanus, B. and C. - -29 S. Maximinus, B. and C. - -30 S. Felix, Pope and M. - S. _Maguil_, Confessor. - -31 S. Petronilla, Virg. - †S. Angela of Brescia, V. - - - June, 30 Days. - -1 S. Justin, Martyr. - -2 SS. Marcellinus and Peter, MM. - -3 S. _Comegen_, Bishop of Glendaloch. - S. Cecilius, Conf. - -4 S. _Petrocus_, Confessor. - SS. _Breaca_, &c. Virgs. - S. Francis Caracciolo, Confessor. - -{19} - -5 S. Boniface, B. and M. - -6 † S. Norbert, B. and C. - S. _Coca_, Virgin. - -7 S. _Colman_, Bishop of Dromore, Conf. - -8 S. _Syra_, V. - S. _Bronius_, Bishop, Cuil-ira. - S. Medard, Bp. and C. - -9 S. _Columba_, Ab. - SS. Primus and Felican, Martyrs. - -10 S. Margaret, Queen of Scotland, Widow. - -11 S. Barnabas, Apostle. - S. _Mectalus_, Bishop, - -12 S. John of Sahagun, C. and SS. Basilides, Cyras, &c. MM. - -13 S. Anthony of Padua, C. - S. _Macnisius_, Ab. - -14 S. Basil the Great, Bp. and Conf. - -15 SS. Vitus, Crescentia, and Modestus, MM. - -16 S. John Francis Regis, Confessor. - -17 SS. Nicander, &c. MM. - -18 SS. Marcus and Marcellinus, MM. - -19 † S. Juliana Falconieri, Virgin. - SS. Gervasius and Protasius, MM. - -20 S. Silverius, Pope and M. - S. _Gobain_, Virgin. - -21 S. Aloysius Gonzaga, C. - -22 S. Paulinus, Bp. and C. - -23 S. Etheldreda, V. and M. - Vigil. - -24 Nativity of S. John Baptist, with an Oct. - -25 † S. William, Ab. - -26 SS. John and Paul, Martyrs. - -27 S. Ladislas, King and C. - -28 S. Leo II. Pope and C. Vigil. Fast. - -29 SS. Peter and Paul, Apostles, with an Oct. - -30 Commemoration of S. Paul, Ap. - - - July, 31 Days. - -1 Octave of S. John Baptist. - S. _Cumian_, Bp. - -2 Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. - SS. Processus and Martinian, MM. - -3 S. _Rumold_, Bp. and M. - S. _Killen_, Ab. - -4 S. _Finbar_, Ab. - S. Ulric, B. and C. - -5 S. _Modwena_, Virgin. - S. Peter, B. and C. - -6 Octave of SS. Peter and Paul, Apostles. - -7 S. Paulinus, Conf. - -8 S. _Kilian_, Bp. and M. - S. Elizabeth, Queen of Portugal. - -9 SS. Martyrs of Gorcum. - -10 SS. Seven Brethren, and Rufina and Secunda, Martyrs. - -11 S. Pius I. Pope and M. - S. _Drostan_, Ab. - -12 † S. John Gualbert, Ab. - SS. Nabor and Felix, Martyrs. - -13 S. Anacletus, Pope and Martyr. - -14 S. Bonaventure, B. C. and D. - S. _Idus_, Bp. - -15 S. Henry II., Emperor of Germany, Conf. - -16 Commemoration of Blessed Virgin Mary of Mt. Carmel. - -{20} - -17 S. Alexins, Confessor, - S. _Turnin_, Conf. - -18 † S. Camillus de Lellis, Conf. - SS. Symphorosa, &c. Martyrs, - -19 † S. Vincent of Paulo, C. - -20 † S. Jerom Æmiliani, C. - S. Margaret, V, M. - -21 S. Praxedes, Virgin. - S. _Arbogastus_, Bishop. - -22 S. Mary Magdalen. - S. _Dabius_, Conf. - -23 S. Apollinaris, B. and M. - S. Liborius, B. C. - -24 S. Christina, V. and M. - S. _Declan_, B. Vigil. - -25 S. James, Apostle. - S. Christopher, Martyr. - -26 S. Anne, Mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary. - -27 S. Pantaleon, Martyr. - S. _Congal_, Ab. - -28 SS. Nazarius, Celsus, and Victor, Martyrs. - S. Innocent, Pope & C. - -29 S. Martha, V. - SS. Felix, Simplicius, &c, MM. - -30 SS. Abdon and Sennen, Martyrs. - -31 † S. Ignatius of Loyala, C. - - - August, 31 Days. - -1 S. Peter's Chains. - SS. Maccabees, MM. - -2 S. Stephen, Pope and M. - S. _Chrocan_. - -3 Finding of S. Stephen's Relics. - -4 † S. Dominick, Conf. - S. _Launus_, Ab. - -5 Dedication of the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Nives. - -6 Transfiguration of our Lord. - SS. Xystus, Pope, Felicissimus, &c. Martyrs. - -7 † S. Cajetan, Confessor. - S. Donatus, Martyr. - -8 SS. Cariacus, Largus, and Smaragdus, MM. - -9 S. Romanus, Martyr. - S. _Nathy_, Bp. and C. - S. _Fidlimid_, Bp. and C. - Vigil. - -10 S. Laurence, M. with an Octave. - S. _Blan_, Bp. - -11 SS. Tiberius and Susanna, Martyrs. - -12 † S. Clare, Virgin. - S. _Muredach_ Bp. and C. - -13 SS. Hypolitus and Cassianus, Martyrs. - -14 S. Eusebius, Conf. - S. _Fachanan_, Ab. - Vigil. Fast. - -15 Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary with an Oct. - -16 S. Hyacinth, Conf. - -17 Octave of S. Laurence. - -18 S. Agapetus, Mart. - S. _Degha_, Bp. - S. Helen, Empress. - -19 SS. Timothy, &c. MM. - -20 S. Bernard, Abbot. - -21 S. Jane Frances de Chantal, Widow. - -22 Octave of the Assumption - -23 S. Philip Beniti, Conf. - S. _Eugenius_, B. - Vigil. - -24 S. Bartholomew, Apost. - -25 S. Lewis IX. King of France, Confessor. - -{21} - -26 S. Zephyrinus, Pope and Martyr. - -27 † S. Joseph Calasanctius, Confessor. - -28 † S. Augustine, B. C. and D. S. Hermes. M. - -29 Decollation of S. John Baptist. - S. Sabina, M. - -30 S. _Fiaker_, Conf. - S. Rose of Lima, Virgin. - -31 S. Raymund Nonnatus, Conf. - S. _Aidan_, Bp. - - S. Joachim, on Sunday within the Octave of the Assumption. - - - September, 30 Days. - -1 S. Giles, Abbot. - SS. Twelve Brothers, MM. - -2 S. Stephen, King of Hungary, Confessor - -3 S. _Macnisius_, B. & C. - S. Simeon Stilites. - -4 S. _Ultan_, Bishop. - SS. Marcellus, &c. MM. - -5 S. Laurence Justinian, B.C. - S. _Alto_, Abbot. - -6 S. _Bega_, V. - S. _Macculindus_, B. - S. Pambo, Abbot. - -7 S. _Grimonia_, V. M. - S. _Ennau_, B. - S. Cloud, C. - -8 Nativity Blessed Virgin Mary. with an Oct. - S. Adrian, M. - -9 S. Gorgonius, Martyr. - S. _Kiaran_, Abbot. - -10 S. Nicholas of Tolentine, Conf. - S. _Finian_, B. - -11 SS. Proteus and Hyacinthus, Martyrs. - -12 S. _Albeus_, B. - S. Eanswide, V. Abbess. - S. _Sigonius_, Abbot. - -13 S. Eulogius, B. & C. - -14 Exaltation of the Holy Cross. - S. _Cormac_, B.K. - -15 Octave of Nat. Blessed Virgin Mary. - S. Nicodemus, M. - -16 SS. Cornelius & Cyprian, Bishops and Martyrs. - SS. Euphemia, Lucia, and Geminiani, MM. - -17 Impression of the Sacred Stigmas of S. Francis. - -18 S. Joseph of Cupertino, Confessor. - -19 SS. Januarius, Bishop, and Companions, MM. - -20 SS. Eustachius and Companions, MM. - Vigil. - -21 S. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist. - -22 S. Thomas of Villanova, B. and C. - S. Maurice and Companions, MM. - -23 S. Linus, P. and M. - S. Thecla, V. and M. - S. _Eunan_, B. C. - -24 Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Redemp. of Captives. - -25 S. _Finbar_, Bp. of Cork. - S. Cleofrid, Abbot. - -26 SS. Cyprian & Justina, Martyrs. - -27 SS. Cosmas & Damian, Martyrs. - -28 S. Wenceslaus, Duke and Martyr. - -29 Dedication of S. Michael, Archangel - -30 S. Jerom, Priest, Conf. and Doctor. - - Festival of holy Name of Blessed Virgin Mary, Sunday within - Octave of Nativity Blessed Virgin Mary.--Seven Dolors, 3rd - Sunday in September. - -{22} - - October, 31 Days. - -1 S. Remigius, B. and C. - S. _Odran_, Conf. - -2 Feast of the Guardian Angels. - -3 S. Dionysius the Areopagite. Bp. and M. - -4 † S. Francis of Assisium, Confessor. - -5 SS. Placidus and Companions, Martyrs. - -6 † S. Bruno, Confessor. - -7 S. Mark, Pope & Conf. - SS. Sergius, &c. MM. - -8 S. Bridget, Widow. - S. _Corcra_, Abbot. - -9 SS. Dionysius, Rusticus, &c. Martyrs. - -10 S. Francis Borgia, Conf. - -11 S. _Kenny_, Abbot, patron of Kilkenny. - -12 S. _Mobius_, Ab. of Glasnaidh. - S. Wilfrid, B.C. - -13 S. Edward, King & Conf. - S. _Colman_, M. - -14 S. Callistus, Pope & M. - -15 † S. Teresa, Virgin. - -16 S. _Gaul_, Abbot. - S. _Syra_, Abbess. - -17 S. Hedwiges, or Avoice, Duchess of Poland, W. - -18 S. Luke, Evangelist. - -19 S. Peter of Alcantara, C. - -20 S. John Cantins, Conf. - S. _Aidan_, Bishop. - -21 S. Hilarion, Abbot. - †SS. Ursula & Companions, Virgins and Martyrs. - -22 S. _Donatus_ Bp. & Conf. - -23 S. Theodoret, Martyr. - -24 S. Raphael, Archangel. - -25 SS. Chrysanthus and Daria, MM. - -26 S. Evaristus, Pope & M. - -27 S. _Abban_, Ab. - S. _Oteran_, Bp. & Conf. - Vigil. - -28 SS. Simon & Jude, Ap. - -29 S. _Colman_, Bp. & Conf. - -30 S. Marcellus, Martyr. - -31 S. _Folian_, M. - S. Quintin, M. - Vigil. Fast. - - Feast of the Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 1st Sunday in - October. Anniversary of the Dedication of the Churches of - Ireland, 2d Sunday in October. - - - November, 30 Days. - -1 Festival of All Saints, with an Oct. - -2 Commemoration of All Souls. - S. _Erc_, Bp. of Slane. - -3 S. _Malachy_, Bishop of Armagh, Conf. - -4 S. Charles Borromeo, B.&C. - SS. Vitalis and Agricola, MM. - -5 S. Bertile, Abbess. - -6 S. Leonard, Confessor. - -7 S. Willibrord, Conf. - -8 Oct. of All Saints. - Four Crowned Brothers, M M. - -9 Dedication of our Saviour's Church, called - S. John of Lateran. - S. Theodoras, M. - -10 S. Andrew Avellina, C. - SS. Triphon, &c. MM. - -11 S. Martin of Tours, B. and C. - S. Mennas, M. - -12 S. Martin, Pope & M. - S. _Livin_ B. & M. - -13 S. Didacus, C. - S. _Chillen_, Priest. - S. Stanislas Kostka, C. - -14 S. _Laurence_, B. & C. - -{23} - -15 S. Gertrude, Virgin. - -16 S. Edmond, B. & C. - -17 S. Gregory Thaumaturgus, B.C. - S. _Duloch_, C. - -18 Dedication of the Churches of SS. Peter & Paul. - -19 S. Elizabeth, Widow, - S. Pontain, Pope & M. - -20 † S. Felix of Valois, C. - -21 Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. - -22 S. Cecily, V. and M. - -23 S. Clement, Pope & M. - S. Felicitas, ML. - -24 S. _Columban_, Abbot. - S. John of the Cross, C. - S. Chrysogonus, M. - S. _Colman_, B. C. - -25 S. Catharine, V. & M. - -26 S. Peter of Alexandria, Bishop and Martyr. - -27 S. _Virgil_, B. & C. - S. _Secundin_, Bishop - -28 S. Stephen the Younger, Martyr. - -29 S. Saturninus, Bishop & Martyr. - Vigil. - -30 S. Andrew, Ap. - S. _Brendan_, of Birr, Abbot. - - Feast of the Protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 2d Sunday in Nov. - - - December, 31 Days. - -1 S. Eligius, Bp. & Conf. - -2 S. Bibiana, V. & M. - -3 Francis Xavier, Conf. Apostle of the Indies. - -4 S. Peter Chrysologus, Bp. & Conf. - S. Barbara, Virgin & Martyr. - -5 S. Sabbas, Abbot - -6 S. Nicholas, Bp. & Conf. - -7 S. Ambrose, Bishop, Confessor, and Doctor. - -8 Conception of the B.V.M. with an Octave. - -9 S. Leocadia, V. & M. - -10 S. Melchiades, P. & M. - -11 S. Damascus, P. & C. - -12 S. _Finian_, Bishop. - SS. Epimachus, &c. MM. - -13 S. Lucy, Virg. & M. - -14 SS. _Fingar_, and Companions, MM. - S. Spiridion, Bp. & Conf. - -15 Octave of the Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. - -16 S. Eusebius, B. & Mart. - S. _Beanus_, Bishop. - -17 S. Olympias, Widow. - -18 Expectation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. - In the Diocese of Killaloe, S. _Flannan_, B. & C. - -19 S. Samthana, Vir. & Ab. - S. Nimesion, Mart. - -20 S. Philagonius, Bishop and Confessor. - Vigil. - -21 S. Thomas, Apostle. - -22 S. Ischyrion, Martyr. - -23 S. Serbulus, Confessor. - -24 Vigil of the Nativity. - Fast. - -25 Nativity of our Lord. - -26 S. Stephen, first Martyr. - S. _Jarlath_, Bishop of Tuam, Confessor. - -27 S. John, Apost. & Evan. - -28 Feast of the Holy Innocents, with an Oct. - -29 S. Thomas, Bishop of Canterbury, Martyr. - -30 The Office of the Sunday within Octave of the Nativity. - -31 S. Sylvester, Pope & C. - -{24} - -{25} - - Morning Prayer. - - - Morning Prayer is a duty which God requires as the first fruits - of the day:--most religiously then should it be consecrated to - him. The success of our actions for the rest of the day, - depends in a great measure upon this first duty. To begin the - day without imploring God's grace, and thanking him sincerely - for the repose of the night, is certainly to expose ourselves - to infinite danger. - - But before prayer, recollect yourself a moment; think what you - are, of yourself and what God is, to whom you are going to - speak. You will thus conceive the importance of the action, and - the sentiments of humility, of regret for your faults, of - attention, respect, and modesty, of fervour, love, and - confidence, with which you should address him. - - Awaking in the Morning, say: - -O my God, my only good, the author of my being, and my last end, -I offer thee my heart. Praise, honour, and glory be to thee, for -ever and ever. Amen. - - - At Up-rising, say: - -+ In the name of the Father, -+ and of the Son, -+ and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. - -I will arise from this bed of sleep, to adore my God, and to -labour for the salvation of my soul. O! may I arise on the last -day to life everlasting! - - - While clothing yourself, say: - -O my God, clothe my soul with the nuptial robe of charity, and -grant that I may carry it pure and undefiled before thy -judgment-seat. - -{26} - - When clothed, kneel down, and say: - -+ In the name of the Father, &c. Amen. - -Blessed be the holy and undivided Trinity, now and for evermore. -Amen. - -Come, O Holy Ghost, take possession of my heart, and enkindle -therein the fire of thy divine love. Amen. - - Attend seriously to the presence of God; return him thanks for - his benefits; and offer yourself to him without reserve. - -O eternal God! most holy and adorable Trinity! Father, Son, and -Holy Ghost; the beginning and end of all things; in whom we live, -move, and have our being; I firmly believe that thou art here -present; I adore thee with the most profound humility; I praise -thee; I give thee thanks from the bottom of my heart, for having -created me after thine own image and likeness, and redeemed me -with the precious blood of thy Son; for having hitherto preserved -me, and brought me safe to the beginning of this day. Behold, O -Lord, I offer thee my whole being, and in particular all my -thoughts, words, and actions, together with such crosses and -contradictions as I may meet with in the course of this day. I -consecrate them entirely to the glory of thy name, in union with -those of Jesus Christ my Saviour, that, through his infinite -merits, they may find acceptance in thy sight. Give them, O Lord, -thy blessing. May thy divine love animate them; and may they all -tend to the greater honour of thy Sovereign Majesty. Amen. - -{27} - - Resolve to avoid evil, and to do good. - -Adorable Jesus! divine model of that perfection to which all -Christians should aspire; I will endeavour this day, after thy -example, to be mild, humble, chaste, zealous, patient, -charitable, and resigned. Incline my heart, O Lord, to keep thy -commandments. I am resolved to watch over myself with the -greatest diligence and circumspection, and to live soberly, -justly, and piously for the time to come. I will place a guard on -my mouth, and a gate of prudence before my lips, that I may not -offend with my tongue. I will turn away my eyes, that they may -not see vanity; and I will be particularly attentive not to -relapse into my accustomed failings; but will struggle against -them, and with thy gracious assistance, correct them. Enlighten -my mind, O Lord; purify my heart, and guide my steps, that I may -pass this and the remaining days of my life in thy divine -service. Amen. - - - Implore the necessary Graces. - -Thou knowest, O God, my weakness; thou knowest that I am so poor -and destitute, that I cannot do, or even think of any good, -without thy assistance; arise, therefore, to my help, and -strengthen me with thy grace, that I may fervently execute what I -have firmly resolved, and not only avoid all the evil thou -forbiddest; but also perform all the good thou commandest. - -{28} - - The Lord's Prayer. - -Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom -come; thy 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; -but deliver us from evil. Amen. - - - The Angelical Salutation. - -Hail Mary, full of grace, our Lord is with thee; blessed art thou -amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus. Holy -Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of -our death. Amen. - - - The Apostles' Creed. - -I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and -earth; and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord; who was -conceived by the Holy Ghost; born of the Virgin Mary; suffered -under Pontius Pilate; was crucified, died, and buried; he -descended into hell; the third day he arose again from the dead; -he ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the -Father Almighty; from thence he will come to judge the living and -the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the Holy Catholic Church; -the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the -resurrection of the body; and life everlasting. Amen. - -{29} - - The Confiteor. - -I confess to Almighty God, to blessed Mary ever a Virgin, to -blessed Michael the archangel, to blessed John the baptist, to -the holy apostles Peter and Paul, and to all the saints, that I -have sinned exceedingly in thought, word, and deed, _through my -fault, through my fault, through my grievous fault_. Therefore -I beseech the blessed Mary ever a Virgin, the blessed Michael the -archangel, the blessed John the baptist, the holy apostles Peter -and Paul, and all the saints, to pray to the Lord our God for me. - -May almighty God have mercy on me, forgive me my sins, and bring -me to everlasting life. Amen. - -May the almighty and merciful Lord grant me pardon, absolution, -and remission of all my sins. Amen. - - - Invoke the blessed Virgin, - your Angel guardian, - and your Patron Saint. - -O holy Virgin! Mother of God! my advocate and patroness! pray for -thy poor servant; prove thyself a mother to me. And thou, O -blessed Spirit! my Guardian Angel, whom God in his mercy hath -appointed to watch over me, intercede for me this day, that I may -not stray from the paths of virtue. Our glorious apostle St. -Patrick, and thou also, O happy saint, whose name I bear, pray -for me, that I may serve God faithfully in this life, as thou -hast done, and with thee glorify him eternally in heaven. Amen. - -{30} - - Indulgences - - To Be Obtained By The Faithful, Who Devoutly - Repeat Acts Of Faith, Hope, And Charity. - - A Plenary Indulgence once a month, is obtained by those who - repeat Acts of Faith, Hope, and Charity, devoutly, once every - day; and who, on any day of that month, shall confess and - receive the holy Communion, and pray for peace and concord - among Christian princes, for the extirpation of heresy, and the - exaltation of the Catholic Church; granted by Pope Benedict XIII. - the 25th of January, 1728, and confirmed by Pope Benedict XIV. - the 28th of January, 1756; who further granted the application - thereof for the relief of the souls in purgatory; and also an - Indulgence of seven years' and seven forty days' penance, to - all the faithful, as often as they devoutly repeat the same. - Pope Clement XIV. the 5th of April, 1772, made this Indulgence - perpetual to the Catholics of this kingdom; but requires an Act - of Contrition to be made previous to the Acts of Faith. Hope, and - Charity. This Indulgence may be applied also for the relief of - the souls in purgatory. - - - Acts Of - - Faith, Hope, And Charity, - - - A Prayer Before The Acts. - -O almighty and eternal God! grant unto us an increase of Faith, -Hope, and Charity; and that we may obtain what thou hast -promised, make us love and practise what thou commandest; through -Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. - - - An Act Of Contrition. - -O my God! I am heartily sorry for having offended thee; and I -detest my sins most sincerely, because they are displeasing to -thee, my God, whom I should have never ceased to adore and love. -I now firmly purpose, by the assistance of thy holy grace, never -more to offend thee; and to avoid for the future, to the utmost -of my power, all dangerous occasions which might expose me to -sin. - -{31} - - An Act Of Faith. - -O my God! I firmly believe that thou art one only God, the -Creator and Sovereign Lord of heaven and earth, infinitely great, -infinitely good, and infinitely perfect. I firmly believe that in -thee, one only God, there are three Divine Persons, really -distinct, and in all things equal, the Father, the Son, and the -Holy Ghost. I firmly believe that God the Son, the second person -of the most Holy Trinity, became man; that he was conceived by -the Holy Ghost, and was born of the Virgin Mary; that he suffered -and died on a cross to redeem and save us: that he arose on the -third day from the dead; that he ascended into heaven, and -sitteth at the right hand of the Father, _always living to make -intercession for us;_ that he will come at the end of the -world to judge mankind, and render to every one according to his -works; that he will reward the good with eternal happiness and -condemn the wicked to the everlasting pains of hell. I believe -these and all other articles which the Holy Roman Catholic Church -proposes to our belief, because thou, my God, the infallible -Truth, hast revealed them; and thou hast commanded us _to hear -the Church_, which is _the Pillar and the Ground of -Truth_. In this Faith I am firmly resolved, through thy holy -grace, to live and die. - -{32} - - An Act Of Hope. - -O my God! who hast graciously promised every blessing, even -heaven itself, through Jesus Christ, to those who keep thy -commandments: relying on thy power which is infinite, thy -mercies, which are over all thy works, and thy promises, to which -thou art always faithful, I confidently hope to obtain the pardon -of my past sins, which I now detest; grace to serve thee -faithfully in this life, by doing the good works thou hast -commanded; and eternal happiness in the next, through my Lord and -Saviour Jesus Christ. - - - An Act Of Charity. - -O my God! my Creator! my Redeemer! my Sovereign Good! whose -boundless charity to me has been unceasing, and whose infinite -perfections adoring angels behold with unspeakable delight, I -love thee with my whole heart and soul, and above all things; and -for thy sake I love my neighbour as myself. Oh, teach me, my -gracious God, to love thee daily more and more; and mercifully -grant that having loved thee on earth, I may love and enjoy thee -for ever in heaven. - -{33} - - A Pious Devotion, - - For a perpetual glorification of the MOST HOLY TRINITY, and the - INCARNATION of our Blessed Redeemer JESUS CHRIST, first - instituted in France, with the approbation of Christopher - Beaumont, late Archbishop of Paris, and confirmed by a decree - of his Holiness Pious VI. issued the 16th May, 1784; who, in - order to promote and extend the same, was pleased to grant an - Indulgence for the City of Rome, and the Faithful throughout - the world, who shall voluntarily associate themselves in the - practice of this devotion according to the intention of his - Holiness, in the following manner. - - Three persons, united in our Lord by the bands of mutual - charity, are to engage themselves voluntarily (though without - any obligation of conscience) to practise a religious exercise, - which consists in adoring the three divine Persons three times - a-day, _viz._ morning, noon, and night, reciting seven - _Gloria Patris_, &c. and one _Ave_, &c. each time, to - adore the Incarnation of the Eternal Word, and in honour of the - most holy Virgin Mother of God. These prayers may be said - either in common or separately, according to the convenience or - inclinations of the persons associated; and in order that these - unions may be continued, it is necessary that the associates - should be _mutually acquainted_, that in case of a vacancy - by death or otherwise, the loss may be repaired by - _appointing another;_ by which means this pious society - may be perpetuated to the end of time. - - - Litany Of The Holy Name Of Jesus. - - Lord, have mercy on us. - Christ, have mercy on us. - Lord, have mercy on us. - Christ _hear us_. - Christ _graciously hear us_. - - God the Father of heaven, - _Have mercy on us._ - God the Son, Redeemer of the World, - _Have mercy on us._ - God the Holy Ghost, - _Have mercy on us._ - Holy Trinity one God, - _Have mercy on us._ - -{34} - - Jesus, Son of the living God, - _Have mercy on us._ - Jesus, Splendour of the Father, - _Have mercy on us._ - Jesus, Brightness of Eternal Light, - _Have mercy on us._ - Jesus, King of Glory, - _Have mercy on us._ - Jesus, Sun of Justice, - _Have mercy on us._ - Jesus, Son of the Virgin Mary, - _Have mercy on us._ - Jesus, most amiable, - _Have mercy on us._ - Jesus, most adorable, - _Have mercy on us._ - Jesus, the mighty God, - _Have mercy on us._ - Jesus, Father of the World to come, - _Have mercy on us._ - Jesus, Angel of the Great Council, - _Have mercy on us._ - Jesus, most powerful, - _Have mercy on us._ - Jesus, most patient, - _Have mercy on us._ - Jesus, most obedient, - _Have mercy on us._ - Jesus, meek and humble of heart, - _Have mercy on us._ - Jesus, Lover of Chastity, - _Have mercy on us._ - Jesus, Lover of Peace, - _Have mercy on us._ - Jesus, Lover of us, - _Have mercy on us._ - Jesus, Author of Life, - _Have mercy on us._ - Jesus, Example of Virtues, - _Have mercy on us._ - Jesus, zealous Lover of Souls, - _Have mercy on us._ - Jesus, our God, - _Have mercy on us._ - Jesus, our Refuge, - _Have mercy on us._ - Jesus, Father of the Poor, - _Have mercy on us._ - Jesus, Treasure of the Faithful, - _Have mercy on us._ - Jesus, good Shepherd, - _Have mercy on us._ - Jesus, true Light, - _Have mercy on us._ - Jesus, eternal Wisdom, - _Have mercy on us._ - Jesus, infinite Goodness, - _Have mercy on us._ - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life, - _Have mercy on us._ - Jesus, Joy of Angels, - _Have mercy on us._ - Jesus, King of Patriarchs, - _Have mercy on us._ - Jesus, the Inspirer of the Prophets, - _Have mercy on us._ - -{35} - - Jesus, Master of the Apostles, - _Have mercy on us._ - Jesus, Teacher of the Evangelists, - _Have mercy on us._ - Jesus, Strength of Martyrs, - _Have mercy on us._ - Jesus, Light of Confessors, - _Have mercy on us._ - Jesus, Spouse of Virgins, - _Have mercy on us._ - Jesus, Crown of all Saints, - _Have mercy on us._ - Be merciful unto us, - _Spare us, O Lord Jesus!_ - Be merciful unto us, - _Hear us, O Lord Jesus!_ - From all sin, - _Lord Jesus deliver us._ - From thy wrath, - _Lord Jesus deliver us._ - From the snares of the devil, - _Lord Jesus deliver us._ - From the spirit of uncleanness, - _Lord Jesus deliver us._ - From everlasting death, - _Lord Jesus deliver us._ - From the neglect of thy holy inspirations, - _Lord Jesus deliver us._ - Thro' the mystery of thy holy incarnation, - _Lord Jesus deliver us._ - Thro' thy nativity, - _Lord Jesus deliver us._ - Thro' thy divine infancy, - _Lord Jesus deliver us._ - Thro' thy sacred life, - _Lord Jesus deliver us._ - Thro' thy labours, - _Lord Jesus deliver us._ - Thro' thy cross and passion, - _Lord Jesus deliver us._ - Thro' thy pains and torments, - _Lord Jesus deliver us._ - Thro' thy death and burial, - _Lord Jesus deliver us._ - Thro' thy glorious resurrection, - _Lord Jesus deliver us._ - Thro' thy triumphant ascension, - _Lord Jesus deliver us._ - Thro' thy joys and glory, - _Lord Jesus deliver us._ - In the day of judgment, - _Lord Jesus deliver us._ - - Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world: - _Spare us, O Lord Jesus!_ - - Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world: - _Hear us, O Lord Jesus!_ - - Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world: - _Have mercy on us, O Lord Jesus!_ - - Jesus, Master of the Apostles, - _Have mercy on us._ - Jesus, Teacher of the Evangelists, - _Have mercy on us._ - Jesus, Strength of Martyrs, - _Have mercy on us._ - Jesus, Light of Confessors, - _Have mercy on us._ - Jesus, Spouse of Virgins, - _Have mercy on us._ - Jesus, Crown of all Saints, - _Have mercy on us._ - Be merciful unto us, - _Spare us, O Lord Jesus!_ - Be merciful unto us, - _Hear us, O Lord Jesus!_ - From all sin, - _Lord Jesus deliver us._ - From thy wrath, - _Lord Jesus deliver us._ - From the snares of the devil, - _Lord Jesus deliver us._ - From the spirit of uncleanness, - _Lord Jesus deliver us._ - From everlasting death, - _Lord Jesus deliver us._ - From the neglect of thy holy inspirations, - _Lord Jesus deliver us._ - Thro' the mystery of thy holy incarnation, - _Lord Jesus deliver us._ - Thro' thy nativity, - _Lord Jesus deliver us._ - Thro' thy divine infancy, - _Lord Jesus deliver us._ - Thro' thy sacred life, - _Lord Jesus deliver us._ - Thro' thy labours, - _Lord Jesus deliver us._ - Thro' thy cross and passion, - _Lord Jesus deliver us._ - Thro' thy pains and torments, - _Lord Jesus deliver us._ - Thro' thy death and burial, - _Lord Jesus deliver us._ - Thro' thy glorious resurrection, - _Lord Jesus deliver us._ - Thro' thy triumphant ascension, - _Lord Jesus deliver us._ - Thro' thy joys and glory, - _Lord Jesus deliver us._ - In the day of judgment, - _Lord Jesus deliver us._ - - Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world: - _Spare us, O Lord Jesus!_ - - Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world: - _Hear us, O Lord Jesus!_ - - Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world: - _Have mercy on us, O Lord Jesus!_ - -{36} - - Lord Jesus, _hear us!_ - Lord Jesus, _graciously hear us!_ - -O Lord Jesus Christ, who hast said, _Ask, and ye shall receive; -seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto -you;_ mercifully attend to our supplications, and grant us the -gift of divine charity, that we may ever love thee with our whole -hearts, and never cease from praising thy holy name; who liveth -and reigneth one God, world without end. Amen. - - - The Salve Regina. - - Hail to the Queen who reigns above, - Mother of clemency and love; - Hail thou, our hope, life, sweetness; we, - Eve's banish'd children, cry to thee. - - We, from this wretched vale of tears, - Send sighs and groans unto thy ears; - O then, sweet Advocate! bestow - A pitying look on us below. - - After this exile let us see - Our blessed Jesus, born of thee. - O merciful, O pious Maid, - O gracious Mary, lend thy aid. - -V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God; - -R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. - - - Let Us Pray. - -O Almighty and eternal God! who didst prepare the body and soul -of the glorious Mary, Mother and Virgin, that by the co-operation -of the Holy Ghost she might become a worthy dwelling for thy Son; -grant, that as we rejoice in her commemoration, so by her pious -intercession we may be delivered both from present evils and -everlasting death: through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. - -{37} - - The Angelus Domini. - - To be said morning, noon, and night, in memory of the adorable - mystery of the Incarnation of our blessed Saviour. - -1. The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary: and she conceived of -the Holy Ghost. Hail, Mary, &c. - -2. Behold the handmaid of the Lord: May it be done unto me -according to thy word. Hail, Mary, &c. - -3. And the word was made Flesh: And dwelt among us. Hail, Mary, &c. - - - Let Us Pray. - -Pour forth, we beseech thee, O Lord, thy grace into our hearts, -that we, to whom the incarnation of Christ thy Son was made known -by the message of an angel, may, by his passion and cross, be -brought to the glory of his resurrection: through the same Christ -our Lord. -Amen. - - - Should the duties of your state of life afford you leisure, you - may, after Morning Prayers, recite the prayer peculiar to the - day, which may be found amongst the "Devotions for every Day in - the Week:" meditate also on the proper Reflections of the day, - which may be seen amongst the "Pious Reflections for every Day - in the Month." - -{38} - - Aspirations And Ejaculations - -Which may be secretly repeated in the heart, amidst the ordinary -actions of the day. - -O my God, grant me the grace never to offend thee. - -O my God, teach me to love thee with my whole heart, and soul, -and mind, and strength, in time and eternity. - -Too late have I known thee, O infinite goodness. - -Too late have I loved thee, O eternal beauty. - -To thee, O God! to thee alone be all honour, and glory, and -praise, and adoration, for ever. - -Mortify in me, O Jesus, whatever displeaseth thee; and make me -according to thine own heart. - -O blessed Jesus; give me grace to learn of thee to be meek and -humble of heart, that I may be united with thee, and find rest -for my soul. - -O my God, and my All! teach me in all things to do thy holy will. - -O Lord! keep me from sin, and grant me the grace of a happy -death. - -O Fountain of all Goodness! have mercy on me. - -O my God, grant me the grace to perform all my works with the -pure intention of pleasing thee. - -Let the name of the Lord be blessed and glorified for ever and -ever. - -Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. - -{39} - -From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same, the -name of the Lord is worthy of praise. - -I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall ever be in -my mouth. - -Bless the Lord, O my soul; and let all that is within me bless -his holy name. - -Thanks be to God for all his benefits. - -Praise be to thee, O Christ; blessed be thy holy name, O Jesus. - -O God of my heart, and my portion for ever; O let nothing in life -or death ever separate me from thee. - -O rather let me die a thousand deaths than offend thee mortally. - - "In all thy works aim at perfection."--Ecclesiastes xxxiii. 23. - - - Prayers For Night. - - If it be a duty of the greatest importance to begin the day - well, it is, doubtless, one of no less consequence to conclude - it properly. The new graces conferred on us daring the course - of the day, and the protection we stand in need of against the - dangers of the night, are urgent reasons why we should address - ourselves to God, and pray to him with the utmost gratitude and - fervour. - - A daily Examination of Conscience, both in general, with regard - to our whole conduct throughout the day, and in particular, with - regard to our predominant vice, passion, or evil custom, and - the particular virtue we want to acquire, is strongly - recommended by all spiritual writers, as one of the most - important duties of a Christian life, and the most profitable - exercise we can apply ourselves to, both for the avoiding of - sin, and the acquiring of virtue. It is a _looking-glass_, - in which we see ourselves in our true colours, and come to the - knowledge of our sins and evil inclinations. It is a - _sponge_, by which we wipe away guilt from our souls, and - become the more pure before God, the more diligently we - practise it. If we do not daily weed the garden of our souls by - this holy exercise, the corrupt ground of the heart will - naturally produce vices and imperfections in abundance. - -{40} - - The nightly Examination of Conscience makes up the principal - part of the last exercise of the day. The method thereof - consists in the following acts, viz., of the presence of God, - thanksgiving, supplication, examine, sorrow, and good - resolutions. - - The many single blessings which God has bestowed and does - bestow on those families where prayers are regularly said in - common, should alone be a sufficient inducement to establish - this practice every where, and chiefly at night, when all may - be assembled with greater convenience.--"_Where two or three - persons shall be assembled in my name, there,_" saith Christ, - "_shall I be in the midst of them._" O Christians, what - stronger inducement can we have to procure so great a - happiness? - - - + In the name of the Father, &c. Amen. - - Blessed be the holy and undivided Trinity, - now and for evermore. Amen. - - Come, O Holy Ghost, replenish the hearts of the faithful, and - enkindle in them the fire of thy divine love. Amen. - - - Let us place ourselves in the presence of God, - and humbly adore him. - -Impressed with the most lively sense of the presence of thy -Eternal Majesty, I adore thee, O my God! I believe in thee, -because thou art truth itself; I hope in thee, because thou art -faithful to thy word; I love thee with my whole heart, because -thou art infinitely amiable and worthy of my love; and, for thy -sake, I love my neighbour as myself. - -{41} - - Let us return thanks to God for the favours he has conferred on - us. - - -Enable me, O Lord, to return thee sufficient thanks for all thy -inestimable blessings and favours. - -Thou hast thought of me, and loved me, from all eternity; thou -hast formed me from nothing; thou hast delivered up thy beloved -Son to the ignominious death of the cross for my redemption; thou -didst preserve me from falling into the abyss of eternal misery, -when my sins had often provoked thee to cut the slender thread of -my life, which thou heldest in thy all-powerful and chastising -hand; and thou still continuest to preserve me, notwithstanding I -still continue to offend thee. Alas! my God, what return can I -make for the innumerable blessings thou hast conferred on me, -during the whole course of my life, as well as for the particular -favours of this day? O all ye angels and saints! unite with me in -praising the God of Mercies, who is so bountiful to so unworthy a -creature. - - - Let us beg of God to make our sins known to us. - - -O Eternal Source of Light! who saidst, "_Let there be -light_," and there was light; illuminate the darkness of my -understanding, and dispel those shades of ignorance and error, -which conceal from me the filth and enormity of my offences. -{42} -Discover to me, I beseech thee, all the sins I have committed -this day, whether in thought, word, deed, or omission; grant me a -lively sense of their enormity, in order that I may hold them in -the utmost detestation, and dread nothing so much as ever to -commit them hereafter. - - - Let us examine our consciences, and consider where and in what - company we have been this day. Let us also call to mind the - sins we have committed against God, our neighbour, and - ourselves, and reflect whether we have fulfilled the duties of - our state of life. - - -Against God: By omission or negligence in the discharge of our -religious duties; irreverence in the church; wilful distractions -or inattention at prayer; resistance to the divine grace; oaths; -murmurings; want of confidence and resignation. _Pause and -examine._ - -Against our Neighbour: By rash judgments; hatred; jealousy; -contempt; desire of revenge; quarrelling; passion; imprecations; -injuries; detraction; raillery; false reports; damaging, either -in goods or reputation; bad example; scandal; want of obedience, -respect, charity, or fidelity. _Pause and examine._ - -Against Ourselves: By vanity; human respect; lies; thoughts, -desires, discourses, or actions contrary to purity; by -intemperance, rage, or impatience; by an useless and sensual -life; or by sloth, in not complying with the duties of our state. -_Pause and examine._ - -{43} - - Repeat the General Confession, "I confess," &c. p. 29. - - - Prayer. - -Penetrated with grief, and overwhelmed with confusion, at the -sight of my iniquities, I acknowledge myself unworthy, O Lord, to -be numbered amongst thy servants, much less to be accounted thy -child. Is it possible I could repay such infinite patience and -goodness with so much malice and ingratitude? Creator of heaven -and earth! I have sinned against thee! I have, alas! offended -thee, who are so good, so amiable, and so worthy of my love! Yet, -Lord, when I consider that I am the work of thy hands, and the -price of the blood of thine only Son, who expired on the cross -for my salvation, I cease to despair of thy pardon. It is -therefore through his infinite merits, that I implore and hope -that thou wilt grant me the forgiveness of my sins. Have pity on -me, O eternal Father, and spare me, for the sake of thy beloved -Son. Turn away thy face from my sins, and blot out my iniquities. -I am heartily sorry for them, because they are offensive to thee; -and shall continue to repent sincerely of them to the very hour -of my death. Amen. - - - Let us make a firm purpose of amendment. - - -O Almighty and eternal God, I wish from the bottom of my heart, -that I had never sinned against thee; but since I have been so -unhappy, O grant me now thy grace, that I may never offend thee -more. Thou hast said: "I will not the death of a sinner, but -rather that he be converted and live." -{44} -Convert me therefore, and I shall be converted. "Have mercy on me -according to thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of -thy tender mercies, blot out my iniquities." I renounce all sin, -firmly purposing henceforth to walk in the path of thy -commandments. This fixed resolution I am determined to keep, with -the assistance of thy grace, purchased for me through the -infinite merits of thine only Son, Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen. - - - Repeat the Lord's Prayer, the Angelical Salutation, the Creed, - the Acts of the Theological Virtues, and the Angelus Domini, as - in Morning Prayer. - - - The Litany Of The Blessed Virgin. - - Anthem - -We fly to thy patronage, O holy Mother of God! despise not our -prayers in our necessities, but deliver us from all dangers, O -thou ever glorious and blessed Virgin. - - Lord have mercy on us. - Christ have mercy on us. - Lord have mercy on us. - Christ hear us. Christ graciously hear us. - God the Father of Heaven, _Have mercy on us._ - God the Son, Redeemer of the world, _Have mercy on us._ - God the Holy Ghost, _Have mercy on us._ - Holy Trinity, one God, _Have mercy on us._ - -{45} - - Holy Mary, - _Pray for us._ - Holy Mother of God, - _Pray for us._ - Holy Virgin of Virgins, - _Pray for us._ - Mother^of Christ, - _Pray for us._ - Mother of Divine Grace, - _Pray for us._ - Most pure Mother, - _Pray for us._ - Most chaste Mother, - _Pray for us._ - Mother undefiled, - _Pray for us._ - Mother unviolated, - _Pray for us._ - Most amiable Mother, - _Pray for us._ - Most admirable Mother, - _Pray for us._ - Mother of our Creator, - _Pray for us._ - Mother of our Redeemer, - _Pray for us._ - Most prudent Virgin, - _Pray for us._ - Most venerable Virgin, - _Pray for us._ - Most renowned Virgin, - _Pray for us._ - Most powerful Virgin, - _Pray for us._ - Most merciful Virgin, - _Pray for us._ - Most faithful Virgin, - _Pray for us._ - Mirror of Justice, - _Pray for us._ - Seat of Wisdom, - _Pray for us._ - Cause of our Joy, - _Pray for us._ - Spiritual Vessel, - _Pray for us._ - Honourable Vessel, - _Pray for us._ - Vessel of singular Devotion, - _Pray for us._ - Mystical Rose, - _Pray for us._ - Tower of David, - _Pray for us._ - Tower of Ivory - _Pray for us._ - House of Gold, - _Pray for us._ - Ark of the Covenant, - _Pray for us._ - Gate of Heaven, - _Pray for us._ - Morning Star, - _Pray for us._ - Health of the Weak, - _Pray for us._ - Refuge of Sinners, - _Pray for us._ - Comforter of the Afflicted, - _Pray for us._ -{46} - Help of Christians, - _Pray for us._ - Queen of Angels, - _Pray for us._ - Queen of Patriarchs, - _Pray for us._ - Queen of Prophets, - _Pray for us._ - Queen of Apostles, - _Pray for us._ - Queen of Martyrs, - _Pray for us._ - Queen of Confessors, - _Pray for us._ - Queen of Virgins, - _Pray for us._ - Queen of All Saints, - _Pray for us._ - - Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world: - _Spare us, O Lord._ - - Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world: - _Graciously hear us, O Lord,_ - - Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world: - _Have mercy on us._ - - Christ hear us. - Christ graciously hear us. - Lord have mercy on us. - Christ have mercy on us. - Lord have mercy on us. - Our Father, &c. - V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God; - R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. - - - Prayer. - -Pour forth, we beseech thee, O Lord, thy grace into our hearts, -that we, to whom the incarnation of Christ thy Son was made known -by the message of an angel, may, by his passion and cross, be -brought to the glory of his resurrection; through the same Christ -our Lord. Amen. - -{47} - - Prayer. - -Bless, O Lord, the repose I am going to take, that by renewing my -bodily strength, I may be the better enabled to serve thee. O all -ye saints and angels, but especially thou, O Mother of God, -intercede for me, not only during this night, and the rest of my -life, but more particularly at the hour of my death. Amen. - - - Another Prayer. - -Pour down thy blessings, O Lord, on my parents, benefactors, -friends, and on my enemies too, if I have any. Protect my -superiors, spiritual and temporal. Help the poor and sick, and -those that are in their last agony. Convert all heretics and -unbelievers. O God of mercy and goodness! have mercy on the souls -of the faithful in purgatory; put an end to their sufferings; and -grant to all those for whom I am particularly bound to pray, -eternal light, rest, and happiness. Amen. - - - Hymn. - - Before the closing of the day, - Creator, we thee humbly pray, - That for thy wonted mercy's sake, - Thou us into protection take. - - May nothing in our minds excite - Vain dreams and phantoms of the night; - Our enemy repress, that so - Our bodies no uncleanness know. - -{48} - - In this, most gracious Father, hear, - Through Christ thy equal Son, our prayer; - Who, with the Holy Ghost and Thee, - Doth live and reign eternally. Amen. - - - Prayer. - -Visit, we beseech thee, O Lord, this habitation, and drive away -from it all the snares of the enemy; let thy holy angels dwell -therein to preserve us in peace; and may thy blessing be upon us -for ever; through Christ our Lord. Amen. - -May the divine assistance remain always with us. Amen. - - - Before you go to bed, read a chapter in some spiritual book. - Resolve within yourself on the subject of the next morning's - meditation, which may be found amongst the "Pious Reflections - for every Day in the Month," and think upon it while you are - undressing. When you compose yourself in bed, think on your - grave, and how soon death, of which sleep is an image, will be - with you; and what your sentiments will then be of all worldly - vanities. Offer up your sleep to God, submitting it with a pure - intention to his holy will; that by this repose of nature you may - recover new vigour of mind and body to serve him. Wish that every - breath you are to draw this night, may be so many acts of praise - and love of the divine Majesty, like the happy breathings of - the angels and saints, who never sleep; and so compose yourself - to rest in the arms of your Saviour. - - - If you awake in the night, renew the offering of yourself to - God, saying: - - "My soul hath desired thee in the night." - Isaiah, xxvi. 9. - -Into thy hands, O Lord, I recommend my spirit: Lord Jesus, -receive my soul, &c. - - -{49} - - A Prayer Before Sermon, Spiritual Reading, &c. - -O incomprehensible Creator, true fountain of light, and only -author of all knowledge, vouchsafe, we beseech thee, to enlighten -our understanding with the rays of thy wisdom, and to chase away -from our minds all darkness of sin and ignorance. Thou who makest -eloquent the tongues of those that want utterance, pour on our -lips, _and into our hearts_, the grace of thy blessing; give -us a diligent and obedient spirit, quickness of apprehension, -capacity of retaining, and the continual assistance of thy holy -grace: that we may apply whatever we hear, read, or meditate on, -to thy honour, and the eternal salvation of our own souls: -through, &c. Amen. - -{50} - - On The Mass. - - - Of all the duties prescribed by our holy religion, the - Sacrifice of the Mass is that which is most pleasing to God, - and most salutary to man. Here it is that Jesus Christ renews - the great mystery of our redemption; here doth he make himself - our victim in a real, though unbloody sacrifice, and in person - applieth to each of us the merits of that blood, which, hanging - on a cross, he was pleased to shed for mankind. This should - give us the most sublime idea of the Mass, and make us desire - to hear it with the utmost reverence and devotion; for to - assist at it irreverently, or without putting a proper - restraint on our eyes and our whole exterior, is to dishonour - religion, and renew, as far as in us lies, the insults he - received on Mount Calvary. To avoid then so great an evil, let - us always come to this august sacrifice with the most earnest - devotion; let us enter into the spirit of Christ; let us offer - ourselves up with him, and as he does; let the church, as we - enter it, strike us with awe; let our modesty and recollection - be uninterrupted from the beginning to the end thereof; let our - hearts, thoughts, and imaginations be, as it were, buried in - God, and the interests of our souls. - - The Practical Reflections (in small letter) at the head of each - prayer, may help to excite our attention. - - The Acts of Faith, Hope, and Charity, usually read on Sundays - and Holidays, before Mass, may be found in page 30. - - -O merciful Father, who didst so love the world as to give up thy -only Son to death, even the death of the cross, for our -redemption; vouchsafe, through his infinite merits, to accept in -our behalf the most holy Sacrifice of the Mass, in the offering -of which we are about to participate. -{51} -We approach thy throne, O Lord, with humble but firm hope, when -we remember that we have the price of the world's redemption to -lay before thee. That price has been paid by the death of thy -ever blessed Son; and among the wondrous means which he has -provided for applying the fruits thereof to our souls, we -contemplate, with especial gratitude, that enduring memorial of -his love, which he instituted at his last supper, whereby he -enables us not only to possess within us; in the divine -Communion, the very Author of grace, the Victim of propitiation, -who died for us on the cross, but also to present him anew to thy -acceptance, really present on our altar, as our Advocate and -Mediator, through the ministry of his Priests, in the adorable -Sacrifice of the Mass. - -At this adorable Sacrifice we are now assembled to assist. O -Lord, look upon the face of thy Christ; and grant, that while we -unite with thy holy Church and its Minister, in offering him -before the throne of thy mercy, for all the purposes for which he -once shed his most precious blood, we may be made partakers of -the one all-atoning sacrifice which he consummated on Calvary. - -{52} - -Bowing down, therefore, in humble adoration, before thy sovereign -Majesty, we now offer the most holy Sacrifice of the Mass to thy -honour and glory, to acknowledge thy infinite perfections, thy -supreme dominion over all thy creatures, our entire subjection to -thee, and our total dependance on thy gracious providence. - -We offer it to thee in thanksgiving for having created us to -thine own image, and destined us for eternal glory; for having -redeemed us from the slavery of Satan by the precious blood of -thy divine Son; for having called us to the true faith; assisted -us by thy graces; borne with our ingratitude; watched over us by -thy special providence; blessed us, notwithstanding our utter -unworthiness, with the continuance of thy gracious protection; -and for all the other innumerable favours which we owe to thy -undeserved bounty. - -{53} - -We offer it to move thee to compassion for our spiritual -miseries, that thou mayest grant us the gift of compunction and -the pardon of our sins. - -We offer it for the propagation of the Catholic Faith, that all -may be brought into the _one fold_ under the _one -shepherd;_ for our most holy Father the Pope, that _the -spirit of wisdom, and fortitude, and piety,_ may rest upon -him; for our Prelate, and for all the Pastors and Clergy of thy -holy Church, that they may direct the faithful in the way of -salvation; for the Queen, _and for all who are in high station, -that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life;_ for concord and -good will among all states and people; for the necessities of -mankind; for the inhabitants of this parish, particularly for the -congregation here present; and to obtain all the blessings that -we stand in need of in this life, the happiness of heaven in the -next, and eternal rest to the faithful departed. - -{54} - -And as Jesus Christ so ordained, when he instituted at his last -supper this wonderful mystery of his power, wisdom, and goodness, -we offer the Mass in grateful remembrance of all that he has done -and suffered for the love of us, making special commemoration of -his bitter passion and death, and of his glorious resurrection -and ascension into heaven. Vouchsafe, O almighty and eternal God, -to whom alone the supreme worship of sacrifice is due, graciously -to accept it for these and all other purposes agreeable to thy -holy will. We offer it, not confiding in any merits of our own-- -we offer it through the merits of the same Jesus Christ, thy -beloved Son, our High Priest and Victim, and in the name of the -most holy Trinity, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost; -to whom be honour, praise, and glory, for ever and ever. - -O all ye Angels and Saints who stand before the throne of God, -vouchsafe to join in our humble supplications; and thou, above -all, O ever blessed Virgin, immaculate mother of God our Saviour, -assist us with thy prayers. We know that thou art near to that -most loving Son, through whom only we can find _access to the -throne of grace_, and who will refuse thee nothing, that -through his infinite merits thou wilt deign to solicit for us. -{55} -At thy suggestion he wrought the stupendous miracle of changing -water into wine. Oh then, beseech him, by all that he has -suffered for our salvation, that the still more wondrous prodigy -which he is about to perform on our altar, may not, through our -unworthiness, be unprofitable to us; that he may move us to -assist at it with the deepest awe, the firmest confidence, and -the most ardent love; that it may thus ascend in the odour of -sweetness to the throne of mercy in our behalf, to be to us an -unfailing source of grace here, and a pledge of eternal life -hereafter. Amen. - -{56} - - Prayers At Mass. [Footnote 2] - - [Footnote 2: For an explanation of the Latin liturgy, and of - the sacrifice and sacred ceremonies of the Mass, the reader - is referred to the commencement of the Supplement, where also - will be found the Ordinary of the Mass, (in English,) as read - by the priest at the altar.] - - - The Beginning Of The Mass. - - -+ In the name of the Father, and of the - Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. - -It is in thy name, O adorable Trinity, it is to honour thee, and -to do thee homage, that I assist at this most holy and august -sacrifice. Permit me then, O Lord, to unite my intention with -that of thy Minister now at the altar, in offering up this -precious victim; and give me the same sentiments I ought to have -had on Mount Calvary, had I been an eye-witness of that bloody -sacrifice. - - - At The Confiteor. - - Think, in the bitterness of your heart, on all your past sins, - and recollect, in a general manner, such of them as are most - humiliating. Lay your weaknesses before God, and beg of him to - pardon them. Implore his assistance in all your necessities, - through the infinite efficacy of this great sacrifice. - -{57} - -I confess, O my God, not only in thy presence, who seest the -secrets of hearts, but also in the presence of all the blessed in -heaven, and faithful on earth, that I have often and grievously -offended thee in thought, word, and deed, _through my fault, -through my fault, through my most grievous fault._ Yes, Lord, -I have sinned; I acknowledge to my shame, and with the most -bitter regret, that I have ungratefully abused all thy gifts; and -therefore I humbly beseech thee, O blessed Virgin Mary, and all -ye saints and angels, to intercede for me. Vouchsafe, O Lord, to -listen to them; grant to the ardour of their prayers, what thou -mayest justly refuse to the coldness of mine; and to their -services, that pardon to which my offences can have no claim. - - - When The Priest Is Going Up To The Altar. - -Unite, O Lord, our hearts and wills, and remove from us every -thing that may any way make us unfit for appearing in thy -sanctuary. Of ourselves we are unworthy to appear in thy -presence: therefore we implore the intercession of the saints in -our behalf. Grant to their prayers the pardon of all our sins: -through Christ our Lord. Amen. - -{58} - - At The Introit. - -We beseech thee, O Lord, that we may be truly prepared for the -offering of this great sacrifice to thee this day. Our sins alone -can render us displeasing to thee, we therefore call aloud to -thee for mercy. - - - At The Kyrie Eleison. - -Have mercy on us, O Lord, and forgive us all our sins; and though -we have nothing of our own to move thy goodness, let our -importunity prevail: have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us. - - - At The Gloria In Excelsis. - - Conceive a vehement desire of promoting the glory of God, and - your neighbour's good. Rejoice with the angels, at the share - you nave in these holy mysteries; and form to yourself the - highest idea of the majesty of God; and of his Son Jesus - Christ. - - -Who is like unto thee, O almighty God! To whom can the most -unlimited tribute of honour, praise, and glory be due, either in -heaven or on earth, if not to thee, the King of kings, the Lord -of lords, and beneficent Creator of the universe! -{59} -The angels and saints, with unceasing rapture, sing forth thy -praises, and glorify thy name in heaven; and shall not I, the -work of thy hands, praise thee also on earth? Yes, O Lord! -Graciously vouchsafe to accept the homage I now pay thee, and -which I purpose fervently to offer thee all the days of my life. - - - At The Collect. - - So called, because the priest lays before God the necessities - of all his people; their vows and desires _collected_, as - it were, together; whence, turning to the congregation, he - invites them to unite with him in the petition, saying: - _Oremus_, or _Let us Pray_. - -Almighty and eternal God, we humbly beseech thee to look down -from thy heavenly sanctuary upon this congregation, and -graciously hear these prayers, which thy church addresses to thee -for us by the ministry of thy priest. - -Grant us, in thy infinite mercy, pardon of our sins, health of -mind and body, peace in our days, unity and increase of Catholic -faith, fervent charity, sincere devotion, patience in suffering, -and every thing else conducive to thy glory and our own -salvation: through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. - -{60} - - At The Epistle. - - Return God thanks for having called you to the knowledge of his - holy law; submit to it with perfect docility; and beg of him to - extend our holy religion over the whole world. - - -O eternal God, who never ceasest to excite us to the worship and -love of thy holy name, or to arm us against the attacks of the -world, the flesh, and the devil, by the public ministry of thy -church, by the doctrine of thy prophets and apostles, and by many -other holy admonitions; grant we may faithfully attend to these -lessons of salvation, that thus our knowledge of thy law may -never rise in judgment against us, but guide us securely to thee: -through Christ our Lord. Amen. - - - At The Gospel. - - Look on the Gospel as the rule of your faith and morals; a rule - which Christ himself has drawn up; a rule which you have solemnly - promised by your baptism to follow, and by which you shall most - certainly be judged. - -{61} - -It is not thy interpreters, O God, who are now to instruct me; it -is thy only Son; it is his word I am about to hear. I most -gratefully embrace this heavenly doctrine. I stand up to declare -in the face of heaven and earth, that I will walk faithfully in -that way which he hath marked out for me. He tells me here, that -"it will avail a man nothing to gain the whole world, if he lose -his own soul; that the sensual, the covetous, the worldling, the -libertine, the detractor, and such as are insensible to the -miseries of the poor, shall have no share in his heavenly -kingdom; and that, in order to become his disciple, I must take -up my cross and follow him." I receive with my whole heart all -these sacred maxims. Grant me the grace to put them in practice; -for to what purpose should I declare myself thy disciple, if I -were not to live according to the maxims of thy gospel. - -{62} - - At The Creed. - - Renew your faith in all those articles which the church - proposes to your belief, because they are founded on God's own - word, revealed in the scriptures, announced by the prophets, - supported by miracles, confirmed by the blood of the martyrs, - verified by the establishment of our faith, and obvious by the - sanctity of our religion. - - -I return thee infinite thanks, O Lord, for having given me birth -in the bosom of the holy Catholic Church. The precious gift of -faith is much more dear to me than any advantage of birth or -fortune. Grant me a perfect docility for all it teaches, as well -for what I understand, as for what is above my conception. It is -neither just nor possible that I should fully comprehend an -infinite God, who cannot even comprehend myself. By thy grace I -am firmly convinced of the wisdom and sincerity of thy apostles, -by whom thou hast announced these mysteries to the world. By them -the world was converted; it submitted, and believed them; which, -if done without a miracle, must be in itself the greatest of all -miracles. What more then can I desire? What surer grounds can I -have? -{63} -On these principles I rest my belief. Here is the faith which to -my last breath I shall profess:--I firmly believe that thou art -one God in three distinct persons, the Father, the Son, and the -Holy Ghost, who of nothing hast created all things. I believe, O -heavenly Father, that thy only Son, who is perfectly equal to -thee, holy, powerful, and eternal, as thou art, became man for -love of us; suffered, died on the cross, rose again, and ascended -into heaven; from whence he shall come at the last day to judge -the world; and that of his blessed kingdom there shall be no end. -I believe in the Holy Ghost, who is also true God as thou art, -proceeding from thee and thy Son: I believe that he spoke by the -prophets, and that by him we are sanctified, I confess one -baptism for the remission of sins. I expect the resurrection of -the body, and the life of the world to come, where I firmly hope -to possess thee, Lord, for ever and ever. Amen. - -{64} - - At The Offertory. - - Consider what an advantage it is to have in this sacrifice, - wherewithal to honour God perfectly; to thank him in a manner - equal to his gifts; to blot out entirely your past sins; and to - obtain, both for yourself and others, all those graces you - stand most in need of. - -O holy Father, almighty and eternal God, how unworthy soever I -may appear in thy presence, yet I presume to offer thee this -Host, by the hands of the priest, with the same intention which -Christ my Saviour had, when he first instituted this august -sacrifice, and which he now has at this very instant that he -immolates himself for us. I offer it in acknowledgment of thy -supreme dominion over me and all creatures. I offer it in -expiation of my crimes; in thanksgiving for all thy benefits. I -offer it to obtain from thy infinite goodness, for my parents, -benefactors, friends, and enemies, all those precious gifts and -graces which only through him can be obtained, who is Just by -excellence, and who became a victim for the sins of men. -{65} -I earnestly entreat thee to bless and protect the holy Catholic -Church, our chief pastor the Pope, our Bishops and Clergy, the -Queen and Royal Family, and all our fellow-subjects of every -denomination. Remember also, O Lord, the souls of the faithful -departed, and grant them, through the merits of thy Son, eternal -light and peace. Have mercy upon all heretics, infidels and -sinners. Bless and preserve all mine enemies; and as I freely -forgive them the injuries they have done, or mean to do me, so do -thou, in thy mercy, forgive me mine offences. Amen. - - - At The Preface. - - Raise up your thoughts to heaven, even to the very throne of - the Divinity, and there with most holy and respectful awe, pay - homage to his glorious majesty, mixing your own praises with - those sacred hymns with which the heavenly spirits are ever - praising him. - - -Do thou thyself, O Lord, raise up my heart; inflame it with thy -love, and free it from all earthly affections; let it rest in -heaven, where thou my treasure art, and on this altar also, where -thou art going to present thyself to thy eternal Father for our -sake. As my life, O Lord, is a continual succession of thy -favours, so let my thanksgivings be also uninterupted. -{66} -And since thou art going to renew the greatest of all sacrifices, -should not I also break forth into the most lively -acknowledgments? Permit me then, O Lord, to join my feeble voice -with the host of heavenly spirits, and to exclaim with them, in -transports of joy and admiration: "_Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God -of Sabaoth: The heavens and the earth are filled with thy glory. -Blessed is he who cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the -highest._" - - - - At The Canon. - - Represent to yourself the altar as a throne of mercy, upon - which Christ is to sit; where you are entitled to present - yourself, to expose your wants, to ask for blessings, and - obtain them. Can he who giveth us his only Son, refuse us any - other favour whatsoever? - - -O Father of Mercy, graciously receive this most holy Sacrifice, -which we offer to thee by the hands of thy priest, in union with -that which thy beloved Son offered thee during his whole life, at -his last supper, and on the cross. -{67} -Look down on thy Christ, thy dearest and only begotten Son, "in -whom thou art always well pleased;" and by the infinite merits of -his incarnation, nativity, tears, labours, sufferings, and death, -have mercy upon me, and upon all those for whom I ought to pray -[_here name the particular persons_]; my parents, brethren, -friends, benefactors, relations, and those who have injured me, -or whom I may have injured. I also beseech thee to guard, -prosper, and extend the holy Catholic Church; to pour down thy -blessings upon our chief pastor the Pope, upon the Bishops and -all the Clergy; enlighten and guide them in the way of salvation. -Bless and preserve the Queen, and all the Royal Family. Look down -upon us all, I beseech thee, O Lord, with eyes of mercy and -compassion. Bring us all to the perfect practice of a holy and -virtuous life here, and to the possession of thy eternal glory -hereafter. May we all know thee; may we all please thee -perfectly; may we fear, love, and glorify thee: through the same -Jesus Christ, who, with thee and the Holy Ghost, liveth and -reigneth one God, world without end. Amen. - -{68} - -Why have not I, O God, at this moment, the ardent sighs with -which the holy patriarchs wished for the Messiah? Why have not I -their lively faith and their ardent love? Come, Lord Jesus! come, -sweet Redeemer of the world! come quickly to accomplish a -mystery, which is an abridgment of all thy other miracles. - -Thou art, O Lord Jesus! the true pastor of souls, who didst lay -down thy life for thy flock! Thou art the Lamb of God, that died -upon the cross to save us! Prostrate in spirit before thee, I -desire to praise and bless thee, both now and for ever. Amen. - - - At The Elevation Of The Host. - - Behold your God, your Saviour, and your Judge! Contemplate in - silent astonishment what passes before you. Excite every - fervent sentiment in your soul, which fear, respect, and - confidence can inspire. - -{69} - -Hail, O Victim of Salvation! eternal King! incarnate Word! -sacrificed for me and all mankind! Hail, precious Body of the Son -of God! sacred Flesh, torn with nails, pierced with a lance, and -bleeding on a cross for us poor sinners! O amazing goodness! O -infinite love! O let that tender love plead now in my behalf: let -all my iniquities be here effaced, and my name be written in the -book of life. I believe in thee; I hope in thee; I love thee. To -thee be honour, praise, and glory, from all creatures, for ever -and ever. Amen. - - - At The Elevation Of The Chalice. - -Hail, sacred Blood, flowing from the wounds of Jesus Christ, and -washing away the sins of the world! O cleanse, sanctify, and -preserve my soul, that nothing in future may ever separate me -from thee. Behold, O eternal Father, thy holy Jesus, and look -upon the face of thy Christ, in whom thou art well pleased. Hear -the voice of his blood crying out to thee, not for vengeance, but -for mercy and pardon. Accept this divine oblation; and through -the infinite merits of all the sufferings that Jesus endured on -the cross for our salvation, be pleased to look upon us, and upon -all thy people, with an eye of mercy. - -{70} - - During the remainder of the Canon contemplate in the most - affectionate manner, your Saviour here present. Reflect on the - mysteries he renews. Unite the sacrifice of your heart to that - of his body. Offer him up to God his Father, with the several - intentions of the four kinds of sacrifice offered in the Old - Law, beseeching him to accept the prayers which his dear Son - addresses to him in our behalf. - -It is now, O eternal Father, that we truly and really offer to -thy Divine Majesty, that pure, holy, and immaculate victim which -thou thyself hast been pleased to grant us, and of which all -other offerings were only the types and figures. The sacrifices -of Abel, of Abraham, and of Melchisedech, were of no value, when -compared to ours. This glorious victim, thy dear Son himself, the -perfect object of thy eternal love, and alone worthy of thy -altar, is an offering by so much the more precious than theirs, -as God is greater than all creatures. - -{71} - - As A Holocaust, Or Whole-burnt Offering. - -O sovereign Creator and Lord of all things! graciously vouchsafe -to accept my humble homage, in union with that which thou here -receivest from Jesus Christ, the only worthy adorer of thy -infinite Majesty. Whilst, therefore, he immolates himself upon -this altar, I unite my intentions with those views and purposes -himself has, in offering to thee this his holy sacrifice. It is -he alone can form a just conception of the boundless excellence -and unspeakable majesty of The Great Creator of Heaven and earth; -he alone fully comprehends the entire extent of thy dominion. He -beholds (what we blind mortals cannot) how far all creatures, -visible and invisible, depend on thee. He plainly conceives that -thy dominion is absolute over all we are, all we possess or can -hope for in time or eternity. It is in acknowledgment of this thy -sovereign authority, and to make, in his name, a public -profession of our total dependence on thee, that I unite with him -in his daily renewal of this most holy sacrifice. - -{72} - - As A Sacrifice Of Thanksgiving. - -Vouchsafe, O most bountiful Lord God, to receive this precious -victim in thanksgiving for all thy benefits. Thou hast created me -to thine own image and likeness, and if thy all-powerful hand had -not continued to preserve the slender thread of my life, I must -ere now have fallen back into my original nothing. For my sake -thou didst abandon thy beloved Son to the cruelty of the Jews, -and to an ignominious death; nor doth a single moment of my -existence pass away without fresh proofs of thy bounty. O that I -could, in some degree, acknowledge those thy innumerable favours, -even at the price of my blood; but the offering I here make thee -is infinitely more acceptable; it is nothing less than thy -beloved Son, equal to thee in all things, the very figure of thy -substance, and splendour of thy glory. - -{73} - - As A Sacrifice Of Expiation. - -Remember, O Lord, that the sacrifice we now offer to thee, is -essentially the same, and equally propitiatory with that which -our Saviour offered thee on Mount Calvary, though different as to -the manner of offering. However base, therefore, our ingratitude -may be, or however manifold our transgressions, we cannot but -hope for pardon, since it is the blood of a God we offer in -atonement. - - - As A Sacrifice Of Impetration. - -O God of infinite bounty, be pleased now to crown all the favours -thou hast hitherto conferred on me, by the gifts of a _lively -faith_, a _firm hope_, and an _ardent charity_. -Bless all my labours and undertakings. Give me an intuitive -knowledge of thy holy will, and an unshaken resolution to put it -into execution. Grant me perseverance in thy grace to the end of -my life. Have mercy on the souls of the faithful departed, -particularly on those for whom I am in a more especial manner -bound to pray. [_Name them_.] Deliver them, O Lord, from all -their sufferings, and admit them into the mansions of everlasting -bliss: through the infinite merits of Christ Jesus, thy only Son, -who liveth, &c. Amen. - -{74} - - At The Pater Noster. - - Let us imagine ourselves present with Jesus on a new Calvary. - Let us remain at the foot of his cross, with the tender - compassion of Magdalen, with the ardent love of St. John; or, - standing afar off with St. Peter, let us weep bitterly over our - manifold sins and offences. - - -What a happiness, O my God, to have thee for my Father! How -joyful to think, that heaven, where thou art, is also to be my -eternal dwelling-place! May thy name be glorified throughout the -whole world. Reign, O Lord, over all hearts, affections, and -desires. Refuse us not our spiritual and corporal food. We freely -forgive others; do thou also forgive us. Support us in the trials -and temptations of this life, and preserve us from sin, the -greatest of all evils. -Amen. - -{75} - - At The Agnus Dei. - - God, so glorious in heaven! so powerful on earth! so dreadful - in hell! is here only a lamb, full of sweetness and bounty! - Behold! he comes here to take away the sins of the world, and - thine in particular. O what a motive of confidence! O what a - subject of consolation! - - -O Lamb of God, sacrificed for my sake, have mercy on me! O -adorable Victim of my salvation, look down on me and save me! -Divine Mediator! obtain pardon of thy eternal Father for me a -sinner, and mercifully grant me the sweets of thy peace. Amen. - - - At The Communion. - - To communicate spiritually, renew, by an act of faith, your - firm belief of Christ's _real presence_. Make an act of - contrition. Desire most earnestly to receive him with the - priest; beg of him to accept these desires, and to unite - himself to you in the effusion of his graces. - - -O that I were among the number of those whose sanctity allows -them to communicate daily! What a happiness, O my God! could I at -this moment erect a throne for thee in my heart, pay thee my -homage, lay open to thee my wants, and participate in the favours -thou grantest to those who _really_ and _worthily_ -receive thee. -{76} -But since I am unworthy, do thou, O Lord, supply my want of the -proper dispositions. Grant the pardon of my manifold sins, which -I detest from the bottom of my heart, because they displease -thee. Cast thy compassionate eye upon me, and purify my soul, -that the ardent wish I now conceive to be united to thee by a -worthy communion, may be speedily accomplished. But until the -arrival of so happy a moment, I earnestly entreat thee, O dearest -Lord, that thou wouldst make me partaker of all those advantages -which the communion of the priest may produce in those thy -people. By the efficacy of this enlivening sacrament, increase my -faith, strengthen my hope, revive in my soul the rays of divine -charity, inflame my heart with thy love, that it may pant only -for thee, and live for thee alone. Amen. - -{77} - - At The Last Prayers. - - Strive earnestly to offer your Lord sacrifice for sacrifice, by - becoming the victim of his love. Immolate freely to him all - your sinful inclinations, and whatever is contrary to his holy - will. - - -Since thou, O Lord, hast sacrificed thyself for my salvation, -shall not I desire to be sacrificed for thy glory? Yes, I am thy -victim: do with me as thou willest. I consecrate my whole being -to thee. I willingly accept whatever crosses thou art pleased to -send me. Receiving them from thy fatherly hand, I embrace them, -and unite them with those thou hast endured for my sake. Before I -quit thy temple, strengthen the resolution I have made to serve -thee with more fidelity, and to struggle, not only against my -ordinary failings, but chiefly against that to which I am most -inclined. Thy law shall henceforth be my rule of conduct during -the remainder of my life; and I will forfeit every worldly -consideration, and suffer every calamity, sooner than transgress -it. Amen. - -{78} - - At The Benediction. - - Receive the blessing from the priest, as given in the name of - the Lord. Thank him sincerely for the favours here granted you. - Lay up with care the fruits of this sacrifice; and let your - conduct be such, as that all who see you, may clearly perceive - how much you have profited by so holy an action. - -Most holy and adorable Trinity! as it is by thee we began this -sacrifice, so it is by thee we desire to conclude it. Suffer us -not therefore, O Lord, to depart hence without thy blessing. Give -it us by the ministry of this priest. May it ever remain with us; -may its influence always direct our actions; and may it be a sure -pledge of that final benediction which thine elect shall receive, -when called by thee to thy kingdom of eternal glory. Amen. - - - At The Last Gospel. - -Divine Word! only Son of the Father! Light of the World! who -camest from heaven to show us the way thither; I adore thy -Majesty with most profound respect; I place my whole confidence -in thee; I most firmly hope, that as thou art my God, a God made -man to save mankind, thou wilt grant me those graces which my -sanctification may require, and also the enjoyment of thee in -glory. Amen. - -{79} - - A Prayer After Mass. - -I return thee infinite thanks, O my God, for permitting me to -assist at this holy sacrifice, in preference to so many others -more worthy of so great a favour; and I hope, that through thy -great mercy, thou wilt pardon me the faults which I may have here -committed, either by my tepidity or inattention. Though I now -return hence to my worldly employments, yet I will remember, -through the course of the day, what thou hast here done for me; -and shall endeavour that no thought, word, or action of mine, -deprive me of the advantages of which I have now been a partaker. -Amen. - -{80} - - A Preparation For Confession. - - There is scarcely any duty of greater importance in religion, - than to receive the Sacrament of Penance with the necessary - dispositions. Penance is as indispensably requisite for those - who have fallen into sin after baptism, as baptism itself is - for such as have never been baptized. _It is a second plank - after the shipwreck of sin, without which the sinner must - inevitably perish_. But then it is to be observed, that this - sacrament must be received with the necessary dispositions. The - cleansing of the baptismal robe, and restoring it to its - original purity, is not to be effected without much labour and - application. It would be absurd to imagine, that the - unchangeable justice of God, which could not be satisfied but - by the sufferings of Jesus Christ, and which, notwithstanding - these sufferings, doth still condemn to eternal torments the - unrepenting sinner; it would be absurd, I say, to imagine that - his justice should now be appeased by a superficial or outward - compliance with this duty, accompanied perhaps with - insincerity, gross negligence, or a fixed adherence to mortal - sin, and therefore destitute of real sorrow, change of heart, - and a firm purpose of amendment. The enormity of sin is the - same at this day as it ever was; it is as unchangeable as God - himself; because it is essentially a rebellion against him; a - breach of his law, an insult offered to his eternal Majesty, - and consequently not more remissable at present in the - sacrament of penance, than at the earliest period of - Christianity, when the severest discipline prevailed, and when - the fervour of primitive penitents was so ardent.--Hence, that - this merciful institution may never be frustrated of its end, - and in order that the sinner may always receive the pardon of - his offences, we must strictly fulfil these five following - conditions: - - I. An examination of conscience, that we may know all our sins. - - II. A heart-felt sorrow for having committed them. - - III. A firm resolution never to commit them again. - - IV. A candid and humble confession of them to a priest - empowered to absolve us. - - V. A desire or intention of satisfying God, and our neighbour - also, if injured. - -{81} - - A Protestation - - Before The Examination Of Conscience. - - -O God, the searcher of all hearts, behold, I here protest, in thy -presence, that what I now design is sincerely for the honour of -thy name, and because I heartily desire to be delivered from the -guilt of my sins: therefore I come to thy sacrament of penance, -that, complying with thy holy institution, I may obtain thy -blessing and pardon, as thou has promised. May thy holy grace -assist me in performing this great duty well, as it is thy mercy -which has called me to it. - - Think seriously, and with the most lively gratitude, on all the - benefits God hath so liberally bestowed on you, and particularly - for his goodness in preparing this sacrament as a remedy for - your sins. - -How great are my obligations to thee, O my God, in thus providing -for me, after my disgrace, the means of a perfect reconciliation. -To have purified me in the waters of baptism, was not enough; -thou hast also left me the waters of penance, to wash me still -more from my iniquities, and cleanse me from my sins. For this -end thou hast left to the church, in the persons of the apostles, -the power of remitting our offences: "_Receive ye the Holy -Ghost; whose sins ye shall forgive, shall be forgiven."_ O -what Excessive goodness! What an advantage to poor sinners, to -have a tribunal established for them, always open, where they may -be received into favour! -{82} -Can I ever be insensible to so striking an instance of thy -bounty? I have withdrawn myself from thee by a formal contempt of -thy law, and thou art pleased to make the first advances to meet -me: O Father of mercies, and God of goodness, be thou for ever -blessed! Permit me to fly to this powerful refuge; and suffer not -that, by a new ingratitude, I should for the future ever abuse so -excellent a resource of salvation. No: it is not human respect, -nor custom, nor the fear of being thought careless of my soul, -that brings me at present to this sacrament of reconciliation; -no, it is a sincere regret for having incurred thy displeasure; -for who can be at rest, O my God, when he knows that he is thy -enemy, and that he has offended the very best of fathers? - - - Prayers - - - Before The Examination Of Conscience. - - - Beg of God to make your sins known to you, and to give you a - true sense of their malice. Prostrate yourself in spirit at the - feet of your Redeemer, as Magdalen did when she washed them - with her tears; or imagine yourself on Mount Calvary, and - there, beneath his cross, pour forth your prayers to him, - resolving to acquit yourself of this confession, as if it were - to be your last. - - -O holy Spirit, eternal Source of Light, mercifully vouchsafe to -enlighten the darkness of my understanding, that I may clearly -perceive the true state of my conscience. -{83} -Thou who hast created me, and art to be my judge, dost fully -behold the most secret recesses of my heart; show me now, -therefore, my sins, in as conspicuous a manner as I shall behold -them when on the point of appearing at thy tremendous tribunal. -My object at present is, to prevent the rigorous account I must -there give of all my thoughts, words, and actions; for were I now -deficient in that sincere exactness which is necessary in the -examination and confession of my sins, thou wouldst infallibly -correct, at thy unerring tribunal, the injustice and iniquity of -such a proceeding. Discover, then, to me, O my God, all these -secret thoughts, irregular desires, criminal words, and actions, -or omissions of my duty, by which I may have violated thy sacred -laws, or scandalized my neighbour. O do not permit self-love to -seduce and blind me, but rather remove the veil it places before -my eyes, that beholding the true state of my interior, I may make -an humble and sincere confession of my sins to thy minister. - -I desire, like the prodigal child, to enter seriously into -myself, and without delay to forsake my evil ways, in which I -have been wearied out in the pursuit of empty toys and mere -shadows, seeking in vain to satisfy my thirst with muddy waters, -and my hunger with the husks of swine. I ardently desire to -return to thee, O Fountain of Life! but, O my God, though I can -go astray from thee fast enough, when left to myself, yet I -cannot make one step towards returning to thee, unless thy divine -grace stir me up and assist me. -{84} -This grace, then, I most humbly implore, prostrate in spirit -before the throne of thy mercy. I beg it for the sake of Jesus -Christ, my Redeemer, who died upon the cross for me and for all -sinners. Thou hast said, "_There is joy in heaven for one -sinner that doeth penance._" Give me now the grace of true -repentance, and let heaven rejoice at my conversion. Assist me in -this great work by thy heavenly light, in order that I may -discover all my imperfections, see all my sins in their true -colours, and sincerely detest and confess them. I know thou -desirest not the death of a sinner, but rather that he be -converted and live. I know that thy mercies are above all thy -works, and I most confidently hope, that as in thy mercy thou -hast spared me so long, and hast now given me this desire of -returning to thee, so thou wilt finish the work that thou hast -begun, by assisting me in every part of my preparation for it, -and bringing me to a perfect reconciliation with thee. - - - - Examine yourself attentively, not only on the sins you have - committed since your last confession, but also on the faults - you may have committed in making it; but beware of scrupulosity - or anxiety; for in this examination it is only necessary that - you should use such a moral diligence as any temporal concern - might require, where it is neither your intention nor your - interest to be deceived. For this purpose, calmly recollect on - the different occasions of sin which have since fallen in your - way, or to which your state and condition of life exposes you; - the places you have frequented, the persons you nave conversed - with; &c. &c.; in the doing of which the following table of - sins will greatly assist you. - -{85} - Sins Against God. - - In Matters of Faith. - - Have you been guilty of heresy, or disbelief of any article - of faith, or of voluntarily doubting of any article of faith? - - Have you rashly exposed yourself to the danger of infidelity, - by reading bad books, keeping wicked company, going into places - of worship belonging to other communions during the time of - their service, and joining with them in their worship? - - Have you, by word or deed, denied your faith, or railed at or - despised holy things? - - Have you been ignorant of the articles of your faith and the - duties of your religion, or have you been negligent in - instructing, or procuring the necessary instructions for - those under your care? - - Have you given credit to dreams, taken notice of omens, or - made any other superstitious observations? - - Have you used charms or spells, or consulted fortune-tellers, - or made use of any other superstitious practices to find out - things to come, recover things lost, &c. How often? and with - what scandal and ill example to others? - - - Of Hope. - - Have you despaired of salvation, or of the forgiveness of - your sins? - - Have you rashly presumed upon God's goodness, continuing to - offend him because he is merciful; going on in your sins, - without any thought of amendment, depending upon a death-bed - repentance? - - Have you relied upon yourself rather than upon divine grace; - or neglected for a long time to return to God by repentance, - after falling into mortal sin? - - - Of Charity. - - Have you loved any creature as much or more than God? - - Have you murmured against the providence of God, resisted his - inspirations, refused to submit to his divine will, not - prevented evil when you could and ought, committed sins - through human respect? - - - Of Religion. - - Have you made a sacrilegious confession or communion? - - Have you received the sacraments of confirmation or matrimony - in the state of mortal sin? - - Have you abused the holy scripture, or profaned holy places - or sacred things? - - Have you blasphemed God or his saints? - - Have you been negligent in the divine worship, seldom or - never adoring and praising God, or giving him thanks for his - benefits? - - Have you prayed but seldom, or with little attention, or - omitted to make acts of faith, hope, and charity? - -{86} - - Have you behaved with irreverence in the house of God, or - broken any vow or solemn promise made to him? - - Have you neglected to hear mass on Sundays and holy-days of - obligation? or have you heard it with wilful distractions, or - not taken care that your children or servants should hear it? - - Have you neglected confession and communion at Easter, or - omitted the penance enjoined you, or acquitted yourself of - these religious duties carelessly? - - Have you sworn falsely, or what you did not certainly know - whether it was true or false? - - Have you broken your lawful oaths, or sworn to do any thing - that was wicked or unlawful? - - Have you had a custom of swearing rashly or inconsiderately, - by the name of God, by your soul, or by the way of - imprecation upon yourself or others? - - Have you sworn by the blood or wounds of God, or any other - blasphemous oath, or been accessory to others swearing, - cursing, or blaspheming? - - Have you spent the Sundays or holy-days of obligation in - idleness or sin, or been the occasion of others so spending - them? - - Have you done any servile work without necessity upon those - days? - - Have you broken the days of abstinence, or eaten more than - one meal on fasting days, or been accessory to others so - doing? How often, &c. - - - Sins Against Our Neighbour. - - In Thoughts. - - Have you been deficient in point of charity - towards your neighbour? - - Have you judged rashly of him? - - Have you willfully entertained thoughts of hatred, aversion, - rancour, or a coldness and resentment against him? - - Have you, on this account, endeavoured to avoid meeting or - speaking to him? - - Have you envied him in his merit, reputation, fortune or - employments? - - Have you conceived desires of revenge against him, and wished - that harm might befall him? - - Have you been hard-hearted, or without any feeling or - compassion for him in his affliction? - - Have you felt in yourself a secret pleasure and satisfaction - when any disgrace happened to him, and discontent in seeing - him thrive and flourish? - - [These sins may vary in their malice, according to the length - of time we were thus affected, or the relation we stand in to - the different persons in question, or according to the - greater or less importance of the matter under our - consideration.] - -{87} - - In Words. - - Have you spoken harshly to your neighbour; given him abusive - language; railed at him; miscalled him; mocked and ridiculed - him; exposed him to scorn; affronted him; censured his - conduct; found fault with every thing he did; put wrong - constructions upon his actions; calumniated or detracted him; - been pleased to hear others speak ill of him; listened to and - encouraged the calumny or detraction when you could prevent - such discourses? [N.B.--The motive for speaking thus, the - number of persons present, and the subject of this - uncharitable language, must be specified, as we are bound to - repair the injury to the best of our power.] - - We also sin by ill-natured reports or insinuations, malicious - expressions, whether true or false; by giving bad advice and - bad example; by instilling bad or dangerous principles; by - flattering others, or approving of evil; by giving false - testimony; by discovering the secrets or the faults of - others; by abusive words, reproaches, bad wishes or - imprecations, &c. - - In Actions. - - Have you wronged, deceived, or circumvented your neighbour in - buying or selling? - - Have you injured him by stealing, cheating, usury, extortion, - or any unlawful contract? by putting off false money, or using - false weights or measures? - - Have you bought or received stolen goods? - - Have you contracted debts without design of paying them? - - We also sin by wronging our creditors, or our own family, by - prodigal expenses; by refusing to pay our just debts when - able, or by culpable extravagance rendering ourselves unable - to pay them by neglecting the work or business for which we - were hired, and obliged by contract to perform; in fine, by - unjustly taking or keeping any thing of value belonging to - another; in which case it is impossible to obtain forgiveness - without making restitution to the best of our power. [And - here it is to be observed, that where two or more jointly - injure another, in goods or reputation, they are jointly and - severally obliged to restitution; that is to say, they are - bound to contribute their respective proportions towards - repairing the injury; and every individual of them is - answerable before God for the whole injury, when either or - any of the accomplices refuse to repair their portion - thereof.] - - In Omissions. - - Have you neglected to succour, comfort and assist your - neighbour in necessity? - - Have you neglected to restore ill-gotten goods, or to repair - injured characters? - - Have you refused to be reconciled to an enemy, or to perform - duties of obligation, such as respect and love towards - parents, obedience to superiors, &c. - -{88} - - Sins Against Ourselves Are Committed - - By Pride. - - In having too great an esteem for ourselves, and haughtily - despising others - - In being too apt to speak of our own affairs, or in our own - praise; - - In aspiring to honours and preferment through vanity; - - In affecting to be humble, or in deceiving others by - hypocrisy - - In being influenced in what we do by human respects, for - obtaining the applause and esteem of men - - In being too much wedded to our own opinions and - inclinations; - - In being too solicitous about our health; - - In being too fond of the pleasures, comforts, and - conveniences of life. - - - By Avarice. - - In being backward in giving alms according to our ability; - - In squandering away in gaming, or in vain and foolish - expenses, the substance that Providence hath given for the - relief of the poor and distressed; - - In not only refusing them an alms which we can afford, but in - refusing it with bitterness, reproaches, imperious, - ill-natured language, or with an insulting air; - - In being too much attached to the goods of this life; where - it must be ever remembered, that whatever is _really_ - superfluous to us belongs of right to the poor; that where - there is much, much should be given; and that where there is - only a little, even some of that little should be cheerfully - given; for "_God loves the cheerful giver._" - - - By Envy. - - In being sorry for the prosperity of others - - Rejoicing at their misfortunes - - In wishing with jealousy for what belongs to them. - - - By Impurity. - - In willfully dwelling upon, or taking pleasure in unchaste - thoughts. - - [N. B.--The penitent must here mention whether these bad - thoughts were entertained during a considerable time, and how - long; whether they were accompanied with desires of committing - the evil; whether they caused irregular motions; whether in a - holy place; and, finally, whether the objects of these sinful - desires were single or married, kindred or relations, or - persons consecrated to God.] - -{89} - - By Words. - - In speaking obscenely, or with a double meaning, which is as - bad, if not worse; in listening with pleasure to such vile - language. [N. B.--this sort of discourse is still more - criminal, when it passes between two persons of a different - sex. We also sin grievously this way, by singing unchaste - songs, by giving toasts and sentiments contrary to modesty, - or by permitting them to be given when we can prevent them, - or by not retiring on such occasions.] - - - By Looks. - - In viewing immodest objects; - - In reading bad books; - - In keeping indecent pictures; - - In frequenting plays and public assemblies, which are but too - often the schools of vice, where dangerous objects are held - up to view, and where vice is represented, not in its native - horrible colours or consequences, but as mere gaiety. - - Comedies also are so full of indecent sentiments and - indelicate allusions, as cannot but offend a modest ear, and - have an immoral tendency. They are not only powerful - incentives to this vice, but are besides evidently unlawful, - for the following reason: viz. because we cannot assist at - them without contributing, by our purse and our example, to - maintain a set of people in a profession, or way of life, - which was always deemed infamous by the Catholic Church. - Under this head likewise may be classed, the tempting of - others to sin, by dissolute glances, gestures, or immodesty - in dress or behaviour. - - By Actions. - - In abusing and defiling the sanctity of marriage by such - liberties and irregularities as are contrary to the order of - nature; - - in touching ourselves or others immodestly; - - in permitting indecent liberties to be taken with us. [N.B.-- - It is necessary to explain every thing, in order to make - known such circumstances as may increase or diminish the - guilt, with as much modesty as possible; and also to declare, - whether we have employed, or neglected to employ the - necessary means of overcoming this vile passion. We should - carefully distinguish what is wilful, from what is not; an - effect of deliberation, from one of mere negligence; also the - number of these bad actions, or at least the length of time - we continued in the habit of committing them; with what sort - of persons we have sinned, or desired to sin, but this - without mentioning their names. And as it too often happens - with young persons, who have miserably fallen into a certain - sin of a lonely and abominable nature, either to conceal this - crime, or not faithfully confess how often they have been - guilty of it, we therefore earnestly beseech such to reflect - seriously on the fatal evils in which they involve - themselves. Let them consider, that all those confessions, - and the communions which follow them, are only so many - sacrileges, removing them still farther from God, and - provoking his just indignation against them; that the longer - they continue in this state of Hypocrisy, the more difficult - it must be to overcome their bashfulness, and the more - anguish they must feel in their own interior; that no - practice is more destructive of health, beauty, or genius, - than this; that it deforms and debilitates the wretched - perpetrator; that it must, not only in a moral, but also in a - physical sense, degrade him beneath the rank of the brute - creation, and render him contemptible to mankind.] - -{90} - - By Gluttony. - - In exceeding the bounds prescribed by temperance; - - in eating or drinking to excess; - - in exciting others to do so; - - in not observing with due exactness the days of fasting and - abstinence enjoined by the church; - - in exceeding the quantity which is usually allowed at - collation. - - - By Anger. - - In abusing, quarrelling, striking, or wishing evil to - others; in provoking others to quarrel or fight. Which sins - are still more heinous when parents or superiors are the - objects thereof. - - - By Sloth. - - In neglecting our religious or moral duties; - - in performing them carelessly; - - in leading a life of idleness, voluptuousness, and - dissipation; - - in passing our time unprofitably, - when the duties of our state call on us to labour. - - We are also guilty by following the bent of our inclinations, - and gratifying self-love; - - by studying too much our own ease; - - by too great a remissness in mortifying our passions or - senses. - - - After The Examination. - - Having discovered the different sorts of sins of which you have - been guilty, together with their number, enormity, or such - aggravating circumstances as may considerably increase their - malice or change their nature, your next endeavour should be to - excite in your breast a _heart-felt sorrow_ for having - committed them, and a sincere detestation of them. This being - the most essential, as well as the most difficult, of all the - dispositions requisite to a good confession, with what - humility, fervour, and perseverance should you not importune - Him who holds the hearts of men in his hands, to grant it you! - -{91} - - In the mean time, seriously meditate on those powerful motives - for exciting contrition, which the church holds forth to her - children; and in order to feel their force the more - effectually, endeavour to enliven your faith, to strengthen - your hope, and inflame your charity, by devoutly reciting the - acts of the three theological virtues (_page_ 30). In the - next place reflect on those motives which are most capable of - alarming, and at the same time of melting your heart into - compunction; such as the everlasting torments of hell; the - eternal loss of God, and of the joys of heaven, the horror and - filthiness of sin; the goodness of God in all he has done, and - all he still does, and all he will do for us, if we continue to - love and serve him; particularly that astonishing instance of - his love and undeserved mercy, in forbearing to cut your - slender thread of life, and to precipitate you into eternal - torments in the very height of your rebellion against him. This - consideration alone must necessarily engage you to cry out with - ecstatic surprise and astonishment, "_How good must God be in - himself who has been so good to me, his faithless and - ungrateful child!_" He saw nothing in you deserving of his - mercy; he saw every thing in you that merited his wrath and - indignation. - - This last reflection on the infinite goodness of God, if dwelt - on with due attention, cannot fail to inflame your heart with - an unfeigned love of Him for his own sake, _the purest and - best of all motives_. Whilst the heart is thus softened by - divine love into compunction for your sins, form an unshaken - resolution of never more offending him, of doing your utmost to - amend your life, of satisfying for your sins, and of repairing - any injury you may have done your neighbour, either in his - character or property. - - If, with these sentiments glowing in your breast, you cast - yourself at the feet of your confessor and reveal to him all - the sins you can recollect, _with tears_ of compunction, - and in a truly penitential spirit, be assured you shall return - _with joy_ from the tribunal of confession, and feel - realized in yourself the consoling promise of the Holy Spirit, - that "_They who sow in tears, shall reap in joy_." Psalm - cxxv. - - - At The Confession. - - Begin by devoutly making the sign of the cross, + saying at - the same time, _Bless me, O Father, for I have sinned_. -{92} - Then repeat the _Confiteor_, or "I confess to the - Almighty," &c. till you come to the words, "_through my - fault,_" at which strike your breast, glowing with - compunction, like the humble publican in the gospel; and so - proceed to accuse yourself with candour and sincerity, telling - first how long it is since you were last at confession, whether - you were then absolved, (a circumstance of the utmost - importance, which many are too negligent in attending to,) and - whether you performed your penance. Having confessed all the - sins you can remember, listen with docility to your confessor, - whilst he endeavours to excite you to contrition, and - prescribes the various means, either of atoning for the sins - you have confessed, or of preventing future relapses. - - - - Prayers Before Confession. - - We are taught by the holy Council of Trent, that those who - would obtain the grace of justification, should be thus - disposed: they must have faith; they must fear the justice of - God; they must hope for mercy, through Jesus Christ our Lord; - they must begin to love God; they must hate sin; they must - sincerely resolve to change their lives, and keep the - commandments. To infuse these necessary dispositions into the - soul of the penitent, is the intent of the following prayers: - - -I am fully sensible, O my God, that there cannot be a greater -misfortune than to have displeased thee, who art infinitely good -and worthy of all our affections. I tremble when I consider how -terrible a misfortune it is to fall unprepared into thy hands; -for who can bear that dreadful sentence: _Depart from me, ye -accursed, into eternal fire!_--Matthew xxv. But the thought of -losing thee, O Lord, alarms me still more than any other -punishment whatsoever. Thy patience in waiting for me, thy -readiness to pardon me, the multitude of thy mercies, which I -have so often experienced, are now present to my mind; they -upbraid me most forcibly. -{93} -Thou hast brought me forth from nothing, created me to thine own -image and likeness, ransomed me with thy precious blood, and -after I had rebelled and become a slave to Satan, thou didst -still bear with me, adopt me as thy child, and prefer me to -thousands who were never enlightened by thy holy law. Yet I have -deserted thee, I have tired myself in the ways of iniquity, I -have hated thy discipline, I have turned my back on all thy -commandments. Though thou hast called me, yet have I refused to -return; though thou hast frequently stretched out thy hands to -me, yet I have paid no regard to thy invitations. Wretch that I -am! who shall deliver me from this body of death? Who shall give -water to my head, and a fountain of tears to my eyes, that day -and night I may weep for my ingratitude? I have sinned! what -shall I do to appease thee? O Guardian of men! behold I -acknowledge my iniquity. My transgressions are become a heavy -burden upon me. I am not worthy to appear before thee, nor even -to lift up my eyes before thy throne. From the depth of my misery -I cry out to thee: O Lord, hear my voice, and be merciful to a -poor sinner! Thy mercies surpass all thy works; thou willest not -my death but my conversion; nor didst thou come to call the just, -but sinners to repentance. Thou art always mindful of thy word, -on which I rely: receive thy prodigal child, nor let me -henceforth be ever separated from thee. - -{94} - -Though I have sinned, O Lord, and done evil in thy sight, yet I -shall never say, as Cain did, that "my crimes are too great to be -forgiven." I know that in mercy thou dost display thy power; and -that though my sins were multiplied in number even beyond the -grains of sand in the sea, atoms in the air, or drops of water in -the ocean, yet thy mercies are still infinitely greater. Without -this consideration I should certainly despair. But thine own -repeated assurances, and the frequent proofs thou hast given of -thy tenderness towards sinners, support my confidence in thee -whenever my enemy attempts to weaken it. Thou art truth itself; -and therefore thy word can never deceive us. Thou hast declared -that thou wilt entirely forget the iniquities of the sinner, if -he be truly converted, and cease to do evil; thou hast told us, -that a contrite and humble heart shall always find favour with -thee. Thy sacred oracles are full of these sweet consolations, -and thy invariable conduct towards sinners speaks the same -soothing language. Thou didst pardon David, though his sin was -most grievous; Magdalen, a sinner by profession; Peter, who -denied thee with oaths; the adulteress, convicted in thy -presence; the penitent thief on the cross: all these obtained -forgiveness, because they sought it sincerely. Nay more, thy -tenderness was shown even to the traitor Judas; nor were even the -cruel Jews excluded from thy prayers: and shall I not also, O my -God, cry out to thee for mercy? -{95} -Yes; for relying on thy wonted goodness, I shall never be -confounded. My sins are enormous, it is true, and stand always -against me; but the more hideous they are, the more I detest -them. Against thee, O God, have I sinned; and to thee I cry out -for pardon. O that I had never offended thee, because thou art -infinitely good. O that my sorrow for having offended thee were -as great as my offences. O that I might grieve for them even unto -death, and feel those bitter pangs with which thy soul was -overwhelmed in the Garden of Olives. Let the inexpressible -anguish of mind thou didst there feel, thy sighs, thy tears, thy -fainting, and thy bloody sweat, O Lord! plead now in my behalf, -and supply the defects of my imperfect sorrow. Let them draw down -thy mercies, O heavenly Father, and restore me again to thy -favour. - -I have now before me, O Lord, a sad prospect of the manifold -offences by which I have displeased thy divine Majesty, and which -I am assured will appear in judgment against me, if I repent not, -and my soul be not disposed by a hearty sorrow, to receive thy -pardon. But this sorrow, O Lord, this repentance, must be thy -free gift; and if it come not from the hand of thy mercy, all my -endeavours will be in vain, and I shall be for ever miserable. -Have mercy therefore on me, O Father of Mercies! and pour forth -into my heart thy grace, whereby I may sincerely repent of all my -sins. -{96} -Give me a true contrition, that I may bewail my past miseries and -ingratitude, and grieve from the bottom of my heart for having -offended so good a God. Permit me not to be deluded with a false -sorrow, as, I fear, I have been too often, through my own -weakness and neglect; but let it be now thy gift, descending from -thee, the Father of Lights, that so my repentance may be -accompanied with amendment and a change of life, that I may be -fully acquitted from the guilt of all my sins, and once more -received into the number of thy servants: through Jesus Christ -our Lord. Amen. - -Thou hast, O Lord, given power to thy church to forgive sins in -thy name. Thou hast promised pardon to those who do penance. -Behold the prodigal child; nay, worse than the prodigal. I have -disfigured and denied my soul, that was created to thy own image -and likeness. I have forfeited my title to that eternity of -happiness which was prepared for me. I have nourished sin in my -bosom, the most poisonous of serpents, and the most hateful of -monsters. Alas! I have offended him by whose blood I was -redeemed. I have been the cause of his sufferings; I have renewed -his death, and crucified him again by my sins. Oh! who will give -sorrow to my heart, and a fountain of tears to mine eyes, that I -may bewail my iniquities in the bitterness of my soul. Have -compassion on me, O most loving Father! I throw myself into the -arms of thy infinite mercy. -{97} -Clothe me with thy grace, and admit me to thy sacrament of -reconciliation. Cast out of my heart whatever thou knowest -profanes, or defiles thy temple. Root out of my soul whatever is -displeasing unto thee, and lay in me the foundation of a new -life. I renounce and utterly detest all my sins, for the love of -thee. O my God of infinite bounty and goodness! I am heartily -sorry for having offended thee. I beg and hope for pardon, -through the merits of thine only Son, my Saviour, Jesus Christ. -Accept his passion and death in satisfaction for my offences, and -for his sake have mercy on me, who place my whole trust and -confidence in thee. Amen. - - - - A Prayer To The Blessed Virgin. - -O holy Virgin, Mother of God, and sure refuge of penitent -sinners, intercede for me at this moment, that the confession -which I am about to make may not render me more guilty, but may -obtain for me the remission of all my sins, and the necessary -graces to avoid them hereafter. Amen. - - - A Prayer At Receiving Absolution. - -O merciful God, as at the words of thy angel, St. Peter was -immediately restored to liberty, by the chains falling off from -his feet; so grant, dear Lord, that by the words of this holy -sacrament, pronounced by thy priest, the chains of my sins may be -loosed, and all my offences pardoned. Amen. - -Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me. O God, be merciful to me a -sinner. O Thou who suffered for me, have mercy on me. Sprinkle me -with thy blood, O Jesus, and I shall be made whiter than snow. - -{98} - - Prayers After Confession. - -Is it possible, O my God, that having been a criminal but a few -moments ago, I should now be cleansed from my sins by virtue of -this sacrament? Yes, I firmly believe it; because thou hast left -to thy church the power of forgiving sins, and hast inclined my -heart to comply with the necessary conditions for obtaining -pardon. Thou hast declared to thy apostles, that "whatever they -should loose on earth, should be loosed also in heaven; and that -whosoever sins they should forgive, should be forgiven." This is -the sacred warrant of their tribunal, whose authority thy -faithful have ever acknowledged. Here are the keys of thy -heavenly kingdom, solemnly made over to thy church in our favour; -we are therefore obliged to have recourse to them. This power was -not confined to the apostles, no more than the power of baptising -nations; but being granted in as general terms, doth in like -manner, extend to their successors. I give thee thanks, O my God, -for this tender proof of thy love, and invite all creatures to -glorify thee for it. Thou hast invested a power in the sons of -men, which thou wouldst not confer on angels or archangels; -_whatever ye shall bind on earth, &c._ was not addressed to -them. -{99} -"The princes of this world have dominion only over the body, but -the power of the priest affects the very soul. The eternal Father -hath given all power to his Son; but then I behold this very -power delivered by the Son to mortals. The Jewish priests could -only pronounce those clean whose bodies had been already cleansed -from the leprosy; but to our priests it was given, not merely to -_pronounce clean_, but really to _cleanse_, not the -infections of the body, but the very stains of the -soul."--[_St. Chrys. b._ iii. _of the Priesthood_.] -"Thus thy manifold mercy hath provided succour for human frailty; -that as by baptism, so also by penance, the hope of life should -be renewed; for Christ Jesus, our Mediator, authorized the rulers -of his church to impose penance upon persons confessing, and to -admit them, thus purified by wholesome satisfaction, to share in -the sacraments."--[_St. Leo. ep._ 23.] This is an effect of -that precious blood which thou, O amiable Redeemer, hast shed for -my sake: I acknowledge the wonders of thy love in accepting this -poor satisfaction, in pardoning all, in forgetting all, instead -of punishing me as I deserved. It is necessary to be what thou -art, a God of infinite goodness, to deal in such a compassionate -manner with so miserable a sinner: and therefore, I humbly -beseech thee to imprint on my heart a just sense of this favour, -that I may gratefully remember it all the days of my life, and -extol without ceasing the multitude of thy mercies. Amen. - -{100} - -O most sweet Lord Jesus! graciously vouchsafe to remember all -those holy thoughts that have passed in thy divine mind from the -beginning of the world to this very moment, and particularly thy -tender design in becoming man for the redemption of the world: -pardon, through the merits of these, not only all the evil -thoughts and vain imaginations I have ever conceived of myself, -but also those I might have excited in the minds of others. Amen. - -O most pious Lord Jesus! I, a poor sinner, do humbly remind thee -of all those words of salvation which have ever fallen from thy -sacred lips, or which others have uttered, or shall hereafter -utter, to the glory of thy holy name. I earnestly beseech thee, -through these divine expressions, to forgive whatever I have -spoken offensive to thee, or what others, through my means, may -have sinfully uttered. Amen. - -O most amiable Lord Jesus Christ! look on all the good works thou -has performed for our salvation; and be pleased now to pardon -whatever I have committed against thee. Mercifully direct all my -thoughts, words, and actions, to thy greater glory, and regulate -them by the model of thine own blessed life. Amen. - -O Jesus Christ, Saviour of the world, who invitest the sinner to -return to thee, kindly receiving, refreshing, and consoling him, -remember that with thy precious blood thou wert pleased to redeem -me. To thy sacred wounds I fly for refuge; and as in thy mercy -thou didst pray for thine enemies, and pour forth thy life for -thy persecutors and tormentors, so impart here to me the benefit -of thy passion; Grant I may never again crucify thee by mine -offences, but that sincerely grieving for what is past, and -resolutely striving against future temptations, I may fervently -persevere in thy service to the end. - -{101} - -Into thy hands, O Lord, I commend my whole being. O Jesus, Son of -David, have mercy on me. - -Receive, O Lord, in thy great mercy, the poor remains of my life. -I am heartily sorry for the years I have misspent; they have -vanished as a shadow, they have passed away without fruit; but as -I cannot recall them, suffer me at least to think of them in the -bitterness of my soul. Suffer me no longer to yield to my -accustomed failings. Let the ardour with which I pursued a life -of sin, be henceforth more diligently applied to thy service, -that where sin hath abounded, thy grace may still more abound. -Remember, O Lord Jesus! that it is not thy desire to lose any of -those whom thy Father hath given thee, but rather to have mercy -always, and to spare; to destroy no one, but to save all; because -thy Father hath sent thee into the world, not to judge the world, -but to grant us life through thee. May, therefore, O Lord, thy -boundless merits plead for me now, and at my last moments, that I -may obtain the full remission of my sins; that I may truly know -thee; that I may ever love thee; that I may tend to thee -incessantly; and at length arrive to the eternal enjoyment of -thee, who, with the Father and the Holy Ghost, livest and -reignest, &c. Amen. - -{102} - -I sincerely detest all my sins, and am fully resolved, O Lord, -through the assistance of thy divine grace, never to offend thee -hereafter. I therefore earnestly beseech thee to confirm all -those good resolutions I have made. Increase my fervour in thy -service, and render it efficacious, that my change of life may be -visible to all, and that in future my conduct may be as edifying -as it has been heretofore scandalous. -Amen. - -O that I had never sinned! O that I had never transgressed thy -commands, my God! Happy those souls who have preserved their -innocence, and never lost that grace they received at the -baptismal font! Most loving Father, I have sinned against heaven -and before thee, and am not worthy to be called thy child. I -confess my ingratitude, and seek refuge in thy mercy. I have -wandered like a sheep that is gone astray; but have compassion on -me, and save me. Forgive me what is past; and through the bowels -of thy infinite goodness, grant me a true steadiness of spirit, -that from this moment I may never offend thee more. - -O blessed Virgin Mary, my holy patron, [_name him or her,_] -and all ye Saints and Angels, praise and extol our Lord for his -boundless goodness towards me a most miserable sinner. Beseech -him to accept of this my humble confession, and to supply, -through his infinite mercies, all its deficiencies. Beg of him to -ratify in the archives of heaven, the sentence of absolution -which his minister, the priest, hath pronounced in my favour at -the tribunal of confession. Amen. - -{103} - - Instructions For Communion. - - As there is no religious duty of greater consequence, or more - conducive to our happiness both here and hereafter, than to - receive worthily the blessed Eucharist; so there can be no - greater favour conferred on a Christian, than to communicate - early in life, and afterwards frequently. Hence it becomes the - indispensable duty of such as have the education of children - committed to their care, not only to impress on their tender - minds a lively and active sense of the excellency of this - sacrament, but also to enforce the necessity of frequently - receiving it. "He that eateth this bread shall live for - ever."--_John_, vi. The obligation of communicating at - Easter is binding on every member of the church who has arrived - at the age of discretion; i.e. when reason and reflection, guided - by the gift of divine faith, arrive at such a state of maturity, - as may enable them to distinguish the flesh of Jesus Christ, - under the exterior appearance of bread and wine, from the - ordinary food of the body. It is further to be observed, that - as purity of heart is the most proper disposition to receive - worthily; so, of consequence, the less advanced the age of a - Christian, the more untainted, in general, is his baptismal - innocence. But, on the other hand, it is to be remarked, that - the longer a Christian defers his first communion, the greater - is the danger that either domestic affairs, or the violence of - those passions to which young persons in general are more or - less subject, should cause him to put it off to a more advanced - age, or perhaps to the very hour of death!--_a fatal - delusion_, which has betrayed numbers of Christians into the - abyss of eternal perdition. -{104} - Let parents, therefore, and others concerned in the education - of children, attend to the advice of the great St. Charles - Borromeus on this subject: "When children," says he, "of both - sexes, arrive at the age of ten years, provided they are - capable of being easily prepared for communion, suffer them - not, under pretence of ignorance, (as it is often the case,) to - defer it any longer; but rather let them be prepared in good - time, to participate of a sacrament which abounds with such - precious and inestimable advantages." - - With respect to frequent communion, the best advice is to - follow the counsel of a wise and prudent director. But - remember, that according to the spirit of Jesus Christ and his - church, you should communicate frequently. Our divine Redeemer - gives himself to us in the blessed Eucharist under the forms of - bread and wine, hereby intimating, that as our corporal life - cannot be supported without the ordinary food of the body, so - our spiritual life cannot be maintained but by the blessed - Eucharist, which is the food and nourishment of our souls. - Hence it is that he assumes the most tender and affectionate - titles of spouse, brother, friend, &c. in order to incite us to - approach him frequently in this divine sacrament. - - The spirit of the church is further made known by the advice of - the holy Council of Trent, which exhorts all the faithful to - communicate often, and particularly whilst they assist at the - celebration of the divine mysteries. To those testimonies may - be added the exhortations of the holy fathers, the example of - the saints, the practice of the primitive Christians, and the - experience of all pious and devout persons in every age, as so - many corroborating proofs of the happiness and advantage of - frequent communion. - - But if it be a happiness to communicate early in life, and - frequently during the course thereof, it may be also said that - there cannot be a greater misfortune than to communicate - unworthily; it being a most flagrant abuse of what is most - sacred in religion. To avoid then so great an evil, reflect - seriously on these words of St. Paul: "Let a man _prove - himself_, and so eat of that bread, and drink of that - chalice; for he that eateth and drinketh _unworthily_, - eateth and drinketh _damnation_ to himself, not discerning - the body of the Lord." Now this _proving_ consists in - putting yourself into such a state, that your conscience may - not reproach you with any essential obstacle to the receiving - of this sacrament, that is, with the conscious guilt of any - mortal sin whatever. -{105} - This you can answer for, provided you have endeavoured to make - as exact, as fervent, and as perfect a confession as you would - wish to make at the hour of death; and you should certainly be - equally careful and fervent in so doing, there being not less - purity required to receive Jesus Christ in this life, than to - appear before the judgment-seat of God in the next. - - Above all things it must be remembered, that the essential - point in this _proving_ of yourself, is, "_to quit the - occasions of sin, and to repair the scandal it hath - caused:_" without a fixed determination of so doing, the - accusation and detestation of it are absolutely insufficient. - - But this purity of conscience, which exempts from mortal sin, - and every criminal attachment, though it may prevent the - communion from being sacrilegious, yet it is not sufficient to - render it so fruitful and advantageous as it should be. - Wherefore, the more you prepare yourself for this sacrament, - the greater abundance of grace you will require. In order, - then, to prevent the mistake of such as do not think it - necessary to prepare for receiving this holy sacrament before - the very day of communion, the following pious practices are - earnestly recommended: - - I. Some days before communion perform all your actions and - prayers, in order to obtain the graces necessary for so - important a duty. Offer them up in the morning with this - intention, and do some good work, such as an alms, an act of - mortification, or a fast, with the same design. - - II. Visit our Lord in the blessed sacrament morning and - evening, to beg that he would himself by his grace dispose your - heart to receive him worthily. - - III. Read every day a chapter out of the 4th Book of the - _Imitation of Christ_, or some other approved book that - treats of the Eucharist. - - IV. On the eve of your communion be more recollected than - usual: think often upon the happiness you are to enjoy the - ensuing day in receiving your God. As this should be your last - thought at composing yourself to rest, so it should also be - your first at awaking. - - V. Represent to your imagination that your angel guardian - addresses you in these words: "Behold the spouse cometh: go - forth now and meet him." Arise as early as possible to receive - the great guest, who designs to honour you with this visit. - Keep a profound silence till you return from mass; and let it - appear by your modesty and recollection, that you are deeply - penetrated with the consciousness of the sanctity of an action - of the most ineffable dignity and excellence. - -{106} - - VI. Whenever you go to communion have always in your mind some - particular intention--such as the acquiring of some virtue; - overcoming such a temptation; the knowing of God's will with - regard to yourself; the relief of the souls of the faithful - departed; the conversion of infidels, heretics, and of sinners - in general; for nothing is more capable of exciting fervour in - devotion, than some particular end to which it is referred. - - - A Prayer To The Blessed Virgin. - -O sacred Mother of God, pure and spotless Virgin! thou didst not -bear the Saviour of the world in thy sacred womb for thine own -sake alone, but for ours also. May not I then, O Mother of mercy, -hope to partake of his merits, and obtain, through thy powerful -intercession, some share of the same holy dispositions of soul -which thou thyself didst possess at the time thou didst conceive -him. O that the same divine Spirit which then prepared thy body -and soul for his reception, would now shed his precious gifts on -me, since it is the same God-Man that I am also about to receive. -Obtain for me a pure heart for his dwelling-place, and a firm and -constant resolution to support myself in his grace; but above -all, inspire me with an infinite horror of the detestable sin of -impurity, which, in a particular manner, contaminates the soul of -man, and renders it unworthy of communicating; because, by -dishonouring my flesh, I dishonour the flesh of Jesus Christ -also. -{107} -Alas! if thy immaculate virginal womb was not too pure for a God -to become incarnate therein, how can I presume to present myself -at the table of the God of purity, and receive him into a heart -contaminated with the smallest stain of a vice so abominable in -the sight of infinite purity and sanctity? - - - Prayers Before Communion. - -I firmly believe, O my divine Jesus, that thou art really present -in the blessed sacrament of the altar. I believe that it contains -thy body and blood, accompanied by thy very soul and divinity. I -acknowledge these truths; I believe these wonders; I adore the -power that has wrought them, the same power that said: "Let there -be light, and light was made." I submit my senses and reason to -thy divine authority. I praise and glorify thy infinite goodness, -which hath prepared this heavenly banquet for the food and -nourishment of my soul. Blessed be thy name for ever. Accept my -homage; accept, O my God, my most hearty thanks. But what am I, -that thou shouldst work such wonders for my sake? How shall such -a filthy sinner as I am, presume to approach thee, who art the -inexhaustible source of infinite purity and sanctity? How shall I -venture to lift up my eyes to heaven, much less to receive thee -within my breast? -{108} -I tremble at the sentence of thy apostle: "Whosoever shall eat -this bread or drink this cup of the Lord unworthily, shall be -guilty of the body and blood of the Lord;" [1 _Corinthians_ -ii.] for I acknowledge myself to be nothing but dust and ashes; a -poor, miserable worm of the earth, subject to many vices, and -void of all virtue and merit. Alas! my life has been nothing but -sin and misery. I have nothing to confide in but thy boundless -mercy; nor should I ever presume to approach thy sacred table, -and partake of the bread of angels, were I not encouraged by thy -infinite goodness, and excited by thy own most pressing -invitations. It is therefore in thy mercy, which is above all thy -works, that I put my whole trust; and since thou art pleased to -call me to this divine banquet, behold I come to it, like -Magdalen, to be happily united to thee, and to lay down all my -sins at thy feet, to be cancelled by thy precious blood. I come -to commemorate thy sufferings, as thou thyself hast ordained. I -come, as one sick, to the Physician of Life; as one blind, to the -Light of eternal Glory; as one poor, needy, and distressed, to -the King of heaven and earth. To thee I expose all my wounds, -that they may be healed. To thee I fly for protection, hoping -that thou wilt be to me a Saviour, and that thou wilt wash away -every sin that may defile me. Remove my blindness, relieve my -necessities, and clothe me with grace, that I may receive the -adorable sacrament of thy body and blood with such reverence and -humility, such contrition and devotion, such purity and faith, as -may be for thy honour and glory, and the salvation of my soul. -{109} -I am not worthy, O Lord, to receive thee; alas, I am not! but -thou canst, if thou wilt, make me worthy: say but the word, then, -and my soul shall be healed. Thou hast heretofore said to the -leper in the gospel, "I am willing; be thou healed;" and he was -immediately cured of his disease. My soul is covered with an -universal leprosy: heal me then, O my Saviour, in like manner; -cleanse my soul from its stains; remove from it all guilt; -extinguish in it every evil disposition; adorn it with the -necessary virtues, and make it a fit abode for thy reception. May -the body of our Lord Jesus Christ preserve my soul to life -everlasting. - - - Another Prayer. - -Who is he whom thou art about to receive? O my soul, be still and -attentive. Who is he thou art going to receive? Thy God! thy -Redeemer! who, for love of thee, shed torrents of blood during -his agony in the garden of Gethsemani! who for love of thee, -suffered his sacred head to be pierced with a crown of thorns, -and his virginal flesh to be rent and torn at the pillar with -whips and scourges! who, for love of thee, suffered himself to be -clothed in a purple garment, and derided as a mock king, with a -reed for his sceptre! who, for love of thee, suffered his sacred -hands and feet to be fastened with gross nails to the wood of the -cross! in fine, who, for love of thee, hung thereon, in the most -ignominious manner, between two thieves, suffering for the space -of three hours the most excruciating pains and tortures! and at -last expired for thy redemption! -{110} -After such stupendous instances of thy love for man, who can -refuse a return of love to thee, Lord Jesus? I love thee, O my -God! and ardently wish, that as every breath I draw is an -increase of my life, so it may be of my love for thee, till at -last I love thee as thou thyself requirest, "with my whole heart, -with my whole soul, with all my mind, and with all my strength;" -for thou art the God of my heart, and the life of my soul; thou -art my treasure, my joy, my comfort, my support, my strength, my -armour, my defence, my only hope and comfort in this place of -banishment and vale of tears, and the supreme object of my -happiness in heaven. - -As the wearied stag pants after the fountains of water, so does -my soul languish after thee, the ocean of all sweetness; it -thirsts after thee with the most vehement desire, and longs to -drink plentifully of those fountains which issue from the -inexhaustible source of thy infinite goodness for my comfort and -refreshment. O sweet Jesus! permit me now to experience the -multitude of thy tender mercies. Have compassion on me and save -me, for thou never forsakest such as place their hope in thee. -{111} -Purify my heart with the fire of divine love, that it may this -day become a fit abode for thy reception; O come and make it thy -dwelling-place for ever. I am sorry, and will be sorry as long as -I live, for having ever offended thy infinite goodness; forgive -me, dear Lord, my past trespasses, and be thou my keeper for the -time to come, that I may never more offend thee. - -Hail, saving victim, who for me and all mankind was offered on -the cross! Hail, precious blood flowing from the wounds of my -crucified Lord, and washing away the sins of the world! As I now -desire to receive thee, veiled in this sacrament, so I hope -hereafter to behold thee, face to face, in the kingdom of heaven. - -O all ye blessed Angels and Saints of God, I humbly beg the -assistance of your prayers and intercession, that I may with a -clean heart and a pure conscience, approach the Holy of Holies, -and receive this divine sacrament with such reverence and -humility as may be for my soul's salvation. - - - - Acts Of Virtue, - - _Which may be used with great spiritual advantage before - Communion, according to each person's leisure and devotion_. - - - Imagine that our Saviour invites yon into the same room in - which he ate his last supper with his apostles, to be witness - of the miracle he is there going to perform, and to give you - the communion with his own sacred hands. How fervent soever - your sentiments might have been on that solemn occasion, they - ought not to be less so at present: for as he ordained that - this divine food should be daily renewed for the nourishment of - the faithful, till his second coming to judge mankind at the - end of the world, so he gives himself no less to us at present, - than he did at that time to his apostles. -{112} - Take them now for your model. The account which we have in the - gospel, of this last mysterious supper, will furnish you with - proper acts for communion. Read them attentively; make them - your own by reflection; and let them sink deeply into your - heart. - - - An Act Of Adoration. - - The Gospel of St Luke, chap, xxii., informs us, that our - Saviour sat down, and his twelve apostles with him, to eat the - Paschal Lamb, or accomplish the Supper of the Old Law, and - institute that of the New in its stead. Who could be otherwise - than astonished at seeing a God admit his creatures, nay, even - his very enemies, to partake of his adorable body? "When he - loved his own who were in the world," says his beloved - disciple, St. John, "he loved them unto the end." But this was - loving them, not merely to the end of this mortal life, but - even beyond it, to the very end of ages with the utmost excess, - and to the farthest limits of love. Contemplate, therefore, - with the most attentive recollection, the excellence, the - depth, and the extent of the boundless love of our divine - Redeemer, of which this mystery is an epitome. - - -Could we ever believe, O Lord, or even imagine, that thy love for -us was so excessive, had not thine own infallible word convinced -us of its truth? Hadst thou, when thou wert about to quit this -world, left us thy adorable heart as a pledge of thy affection; -or hadst thou, when thy side was pierced, ordered thy precious -blood to be distributed throughout thy church; such favours would -have justly claimed our most grateful acknowledgments. But this -would not satisfy the extent of thy love; thou didst choose, in a -god-like manner, to penetrate into the very centre of our hearts, -and give thyself to each of us particularly, entirely, and for -ever. -{113} -With what amazement, then, must not the angels and the whole -hierarchy of celestial intelligences, have beheld such a prodigy! -Were they not in some measure jealous to see mankind thus -uncommonly favoured? But what didst thou discover in me, O Lord, -that could thus attract thee? Or what couldst thou possibly -expect from my indigence? Can I become the dwelling-place of him -who is the delight of the blessed? Alas! had I even the innocence -of thy beloved disciple John, or the ardent love of thy zealous -apostle St Peter, I should then have some little claim to sit -down at thy table; but since I am removed at so great a distance -from such holy dispositions, vouchsafe, O Lord, to supply my -deficiency by the effusion of thy grace. Whence is this favour to -me, O my merciful Redeemer? "What is man, that thou art mindful -of him? or the son of man, that thou shouldst visit him?" Psalm -viii. - - - An Act Of Desire, - - Founded on these tender words, which our Saviour pronounced - immediately before the Supper: "With desire I have desired to - eat this Pasch with you."--_Luke_, xxii. 15. For why - should we not feel the most ardent desire to be united to our - Lord in this sacrament, when we see him so desirous to visit - us, and take up his dwelling in our hearts? Endeavour to excite - this desire, by considering how much you stand in need of this - bread of life, and by the great esteem this heavenly - nourishment deserves. - -{114} - -Since thou, O Lord, art so prodigal of miracles, and obligest me -to receive thee under such severe penalties, nothing can be more -certain than that thou desirest to make my heart thy -dwelling-place. With what fervent desires should I not, -therefore, endeavour to co-operate with such bountiful -intentions! O my all-sufficient God, though thou standest in no -need of me, yet thou hast compassion on my poverty. May then the -efficacy of thy grace supply my indigence; may it awaken every -faculty of my soul, and render my desires to receive thee -worthily still more inflamed; for though they are arrived at a -certain anxiety, I am nevertheless sensible of their being too -tepid. Alas! my Redeemer, why do I not sigh after thee with the -same holy fervour as did the patriarchs of the old law, who -expected thy coming? "Come, O Lord, and do not delay." Remember, -O heavenly physician, that thou canst not refuse thy all-healing -balsam to the wounds of my soul, since thy motive for descending -on earth was to heal the sins of men. Although I am needy and -poor, yet thou canst enrich me; although I am enslaved under the -tyranny of my predominant passions, yet thou canst break my -chains and set me at liberty; a single word of thine would be -altogether sufficient to work these miracles in favour of one so -unworthy of thy corporal presence as I am. Speak it then, O -Sovereign Good, for I can no longer live without thee. Let blind -and infatuated worldlings intoxicate themselves with the false, -transient, and fading happiness of this life; as for my part, -nothing besides thyself can content me, either in heaven or on -earth; for what have I in heaven, or what can I desire on earth -besides thee? -{115} -Come, then, O thou Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the -world! Come, thou beloved of my heart! adorable flesh and -precious blood of my Saviour! Come, to nourish, comfort, and -enliven my sickly soul. O God of my heart! let me neither love, -seek, nor think on any other object but thyself alone: for thou -alone art my consolation, my treasure, my joy, my life, my God, -and my all! My heart as eagerly desires to receive thee, as the -wearied stag longs to quench his thirst in the fountains of -water. _Psalm_ xli. - - - An Act Of Fear. - - The Evangelist mentions, that when our Saviour declared to his - disciples, that one of them should betray him, they were all - exceedingly afflicted: "Verily I say unto you, that one of you - will betray me; and they began each of them to say, Is it I, - Lord? Is it I?"--_Matthew_ xxviii. Let your hearts also give - way for a moment, to the thoughts of that uncertainty which every - man is in, of being in the state of grace: examine seriously your - real dispositions, and have no other confidence than in the mercy - of God. - -If the uncertainty of being worthy of thy love or hatred, O Lord, -made even St. Paul, that vessel of election, tremble, how much -more reason have not I to apprehend, lest some concealed sin, -lurking in my heart, might obstruct the salutary influence of -those graces which thou hast prepared for those who worthily -receive thee in this divine sacrament? -{116} -May not I, perhaps, like another Judas, give thee the kiss of -peace to-day, and basely betray thee to-morrow? or, instead of -coming to visit me as a faithful disciple, dost thou not rather -come with horror and indignation, as to a concealed enemy? How -can I answer for the integrity of my confession, the fervour of -my contrition, or the sincerity of my resolutions? Is it not -custom, or human respect, that brings me to the foot of thy -altar? Have not I still some favourite attachment? and in the -resolutions I have made of relinquishing my vile evil habits, -have I not spared some favourite though dangerous passion? With -the same heart-felt anguish as thy disciples experienced on the -like occasion, I ask thee, O Lord, "Is it I?" But the most -abominable traitor, Judas, asked thee the same question? Is not -my anxiety, as his was, only false and apparent? It is this -thought, O my God, that terrifies me; and it is to thyself alone -I have recourse to preserve me from so horrible a sacrilege. No, -thou wilt never permit me to be guilty of so horrid a -profanation, since thou seest there is no evil I dread so much. -Wherefore, my dear Saviour, after being as diligent as I could in -my preparation to receive thee, I now rest entirely on thy -infinite mercy, "Depart from me, O Lord, for I am a sinful -man."--_Luke_, v. "Have confidence, my child, thy sins are -forgiven thee."--_Matt_. xi. - -{117} - - An Act Of Contrition. - - By our Saviour's washing the feet of his disciples, to prepare - them for this new supper, ("And he began to wash the feet of - his disciples, and dry them with the girt he had about - him,"--_John_, xiii.) we are taught not to confine - ourselves merely to detesting those grievous sins which give - death to the soul; because we see that the disciples were - obliged to undergo this ceremony, though Christ already had - declared them pure, and in the state of grace; ("you," saith - he, "are already clean;") but we should also endeavour to - purify our souls, as much as possible, from even the slightest - stains of venial sin, which is signified by the washing of the - feet of his disciples. - -To transform a soul, so defiled as mine by the ordure of sin, -into a state of innocence and purity, must be the work of the -right hand of the Most High. Ah, my God! I shall never be able to -discover any vestige of that precious innocence which makes a -soul so lovely and acceptable in thy sight, unless I trace back -my whole life to the days of my childhood. But although I have -had the misfortune to forfeit my baptismal innocence by sin, yet -there remains for my consolation this sure anchor, whereby I may -hope to regain thy favour, grounded on thy infallible promise, -_that thou wilt never despise a contrite and humble heart_. - -But if even the enormity of my sins had not exposed me to thy -wrath, and consequently to the eternal pains of hell, yet I would -nevertheless sincerely detest them. O my God! do not upbraid me -with mine iniquities; they are always in my sight; and the -bitterness of my regret for having committed them, shall serve as -a continual punishment of my baseness. -{118} -Ah, my Redeemer, though I cannot suffer such an excessive degree -of anguish as thou didst during thy agony in the garden of -Gethsemani, when in a bloody sweat thou didst offer thyself as a -victim to the Eternal Father, yet I am fully determined to suffer -with patience every cross or affliction which may fall in my way, -as well in atonement for the sins I have hitherto committed, as -to prevent me from future relapses. Assist me with thy grace, O -Lord, and remove every occasion of sin at a distance from me: and -as I dread no evil so much as that of offending thee mortally, -rather prevent me, by cutting the thread of life, than suffer me -again to become thine enemy. But in my present disposition of -mind, I do not confine myself to merely detesting all mortal -offences! No, my amiable Saviour! inflamed with thy love, I am -also fully resolved to avoid every venial sin that may in the -least displease thee, or diminish the influence of thy graces. -And though I have a well-grounded confidence that my soul has -been cleansed in the sacrament of penance, still I desire to be -washed more and more from my iniquities. "Create a clean heart in -me, O God; and renew an upright spirit within my -bowels."--_Psalm_ L. - - [Transcriber's note: New American Bible, Psalms Chapter 51:12 - "A clean heart create for me, God; renew in me a steadfast - spirit."] - - A Prayer - - For Obtaining The Effects Of A Plenary Indulgence. - - -Accept, O almighty God, through the merits of thine only Son -Jesus Christ, the intercession of his immaculate Mother the -blessed Virgin Mary, and of the whole court of heaven, the -communion I am about to make, to thy greater glory. Accept it in -thanksgiving for thy innumerable benefits, to obtain the pardon -of my sins, and grace to acquire a victory over my passions, -particularly those to which I am most enslaved. [_Name -them_.] - -{119} - -Considering that the debts which I owe to thy justice are so -immense, that of myself I have not the means of discharging them, -I have recourse to the inexhaustible treasure of the merits of my -Redeemer, which thy church (in virtue of the keys of the kingdom -of heaven, which he has committed to its supreme pastors, in the -person of St. Peter,) now holds forth to me. Grant me, O Lord, -the dispositions to obtain such a portion thereof, as may be -necessary to discharge the debt of temporal punishment due to my -sins. Suffer me now to partake of the infinite merits of Christ, -that the immense ransom which he has paid for my salvation being -applied to my poor sinful soul, I may be released from the -punishments which it has otherwise so justly deserved. I beseech -thee also, O most bountiful Lord! to pour down thy blessings on -thy holy Catholic Church; on its supreme pastor, [_Pope N. -N._]; on the pastor to whom the care of thy flock in this -archdioceses or diocese is committed [_name him_]; upon our -queen, and all the royal family; upon all thy bishops and clergy -throughout the whole world. Enlighten poor infidels, heretics, -and sinners; and assist such apostolic missionaries as labour in -their conversion. -{120} -Unite all mankind in the profession of the true faith; give them -the spirit of divine charity, whereby they may love thee above -all things, and for thy sake love each other. Have compassion on -the suffering souls of the faithful departed. Give thy blessing -to my parents, friends, relations, and benefactors; preserve them -from eternal misery; and conduct us all, by thy grace, to the -mansions of celestial bliss, there to praise and glorify thee for -ever. Amen. - - - An Act Of Humility. - - Reflect on these words: "And he gave it to his disciples, and - said, Take ye, and eat," &c. It must have been a great cause of - confusion to the apostles, when they beheld their Saviour - distribute to them his sacred body, not merely that they might - adore it, or that they might preserve it as an inestimable - relic, but that they might make it their food. Be thou also - penetrated with the most profound humility. - -What am I, O God of majesty and glory, or who am I, that thou -shouldst deign even to look on me? Whence am I honoured with so -unspeakable a favour, as that my Lord and my God should come and -visit in person such a miserable and vile worm of the earth? How -dare a being more contemptible than nothing, approach so holy a -God, eat the bread of angels, and feed on thy divine flesh! Ah, -Lord! it is too much; I am not worthy of so great a favour; I -shall never, no never, deserve it. - -{121} - -O King of heaven and earth! adorable Sovereign! the Author and -Preserver of the universe! behold, I annihilate myself before -thee, protesting that I would humble myself as much for thy -glory, as thou dost here for my salvation. I acknowledge, with -the most profound respect, the infinite, grandeur of thy divine -Majesty and my own miserable baseness. The contemplation of one -and the other fills me with inexpressible confusion. Can I -possibly say more, my dear Saviour, than to confess, with the -utmost humility, in the words of the centurion: "Lord, I am not -worthy that thou shouldst enter under my roof; say but the word, -and my soul shall be saved." - - - An Act Of Faith. - - In consequence of the words pronounced by our Saviour when he - consecrated the bread and wine, "This is my body," &c; "this is - my blood," &c; the apostles received what Christ then gave them - as his _real body_ and _blood_. Do thou now, in like - manner, make a most lively Act of Faith of the real presence of - Jesus Christ in the blessed Eucharist. - - -Since thou, omnipotent God, whose almighty words are creative, -productive, and effective; since thou, O eternal Truth, who canst -neither deceive nor be deceived; since thou, I say, hast declared -that thou art _really_ and _actually present_ under the -appearance of material bread, I therefore implicitly believe it; -for what greater proof can I require of the truth of this -mystery, than thine own infallible word? Yes, my dear Saviour, I -openly confess, and am inwardly convinced, that it is thou -thyself I am going to receive; thou who for my sake wast born in -a manger; thou who for my redemption didst die on a cross, and -who, though now gloriously seated on thy heavenly throne, still -continuest on earth, under the sacramental veils, to feed and -nourish the souls of men. -{122} -Were I to behold thee with my corporal eyes, and examine the -impression of the wounds thou didst receive in thy sacred hands -and sides, as St. Thomas did, still I could not say with more -confidence than I now do, that _thou art my Lord and my -God!_ I do not demand a miracle as a proof of thy real -presence; no, Lord, let me rather have the whole merit of faith; -for thou hast said, "Blessed are those who believe and do not -see." - -Wert thou therefore to speak to me from this very tabernacle, the -voice would affect me less than that which resounds in thy gospel -and thy church, founded by thyself, and propagated in a -miraculous manner. Though my senses may tell me it is nothing but -mere bread; yet, submitting them entirely in obedience to divine -faith, I answer it is thy real body and blood, accompanied by thy -soul and divinity. In this faith I am determined to live and die; -and were I to suffer a thousand martyrdoms in testimony thereof, -I am persuaded, that by the help of thy grace I would remain -immovable. "Thou art really a hidden God--a God Saviour."-- -_Isaias_. "I believe; O Lord, help my -unbelief."--_Mark_, ix. - -{123} - - When about to communicate, let your heart be penetrated with a - lively sense of the actual presence of your divine Saviour, and - at the same time endeavour to recollect the different passages of - Scripture above quoted, they being, as it were, an abridgment of - the foregoing acts. You may also reflect on the words, "May the - body of our Lord Jesus Christ preserve thy soul into life - everlasting," which the priest pronounces at the moment he - gives you the blessed sacrament; because they imply, that the - end proposed in communicating, is not simply to abide in a - certain regularity of conduct for a few months, weeks, or days; - but to persevere faithfully, to the very hour of death, in that - state of grace to which a worthy participation of this divine - sacrament shall now raise you. - - - An Act Of Hope. - -Since thou vouchsafest to come and dwell within me, O my -Redeemer, what may I not expect from thy bounty! I therefore -present myself before thee with that lively confidence which thy -infinite goodness inspires. Thou not only knowest all my wants, -but thou art also willing and able to relieve them. Thou hast not -only invited me, but also promised me thy gracious assistance: -"Come to me, all you that labour and are heavy burdened, and I -will refresh you." Behold, then, O Lord, I accept of thy gracious -invitation; I lay before thee all my wants, my misery, and my -blindness; and confidently hope, without the fear of being -disappointed, that thou wilt enlighten my understanding, inflame -my will, comfort me in the midst of such crosses or afflictions -as thou hast appointed I should suffer, strengthen me in all -temptations and trials, and in fine, with the powerful assistance -of thy grace, change me into a new creature; for art not thou, O -God, the master of my heart; and when shall my heart be more -absolutely disposed of by thee, than when thou shalt have once -entered into it? - -{124} - - Devout Prayers, - - Or Fervent Aspirations - - After Communion. - - -I return thee most hearty thanks, O amiable Jesus, for the -inestimable blessing I now enjoy. I praise and glorify thee with -my whole soul, for the numberless favours I have received from -thy bounty. I adore thee now reposing within my breast. O my God -and my all! a thousand times welcome. May thy holy name be for -ever blessed! O Sovereign Lord of Heaven! how amazing is the -excess of thy goodness, in condescending to visit so poor, so -vile, so abject a creature as I am! Thou hast vouchsafed to heap -thy favours on dust and ashes; to come into this poor cottage, -this house of clay, my earthly habitation; and to feed my soul -with the heavenly banquet of thy most precious body and blood. O -teach me to entertain thee as I ought, and to make thee some -suitable return for this thy infinite love. I would gladly make -thee some offering in acknowledgment of the rich present thou -hast made me, in giving thyself to me; but, alas! dear Lord, thou -knowest my poverty, and that I have nothing worthy of thy -acceptance; nothing but what, on a thousand titles, is already -thine. But, O my bountiful Saviour, such is thy goodness, that -thou wilt be contented with the little I can give thee, although -it be thine already. -{125} -Thou askest nothing but my heart, and this I most willingly offer -thee. O be pleased to accept it, and make it wholly thine for -ever. Take full possession thereof; I offer it to thee without -reserve. I desire to consecrate it entirely to thy service. -Disengage it therefore, from this moment, from the slavery of its -passions and vices. Stifle in it every desire but that of loving -and pleasing thee. Inflame it with the fire of divine charity, -that it may ever burn with thy love. O may the sweet flames -thereof consume my soul, that so I may die to the world for the -love of thee, who hast vouchsafed to expire on the cross for the -love of me. I cast myself entirely into the arms of thy mercy, -and offer thee my whole being; my body with all its senses, and -my soul with all its powers; that as thou hast honoured them both -by thy real presence, so they may both be thy temple for ever. O -sanctify and consecrate eternally to thyself this mansion, which -thou hast, by a wonderful condescension, chosen this day for -thine abode; and grant that, like Zacchæus, I may obtain thy -benediction. I offer thee my memory, that it may be ever -recollected in thee; my understanding, that it may be always -directed and enlightened by thy truth; and my will, that it may -be ever conformable to thine. O take me entirely into thy hands, -with all that I have, and all that I am; and let nothing -henceforward, either in life or death, ever separate me from thee -any more. -{126} -Make me according to thy own heart; and let my soul be thy -habitation for ever. Draw me most powerfully after thee, and -guide my steps, that I may cheerfully run into the paths of -virtue, and walk in the way of thy precepts. Make me diligent in -the duties of my calling and state of life, and teach me to do -thy will in all things. Let thy blessing be upon all my actions, -and thy grace direct my intentions, that the whole course of my -life, and the principal design of my heart, may ever tend to the -advancement of thy glory, the good of my neighbour, and the -eternal salvation of my soul. Amen. - -O my soul, bless the Lord; and let all that is within thee praise -and magnify his holy name. Pay him the best homage thou art able, -and invite heaven and earth to join with thee in glorifying him -for ever. O my God! that I could now give thee as much praise, -honour, and glory, as the blessed spirits incessantly give thee -in heaven! O that I could adore thee with the spirit and -affection of thine elect! But as I am unable to do this, accept -at least this my desire and good will. O ye angels and saints, -bless my God for me; thank my Lord for me; love my Jesus for me; -and sing forth his praises in supply of my defects. O beauty ever -ancient and always new! too late have I known thee; too late have -I loved thee. When shall I live only in thee, by thee, and for -thee alone. O my God, and my all, when shall I see the day, when -shall the happy time arrive, that, disgusted with the false -happiness of this deceitful world, I shall seek comfort from thee -alone, and find rest to my soul? -{127} -O heavenly manna! O adorable sacrament! O inestimable pledge of -God's love to mankind! O standing memorial of Christ's passion -and death! O inexhaustible fountain of divine grace! O boundless -mercy! O divine charity! O sacred fire, ever burning and never -decaying! Hail, O loving Jesus, my only pleasure and delight, the -joy of my soul, and my portion for ever. Let my soul be sensible -of the sweetness of thy presence. Let me taste how sweet thou -art, O Lord. Purify my heart from the dross of all earthly -affections. Deliver me from my vicious customs. Remove me from -all baneful effects of concupiscence. Perfect me in charity, -patience, humility, obedience, and all other virtues. May I -rather die than ever more offend thee by mortal sin! O may I -prove my gratitude by my fidelity to so good a God! Abolish the -reign of sin, and establish the kingdom of grace in all hearts. -Let the light of thy countenance so shine upon all those who are -in the darkness of infidelity, as to dispel their errors. Grant -peace and union to all Christian princes, and preserve us from -the dreadful scourges of war, famine, and pestilence. Convert all -sinners; reconcile those who are at variance. Have mercy on my -parents, friends, and benefactors. Have mercy on all my enemies; -forgive them their sins, and fill both their hearts and mine with -thy charity. Reform all abuses, and remove all scandals from thy -church. -{128} -Comfort all that are under any affliction, sickness, or violence -of pain. Support those who are under temptation; protect those -that are in danger; and grant a happy passage to all that are in -their last agony. Extend thy mercy likewise to the souls of all -the faithful departed, and admit them to the possession of thy -eternal glory. Grant relief to us all in our respective -necessities, the remission of our sins, the grace of final -perseverance, and life everlasting.--Amen. - - - Another Prayer After Communion; - - Or When It Has Been Received By The Sick As A Viaticum. - -O my gracious Saviour! what greater happiness or comfort could I -expect! O wonderful condescension of my God! O what return shall -I make him for his ineffable love! He whom the saints, the -angels, and the whole heavenly host adore, hath given himself -entirely to me, and now really and substantially dwelleth within -me! Without any other inducement but his pure mercy, he hath -vouchsafed to visit, comfort, and nourish my poor soul with the -divine and heavenly banquet of his precious body and blood, with -which he redeemed me on the cross. May honour, praise, and glory -be for ever paid thee, O my sweet Redeemer Jesus Christ! O that I -could now give thee as much honour and glory as is incessantly -given thee by the whole choir of heaven! Accept, O Lord, my -heart, as a thanksgiving-offering for all thy favours and -blessings. Accept my whole being, for by every claim of right and -justice it belongeth entirely to thee. - -{129} - -And thou, O my soul, bless the Lord, and let all that is within -thee praise his holy name. O all ye works of the Lord, bless the -Lord, praise and glorify him for ever. O all ye angels of the -Lord, bless the Lord; magnify, praise, and glorify his holy name, -because I have found the beloved of my soul. Prostrate at his -feet, like the penitent Magdalen, I will embrace him in spirit, -and clasp him with the arms of inflamed love. And now, as I have -actually received him on earth, may I not confidently hope for -the perfect possession of him in heaven? I can now fear no evil, -because thou, O Lord, art with me, as my powerful guardian and -protector! Give me therefore thy blessing, O beloved Jesus! and -establish an everlasting peace in my soul. Thou art the God of my -heart, my portion and inheritance for ever. Let nothing in the -future be my comfort but thou, my Lord Jesus; nor let any thing -afflict me hereafter but my sins, and whatever is displeasing to -thy divine Majesty. O soul of Christ, sanctify me; body of -Christ, save me; blood of Christ, purify me; water issuing from -the side of Christ, wash me; passion of Christ, strengthen me. O -good Jesus, graciously hear me, hide me within thy wounds, suffer -me never to be separated from thee; call me at the hour of death, -and command me to come to thee, that I may associate with the -saints and angels, and the whole choir of celestial spirits, to -sing forth canticles of praise and glory to thy holy name for -ever and ever, world without end. Amen, Amen, Amen, sweet Jesus! - -{130} - - Acts Of Virtue After Communion. - - To Be Used According To Each - Person's Leisure Or Opportunity. - - - Now, whilst the plenitude of the Divinity dwelleth corporally - within you, meditate most profoundly, with the Blessed Virgin, - upon the great wonders which the Almighty hath wrought in your - favour. Consider yourself as a living tabernacle, wherein - resideth the Holy of Holies. Let this single reflection prevent - all distractions, and keep your mind in the most perfect - composure and recollection. - - - An Act Of Confidence. - - "Now there was leaning on the bosom of Jesus one of his - disciples, whom Jesus loved."--_John_, xiii. 16. What a - glorious privilege was this which St. John had! What - consolation must he not have felt from the impression of the - Divinity! What delightful repose! Pour forth thy heart, as he - did his, into that of Jesus, and abandon thyself to the most - lively sentiments of confidence. - -Behold! here he is, then, the treasure of my soul! I am now in -possession of the Sovereign Good! O what advantage upon earth can -be compared to this? What glory! what comfort! to feel my God so -near me! "My soul hath found whom she loveth: I have hold of him, -nor will I let him go."--_Cant_, iv. The first thought, O -God! with which thy presence inspires me, is a sentiment of -adoration and respect. -{131} -Permit me, then, in union with the blessed in heaven, to offer -thee my most profound homage. Yes, under these sacred veils, -where thy love for me hath concealed the splendour of thy -Majesty, I most humbly adore thee. I acknowledge thee as my -master, my creator, and the supreme arbiter of my eternal -destiny. The less thou wouldst make thyself for my sake, the more -real respect and veneration have I for thee. But these thoughts -are absorbed in the greatness of my confidence. This I cannot -contain, nor yet am I able to express it. If thou takest pleasure -in, if thou even enjoinest us to place our trust in thee, is it -not in this mystery, where thou dost communicate thyself without -reserve, where thou literally verifiest that tender promise of -_treating us no longer as servants, but as friends?_ These -words, which thou never didst address to thy angels or prophets, -thou dost accomplish for sinners in this sacrament: yes, it would -be an insult offered to thee, not to have the greatest hopes in -thy mercy; for it is not here, O God, that thou exercisest thy -justice; thou art glorious in heaven! all-powerful on earth! and -terrible in hell! but in the Eucharist, thou art mild, consoling, -sweet, and liberal. Ah! what canst thou refuse me, when thou hast -given me thyself? and where is the confidence that can be too -tender? Why should I envy the beloved disciple who leaned on thy -breast at thy last supper, for dost thou not at present rest in -my heart? O let me, then, be for ever inviolably attached to -thee. -{132} -Let the sweets of thy presence so captivate my soul, that -disgusted with sin, it may be fixed in the contemplation of thee -alone, and listen with docility to thy holy inspirations. "All -you, then, that doubt of the goodness of God, come now and learn! -come and admire! come and taste with me his infinite mercies! -come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will tell you what -great things he hath done for my soul!"--_Psalm_ xiv. Who -would have believed it? What! one of his disciples, not prostrate -at his feet, but reclining upon his breast, and honoured with his -particular affection! Yes, all this he hath done for him, and is -ready to do the same for me also. "Behold the Lord my Saviour; I -will act confidently, and I will not fear."--_Isaias_, ii. -"The mercies of the Lord I will sing for ever."--_Psalm_, -lxxviii. - - - An Act Of Love. - - "Lord, where art thou going, why cannot I follow thee now? I - will lay down my life for thee."--_John_, xiii. "How can I - consent to be separated from thee? (saith St. Peter to Jesus:) - no; I will never leave thee, were I to follow thee even unto - death." This is a model of that generous love which a faithful - soul should testify unto God in the holy Communion. - - -If I cannot approach thee, O my God, with as much confidence as -thy apostle St. Peter did, yet I come with equal warmth and -sincerity, to assure thee of my eternal attachment. Accept, -therefore, the offering I now make thee, not only of my whole -being, but of all I possess. Unhappy and miserable should I think -myself, were I not in the disposition of mind to sacrifice the -most precious advantage this world can afford, at the first -intimation of thy will. -{133} -Dispose of the life thou hast given me according to thy pleasure. -I offer myself entirely to thee; my employments, talents, and -every power and faculty of soul and body, that they may be ever -and always employed in promoting thy honour and glory. In justice -I am obliged, if necessary, to die for thee, since thou hast -generously given up thy life for my salvation. But thy regard for -me, O sweet Jesus, was not to be confined within the boundaries -of this life; for after having loved me even unto death, thou -hast besides left me this divine food as a sensible pledge of thy -affection. Ah, dear Lord! what more couldst thou possibly do for -me? and how ungrateful a wretch would T not be, if such wonderful -marks of thy tenderness were not capable of exciting the most -lively sentiments of love and gratitude in my soul? The very -damned would then be less culpable than I; for if they do not -love thee, it is because they cannot possibly love thee; and -therefore thou dost not expect love from them. But I can love -thee; because every thing induces me to love thee; and thou art -even mercifully pleased to _command_ that I should love thee -with my whole heart, &c. O thou eternal Beauty! too late have I -begun to love thee: O amiable Lord! who art ever lovely, and -never sufficiently beloved, I consider every moment of my life as -lost, which has not been consecrated to thy love; accept, at -least, the remainder thereof. -{134} -If I cannot love thee as much as I could wish, or as much as thou -hast loved me, or as much as thou dost deserve, yet I will love -thee as much as I am able. Angels of heaven! O Mother of God! and -all ye saints! lend me now your hearts; for I have, alas! but one -to love my God, and that too small, and too much polluted with -the love of creatures. Diminish in me, O Lord, all other -advantages, provided thou dost grant me an increase of divine -charity. I imagine, O my God, that thou art now enkindling this -sacred fire within my breast, and that I could answer thee, with -as much confidence as St. Peter, "Lord, thou knowest I love -thee," and that for thy sake alone; I love thee with my whole -heart, without reserve, firmly resolving never to fix my -affections on any thing besides thyself. Yes, I am content to -find nothing but disgust, bitterness, and affliction, in every -other attachment, that I may be thus happily compelled to repose -in thee for ever. O establish now a solid, efficacious, lively, -ardent, and persevering love within my heart; and though thou -remain therein but for a few moments, let the effectual influence -of thy grace for ever remain behind. "My beloved to me, and I to -my beloved."--_Cant_. xvi. "Thou knowest, Lord, that I love -thee."--_John_, xxi. - -{135} - - An Act Of Supplication. - - Our Saviour's last supper was one continual prayer, which he - offered up for his apostles, and a most pressing invitation to - solicit favours from him. "O holy Father," says he, "preserve - those whom thou hast given me; for them I ask. Peter, I have - asked for thee. Until now you have not asked for anything; ask, - and you shall receive." Here he exhorts us to pray for all those - graces we stand most in need of. He further adds a most - affecting and solid instruction, recommending them earnestly to - persevere in his service: "Remain," says he, "in my love." He - forewarned them of the trials they were to undergo; he - inculcated certain precepts; he reproached them with some of - their most striking defects. In this manner will he also speak - privately to your heart; he will make known his will to you; he - will tell you many things of which you have no notion, or which - you disguise to yourself. Listen to him then without doubt, as - the apostles did, and ask him questions with the most sincere - desire to accomplish his holy will. - -Thou are present within me, O inexhaustible source of all good; -thou art full of tenderness, and ready to shed all thy favours -upon me. O shower them down most abundantly! Consider my manifold -wants; consider the immensity of thy power. Transform me, -therefore, into a new man. Divest my heart of whatever is -displeasing to thee. Adorn it with whatever may render me -acceptable in thy sight. Purify my body. Sanctify my soul. Let me -share in the merits of thy life and death. Unite thyself to me; -unite me to thyself. Live thou in me, that in thee I also may -live, and never have life but for thy sake. Grant me those graces -of which thou knowest I stand most in need. -{136} -Grant the same to all those for whom I am bound to pray. Canst -thou refuse me any thing, after what thou hast done for me? What -may I not expect from thee, since thou hast given me thyself? "I -will not let thee go until thou dost bless me."--_Gen_. -xxxii. 26. "Do to thy servant according to thy mercy." - - - An Act Of Oblation. - -In crowning the innumerable gifts thou hast already bestowed upon -me with the inestimable favour of giving me thyself, thou -desirest to convince me that I should live but for thy sake -alone, O God of goodness and mercy! This, O Lord, is what I also -most fervently wish: I would have all my thoughts, words, -actions, and whatever designs I may form or put into execution, -for the time to come, always directed by a most perfect -resignation to thy holy will. I desire that my health, fortune, -strength, reputation, talents of mind and body; in a word, -whatever relates to me, either interiorly or exteriorly, may be -entirely disposed of to thy honour and glory. I consecrate the -remainder of my life, without the least reserve, to thy divine -service. I now make an offering unto thee of whatever pains or -sufferings I may hereafter undergo in my last sickness, and -cheerfully accept of whatever crosses thou mayest henceforth be -pleased to afflict me with. "Into thy hands, O Lord, I commend my -spirit."--_Psalm_ xxx. - -{137} - - A Resolution Of Amendment. - - "That the world may know that I love the Father; and as the - Father gave me a commandment, so I do. Arise, let us go," saith - Christ, (_John_, xiii.) "instantly and without hesitation, - to execute his will." Such is the generosity with which we - should now, and at all times, resolve to execute, in every - particular, the commandments of the Almighty. - -Behold, O my God, the moment is now come, wherein I am to -sacrifice those inclinations to thee which thou hast so often -demanded, and which I was so miserably slothful as to have -refused thee. I now see the danger to which my sluggish languor -has exposed me, and am determined to avoid it. I will labour -incessantly against my vicious habits. I am determined to quit -the immediate occasion of sin. I pledge myself to thee, and am -satisfied to be treated as thine enemy, if these promises be not -most sincere and determined. I will no longer resist thy -inspirations, nor allow myself those pleasures which thy law -forbids, nor expose myself to the danger of offending thee. There -shall be no more remissness in my duty, nor languor in my -devotion. I do not make these promises through a spirit of -presumption, (for I am convinced of my own insufficiency, and -know, that if abandoned by thee, I must necessarily fall back -into all my former disorders,) but being now united to thee, I -flatter myself that, in spite of my frailty, I shall constantly -persevere in thy grace. Why should I not find the same strength -in this divine sacrament, which thy glorious martyrs have derived -from it? -{138} -It was here they imbibed that generous spirit of suffering, which -could brave the power of tyrants, and smile on the horrors of -death. And art thou now less faithful, less liberal, or less able -to fortify me against the attacks of the enemies of my salvation? -No. Come, then, it is full time I should begin the work of my -salvation. Thy will has been sufficiently declared to me; I will -hesitate no longer to put it in execution, how great soever the -conflict may be against myself and the world. In fine, let me -feel, O Lord, an experimental conviction of such a reformation of -life, as may edify those whom my past conduct has scandalized, by -convincing them that I do now _really_ love thee. "Arise, -let us go: I have sworn, and am resolved to keep thy -commandments."--_Psalm_ cxviii. "Confirm, O God, what thou -hast wrought in us.'"--_Psalm_ lxxvi. - - - An Act Of Thanksgiving. - - "And having sung a hymn they went out." The apostles did not - quit the room until they had previously testified their - gratitude for so signal a favour: and it is our Saviour himself - who showed them the example; for when he was just going to - bless and consecrate the bread, he lifted up his eyes to his - heavenly Father, to return him thanks for having bestowed this - favour upon mortals: "And giving thanks, he blessed, and - broke," &c. Conclude your Communion, in like manner, with the - most tender effusions of gratitude to God. - -{139} - -When I reflect, O Lord, on the many favours thou hast conferred -on me, I am overwhelmed with confusion, and feel my heart -penetrated with such deep sentiments of gratitude, as cannot be -expressed. I find myself, as it were, encompassed on all sides, -and pressed by thy goodness. It is thou thyself, O Lord, that -lovest me, in all those creatures from whom I receive any benefit -or advantage. My parents, from whom I received my existence, or -my friends, who have given me such proofs of their tenderness, -are but the instruments of thy providence, and the channels of -thy mercies in my behalf. Thou art not only the God of the -universe, but thou art also, in a particular way, my God! So -interested art thou in all that relates to me, that thy attention -seems as if it were entirely fixed on me alone. Thou hast given -me all thou hast made, all that I am, and all that thou art -thyself, cannot I, therefore, with as much reason as David, call -thee "the God of my salvation and my mercy; my refuge and my -support; my treasure and my inheritance?" Nay, more, dost thou -not at present vouchsafe to become my _very subsistence_, by -not only giving thyself to fortify my weakness, and as a pledge -of eternal life, but also that I may be nourished with thy -_very flesh and blood?_ How great, therefore, must my -ingratitude be, if I do not make a cordial return for such -infinite love. O my God, suffer me sooner to forget myself, than -to be ever unmindful of this great favour. Although I have been -treacherous, fearful, and a prevaricator, yet I shall never be -guilty of _ingratitude_, since I should blush at this vice -even in my commerce with men. -{140} -But still, what return can I make thee, being of myself -insolvent, indigent, and miserable? Behold! the treasure is at -hand; the gift I have now received from thee enables me to repay -thee for all thy other benefits: the sacrifice of all that I am -or have, is not worthy to be presented to thee; but in offering -thee thyself, I consider my debts as abundantly discharged. May -thy infinite merits be for ever exalted for having given me such -excellent means of repaying _to the full_, the infinite -obligations I owe thee.--"What return shall I make to the Lord -for all those things which he has given unto me?"--_Psalm_ -cxv. "He hath made a memorial of his wonderful works, being a -merciful and gracious Lord: he hath given food to them that fear -him."--_Psalm_ xc. - - - Do not limit the devotion of this day to the foregoing prayers, - but rather consider it as entirely consecrated to Jesus Christ; - that by this means you may literally accomplish the precept of - the Holy Ghost: "Let no part of a good day escape without - profit."--_Ecclesiastes_ xiv. Recollect frequently this great - action, and read some pious book, to nourish and enliven a - spirit of devotion. Remark (or, if convenient write down) some - of those tender sentiments and good resolutions with which you - were affected at the time of communion; the recollection of - them will serve as a bulwark to guard you against the attacks - of tepidity or dryness. But, above all, endeavour to regulate - your conduct for the time to come, in such a manner as to be - enabled to say, with St. Paul: "I live, not I, but Christ Jesus - liveth in me." In a word, let _your Redeemer only_, for - the future, _think, speak,_ and _act_ in you; and let - nothing remain in you that is unworthy of him, for no scandal - can be more injurious to our holy religion, than for Catholics, - after communicating, to lead disedifying and unchristian lives. - -{141} - - - The Seven Penitential Psalms. - - - Proper to be said on Fasting Days, - and other Penitential Times. - - - Anthem. - -Remember not, O Lord, our offences, nor those of our parents; -neither take thou vengeance on our sins. - - - The Sixth Psalm. - - The Psalmist prays to be healed from sickness, and implores - pardon for his sins. After obtaining his request, he exults - over his enemies. - - -O Lord, rebuke me not in thy indignation; nor chastise me in thy -wrath. - -Take pity on me, O Lord, for I am weak: heal me, O Lord, for all -my bones are shaken. - -And my soul is troubled exceedingly: but thou, O Lord, how long? - -Return, O Lord, and deliver my soul: O save me for thy mercies' -sake. - -For in death there is none that is mindful of thee: and who shall -confess to thee in hell? - -I have tired myself with my groanings: every night I will wash my -bed, I will water my couch with my tears. - -My eye is disturbed with rage: I am grown old amidst all mine -enemies. - -Depart from me, all ye that work iniquity: for the Lord hath -heard the voice of my weeping. - -The Lord hath heard my petition: the Lord hath received my -prayer. - -{142} - -Let all my enemies be ashamed, and very much troubled: let them -be turned back and put to shame very speedily. - -Glory be to the Father, &c. - - - The Thirty-first Psalm. - - The Psalmist declares all those happy, whose sins are forgiven; - and, from his own example, and that of the saints, exhorts all to - seek this beatitude, and to avoid brutal obstinacy. Rewards and - punishments are proposed. - - -Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins -are covered. - -Blessed is the man to whom the Lord hath not imputed sin: and in -whose soul there is no guile. - -Because I was silent, my bones grew old: whilst I cried all the -day. - -For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: I am turned in my -anguish, whilst the thorn is fastened. - -I have acknowledged my sin to thee, and my injustice I have not -concealed. - -I said, I will confess against myself my injustice to the Lord: -and thou hast forgiven the impiety of my sin. - -For this shall every one that is holy pray to thee in a -seasonable time. - -Yet in the deluge of many waters they shall not approach him. - -Thou art my refuge from the tribulation which hath surrounded me: -my joy, deliver me from them that encompass me. - -I will give thee understanding, and I will instruct thee in the -way in which thou shalt go: I will fix my eyes upon thee. - -{143} - -Do not become like the horse and mule, that have no -understanding. - -With bit and bridle bind fast their jaws who do not approach -thee. - -Many are the scourges of the sinner: but mercy shall encompass -him that hopeth in the Lord. - -Be joyful in the Lord, and rejoice ye just: and glory all ye -upright of heart. Glory, &c. - - - The Thirty-seventh Psalm. - - The Psalmist, in sickness, and neglected by his friends, begs - of God to pardon his sins, and to assist and heal him. - -O Lord, rebuke me not in thy indignation, nor chastise me in thy -wrath. - -For thy arrows are fastened in me: and thy hand hath been strong -upon me. - -There is no health in my flesh, because of thy wrath: there is no -peace in my bones, because of my sins. - -For mine iniquities are gone over my head: and, as a weighty -burden, are become heavy upon me. - -My sores are putrefied and corrupted, because of my foolishness. - -I am become miserable, and am bowed down even to the end: I -walked sorrowful all the day. - -For my loins are filled with illusions: and there is no health in -my flesh. - -I am afflicted and humbled exceedingly: I roared in the groaning -of my heart. - -{144} - -O Lord, my desire is before thee: and my sighing is not hidden -from thee. - -My heart is troubled, my strength hath left me: and the light of -mine eyes itself is not with me. - -My friends and my neighbours have drawn near, and stood up -against me. - -And they that were near me stood afar off: and they that sought -my soul used violence. - -And they that sought evils to me, spoke vain things: and studied -deceits all the day long. - -But I, as one deaf, did not hear: and as one dumb, that opened -not his mouth. - -And I became as a man that heareth not: and that hath no reproof -in his mouth. - -For in thee, O Lord, have I hoped: thou wilt hear me, O Lord, my -God. - -For I said, lest at any time mine enemies rejoice over me: and -whilst my feet are moved, they speak great things against me. - -For I am prepared for scourges, and my sorrow is always in my -sight. - -For I will declare my iniquity: and I will think of my sin. - -But my enemies live, and are become stronger than I: and they are -multiplied who hate me unjustly. - -And they that return evil for good have detracted me, because I -followed goodness. - -Forsake me not, O Lord, my God: depart not thou from me. - -Come unto my aid, O Lord, the God of my salvation. Glory, &c. - -{145} - - The Fiftieth Psalm. - - The Psalmist begs pardon for the sins of adultery and murder, - not through the Mosaic sacrifices, but through Christ, who was - to come and establish his church, and by his sacrifice appease - the injured justice of God. - - -Have mercy on me, O God, according to thy great mercy: and -according to the multitude of thy tender mercies, blot out my -iniquity. - -Wash me yet more and more from my iniquity: and cleanse me from -my sin. - -Because I know my iniquity: and my sin is always before me. - -Against thee only have I sinned, and done evil before thee: that -thou mayest be justified in thy words, and mayest overcome when -thou art judged. - -For behold I was conceived in iniquities: and in sins hath my -mother conceived me. - -For behold thou hast loved truth: the secret and hidden things of -thy wisdom thou hast made known to me. - -Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be cleansed: thou -shalt wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. - -To my hearing thou shalt give joy and gladness: and the bones -that are humble shall rejoice. - -Turn away thy face from my sins: and blot out all my iniquities. - -Create in me a clean heart, O God: and renew an upright spirit -within my bowels. - -Cast me not away from thy face: and take not thy holy spirit from -me. - -{146} - -Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation: and confirm me with a -perfect spirit. - -I will teach thy ways to the unjust: and sinners shall be -converted to thee. - -Deliver me from blood, O God, the God of my salvation: and my -tongue shall extol thy justice. - -Thou, O Lord, wilt open my lips: and my mouth shall declare thy -praise. - -For if thou hadst desired sacrifice, verily I had given it: with -burnt offerings thou wilt not be delighted. - -A sacrifice to God is an afflicted spirit: a contrite and humble -heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. - -Deal favourably, O Lord, in thy good will with Sion: that the -walls of Jerusalem may be built up. - -Then shalt thou accept the sacrifices of justice, oblations, and -whole-burnt offerings: then shall they lay calves upon thine -altar. - -Glory, &c. - - - The Hundred-and-First Psalm. - - The Psalmist begs for mercy upon Sion, that he will raise out - of it his church, to which kings and people may come and praise - God.--A prayer of the poor man, when he was anxious, and poured - out his supplications before the Lord. - - - -O Lord, hear my prayer, and let my cry come unto thee. - -Turn not away thy face from me: in what day soever I am in -tribulation, incline thine ear to me. - -{147} - -In what day soever I shall call upon thee, hear me speedily. - -For my days are vanished like smoke: and my hones are withered -like fuel for the fire. - -I am smitten, and my heart is withered like grass: because I -forgot to eat my bread. - -Through the voice of my groaning, by bones have cleaved to my -flesh. - -I am become like a pelican of the wilderness: I am become like a -night raven in the house. - -I have watched, and am become as solitary as a sparrow upon the -house-top. - -My enemies upbraided me all the day long: and they that praised -me swore against me. - -For I did eat ashes like bread: and mingled my drink with my -tears. - -Because of thy wrath and indignation: for having lifted me up, -thou hast cast me down. - -My days have declined like a shadow: and I am withered like -grass. - -But thou, O Lord, remainest for ever: and thy memory is from -generation to generation. - -Thou shalt arise and have mercy on Sion: for the time to have -mercy on it is come. - -For the stones thereof have pleased thy servants: and they shall -have pity on the earth thereof. - -And the Gentiles shall fear thy name, O Lord, and all the kings -of the earth thy glory. - -For the Lord hath built up Sion: and he shall be seen in his -glory. - -He hath regard to the prayer of the humble: and he hath not -despised their petition. - -{148} - -Let these things be written unto another generation: and a people -to be created shall praise the Lord. - -Because he hath looked forth from his high sanctuary: the Lord -from heaven hath looked down upon the earth; - -That he might hear the groans of them that are in fetters: that -he might unbind the children of them that are slain. - -That they may declare the name of the Lord in Sion: and his -praise in Jerusalem. - -In the assembling of the people together in one; and kings to -serve the Lord. - -He answered me in the way of his strength: Declare unto me the -fewness of my days. - -Call me not back in the midst of my days: thy years are from -generation unto generation. - -In the beginning, O Lord, thou didst found the earth: and the -heavens are the works of thy hands. - -They shall perish, but thou remainest: and they shall all grow -old as a garment. - -And as a vestment thou shalt change them, and they shall be -changed: but thou art always the self-same, and thy years shall -not fail. - -The children of thy servants shall continue: and their seed shall -be directed for ever. - -Glory, &c. - - - The Hundred-and-twenty-ninth Psalm. - - The Psalmist earnestly begs pardon, foretelling redemption - through Christ. - -From the depths I have cried unto thee, O Lord: Lord, hear my -voice. - -{149} - -Let thy ears be attentive to the voice of my petition. - -If thou wilt observe iniquities, O Lord! Lord, who will endure -it? - -For with thee there is merciful forgiveness: and on account of -thy law I have expected thee, O Lord. - -My soul hath relied on his word: my soul hath hoped in the Lord. - -From the morning watch even until night, let Israel hope in the -Lord. - -Because with the Lord there is mercy: and with him plentiful -redemption. - -And he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities. Glory, &c. - - - The Hundred-and-forty-second Psalm. - - The Psalmist prays that God would not regard him according to - his merits, but look upon his miseries, and deliver him from - them, and also from his enemies. - - -O Lord hear my prayer; give ear to my petition in thy truth; hear -me in thy justice. - -And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight no -man living shall be justified. - -For the enemy hath persecuted my soul: he hath humbled my life to -the earth. - -He hath made me dwell in darkness, as those who have been dead of -old: my spirit is in anguish upon me, and my heart is troubled -within me. - -I remember the days of old, I meditated on all thy works: on the -works of thy hands did I meditate. - -{150} - -I stretched forth my hands to thee: unto thee my soul is as earth -without water. - -Hear me speedily, O Lord: my spirit hath fainted away. - -Turn not away thy face from me: lest I be like unto them that go -down into the pit. - -Cause me to hear thy mercy in the morning: for I have hoped in -thee. - -Make the way known to me wherein I should walk: for I have lifted -up my soul to thee. - -Deliver me from mine enemies, O Lord: to thee have I fled: teach -me to do thy will, for thou art my God. - -Thy good spirit shall conduct me into the way of righteousness; -for thy name's sake, O Lord, thou wilt quicken me in thy justice. - -Thou wilt bring forth my soul out of tribulation: and in thy -mercy thou wilt destroy mine enemies. - -And thou wilt destroy all those that afflict my soul: for I am -thy servant. Glory, &c. - - - Anthem. - -Remember not, O Lord, our offences, nor those of our parents: and -take not revenge of our sins. - - - - The Litany Of The Saints. - -Lord have mercy on us. -Christ have mercy on us. -Lord have mercy on us. -Christ hear us. -Christ graciously hear us. -God the Father of heaven, - _have mercy on us._ - -{151} - -God the Son, Redeemer of the World, - _have mercy on us._ -God the Holy Ghost, - _have mercy on us._ -Holy Trinity, one God, - _have mercy on us._ -Holy Mary - _Pray for us._ -Holy Mother of God, - _Pray for us._ -Holy Virgin of Virgins, - _Pray for us._ -St. Michael, - _Pray for us._ -St. Gabriel, - _Pray for us._ -St. Raphael, - _Pray for us._ -All ye holy Angels and Archangels, - _Pray for us._ -All ye holy orders of blessed Spirits, - _Pray for us._ -St. John Baptist, - _Pray for us._ -St. Joseph, - _Pray for us._ -All ye holy Patriarchs and Prophets, - _Pray for us._ -St. Peter, - _Pray for us._ -St. Paul, - _Pray for us._ -St. Andrew, - _Pray for us._ -St. James, - _Pray for us._ -St. John, - _Pray for us._ -St. Thomas, - _Pray for us._ -St. James, - _Pray for us._ -St. Philip, - _Pray for us._ -St Bartholomew, - _Pray for us._ -St. Matthew, - _Pray for us._ -St. Simon, - _Pray for us._ -St. Thaddeus, - _Pray for us._ -St. Matthias, - _Pray for us._ -St. Barnaby, - _Pray for us._ -St. Luke, - _Pray for us._ -St. Mark, - _Pray for us._ -All ye holy Apostles and Evangelists, - _Pray for us._ -All ye holy Disciples of our Lord, - _Pray for us._ -{152} -All ye holy Innocents, - _Pray for us._ -St. Stephen, - _Pray for us._ -St. Laurence, - _Pray for us._ -St. Vincent, - _Pray for us._ -SS. Fabian and Sebastian, - _Pray for us._ -SS. John and Paul, - _Pray for us._ -SS. Cosmas and Damian, - _Pray for us._ -SS. Gervase and Protase, - _Pray for us._ -All ye holy Martyrs, - _Pray for us._ -St. Sylvester, - _Pray for us._ -St. Gregory, - _Pray for us._ -St. Ambrose, - _Pray for us._ -St. Augustine, - _Pray for us._ -St. Jerome, - _Pray for us._ -St. Martin, - _Pray for us._ -St. Nicholas, - _Pray for us._ -All ye holy Bishops and Confessors, - _Pray for us._ -All ye holy Doctors, - _Pray for us._ -St. Anthony, - _Pray for us._ -St. Bennet, - _Pray for us._ -St. Bernard, - _Pray for us._ -St. Dominick, - _Pray for us._ -St Francis, - _Pray for us._ -All ye holy Priests and Levites, - _Pray for us._ -All ye holy Monks and Hermits, - _Pray for us._ -St. Mary Magdalen, - _Pray for us._ -St. Agatha, - _Pray for us._ -St. Lucy, - _Pray for us._ -St. Agnes, - _Pray for us._ -St. Cecily, - _Pray for us._ -St. Catherine, - _Pray for us._ -St. Anastasia, - _Pray for us._ -All ye holy Virgins and Widows, - _Pray for us._ -{153} -All ye Men and Women, Saints of God, - _make intercession for us._ -Be merciful to us: - _Spare us, O Lord._ -Be merciful to us: - _Graciously hear us, O Lord._ -From all evil, - _O Lord, deliver us._ -From all sin, - _O Lord, deliver us._ -From thy wrath, - _O Lord, deliver us._ -From sudden and unprovided death, - _O Lord, deliver us._ -From the deceits of the devil, - _O Lord, deliver us._ -From anger, hatred, and all ill-will, - _O Lord, deliver us._ -From the spirit of fornication, - _O Lord, deliver us._ -From lightning and tempest, - _O Lord, deliver us._ -From everlasting death, - _O Lord, deliver us._ -Thro' the mystery of thy holy incarnation, - _O Lord, deliver us._ -Thro' thy coming, - _O Lord, deliver us._ -Thro' thy nativity, - _O Lord, deliver us._ -Thro' thy baptism and holy fasting, - _O Lord, deliver us._ -Thro' thy cross and passion, - _O Lord, deliver us._ -Thro' thy death and burial, - _O Lord, deliver us._ -Thro' thy holy resurrection, - _O Lord, deliver us._ -Thro' thy admirable ascension, - _O Lord, deliver us._ -Thro' the coming of the Holy Ghost, the comforter, - _O Lord, deliver us._ -In the day of Judgment, - _We sinners beseech thee to hear us._ -That thou spare us, - _We beseech thee to hear us._ -That thou pardon us. - _We beseech thee to hear us._ -That thou vouchsafe to bring us to true penance, - _We beseech thee to hear us._ -That thou vouchsafe to govern and preserve thy holy church, - _We beseech thee to hear us._ -That thou vouchsafe to preserve our apostolic prelate, and all -ecclesiastical orders in thy holy religion, -_We beseech thee to hear us._ -{154} -That thou vouchsafe to humble the enemies of thy holy church, - _We beseech thee to hear us._ -That thou vouchsafe to give peace and - true concord to Christian kings and princes, - _We beseech thee to hear us._ -That thou vouchsafe to grant peace and unity to all Christian -people, - _We beseech thee to hear us._ -That thou vouchsafe to confirm and preserve - us in thy holy service, - _We beseech thee to hear us._ -That thou lift up our minds to heavenly desires, - _We beseech thee to hear us._ -That thou render eternal good things to all our benefactors, - _We beseech thee to hear us._ -That thou deliver our souls, and those of -our brethren, kinsfolk, and benefactors, from eternal damnation, - _We beseech thee to hear us._ -That thou vouchsafe to give and preserve - the fruits of the earth, - _We beseech thee to hear us._ -That thou vouchsafe to give eternal rest - to all the faithful departed, - _We beseech thee to hear us._ -That thou vouchsafe graciously to hear us, - _We beseech thee to hear us._ -Son of God, - _We beseech thee to hear us._ - -Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world: - _Spare us, O Lord._ -Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world: - _Hear us, O Lord._ -Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world: - _Have mercy on us!_ -Christ hear us. - _Christ graciously hear us._ -Lord have mercy on us! - _Christ have mercy on us!_ -Lord have mercy on us! - -{155} - -Our Father, &c. (_in secret_.) -V. And lead us not into temptation. -R. But deliver us from evil. Amen. - - - Psalm lxix. - -Incline unto my aid, O God: O Lord, make haste to help me. - -Let them be confounded and ashamed that seek my soul. - -Let them forthwith be turned backward, and blush for shame, that -desire evils to me. - -Let them be turned backward, and blush, and be put to shame, who -say to me, It is well! it is well! - -Let all that seek thee be glad, and rejoice in thee: and let -those who love thy salvation, say always, Our Lord be magnified. - -But I am needy and poor! O God help me. - -Thou art my helper and my deliverer! O Lord make no delay. - -V. Glory be to the Father, &c. - -R. As it was, &c. - -V. Save thy servants: - -R. Who put their trust in thee, my God. - -V. Be to us, O Lord, a tower of strength: - -R. Against the face of the enemy. - -V. Let not the enemy prevail against us: - -R. Nor the son of iniquity have power to hurt us. - -V. O Lord, deal not with us according to our sins: - -R. Nor reward us according to our iniquities. - -V. Let us pray for our chief Bishop [_N.N._] - -{156} - -R. May the Lord preserve him, and prolong his life, and make him -happy on earth, and deliver him not up to the will of his -enemies. - -V. Let us pray for our benefactors: - -R. Vouchsafe, O Lord, for thy name's sake, to render eternal life -to all those who do us good. - -V. Let us pray for the faithful departed: - -R. Give them, O Lord, eternal rest: -and let perpetual light shine unto them. - -V. May they rest in peace. R. Amen. - -V. For our absent brethren: - -R. Save thy servants, O my God, who put their trust in thee. - -V. Send them help, O Lord, from thy sanctuary; - -R. And from Sion protect them. - -V. O Lord, hear my prayer: - -R. And let my supplication come unto thee. - -V. May the Lord be with you: - -R. And with thy spirit. - - - Let Us Pray. - -O God, whose property it is, always to have mercy and to spare, -receive our petitions, that we and all thy servants, who are -bound by the chain of sin, may, by the compassion of thy -goodness, mercifully be absolved. - -Hear, we beseech thee, O Lord, the prayers of thy suppliants, and -pardon our sins, who confess them to thee; that of thy bounty -thou mayest grant us pardon and peace. - -Out of thy clemency, O Lord, show us thy unspeakable mercy; that -so thou mayest both acquit us of our sins, and deliver us from -the punishment we deserve for them. - -{157} - -O God, who by sin art offended, and by repentance pacified, -mercifully regard the prayers of thy people who make supplication -to thee, and turn away the scourges of thy anger, which we -deserve for our sins. - -O almighty and eternal God, have mercy on thy servant (_N_.) -our chief Bishop, and direct him, according to thy clemency, in -the way of everlasting salvation, that by thy grace he may desire -the things that are agreeable to thy will, and perform them with -all his strength. - -O God, from whom are all holy desires, righteous counsels, and -just works, give to thy servants that peace which the world -cannot give; that our hearts being disposed to keep thy -commandments, and the fear of enemies taken away, the times, by -thy protection, may be peaceable. - -Inflame, O Lord, our reins and hearts with the fire of thy holy -spirit, that we may serve thee with a chaste body, and please -thee with a clean heart. - -O God, the Creator and Redeemer of all the faithful, give to the -souls of thy servants departed the remission of all their sins, -that by pious supplications they may obtain the pardon they have -always desired. - -Model, we beseech thee, O Lord, our actions by thy holy -inspirations, and carry them on by thy gracious assistance; that -every prayer and work of ours may always begin from thee, and by -thee be happily ended. - -{158} - -O almighty and eternal God, who hast dominion over the living and -the dead, and art merciful to all whom thou foreknowest shall be -thine by faith and good works; we humbly beseech thee, that they -for whom we have purposed to offer our prayers, whether this -present world still detains them in the flesh, or the next world -hath already received them, divested of their bodies, may, by the -clemency of thine own goodness, and the intercession of thy -saints, obtain pardon and full remission of all their sins; -through our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee, -in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. - -R. Amen. - -V. May the Lord be with you: - -R. And with thy spirit. - -V. May the almighty and merciful Lord graciously hear us: - -R. Amen, - -V. May the souls of the faithful departed, -through the mercy of God, rest in peace: - -R. Amen. - - - Motives - - _Which should excite us to support the Crosses of this Life - with cheerfulness, and to persevere till death in the practice - of Virtue._ - - - - Since all things co-operate for the good of those who love God, - and as God knows how to produce good out of evil, for whom should - he do it, if not for those who give themselves up to him without - reserve? Nay, he even makes their past sins contribute towards - their good, as is evident in the cases of David, St. Peter, and - Mary Magdalen. - -{159} - - When God lays the filth and deformity of sin before our eyes, - it is in order that we should be captivated with the beauty of - virtue; if he cast us flat on the earth, as he did St. Paul, it - is with a view to raise us up again to a higher pitch of glory. - - If God were not actually our Father, he never would have - commanded us to say, "Our Father, who art in heaven." What then - have the children of such a father to fear? Without his - permission not a single hair of our heads can fall to the - ground? Since, therefore, we are the children of almighty God, - is it not the most unaccountable folly in us, to be over - solicitous about any other concern than that of persevering - till death, in his love and service? The test of our love - towards God, is the observance of his commandments; and its - recompense, no less than the possession of himself. "If any one - love me," saith Jesus Christ, (John, xiv. 23.) "he will keep my - word, and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, - and make our abode with him." - - "When I sent you without scrip or staff," saith Christ to his - apostles, "did you want any thing?" They answered, "No." Have - we not suffered afflictions when as yet we had little or no - confidence in God, and did we perish under these afflictions? - No. How, then, can we entertain thoughts of despondency, or - betray a want of courage in adversity? For if God hath hitherto - protected us, notwithstanding the little or no reliance we had - on his providence, can it be supposed that he will forsake us, - when, placing our whole confidence in him, we put on the - determined resolution of dedicating the remainder of our lives - to his love and service? Ah! no, he assuredly will not. Why, - then, should we perplex ourselves with apprehensions of future - evils, which perhaps will never befall us? or on the - supposition they did, will not God enable us by his grace to - support them with Christian fortitude? He commanded St. Peter - to walk to him on the water; Peter, terrified by the blustering - of the wind and the turbulence of the waves, and under the - dreadful apprehension of immediately sinking to the bottom, - calls out to his divine Master for assistance. When God, in - like manner, ordains that you should walk on the boisterous - waves of adversity, take courage and fear not; for be assured, - he is actually present, and will stretch forth his hand to your - assistance, as he did to St. Peter. - -{160} - - Our condition in this short and fleeting life, is an object of - little consequence, provided that in the end we are admitted to - the eternal enjoyment of God and his glory. Do we not, at every - step we tread, approach nearer and nearer to eternity? Nay, - have we not our feet, for aught we know to the contrary, on the - very brink of it this moment? What, therefore, doth it signify - whether our pilgrimage through life be chequered with - afflictions or not, provided it terminate in a happy eternity? - Can we possibly repine under short-lived sufferings, whilst we - await their recompence in never-ending consolations? Ah! - whatever has not eternity for its object, is, in reality, - nothing but fleeting vanity. - - Awake, therefore, O my soul! "Let us cast off the works of - darkness, and put on the armour of light." Let us humbly - beseech the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who - consoleth us in all our afflictions, to inspire us with the - same sentiments as the Apostle had when he exclaimed, "Far be - it from me, that I should glory in any thing but in the cross - of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ah! were the cross of our crucified - Saviour but deeply implanted in our hearts, the most bitter - crosses of this world would then appear as sweet as roses. The - heart that is impressed with a lively sense of the crown of - thorns which pierced the tender head of our suffering Redeemer, - will feel but little or no pain from the trifling scratches of - worldly afflictions. - - - Devotions - - For Every Day In The Week. - - It was an ancient and pious practice among the faithful to - dedicate every day in the week to some particular devotion. - Conformably with this custom, a prayer is here given for each - of those days, to be said immediately after morning prayers, or - at any other time of the day, as each person's leisure from the - necessary occupations of his state of life, may permit. But it is - to be observed, that the worship of the mystery, or the - devotion to the saint we purpose to honour, consists less in - the prayer itself, than in the practical instructions which it - contains. - -{161} - - Sunday, - - Which by way of pre-eminence over the rest of the days of the - week, is called the day of the Lord? is happily chosen to - render homage, in a more special manner, to the most Holy - Trinity, and to thank those three adorable Persons for the - inestimable blessings we have received. It would be irreligious - therefore, if not impious, to spend this day in idle - amusements, or in the management of temporal concerns, whilst - we are strictly obliged, both by the precepts of God and his - church, to sanctify it, as well as every holy-day of - obligation, by assisting at the divine offices, hearing sermons - or catechetical discourses, reading pious books, employing - ourselves in the exercise of corporal or spiritual works of - mercy, and especially in making solid reflections on the most - important of all affairs--the affair of our eternal salvation. - - - A Prayer To The Holy Trinity. - -Glory be to the Father, who by his almighty power hath created -me, and made me to his own image and likeness. Glory be to the -Son, who by his wisdom hath delivered me from hell, and opened -for me the gates of heaven. Glory be to the Holy Ghost, who in -his mercy hath sanctified me by baptism, and who incessantly -worketh my sanctification by the fresh graces I daily receive -from his bounty. Glory be to the three adorable Persons of the -blessed Trinity, which was as great at the beginning as he now -is, or will be for ever and ever. - -{162} - -We adore thee, O holy Trinity! we reverence thee; we thank thee -with the humblest sentiments of gratitude, for having been -pleased to reveal to us this glorious and incomprehensible -mystery. Grant that, by persevering in this faith till death, we -may see and glorify in heaven what we believe here below on -earth: one God in three divine Persons, the Father, and the Son, -and the Holy Ghost. -Amen. - - - Monday. - - Although the three adorable Persons of the blessed Trinity, - concur unanimously in the sanctification of our souls, our - spiritual regeneration, and all the graces we receive from - heaven, are, nevertheless, attributed more especially to the - operations of the Holy Ghost; because these favours being the - effects of God's love towards us, we acknowledge him as the - author of them, who is the love of the Father and the Son. - - It is inconceivable what blessed effects this divine Spirit - produces in the souls of such persons as oppose no obstacles to - his operations. What abundance of light and strength doth he not - communicate by his seven gifts, and those fruits and beatitudes - which peculiarly flow from his bounty, if, with fidelity and - attention, we are docile to his inspirations! - - Let us then rejoice at being under the conduct of so wise and - beneficent a guide; let us continually study the motions of our - hearts; let us follow those which the Holy Spirit produces, and - which alone can vanquish every evil inclination excited in us, - either by the corruptness of our nature, or the machinations of - our spiritual enemy; let us dread nothing so much as to resist, - or desire nothing so much as to preserve his grace; or, if we - have incurred the misfortune of losing it by sin, let us have - immediate recourse to the sacrament of reconciliation, by which - we may regain it, and live more attentive to our spiritual - welfare in [the] future. - -{163} - - - A Prayer To The Holy Ghost. - -Author of the sanctification of our souls--Spirit of Love and -Truth! I adore thee as the primary source of my eternal -happiness; I thank thee as the sovereign dispenser of the -benefits I receive from on high; I invoke thee as the beneficent -giver of that portion of light and strength, which thou knowest -to be necessary for me in the practice of good works. Spirit of -Wisdom! enlighten my understanding, fortify my will, purify my -heart, regulate all its motions, and grant me an attentive -docility to all thy holy inspirations. - -Pardon, O Spirit of Grace and Mercy! pardon my continual -infidelities, and the unworthy blindness with which I have so -often refused to correspond with the most tender and moving -inspirations of thy grace. I purpose for the future, with thy -assistance, to cease to be rebellious, and to follow the motions -of thy grace with so much docility, that I may be enabled to -taste those fruits, and enjoy those beatitudes, which are -produced in our souls by the influence of thy sacred gifts. Amen. - - - Tuesday. - - We ought to have such profound sentiments of respect, - gratitude, love, and confidence, towards our Guardian Angels, - as the dignity of their nature, their tender care of us, and - the solicitude they conceive for our welfare, require. Let us - then incessantly invoke their assistance; let us consult them - in all our undertakings; let us frequently beseech them to - procure the joint intercession of the heavenly host, their - companions in glory, in our behalf; but, above all, let us be - particularly docile to their holy inspirations. - -{164} - - A Prayer To Our Guardian Angel. - -O holy Angel, whom God, by the effect of his goodness, and the -tender regard of my welfare, hath charged with the care of my -conduct; who doth assist me in all my wants, and comfort me in -all my afflictions; who supporteth me when I am discouraged, and -continually obtaineth for me new favours; I return thee profound -thanks, and conjure thee, most amiable protector! to continue thy -charitable care and defence of me against the malignant attacks -of all my enemies. Keep me at a distance from all occasions of -sin. Obtain for me the grace of hearkening attentively to thy -holy inspirations, and of faithfully reducing them to practice. -Protect me in all the temptations and trials of this life, but -more especially at the hour of death; and do not quit me till -thou hast conducted me into the presence of my Creator, in the -mansions of everlasting happiness. Amen. - - - Wednesday. - - The glorious functions wherewith God honoured Saint Joseph in - this world, and the rare examples of humility, wisdom, - patience, fidelity, obedience, and submission, which he hath - given us, should inspire us with the highest idea of his - sanctity, and the greatest devotion towards him. Honour him, - therefore, but more especially by a faithful imitation of his - virtues. Have recourse to him with confidence, and inspire this - confidence into others. St. Teresa assures us, that she never - asked any favour of God in his name but what she obtained. - -{165} - - A Prayer To St. Joseph. - -Illustrious Saint! who art that good and faithful servant, to -whom God committed the care of his family; whom he appointed -guardian and protector of the life of Jesus Christ, the comfort -and support of his holy Mother, and co-partner in his great -design of the redemption of mankind; thou who hadst the happiness -of living with Jesus and Mary, and of dying in their arms; chaste -spouse of the Mother of God; model and patron of pure souls; -humble, patient, and reserved; be moved with the confidence we -place in thy intercession, and accept with kindness this -testimony of our devotion. - -We give thanks to God for the signal favours he hath been pleased -to confer on thee, and we conjure him by thy intercession, to -make us imitate thy virtues. Pray for us, then, O great saint; -and by that love which thou hadst for Jesus and Mary, and by the -love which Jesus and Mary had for thee, obtain for us the -incomparable happiness of living and dying in the love of Jesus -and Mary. Amen. - - - Thursday. - - In order to make some return to that boundless love, of which - Jesus Christ has given us a testimony in the institution of the - blessed Sacrament of the altar, let us unite ourselves to him by - holy and frequent communion. Let us often pay him our homage - under the sacramental veils. Let us, at least, never omit a - Thursday without acquitting ourselves of this consoling duty. -{166} - Let us sometimes present ourselves in the most profound - sentiments of adoration, before him, as did the Shepherds and - the Eastern Kings or Magi. Let us, at other times, go to hear - and receive his instructions, in imitation of his apostles and - disciples. Let us approach him, like Magdalen, to contemplate - his admirable perfections, and weep bitterly over our sins. Let - us again present ourselves before him, after the example of the - sick man in the gospel, to be healed from our spiritual - infirmities; or, like the poor, to disclose to him our wants, - and demand those comforts and graces which our doubts, or the - tribulations and crosses incidental to human life, may require. - But on all or every one of these occasions, be careful to - present thyself before him with that profound degree of - modesty, recollection, respect, fear, love, gratitude and - confidence, which a lively faith of his real presence in this - most blessed sacrament seldom fails to produce. - - - A Prayer Before The Blessed Sacrament. - -Sweet Jesus! O amiable Saviour! who, by an effect of thy infinite -goodness and love, hast vouchsafed to remain really present -amongst us in the adorable Sacrament of the altar; I acknowledge -thee for my Sovereign Lord and God; I adore thee with the most -profound sentiments of humility; I give thee thanks, from the -bottom of my heart, for the numberless instances of thy love and -tenderness towards me, a most wretched and miserable sinner, who, -for my manifold offences, have rather deserved to be cast into -the infernal abyss, and there punished according to the rigour of -thy severest justice. Penetrated with grief at the sight of my -ingratitude, I come, O God of Majesty! to crave pardon for all -the profanations, sacrileges, and impieties which ever have been -committed, or may be committed against thee, in this adorable -sacrament. -{167} -And O that I could sufficiently express the grief which I -now feel, for having so often appeared before thee with -irreverence, and so often approached thee with so little fervour -and devotion. - -Forget, O Lord, our iniquities, and remember only thy mercies. -Accept my sincere desire to honour, and see thee honoured, in -this admirable sacrament of thy love. Yes, I ardently desire to -bless, praise, and adore thee therein, with as much love and -fervour as the saints and angels bless, praise, and adore thee, -encircled with the rays of ineffable glory in thy heavenly -kingdom. O amiable Jesus! I conjure thee by thy precious body and -blood, before which I now prostrate myself, that I may adore thee -for the future with such reverence, and receive thee so worthily, -as to deserve after death to be admitted into thy divine -presence, and with the choirs of celestial spirits, praise and -glorify thee for ever and ever. Amen. - - - Friday. - - It is not sufficient that we carefully avoid whatever can renew - the passion and death of our divine Redeemer, but we must also - endeavour to honour them, by every pious exercise which a - tender devotion can inspire. The holy sacrifice of the Mass, - offered with this intention; fervent communion; prayer before a - crucifix; frequent reflections on the sufferings of our Lord; - voluntary acts of penance, such as fasting on Fridays; patience - and perseverance under the inevitable troubles and afflictions - of this life; or, in other words, carrying our cross, after the - example of our divine Redeemer, and with the same intentions; - will serve as so many pious practices, by which we may testify - the excess of our love, and apply to ourselves the fruit of his - passion. - -{168} - - A Prayer To Our Suffering Jesus. - -Lamb without spot or blemish!--innocent Victim! whose blood has -cancelled the sins of the world, efface mine, and do not permit -thy sufferings to become useless to me. Jesus, deserted and -forsaken by every body! Jesus, sorrowful and aggrieved! Jesus, -agonized, patient, and resigned! help me to bear, with the like -resignation, all the afflictions thou mayest be pleased to send -me in this life. Jesus, calumniated, despised, and outrageously -insulted! teach me to despise the judgments of men, and patiently -to suffer the blackest calumnies. Jesus, whose virginal flesh was -swollen with blows, mangled with wounds, pierced with thorns, and -covered with blood for love of me! teach me to endure, for thy -love, the pains and inconveniencies of sickness. Jesus, condemned -to suffer the ignominious death of the cross! enable me to shun -the praises of men, and to love the most humble situations. -Jesus, bending beneath the heavy load of the cross! unite my -cross to thine, and enable me to bear it with the like -resignation, strength, and meekness. Jesus, elevated on the cross -for my sake, and who expiredst thereon for my salvation! raise up -my affections to heavenly desires, that living only for thee, and -at length expiring in thy divine embraces, I may be for ever -occupied in singing, forth thy praises. Amen. - -{169} - - Saturday. - - The eminent holiness of Mary, her dignity as Mother of God, the - glory she enjoys, and the power she has received on earth and in - heaven, her tenderness for mankind, and more especially for - such as seek her intercession, or imitate her virtues, are the - motives which have inspired all the saints with the most lively - and affectionate devotion towards her. - - Let us also devote ourselves to her, after their example. - "Devotion to the Blessed Virgin," (says St. Bernard,) "is a - mark of predestination." The best devotion we can practise with - regard to her, and that which is most strenuously recommended - by the saints, is a faithful imitation of her excellent - virtues; particularly her love of purity and humility, and that - heroic patience and fortitude under the severest crosses and - afflictions which she suffered, and wherewith almost her whole - life was embittered. - - Let us therefore celebrate her festival, by preparing ourselves - on the eve, and communicating on the day, in her honour. Let us - pay to her images and pictures that respect and veneration - which the Catholic church, ever guided by the Spirit of Truth, - recommends. Let us sometimes recite her office, at other times - her litanies or rosary, according as the duties of our state of - life may afford us leisure, or our devotion direct. Let us often - address her with the utmost respect, attention, and confidence, - in the words of that beautiful prayer, composed partly by the - Angel Gabriel, partly by St. Elizabeth, and partly by the - church, and with the same spirit and sentiments. In fine let us - have recourse to her in all our wants and necessities, and omit - nothing to procure her assistance at that most critical period, - when we stand in most need thereof--the hour of death. - - - A Prayer To The Blessed Virgin. - -Most Holy Virgin! Mother of God; and, by that august quality, -worthy of the most profound respect from angels and men, I come -to render thee my most humble homage, and to implore thy help and -protection. -{170} -Seated above the heavenly hosts of saints and angels, next to the -throne of the Almighty, thou art most powerful, and thy goodness -towards mankind equals the power thou hast in heaven. - -Thou knowest, O most sacred Virgin, that I have been taught from -my infancy to look up to thee as my mother, my patroness, and -most powerful advocate; and thou hast vouchsafed from on high, to -look down on me as one of thy children. I acknowledge, with the -most humble sentiments of gratitude, that it is by the means of -thy most powerful intercession I have received such innumerable -graces and favours from the Almighty. Why then has not the -fervour of my devotion towards thee been equal to thy zeal in -succouring me in my necessities? Alas! the sense of my -ingratitude overwhelms me with shame and confusion; but accept, O -amiable Queen, of my determined resolution to love, honor and -serve thee with more fidelity for the future. - -Receive, then, O sacred Virgin, the protestation I now make of -being hereafter entirely thine. Accept the unshaken confidence -which I place in thy clemency and goodness. Obtain for me, most -powerful advocate with thy dear Son, my Saviour, (who can refuse -thee nothing that is conducive to my salvation,) a lively faith, -a firm hope, and a generous, tender, and constant love. Procure -for me such a purity of soul and body as nothing can defile or -contaminate; such a profound humility as nothing can alter or -change; and such patience and submission to the will of heaven, -as nothing can perplex or disturb. -{171} -Lastly, most blessed Virgin, obtain for me such a faithful -imitation of thyself, in the practice of every virtue, during -life, as may procure for me thy powerful aid and protection at -the hour of death. Amen. - - - The following short ejaculatory Prayer to the BLESSED VIRGIN - MARY, has been recommended and experienced by many as an - excellent preventative against impure temptations. - -Through thy sacred virginity and immaculate conception, O most -chaste Virgin, obtain for me purity of soul and body; in the name -of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. - - - Pious Reflections - For Every Day In The Month. - - - _Translated from the French of the Rev. F. Bouhours._ - - - The following reflections, on account of their conciseness and - simplicity, require neither much time nor application to be - read and understood. They do not merely regard the social - duties of mankind, like those of Epictetus or Seneca; they are - Christian thoughts on the important truths of religion, and the - most elevated maxims of the gospel. They are not only adapted - for such as, by retirement, are familiarized to the practice of - mental prayer; but likewise for those who, from their secular - occupations, are as yet but little versed in the use of - meditation. -{172} - Even worldlings are still capable of sometimes elevating their - thoughts to heaven; for, in whatever occupations persons may be - engaged, they may always find sufficient leisure for a short - lecture. If the multiplicity or urgency of the concerns of this - life will not afford you sufficient time for regular meditation, - you may at least suffer a good thought to take possession of - your mind, before the business of the day is entered upon. Such - is the design of these short reflections; and the method of - using them is as follows:--Every day in each month, after - having acquitted yourself of the indispensable duty of morning - prayer, place yourself again in the presence of God, and read - the Thoughts of the Day; but in order that you may the better - comprehend their meaning, read them with deliberation, and the - most profound attention. After reading the first article, allow - yourself a short interval for reflection before you pass on to - the second. Do not rest satisfied with barely conceiving the - truth of the maxim you read; but after ruminating seriously - upon it, apply it to yourself; and observe the same rule with - the second and third articles. But should the urgency of - business allow you but sufficient leisure merely to read them, - be satisfied, under the assurance that pious thoughts have the - same effect on the soul, as a seal has upon melted wax; for, - should they enter but ever so slightly into the mind, they will - always leave some impression behind. If you cannot find leisure - to read these Thoughts in the morning, read them at least in - the course of the day, or at night before you go to bed. The - Practical Resolutions immediately following the Thoughts, must - not be omitted. An act of virtue, or a short reflection, is - soon made. - - The passages from the holy Scriptures and Fathers, at the close - of the Reflections, are, as it were, an abridgment or abstract of - the Thoughts of the Day; they collect, as in a focus, their whole - strength and sense in a few words. Being short and concise, they - are easily remembered; being pithy and affecting, they are - happily calculated to rouse, support, and nourish the soul - throughout the course of the day. They are as grains of - essence, which contain a strong and fragrant odour within a - small compass; or as an ingenious piece of mechanism, which can - execute a great deal of work in a very little time. Be not - content with reading these reflections once over; but read them - over and over again, month after month, till by making a - lasting impression on the mind, you may reap all the spiritual - advantages they are capable of producing; for there is always - something new to be found in the truths of religion; they are - mines which cannot be too deeply dug into; they are fountains - whose sources are inexhaustible; but they are also seeds which - produce little or no fruit, unless they take root by being - deeply planted in the heart. - -{173} - - _First Day_.--On Faith. - -1. All that Faith teaches is grounded on the authority of the -word of God. It is from Christ himself that the church has -learned whatever she proposes to the faithful as the object of -their belief. When truth itself is the guide, one cannot go -astray; and there is nothing more reasonable than to submit -reason to faith. - -2. Of what use is faith to a Christian, if it be not the rule of -his conduct? If it be the most consummate folly to doubt of a -doctrine which God has revealed, which so many martyrs have -sealed with their blood, and which the devils themselves have so -often confessed, is it not downright madness to believe this -doctrine, and yet to live as if it were supposed to be false? Not -to live conformable to our belief, is to believe just as the -damned do. - -3. Faith, then, shall henceforth be the sole principle of my -actions, and the only rule of my life. Whatever it condemns, I -also absolutely condemn. In spite of every natural repugnance, I -will oppose the maxims of the gospel to those of the world, as -often as the occasion presents itself. What does the world -say?--_Follow_ the natural bent of your inclinations, suffer -nothing, &c. But what doth Jesus Christ say?--quite the contrary. -But who is right--Jesus Christ or the world? - -{174} - - Thank God for being incorporated with his church, and recite - the Creed slowly, as a solemn profession of your faith. - -"Lord increase my faith." _Luke_, xvii. - -"What doth it avail to believe like a Catholic, and yet to live -like a heathen?" _Peter Dam_. - - - _Second Day_.-— On the End of Man. - -1. God alone is our last end; he did not create us but for -himself. Our hearts tell us that we were made for him; we cannot -disown it without belying ourselves. - -2. Every one should have what justly belongs to him; let us then -give ourselves to God, since it is he that has a right to us. If -we be not his children of our own accord, we must be his slaves -in spite of us. We must of necessity live under the dominion of -his justice or his bounty. Which choice shall we make? - -3. Every thing should tend to its proper object, and act -according to its nature. If the sun, which is made to shine, -refused its light to the world, it would be a monster in the -universe; nor is that heart less monstrous, which, being made for -God, doth still refuse to belong to him. Do I behave myself as a -creature which belongs to God? Are my thoughts and all my actions -directed to him? Ah, how little do I do, that may be called truly -done for God? What doth all the business in this world avail me, -if I forget the only affair for which I am come into it. - -{175} - - Make here a resolution of seeking God alone, and of depriving - him of nothing which he has a right to. - -"Thou art my Lord and my God." _John_, xx. - -"He requires you entirely, who hath made you entirely." _St. -Augustine_. - - - _Third Day_.--Contempt of the World. - -1. From the moment we are attached to the world, we cease, in -some measure, to be Christians. This profane world, so -passionately fond of grandeur, of pleasure, of every thing that -can flatter self-love, is the capital enemy of Jesus Christ; -their maxims, their commandments, their interests, are quite -opposite; they cannot be obeyed at once, we must break off either -with one or with the other. - -2. We cannot take part with the world, without a breach of the -promises we made at our baptism. When we renounced Satan and his -pomps, we bound ourselves down, by solemn oath, to trample under -foot whatever is greatest in the esteem of worldlings. What -perfidy! what sacrilege! to prefer the goods of the earth to -those of heaven, and to become idolaters of vanity. - -{176} - -3. The world has nothing worthy of an immortal soul; it has not -even wherewith to requite its most devoted servants. Its -treasures, its amusements, its honors, may indeed occupy and -disturb the heart of man, but they can never satisfy it. They -are, in reality, but false goods, vain shadows, and illusions; -or, to speak more properly, they are real evils. They make a man -wicked; they can never make him happy. The most brilliant fortune -is not only frail and dangerous, but is often a source of the -most painful uneasiness. There are sighs and sufferings upon the -throne, as well as in chains and dungeons. - - Beg of God to destroy in you the spirit of the world, and give - you strength to despise its allurements. - -"The figure of the world passeth away."--1 _Corinthians_ -vii. - -"Wo to those who adhere to what is transitory; because with those -things they themselves must pass away." _St. Augustine._ - - - _Fourth Day_.--Upon Death. - -1. A Christian who does not lead the life of a Christian, has -great reason to be afraid of death. What a dreadful account must -he give after a worldly and sensual life! what bitter regret to -have lost the opportunities of saving himself! to die an enemy of -God! O dismal death! O dreadful moment, which concludes the -pleasures of time, to begin the pains of eternity. - -2. What would we, at the hour of death, wish that we had done? -Let us do at present what we would then be glad we had done. -There is no time to lose: every moment may be the last of our -life. The longer we have lived, the nearer we approach to the -grave. Our death is not less distant, the more it has been put -off. - -{177} - -3. What will our notion of this earth he, when we are forced to -quit it? Let us now take advice from death; it is a faithful -counsellor; it will not deceive us. What will become of this -beauty, this money, this pleasure, this honour? What will be our -thoughts of them at the hour of death? In our life-time -appearances often deceive us; but at our death we shall see -things as they really are. Man, whilst alive, esteems the world; -man when dying despises it. But which should we reasonably -believe--man living, or man at the point of death? Ah! how -trifling will the world appear at the light of that torch which -faintly glimmers near the bed of death! But alas! it will then be -no longer time to undeceive ourselves. - - - Think seriously on what you chiefly apprehend were you this - moment to die, and regulate it immediately. Accustom yourself - from this moment, to perform every action, as if you were to - die instantly after it. Above all things, observe this practice - in the use of the sacraments. - -"Death and I are divided but a single step." - 1 _Kings_, xx. - -"There is no to-morrow for a Christian." - _Tertullian._ - - - _Fifth Day_.--On the Last Judgment. - -1. _I must one day appear before the tribunal of Jesus Christ, -to be there judged upon the good or evil I shall have done_. -There is nothing more formal nor express in the gospel than this -truth; I believe it as firmly as if the last trumpet had already -sounded to call up all the dead to judgment. - -{178} - -2. What shall we say at the sight of so many bad thoughts, of so -many criminal actions, of so many graces despised? O what a -terrible day is the day of God's wrath! where the inmost recesses -of the heart shall be openly exposed; where every fault shall be -strictly examined! If the just themselves shall be hardly found -just, what must become of unhappy sinners. - -3. What sentence must an impenitent sinner expect from an -offended and inexorable God? O tremendous condemnation! _Depart -ye accursed, &c_, Alas! where shall these miserable wretches -go, to whom you thus give your malediction? To what part of the -world shall they retire when they withdraw from you? Where can -there be so miserable a dwelling? To be banished from the -presence of God! to be accursed of God! O what a shocking -destiny! - - - Imagine yourself now before the tribunal of Christ. What are - you most ashamed of at this very moment? Reflect seriously on - it, and remember that all your secret sins shall be exposed at - the day of Judgment, if you do not here efface them by a - sincere repentance. - - -"Who shall be able to stand before the face of his wrath?" - _Nahum_, i. - -"Wo even to the praiseworthy life, if without mercy, O God, thou -shalt examine it." - _St. Augustine_. - -{179} - - _Sixth Day_.--Upon Hell. - -1. How great would be our horror, if the shrieks of the -damned--if their groans and blasphemies could reach us! They roar -like wild beasts; they accuse themselves of their sins; they -bewail--they detest them. But it is too late; their tears but add -new strength to the fire that torments them. O repentance of the -damned! how rigorous art thou! but ah! how fruitless! - -2. Never to see God! to be burning in flames for ever! the blood -boiling in our veins, the marrow in our bones! to be trampled on -by the devils! to have all that is hideous for ever before our -eyes! to have rage, anguish, and despair eternally rooted in our -heart, without comfort or mitigation! O what a life! - -3. These wretches are outrageous at having had so many -opportunities of saving themselves, and for having neglected -them. The recollection of their past pleasure is one of their -most sensible torments. But nothing more keenly gnaws them, than -the impossibility of forgetting that God whom by their fault, -they have miserably forfeited. - - - Go down in spirit into hell, and inquire of the damned what is - it that has made them fall into it. Question them upon their - present state, and learn of them to fear God and your own - danger. - - -"Which of you can dwell with devouring flames." - _Isaiah_, xxxiii. - -{180} - -"The impious pass from one punishment to another--from the -burnings of concupiscence to the flames of hell." - _St. Augustine._ - - - _Seventh Day_.--On the Eternal Torments of the Damned. - -1. Can the wrath of God go farther than punishing pleasures which -are so soon over, by tortures which will never have an end? To be -miserable while ever God is God!--can any misery be like it? Is -it not enough that the evils of the damned are extreme? Must they -still, besides this, be eternal? To be hurt by the point of a -pin, is trifling in itself; yet were this pain to last always, it -would become insupportable: _What shall it be then, &c_. - -2. O eternity! when a damned soul shall have shed tears enough to -make up all the rivers and seas in the world, did he shed but one -tear in every hundred years, he shall not be more advanced, after -so many millions of ages, than if he had only just began to -suffer. He must begin again, as if he had yet suffered nothing; -and when he shall have begun as often as there are grains of sand -on the seashore, or atoms in the air, or leaves on the trees, he -shall still be as far off from the end of his sufferings as ever. - -3. The damned must not only suffer during eternity, but suffer -every moment an eternity entire. Eternity is always present to -them; it enters into their punishment; their mind is incessantly -struck with the endless duration of their torments. O cruel -thought! O deplorable condition!--to rage for an eternity!--to -burn for an eternity! Ah, that we could conceive this, as those -damned souls conceive it. - -{181} - - Make an act of faith upon the duration of the punishments which - the justice of God inflicts for mortal sin. We must at least - believe, what we are not able to conceive. It is a great - misfortune for a Christian not to be persuaded of this - eternity, but by his own sad experience. - - -"Those who do not obey the gospel, -shall suffer eternal punishment." - 2 _Thessalonians _ i. - -"Momentary is that which delights, -eternal is that which tortures." - _St. Chrysostom._ - - - _Eighth Day_.--On Heaven. - -1. Heaven! thou glorious state! no heart can conceive, no tongue -can describe what thou art! Exemption from all that is evil; -assemblage of all that is good; masterpiece of God's omnipotence; -the price of the blood of Jesus; and more than man can desire. - -2. To see God clearly, and as he is in his glory; to love God -without measure; to possess God without ever fearing to lose him; -to be happy in the felicity of God himself; such is the object of -my hope. But a day or two of pilgrimage or exile, and then I -shall be with him for ever. - -3. What matters it how we fare here below, provided we be with -Jesus for all eternity? Can I justly complain that a never-ending -happiness should cost me so little? The martyrs purchased heaven -at the price of their blood, and thought it was given them for -nothing. Shall not I then sacrifice my corrupt will for it? O -happy eternity! if men only knew what thou art worth. - -{182} - - Excite within yourself a great desire of heaven, and behold the - earth with a proportionable contempt. Were you filled with a - proper sense of it, nothing here below could allure or disturb - you. - - -"I shall be satisfied when thy glory shall appear." - _Psalm_ xvi. - -"If the labour terrifies, the reward invites." - _St. Bernard_. - - - _Ninth Day_.--On the Presence of God. - -1. God at this moment beholds me, as if I were alone in the -world; or rather, he is within me as an eye infinitely -enlightened, which observes me attentively, and which nothing can -escape. He sees me as clearly as he comprehends himself, and with -as intense an application, as if he ceased to contemplate -himself, in order to study me. - -2. Ought I not to be infinitely more ashamed that my sins should -appear in his sight, than that they should be exposed to the eyes -of the whole world? Would I commit in the presence of a servant, -what I dare commit before the King of kings? O what blindness to -fear so much the eyes of men, and so little the eyes of God! - -3. The most obscure darkness can never conceal me from light -itself; the most distant and solitary retreats are always filled -with the divine Majesty. Let me shun, as much as I please, the -sight and the company of men, I will find God every where. - -{183} - - Put yourself in the presence of God, and see whether there may - be any thing in you that may offend his eyes. The most powerful - remedy against sin, is to say frequently within yourself, "God is - looking at me:" there needs no more to restrain you in the - greatest violence of temptation. - - -"All things are clear and open to his eyes." - _Hebrews_, iv. - -"If you be determined to commit sin, seek first a place where God -will not see you, and then do what you please." - _St. Augustine._ - - - _Tenth Day_.--Care of our Salvation. - -1. The affair of Salvation is, properly speaking, the only -business of man; every other concern, when compared with it, -should be accounted as nothing. The enterprises of kings, their -negotiations, &c, are as the amusements and the triflings of -children. The important and the only affair, therefore, is to -serve God, and thereby save our souls: the whole good--the whole -perfection of man consists in this. It would be irrational, and -therefore degrading to man, to neglect an affair whose -consequences are so great, whose success is so uncertain, and -whose loss is irreparable. What blindness! what folly! to think -only of living, and not to think of living well! to apply so much -time to making our fortune, and so little to the saving of our -soul! "What doth it avail a man to gain the whole world, if he -lose his own soul?" - -{184} - -2. All creatures are made but for our salvation; they become -useless when not employed for that great end: so that from the -moment a man ceases to labour for his salvation, the sun also -should cease to shine, the planets should stop in their course, -the earth should no longer support him, the angels should abandon -him; he should fall back into his original nothing. He is -unworthy of life, when he liveth not for God. - -3. However, the greater part of mankind think less of saving -themselves than of any thing else. Every other business is -carefully attended to, except the affair of salvation. All other -concerns are turned to account. This sum of money must be put out -to interest; this field must be tilled; these lands must be let -at a more considerable rent. All other losses are bewailed, -except the one without resource. Great expenses are incurred for -the body, and nothing at all is done for the soul: from the -manner in which we live, it should seem that our soul does not -really belong to us, but that it is the soul of our most mortal -enemy, or the soul of some brute; or rather, that we have a soul -just merely to destroy it. - - - Make now a firm resolution to save your soul, let it cost you - what pains it will: be of the same sentiment with a certain - pontiff, who, when a king had asked something of him, which - could not be granted without sin, replied: "If I had two souls, - I would give one of them to thee. O Prince, but as I have only - one, I do not choose to forfeit it." - -{185} - -"Moreover, one thing is necessary." - _Luke_, x. - -"Where there is the loss of salvation, -there surely there can be no gain." - _St. Euch_. - - - _Eleventh Day_.--On Horror for Sin. - -1. How great a loss is the loss of God! Men think themselves -unfortunate when they lose all their possession at law, or by -bankruptcy, or by some other accident. What is it, then, to lose -an infinite God! Unhappy the soul which loses its God by sin; but -far more unhappy the soul who considers this loss as nothing. - -2. O sin! how common art thou among men! but how little at the -same time art thou known to them! Playing and amusing themselves, -they become the execration of God. And what play--what amusement -is this? God, who is all love, detests sin with infinite hatred: -should any thing, therefore, be so shocking in our eyes as this -hellish monster. - -3. A soul in the state of grace, is beautiful beyond expression! -it is a brilliant image of God himself; the Holy Ghost animates -it. But when mortal sin is allowed to infect it, its beauty is -lost, its light is extinguished, the Divine Spirit departs, the -devil takes possession; all then is darkness, filth, and -deformity. If a God-man dying was a dreadful spectacle, mortal -sin is yet more dreadful; for Christ died but to atone for sin, -and sin can daily frustrate all his merits; he is crucified over -and over; his blood is trampled upon by ungrateful sinners. - -{186} - - O detest at this moment all your sins. Lament from your heart - the loss of God's grace; there is no loss so much to be - lamented; it is the only loss which sorrow can repair. - - -"What advantage had you in those things at which you are now -blushing?" - _Romans_ vi. - -"Wo to that daring soul, which hoped that having retired from -you, she might still find something better." - _St. Augustine_. - - - _Twelfth Day_.--On Repentance. - -1. "Repent, and believe the Gospel." Our Lord here joins faith -and repentance together, in order to teach us, that the rigours -of penance, and the profession of Christianity, are inseparable. -During his mortal life he was a penitent God, ever occupied in -expiating our sins, to appease the justice of his eternal Father. -Surely, we should follow his example. If the Holy of Holies -fasted, prayed, and wept, what should not be done by such vile -wretches as we are? - -2. Sin must necessarily be punished, either by him who commits, -or by God, against whom it is committed. If sinners do not punish -themselves in time, the Divine Justice will punish them in -eternity. The flames of hell must punish what the waters of -penance have not effaced. Is it not, therefore, better to weep -for a few days, than to burn for eternity. - -3. To be reconciled with God, it is not enough to prostrate -ourselves before a priest, cover our heads with ashes, and our -whole bodies with hair-cloth. If we have not a sincere sorrow for -our sins, if we do not entirely renounce our criminal -attachments, we are impostors, and not penitents. Prayers, alms, -fastings, and macerations of the flesh, are but the outside of -repentance; the hatred of sin is its very spirit and essence. - -{187} - - Implore God's mercy for having hitherto led a life so opposite - to the Gospel: and beg of him the grace to live for the future - as the first Christians did, in the constant practice of - penance. - - -"Unless you do penance, you shall all perish alike." - _Luke_, xiii. - -"To penitents, I say, To what purpose is it that you be humbled, -if with this you be not changed?" - _St. Augustine._ - - - _Thirteenth Day._--On Delay of Conversion. - -1. By deferring so long to give myself up to God, it should seem -as if I intended to escape out of his hand. Is it then a -misfortune to belong to him? To-morrow! to-morrow!--Why not -to-day? why not at this very moment? Will my chains be more -easily broken to-morrow? will my heart be less hard?--No, -certainly. Time, that weakens every thing else, adds new strength -to bad habits. By putting off the remedy, the complaint becomes -incurable. - -2. What is it that prevents our obeying the voice that calls us -to repentance? What is it that terrifies us? That there is great -difficulty in changing our lives, must certainly be granted; but -what should not a Christian do, who adores a crucified God, and -who looks up to heaven? If we have any thing to fear, it should -be the abuse of God's graces. - -{188} - -3. There is time to come; but can I call it mine? Is it a -possession I am master of? God waits for me, it is true--the -scriptures tell me so--but still they do not tell me how long I -am to live. He that promised pardon to those who repent, has not -promised another day to those who continue in their vices. -Perhaps I shall have time, and perhaps I shall not. Must not I -have lost my senses, to trust my salvation to a mere -_perhaps?_ - - - Reflect now upon the time you have been deferring your - conversion to God, and tremble at the sight of your danger. - - -"I said: now I have begun." -_Psalm_ lxxix. - -"We cannot be too cautious, where eternity is at stake." - _St. Gregory_. - - - _Fourteenth Day,_--On Human Respect. - -1. What will the world say? Let it say what it will: should the -talk of fools hinder you from being wise? But what will my -acquaintance say? They will say, that you fear God more than you -fear man; the greatest libertines will secretly admire you, and -acknowledge within themselves that you are doing right. But what -matters it, after all, what people may say of you, provided you -do your duty, and that God be satisfied? - -{189} - -2. O what cowardice, to blush at the gospel? To wear the livery -of a prince is held honourable: is it then shameful to wear that -of Jesus Christ? The lowest mechanics make open profession of the -trades they follow; and yet Christians, in the church, blush at -being thought Christians! The Son of God will deny before his -Father in heaven, the Christian that shall have denied him before -men. - -3. What then? Is there any thing in Jesus that you should be -ashamed of? Is his name infamous? Is it a disgrace to follow his -maxims and example? You are not ashamed, perhaps, of being a -libertine, a drunkard, a blasphemer; you may probably even glory -in it; and yet you blush at being a good man. But let people say -what they will, the man that is most esteemed is he who serves -God with most fidelity, and who openly professes himself to be a -follower of Christ. - - - Ask yourself seriously whether this phantom of the world doth - not frighten you, and prevent your fulfilling the obligations - which the Christian religion imposes. - - -"I do not blush at the gospel." - _Romans_ i. - -"Why should you fear or be ashamed, -when armed with the sign of the cross?" - _St. Aug._ - - - _Fifteenth Day._--Diffidence in Ourselves. - -1. We have nothing to fear so much as ourselves. Our own weakness -is more alarming than the united powers of hell. A thought, a -word, a single look is enough to overcome us. Angels have -rebelled, Adam hath fallen, Solomon hath bowed to idols, Peter -hath denied his Master. When cedars have yielded, how shall -osiers stand? - -{190} - -2. Our own heart is our most dangerous enemy; our senses and our -passions are always conspiring against us; we are vanquished -almost without a struggle. Let us then never be so weak or -foolish as to trust to ourselves. Many whom torments could not -shake, have wretchedly perished in a slight temptation: they were -victorious over tyrants, but vanquished by concupiscence. - -3. There is no man, of how exemplary soever a conduct, that -should not tremble at the justice of God, because he cannot be -certain whether he be worthy of love or hatred. To the all-seeing -eye of Infinite Perfection, the very angels themselves shall not -appear without blemish. Sanctity may be lost in a single moment, -and the saint may be transformed into an odious reprobate. We -should all, therefore, cry out with St. Philip of Neri: "Watch -me, O Lord, this day, for abandoned to myself I shall surely -betray thee." - - - Beware of the occasions of sin; the most dangerous are often - what you are least afraid of. - - -"Let him who thinks he stands, -take heed lest he fall." - 1 _Corinthians_ iv. - -"Though you be in a place of safety, -do not on that account think yourself secure." - _St. Bernard._ - -{191} - - _Sixteenth Day._--Use of Divine Grace. - -1. Whatever grace we have, was dearly purchased: our Saviour gave -his blood for it. Wherefore to reject a pious thought, to resist -an holy inspiration, is, in fact, to trample on the merits of -Christ, and to frustrate, as much as we can, the ends he proposed -to himself in dying for us. - -2. We are accountable to God, not only for the graces we have -received, but also for those which he intended to confer on us, -provided we ourselves had not put an obstacle to them. His sun -shines, but we shut our windows against it. Are we the less -indebted to him for its light?--No; for we may, if we please, -make use of it. - -3. Many years, perhaps, has God been inviting us in vain; -soliciting, reprehending, and threatening us, to no manner of -purpose. But let us remember, that he is a _creditor_ who -will not thus be put off, and that the longer our debt is unpaid, -the more strictly will he require the interest. There is possibly -a measure of sins which may force him at last to abandon us. - - - Thank the Almighty now for all his gifts and graces. Beg pardon - for having been unfaithful to him, and resolve to correspond with - docility, to all the suggestions of his grace for the future. - - -"From him to whom much hath been given, -much will be required." - _Luke_, xii. - -"Grace is followed by judgment." - _St. Basil._ - -{192} - - _Seventeenth Day_.--Good Use of Time. - -1. The loss of time is one of the greatest misfortunes in the -world. This life is so short! all its moments so precious! yet we -live as if it were never to end, or as if we had nothing to fear -hereafter. - -2. Alas! if a damned soul had but one single moment of the time -we now squander away, what good use would he make of it! Every -instant of our life we may purchase a happy eternity. The -opportunity of enriching or amusing ourselves we never miss; but -the means of salvation appear to us indifferent. - -3. The day that is best employed, is not always the one that has -most forwarded our temporal affairs, but that which has added -most to our merits, and which God has been best pleased with. Let -us always so regulate our time, that God and our salvation may be -our constant objects. - - - Renew the resolution you have taken to serve God faithfully; - and be firmly persuaded, that the time which is not employed - for God, is no more than so much time lost for ever. - - -"God hath given to no person time for sinning." - _Ecclesiastes_ xv. - -"You have leisure to become a philosopher; -you have none to become a Christian." - _St. Paul._ - - - _Eighteenth Day_.--Use of the Sacraments. - -1. The sacraments are the channels of divine grace; through them -the merits of Christ abundantly flow into our souls. We must -therefore take care to approach them worthily; for otherwise his -merits will not avail us, nor will our salvation of course be -possible. - -{193} - -2. The abuse of the sacraments is an evil of the first magnitude. -They were instituted as the means of life; but, when perverted, -lead to eternal death. There is no medium; they must be either -our food or our poison. How dreadful then must it be to reflect, -that after so many confessions we should be so little improved, -that after repeated communions we should still follow the same -sinful course! - -3. The unworthy communicant receives his own condemnation, and -becomes, as it were, incorporated with his own ruin. What answer -can he give when called to account for his baseness? How shall he -hope to escape, when arraigned for such daring profanations? - - - Examine yourself carefully upon the use you have made of the - sacraments, and receive them for the future, as if death were - immediately approaching. - - -"Let a man prove himself." - 1 _Corinthians_. - -"There are bad Christians, who are called by the name of -faithful, and who are not such; by whom the sacraments of Christ -are dishonoured and profaned." - _St. Augustine._ - - - _Nineteenth Day_.--On the Mass. - -1. A sacrifice is an exterior or visible offering made by a -lawful minister to God alone, in testimony of his supreme -dominion. Our absolute dependance on God, and the homage we owe -him, render sacrifice essential to religion. Hence, from the -beginning of the world it has been always offered: Abel, Noah, -Melchisedech, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, have sacrificed to the -Almighty; and a variety of sacrifices were prescribed in the -written law of Moses. - -{194} - -2. All these however, were only weak figures of the sacrifice of -Christ upon the cross; for sin was too great an evil, its guilt -was of too black a die to be ever removed by the blood of sheep -and oxen. No other atonement could possibly compensate for its -enormity, than the excruciating sufferings of a God; therefore -did he come. "In the head of the book it was written of him, that -he should do the will of his Father." By the one oblation of -himself he paid off all our debts, closed up the abyss of -separation, cancelled the hand-writing of sin that lay against -us, and the sanctified he perfected for ever. - -3. Was not this enough? Most undoubtedly it was; nay, one drop of -his blood was fully adequate to all these purposes. Why then is -the same sacrifice daily renewed in the Mass? Why is he still -immolated upon our altars? Why is his body mystically drained of -his blood, by the separate consecrations of the two species? -{195} -Because his love for us would have it so; he would leave us a -standing memorial of his death; he would daily apply to our souls -the infinite merits thereof, just as he prays for us still, -though his prayer on the cross was already heard for us; he -would, as a priest for ever, according to the order of -Melchisedech, continue to the end of time the same unbloody -sacrifice; he was willing that his faithful on earth, united not -only in spirit, but in outward ties of religion, should ever have -this sacrifice before them, as the strongest bond of love, and -the most perfect act of adoration. - - - Make a resolution to hear Mass every day, and to hear it with - the devotion which so august a sacrifice requires. For this - purpose go to the church as you would to Mount Calvary; adore - Jesus Christ in his state of humiliation: pay him your homage - with fervour at the foot of the altar. It is shameful in us and - most displeasing to him, that he should be so much deserted in - the midst of our churches, and that his court should be so - empty, whilst earthly kings have their levees crowded. - - -"In every place there is a sacrifice, -and a pure victim is offered to my name." - _Malic_. i. - -"He will then be our victim indeed, -when we sacrifice ourselves to him." - _St. Gregory_. - - - _Twentieth Day_.--On Alms Deeds. - -1. We minister to Christ when we relieve the poor. He abides in -the Eucharist to receive our adoration, and to become our -nourishment; he abides in the poor to excite our compassion, and -to be fed by us in our turn. Happy the man who gives alms to -Jesus! but wretched is he who refuses to assist him. Shall we -feed our dog, and let Christ famish with hunger! - -{196} - -2. What we give to the great ones of the earth may, in a great -measure, be considered as forfeited: but what we present to God -is always attended with advantage. He gives it back with -interest. He repays with liberality the crumbs that are given for -his sake; his rewards are laid up even for _a cup of cold -water_. Play, luxury, and debauch, have ruined innumerable -families, but alms have impoverished no one. - -3. Men at the day of judgment shall be accountable for their -alms; but what answer can the unfeeling rich ones make when the -poor shall accuse them, when Jesus Christ himself shall reproach -them with their insensibility? "Go, ye accursed, into eternal -fire: I was hungry, and you gave me not to eat; I was naked, and -you did not clothe me," &c. A heart that is hard to the poor, is -the heart of a reprobate; but on the contrary, a soul that is -truly charitable, is a soul predestined. What can our Judge say -against us, when he shall see our clothes upon himself, when he -shall see our bread and our money in his own hands? We shall -approach his awful tribunal with confidence, provided the poor be -our advocates. - - - Consider seriously how you behave to the poor; whether you - treat them as members of Jesus Christ, by doing them all the - good in your power. - - -"He gives at interest to the Lord, -who has pity on the poor." - _Proverbs_ xix. - -"Give unto all, lest he whom you refuse should be Jesus Christ." - _St. Augustine_. - -{197} - - _Twenty-first Day_--On Bad Example. - -1. Bad example has damned more souls than the preaching and good -example of all the saints together have been the means of saving. - -2. Were the gates of hell to be laid open, scarcely would any one -be found that would not say, _it is such or such-a-one that has -damned me_. O what a reproach! We are commanded to love our -enemies: why then should we destroy souls which have never done -us an injury? A man who has been unfortunate enough to ruin souls -redeemed by the blood of a God, hath much reason to fear for his -salvation. What can we reasonably hope from Jesus Christ, after -having torn from him what he hath so dearly purchased? O fathers -and mothers, who do not live as Christians ought to live, it were -far better for your children that they had never been born! You -have given them life only to put them to death; that dreadful -death which is eternal! When they shall require of you the heaven -they have lost, what will you he able to answer them? - -3. Let us clothe ourselves with Jesus Christ, according to the -words of the apostle; let his conduct, his virtue, and his spirit -shine forth in us, so that _he_ may be remembered when we -are seen. We contribute not less to our neighbour's salvation by -an edifying life, than we do to his damnation by a scandalous -one. - - - Be very careful to do nothing that may scandalize your - neighbour; and humbly beg pardon of God for the sins you have - occasioned. - -{198} - -"Wo be to the man by whom scandal cometh." - _St. Matt_. xviii. - -"The scandalous sinner must answer for the crimes which his bad -example hath caused to be committed." - _Salvian_. - - - _Twenty-second Day_.--On Mortification. - -1. We are not Christians merely to be rich and to live at our -ease. It was not necessary to institute Christianity for that -purpose: the world might have been left as it was, under the -empire of passion and opinion. The life of a Christian is a -crucified life: unless the cross be embraced, faith must be -renounced. - -2. What doth the gospel say? "Blessed are those who weep: wo be -to you, O rich, who have your consolation in this world!" Such is -the language of the Holy Ghost. But it is now looked on as -nonsense to believe that felicity consists in tears, and that the -rich are unhappy. - -3. The Son of God was to die on the cross, that he might take -possession of his glory; the saints have arrived at heaven by the -path of sufferings. Shall we then imagine that what the Son of -God and the saints have so dearly purchased, shall be given to us -for nothing? No; the cross is the distinctive mark and portion of -the elect: a soul which suffers nothing, and is resolved to -suffer nothing, bears the strongest character of a reprobate. We -must of necessity suffer in this world or in the next. - - Adore Christ crucified, and beg of him the grace to participate - now in his suffering life, that you may be one day a partaker in - his life of glory. - -{199} - -"Whoever doth not carry his cross is not worthy of me." - _Luke_, xiv. - -"What a shame to be a delicate member -of a head crowned with thorns." - _St. Bernard._ - - - _Twenty-third Day_.--On Conformity to the Will of God. - -1. The greatest happiness of a rational creature is, to will that -which his Creator willeth. It is in this, precisely, that real -sanctity consists. The saints are saints only because their will -corresponded with the will of God. Whatever virtue we may -possess, if we have not that of conformity to the divine will, we -are not truly virtuous. - -2. A soul that is not satisfied with the will of God, seems to -doubt, in some measure, of his authority. To desire that what he -ordains and permits in this world should go on otherwise than it -does, is to desire that God should not be master. Every thing -that happens to us, happens by his order; and is it not just to -acquiesce in whatever is ordained by infinite wisdom? - -3. All things but sin fall out by God's appointment. Though his -arm be raised to strike, we are sure that his hand is conducted -by his heart. What have we to fear from a heart that loves us? We -will then desire nothing but what he pleases; we will not -complain of losses, sickness, trouble, &c. The name and the -nature of these things are changed as they pass through the hands -of God. What the world calls misfortunes, affliction, dishonour, -is an advantage, a grace, and a favour from heaven, when -considered in the order of providence. - -{200} - - Renounce your own will, and beg of God that his maybe - accomplished in you. - - -"Be it so, Father, because it is thy will." - _Matthew_ xi. - -"He is pleasing to God, -to whom God is pleasing." - _St. Augustine._ - - - _Twenty-fourth Day_.--Confidence in God. - -1. God is the greatest parent of mankind; our Lord Jesus Christ -has taught us to call him _Father_. Not a hair can even drop -from our heads without his knowledge. His providence reaches from -end to end, disposing all things sweetly. What madness, -therefore, to doubt of his protection, or to be slow in trusting -ourself to his guidance! - -2. The _insects_ are an object of his care; how much more we -who are created to his image, and redeemed by the blood of his -only-begotten Son! If God feed the infidels, who know him not; if -he heaps favours on the impious, by whom he is blasphemed, what -will he not do for Christians who honour and love him? - -3. Our affairs are much better off when in his hands, than they -can be in our own: let us therefore leave them all at his -disposal. He is at the same time our Father and our Creator. The -tenderness he has for his children obliges him to take care of -them. He has promised us his protection; he will then be as good -as his word. Sooner shall the heavens and the earth he destroyed, -than that man should perish, who places his confidence in God. - -{201} - - Examine your heart, and see whether your confidence be worthy - of the goodness of God, and the merits of Jesus Christ. - - -"Thou art my God: my lot is in thy hands." - _Psalm_ xxx. - -"Throw yourself upon him, -he will not withdraw to let you fall." - _St. Augustine._ - - - _Twenty-fifth Day._--On the Love of God. - -1. God has loved us to such a degree, as to give us his only Son: -had he any thing better he would have given it us. Is it not -buying our love too dearly, to purchase it at so dear a rate? A -trifling bounty from a fellow-creature is entitled to our love; -why, then, shall we not love a bounty that is infinite? Why doth -its being infinite render it less amiable? - -2. God has strictly enjoined me to love him. Is a commandment -rigorous, which orders us to love what is infinitely worthy of -our affections? He commands us to love him with all our hearts. -Is a heart so small as mine, too much for a God so great? But in -saying _all_, he admits of no exception. Whatever share I -give him, if I give him not all, I give him nothing. - -{202} - -3. If eternity could have an end, the torments of the damned in -hell, even to the day of judgment, would not be too much to -obtain this heavenly love. There is not one of these miserable -souls that would not think itself happy, provided that, after -ages of sufferings, it could love that infinite beauty. We can -love God if we please: every moment invites us to it. Not to do -so while it can be done, is a monstrous insensibility. - - - Disclaim every love but that of God alone, and endeavour to - love him above all things. - - -"If I have not charity, I am nothing." - 1 _Corinthians_ xiii. - - - _Twenty-sixth Day_.--Love of Jesus Christ. - -1. Nothing was ever purchased at so dear a rate as my soul. A -divine life was given to redeem it. I deserved hell: justice -cried out for punishment; but Christ would listen only to the -emotions of his heart: it pleaded in my behalf, and I obtained -forgiveness. If I return him not life for life, the least I can -do is to return him love for love. - -2. The dog that I feed, watches, caresses, and attends me: Jesus -has given his blood for me, and continues to give me himself; yet -I am still insensible. Learn, then, ungrateful soul! learn, I -say, thy duty from a brute! thy dog is thy teacher and thy judge. -If his example reform not thy heart, thou art more brutal than -he. - -{203} - -3. We can feel for our friends; we are not insensible of the good -they do us; we pique ourselves upon gratitude. Shall we then be -ungrateful only to Christ? Shall he alone find us hard-hearted? -Had we ever a friend that sacrificed himself for us? - - - Beg the love of Jesus from Jesus himself. Without his grace we - shall never be able to love him. - - -"If any one love not the Lord Jesus, -let him be accursed." - 1 _Corinthians_ vi. - -"If I belong to him entirely for having created me, what shall I -add for having been redeemed, and redeemed in so excellent a -manner?" - _St. Bernard._ - - - _Twenty-seventh Day_.--Love of our Neighbour. - -1. If we love not our neighbour, we cannot love God. Whatever -good we do, is to no purpose, if we do not love our brethren. -Even martyrdom itself will not avail us, without charity. - -2. "This is my commandment," said Jesus, "that you love one -another, as I have loved you." Had mankind nothing else than -Christ's love to endear them, they are objects of esteem for that -very reason. Since our Saviour has loved them, shall we refuse to -do so? - -3. Do we love all men as Christ has loved them? Do we thirst for -their salvation as he did? Do we do by them as we would be done -by? - - - Excite yourself to love those whom our Lord Jesus Christ has - loved so tenderly: firmly purpose to promote their salvation, - and never to do what may offend against charity. - -{204} - -"He that loveth his neighbour hath fulfilled the law." - _Romans_ xiii. - -"By charity alone, the children of God are -distinguished from the children of Satan." - _St. Augustine._ - - - _Twenty-eighth Day._--Love of our Enemies. - -1. So essential is charity to the Christian religion, that we are -obliged to love even our enemies; Christ hath given the -commandment, and set the example. God orders it, and shall we -find it hard to obey? A God forgives his very executioners, and -shall we refuse to pardon a brother? - -2. "He that will not forgive, shall not be forgiven." God will -not pardon us, but on the condition that we pardon others. If we -seek revenge, we call down God's anger upon us. We must either -love our enemies, or hate ourselves. - -3. It should seem that two Christians who hate each other, are -not really professors of the same religion; for how can they -approach the same altar, eat the same food, believe the same -heaven, and hope to be together eternally? Mutual hatred is -allowed but to devils: it belongs to them alone. There is not a -more formal sign of reprobation, than that of refusing to pardon -an enemy; and a soul in such a disposition may be looked on as -marked for hell. - - - Examine your heart at the sight of the crucifix; and if you - feel a hatred for any person, take sentiments of charity from - the wounds of Jesus. - -{205} - -"He that hates his brother is a murderer." -1 _John_, iii. 15. - -"You a Christian, and yet desire to be revenged! -But Christ hath not yet taken vengeance." - _St. Augustine._ - - - _Twenty-ninth Day_.--Imitation of Christ. - -1. The Son of God, when he united his divinity to our human -nature, became the model of Christians. He is the head of the -predestined; we are therefore bound to resemble him. - -2. The manners of the world are carefully studied; but the life -of Jesus Christ is hardly thought upon. Courtiers form themselves -upon their prince; philosophers have been imitated even in their -faults. Did we ever seriously strive to imitate Jesus? Have we -taken any pains to follow his example, or to copy after the -virtues of his holy life? - -3. What shall we say for ourselves at the awful tribunal of -Divine Justice, when we shall be compared to our model; when the -life of Jesus shall be opposed to our life; his humility to our -pride; his wounds to our delicacy; his sweetness to our anger and -impatience, &c.? Ah! what a monster is a Christian without -Christianity! baptized, and a slave of the devil! under the -banners of the cross, yet a follower of the flesh and the world! -We must then renounce our baptism, or conform to the life of our -Saviour. - -{206} - - See whether you bear any resemblance to the Son of God, and - whether you may be truly considered as a disciple of a - crucified Jesus. - - -"Master, I will follow thee wheresoever thou goest." - _Matthew_ viii. - -"Without cause am I a Christian, -if I follow not Christ." - _St. Bernard._ - - - _Thirtieth Day_.--On Fervour in the Service of God. - -1. Let us have as much zeal for God as he has for us. He acts -exteriorly, but for the perfection of our souls. All the desires -of his heart, all the cares of his providence, all the tenderness -of his mercy, are referred to this. O what a subject of confusion -for tepid souls! - -2. Were we to judge of God by our own indifference, it might be -said that he does not deserve our services, and that his rewards -are very trifling. What idea can be had of a master whose -servants attend him carelessly, and without the smallest -affection? We dishonour God, we cry down his services, as often -as we perform negligently what he requires of us. Wo be to the -man who does the work of God without attention! - -{207} - -3. An action done for God, how trifling soever it may be, is of -far greater value than the most renowned exploits of heroes. If -we pique ourselves upon so much courage in labouring for vanity, -what should be done when we are employed for eternity? What! the -servants of the devil spare no pains; they do not complain of -what they go through; they are ever indefatigable. Is Jesus -Christ then less considerable than the devil? Is paradise less -valuable than hell? Hell then shall be, as it were, our -instructor: we are to love God as much as the damned hate him; we -are to serve God as much as the world serves the devil. Is this -too much? - - - Examine your conduct with respect to the service of God; - consider the actions in which you are most remiss, and excite - yourself to perform them henceforth with a fervour worthy of - your master. - - -"Fervent in spirit, serving the Lord." - _Romans_. - -"Let the ardour you formerly had for the world be now entertained -for him that created it." - _St Augustine._ - - - _Thirty-first Day._--On Devotion to the Mother of God. - -1. A more pure, more excellent, or more amiable being than this -glorious Virgin, was never yet created. God having from all -eternity destined her to be the mother of his Son, it was proper -she should be embellished with every created excellence, and that -her dignity and influence in heaven should far surpass the -dignity and influence of all the other saints. Most justly then -is she entitled to our veneration, respect, and confidence. - -{208} - -2. Let us put ourselves under her protection: let us recommend -ourselves to her prayers. How great soever our wickedness, or how -numerous soever our faults may have been, let us always have -recourse to her, and hope, through her prayers, for the grace of -our conversion. Her charity is so great, her interest is so -powerful, that she must always plead successfully for the -repenting sinner. - -3. But let us never forget, that to honour her properly, is to -imitate her virtues; that to persevere in sin, upon the hopes of -her future intercession, is equally absurd, impious, and -detestable. Her hatred of this error should be always before our -eyes. Her purity, her mildness, her patience, should be ever -present to us. - -"Hail, full of grace." - _Luke_, i. - -"O name! under which no one should despair." - _St. Augustine._ - - - Concluding Reflection. - -1. As Christians, it would be very profitable for us to reflect, -every morning, that we have on that day a God to glorify, a -Saviour to imitate, our souls to save, our bodies to mortify, -virtues to acquire, sins to satisfy for, heaven to seek after, -hell to fly, eternity to meditate on, time to improve, -temptations to overcome, the devil to resist, our neighbour to -edify, our passions to subdue, the world to guard against, and -perhaps death and judgment to undergo. Reflect seriously on all -these important truths, and they will not only incite you to -begin the day well, but also, in the course thereof, to make the -affair of your eternal salvation your principal study. - -{209} - -2. As it is also a duty of the last consequence to conclude the -day properly, nothing can prove a more powerful incitement -thereto, than the serious consideration of the many spiritual and -temporal blessings which God hath bestowed on you; the various -evils from which his providence hath hitherto preserved you; and -the absolute uncertainty whether you shall ever unclose your eyes -to behold the next morning. Thousands who had as good a right to -expect it as you, were nevertheless disappointed. The very bed on -which you lie is a _memento mori_, or kind of sepulchre; and -sleep, the image of death. What unaccountable rashness then must -it be, for a sinner to compose himself to sleep in a state of -mortal sin, without first endeavouring to appease the wrath of -God by an act of contrition, or some other spiritual exercise of -piety and devotion; since that very night, perhaps, his soul may -be required of him! - -3. Let us then guard against this danger, by a faithful discharge -of every Christian duty; let us frequently exclaim, with the -prophet: "Enlighten mine eyes, O Lord, that I may never sleep in -death, lest the enemy at any time may say, I have -_prevailed_ against him." - -"He that desires to make any progress in the service of God, must -begin every day with fresh ardour; he must, as much as possible, -keep himself in the presence of God, and in all his actions, have -no other object in view but that of promoting the divine honour." - _St. C. Borromeus._ - -{210} - - Mentations On The Apostles' Creed, - - _Which may be used with great spiritual profit by Religious - Societies, or Private Families, assembled together in common - prayer at night, or at any other time most convenient; on - Sundays, Holidays, &c_. - - - The Method. - - Thirteen Paters and Aves are annexed to these meditations, in - honor of Jesus Christ and his twelve apostles. The meditations - to be read by the head of the family or community, to which the - assistants should hearken with the most devout attention. The - prayers to be recited partly by the head, and partly by the - assistants. - -In the name of the Father, and of the Son, -and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. - -Blessed be the holy and undivided Trinity, -now and for evermore. Amen. - -V. Thou, O Lord, wilt open my lips, - -R. And my tongue shall declare thy praise. - -V. O God, incline unto mine aid. - -R. O Lord, make haste to help me. - -V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; - -R. As it was in the beginning, &c. Amen. - -{211} - - Let Us Pray. - -Direct, O Lord, we beseech thee, our actions by thy holy -inspirations, and carry them on by thy gracious assistance, that -every prayer and work of ours may always begin from thee, and may -by thee be happily ended, through Christ our Lord. Amen. - - - Let us recite the Lord's Prayer. - -Our Father, &c. Give us this day, &c. - - Let us recite the Angelical Salutation. - -Hail Mary, &c. Holy Mary, &c. - - Let us recite and devoutly meditate on - the different articles of the Creed. - - - First Article. - -"_I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker of Heaven and -Earth._"--Let us attentively consider, in this first article -of our creed, the infinite power, wisdom, and goodness, which our -almighty and sovereign Lord God has displayed in the creation of -the heavens and of the earth, and of all things visible and -invisible therein contained. He drew us out of the abyss of -nothing, and made all things for our use and service. He gave us -rational and immortal souls, stamped with his own image and -likeness, and capable of knowing, loving, and serving him on -earth, and of enjoying him for all eternity in the kingdom of -heaven. This is the noble, the blessed, and the glorious end for -which he has vouchsafed to create us; and should it not be our -chief study and care to answer this happy end, by dedicating -ourselves to him for time and eternity, and by employing all our -senses, and all the faculties of our souls, in his love and -service, and for his greater honour and glory? With this -intention let us say: "Our Father," &c. "Give us this day," &c. -"Hail Mary," &c. "Holy Mary," &c. - -{212} - - Second Article. - -"_And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord._"--Let us now -meditate on the great benefit of our redemption, and the -boundless mercy of the only-begotten and eternal Son of God; who, -when four thousand years had elapsed after the creation and fall -of our first parents from their original innocence, out of pure -love and compassion, came down from heaven, to reconcile us to -his eternal Father, and to purchase mercy, grace, and salvation -for us, by the effusion of the last drop of his precious blood. -Thus he became our Jesus, our Christ, our Redeemer, our Saviour, -our High Priest, our Mediator, our King, our Lord, and our -Sovereign Master. He claims and challenges us, therefore, as his -sole right and property. We belong to him by every title that -dominion or jurisdiction can confer. We are his by creation, his -by preservation, his by the title of his all-ruling providence. -We are his in a very special and particular manner, by virtue of -our redemption. As Christians we derive our name from him, and -are his members and temples, dedicated and consecrated to him by -the solemn vows and covenant of our baptism. - -{213} - -Let us then offer all our thoughts, words, and actions, to his -honour and glory, and let us employ our whole lives in loving and -serving him faithfully; saying, for this end, the prayers which -himself and his church have taught us: "Our Father," &c. "Hail -Mary," &c. - - - Third Article. - -"_Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost; born of the Virgin -Mary._"--We are now to meditate on the wonderful mystery of -the incarnation and temporal nativity of the Son of God. When the -fulness of time appointed for the redemption of mankind was come, -the second Person of the blessed Trinity assumed our flesh in the -womb of his blessed Mother; that the divine and human nature -being thus united in his person, he might be capable of -satisfying divine justice for the injury which God had received -by sin. He became man for our salvation, not in the _ordinary -way_, but after _a supernatural and incomprehensible -manner_, by the operation of the Holy Ghost. But although the -incarnation, considered particularly as a work of divine mercy, -goodness and love, be particularly attributed to the Holy Ghost, -and although the three Persons of the blessed Trinity, -essentially possessing the same undivided powers, have equally -concurred therein, yet this wonderful work was effected only by -the second Person: his sacred body was formed of the most pure -blood of his Virgin Mother, without the least violation of her -virginal integrity, and a most perfect soul was created to -animate his body. -{214} -Being thus miraculously conceived, he was also, after the space -of nine months, miraculously born in a stable at Bethlehem, under -the reign of Augustus Cæsar. As man, being at the same time true -God, he subjected himself to all our infirmities and miseries, -sin only excepted, of which he was incapable. At so early a -period as at his very first entrance into the world, he was -pleased to suffer for us, and to give us, in his tender infancy, -the most perfect example of poverty, humility, and mortification; -that he might thereby manifest to us the infinite riches of his -mercy and goodness, and teach us to despise the sinful vanities -of the world. He discovered himself to the shepherds by a choir -of angels from heaven, to shew that he came to be the Saviour of -the Jews. He manifested himself also to the Eastern Magi by a -star from heaven, to shew that he was likewise come to be the -Saviour of the Gentiles. He continued to live in a poor, private, -and retired manner, till he was thirty years of age, when he -began to preach the gospel, to cast out devils, to cure the dumb, -the deaf, the lame, and blind, and to work the most stupendous -miracles, in favour of a people the most ungrateful on the face -of the earth. -{215} -Let us not imitate them; let us rather embrace our divine -Redeemer with all the affections of our souls, and ever retain a -most grateful sense of the innumerable benefits he has conferred -on us; devoutly saying: "Our Father," &c. "Hail Mary," &c. - - - Fourth Article. - -"_Suffered under Pontius Pilate; was crucified, dead and -buried._"--Let us here meditate on the dolorous mysteries of -our dear Redeemer's passion, crucifixion, death and burial. To -show the greatness of his love for us, and the plenteous -redemption which he brought us, he was pleased to suffer every -kind of torment with which human nature could be afflicted. "What -was sufficient for our salvation," says St. Bernard, "was not -sufficient for his charity." When he could have saved us with a -single drop of his blood, he redeemed us with a deluge thereof, -after a painful life of thirty-three years. His passion began in -the garden of Gethsemani, at the foot of Mount Olivet, near -Jerusalem, and ended only on Mount Calvary; Tiberius being then -emperor of Rome, and Pontius Pilate governor, or president, of -Judea. He suffered in his soul, and in his body, in his senses, -and in all his members, from the sole of his foot, to the crown -of his head. He was buffet ted and spit upon; he was mocked and -insulted; he was scourged; he was crowned with thorns; and at -length his hands and feet were pierced and fastened with gross -nails to an ignominious cross; and after hanging alive thereon, -between two thieves, in the most excruciating pain, for the space -of three long hours, he expired, and gave up his blessed soul -into the hands of his eternal Father. -{216} -After his death, his sacred body being taken off the cross on -Good-Friday, in the afternoon, and being embalmed, according to -the custom of the Jews, by Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, it -was wrapped up in linen cloth, and laid in a new monument, hewn -out of a rock, near Mount Calvary. O let us not then repay the -boundless love of our crucified Redeemer with sin and -ingratitude, but let us rather make the best return we are able, -of love and gratitude to him, who suffered so much for our sake; -devoutly saying, "Our Father," &c. "Hail, Mary," &c. - - - Fifth Article. - -"_He descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the -dead_."--Here let us meditate how our blessed Saviour's soul, -when separated from his body, descended into hell, or the dreary -prison, where the souls of the holy patriarchs and saints of the -Old Testament were detained, until he had paid the price of their -redemption, and opened for them the gates of heaven, which had -remained shut against mankind from the fall [of] Adam until that -time. -{217} -We may judge how the presence and sight of their so long -wished-for Redeemer turned their gloomy prison into a paradise of -delights, and occasioned unspeakable joy to the holy souls to -whom he came to preach the gospel of redemption, release from -their tedious captivity, and carry up with him to heaven at his -ascension, as the first fruits of his victorious triumph over sin -and death. Having comforted them by these happy tidings, his -blessed soul, after remaining part of three days subject to the -laws of death, returned from this prison to the sepulchre, and -being re-united to his body, he arose early on the morning of the -third day from the bowels of the earth, by his own divine power, -and was the first who from death rose to a glorious and immortal -life. His resurrection is a perfect model for us to copy after. -Let us endeavour to imitate it by a spiritual resurrection from -the death of sin, to a new life of grace, so as to continue for -ever to live with him, and to return no more to the death of -mortal sin. For this end, let us implore his divine assistance; -saying with devotion, "Our Father," &c. "Hail Mary," &c. - - - Sixth Article. - -"_He ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of -God, the Father Almighty._"--Let us here meditate how our -divine Redeemer, after accomplishing the great work of our -redemption, ascended triumphantly from the top of Mount Olivet -into the kingdom of heaven, on the fortieth day after his -glorious resurrection, in the presence of his apostles and -disciples, till a cloud at length interposed and took him out of -their sight. -{218} -He then withdrew his visible presence from the world; raised -human nature above the choirs of saints and angels, to the -highest seat in the kingdom of heaven, where, in full possession -of the glory of his eternal Father, he pleads for us with the -powerful eloquence of his sacred wounds, which he incessantly -represent to him, in quality of our High Priest, Mediator, and -Advocate. O what a comfortable reflection, to think that we have -such an affectionate friend in the court of heaven! O what -encouragement to raise our hopes! what inducement to follow him -with our hearts, and ascend after him in spirit and affection! -For this end let us beseech him to break the chains of our sins, -and the fetters of our passions, which so unhappily tie down our -affections to the earth; devoutly saying, "Our Father," &c. "Hail -Mary," &c. - - - Seventh Article. - -"_From whence he shall come to judge both the quick and the -dead_." Here let us meditate on our blessed Redeemer's return -at the end of the world, with great pomp and majesty, in quality -of Sovereign Judge of the living and the dead. -{219} -As soon as the last trumpet shall sound, and the angel -repeat these words in the four corners of the earth: "Arise ye -dead, and come to judgment!" the whole race of mankind, both the -good and the wicked, are to appear before his awful tribunal, in -sight of Mount Calvary, in order to give a strict account of all -their thoughts, words, and actions; for, besides the particular -judgment which is passed on every soul immediately after death, -the justice of God requires that a general judgment should also -take place, in order that the children of Adam should be -assembled together, and receive their sentence; either of eternal -salvation or eternal reprobation. O let us make a timely -provision for this woful day, in order that we may then meet with -a favourable judgment, and be entitled to receive the happy -sentence of the elect; saying for this end, "Our Father," &c. -"Hail Mary," &c. - - - Eighth Article. - -_"I believe in the Holy Ghost._"--Let us now meditate on the -great work of our sanctification, which is particularly -attributed to the Holy Ghost, the third person of the ever -blessed Trinity; because he is the love of the Father and the -Son, and because it is from God's love to us that all sanctity, -all grace, all justification and virtue flow. For which reason -the apostle says, "the charity of God is poured into our hearts -by the Holy Ghost, who is given to us." We first receive the Holy -Ghost, and are made his living temples at the font of baptism, -and afterwards we receive him in a more perfect manner in the -sacrament of confirmation, &c. -{220} -O what a happiness it is to possess this divine and heavenly -guest in our souls! and how solicitous should we be to invite him -into our hearts, to engage him to stay with us, and to make our -souls his dwelling-place for time and eternity! Let us devoutly -implore this greatest of blessings; saying, "Our Father," &c. -"Hail Mary," &c. - - - Ninth Article. - -"_The holy Catholic Church; the Communion of Saints_."--We -are now to meditate on the infinite goodness and mercy of God, -who, by a special grace, has vouchsafed to call us to the light -of his true and saving faith, and to include us within the pale -and bosom of his One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, in -preference to so many thousands in different parts of the world, -left in ignorance, or buried in the darkness of error and -infidelity. This grace of our vocation is so signal a blessing, -that it calls upon us for our most grateful acknowledgments, and -will render us more culpable at the last day than pagans or -infidels, if, instead of living up to our holy profession, we -dishonour it by the immorality of our lives. -{221} -On the contrary, if we square our actions according to our -belief; if we show the purity of our religion by the purity of -our morals, and live as becomes worthy members of the Catholic -Church, we shall assuredly be made partakers of all spiritual -blessings and treasures thereof, and benefit by all the prayers, -sacrifices, and good works, which are wrought therein by our -fellow-members; for as there subsists a common union between all -the parts of the human body, there subsists, in like manner, a -common or general union in spirituals between all the parts of -Christ's mystical body, the holy Catholic Church. O what an -inestimable blessing then must it be, to live and die in the -communion of his church! and, on the contrary, what a grievous -loss and misfortune to be cut off therefrom by excommunication, -like rotten and dead members separated from a natural body by -amputation! Let us beware of incurring the like misfortune, and -beseech the Almighty to grant us grace to be always obedient -hearers of the pastors of his church, those spiritual guides to -whom he has committed the care of our souls; saying for this end, -"Our Father," &c. "Hail Mary," &c. - - - Tenth Article. - -"_The Forgiveness of Sins_."--Here let us also meditate on a -second signal advantage which may be obtained within the pale of -the holy Catholic Church. Besides the mutual communication in -spirituals, and participation in good works, that subsists -between all the parts of the church in their three different -states, viz. the saints in heaven, the souls in purgatory, and -the true believers on earth, who compose the church triumphant, -sufferant, and militant; the apostles also teach us, in this -article of their creed, that there is a power left by Jesus -Christ to his church, to forgive the sins of such as truly -repent, and properly apply for absolution. -{222} -Original sin has been already remitted by the sacrament of -baptism, and the actual sins committed after baptism are pardoned -in the sacrament of penance, when duly administered by the -pastors of the church, and received with the proper dispositions -on the part of the repenting sinner. Let us therefore beseech the -Father of mercies to grant us these dispositions; saying, "Our -Father," &c. "Hail Mary," &c. - - - Eleventh Article. - -"_The Resurrection of the Flesh_."--Let us here meditate on -a third signal privilege reserved in the next life for the living -members of the holy Catholic Church. On the last day there will -be a general resurrection of the dead; and the whole human race, -which at the fall of our first parents had been sentenced to -return to their original dust, shall arise again to receive their -final and irrevocable doom. As soon as the angel, by the sound of -his trumpet, proclaims the awful summons, "Arise ye dead, and -come to judgment!" the bodies of all the children of Adam, -re-animated by their respective souls, shall instantaneously, in -the "twinkling of an eye," issue forth out of their several -graves and sepulchres, never more to be separated for an endless -eternity. -{223} -But, alas! how very different will be the manner of the -resurrection of the reprobate from that of the elect! for whereas -the bodies of the former shall arise in a condition suitable to -their deserts, that is, foul, hideous, heavy, inactive, and only -fit to be the fuel of everlasting flames, (immortal indeed they -shall be, but to no other end than to endure immortal torments,) -so those of the latter shall arise glorious, beautiful, immortal, -and impassible, brighter than the stars, and more resplendent -than the sun. This glorious state of immortality is infallibly -reserved for the bodies of such Christians as in this life have -been as it were consecrated by receiving the holy sacraments, and -particularly the Eucharist; since Christ himself expressly -declares, "He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood, hath -eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day." O let us -then frequently approach this heavenly banquet, with the proper -dispositions, that thereby our bodies and souls being preserved -pure from the corruption of sin, may both arise together at the -last day to a happy immortality. That this may be our happy lot, -let us with the most fervent devotion, say, "Our Father," &c. -"Hail Mary," &c. - -{224} - - Twelfth Article. - -"_Life everlasting_."--This is the fourth and -final blessing attainable within the pale of the -holy Catholic Church, and reserved for the -children of light in the next world. It is the -last end of man, the ultimate reward that -awaits true faith, animated by charity and -good works, and it essentially consists in the -clear vision and fruition of God. O let us -lead such lives here on earth, that we may -hereafter live with Jesus Christ in the glory of his eternal -Father, for ever and ever: and that this may be our happy case, -let us devoutly say, "Our Father," &c. "Hail Mary," &c. - - - The Salve Regina. - - Hail, happy Queen! thou mercy's parent hail! - Life, hope, and comfort of this earthly vale; - To thee we eve's wretched children cry; - In sighs and tears to thee we suppliants fly. - Rise, glorious advocate, exert thy love, - And let our vows thine eyes of pity move. - O sweet, O pious maid! for us obtain-- - For us who long have in our exile lain-- - To see thy Jesus, and with him to reign. - -V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God, - -R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. - -V. Pray for us, O ye holy apostles, and all ye saints of God, - -R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. - -{225} - - - Let Us Pray. - -We beseech thee, O Lord, that by the intercession of the blessed -and glorious Virgin Mary, of thy holy apostles, and of all thy -saints, thou wouldst vouchsafe to protect and defend us from the -snares of the enemy, and conduct us unto life everlasting. Amen. - - - An Universal Prayer. - For All Things Necessary To Salvation. - -O my God, I believe in thee; do thou strengthen my faith. All my -hopes are in thee; do thou secure them. I love thee with my whole -heart; teach me to love thee daily more and more. I am sorry that -I have offended thee; do thou increase my sorrow. - -I adore thee as my first beginning. I aspire after thee as my -last end. I give thee thanks as my constant benefactor. I call -upon thee as my sovereign protector. - -Vouchsafe, O my God, to conduct me by thy wisdom, to restrain me -by thy justice, to comfort me by thy mercy, to defend me by thy -power. - -To thee I desire to consecrate all my thoughts, words, actions, -and sufferings; that henceforward I may think of thee, speak of -thee, willingly refer all my actions to thy greater glory, and -suffer willingly whatever thou shalt appoint. - -{226} - -Lord, I desire that in all things thy will may be done, because -it is thy will and in the manner thou willest. - -I beg of thee to enlighten my understanding, to inflame my will, -to purify my body, and to sanctify my soul. - -Give me strength, O my God, to expiate my offences, to overcome -my temptations, to subdue my passions, and to acquire the virtues -proper for my state. - -Fill my heart with a tender affection for thy goodness, a hatred -for my faults, a love for my neighbour, and a contempt for the -world. - -Let me always remember to be submissive to my superiors, -condescending to my inferiors, faithful to my friends, and -charitable to my enemies. - -Assist me to overcome sensuality by mortification, avarice by -alms-deeds, anger by meekness, and tepidity by devotion. - -O my God, make me prudent in my undertakings, courageous in -dangers, patient in afflictions, and humble in prosperity. - -Grant that I may ever be attentive at my prayers, temperate at my -meals, diligent in my employments, and constant in my -resolutions. - -Let my conscience be ever upright and pure, my exterior modest, -my conversation edifying, and my comportment regular. - -{227} - -Assist me, that I may continually labour to overcome nature, to -correspond with thy grace, to keep thy commandments, and to work -out my salvation. - -Discover to me, O my God, the nothingness of this world, the -greatness of heaven, the shortness of time, and the length of -eternity. - -Grant that I may prepare for death; that I may fear thy -judgments; that I may escape hell, and in the end obtain heaven, -through the merits of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. - - - A Prayer For The Choice Of A State Of Life. - -O eternal God, who art the light of the world, and for whose -glory the whole creation is ordained, to thee I submit myself, -and my whole life; and that I may live to thy glory, I beseech -thee, in thy mercy, to direct me in the choice of a state of -life; that, having thee for my guide, I may embrace that course -which may be most pleasing to thee, and most proper for me to -work out my salvation. - -O Queen of heaven, and mother of Jesus, be a mother to me, and -obtain for me of thy divine Son, that I may hear his call, and -know his will, and have grace readily to put it into execution. -Amen. - - - A Prayer For A Pregnant Woman. - -O Lord God Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, who hath made -us out of nothing, and redeemed us by the precious blood of thine -only Son, look down upon thy poor handmaid here prostrate before -thee, humbly imploring thy mercy, and begging thy blessing for -herself and her child, which thou hast given her to conceive. -{228} -Preserve, I beseech thee, the work of thy hands, and defend both -me and the tender fruit of my womb, from all perils and evils; -grant me, in due time a happy delivery, and bring my child safe -to the font of baptism, that it may there be happily dedicated to -thee, to love and serve thee for ever. But, O my God, I have too -much reason to fear, lest my great and manifold sins should -hinder thee from hearing my prayers, and draw down thy judgment -upon me and mine, instead of thy mercies which I sue for; and -therefore I am sensible the first thing I ought to do is, to -repent from the bottom of my heart for all my offences, humbly -confess them, and continually cry to thee for mercy. I detest, -then, all my sins with my whole heart, and desire to lay them all -down here at thy feet, to be effaced and destroyed for ever. I -renounce and abhor them with my whole soul, because they are -infinitely odious to thee, and wish that I could expiate them -with tears of blood. I humbly beg thy pardon for them, and am -sorry from the bottom of my heart that I ever committed them. I -here offer myself to make what satisfaction I am able for them, -and most willingly accept whatever pains I may suffer in -childbearing, and offer them up to thee now beforehand for my -sins, firmly resolving by thy grace never wilfully to offend thee -more. -{229} -Behold here my poor heart, O Lord, and if it be not such as I -here express, I desire at least it should be such: I desire it -should be that contrite and humble heart, which thou dost never -despise. In this disposition of soul, and with a lively -confidence in thy mercies, and in the merits of the death and -passion of Jesus Christ thy Son, I renew the petition I made -before, and once more I beg of thee for myself, thy grace, -protection, and a happy delivery; and for my child, that thou -wouldst be pleased to preserve it for baptism, sanctify it for -thyself, and make it thine for ever; through the same, &c. - - - The Litany Of Divine Providence. - - _A short Instruction to the Devout Reader._ - - That we may be equally disposed and subordinate to the designs - and directions of Divine Providence, as well in adversity as in - prosperity, and receive with equal gratitude its decrees and - appointments, is the end of the ensuing devotion or litany. - Three particulars we ought to keep in view: - - 1. That we bow our heads with the greatest submission, - humility, and resignation to the will of God, manifested to us - in the order of his Divine Providence. - - 2. That we place a full confidence and reliance in his - favourable intentions in our regard. - - 3. That our behaviour be such as to draw on us his favour and - protection, and that we may be thoroughly grateful and - acknowledging for blessings conferred on us through his Divine - Providence. - -{230} - - The Litany. - -Lord, have mercy on us. - -Christ, have mercy on us. - -Lord, have mercy on us. - -Christ, hear us. Christ graciously hear us - -God the Father, whose holy providence governs all things, - _Have mercy on us._ -God the Son, Redeemer of human kind, - _Have mercy on us._ -God the Holy Ghost, - _Have mercy on us._ -Holy Trinity, one God, unchangeable Providence, - _Have mercy on us._ -Divine Providence, that governs all things in heaven and earth, - _Have mercy on us._ -Divine Providence, that gives, preserves, and governs our life, - _Have mercy on us._ -Divine Providence, the eternal love of man below and angels above, - _Have mercy on us._ -Divine Providence, ever conformable to -the influence of the tender heart of Jesus, - _Have mercy on us._ -Divine Providence, that created, directs, -and governs all things, with weight, -measure, and wisdom, - _Have mercy on us._ -Divine Providence, our hope, life, and salvation, - _Have mercy on us._ -Divine Providence, defence and comfort of the afflicted, - _Have mercy on us._ -Divine Providence, guide and support of souls in all dangers, - _Have mercy on us._ -Divine Providence, that provides us with, -and imparts to us, all natural and supernatural gifts, - _Have mercy on us._ - -{231} - -Divine Providence, inexhaustible treasury -Of the riches of heaven, - _Have mercy on us._ -Divine Providence, protector and defence of the just, - _Have mercy on us._ -Divine Providence, safe retreat and sanctuary to the miserable, - _Have mercy on us._ -Divine Providence, our resource in all wants, - _Have mercy on us._ -Divine Providence, our anchor in storms, - _Have mercy on us._ -Divine Providence, our security in danger, -our way and secure haven, - _Have mercy on us._ -Divine Providence, remedy in all evils, food to the hungry, and -fountain of refreshing water to the thirsty, - _Have mercy on us._ -Divine Providence, raiment to the naked, strength to the weak, -protector and mother to widows and orphans, - _Have mercy on us._ -Divine Providence, refuge of sinners, - _Have mercy on us._ -Providence of God, who rules all things, infinitely deserving of -our homage and adoration: - _Spare us, O Lord,_ -Providence of God, which protects and conserves all things, -infinitely worthy of our homage and adoration: - _Hear us, O Lord._ -Providence of God, which created and knows our weakness, -infinitely above our homage, and adoration: - _Have mercy on us, O Lord._ -V. We praise and adore thee, Divine Providence. - -R. We resign ourselves to thy just and holy designs. - -{232} - - Let Us Pray. - -Eternal God, whose eyes are over all thy works, especially intent -on thy servants, vouchsafe to turn away from us whatever is -hurtful, and grant us whatever is advantageous, that through thy -favour, and under the benign influence of thy special providence, -we may securely pass through the transitory dangers and -difficulties of this life, and happily arrive at the eternal joys -of the other: through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. - -_Anth._ By thy immaculate conception, and most spotless -virginity, O ever holy Mother of Christ, comfort of the -afflicted, be propitious to us, both now and in the hour of our -death. - -V. In all our anguish and tribulation, - -R. We fly to thee, O Mother of Mercy. - - - A Prayer - -Remember, O most pious and tender Virgin, that it is a thing -unheard of in all ages, that any one was abandoned by you, who -ran to you for succour, who implored your help, and begged your -intercession. Animated with this confidence, I, a wretched -sinner, place myself in sighs and groans before you, to entreat -you to adopt me for your child for ever, and to take my eternal -salvation into your own care. Do not, O Mother of the Divine -Word, despise my petition, but listen to me and hear me with a -mother's tenderness. Amen. - -Great St. Joseph, admirable model of resignation, obtain for me -from my dear Saviour, who, to enforce your example, would submit -himself to be governed by you during the thirty years of his -hidden life, obtain for me from God the grace to imitate him, and -to resign myself perfectly to that so sure and so amiable -Providence, which, preserving me from ever going astray, may -procure me an unalterable peace in this life, and eternal -happiness in the next. Amen. - - -{233} - - The Litany Of St. Winefrid. - - -+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, -and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. -Lord have mercy on us. -Christ have mercy on us. -Lord, have mercy on us. -God the Father of heaven, - have mercy on us. -God the Son, Redeemer of mankind, - have mercy on us. -God the Holy Ghost, - have mercy on us. -Holy Trinity, one God, - have mercy on us. -Holy Mary, - _Pray for us._ -Holy Mother of God, - _Pray for us._ -Holy Virgin of Virgins, - _Pray for us._ -O blessed _St. Winefrid_, - _Pray for us._ -O humble and mild virgin, - _Pray for us._ -O glorious spouse of Christ, - _Pray for us._ -O devout and charitable Virgin, - _Pray for us._ -O sweet comforter of the afflicted, - _Pray for us._ -O singular example of chastity, - _Pray for us._ -O radient star, - _Pray for us._ -O fairest flower of the British nation, - _Pray for us._ - -{234} - -O admirable and elected vessel, - _Pray for us._ -O mirror of chastity, - _Pray for us._ -O mirror of devotion, - _Pray for us._ -O mirror of piety, - _Pray for us._ -O bright lamp of sanctity, - _Pray for us._ -O golden image of angelic purity, - _Pray for us._ -O hope and safety of distressed pilgrims, - _Pray for us._ -That we may be delivered from all iniquity, - _O holy virgin and mother, pray for us._ -That we may be delivered from all disordered passions of the -mind, - _O holy virgin and mother, pray for us._ -That we may be delivered from the deceits of the world, the -flesh, and the devil, - _O holy virgin and mother, pray for us._ -That we may be delivered from all occasions of sin, - _O holy virgin and mother, pray for us._ -That we may be delivered from plague, famine and war, - _O holy virgin and mother, pray for us._ -That we may be delivered from the wrath of God, and eternal -damnation, - _O holy virgin and mother, pray for us._ -That we and all sinners may have true contrition, and full -remission of our sins, - _O holy virgin and mother, pray for us._ -That all schismatics, heretics, and infidels, may be converted to -the holy catholic and apostolic faith, - _O holy virgin and mother, pray for us._ -That we may always hate sin, and overcome all temptations, - _O holy virgin and mother, pray for us._ -That we may despise all worldly vanities and delights, - _O holy virgin and mother, pray for us._ -That we all may ever fear God, and fulfil his holy will, - _O holy virgin and mother, pray for us._ -That we may have both spiritual and corporal health, - _O holy virgin and mother, pray for us._ -That we may devoutly desire chastity and purity of life, - _O holy virgin and mother, pray for us._ - -{235} - -That we may fervently love humility and mildness, - _O holy virgin and mother, pray for us._ -That we may delight in pious prayer, fasting, and charitable -alms, - _O holy virgin and mother, pray for us._ -That we may discreetly and fervently continue in the exercise of -godliness, - _O holy virgin and mother, pray for us._ -That we may cheerfully and constantly suffer for the love of -Christ, - _O holy virgin and mother, pray for us._ -That the souls in purgatory, and all afflicted persons may obtain -heavenly consolations, - _O holy virgin and mother, pray for us._ -That our benefactors, and all that labour to save souls, may be -blessed with abundance of grace and everlasting life, - _O holy virgin and mother, pray for us._ -That we may enjoy true peace and endless felicity, - _O holy virgin and mother, pray for us._ -That God, of his abundant mercy, may vouchsafe to bless this our -pilgrimage, - _O holy virgin and mother, pray for us._ -That by thy pious intercession, it may be to the perfect health -of our souls and bodies, - _O holy virgin and mother, pray for us._ -That thou wilt vouchsafe to grant our requests, - _O holy virgin and mother, pray for us._ - -O blessed St. Winefrid, pray for us. - -Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world: - _Spare us, O Lord._ -Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world: - _Hear us, O Lord._ -Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world: - _Have mercy on us._ -Christ hear us. -Christ graciously hear us. -Lord have mercy on us. -Christ have mercy on us. - -{236} - -Lord have mercy on us. - - Our Father, &c. Hail Mary, &c. - V. The Lord be with you. - R. And with thy spirit. - - - Let Us Pray. - -Almighty and everlasting God, who hast adorned Saint Winefrid -with the reward of virginity; grant, we beseech thee, by her -pious intercession, that we may set aside the delights of the -world, and obtain with her the throne of everlasting glory; -through Jesus Christ thy Son, who with thee liveth and reigneth -in the unity of the Holy Ghost for ever. Amen. - - - Another Prayer. - -Almighty and everlasting God, grant we humbly beseech thee, that -blessed St. Winefrid, by her pious intercession, may obtain for -us such spiritual and temporal benefits as are expedient to thy -holy service and our eternal salvation: through our Lord Jesus -Christ thy Son, who with thee and the Holy Ghost liveth and -reigneth, ever one God, world without end. Amen. - -{237} - - A Hymn Of St. Winefrid. - - As the fragrant rose in pleasing spring, - To God's own Son a spouse most dear, - A martyr rare of Christ our King, - St. Winefrid did flourish here. - - Descended great of British race, - In faith was firm, in hope secure, - With holy works and soul of grace, - From worldly filth preserved pure. - - Caradock this sacred maiden slew, - Because she did resist his lust; - But heaven's immediate vengeance flew, - And doomed his soul for ever curst. - - Stained with spots of reeking blood, - Where Caradock's sword sever'd the head, - A healing stream immediate flow'd, - Perpetual token of the deed. - - Here God supreme doth wonders work, - The blind to see, the dumb to speak; - Diseases which in bodies lurk, - Are cur'd where faith is not too weak. - - O glorious Virgin Winefrid, - To us the raging sea appease; - And free us so from Satan's dread, - That he on us may never seize. - - - A Prayer To St. Winefrid. - -O blessed Winefrid! O pure Virgin, and glorious martyr, so -especially elected, so divinely graced, and wonderfully restored -from death to life! O singular hope of all that fly unto thee -with full confidence and humility. Though unworthy, yet we thy -devoted pilgrims make our addresses to thee! O sanctuary of -piety, look upon us with patient eyes, receive our petitions, -accept our offerings, and present our supplications to the throne -of mercy, that through thy powerful intercession God will be -pleased to bless this our pilgrimage, and grant us our requests -and desires: through Jesus Christ, his Son, who with God the -Father, and the Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth ever one God, -world without end. Amen. - -{238} - - Another Prayer To St. Winefrid. - -O blessed Winefrid! O glorious Virgin and Martyr, who hast -admirably beautified with the purple of thy blood the rare purity -of thy innocent life, whom God has so specially chosen, so highly -privileged, and so wonderfully restored to life again, gracing -thee with the honour of a living martyr, causing a fountain -miraculously to spring, bearing a perpetual memory of thy name, -for the relief of all diseased and distressed pilgrims who shall -devoutly beg thy powerful intercession. O blessed Winefrid, hear -my prayers, and receive my humble supplications, or any poor -devoted pilgrim's, and obtain that by thy pious intercession, -God, of his infinite mercy, will be pleased to grant us a full -pardon and remission of our sins, and a blessing to this our -pilgrimage, and that we may increase and persevere in God's -grace, and enjoy him eternally in heaven. This we beg of thee, O -blessed Virgin and Martyr, for Jesus Christ our Lord and -Saviour's sake. Amen. - -{239} - - The Golden Litany, - - Briefly Commemorating Our Blessed Redeemer's Life - - And Passion. - - -Lord, have mercy upon us! -_Christ, have mercy upon us!_ -Lord, have mercy upon us! - -God, the Father Almighty, -Creator of heaven and earth, - _Have mercy upon us._ - -God, the Son, Redeemer of the world, - _Have mercy upon us._ - -God, the Holy Ghost, Sanctifier of mankind, - _Have mercy upon us._ - -O sacred Trinity of Persons, in unity of essence, - _Have mercy upon us._ - -O blessed Jesus, true God and true man, - _Have mercy upon us._ - -Through thy power in creating heaven and earth, -and all things therein contained, - _Have mercy upon us._ - -Through thy goodness in making man to -thine own image and likeness, - _Have mercy upon us._ - -Through thy mercy in redeeming man after his fall, - _Have mercy upon us._ - -Through thy unspeakable love, in making choice of the blessed -Virgin Mary for thy Mother, - _Have mercy upon us._ - -Through the ineffable mystery of thine Incarnation, whereby thou -didst vouchsafe to unite thy divine person to our frail nature, - _Have mercy upon us._ - -{240} - -Through thy immaculate Conception, and nine months imprisonment -within the sacred body of the blessed Virgin Mary, - _Have mercy upon us._ - -Through thy blessed nativity in the poor stable at Bethlehem, - _Have mercy upon us._ - -Through the hunger, cold, and the other inconveniencies thou -didst endure in thy tender body, when laid in the crib between an -ox and an ass, - _Have mercy upon us._ - -Through thy painful circumcision, on the eighth day after thy -birth, when thou didst first shed thy precious blood for our -sake, - _Have mercy upon us._ - -Through the adorable name of Jesus, -which was then given thee, - _Have mercy upon us._ - -Through the mystical offerings of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, -which the wise men presented thee, whom by a miraculous star thou -didst summon out of the East, to adore thee in thine infancy, - _Have mercy upon us._ - -Through the oblation thou didst make of thyself to thine eternal -Father, when in the temple thou wert acknowledged by Simeon and -Anne, and ransomed with a pair of doves by thy poor Virgin -Mother, - _Have mercy upon us._ - -Through thy flight into Egypt to avoid the cruelty of king Herod, -and all thou didst there suffer with thy blessed Mother and St. -Joseph, - _Have mercy upon us._ - -Through thy return from thence to Nazareth, and the obedience -thou didst there pay to thy parents, - _Have mercy upon us._ - -{241} - -Through thy being lost by thy parents in Jerusalem, where thou -wert again found by them, after three days' search, sitting in -the temple in the midst of the doctors, - _Have mercy upon us._ - -Through the sacred and hidden life thou didst lead in Nazareth, -with holy Mary and Joseph, from the twelfth to the thirtieth year -of thine age, - _Have mercy upon us._ - -Through thy humble reception of baptism in the river Jordan by -the hands of St. John, - _Have mercy upon us._ - -Through thy forty days' fast in the desert, where thou didst -obtain repeated victories over the three temptations of the -devil, - _Have mercy upon us._ - -Through thy first miracle of changing water into wine at the -marriage feast of Cana, - _Have mercy upon us._ - -Through the zeal which thou didst show for the honour of thy -eternal Father, in casting the buyers and sellers out of the -temple, - _Have mercy upon us._ - -Through thy condescending to discourse with -the Samaritan woman sitting at the fountain. - _Have mercy upon us._ - -Through thy excessive charity in healing the young man of -Capharnaum, Simon Peter's mother-in-law, and a multitude of other -infirm persons, - _Have mercy upon us._ - -Through the power thou didst manifest in appeasing the tempest at -sea, walking on the water, and enabling St. Peter to do so -likewise, - _Have mercy upon us._ - -{242} - -Through thy efficacious calling of Peter, Andrew, James, and -John, from their boats, and Matthew from the receipt of custom, -to follow thee, - _Have mercy upon us._ - -Through the choice of thy twelve apostles, and the divine sermon -thou didst deliver to them on the Mount, in which is exhibited -the model of a perfect Christian life, - _Have mercy upon us._ - -Through the mercy thou didst show to the penitent Magdalen, -preferring her to the Pharisee, and pardoning her sins, - _Have mercy upon us._ - -Through the sending of the apostles to preach thy gospel to the -people, - _Have mercy upon us._ - -Through thy miraculous feeding of five thousand persons with five -loaves of bread, and four thousand with seven loaves, - _Have mercy upon us._ - -Through thy appointment of Peter to be the rock on which thou -wouldst build thy church, for his having confessed thee to be -Christ the Son of the living God, - _Have mercy upon us._ - -Through thy glorious transfiguration on Mount Thabor, in the -presence of three of thy disciples, - _Have mercy upon us._ - -Through thy instructing us in the virtue and efficacy of prayer, -and by giving us a model thereof in the divine "Our Father," &c. - _Have mercy upon us._ - -Through thy inflamed desire to redeem mankind, - _Have mercy upon us._ - -{243} - -Through thy meek and humble entry into Jerusalem on Palm-Sunday, -riding upon an ass, - _Have mercy upon us._ - -Through thy humility in washing the feet of thy disciples, -even those of the traitor Judas, - _Have mercy upon us._ - -Through thy ineffable love manifested in the institution of the -sacrifice and sacrament of thy precious body and blood, - _Have mercy upon us._ - -Through the prayer thou didst thrice repeat in the Garden of -Mount Olivet, when a bloody sweat trickled down thine agonized -body, - _Have mercy upon us._ - -Through thy condescending to receive a kiss from the mouth of the -traitor Judas, - _Have mercy upon us._ - -Through thy being apprehended, bound, and brought before the -tribunals of Annas and Caiphas, - _Have mercy upon us._ - -Through the blows, buffets, and opprobrious usage thou didst -endure the night before thy crucifixion, - _Have mercy upon us._ - -Through thy presentation to the pagan judge, Pilate, in the -quality of a notorious criminal, - _Have mercy upon us._ - -Through thy being sent before Herod, and scornfully treated by -that wicked king and his soldiers, - _Have mercy upon us._ - -Through the cruel and contumelious whipping -thou didst endure at the pillar, - _Have mercy upon us._ - -{244} - -Through the barbarous clamours of the people to have Barrabas, -the murderer, released, and the innocent Jesus put to death, - _Have mercy upon us._ - -Through the false accusations, suborned witnesses, slanders, and -calumnies, brought against thee by the Jews, - _Have mercy upon us._ - -Through the shameful stripping off thy clothes, and exposing thy -naked body to the multitude, -_Have mercy upon us._ - -Through the pressing of a crown of sharp -pointed thorns on thy sacred head, - _Have mercy upon us._ - -Through thy being clothed in a purple garment, and derided as a -mock king, having a reed put into thy hand for a sceptre, - _Have mercy upon us._ - -Through the scoffing salutations, insulting reflections, and -scornful adorations, whereby thou wert mocked by the Jews and the -soldiers, - _Have mercy upon us._ - -Through their spitting on thy divine face, -and striking thy sacred head, - _Have mercy upon us._ - -Through thy being exposed to the people in the most lamentable -condition, Pilate saying to the multitude: Behold the man! - _Have mercy upon us._ - -Through the horrid clamours and repeated vociferations of the -Jews, "Away with him! Crucify him!" - _Have mercy upon us._ - -Through thy meek and patient hearing of the sentence of death -pronounced against thee, - _Have mercy upon us._ - -{245} - -Through thy bearing thy heavy cross on thy sacred shoulders, - _Have mercy upon us._ - -Through the painful stretching of thy naked body on the cross as -on a rack, and fastening thy hands and feet thereto with gross -nails, - _Have mercy upon us._ - -Through the compassion thou hadst for thy sorrowful Mother, and -beloved disciple, standing at the foot of thy cross, - _Have mercy upon us._ - -Through thy excessive charity in praying for thy persecutors, and -murderers, and in promising Paradise to the penitent thief, - _Have mercy upon us._ - -Through the seven last speeches thou didst utter on the cross -whilst thou wast suspended thereon for the space of three hours, - _Have mercy upon us._ - -Through the vehement thirst thou didst then suffer, and the gall -and vinegar which was given thee to drink, - _Have mercy upon us._ - -Through thy last agony, in which thou didst commend thy blessed -soul into the hands of thy heavenly Father, - _Have mercy upon us._ - -Through the piercing of thy side with a lance, -and the water and blood which issued therefrom, - _Have mercy upon us._ - -Through the descent of thy departed soul into Limbo, to conquer -the devils, and set the ancient fathers at liberty, - _Have mercy upon us._ - -Through the taking down of thy dead body from the cross by -Joseph, of Arimathea, and Nicodemus, in order to its burial, - _Have mercy upon us._ - -{246} - -Through thy glorious resurrection from death to life on the third -day, - _Have mercy upon us._ - -Through thy appearing to thy blessed Mother, to Mary Magdalen, to -Peter and the other apostles, frequently comforting and -confirming them during the space of forty days, - _Have mercy upon us._ - -Through thine admirable ascension into heaven, in the sight of -thy sacred Mother and thy disciples, - _Have mercy upon us._ - -Through the miraculous descent of the Holy Ghost on thy apostles -in the form of fiery tongues, - _Have mercy upon us._ - -Through all thine actions and sufferings during thy thirty years -sojourning amongst men, and by all that is pleasing to thy divine -Majesty in heaven and on earth, - _Have mercy upon us._ - -V, Graciously hear our prayers, O Lord. - -R. And let our cry come unto thee. - - - Let Us Pray. - -Vouchsafe, O Almighty and most merciful Creator, Redeemer and -Sanctifier, to have compassion, not only on us, but also on all -such as shall present the foregoing petitions to the throne of -thy mercy, in commemoration of thy sacred life and most bitter -passion. -{247} -We beseech thee also, for thine own dear sake, that thou wouldst -grant to us, our friends and benefactors, and to all those for -whom we intend or are bound to pray, the pardon of all past -offences, and preservation from future failings; that loving -thee, serving thee, and obeying thee, with the utmost fervour, -fidelity and perseverance, during the remainder of our earthly -pilgrimage, we may be at length admitted to the eternal enjoyment -of thy beatific presence in thy heavenly paradise. Amen. - -May the blessing of Almighty God, the Father, and the Son, and -the Holy Ghost, descend upon us, and dwell with us for evermore. -Amen. - - - - The Prayers Of St. Bridget. - - To Be Said In Honour Of The Sacred Wounds - Of Our Blessed Saviour. - - -1. O most sweet Lord Jesus Christ, eternal sweetness of those who -love thee, joy above any desire, firm hope of the hopeless, -solace of the sorrowful, and most merciful lover of all penitent -sinners; who hast said, thy delight is to be with the sons of -men, for the love of whom thou didst assume human nature in the -fulness of time. Remember, most sweet Lord Jesus, all those sharp -sorrows which then pierced thy sacred soul, from the first -instant of thy incarnation, until the time of thy solitary -passion, pre-ordained from all eternity. -{248} -Remember, O most amiable Saviour, all those bitter anguishes thou -didst suffer, when at thy last supper thou didst wash the feet of -thy disciples, didst feed them with the sacred banquet of thy -precious body and blood, and most sweetly comforting them, didst -foretell them thy ensuing passion; after which, going to Mount -Olivet, thou saidst, "My soul is sorrowful unto death." Remember, -I beseech thee, O most sweet Saviour, that bitter grief and -anguish which thy sacred soul did suffer, when praying three -several times to thy heavenly Father, thou didst sweat water and -blood; thou wert betrayed by thy own disciple, apprehended by thy -chosen people, accused by false witnesses, unjustly judged by -three judges, and in thy elected city, in the paschal solemnity, -in the flourishing age of thy youth, wrongfully condemned, bound, -beaten, spurned, spit upon, despoiled of thy garments, and -clothed with others in scorn; wert blind-folded, buffeted, spit -upon again, bound naked to a pillar, most cruelly scourged, -crowned with thorns, struck with a reed, and afflicted with -innumerable other torments, pains, and injuries. O my Lord Jesus, -by the memory and merit of all those bitter pains and anguishes -before thy last expiration on the cross, vouchsafe to grant me -before my death, true contrition, entire confession, a flowing -fountain of tears, full satisfaction, and a plenary remission of -all my sins. Amen. - -O most gracious Lord Jesus, be propitious to me a sinner. -Pater Noster. Ave Maria. - -{249} - -2. O most sweet Lord Jesus, true liberty of angels, and paradise -of delights, remember, I beseech thee, that grief and sorrow -which thou didst suffer when thy cruel enemies, like fierce -lions, with furious and dreadful looks, compassing thee round -about, did tear off thy hair, spit upon thy sacred face, -scratched, beat, buffeted thee, and with all manner of -unheard-of-injuries, outrages, and torments, didst most cruelly -and basely blaspheme, scorn, and affront thee. O most sweet Lord -Jesus, by all those most barbarous and inhuman outrages which -thou didst suffer, vouchsafe to deliver me from all my enemies, -visible and invisible; that, protected under the shadow of thy -wings, I may safely arrive at the port of eternal glory. Amen. - -O most gracious Lord Jesus Christ, be propitious to me a sinner. -Pater Noster. Ave Maria. - -3. O most sweet Lord Jesus, omnipotent creator and fabricator of -the world, and repairer of mankind, who containest both heaven -and earth in thy hand, and whose immensity no bounds can limit; -remember, I beseech thee, the bitter pains and anguishes which -thou didst endure, when the perfidious Jews pierced thy delicate -and tender hands and feet with most rough and blunt nails, -stretching them forth so violently with cords to the holes which -they made in the cross. -{250} -Thus they heaped dolors upon dolors, most cruelly disjointing all -thy bones, breaking all thy veins, and renewing all thy sacred -wounds. O most sweet Jesus, by the memory of all these thy pains -and torments upon the cross, vouchsafe to give me thy fear and -love, with perfect charity towards my neighbour. Amen. O most -pious Lord Jesus, &c. &c. - -4. O most sweet Lord Jesus, heavenly physician of human nature, -and eternal king, remember, I beseech thee, all those bitter -pains and torments which thou didst endure in thy sacred members, -who, being hoisted up upon the cross, with all thy precious body -rent and torn, not having from the crown of thy head to the sole -of thy foot any part left unhurt; so that no dolor could be -compared to thine; at which time, being unmindful of thy own -torments, thou didst mercifully pray to thy heavenly Father for -thy cruel enemies, saying: "Father, forgive them, for they know -not what they do." O most meek and merciful Lord Jesus, by this -thy admirable benignity, goodness, love, and mercy, and by all -thy bitter pains and torments, grant that the memory of thy -dolorous passion may be a most powerful protection of my soul and -body, against all deceits, temptations, and molestations of the -devil, my cruel enemy. Amen. - -O most merciful Lord Jesus, &c. - -{251} - -5. O most sweet Jesus Christ, mirror of eternal brightness, and -wisdom of the omnipotent Father, remember the bitter grief and -sorrow thy sacred soul did feel, when beholding, in the clear -mirror of thy divine presence, the predestination of thy elect, -who through the merits of thy most salutary passion were to be -saved; and the reprobation of the wicked, who for their -ingratitude were to be damned; and the abyss of thy immense -mercy, by which thou didst commiserate and shed tears for us, -miserable, lost, and forlorn sinners; and chiefly by that mercy -which thou didst show to the thief upon the cross, saying to him, -"This day thou shalt be with me in paradise;" I beseech thee, O -most sweet Lord Jesus, my Lord and my God, to show the like mercy -unto me, now and at the hour of my death. Amen. - -O most sweet Lord Jesus, &c. - -6. O most sweet Lord Jesus, omnipotent king and most amiable -friend, remember the bitter grief and sorrow thy sacred soul did -suffer, when, being forsaken of all thy friends, and -acquaintances, thou didst hang naked, rent, and torn upon the -cross; not having any to comfort or compassionate thee, only the -blessed and glorious Virgin Mary, thy mother; who standing under -the cross in the bitterness of her soul, accompanied thee in all -thy torments; unto whom thou didst commend thy beloved disciple, -St. John, in thy place, saying unto her, "Woman, behold thy son;" -and after, to thy disciple, "Son, behold thy mother." -{252} -O most sweet Lord Jesus, by that sword of sorrow which did then -transpierce her sacred soul, and by the tender love and -compassion wherewith thou didst behold the sad distresses of thy -sorrowful mother, have pity and compassion on me, I beseech thee, -my dearest Lord, and mercifully help, comfort, succour, and -assist me in all my tribulations, adversities, necessities, -sorrows, and sufferings, both spiritual and corporal. Amen. - -O most blessed Lord Jesus, &c. - - -7. O most sweet and blessed Lord Jesus, crown of joy, treasure of -felicity, sweet source of consolation, and unexhausted fountain -of mercy; who, hanging on the cross, out of the most inflamed -desire thou hadst for the salvation of our souls, saidst, _I -thirst;_--viz. for the redemption of mankind. O dearest Lord, -by this, thy ardent charity, inflame our hearts with thy holy -love, kindle our desire to accomplish diligently all good works, -and wholly to extinguish the heat of all evil concupiscence and -worldly affections in us. Amen. - -O most sweet Lord Jesus, &c. - - -8. O most sweet Lord Jesus, the true light of those who believe -in thee, suavity of hearts, and sovereign solace of all faithful -souls, by that bitter gall and vinegar thou didst taste upon the -cross at the hour of thy death, grant us, miserable sinners, -grace worthily to receive at all times, particularly at the hour -of our death, thy most precious body and blood; that by the -virtue of this divine banquet, and all other salutary sacraments, -we may be preserved from all evils, sin, and punishments, and -replenished with all joy, and securely appear in thy divine -presence. Amen. - -O most sweet Lord Jesus, &c. - -{253} - -9. O most sweet Lord Jesus, source of all regal virtue, and all -mental jubilee, remember, I beseech thee, those excessive pains -and anguishes thou didst endure for us upon the cross, when, -through the bitterness of death, and the impious blasphemies, -derisions, scorns, and reproaches of the Jews, with a loud voice -and weeping eyes, thou didst cry to thy heavenly Father, with -this sad complaint: "Eli, Eli, lamma sabacthani?" that is to say, -"My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" O most sweet Lord -Jesus, by this thy bitter torment, sorrow, grief, and anguish, -vouchsafe, I beseech thee, to have pity on me, and to succour me -in all my sorrows, sufferings, and tribulations, and particularly -at the hour of my death. O then, my dearest Lord and my God, -succour me, and forsake me not, I beseech thee. Amen. - -O most gracious Lord Jesus, &c. - -{254} - -10. O most sacred Lord Jesus, Alpha and Omega, the beginning and -ending of all things, and mirror of all virtue, remember how, -from the crown of thy head to the sole of thy feet, thou wert -immerged in the deluge of thy dolorous passion, for the love of -us, vile sinners. O most sweet Lord Jesus, by the length, -breadth, greatness, and multitude of thy sacred wounds, take from -me the love of the world, and teach me by a true and perfect -charity, always to keep thy holy law and commandments. Amen. - -O most wise Lord Jesus, &c. - - -11. O most sweet Lord Jesus, sovereign goodness, eternal -beatitude of thy saints, and most profound abyss of mercy, by the -deep wounds which did not only transpierce thy sacred flesh, but -even thy bowels, and the marrow of thy bones, be merciful to me a -miserable sinner, who now am drowned in my sins and iniquities, -and hide me in thy sacred wounds from the face of thy wrath, -until thy indignation be passed and appeased. Amen. - -O most potent Lord Jesus, &c. - - -12. O most sweet Lord Jesus, mirror of verity, pledge of unity -and bond of charity! remember the innumerable multitude of all -those painful wounds wherewith thou wert covered from head to -foot, all thy holy body most cruelly rent and torn by impious -Jews, and dyed with thy most precious blood; all which most -dreadful dolors thou didst endure for us vile sinners. O most -gracious Lord, engrave those thy dolors deeply in my heart, and -write them there with thy precious blood, that in them I may -always read thy love and dolors; so that the memory of thy -painful passion may daily be renewed in me, and my love increase -towards thee, and I remain perpetually thankful to thy immense -charity, to the last period of my life, until I come to enjoy -thee, my only dear Lord, and most desired treasure, abounding -with all joy and felicity: which through thy goodness be pleased -to grant, O most sweet Lord Jesus. Amen. - -O most noble Lord Jesus, &c. - -{255} - -13. O most sweet Lord Jesus, most victorious lion, most -invincible, triumphant, and immortal king! remember, I beseech -thee, all the bitter pains and anguishes thou didst endure, when -all the forces of thy heart and body failing, bowing down thy -sacred head, thou saidst: "It is consummated." O dearest Lord, by -these thy deadly dolors, have mercy on me at my last passage, -when my heart and soul shall be in anguish and anxiety. Amen. - -O most noble Lord Jesus, &c. - - -14. O most sweet Lord Jesus, only begotten Son of the eternal -Father, figure of his substance, and splendour of his glory! -remember that most earnest recommendation wherewith thou didst -commend thy sacred, sweet soul, to thy omnipotent Father, upon -the cross, saying: "Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit." -At which time thou didst hang naked on the cross, with thy most -holy body all over wounded, rent, and torn, pouring forth streams -of thy most precious blood; with thy face pale and wan, thy head -crowned with thorns, thy arms extended, thy hands nailed, thy -veins bleeding, thy bowels of mercy opened, thy eyes weeping and -obscured, thy voice failing, thy breast thirsting, and wholly -heart-broken. -{256} -O my most merciful Lord, unto all these cruel pains and torments -didst thou deliver thy most sacred, innocent, tender, pure, and -precious body for the redemption of us most wretched, vile, and -miserable sinners, and in this manner, renderest thy sweet soul -to thy celestial Father; by which most precious and innocent -death of thine, and by the virtue of thy holy cross, I beseech -thee, O Father of mercy and omnipotent King of saints, to give me -grace to resist the world, the flesh, and the devil; that being -dead to all terrestrial things, I may live to thee alone, and -have the happiness to be received by thee at my last passage, -when this my miserable exile shall be ended. Amen. - -O most pious Lord Jesus, &c. - - -15. O most sweet Lord Jesus, most flourishing, true, and fruitful -vine, remember the super-abundant effusion of thy precious blood, -which thou didst pour forth so plentifully from all parts of thy -holy body, like a cluster of pressed grapes; when thou thyself -alone didst tread the vine-press on the cross, and out of thy -pierced side didst give us water and wine to drink, not leaving -so much as one drop, being like a bundle of pure and precious -myrrh: thou wert suspended on high upon the cross, at which time -the liquor of thy bowels dried up, the marrow of thy bones -consumed, and thy most delicate and tender body wholly fainted -and failed. - -{257} - -O most sweet Lord Jesus, by this most liberal effusion of thy -precious blood, by thy bitter death and passion, and all thy -sacred wounds, vouchsafe to wound my heart with that tender love, -wherewith the holy heart of thy most blessed mother was wounded -under the cross, that tears of love and penance may be my bread -day and night; and convert me wholly to thee, that my heart may -be thy perpetual habitation, my conversation pleasing and -acceptable to thy divine Majesty, and the end of my life so -laudable, that having finished this mortal pilgrimage, I may be -admitted into immortal glory, to praise and glorify thee my -sovereign Lord, in the sweet society of thy holy angels and -saints, to all eternity. Amen. - -O most gracious Lord Jesus, be propitious to me a sinner. -Pater Noster. Ave Maria. - - - Conclusion. - -O most sweet Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, vouchsafe -to receive these prayers, in union with that most excellent love -wherewith thou didst suffer all the wounds of thy most precious -body; and be merciful to me thy poor, unworthy servant, and all -sinners, with all faithful souls, both living and dead; -graciously granting to us all mercy, grace, remission of sins, -and life everlasting. Amen. - -{258} - - Devotions To The - - Sacred Heart Of Jesus. - - - That the Associates of the Sacred Heart may discharge the - obligations required of them, they should daily repeat one - _Pater_, one _Ave_, and the _Creed_, with the - following aspiration: - _Adorable Heart of Jesus, grant that I may increase in thy - love_. They should also spend one hour in the year, at their - own choosing, in the presence of the blessed Sacrament, in - making acts of reparation, &c. - - - Act Of Consecration. - -To thee, O Sacred Heart of Jesus; I devote and offer up my life, -thoughts, words, actions, pains, and sufferings. To thee I -consecrate my soul and body, with all the faculties and senses -thereof, so that no part of my being may any longer be employed, -but in loving, serving, honouring, and glorifying thee. Be thou, -O most Sacred Heart! the sole object of my love, the protector of -my life, the pledge of my salvation, and my secure refuge at the -hour of my death. Be thou also, O most bountiful Heart! my -justification at the throne of God, and screen me from his anger, -which I have so justly merited. In thee I place all my -confidence, and convinced, as I am, of my own weakness, I rely -entirely on thy compassionate mercy. Annihilate in me all that is -displeasing and offensive to thy pure eye. -{259} -Imprint thyself like a divine seal on my heart, that I may ever -remember my obligations, and never be separated from thee. May my -name also I beseech thee, by thy tender goodness, ever be fixed -and engraved in thee, O Book of Life! and may I ever be a victim -consecrated to thy glory, ever burning with the flames of thy -pure love, and entirely penetrated with it for all eternity! In -this I place all my happiness; this is all my desire, to live and -die in no other quality, but that of thy devoted servant. Amen. - - - - The Litany Of The Sacred Heart Of Jesus. - -Lord, have mercy on us. -Christ, have mercy on us. -Lord, have mercy on us. -Christ, hear us. -Christ, graciously hear us. -God, the Father of heaven, - _Have mercy on us._ -God, the Son, Redeemer of the world, - _Have mercy on us._ -God, the Holy Ghost, - _Have mercy on us._ -Holy Trinity, one God, - _Have mercy on us._ -Heart of Jesus, - _Have mercy on us._ -Heart of Jesus, formed in the womb of the most Blessed Virgin, - _Have mercy on us._ -Heart of Jesus, hypostatically united to the eternal Word, - _Have mercy on us._ -Heart of Jesus, sanctuary of the Divinity, and tabernacle of the -most holy Trinity, - _Have mercy on us._ - -{260} - -Heart of Jesus, temple of sanctity and fountain of all graces, - _Have mercy on us._ -Heart of Jesus, most meek and humble, - _Have mercy on us._ -Heart of Jesus, most chaste and obedient, - _Have mercy on us._ -Heart of Jesus, furnace of love, and source of contrition, - _Have mercy on us._ -Heart of Jesus, treasure of wisdom and goodness, - _Have mercy on us._ -Heart of Jesus, throne of mercy, and abyss of all virtues, - _Have mercy on us._ -Heart of Jesus, sorrowful in the garden, -and spent with a bloody sweat, - _Have mercy on us._ -Heart of Jesus, saturated with reproaches, -and consumed for our sins, - _Have mercy on us._ -Heart of Jesus, made obedient even unto the death of the cross, - _Have mercy on us._ -Heart of Jesus, pierced through with a lance, - _Have mercy on us._ -Heart of Jesus, refuge of sinners, - _Have mercy on us._ -Heart of Jesus, fortitude of the just, -and comfort of the afflicted, - _Have mercy on us._ -Heart of Jesus, main strength of the tempted, -and terror of the devils, - _Have mercy on us._ -Heart of Jesus, sanctification of hearts, - _Have mercy on us._ -Heart of Jesus, perseverance of the good, -and hope of the dying, - _Have mercy on us._ -Heart of Jesus, joy of the blessed, -and the delight of all the saints, - _Have mercy on us._ -Lamb of God, who takest away the sins -of the world, spare us, O Jesus! -Lamb of God, who takest away the sins -of the world, hear us, O Jesus! - -{261} - -Lamb of God, who takest away the sins -of the world, have mercy on us, O Jesus! - -V. O most sacred heart of Jesus, have mercy on us. - -R. That we may worthily love thee with our whole hearts. - - - Let Us Pray. - -O God, who out of thy immense love, hast given to the faithful -the most sacred Heart of thy Son, our Lord, as the object of thy -tender affection; grant, we beseech thee, that we may so love and -honour this pledge of thy love on earth, as by it to merit the -love both of thee and thy gift, and to be eternally loved by thee -and this most blessed Heart in heaven: through the same Jesus -Christ, our Lord. Amen. - -Through thy sacred Heart, O Jesus, overflowing with all -sweetness, we recommend to thee ourselves, and all our concerns, -our friends, benefactors, parents, and relations, our superiors, -and enemies; take under thy protection this house, city, and -kingdom; extend thy care to all such as lie under any affliction, -and to those who labour in the agony and pangs of death; cast an -eye of compassion on the obstinate sinner, and more particularly -on the poor suffering souls in purgatory; as also on those who -are engaged and united with us in the holy confederacy of -honouring and worshipping thee. Bless these in particular, O -divine Jesus! and bless them according to the extent of thy -infinite goodness, mercy, and charity. Amen. - -{262} - - A Reparation Of Honour To The Sacred Heart. - - - To be made on the Feast itself, or at any other time, in - presence of the Blessed Sacrament. - -O most amiable and adorable Heart of Jesus! centre of all hearts, -glowing with charity, and inflamed with zeal for the interest of -thy Father and the salvation of mankind; O Heart, ever sensible -of our misery, and ever ready to redress our evils; the real -victim of love in the holy Eucharist, and a propitiatory -sacrifice for sin on the altar of the cross! seeing that the -generality of Christians make no other return for these thy -mercies, than contempt for thy favours, forgetfulness of their -own obligations, and ingratitude to the best of benefactors; is -it not just that we thy servants, penetrated with the deepest -sense of such indignities, should, as far as in our power, make a -due and satisfactory reparation of honour to thy most sacred -Majesty? Prostrate, therefore, in body, and humbled in mind, -before heaven and earth, we solemnly declare our utter -detestation and abhorrence of such conduct. Inexpressible, we -know, was the bitterness which the multitude of our sins brought -on thy tender heart; insufferable the weight of our iniquities, -which pressed thy face to the earth in the garden of Olives; and -insurmountable thy anguish, when expiring with love, grief, and -agony, on Mount Calvary, in thy last breath thou wouldst reclaim -sinners to their duty and repentance. This we know, O dear -Redeemer! and would most willingly redress these thy sufferings -by our own, or share with thee in thine! - -{263} - -O merciful Jesus! ever present on our altars, and with a heart -open to receive all who labour and are burdened! O adorable heart -of Jesus, source of true contrition, impart to our hearts the -true spirit of penance, and to our eyes a fountain of tears, that -we may bewail our sins, and the sins of the world. Pardon, divine -Jesus! all the injuries and outrages done to thee in the course -of thy holy life and bitter passion. Pardon all the impieties, -irreverences, and sacrileges, which have been committed against -thee in the holy sacrament of the Eucharist, since its first -institution:--graciously receive the small tribute of our -sincere repentance, as an agreeable offering in thy sight, and in -requital for the benefits we daily receive from thy altar, where -thou art a living and continual sacrifice, and in union with that -bloody holocaust thou didst present to thy eternal Father, on -Mount Calvary. - -Sweet Jesus! give thy blessing to the ardent desire we now -entertain, and the holy resolution we have taken, of ever loving -and adoring thee, with our whole mind and with our whole heart, -in the sacrament of thy love; thus to repair, by a true -conversion of heart, and a zeal for thy glory, our past -negligence and infidelities. Be thou, O adorable Heart! who -knowest the clay of which we are formed, be thou our mediator -with thy heavenly Father, whom we have so grievously offended; -strengthen our weakness, confirm our resolution, and with thy -charity, humility, meekness, and patience, cover the multitude of -our iniquities. Be thou our support, our refuge, and our -strength, that nothing henceforward in life or death may separate -us from thee. Amen. - -{264} - - Devotions For The Sick. - - Instruction. - - The state of sickness and sufferings is to be regarded as a - fatherly visitation, whereby God knocks at the door of our - hearts, to put us in mind of our mortality. It is a call from - heaven, a timely warning to prepare for eternity, by spending - the remainder of our life in the love and service of our - Creator. It is the _touchstone_ of patience, the school, - or rather the _harvest_ of penance, resignation, and every - Christian virtue. It is the _test_ of our love, by which - we may judge whether we acquit ourselves of duties that are - agreeable to nature, in conformity to the will of God, or only - do them because they are agreeable to our own will. We know not - what we are until we are tried. It costs us nothing to say, "We - love thee, O God, above all things;" or to show the courage of - martyrs at a distance, when we have nothing to cross or thwart - our inclinations; but that love is sincere which stands the - proof. - - If we loved God sincerely, we would on all occasions embrace, - desire, and find no happiness but in the accomplishment of his - holy will. We would be prepared to bear whatever crosses and - calamities he is pleased to send us, with a patient - resignation. We would rejoice in them as the greatest - blessings, and the sources of immortal crowns. We would regard - them as precious talents, to be improved by the increase of our - love and affection for God, and the exercise of the most heroic - virtues of self-denial, patience, humility, &c. - -{265} - - To be dejected and impatient under sickness and trials, to - indulge murmurs and complaints, to repine and call ourselves - wretched and unhappy, &c, are signs that an inordinate - self-love reigns in our hearts, and that we seek our own - inclinations more than the will of God, who has bequeathed the - cross to his elect, as their portion and inheritance in this - world. It is in vain that we take the name of Christians, or - pretend to follow Christ, unless we also carry our cross after - his example. It is in vain for us to expect to be glorified - with Jesus, unless we also suffer with Jesus. He sacrificed - himself for us on the cross, that he might unite us, by it, - eternally to himself. We cannot arrive at heaven by any other - road. If we courageously embrace our cross, God will be our - comfort and support, as he was the comfort and support of the - holy martyrs under the most severe trials. He will not forsake - us, unless we first forsake him by sin. - - Too nice and anxious a care of health, is also an evident sign - of inordinate self-love, and hatred of mortification. - Nevertheless, as a man is not master of his own life or health, - he is bound to take a moderate and reasonable care not to throw - either of them away, nor neglect the essential prescriptions of - physicians in the simple and ordinary remedies and succours of - medicine. But he who trusts more in the art of physicians than - in the Lord, deserves to be disappointed, like Asa, king of - Juda, who became the victim of death, because he placed more - confidence in his physicians than in God. Wherefore a Christian - in his sickness should, in the first place, consider God as his - chief physician, make his peace with him, and seek the health - of his soul, by having recourse to the holy sacraments in due - time, whilst he is in a condition to receive them with the - proper dispositions. If he be in debt, or has any restitution - or satisfaction to make, he should take care to have these - obligations discharged to the best of his power. He should - settle his temporal affairs without delay, that he may wholly - apply his thoughts afterwards, without any disturbance, to the - care of his immortal soul. He ought to beg of God to extinguish - in him all self-love, and to dispose of him as he pleases. -{266} - He ought to excite in his soul devout acts of faith, hope, - charity, contrition, patience, resignation, &c. He should - endeavour to sanctify his sufferings, by receiving them from - the hand of God, by bearing them in the spirit of penance, by - offering them in satisfaction for his sins, and by uniting them - with the sufferings of his blessed Saviour and Redeemer, Jesus - Christ.--"_Omnia si pardas, animam servare memento_." - "Although you should lose everything else, be careful to save - your soul." - - - A Prayer In The Beginning Of Sickness. - -O my God, I accept this sickness with which thou art pleased to -visit me, as a favour from, thy heavenly hand. I accept all its -circumstances and consequences, in satisfaction for my sins. Thou -hast given me health and strength, O Lord, and thou hast taken -them away: may thy holy name, O Lord, be blessed for ever. I bow -down my whole soul to adore thee in all thy appointments. I -resign myself entirely into the hands of thy providence, and -acknowledge that thou dost treat me with too much indulgence. I -know I deserve greater evils than those I now endure, and that I -merit, by my sins, pains infinitely greater than even the pains -of hell, where I would long since have been, had not thy pure -mercy interposed between my soul and thy justice. Alas! how many -are now suffering there for crimes less than mine? My pains are -nothing in comparison to theirs. I have no reason to complain. O -may thy holy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. I offer -myself, with an entire submission, to suffer whatever thou -pleasest, as long as thou pleasest, and in what manner thou -pleasest. -{267} -May this sickness be to the honour of thy holy name, and to the -good of my soul. But, O Lord, have regard to my weakness, and -deal not with me according to my sins; but according to the -multitude of thy tender mercies have compassion on me. Confirm my -soul with strength from above, that I may be patient under all -uneasiness, pain, disquietudes, and difficulties of my illness. -Grant that I may cheerfully submit to them, as a just punishment -of my manifold offences, and duly offer them in conjunction with -the sufferings and death of my blessed Redeemer on the cross, -through whose merits I look for mercy, and hope to possess -eternal life. Have pity on me, O most loving father! clothe me -with thy grace, and receive me into the arms of thy mercy. Create -a clean heart within me, O God, and renew an upright spirit -within my bowels; cast out from thence whatever profanes or -defiles thy temple; destroy and root out what is displeasing to -thee, and lay in me the foundation of a new life, either for this -world or the world to come. I am heartily sorry that I ever -offended thy infinite goodness, in thought, word, deed, or -omission. I most humbly implore thy pardon for all my sins, I now -propose not to offend thee any more, and to avoid every thing -that may be to me an occasion of sin. I resolve to make -restitution and satisfaction for the injuries I have committed. -For the love of thee, I sincerely forgive all those who have -injured me or done me wrong; I beseech thee to pardon them and -grant them the same blessing that I desire for my own soul. -{268} -With the utmost humility I also heartily beg pardon of all those -to whom I have given any offence, whether by ill example, by -words, deeds, or any other way, deliberately or unknowingly. Thou -seest, O Lord, how frail I am, and that I am nothing but dust and -ashes; preserve me from all temptations, and be thou my defence -against all the assaults of the evil spirit, that in this -sickness I may no way offend thee: and if this is to be my last, -I beg of thee so to direct me by thy grace, that I may not -neglect the necessary means of salvation, nor be deprived of any -of those powerful helps which thou hast in thy mercy ordained for -the good of my soul. Prepare it, O Lord, for its passage into -eternity; that being perfectly cleansed from all my iniquities, I -may be admitted one day into the kingdom of thy glory, there to -love and praise thee for ever, in the company of thy blessed -angels and saints. Amen. - -"Lord, thy thorns are my roses, and thy suffering my paradise." - _St. Felix_. - -"Tears of devotion are sweeter than the joys of theatres." - _St. Augustine._ - - - A Prayer Before Receiving The Viaticum. - -O my blessed Redeemer Jesus Christ, I firmly believe thou art -really present in this venerable sacrament, which I am now about -to receive by way of viaticum. -{269} -I believe it contains thy sacred body and blood, accompanied with -thy soul and divinity. I desire to receive this heavenly banquet -for thy honour and glory, and the good of my soul, that I may be -happily united to thee. I desire to commemorate thy sufferings as -thou hast commanded. But how shall I dare to approach thee?--so -wretched a worm, to so infinite a majesty! so filthy a sinner, to -so infinite purity and sanctity! It is therefore in thy mercy -that I place my whole trust; and since thou art pleased to invite -thyself into so poor, so wretched so mean a cottage as this of my -breast, vouchsafe, I beseech thee, to grant me those graces, and -that reverence, humility, and devotion, which may prepare a fit -abode for thy reception. Cleanse my soul from every foul stain of -sin, clothe it with the nuptial garment of charity, and adorn it -with all virtues. I come to thee, like Magdalen, that I may be -delivered from all my evils, and that I may embrace thee, my only -good. I detest with my whole heart, all the sins of my past life, -because they have offended thy goodness. I desire to lay them all -down here at thy feet, to be cancelled by thy precious blood. I -am sorry for them, and will be sorry for them as long as I live. -I will bewail them in the bitterness of my soul. They are many -and grievous, it is true; yet they are nothing when compared to -thy boundless mercy, and to the infinite ransom of thy precious -blood. -{270} -Forgive me, then, sweet Jesus, for thy mercy's sake; have pity on -me and save me, since thou forsakest none that place their hope -in thee. I love thee, my God, with my whole heart and soul, and -above all things in heaven and on earth! at least I earnestly -desire so to love thee, and consecrate myself eternally to thee. -O come and take full possession of my heart for ever; I offer it -to thee without reserve; O come and inflame it with the celestial -fire of thy divine love, and let nothing in life or death ever -again separate me from thee. O sweet Jesus, prepare me for a -worthy reception of the blessing thou art now about to bestow on -me. I adore and worship thee, humbled in mind and body, and -confess myself to be nothing but dust and ashes in thy presence. -It is my confidence in thy goodness that makes me presume to -approach thee, for I cannot but acknowledge myself infinitely -unworthy. _Domine non sum dignus, &c._ - -For a Prayer after receiving the Viaticum, see page 128. - - - A Prayer Before Extreme Unction. - -O Lord Jesus Christ, who, in the abundance of thy mercy, hast -provided powerful resources for relief in all our necessities, -grant me grace to have recourse to them with such worthy -dispositions that my soul may partake of all those great -advantages and salutary effects which thou hast appointed in -their institution. Thou hast instituted the sacrament of Extreme -Unction for the benefit of the sick, who, in the extremity of -life, stand in need of more graces, more helps, and more -consolation, than ever. -{271} -I now desire to receive this heavenly medicine, for the ends for -which it has been instituted. I am willing to be anointed, as -thou hast commanded by thy apostle St James. Grant, I beseech -thee, that this holy Unction may produce in me all its happy -fruits, by healing my soul from the ulcers of sin, by fortifying -me against all temptations, by supporting me in the hour of -anguish and distress, and by preparing me for a happy passage out -of this life, or whatever may be thy holy will. Shouldst thou -foresee that my health may be conducive to thy greater glory, and -expedient for my eternal salvation, let this be the means to -restore it. I absolutely submit myself to thy divine will and -pleasure. I wish not to live but to serve thee. Dispose of me as -thou knowest best; do with me as thou pleasest. All I desire is -the accomplishment of thy most holy will. Give me health or -sickness, life or death; give me whatsoever thou pleasest: not my -will, O Lord, but thine be done: it is a greater happiness to -fulfil thy will, than to enjoy ten thousand lives. O how happy -should I be, if the destruction of my body could repair the -injury I have offered to thy divine Majesty! My _eyes_, -alas! have seen vanities; my _ears_ have been open to -detractions, to profane and unprofitable discourses; my -_tongue_ has many ways offended thee, both in speaking and -tasting; my _hands_ have contributed to my follies; my -_feet_ have often gone astray in the paths of vanity and -sin. -{272} -By this holy anointing, and the prayers of thy church, pardon me, -O Jesus, all the sins I have ever committed by these my five -senses. Let those avenues through which sin has made its way into -my soul, be now shut to the world; let my eyes be open to thee -alone, my Jesus; let my ears be now attentive to thy commands, -and to thy call; let my tongue be solely employed in crying out -for mercy; let my prayers ascend like incense in thy sight; let -my hands be lifted up to heaven for pardon; let my feet walk in -thy ways; and let my heart be the living temple of the Holy -Ghost. Into thy hands, O dear Jesus, I commend my spirit. In thee -I will live, in thee I will die, in thee I will abide, and in -thee I hope to possess eternal rest and heavenly joy for ever and -ever. Amen. - - - A Prayer After Extreme Unction. - -O my God, thou hast created, redeemed, and sanctified me; thou -hast preserved me in many dangers both of soul and body; thou -hast nourished me with the adorable sacrament of thy body and -blood, and granted me the grace to receive the rights of thy -church, preferably to so many others, who are carried off by a -sudden death, without being favoured with those succours and -graces which thou hast bestowed upon me, a most ungrateful -sinner. -{273} -For these and all thy other blessings, I offer thee innumerable -thanks. O that I had as many tongues and hearts as there are -stars in the heavens, atoms in the air, and creatures in the -universe; how willingly would I employ them all in praising, -loving, and glorifying thee! To thee I resign my heart: receive -it as a holocaust. Into thy hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit: -receive me, O dear Jesus, in thy mercy; receive me into thy -loving arms, which were stretched forth on the cross for my -redemption; receive me into the embraces of thy infinite charity. -I do not desire to be freed from my pains; thou knowest what is -best for me: do but take from me all murmuring, and give me -patience to suffer whatever thou willest, and as long as thou -pleasest. Should it be thy divine pleasure to inflict on my weak -body and languishing soul greater punishments than I now suffer, -my heart is ready, O Lord, my heart is ready to accept them, and -to suffer in whatever manner and measure may be most conformable -to thy will. This one grace I most earnestly beg of thee, my -God--_that I may die the death of the just_, and be -admitted, after the sufferings and tribulations of this -transitory and sinful life, into the kingdom of thy glory, there -to see and enjoy thee, in the company of the blessed, for a -never-ending eternity. Amen. - -{274} - - Short Acts Of Virtue In Time Of Sickness. - -I acknowledge, O Lord, that I am a sinner; accept, therefore, of -what I now suffer, in atonement for my sins. Help me to receive -with submission and resignation, whatever afflictions thou shalt -please to send me. - -I am content to suffer here, provided thou dost spare me -hereafter. I know that it is by many tribulations we must enter -into the kingdom of heaven. I know that those who would be -glorified with Jesus, must also suffer with Jesus. I am -convinced, that the sufferings of this present time are not to be -set in competition with the eternal glory which shall be revealed -in us. I believe that the present momentary and light tribulation -worketh in us, above measure, an eternal weight of glory. - -I offer myself, and all that I have, or am, to thee. Do with me, -my God, whatever thou pleasest. Shall I not drink the cup which -my Father hath given me? Not my will, but thine be done. - -O sweetness of my heart, and love of my soul! take off my heart -and thought from this world, that all my comfort may be in thee. -O when will thy kingdom come? O Lord, when wilt thou perfectly -reign in all hearts? when shall sin be no more? Wound my heart -with thy love, that it may relish nothing that is earthly. O that -I had never offended so good a God! O that I had never sinned! -Happy those souls that have always preserved their baptismal -innocence. - -{275} - -O my God, all my hopes are in thee.--Through Jesus Christ my -Redeemer, I hope for mercy, grace, and salvation. - -O sweet and adorable Jesus! O spotless Lamb! O innocent victim! -who by thy passion and death hath effaced the sins of mankind, -blot out my iniquities, and do not permit that thy sufferings -should become useless to me. - -Look, O God, on this poor piece of clay, and help me in my -distress. O my Jesus! I love thee; I love thee above all things, -and desire to love thee alone, because thou alone art worthy of -my love. - -I cast myself into the arms of thy holy love. I abandon myself -entirely to thy blessed will. My unworthiness humbles and -confounds me; but the sight of thy wounds, O Jesus, proclaims -aloud how great thy mercy is, and how far it exceeds my misery. - -O boundless love of my Jesus! inflame my heart with thy heavenly -fire. Consume in me all earthly affections, and confirm my soul -in thy holy love for ever. - -O Jesus, torn with stripes, pierced with thorns, and weltering in -blood, for my sake! teach me to endure for the love of thee, the -anguish and inconvenience of my infirmities and sickness. - -{276} - -O Jesus, raised upon the cross, attract me now most powerfully to -thyself, that my whole occupation may be to love, praise, and -adore thee for ever. Hail, sacred wounds of the hands and feet of -Jesus! Hail precious streams of blood, that flowed from those -painful wounds! Infinite praise, honour, and glory be to thee, my -amiable Redeemer, for suffering such pains for the love of me. -Ah, how does it pierce my heart with sorrow, to contemplate thee, -and to consider the torments thou didst suffer for my salvation. - -Hail, sacred wound of the side of Jesus! hail, blessed passage to -the sacred heart of my divine Redeemer! O that I could -contemplate thee with the love of a Magdalen, and melt into tears -of sweet devotion in honor of thee! By the sacred wounds of thy -hands, of thy feet, and of thy side; by the precious streams that -flowed from them; by thy blessed heart, burning with love for me; -I beg and beseech thee never to forsake me, but to grant me -whatever thou seest necessary for the sanctification of my soul. - -Glory be to the Father, who by his power hath brought me forth -from nothing, and made me to his own image and likeness. Glory be -to the Son, who by his wisdom hath delivered me from hell, and -opened for me the gates of Heaven. Glory be to the Holy Ghost, -who by his mercy hath sanctified me in baptism, and still -continues to sanctify me by the graces which I daily receive. -Glory be the three adorable persons of the blessed Trinity. O may -I behold and glorify eternally in heaven, what I believe, adore, -and worship on earth--one God and three Persons, the Father, and -the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Amen. - -{277} - -"Here we have no permanent city: -but we seek that which is to come." - _Hebrews_ xiii. 14. - -"While we are in the body we are strangers from the Lord." - 2 _Corinthians_ v. 6. - -"Whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord." - _Romans_ xiv. 8. - - - A Prayer Of Thanksgiving, - Upon The Recovery Of - A Person From The Bed Of Sickness. - -Almighty and everlasting God, I here acknowledge thy blessing in -the recovery of my health, and return thee my most hearty thanks -for it. I beg thy grace for the making a better use of it than -hitherto I have done; that I may correct all the errors of my -past life, that I may improve in virtue, be an example to others, -and dedicate that health to thee, which is now thy special gift; -that thus living to thee, I may be ever prepared for my last -hour: through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. - -Bless the Lord, O my soul; may he be praised and glorified for -ever. - -Bless the Lord, O my soul; and forget not all his benefits. - -Blessed be the Lord, God of our fathers; let praise and glory be -given to him for ever. - -I will praise thee, O my God, while I live; I will glorify thy -holy name while I have my being. - -O magnify the Lord with me, all ye holy angels: praise him, all -ye saints. - -{278} - -I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall be ever in -my mouth. - -Give glory to the Lord, for he is good, for his mercy endureth -for ever. - -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. Glory, &c. - - - Preparation for Death - - Instruction - - The last moments of a Christian are not only the most precious - of his life, but to him of the greatest importance, as on them - depends his eternal lot. It is then Satan uses his utmost - efforts to accomplish the ruin of a soul. His snares and - batteries are more subtle and violent at the extremity, than at - any other period, of life; for it is then, as the apostle says, - (_Revelation_ xii.) "he cometh down, having great wrath, knowing - that he hath but a short time." Hence it becomes the - indispensable duty of every soldier of Jesus Christ, frequently - to exercise himself in acts of faith, hope, charity, confidence, - fortitude, and perseverance; that by the familiar use of these - spiritual weapons during life, he may be enabled to encounter - the mortal enemy of his soul in his last conflict, and defeat - all his malicious designs. - - When the disorder of a sick person has the appearance of - danger, every spiritual help should be offered him before he - loses the use of his senses; for which reason it would be very - unfriendly to flatter him with the hopes of recovery, or to be - negligent in exhorting him to make the best use of the little - time which perhaps he has to live, in preparing for his voyage - to eternity; and since a truly penitential spirit is the best - security to a Christian in life or death, he ought to be urged - to secure it to himself by the most perfect acts of - compunction, resignation, faith, hope, and divine love. For - this purpose he should keep himself as much as possible in the - divine presence, and in the blessed company of Jesus Christ, - the perfect model of suffering Christians. -{279} - He should converse frequently with him, cast himself in spirit - at his feet, like Magdalen; bewail his sins in the bitterness - of his soul, and cry out for mercy while there is yet time for - mercy. He should place a crucifix, or picture of his crucified - Redeemer, before his eyes; think often upon his passion, his - agony in the garden and on the cross; consider him nailed and - fastened on that bed of sorrow, without moving either hand or - foot, or having any other pillow to support his head but a - crown of thorns. He should fly to his bleeding wounds, there to - bathe his soul, and find a cure for all his disorders. He - should be excited by these considerations to make a voluntary - sacrifice of himself to the Divine Will; bear all his pains - with patience; accept of death as the just punishment due to - his sins; and offer it up in union with the death of Jesus - Christ, that being united thereto, it may become precious in - the sight of the Lord. He should frequently raise his thoughts - above this world, and fix them on heaven--making it the object - of his contemplation, and the centre of all his desires. He - should consider what a happy thing it is to see and enjoy God - eternally; and that the longer he remains here below, the more - he lies exposed to the danger of offending him. Far, therefore, - from being disturbed at the thoughts of quitting a wicked, - treacherous, and deceitful world, he should rather endeavour to - enter into the sentiments of St. Paul, who "longed to be - dissolved, and to be with Jesus Christ." Instead of being sorry - or unwilling to be disengaged from a frail body, subject to a - thousand infirmities, he should rather, like King David, thirst - after the happy hour that is to put him in possession of that - eternal kingdom of glory, for the enjoyment of which he was - created. - - In effect, if the _seafaring man_ long for his arrival in - the port of his destination; if the _military man_ wish - for an and of the campaign, and long for the day that is to - restore him to his friends, crowned with laurels, and enriched - with spoils and trophies; if the _wearied traveller_ pant - after his native soil, and wish for the end of his journey; if - the _captive_ long to be freed from his chains; if the - _farmer_, after the toils and fatigues of the winter, - rejoice at the bright prospect of the approaching harvest; why - should not a _Christian_ long for the end of the laborious - winter of this life, in order to reap the sweet fruits of his - past labours? -{280} - Why should he not be charmed with the well-grounded hope of - _entering_ into the joys of his Lord, and finding the - gates of heaven open to receive his soul? Why should he not - wish to be _rescued_ out of the stormy sea of this world, - and arrive safely in the harbour of eternal life? Why should he - not long for the end of the _spiritual warfare_ wherein he - is constantly engaged, in order to receive that never-fading - _crown of glory_, which is reserved in the kingdom of - heaven for such as _conquer?_ Why should he not welcome - the happy hour of his death, which is to restore him to his - native country, fix him in his proper habitation, secure him - from the embarrassments and snares of this mortal life, and - translate him to the glorious society of the holy apostles, - martyrs, confessors, virgins, and an innumerable host of - heavenly citizens, who await him, and long to congratulate his - happy arrival? "Which amongst us," says St. Cyprian, "who for a - long time had been a sojourner in a foreign country would not - anxiously desire to return to his native soil? What person - would not wish for a prosperous gale of wind to waft him with - expedition to his favourite home, that he might the sooner - embrace his friends and relations?" Heaven is our native - country; here we are but strangers, captives, and pilgrims. - Here we have no permanent city; but there we shall be at home - in our Fathers house. Here we are exiles and travellers, - hastening to the end of our journey. This world is a - tempestuous ocean, full of rocks and quicksands, wherein we are - constantly tossed to and fro by storms and hurricanes, tortured - between hopes and fears, and every moment exposed to the danger - of being shipwrecked. "O how happy are they," continues St. - Cyprian, "who, after being delivered from these storms and - hurricanes, have happily arrived at the haven of everlasting - bliss!" How happy are they who are removed from the dangers of - sin, and freed from the assaults of the devil, and the conflict - of their passions! How happy are they who are withdrawn from - the miseries of this perishable life, and have put on a - glorious immortality! Who would not rejoice to obtain - everlasting rest, out of the reach of danger? Who would not - cheerfully quit this sinful Babylon, to spend an eternity in - the presence of God, and live for ever with Jesus Christ, in - the company of millions of saints and angels! -{281} - O blessed be that Divine Providence, that infinite goodness, - which has provided a better world to receive us, and there - promises us eternal life: Hence hath St. Teresa exclaimed: "O - death, I know not who can fear thee, since it is by thee that - we find life." - - Too great a love of life betrays a want of that lively faith - and confidence, which, by fortifying the mind of a Christian, - enables him to stare death in the face, and despise that king - of terrors. It is now more than ever incumbent on us to comply - with the obligation we lie under, of suppressing inordinate - self-love in our hearts, and of doing, not our own, but the - will of our heavenly Father; for how inconsistent would it be - to desire that _his will may be done on earth, as it is in - heaven_, if upon summoning us to quit this world, we are - reluctant and unwilling to obey his call? With what propriety - can we say, _thy kingdom come_, whilst we evidently betray - a desire of remaining here in a state of bondage to our - passions and subjection to the devil, rather than accept the - invitation to go and live with Jesus Christ, in the kingdom - which he has purchased for us at the expense of his sacred - blood. To die well or ill, is all that should give us trouble. - We know for certain that death is the only way to eternal - happiness; that the cross is the ladder by which we should - ascend to heaven; and that through many sufferings and - tribulations we must endeavour to enter into it. Christ himself - died before he entered into his glory. We cannot arrive at - heaven by any other road. It is the only gate to life - everlasting. It is a passage from a valley of tears to a region - of unspeakable bliss. It is a deliverance from a continual - warfare, in which we are surrounded with a thousand dangers of - perishing. It is a happy exemption from the temptation of the - devil, the world, and the flesh, which are our capital enemies. - Animated therefore, with a bright prospect of eternal happiness - at our departure, we should consider the pangs of death as - nothing else but the breaking down of that partition which - stands betwixt the soul and the sight of its sovereign good. - - "The body is a tottering edifice, which must necessarily fall, - that the soul may be at rest. It is like the scaffolding which - architects make use of to erect a palace; but which they take - away after the building is finished."--_Clement XIV.--Picture - of Man_. - -{282} - - Short Acts Of Virtue, - - Which may be leisurely and distinctly suggested to sick persons - in time of danger, yet so as not to fatigue them with too much - reading. - - -O my God, I firmly believe whatever thy holy Catholic Church -believes and teaches, and with the assistance of thy divine -grace, I will die in this belief. Increase, O Lord, and -strengthen my faith. - -In thee, O Lord, I place my whole confidence. I hope to possess -eternal life through thy infinite mercy and the merits of my -Saviour Christ Jesus. O let me not be confounded for ever. My -God! I love thee with my whole heart and soul, above all things, -because thou art infinitely good and worthy of all love. - -I love my neighbour, nay, and even my enemies, for the love of -thee. O my God, it grieves me to the soul for having so -ill-served so good a master. O that my heart could break asunder -with sorrow for having offended thee by the sins of my past life! -O that I had never offended so good a God! O unhappy day that I -neglected to love thee! Too late, too late have I begun to love -thee. I confess mine iniquities are many and grievous; but they -cannot lessen my confidence in thy mercies, which are infinitely -greater than my sins. - -{283} - -I most humbly ask pardon for them. I detest them because they -displease thee. O God, be merciful to me a sinner. O grant me a -true and sincere contrition, and let not the enemy of my soul -have any power over me, either now or at my last hour. - -Pardon me, O Jesus. Hear me, O Jesus. Save me, O Jesus. I -renounce from this moment, and for all eternity, the devil and -all his works. I abhor all his suggestions and temptations. I -will, by no means, give admittance or consent to them. - -Grant me, O Lord, the most precious gift of final perseverance, -that whenever my hour comes, I may die in thy grace. I beg pardon -of all those whom I have any way offended, and I sincerely -forgive all those who have any way offended or injured me, or who -wish me any kind of evil whatsoever. - -I recommend my soul to God my Creator, who made me out of -nothing; to Jesus Christ my Saviour, who redeemed me with his -blood; to the Holy Ghost, who sanctified me in the water of -baptism. - -Praise, honour, and glory, be to thy name for ever, O my God, for -all the graces and benefits which I have received from thy bounty -during the whole course of my life. - -May thy providence be ever blessed and praised for all the -sufferings I have endured: O receive them in satisfaction for my -sins. I offer up to thee, O my crucified Redeemer, all that I now -suffer, or may have yet to suffer, to be united to, and to be -sanctified by thy passion. - -{284} - -I am content to suffer here, in hopes that my momentary pains and -sufferings will be soon changed into an eternity of happiness and -comfort. - -Let the flesh suffer and perish, so that the spirit may be safe. -Scourge and afflict my body; and spare my soul for all eternity. -Here wound me, here burn me, here cut me asunder; but spare me at -my last hour. - -My whole confidence, either of living or dying well, is grounded -on the infinite merits of my Redeemer's death and passion, and -the blood he hath shed for my sins. - -Receive, O eternal Father, his precious merits, in full -satisfaction for all my offences. O let me never be separated -from thee. - -Wound my heart with thy love, that it may relish nothing that is -earthly. Take off my thoughts from this mortal life, that all my -comfort may be placed in thee alone. - -Dispose of my soul that it may be prepared at thy call to go -forth and meet thee, and become thy habitation for ever. - -To thee I resign my heart, and bequeath my soul. O do not cast me -off amongst the reprobate; but make me fit to appear in thy -sight. - -O happy hour! when shall I behold thee? O sweet Jesus! when shall -I appear before thy face? When shall I be disengaged from this -earthly habitation, that I may come to the enjoyment of thee? -When shall I be released from this prison, this miserable -Babylon, this place of banishment, that I may bless thy name, and -join with thy angels and saints in thy everlasting praise? - -{285} - -When shall I lay down this cumbrous weight of flesh, and be -delivered from this body of death, which I have loved too well? - -Thou hast in thy justice decreed that I should die. I most humbly -submit to the sentence, and readily accept it in the spirit of -penance, in order to honour thee by the sacrifice of my life, and -to give a proof of my obedience to thy orders. - -I am content to die for thy glory, and to testify that I love -thee better than myself. - -I am content to die, that I may no longer offend thee, but that I -may love thee, possess thee, praise thee, bless thee, and glorify -thee for ever in heaven. I am content to die, to expiate by my -death and suffering, all the sins which I have committed since I -came into the world. - -I am ready and willing to be deprived of every thing I have loved -upon earth. I renounce all the vanities of the world, and now -willingly bid farewell to this vale of tears and miseries. - -Heaven is my happier home. Paradise is much more pleasant and -agreeable, and death is the path that leads to it. - -O happy news of my departure! I hope I shall soon hear the choirs -of angels sing forth the immortal praise of my God. To dwell one -day in his holy palace, in the company of the blessed, is better -than to be a thousand years in the tabernacle of sinners. - -{286} - -Let slow death then hasten on, that dying I may be no longer -exposed to the dangerous occasions of sin, but that I may see and -enjoy thee, my God, in paradise, and love thee eternally in the -regions of bliss and immortality. - -O heavenly Jerusalem! O beautiful city of God, my happy home! -when shall I arrive in thy sacred tabernacles? - -Take courage, my soul. The hour approacheth. Eternity comes on. -Thy miseries and sorrows will soon have an end. - -Thou art going to the nuptials of the Lamb. Thou art going to the -land of the living. Thou art going to a kingdom where the God of -all glory displays his grandeur with the greatest magnificence. - -O welcome the approaching hour of death, which is to remove thee -to a better life, and to translate thee from misery to felicity, -from death to immortality. - -Jesus Christ was crucified and died for thee. Be ready then to -die for him, that thou mayest enjoy him in the kingdom of heaven, -which he has promised to those who put their trust and confidence -in him. [_Here the assistants may show a crucifix to the sick -person_.] Contemplate him expiring on the painful bed of the -cross, without any other pillow to support his head but a crown -of thorns. Behold his merciful arms extended to embrace thee. -{287} -See his sacred side laid open to grant thee admittance to his -heart. See his blessed head laid down to give the kiss of peace. -See at how dear a rate he has purchased thy salvation. See what -he suffered for thy sake. Embrace him with the most tender -affection, and with a firm confidence that thou wilt soon see him -in heaven, whom thou now beholdest fastened on a cross. Yes, my -divine Redeemer, I embrace thee with all the affections of my -soul. I depend on thy merits, and take shelter in thy bleeding -wounds. I trust thou wilt not suffer me to be for ever miserable, -for thou art infinitely good and merciful. Since I have thy blood -to plead in my behalf, why should I fear? why should I tremble at -the thoughts of death, when I consider that thou hast satisfied -for my sins, paid my debts, and laid down thy life for my -salvation? - -I am not afraid of hell, though I have deserved it, because my -dear Jesus has purchased heaven for me. - -I hope in his mercy; and all the artifices of the infernal -spirits shall never induce me to relinquish my hope. - -In spite of them all, I will sing eternal praises to thee, O -blessed Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; I will adore thy -mercies, and will possess and love thee for ever. - -{288} - -I will now say what, perhaps, I shall not be able to say at my -dying moments:--"O Father of mercies, and God of all consolation, -into thy most merciful hands I commend my soul, both for time and -eternity." - -Now, instead of then, when perhaps I may be deprived of the use -of speech and reason, I offer thee, O Lord, my heart, my life, my -agony, my pains, my anguish, my distress, and my death, to be -united to the blood, sweat and agony of my dear Saviour Jesus -Christ. - -Now, as well as at the time of my departure, I renounce Satan, -and declare my abhorrence of whatever evil thoughts he shall then -suggest to me. - -O God of my heart, my portion, and my inheritance for ever! I -desire to love thee, as the angels of heaven love thee. O how -good hast thou been to me, and how ungrateful have I been to -thee! I grieve from the bottom of my heart that I ever offended -thee, who art infinitely amiable. Forgive me, dear Jesus! forgive -me, O Father of mercies. - -O my God and my all! my soul doth thirst after thee. When shall I -come and appear before thee, O thou fountain of mercy! O who will -deliver me from this body of death! I desire to be dissolved and -to be with Christ; for Christ is my life, and to die will be my -gain. - -How lovely are thy tabernacles, O Lord God of Hosts! I love the -beauty of thy house, and the place of thy glorious abode. "The -eye hath not seen, the ear hath not heard, nor hath it entered -into the heart of man to conceive, what things God hath prepared -for those who love him." - -{289} - -What have I more to do with the world? And in heaven, what can I -desire but thee only, O Lord? Now dost thou dismiss thy servant -in peace. - -I am weary of this life. I willingly take my leave of this world, -and of all terrestrial objects. - -Nothing, O good Jesus! nothing more shall ever separate me from -thee. - -O holy Mary, mother of God, who didst assist at the death of thy -beloved son Jesus, obtain for me the grace of a happy death. - -Glorious St. Michael, prince of the heavenly host, intercede for -me at the hour of my death, that I may depart this world in the -grace and favour of my Creator. - -O holy Angel Guardian, to whose care God in his mercy has -committed me, stand by me at that dreadful hour; protect me -against all the powers of darkness: defend me from all my -enemies; and conduct my soul to the mansions of eternal repose. - -O all ye blessed angels and saints of God, assist me by your -intercession, in this last and dreadful passage. - -O Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, be thou -then to me a powerful redeemer and advocate with the Father. - -Let those hands which were nailed to the cross, plead in my -behalf, and open to me the gates of heaven. - -Be thou a Jesus to me, and save my soul at that awful period. -Hide me in thy wounds, and protect me under the shadow of thy -wings. - -{290} - -O good Shepherd of souls! do not forsake me, but conduct my soul -into eternal rest. - -Suffer thy passion and death to stand betwix my soul and thy -justice; and let these comfortable words sound then in my ears: -"This day thou shalt be with me in paradise." - -O sweet Comforter of desolate and distressed souls let me then -experience the multitude of thy tender mercies, when my soul -shall be in conflict with the pangs of death. - -Be mindful of thy poor creature, whom thou hast redeemed with thy -precious blood. - -Remember thou hast bought my soul at a dear rate. O let not thy -precious blood be lost on me, or spilt in vain. - -O let not my soul perish, which cost thee so great a price. - -Thou hast promised, that whosoever shall invoke thy name with -faith and confidence, shall be saved: I invoke thy sacred name, O -Jesus, with my whole heart, and with all possible respect and -devotion: do not then suffer me to be lost for ever. - -Help me, O God my Saviour; and for the glory of thy blessed name, -deliver me. Look with an eye of pity on this poor piece of clay, -and succour me in my distress. - -I beseech thee, by thy sufferings on the cross, especially at -that hour when thy blessed soul left thy sacred body, to have -mercy on my soul at the time of its departure from mine. - -{291} - -Call me to thyself, and receive me into the number of thine -elect, that I may praise thee without end. - -O Jesus, Son of the living God, have mercy on me. - -Give me thy blessing, O most loving Jesus. Lord Jesus, receive my -soul. - -Receive me Lord Jesus, in thy mercy! receive my soul in peace. - -Glory be to the Father, &c. - - -Post hominem vermis; post vermem fœtor et horror: Sic in non -hominem vertitur omnis homo. - - - A Prayer By St. Liguori. - -Ah, my Redeemer, how have I been able hitherto to live in such -forgetfulness of you? You were prepared to grant me all the -graces which I should ask of you; you only waited for me to ask -them. But I have thought only of indulging my senses, and have -been indifferent about the privation and loss of your love and of -your graces. Lord, forget all my ingratitude, and have mercy on -me. Pardon me all the displeasure I have given you, and grant me -perseverance. O God of my soul, give me the grace always to ask -your aid not to offend you. Do not permit me to be, as I have -hitherto been, negligent in the performance of this duty. Grant -me light and strength always to recommend myself to you, and -particularly when my enemies tempt me to offend you again. - -{292} - -Grant, O my God, this grace through the merits of Jesus Christ, -and through the love which you bear to him. O Lord, I have -offended you enough. I wish to love you during the remainder of -my life. Give me your love; and may this love remind me to ask -your aid whenever I shall be in danger of losing you by sin. -Mary, my hope after Jesus, through your intercession I hope for -the grace to recommend myself, in all my temptations, to you and -to your Son. Hear me, O my queen, through the love which you bear -to Jesus Christ. - - - A Devout Prayer Of St. Augustine - On The Sufferings Of Christ. - -O God! who for the redemption of the world didst vouchsafe to be -born--to be circumcised--to be rejected by the Jews--to be -betrayed with a kiss--to be bound like a malefactor, and like an -innocent lamb to be led to the slaughter--to be ignominiously -brought before Annas, Caiphas, Pilate, and Herod--to be accused -by false witnesses--scourged with whips--buffeted--defiled with -spittle--crowned with thorns--stripped of thy clothes--fastened -to the cross, placed between two thieves--to have vinegar and -gall given thee to drink--to have thy side pierced through with a -spear! Thou, O Lord, by these most grievous pains, which I, -though unworthy, do commemorate, and by thy most sacred passion -and death, free me from the pains of hell, and conduct me whither -thy mercy did conduct the good thief crucified with thee: who, -together with the Father and the Holy Ghost, livest and reignest -for ever. - -{293} - - A Prayer Of St. Jerome In Time Of Agony. - -Merciful Jesus, thou art my strength, my refuge, and my -deliverer; in thee I have believed and hoped; in thee have I -loved. Call me now, I beseech thee, and I will answer.--Stretch -forth thy hand of mercy to the work of thy hands, and let me not -perish, whom thou hast redeemed with thy precious blood. - -It is now time for dust to return to dust, and my spirit to thee -who gavest it. Open then, Lord, the gate of life, and receive me; -receive me most merciful Lord, according to the multitude of thy -tender mercies, who receivedst the thief on the cross, and now -prepare my soul for hearing the same promise of mercy which he -did. I am sick, O Lord, and my life is withering away; therefore -I come to thee my physician. Heal me then, my God, and I shall be -healed: let me not be confounded; because I put my trust in thee. -In thee have I hoped; let me not be cast off for ever. - -But what am I, most merciful Lord, that I should speak thus -boldly to thee?--I am a sinner, grown up in sin, a rotten -carcass, a vessel of corruption, and food for worms. But spare me -still, my God; for what victory is there in overthrowing me, who -am but as dust before the wind? Forgive me all my sins, and -deliver me from my distress. - -{294} - -Arise and help me, Lord; arise and let thy mercy plead for me. -Let my prayer ascend before thee, and stretch forth thy hand to -help me; for behold I am covered with sin, and have done evil in -thy sight, and there is none can heal me but thou, my God. If -thou hadst not paid my ransom, by dying on the cross, should not -I have been for ever miserable? Remember then, O merciful Jesus, -that I have a share in that price that was paid. It was for me -also, though most unworthy, thy blood was shed; let me, -therefore, have a part in this mercy. - -I confess I have many times offended against thee, and therefore -am not worthy to be called thy child; but turn away thy face, I -beseech thee, from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Deal -not with me according to what I deserve, nor chastise me -according to my iniquities; but help me, O God, my Saviour, and -for the glory of thy name deliver me. Now at this hour show mercy -to me, and whenever I depart receive me into the number of thy -family, that I may be one of those who are to praise thee for -ever. - -{295} - - Prayers To Be Recited By The Assistants - When The Dying Person Loses The Use Of Speech. - -Lord Jesus Christ, we beseech thee, by thy bitter agony and -prayer in the garden, that thou wouldst be pleased to be an -advocate with thy eternal Father, in behalf of this thy servant: -lay before him (_her_) all those drops of blood which in thy -anguish of spirit flowed from thy body, and offer them for the -remission of all his (_her_) sins: that in this hour of -extremity, he (_she_) may be discharged from that -hand-writing of sin which stands against him (_her_), and -from that punishment which he (_she_) fears to be too justly -due to his (_her_) sins. "Our Father," &c. "Hail Mary," &c. - -Lord Jesus Christ! who for our salvation was pleased to suffer -death on the cross, we beseech thee to offer up all the anguish -and pains thou didst then endure, and most especially at the hour -of thy death, in behalf of this thy servant, that they may be -accepted in his (_her_) favour, for the good of his -(_her_) soul, for the obtaining of a happy hour, and for the -release from that punishment which he (_she_) has deserved -for his (_her_) sins. "Our Father," &c. "Hail Mary," &c. - -Lord Jesus Christ! who hadst such a boundless love for man as to -induce thee to become man for his salvation, we beseech thee to -let this thy infinite charity and goodness towards mankind, so -plead in behalf of this thy poor servant, that by thy powerful -mediation, his (_her_) soul, at the moment of its departure -from the body, being freed from the bonds of sin, may find a free -admittance through the gates that lead to the mansions of eternal -bliss. "Our Father," &c. "Hail Mary," &c. - -{296} - -Lord Jesus Christ! who by thy precious blood hast redeemed us, we -beseech thee to imprint deep in the soul of this thy servant the -memory of thy most sacred wounds, that having them perpetually in -his (_her_) sight, he (_she_) may be encouraged to -suffer with patience and resolution, and be armed against all the -pangs of death. Thus let him (_her_) cheerfully submit to -all the difficulties of his (_her_) condition, and begin, -even here, to be united to thee with a love that shall never end. - -Grant him (_her_) now to partake of the fruit of thy holy -incarnation, of thy bitter passion, of thy glorious resurrection, -and admirable ascension. - -Grant that he (_she_) may be sensible of the effects of thy -holy mysteries and sacraments, and of all the prayers which are -offered by the whole church. - -Remember, O Lord, that thou wast once in the straits of death; -and in this extremity, after crying out to thy eternal Father, -and commending thy spirit to him, didst expire. Behold now this -thy servant in his (_her_) anguish crying aloud to thee; -stand thou by him (_her_), defend and comfort him -(_her_) in this his (_her_) distress, and receive his -(_her_) soul into thy merciful embraces. - -Remember, O Jesus, that thy arms were stretched forth, thy side -opened, and thy sacred head bowed down from the cross; have -regard now, we beseech thee, to the soul of this thy servant, -which, departing out of this world, seeks refuge in thee; receive -it into thy arms, clasp it to thy breast, and there let it hide -itself, secured from the attacks of all its enemies, till the -anger of God pass over. -{297} -Into thy hands we commend his (_her_) spirit, which has been -created and redeemed by thee, despise not, we beseech thee, the -work of thy hands. - -O Christ Jesus, who was crucified for our redemption, we beseech -thee, by that love which brought thee from heaven, to have -compassion on the soul of thy servant; forgive him (_her_) -all his (_her_) sins, and by the merits of thy bitter -passion, satisfy for all his (_her_) failings, and supply -his (_her_) defects; let him (_her_) now experience the -multitude of thy tender mercies, and be sensible how good thou, O -Lord, art. Dispose now his (_her_) soul by thy grace, that -he (_she_) may be prepared at thy call to go forth to meet -thee, his (_her_) heavenly bridegroom. Grant him -(_her_), we beseech thee, true patience and perfect -resignation in his (_her_) pains and anguish. Give him -(_her_) full discharge from all his (_her_) sins; -confirm his (_her_) faith; strengthen his (_her_) hope, -and perfect his (_her_) charity; that departing hence, his -(_her_) soul may be received into thy mercy. O dear -Redeemer, by that distress which thou didst suffer on the cross, -when thou criedst out to thy eternal Father, we pray thee to show -mercy to this thy servant in his (_her_) extremity; hear the -sighs and desires of his (_her_) heart; and since he -(_she_) is now deprived of the faculty of speech, speak thou -for him (_her_) we beseech thee, who art the eternal Word, -and to whom the Father will refuse nothing. - -{298} - -By thy victory over death, and the infinite merits of thy -passion, we beseech thee, on behalf of this thy servant, to have -no other thoughts but of peace, of mercy and comfort, and not of -affliction. Bear him (_her_) up against all distrust and -despair; deliver him (_her_) from his (_her_) -necessities, and be his (_her_) comforter in his -(_her_) distress. Let those hands which were once nailed to -the cross, now plead for him (_her_) and obtaining his -(_her_) pardon, conduct him (_her_) into thy eternal -rest. Amen. - - - The Recommendation Of A Soul Departing. - -Lord, have mercy on us. - Christ, have mercy on us. - Lord, have mercy on us. - -Holy Mary, - _Pray for him (her)._ -All ye Angels and Archangels, - _Pray for him (her)._ -Holy Abel, - _Pray for him (her)._ -All the choir of the Just, - _Pray for him (her)._ -Holy Abraham, - _Pray for him (her)._ -St. John Baptist, - _Pray for him (her)._ -St. Joseph, - _Pray for him (her)._ -All ye Patriarchs and Prophets, - _Pray for him (her)._ -St. Peter and St Paul, - _Pray for him (her)._ -St. Andrew, - _Pray for him (her)._ -St. John, - _Pray for him (her)._ -All ye holy Apostles and Evangelists, - _Pray for him (her)._ -All ye holy disciples of our Lord, - _Pray for him (her)._ - -{299} - -All ye holy Innocents, - _Pray for him (her)._ -St. Stephen, - _Pray for him (her)._ -All ye holy Martyrs, - _Pray for him (her)._ -St Sylvester, - _Pray for him (her)._ -St. Gregory, - _Pray for him (her)._ -St. Augustine, - _Pray for him (her)._ -St. Laurence, - _Pray for him (her)._ -All ye holy Bishops and Confessors, - _Pray for him (her)._ -St. Benedict, - _Pray for him (her)._ -St Francis, - _Pray for him (her)._ -All ye holy Monks and Hermits, - _Pray for him (her)._ -St. Mary Magdalen, - _Pray for him (her)._ -St. Lucy, - _Pray for him (her)._ -All ye holy Virgins and Widows, - _Pray for him (her)._ -All ye saints of God, - _make intercession for him (her)_. -Be merciful, - _spare him (her,) O Lord._ -Be merciful, - _deliver him (her,) O Lord._ -Be merciful, - _receive him (her,) O Lord._ -From thy anger, - _Deliver him (her), O Lord._ -From the danger of death, - _Deliver him (her), O Lord._ -From an ill end, - _Deliver him (her), O Lord._ -From the pains of hell, - _Deliver him (her), O Lord._ -From all evil, - _Deliver him (her), O Lord._ -From the power of the devil, - _Deliver him (her), O Lord._ -Through thy nativity, - _Deliver him (her), O Lord._ -Through thy cross and passion, - _Deliver him (her), O Lord._ -Through thy death and burial, - _Deliver him (her), O Lord._ -Through thy glorious resurrection, - _Deliver him (her), O Lord._ -Through thy admirable ascension, - _Deliver him (her), O Lord._ -Through the grace of the Holy Ghost, the comforter, - _Deliver him (her), O Lord._ -In the day of judgment, - _Deliver him (her), O Lord._ - -{300} - -We sinners, - _beseech thee to hear us._ -That thou spare him (_her_), - _we beseech thee to hear us._ - -Lord, have mercy on us. - Christ, have mercy on us. - Lord, have mercy on us. - - Let Us Pray. - -Depart then, O Christian soul, out of this miserable world, in -the name of God the Father Almighty, who created thee; in the -name of Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God, who suffered for -thee; in the name of the Holy Ghost, who sanctified thee; in the -name of the angels, archangels, thrones, dominations, cherubim, -and seraphim; in the name of the patriarchs and prophets, of the -holy apostles, and evangelists, of the holy martyrs and -confessors, of the holy monks and hermits, of the holy virgins, -and of all the saints of God: let thy place be this day in peace, -and thy abode in holy Sion: through Christ our Lord. Amen. - -God of clemency! God of goodness! O God, who according to the -multitude of thy mercies, forgivest the sins of such as repent, -and graciously remittest the guilt of their past offences, -mercifully regard this thy servant (_N_.) and grant him -(_her_) a full discharge from all his (_her_) sins, who -most earnestly begs it of thee. Renew, O merciful Father, -whatever is corrupt in him (_her_) through human frailty, or -by the snares of the enemy; make him (_her_) a true member -of thy church, and let him (_her_) partake of the fruit of -thy redemption. -{301} -Have compassion, O Lord, on his (_her_) sighs, have pity on -his (_her_) tears, and admit him (_her_) to the -sacrament of thy reconciliation, who has no hope but in thee: -through Christ our Lord. Amen. - -I recommend thee, dear brother (_sister_,) to Almighty God, -and commit thee to his mercy, whose creature thou art; that -having paid the common debt, by surrendering thy soul, thou -mayest return to thy Maker, who formed thee out of the earth. -May, therefore, the noble company of angels meet thy soul at its -departure. May the court of the apostles receive thee. May the -triumphant army of glorious martyrs conduct thee. May the crowds -of joyful confessors encompass thee. May the choir of blessed -virgins go before thee; and may a happy rest be thy portion in -the company of the patriarchs. May Jesus Christ appear to thee -with a mild and cheerful countenance, and give thee a place among -those who are to be in his presence for ever. Mayest thou be a -stranger to all who are condemned to darkness, chastised with -flames, or punished with torments. May God command thy wicked -enemy, with all his evil spirits, to depart from thee. May the -infernal spirits tremble at thy approach encompassed by angels, -and retire into the horrid confusion of eternal night. May thy -God arise, and thy enemies be put to flight. May all who hate him -fly before his face. Let them vanish like smoke, or as wax before -the fire; so let sinners perish in the sight of God. -{302} -But as to the just, let them rejoice and be happy in his -presence. May all the ministers of hell be filled with confusion -and shame, and let no evil spirit dare to stop thy course to -heaven. May Christ Jesus, who was crucified for thee, be thy -deliverer. May he deliver thee from death, who for thy sake -vouchsafed to die. May Christ Jesus, the Son of the living God, -place thee in his garden of Paradise; and may he, the true -shepherd, own thee for one of his flock. May he absolve thee from -all thy sins, and place thee at his right hand in the inheritance -of his elect. O may it be thy happy lot to behold thy Redeemer -face to face; to be ever in his presence, in the beatific vision -of that eternal truth, which is the joy of the blessed. And thus -placed among those happy spirits, mayest thou be for ever filled -with heavenly sweetness. Amen. - -Receive thy servant, O Lord, into that place where he -(_she_) may hope for salvation from thy mercy.--R. Amen. - -Deliver, O Lord, the soul of thy servant from all dangers of -hell, and from all pain and tribulation.--R. Amen. - -Deliver, O Lord, the soul of thy servant, as thou deliveredst -Enoch and Elias from the common death of the world.--R. Amen. - -Deliver, O Lord, the soul of thy servant, as thou deliveredst -Noah in the flood.--R. Amen. - -Deliver, O Lord, the soul of thy servant, as thou deliveredst -Abraham from the midst of the Chaldeans.--R. Amen. - -{303} - -Deliver, O Lord, the soul of thy servant, as thou deliveredst Job -from all his afflictions.--R. Amen. - -Deliver, O Lord, the soul of thy servant, as thou deliveredst -Isaac from being sacrificed by his father.--R. Amen. - -Deliver, O Lord, the soul of thy servant, as thou deliveredst Lot -from Sodom and the the flames of fire.--R. Amen. - -Deliver, O Lord, the soul of thy servant, as thou deliveredst -Moses from the hands of Pharaoh, king of Egypt.--R. Amen. - -Deliver, O Lord, the soul of thy servant, as thou deliveredst -Daniel from the lions' den.--R. Amen. - -Deliver, O Lord, the soul of thy servant, as thou deliveredst the -three children from the fiery furnace, and from the hands of that -unmerciful king.--R. Amen. - -Deliver, O Lord, the soul of thy servant, as thou deliveredst -Susannah from her false accusers.--R. Amen. - -Deliver, O Lord, the soul of thy servant, as thou deliveredst -David from the hands of Saul and Goliah.--R. Amen. - -Deliver, O Lord, the soul of thy servant, as thou deliveredst -Peter and Paul out of prison.--R. Amen. - -And as thou deliveredst the blessed virgin and martyr, St. -Thecla, from most cruel torments, vouchsafe to deliver the soul -of this thy servant, and bring it to the participation of thy -heavenly joys.--R. Amen. - -{304} - - Let Us Pray. - -We commend to thee, O Lord, the soul of this thy servant; and -beseech thee, O Jesus Christ, Redeemer of the world, that as in -thy mercy to him (_her_) thou becamest man, so now thou -mayest vouchsafe to admit him (_her_) into the number of the -blessed. Remember, O Lord, that he (_she_) is thy creature, -not made by strange gods, but by thee, the only true and living -God; for there is no other God but thee, and none can work thy -wonders. Let his (_her_) soul find comfort in thy sight, and -remember not his (_her_) former sins, nor any of those -excesses which he (_she_) has fallen into through the -violence of passion and corruption. For although he (_she_) -hath sinned, yet he (_she_) has still retained a true faith -in thee, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; he (_she_) has had a -zeal for thy honour, and faithfully adores thee his (_her_) -God and Creator of all things. - -Remember not, O Lord, the sins or ignorance of his (_her_) -youth; but according to thy great mercy be mindful of him -(_her_) in thy eternal glory. Let the heavens be opened to -him (_her_,) and the angels rejoice with him (_her_). -May St. Michael the archangel, the chief of the heavenly host, -conduct him (_her_). May blessed Peter, thy apostle, to whom -were given the keys of the kingdom of heaven, receive him -(_her_.) -{305} -May holy Paul thy apostle, and chosen vessel of election, assist -him (_her_.) May St. John, thy beloved disciple, to whom -were revealed the secrets of heaven, intercede for him -(_her_.) May all thy holy apostles, to whom was given the -power of binding and loosening, pray for him (_her_.) May -all the chosen servants and martyrs of God, who in this world -have suffered torments for thy sake, O Christ, intercede for him -(_her_,) that being delivered from this body of corruption, -he (_she_) may be admitted into the kingdom of heaven; -through the assistance and merits of thee, our Lord Jesus Christ, -who liveth and reigneth with the Father and the Holy Ghost, world -without end. Amen. - - - - [Should the sick person still continue in distress of agony, it - may be proper for the assistants to continue on in prayer, saying - Psalms xxi. cxviii.] - - - Litany For A Happy Death; - - _Composed by a young Lady who was converted to the Catholic - Faith, and afterwards died at eighteen, in the odour of - sanctity._ - - - -O Lord Jesus, God of goodness, and Father of mercies, I approach -to thee with a contrite and humble heart: to thee I recommend the -last hour of my life, and the decision of my eternal doom. - -{306} - -When my feet, benumbed with death, shall admonish me that my -mortal course is drawing to an end, - _Merciful Jesus, have mercy on me._ - -When my eyes, dim and troubled at the approach of death, shall -fix themselves on thee, my last and only support, - _Merciful Jesus, have mercy on me._ - -When my face, pale and livid, shall inspire the beholders with -pity and dismay; when my hair, bathed in the sweat of death, and -stiffening on my head, shall forebode my approaching end, - _Merciful Jesus, have mercy on me._ - -When my ears, soon to be for ever shut to the discourse of men, -shall be opened to the irrevocable decree which is to cut me off -from the number of the living, - _Merciful Jesus, have mercy on me._ - -When my imagination, agitated by dreadful spectres, shall be sunk -in an abyss of anguish; when my soul, affrighted with the sight -of my iniquities, and the terrors of thy judgments, shall have to -fight against the angel of darkness, who will endeavour to -conceal thy mercies from my eyes, and to plunge me into despair, - _Merciful Jesus, have mercy on me._. - -When my poor heart, yielding to the pressure, and exhausted by -its frequent struggles against the enemies of its salvation, -shall feel the pangs of death, - _Merciful Jesus, have mercy on me._ - -When the last tear, the forerunner of my dissolution, shall drop -from my eyes, receive it as a sacrifice of expiation for my sins; -grant that I may expire the victim of penance; and in that -dreadful moment, - _Merciful Jesus, have mercy on me._ - -{307} - -When my friends and relations, encircling my bed, shall shed the -tear of pity over me, and invoke thy clemency in my behalf, - _Merciful Jesus, have mercy on me._ - -When I shall have lost the use of my senses; when the world shall -have vanished from my sight; when my agonizing soul shall feel -the sorrows of death, - _Merciful Jesus, have mercy on me._ - -When my last sigh shall summon my soul to burst from the embraces -of the body, and to spring to thee on the wings of impatience and -desire, - _Merciful Jesus, have mercy on me._ - -When my soul, trembling on my lips, shall bid adieu to the world, -and leave my body lifeless, pale, and cold, receive this -separation as a homage which I willingly pay to thy divine -Majesty; and in that last moment of my mortal life, - _Merciful Jesus, have mercy on me._ - -When at length my soul, admitted to thy presence, shall first -behold the splendour of thy Majesty, reject me not, but receive -me into thy bosom, where I may for ever sing thy praises; and in -that moment, when eternity shall begin to me, - _Merciful Jesus, have mercy on me._ - - - Let Us Pray. - -O God, who hast doomed all men to die, but hast concealed from -all the hour of their death, grant that I may pass my days in the -practice of holiness and justice, and that I may deserve to quit -this world in the peace of a good conscience, and in the embraces -of thy love: through Christ our Lord. Amen. - -{308} - - The Soul Being Now Departed, - The Following Responsory is Said: - -Come to his (_her_) assistance, all you saints of God; meet -him (_her_) all you angels of God; receive his (_her_) -soul, and present it now before its Lord. May Jesus Christ -receive thee, and the angels conduct thee to thy place of rest; -may they receive thy soul, and present it now before its Lord. - -V. Eternal rest grant him (_her_,) O Lord. - -R. And let perpetual light shine unto him (_her_.) - -May the angels present him (_her_) now before the Lord. - -Lord, have mercy on us. -Christ, have mercy on us. -Lord, have mercy on us. - -Our Father, &c. - -V. And lead us not into temptation; - -R. But deliver us from evil. - -V. Eternal rest grant him (_her_,) O Lord. - -R. And let perpetual light shine unto him, (_her_.) - -V. From the gates of hell; - -R. Deliver his (_her_) soul, O Lord. - -V. May he (_she_) rest in peace; - -R. Amen. - -V. O Lord, hear my prayer; - -R. And let my cry come unto thee. - -{309} - - Let Us Pray. - -Unto thee, Lord, we commend the soul of thy servant (_N_.) -that being dead to this world, he (_she_) may live to thee; -and whatever sins he (_she_) has committed through human -frailty, we beseech thee, in thy goodness, mercifully to pardon: -through Christ our Lord. Amen. - - [Then, for a conclusion, may be added the following prayer for - the assistants, which may be also said at the burial.] - -Grant, O Lord, that while we here lament the departure of thy -servant, we may ever remember that we are most certainly to -follow him (_her_). Give us grace to prepare for that last -hour by a good life, that we may not be surprised by a sudden -death, but be ever watching when thou shalt call, that so with -the spouse we may enter into eternal glory: through Jesus Christ -our Lord. Amen. - - - A Prayer For All That Are Buried - In A Church Or Church-yard. - -O God, by whose mercy the souls of all the faithful find rest, -grant to all thy servants, here or elsewhere, that have slept in -Christ, the full remission of all their sins; that being -acquitted as well from the guilt as the temporal punishment due -to them, they may be speedily admitted into thy heavenly kingdom, -and there rejoice with thee for all eternity: through, &c. - -{310} - - Exequies, Or Sacred Rites Over The Tomb. - - [Solemnity performed after High Mass for the Dead, and which - may be privately recited after the Office.] - - - Responsory. - -Libera me, Domine, de morte æterna, in die illa tremenda: *Quando -cœli movendi sunt, et terra: *Dum veneris judicare sæculum per -ignem. - -V. Tremens factus sum ego, et timeo dum -discussio venerit, atque ventura ira. - - R. Quando cœli movendi sunt et terra. - -V. Dies illa, dies iræ, calamitatis, et miseriæ: -dies magna, et amara valde. - - R. Dum veneris judicare sæculum per ignem. - -Requiem æternam dona eis, Domine, et lux perpetua luceat eis. - - R. Libera me, Domine, de morte æterna, in die illa tremenda, - quando cœli movendi sunt et terra, dum veneris judicare sæculum - per ignem. - -Kyrie, eleison. - Christe, eleison. - Kyrie, eleison. - -Pater noster, [_secreto_.] - -V. Et nos inducas in tentationem. - -R. Sed libera nos a malo. - -V. A porta inferi. - -R. Erue, Domine, animam ejus [animas eorum.] - -{311} - -Exequies, Or Sacred Rites Over The Tomb. - - [Solemnity performed after High Mass for the Dead, and which - may be privately recited after the Office.] - - Responsory. - -Deliver me, O Lord, from eternal death on that dreadful day: -*When the heavens and earth shall be moved: *Whilst thou wilt -come to judge the world by fire. - -V. I am seized with trembling and dread, when I reflect on the -rigorous examination, and the vengeful wrath of that day. - - R. When the heavens and earth shall be moved. - -V. That day shall be a day of wrath, calamity, and misery: the -great day of extreme bitterness and terror. - - R. Whilst thou wilt come to judge the world by fire. - -Eternal rest grant to them, O Lord, and may -the perpetual light of glory shine upon them. - - R. Deliver me, O Lord, from eternal death on that dreadful day, - when the heavens and earth shall be moved, whilst thou wilt - come to judge the world by fire. - -Lord, have mercy on us. - Christ, have mercy on us. - Lord, have mercy on us. - -Our Father, [_in silence_.] - -V. And lead us not into temptation. - -R. But deliver us from evil. - -V. From the gates of hell. - -R. Deliver his soul, [their souls,] O Lord. - -{312} - -V. Requiescat (requiescant) in pace. - -R. Amen. - -V. Domine, exaudi, orationem meam. - -R. Et clamor meus ad te veniat. - - Oremus. - -Prayer On The Commemoration Of All Souls. - -Fidelium, Deus, omnium conditor et redemptor, animabus famulorum -famularumque tuarum remissionem cunctorum tribue peccatorum: ut -indulgentiam quam semper optaverunt, piis supplicationibus -consequantur. Qui vivis et regnas cum Deo Patre in unitate -Spiritus Sancti, Deus, per omnia sæcula sæculorum. Amen. - - Suffrages For The Souls Of The - Faithful Departed In General. - - Psalmus cxxix. - -De profundis clamavi ad te, Domine: *Domine, exaudi vocem meum. - -Fiant aures tuæ intendentes *in vocem deprecationis meæ. - -Si iniquitatis observaveris, Domine: Domine, quis sustinebit? - -Quia apud te propitiatio est: et propter legem tuam sustinui te, -Domine. - -Sustinuat anima mea in verbo ejus: *speravit anima mea in Domino. - -A custodia matutina usque ad noctem, *speret Israel in Domino. - -Quia apud Dominum misericordia: et copiosa apud eum redemptio. - -{313} - -V. May he (they) rest in peace. - -R. Amen. - -V. O Lord, hear my prayer. - -R. And let my cry come unto thee. - - Let Us Pray. - -Prayer On The Commemoration Of All Souls. - -O God, the creator and redeemer of all the faithful, give to the -souls of thy servants departed, the full remission of all their -sins; that, through the help of pious supplications, they may -obtain the pardon they have always desired. Who livest and -reignest, with the Father and the Holy Ghost, one God, world -without end. Amen. - - - Suffrages For The Souls Of The - Faithful Departed In General. - - Psalm cxxix. - -From the depths I have cried out to thee, -*O Lord: Lord, hear my voice. - -Let thy ears be attentive * to the voice of my petition. - -If thou wilt consider our iniquities, O mighty Lord, * who shall -endure it? - -But with thee there is merciful forgiveness: * and by reason of -thy law I have waited for thee, O Lord. - -My soul hath relied on his word: *my soul hath hoped in the Lord. - -From the morning watch, even until night, * let Israel hope in -the Lord. - -Because with the Lord there is mercy: * and with him, plentiful -redemption. - -{314} - -Et ipse redimet Israel *ex omnibus iniquitatibus ejus. - -Kyrie, eleison. Christe, eleison. Kyrie, eleison. - -Pater noster, (_secreto_.) - -V. Et ne nos inducas in tentationem, - - R. Sed libera nos a malo. - -V. Requiem æternam dona eis, Domine; - - R. Et lux perpetua luceat eis. - -V. A porta inferi, - - R. Erue, Domine, animas eorum. - -V. Requiescant in pace. - - R. Amen. - -V. Domine, exaudi orationem meam. - - R. Et clamor meus ad te veniat. - - - Oremus. - -Fidelium, Deus, omnium conditor et redemptor, animabus famulorum -famularumque tuarum remissionem cunctorum tribue peccatorum; ut -indulgentiam quam semper optaverunt, piis supplicationibus -consequantur. Qui vivis et regnas in sæcula sæculorum. Amen. - -V. Requiem æternam dona eis, Domine. - - R. Et lux perpetua luceat eis. - -V. Requiescant in pace. - - R. Amen. - -V. Anima ejus (animæ eorum) et animæ omnium fidelium defunctorum, -per misericordiam Dei, requiescant in pace. - - R. Amen. - -{315} - -And he shall redeem Israel * from all his iniquities. - -Lord, have mercy on us. -Christ, have mercy on us. -Lord, have mercy on us. - -Our Father, (_in silence_.) - -V. And lead us not into temptation, - - R. But deliver us from evil. - -V. Eternal rest grant to them, O Lord; - - R. And may the perpetual light of glory shine upon them. - -V. From the gates of hell, - - R. Deliver their souls, O Lord. - -V. May they rest in peace. - - R. Amen. - -V. O Lord, hear my prayer. - - R. And let my cry come to thee. - - - Let Us Pray. - -O God, the creator and redeemer of all the faithful, give to the -souls of thy servants departed, the full remission of all their -sins: that through the help of pious supplications, they may -obtain the pardon they have always desired. Who livest and -reignest world without end. Amen. - -V. Eternal rest grant to them, O Lord. - - R. And may the perpetual light of glory shine upon them. - -V. May they rest in peace. - - R. Amen. - -V. May his soul (their souls), and may the souls of all the -faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. - - R. Amen. - -{316} - - Litany For The Dead. - - -"It is a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead, that -they may be loosed from their sins." - 2 Maccabees xii. 46. - - -Lord, have mercy on us. -Christ, have mercy on us. -Lord, have mercy on us. - -Jesus, receive our prayers. -Lord Jesus, grant our petitions. - -O God the Father, Creator of the world, - _Have mercy on the souls of the faithful departed._ - -O God the Son, Redeemer of mankind, - _Deliver the souls of the faithful departed._ - -O God the Holy Ghost, perfecter of the elect, - _Accomplish the bliss of the faithful departed._ - -Blessed Virgin Mary, who, by the special privilege of grace, was -triumphantly assumed into the kingdom of thy Son, - _Pray for the souls of the faithful departed._ - -Blessed angels, who, ordering aright the first act of your will, -were fixed forthwith in unchangeable happiness, - _Pray for the souls of the faithful departed._ - -Blessed patriarchs, who were filled with joy when the Desired of -Nations put an end to your captivity, - _Pray for the souls of the faithful departed._ - -Blessed prophets, who after patiently awaiting the arrival of the -Messiah, were at length consoled by a visit from him in person, - _Pray for the souls of the faithful departed._ - -{317} - -Blessed saints, who at the glorious resurrection of our Saviour, -were translated from Limbo to the visible presence of God, - _Pray for the souls of the faithful departed._ - -Blessed apostles, who at the last day shall sit to judge the -twelve tribes of Israel, - _Pray for the souls of the faithful departed._ - -Blessed disciples of our Lord, who followed his steps in the -narrow paths to perfection, - _Pray for the souls of the faithful departed._ - -Blessed martyrs, who passed through the sea of your own blood, -entering immediately into the land of promise, - _Pray for the souls of the faithful departed._ - -Blessed confessors, who despised the vanity of the earth, and -placed your affections on the joys of heaven, - _Pray for the souls of the faithful departed._ - -Blessed virgins, who, with your lighted lamps, awaited the coming -of the heavenly spouse, - _Pray for the souls of the faithful departed._ - -O holy saints, who, being freed from all irregular attachment to -creatures, were perfectly fitted for an immediate union with your -Creator, - _Pray for the souls of the faithful departed._ - -Be merciful, O Lord, and pardon their sins. - -Be merciful, O Lord, and hear their prayers. - -From the shades of death, where the light of thy countenance -shineth not, - _Deliver them, O Lord._ - -From the evils to which immortification in this world must expose -them in the other, - _Deliver them, O Lord._ - -From thy displeasure, provoked by negligence and ingratitude, - _Deliver them, O Lord._ - -From the pains of purgatory, so justly inflicted upon unexpiated -sins, - _Deliver them, O Lord._ - -{318} - -From the torments of purgatory, incomparably greater than the -bitterest anguish of this life, - _Deliver them, O Lord._ - -By the multitude of thy mercies, ever compassionate to human -frailties, - _Deliver them, O Lord._ - -By the virtue of thy cross, whereon thou reconciledst the world -to thy Father, - _Deliver them, O Lord._ - -By thy victorious descent into hell, to break the chains of -death, - _Deliver them, O Lord._ - -By thy glorious resurrection from the tomb, to open the kingdom -of heaven, - _Deliver them, O Lord._ - -By thy triumphant ascension into heaven, to lead captivity -captive, - _Deliver them, O Lord._ - -By thy dread coming to judge the world, - _Deliver them, O Lord._ - -We sinners, - _Beseech thee to hear us._ - -That it please thee to hasten the day when thy faithful shall be -delivered from the mansions of sorrow, - _We Beseech thee to hear us._ - -That it please thee to shorten the time of their expiation, and -to admit them speedily into thy heavenly sanctuary, - _We Beseech thee to hear us._ - -That it please thee through the prayers and good works performed -in thy church, to receive them into thy eternal tabernacles, - _We Beseech thee to hear us._ - -That it please thee to accept, in atonement for their sins, the -infinite value of thy unbloody sacrifice, - _We Beseech thee to hear us._ - -That the blessed view of Jesus may comfort them, and his unfading -glory shine upon them, - _We Beseech thee to hear us._ - -{319} - -That the whole triumphant church may soon celebrate their -deliverance and the choir of angels sing new hymns of joy, on -their neverending happiness, - _We Beseech thee to hear us._ - -That we ourselves may share in their triumph, and unite with all -the citizens of heaven in eternal alleluias, - _We Beseech thee to hear us._ - -Son of God, - _We Beseech thee to hear us._ - -Lamb of God, who shalt come with glory to judge the living and -the dead, - _Give rest to the souls of the faithful departed_. - -Lamb of God, at whose presence the heavens and the earth shall be -moved, - _Give rest to the souls of the faithful departed_. - -Lamb of God, in whose book of life the names of thy elect are -inscribed, - _Give rest to the souls of the faithful departed_. - - - The Antiphon. - -Deliver us, O Lord, from eternal death, in that tremendous day, -when the heavens and the earth shall be moved; whilst thou shalt -come to judge the world by fire. We tremble and are sore afraid -at the discussion which will take place, and at thy future wrath; -when the heavens and the earth shall be moved; when thou shalt -come to judge the world by fire. - -That day is a day of wrath, of calamity, and of misery; a great -and a most bitter day; when thou shalt come to judge the world by -fire. - -Give them, O Lord, eternal rest, and let perpetual light shine -upon them. Amen. - -{320} - - Let Us Pray. - -O God, the creator and redeemer of all the faithful, grant to the -souls of thy servants departed, the remission of all their sins, -that by means of pious supplications, they may obtain the pardon -which they have ever earnestly desired: who livest and reignest, -&c. Amen. - - - A Prayer Upon The Day - Of A Person's Decease Or Burial. - -O Lord, we commend unto thy infinite clemency, the souls of thy -servants lately deceased: pardon them, we beseech thee, in the -multitude of thy mercies, the sins which they have committed -through human frailty, and grant them eternal life in thy kingdom -of bliss. Amen. - - - Another Prayer. - -O God, whose property it is always to have mercy, and to spare, -we humbly present our prayers to thee in behalf of the soul of -thy servant _N_. which thou hast called out of this world, -beseeching thee not to deliver into the hands of the enemy, nor -forget it for ever; but command it to be received by the holy -angels, and to be carried into paradise; that as it believed and -hoped in thee, it may be delivered from the pains of hell, and -inherit life everlasting; through Christ our Lord. Amen. - -{321} - - Vespers For Sundays. - - -Our Father. Hail Mary. (_In silence_.) - - + - -V. Deus, in adjutorium meum intende. - - V. O God, come to my assistance. - -R. Domine, ad adjuvandum me festina. - - R. O Lord, make haste to help me. - -Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto. - - Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy - Ghost. - - Sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et semper, et in sæcula - sæculorum. Amen. Alleluia. - - As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world - without end. Amen. Alleluiah. - - - From Saturday before Septuagesaima Sunday, till Saturday in - Holy Week, instead of _Alleluia_, is said, - -Laus tibi, Domine, Rex eternæ gloriæ. - - Praise be to thee, O Lord, King of eternal glory. - - -N. B.--In Paschal time all the Psalms are said under this only. -Anthem. _Alleluia_. - -_Ant_. Dixit Dominus. - - _Ant_. The Lord said. - -_Ant_. Alleluia. - - _Ant_. Alleluiah. - - - - Psalm CIX. - - -_Christ's Exaltation and everlasting Priesthood._ - - -Dixit Dominus Domino meo: *sede a dextris meis. - - The Lord said unto my Lord, sit on my right hand. - -Donec ponam inimicos tuos: *scabellum pedum tuorum. - - Until I make thy enemies the footstool of thy feet. - -Virgam virtutis tuæ emittet Dominus ex Sion: *Dominare in medio -inimicorum tuorum. - - The Lord will send the sceptre of thy power out of Sion: rule - thou in the midst of thy enemies. - -Tecum principium in die virtutis tuæ, in splendoribus sanctorum: -*ex utero ante luciferum genui te. - - Dominion shall be with thee in the day of thy power in the - brightness of the saints: from the womb before the day star I - begat thee. - -{322} - -Juravit Dominus, et non pœnitebit eum: *Tu es sacerdos in æternam -secundum ordinem Melchisedech. - - The Lord swore, and it shall not repent him: Thou art a priest - for ever, according to the order of Melchisedech. - -Dominus a dextris tuis: *confregit in die iræ suæ reges. - - The Lord at thy right hand hath broken kings in the day of his - wrath. - -Judicabit in nationibus, implebit ruinas: *conquassabit capita in -terra multorum. - - He shall judge among nations, he shall fill ruins: he shall - crush the heads in the land of many. - -De torrente in via bibet: *propterea exaltabit caput. - - He shall drink of the torrent in the way; therefore shall he - lift up the head. - -Gloria Patri, &c. - - Glory be to the Father, &c. - -_Ant_. Dixit Dominus. - - _Ant_. The Lord said unto my Lord: sit thou on my right. - -_Ant_. Fidelia. - - _Ant_. All his commandments. - - - Psalm. CX. - - _God is to be praised for his graces and benefits to his - Church._ - -Confitebor tibi, Domine, in toto corde meo: *in concilio -justorum, et congregatione. - - I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart: in the council - of the just, and in the congregation. - -Magna opera Domini: *exquisita in omnes voluntates ejus. - - Great are the works of the Lord: sought out according to all - his wills. - -Confessio et magnificentia opus ejus: *et justitia ejus manet in -sæculum sæculi. - - His work is praise and magnificence: and his justice continueth - for ever and ever. - -Memoriam fecit mirabilium suorum, misericors et miserator -Dominus: *escam dedit timentibus se. - - He hath made a remembrance of his wonderful works, being a - merciful and gracious Lord: he hath given food to them that - fear him. - -{323} - -Memor erit in sæculum testamenti sui; *virtutem operum suorum -annuntiabit populo suo. - - He will be mindful for ever of his covenant: he will shew forth - to his people the power of his works. - -Ut det illis hæreditatem gentium: *opera manuum ejus veritas et -judicium. - - That he may give them the inheritance of the Gentiles: the - works of his hands are truth and judgment. - -Fidelia omnia mandata ejus, confirmata in sæculum sæculi: *facta -in veritate et equitate. - - All his commandments are faithful: confirmed for ever and ever, - made in truth and equity. - -Redemptionem misit populo suo: *mandavit in æternum testamentum -suum. - - He hath sent redemption to his people: he hath commanded his - covenant for ever. - -Sanctum et terribile nomen ejus: *initium sapientiæ timor Domini. - - Holy and terrible is his name: the fear of the Lord is the - beginning of wisdom. - -Intellectus bonus omnibus facientibus eum *laudatio ejus manet in -sæculum sæculi. - - A good understanding to all that do it: his praise continued - for ever and ever. - -Gloria Patri, &c. - - Glory, &c. - -_Ant_. Fidelia. - - _Ant_. All his commandments are faithful: confirmed for - ever and ever. - -_Ant_. In mandatis. - - _Ant_. In his commandments. - - - Psalm CXI. - - _The good man is happy._ - - -Beatus vir, qui timet Dominum: *in mandatis ejus volet nimis. - - Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord: he shall delight - exceedingly in his commandments. - -Potens in terra erit semen ejus: *generatio rectorum benedicetur. - - His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generations of the - righteous shall be blessed. - -{324} - -Gloria et divitiæ in domo ejus: *et justitia ejus manet in -sæculum sæculi. - - Glory and wealth shall be in his house; and his justice - remaineth for ever and ever. - -Exortum est in tenebris lumen rectis: *misericors, et miserator -et justus. - - To the righteous a light is risen up in darkness; he is - merciful, and compassionate and just. - -Jucundus homo qui miseretur et commodat: disponet sermones suos -in judicio: *quia in æternum non commovebitur. - - Acceptable is the man that showeth mercy and lendeth; he shall - order his words with judgment; because he shall not be moved - for ever. - -In memoria æterna erit justus: *ab auditione mala non timebit. - - The just shall be in everlasting remembrance: he shall not fear - the evil hearing. - -Paratum cor ejus sperare in Domino, confirmatum est cor ejus: -*non commovebitur, donec despiciat inimicos suos. - - His heart is ready to hope in the Lord: his heart is - strengthened, he shall not be moved, until he look over his - enemies. - -Dispersit, dedit pauperibus: justitia ejus manet in sæculum -sæculi: *cornu ejus exaltabitur in gloria. - - He hath distributed, he hath given to the poor: his justice - remaineth for ever and ever, his horn shall be exalted in - glory. - -Peccator videbit et irascetur, dentibus suis fremet, et tabescet: -*desiderium peceatorum peribit. - - The wicked shall see and shall be angry, he shall gnash with - his teeth and pine away: the desire of the wicked shall perish. - -Gloria Patri, &c. - - Glory, &c. - -_Ant_. In madatis ejus cupit nimis. - - _Ant_. In his commandments he has great delight. - -_Ant_. Sit nomen Domini. - - _Ant_. Let the name of the Lord. - - - Psalm CXII. - - _God is to be praised for his regard to the poor and - humble._ - - -Laudate pueri Dominum: *laudate nomen Domini. - - Praise the Lord, ye children: praise ye the name of the Lord. - -{325} - -Sit nomen Domini benedictum: *ex hoc nunc et usque in sæculum. - - Blessed be the name of the Lord, from henceforth now and for - ever. - -A solis ortu usque ad occasum: *laudabile nomen Domini. - - From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same, the - name of the Lord is worthy of praise. - -Excelsus super omnes gentes Dominus: *et super cœlos gloria ejus. - - The Lord is high above all nations: and his glory above the - heavens. - -Quis sicut Dominus Deus noster, qui in altis habitat: *et humilia -respicit in cœlo et in terra? - - Who is as the Lord our God, who dwelleth on high: and looketh - down on the low things in heaven and in earth? - -Suscitans a terra inopem: *et de steroore erigens pauperem. - - Raising up the needy from the earth, and lifting up the poor - out of the dunghill: - -Ut collocet eum cum principibus: *cum principibus populi sui. - - That he may place them with princes, with the princes of his - people. - -Qui habitare facit sterilem in domo: *matrem filiorum lætantem. - - Who maketh a barren woman to dwell in a house, the joyful - mother of children. - -Gloria Patri, &c. - - Glory, &c. - -_Ant_. Sit nomen Domini. - - _Ant_. Let the name of the Lord be blessed for ever. - -_Ant_. Nos qui vivimus. - - _Ant_. We that live. - - - Psalm CXVI. - -Laudate Dominum omnes gentes: *laudate eum omnes populi. - - O praise the Lord, all ye nations: praise him all ye people. - -Quoniam confirmata est super nos misericordia ejus: *et Veritas -Domini manet in æternum. - - For his mercy is confirmed upon us: and the truth of Lord - remaineth for ever. - -Gloria Patri, &c. - -Glory be to the Father, &c. - -_Ant_. Nos qui vivimus benedicimus Domino. - - _Ant_. We that live bless our Lord. - - - _In Paschal time, Ant_. - Alleluiah, Alleluiah, Alleluiah. - -{326} - - _The Little Chapter_.--2 Cor. 1. - -Benedictus Deus, et Pater Domini nostri Jesu Christi, Pater -misericordiarum, et Deus totius consolationis, qui consolatur nos -in omni tribulatione nostra. - - Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the - Father of mercies, and God of all comfort, who comforts us in - all our tribulation. - -R. Deo Gratias. - - R. Thanks be to God. - - - _The Hymn Lucis Creator._ - - Lucis Creator optime, - Lucem dierum proferens, - Primordiis lucis novæ, - Mundi parans originem. - - Creator of the radiant light. - Fountain of bliss, essential sight. - Emitting splendour's orient beam. - The world's creation to proclaim. - - Qui mane junctum vesperi. - Diem vocari præcipis, - Illabitur Tetrum Chaos; - Audi preces cum fletibus. - - Who, with the morn's enliv'ning ray, - Dispell'st the shades and call'st the day; - Approaching night over-spreads the spheres; - Now gracious hear our sighs and tears. - - Ne mens gravata crimine - Vitæ sit exul munere; - Dum nil perenne cogitat, - Seseque culpis illigat. - - Distain'd with guilt and foul offence, - Let not a sudden summons hence, - Present us at thy awful seat, - Victims of fleeting vain deceit. - - Cœleste pulset ostium; - Vitale tollat præmium; - Vitemus omne noxium; - Purgemus omne pessimum. - - But rather while at mercy's door, - Contrite, our treasons we deplore, - Admit thy suppliants; grant us peace. - That triumph of thy saving grace. - - Præsta, Pater piissime; - Patrique compar, Unice; - Cum Spiritu Paracleto, - Regnans per omne sæculum. - Amen. - - Eternal Father, lend thine ear; - Co-eternal Son, receive our prayer; - O Holy Ghost, we cry to thee, - God! three in one eternally. - Amen. - -{327} - -V. Dirigatur, Domine, oratio mea. - - V. Let my prayer, like incense, - -R. Sicut incensum in conspectu tuo. - - R. Ascend to thee, O Lord. - - - _The Song of the Blessed Virgin Mary_.--Luke, i. - -Magnificat *anima mea Dominum: - - My soul doth magnify the Lord: - -Et exultavit spiritus meus *in Deo salutari meo. - - And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. - -Quia respexit humilitatem ancillæ suæ: *ecce enim ex hoc beatam -me dicent omnes generationes. - - Because he hath regarded the humility of his handmaid; for - behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. - -Quia fecit mihi magna, qui potens est; *et sanctum nomen ejus. - - For he that is mighty, hath done great things to me, and holy - is his name. - -Et misericordia ejus a progenie in progenies, *timentibus eum. - - And his mercy is from generation to generation, to them that - fear him. - -Fecit potentiam in brachio suo; *dispersit superbos mente cordis -sui. - - He hath showed might in his arm; he hath scattered the proud in - the conceit of their hearts. - -Deposuit potentes de sede; *et exaltavit humiles. - - He hath put down the mighty from their seat, and hath exalted - the humble. - -Esurientes implevit bonis; *et divites dimissit inanes. - - He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he - hath sent away empty. - -Suscepit Israel puerum suum, *recordatus misericordiæ suæ. - - He hath received Israel his servant, being mindful of his - mercy. - -Sicut locutus est ad patres nostros: *Abraham et semini ejus in -sæcula. - - As he spoke to our Fathers, to Abraham and to his seed for - ever. - -Gloria Patri, &c. - - Glory, &c. - - -{328} - - - The Litany Of The Blessed Virgin. - - In Latin. - - -Kyrie, eleison. -Christe, eleison. -Kyrie, eleison. -Christe, audi nos. -Christe, exaudi nos. - -Pater de cœlis Deus, - _miserere nobis._ - -Fili redemptor mundi Deus, - _miserere nobis._ - -Spiritus Sancte Deus, - _miserere nobis._ - -Sancta Trinitas unus Deus, - _miserere nobis._ - -Sancta Maria, - _Ora pro nobis._ - -Sancta Dei Genitrix, - _Ora pro nobis._ - -Sancta Virgo virginum, - _Ora pro nobis._ - -Mater Christi, - _Ora pro nobis._ - -Mater Divinæ gratis, - _Ora pro nobis._ - -Mater purissima, - _Ora pro nobis._ - -Mater castissima, - _Ora pro nobis._ - -Mater inviolata, - _Ora pro nobis._ - -Mater intemerata, - _Ora pro nobis._ - -Mater amabilis, - _Ora pro nobis._ - -Mater admirabilis, - _Ora pro nobis._ - -Mater Creatoris, - _Ora pro nobis._ - -Mater Salvatoris, - _Ora pro nobis._ - -Virgo prudentissima, - _Ora pro nobis._ - -Virgo veneranda, - _Ora pro nobis._ - -Virgo prædicanda, - _Ora pro nobis._ - -Virgo potens, - _Ora pro nobis._ - -Virgo clemens, - _Ora pro nobis._ - -Virgo fidelis, - _Ora pro nobis._ - -{329} - -Speculum justitiæ, - _Ora pro nobis._ - -Sedes sapientiæ, - _Ora pro nobis._ - -Causa nostræ lætitiæ, - _Ora pro nobis._ - -Vas spirituale, - _Ora pro nobis._ - -Vas honorabile, - _Ora pro nobis._ - -Vas insigne devotionis, - _Ora pro nobis._ - -Rosa mystica, - _Ora pro nobis._ - -Turris Davidica, - _Ora pro nobis._ - -Turris eburnea, - _Ora pro nobis._ - -Domus aurea, - _Ora pro nobis._ - -Fœderis arca, - _Ora pro nobis._ - -Janua cœli, - _Ora pro nobis._ - -Stella matutina, - _Ora pro nobis._ - -Salis infirmorum, - _Ora pro nobis._ - -Refugium peccatorum, - _Ora pro nobis._ - -Consolatrix affiictorum, - _Ora pro nobis._ - -Auxilium Christianorum, - _Ora pro nobis._ - -Regina Angelorum, - _Ora pro nobis._ - -Regina Patriarcharum, - _Ora pro nobis._ - -Regina Prophetarum, - _Ora pro nobis._ - -Regina Apostolorum, - _Ora pro nobis._ - -Regina Martyrum, - _Ora pro nobis._ - -Regina Confessorum, - _Ora pro nobis._ - -Regina Virginum, - _Ora pro nobis._ - -Regina Sanctorum Omnium, - _Ora pro nobis._ - -Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, - _Parce nobis, Domine._ - -Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, - _Exaudi nos, Domine._ - -Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, - _Miserere nobis._ - -V. Ora pro nobis, sancta Dei genitrix. - - R. Ut digni efficiamur promissionibus Christi. - -{330} - - Method Of Serving At Mass. - - - [The Clerk, kneeling at the left side of the Priest, should - answer as follows:] - -P. + In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen. - -Introibo ad altare Dei. - -C. Ad Deum qui lætificat juventutem meam. - -P. Judica me, Deus, et discerne causam meam de gente non sancta: -ab nomine iniquo et doloso erue me. - -C. Quia tu es, Deus, fortitudo mea: quare me repulisti, et quare -tristis incedo dum affligit me inimicus. - -P. Emitte lucem tuam et veritatem tuam: ipsa me deduxerunt et -adduxerunt in montem: sanctum tuum, et in tabernacula tua. - -C. Et introibo ad altare Dei: ad Deum qui lætificat juventutem -meam. - -P. Confitebor tibi in cithara, Deus, Deus meus: quare tristis es -anima mea, et quare conturbas me? - -C. Spera in Deo, quoniam adhuc confitebor illi, salutare vultus -mei, et Deus meus. - -P. Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto; - -C. Sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et semper, et in sæcula -sæculorum. Amen. - -P. Introibo ad altare Dei. - -C. Ad Deum qui lætificat juventutem meam. - -P. Adjutorium nostrum in nomine Domini. - -C. Qui fecit cœlum et terram. - -{331} - -P. Confiteor Deo, &c. - - [Bow your head when the priest begins the Confiteor, and - continue bent till the _Dominus Vobiscum._] - -C. Misereatur tui omnipotent Deus, et dimissis peccatis tuis, -perducat te ad vitam æternam. - -P. Amen. - -C. Confiteor Deo omnipotenti, beatæ Mariæ semper Virgini, beato -Michaeli Archangelo, beato Joanni Baptistæ, sanctis apostolis -Petro et Paulo, omnibus Sanctis, et tibi pater, (_here turn -your head towards the priest, and then go on_,) quia peccavi -nimis cogitatione, verbo, et opere, (_striking your breast -thrice, say_,) mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa: ideo -precor beatam Mariam semper Virginem, beatum Michaelem -Archangelum, beatum Joannem Baptistam, sanctos apostolos Petrum -et Paulum, omnes sanctos, et te pater, (_here turn again -towards the priest_,) orare pro me ad Dominum Deum nostrum. - -P. Misereatur vestri, &c. - -C. Amen. - -P. Indulgentiam, &c. - -C. Amen. - -P. Deus tu conversus vivificabis nos. - -C. Et plebs tua lætabitur in te. - -P. Ostende nobis, Domine, misericordiam tuam. - -C. Et salutare tuum da nobis. - -P. Domine, exaudi orationem meam. - -C. Et clamor mens ad te veniat. - -P. Dominus vobiscum. - -C. Et cum spiritu tuo. - -{332} - -P. Kyrie eleison. - -C. Kyrie eleison. - -P. Kyrie eleison. - -C. Christe eleison. - -P. Christe eleison. - -C. Christe eleison. - -P. Kyrie eleison. - -C. Kyrie eleison. - -P. Kyrie eleison. - -P. Dominus vobiscum: _or_, Flectamus genua. - -C. Et cum spiritu tuo: _or_, Levate. - -P. Per omnia sæcula sæculorum. - -C. Amen. - - [At the end of the Epistle say, _Deo gratias_, and after - the Gradual and Alleluia, or Tract, remove the took to the - gospel side of the altar, and return to the epistle side--make - a low reverence as you pass the middle of the altar, then stand - up whilst the gospel is read,] - -P. Dominus vobiscum. - -C. Et cum spiritu tuo. - -P. Sequentia [_or_ initium] sancti Evangelii, &c. - - - [Here make the sign of the cross--1st, upon your forehead; 2nd, - upon your mouth; 3rd, upon your breast; and say, _Gloria tibi - Domine._ At the end of the gospel say,] - -C. Laus tibi, Christe. - -P. Dominus vobiscum. - -C. Et cum spiritu tuo. - - [Going to the middle of the altar, kneel and make a reverence, - then proceed to prepare the wine and water; present them to the - priest, making a reverence; afterwards pour water on his - fingers, present him with a towel, and return to your place at - the epistle side of the altar.] - -P. Orate fratres, &c. - -C. Suscipiat Dominus sacrificium de manibus tuis ad laudem et -gloriam nominis sui, ad utilitatem quoque nostram, totiusque -ecclesiæ suæ sanctæ. - -{333} - -P. Per omnia sæcula sæculorum. - -C. Amen. - -P. Dominus vobiscum. - -C. Et cum spiritu tuo. - -P. Sursum corda. - -C. Habemns ad Dominum. - -P. Gratias agamus Domino Deo nostro. - -C. Dignum et justum est. - - [When the priest says, _Sanctus, sanctus, sanctus, &c._ - ring the bell each time he pronounces it. When he spreads his - hands over the chalice, ring the bell, then proceed to the - centre of the altar, where kneeling ring the bell with your - right, and hold up the vestment with your left hand, during the - elevation. Then return to your former place, and as often as - you pass by the blessed sacrament, adore on your knees.] - -P. Per omnia sæcula sæculorum. - -C. Amen. - -P. Et ne nos inducas in tentationem. - -C. Sed libera nos a malo. - -P. Per omnia sæcula sæculorum. - -C. Amen. - -P. Pax Domini sit semper vobiscum. - -C. Et cum spiritu tuo. - - [Each time the priest says, _Domine non sum dignus_, ring - the bell. When he has received the chalice, serve him with wine - only; on his presenting the chalice again, serve him with wine - and water. Remove the book to the epistle side of the altar, - and retire to your place on the gospel side.] - -P. Dominus vobiscum. - -C. Et cum spiritu tuo. - -P. Per omnia sæcula sæculorum. - -C. Amen. - -P. Dominus vobiscum. - -C. Et cum spiritu tuo. - -{334} - -P. Ite, missa est; _or_, Benedicamus Domino. - -C. Deo gratias. - -_Note_.--In Mass for the Dead, the priest says, - -P. Requiescant in pace. - -C. Amen. - - [Remove the book, if left open; kneel before the centre of the - altar, and receive the priest's blessing.] - -P. Pater, et Filius, et Spiritus Sanctus. - -C. Amen. [_Then rise_.] - -P. Dominus vobiscum. - -C. Et cum spiritu tuo. - -P. Initium [Sequentia] sancti Evangelii, &c. - -C. Gloria tibi Domine. - -At the end of the Gospel, say, - -C. Deo gratias. - - - Psalm cxxix. - -P. De profundis clamavi ad te Domine: Domine exaudi vocem meam. - -C. Fiant aures tuæ intendentes in vocem deprecationis meæ. - -P. Si iniquitates observaveris Domine: Domine, quis sustinebit? - -C. Quia apud te propitiatio est: et propter legem tuam sustinui -te Domine. - -P. Sustinuit anima mea in verbo ejus: speravit anima mea in -Domino. - -C. A custodia matutina usque ad noctem: speret Israel in Domino. - -P. Quia apud Dominum misericordia: et copiosa apud eum redemptio. - -{335} - -C. Et ipse redimet Israel ex omnibus iniquitatibus ejus. - -P. Requiem æternum dona eis Domine. - -C. Et lux perpetua luceat eis. - -P. A porta inferi. - -C. Erue, Domine, animas eorum. - -P. Requiescant in pace. - -C. Amen. - -P. Domine exaudi orationem meam. - -C. Et clamor meus ad te veniat. - -P. Dominus vobiscum. - -C. Et cum spiritu tuo. - - [At the end of the Prayer, say, _Amen_]. - -P. Requiem æternam dona eis Domine. - -C. Et lux perpetua luceat eis. - -P. Requiescant in pace. - -C. Amen. - - - End Of The First Part Of Catholic Piety. - -{336} - - Supplement To The - - Manual Of Catholic Piety. - - - On The Sacrifice Of The Mass - And The Use Of The Latin Liturgy. - - - From the beginning of the world, the servants of God, were - always accustomed to offer sacrifice to him, by way of - acknowledging his sovereignty, and paying their homage to him. - In the law of nature, and in the law of Moses, there was a - great variety of sacrifices; some _bloody_, others - _unbloody_; some were called _Holocausts_, or - Whole-burnt Offerings; others, _Sin Offerings;_ others, - _Offerings of Thanksgiving;_ others, _Pacific_ or - _Peace Offerings_. All these sacrifices of the law of - nature and the law of Moses, were of themselves but _weak and - feeble elements_, and figures of the great sacrifice of - Jesus Christ, offered afterwards on the altar of the cross for - the sins of the whole world. - - It was to renew the memory of this great sacrifice of the - cross, and to apply the fruits of it to our souls, that Christ - our Lord instituted the Eucharist and commemorative sacrifice - of the Mass; for as the ancient sacrifices were required to - represent the sacrifice of the cross, and to prefigure the - death of Christ, then to come; so, in like manner, a - commemorative sacrifice was required in the new law, to be a - standing memorial of the sacrifice of the cross, and to - represent the death of Christ, already past. This is the solemn - liturgy of the Catholic Church, and the pure offering that is - made to God in every place among the Gentiles, according to the - prophecy of Malachy, chap. i. ver. 10, 11. By it Christ is a - _priest for ever, according to the order of Melchisedech_, - (Psalm 109,) whose sacrifice was bread and wine. (Gen. 15.) It - is the same in substance with the sacrifice of the cross, - because both the victim offered, and the priest, or - _principal offerer,_ is the same Jesus Christ. -{337} - The difference is only in the manner of offering: in the - sacrifice of the cross, Christ offered himself in a bloody - manner, and actually died; in the sacrifice of the Mass, he - offers himself on our altars in an unbloody manner, by the - ministry of the priests of his church, under appearances that - mystically represent and show forth his death. - - The sacrifice of the Mass is still celebrated in the ancient - language which was universally used throughout the Roman - empire, and in which the liturgy and public offices of the - church were performed in all the western parts of Europe, when - the Christian religion was first published to the world. All - sermons, exhortations, and instructions which regard the - faithful, are regularly delivered to them in the vulgar or - maternal language which they speak and understand; but it is - deemed an expedient point of discipline, to retain the same - ancient, fixed, and unchangeable language, in the celebration - of the divine mysteries, and in the solemn prayers which are - addressed immediately to God, and which regard the office of - the clergy. The chief reasons which induce the Catholic Church - to make choice of the Latin, in preference to any of the mixed - languages that sprung from it after the dismemberment of the - Roman empire, and are now in use in the European nations, are - the following: - - 1st--She is the church of all ages, and of all nations; and - therefore, to show her antiquity and catholicity, as well as - her aversion to novelty and changes in religious matters, she - still retains the same ancient and universal language which the - saints have used for so many ages from the apostles' days, and - which is fixed and unchangeable, taught every where in public - schools, generally learned by persons of all conditions, and - the best known and most universally understood in the western - parts of the world. - - 2dly--In order to preserve the purity of her faith, and a - greater conformity in her public worship in all countries, and - to avoid the various alterations and corruptions which the - living languages, spoken in different places, are liable to in - every century, the church wisely judges, that as there is but - one true faith, there should be but one common language for all - the faithful, spread over the different nations of the world, - to commune with each other in the profession of one and the - same faith, and in the exercise of the same religious duties. - -{338} - - 3rdly--Another good effect and advantage that arises from this - point of ecclesiastical discipline, is, that the same priest - can perform the public church offices in all places where he - travels; and a Catholic is never at a loss to join with those - of his own religion, and assist at the public worship of God, - whithersoever he may have occasion to go, since he meets with - the same Mass and Liturgy, in the same words, abroad, which he - was accustomed to near at home; whereas, if the divine service - was to be performed in the maternal language of every country, - and to be translated into as many different tongues as the - ignorant people understand and speak in the different - provinces, there would be nothing but a Babel of confusion, and - a man of one country would be at a loss to serve God on the - Lord's day in another country. - - As to any inconvenience that may seem to attend this - ecclesiastical discipline, it is no way material, especially - when compared to the great advantages that arise from it; nor - does it affect the substance of religion; neither is it a - prejudice to the illiterate, who do not understand the Latin; - for though they may not perhaps understand the particular form - of prayers, which it is only the priest's office to offer to - God, for and in the name of the congregation, yet they know - them at least as to the substance, and may find the meaning of - every thing fully explained in their manuals. They are taught - from their childhood to accompany the officiating priest - through every part of his function, with proper and suitable - prayers, and are frequently instructed in the nature, the - benefit, and the ends for which the Mass is offered, and in the - manner of assisting thereat with attention and devotion, which - is sufficient to concur in and partake of the sacrifice, though - the people should neither hear nor cite the same prayers with - the priest. - - The very seeing of the priest was more than God was pleased to - require in the old law; for we read, (St. Luke, 1. 10,) _that - the whole multitude of the people were praying without_, when - Zacharias went into the temple to burn incense; and (Levit. - xvi. 17.) it was expressly ordered, that there should be no man - in the tabernacle, or temple, when the high-priest went with - the blood of the victims into the sanctuary to make atonement, - which is a clear proof that it was not necessary for the people - to hear and understand the particular form of prayers, that the - priest offered to God for them in the sacrifices at which they - assisted. -{339} - Moreover, we find that after the Babylonian captivity, nay, - even in our Saviour's time, the public service of the Jewish - synagogue was performed in the old Hebrew language, though it - was not understood by the common people, who only spoke the - Syriac, (Nah. viii. 13,) into which the scriptures were not - then translated from the Hebrew. - - But does not the sacred scripture condemn this practice? No: - far from condemning, it authorises it, as appears from what has - been already said. As to the text of St. Paul, (1 Cor. xiv.) - the apostle does not speak one word, in that whole chapter, of - the liturgy of the church, which at Corinth was in Greek, and - consequently in a known language. He treats of the miraculous - gift of speaking all tongues, which was communicated by the - Holy Ghost to the first believers; and he cautions the - Corinthians against all confusion and disorder in the use of - this miraculous gift at their pious meetings and assemblies, by - directing them, that if they spoke with tongues, it should be - done by two, or at most by three, and that one should interpret - the meaning of the words. In short, the apostle only blames the - abuse of the gifts of tongues, which some of the Corinthians - were guilty of, by affecting, out of ostentation, to make - extemporary prayers, and to preach and exhort, at the same - time, all or any of them together, in tongues utterly unknown, - which, for want of an interpreter, could be of no edification - to the rest of the faithful. But when it is done in proper - circumstances, without confusion, and when the sense of the - words is expounded by an interpreter, the apostle does not - reprehend, but permits and orders the speaking in tongues that - are not commonly understood, as appears from the 5th and 29th - verses. Now the faithful have the public liturgy and church - offices interpreted in their ordinary prayer books; and their - pastors are commanded by the Council of Trent, (Sess. 22. chap. - 8,) to explain to them the mysteries contained in the Mass, and - to teach them to accompany the priest with suitable prayers and - devotion adapted to every part of it. - -{340} - - The Ordinary Of The Holy Mass. - - Part I. - - - The Preparation Of The Offerers, By Acts Of - Humility, Praise, Faith, Etc. - - - The Priest beginning at the foot of the Altar, says, - - -In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen. - - In the name of the Father, &c. Amen. - -_Ant_. Introibo ad altare Dei. - - _Ant_. I will go unto the altar of God. - -R. Ad Deum qui lætificat juventutem meam. - - R. To God, who rejoiceth my youth. - - - - The following Psalm (42nd) is omitted in Passion time, and in - Masses for the Dead. - - -Judica me, Deus, et discerne causam meam de gente non sancta: ab -homine iniquo et doloso erne me. - - Judge me, O God, and distinguish my cause from the nation that - is not holy: from the unjust and deceitful man deliver me. - -R. Quia tu es, Deus, fortitudo mea, quare me repulisti? et quare -tristis incedo, dum affligit me inimicus? - - R. Since thou, O God, art my strength, why hast thou cast me - off? and why do I go sorrowful, while the enemy afflicteth me? - -{341} - -P. Emitte lucem tuam et veritatem tuam: ipsa me deduxenmt et -adduxenint in montem sanctum tuum, et in tabernacula tua. - - P. Send forth thy light and thy truth: they have conducted and - brought me to thy holy mount, and into thy tabernacles. - -R. Et introibo ad altare Dei: ad Deum qui lætificat juventutem me -am. - - R. And I will go unto the altar of God; to God who rejoiceth my - youth. - -P. Confitebor tibi in cithara, Deus, Deus, meus: quare tristis -es, anima mea; et quare conturbas me? - - P. I will praise thee on the harp, O God, my God: why art thou - sorrowful, O my soul; and why dost thou disturb me? - -R. Spera in Deo, quoniam adhuc confitebor illi: salutare vultus -mei, et Deus meus. - - R. Hope in God, for I will yet praise him: the salvation of my - countenance, and my God. - -P. Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto: - - P. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, &c. - -R. Sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et semper, et in sæcula -sæculorum. Amen. - - R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world - without end. Amen. - -P. Introibo ad altare Dei. - - P. I will go unto the altar of God. - -R. Ad Deum qui lætificat juventutem meam. - - R. To God who rejoiceth my youth. - -P. Adjutorium nostrum in nomine Domini. - - P. Our help is in the name of the Lord. - -R. Qui fecit cœlum et terrain. - - R. Who made heaven and earth. - -{342} - -P. Confiteor Deo omnipotenti, &c. - - P. I confess to almighty God, &c. - -R. Misereatur tui omnipotens Deus, et dimissis peccatis tuis, -perducat te ad vitam æternam. - - R. May almighty God be merciful to thee, and forgiving thee thy - sins, bring thee to life everlasting. - -P. Amen. - - P. Amen. - -R. Confiteor Deo omnipotenti, beatæ Mariæ, semper virgine, beato -Michaeli archangelo, beato Joanni baptistæ, Sanctis apostolis -Petro et Paulo, omnibus Sanctis, et tibi, pater, quia peccavi -nimis cogitatione, verbo, et opere: _mea culpa, mea culpa, mea -maxima culpa_. Ideo precor beatam Mariam semper virginem, -beatum Michaelem archangelum, beatum Joannem baptistam, sanctos -apostolos Petrum et Paulum, omnes sanctos, ette, pater, orare pro -me ad Dominum Deum nostrum. - - R. I confess to almighty God, to blessed Mary, ever virgin, to - blessed Michael the archangel, to blessed John the baptist, to - the holy apostles Peter and Paul, to all the saints, and to - thee, O father, that I have grievously sinned in thought, word, - and deed: _through my fault, through my fault, through my - exceeding great fault._ Therefore I beseech the blessed - Mary, ever virgin, blessed Michael the archangel, blessed John - the baptist, the holy apostles Peter and Paul, and all the - saints, and thee, O father, to pray to the Lord our God for me. - -P. Misereatur vestri omnipotens Deus, et dimissis peccatis -vestris, perducat vos ad vitam æternam. - - R. Amen. - -P. May almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you your sins, and -bring you to life everlasting. - - R. Amen. - -{343} - -P. Indulgentiam, absolutionem, et remissionem peccaturum -nostrorum, tribuat nobis omnipotens et misericors Dominus. - - R. Amen. - -P. May the almighty and merciful Lord grant us pardon, -absolution, and remission of our sins. - - R. Amen. - -P. Deus, tu conversus vivificabis nos. - - P. O God, thou being turned towards us, wilt receive us. - -R. Et plebs tua lætabitur in te. - - R. And thy people shall rejoice in thee. - -P. Ostende nobis, Domine, misericordiam tuam. - - P. Show us thy mercy, O Lord. - -R. Et salutare tuum da nobis. - - R. And grant us thy salvation. - -P. Domine, exaudi orationem meam. - - P. O Lord, hear my prayer. - -R. Et clamor meus ad te veniat. - - R. And let my cry come unto thee. - -P. Dominus vobiscum: - - P. The Lord be with you: - -R. Et cum spiritu tuo. - - R. And with thy spirit. - - - When the Priest goes up to the Altar, say, - -Take away from us our iniquities, we beseech thee, O Lord, that -we may be worthy to assist with pure minds at the celebration of -these tremendous mysteries; through Christ our Lord. Amen. - -{344} - -When he bows down before the Altar, say, - -We beseech thee, O Lord, by the merits of thy saints, whose -relics are enclosed in this altar, and of all the saints, that -thou wouldst vouchsafe to forgive us all our sins. Amen. - - Here at Solemn Masses, the Priest having blessed the incense - with the sign of the cross, and these words, "Mayest thou be - blessed by him in whose honour thou wilt be burned," fumes the - altar therewith, and then turning to the book, reads the - Introit, which, being different every day, may be supplied by - the following prayer: - -It is in thy name, O adorable Trinity! it is to honour thee, and -to do thee homage, that I assist at this most holy and august -sacrifice. Permit me, then, O Lord, to unite my intention with -that of thy minister now at the altar, in offering up this -precious victim; and give me the same sentiments I ought to have -had on Mount Calvary, had I been an eye-witness of that bloody -sacrifice. - - - After which follows: - - -P. Kyrie eleison. - - P. Lord have mercy on us. - -R. Kyrie eleison. - - P. Lord have mercy on us. - -P. Kyrie eleison. - - P. Lord have mercy on us. - -R. Christe eleison, - - R. Christ have mercy on us. - -R. Christe eleison, - - R. Christ have mercy on us. - -R. Christe eleison, - - R. Christ have mercy on us. - -P. Kyrie eleison. - - P. Lord have mercy on us. - -P. Kyrie eleison. - - P. Lord have mercy on us. - -P. Kyrie eleison. - - P. Lord have mercy on us. - -{345} - - Then, if it be neither Lent or Advent, nor a Mass for the Dead, - is said or sung the angelical hymn, "Gloria in Excelsis." - - -Gloria in excelsis Deo, et in terra pax hominibus bonæ -voluntatis. Laudamus te, benedicimus te, adoramus te, -glorificamus te. Gratias agimus tibi propter magnam gloriam tuam, -Domine Deus, Rex cœlestis, Deus Pater omnipotens. Domine Fili -unigenite Jesu Christe, Domine Deus, Agnus Dei, Filius Patris, -qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis; 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. - - - 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 thanks to thee for thy great glory, O Lord God, - heavenly King, God the Father, almighty. O Lord Jesus Christ, - the only begotten Son. O 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 prayer; who - sitteth at the right hand of the Father, have mercy on us. For - thou only art holy, thou only art the Lord, thou only, O Jesus - Christ, together with the Holy Ghost, art most high, in the - glory of God the Father. Amen. - -{346} - -The Priest, turning towards the people, says, - -P. Dominus vobiscum: - - P. The Lord be with you: - -R. Et cum spiritu tuo. - -R. And with thy spirit. - - Going to the book, he reads the Collects, which being different - every day, may be supplied by the following prayer: - -Almighty and eternal God, we humbly beseech thee to look down -from thy heavenly sanctuary upon this congregation, and -graciously hear these prayers which thy Church addresses to thee -for us by the ministry of this thy priest. Grant us, in thy -infinite mercy, pardon of our sins, health of mind and body, -peace in our days, unity and increase of Catholic faith, fervent -charity, sincere devotion, patience in suffering, and every thing -else conducive to thy glory and our own salvation; through Jesus -Christ our Lord. Amen. - - At the end of the Collects, the Clerk answers, Amen. Whilst the - Priest reads the Epistle for the day,* the following prayer may - be said. - -O eternal God, who never ceasest to excite us to the worship and -love of thy holy name, or to arm us against the attacks of the -world, the flesh, and the devil, by the public ministry of thy -church, by the doctrine of thy prophets and apostles, and by many -other holy admonitions; grant we may faithfully attend to these -lessons of salvation, that thus our knowledge of thy law may -never rise in judgment against us, but guide us securely to thee: -through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. - - * See Gospels and Epistles for all Sundays and festivals, - p. 388 to 481. - -{347} - - At the end of the Epistle, the Clerk answers, - -R. Deo gratias. - - R. Thanks be to God. - - Whilst the Priest reads the Gradual, or the Tract, which - differs every day, the following may be said: - -How wonderful, O Lord, is thy name throughout the whole earth: I -will bless our Lord at all times; his praise shall be always in -my mouth. Be thou my God and my protector. In thee alone will I -put my trust; O let me never be confounded. - - - The Prayer Before The Gospel. - -Cleanse my heart and my lips, O almighty God, who didst cleanse -the lips of the prophet Isaiah with a burning coal; and -vouchsafe, through thy gracious mercy, so to purify me, that I -may worthily attend to thy holy gospel: through Christ our Lord. -Amen. - -Bless me, O Lord. - -May the Lord be in my heart, and on my lips, that I may worthily -and in a becoming manner, attend to his holy gospel. Amen. - -P. Dominus vobiscum: - - P. The Lord be with you: - -R. Et cum spiritu tuo, - - R. And with thy spirit. - -P. Sequentia [_vel_ initium] sancti Evangelii secundum, &c. - - P. The continuation [_or_ the beginning] of the holy - Gospel according to St. &o. - -R. Gloria tibi, Domine. - - R. Glory be to thee, O Lord. - -{348} - - Whilst the Priest reads the Gospel of the day, [Footnote 3] the - following prayer may be said: - - [Footnote 3: See Gospels and Epistles for all Sundays and - festivals, pp. 388-481.] - -It is not thy interpreters, O God, who are now to instruct me; it -is thy only Son; it is his word I am about to hear. I most -gratefully embrace this heavenly doctrine. I _stand up_ to -declare in the face of heaven and earth, that I will walk -faithfully in that way which he hath marked out for me. He tells -me here, "that it will avail a man nothing to gain the whole -world, if he lose his own soul; that the sensual, the covetous, -the worldling, the libertine, the detractor, and such as are -insensible to the miseries of the poor, shall have no share in -his heavenly kingdom; and that in order to become his disciple, I -must take up my cross and follow him." I receive with my whole -heart all these sacred maxims. Grant me the grace to put them in -practice; for to what purpose should I declare myself thy -disciple, if I were not to live according to the maxims of thy -gospel? - - - At the end of the Gospel, the Clerk answers, - -R. Laus tibi Christe. - - R. Praise be to thee, O Christ. - - - Then say with the Priest, in a low voice, "May our sins be - blotted out by the words of the Gospel." - - - The Nicene Creed. - -Credo in unum Deum, Patrem omnipotentem, factorem cœli et terrae, -visibilium omnium et invisibilium. - -{349} - -Et in unum Dominum Jesum Christum, Filium Dei unigenitum; et ex -Patre natum ante omnia sæcula; Deum de Deo; Lumen de Lumine; Deum -verum de Deo vero; Genitum non factum; consubstantialem Patri, -per quem omnia facta sunt. Qui propter nos homines, et propter -nostram salutem, descendit de cœlis, et incarnatus est de Spiritu -Sancto, ex Maria Virgine; [Footnote 4] ET HOMO FACTUS EST. -Crucifixus etiam pro nobis, sub Pontio Pilato passus, et sepultus -est; et resurrexit tertia die, secundum scripturas; et ascendit -in cœlum, sedet ad dexteram Patris et iterum venturus est cum -gloria judicare vivos et mortuos; cujus regni non erit finis. - -Et in Spiritum Sanctum, Dominum et Vivificantem, qui ex Patre -Filioque procedit; qui cum Patre et Filio simul adoratur et -conglorificatur; qui locutus est per prophetas. Et unam sanctam -Catholicam et Apostolicam Ecclesiam Confiteor unam Baptisma in -remissionem peccatorum. Et expecto resurrectionem mortuorum, et -vitam venturi sæculi. Amen. - - 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 ail 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 was incarnate by the - Holy Ghost, of the Virgin Mary; [Footnote 4] AND WAS MADE, MAN. - Was crucified also for us, suffered under Pontius Pilate, and - was buried; and the third day he rose again, according to the - scriptures; and ascended into heaven, sitteth at the right hand - of the Father, and shall come again with glory to judge both - the living and the dead; of whose kingdom there shall be no - end. - - And in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of Life, who - proceedeth from the Father and the Son; who, together with the - Father and the Son, is adored and glorified; who spake by the - prophets. And one holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. I confess - one baptism for the remission of sins. And I expect the - resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. - Amen. - - [Footnote 4: At these words the people kneel down to - adore God for the ineffable mystery of the incarnation.] - -{350} - - Part II. - - The Preparation And Sanctification Of The Bread And Wine For - The Use Of The Sacrifice. - -P. Dominus vobiscum: - - P. The Lord be with you: - -R. Et cum spiritu tuo. - - R. And with thy spirit. - -P. Oremus. - - P. Let us pray. - - - During the Offertory, which differs every day, may be said the - following Prayers: - -O Holy Father, almighty and eternal God, how unworthy soever I -may appear in thy presence, yet I presume to offer thee this -host, by the hands of the priest, with the same intention which -Christ my Saviour had when he first instituted this august -sacrifice, and which he now has at this very instant that he -immolates himself for us. -{351} -I offer it in acknowledgment of thy supreme dominion over me and -all creatures. I offer it in expiation of my crimes, in -thanksgiving for all thy benefits. I offer it to obtain from thy -infinite goodness, for my parents, benefactors, friends, and -enemies, all those precious gifts and graces which only through -him can be obtained, who is JUST by excellence, and who became a -victim for the sins of man. I earnestly entreat thee to bless and -protect the holy Catholic Church; our chief pastor the Pope, our -Bishops and Clergy; the Queen and Royal Family; and all our -fellow-subjects of every denomination. Remember also, O Lord, the -souls of the faithful departed; and grant them, through the -merits of thy Son, eternal light and peace. Have mercy upon all -heretics, infidels, and sinners. Bless and preserve all mine -enemies; and as I freely forgive them the injuries they have -done, or mean to do me, so do thou, in thy mercy, forgive me mine -offences. Amen. - - - - The Priest offering up the Host, says, - -Accept, O holy Father, almighty and eternal God, this unspotted -host, which I, thy unworthy servant, offer unto thee, my living -and true God, for my own innumerable sins, offences, and -negligences, and for all here present, as also for all faithful -Christians, both living and dead, that it may avail both me and -them unto eternal life. Amen. - -{352} - - Putting the Wine and Water into the Chalice, he says, - -O God, who, in creating human nature, hast wonderfully dignified -it, and still more wonderfully reformed it, grant that, by the -mystery of this water and wine, we may be made partakers of his -divinity, who vouchsafed to become partaker of our humanity, -_namely_, Jesus Christ our Lord, thy Son, who, with thee, in -the unity of the Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth God, for ever -and ever. Amen. - - At Offering the Chalice, he says, - -We offer thee, O Lord, the chalice of salvation, beseeching thy -clemency, that it may ascend before thy divine Majesty, as a most -sweet odour, for our salvation, and for that of the whole world. -Amen. - - - The Priest humbly bowing himself, says, - -Accept us, O Lord, in the spirit of humility, and contrition of -heart; and grant that the sacrifice which we offer this day in -thy sight, may be pleasing to thee, O Lord God. - - - At blessing the Bread and Wine, he says, - -Come, O almighty and eternal God, the Sanctifier, and bless this -sacrifice prepared for the glory of thy holy name. - - - Here, in solemn Masses, he blesses the Incense, saying, - -May the Lord, by the intercession of the blessed Michael the -Archangel, who standeth at the right side of the altar of -perfumes, and of all his elect, vouchsafe to bless this incense, -and receive it as an odour of sweetness: through Christ our Lord. -Amen. - - - At incensing the Bread and Wine, he says, - -May this incense which thou hast blessed, O Lord, ascend to thee, -and may thy mercies descend upon us. - -{353} - - At incensing the Altar, he says, Psalm cxl. - -Let my prayer ascend, O Lord, like incense, in thy sight; and the -lifting up of my hands, as an evening sacrifice: place, O Lord, a -guard upon my mouth, and a gate of prudence before my lips; that -my heart may not wander after words of malice, to seek excuses in -sin. - - - Giving the Censer to the Deacon, he says, - -May the Lord enkindle within us the fire of his love, and the -flames of everlasting charity. Amen. - - - At washing his Hands, he says, Psalm xxv. 6. - -I will wash my hands among the innocent; and go up to thy altar, -O Lord, that I may hear the voice of praise: and publish all thy -wonderful works. O Lord, I have loved the beauty of thy house, -and the place where thy glory dwelleth. Destroy not my soul with -the impious: nor my life with men of blood. In whose hands are -iniquities: their right hand is filled with bribes. But I have -walked in mine innocence: rescue me, and have mercy on me. My -feet have stood in the right path: in the assembly of the -faithful I will bless thee, O Lord. Glory, &c. - - - - Bowing in the midst of the Altar, he says, - -Accept, O holy Trinity, this oblation which we make thee, in -memory of the passion, resurrection, and ascension of our Lord -Jesus Christ; and in honour of the ever blessed Virgin Mary, the -blessed John Baptist, the holy apostles Peter and Paul, and all -the saints, that it may be available to their honour and to our -salvation. And may they vouchsafe to intercede for us in heaven, -whose memory we celebrate on earth: through the same Christ our -Lord. Amen. - -{354} - - Turning himself towards the People, he says, - -Brethren, pray that my sacrifice and yours may be acceptable in -the sight of God the Father Almighty. - -R. May the Lord receive the sacrifice from thy hands, to the -praise and glory of his own name, and to our benefit, and that of -all his holy church. - - When the Priest says the Secret Prayer in a low voice, which - differs every day, you may say as follows: - -Mercifully hear our prayers, O Lord, and graciously accept this -oblation, which we thy servants are making to thee; that as we -offer it to the honour of thy name, so it may be to us a means of -obtaining thy grace in this life, and in the next everlasting -happiness: through, &c. - -P. Per omnia sæcula sæculorum. - - P. World without end. - -R. Amen. - - R. Amen. - - - The Preface. - -P. Dominus vobiscum: - - P. The Lord be with you: - -R. Et cum spiritu tuo. - - R. And with thy spirit. - -P. Sursum corda. - - P. Raise up your hearts on high. - -R. Habemus ad Dominum. - - R. We have raised them to the Lord. - -{355} - -P. Gratias agamus Domino Deo nostro. - - P. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. - -R. Dignum et justum est. - - R. It is meet and just. - - - The Preface for all the Sundays in the year, except from - Christmas to the Octave of the Epiphany, and from Ash-Wednesday - to Whit-Sunday, inclusively. - - -It is truly meet, just, right, and available to salvation, that -we should always and in all places give thanks to thee, O holy -Lord, Father almighty, eternal God, who, together with thine only -begotten Son, and the Holy Ghost, art one God and one Lord; not -in a singularity of one person, but in a trinity of one -substance. For what, according as thou hast revealed, we believe -of thy glory, the same we believe of the Son, the same we believe -of the Holy Ghost, without any difference or distinction. So that -in the confession of the true and eternal deity, we adore a -distinction in the person, an unity in the essence, and an -equality in the majesty; which the angels and archangels, the -cherubim, and likewise the seraphim, praise, and cease not daily -to cry out with united voice, saying, - - Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord God of Hosts. - The heavens and the earth are full of thy glory. - _Hosanna_ to him who is on high. - Blessed is he who cometh in the name of the Lord. - _Hosanna_ to him who is on high. - - - The Common Preface for Festivals which have none proper, - and in Masses for the Dead. - -{356} - -It is truly meet and just, right and available to salvation, that -we should always, and in all places, give thanks to thee, O holy -Lord, Father almighty, eternal God, through Christ our Lord; by -whom the angels praise thy Majesty; the dominations adore it; the -powers tremble before it; the heavens, the heavenly host, and -blessed seraphim, with common jubilee glorify it: together with -whom we humbly beseech thee to admit our voices of praise, saying -in the most suppliant manner, Holy, Holy, Holy, &c. (as in the -foregoing Preface for Sundays.) - - - Part III. - - The Canon Of The Mass, - Or Main Action Of The Sacrifice. - -We therefore humbly beseech thee, most merciful Father, through -Jesus Christ thy Son, our Lord, that thou wouldst vouchsafe to -accept and bless these gifts and offerings, this holy and -unspotted sacrifice, which in the first place we offer unto thee -for thy holy Catholic Church, to which we beseech thee that thou -wouldst vouchsafe to grant peace; as also to preserve, unite, and -govern it, throughout the world; together with thy servant -_N_. our Pope, _N_. our Bishop, and _N_. our -Queen, as also all orthodox believers and professors of the -Catholic and Apostolic faith. - - - Commemoration Of The Living. - -Be mindful, O Lord, of thy servants, men and women, [_name -them_.] - - [Here the Priest prays awhile for those he intends to pray - for:] - -And of all here present, whose faith and devotion are known unto -thee; for whom we offer, or who offer up to thee this sacrifice -of praise for themselves, and for all that belong to them; for -the redemption of their own souls; for the safety and salvation -they hope for; and who now pay their vows to thee, the eternal, -living, and true God. - -{357} - -Being united in communion with the saints, and honouring, in the -first place, the memory of the glorious Mary, ever virgin, mother -of our Lord Jesus Christ; as also of the blessed apostles and -martyrs, Peter and Paul, Andrew, James, John, Thomas, James, -Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Simon and Thadeus, Linus, Cletus, -Clement, Xystus, Cornelius, Cyprian, Laurence, Chrysogonus, John -and Paul, Cosmas, and Damian, and of all thy saints; by whose -merits and prayers, grant that we may on all occasions be -defended by the help of thy protection: through the same Christ -our Lord. Amen. - - - Spreading his hands over the Oblation, he says, - -We therefore beseech thee, O Lord, graciously to accept this -offering of our homage, as also of thy whole family: dispose our -days in thy peace, preserve us from eternal damnation, and rank -us in the number of thine elect: through Christ our Lord. Amen. - -Which oblation do thou, O Lord, vouchsafe, we beseech thee, in -all respects, to bless, approve, ratify, and accept; that it may -be made to us the body and blood of thy most beloved Son, our -Lord Jesus Christ: - -{358} - -Who, the day before he suffered, took bread into his sacred and -venerable hands, and with his eyes lifted up towards heaven, to -thee, almighty God, his father, giving thanks, he blessed it, -brake it, and gave it to his disciples, saying: - - "Take, and eat ye all of this, - for THIS IS MY BODY." - - - At Solemn Masses, daring the Elevation, - this Hymn is sometimes song: - - O Salutaris hostia, - Quæ cœli pandis ostium; - Bella premunt hostilia, - Da robur, fer auxilium. - Uni trinoque Domino, - Sit sempiterna gloria: - Qui vitam sine termino, - Nobis donet in patria. - - O saving host, that heaven's gate, - Laidst open at so dear a rate; - Intestine war invade our breast; - Be thou our strength, support, and rest. - To God the Father, and the Son, - And Holy Spirit, three in one, - Be endless praise: may He above. - With life eternal crown our love. - - - After the Priest has adored and elevated the sacred Host, he - proceeds: - -In like manner, after he had supped, taking this most excellent -chalice into his sacred and venerable hands, and giving thanks -also unto thee, he blessed it, and gave it to his disciples, -saying: - - "Take, and drink ve all of this, - for this is the chalice of my blood, - of the new and eternal testament-- - the mystery of faith, which shall be shed for you - and for many, to the remission of sins," - - "As often as ye do these things, - ye shall do them in commemoration of me." - - - Here, after he has adored and elevated the Chalice, he goes on: - -{359} - -Wherefore, we thy servants, O Lord, as also thy holy people, -being mindful as well of the blessed passion of the same Christ -thy Son our Lord, as of his resurrection from the dead, and his -glorious ascension into heaven, offer unto thy most excellent -Majesty, of thy gifts bestowed upon us, a pure host, a holy host, -an immaculate host, the holy bread of eternal life, and chalice -of everlasting salvation. - -Upon which vouchsafe, we beseech thee, to look with a propitious -and pleasing countenance, and to accept them, as thou wert -pleased graciously to accept the gifts of thy just servant Abel, -and the sacrifice of our patriarch Abraham, and that which thy -high priest Melchisedech offered unto thee, a holy sacrifice and -spotless victim. - -We most humbly beseech thee, O Almighty God, that thou wouldst -command these offerings to be carried by the hands of thy holy -angel unto thine altar on high, in the sight of thy divine -Majesty, that as many of us as _assist at this oblation_, or -partake of the sacred body and blood of thy Son, may be filled -with every heavenly grace and blessing: through the same Christ -our Lord. Amen. - - - The Commemoration Of The Dead. - -Be mindful, O Lord, of thy servants, men and women, who are gone -before us with the sign of faith, and rest in the sleep of peace. - - [Here such Dead as are prayed for, should be particularly - mentioned.] - -To these, O Lord, and to all who sleep in Christ, grant, we -beseech thee, a place of refreshment, light, and peace: through -the same Christ our Lord. Amen. - -{360} - - Striking his breast, he says: - -And to us also, thy unworthy servants, who hope in the multitude -of thy mercies, vouchsafe to grant some part and fellowship with -thy holy apostles and martyrs, with John, Stephen, Matthias, -Barnabas, Ignatius, Alexander, Marcelline, Peter, Felicitas, -Perpetua, Agatha, Lucy, Agnes, Cecily, Anastasia, and all thy -saints: into whose company we beseech thee to admit us, not in -confidence of any merit of our own, but of thine own gracious -mercy and pardon: through Jesus Christ our Lord. - -By whom, O Lord, thou dost always create, sanctify, quicken, -bless, and give us those good gifts; so, by him, with him, and in -him is to thee, O God the Father Almighty, in the unity of the -Holy Ghost, all honour and glory. - -P. Per omnia sæcula sæculorum. - - P. For ever and ever, - -R. Amen. - - R. Amen. - - - - Part IV. - - The Communion, Or - Sacramental Part Of The Canon. - - - Let Us Pray. - -Instructed in thy saving precepts, and following thy divine -directions, we presume to say: - -Our Father, &c. - -R. But deliver us from evil. - -P. Amen. - -{361} - -Deliver us we beseech thee, O Lord, from all evils, past, -present, and to come. And by the intercession of the blessed and -ever glorious Virgin Mary, mother of God, and of the holy -apostles Peter and Paul, of Andrew, and of all the saints -mercifully grant peace in our days, that through the assistance -of thy mercy, we may be always free from sin, and secure from all -disturbance: through the same Lord Jesus Christ thy son, who -liveth and reigneth with thee God, in unity with the holy Ghost. - -P. Per omnia sæcula sæculorum. - - P. World without end. - -R. Amen. - - R. Amen. - -P. Pax Domini sit semper vobiscum. - - P. May the peace of the Lord be always with you; - -R. Et cum spiritu tuo. - - R. And with thy spirit. - - - Breaking the Host, he puts a particle thereof into the Chalice, - saying: - - -May this mixture together, and consecration of the body and blood -of our Lord Jesus be to us that receive it, or _assist -thereat_, effectual to eternal life. Amen. - - - Then bowing and striking his breast, he says thrice: - -Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, -have mercy on us. - -Lamb of God who takest away the sins of the world, -have mercy on us. - -Lamb of God who takest away the sins of the world, -give us peace. - -{362} - - In Masses for the Dead, instead of "Have mercy on us," he says, - twice, "Give them rest," and lastly "Give them eternal rest." - The following Prayer is also omitted: - -Lord Jesus Christ who saidst to thy apostles "I leave you peace, -I give you my peace," regard not my sins, but the faith of thy -church, and vouchsafe to grant her that peace and unity which is -agreeable to thy will; who livest and reignest for ever and ever. -Amen. - -O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, who, according to the -will of thy Father, with 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 my iniquities, and from -all evils; make me always live up to thy commandments; and never -suffer me to be separated from thee, who livest and reignest with -God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without -end. Amen. - -Let not the participation of thy body, O Lord Jesus Christ, which -I, though unworthy, presume to receive, turn to my judgment and -condemnation; but let it, through thy mercy, become a safeguard -and remedy, both of soul and body: who with God the Father, in -the unity of the Holy Ghost, livest and reignest God for ever and -ever. Amen. - - - Kneeling, rising, and taking the Host in his hands, he says: - -I will partake of this heavenly bread, and call upon the name of -the Lord. - - - He strikes his breast, saying devoutly, thrice: - -Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldst enter under my roof; -speak only the word, and my soul shall be healed. - -{363} - - During the time of the Priest's communicating, it would be - profitable for persons who are not then in a state of actually - communicating, to communicate also spiritually or in desire; - for this purpose say the following prayer: - -O that I were among the number of those whose sanctity allows -them to communicate daily! What a happiness, O my God! could I at -this moment erect a throne for thee in my heart, pay thee my -homage, lay open to thee my wants, and participate in the favours -thou grantest to those who _really_ and _worthily -receive_ thee. But since I am unworthy, do thou, O Lord, -supply my want of the proper dispositions. Grant the pardon of my -manifold sins, which I detest from the bottom of my heart, -because they displease thee. Cast thy compassionate eye upon me, -and purify my soul, that the ardent wish I now conceive to be -united to thee by a worthy communion may be speedily -accomplished. But until the arrival of so happy a moment I -earnestly entreat thee, O dearest Lord, that thou wouldst make me -partaker of all those advantages which the communion of the -priest may produce in those thy people. By the efficacy of this -enlivening sacrament, increase my faith, strengthen my hope, -revive in my soul the rays of divine charity, inflame my heart -with thy love, that it may pant only for thee and live for thee -alone. Amen. - - - Receiving reverently both parts of the Host, he says: - -May the body of our Lord Jesus Christ preserve my soul to life -everlasting. Amen. - -{364} - - Taking the Chalice, he says: - -What return shall I make to the Lord for all the good things that -he hath given unto me? I will partake of the chalice of -salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord. Praising I will -call upon the Lord, and I shall be saved from mine enemies. - - - Receiving the Blood of our Saviour, he says: - -May the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ preserve my soul to life -everlasting. Amen. - - - Taking the first Ablution, he says: - -Grant, Lord, that what we have partaken of with our mouth, we may -receive with purity of mind; and that of a temporal gift it may -become unto us an everlasting remedy. Amen. - - - Taking the second Ablution, he says: - -May thy body, O Lord, which I have received, and thy blood which -I have drank, cleave to my soul: and grant that no stain of sin -remain within me, who have been fed with this pure and holy -sacrament. Who livest and reignest for ever and ever. Amen. - - - Having wiped his Mouth, his Fingers, and the Chalice, he then - continues the Mass. - -The Communion being every day different, what follows may be -said: - -Let it be now, O Lord, an effect of thy mercy, that we who have -been present at this holy mystery may find the benefit thereof in -our souls. - -{365} - - Part V. - - The Public Thanksgiving After Communion. - -Dominus vobiscum: - - The Lord be with you: - -R. Et cum spiritu tuo. - - R. And with thy spirit. - -P. Oremus. - - P. Let us pray. - - - The Post Communion being also different every day, what follows - may be said: - -We give thee thanks O God, for thy mercy in admitting us to have -a part in offering this sacrifice to thy holy name: accept it now -to thy glory, and be ever mindful of our weakness; pardon all our -defects, and grant our request; through, &c. Amen. - -P. Dominus vobiscum: - - P. May the Lord be with you: - -B. Et cum spiritu tuo. - - R. And with thy spirit. - -P. Ite, Missa est. - - P. Depart, the Mass is finished. - - - Or, if "Gloria in excelsis" has not been said, - -P. Benidicamus Domino. - - P. Let us bless the Lord. - -R. Deo gratias. - - R. Thanks be to God. - - In Masses for the Dead. - -P. Requiescant in pace. - - P. May they rest in peace. - -R. Amen. - - R. Amen. - -{366} - -May the performance of this my homage be pleasing to thee, O Holy -Trinity; and grant that the sacrifice which I, though unworthy, -have offered up, in the sight of the Divine Majesty, may be -acceptable to thee, and, through thy mercy, become a propitiation -for me, and all those for whom it hath been offered: through -Christ our Lord. Amen. - - - The Priest turning himself towards the people, says, (except in - Masses for the Dead.) - -May almighty God, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, bless you. -Amen. - -P. Dominus vobiscum: - - P. May the Lord be with you: - -R. Et cum spiritu tuo. - - R. And with thy spirit. - -P. Initium sancti Evangelii secundum Joannem. - - P. The beginning of the Gospel according to St. John. - -R. Gloria tibi, Domine. - - R. Glory be to thee, O Lord. - - - The Gospel According To St. John. - -In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and God -was the Word; the same was in the beginning with God. All things -were made by him; and without him was made nothing that was made. -In him was life, and the life was the light of men: and the light -shineth in 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 give -testimony of the light. It was the true light which enlighteneth -every man that cometh into this world. - -{367} - -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 those 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 flesh_, and dwelt amongst -us. And we saw his glory, the glory as it were of the only -begotten Son of the Father, full of grace and truth. - -R. Deo gratias. - - R. Thanks be to God. - ------------------------------- - - Another Devout Method - - Of Assisting At The - - Holy Sacrifice Of The Mass, - - By turning the attention and affections of the soul towards the - mysteries of our blessed Saviour's passion and death, which are - thereby represented and shown forth according to these words, - THIS DO IN REMEMBRANCE OF ME; that is, for a perpetual and - grateful commemoration of my sufferings and death, as the - apostle explains it. - 1 _Corinthians_ xi. 26. - - - The Mass is called by St. Francis of Sales, _Introd_. - _p_. 2, _c_. 14, the sun of spiritual exercises, the - centre of religion, the heart of devotion, and the soul of - piety. It is offered to none but God alone; as the nature of a - sacrifice, in the common judgment of all mankind, is to - acknowledge the supreme dominion of God over us, and our total - subjection and dependence on him. It is a standing memorial and - a commemorative sacrifice, that represents the sacrifice of the - cross, and was prefigured by the sacrifice of Melchisedech, and - foretold by the prophet Malichi.--c. i. v. 10. The faithful - should go to it as if they were going to Mount Calvary, to be - present at the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ, and - assist at it with a grateful remembrance and a feeling sense of - his sufferings. -{368} - The altar on which this great sacrifice is offered, with a - crucifix erected thereon, is a figure of Mount Calvary, and of - Christ crucified. The corporal and linen cloth that covered the - altar, signify the linen cloth that wrapped the sacred body of - Christ when he was buried. The chalice denotes the holy - sepulchre of our Lord. The paten denotes the great stone that - was rolled against the door of the sepulchre. The two candles - signify the two testaments, and the light of faith revealed to - the Jews and Gentiles. The priest who officiates represents the - person of Christ, who is the High Priest of the New Law; his - tonsure represents the crown of thorns which Christ wore; and - the robes with which he is vested, represents the robes of - derision with which Christ was ignominiously clothed. The amice - represents the veil with which his eyes were muffled, when he - was desired to prophesy who it was that struck him. The alb - represents the white robe with which he was covered by Herod - out of contempt. The cincture, maniple, and stole represent the - cords and bandages with which he was bound like a malefactor. - The chasuble, or outward vestment, represents the purple - garment with which he was clothed like a mock king. The figure - of a pillar on the front of the chasuble, represents the stone - pillar at which he was scourged; and the figure of a cross on - the back, represents the wooden cross which he carried on his - shoulders from Jerusalem to Mount Calvary. The three languages, - Hebrew, Greek, and Latin, which are used in the Mass, remind us - of the title of the cross, which was written in Hebrew, Greek, - and Latin letters. The different parts and ceremonies of the - Mass correspond to the different stations of his passion, and - represent all that happened from his entering into the Garden - of Olives, until the day of his ascension into heaven, and the - descent of the Holy Ghost upon the apostles; _as will appear - to the devout reader of the explanations premised to each - prayer_. - -{369} - - A Prayer Before Mass. - -O Divine Spirit, descend into my soul, purify it from the dross -of its imperfections, and replenish it with the flames of thy -sacred affections, that it may breathe nothing but thy love, and -desire nothing but the accomplishment of thy will. O ye angels, -saints, and all creatures, come help me to honour, praise, bless, -and love our Lord Jesus Christ, who once offered himself a bloody -sacrifice on the cross for my salvation, and now offers himself -an unbloody sacrifice on the altar for the same end. - -Give me grace, O sweet Jesus, to assist at this holy sacrifice -with the fervour and devotion of the pious shepherds in the -stable of Bethlehem; and with a lively faith, profound respect, -and humility of the three wise men of the East, who came to adore -thee in the manger, and to offer thee the three mystical presents -of frankincense, gold, and myrrh, in testimony of thy divinity, -royalty and humanity. And now, since I, who am but dust and -ashes, have presumed to speak, permit me to follow thee in spirit -through the different stages of thy passion, and accompany thee -to Mount Calvary.--Make me partaker of that charity which -conducted thee to it, that I may return love for love, life for -life, death for death. Give me such a feeling sense of thy -sufferings, as the daughters of Sion had, when they met thee with -thy cross on thy shoulders, and a thorny crown on thy head. Grant -me resignation of my will to thine, like that of thy Virgin -Mother at the foot of the cross. Prostrate before the throne of -thy divine Majesty, I humbly implore thy pardon for all my -offences, and thy grace to avoid relapse into sin. -{370} -I offer up this divine sacrifice, by the hands of thy priest, to -the glory of thy name; in acknowledgment of thy infinite -greatness, and of my own nothingness; in thanksgiving for all thy -benefits; in satisfaction for all my sins; in memory of thy -dolorous passion; and to obtain of thy bounty, for myself and for -thy whole church, for my superiors, spiritual and temporal, for -my parents, benefactors, friends, and enemies, and all mankind, -those precious graces and favours which thou knowest us to stand -in most need of. - - - Explanation. - - "The priest going from the sacristy to the altar, and retiring - to the foot of it, in order to recite the 42nd psalm, _Judica - me Deus_, &c. represents Jesus Christ retiring from his last - supper, and praying to his heavenly Father in the garden of - Gethsemani, situate at the foot of Mount Olivet. The beginning - of the Mass, with the sign of the cross, and the invocation of - the three persons of the most Holy Trinity, signifies that it - is in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy - Ghost, that the faithful assembled, in order to celebrate the - memory of Christ's passion and death. The psalm which is then - repeated, expresses the deep concern of a soul kept at a - distance from the temple of God, like David when he was - persecuted by Saul, and the ardent desires with which we are to - approach the altar, and partake of the divine mysteries. The - _Introit_, or entrance of the Mass, and the - _Confiteor_, or general confession made to the whole court - of heaven, represent the fall of Adam, which was the source of - all our miseries, and remind us that we ought to dispose - ourselves for this great sacrifice by a sincere repentance for - our sins." - -{371} - - Prayer At The Beginning Of Mass. - -O Lord, in the multitude of thy mercies I will enter thy house, -and adore thee in thy holy temple and confess to thy name. Though -my sins are without number, I have still thy goodness to appeal -to, I have still a confidence in the sufferings of my Redeemer, -and hope, through his infinite merits, to find mercy, grace, and -salvation. Thou, O dear Jesus, hast washed me once in baptism; -wash me yet more from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sins. -Sprinkle me with the hyssop of thy blood, and I shall be -cleansed; wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow. - - - Explanation. - - "The priest bowing down before the altar, and saying the - _Confiteor_, represents our Saviour loaded with the sins - of mankind, prostrate at his prayers in the garden, and falling - into a bloody sweat and most painful agony. The priest going up - to the altar and kissing it, represents our Saviour going to - meet his enemies, and receiving the treacherous kiss from - Judas. When he goes to the book at the corner of the Epistle, - forms the sign of the cross, and reads the _Introit_, he - represents our Saviour seized, bound, and led captive to the - courts of Annas and Caiphas, where he was struck across the - face, blindfolded, buffeted, spit upon, and treated with the - greatest indignity, by the servants of the high priest, as if - he were a mock prophet." - - - Prayer At The Introit And Kyrie. - -Blessed be thou, O Jesus, for all thou hast suffered for our -redemption. It is but just that my sins should draw tears from my -eyes, since they have drawn streams of blood from thy veins. I -desire to join the most humble contrition of my soul with thy -agony in the garden, and resolve to be sorry for my sins, even -unto the hour of my death. -{372} -My heart is pierced with grief to think that I have repaid thy -goodness with such ingratitude; but until I cease to live, I will -never cease to cry, with the humble publican: _O God be -propitious to me a sinner_. May those bonds that tied thy -innocent hands, loosen the chains of my sins, break the fetters -of my iniquities, deliver me from the captivity of Satan, and -restore me to the sweet liberty of thy children, that I may be -enabled to cry out with thy prophet: _Thou hast broken my -chains: I will sacrifice to thee an host of praise_. I cast -myself at thy feet, and beseech thee by thy infinite charity, to -strengthen me with thy all-powerful grace under all trials and -afflictions. Never suffer me to betray thy sacred truths, or to -take part with the world against thee. Grant that when any -tribulation or anguish shall assault me, I may receive it with -humility like unto thine, and with a true submission and -resignation to thy heavenly Father's will. Grant that under the -severest scourges I may call upon thee as a father, confide in -thee as a father, and seek no comfort out of thee. Remember me at -my last hour, when the terrors of death shall begin to seize me; -then let thy angels comfort me; then let the memory of thy -sufferings support me against all apprehensions, that no fear of -death or judgment may ever lessen the hope I ought to repose in -thee. - -{373} - - Explanation. - - "The repetition of the _Kyrie Eleison, Christe Eleison_, - &c. (that is, Lord have mercy on us, Christ have mercy on us,) - three times, in honour of each of the three Divine Persons, - reminds us that Christ was denied three times by St. Peter. The - _Dominus vobiscum_, or, Our Lord be with you, which is the - usual salutation in the scriptures, and which the priest says - after the _Gloria in Excelsis_, it being the greatest of - all blessings for the Lord to be with us, and we with him, - reminds us how Peter was touched with repentance, when Christ - cast a glance of his merciful eyes upon him. The aforesaid - hymn, which a choir of angels sung in the air at our Saviour's - birth, denotes the joy that is in heaven among the angels upon - the conversion of a sinner, The _Kyries_ also remind us of - the longing desires of the holy fathers for the coming of the - Messiah. The _Gloria_ represents Christ's nativity. The - Collects, Epistle, and Gospel, his prayers, miracles, and - preaching.--The priest returning to the epistle side of the - altar, and reading the Collects and the Lesson, represents - Christ sent by Caiphas to Pilate, after being falsely accused - and unjustly condemned by the Sanhedrin of the Jews. Then the - priest goes to the middle of the altar, and humbly bowing - himself down, prays in silence. This represents Christ - conducted to Herod, and interrogated and scoffed at by him, - without returning the least answer, or saying a word to justify - himself. The priest going to the gospel side of the altar, and - returning to the middle to make a profession of faith, by - repeating the Nicene Creed, represents Christ sent back to - Pilate in a fool's dress, and professing that he came to bear - witness to the truth, and that his kingdom is not of this - world. The removal of the Mass-book from the right to the left - side of the altar, signifies that the new law of the gospel - being rejected by the Jews, who were the first called, was - preached to the Gentiles, who embraced it with joy, and were - converted to the Christian religion in great multitudes. The - lighted candles are emblems of their spiritual joy and of God's - glory, and denote the light of faith which Christ brought to - the world by his gospel.--At the beginning of the gospel, the - priest and the people make the sign of the cross, first upon - their foreheads, to signify that they are not ashamed of the - cross of Christ, nor of his doctrine; secondly, upon their - mouths, to denote that they are ready to profess it openly by - word of mouth; and thirdly, upon their breasts, to signify that - they will always preserve it carefully in their hearts. The - people rise up and stand during the gospel, to show by this - posture their readiness to go and practise whatever they shall - be commanded by the word of God." - -{374} - - Prayer At The Gloria, Epistle, And Gospel. - -Let heaven and earth join together, and the choirs of angels he -united with the voices of men, to sing eternal praises to God, in -trinity and unity, for the mercies we have received in the -admirable work of our redemption. O my amiable Jesus, how am I -bound to love thee! How black must my ingratitude be, if, after -such demonstrations of love, I can continue to offend thee! I am -the offender, I am the malefactor, and thou hast taken upon thee -the punishment due to my sins! It is I who deserve to be accused, -arraigned, dispised, and condemned, and not thou: O innocent and -spotless Lamb of God, eternal praise be to thy name. Whilst the -Jews proclaim thee a blasphemer, I own thee for my Lord; and -beseech thee, that under all reproaches and calumnies I may -remember what thou hast suffered for me, and that I may -endeavour, by an humble and patient silence, to show myself on -all occasions to be thy true disciple. Grant that whenever I am -persecuted by lies or false accusations, thy example may be my -comfort, my model, and my rule. Give me courage, constancy, and -patience, under all the injuries, crosses, and contradictions, -which thy providence shall permit to befall me during my -pilgrimage here on earth. -{375} -Do not suffer me to despair of thy mercy, or die in my sins, like -unhappy Judas: but soften my stony heart, and melt it into tears -of compunction. Leave me not to myself, but teach me to confide -wholly in thee. Look on me with an eye of pity, and awaken me -from the sleep of death, that I may bewail my past sins in the -bitterness of my soul, and persevere in serving thee and -promoting thy glory. May the fall of Peter be a lesson to me all -the days of my life, to shun all evil company, to fly all the -dangerous occasions of sin, and never to deny thee, my Lord and -my God, either by word or deed; but openly to profess my faith -without fear or shame. I thank thee for revealing thy heavenly -truths, and for instructing us by thy holy apostles in the only -true saving faith. Give me grace to attend to thy doctrine, to -live up to the maxims of thy gospel, to profess thy faith by the -practice of good works, and never to swerve from thy sacred law. -Have mercy on all those that are involved in the dismal state of -mortal sin, and grant them the grace of sincere repentance. Let -the light of thy countenance shine upon those who are sitting in -the darkness of infidelity, and in the gloomy shade of death.-- -Bring back the strayed sheep to thy fold, and unite them to the -communion of thy church, that we may all become one sheepfold -under one shepherd. - -{376} - - Explanation. - - "When the priest unveils the chalice for the Offertory, he - represents Christ stripped of his garments and bound to the - pillar. The offering of the bread on the paten, denotes Christ - offering up his body to be scourged. The mingling of the water - with the wine, denotes the water and blood that flowed from his - side on the cross. The offering the chalice with the wine, - represents Christ scourged, and the streams of his blood - flowing down upon the ground. The covering the chalice with the - paten, represents him crowned with thorns, and treated as a - mock king. The washing of the fingers at the _Lavabo_, - reminds us how Pilate washed his hands before the multitude, - and pronounced Christ innocent and just. The _Orate - Fratres_ reminds us that Christ was shown to the people with - ensigns of mock royalty, Pilate crying out at the same time: - _Ecce Homo_, Behold the man. The priest saying the Secret - Prayers in silence, represents Christ condemned to be - crucified, and submitting to the unjust sentence without any - defence or reply. The Preface, (so called because it serves as - an introduction to the Canon of the Mass,) and the Canticle of - the Hebrew children, which are repeated with a loud voice, - remind us that Christ was loaded with the cross; the pious - Hosanna being changed into the clamorous and cruel - _Crucifige_, or crucify him." - - - - Prayer At The Offertory, Lavabo, And Preface. - -O my soul! run to thy suffering Lord, and at his feet pour out -thyself in thanksgiving, and in all the ecstasies of love and -praise. It is thy God that suffers, that he may redeem a slave, a -poor sinful worm of the earth. When I behold thee, O dear Jesus, -stripped naked, fastened to the pillar, cruelly scourged, torn, -and mangled, I see the immensity of thy love for us, and the -greatness of our sins against thee. I see in thy wounds, the -slavery into which we are degraded, and the punishment due to our -crimes. Our sins bound thy hands, and every stroke thou didst -receive was the effect of our iniquities. -{377} -I offer thee my heart and soul, to be eternally consecrated to -thy divine service, and to be washed and purified in the purple -streams that gushed forth from every pore of thy sacred body. I -throw myself into the arms of thy infinite mercy, with a firm -resolution to die rather than renew thy passion, by relapsing -into any mortal sin. No, dear Redeemer, I never will prefer -Barabbas to thee; I never will set thee in competition with the -world, or its delusive charms, sinful pleasures, or sordid -interests. O amiable Jesus, thou shalt be my choice for ever. I -will strike no more nails into thy hands by my evil deeds. I will -add no more thorns to thy painful crown by my sinful thoughts. I -will no more pierce thy sacred side by any unlawful desires. I -will not scourge thy holy flesh by curses or blasphemies, nor -crucify thee over again by any fresh crime. I am determined, with -thy assistance, to put off the old man with all his acts, by a -candid and naked confession of all my past sins. O grant that I -may never appear naked of virtue in thy sight; but may be clad -with the white robe of innocence when I shall be presented before -thy awful tribunal. Pierce my heart with the thorns of penance -and compunction here, that I may, through thy merits, be crowned -with glory hereafter. Grant that whenever I am under any -affliction, meet with any adversity, disgrace or contempt, or -feel any part of the thorny crown on my head, I may rejoice in -bearing such a resemblance of thy sufferings, and show by my -patience and humility whose disciple I am. -{378} -Give me grace to submit with cheerfulness to the rod of thy -paternal correction; and support my natural weakness, that I may -not sink under the weight of any cross with which it shall please -thy Divine Providence to visit me. Disengage my heart from all -earthly affections. Raise and elevate my soul to thee, that I may -always live and converse in heaven, where thou, my only treasure, -art. I now presume to join my unworthy voice with the heavenly -choirs of all thy angels and saints, who are incessantly singing -eternal praises to thee: - - _Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Sabaoth; - Heaven and Earth are full of thy glory: - Blessed is he who cometh in the name of the Lord: - Hosannah in the highest, &c._ - - - Explanation. - - "The Canon, which is the most sacred and most solemn part of - the Mass, is read in a low voice, to denote the mourning and - affliction of the faithful at the time of our Saviour's - passion, which amazed and silenced all nature. The priest - raises his hands, in imitation of Moses, who, as we read, - (_Exodus_ xvii.) prayed with his hands lifted up, whilst - Josue was combating with the Amalekites. After the - _Memento_ for the living he spreads his hands over the - bread and wine that are to be consecrated, in imitation of the - priests of the old law, who were ordered, (_Lev_. 1.) when - they offered sacrifice, to lay their hands upon the victim - before it was immolated. These ceremonies represent Christ led - away to be crucified, carrying his cross on his shoulders to - Mount Calvary, admonishing the devout women on the way, who - wept over him, to mourn for themselves and for their children; - and when he arrived at the end of his painful journey, stripped - again of his garments, and laid on the painful bed, without any - other pillow to support his head but the thorns with which he - was crowned. -{379} - The signing of the oblation with the sign of the cross, denotes - how his hands and feet were stretched and nailed on the cross. - The separated consecration of the bread and wine, represents - his body slain, and his blood shed, for the remission of our - sins. The elevation of the consecrated Host, represents him - exalted on the cross in the sight of the whole multitude. The - elevation of the Chalice represents the sacred blood flowing - from his wounds. The ringing of the bell denotes the - earthquakes and other signs which happened at his death. The - five crosses formed over the oblation, signify the five - principal wounds in his body. The time from the elevation to - the communion corresponds to the three hours he hung alive on - the cross. The _Memento_ for the dead denotes that whilst - he was thus elevated between heaven and earth, he prayed as a - powerful mediator for the whole world, even for his enemies and - crucifiers. The conversion of the thief on the cross, on one - side of him, is represented by the priest striking his breast, - and saying, _nobis quoque peccatoribus_. The seven - petitions of the _Pater Noster_ remind us of Christ's last - words on the cross. The breaking of the Host is used in - imitation of his having broken it before he gave it to his - disciples at his last supper. The breaking of it in three parts - represents his mystical body, or the church in three states: - the blessed in heaven, the souls in purgatory, and the faithful - on earth; this great sacrifice being offered for the whole - church, triumphant, suffering, and militant; in honour of the - first, that is, in thanksgiving to God for all the graces - bestowed upon them, and for all the happiness they enjoy; for - the relief of the second, to obtain a speedy admittance for - them into eternal glory; and for the benefit of the last, - according to the four great ends of sacrifice. The breaking of - the Host also represents the death of Christ on the cross, and - is a figure of his soul being separated from his body after he - bowed down his sacred head. The mixing a particle of the Host - with the sacramental species in the chalice, represents the - descent of his soul into _Limbo_, or the prison of the - Fathers of the old testament." - -{380} - - Prayer At The Canon Of The Mass. - -O King of glory! when shall I leave this earthly prison, this -miserable Babylon, and be admitted into thy lovely tabernacles? O -ocean of sweetness, and fountain of divine love, when shall I -contemplate thee face to face in thy happy kingdom? My sins are a -terror to my soul, but having so plentiful a redemption, I never -will despair. Thy wounds cry out for mercy. Mercy, then, O God of -goodness! have mercy on me. O Jesus, be a Jesus to my soul, and -save me. I am thy purchase, snatched from the jaws of hell by the -merits of thy sacred passion; accept me, therefore, an unworthy -sinner. Purify me in those sacred streams that flowed from thy -bleeding wounds, and present me to thy eternal Father, that -through thee I may obtain his blessing and favour, which of -myself I do not deserve. Extinguish in me all ambition, pride, -and vanity, the love of the world, and every degree of vicious -self-love. Grant me true humility, perfect patience, unfeigned -charity, and sincere devotion. Give me only grace to practise -what thou commandest, and command what thou pleasest. Increase -true religion; plant thy faith in our hearts; give peace and -unity to thy church; repentance and pardon to all sinners. Grant -comfort to the sick and afflicted; relief to the distressed; -mercy, grace, and salvation to all those for whom thou hast shed -thy blood, and whom I am bound to pray for, particularly -_N_. -{381} -We render thee thanks for admitting us to have a part in this -great sacrifice, which thy Catholic Church offers to thy holy -name, by the hands of the priest, for thy people. Accept it now, -we beseech thee, O Lord, to thy glory, in satisfaction for all -our offences and ingratitude, and in union with that divine -intention with which our blessed Saviour offered it up, when he -instituted it at his last supper, and consummated it upon the -altar of the cross. - - - Prayer At The Elevation Of The - Consecrated Host And Chalice. - -Hail, O King of glory, Prince of peace, and Saviour of the world! -Hail, O immaculate Host! offered for me and all mankind on the -cross! I adore, bless, and glorify thee, O loving Jesus, with all -the faculties of my soul and body. May all thy creatures sound -forth thy praises. O sacrament of piety! O sign of unity! O bond -of charity! O the goodness of my God! O how wonderful are the -ways of divine love! How incomprehensible are the riches of the -divine bounty! - -O my bleeding Jesus, I bow down to the ground to adore thee! -Hail! most precious blood, shed for me and the sins of the whole -world! Hear, O eternal Father, the voice of thy Son's blood, that -cries out loudly to heaven, not for vengeance, but for mercy: let -it now speak in my behalf, and plead my pardon; let it blot out -my iniquities, and cleanse my soul from all the foul stains of -sin. I beg it most humbly for the sake of Jesus, who died upon -the cross for my redemption. - -{382} - - Prayer After The Elevation. - -Behold, O almighty and all-gracious God, thy Son, Jesus, in whom -thou art well pleased. Look upon the face of thy Christ and my -Saviour, here present. Look upon this spotless lamb, this -adorable victim, this pure holocaust of obedience, humbled to the -very death of the cross. Behold in him what may move thee to look -down upon us with an eye of mercy, and to forgive us our sins. He -is our High Priest, sprinkled with his own blood. Receive the -sacrifice he has offered for us, in consideration of all the -honours and homages that are due to thy sovereign goodness from -me and all creatures. Extend, O compassionate Creator, the virtue -of it unto the souls in the church suffering, and grant to the -faithful departed rest and life everlasting, particularly to -_N_.; mitigate their punishment, and translate them to that -state of glory for which thou hast designed them. Thou hast -formerly promised, that looking on thy rainbow thou wouldst -remember the covenant made between thee and the patriarch Noah, -(_Genes_, ix.); canst thou then look down on the blood of -thy beloved Son Jesus, offered here to thee in sacrifice, and not -remember the great covenant of the new law, sealed and confirmed -with the effusion of his sacred blood? - -{383} - -O dear Jesus! that I could love thee as thy goodness deserves. -The more thou hast humbled thyself for my sake, the more I am -bound to love thee. Remember thou hast bought me at a dear rate. -O let not thy blood be lost or spilt in vain for me; but receive -me into the number of the elect. I detest my sins, which were the -cause of thy sufferings, and thy most cruel executioners. My -crimes, alas! were the nails that bored thy hands and feet, and -fastened thee to an ignominious cross. O who will give sorrow to -my heart, and a fountain of tears to my eyes, that I may bewail -them in the bitterness of my soul all the days of my life, and -that at the hour of my departure I may, by means of a true -conversion, be entitled to hear those comfortable words which -thou saidst to the penitent thief on the cross: _This day shalt -thou be with me in paradise._ I acknowledge my unworthiness, I -do not deserve to be ranked among the number of thy children, yet -I will presume to say that heavenly prayer which thou hast taught -me: "Our Father, who art in heaven," &c. - - - Explanation - - "When the priest strikes his breast, and says the _Agnus - Dei_, (that is, O Lamb of God, &c.) he reminds us of the - Centurion and many others striking their breasts with sorrow, - and bewailing their offences, when they beheld Christ expiring - on the cross, and were eye-witnesses of the prodigies which - happened at his death. -{384} - The Prayer for Peace, before the communion of the priest, - signifies, that to communicate worthily, we must be in peace - with God and our neighbour, and approach with a clean heart and - pure conscience. The priest's communion is a sign of the burial - of Christ's body, which was taken down from the cross, wrapped - up in clean linen, and laid in a new monument, cut out of a - rock, near Mount Calvary. The purifying and covering of the - chalice represents Christ's sepulchre, shut and covered with a - stone. The resurrection of Christ from the dead is represented - by the priest going to the corner of the Epistle, and reading - the Post Communion, the mass-book being brought back to the - right side of the altar, to signify that the Jews are to be - converted to the Christian faith at the end of the world. - _Dominus vobiscum_ represents Christ appearing to his - disciples, and giving them his peace. The last Collect - represents Christ conversing forty days with his disciples, and - speaking to them of the kingdom of God. The last _Dominus - vobiscum_, represents Christ's last apparition to his - disciples; and the blessing given by the priest to the people, - denotes that Christ lifted up both his hands, and blessed his - apostles and other disciples before he left them, and in their - sight ascended into heaven. The _Ite Missa est_, and the - reading of the Gospel at the left corner of the altar, denote - that Christ came not to call the just, but sinners, to - repentance: and sent his apostles to teach all nations; and - that they preached the gospel with amazing success in all parts - of the known world, after the descent of the Holy Ghost." - - - - Prayer At The Agnus Dei. - -O Innocent Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, -have mercy on me; for nothing is more pleasing to thee than to -have compassion on those that are miserable. Give me tears of -repentance, that I may mourn for the evil I have committed. In -thee I place all my hope, because thou alone art my salvation, my -strength, my refuge, and the fountain of all my good. -{385} -I most humbly beseech thee, by the anguish of thy passion, and by -thy sufferings on the cross, especially at that hour when thy -blessed soul left thy body, to spare me in that dreadful moment, -and have mercy on my soul. Let me experience the multitude of thy -tender mercies, when I shall be in conflict with the pangs of -death. Let thy passion and death stand then between my soul and -thy justice. I accept the sentence of my death, in whatever -manner I am to suffer it, in union with thy death on the cross. I -humbly submit to it, and now offer it to thy divine majesty as a -sacrifice and a just punishment due to my sins. I commend my soul -into thy hands, and most earnestly entreat thee to give me thy -blessing this day, and to grant me perseverance in thy service, -that on the day of judgment I may be ranked in the happy number -of those blessed souls, who are to be invited by thee to take -possession of the kingdom of thy glory. During the time of my -sojourn here on earth, preserve me from thirsting after the false -goods of this world.--May I always remember thy vinegar and -gall, and rest contented with what is sufficient to support -nature. May I every day increase in thy love, and may all created -objects be of little account with me, that thou mayest be the -only delight of my soul and my everlasting joy. - - - Prayer At The Communion. - -I Adore, O dear Jesus, thy sacred body and blood, soul and -divinity, here present on the altar under the sacramental forms. -{386} -Praised be this most holy sacrament with as many praises as there -are stars in the heavens, atoms in the air, drops of water in the -ocean, sands in the sea, sparks in the fire, motes of dust upon -the earth, flowers in the spring, grains of corn in the summer, -leaves in the autumn, flakes of snow and hailstones in the -winter, or creatures in the universe. O that I had the necessary -dispositions of a worthy communicant! how willingly would I unite -myself to my divine Redeemer in this sacrament of love! O may I -receive it worthily at the hour of my death, that it may serve me -as a viatic to a happy eternity. Though I am unworthy to receive -it now sacramentally, yet I wish to receive it spiritually into -my soul by faith, love, and devotion. Enter then, O divine -bridegroom, into this poor lodging: you vouchsafed to lodge in a -stable, you did not refuse to enter into the house of Zachæus, -the publican; enter into my house as into the house of another -Zachæus, and give a blessing to my soul, as thou didst to the -house of Zachæus: say unto me, as thou saidst unto him: -_Salvation is this day come to this house_.--Luke, xix. - - - - A Prayer At The Last Collects, &c. - -Praise, honour, and glory be to thee, O blessed Redeemer, who -coming forth out of the grave, didst rise triumphantly from the -dead, and having conversed with thy disciples for forty days, -didst ascend into heaven, where thou sittest at the right hand of -thy eternal Father. Inflame my heart and soul with thee, that I -may seek nothing but to be united to thee for ever in heaven. - -{387} - -Hear, O eternal Father, whatever the holy Catholic Church asks of -thee in the name of thy beloved son. We beseech thee, that this -our sacrifice may be acceptable in thy sight, and become -profitable to us and to thy whole church. Receive my unworthy -prayers, supply all my defects, pardon all my indevotions, -distractions, and irreverences. Engrave in my heart the rules and -maxims of thy gospel, and give me grace to live according to -them. Teach me to follow thy example, that rising with thee to a -new life of piety and holiness, and walking in thy footsteps, I -may live to thee alone, and advance every day towards everlasting -happiness. Amen. - -_I did not judge to know anything among you, but Jesus Christ, -and him crucified_. - St. Paul, 1 Cor. ii. 2. - -{388} - - The Epistles And Gospels For The Sundays - And Principal Festivals Throughout The Year. - - - First Sunday Of Advent. - -Epistle. -_Romans_ xiii. 11, 14. -_Brethren_: -Know, that it is now the hour for us to rise from sleep. For now -our salvation is nearer than when we believed. The night is past, -and the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of -darkness, and put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, -as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering -and impurities, not in contention and envy: but put ye on the -Lord Jesus Christ. - - -Gospel. -_Luke_ xxi. 25, 33. -_At that time:_ Jesus said to his disciples: There shall be -signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the -earth distress of nations, by reason of the confusion of the -roaring of the sea and of the waves, men withering away for fear, -and expectation of what shall come upon the whole world. For the -powers of the heavens shall be moved; and then they shall see the -Son of Man coming in a cloud with great power and majesty. But -when these things begin to come to pass, look up, and lift up -your heads; because your redemption is at hand. And he spoke to -them a similitude: See the fig-tree and all the trees: when they -now shoot forth their fruit, you know that summer is nigh: so you -also, when you shall see these things come to pass, know that the -kingdom of God is at hand. Amen, I say to you, this generation -shall not pass away till all things be fulfilled. Heaven and -earth shall pass away; but my words shall not pass away. Credo. - -{389} - - Second Sunday Of Advent - -Epistle. -_Romans_ xv. 4, 13. -_Brethren:_ What things soever were written, were written -for our learning, that through patience and the comfort of the -scriptures we might have hope. Now the God of patience and of -comfort grant you to be of one mind one towards another, -according to Jesus Christ; that with one mind, and with one -mouth, you may glorify God and the Father of our Lord Jesus -Christ. Wherefore receive one another, as Christ also hath -received you unto the honour of God. For I say that Christ Jesus -was minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm -the promises made unto the fathers. But that the Gentiles are to -glorify God for his mercy, as it is written: "Therefore, will I -confess to thee, O Lord, among the Gentiles, and will sing to thy -name." And again, he saith: "Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his -people." And again: "Praise the Lord all ye Gentiles, and magnify -him all ye people." And again Isaiah saith: "There shall be a -root of Jesse, and he that shall rise up to rule the Gentiles, in -him the Gentiles shall hope." Now the God of hope fill you with -all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, and -in the power of the Holy Ghost. - - -Gospel. -_Matt_. xi. 2, 10. -_At that time_: When John had heard in prison the works of -Christ, sending two of his disciples he said to him: Art thou he -that art to come, or look we for another? And Jesus making -answer, said to them: Go and relate to John what you have heard -and seen. The blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, -the deaf hear, the dead rise again, the poor have the gospel -preached to them; and blessed is he that shall not be scandalized -in me. -{390} -And when they went their way, Jesus began to say to the -multitude, concerning John: What went ye out into the desert to -see? A reed shaken with the wind? But what went ye out to see? A -man clothed in soft garments? Behold, they that are clothed in -soft garments are in the houses of kings. But what went ye out to -see? A prophet? Yea, I tell you, and more than a prophet. For -this is he of whom it is written: "Behold, I send my angel before -thy face, who shall prepare thy way before thee." Credo. - - - Third Sunday Of Advent. - -Epistle. -_Philip_ iv. 4, 7. -_Brethren_: Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I say, -rejoice. Let your modesty be known to all men. The Lord is nigh. -Be nothing solicitous: but in every thing by prayer and -supplication with thanksgiving, let your petitions be made known -to God. And the peace of God, which surpasseth all understanding, -keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. - - -Gospel. -_John_ i. 19, 28. -_At that time:_ The Jews sent from Jerusalem Priests and -Levites to John, to ask him: Who art thou? And he confessed, and -did not deny; and he confessed: I am not the Christ. And they -asked him: What then? Art thou Elias? And he said: I am not. Art -thou a prophet? And he answered: No. They said therefore unto -him: Who art thou, that we may give an answer to them that sent -us? What sayest thou of thyself? He said: "I am the voice of one -crying in the wilderness, _Make straight the way of the -Lord_," as said the prophet Isaias. And they that were sent -were of the Pharisees. And they asked him and said to him: Why -then dost thou baptize, if thou be not Christ, nor Elias, nor the -prophet? John answered them, saying: I baptize with water; but -there hath stood one in the midst of you, whom you know not. The -same is he that shall come after me, who is preferred before me; -the latchet of whose shoe I am not worthy to loose. These things -were done in Bethania beyond the Jordan, where John was -baptizing.--Credo. - -{391} - - Fourth Sunday Of Advent. - -Epistle. -1 _Corinthians_ iv. 1, 6. -_Brethren:_ Let a man so account of us as of the ministers -of Christ, and the dispensers of the mysteries of God. Here now -it is required amongst the dispensers that a man be found -faithful. But to me it is a very small thing to be judged by you, -or by man's day: but neither do I judge my own self. For I am not -conscious to myself of any thing: yet I am not hereby justified; -but he that judgeth me is the Lord. Therefore judge not before -the time till the Lord come; who both will bring to light the -hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsel of -hearts: and then shall every man have praise from God. - - -Gospel. -_Luke_ iii. 1, 6. -Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Cæsar (Pontius -Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod Tetrarch of Galilee, -and Philip his brother Tetrarch of Iturea and the country of -Trachonitis, and Lysanias Tetrarch of Abilana, under the high -priests Annas and Caiphas) the word of the Lord came to John, the -son of Zachary, in the desert. And he came into all the country -about the Jordan, preaching the baptism of penance for the -remission of sins, as it was written in the book of the words of -Isaias the prophet: "A voice of one crying in the wilderness: -prepare ye the way of the Lord: make straight his paths: every -valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be -brought low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the -rough ways plain:" and all flesh shall see the salvation of God. -Credo. - -{392} - - Christmas Day. - First Mass. At Midnight. - -Epistle. -_Titus_ ii. 11, 15. -_Dearly beloved:_ The grace of God our Saviour hath appeared -to all men. Instructing us, that denying ungodliness, and worldly -desires, we should live soberly, and justly, and godly, in this -world, looking for the blessed hope, and coming of the glory of -the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: who gave himself for -us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and might cleanse -to himself a people acceptable, a pursuer of good works. These -things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no -man despise thee. - - -Gospel. -_Luke_ ii. 1, 14. -And it came to pass that in those days there went out a decree -from Cæsar Augustus, that the whole world should be enrolled. -This enrolling was first made by Cyrinus the governor of Syria. -And all went to be enrolled, every one into his own city. And -Joseph also went up from Galilee out of the city of Nazareth into -Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem: because -he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary -his espoused wife, who was with child. And it came to pass, that -when they were there, her days were accomplished, that she should -be delivered. And she brought forth her first-born son, and -wrapped him up in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, -because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in -the same country shepherds watching and keeping the night watches -over their flock. And behold an angel of the Lord stood by them, -and the brightness of God shone round about them, and they feared -with a great fear. And the angel said to them: Fear not: for -behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, that shall be to -all the people: for this day is born to you a Saviour, who is -Christ the Lord, in the city of David. And this shall be a sign -unto you: you shall find the infant wrapped in swaddling clothes, -and laid in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a -multitude of the heavenly army, praising God, and saying: Glory -to God in the highest; and on earth peace to men of good-will. -Credo. - -{393} - - Second Mass. At Break Of Day. - -Epistle. -_Titus_ iii. 4, 7. -_Most dearly beloved:_ The goodness and kindness of God our -Saviour appeared: not by the works of justice, which we have -done, but according to his mercy, he saved us, by the laver of -regeneration, and renovation of the Holy Ghost, whom he hath -poured forth upon us abundantly, through Jesus Christ our -Saviour: that being justified by his grace, we may be heirs -according to hope of life everlasting, through Jesus Christ our -Lord. - - -Gospel. -_Luke_ ii. 15, 20. -_At that time:_ The shepherds said one to another: Let us go -over to Bethlehem, and let us see this word that has come to pass -which the Lord hath showed to us. And they came with haste: and -they found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in a manger. And -seeing, they understood of the word that had been spoken to them -concerning this child. And all that heard wondered: and at those -things that were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all -these words, pondering _them_ in her heart. And the -shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God, for all the -things they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. Credo. - - - Third Mass. In The Day Time. - -Epistle. -_Hebrews_ i. 1, 12. -God, who at sundry times, and in divers manners spoke in times -past to the fathers by the prophets, last of all, in these days, -hath spoken to us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all -things, by whom also he made the world: who being the brightness -of his glory, and the figure of his substance, and upholding all -things by the word of his power, making purgation of sins, -sitteth on the right hand of the majesty on high: being made so -much better than the angels, as he hath inherited a more -excellent name than they. -{394} -For to which of the angels hath he said at any time, "Thou art my -Son, to-day have I begotten thee?" And again: "I will be to him a -father, and he shall be to me a Son?" And again, when he bringeth -in the first-begotten into the world, he saith: "And let all the -angels of God adore him." And to the angels indeed he saith: "He -that maketh his angels spirits: and his ministers a flame of -fire." But to the Son: "Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: -a sceptre of justice is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Thou hast -loved justice and hated iniquity: therefore God, thy God, hath -anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows." And: -"Thou, in the beginning, O Lord, didst found the earth: and the -works of thy hands are the heavens. They shall perish, but thou -shalt continue: and they shall all grow old as a garment. And as -a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed: but -thou art the self-same and thy years shall not fail." - - -Gospel. -_John_ i. 14. -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 him was made nothing that was made. -In him was life, and the life was the light of men; and the light -shineth in 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 give -testimony of the light. That was the true light which -enlighteneth every man that cometh into this world. -{395} -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 flesh_, 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. - - - - Sunday Within The Octave Of Christmas. - -Epistle. -_Galatians_ iv. 1, 7. -_Brethren_: As long as the heir is a child, he differeth -nothing from a servant, though he be Lord of all: but is under -tutors and governors, until the time appointed by the father. So -we also, when we were children, were serving under the elements -of the world. But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent -his Son, made of a woman, made under the law: that he might -redeem them who were under the law; that we might receive the -adoption of sons. And because you are sons, God hath sent the -Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying: Abba, Father. -Therefore now he is not a servant, but a son. And if a son, an -heir also through God. - - -Gospel. -_Luke_ ii. 33, 40. -_At that time:_ Joseph, and Mary the mother of Jesus, were -wondering at those things which were spoken concerning him. And -Simon blessed them, and said to Mary his mother: Behold the child -is set for the fall, and for the resurrection of many in Israel, -and for a sign which shall be contradicted. And thy own soul a -sword shall pierce, that out of many hearts thoughts may be -revealed. And there was one Anna a prophetess, the daughter of -Phanuel, of the tribe of Asar; she was far advanced in years, and -had lived with her husband seven years from her virginity. -{396} -And she was a widow until fourscore and four years; who departed -not from the temple, by fastings and prayers serving day and -night. Now she at the same hour coming in, confessed to the Lord; -and spoke of him to all that looked for the redemption of Israel. -And after they had performed all things according to the law of -the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their city Nazareth. And -the child grew and waxed strong, full of wisdom; and the grace of -God was in him. - - - The Circumcision. - -Epistle. -_Titus_ ii. 11, 15. -_Dearly beloved:_ The grace of God our Saviour hath appeared -to all men. Instructing us, that denying ungodliness, and worldly -desires, we should live soberly, and justly, and godly, in this -world, looking for the blessed hope, and coming of the glory of -the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: who gave himself for -us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and might cleanse -to himself a people acceptable, a pursuer of good works. These -things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no -man despise thee. - - -Gospel. -_Luke_ ii. 21. -_At that time:_ After eight days were accomplished that the -child should be circumcised, his name was called Jesus, which was -called by the angel, before he was conceived in the womb. Credo. - - - The Epiphany. - -Lesson. -_Isaias_ lx. 1, 9. -Arise, be enlightened, O Jerusalem; for thy light is come, and -the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. For behold darkness -shall cover the earth, and a mist the people: but the Lord shall -arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the -Gentiles shall walk in thy light, and kings in the brightness of -thy rising. -{397} -Lift up thy eyes round about and see: all these are gathered -together, they are come to thee; thy sons shall come from afar, -and thy daughters shall rise up at thy side. Then shalt thou see -and abound, and thy heart shall wonder and be enlarged, when the -multitude of the sea shall be converted to thee, the strength of -the Gentiles shall come to thee. The multitude of camels shall -cover thee, the dromedaries of Madian and Epha: all they from -Saba shall come, bringing gold and frankincense, and showing -forth praise to the Lord. - - -Gospel. -_Matthew_ ii. 1, 12. -When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Juda, in the days of king -Herod, behold there came wise men from the east, to Jerusalem, -saying: "Where is he that is born King of the Jews? For we have -seen his star in the east, and are come to adore him." And Herod -hearing this was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And -assembling together all the chief priests and the scribes of the -people, he inquired of them where Christ should be born, but they -said to him, "In Bethlehem of Juda." For so it is written by the -prophet: "And thou, Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the -least among the princes of Juda; for out of thee shall come forth -the captain that shall rule my people Israel." Then Herod -privately calling the wise men, learned diligently of them the -time of the star which appeared to them; and sending them into -Bethlehem, said: "Go, and diligently inquire after the child; and -when you have found him, bring me word again, that I also may -come and adore him." Who, having heard the king, went their way; -and behold the star which they had seen in the east went before -them, until it came and stood over where the child was. And -seeing the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And -entering into the house, they found the child with Mary his -mother, and falling down they adored him; and opening their -treasures, they offered him gifts, gold, frankincense, and myrrh. -And having received an answer in sleep that they should not -return to Herod, they went back another way into their own -country. Credo. - -{398} - - First Sunday After Epiphany. - -Epistle. -_Romans_ xii. 1, 5. -_Brethren:_ I beseech you, by the mercy of God, that you -present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, pleasing unto God, -your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but -be reformed in the newness of your mind, that you may prove what -is the good, and the acceptable, and the perfect will of God. For -I say, by the grace that is given me, to all that are among you, -not to be more wise than it behoveth to be wise, but to be wise -unto sobriety, and according as God hath divided to every one the -measure of faith. For as in one body we have many members, but -all the members have not the same office; so we, being many, are -one body in Christ, and every one members of one another, in -Jesus Christ our Lord. - - -Gospel. -_Luke_ ii. 42, 52. -When Jesus was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem -according to the custom of the feast. And having fulfilled the -days, when they returned, the child Jesus remained in Jerusalem, -and his parents knew it not. And thinking that he was in the -company, they came a day's journey, and sought him among their -kinsfolks and acquaintance. And not finding him, they returned -into Jerusalem seeking him. And it came to pass, that after three -days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the -doctors, hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that -heard him were astonished at his wisdom and his answers. And -seeing him they wondered. And his mother said to him: Son, why -hast thou done so to us? Behold thy father and I have sought thee -sorrowing. And he said to them: How is it that you sought me? Did -you not know that I must be about my Father's business? And they -understood not the word that he spoke unto them. And he went down -with them, and came to Nazareth; and was subject to them. And his -mother kept all those words in her heart. And Jesus advanced in -wisdom, and age, and grace with God and men. Credo. - -{399} - - Second Sunday After Epiphany. - -Lesson. -_Acts_ iv. 8, 12. -_In those days:_ Peter being filled with the Holy Ghost, -said to them: Ye princes of the people and ancients, hear: If we -this day are examined concerning the good deed done to the infirm -man, by what means he hath been made whole, be it known to you -all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of our -Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God hath -raised from the dead, even by him this man standeth here before -you whole. "This is the stone which was rejected by you the -builders, which is become the head of the corner;" neither is -there salvation in any other. For there is no other name under -heaven given to men whereby we must be saved. - - -Gospel. -_Luke_ ii. 33, 40. -_At that time:_ Joseph, and Mary the mother of Jesus, were -wondering at those things which were spoken concerning him. And -Simon blessed them, and said to Mary his mother: Behold the child -is set for the fall, and for the resurrection of many in Israel, -and for a sign which shall be contradicted. And thy own soul a -sword shall pierce, that out of many hearts thoughts may be -revealed. And there was one Anna a prophetess, the daughter of -Phanuel, of the tribe of Asar; she was far advanced in years, and -had lived with her husband seven years from her virginity. And -she was a widow until fourscore and four years; who departed not -from the temple, by fastings and prayers serving day and night. -Now she at the same hour coming in, confessed to the Lord; and -spoke of him to all that looked for the redemption of Israel. And -after they had performed all things according to the law of the -Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their city Nazareth. And the -child grew and waxed strong, full of wisdom; and the grace of God -was in him. - -{400} - - Third Sunday After Epiphany. - -Epistle. -_Romans_ xii. 16. -_Brethren:_ Be not wise in your own conceits. To no man -rendering evil for evil. Providing good things not only in the -sight of God, but also in the sight of all men. If it be -possible, as much as in you, having peace with all men. Not -revenging yourselves, my dearly beloved, but give place unto -wrath. For it is written: "Revenge to me, I will repay," saith -the Lord. But "if thy enemy be hungry, give him to eat: if he -thirst, give him to drink: for doing this, thou shalt heap coals -of fire on his head. Be not overcome by evil, but overcome evil -by good." - - -Gospel. -_Matthew_ viii. 1, 13. -_At that time:_ When Jesus was come down from the mountain, -great multitudes followed him; and behold a leper came and adored -him, saying: Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And -Jesus stretching forth his hand, touched him, saying: I will, be -thou made clean. And forthwith his leprosy was cleansed. And -Jesus saith to him: See thou tell no man, but go show thyself to -the priest, and offer the gift which Moses commanded for a -testimony unto them. * And when he had entered into Capharnaum, -there came to him a centurion, beseeching him, and saying: Lord, -my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, and is grievously -tormented. And Jesus saith to him: I will come and heal him. And -the centurion making answer, said: Lord, I am not worthy that -thou shouldst enter under my roof; but only say the word, and my -servant shall be healed. -{401} -For I also am a man under authority, having under me soldiers; -and I say to this, Go, and he goeth, and to another, Come, and he -cometh, and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. And when -Jesus heard this, he marvelled, and said to them that followed -him: Amen, I say to you, I have not found so great faith in -Israel. And I say unto you, that many shall come from the east -and the west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and -Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven; but the children of the kingdom -shall be cast out into the exterior darkness: there shall be -weeping and gnashing of teeth. And Jesus said to the centurion: -Go, and as thou hast believed, so be it done to thee. And the -servant was healed at the same hour. Credo. - - - Fourth Sunday After Epiphany. - -Epistle. -_Romans_ xiii. 8, 10. -_Brethren:_ Owe no man any things, but to love one another; -for he that loveth his neighbour, hath fulfilled the law. For -"Thou shalt not commit adultery: Thou shalt not kill: Thou shalt -not steal: Thou shalt not bear false witness: Thou shalt not -covet and if there be any other commandment, it is comprised in -this word: Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." The love of -our neighbour worketh no evil. Love, therefore, is the fulfilling -of the law. - - -Gospel. -_Matthew_ viii. 23, 27. -_At that time:_ When Jesus entered into a boat his disciples -followed him; and behold a great tempest arose in the sea, so -that the ship was covered with waves; but he was asleep. And his -disciples came to him, and awakened him, saying: Lord, save us, -we perish. And Jesus saith to them: Why are ye fearful, O ye of -little faith? Then rising up, he commanded the winds and the sea, -and there came a great calm. But the men wondered, saying: What -manner of man is this, for the winds and the sea obey him? Credo. - -{402} - - Fifth Sunday After Epiphany. - -Epistle. -_Colossians_ iii. 12, 17. -_Brethren:_ Put ye on therefore as the elect of God, holy, -and beloved, the bowels of mercy, benignity, humility, modesty, -patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if -any have a complaint against another. Even as the Lord hath -forgiven you, so you also. But above all these things have -charity, which is the bond of perfection; and let the peace of -Christ rejoice in your hearts, wherein also you are called in one -body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you -abundantly, in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another -in psalms, hymns, and spiritual canticles, singing in grace in -your hearts to God. All whatsoever you do in word or in work, do -all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God -and the Father, through Jesus Christ our Lord. - - -Gospel. -_Matthew_ xiii. 24, 30. -_At that time:_ Jesus spoke this parable to the multitude, -saying: The kingdom of heaven is likened to a man that sowed good -seed in his field. But while men were asleep, his enemy came and -oversowed cockle among the wheat, and went his way. And when the -blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared also -the cockle. Then the servants of the good man of the house came -and said to him: Sir, didst thou not sow good seed in thy field? -from whence then hath it cockle? And he said to them: An enemy -hath done this. And the servants said to him: Wilt thou that we -go and gather it up? And he said: No, lest while you gather up -the cockle, you root up the wheat also together with it. Let both -grow until the harvest, and in the time of the harvest I will say -to the reapers: Gather up first the cockle, and bind it in -bundles to burn, but gather the wheat into my barn. - -{403} - - Sixth Sunday After Epiphany. - -Epistle. -1 _Thessalonians_ i. 2, 10. -_Brethren:_ We give thanks to God always for you all; making -a remembrance of you in our prayers without ceasing; being -mindful of you in the work of your faith, and hope, and charity, -and of the enduring of the hope of our lord Jesus Christ, before -God and our Father; knowing, brethren beloved of God, your -election. For our gospel hath not been to you in word only, but -in power also, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much fulness, as you -know what manner of men we have been among you for your sakes. -And you became followers of us, and of the Lord, receiving the -word in much tribulation, with joy of the Holy Ghost; so that you -were made a pattern to all that believe in Macedonia and in -Achaia. For from you was spread abroad the word of the Lord, not -only in Macedonia and in Achaia, but also in every place your -faith, which is towards God, is gone forth, so that we need not -to speak any thing. For they themselves relate of us, what manner -of entering in we had unto you; and how you turned to God from -idols, to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son -from heaven (whom he raised up from the dead) Jesus, who hath -delivered us from the wrath to come. - - -Gospel. -_Matthew_ xiii 31, 35. -_At that time:_ Jesus spoke to the multitude this parable: -The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard-seed, which a -man took and sowed in his field. Which indeed is the least of all -seeds; but when it is grown up, it is greater than all herbs, and -becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and dwell in -the branches thereof. Another parable he spoke to them: The -kingdom of heaven is like to leaven, which a woman took and hid -in three measures of meal, until the whole was leavened. -{404} -All these things Jesus spoke in parables to the multitudes, and -without parables he did not speak to them; that the word might be -fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying: "I will open -my mouth in parables, I will utter things hidden from the -foundation of the world." Credo. - - - If there be not VI. Sundays between the Epiphany and - Septuagesima, what remain are omitted, and taken in between the - XXIII. and the last Sunday after Pentecost. - - - Septuagesima Sunday. - -Epistle, -1 _Corinthians_ ix. 24, _and_ x. 1. -_Brethren:_ Know you not that they that run in the race, all -run indeed, but one receiveth the prize? So run that you may -obtain. And every one that striveth for the mastery, refraineth -himself from all things; and they indeed that they may receive a -corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible one. I therefore so -run, not as an uncertainty: I so fight, not as one beating the -air: but I chastise my body, and bring it into subjection: lest -perhaps when I have preached to others, I myself should become a -castaway. [_Chap_. x. 1, 6.] For I would not have you -ignorant, brethren, that our fathers were all under the cloud, -and all passed through the sea. And all in Moses were baptized in -the cloud, and in the sea; and did all eat the same spiritual -food: and all drank the same spiritual drink: (and they drank of -the spiritual rock that followed them, and the rock was Christ.) -But with the most of them God was not well pleased. - - -Gospel. -_Matthew_ xx. 1, 16. -_At that time:_ Jesus spoke to his disciples this parable: -The kingdom of heaven is like to a householder who went out early -in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard. And when -having agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them -into his vineyard. And going out about the third hour, he saw -others standing in the market place idle. And he said to them: Go -you also into my vineyard, and I will give you what shall be -just. -{405} -And they went their way. And again he went out about the sixth -and the ninth hour, and did in like manner. But about the -eleventh hour he went out and found others standing, and he saith -to them: Why stand you here all the day idle? They say to him: -Because no man hath hired us. He saith to them: Go you also into -my vineyard. And when evening was come, the lord of the vineyard -said to his steward: Call the labourers and pay them their hire, -beginning from the last even to the first. When therefore they -were come, that came about the eleventh hour, they received every -man a penny. But when the first also came, they thought that they -should have received more: and they also received every man a -penny. And receiving it they murmured against the master of the -house, saying: These last have worked but one hour, and thou hast -made them equal to us that have borne the burden of the day, and -the heats. But he answering said to one of them, Friend, I do -thee no wrong: didst thou not agree with me for a penny? Take -what is thine and go thy way: I will also give to this last even -as to thee. Or, is it not lawful for me to do what I will? Is thy -eye evil, because I am good? So shall the last be first, and the -first last. For many are called, but few chosen. Credo. - - - Sexagesima Sunday. - -Epistle. -2 _Corinthians_ xi. 19, 33. -_Brethren:_ You gladly suffer the foolish: whereas -yourselves are wise, For you suffer if a man bring you into -bondage, if a man devour _you_, if a man take _from -you_, if a man be lifted up, if a man strike you on the face. -I speak according to dishonour, as if we had been weak in this -part. Wherein if any man dare (I speak foolishly) I dare also. -They are Hebrews: so am I. They are Israelites: so am I. They are -the seed of Abraham: so am I. -{406} -They are the ministers of Christ (I speak as one less wise) I am -more: in many more labours, in prisons more frequently, in -stripes above measure, in deaths often. Of the Jews five times -did I receive forty stripes, save one. Thrice was I beaten with -rods, once I was stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck; a night and -a day I was in the depth of the sea. In journeying often, in -perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils from my own -nation, in perils from the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in -perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils from -false brethren. In labour and gainfulness, in much watchings, in -hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. -Besides these things which are without; my daily instance, the -solicitude for all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? -Who is scandalized, and I am not on fire? If I must needs glory, -I will glory of the things that concern my infirmity. The God and -Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is blessed for ever, knoweth -that I lie not. At Damascus the governor of the nation under -Aretas the king, guarded the city of the Damascenes, to apprehend -me; and through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, -and so escaped his hands. [_Chap_. xii. 1.] If I must glory, -(it is not expedient indeed,) but I will come to the visions and -revelations of the Lord. I know a man in Christ about fourteen -years ago, (whether in the body, I know not, or out of the body, -I know not, God knoweth,) such a one rapt even to the third -heaven. And I know such a man (whether in the body, or out of the -body, I cannot tell, God knoweth) how he was caught up into -paradise, and heard secret words, which is not granted to man to -utter. For such a one I will glory; but for myself I will glory -nothing, but in my infirmities. For though I should have a mind -to glory, I shall not be foolish: for I will say the truth. But I -forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he -seeth in me, or any thing he heareth from me. -{407} -And lest the greatness of the revelations should lift me up, -there was given me a string of my flesh, an angel of Satan, to -buffet me. For which thing I thrice besought the Lord, that it -might depart from me: and he said to me: My grace is sufficient -for thee: for power is made perfect in infirmity. Gladly, -therefore, will I glory in my infirmities, that the power of -Christ may dwell in me. - - -Gospel. -_Luke_ viii. 4, 16. -_At that time:_ When a very great multitude was gathered -together, and hastened out of the cities to meet Jesus, he spoke -by a similitude. A sower went out to sow his seed; and as he -sowed, some fell by the way-side, and it was trodden down, and -the fowls of the air devoured it. And other some fell upon a -rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because -it had no moisture. And other some fell among thorns; and the -thorns growing up with it, choked it. And other some fell upon -good ground, and sprung up, and yielded fruit a hundred-fold. -Saying these things he cried out: He that hath ears to hear, let -him hear. And his disciples asked him what this parable might be. -To whom he said: To you it is given to know the mystery of the -kingdom of God; but to the rest in parables: that seeing they may -not see, and hearing they may not understand. Now the parable is -this: The seed is the word of God. And they by the way-side, are -they that hear; then the devil cometh, and taketh the word out of -their hearts, lest believing they should be saved. Now they upon -the rock are they, who, when they hear, receive the word with -joy; and these have no roots; for they believe for a while, and -in time of temptation fall away. And that which fell among -thorns, are they who have heard, and going their way, are choked -with the cares and the riches and pleasures of this life, and -yield no fruit. But that on the good ground, are they, who in a -good and perfect heart, hearing the word, keep it, and bring -forth fruit in patience. - -{408} - - Quinquagesima Sunday. - -Epistle. -1 _Corinthians_ xiii. 1, 13. -_Brethren:_ If I speak with the tongues of men and of -angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a -tinkling cymbal. And if I should have prophecy, and should know -all mysteries, and all knowledge, and if I should have all faith, -so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am -nothing. And if I should distribute all my goods to feed the -poor, and if I should deliver my body to be burned, and have not -charity, it profiteth me nothing. Charity is patient, is kind. -Charity envieth not, dealeth not perversely; it is not puffed up, -it is not ambitious, seeketh not her own, is not provoked to -anger, thinketh no evil, rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth -with the truth; beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth -all things, endureth all things. Charity never falleth away; -whether prophecies shall be made void, or tongues shall cease, or -knowledge shall be destroyed. For we know in part, and we -prophesy in part; but when that which is perfect is come, that -which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spoke -as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but -when I became a man, I put away the things of a child. We now see -through a glass in a dark manner; but then face to face. Now I -know in part; but then I shall know even as I am known. And now -there remain faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest -of these is charity. - - - -Gospel. -_Luke_ xviii. 31, 43. -_At that time:_ Jesus took unto him the twelve, and said to -them: Behold we go up to Jerusalem, and all things shall be -accomplished which were written by the prophets concerning the -Son of Man. For he shall be delivered to the Gentiles, and shall -be mocked, and scourged, and spit upon; and after they have -scourged him, they will put him to death, and the third day he -shall rise again. And they understood none of these things. -{409} -And this word was hid from them, and they understood not the -things that were said. Now it came to pass, that when he drew -nigh to Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way-side, -begging. And when he heard the multitude passing by, he asked -what this meant. And they told him that Jesus of Nazareth was -passing by. And he cried out: Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on -me. And they that went before, rebuked him, that he should hold -his peace. But he cried out much more: Son of David, have mercy -on me. And Jesus, standing, commanded him to be brought unto him. -And when he was come near, he asked him, saying: What wilt thou -that I do to thee? But he said: Lord, that I may see. And Jesus -said to him: Receive thy sight; thy faith hath made thee whole. -And immediately he saw, and followed him, glorifying God. And all -the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God. Credo. - - - Ash-Wednesday. - -Lesson. -_Joel_ ii. 12, 19. -Thus saith the Lord: Be converted to me with all your heart, in -fasting, in weeping, and in mourning. And rend your hearts, and -not your garments, and turn to the Lord your God; for he is -gracious and merciful, patient and rich in mercy, and ready to -repent of the evil. Who knoweth but he will return, and forgive, -and leave a blessing behind him; sacrifice and libation to the -Lord your God? Blow the trumpet in Sion, sanctify a fast, call a -solemn assembly, gather together the people, sanctify the church, -assemble the ancients, gather together the little ones, and them -that suck at the breasts: let the bridegroom go forth from his -bed, and the bride out of the bride-chamber. Between the porch -and the altar, the priests, the Lord's ministers, shall weep, and -shall say: Spare, O Lord, spare thy people; and give not thine -inheritance to reproach, that the heathens should rule over them. -{410} -Why should they say among the nations: Where is their God? The -Lord hath been zealous for his land, and hath spared his people. -And the Lord answered and said to his people: Behold I will send -you corn, and wine, and oil; you shall be filled with them, and I -will no more make you a reproach among the nations, saith the -Lord Almighty. - - -Gospel. -_Matthew_ vi. 16, 21. -_At that time:_ Jesus said to his disciples: When you fast, -be not, as the hypocrites, sad. For they disfigure their faces, -that they may appear to men to fast. Amen, I say to you, they -have received their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint -thy head, and wash thy face, that thou appear not to men to fast, -but to thy Father, who is in secret; and thy Father, who seeth in -secret, will reward thee. Lay not up for yourselves treasures on -earth, where the rust and moth consume, and where thieves break -through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, -where neither rust nor moth doth consume, and where thieves do -not break through, nor steal. For where thy treasure is, there is -thy heart also. - - - First Sunday In Lent. - -Epistle. -2 _Corinthians_ vi. 1, 10. -_Brethren:_ We exhort you, that you receive not the grace of -God in vain. For he saith: "In an acceptable time have I heard -thee; and in the day of salvation have I helped thee." Behold, -now is the acceptable time: behold, now is the day of salvation. -Giving no offence to any man, that our ministry be not blamed: -but in all things let us exhibit ourselves as the ministers of -God, in much patience, in tribulation, in necessities, in -distresses, in stripes, in prison, in seditions, in labours, in -watchings, in fastings, in chastity, in knowledge, in -long-suffering, in sweetness, in the Holy Ghost, in charity -unfeigned, in the word of truth, in the power of God; by the -armour of justice on the right hand, and on the left: by honour, -and dishonour: by evil report, and good report: as deceivers, and -yet true: as unknown, and yet known: as dying, and behold we -live: as chastised, and not killed: as sorrowful, yet always -rejoicing: as needy, yet enriching many: as having nothing, and -possessing all things. - -{411} - -Gospel. -_Matthew_ iv. 1, 11. -_At that time:_ Jesus was led by the spirit into the desert, -to be tempted by the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and -forty nights, he was afterwards hungry. And the tempter coming, -said to him, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones -be made bread. But he answered and said: It is written, "Not by -bread alone doth man live, but by every word that proceedeth out -of the mouth of God." Then the devil took him into the holy city, -and set him upon a pinnacle of the temple, and said to him: If -thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down; for it is written, "He -hath given his angels charge over thee, and in their hands shall -they bear thee up, lest perhaps thou dash thy foot against a -stone." Jesus said to him: It is written again, "Thou shalt not -tempt the Lord thy God." Again the devil took him up into a very -high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world, and -the glory of them, and said to him: All these will I give thee, -if thou wilt fall down and adore me. Then Jesus said to him: -Begone, Satan; for it is written, "The Lord thy God shalt thou -adore, and him only shalt thou serve." Then the devil left him; -and behold angels came and ministered to him.--Credo. - - - Second Sunday In Lent. - -Epistle. -1 _Thessalonians_, iv. 1, 7. -_Brethren:_ We pray and beseech you in the Lord Jesus, that -as you have received of us, how you ought to walk and to please -God, so also you would walk, that you may abound the more. -{412} -For you know what precepts I have given to you by the Lord Jesus. -For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that you should -abstain from fornication, that every one of you should know how -to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour, not in the -passion of lust, like the Gentiles that know not God; and that no -man over-reach nor circumvent his brother in business; because -the Lord is the avenger of all these things, as we have told you -before, and have testified. For God hath not called us unto -uncleanness, but unto sanctification. - - -Gospel. -_Matthew_ xvii. 1, 9. -_At that time:_ Jesus taketh unto him Peter and James, and -John his brother, and bringeth them up into a high mountain -apart: and he was transfigured before them. And his face did -shine as the sun: and his garments became white as snow. And -behold there appeared to them Moses and Elias talking with him. -Then Peter answering, said to Jesus: Lord, it is good for us to -be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles, one -for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. And as he was yet -speaking, behold a bright cloud overshadowed them. And lo, a -voice out of the cloud, saying: This is my beloved Son, in whom I -am well pleased; hear ye him. And the disciples hearing, fell -upon their face, and were very much afraid. And Jesus came and -touched them, and said unto them: Arise, and be not afraid. And -when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one, but only Jesus. -And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, -saying: Tell the vision to no man, till the Son of man shall be -risen from the dead. Credo. - - - Third Sunday In Lent. - -Epistle. -_Ephesians_ v. 1, 9. -_Brethren:_ Be ye -therefore followers of God, as most dear children; and walk in -love, as Christ also loved us, and hath delivered himself for us, -an oblation and a sacrifice to God, for an odour of sweetness. -{413} -But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not -so much as be named among you, as becometh saints; or obscenity, -or foolish talking, or scurrility, which is to no purpose: but -rather giving of thanks. For know ye this, and understand, that -no fornicator, or unclean or covetous person, (which is serving -of idols,) hath inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. -Let no man deceive you with vain words. For because of these -things cometh the anger of God upon the children of unbelief. Be -ye not therefore partakers with them. For you were heretofore -darkness, but now light in the Lord. Walk ye as children of the -light. For the fruit of the light is in all goodness, and -justice, and truth. - - -Gospel. -_Luke_ xi. 14, 28. -_At that time:_ Jesus was casting out a devil, and the same -was dumb; and when he had cast out the devil, the dumb spoke, and -the multitude were in admiration at it. But some of them said: He -casteth out devils, by Belzebub, the prince of devils. And -others, tempting, asked of him a sign from heaven. But he seeing -their thoughts, said to them: Every kingdom divided against -itself, shall be brought to desolation, and house upon house -shall fall. And if Satan also be divided against himself, how -shall his kingdom stand? because you say, that through Belzebub I -cast out devils. Now, if I cast out devils by Belzebub, by whom -do your children cast them out? Therefore they shall be your -judges. But if I by the finger of God cast out devils, doubtless -the kingdom of God is come upon you. When a strong man armed -keepeth his court, those things are in peace which he possesseth. -But if a stronger than he come upon him, and overcome him, he -will take away all his armour wherein he trusted, and will -distribute his spoils. He that is not with me is against me: and -he that gathereth not with me, scattereth. When the unclean -spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through places without -water, seeking rest; and not finding, he saith: I will return -into my house whence I came out. -{414} -And when he is come, he findeth it swept and garnished. Then he -goeth and taketh with him seven other spirits more wicked than -himself, and entering in they dwell there; and the last state of -that man becometh worse than the first. And it came to pass, as -he spoke these things, a certain woman from the crowd, lifting up -her voice, said to him: Blessed is the womb that bore thee, and -the paps that gave thee suck. But he said: Yea rather, blessed -are they who hear the word of God, and keep it. Credo. - - - Fourth Sunday In Lent. - -Epistle. -_Galatians_ iv. 22, 31. -_Brethren:_ It is written that Abraham had two sons; the one -by a bond-woman, and the other by a free-woman. But he who was of -the bond-woman, was born according to the flesh; but he by the -free-woman, was by promise. Which things are said by an allegory. -For these are the two testaments. The one from Mount Sina, -engendering unto bondage, which is Agar; for Sina is a mountain -in Arabia, which hath affinity to that Jerusalem which now is, -and is in bondage with her children. But that Jerusalem, which is -above, is free; which is our mother. For it is written: Rejoice, -thou barren, that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that -travailest not; for many are the children of the desolate, more -than of her that hath a husband. Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, -are the children of promise. But as then, he that was born -according to the flesh, persecuted him that was after the spirit, -so also it is now. But what saith the scripture? Cast out the -bond-woman and her son; for the son of the bond-woman shall not -be heir with the son of the free-woman. So then, brethren, we are -not children of the bond-woman, but of the free; by the freedom -wherewith Christ hath made us free. - -{415} - -Gospel. -_John_ vi. 1, 15. -_At that time:_ Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is -that of Tiberias; and a great multitude followed him, because -they saw the miracles which he did on them that were diseased. -Jesus therefore went up into a mountain, and there he sat with -his disciples. Now the pasch, the festival day of the Jews, was -near at hand. When Jesus therefore had lifted up his eyes, and -seen that a very great multitude cometh to him, he said to -Philip: Whence shall we buy bread that these may eat? And this he -said to try him, for he himself knew what he would do. Philip -answered him: Two hundred penny-worth of bread is not sufficient -for them, that every one may take a little. One of his disciples, -Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, saith to him: There is a boy -here that hath five barley loaves, and two fishes; but what are -they among so many? Then Jesus said: Make the men sit down. Now -there was much grass in the place. The men therefore sat down, in -number about five thousand. And Jesus took the loaves; and when -he had given thanks, he distributed to them that were sat down. -In like manner also of the fishes, as much as they would; and -when they were filled, he said to his disciples: Gather up the -fragments that remain, lest they be lost. They gathered up -therefore, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the -five barley loaves, which remained over and above to them that -had eaten. Now these men, when they had seen what a miracle Jesus -had done, said: This is of a truth the prophet that is to come -into the world. Jesus therefore, when he knew that they would -come to take him by force and make him king, fled again into the -mountain himself alone. Credo. - -{416} - - Passion Sunday. - -Epistle. -_Hebrews_ ix. 11, 15. -_Brethren:_ Christ being come, an high priest of the good -things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle not made -with hands, that is, not of this creation, neither by the blood -of goats or of calves, but by his own blood, entered once into -the Holies, having obtained eternal redemption. For if the blood -of goats and of oxen, and the ashes of an heifer being sprinkled, -sanctify such as are defiled, to the cleansing of the flesh; how -much more shall the blood of Christ (who by the Holy Ghost -offered himself unspotted unto God) cleanse our conscience from -dead works to serve the living God? And therefore he is the -mediator of the New Testament; that by means of his death, for -the redemption of those transgressions which were under the -former testament, they that are called may receive the promise of -eternal inheritance. - - - -Gospel. -_John_ viii. 46, 59. -_At that time:_ Jesus said to the multitude of the Jews: -Which of you shall convince me of sin? If I say the truth to you, -why do you not believe me? He that is of God, heareth the words -of God. Therefore you hear them not, because you are not of God. -The Jews therefore answered and said to him: Do we not say well -that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil? Jesus answered: I -have not a devil; but I honour my Father, and you have -dishonoured me. But I seek not my own glory: there is one that -seeketh and judgeth. Amen, amen, I say to you: If any man keep my -word, he shall not see death for ever. The Jews therefore said: -Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the -prophets; and thou sayest: If any man keep my word, he shall not -taste death for ever. Art thou greater than our father Abraham, -who is dead? And the prophets are dead. Whom dost thou make -thyself? Jesus answered: If I glorify myself, my glory is -nothing. -{417} -It is my Father that glorifieth me, of whom you say that he is -your God; and you have not known him, but I know him. And if I -should say that I know him not, I should be like to you, a liar. -But I do know him, and do keep his word. Abraham your father -rejoiced that he might see my day: he saw it, and was glad. The -Jews then said to him: Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast -thou seen Abraham? Jesus said to them: Amen, amen, I say to you, -Before Abraham was made, I am. They took up stones therefore to -cast at him. But Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple. - - - - Palm Sunday. - -Epistle. -_Philippians_ ii. 5, 11. -_Brethren:_ Let this mind be in you, which was also in -Christ Jesus; who being in the form of God, thought it not -robbery to be equal with God, but emptied himself, taking the -form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men, and in -habit found as a man. He humbled himself, becoming obedient unto -death, even to the death of the cross. For which cause God also -hath exalted him, and hath given him a name which is above all -names; that in the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, of those -that are in heaven, on earth, and under the earth. And that every -tongue should confess that the Lord Jesus Christ is in the glory -of the Father. - - -Gospel. _The_ Passion _of our_ Lord Jesus Christ, -_according_ to Matthew xxvi. _and_ xxvii. _At that -time:_ Jesus said to his disciples: You know that after two -days shall be the pasch, and the Son of man shall be delivered up -to be crucified. Then were gathered together the chief priests -and ancients of the people into the court of the high-priest, who -was called Caiphas; and they consulted together, that by subtlety -they might apprehend Jesus, and put him to death. But they said: -Not on the festival day, lest perhaps there should be a tumult -amongst the people. -{418} -And when Jesus was in Bethania, in the -house of Simon the leper, there came to him a woman having an -alabaster-box of precious ointment, and poured it on his head as -he was at table. And the disciples seeing it, had indignation, -saying: To what purpose is this waste? For this might have been -sold for much, and given to the poor. And Jesus knowing it, said -to them: Why do you trouble this woman? For she has wrought a -good work upon me. For the poor you have always with you, but me -you have not always. For she, in pouring this ointment upon my -body, hath done it for my burial. Amen, I say to you, wheresoever -this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, that also which -she hath done, shall be told for a memory of her. Then went one -of the twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, to the chief -priests, and said to them: What will you give me, and I will -deliver him unto you? But they appointed him thirty pieces of -silver. And from thenceforth he sought an opportunity to betray -him. And on the first day of the Azymes the disciples came to -Jesus, saying: Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat -the pasch? But Jesus said: Go ye into the city to a certain man, -and say to him, "The Master saith, My time is near at hand. I -will keep the pasch at thy house with my disciples." And the -disciples did as Jesus appointed to them, and they prepared the -pasch. Now when it was evening, he sat down with is twelve -disciples; and whilst they were eating, he said: Amen, I say to -you, that one of you is about to betray me. And they being very -much troubled, began every one to say: Is it I, Lord? But he -answering said: He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, he -shall betray me. The Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of -him; but woe to that man, by whom the Son of man shall be -betrayed. It were better for him, if that man had not been born. -{419} -And Judas, that betrayed him, answering said: Is it I, -Rabbi? He saith to him: Thou hast said it. And whilst they were -at supper, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and broke: and gave to -his disciples, and said: Take ye, and eat: This is my body. And -taking the chalice he gave thanks, and gave to them, saying: -Drink ye all of this: for this is my blood of the New Testament, -which shall be shed for many for the remission of sins. And I say -to you, I will not drink from henceforth of this fruit of the -vine, until that day when I shall drink it new with you in the -kingdom of my Father. And a hymn being said, they went out into -mount Olivet. Then Jesus said to them: All you shall be -scandalized in me this night. For it is written: "I will strike -the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be dispersed." But -after I shall be risen again, I will go before you into Galilee. -And Peter answering, said to him: Although all shall be -scandalized in thee, I will never be scandalized. Jesus said to -him: Amen, I say to thee, that in this night, before the cock -crow, thou wilt deny me thrice. Peter saith to him: Yea, though I -should die with thee, I will not deny thee. And in like manner -said all the disciples. Then Jesus came with them into a country -place which is called Gethsemani; and he said to his disciples: -Sit you here, till I go yonder, and pray. And taking with him -Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to grow sorrowful, -and to be sad. Then he saith to them: My soul is sorrowful even -unto death; stay you here and watch with me. And going a little -further he fell upon his face, praying, and saying: My Father, if -it be possible, let this chalice pass from me. Nevertheless, not -as I will, but as thou wilt. And he cometh to his disciples and -findeth them asleep, and he said to Peter: What! could you not -watch one hour with me? Watch ye, and pray that ye enter not into -temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. -Again the second time he went and prayed, saying: My Father, if -this chalice may not pass away, but I must drink it, thy will be -done. -{420} -And he cometh again, and findeth them sleeping; for -their eyes were heavy. And leaving them, he went again; and he -prayed the third time, saying the self-same words. Then he cometh -to his disciples, and saith to them: Sleep ye now, and take your -rest: behold the hour is at hand, and the Son of man shall be -betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us go: behold he is -at hand that will betray me. As he yet spoke, behold Judas, one -of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords -and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the ancients of the -people. And he that betrayed him, gave them a sign, saying: -Whomsoever I shall kiss, that is he, hold him fast. And forthwith -coming to Jesus, he said: Hail, Rabbi; and he kissed him. And -Jesus said to him: Friend, whereto art thou come? Then they came -up, and laid hands on Jesus, and held him. And behold one of them -that were with Jesus, stretching forth his hand, drew out his -sword; and striking the servant of the high-priest, cut off his -ear. Then Jesus said to him: Put up again thy sword into its -place; for all that take the sword, shall perish with the sword. -Thinkest thou that I cannot ask my Father, and he will give me -presently more than twelve legions of angels? How then shall the -Scriptures be fulfilled, that so it must be done? In that same -hour Jesus said to the multitude: You are come out as it were to -a robber, with swords and clubs, to apprehend me. I sat daily -with you teaching in the temple, and you laid not hands on me. -Now all this was done, that the Scriptures of the prophets might -be fulfilled. Then the disciples all leaving him, fled. But they -holding Jesus, led him to Caiphas the high-priest, where the -scribes and the ancients were assembled. And Peter followed him -afar off, even to the court of the high-priest; and going in, he -sat with the servants, that he might see the end. And the chief -priests and the whole council sought false witness against Jesus, -that they might put him to death; and they found not, whereas -many false witnesses had come in. -{421} -And last of all there -came two false witnesses; and they said: This man said, I am able -to destroy the temple of God, and after three days to rebuild it. -And the high-priest rising up, said to him: Answerest thou -nothing to the things which these witness against thee? But Jesus -held his peace. And the high-priest said to him: I adjure thee, -by the living God, that thou tell us if thou be the Christ the -Son of God. Jesus saith to him: Thou hast said it. Nevertheless I -say to you. Hereafter you shall see the Son of man sitting on the -right hand of the power of God, and coming in the clouds of -heaven. Then the high-priest rent his garments, saying: He hath -blasphemed, what further need have we of witnesses? Behold, now -you have heard the blasphemy: what think you? But they answering, -said: He is guilty of death. Then did they spit in his face, and -buffet him, and others struck his face with the palms of their -hands, saying: Prophesy unto us, O Christ, who is he that struck -thee? But Peter sat without in the court; and there came to him a -servant-maid, saying: Thou also wast with Jesus the Galilean. But -he denied before them all, saying: I know not what thou sayest. -And as he went out of the gate, another maid saw him, and she -saith to them that were there: This man also was with Jesus of -Nazareth. And again he denied with an oath: That I know not the -man. And after a little while they came that stood by, and said -to Peter: Surely thou also art one of them; for even thy speech, -doth discover thee. Then he began to curse and swear that he knew -not the man. And immediately the cock crew. And Peter remembered -the words of Jesus which he had said: Before the cock crow, thou -wilt deny me thrice. And going forth, he wept bitterly. And when -morning was come, all the chief priests and ancients of the -people took council against Jesus, that they might put him to -death. -{422} -And they brought him bound, and delivered him to -Pontius Pilate the governor. Then Judas, who betrayed him, seeing -that he was condemned, repenting himself, brought back the thirty -pieces of silver to the chief priests and ancients, saying: I -have sinned, in betraying innocent blood. But they said: What is -that to us? look thou to it. And casting down the pieces of -silver in the temple, he departed, and went and hanged himself -with a halter. But the chief priests having taken the pieces of -silver, said: It is not lawful to put them into the corbona, -because it is the price of blood. And after they had consulted -together, they bought with them the potter's field, to be a -burying-place for strangers. For this cause that field was called -Haceldama, that is, the field of blood, even to this day. Then -was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremias the prophet, -saying: "And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of -him that was prized, whom they prized of the children of Israel. -And they gave them unto the potter's field, as the Lord appointed -to me." And Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor -asked him, saying: Art thou the king of the Jews? Jesus saith to -him: Thou sayest it. And when he was accused by the chief priests -and ancients, he answered nothing. Then Pilate saith to him: Dost -thou not hear how great testimonies they allege against thee? And -he answered him to never a word; so that the governor wondered -exceedingly. Now upon the solemn day the governor was accustomed -to release to the people one prisoner, whom they would. And he -had then a notorious prisoner, that was called Barabbas. They -therefore being gathered together, Pilate said: Whom will you -that I release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus that is called Christ? -For he knew that for envy they had delivered him. And as he was -sitting in the place of judgment, his wife sent to him, saying: -Have thou nothing to do with that just man. For I have suffered -many things this day in a dream because of him. -{423} -But the -chief priests and ancients persuaded the people that they should -ask Barabbas, and make Jesus away. And the governor answering, -said to them: Whether will you of the two to be released unto -you? But they said, Barabbas. Pilate saith to them: what shall I -do then with Jesus that is called Christ? They say all: Let him -be crucified. The governor said to them: Why, what evil hath he -done? But they cried out the more, saying: Let him be crucified. -And Pilate seeing that he prevailed nothing, but that rather a -tumult was made; taking water he washed his hands before the -people, saying: I am innocent of the blood of this just man: look -you to it. And the whole people answering, said: His blood be -upon us, and upon our children. Then he released to them -Barabbas: and having scourged Jesus, delivered him unto them to -be crucified. Then the soldiers of the governor taking Jesus into -the hall, gathered together unto him the whole band; and -stripping him, they put a scarlet cloak about him. And platting a -crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his -right hand. And bowing the knee before him, they mocked him, -saying: Hail, king of the Jews. And spitting upon him, they took -the reed, and struck his head. And after they had mocked him, -they took off the cloak from him, and put on his own garments, -and led him away to crucify him. And going out they met a man of -Cyrene named Simon: him they forced to take up the cross. And -they came to the place that is called Golgotha, which is the -place of Calvary. And they gave him wine to drink mingled with -gall. And when he had tasted, he would not drink. And after they -had crucified him, they divided his garments, casting lots: that -it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying: -"They divided my garments among them; and upon my vesture they -cast lots:" and they sat and watched him. And they put over his -head his cause written: _This is Jesus the King of the -Jews._ -{424} -Then were crucified with him two thieves, one on -the right hand, and one on the left. And they that passed by, -blasphemed him, wagging their heads, and saying: Vah, thou that -destroyest the temple of God, and in three days dost rebuild it, -save thy own self: if thou be the Son of God, come down from the -cross. In like manner also the chief priests, with the scribes -and ancients, mocking, said: He saved others; himself he cannot -save: if he be the king of Israel, let him now come down from the -cross, and we will believe him. He trusted in God: let him now -deliver him, if he will have him: for he said: I am the Son of -God. And the self-same thing the thieves also that were crucified -with him, reproached him with. Now from the sixth hour there was -darkness over the whole earth until the ninth hour. And about the -ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying: Eli, Eli, lamma -sabacthani? that is, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" -And some that stood there and heard, said: This man calleth -Elias. And immediately one of them running, took a sponge, and -filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to -drink. And the others said: Let us see whether Elias will come -and deliver him. And Jesus again crying with a loud voice, -yielded up the ghost. [Here all kneel and pause.] And behold the -veil of the temple was rent in two from the top even to the -bottom, and the earth quaked, and the rocks were rent. And the -graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints that had slept -arose; and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection, came -into the holy city and appeared to many. Now the centurion, and -they that were with him watching Jesus, having seen the -earthquake and the things that were done, were sore afraid, -saying: Indeed this was the Son of God. And there were there many -women afar off who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering -unto him: among whom was Mary Magdalen, and Mary the Mother of -James and Joseph, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee. -{425} -And when it was evening, there came a certain rich man of -Arimathea, named Joseph, who also himself was a disciple of -Jesus. He went to Pilate, and asked the body of Jesus. Then -Pilate commanded that the body should be delivered. And Joseph -taking the body, wrapped it up in a clean linen cloth, and laid -it in his own new monument, which he had hewn out in a rock. And -he rolled a great stone to the door of the monument, and went his -way. And there was there Mary Magdalen, and the other Mary -sitting over against the sepulchre. And the next day, which -followed the day of preparation, the chief priests and the -Pharisees came together to Pilate, saying: Sir, we have -remembered, that that seducer said, while he was yet alive: After -three days I will rise again. Command therefore the sepulchre to -be guarded until the third day: lest perhaps his disciples come -and steal him away, and say to the people he is risen from the -dead: and the last error shall be worse than the first. Pilate -said to them: You have a guard; go, guard it as you know. And -they departing, made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and -setting guards. - - - - Easter Sunday. - -Epistle. -1 _Corinthians_ v. 7, 8. -_Brethren:_ Purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new -paste, as you are unleavened. For Christ, our pasch, is -sacrificed. Therefore let us feast, not with the old leaven, nor -with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened -bread of sincerity and truth. - - -Gospel. -_Mark_ xvi. 1, 7. -_At that time:_ Mary Magdalen, and Mary the mother of James -and Salome, brought sweet spices, that coming they might anoint -Jesus. And very early in the morning the first day of the week, -they come to the sepulchre, the sun being now risen. -{426} -And they said one to another: Who shall roll us back the stone -from the door of the sepulchre? And looking, they saw the stone -rolled back. For it was very great. And entering into the -sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side clothed -with a white robe: and they were astonished. Who saith to them: -Be not affrighted: you seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified: -he is risen, he is not here, behold the place where they laid -him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, that he goeth before -you into Galilee: there you shall see him, as he told you. Credo. - - - - Quasimodo, Or Low Sunday. - -Epistle. -1 _John_ v. 4, 9. -_Dearly beloved:_ Whatsoever is born of God, overcometh the -world; and this is the victory which overcometh the world, our -faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth -that Jesus is the Son of God? This is he that came by water and -blood, Jesus Christ: not by water only, but by water and blood. -And it is the Spirit which testifieth, that Christ is the truth. -And there are three who give testimony in heaven, the Father, the -Word, and the Holy Ghost. And these three are one. And there are -three that give testimony on earth: the Spirit, the water, and -the blood, and these three are one. If we receive the testimony -of men, the testimony of God is greater. For this is the -testimony of God which is greater, because he hath testified of -his Son. He that believeth in the Son of God, hath the testimony -of God in himself. - - -Gospel. -_John_ xx. 19, 31. -_At that time:_ When it was late that same day, being the -first day of the week, and the doors were shut, where the -disciples were gathered together for fear of the Jews, Jesus came -and stood in the midst, and said to them: Peace be to you. And -when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. -{427} -The disciples therefore were glad when they saw the Lord. He said -therefore to them again: Peace be to you. As the Father hath sent -me, I also send you. When he had said this, he breathed on them; -and he said to them: Receive ye the Holy Ghost: whose sins you -shall forgive, they are forgiven them; and whose sins you shall -retain, they are retained. Now Thomas, one of the twelve, who is -called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. The other -disciples therefore said to him: We have seen the Lord. But he -said to them: Except I shall see in his hands the print of the -nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my -hands into his side, I will not believe. And after eight days, -again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them. Jesus -cometh, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said: -Peace be to you. Then he said to Thomas: Put in thy finger -hither, and see my hands, and bring hither thy hand, and put it -into my side; and be not faithless, but believing. Thomas -answered, and said to him: My Lord and my God! Jesus said to him: -Because thou hast seen me, Thomas, thou hast believed: blessed -are they that have not seen, and have believed. Many other signs -also did Jesus in the sight of his disciples, which are not -written in this book. But these are written that you may believe -that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God: and that believing you -may have life in his name. Credo. - - - - Second Sunday After Easter. - -Epistle. -1 _Peter_ ii. 21, 25. -_Dearly beloved;_ Christ also suffered for us, leaving you -an example that you should follow his steps. _Who did no sin, -neither was guile found in is mouth_. Who when he was reviled, -did not revile: when he suffered, he threatened not: but -delivered himself to him that judged him unjustly: who his own -self bore our sins in his body upon the tree: that we being dead -to sins, should live to justice: by whose stripes you were -healed. For you were as sheep going astray: but you are now -converted to the shepherd and bishop of your souls. - -{428} - -Gospel. -_John_ x. 11, 16. -_At that time:_ Jesus said to the Pharisees: I am the good -shepherd. The good shepherd giveth his life for his sheep. But -the hireling, and he that is not the shepherd, whose own the -sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming and leaveth the sheep, and -flieth, and the wolf catcheth, and scattereth the sheep: and the -hireling flieth, because he is a hireling; and he hath no care -for the sheep. I am the good shepherd: and I know mine, and mine -know me. As the Father knoweth me, and I know the Father: and I -lay down my life for my sheep. And other sheep I have, that are -not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my -voice, and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. Credo. - - - - Third Sunday After Easter. - -Epistle. -1 _Peter_ ii. 11, 19. -_Dearly beloved:_ I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims to -refrain yourselves from carnal desires, which war against the -soul, having your conversation good among the Gentiles: that -whereas they speak against you as evil doers, they may, by the -good works which they shall behold in you, glorify God in the day -of visitation. Be ye subject therefore to every human creature -for God's sake: whether it be to kings as excelling: or to -governors as sent by him for the punishment of evil doers, and -for the praise of the good: for so is the will of God, that by -doing well you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: -as free, and not as making liberty a cloak for malice, but as the -servants of God. Honour all men: love the brotherhood: fear God: -honour the king. Servants be subject to your masters with all -fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. -For this is thanks-worthy _in Jesus Christ our Lord_. - -{429} - -Gospel. -_John_ xvi. 16,22. -_At that time:_ Jesus said to his disciples: A little while, -and now you shall not see me: and again a little while, and you -shall see me; because I go to the Father. Then some of his -disciples said one to another: What is it that he saith to us: A -little while, and you shall not see me: and again a little while, -and you shall see me, and because I go to the Father? They said -therefore: What is this that he saith: A little while? we know -not what he speaketh. And Jesus knew that they had a mind to ask -him; and he said to them: Of this do you inquire among -yourselves, because I said: A little while, and you shall not see -me; and again, a little while and you shall see me. Amen, amen, I -say to you, that you shall lament and weep, but the world shall -rejoice: and you shall be made sorrowful, but your sorrow shall -be turned into joy. A woman, when she is in labour, hath sorrow, -because her hour is come: but when she hath brought forth the -child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is -born into the world. So also you now indeed have sorrow, but I -will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice; and your joy no -man shall take from you. Credo. - - - - Fourth Sunday After Easter. - -Epistle. -_James_ i. 17, 21. -_Dearly beloved:_ Every best gift, and every perfect gift, -is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom -there is no change, nor shadow of alteration. For of his own will -hath he begotten us by the word of truth, that we might be some -beginning of his creatures. You know, my dearest brethren. And -let every man be swift to hear, but slow to speak, and slow to -anger. For the anger of man worketh not the justice of God. -Wherefore casting away all uncleanness, and abundance of -naughtiness, with meekness receive the ingrafted word, which is -able to save your souls. - -{430} - -Gospel. -_John_ xvi. 5, 15. -_At that time:_ Jesus said to his disciples: I go to him -that sent me; and none of you asketh me: Whither goest thou? But -because I have spoken these things to you, sorrow hath filled -your heart. But I tell you the truth: It is expedient to you that -I go: for if I go not, the Paraclete will not come to you; but if -I go, I will send him to you. And when he is come, he will -convince the world of sin, and of justice, and of judgment. Of -sin: because they believed not in me. And of justice: because I -go to the Father; and you shall see me no longer. And of -judgment: because the prince of this world is already judged. I -have yet many things to say to you: but you cannot bear them now. -But when he, the Spirit of truth is come, he will teach you all -truth. For he shall not speak of himself; but what things soever -he shall hear, he shall speak: and the things that are to come he -shall show you. He shall glorify me: because he shall receive of -mine, and shall show it you. Credo. - - - - Fifth Sunday After Easter. - -Epistle. -_James_ i. 22, 27. -_Dearly beloved:_ Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers -only, deceiving your own selves. For if a man be a hearer of the -word and not a doer; he shall be compared to a man beholding his -own countenance in a glass. For he beheld himself and went his -way, and presently forgot what manner of man he was. But he that -hath looked into the perfect law of liberty, and hath continued -therein, not becoming a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work: -this man shall be blessed in his deed. And if any man think -himself religious, not bridling his tongue, but deceiving his own -heart, this man's religion is vain. _Religion_ clean and -undefiled before God and the Father, is this: to visit the -fatherless and the widows in their tribulation: and to keep one's -self unspotted from the world. - -{431} - -Gospel. -_John_ xvi. 23, 30. -_At that time:_ Jesus said to his disciples: Amen, amen, I -say to you; if you ask the Father any thing in my name, he will -give it you. Hitherto you have not asked any thing in my name. -Ask and you shall receive; that your joy may be full. These -things I have spoken to you in proverbs. The hour cometh when I -no more will speak to you in proverbs, but will show you plainly -of the Father. In that day you shall ask in my name: and I say -not to you, that I will ask the Father for you. For the Father -himself loveth you, because you have loved me, and have believed -that I came out from God. I came forth from the Father, and am -come into the world: again I leave the world, and go to the -Father. His disciples say to him: Behold now thou speakest -plainly, and speakest no proverb. Now we know that thou knowest -all things, and thou needest not that any man should ask thee. By -this we believe that thou camest forth from God. Credo. - - - - Ascension-Day. - -Lesson. -Acts i. 1, 11. -The former treatise, I made, O Theophilus, of all things which -Jesus began to do and to teach, until the day on which, giving -commandments by the Holy Ghost to the apostles whom he had -chosen, he was taken up. To whom also he showed himself alive -after his passion, by many proofs, by forty days appearing to -them, and speaking of the kingdom of God. And eating together -with them, he commanded them, that they should not depart from -Jerusalem, but should wait for the promise of the Father, which -you have heard (saith he) by my mouth: for John indeed baptized -with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not -many days hence. -{432} -They therefore who were come together, asked him, saying: Lord, -wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom of Israel? But -he said to them: It is not for you to know the times or moments, -which the Father hath put in his own power; but you shall receive -the power of the Holy Ghost coming upon you, and you shall be -witnesses to me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and Samaria, and -even to the uttermost part of the earth. And when he had said -these things, while they looked on, he was raised up; and a cloud -received him out of their sight. And while they were beholding -him going up to heaven, behold two men stood by them, in white -garments. Who also said: Ye men of Galilee, why stand you looking -up to heaven? This Jesus, who is taken up from you into heaven, -shall so come as you have seen him going into heaven. - - -Gospel. -_Mark_ xvi. 14, 20. -_At that time:_ Jesus appeared to the eleven as they were at -table; and he upbraided them with their incredulity and hardness -of heart, because they did not believe them who had seen him -after he was risen again. And he said to them: Go ye into the -whole world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that -believeth and is baptized, shall be saved; but he that believeth -not shall be condemned. And these signs shall follow them that -believe: In my name they shall cast out devils: they shall speak -with new tongues: they shall take up serpents: and if they shall -drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them: they shall lay -hands upon the sick, and they shall recover. And the Lord Jesus, -after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven, and -sitteth on the right hand of God. But they going, preached every -where: the Lord working withal, and confirming the word with -signs that followed. Credo. - -{433} - - Sunday Within The Octave Of The Ascension. - -Epistle. -1 _Peter_ iv. 7, 11. -_Most dearly beloved:_ Be prudent, and watch in prayers. But -before all things have a constant mutual charity among -yourselves: for charity covereth a multitude of sins. Using -hospitality one towards another, without murmuring. As every man -hath received grace, ministering the same one to another: as good -stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, let him -speak as the words of God. If any man minister, let him do it as -of the power which God administereth; that in all things God may -be honoured through Jesus Christ; to whom is glory and empire for -ever and ever. _Amen_. - - -Gospel. -_John_ xv. 26. xvi. 1, 4. -_At that time:_ Jesus said to his disciples: When the -Paraclete cometh whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit -of truth, who proceedeth from the Father, he shall give testimony -of me; and you shall give testimony, because you are with me from -the beginning. These things have I spoken to you, that you may -not be scandalized. They will put you out of the synagogues; yea -the hour cometh, that whosoever killeth you, will think that he -doeth a service to God. And these things will they do to you, -because they have not known the Father, nor me. But these things -I have told you; that when the hour shall come, you may remember -that I told you of them. Credo. - - - - Whit-Sunday. - -Lesson. -_Acts_ ii. 1, 11. -When the days of Pentecost were accomplished, they were all -together in one place: and suddenly there came a sound from -heaven, as of a mighty wind coming, and it filled the whole house -where they were sitting. And there appeared to them parted -tongues as it were of fire, and it sat upon every one of them: -and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they began to -speak with divers tongues, according as the Holy Ghost gave them -to speak. -{434} -Now there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men out of -every nation under heaven. And when this was noised abroad, the -multitude came together, and were confounded in mind, because -that every man heard them speak in his own tongue. And they were -all amazed and wondered, saying: Behold, are not all these that -speak, Galileans; and how have we heard, every man our own tongue -wherein we were born? Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and -inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea, and Cappadocia, Pontus and -Asia, Phrygia and Pamphilia, Egypt and the parts of Lybia, about -Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews also, and Proselytes, Cretes -and Arabians: we have heard them speak in our own tongues the -wonderful works of God. - - -Gospel. -_John_ xiv. 23. 31. -_At that time:_ Jesus said to his disciples: If any one love -me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we -will come to him, and will make our abode with him: he that -loveth me not, keepeth not my words. And the word which you have -heard, is not mine: but the Father's who sent me. These things -have I spoken to you, abiding with you. But the Paraclete, the -Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach -you all things, and bring all things to your mind, whatsoever I -shall have said to you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give -to you: not as the world giveth, do I give unto you. Let not your -heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. You have heard that I -said to you: I go away, and I come again to you. If you loved me, -you would indeed be glad, because I go to the Father: for the -Father is greater than I. And now I have told you before it come -to pass: that when it shall come to pass, you may believe. I will -not now speak many things with you. For the prince of this world -cometh, and in me he hath not any thing. But that the world may -know that I love the Father: and as the Father hath given me -commandment, so do I. Credo. - -{435} - - Trinity Sunday. - -Epistle. -_Romans_ xi. 33, 36. -O the depth of the -riches of the wisdom and of the knowledge of God! -How incomprehensible are his judgments, and how -unsearchable his ways! For who hath known the mind -of the Lord? Or who hath been his counsellor? Or -who hath first given to him, and recompense shall be -made him? For of him, and by him, and in him are all -things: to him be glory for ever. Amen. - - -Gospel. -_Matthew_ xxviii. 18, 20. -_At that time:_ Jesus said to his disciples: All power is -given to me in heaven and in earth. Going, therefore, teach all -nations: _Baptising them in the name op the Father, and of the -Son, and of the Holy Ghost._ Teaching them to observe all -things whatsoever I have commanded you: and behold I am with you -all days, even to the consummation of the world. Credo. - - -Gospel of the First Sunday _after_ Pentecost. -_Luke_ vi. 30, 42. -_At that time:_ Jesus said to his disciples: Be ye merciful, -as your Father also is merciful. Judge not, and you shall not be -judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and -you shall be forgiven. Give, and it shall be given to you; good -measure and pressed down and shaken together and running over, -shall be given into your bosom. For with the same measure that -you shall mete withal, it shall be measured to you again. And he -spoke also to them a similitude: Can the blind lead the blind? do -they not both fall into the ditch? The disciple is not above his -master: but every one shall be perfect, if he be as his master. -And why seest thou the mote in thy brother's eye; but the beam -that is in thy own eye thou considerest not? or how canst thou -say to thy brother: Brother, let me pull the mote out of thy eye, -when thou thyself seest not the beam in thy own eye? Hypocrite, -cast first the beam out of thine own eye, and then thou shalt see -clearly to take out the mote from thy brother's eye. _Deo -gratias_. - -{436} - - Corpus Christi - -Epistle. -1 _Corinthians_ xi. 23, 29. -_Brethren:_ I have received of the Lord, that which also I -delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus, the same night in which he -was betrayed, took bread, and giving thanks, broke, and said: -_Take ye, and eat: this is my body which shall be delivered for -you: this do for the commemoration of me._ In like manner also -the chalice, after he had supped, saying: _This chalice is the -New Testament in my blood: this do ye, as often as you shall -drink it, for the commemoration of me._ For as often as you -shall eat this bread, and drink this chalice, you shall show the -death of the Lord, until he come. Therefore, whosoever shall eat -this bread or drink of the chalice of the Lord unworthily, shall -be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man prove -himself: and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of the -chalice. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and -drinketh judgment to himself, not discerning the body of the -Lord. - - -Gospel. -_John_ vi. 56, 59. -_At that time:_ Jesus said to the multitude of the Jews: My -flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that -eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood, abideth in me, and I in -him. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father; -so he that eateth me, the same also shall live by me. This is the -bread that came down from heaven. Not as your fathers did eat -manna and are dead. He that eateth this bread shall live for -ever. Credo. - -{437} - - Second Sunday After Pentecost. - -Epistle. -1 _John_ iii. 13, 18. -_Dearly beloved:_ Wonder not if the world hate you. We know -that we have passed from death to life, because we love the -brethren. He that loveth not, abideth in death. Whosoever hateth -his brother, is a murderer. And you know that no murderer hath -eternal life abiding in himself. In this we have known the -charity of God, because he hath laid down his life for us: and we -ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. He that hath the -substance of this world, and shall see his brother in need, and -shut up his bowels from him: how doth the charity of God abide in -him? My little children, let us not love in word, nor in tongue, -but in deed and in truth. - - -Gospel. -_Luke_ xiv. 16, 24. -_At that time:_ Jesus spoke this parable to the Pharisees: A -certain man made a great supper, and invited many, and he sent -his servant at the hour of supper to say to them that were -invited, that they should come, for now all things are ready. And -they began all at once to make excuse. The first said to him: I -have bought a farm, and must needs go out and see it: I pray -thee, hold me excused. And another said: I have bought five yoke -of oxen, and I go to try them: I pray thee hold me excused. And -another said: I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. -And the servant returning told these things to his lord. Then the -master of the house being angry, said to his servant: Go out -quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in -hither the poor, and the feeble, and the blind, and the lame. And -the servant said: Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and -yet there is room. And the Lord said to the servant: Go out into -the high-ways and hedges; and compel them to come in, that my -house may be filled. But I say unto you, that none of those men -that were invited, shall taste of my supper. Credo. - -{438} - - Third Sunday After Pentecost. - -Epistle. -1 _Peter_ v. 6, 11. -_Dearly beloved:_ Be you humbled under the mighty hand of -God, that he may exalt you in the time of visitation. Casting all -your care upon him, for he hath care of you. Be sober and watch: -because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, goeth about, -seeking whom he may devour: whom resist ye, strong in faith; -knowing that the same affliction befalls your brethren who are in -the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us into his -eternal glory in Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little, -will himself perfect you, and confirm and stablish you. To him be -glory and empire for ever and ever. _Amen_. - - -Gospel. -_Luke_ xv. 1, 10. -_At that time:_ The publicans and sinners drew near unto him -to hear him. And the Pharisees and Scribes murmured, saying: This -man receiveth sinners and eateth with them. And he spoke to them -this parable, saying: What man of you that hath a hundred sheep, -and if he shall lose one of them, doth he not leave the -ninety-nine in the desert, and go after that which was lost until -he find it? And when he hath found it, lay it upon his shoulders -rejoicing: and coming home call together his friends and -neighbours, saying to them: Rejoice with me, because I have found -my sheep that was lost? I say to you, that even so there shall be -joy in heaven upon one sinner that doth penance, more than upon -ninety-nine just who need not penance. Or what woman having ten -groats, if she lose one groat, doth not light a candle, and sweep -the house, and seek diligently until she find it? And when she -hath found it, call together her friends and neighbours, saying: -Rejoice with me, because I have found the groat which I had lost? -So I say to you, there shall be joy before the angels of God upon -one sinner doing penance. Credo. - -{439} - - Fourth Sunday After Pentecost. - -Epistle. -_Romans_ viii. 18, 23. -_Brethren:_ I reckon that the sufferings of this time are -not worthy to be compared with the glory to come, that shall be -revealed in us. For the expectation of the creature waiteth for -the revelation of the sons of God. For the creature was made -subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him that made -it subject, in hope: Because the creature also itself shall be -delivered from the servitude of corruption, into the liberty of -the glory of the children of God. For we know that every creature -groaneth and travaileth in pain even till now. And not only it, -but ourselves also, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, even -we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption of -the sons of God, the redemption of our body in Christ Jesus our -Lord. - - -Gospel. -_Luke_ v. 1, 11. -_At that time:_ -It came to pass, that when the multitude pressed upon him to hear -the word of God, he stood by the lake of Genesareth. And he saw -two ships standing by the lake; but the fishermen were gone out -of them and were washing their nets. And going up into one of the -ships that was Simon's, he desired him to draw back a little from -the land. And sitting he taught the multitudes out of the ship. -Now when he had ceased to speak, he said to Simon: Launch out -into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. And Simon, -answering, said to him: Master, we have laboured all the night, -and have taken nothing; but at thy word I will let down the net. -And when they had done this, they enclosed a very great multitude -of fishes, and their net broke. And they beckoned to their -partners that were in the other ship, that they should come and -help them. And they came and filled both the ships, so that they -were almost sinking. -{440} -Which when Simon Peter saw, he fell down at Jesus's knees, -saying: Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord. For he was -wholly astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of -the fishes which they had taken. And so were also James and John -the sons of Zebedee, who were Simon's partners. And Jesus saith -to Simon: Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. And -having brought their ships to land, leaving all things they -followed him. Credo. - - - Fifth Sunday After Pentecost. - -Epistle. -1 _Peter_ iii. 8, 15. -_Dearly beloved:_ Be ye all of one mind, having compassion -one of another, being lovers of the brotherhood, merciful, -modest, humble: not rendering evil for evil, or railing for -railing, but contrariwise, blessing: for unto this you are -called, that you may inherit a blessing. "For he that will love -life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, -and his lips that they speak no guile. Let him decline from evil, -and do good: let him seek after peace, and pursue it: because the -eyes of the Lord are upon the just, and his ears unto their -prayers; but the countenance of the Lord against them that do -evil things." And who is he that can hurt you, if you be jealous -of good? But if also you suffer any thing for justice sake, -blessed are ye. And be not afraid of their fear, and be not -troubled. But sanctify the Lord Christ in your hearts. - - -Gospel. -_Matthew_ v. 20, 24. -_At that time:_ Jesus said to his disciples: Unless your -justice exceed that of the Scribes and Pharisees, you shall not -enter into the kingdom of heaven. You have heard that it was said -to them of old: Thou shalt not kill. And whosoever hall kill, -shall be in danger of the judgment. But I say to you, that -whosoever is angry with his brother, shall be in danger of the -judgment. And whosoever shall say to his brother, _Raca_, -shall be _in danger of_ the council. And whosoever shall -say, Thou fool, shall be _in danger of_ hell fire. -Therefore, if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there shalt -remember that thy brother hath any thing against thee; leave -there thy gift before the altar, and go first to be reconciled to -thy brother: and then come and offer thy gift. Credo. - -{441} - - Sixth Sunday After Pentecost. - -Epistle. -_Romans_ vi. 3, 11. -_Brethren:_ All we who are baptized in Christ Jesus, are -baptized in his death. For we are buried together with him by -baptism unto death: that as Christ is risen from the dead by the -glory of the Father, so we also may walk in newness of life. For -if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we -shall also be in the likeness of his resurrection. Knowing this, -that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin may -be destroyed, and that we may serve sin no longer. For he that is -dead is justified from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we -believe that we shall live also together with Christ. Knowing -that Christ, rising again from the dead, dieth now no more, death -shall no more have dominion over him. For in that he died to sin, -he died once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. So do -you also reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to -God in Christ Jesus our Lord. - - -Gospel. -_Mark_ viii. 1, 9. -_At that time:_ When there was a great multitude with Jesus, -and had nothing to eat: calling his disciples together, he saith -to them: I have compassion on the multitude, for behold they have -now been with me three days, and have nothing to eat; and if I -send them away fasting to their own home, they will faint in the -way: for some of them came afar off. And his disciples answered -him: From whence can any one fill them here with bread in the -wilderness? -{442} -And he asked them: How many loaves have ye? Who said: Seven. And -he commanded the people to sit down on the ground; and taking the -seven loaves, giving thanks, he broke, and gave to his disciples -for to set before them, and they set them before the people. And -they had a few little fishes; and he blessed them, and commanded -them to be set before them. And they did eat and were filled, and -they took up that which was left of the fragments, seven baskets. -And they that had eaten were about four thousand: and he sent -them away. Credo. - - - Seventh Sunday After Pentecost. - -Epistle. -_Romans_ vi. 19. -_Brethren:_ I speak a human thing, because of the infirmity -of your flesh: for as you have yielded your members to serve -uncleanness and iniquity unto iniquity; so now yield your members -to serve justice, unto sanctification. For when you were the -servants of sin, you were free from justice. What fruit therefore -had you then in those things of which you are now ashamed? For -the end of them is death. But now being made free from sin, and -become servants to God, you have your fruit unto sanctification, -and the end life everlasting. For the wages of sin is death; but -the grace of God, life everlasting in Christ Jesus our Lord. - - -Gospel. -_Matthew_ vii. 15, 21. -_At that time:_ Jesus said to his disciples: Beware of false -prophets, who come to you in the clothing of sheep, but inwardly -they are ravening wolves. By their fruits you shall know them. Do -men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every -good tree bringeth forth good fruit, and the evil tree bringeth -forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, -neither can an evil tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that -bringeth not forth good fruit, shall be cut down, and shall be -cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits you shall know -them. Not everyone that saith, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the -kingdom of heaven; but he that doth the will of my Father who is -in heaven, he shall enter into the kingdom of heaven. Credo. - -{443} - - Eighth Sunday After Pentecost. - -Epistle. -_Romans_ viii. 12, 17. -_Brethren:_ We are debtors, not to the flesh, to live -according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh, -you shall die: but if by the Spirit you mortify the deeds of the -flesh, you shall live. For whosoever are led by the Spirit of -God, they are the sons of God. For you have not received the -spirit of bondage again in fear; but you have received the spirit -of adoption of sons, whereby we cry: Abba, (Father.) For the -Spirit himself giveth testimony to our spirit, that we are the -sons of God. And if sons, heirs also: heirs indeed of God, and -joint heirs with Christ. - - -Gospel. -_Luke_ xvi. 1, 9. -_At that time:_ Jesus spoke to his disciples this parable: -There was a certain rich man who had a steward: and the same was -accused unto him, that he had wasted his goods. And he called -him, and said to him; How is it that I hear this of thee? give an -account of thy stewardship: for now thou canst be steward no -longer. And the steward said within himself: What shall I do, -because my lord taketh away from me the stewardship? To dig I am -not able; to beg I am ashamed. I know what I will do, that when I -shall be removed from the stewardship, they may receive me into -their houses. Therefore calling together every one of his lord's -debtors, he said to the first: How much dost thou owe my lord? -But he said: A hundred barrels of oil. And he said to him: Take -thy bill and sit down quickly, and write fifty. Then he said to -another: And how much dost thou owe? Who said: A hundred quarters -of wheat. He said to him: Take thy bill and write eighty. And the -lord commended the unjust steward, forasmuch as he had done -wisely: for the children of this world are wiser in their -generation, than the children of light. And I say to you: Make -unto you friends of the mammon of iniquity, that when you shall -fail, they may receive you into everlasting dwellings. Credo. - -{444} - - Ninth Sunday After Pentecost. - -Epistle. -1 _Corinthians_ x. 6, 13. -_Brethren:_ Let us not covet evil things, as they also -coveted. Neither become ye idolaters, as some of them: as it is -written: "The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to -play." Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them -committed fornication, and there fell in one day three-and-twenty -thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ: as some of them tempted, -and perished by the serpents. Neither do you murmur: as some of -them murmured, and were destroyed by the destroyer. Now all these -things happened to them in figure: and they are written for our -correction, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore -let him that thinketh himself to stand, take heed lest he fall. -Let no temptation take hold on you but such as is human. And God -is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that -which you are able; but will make also with temptation issue, -that you may be able to bear it. - - -Gospel. -_Luke_ xix. 41, 47. -_At that time:_ When he drew near to Jerusalem, seeing the -city, he wept over it, saying: If thou also hadst known, and that -in this thy day, the things that are to thy peace: but now they -are hidden from thy eyes. For the days shall come upon thee: and -thy enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee -round, and straiten thee on every side, and beat thee flat to the -ground, and thy children who are in thee: and they shall not -leave in thee a stone upon a stone; because thou hast not known -the time of thy visitation. And entering into the temple, he -began to cast out them that sold therein, and them that bought, -saying to them: It is written: "My house is the house of prayer." -But you have made it a den of thieves. And he was teaching daily -in the temple. Credo. - -{445} - - Tenth Sunday After Pentecost. - -_Epistle._ -1 _Corinthians_ xii. 2, 11. -_Brethren:_ You know that when you were heathens, you went -to dumb idols, according as you were led. Wherefore I give you to -understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God, saith -anathema to Jesus. And no man can say the Lord Jesus, but by the -Holy Ghost. Now there are diversities of graces, but the same -spirit. And there are diversities of ministries, but the same -Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but the same God -who worketh all in all. And the manifestation of the Spirit is -given to every man unto profit. To one indeed, by the Spirit, is -given the word of wisdom; and to another, the word of knowledge, -according to the same spirit; to another faith in the same -spirit; to another, the grace of healing in one spirit; to -another, the working of miracles; to another, prophecy; to -another, the discerning of spirits; to another, divers kinds of -tongues; to another, interpretation of speeches. But in all these -things, one and the same Spirit worketh, dividing to every one -according as he will. - - -Gospel. -_Luke_ xviii. 9, 14. -_At that time:_ Jesus spake this parable to some who trusted -in themselves as just, and despised others. Two men went up into -the temple to pray: the one was a Pharisee, and the other a -publican. The Pharisee standing, prayed thus with himself: O God, -I give thee thanks that I am not as the rest of men, -extortioners, unjust, adulterers, as also is this publican. I -fast twice in the week: I give tithes of all that I possess. And -the publican standing afar off would not so much as lift up his -eyes towards heaven: but struck his breast, saying: O God, be -merciful to me a sinner. I say to you, this man went down to his -house justified rather than the other, because every one that -exalted himself, shall be humbled; and he that humbleth himself, -shall be exalted. Credo. - -{446} - - Eleventh Sunday After Pentecost. - -Epistle. -1 _Corinthians_ xv. 1, 10. -_Brethren:_ I make known unto you the gospel which I -preached to you, which also you have received, and wherein you -stand, by which also you are saved: if you hold fast after what -manner I preached unto you, unless you have believed in vain. For -I delivered unto you first of all, which I also received: how -that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures: and -that he was buried, and that he arose again the third day -according to the Scriptures: and that he was seen by Cephas; and -after that by the eleven. Then was he seen by more than five -hundred brethren at once; of whom many remain until this present, -and some are fallen asleep. After that he was seen by James, then -by all the apostles: and last of all, he was seen also by me, as -one born out of due time. For I am the least of the apostles, who -am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the -Church of God. But by the grace of God I am what i am; and his -grace in me hath not been void. - - -Gospel. -_Mark_ vii. 31, 37. -_At that time:_ Jesus going out of the coast of Tyre, he -came by Sidon to the sea of Galilee, through the midst of the -coast of Decapolis. And they bring to him one deaf and dumb: and -they besought him that he would lay his hand upon him. And taking -him from the multitude apart, he put his fingers into his ears, -and spitting, he touched his tongue: and looking up to heaven, he -groaned and said to him: Ephpheta, that is, Be opened. And -immediately his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue -was loosed, and he spoke right. And he charged them that they -should tell no man. But the more he charged them, so much the -more a great deal did they publish it. And so much the more did -they wonder, saying: He hath done all things well; he hath made -both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak. Credo. - -{447} - - Twelfth Sunday After Pentecost. - -Epistle. -2 _Corinthians_ iii. 4, 9. -_Brethren:_ We have confidence through Christ towards God: -not that we are sufficient to think any thing of ourselves as of -ourselves: but our sufficiency is from God. Who also hath made us -fit ministers of the New Testament, not in the letter, but in the -spirit. For the letter killeth; but the spirit quickeneth. Now if -the ministration of death, engraven with letters upon stones, was -glorious, so that the children of Israel could not steadfastly -behold the face of Moses, for the glory of his countenance, which -is made void: how shall not the ministration of the Spirit be -rather in glory? For if the ministration of condemnation be -glory, much more the ministration of justice aboundeth in glory. - - -Gospel. -_Luke_ x. 23, 37. -_At that time:_ Jesus said to his disciples: Blessed are the -eyes that see the things which you see. For I say to you, that -many prophets and kings have desired to see the things that you -see, and have not seen them; and to hear the things that you -hear, and have not heard them. And behold a certain lawyer stood -up, tempting him, and saying: Master, what must I do to possess -eternal life? But he said to him: What is written in the law? how -readest thou? He answering, said: "Thou shalt love the Lord thy -God with thy whole heart, and with thy whole soul, and with all -thy strength, and with all thy mind: and thy neighbour as -thyself." -{448} -And he said to him: Thou hast answered right: this do and thou -shalt live. But he, willing to justify himself, said to Jesus: -And who is my neighbour? And Jesus answering, said: A certain man -went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among robbers, who -had stripped him, and having wounded him, went away, leaving him -half dead. And it chanced that a certain priest went down the -same way: and seeing him, passed by. In like manner also a -Levite, when he was near the place, and saw him, passed by. But a -certain Samaritan being on his journey, came near him: and seeing -him, was moved with compassion. And going up to him, bound up his -wounds, pouring in oil and wine: and setting him upon his own -beast brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And the next -day he took out two pieces, and gave to the host, and said: Take -care of him; and whatsoever thou shalt spend over and above, I at -my return will repay thee. Which of these three in thy opinion -was neighbour to him that fell among robbers? But he said: He -that showed mercy to him. And Jesus said to him: Go, and do thou -in like manner. Credo. - - - Thirteenth Sunday After Pentecost. - -Epistle. -_Galatians_ iii. 16, 22. -_Brethren:_ To Abraham were the promises made, and to his -seed. He saith not: And to his seeds, as of many; but as of one: -And to thy seed, which is Christ. Now this I say, that the -testament which was confirmed by God, the law which was made -after four hundred and thirty years, doth not disannul, or make -the promise of no effect. For if the inheritance be of the law, -it is no more of promise. But God gave it to Abraham by promise. -Why then was the law? It was set because of transgressions, until -the seed should come, to whom he made the promise, being ordained -by angels in the hand of a mediator. -{449} -Now a mediator is not of one; but God is one. Was the law then -against the promises of God? God forbid. For if there had been a -law given which could give life, verily justice should have been -by the law. But the Scripture hath concluded all under sin, that -the promise by the faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them -that believe. - - -Gospel. -_Luke_ xvii. 11, 19. -_At that time:_ As Jesus was going to Jerusalem, he passed -through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered into -a certain town, there met him ten men that were lepers, who stood -afar off, and lifted up their voice, saying: Jesus, Master, have -mercy on us. Whom when he saw, he said: Go, show yourselves to -the priests. And it came to pass, that as they went, they were -made clean. And one of them when he saw that he was made clean, -went back, with a loud voice glorifying God. And he fell on his -face before his feet, giving thanks: and this was a Samaritan. -And Jesus answering, said: Were not ten made clean, and where are -the nine? There is no one found to return and give glory to God, -but this stranger. And he said to him: Arise, go thy way; for thy -faith hath made thee whole. Credo. - - - Fourteenth Sunday After Pentecost. - -Epistle. -_Galatians_ v. 16, 24, -_Brethren:_ Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfil the -lusts of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the spirit; and -the spirit against the flesh: for these are contrary to one -another, so that you do not the things that you would. But if you -are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works -of the flesh are manifest, which are, fornication, uncleanness, -immodesty, luxury, idolatry, witchcrafts, enmities, contentions, -emulations, wraths, quarrels, dissensions, sects, envy, murders, -drunkenness, revellings, and such like. -{450} -Of the which I foretell you, as I have foretold to you, that they -who do such things shall not obtain the kingdom of God. But the -fruit of the Spirit is charity, joy, peace, patience, benignity, -goodness, longanimity, mildness, faith, modesty, continency, -chastity. Against such there is no law. And they that are -Christ's, have crucified their flesh with the vices and -concupiscences. - - -Gospel. -_Matthew_ vi. 24, 33. -_At that time:_ Jesus said to his disciples: No man can -serve two masters. For either he will hate the one, and love the -other: or he will sustain the one, and despise the other. You -cannot serve God and mammon. Therefore I say to you, be not -solicitous for your life, what you shall eat, nor for your body, -what you shall put on. Is not the life more than the meat, and -the body more than the raiment: Behold the birds of the air, for -they neither sow, nor do they reap, nor gather into barns, and -your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are not you of much more value -than they? And which of you, by taking thought, can add to his -stature one cubit? And for raiment why are you solicitous? -Consider the lilies of the field how they grow: they labour not, -neither do they spin. But I say to you, that not even Solomon in -all his glory was arrayed as one of these. And if the grass of -the field, which is to-day, and to-morrow is cast into the oven, -God doth so clothe: how much more you, O ye of little faith. Be -not solicitous therefore, saying, what shall we eat, or what -shall we drink, or wherewith shall we be clothed? For after all -these things do the heathens seek. For your Father knoweth that -you have need of all these things. Seek ye therefore first the -kingdom of God, and his justice, and all these things shall be -added unto you. Credo. - -{451} - - Fifteenth Sunday After Pentecost. - -Epistle. -_Galatians_ v. 25. vi. 1, 10. -_Brethren:_ If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in -the Spirit. Let us not be made desirous of vain glory, provoking -one another, envying one another. (Chap, vi.) Brethren, if a man -be overtaken in any fault, you, who are spiritual, instruct such -a one in the spirit of meekness, considering thyself, lest thou -also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens: and so you shall -fulfil the law of Christ. For if any man think himself to be -something, whereas he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. But let -every one prove his own work, and so he shall have glory in -himself only, and not in another. For every one shall bear his -own burden. And let him that is instructed in the word, -communicate to him that instructed him, in all good things. Be -not deceived, God is not mocked. For what things a man shall sow, -those also shall he reap. For he that soweth in his flesh, of the -flesh also shall reap corruption. But; he that soweth in the -Spirit, of the Spirit shall reap life everlasting. And in doing -good, let us not fail. For in due time we shall reap, not -failing. Therefore, whilst we have time, let us work good to all -men, but especially to those who are of the household of the -faith. - - -Gospel. -_Luke_ vii. 11, 16. -_At that time:_ Jesus went into a city called Naim; and -there went with him his disciples, and a great multitude. And -when he came nigh to the city, behold a dead man was carried out, -the only son of his mother, and she was a widow; and much people -of the city were with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had -compassion on her, and said to her: Weep not. And he came near -and touched the bier. And they that carried it, stood still. And -he said: Young man, I say to thee, Arise. And he that was dead, -sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother. -And there came a fear on them all: and they glorified God, -saying: A great prophet is risen up amongst us, and God hath -visited his people. - - -{452} - - Sixteenth Sunday After Pentecost. - -Epistle. -_Ephesians_ iii. 13, 21. -Brethren: I pray you not to faint at my tribulations for you, -which is your glory. For this cause I bow my knee to the Father -of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom all paternity in heaven and -earth is named, that he would grant you, according to the riches -of his glory, to be strengthened by his Spirit with might unto -the inward man. That Christ may dwell by faith in your hearts: -that being rooted and founded in charity, you may be able to -comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth, and length, -and height, and depth: to know also the clarity of Christ, which -surpasseth all knowledge, that you may be filled unto all the -fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do all things more -abundantly than we desire or understand, according to the power -that worketh in us: to him be glory in the church, and in Christ -Jesus, unto all generations, world without end. Amen. - - -Gospel. -_Luke_ xiv. 1, 11. -_At that time:_ When Jesus went into the house of one of the -chief of the Pharisees on the Sabbath-day to eat bread, they -watched him. And behold there was a certain man before him that -had the dropsy. And Jesus answering, spoke to the lawyers and -Pharisees, saying: Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath-day? But -they held their peace. But he, taking him, healed him, and sent -him away. And answering them, he said: Which of you shall have an -ass or an ox fall into a pit; and will not immediately draw him -out on the Sabbath-day? And they could not answer him to these -things. -{453} -And he spoke a parable also to them that were invited, marking -how they chose the first seats at the table, saying to them: When -thou art invited to a wedding, sit not down in the first place, -lest perhaps one more honourable than thou be invited by him: and -he that invited thee and him, come and say to thee: Give this man -place; and then thou begin with shame to take the lowest place. -But when thou art invited, go, sit down in the lowest place, that -when he who invited thee cometh, he may say to thee: Friend, go -up higher. Then shalt thou have glory before them that sit at -table with thee; because every one that exalted himself, shall be -humbled; and he that humbleth himself, shall be exalted. Credo. - - - - Seventeenth Sunday After Pentecost - - -Epistle. -_Ephesians_ iv. 1, 6. -_Brethren:_ I who am a prisoner in the Lord, beseech you -that you walk worthy of the vocation in which you are called. -With all humility and mildness, with patience, supporting one -another in charity. Careful to keep the unity of the Spirit in -the bond of peace. One body and one spirit; as you are called in -one hope of your calling. One Lord, one faith, one baptism. One -God, and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in -us all, who is blessed for evermore. - - -Gospel. -_Matthew_ xxii. 35, 46. -_At that time:_ The Pharisees came to Jesus; and one of -them, a doctor of the law, asked him, tempting him: Master, which -is the great commandment of the law? Jesus said to him: _Thou -shalt love the Lord thy God with thy whole heart, and with thy -whole soul, and with thy whole mind._ This is the greatest and -the first commandment. And the second is like to this: _Thou -shalt love thy neighbour as thyself_. On these two -commandments dependeth the whole law and the prophets. -{454} -And the Pharisees being gathered together, Jesus asked them, -saying: What think you of Christ? whose son is he? They say to -him: David's. He saith to them: How then doth David in spirit -call him Lord, saying: _The Lord said to my Lord, Sit on my -right hand, until I make thy enemies thy footstool?_ If David -then call him Lord, how is he his son? And no man was able to -answer him a word; neither durst any man from that day forth ask -him any more questions. Credo. - - - - Eighteenth Sunday After Pentecost. - -Epistle. -1 _Corinthians_ i. 4, 8. -_Brethren:_ I give thanks to my God always for you, for the -grace of God, that is given you in Christ Jesus; that in all -things you are made rich in him, in all utterance, and in all -knowledge, as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you. So -that nothing is wanting to you in any grace, waiting for the -manifestation of our Lord Jesus Christ. Who also will confirm you -unto the end without crime, in the day of the coming of our Lord -Jesus Christ. - - -Gospel. -_Matthew_ ix. 1, 8. -_At that time:_ Jesus entering into a boat, he passed over -the water and came into his own city. And behold they brought to -him one sick of the palsy, lying on a bed. And Jesus seeing their -faith, said to the man sick of the palsy: Be of good heart, son, -thy sins are forgiven thee. And behold some of the Scribes said -within themselves: He blasphemeth. And Jesus seeing their -thoughts, said: Why do you think evil in your heart? Whether is -it easier to say: Thy sins are forgiven thee: or to say: Arise -and walk? But that you may know that the Son of man hath power on -earth to forgive sins, (then said he to the man sick of the -palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go into thy house. And he -arose and went into his house. And the multitude seeing it, -feared and glorified God that gave such power to men. Credo. - -{455} - - Nineteenth Sunday After Pentecost. - -Epistle. -_Ephesians_. iv. 23, 28. -_Brethren:_ Be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and put -on the new man, who, according to God, is created in Justice, and -holiness of truth. Wherefore putting away lying, speak ye the -truth every man with his neighbour: for we are members one of -another. Be angry and sin not. Let not the sun go down upon your -anger. Give not place to the devil. He that stole, let him now -steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands -the thing which is good, that he may have something to give to -him that suffereth need. - - -Gospel. -_Matthew_ xxii. 1, 14. -_At that time:_ Jesus spoke to the scribes and Pharisees in -a parable, saying: The kingdom of heaven is likened to a king, -who made a marriage for his son. And he sent his servants, to -call them that were invited to the marriage: and they would not -come. Again he sent other servants, saying: Tell them that were -invited: Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my beeves and -fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come ye to the -marriage. But they neglected, and went their ways, one to his -farm, and another to his merchandise. And the rest laid hands on -his servants, and having treated them contumeliously, put them to -death. But when the king had heard of it, he was angry, and -sending his armies, he destroyed those murderers, and burnt their -city. Then he saith to his servants: The marriage indeed is -ready: but they that were invited, were not worthy. Go ye -therefore into the high-ways; and as many as you shall find, call -to the marriage. And his servants going forth into the ways, -gathered together all they found, both bad and good: and the -marriage was filled with guests. -{456} -And the king went in to see the guests, and he saw there a man -who had not on a wedding garment. And he saith to him, Friend, -how camest thou in hither, not having on a wedding garment? But -he was silent. Then the king said to the waiters: Bind his hands -and his feet, and cast him into the exterior darkness; there -shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called but -few are chosen. Credo. - - - - Twentieth Sunday After Pentecost. - -Epistle. -_Ephesians_. v. 15, 21. -_Brethren:_ See, therefore, how you walk circumspectly, not -as unwise, but as wise: redeeming the time, because the days are -evil. Wherefore become not unwise, but understanding what is the -will of God. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is luxury, but -be ye filled with the holy Spirit, speaking to yourselves in -psalms and hymns, and spiritual canticles, singing and making -melody in your hearts to the Lord: giving thanks always for all -things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to God and the -Father. Being subject one to another in the fear of Christ. - - -Gospel, -_John_ iv. 46, 53. -_At that time:_ There was a certain ruler, whose son was -sick at Capharnaum. He having heard that Jesus was come from -Judea into Galilee, went to him, and prayed him to come down and -heal his son, for he was at the point of death. Jesus therefore -said to him: Unless you see signs and wonders, you believe not. -The ruler saith to him: Lord, come down before that my son die. -Jesus saith to him: Go thy way, thy son liveth. The man believed -the word which Jesus said to him, and went his way. And as he was -going down, his servants met him: and they brought word, saying, -that his son lived. He asked therefore of them the hour wherein -he grew better. And they said to him: Yesterday at the seventh -hour the fever left him. The father therefore knew that it was at -the same hour that Jesus said to him: Thy son liveth; and himself -believed, and his whole house. Credo. - -{457} - - Twenty-First Sunday After Pentecost. - -Epistle. -_Ephesians_. vi. 10, 17. -_Brethren:_ Be strengthened in the Lord, and in the might of -his power. Put you on the armour of God, that you may be able to -stand against the deceits of the devil. For our wrestling is not -against flesh and blood; but against principalities and powers, -against the rulers of the world of this darkness, against the -spirit of wickedness in the high places. Therefore take unto you -the armour of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil -day, and to stand in all things perfect. Stand therefore, having -your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breast-plate -of justice, and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel -of peace; in all things taking the shield of faith, wherewith you -may be able to extinguish all the fiery darts of the most wicked -one. And take unto you the helmet of salvation, and the sword of -the Spirit, which is the word of God. - - -Gospel. -_Matthew_ xviii. 28, 35. -_At that time:_ Jesus spoke to his disciples this parable: -The kingdom of heaven is likened to a king who would take an -account of his servants. And when he had begun to take the -account, one was brought to him that owed him ten thousand -talents. And as he had not wherewith to pay it, his lord -commanded that he should be sold, and his wife and children, and -all that he had, and payment to be made. But that servant falling -down, besought him, saying: Have patience with me and I will pay -thee all. -{458} -And the lord of that servant being moved with pity, let him go, -and forgave him the debt. But when that servant was gone out, he -found one of his fellow-servants that owed him a hundred pence; -and laying hold of him, he throttled him, saying: Pay what thou -owest. And his fellow-servant falling down, besought him, saying: -Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. And he would not: -but went and cast him into prison, till he paid the debt. Now his -fellow-servants seeing what was done, were very much grieved, and -they came and told their lord all that was done. Then his lord -called him, and said to him: Thou wicked servant, I forgave thee -all the debt, because thou besoughtest me: shouldst not thou then -have had compassion also on thy fellow-servant, even as I had -compassion on thee? And his lord being angry, delivered him to -the torturers, until he paid all the debt. So also shall my -heavenly Father do to you, if you forgive not every one his -brother from your hearts. Credo. - - - - Twenty-Second Sunday After Pentecost. - -Epistle. -_Philippians_ i. 6, 11. -_Brethren:_ We are confident of this very thing, that he who -hath begun a good work in you, will perfect it unto the day of -Christ Jesus. As it is meet for me to think this for you all: for -that I have you in my heart; and that in my bands, and in the -defence and confirmation of the gospel, you are all partakers of -my joy. For God is my witness, how I long after you all in the -bowels of Jesus Christ. And this I pray, that your charity may -more and more abound in knowledge and in all understanding; that -you may approve the better things, that you may be sincere and -without offence unto the day of Christ. Filled with the fruit of -justice, through Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. - -{459} - -Gospel. -_Matthew_ xxii. 15, 21. -_At that time:_ The Pharisees going, consulted among -themselves how to ensnare Jesus in his speech. And they sent to -him their disciples, with the Herodians, saying: Master, we know -that thou art a true speaker, and teachest the way of God in -truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou dost not regard -the person of men. Tell us therefore what thou dost think, is it -lawful to give tribute to Cæsar or not? But Jesus knowing their -wickedness, said: Why do you tempt me, ye hypocrites? Show me the -coin of the tribute. And they offered him a penny. And Jesus -saith to them: Whose image and inscription is this? They say to -him: Cæsar's. Then he saith to them: Render therefore to Cæsar -the things that are Cæsar's, and to God the things that are -God's. Credo. - - - - Twenty-Third Sunday After Pentecost. - - Should there be but 23 Sundays after Pentecost, the Mass of the - 24th is said to-day, and this on the preceding Saturday, (if it - be neither a double nor semi-double,) in which case it is said - on some vacant day before it. - - -Epistle. -_Philippians_ iii. 17, 21; iv. 1, 3. -_Brethren:_ Be followers of me, and observe them who walk so -as you have our model. For many walk, of whom I have told you -often, (and now tell you weeping,) that they are enemies of the -cross of Christ; whose end is destruction, whose God is their -belly, and whose glory is their shame: who mind earthly things. -But our conversation is in heaven: from whence also we look for -the Saviour, our Lord Jesus Christ, who will reform the body of -our lowness, made like to the body of his glory, according to the -operation whereby also he is able to subdue all things unto -himself. (Chap, iv.) Therefore my dearly beloved brethren, and -most desired, my joy, and my crown: so stand fast in the Lord, my -dearly beloved. I beg of Evodia, and I beseech Syntyche, to be of -one mind in the Lord. And I entreat thee also, my sincere -companion, help those women that have laboured with me in the -gospel, with Clement and the rest of my fellow labourers, whose -names are in the book of life. - -{460} - -Gospel. -_Matthew_ ix. 18, 26. -_At that time:_ As Jesus was speaking to the multitude, -behold a certain ruler came up and adored him, saying: Lord, my -daughter is even now dead; but come, lay thy hand upon her, and -she shall live. And Jesus rising up followed him, with his -disciples. And behold a woman who was troubled with an issue of -blood twelve years, came behind him and touched the hem of his -garment. For she said within herself: If I shall touch only his -garment, I shall be healed. But Jesus turning and seeing her, -said: Be of good heart, daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole. -And the woman was made whole from that hour. And when Jesus was -come into the house of the ruler, and saw the minstrels and the -multitude making a rout, he said: Give place: for the girl is not -dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn. And when the -multitude was put forth, he went in and took her by the hand. And -the maid arose. And the fame hereof went abroad into all that -country. Credo. - - - As there cannot be less than 23, nor more than 28 Sundays after - Pentecost, it is to be observed, that the Mass of the 24th is - always said on that Sunday which immediately precedes Advent. - When, therefore, it happens that there are any intervening - Sundays between the 23rd and the last, the Epistles and Gospels - are taken from the Sundays which were omitted after Epiphany: - for instance, if but one Sunday, the Mass is of the 6th after - Epiphany; if two, of the 5th and 6th; if three, of the 4th, - 5th, and 6th; and if four, of the 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th. - - - - Twenty-Fourth, Or Last Sunday After Pentecost. - -Epistle. -_Ccolossians_ i. 9, 14. -_Brethren:_ We cease not to pray for you, and to beg that -you may be filled with the knowledge of his will, in all wisdom, -and spiritual understanding: that you may walk worthy of God, in -all things pleasing: being fruitful in every good work, and -increasing in the knowledge of God: strengthened with all might, -according to the power of his glory, in all patience and -long-suffering with joy. Giving thanks to God the Father, who -hath made us worthy to be partakers of the lot of the saints in -light: who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath -translated us into the kingdom of the Son of his love, in whom we -have redemption through his blood, the remission of sins. - -{461} - -Gospel. -_Matthew_ xxiv. 15, 35. -_At that time:_ Jesus said to his disciples: When you shall -see the abomination of desolation, which was spoken of by Daniel -the prophet, standing in the holy place: he that readeth let him -understand. Then they that are in Judea, let them flee to the -mountains; and he that is on the house-top, let him not come down -to take any thing out of his house; and he that is in the field, -let him not go back to take his coat. And woe to them that are -with child, and give suck in those days. But pray that your -flight be not in the winter, nor on the Sabbath. For there shall -be then great tribulation, such as hath not been from the -beginning of the world until now, neither shall be. And unless -those days had been shortened, no flesh could be saved: but for -the sake of the elect, those days shall be shortened. Then if any -man shall say to you: Lo! here is Christ, or there: do not -believe him: For there shall arise false Christs, and false -prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders, insomuch as to -deceive (if possible) even the elect. Behold I have told it you, -beforehand; if therefore they shall say to you: Behold he is in -the desert, go ye not out: Behold he is in the closets, believe -it not. For as lightning cometh out of the east, and appeareth -even into the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man -be. Wheresoever the body shall be, there shall the eagles also be -gathered together. -{462} -And immediately after the tribulation of those days, the sun -shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the -stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall -be moved: and there shall appear the sign of the Son of man in -heaven: and then shall all tribes of the earth mourn: and they -shall see the Son of man, coming in the clouds of heaven with -much power and majesty. And he shall send his angels with a -trumpet, and a great voice: and they shall gather together his -elect from the four winds, from the farthest parts of the heavens -to the utmost bounds of them. And from the fig-tree learn a -parable: when the branch thereof is now tender, and the leaves -come forth, you know that summer is nigh. So you also, when you -shall see all these things, know ye that it is nigh even at the -doors. Amen, I say to you, that this generation shall not pass, -till these things be done. Heaven and earth shall pass, but my -words shall not pass. Credo. - -{463} - - The Common Of Saints. - - - Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. - 8th December. - - -Lesson. -_Proverbs_ viii. 22, 35. -The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his ways, before he -made any thing, from the beginning. I was set up from eternity, -and of old, before the earth was made. The depths were not as -yet, and I was already conceived, neither had the fountains of -water as yet sprung out: the mountains with their huge bulk had -not as yet been established: before the hills I was brought -forth: he had not yet made the earth, nor the rivers, nor the -poles of the world. When he prepared the heavens, I was there: -when with a certain law and compass he enclosed he depths: when -he established the sky above, and poised the fountains of waters: -when he compassed the sea with its bounds, and set a law to the -waters, that they should not pass their limits: when he balanced -the foundations of the earth, I was with him forming all things, -and was delighted every day, playing before him at all times, -playing in the world: and my delight is to be with the children -of men. Now, therefore, ye children, hear me: blessed are they -that keep my ways. Hear instruction and be wise, and refuse it -not. Blessed is the man that heareth me, and that watcheth daily -at my gates, and waiteth at the posts of my doors. He that shall -find me shall find life, and shall have salvation from the Lord. - - -Gospel. -_Matthew_ i. 1, 16. -The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the -son of Abraham. Abraham begot Isaac. And Isaac begot Jacob. And -Jacob begot Judas and his brethren. And Judas begot Phares and -Zara of Thamar. -{464} -And Phares begot Esron. And Esron begot Aram. And Aram begot -Aminidab. And Aminidab begot Naasson. And Naasson begot Salmon. -And Salmon begot Booz of Rahab. And Booz begot Obed of Ruth. And -Obed begot Jesse. And Jesse begot David the king. And David the -king begot Solomon, of her who had been _the wife_ of Urias. -And Solomon begot Roboam. And Roboam begot Abia. And Abia begot -Asa. And Asa begot Josaphat. And Josaphat begot Joram. And Joram -begot Ozias. And Ozias begot Joatham. And Joatham begot Achaz. -And Achaz begot Ezechias. And Ezechias begot Menasses. And -Menasses begot Amon. And Amon begot Josias. And Josias begot -Jechonias and his brethren in the transmigration of Babylon. And -after the transmigration of Babylon, Jechonias begot Salathiel. -And Salathiel begot Zorobabel. And Zorobabel begot Abiub. And -Abiub begot Eliacim. And Eliacim begot Azor. And Azor begot -Sadoc. And Sadoc begot Achim. And Achim begot Eliud. And Eliud -begot Eleazar. And Eleazar begot Matham. And Matham begot Jacob. -And Jacob begot Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born -Jesus, who is called Christ. - - - - Of St. Patrick, ap. and Patron of Ireland. - 17th March. - -Lesson. -_Ecclesiastes_ xliv. xlv. -Behold a great priest, who in his time pleased God, and was found -just; and in the time of wrath became an atonement. There were -none found like him in observing the law of the Most High. -Therefore by an oath did the Lord make him great amongst his -people. He gave him the blessing of all nations, and established -his covenant on his head. He acknowledged him in his blessings: -he stored up his mercy for him; and he found favour in the eyes -of the Lord. (Chap, xlv.) He exalted him in the sight of kings; -and gave him a crown of glory. He made with him an eternal -covenant: and bestowed on him a great priesthood: and rendered -him blessed in glory. To perform the priestly office, to sing -praises to the name of God; and to offer him precious incense for -an odour of sweetness. - -{465} - -Gospel. -_Matthew_ xxv. 14, 23. -_At that time:_ Jesus spoke this parable to his disciples: A -man going into a far country, called his servants, and delivered -to them his goods. And to one he gave five talents, and to -another two, and to another one, to every one according to his -proper ability; and immediately he took his journey. And he that -had received the five talents went his way, and traded with the -same, and gained other five. And in like manner he that had -received the two, gained other two. But he that had received the -one, going his way, digged into the earth, and hid his lord's -money. But after a long time the lord of those servants came, and -reckoned with them. And he that had received the five talents, -coming, brought other five talents, saying: Lord, thou didst -deliver to me five talents, behold I have gained other five over -and above. His lord said to him: Well done, good and faithful -servant, because thou hast been faithful over a few things, I -will place thee over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy -lord. And he also that had received the two talents came and -said: Lord, thou deliveredst two talents to me: behold I have -gained other two. His lord said to him: Well done, good and -faithful servant, because thou hast been faithful over a few -things, I will place thee over many things: enter thou into the -joy of thy lord. - - - - Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, - 25th March. - -Lesson. -_Isaiah_ vii. 10. 16. -_In those days:_ The Lord spoke unto Achaz, saying: Ask thee -a sign of the Lord thy God, either unto the depth of hell, or -unto the height above. -{466} -And Achaz said: I will not ask, and I will not tempt the Lord. -And he said: Hear ye, therefore, O house of David; Is it a small -thing for you to be grievous to men, that you are grievous to my -God also? Therefore, the Lord himself shall give you a sign. -Behold a Virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall -be called Emmanuel. He shall eat butter and honey, that he may -know to refuse the evil, and to choose the good. - - -Gospel. -_Luke_ i. 26, 38. -_At that time:_ The angel Gabriel was sent from God into a -city of Galilee, called Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man -whose name was Joseph, of the house of David: and the virgin's -name was Mary. And the angel being come in, said unto her: Hail -Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou -among women. Who having heard, was troubled at his saying, and -thought with herself what manner of salutation this should be. -And the angel said to her: Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found -grace with God. Behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and shalt -bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus. He shall -be great, and shall be called the Son of the Most High, and the -Lord God shall give unto him the throne of David his father: and -he shall reign in the house of Jacob for ever, and of his kingdom -there shall be no end. And Mary said to the angel: How shall this -be done, because I know not man? And the angel answering, said to -her: The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the -Most High shall overshadow thee. And therefore also the Holy -which shall be born of thee, shall be called the Son of God. And -behold thy cousin Elizabeth she also hath conceived a son in her -old age; and this is the sixth month with her that is called -barren: because no word shall be impossible with God. And Mary -said: Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it done to me according -to thy word. - -{467} - - SS. Peter _and_ Paul. - - 29th June. - -Lesson. -_Acts_ xii. 1, 11. -_In those days:_ Herod the king stretched forth his hand to -afflict some of the church. And he killed James the brother of -John with the sword. And seeing that it pleased the Jews, he -proceeded to take up Peter also. Now it was in the days of -Azymes. And when he had apprehended him, he cast him into prison, -delivering him to four files of soldiers to be kept, intending -after the pasch to bring him forth to the people. Peter therefore -was kept in prison. But prayer was made without ceasing by the -church unto God for him. And when Herod would have brought him -forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, -bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the -prison. And behold an angel of the Lord stood by him: and a light -shined in the room: and he striking Peter on the side raised him -up, saying: Arise quickly. And the chains fell off from his -hands. And the angel said to him: Gird thyself, and put on thy -sandals. And he did so. And he said to him: Cast thy garment -about thee, and follow me. And going out he followed him, and he -knew not that it was true which was done by the angel: but -thought he saw a vision. And passing through the first and second -ward, they came to the iron gate that leadeth to the city, which -of itself opened to them. And going out, they passed on through -one street: and immediately the angel departed from him. And -Peter coming to himself, said: Now I know in very deed that the -Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand -of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews. - - -Gospel. -_Matthew_ xvi. 13, 19. -_At that time:_ Jesus came into the quarters of Cesarea -Philippi: and he asked his disciples, saying: Whom do men say -that the Son of man is? But they said: Some, John the Baptist, -and other some, Elias, and others Jeremias, or one of the -prophets. -{468} -Jesus saith to them: But whom do you say that I am? Simon Peter -answered and said: Thou art Christ, the Son of the living God. -And Jesus answering, said to him: Blessed art thou, Simon -Bar-Jona; because flesh and blood hath not revealed it to thee, -but my Father who is in heaven. And I say to thee: That thou art -Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates -of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give to thee the -keys of the kingdom of heaven. And whatsoever thou shalt bind -upon earth, it shall be bound also in heaven: and whatsoever thou -shalt loose on earth, it shall be loosed also in heaven. Credo. - - - - Assumption _of the_ Blessed Virgin Mary. - - 15th August. - -Lesson. -_Ecclesiastes_ xxiv. 11, 20. -I sought rest every where, and I shall abide in the inheritance -of the Lord. Then the Creator of all things gave his orders, and -said to me: and he that made me, rested in my tabernacle, and he -said to me: Let thy dwelling be in Jacob, and thy inheritance in -Israel, and take root in my elect. From the beginning, and before -the world was I created, and unto the world to come I shall not -cease to be, and in the holy dwelling place I have ministered -before him. And I was so established in Sion, and in the holy -city likewise I rested, and my power _was_ in Jerusalem. And -I took root in an honourable people, and in the portion of my God -his inheritance, and my abode is in the full assembly of saints. -I was exalted like a cedar in Libanus, and as a cypress-tree on -mount Sion. I was exalted like a palm-tree in Cades, and as a -rose plant in Jericho: as a fair olive-tree in the plains, and as -a plane-tree by the water in the streets, was I exalted. I gave a -sweet smell like cinnamon, and aromatical balm: like the myrrh I -yielded a sweet odour. - -{469} - -Gospel. -_Luke_ x. 38, 42. -_At that time:_ Jesus entered into a certain town; and a -certain woman named Martha, received him into her house. And she -had a sister called Mary. Who sitting also at the Lord's feet, -heard his word. But Martha was busy about much serving. Who stood -and said: Lord, hast thou no care that my sister hath left me -alone to serve? Speak to her therefore, that she help me. And the -Lord answering, said to her: Martha, Martha, thou art careful, -and art troubled about many things. But one thing is necessary. -Mary hath chosen the best part, which shall not be taken from -her. Credo. - - - - Feast Of All Saints. - - 1st November. - -Lesson. -_Revelation_ vii. 2, 12. -_In those days:_ Behold -I, John, saw another angel ascending from the rising of the sun, -having the sign of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice -to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and -the sea, saying: Hurt not the earth, nor the sea, nor the trees, -till we have signed the servants of our God in their foreheads. -And I heard the number of them that were signed, an hundred -forty-four thousand were signed, of every tribe of the children -of Israel. Of the tribe of Judah, were twelve thousand signed: Of -the tribe of Reuben, twelve thousand signed: Of the tribe of Gad, -twelve thousand signed: Of the tribe of Aser, twelve thousand -signed: Of the tribe of Nephtali, twelve thousand signed: Of the -tribe of Manasses, twelve thousand signed: Of the tribe of -Simeon, twelve thousand signed: Of the tribe of Levi, twelve -thousand signed: Of the tribe of Issachar, twelve thousand -signed: Of the tribe of Zebulon, twelve thousand signed: Of the -tribe of Joseph, twelve thousand signed: Of the tribe of -Benjamin, twelve thousand signed. -{470} -After this I saw a great multitude, which no man could number, of -all nations and tribes, and peoples and tongues; standing before -the throne and in sight of the Lamb, clothed with white robes, -and palms in their hands; and they cried with a loud voice, -saying: Salvation to our God who sitteth upon the throne, and to -the Lamb. And all the angels stood round about the throne, and -the ancients, and the four living creatures; and they fell down -before the throne upon their faces, and adored God, saying: Amen. -Benediction, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, honour, and -power, and strength to our God for ever and ever. Amen. - - -Gospel. -_Matthew_ v. 1, 12. -_At that time:_ Jesus seeing the multitude, went up into a -mountain, and when he was set down, his disciples came unto him. -And opening his mouth he taught them, saying: Blessed are the -poor in spirit; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are -the meek; for they shall possess the land. Blessed are they that -mourn; for they shall be comforted. Blessed are they that hunger -and thirst after justice; for they shall have their fill. Blessed -are the merciful; for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the -clean of heart; for they shall see God. Blessed are the peace -makers; for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are -they that suffer persecution for justice sake; for theirs is the -kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye when they shall revile you, and -persecute you, and speak all that is evil against you untruly, -for my sake; be glad and rejoice, for your reward is very great -in heaven. Credo. - - - - Commemoration _of the_ Faithful _departed_. - - 2nd November. - -Epistle. -1 _Corinthians_ xv. 51, 57. -_Brethren:_ Behold I tell you a mystery: We shall all indeed -rise again; but we shall not all be changed. -{471} -In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet: for -the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall rise again -incorruptible; and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must -put on incorruption; and this mortal must put on immortality. And -when this mortal hath put on immortality, then shall come to pass -the saying that is written: _Death is swallowed up in victory, -O grave, where is thy victory? O death, where is thy sting?_ -Now the sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the -law. But thanks be to God, who hath given us the victory through -our Lord Jesus Christ. - - -Gospel. -_John_ v. 25, 29. -_At that time:_ Jesus said to the multitude of the Jews: -Amen, amen, I say unto you, that the hour cometh, and now is, -when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God, and they -that hear shall live. For as the Father hath life in himself; so -he hath given to the Son also to have life in himself: and he -hath given him power to do judgment, because he is the Son of -man. Wonder not at this, for the hour cometh wherein all that are -in the grave shall hear the voice of the Son of God. And they -that have done good things shall come forth unto the resurrection -of life: but they that have done evil unto the resurrection of -judgment. - -{472} - - Common Of Saints. - - - For The Vigil Of An Apostle, - - Which May Be Read On The Festival Day. - -Lesson. -_Ecclesiastes_ xliv. _and_ xlv. -The blessing of the Lord is on the head of the righteous man. -Therefore did the Lord give him an inheritance, and assign him a -part among the twelve tribes; and he found grace in the sight of -all flesh. And he made him great to the terror of his enemies, -and by his words he tamed monsters. He rendered him glorious in -the presence of kings, and gave him his commandments in the sight -of his people, and showed him his glory. For his faith and -meekness he sanctified him, and made choice of him among all -flesh: and publicly gave him his precepts, and the law of life -and discipline, and highly exalted him. He settled with him an -eternal covenant, and encompassed him with the girdle of -righteousness: and the Lord hath put on him a crown of glory. - - -Gospel. -_John_ xv. 12, 16. -_At that time:_ Jesus said to his disciples: This is my -commandment, that you love one another, as I have loved you. -Greater love than this no man hath, that a man lay down his life -for his friends. You are my friends, if you do the things that I -command you. I will not now call you servants; for the servant -knoweth not what his lord doth. But I have called you friends: -because all things whatsoever I have heard of my Father, I have -made known to you. You have not chosen me: but I have chosen you; -and have appointed you that you should go, and should bring forth -fruit: and your fruit should remain: that whatsoever you shall -ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. - - - - - Of a Martyr and Bishop. - -Epistle. -_James_ i. 12, 18. -_Dearly beloved:_ Blessed is the man that endureth -temptation; for when he hath been proved, he shall receive the -crown of life which God hath promised to them that love him. -{473} -Let no man, when he is tempted, say that he is tempted by God. -For God is not a tempter of evils, and he tempteth no man. But -every man is tempted by his own concupiscence, being drawn away -and allured. Then when concupiscence hath conceived, it bringeth -forth sin. But sin, when it is completed, begetteth death. Do not -err therefore, my dearest brethren. Every best gift, and every -perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of -lights, with whom there is no change, nor shadow of alteration. -For of his own will hath he begotten us by the word of truth, -that we might be some beginning of his creatures. - - -Gospel. -_Luke_ xiv. 26, 33. -_At that time:_ Jesus said to his disciples: If any man come -to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and -children, and brethren, and sisters, yea and his own life also, -he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not carry his cross -and come after me, cannot be my disciple. For which of you having -a mind to build a tower, doth not first sit down and reckon the -charges that are necessary, whether he have wherewithal to finish -it: lest, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to -finish it, all that see it begin to mock him, saying: This man -began to build, and was not able to finish. Or, what king about -to go and make war against another king, doth not first sit down -and think whether he be able with ten thousand, to meet him that -with twenty thousand cometh out against him. Or else, whilst the -other is yet afar off, sending an embassy, he desireth conditions -of peace. So likewise every one of you that doth not renounce all -that he possesseth, cannot be my disciple. - - - - Of a Martyr not a Bishop. - -Lesson. -_Wisdom_ x. 10, 14. -The Lord conducted the just man through the right ways, and -showed him the kingdom of God, and gave him the knowledge of the -holy things: made him honourable in his labours, and accomplished -his labours. -{474} -In the deceit of them that over-reached him, she stood by him, -and made him honourable. She kept him safe from his enemies, and -she defended him from seducers, and gave him a strong conflict, -that he might overcome, and know that wisdom is mightier than -all. She forsook not the just when he was sold, but delivered him -from sinners: she went down with him into the pit, and in bands -she left him not, till she brought him the sceptre of the -kingdom, and power against those that oppressed him: and showed -them to be liars that accused him, and gave him everlasting -glory. - - -Gospel. -_Matthew_ x. 34, 42. -_At that time:_ Jesus said to his disciples: Do not think -that I came to send peace upon earth: I came not to send peace, -but the sword. For I came to set a man at variance against his -father, and the daughter against her mother, and the -daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a man's enemies -against they of his own household. He that loveth his father and -mother more than me, is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son -or daughter more than me, is not worthy of me. And he that taketh -not up his cross, and followeth me, is not worthy of me. He that -findeth his life shall lose it: and he that shall lose his life -for me, shall find it. He that receiveth you, receiveth me; and -he that receiveth me, receiveth him that sent me. He that -receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet, shall receive the -reward of a prophet: and he that receiveth a just man in the name -of a just man, shall receive the reward of a just man. And -whosoever shall give to drink to one of these little ones a cup -of cold water only in the name of a disciple, amen, I say to you, -he shall not lose his reward. - - - Of Many Martyrs. - -Epistle. -1 _Peter_ i. 3, 7. -Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who, -according to his great mercy hath regenerated us into a lively -hope, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, unto an -inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, and that cannot fade, -reserved in heaven for you, who by the power of God are kept by -faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. -Wherein you shall greatly rejoice, if now you must be for a -little time made sorrowful in divers temptations; that the trial -of your faith (much more precious than gold which is tried by the -fire) may be found unto praise, and glory, and honour, at the -appearing of Jesus Christ our Lord. - -{475} - -Gospel. -_John_ xv. 5, 11. -_At that time:_ Jesus said to his disciples: I am the vine, -you the branches: he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same -beareth much fruit: for without me you can do nothing. If any one -abide not in me, he shall be cast forth as a branch, and shall -wither, and they shall gather him up, and cast him into the fire, -and he burneth. If you abide in me, and my word abide in you, you -shall ask whatever you will, and it shall be done unto you. In -this is my Father glorified; that you bring forth very much -fruit, and become my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, I -also have loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my -commandments, you shall abide in my love; as I also have kept my -Father's commandments, and do abide in his love. These things -have I spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and your joy may -be filled. - - - Of A Confessor And Bishop. - Lesson _and_ Gospel, _as in page_ 79. - - - Of A Confessor Not A Bishop. - -Lesson. -_Ecclesiastes_ xxxi. 8. 11. -Blessed is the man that is found without blemish; and that hath -not gone after gold, nor put his trust in money nor in treasures. -Who is he, and we will praise him, for he hath done wonderful -things in his life. Who hath been tried thereby, and made -perfect, he shall have glory everlasting, He that could have -transgressed, and hath not transgressed: and could do evil -things, and hath not done them. Therefore are his goods -established in the Lord, and all the church of the saints shall -declare his alms. - -{476} - -Gospel. -_Luke_ xii. 35, 40. -_At that time:_ Jesus said to his disciples: Let your loins -be girt, and lamps burning in your hands, and you yourselves like -to men who wait for their lord, when he shall return from their -wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open to him -immediately. Blessed are those servants, whom the lord, when he -cometh, shall find watching: Amen, I say to you, that he will -gird himself, and make them sit down to meat, and passing will -minister unto them. And if he shall come in the second watch, or -come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those -servants. But this know ye, that if the householder did know at -what hour the thief would come, he would surely watch, and would -not suffer his house to be broke open. Be you then also ready: -for at what hour you think not, the Son of man will come. - - - Of a Virgin And Martyr. - -Lesson. -_Ecclesiastes_ li. 1, 8. -I will give glory to thee, O Lord, my King, and I will praise -thee, O God, my Saviour. I will give glory to thy name, for thou -hast been a helper and protector to me, and hast preserved my -body from destruction, from the snare of an unjust tongue, and -from the lips of them that forge lies, and in the sight of them -that stood by, thou hast been my helper. And thou hast delivered: -me according to the multitude of the mercy of thy name, from the -roaring _lions_, that were ready to devour me. Out of the -hands of them that sought my life, and from the gates of -afflictions, which compassed me about: from the oppression of the -flame which surrounded me, and in the midst of the fire I was not -burnt. From the depth of the belly of hell, and from an unclean -tongue, and from lying words, from an unjust king, and from a -slanderous tongue: my soul shall praise the Lord even to death, -because thou succourest those that trust in thee, and deliverest -them from the hands of the Gentiles, O Lord our God. - -{477} - -Gospel. -_Matthew_ xxv. 1, 13. -_At that time:_ Jesus spoke to his disciples this parable: -The kingdom of heaven shall be like to ten virgins, who taking -their lamps went out to meet the bridegroom and the bride. And -five of them were foolish, and five wise. But the five foolish, -having taken their lamps, did not take oil with them: but the -wise took oil in their vessels with the lamps. And the bridegroom -tarrying, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was -a cry made: Behold the bridegroom cometh, go ye forth to meet -him. Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And -the foolish said to the wise: Give us of your oil, for our lamps -are gone out. The wise answered, saying: Lest perhaps there be -not enough for us and for you, go you rather to them that sell, -and buy for yourselves. Now whilst they went to buy, the -bridegroom came: and they that were ready, went in with him to -the marriage, and the door was shut. But at last came also the -other virgins, saying: Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered, -saying: Amen, I say to you, I know you not. Watch ye therefore, -because you know not the day nor the hour. - - - - Of Many Virgins And Martyrs. - -Epistle. -1 _Corinthians_ vii. 25, 34. -_Brethren:_ Concerning virgins I have no commandment of the -Lord: but I give counsel, as having obtained mercy of the Lord to -be faithful. I think therefore, that this is good for the present -necessity, for a man so to be. Art thou bound to a wife? seek not -to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife. But -if thou take a wife, thou hast not sinned. And if a virgin marry, -she hath not sinned: nevertheless, such shall have tribulation of -the flesh. -{478} -But I spare you. This therefore I say, brethren: the time is -short: it remaineth, that they also who have wives, be as if they -had none; and they that weep, as though they wept not; and they -that rejoice, as if they rejoiced not: and they that buy, as -though they possessed not; and they that use this world, as if -they used it not: for the fashion of this world passeth away. But -I would have you to be without solicitude. He that is without a -wife, is solicitous for the things that belong to the Lord, how -he may please God. But he that is with a wife, is solicitous for -the things of the world, how he may please his wife; and he is -divided. And the unmarried woman and the virgin thinketh on the -things of the Lord: that she may be holy both in body and spirit, -in Christ Jesus our Lord. - - -Gospel. -_Matthew_ xxv. 1, 13, -_as in page_ 92. - - - - Of a Virgin only. - -Epistle. -2 _Corinthians_ x. 17; xi. 1, 2. -_Brethren: _Let him that glorieth, glory in the Lord: for -not he that commendeth himself is approved; but he whom God -commendeth. [_Chap_. xi.] Would to God you could bear with -some little of my folly: but do bear with me. For I am jealous of -you with the jealousy of God. For I have espoused you to one -husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. - - -Gospel. -_Matthew_ xxv. 1, 13, -_as in page_ 92. - - - - Of Holy Women. - -Lesson. -_Proverbs_ xxxi. 10. -Who shall find a valiant woman? the price of her is _as of -things brought_ from afar off, and from the uttermost coasts. -The heart of her husband trusteth in her, and he shall have no -need of spoils. She will render him good and not evil, all the -days of her life. She hath sought wool and flax, and hath wrought -by the counsel of her hands. She is like the merchant's ship, she -bringeth her bread from afar. And she hath risen in the night, -and given prey to her household, and victuals to her maidens. She -hath considered a field, and bought it: with the fruit of her -hands she hath planted a vineyard. -{479} -She hath girded her loins with strength, and hath strengthened -her arm. She hath tasted and seen that her traffic is good: her -lamp shall not be put out in the night. She hath put out her hand -to strong things, and her fingers have taken hold of the spindle. -She hath opened her hand to the needy, and stretched out her -hands to the poor. She shall not fear for her house in the cold -of snow, for all her domestics are clothed with double garments. -She hath made for herself clothing of tapestry; fine linen and -purple is her covering. Her husband is honourable in the gates, -where he sitteth among the senators of the land. She made fine -linen and sold it, and delivered a girdle to the Chananite. -Strength and beauty are her clothing, and she shall laugh in the -latter day. She hath opened her mouth to wisdom, and the law of -clemency is on her tongue. She hath looked well to the paths of -her house, and hath not eaten her bread idle. Her children rose -up, and called her blessed: her husband, and he praised her. Many -daughters have gathered together riches: thou hast surpassed them -all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: the woman that -feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of -her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates. - - -Gospel. -_Matthew_ xiii. 44, 52. -_At that time:_ Jesus spoke to his disciples this parable: -The kingdom of heaven is like unto a treasure hidden in a field. -Which a man having found, hid it, and for joy thereof goeth, and -selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. Again the -kingdom of heaven is like to a merchant seeking good pearls. Who -when he had found one pearl of great price, went his way, and -sold all that he had, and bought it. Again the kingdom of heaven -is like to a net cast into the sea, and gathering together of all -kinds of fishes. Which, when it was filled they drew out, and -sitting by the shore, they chose out the good into vessels, but -the bad they cast forth. So shall it be at the end of the world. -The angels shall go out, and shall separate the wicked from among -the just. -{480} -And shall cast them into the furnace of fire; there shall be -weeping and gnashing of teeth. Have you understood all these -things? They say to him: Yes. He said unto them: Therefore every -scribe instructed in the kingdom of heaven, is like to a man who -is a householder, who bringeth forth out of his treasure new -things and old. - - - - Anniversary Mass Of The Dedication Of A Church. - -Lesson. -_Revelation_ xxi. 2, 5. -_In those days:_ I John saw the holy city, the new -Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven, from God, prepared as a -bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice from the -throne, saying: Behold the tabernacle of God with men, and he -will dwell with them. And they shall be his people: and God -himself with them shall be their God. And God shall wipe away all -tears from their eyes: and death shall be no more, nor mourning, -nor crying, nor sorrow shall be any more, for the former things -are passed away. And he that sat on the throne said: Behold I -make all things new. - - -Gospel. -_Luke_ xix. 1, 10. -_At that time: _Jesus entering in, he walked through -Jericho. And behold there was a man named Zacheus, who was the -chief of the publicans, and he was rich. And he sought to see -Jesus, who he was, and he could not, for the crowd, because he -was low of stature. And running before he climbed up into a -sycamore tree that he might see him: for he was to pass that way. -And when Jesus was come to the place, looking up he saw him, and -said to him: Zacheus, make haste and come down: for this day I -must abide in thy house. And he made haste and came down, and -received him with joy. And when all saw it, they murmured, -saying: that he was gone to be a guest with a man that was a -sinner. But Zacheus standing said to the Lord: Behold, Lord, the -half of my goods I give to the poor: and if I have wronged any -man of any thing, I restore him four-fold. Jesus said to him: -This day is salvation come to this house; because he also is a -son of Abraham. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save -that which was lost. Credo. - -{481} - - For The Dead - _On the day of Decease or Burial._ - -Epistle. -1 Thessalonians iv. 12, 17. -_Brethren:_ We will not have you ignorant concerning them -that are asleep, that you be not sorrowful, even as others who -have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, -even so them who have slept through Jesus, will God bring with -him. For this we say unto you in the word of the Lord, that we -who are alive, who remain unto the coming of the Lord, shall not -prevent them who have slept. For the Lord himself shall come down -from heaven with commandment: and with the voice of an archangel, -and with the trumpet of God: and the dead who are in Christ, -shall rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, shall be -taken up together with them in the clouds to meet Christ, into -the air, and so shall we be always with the Lord. Wherefore -comfort ye one another with these words. - - -Gospel. -_John_ xi. 21, 27. -_At that time:_ Martha said to Jesus: Lord, if thou hadst -been here, my brother had not died. But now also I know that -whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee. Jesus -saith to her: Thy brother shall rise again. Martha saith to him: -I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last -day. Jesus said to her: I am the resurrection and the life; he -that believeth in me, although he be dead, shall live. And every -one that liveth, and believeth in me, shall not die for ever. -Believest thou this? She saith to him: Yea, Lord, I have believed -that thou art Christ the Son of the living God, who art come into -this world. - -{482} - - Instructions And Devotions - - For Confirmation. - - - Confirmation is a sacrament instituted by our Lord Jesus - Christ, to enable us to arrive at the state of perfect - Christians, and to strengthen the spiritual life of grace which - we received at baptism. It is called _Confirmation_, from - its effect, which is to _confirm_ and _fortify_ those - who receive it with the necessary dispositions, in the - possession of the true faith, to arm them against their - spiritual enemies, and to complete and finish in them the - sanctification which baptism had begun. In baptism we receive - the character of the children of God; in confirmation we - receive the strength of men, and the character of the soldiers - of Jesus Christ, says St. Melchiades. In baptism we are - enlisted under the standard of Christ crucified; in - confirmation we are armed with the shield of faith, and enabled - to combat against the devil, the world, and the flesh. In baptism - we are regenerated, and receive the sanctifying grace of God for - the remission of sins; in confirmation we are prepared for a - spiritual warfare, and receive the Holy Ghost for a force and - corroboration, that we may stand firm in the divine service, - for the sake of Christ, with a holy vigour of spirit and - constancy of mind, amidst the terrors of the severest trials - and persecutions. - - The effects of this sacrament appear visibly, not only in - thousands of holy martyrs, but also in the apostles, who, after - they had been confirmed on Whitsunday, by the Holy Ghost coming - down upon them, were immediately changed into new men, and were - animated by this Divine Spirit to that degree, that sufferings - for the sweet name of Jesus became the subject of their glory. - It is evident from Acts, viii. and xix., that the apostles - practised confirmation, as a means to communicate the graces - and gifts of the Holy Ghost to the faithful. -{483} - It is of confirmation also that St. Paul makes mention, Hebrews - vi. 1, 2, and 2 Corinthians i. 21, 22, where he expressly says: - _Now he who confirmeth us with you in Christ, and hath - anointed us, is God; who hath also sealed us, and given us the - earnest of the Spirit in our hearts._ - - The testaments of the most ancient writers plainly show, that - the church of God, from the apostles' days, has always believed - confirmation to be a sacrament of the new law, and administered - it as such. Among the rest, St. Clement, a contemporary of the - apostles, says, chap. 4, that he received this doctrine from - St. Peter and other apostles; and therefore he exhorts all, - without delay, to hasten to be signed by the bishop, that they - may receive the seven-fold grace of the Holy Ghost, since he - cannot be a perfect Christian who wilfully neglects this - sacrament. Tertullian, St. Fabian, and St. Melchiades, who - flourished in the second, third, and fourth centuries; St. - Cyprian, St. Jerome, St. Ambrose, &c. have handed down the same - doctrine: and St. Augustine, cont. lit. Petil. 2, c. 104, says - in express terms, "The sacrament of chrism in the kind of - visible seals, is sacred and holy, even as baptism itself." - Moreover, it is plain from the 8th chapter of the Acts of the - Apostles, ver. 14, that the _visible sign_ of the - imposition of hands has annexed to it an _invisible - grace_, viz. the imparting of the Holy Ghost. Consequently, - confirmation is a sacrament, as it has all things necessary to - constitute a sacrament, and is a _visible sign of an - invisible grace, &c._ - - The ordinary minister of this sacrament is a bishop only; and - it was for this reason that St. Peter and St. John, who were - both bishops, were sent to confirm the Samaritans, who had been - converted and baptised by Philip, the deacon; which is an - additional proof, that confirmation is a holy sacrament, and - not a mere ceremony, as Calvin pretends; for were it only a - ceremony that they had administered, why did not Philip, the - deacon, who baptised the Samaritans, use that ceremony? Where - was the necessity of sending two bishops to Samaria, as the - apostles did?--_Acts_ viii. - - As water is made use of in baptism, so chrism is used in - confirmation. _Chrism_ is a sacred ointment, composed of - _oil of olives_ and _balsam_ (or _balm_) _of - Gilead_, solemnly blessed by a bishop on Holy Thursday. -{484} - The unction, or outward anointing with _chrism_, - represents the inward anointing of the soul with the gifts of - the Holy Ghost; as the outward ablution with water in baptism, - denotes the inward washing of the soul by the sanctifying grace - of God. The oil, whose properties are to assuage our pains, to - fortify the limbs, and to give a certain vigour to the body, - represents the spiritual effects of the grace of this sacrament - in the soul; and the balm, which is of a sweet smell, and whose - property is to preserve bodies from putrefaction, represents - the good odour or sweet savour of Christian virtues with which - we are to edify our neighbours after having received this - sacrament. The form of words used in conferring this sacrament - is this: _I sign thee with the sign of the cross, I confirm - thee with the chrism of salvation, in the name of the Father, - and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost._ Whilst the bishop - pronounces the form, he makes the sign of the cross with the - holy chrism, upon the forehead of each person that is to be - confirmed, to give them to understand, that no worldly fear or - shame is to deter them from confessing Christ crucified; but - that they are openly to profess the doctrines and maxims of his - gospel, and live as becomes members of his church in spite of - the ill example and corrupt maxims of the world. Hence - Tertullian says, lib. 1. adv. Marc. "The flesh is anointed, - that the soul may be consecrated. The flesh is signed, that the - soul may be fenced. The flesh, by the imposition of hands, is - shadowed, that the soul, by the spirit, may be - illuminated."--This is what the bishop prays for, when turning - himself towards those that are to be confirmed, with his hands - joined before his breast, he says, _May the Holy Ghost come - down upon you and the power of the Most High keep you from all - sins.--Amen_. A little blow is given on the cheek to the - persons confirmed, to imprint in their minds, that they are to - be ready to bear with meekness and patience, all crosses, - persecutions, trials, affronts, and injuries, for the sake and - glory of their Lord and Master Jesus Christ. At the same time - the bishop says, _Peace be with thee_, to signify that the - true peace of God, which, as St. Paul says, _exceeds all - understanding_, is chiefly to be found in patient suffering - for God and his truths. Lastly, the bishop prays for those who - have been confirmed, that the Holy Ghost may ever dwell in - their hearts, and make them temples of his glory. After which - be dismisses them with his blessing, &c. - -{485} - - Q. Can this sacrament of confirmation be received more than - once? - - A. No; because, like baptism, it imprints an indelible - character or spiritual mark in the soul, which always remains. - - Q. Is there any spiritual kindred contracted in confirmation? - - A. Yes; the godfather or the godmother contracts the same - spiritual kindred as in the sacrament of baptism. - - Q. Is confirmation absolutely necessary to salvation? - - A. It is not so necessary but that a person may be saved - without it; yet, when a favourable opportunity offers for - receiving it, it would be certainly a sin to neglect so - powerful a help to salvation, and deprive ourselves of the - benefit of this holy sacrament, which our blessed Redeemer was - mercifully pleased of his infinite goodness to institute, as - the never-failing means in his church to communicate his divine - spirit to his followers. It would be a still more grievous - crime to neglect confirmation through contempt, disregard, or - want of faith. It is to a wilful neglect of this sacrament that - the holy fathers attribute the downfall of several apostates - from the true religion. - - Q. What kind of persons stand most in need of the grace of this - sacrament? - - A. Those who are most exposed to temptations against faith, or - to persecutions upon account of their religion. - - Q. At what age may a person be confirmed? - - A. Ordinarily speaking, the church does not give confirmation - to children before they are seven years old; but defers it till - they come to the use of reason, and are sufficiently instructed - and prepared. Fathers and mothers should take care to have them - carefully instructed in the Christian doctrine, and regularly - prepared to be presented to the bishop for confirmation at the - proper time, before they have received the Blessed Eucharist. - If their children be lost through ignorance, they shall answer - for it to God. - - Q. What are the dispositions necessary for receiving the - sacrament of confirmation worthily? - - A. A person must be free from the guilt of mortal sin, and in - the state of grace; for the _holy spirit of wisdom will not - enter into a malicious soul, nor dwell in a body subject to - sins_.--Wisdom i. 4. He must also be well instructed in the - principles of the Christian faith, according to his age and - capacity, and have a proper sense of what he is doing. - -{486} - - Q. In what manner then must a person prepare himself for - confirmation? - - A. First, he must examine his conscience diligently, and if he - find it charged with wilful sin, he must take care to purge it - by a good sacramental confession; for it would be a grievous - sacrilege to presume to receive the sacrament of confirmation, - knowingly in the state of mortal sin.--Secondly, he must - prepare himself some days before by devout and humble prayer, - frequently and fervently calling upon God to dispose his soul - for receiving the Holy Ghost, who communicates his gracious - gifts and favours in proportion to the dispositions with which - they are received. - - Q. As confirmation is ordained for the sanctification of souls, - why do not all who receive it become saints? - - A. The fault is entirely their own. God on his part is ready to - bestow all the graces necessary to enable them to become saints; - but, alas! how few are disposed to improve and co-operate with - them as they might and ought! How few make the proper use of - them! How many on the contrary resist them, like the - stiff-necked Jews! How many _contristate_ and - _extinguish_ the divine spirit, as the apostle expresses - it! How many banish this heavenly guest from the temple of - their souls by falling into mortal sin, and thus obstruct the - operation of this holy sacrament! - - Q. Is a person obliged to receive the sacrament of confirmation - fasting? - - A. No. There is no strict obligation or precept for it, though - to fast on the eve and day of confirmation is a laudable - custom, and conformable to the practice of the primitive - church. - - Q. Why are the fervent exercises of piety and devotion required - before confirmation? - - A. For two reasons: First, because our Saviour has assured us - that his _heavenly Father will give his good spirit to them - that ask it._--Luke, xi. 13. Secondly, in imitation of the - apostles, who, during the ten days between the ascension of our - Lord and the descent of the Holy Ghost at Pentecost, retired from - the noise and tumults of the world, and continued with one accord - in prayer, with Mary the Mother of Jesus, and with his - brethren.--_Acts_, i. 14. - -{487} - - Q. Why are we to invoke the Holy Ghost in particular? - - A. Not that we are to neglect praying to the Father and the Son - also, as we know that all the three persons are but one and the - same God; but because the work of our sanctification, the - pouring down the grace of God into our souls, and all the - heavenly favours and helps that are necessary for conducting us - in the way of salvation, are the effects of the divine love, - and are by a peculiar approbation attributed in a special - manner to the operation of the Holy Ghost, as it is the love of - the Father and of the Son, and as it is from God's love that - all grace, all virtue and sanctification, flow and proceed. - - - A Prayer Before Confirmation. - -O God of infinite goodness and bounty, who has been pleased, at -my baptism, to make me a Christian, to sanctify my soul with thy -grace, and to honour me with the glorious title of thy child; -which, alas! for my part, I have so wretchedly corresponded with, -and have even forfeited a thousand times by my sins: behold, -notwithstanding all my ingratitude, and my repeated treasons, -which thou hast so long and so patiently endured, thou art still -pleased, not only to invite me to return to thee, and to offer me -thy mercy, but also to call upon me at this time, to come and -present myself, in order to receive the greatest of all thy -gifts, even thine own most Holy Spirit; to be consecrated to thee -by his unction; to be made a strong and perfect Christian, and a -soldier of thy Son. O may all heaven and earth praise thee, bless -thee, and glorify thee for ever, for all thy mercies, goodness, -and bounty to me. -{488} -And now, dearest Lord, I desire to come, because such is thy will -and my duty, to receive this great sacrament of Confirmation; -that I may like thy apostles, be _baptised with the Holy Ghost, -and be endowed with power from on high;_ and like them be -changed by divine grace, into another man, in such manner as -henceforward to live up to the dignity, and to fulfil every part -of the duty of a _soldier of Christ!_ and to preserve and -maintain even to death, that purity and sanctity which become the -temple of the living God. But, O my God, how far am I from being -worthy to approach this heavenly sacrament! How can I expect that -thy Holy Spirit should come into my inward house, to make it his -temple, which has been so long possessed by unclean spirits? -Where are the dispositions in me, which the apostles brought, and -which all Christians ought to bring along with them, to the -receiving of the Holy Ghost? O! I acknowledge myself infinitely -unworthy; I confess and detest from the bottom of my heart, all -my past uncleanness and abominations; I humbly crave thy mercy -and pardon, through Jesus Christ thy Son; and beg, through him, -that thou wilt be pleased to cleanse my soul from all its filth -with his precious blood, and to give me thy grace to come to this -sacrament with that humility, faith, and devotion, which is most -agreeable to thee. -{489} -O Divine Spirit, do thou prepare my soul for thyself! Behold, I -come, desiring to give up myself to thee for all time and -eternity, that thou mayest ever live and reign in my soul; and O -let my whole soul henceforward he perpetually subject to thee, -and let nothing in me ever more rebel against thee. Amen. - - - Those who are preparing themselves for the sacrament of - Confirmation, may likewise breathe forth, from time to time, - the following short Ejaculations: - -Come, Holy Ghost, who replenisheth the hearts of the faithful, -descend into my soul, and make it the place of thy abode. - -Come, O Divine Spirit, take full possession of my heart, and -kindle in it the fire of thy divine love. - -Enter into my soul and abide there for ever, to be my light, my -guide, and my strength. - -Come, Holy Ghost, with all thy gifts, and fill my soul; -enlighten, direct, and conduct me in all my ways. Strengthen me -against all the assaults of self-love, remove from me all vicious -shame, and inspire me with a Christian courage. - -O grant that I may make the gospel the rule of my life. Preserve -me from the corruption of sin, and from the pernicious maxims of -the world. Give me grace, O God, to do thy will in all things. -Enlighten my eyes, O Lord, that I may never sleep in death. - -O uncreated fire, when wilt thou consume whatever is imperfect in -my soul. - -Inebriate my soul with thy holy love, O thou sovereign beauty. - -{490} - -O may I never forget the obligations that are contracted, by -being enlisted a disciple of the cross, in the sacrament of -confirmation. - -O grant that I may ever have before my eyes the duties thereunto -annexed, and that I may live henceforward according to the spirit -of a true and perfect Christian. - - "Short ejaculations of this kind, frequently darted from an - humble and fervent heart, penetrate the clouds, pierce the - paternal heart of the Father of Mercies, and draw down an ample - benediction on those pious souls to whom they become familiar - by practice and habit; this manner of prayer is highly - commended by the saints, and was one of the principal - excercises by which the ancient solitaries arrived at the - highest perfection. It has this peculiar advantage, that one - can practise it at all times, on all occasions, and in the - midst of external employment, without being exposed to the - danger of vain glory, as it is secretly performed in the closet - of the heart. It is short and easy, does not distract or - fatigue the mind, but keeps up the fervour of the spirit, and - attention to the divine presence." - - - A Prayer After Confirmation. - -O my God, I now desire to adore thee, bless thee, and glorify -thee, for ever, for all thou hast done for me, and for thy whole -church, both of heaven and earth. I would now gladly join both my -heart and my voice with all thy angels and saints in heaven, and -with all that fear thee and love thee on earth, in giving -perpetual praise to thee for thy infinite goodness, and in -particular for that love thou hast shown to me this day. I give -thee thanks from the bottom of my heart, for having sent down the -Holy Spirit into my soul, with all his gifts and graces. -{491} -O let him now take full possession of my soul; let this heavenly -unction penetrate into the very centre of my interior; let his -divine _wisdom_ ever preside there, may it ever enlighten me -with his gifts of _understanding_, and dispel all my -darkness: may it direct me with his _counsel_, strengthen me -with his _fortitude_, instruct me with his _knowledge_, -make me ever fervent in all good, with his _piety_ and -_godliness_ and let his _divine fear_ ever restrain me -from _evil_. And now, dear Lord, since thou hast been -pleased, by this sacrament, to consecrate and sanctify my soul -for thyself, and to make it thy temple, be pleased also to drive -far from it, by thy grace, all that may violate or profane it, or -render it any ways disagreeable to thy eyes. O keep it for ever -for thyself, and restrain Satan from ever entering into it any -more. O let it be a _house of prayer_, in which thou mayest -be ever _worshipped, in spirit and in truth_, and suffer it -not to be made any more a _den of thieves_. Give me grace -also to fulfil, with perfection, every branch of the duty of thy -_soldier_,--which glorious title thou hast _conferred_ -on me this day: arm me completely for the warfare in which I am -happily engaged, and stand by me in all my conflicts, to crown me -with victory. O make me _faithful unto death_, and bring me -safe through all the dangers of my mortal pilgrimage, to the -crown of everlasting life: through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. - - _N. B.--Here repeat the Hymns_, "Creating Spirit, come - posses;" _and,_ "Come, Holy Ghost, send down those beams," - _which are inserted, with the Latin, at the end, under the head - of Whit-Sunday_. - -{492} - - The Psalter Of Jesus. - - - "There is no other name under heaven given to men - whereby we must be saved."--_Acts_. iv. 12. - - - - This Psalter is divided into three Parts; each part consisting - of five Petitions, and each Petition prefaced by a tenfold - repetition of the sacred name of _Jesus_. As it is not to - be run over in too hasty a manner, but performed with the - utmost reverence and recollection, the whole may be said - without interruption; or, each Part at three distinct periods - of time; according to the leisure which persons may find, after - discharging the indispensable duties of their several states - and conditions of life. - - - - First Part. - - "At the name of _Jesus_ let every knee bend, both in - heaven, on earth, and under the earth; and let every tongue - acknowledge that the Lord Jesus Christ is in the glory of God - the Father."--Philippians ii. - - - The First Petition. - -Jesus! (_repeated ten times_) thou God of compassion, have -mercy on me, and forgive the many and great offences I have -committed in thy sight. Many have been the follies of my life, -and great are the miseries I have deserved for my ingratitude. -Have mercy on me, dear Jesus, for I am weak; heal me, O Lord, for -I am unable to help myself. Deliver me from an inordinate -affection for any of thy creatures, which may divert my eyes from -incessantly looking up to thee. For the love of thee, grant me -henceforth the grace to hate sin, and out of a just esteem of -thee, to despise all worldly vanities. - -{493} - -Have mercy on all sinners, I beseech thee, dear Jesus; turn their -vices into virtues; and making them sincere lovers of thee, and -observers of thy law, conduct them to bliss in everlasting glory. -For the sake of thy glorious name Jesus, and through the merits -of thy bitter passion, have mercy also on the souls in purgatory. -O blessed Trinity, one eternal God, have mercy on me. Our Father. -Hail, Mary. - - - The Second Petition. - -Jesus! (_repeated ten times_) help me to overcome all -temptations to sin, and the malice of my ghostly enemy. Help me -to spend my time in virtuous actions, and in such labours as are -acceptable to thee. Enable me to resist and repel every -inordinate emotion of sloth, gluttony, and carnality. Render my -heart enamoured of virtue, and inflamed with desires of thy -glorious presence. Help me to merit and preserve a good name by a -peaceable and pious life, to thy honor, _O Jesus!_ to my own -comfort, and the edification of others. - -Have mercy on all sinners, &c. _as in the first petition_. -Our Father. Hail Mary. - - - The Third Petition. - -Jesus! (_repeated ten times_) grant me effectual strength of -soul and body, to please thee in the performance of such virtuous -actions as may bring me to thy everlasting joy and felicity. -{494} -Grant me, O most merciful Saviour, a firm purpose to amend my -life, and to make atonement for the years past; those years, -alas! which I have lavished, to thy displeasure, in vain or -wicked thoughts, evil words, deeds, and habits. Make my heart -obedient to thy will, and ready, for thy love, to perform all the -works of mercy. Grant me the gifts of the Holy Ghost, which, -through a virtuous life, and a devout frequenting of thy most -holy sacraments, may at length conduct me to thy heavenly -kingdom. - -Have mercy on all sinners, &c. Our Father. Hail Mary. - - - The Fourth Petition. - -Jesus! (_repeated ten times_) comfort me, and grant me grace -to fix in thee my chief joy and only felicity; inspire me with -heavenly meditations, spiritual sweetness, and fervent desires of -thy glory; ravish my soul with the contemplation of heaven, where -I hope to dwell everlastingly with thee. Bring thy unspeakable -goodness to my frequent recollection, and let me always with -gratitude remember thy gifts; but when thou bringest the -multitude of the sins whereby I have so ungratefully offended -thee, to sad remembrance, comfort me with the assurance of -pardon; and by the spirit of true penance purging away my guilt, -prepare me for the possession of thy heavenly kingdom. - -Have mercy on all sinners, &c. Our Father. Hail Mary. - -{495} - - The Fifth Petition. - -Jesus! (_repeated ten times_) make me constant in faith, -hope, and charity. Grant me perseverance in virtue, and a -resolution never to offend thee. May the memory of thy passion, -and of those bitter pains thou didst suffer for my sake, fortify -my patience, and refresh my soul under every tribulation and -adversity. Render me a strenuous professor of the Catholic faith, -and a diligent frequenter of my religious duties. Let me not be -blinded by the delights of a deceitful world, nor my fortitude -shaken by internal frauds or carnal temptations. My heart has for -ever fixed its repose in thee, and resolved to contemn all things -for thine eternal reward. - -Have mercy on all sinners, &c. Our Father. Hail Mary. - -The Lord Jesus "Christ, for our sakes, became obedient unto -death, even the death of the cross." - _Philippians_ ii. - -Hear these petitions, O most merciful Saviour, and grant me the -grace frequently to repeat and consider them, that they may serve -as so many easy steps, whereby my soul may ascend to thy -knowledge and love, and to a diligent performance of my duty to -thee and my neighbour, through the whole course of my life.-- -Amen. - -Our Father. Hail Mary. I believe in God. - -{496} - - Second Part. - - Begin as before, saying, "At the name of Jesus let every knee - bend, both in heaven, on earth, and under the earth," &c, as in - part the first, _page_ 492. - - - The Sixth Petition. - -Jesus! (_repeated ten times_) enlighten me with a spiritual -wisdom, whereby I may arrive at a knowledge of thy goodness, and -of every thing which is most acceptable to thee. Grant me a -perfect apprehension of my only good, and a discretion to -regulate my life accordingly. Grant me wisely to proceed from -virtue to virtue, till at length I enjoy a clear sight of thy -glory. Forbid it, dear Lord, that I return to the sins of which I -accused myself at the tribunal of confession. Let others be -edified by my pious example, and my enemies mollified by my good -counsel. - -Have mercy on all sinners, &c, _as before, page_ 493. Our -Father. Hail Mary. - - - The Seventh Petition. - -Jesus! (_repeated ten times_) grant me grace inwardly to -fear thee, and avoid every occasion whatsoever of offending thee. -Let the threats of the torments prepared for sinners, the dread -of the loss of thy love and of thy heavenly inheritance, always -keep me in awe. Suffer me not to slumber in sin, but rather rouse -me to repentance, lest through thine anger I may be overtaken by -the sentence of eternal wrath, and endless damnation. -{497} -Let the powerful intercession of thy blessed mother, and of all -thy saints, but above all, thine own merits and mercy, serve as a -rampart between my poor soul and thy avenging justice.--Enable -me, O my God! to work out my salvation with fear and trembling, -and the apprehension of thy sacred judgments. Make me a more -humble and diligent suitor to the throne of thy mercy. - -Have mercy, &c. Our Father. Hail Mary. - - - The Eighth Petition. - -Jesus! (_repeated ten times_) grant me the grace truly to -love thee, for thine infinite goodness, and those excessive -bounties I have received, or shall ever hope to receive from -thee. Let the recollection of thy benignity and patience conquer -the malice and wretched propensity of my perverse nature. May the -consideration of the many deliverances, frequent calls, and -continual helps, I have received from thee during the course of -my life, make me blush at my ingratitude. Ah, what return dost -thou require of me for all thy mercies, but that I love thee! And -why dost thou require it? Because thou art my only good!--thou -art my dear Lord! the sole object of my life; and I will -diligently keep thy commandments, because I truly love thee. - -Have mercy, &c. Our Father. Hail Mary. - - - The Ninth Petition. - -Jesus! (_repeated ten times_) grant me the grace always to -remember my latter end, and the account I am to give in after -death; that so my soul may be always well disposed, and ready to -depart out of this life in thy grace and favour. -{498} -At that important hour, by the powerful intercession of thy -blessed mother, the glorious assistance of St. Michael, and my -good angel, rescue my poor soul, O Lord, from the snares of the -enemy of my salvation. Remember then thy mercy, O dear Jesus! and -hide not thy face from me on account of my offences. Secure me -against the terrors of that awful period, by causing me now to -die daily to all earthly things, and to have my conversation -continually in heaven. Let the remembrance of thy death teach me -to set a just value on life; and the memory of thy resurrection -encourage me to descend cheerfully to the grave. - -Have mercy, &c. Our Father. Hail Mary. - - - The Tenth Petition. - -Jesus! (_repeated ten times_) send me my purgatory in this -life, and thus prevent me from being tormented in the cleansing -fire which awaits those souls who have not been sufficiently -purified in this world. Vouchsafe to grant me those merciful -crosses and afflictions which thou seest necessary for weaning my -affections from things here below. Suffer not my heart to find -any repose but in sighing after thee, since no one can see thee, -who loves any thing which is not for thy sake. Too bitter, alas! -will be the anguish of the soul that desires to be united to -thee, and whose separation is retarded by the heavy chains of -sin. -{499} -Keep me then, O my Saviour, continually mortified in this world, -that being purified thoroughly with the fire of thy love, I may -pass from hence to the immediate possession of thee in -everlasting glory. - -Have mercy on all sinners, &c. &c. _as at the conclusion of the -fifth petition, page_ 495. - - - Third Part. - - Begin as before, saying, "At the name of Jesus let every knee - bend," &c., _page_ 492. - - - The Eleventh Petition. - -Jesus! (_repeated ten times_) grant me grace to avoid bad -company; or, if I should chance to come in the midst of such, -preserve me from being infected with the least temptation to -mortal sin, through the merits of thine uncorrupt conversation -among sinners. Art thou not always present, O Lord? and wilt thou -not take an exact account of all our words and actions, and judge -us accordingly? How then dare I converse with liars, slanderers, -drunkards, or blasphemers; or with such whose discourse is either -vain, quarrelsome, or dissolute?--Repress in me, dear Jesus, -every inordinate affection to carnal pleasures, and to delights -of taste; and strengthen me by thy grace to avoid such company as -would enkindle the flames of those unruly appetites. May thy -power, thy wisdom, and thy fatherly compassion defend, direct, -and chastise me; and cause me to lead such a life here amongst -men, as may qualify me hereafter for the conversation of angels. - -Have mercy, &c. Our Father. Hail Mary. - -{500} - - The Twelfth Petition. - -Jesus! (_repeated ten times_) grant me the grace to call on -thee for help in all my necessities, and frequently to remember -thy death and resurrection. Wilt thou be deaf to my cries, who -hast laid down thy life for my ransom? or canst thou not save me, -who took it up again for my crown? _Call on me in the day of -trouble, and I will deliver thee_. Whom have I in heaven but -thee, O my Jesus! from whose blessed mouth issued such balmy -words? Thou art my sure rock of defence against all mine enemies, -and my gracious assistant in every good work. I will, then, -invoke thee with confidence in all my trials and afflictions, and -when thou hearest me, O Jesus! thou wilt have mercy on me. - -Have mercy, &c. Our Father. Hail Mary. - - - The Thirteenth Petition. - -Jesus! (_repeated ten times_) enable me to persevere in a -virtuous life, and never to grow weary in thy service till thou -rewardest me in thy kingdom. In pious customs, holy duties, and -in all honest and necessary employments, continue, O Lord, to -strengthen me, both in soul and body. My life is nothing on earth -but a pilgrimage towards the heavenly Jerusalem, to which he that -sits down, or turns out of the way, can never arrive. -{501} -May I always, O Jesus! follow thy blessed example. With how much -pain, and how little pleasure, didst thou press on to a bitter -death, that being the assured way to a glorious resurrection. Let -me frequently meditate on those severe words of thine: _He only -that perseveres to the end shall be saved._ - -Have mercy, &c. Our Father. Hail Mary. - - - The Fourteenth Petition. - -Jesus! (_repeated ten times_) grant me grace to fix my mind -on thee, especially whilst I converse with thee in time of -prayer. Check the wanderings of my fanciful brain, put a stop to -the desires of my fickle heart, and suppress the power of my -spiritual enemies, who at that time endeavour to withdraw my mind -from heavenly thoughts to vain imaginations. Thus shall I -joyfully look on thee as my deliverer from all evil, and thank -thee as my benefactor for all the good I have received, or hope -to obtain. I shall be convinced that thou art my chief good, and -that all other things were ordained by thee only as the means of -engaging me to fix my affections on thee alone; that by -persevering till death in thy love and service, I might be -eternally happy. Let all my thoughts, O beloved of my soul! be -absorbed in thee, that my eyes being shut to all vain and sinful -objects, may become worthy to behold thee face to face in thy -everlasting glory. - -Have mercy, &c. Our Father. Hail Mary. - -{502} - - The Fifteenth Petition. - -Jesus! (_repeated ten times_) grant me the grace to order my -life with reference to my eternal welfare, sincerely intending, -and wisely referring all the operations of my soul and body -towards obtaining the reward of thy infinite bliss and eternal -felicity. For what else is this world but a school for the -tutoring of souls created for eternal happiness in the next? And -how are they educated but by an anxious desire of enjoying God, -their only end? Break my froward spirit, O Jesus! by the reins of -humility and obedience. Grant me grace to depart hence with the -most sovereign contempt of this world, and with a heart -overflowing with joy at the thoughts of going to thee. Let the -memory of thy passion make me cheerfully undergo every temptation -or suffering in this state of probation, for love of thee; whilst -my soul, in the mean time, languishes after that life of -consummate bliss and immortal glory, which thou hast prepared for -thy servants in heaven. O Jesus! let me frequently and -attentively consider, that whatsoever I may gain, If I lose thee, -all is lost; and that whatever I may lose, if I obtain thee, all -is gained. - -Have mercy on all sinners, &c, _as in page_ 493. - -{503} - - The Rosary Of - The Blessed Name Of Jesus. - - + - -In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. -Amen. - -Thou, O Lord, wilt open my lips, and my tongue shall declare thy -praise. - -Incline unto my aid, O God. - -O Lord, hasten 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 will be for ever. Amen. - - - The Five Mysteries Of The First Part. - -I.--_The Incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ._ - - The Meditation. - -The Son of God assumes human flesh, of the pure blood of the -blessed Mary ever virgin, and is made man in her womb. - -O Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on us. [_Ten times_.] -Glory be to the Father, &c. - - -II.--_The Birth of our Lord Jesus Christ_. - - The Meditation. - -The Saviour of the world is born for our redemption; his mother -remaining a virgin. - -{504} - -O Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on us. [_Ten times_.] -Glory, &c. - - -III.--_The Circumcision of our Lord Jesus Christ._ - - The Meditation. - -Our Saviour being eight days old, begins to suffer for our sins, -and his blood already flows for us. He is circumcised according -to the law, as if he had been himself a sinner. - -O Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on us. [_Ten times_.] -Glory, &c. - - -IV.--_Our Lord Jesus Christ is found in the Temple._ - - The Meditation. - -Our Saviour being twelve years old, shows himself more than -mortal, by his knowledge and wisdom, teaching the very teachers -of the Jews. - -O Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on us. [_Ten times_.] -Glory, &c. - - -V.--_The Baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ_. - - The Meditation. - -The Saviour of the world is baptised by St. John. The eternal -Father declares him to be his Son. - -O Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on us. [_Ten times_.] -Glory, &c. - -{505} - The Prayer. - -O Jesus! whose name is above all names; that in the name of Jesus -every knee may bend, of those that are in heaven, on earth, and -in hell; who, at the time appointed by the eternal wisdom, -assumedst flesh in the womb of the blessed Mary, ever virgin, and -thus became the Son of David, whose birth gladdened men and -angels; who began so early to suffer for us, and to shed, on our -account, that blood that washeth away the sins of the world; -whose eternal wisdom appeared at the age of twelve years; to -whose baptism all heaven was attentive; grant to us to celebrate -those mysteries to thy honour and our own salvation: who with the -Father and the Holy Ghost, livest and reignest, one God, for all -eternity. Amen. - - - The Five Mysteries Of The Second Part. - -I.--_Our Saviour washeth his Disciples' feet_. - - The Meditation. - -Our Saviour, to show us an example of humility, and how much we -ought to serve each other, descended so low as to wash the feet -of his disciples, though he is the God whom heaven and earth -adore. - -O Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews, have mercy on us. [_Ten -times_.] Glory, &c. - - -II.--_The Prayer of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Garden_. - - The Meditation. - -Our Saviour, knowing his passion to be now at hand, is so -affected with the thoughts of it, and so oppressed with the load -of our sins, that he prays to his almighty Father, that the -bitter cup might pass away from him. - -{506} - -O Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews, have mercy on us. [_Ten -times._] Glory, &c. - - -III.--_Our Saviour is apprehended._ - - The Meditation. - -Our Saviour, as if he had been no more than mortal, yields to the -power of men, and permits himself, for our redemption, to be -apprehended, as if he were a malefactor. - -O Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews, have mercy on us. [_Ten -times._] Glory, &c. - - -IV.--_Our Saviour carries his Cross._ - - The Meditation. - -Our Saviour, being torn with scourges, and pierced with thorns, -to expiate our sins, is compelled to carry the cross on which he -is to die, and moves on in anguish and sorrow towards the place -of his execution. - -O Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews, have mercy on us. [_Ten -times_.] Glory, &c. - - -V.--_The Descent of our Saviour into Hell_. - - The Meditation. - -The soul of our Saviour being separated by death from the body, -descends to that place where the saints were expecting their -redemption. - -{507} - -O Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews, have mercy on us. [_Ten -times_.] Glory, &c. - - - The Prayer. - -O Jesus, whose name is above all names; that at the name of Jesus -every knee may bend, of those that are in heaven, on earth, and -in hell; whose mysterious humiliation and sorrows, appointed for -thee on account of our sins, appeared in the washing of the feet -of thy servants and creatures, in thy distress, and prayer, and -bloody sweat; in thy being secured and brought before tribunals -as a criminal; in thy bearing the load of the cross, and in the -separation of thy soul from the body, and its descent to the -regions below: grant to us to celebrate these mysteries to thy -honour and our own salvation; who, with the Father and the Holy -Ghost, livest and reignest, one God, for all eternity. Amen. - - - The Five Mysteries Of The Third Part. - -I.--_The Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ_. - - The Meditation. - -The soul of our Lord Jesus Christ, which had been separated from -the body, is re-united to it, by a miracle of the Almighty power; -and that body, which had been dead, rises to die no more. - -O Jesus, Son of the living God, have mercy on us. [_Ten -times_.] Glory, &c. - -{508} - -II.--_The Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ._ - - The Meditation. - -The body of our Lord Jesus Christ ascends to the highest heaven, -where the Saviour of mankind sitteth at the right hand of God, -the almighty Father. - -O Jesus, Son of the living God, have mercy on us. [_Ten -times_.] Glory, &c. - - -III.--_Our Lord Jesus Christ sends down the Holy Ghost_. - - The Meditation. - -Our Saviour, now seated at the right hand of God, his almighty -Father, sends down the Holy Ghost, to inspire and animate his -disciples, that they may be qualified to publish to mankind his -cross and his glory. - -O Jesus, Son of the living God, have mercy on us. [_Ten -times_.] Glory, &c. - - -IV.--_Our Lord Jesus Christ crowning the blessed Virgin and Saints_. - - The Meditation. - -Our Saviour, having by his passion, resurrection, and ascension, -opened the way for the sons of Adam to heaven, which they had -lost by sin, bestows on his Mother and his saints a crown of -immortal glory. - -O Jesus, Son of the living God, have mercy on us. [_Ten -times_.] Glory, &c. - -{509} - -V.--_Our Lord Jesus Christ coming to Judge Mankind._ - - The Meditation. - -Our Saviour will come in power and majesty, to judge the living -and the dead, and to return to every one according to his works. - -O Jesus, Son of the living God, have mercy on us. [_Ten -times_.] Glory, &c. - - - The Prayer - -O Jesus, whose name is above all names; that at the name of Jesus -every knee may bend, of those that are in heaven, on earth, and -in hell; whose body, that was murdered by mankind, the Almighty -raised from death, glorious and immortal; who, by thy ascension, -triumphed over death, and led captivity captive; who, according -to thy promise, sent down the Spirit, that proceedeth from the -Father and the Son, the comforter and the enlivener; who, -stretching forth the bounty of thy almighty hand, shed upon the -chosen children of Adam, that glory that neither eye hath seen, -nor ear hath heard, nor hath it entered into the heart of man; -and who will come forth in power and majesty, to judge the living -and the dead, before whose throne all mortals will appear: grant -to us to celebrate these mysteries to thy honour, and our own -salvation; who, with the Father and the Holy Ghost, livest and -reignest one God for all eternity. Amen. - -{510} - - "N.B.--The repeating of the above prayers or meditations, is - not absolutely necessary. Those who cannot read or meditate on - the mysteries, let them say the Creed beforehand in this - Rosary, and in that of the blessed Virgin. - - "The devotions belonging to this Rosary, or the Rosary of the - blessed Virgin, do not bind under sin. - - "N.B.--Those who are in the Society of the Rosary of the name - of Jesus, may have the same plenary indulgence on New Year's - Day, that is granted in the year of the Jubilee. - - "On every second Sunday in the month, - - "At the time of being received into the Society, - - "At the article of death, - - "And on each day of the fifteen mysteries." - - - - The Rosary Of The Blessed Virgin. - - + -In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. -Amen. - -_Vers_. Hail, Mary, full of grace, our Lord is with thee: - -_Resp_. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the -fruit of thy womb, Jesus. - -_Vers_. Thou, O Lord, wilt open my lips. - -_Resp_. And my tongue shall announce thy praise. - -_Vers_. Incline unto mine aid, O God. - -_Resp_. O Lord, make haste to help me. - -Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost: - -{511} - -As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world -without end. Amen. _Alleluia_. - -[_From the Septuagesima to Easter, instead of_ Alleluia, -_say:_ Praise be to thee, O Lord, King of eternal glory.] - - - Part The First. - - The Five Joyful Mysteries, - - To be said on all Mondays and Thursdays, the Sundays of Advent, - and after Epiphany till Lent. - - -I.--_The Annunciation._ - -Let us contemplate in this mystery, how the angel Gabriel saluted -our blessed Lady with the title of "_Full of Grace_," and -declared unto her the incarnation of our Lord and Saviour Jesus -Christ. - -_Then say_, Our Father, &c. _once; and_ Hail Mary, &c. -_ten times_. - - - [When the "Hail Mary" is repeated a tenth time, the Decade - finishes with, "Glory be to the Father." &c.; then follows the - Prayer. Which method is to be observed in beginning, and saying - each part of the Rosary.] - - - Let Us Pray. - -O holy Mary, Queen of virgins, through the most high mystery of -the incarnation of thy beloved Son our Lord Jesus Christ, by -means of which the work of our salvation was so happily begun, -obtain for us, by thine intercession, light to be sensible of so -great a benefit, which he hath bestowed upon as; vouchsafing -thereby to make himself our brother, and thee, his only beloved -mother, our mother also. Amen. - -{512} - - II.--_The Visitation_. - -Let us contemplate in this mystery, how the blessed Virgin Mary, -understanding from the angel that her cousin, St. Elizabeth, had -conceived, went with haste into the mountains of Judea, to visit -her, and remained with her three months. - -Our Father, &c. - - - Let Us Pray. - -O holy Virgin, most spotless mirror of humility, by that -exceeding charity which moved thee to visit thy holy cousin, St. -Elizabeth, obtain for us, by thine intercession, that our hearts -may be visited by thy most holy Son, that being free from all -sin, we may praise and give him thanks for ever. -Amen. - - -III.--_The Birth of our Lord Jesus Christ in Bethlehem_. - -Let us contemplate in this mystery, how the blessed Virgin Mary, -when the time of her delivery was come, _brought forth our -Redeemer, Jesus Christ, at midnight, and laid him in a -manger_, because there was no room for him in the inns at -Bethlehem. - -Our Father, &c. - -{513} - - Let Us Pray. - -O most pure Mother of God, by thy virginal and most joyful -delivery, in which thou gavest unto the world thine only Son, our -Saviour, we beseech thee obtain for us, by thine intercession, -grace to lead such pure and holy lives in this world, that we may -worthily sing without ceasing, both day and night, the mercies of -thy Son, and his benefits to us by thee. Amen. - - -IV.--_The Oblation of our blessed Lord in the Temple._ - -Let us contemplate in this mystery, how the most blessed Virgin -Mary, on the day of her purification, presented the child Jesus -in the temple, where holy Simeon, giving thanks to God with great -devotion, received him into his arms. - -Our Father, &c. - - Let Us Pray. - -O holy Virgin, most admirable mistress, and pattern of obedience, -who didst present in the temple the Lord of the temple, obtain -for us of thy beloved Son, that, with holy Simeon and devout -Anna, we may praise and glorify him for ever. Amen. - - -V.--_The finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple_. - -Let us contemplate in this mystery, how the blessed Virgin Mary -having lost, without any fault of hers, her beloved Son in -Jerusalem, she sought him for the space of three days, and at -length found him the fourth day in the temple, in the midst of -the doctors, disputing with them, being of the age of twelve -years. Our Father, &c. - -{514} - - Let Us Pray. - -Most blessed Virgin, more than martyr in thy sufferings, and yet -the comfort of such as are afflicted, by that unspeakable joy -wherewith thy soul was ravished, at finding thy beloved Son in -the temple, in the midst of the doctors, disputing with them, -obtain of him for us, so to seek him and find him in the holy -Catholic Church, that we may never be separated from him. Amen. - - - The Salve Regina. - -Hail! holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, -our life, our sweetness, and our hope. -To thee do we cry, poor banished sons of Eve. -To thee do we send up our sighs, mournings, -and weepings, in this valley of tears. -Turn, then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of -mercy towards us, and after this our exile -ended, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy -womb, Jesus, O clement, O pious, O sweet Virgin Mary. - -_Vers_. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God. - -_Resp_. That we may be made worthy of the promises of -Christ. - -{515} - - Let Us Pray. - -O God, whose only begotten Son, by his life, death, and -resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life, -grant we beseech thee, that meditating upon those mysteries, in -the most holy Rosary of the most blessed Virgin Mary, we may -imitate what they contain, and obtain what they promise: through -the same Christ our Lord. Amen. - - - Part The Second. - - The Five Dolorous Mysteries, - - To be said on Tuesdays and Fridays throughout the Year, and on - Sundays in Lent. - - -I.--_The Prayer and Bloody Sweat of our Blessed Saviour in the -Garden_. - -Let us contemplate in this mystery, how our Lord Jesus was so -afflicted for us in the Garden of Gethsemani, that his body was -bathed in a bloody sweat, which ran trickling down in great drops -to the ground. - -Our Father, &c. Hail Mary, &c. Glory, &c. _as before_. - - - Let Us Pray. - -Most holy Virgin, more than martyr, by that ardent prayer which -thy most beloved Son poured forth unto his Father in the Garden, -vouchsafe to intercede for us, that our passions being reduced to -the obedience of reason, we may always, and in all things, -conform and subject ourselves to the will of God. Amen. - -{516} - -II.--_The Scourging of our Blessed Lord at the Pillar_. - -Let us contemplate in this mystery, how our Lord Jesus Christ was -most cruelly scourged in Pilate's house, the number of stripes -they gave him being above five thousand. [As it was revealed to -St. Bridget.] Our Father, &c. - - - Let Us Pray. - -O Mother of God, overflowing fountain of patience, by those -stripes thine only and most beloved Son vouchsafed to suffer for -us, obtain of him for us grace, that we may know how to mortify -our rebellious senses, and cut off all occasions of sinning, with -that sword of grief and compassion which pierced thy most tender -soul. Amen. - - -III.--_The Crowning of our Blessed Saviour with Thorns_. - -Let us contemplate in this mystery, how those cruel ministers of -Satan platted a crown of sharp thorns, and most cruelly pressed -it on the most sacred head of our Lord Jesus Christ. - -Our Father, &c. - - - Let Us Pray. - -O Mother of our eternal Prince and King of Glory, by those sharp -thorns wherewith his holy head was pierced, we beseech thee, that -by thine intercession we may be delivered here from all motions -of pride, and in the day of judgment from that confusion which -our sins deserve. Amen. - -{517} - -IV.--_Jesus carrying the Cross_. - -Let us contemplate in this mystery, how our Lord Jesus Christ -being sentenced to die, bore, with the most amazing patience, the -cross which was laid upon him for his greater torment and -ignominy. Our Father, &c. - - - Let Us Pray. - -O holy Virgin, example of patience, by the most painful carrying -the cross, on which thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ bore the heavy -weight of our sins, obtain of him for us by thine intercession, -courage and strength to follow his steps, and bear our cross -after him to the end of our lives. Amen. - - -V.--_The Crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ_. - -Let us contemplate in this mystery, how our Lord and Saviour -Jesus Christ, having arrived at Mount Calvary, was stripped of -his clothes, and his hands and feet most cruelly nailed to the -cross, in the presence of his most afflicted mother. - -Our Father, &c. - - - Let Us Pray. - -O holy Mary, mother of God, as the body of thy beloved Son was -for us extended on the cross, so may our desires be daily more -and more stretched out in his service, and our hearts wounded -with compassion for his most bitter passion. And thou, O most -blessed Virgin, graciously vouchsafe to help us to accomplish the -work of our salvation, by thy powerful intercession. Amen. - -{518} - -Hail, holy Queen, &c. _with the verse and prayer as before_. - - - Part The Third. - - The Five Glorious Mysteries, - -Assigned for Wednesdays and Saturdays throughout the Year, and -Sundays from Easter until Advent. - - -I.--_The Resurrection of Christ from the Dead_. - -Let us contemplate in this mystery, how our Lord Jesus Christ, -triumphing gloriously over death, rose again the third day, -immortal and impassable. - -Our Father, &c. Hail Mary, &c. Glory, &c, _as before_. - - - Let Us Pray. - -O glorious Virgin Mary, by that unspeakable joy thou receivedst -in the resurrection of thine only Son, we beseech thee to obtain -of him for us, that our hearts may never go astray after the -false joys of this world; but may be ever and wholly employed in -the pursuit of the only true and solid joys of heaven. Amen. - - -II.--_The Ascension of Christ into Heaven_. - -Let us contemplate in this mystery, how our Lord Jesus Christ, -forty days after his resurrection, ascended into heaven, attended -by angels, in the sight of his most holy Mother, his holy -apostles and disciples, to the great admiration of them all. - -Our Father, &c. - -{519} - - Let Us Pray. - -O mother of God, comfort of the afflicted, as thy beloved Son, -when he ascended into heaven, lifted up his hands and blessed his -apostles, so vouchsafe, most holy Mother, to lift up thy pure -hands to him for us, that we may enjoy the benefits of his -blessing and thine, here on earth, and hereafter in heaven. Amen. - - -III.--_The coming of the Holy Ghost to the Disciples_. - -Let us contemplate in this mystery, how our Lord Jesus Christ, -being seated at the right hand of God, sent, as he had promised, -the Holy Ghost upon the apostles, who, after he was ascended, -returning to Jerusalem, continued in prayer and supplication with -the blessed Virgin Mary, expecting the performance of his -promise. - -Our Father, &c. - - Let Us Pray. - -O sacred Virgin, tabernacle of the Holy Ghost, we beseech thee, -obtain by thine intercession, that this most sweet Comforter, -whom thy beloved Son sent down upon his apostles, filling them -thereby with spiritual joy, may teach us in this world the true -way of salvation, and make us walk in the paths of virtue and -good works. Amen. - -IV.--_The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven_. - -Let us contemplate in this mystery, how the glorious Virgin, -twelve years after the resurrection of her Son, passed out of -this world unto him, and was by him taken into heaven, -accompanied by the holy angels. - -Our Father, &c. - -{520} - - Let Us Pray. - -O most prudent Virgin, who entering into the heavenly palace, -didst fill the holy angels with joy, and man with hope, vouchsafe -to intercede for us at the hour of death, that free from the -illusions and temptations of the devil, we may joyfully and -successfully pass out of this temporal state, to enjoy the -happiness of eternal life. Amen. - - -V.--_The Coronation of the B.V.M, in Heaven._ - -Let us contemplate in this mystery, how the glorious Virgin Mary -was, with great jubilee, and exultation of the whole court of -heaven, and the particular glory of all the saints, crowned by -her Son with the brightest diadem of Glory. - -Our Father, &c. - - - Let Us Pray. - -O glorious Queen of all the heavenly citizens, we beseech thee to -accept this Rosary, which, as a crown of roses, we offer at thy -feet; and grant, most gracious Lady, that by thine intercession, -our souls may be inflamed with so ardent a desire of seeing thee -so gloriously crowned, that it may never die in us, until it be -changed into the happy fruition of thy blessed sight. Amen. - -Hail, holy Queen, &c, -_with the verse and prayer as before_. - -{521} - - Te Deum; - -_A Hymn which may be said after Mass, or on occasion of any -public or private Thanksgiving._ - - Thee, sovereign God, our grateful accents praise, - We own thee Lord, and bless thy wondrous ways; - To thee, eternal Father, earth's whole frame - With loudest trumpet sounds immortal fame. - Lord God of hosts! to thee the heavenly pow'rs - With sounding anthems, fill thy vaulted tow'rs; - The Cherubim thrice holy, holy, cry, - Thrice holy, all the Seraphim reply, - And thrice returning echoes endless songs supply. - Both heaven and earth thy majesty display; - They owe their beauty to thy glorious ray. - Thy praises fill the loud apostles' choir; - The train of prophets in the song conspire; - Legions of martyrs in the chorus shine; - And vocal blood with vocal music join. - By these thy church, inspir'd with heavenly art, - Around the world maintains a second part. - And tunes her sweetest notes, O God, to thee. - The Father of unbounded majesty, - The Son, ador'd co-partner of thy seat, - And equal everlasting Paraclete. - Thou King of glory. Christ; of the Most High, - Thou co-eternal filial Deity. - Thou who, to save the world's impending doom, - Vouchsafedst to dwell within a virgin's womb; - Old tyrant death disarmed, before thee flew - The bolts of heav'n, and back the foldings drew, - To give access, and make the faithful way; - From God's right hand thy filial beams display. - Thou art to judge the living and the dead; - Then spare those souls for whom thy veins have bled. - - O take us then among the blest above, - To share with them thy everlasting love. - Preserve, O Lord, thy people, and enhance - Thy blessing on thine own inheritance: - For ever raise their hearts, and rule their ways: - Each day we bless thee, and proclaim thy praise. - No age shall fail to celebrate thy name, - Nor hour neglect thy everlasting fame. - -{522} - - Preserve our souls, O Lord, this day from ill, - Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy still. - As we have hop'd, do thou reward our pain. - We've hop'd in thee, let not our hope be vain. - - V. Let us bless the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. - - R. Let us praise and extol him for ever. - - - The Prayer, _Deus cujus._ - -O God, of whose mercies there is no number, and of whose goodness -the treasure is infinite, we humbly thank thy most gracious -majesty for the favours thou hast bestowed on us; ever beseeching -thy clemency, that as thou grantest our requests when we humbly -ask thee, so thou wouldst not forsake us, but dispose us for the -rewards of the life to come. Through Christ our Lord. R. Amen. - - - - The Thirty Days' Prayer - -To The Blessed Virgin Mary, In Honour Of The Sacred Passion Of -Our Lord Jesus Christ; - - By the devout recital of which for the above space of time, we - may mercifully hope to obtain our lawful request.--It is - particularly recommended as a proper devotion for every day in - Lent, and all the Fridays throughout the Year. - - -Ever glorious and blessed Mary, Queen of Virgins, Mother of -Mercy, hope and comfort of dejected and desolate souls; through -that sword of sorrow which pierced thy tender heart, whilst thine -only son, Christ Jesus our Lord, suffered death and ignominy on -the cross; through that filial tenderness and pure love he had -for thee, grieving in thy grief, whilst from his cross he -recommended thee to the care and protection of his beloved -disciple St. John; take pity, I beseech thee, on my poverty and -necessities; have compassion on my anxieties and cares; assist -and comfort me in all my infirmities and miseries, of what kind -soever. -{523} -Thou art the mother of mercies, the sweet consolatrix and only -refuge of the needy and the orphan, of the desolate and the -afflicted. Cast, therefore, an eye of pity on a miserable, -forlorn child of Eve, and hear my prayer; for since, in just -punishment for my sins, I find myself encompassed by a multitude -of evils, and oppressed with much anguish of spirit, whither can -I fly for more secure shelter, O amiable Mother of my Lord and -Saviour Jesus Christ, than under the wings of thy maternal -protection? Attend, therefore, I beseech thee, with an ear of -pity and compassion, to my humble and earnest request. I ask it -through the bowels of mercy of thy dear Son, through that love -and condescension wherewith he embraced our nature, when, in -compliance with the divine will, thou gavest thy consent, and -whom, after the expiration of nine months, thou didst bring forth -from the chaste enclosure of thy womb, to visit this world, and -bless it with his presence. I ask it through that anguish of mind -wherewith thy beloved Son, our dear Saviour, was overwhelmed on -Mount Olivet, when he besought his eternal Father _to remove -from him_, if possible, _the bitter chalice_ of his -future passion. I ask it through the threefold repetition of his -prayers in the garden, from whence afterwards with dolorous steps -and mournful tears, thou didst accompany him to the doleful -theatre of his death and sufferings. -{524} -I ask it through the welts and sores of his virginal flesh, -occasioned by the cords and whips wherewith he was bound and -scourged, when stripped of his seamless garment, for which his -executioners afterwards cast lots. I ask it through the scoffs -and ignominies by which he was insulted; the false accusation and -unjust sentence by which he was condemned to death, and which he -bore with heavenly patience. I ask it through his bitter tears -and bloody sweat, his silence and resignation, his sadness and -grief of heart. I ask it through the blood which trickled from -his royal and sacred head, when struck with a sceptre of a reed, -and pierced with his crown of thorns. I ask it through the -excruciating torments he suffered when his hands and feet were -fastened with gross nails to the tree of the cross. I ask it -through his vehement thirst, and bitter potion of vinegar and -gall. I ask it through his dereliction on the cross, when he -exclaimed: "My God! my God! why hast thou forsaken me?" I ask it -through his mercy extended to the good thief, and through his -recommending his precious soul and spirit into the hands of his -eternal Father before he expired, saying: "All is finished." I -ask it through the blood mixed with water, which issued from his -sacred side, when pierced with a lance, and whence a flood of -grace and mercy has flowed to us. I ask it through his immaculate -life, bitter passion, and ignominious death on the cross, at -which nature itself was thrown into convulsions, by the bursting -of rocks, rending of the veil of the temple, the earthquake, and -darkness of the sun and moon. -{525} -I ask it through his descent into hell, where he comforted the -saints of the old law with his presence, and led captivity -captive. I ask it through his glorious victory over death, when -he arose again to life on the third day; and through the joy -which his appearance for forty days after, gave thee, his blessed -Mother, his apostles, and the rest of his disciples, when, in -thine and their presence, he miraculously ascended into heaven. I -ask it through the grace of the Holy Ghost, infused into the -hearts of the disciples, when he descended upon them in the form -of fiery tongues, and by which they were inspired with zeal in -the conversion of the world, when they went to preach the gospel. -I ask it through the awful appearance of thy Son at the last -dreadful day, when he shall come to judge the living and the -dead, and the world, by fire. I ask it through the compassion he -bore thee in this life, and the ineffable joy thou didst feel at -thine assumption into heaven, where thou art eternally absorbed -in the sweet contemplation of his divine perfections. O glorious -and ever blessed Virgin! comfort the heart of thy suppliant, by -obtaining it for me.[Footnote 5] - - [Footnote 5: Here mention, or reflect on your lawful request, - under the reservation of its being agreeable to the will of - God, who sees whether it will contribute towards your - spiritual good.] - -{526} - -And as I am persuaded my divine Saviour doth honour thee as his -beloved Mother, to whom he can refuse nothing; so let me speedily -experience the efficacy of thy powerful intercession, according -to the tenderness of thy maternal affection, and his filial, -loving heart, who mercifully granteth the requests, and complieth -with the desires of those that love and fear him. Wherefore, O -most blessed Virgin, besides the object of my present petition, -and whatever else I may stand in need of, obtain for me also, of -thy dear Son, our Lord and our God, a lively faith, firm hope, -perfect charity, true contrition of heart, unfeigned tears of -compunction, sincere confession, condign satisfaction, abstinence -from sin, love of God, and my neighbour, contempt of the world, -patience to suffer affronts and ignominies, nay, even, if -necessary, an opprobrious death itself, for the love of thy Son -our Saviour Jesus Christ.--Obtain likewise for me, O Sacred -Mother of God! perseverance in good works, performance of good -resolutions, mortification of self will, a pious conversation -through life, and at my last moments, strong and sincere -repentance, accompanied by such a lively and attentive presence -of mind, as may enable me to receive the last sacrament of the -Church worthily, and die in thy friendship and favour. Lastly, -obtain, I beseech thee, for the souls of my parents, brethren, -relations, and benefactors, both living and dead, life -everlasting. Amen. - -{527} - - Hymns For Festivals. - - - - Hymn _for Advent_. - -Alma Redemptoris Mater, quæ pervia cœli porta manes, - - Mother of Jesus, heaven's open gate, - -Et stella maris, succurre cadenti; - - Star of the Sea, support the falling state - -Surgere qui curat populo; tu quæ genuisti, - - Of mortals: thou, whose womb thy maker bore, - -Natura mirante tuum sanctum genitorem: - - And yet, strange thing! a virgin as before; - -Virgo priùs ac posteriús, Gabrielis ab ore - - Who didst from _Gabriel's_ hail! the news receive, - -Sumens illud Ave, peccatorum miserere. - - Repenting sinners by thy prayers relieve. - -V. Angelus Domini nuntiavit Mariæ. - - V. The angel of the Lord declared to _Mary_, - -R. Et concepit de Spiritu Sancto. - - B. And she conceived of the Holy Ghost. - - - Hymn _for Christmas._ - -Adeste fidelis, Læti triumph antes, - - Ye faithful souls, rejoice and sing; - -Venite, venite in Bethlehem: - - To Bethlehem your trophies bring, - -Natem videte Regem Angelorum: - - Before the new-born Angel's King: - -Venite adoremus, -Venite adoremus Dominum. - - Come let us him adore, Come, &c. - - -Deum de Deo, Lumen de Lumine, - - True God of God, true Light of Light, - -Gestant puellæ viscera; Deum verum, - - Born in womb of Virgin bright; - -Genitum non factum: - - Begot, not made; true God of might: - -Venite adoremus, Venite, &c. - - Come let us him adore, Come, &c. - -{528} - -Cantet nunc Io, Chorus angelorum; - - Angelic choirs with joy now sing, - -Cantet nunc aula cœlestium, - - The heavenly courts with echoes ring. - -Gloria In excelsis Deo: - - Glory on high to God our king: - -Venite adoremus, Venite, &c. - - Come, let us him adore, Come, &c. - - -Ergo qui natus Die hodierna, - - Jesus, whose life this day begun, - -Jesu tibi sit gloria: - Patris æterni - _Verbum caro factum:_ - - The Father's co-eternal Son: Glory to him be ever sung: - -Venite adoremus, Venite, &c. - - Come, let us him adore, Come, &c. - - - Hymn _for Passion-Sunday, and Palm-Sunday_. - -Vexilla regis prodeunt, - - Behold the royal ensigns fly, - -Fulget crucis mysterium: - - Bearing the cross' mystery: - -Quâ vita mortem protulit, - - Where life itself did death endure, - -Et morte vitam protulit. - - And by that death did life procure. - -Quæ vulnerata lanceæ - - A cruel spear let out a flood - -Mucrone diro, criminum - - Of water, mixed with saving blood: - -Ut nos lavaret fordibus, - - Which, gushing from the Saviour's side, - -Manavit undâ et sanguine. - - Drown'd our offences in the tide. - - -Impleta sunt quæ concinit, - - The mystery we now unfold, - -David fideli carmine, - - Which David's faithful verse foretold. - -Dicendo nationibus: - - Of our Lord's kingdom; whilst we see - -Regnavit â ligno Deus. - - God ruling nations from a tree. - -{529} - -Arbor decora et fulgida, - - O lovely tree, whose branches wore - -Ornata regis purpura! - - The royal purple of his gore! - -Electa digno stipite, - - How glorious does thy body shine? - -Tam sancta membra tangere! - - Supporting members so divine! - -Beata, cujus brachiis, - - The world's blest balance thou wast made, - -Pretiùm pependit sæculi, - - Thy happy beam its purchase weigh'd, - -Statera facta corporis, - - And bore his limbs, who snatch'd away - -Tulitque prædam tartari. - - Devouring hell's expected prey. - -O Crux, ave spes unica, - - Hail Cross, our hope! on thee we call, - -Hoc passionis tempore! - - Who keep this mournful festival: - -Piis ad auge gratiam, - - Grant to the just increase of grace, - -Reisque dele crimina. - - And ev'ry sinner's crimes efface. - -Te, fons salutis Trinitas, Collaudit omnis spiritus. - - Blest Trinity, we praises sing - To thee, from whom all graces spring, - -Quibus crucis victoriam, - - Celestial crowns on those bestow, - -Largiris, adde præmium. Amen. - - Who conquer by the cross below. Amen. - -V. Eripe me, Domine, ab homine malo. - - V. Deliver me, O Lord, from the wicked man. - -R. A viro iniquo eripe me. - - R. And from the unjust man deliver me. - - - Hymn _for Good-Friday_, - (Plaint of the Blessed Virgin.) - -Stabat mater dolorosa - - Beneath the world's redeeming wood, - -Juxta crucem lacrymosa, - - The most afflicted Mother stood, - -{530} - -Dum pendebat filius. - - Mingling her tears with her Son's blood. - -Cujus animara gementem - - As that flow'd down from every part, - -Contristatam et dolentem - - Of all his wounds she felt the smart; - -Pertransivit gladius. - - What pierc'd his body, pierc'd her heart. - -O quam tristis et afflicta, - - Who can with tearless eyes look on, - -Fuit illa benedicta - - When Mary does, alas! bemoan - -Mater unigeniti. - - Wounded and faint, her only Son. - -Quæ merebat, et dolebat, - - O worse than _Jewish_ heart, that could, - -Pia mater dum videbat, - - Unmov'd, behold the double flood - -Nati pœnas inclyti. - - Of _Mary's_ tears, and _Jesu's_ blood. - -Quis est homo, qui non fleret, - - Alas! our sins, they were not his - -Christi matrem si videret -In tanto supplicio? - - In this atoning sacrifice, - For which he bleeds, for which he dies. - -Quis non posset contristari, - - When graves were open'd rocks were rent, - -Piam matrim contemplari - - When nature and each element - -Dolentem cum filio? - - His torments and her grief resent. - -Pro peccatis suæ gentis - - Shall man, the cause of all his pain - -Vidit Jesum in tormentis, - - And all his grief, shall sinful man - -Et flagellis subditum. - - Alone insensible remain? - -Vidit suum dulcem natum - - Ah, pious mother, teach my heart, - -Morientem, desolatum, - - Of sighs and tears the holy art, - -{531} - -Dum emisit spiritum. - - And in thy grief to bear a part. - -Eia, mater fons amoris, - - The sword of grief, which did pass through - -Me sentire vim doloris -Fac ut tecum lugeam, - - Thy very soul, O may it now - Upon my heart a wound bestow. - -Fac ut ardeat cor meum, - - Great Queen of sorrows, in thy train - -In amando Christum Deum, - - Let me a mourner's place obtain, - -Ut sibi complaceam. - - Let me thy Jesus love again. - -Sancta mater istud agas, -Crucifixi fige plagas, - - To heal the leprosy of sin, - We must the cure with tears begin. - -Cordi meo valide. - - All flesh's corrupt without their brine. - -Tui nati vulnerari, - - Refuge of sinners, grant that we - -Tam dignati pro me pati - - May tread thy steps, and let it be - -Pœnas mecum divide. - - Our sorrow not to grieve like thee. - -Fec me vere tecum flere, - - O may the wounds of thy dear Son, - -Crucifixo condolere, - - Our contrite hearts possess alone. - -Donec ego vixero. - - And all terrene affections drown. - -Juxta crucem tecum stare, - - Those wounds, which now the stars outshine, - -Te libenter sociare, - - Those furnaces of love divine. - -In planctu desidero. - - May they our drossy souls refine; - -Virgo virginum præclara, - - And on us such impressions make, - -Mihi jam non sis amara, - - That we of suff'ring for his sake, - -Fac me tecum plangere. - - May joyfully our portion take. - -{532} - -Fac ut portem Christi mortem, - - Let us his proper badge put on, - -Passionis fac consortem, - - Let's glory in the cross alone, - -Et plagas recolere. - - By which he marks us for his own. - -Fac me plagis vulnerari, - - That when the dreadful trial's come, - -Cruce hac inebriari, - - For every man to hear his doom, - -Ob amorem filii. - - On his right hand we may find room. - -Inflammatus et accensus, - - O hear us, _Mary! Jesus_, hear! - -Per te virgo aim defensus - - Our humble pray'rs; secure our fear, - -In die judicii. - - When thou in judgment shalt appear. - -Fac me cruce custodiri, - - Now give us sorrow, give us love, - -Morte Christi præmuniri Confoveri gratia. - - That so prepar'd we may remove, - -Quando corpus morietur - - When call'd to seats of bliss above. Amen. - -Fac ut animæ donetur -Paradisi gloria. - -V. Tuam ipsius animam pertransivit gladius. - - V. A sword has pierced thy own soul. - -R. Ut revelentur ex multis cordibus cogitationes. - - R. That the thoughts of many hearts may be - revealed. - - - Hymn _for Easter_. - - -O filii et filiæ, - - Praise by mortals now be given, - -Rex cœlestis, Rex gloriæ, - - On this day from death hath risen - -Morte surrexit hodie, Alleluia. - - The King of Glory, King of Heaven, Alleluia, - -{533} - -Et mane prima Sabbati, - - The morn of Sabbath scarce did beam, - -Ad ostium monumenti - - When to his monument there came - -Accesserant discipuli, Alleluia. - - Disciples who ador'd his name, Alleluia. - -Et Maria Magdalene, - - There _Mary Magdalen_ anxious stood. - -Et Jacobi, et Salome, - - And _James_, and _Salome_ the good - -Venerunt corpus ungere, Alleluia. - - His body fain embalm they would, Alleluia. - -In albis sedens angelus - - The angel sat in white all rob'd, - -Prædixit mulieribus, - - And to the women he foretold: - -In Galilea est Dominus, Alleluia. - - In _Galilee_ you'll see the Lord, Alleluia. - -Et Joannes apostolus - - The message scarce did greet his ear, - - Cucurrit Petro citùs, - - Swifter than _Peter, John_ drew near - -Monumento venit priùs, Alleluia. - - To the Lord's tomb, with hope, with fear, Alleluia. - -Discipulis astantibus, - - The disciples all assembled were; - -In medio stetit Christus, - - Among them Jesus did appear, - -Dicens, pax vobis omnibus, Alleluia. - - His peace he gave, remov'd their fear, Alleluia. - -Ut intellexit Didymus - - _Thomas_ believed not, when 'twas said - -Quia surrexerat Jesus, - - That Christ had risen from the dead, - -Remansit fere dubius, Alleluia. - - Until he saw the wounds that bled, Alleluia. - -Vide Thoma, vide latus, - - My hands, my side, my feet, O see! - -Vide pedes, vide manus: - - _Thomas_, wounds that bled for thee: - -Noli esse incrodulus, Alleluia. - - Renounce thine incredulity, Alleluia. - -{534} - -Quando Thomas vidit Christum - - When _Thomas_, Jesus had survey'd, - -Pedes, manus, latus suum, - - And on his wounds his fingers laid, - -Dixit: Tu es Deus meus, Alleluia. - - Thou art my Lord and God, he said, Alleluia. - -Beati qui non viderunt, - - Blessed are they who have not seen, - -Et firmiter crediderunt, - - And yet, whose faith entire hath been, - -Vitam æternam habebunt, Alleluia. - - Them endless joy from pain shall screen, Alleluia. - -In hoc festo sanctissimo - - On this most solemn feast let's raise - -Sit laus et jubilatio: - - Our hearts to God in hymns of praise. - -Benedicamus Domino, Alleluia. - - And bless the Lord in all his ways, Alleluia, - -Ex quibus nos humillimas - - Our grateful thanks to God let's give, - -Devotas atque debitas - - In humblest manner, whilst we live, - -Deo dicamus gratias, Alleluia. - - For all the favours we receive, Alleluia. - - - [Transcriber's note: This is a better translation (with - music) from St. Gregory's Hymnal. - http://www.gutenberg.org/files/23673/23673-h/English.html#No._28] - - Ye sons and daughters of the Lord! - The King of glory, King adored, - This day Himself from death restored. Alleluia! - Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! - - All in the early morning grey, - Went holy women on their way, - To see the tomb where Jesus lay. Alleluia! - Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! - - Of spices pure a precious store, - In their pure hands those women bore, - To anoint the Sacred Body o'er. Alleluia! - Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! - - Then straightway One in white they see, - Who saith, "Ye seek the Lord; but He - Is ris'n, and gone to Galilee." Alleluia! - Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! - - This told they Peter, told they John, - Who forthwith to the tomb are gone; - But Peter is by John outrun. Alleluia! - Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! - - That selfsame night, while out of fear, - The doors were shut, their Lord most dear, - To His Apostles did appear. Alleluia! - Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! - - But Thomas when of this He heard, - Was doubtful of his brethren's word; - Wherefore again there comes the Lord. Alleluia! - Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! - - "Thomas, behold My Side" saith He; - "My Hands, My Feet, My Body see, - And doubt not, but believe in Me." Alleluia! - Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! - - When Thomas saw that wounded Side, - The truth no longer he denied; - "Thou art my Lord and God," he cried. Alleluia! - Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! - - Oh, blest are they who have not seen - Their Lord, and yet believe in Him: - Eternal life awaiteth them. Alleluia! - Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! - - Now let us praise the Lord most high, - And strive His Name to magnify, - On this great day through earth and sky: Alleluia! - Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! - - Whose mercy ever runneth o'er, - Whom men and Angel Hosts adore, - To Him be glory ever more. Alleluia! - Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! - - - - Hymns _for Whit-Sunday_. - -Veni Creator Spiritus, - - Creating Spirit, come possess - -Mentes tuorum visita, - - Our souls, and with thy presence bless: - -Imple superna gratia, - - And in our hearts, fram'd by thy hand, - -Quæ tu creasti, pectora. - - Let thy celestial grace command. - -Qui diceris Paraclitus, - - Thou who art call'd the _Paraclete_, - -Altissimi donum Dei; - - The Almighty Father's gift complete: - -{535} - -Fons vivus, ignis, charitas, - - The living fountain, fire, and love, - -Et spiritalis unction. - - And sacred unction from above. - -Tu septiformis munere, - - Thou finger of the Father's hand, - -Digitus pateræ dexteræ, - - Who dost a sev'nfold grace command: - -Tu rite promissum Patris, - - Thou promis'd from the Highest sent, - -Sermone ditans guttura. - - In various language eloquent - -Accende lumen sensibus: - - Purge with thy light our earthly parts. - -Infunde amorem cordibus: - - And with thy love inflame our hearts: - -Infirma nostri corporis - - Thus human weakness fortify - -Virtute firmans perpeti. - - With everlasting constancy. - -Hostem repellas longiùs, - - Far from us drive the infernal foe, - -Pacemque dones protinùs, - - And peace, the fruit of love, bestow: - -Ductore sic te prævio - - Thus having thee, our safest guide, - -Vitemus omne noxium. - - Let not our feet to evil slide. - -Per te sciamus da Patrem - - Let us by thee the Father own, - -Noscamus atque Filium: - - And to us let thy Son be known: - -Te utriusque Spiritum - - Let us believe in thee, who dost - -Credamus omni tempore. - - From both proceed the Holy Ghost. - -Deo Patri, sit gloria, - - To God the Father, and the Son, - -Et Filio, qui a mortuis - - Who rose from death, be glory done: - -Surrexit, ac Paraclito, - - This praise for ever let's repeat, - -In sæculorum sæcula. Amen. - - To God the holy Paraclete, Amen. - -{536} - -V. Loquebantur variis linguis Apostoli, _Alleluia_. - - V. The Apostles spoke in various tongues. _Alleluia_. - -R. Magnalia Dei, _Alleluia_, - - R. The wonders of God, _Alleluia_. - - - - The Prayer. - -O God, who by the light of the Holy Ghost, didst instruct the -hearts of the faithful, grant that by the direction of the same -Holy Spirit, we may relish what is right, and always rejoice in -his consolations: through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. - - - _Sequence for Whit-Sunday_. - -Veni Sancte Spiritus - - Come, Holy Ghost, send down those beams, - -Et emitte cælitus - - Which sweetly flow in silent streams, - -Lucis tuæ radium. - - From thy bright throne above. - -Veni Pater pauperum: - - O come thou Father of the poor, - -Veni dator munerum: - - Thou bounteous source of all our store, - -Veni lumen cordium. - - Come fire our hearts with love. - -Consolator optime, - - Come thou of comforters the best, - -Dulcis hospes animæ, - - Come thou the soul's delicious guest, - -Dulce refrigerium. - - The pilgrim's sweet relief. - -In labore requies, - - Thou art our rest in toil and sweat, - -In æstu temperies, - - Refreshment in excessive heat - -In fletu solatium. - - And solace in our grief. - -O lux beatissima, - - O sacred light, shoot home thy darts, - -Reple cordis intima - - O pierce the centre of those hearts, - -Tuorura fideliam. - - Whose faith aspires to thee. - -{537} - -Sine tuo numine, - - Without thy Godhead no thing can - -Nihil est in homine, - - Have any price or worth in man: - -Nihil est innoxium. - - Nothing can harmless be. - -Lava quod est sordidum, - - Lord, wash our sinful stains away, - -Riga quod est aridum, - - Water from heaven our barren clay, - -Sana quod est saucium. - - Our wounds and bruises heal. - -Flecte quod est rigidum, - - To thy sweet yoke our stiff necks bow, - -Fove quod est frigidum, - - Warm with thy fire our hearts of snow, - -Rege quod est devium. - - Our wand'ring feet repel. - -Da tuis fidelibus, - - O grant thy faithful, dearest Lord, - -In te confitentibus, - - Whose only hope is thy sure word, - -Sacrum septenarium. - - The seven gifts of thy spirit. - -Da virtutis meritum, - - Grant us in life to obey thy grace, - -Da salutis exitum, - - Grant us in death to see thy face, - -Da perenne gaudium. Amen. - - And endless joys inherit. Amen. - - - The Prayer. - -O God, to whom every heart lies open, every will speaks its -desire, and from whom no secret is concealed; purify the thoughts -of our hearts by the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, in order that -we may perfectly love thee, and worthily praise thee: through our -Lord Jesus Christ, thy Son, who with thee and the same Holy Ghost -liveth, &c. -Amen. - -{538} - - Hymns For Festivals. - - - Hymns _for Corpus Christi, and for the Procession of - the Blessed Sacrament, on Holy Thursday_. - - -Pange lingua gloriosi - - Sing, O my tongue, adore and praise - -Corporis mysterium, - - The depth of God's mysterious ways: - -Sanguinisque pretiosi - - How Christ, the world's great King, bestow'd - -Quem in mundi pretium, - - His flesh conceal'd in human food, - -Fructus ventris generosi, - - And left mankind the blood that paid - -Rex effudit gentium. - - The ransom for the souls he made. - -Nobis datis, nobus natus, - - Given from above, and born for man, - -Ex intacta virgine; - - From virgin chaste his life began: - -Et in mundo conversatus - - He liv'd on earth, and preached to sow - -Sparso verbi semine, - - The seeds of heavenly love below; - -Sui notas incolatus - - Then seal'd his mission from above - -Miro clausit ordine! - - With strange effects of power and love! - -In supremæ nocte cœnæ, - - 'Twas on that ev'ning when the last - -Recumbens cum fratribus, - - And most mysterious supper past; - -Observata lege plene - - When Christ with his disciples sat, - -Cibis in legalibus, - - To close the law with legal meat; - -Cibum turbæ duodense - - Then to the twelve himself bestow'd - -Se dat suis manibus. - - With his own hands to be their food. - -{539} - -Verbum caro, panem verum, - - The Word made flesh for love of man, - -Verbo carnem efficit: - - His word turns bread to flesh again, - -Fitque sanguis Christi merum, - - And wine to blood, unseen by sense, - -Et si sensus deficit, - - By virtue of omnipotence: - -Ad firmandum cor sincerum - - And here the faithful rest secure, - -Sola fides sufficit. - - Whilst God can vouch and faith insure. - -Tantum ergo sacramentum - - To this mysterious table now, - -Veneremur cernui; - - Our knees, our hearts, and sense we bow: - -Et antiquum documentum, - - Let ancient rites resign their place - -Novo cedat ritui, - - To nobler elements of grace: - -Præstet fides supplementum - - And faith for all defects supply, - -Sensuum defectui. - - Whilst sense is lost in mystery. - - -Genitori, Genitoque, - - To God the Father, born of none, - -Laus et jubilatio, - - To Christ his co-eternal Son, - -Salus, honor, virtus, quoque, - - And Holy Ghost, whose equal rays, - -Sit et benedictio: - - From both proceed, be equal praise: - -Procedenti ab utroque, - - One honour, jubilee, and fame, - -Compar sit laudatio. Amen. - - For ever bless his glorious name. Amen. - - -V. Panem de cœlo præstitisti eis. _Alleluia_. - - V. Thou hast given them bread from heaven. _Alleluia_. - -R. Omne delectamentum in se habentum. _Alleluia_. - - R. Abounding with whatever is delicious. _Alleluia_. - - - [Transcriber's note: This is a better translation (with music) - from St. Gregory's Hymnal. - http://www.gutenberg.org/files/23673/23673-h/English.html#No._52] - - 1. - Sing, my tongue, the Saviour's glory, - Of His Flesh the myst'ry sing; - Of the Blood all price exceeding - Shed by our immortal King, - Destined, for the world's redemption, - From a noble womb to spring, - - 2. - Of a pure and spotless Virgin - Born for us on earth below, - He, as Man, with man conversing, - Stayed, the seeds of truth to sow; - Then He closed in solemn order - Wonderously His Life of Woe. - - 3. - On the night of that Last Supper, - Seated with His chosen band, - He the Paschal victim eating, - First fulfills the law's command; - Then, as Food to His Apostles - Gives Himself with His own Hand. - - 4. - Word made Flesh, the bread of nature - By His word to Flesh He turns; - Wine into His Blood He changes: - What through sense no change discerns? - Only be the heart in earnest, - Faith her lesson quickly learns. - - Tantum ergo Sacramentum - - 5. - Down in adoration falling, - Lo! The sacred Host we hail; - Lo! O'er ancient forms departing, - Newer rites of grace prevail; - Faith for all defects supplying, - Where the feeble senses fail. - - 6. - To the Everlasting Father, - And the Son Who reigns on high, - With the Holy Ghost proceeding - Forth from Each eternally, - Be salvation, honor, blessing, - Might, and endless majesty. Amen. - - -{540} - - - The Prayer. - - -Deus, qui nobis sub Sacramento -mirabili passionis -tuæ memoriam reliquisti; -tribue, quæsumus, ita nos -corporis et sanguinis tui -sacra mysteria venerari, ut -redemptionis tuæ fructum -in nobis jugiter sentiamus. -Qui vivis, &c. - - O God, who in this wonderful - sacrament hast left us - a memorial of thy passion: - grant us so to reverence the - sacred mysteries of thy body - and blood, that our souls - may be always sensible of - the fruit of thy redemption. - Who livest, &c. - - - Hymn _at the Elevation_. - -O salutaris hostia, - - O saving host, that heaven's gate, - -Quæ cœli pandis ostium; - - Laidst open at so dear a rate; - -Bella premunt hostilia, - - Intestine wars invade our breast; - -Da robur, fer auxilium. - - Be thou our strength, support, and rest. - -Uni trinoque Domino, - - To God the Father, and the Son, - -Sit sempiterna gloria: - - And Holy Spirit, three in one, - -Qui vitam sine termino, - - Be endless praise: may He above. - -Nobis donet in patria. - - With life eternal crown our love. - - - Finis. - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Complete Manual Of Catholic Piety, by -Rev. 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Thus, we do not -necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper -edition. - -Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search -facility: www.gutenberg.org - -This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. - diff --git a/old/62988-0.zip b/old/62988-0.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index c0ca57e..0000000 --- a/old/62988-0.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/62988-h.zip b/old/62988-h.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 991f909..0000000 --- a/old/62988-h.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/62988-h/62988-h.htm b/old/62988-h/62988-h.htm deleted file mode 100644 index 1329f01..0000000 --- a/old/62988-h/62988-h.htm +++ /dev/null @@ -1,21983 +0,0 @@ -<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"> -<html> - -<head> -<meta content="text/html;charset=UTF-8" http-equiv="Content-Type"> -<title> -The Complete Manual Of Catholic Piety, by The Rev. William Gahan, O.S.A. -</title> - -<style type="text/css"> - -body -{ - /* margin-left: 10%; */ - margin-right: 10%; - word-spacing: .05em; -} - -h1 {font-size:160%; text-align:center; - margin-right:8%;} - -h2 {font-size:130%; text-align:center; - margin-right:8%;} - -h3 {font-size:110%; text-align:center; - margin-top:10%; - margin-right:8%;} - -h4 {font-size:100%; text-align:center; - margin-top:8%; - margin-right:8%;} - -i { font-weight:bold; } - -pre.mono { font-family: monospace; - font-size:80%; } - -pre.serif { font-family: serif;} - -hr { height:2px; background-color:black ; - margin-left:15%; margin-right:15%;} - -img { display: block; - max-width: 85% ; - max-height:85% ; - margin-left:auto; - margin-right:auto; - margin-bottom: -.7em; - } - -.image { text-align: center; - font-size:120%; - } - -table { border-collapse:collapse; - margin-left:0%; - margin-right:auto; - } - -table, th, td -{ - border:0px solid black; - border-collapse:collapse; - text-align:left; -} -table.center -{ - margin-left:auto; - margin-right:auto; -} - -td -{ - padding:5px ; - vertical-align:top; -} -.cite { margin-left:5%; } - -.cite2 { margin-left:10%; } - -p.center { text-align: center;} - -p.right { text-align: right;} - -p.side { margin-left:5%; - font-size:85%;} - -p.side_center { text-align: center; - margin-right:8%; - font-size:85%;} - -.footnote { margin-left:8%; - margin-right:8%;} - -.footnote2 { margin-left:12%; - margin-right:8%;} - -.pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */ - /* visibility: hidden; */ - position: absolute; - left: 92%; - font-size: smaller; - text-align: right; -} /* page numbers */ - -</style> - -</head> - -<body> - - -<pre> - -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Complete Manual Of Catholic Piety, by -Rev. William Gahan - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: The Complete Manual Of Catholic Piety - -Author: Rev. William Gahan - -Release Date: August 20, 2020 [EBook #62988] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK COMPLETE MANUAL OF CATHOLIC PIETY *** - - - - -Produced by Don Kostuch - - - - - -</pre> - - -<p> -[Transcriber's notes: This work is derived from -https://archive.org/details/CompleteManualOfCatholicPiety/page/n5. -The Author's Side notes and comments are indented. In HTML they are -also in a slightly smaller font, as in the original text.] -</p> - - -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_1">{1}</a></span> - - <h1>The Complete Manual Of Catholic Piety;</h1> - - <h2>Containing<br><br> - - A Selection Of Fervent Prayers,<br> - Pious Reflections, And Solid Instructions,<br> - Adapted To Every State Of Life.</h2> - <br><br> - - - <h3>To Which Is Annexed A Supplement,<br> - Containing Excellent And Approved<br> - Devotions, With The Epistles And<br> - Gospels For All The Sundays And<br> - Festivals Of The Year.</h3> - - - - <h3>By The Rev. William Gahan, O.S.A.</h3> - - - - <h3>DUBLIN:<br><br> - - Published By James Duffy,<br> - 25, Anglesea Street.<br> - 1844.</h3> - -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_2">{2}</a></span> - - - <h3>Dublin:<br> - Printed By J. M. O'Toole,<br> - 33, Abbey-street.</h3> - -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_3">{3}</a></span> - - <h2>Contents.</h2> -<br> - -<table> -<tr><td>Preface</td> - <td><a href="#Page_7">7</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>Table of Moveable Feasts</td> - <td><a href="#Page_10">10</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>Feasts and Fasts throughout the Year</td> - <td><a href="#Page_11">11</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>Unlawful Marriages</td> - <td><a href="#Page_12">12</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>Plenary Indulgences</td> - <td><a href="#Page_12">12</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>Manner of Lay Baptism</td> - <td><a href="#Page_14">14</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>Ecclesiastical Calendar</td> - <td><a href="#Page_14">14</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>Morning Prayer</td> - <td><a href="#Page_25">25</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>Acts of Faith, Hope, and Charity</td> - <td><a href="#Page_30">30</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>The Litany of the holy Name of Jesus</td> - <td><a href="#Page_33">33</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>Salva Regina</td> - <td><a href="#Page_36">36</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>The <i>Angelus Domini</i></td> - <td><a href="#Page_37">37</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>Short Ejaculations in the course of the Day</td> - <td><a href="#Page_38">38</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>Prayers for Night</td> - <td><a href="#Page_39">39</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>The Litany of the Blessed Virgin</td> - <td><a href="#Page_44">44</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>The Hymn, <i>Te lucis ante terminum—in English</i></td> - <td><a href="#Page_47">47</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>A Prayer before Sermon, Spiritual Reading, &c.</td> - <td><a href="#Page_49">49</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>A Prayer before Mass</td> - <td><a href="#Page_50">50</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>Prayers at Mass</td> - <td><a href="#Page_56">56</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>Preparation for Confession</td> - <td><a href="#Page_80">80</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>A Protestation before the Examination of Conscience</td> - <td><a href="#Page_81">81</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>Prayers before the Examination of Conscience</td> - <td><a href="#Page_82">82</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>An Examination of Conscience</td> - <td><a href="#Page_85">85</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>Prayers before Confession</td> - <td><a href="#Page_92">92</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>A Prayer at receiving Absolution</td> - <td><a href="#Page_97">97</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>Prayers after Confession</td> - <td><a href="#Page_98">98</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>Instructions for Communion</td> - <td><a href="#Page_103">103</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>Prayers before Communion</td> - <td><a href="#Page_107">107</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>Acts of Virtue before Communion</td> - <td><a href="#Page_111">111</a></td></tr> -<tr><td><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_4">{4}</a></span></td></tr> -<tr><td>A Prayer to obtain the effects of a Plenary Indulgence</td> - <td><a href="#Page_118">118</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>Prayers after Communion</td> - <td><a href="#Page_124">124</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>Acts of Virtue after Communion</td> - <td><a href="#Page_130">130</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>The Seven Penitential Psalms</td> - <td><a href="#Page_141">141</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>The Litany of Saints</td> - <td><a href="#Page_150">150</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>Motives to Perseverance in a Virtuous Life</td> - <td><a href="#Page_158">158</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>Devotions for every Day in the Week</td> - <td><a href="#Page_160">160</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>Pious Reflections for every Day in the Month;<br> - from the French of the Rev. F. Bouhours</td> - <td><a href="#Page_171">171</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>Meditations on the Articles of the Creed—<br> - to be used as a Devotion by Societies, Families, &c</td> - <td><a href="#Page_210">210</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>Anthem of the Blessed Virgin, <i>Salve Regina</i></td> - <td><a href="#Page_224">224</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>An Universal Prayer for all things necessary to Salvation</td> - <td><a href="#Page_225">225</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>A Prayer for the Choice of a State of Life</td> - <td><a href="#Page_227">227</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>A Prayer for a Pregnant Woman</td> - <td><a href="#Page_227">227</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>Litany of Divine Providence</td> - <td><a href="#Page_229">229</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>Prayer of St. Bernard to the Blessed Virgin</td> - <td><a href="#Page_232">232</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>Litany of St. Winefrid</td> - <td><a href="#Page_233">233</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>The Golden Litany</td> - <td><a href="#Page_239">239</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>The Prayers of St. Bridget</td> - <td><a href="#Page_247">247</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>Devotions to the Sacred Heart of Jesus</td> - <td><a href="#Page_258">258</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>Litany of the Sacred Heart</td> - <td><a href="#Page_259">259</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>Reparation of Honour to the Sacred Heart</td> - <td><a href="#Page_262">262</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>Devotions for the Sick</td> - <td><a href="#Page_264">264</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>A Prayer upon Recovery from Sickness</td> - <td><a href="#Page_277">277</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>Preparation for Death</td> - <td><a href="#Page_278">278</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>A Prayer by St. Liguori</td> - <td><a href="#Page_291">291</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>A Prayer of St. Augustin on the Sufferings of Christ</td> - <td><a href="#Page_292">292</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>A Prayer of St. Jerome in time of Agony</td> - <td><a href="#Page_293">293</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>Prayers to be recited by the Assistants when the Dying Person - loses the use of Speech</td> - <td><a href="#Page_294">294</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>Recommendation of a Soul Departing</td> - <td><a href="#Page_298">298</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>Litany for a Happy Death</td> - <td><a href="#Page_305">305</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>A Prayer for all that are buried in a Church or Church-yard</td> - <td><a href="#Page_309">309</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>Exequies, or Sacred Rites over the Tomb,<br> - (in Latin and English)</td> - <td><a href="#Page_310">310</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>Litany for the Dead</td> - <td><a href="#Page_316">316</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>A Prayer upon the day of Decease or Burial</td> - <td><a href="#Page_320">320</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>Vespers for Sundays, (in Latin and English)</td> - <td><a href="#Page_321">321</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>The Hymn, <i>Lucis Creator Optime</i>, (Latin and English)</td> - <td><a href="#Page_326">326</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>Litany of the Blessed Virgin, (in Latin)</td> - <td><a href="#Page_328">328</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>Method of Serving at Mass</td> - <td><a href="#Page_330">330</a></td></tr> -<tr><td><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_5">{5}</a></span></td></tr> -<tr><td>Supplement</td></tr> -<tr><td>On the Mass, and the use of the Latin Liturgy</td> - <td><a href="#Page_336">336</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>The Ordinary of the Holy Mass</td> - <td><a href="#Page_340">340</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>Explanatory Prayers at Mass</td> - <td><a href="#Page_367">367</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>Epistles and Gospels for the Sundays and Principal Festivals - throughout the Year</td> - <td><a href="#Page_388">388</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>Instructions and Devotions for Confirmation</td> - <td><a href="#Page_482">482</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>The Psalter of Jesus</td> - <td><a href="#Page_492">492</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>The Rosary of the blessed Name of Jesus</td> - <td><a href="#Page_503">503</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>The Rosary of the Blessed Virgin</td> - <td><a href="#Page_510">510</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>The Hymn, <i>Te Deum</i>, (in English)</td> - <td><a href="#Page_521">521</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>The Thirty Days' Prayer</td> - <td><a href="#Page_522">522</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>Hymns for Festivals, (in Latin and English)</td></tr> -<tr><td>Advent, <i>Alma Redemptor</i></td> - <td><a href="#Page_527">527</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>Christmas, <i>Adeste Fidelis</i></td> - <td><a href="#Page_527">527</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>Passion and Palm-Sundays, <i>Vexilla regis</i></td> - <td><a href="#Page_528">528</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>Good-Friday, <i>Stabat mater</i></td> - <td><a href="#Page_529">529</a>.</td></tr> -<tr><td>Easter, <i>O Filii</i></td> - <td><a href="#Page_532">532</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>Whit-Sunday, <i>Veni Creator</i></td> - <td><a href="#Page_534">534</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>Sequence to do., <i>Veni Sancte</i></td> - <td><a href="#Page_536">536</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>Corpus Christi, <i>Pange lingua</i></td> - <td><a href="#Page_538">538</a></td></tr> -<tr><td>At the Elevation, <i>O Salutaris</i></td> - <td><a href="#Page_540">540</a></td></tr> -</table> -<br> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_6">{6}</a></span> -<br> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_7">{7}</a></span> -<br> - <h2>Preface.</h2> -<br> -<p> -Of all the means we can employ for our advancement in the great -affair of our salvation, Prayer is certainly one of the most -powerful. Saint Augustin calls it the Key of Heaven, that unlocks -the treasures of God, and gives us free access to the riches of -his divine bounty. It was by prayer that Elias, when he pleased, -opened and shut the sluices of heaven, and caused fire to descend -from above to consume his sacrifice. It was by prayer that Joshua -caused the sun to stop in the midst of its course. The prayer of -Moses contributed more to the signal victory obtained by Joshua -over the army of the Amalekites, than all the weapons of Israel: -for as long as his hands were raised up to heaven, his prayers -drew down a blessing on the people of God: but no sooner did he -let his hands fall, (being unable to keep them in that painful -posture,) and had ceased from prayer, than the Amalekites began -to prevail. -</p><p> -But if Prayer be so powerful, it is no less necessary: our -poverty and indigence; our manifold wants, infirmities, and -miseries; the various dangers to which we are continually -exposed; the frequent temptations we have to encounter; our -absolute insufficiency of ourselves, and inability to do the -least good without the grace of God; are corroborating proofs of -the indispensable necessity of Prayer. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_8">{8}</a></span> -<p> -Though every good gift comes from the Father of Lights, who knows -our wants, and is always inclined to relieve us, yet he requires -that we have recourse in all our necessities, corporal and -spiritual, to the throne of his mercy, under the assurance that -whatever we ask with confidence, humility, piety, and -perseverance, in the name of Jesus, shall be granted. -</p><p> -However, the idea of Prayer is not to be confined to that of -Petition, as frequently happens. Many Christians, indeed, pray to -God; but where are they to be found, who, like David, are -incessantly employed in singing the mercies of the Lord, and have -the remembrance of them deeply engraven in their hearts? They -call upon God, to represent to him their wants, either temporal -or spiritual; they appear only in his presence with a hand lifted -up to receive, as if they imagined he was indebted to them, and -that he never gave them enough. They have a heart but to wish, -and a tongue but to ask. Their wants are eloquent and pressing, -their gratitude cold and silent; for how seldom do they think of -appearing before him to bless and praise him, and to celebrate -the wonders of his love for us! Alas! to recollect his benefits, -to thank him for them, to feel confused at the sight of their own -ingratitude, to excite themselves, from this motive, to -confidence and love, to be ready to do all, to suffer all, for a -God who has shown them so much goodness, is a practice which is -known but to a small number of fervent souls. We are all earnest -in asking; but in general so deficient in thanksgiving, that, -like the Lepers in the Gospel, it is to be feared not above one -in ten gives due thanks to God for the blessings received. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_9">{9}</a></span> -<p> -Nevertheless, nothing would be more pleasing to God, nor more -proper to draw down upon us new graces. -</p><p> -To facilitate, therefore, the exercise of this important duty, -certain forms of vocal prayers have always been recommended, -particularly such as have been used by the Saints, and drawn from -the divine Psalms, which are so full of sublime ideas, of tender -sentiments of piety, of fervent aspirations, of transports and -raptures in God, that all the subjects of Prayer which are -suitable either to the penitent way, the illuminative way, or the -unitive way, are to be met with therein. -</p><p> -The Manual now offered to the piety of Irish Catholics, will be -found, on a diligent perusal, to have no small claim to this -merit. The many editions it has gone through, the high esteem it -is held in by interior souls, the constant and universal demand -for it, is all we shall say in its praise. -</p><p> -To render it still more acceptable and more complete, the present -edition has been very considerably enlarged, improved, and -enriched with Instructions and Devotions for Confirmation; with -an explanation of the Latin Liturgy, and of the Ceremonies used -in the sacrifice of the Mass, and different pious methods of -assisting thereat; with particular Devotions for every day in the -Week; in short, with a great variety of Sacred Hymns of praise -and thanksgiving, and of spiritual Exercises of Piety for several -occasions, taken from the most approved Books of Devotion in the -French and English Language. [Footnote 1] -</p> -<p class="footnote"> - [Footnote 1: See the Supplement attached to this Book.] -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_10">{10}</a></span> -<br> - <h2>A Table Of Moveable Feasts.</h2> -<div class="center"> -<pre class="mono"> -DL = Dominical Letter - -Year DL Ash Easter Ascension Whit Corpus 1st Sunday -of our Wed Sunday Thursday Sunday Christi in Advent. -Lord - -1844 GF 21 Feb 7 Apr 16 May 26 May 6 June 1 Dec -1845 E 5 Feb 23 Mar 1 May 11 May 22 May 30 Nov -1846 D 25 Feb 12 Apr 21 May 31 May 11 June 29 Nov -1847 C 17 Feb 4 Apr 13 May 23 May 8 June 28 Nov -1848 BA 8 Mar 23 Apr 1 June 11 June 22 June 3 Dec -1849 G 21 Feb 8 Apr 17 May 27 May 7 June 2 Dec -1850 F 13 Feb 31 Mar 9 May 19 May 30 May 1 Dec -1851 E 5 Mar 20 Apr 29 May 8 June 19 June 30 Nov -1852 DC 25 Feb 11 Apr 20 May 30 May 10 June 28 Nov -1853 B 9 Feb 27 Mar 5 May 15 May 26 May 27 Nov -1854 A 1 Mar 16 Apr 25 May 4 June 15 June 3 Dec -1855 G 21 Feb 8 Apr 17 May 27 May 7 June 2 Dec -1856 FE 6 Feb 23 Mar 1 May 11 May 22 May 30 Nov -1857 D 25 Feb 12 Apr 21 May 31 May 11 June 29 Nov -1858 C 17 Feb 4 Apr 13 May 23 May 3 June 28 Nov -1859 B 9 Mar 24 Apr 2 June 12 June 23 June 27 Nov -1860 AG 22 Feb 8 Apr 17 May 27 May 7 June 2 Dec -1861 F 13 Feb 31 Mar 9 May 19 May 30 May 1 Dec -1862 E 5 Mar 20 Apr 29 May 8 June 19 June 30 Nov -1863 D 18 Feb 5 Apr 14 May 24 May 4 June 29 Nov -1864 CB 10 Feb 27 Mar 5 May 15 May 26 May 27 Nov -1865 A 1 Mar 16 Apr 25 May 4 June 15 June 3 Dec -1866 G 14 Feb 1 Apr 10 May 20 May 31 May 2 Dec -1867 F 6 Mar 21 Apr 30 May 9 June 20 June 1 Dec -1868 ED 26 Feb 12 Apr 21 May 31 May 11 June 29 Nov -1869 C 10 Feb 28 Mar 6 May 16 May 27 May 28 Nov -1870 B 2 Mar 17 Apr 26 May 5 June 16 June 27 Nov -1871 A 22 Feb 9 Apr 18 May 28 May 8 June 3 Dec -1872 GF 13 Feb 31 Mar 9 May 19 May 30 May 1 Dec -1873 E 26 Feb 13 Apr 22 May 1 June 12 June 30 Nov -1874 D 18 Feb 5 Apr 14 May 24 May 4 June 29 Nov - - [Transcriber's note: The following table is from - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dominical_letter. - - A: common year starting on Sunday (or ending on Sunday) - B: common year starting on Saturday (or ending on Saturday) - C: common year starting on Friday (or ending on Friday) - D: common year starting on Thursday (or ending on Thursday) - E: common year starting on Wednesday (or ending on Wednesday) - F: common year starting on Tuesday (or ending on Tuesday) - G: common year starting on Monday (or ending on Monday) - AG: leap year starting on Sunday (or ending on Monday) - BA: leap year starting on Saturday (or ending on Sunday) - CB: leap year starting on Friday (or ending on Saturday) - DC: leap year starting on Thursday (or ending on Friday) - ED: leap year starting on Wednesday (or ending on Thursday) - FE: leap year starting on Tuesday (or ending on Wednesday) - GF: leap year starting on Monday (or ending on Tuesday)] -</pre> -</div> -<br> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_11">{11}</a></span> -<br> - <h2>Feasts And Fasts<br><br> - - Throughout The Year.</h2> -<br> - - - <h3>Holy-days On Which There Is A Strict Obligation To - Hear Mass, And Refrain From Servile-works.</h3> -<p> -All Sundays in the Year.<br> -Ascension of our Lord.<br> -Corpus Christi.<br> -January 1—The Circumcision of our Lord.<br> -January 6—The Epiphany.<br> -March 17—The Feast of St Patrick.<br> -March 25—The Annunciation of the B.V.M.<br> -June 29—St. Peter and St. Paul.<br> -August 15—Assumption of the B.V.M.<br> -November 1—Feast of All Saints.<br> -December 25—Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ. -</p> -<p class="footnote"> - [The obligation is taken away on all other days, by decrees - of Popes Pius VI. and VIII.] -</p> - - <h3>Fasting Days On One Meal.</h3> -<p> -All the Days in Lent, except Sundays. -</p><p> -The Eve of Whitsuntide. -</p><p> -The Quarter-tenses, or Ember-days, being the Wednesdays, Fridays, -and Saturdays, next after the first Sunday of Lent; after -Whit-Sunday; after September 14th: and after December 13th. -</p><p> -The Eves of St. Peter and St. Paul; of the Assumption -of the Blessed Virgin Mary; of All Saints; and of Christmas-day. -</p><p> -The Fridays and Saturdays in Advent. -</p> - - <h3>Days Of Abstinence From Flesh Meat.</h3> -<p> -All the Sundays in Lent, except when the use of meat is allowed -by the Archbishop or Bishop of the diocese. -</p><p> -All the Fridays throughout the Year. -</p><p> -N. B.—Eggs are forbidden on Fridays, when a fast falls on them; -and if a Fasting Day fall on a Sunday, the fast is kept on the -Saturday before. If Christmas-day fall on a Friday, neither fast -nor abstinence is observed. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_12">{12}</a></span> -<p> -N.B.—The Catholic Church commands all her children to be present -at the great Eucharistic Sacrifice, which we call the Mass, and -to rest from servile work, on Sundays and Holy-days. -</p><p> -Secondly—To abstain from flesh on all the days of fasting and -abstinence, and on fasting days to eat but one meal. -</p><p> -Thirdly—To confess their sins at least once a year. -</p><p> -Fourthly—To receive the blessed sacrament at least once a year, -and that at Easter, viz., between <i>Palm</i> and <i>Low -Sundays</i>. -</p><p> -The time appointed in the Archdioceses of Dublin, for complying -with the Easter Duty, begins an Ash-Wednesday, and terminates on -Ascension Day. They who, without some reasonable cause, neglect -this important duty, are liable to be excommunicated whilst -living, and when they die, to be deprived of Christian burial, -according to the fourth Council of Lateran, can. 21. -</p><p> -Marriage cannot be contracted by persons within the fourth degree -of kindred without a dispensation, and if attempted is invalid. -Spiritual kindred, contracted by baptism or confirmation, is an -impediment. -</p><p> -Clandestine marriage is that which is not performed by the pastor -of one of the party, with certificate, or by another priest, with -his license, and in the presence of two or three witnesses. -</p><p> -Clandestine marriages are unlawful, and forbidden by the church; -and are null or invalid in all the dioceses of Ireland, as the -Decree of the Council of Trent, which annuls clandestine -marriages, has duly been received in them all, 2nd December, -1827, and was in force thirty days after, or 1st January, 1828. -</p><p> -The solemnizing of marriage is forbidden from the first Sunday in -Advent till after Twelfth-day; and from the beginning of Lent -till Easter-Sunday. At all other times it may be solemnized. -</p> -<br> - <h3>Plenary Indulgences</h3> -<p> -Plenary Indulgences are granted to the faithful of this kingdom -by complying with the usual conditions:— -</p> -<p class="cite"> - On the feast of St. Patrick, or any day within the octave. -<br><br> - Item, on the feast of SS. Peter and Paul, or any day within the - octave. -<br><br> - Item, at the hour of death, to such as devoutly invoke the - sacred name of Jesus, at least with the heart. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_13">{13}</a></span> -<p> -The other Indulgences which are granted to the faithful of the -Archdioceses of Dublin, on the feasts of the Nativity of our -Lord, the Circumcision, the Epiphany, the Resurrection, the -Ascension, Pentecost, Corpus Christi, on the five principal -festivals of the Blessed Virgin, and the feast of All Saints, &c, -are commonly published from the altars. -</p><p> -<i>Note</i>.—By an Indulgence is meant a relaxation or remission -of the temporal punishment due to sins already forgiven, both as -to the guilt and eternal punishment. Some Indulgences are called -<i>plenary;</i> because, when the full effect of them is gained, -they remit all the debt of temporal punishment: others are called -<i>partial</i>; for example, an Indulgence of forty or an hundred -days, or of three, seven, ten, fifteen, or more years; because -the penitent is only thereby released in part, or from such a -proportion of the debt of temporal punishment as was formerly -enjoined by the penitential canons, according to the enormity of -the crimes committed, and as would have been remitted by God, had -the penitent undergone, for such a space of time, the severe -canonical penances which were in use in the Church until the -twelfth century. -</p><p> -The direct and immediate effect, therefore, of an Indulgence is, -to remit the debt of temporal punishment, and not to pardon or -remit sin, as it supposes sin already forgiven. But the sinner's -repentance being seldom so perfect as to release him entirely -from the whole punishment he deserves, on account of the injury -he has committed against the Divine Majesty, there usually -remains some debt of temporal punishment to be discharged, either -in this world or in the next. For though the mercy of God is -moved by a true repentance, to pardon the guilt and eternal -punishment due in hell for mortal sin; yet his justice often -substitutes in its place, and reserves some debt of temporal -punishment, to which the repenting sinner is liable on account of -his past sins; as appears evidently from several remarkable -instances recorded in holy writ, particularly Adam, King David, -Manasses, the Israelites, &c. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_14">{14}</a></span> -<p> -It is to discharge and cancel this debt of temporal punishment, -that works of penance are enjoined in the sacred tribunal of -Confession; and that the Catholic Church, like a compassionate -and indulging mother, opens her spiritual treasures from time to -time, to supply the wants and make up the deficiency of her -children. In virtue of the power given to her by Jesus Christ, -and in imitation of St. Paul, (2 Cor. x.) and several other -renowned doctors and pastors who flourished in the purest ages of -Christianity, she grants indulgences to such of the faithful as -are properly disposed, and apply with fervour to those works of -piety and religion, charity and penance, that are required on -their part, as conditions necessary to gain the benefit of an -indulgence. -</p><p> -<hr> - - <h3>The Manner Of Lay Persons Baptizing An - Infant In Danger Of Death.</h3> -<p> -Take common water, pour it on the head or face of the child, and -while you are pouring it, say the following words: "I baptize -thee in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy -Ghost. Amen." -</p> -<br> -<hr> - - <h3>The Roman Calendar<br> - For The Kingdom Of Ireland:</h3> - - <h4>Containing</h4> - - The Feasts and Fasts of the said Kingdom, the Irish Saints, - and Patrons of each Diocese; all on their proper days. - - - <h4>Explanations.</h4> -<p> -The Festivals of the Holy-Days are in small capital Letters. -</p><p> -The Irish Saints are marked in <i>Italic Letters</i>. -</p><p> -The Founders of Religious Orders are marked thus, † -</p><p> -<i>Note</i>.—Ap. signifies Apostle, M. Martyr, B. Bishop, Ab. -Abbot, C. Confessor, V. Virgin, D. Diocese. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_15">{15}</a></span> -<br> - <h2>Calendar.</h2> - - <h4>January, 31 Days.</h4> -<table> -<tr><td>1</td><td>Circumcision of our Lord.</td></tr> -<tr><td>2</td><td>Octave of S. Stephen.<br> - In the Diocese of Limerick, S. <i>Munchin</i>. B. and C.</td></tr> -<tr><td>3</td><td>Octave of S. John, Apostle and Evangelist.</td></tr> -<tr><td>4</td><td>Octave of Holy Innocents.</td></tr> -<tr><td>5</td><td>S. Telesphorns, Pope and Martyr. Vigil.</td></tr> -<tr><td>6</td><td>Epiphany of our Lord, with an Octave.</td></tr> -<tr><td>7</td><td>S. <i>Kenligerna</i>, Widow.,<br> - S. Lucian, Martyr</td></tr> -<tr><td>8</td><td> S. <i>Albert</i>. B. of Cashel.<br> - S. Appollinaris, B. C.</td></tr> -<tr><td>9</td><td> S. <i>Finan</i>, B. of Lindisfarne.<br> - S. Peter of Sebaste, B. C.</td></tr> -<tr><td>10</td><td> S. William, B. and C.</td></tr> -<tr><td>11</td><td> S. Hyginus, Pope and Martyr.<br> - S. Theodosius the Cenobiarch, Ab.</td></tr> -<tr><td>12</td><td> S. Arcadius, Martyr.</td></tr> -<tr><td>13</td><td> Octave of the Epiphany.</td></tr> -<tr><td>14</td><td> S. Hilary, B.C.<br> - S. Felix, Priest and Martyr.</td></tr> -<tr><td>15</td><td> S. Paul, the first Hermit,<br> - S. Maurus, Martyr.</td></tr> -<tr><td>16</td><td> S. <i>Fursey</i>, Ab.<br> - S. Marcellus. Pope and Mart.</td></tr> -<tr><td>17</td><td> S. Anthony, Ab.</td></tr> -<tr><td>18</td><td> Chair of S. Peter at Rome.<br> - S. Prisca, V.M.</td></tr> -<tr><td>19</td><td> S. Canute, King and M.<br> - SS. Maurius, Martha, Audifacis, and Abackum, Martyrs.</td></tr> -<tr><td>20</td><td> SS. Fabian and Sabastian, Martyrs.</td></tr> -<tr><td>21</td><td> S. Agnes, Virg. & Mar.</td></tr> -<tr><td>22</td><td> SS. Vincent and Anastatius, Martyrs.</td></tr> -<tr><td>23</td><td> Desponsation, Blessed Virgin Mary<br> - S. Emerentiana, V. and Martyr.</td></tr> -<tr><td>24</td><td> S. Timothy, Bp. and M.</td></tr> -<tr><td>25</td><td> Conversion of S. Paul the Apostle.</td></tr> -<tr><td>26</td><td> S. Polycarp, Bp. and M.</td></tr> -<tr><td>27</td><td> S. John Chrysostom, Bp. and Confessor.</td></tr> -<tr><td>28</td><td> Commemoration of S. Agnes.</td></tr> -<tr><td>29</td><td> S. Francis de Sales, Bp. and Confessor.</td></tr> -<tr><td>30</td><td> S. Martina. V. and M.<br> - S. <i>Amnichad</i>, Conf.</td></tr> -<tr><td>31</td><td> †S. Peter Nolasco, Conf.<br> - S. <i>Aidan</i>, Bp. of Ferns.</td></tr> -</table> - -<p class="side"> -Feast of the most holy Name of Jesus, 2nd Sunday after Epiphany. -</p> - -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_16">{16}</a></span> -<br> - <h4>February, 28 Days.</h4> -<table> -<tr><td>1</td><td> S. <i>Bridget</i>. Virgin. Patroness of Ireland.<br> - S. Ignatius, Bp. and Mar.</td></tr> -<tr><td>2</td><td> Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary.</td></tr> -<tr><td>3</td><td> S. Blase, Bp. and Mart.</td></tr> -<tr><td>4</td><td> S. Andrew Corsini, Bp. and Confessor.</td></tr> -<tr><td>5</td><td> S. Agatha, Virgin and Martyr.</td></tr> -<tr><td>6</td><td> S. Dorothy, V. and M.<br> - In the Diocese of Ardagh, S. <i>Mel</i>, B. and C.</td></tr> -<tr><td>7</td><td> S. Romuald, Abbot. - S. <i>Malon</i>, Bishop.</td></tr> -<tr><td>8</td><td> S. John of Matha, Conf.</td></tr> -<tr><td>9</td><td> S. Apollonia, V. and M. - S. <i>Cairecha</i>, Virgin.</td></tr> -<tr><td>10</td><td> S. Scholastica, Virgin and Martyr.</td></tr> -<tr><td>11</td><td> S. Raymund of Pennafort, Conf. - S. <i>Elchin</i>, Bishop of Cluninfoda.</td></tr> -<tr><td>12</td><td> S. <i>Sedulius</i>, Bishop of Dublin. - S. Benedict of Anian, Abbot.</td></tr> -<tr><td>13</td><td> S. <i>Modomnoc</i>, B. - S. Catherine of Ricci, V.</td></tr> -<tr><td>14</td><td> S. Valentine, Priest and Martyr.</td></tr> -<tr><td>15</td><td> SS. Faustinas and Jovita. Martyrs.</td></tr> -<tr><td>16</td><td> S. <i>Tanco</i>, Bishop and M. - S. Onesimus, Martyr.</td></tr> -<tr><td>17</td><td> S. <i>Fintan</i>, Abbot.</td></tr> -<tr><td>18</td><td> S. Simeon, Bp. and M.</td></tr> -<tr><td>19</td><td> S. Barbas, Bp. and Conf.</td></tr> -<tr><td>20</td><td> SS. Tyrannio, &c. Ms.</td></tr> -<tr><td>21</td><td> S. Severianus, Bishop and Martyr.</td></tr> -<tr><td>22</td><td> The Chair of S. Peter at Antioch.</td></tr> -<tr><td>23</td><td> S. Serenus, a Gardener, Martyr.</td></tr> -<tr><td>24</td><td> S. Matthias, Apostle.</td></tr> -<tr><td>25</td><td> S. Terasius, Patriarch of Constantinople. Conf.</td></tr> -<tr><td>26</td><td> S. Alexander, Patron of Alexandria.</td></tr> -<tr><td>27</td><td> S. Leander, Bp. and Con.</td></tr> -<tr><td>28</td><td> SS. Martyrs of Alexandria.</td></tr> -</table> - -<p class="side"> - In Leap-years February hath 29 days, and the Feast of St. - Matthias is kept on the 25th. -</p> - - <h4>March, 31 Days.</h4> - -<table> -<tr><td>1</td><td> S. <i>Monenius</i>, Bishop of Cluainferta Brendam. - S. David, B. C.</td></tr> -<tr><td>2</td><td> SS. Martyrs under the Lombards.</td></tr> -<tr><td>3</td><td> S. Cunegundis, Empress.</td></tr> -<tr><td>4</td><td> S. Cassimirus, Confes. - S. Lucius, Pope and M.</td></tr> -<tr><td>5</td><td> S. <i>Kiaran</i>, Bp. and C. - SS. Adrian, &c. MM.</td></tr> -<tr><td>6</td><td> S. <i>Fridolin</i>, Abbot. S. Chrodegang, B. and C.</td></tr> -<tr><td>7</td><td> S. Thomas of Aquino, Confessor and Doctor.<br> - SS. Perpetua and Felicitas, MM.</td></tr> -<tr><td>8</td><td> S. <i>Cataldus</i>, B. C.<br> - S. <i>Sennan</i>, B.<br> - S. John of God, Confessor.</td></tr> -<tr><td>9</td><td> S. Frances, Widow.</td></tr> -<tr><td>10</td><td> SS. Forty Martyrs of Sebaste.<br> - S. Firsullus, Bishop.</td></tr> -<tr><td>11</td><td> S. <i>Ængus</i>, Abbot.</td></tr> -<tr><td><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_17">{17}</a></span></td></tr> -<tr><td>12</td><td> S. Gregory the Great, Pope, Conf. and Doctor.</td></tr> -<tr><td>13</td><td> S. Nicephorus, Patriarch of Constantinople, C.</td></tr> -<tr><td>14</td><td> S. Maud, Empress.</td></tr> -<tr><td>15</td><td> SS. Abraham and Mary.</td></tr> -<tr><td>16</td><td> S. Julian, Martyr.</td></tr> -<tr><td>17</td><td> Patrick, Bishop and Confessor and Patron of Ireland.</td></tr> -<tr><td>18</td><td> S. <i>Fridian</i>, Bishop and Confessor.</td></tr> -<tr><td>19</td><td> S. Joseph, Conf. Spouse of the B. V, M.</td></tr> -<tr><td>20</td><td> S. <i>Cuthbert</i>, Bp. and C.</td></tr> -<tr><td>21</td><td> S. Benedict, Ab. Patron of the Western Monks.</td></tr> -<tr><td>22</td><td> S. Basil of Ancyra, Priest and Martyr.</td></tr> -<tr><td>23</td><td> S. Alphonsus Turibius, Bishop and Confessor.</td></tr> -<tr><td>24</td><td> S. <i>Carlain</i>, Bishop of Armagh.<br> - S. Ireneus, Bishop and Confessor.</td></tr> -<tr><td>25</td><td> Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.</td></tr> -<tr><td>26</td><td> S. Ludger, Bp. and C.</td></tr> -<tr><td>27</td><td> S. <i>Rupert</i>, Bp. and C.</td></tr> -<tr><td>28</td><td> SS. Priscus, MM.</td></tr> -<tr><td>29</td><td> SS. Jonas, &c. MM.</td></tr> -<tr><td>30</td><td> S. <i>Fergus</i>, Bp. of Drumleth-glass.<br> - S. John Clymacus, Abbot.</td></tr> -<tr><td>31</td><td> S. Benjamin, Martyr.</td></tr> -</table> - -<p class="side"> - The Feast of the Seven Dolors of the Blessed Virgin Mary. - Friday after Passion Sunday. -</p> - - <h4>April, 30 Days.</h4> -<table> -<tr><td>1</td><td> S. Hugh, Bp. and Conf.</td></tr> -<tr><td>2</td><td> † S. Francis of Paula, C.</td></tr> -<tr><td>3</td><td> SS. Agape, &c. MM.</td></tr> -<tr><td>4</td><td> S. Isadore, Bp. and Con.<br> - S. <i>Tigernach</i>, Bishop.</td></tr> -<tr><td>5</td><td> S. Vincent Ferrer, Conf.</td></tr> -<tr><td>6</td><td> S. <i>Celestine</i>, Pope and Confes.<br> - S. Cathubius, Abbot.</td></tr> -<tr><td>7</td><td> S. <i>Celus</i>, B. of Armagh.</td></tr> -<tr><td>8</td><td> S. <i>Kensalud</i>, Abbot of Benchor.<br> - S. Dionisius, Bishop and Confessor.</td></tr> -<tr><td>9</td><td> S. Mary of Egypt.</td></tr> -<tr><td>10</td><td> S. Bademus, Abbot.</td></tr> -<tr><td>11</td><td> S. Leo the Great, Pope Confessor and Doctor</td></tr> -<tr><td>12</td><td> S. Sabas, Martyr.</td></tr> -<tr><td>13</td><td> S. Hermenegild, Mart.</td></tr> -<tr><td>14</td><td> SS. Tiburtius, Valerian, and Maximus, MM.</td></tr> -<tr><td>15</td><td> S. <i>Rundham</i>, Bishop.<br> - S. Peter Gonzales, C.</td></tr> -<tr><td>16</td><td> S. <i>Tegalius</i>, Bp. - SS. Martyrs of Saragossa.</td></tr> -<tr><td>17</td><td> S. Anicetus, P. and M. - S. <i>Leochadius</i>, Abbot.</td></tr> -<tr><td>18</td><td> S. <i>Laserian</i>, Bishop of Leighlin.<br> - S. Apollonius the Apologist, M.</td></tr> -<tr><td>19</td><td> S. Leo IX. Pope and C.</td></tr> -<tr><td>20</td><td> S. Agnes, Virg. and Ab.</td></tr> -<tr><td>21</td><td> S. Anselm, Bp. and C. - S. <i>Berachus</i>, Abbot.</td></tr> -<tr><td>22</td><td> SS. Soteras and Cauis, Popes and Martyrs.</td></tr> -<tr><td>23</td><td> S. George, Martyr, S. <i>Ibar</i>, Bishop.</td></tr> -<tr><td>24</td><td> S. Fidelis of Simarengen, Martyr.</td></tr> -<tr><td>25</td><td> S. Mark, Evangelist.</td></tr> -<tr><td>26</td><td> SS. Cletus and Marcellinus. Popes and Mars.</td></tr> -<tr><td>27</td><td> S. <i>Asicus</i>, Bp. of Elphin.<br> - SS. Anthimus, Bishop, &c. MM.</td></tr> -<tr><td><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_18">{18}</a></span></td></tr> -<tr><td>28</td><td> S. Vitalis, Martyr.<br> - S. <i>Cronan</i>, Abbot.</td></tr> -<tr><td>29</td><td> S. Peter, M. S. <i>Ficano</i>, Confessor.</td></tr> -<tr><td>30</td><td> S. Catherine of Sienna, Virgin.<br> - Patronage of S. Joseph, 3rd Sunday after Easter.</td></tr> -</table> - - <h4>May, 31 Days.</h4> -<table> -<tr><td>1</td><td> SS. Philip and James, Apostles.<br> - S. <i>Ultan</i>, Ab.</td></tr> -<tr><td>2</td><td> Athanasius, Bp. and C.</td></tr> -<tr><td>3</td><td> The invention of the Holy Cross.<br> - In the Diocese of Kildare, S. <i>Conleath</i>, Bp. and C.</td></tr> -<tr><td>4</td><td> S. Monica, Widow.</td></tr> -<tr><td>5</td><td> S. Pius V. Pope and C.</td></tr> -<tr><td>6</td><td> S. John before the Latin Gate.</td></tr> -<tr><td>7</td><td> S. Stanislaus, Bp. and M.</td></tr> -<tr><td>8</td><td> Apparition of S. Michael Arch.<br> - S. <i>Indratht</i>, M.</td></tr> -<tr><td>9</td><td> S. Gregory Nazianzen, Bishop and Confessor.</td></tr> -<tr><td>10</td><td> S. <i>Comgall</i>, Ab. S. Antonius Bp. and Conf.<br> - SS. Gordian and Epimachus, MM.</td></tr> -<tr><td>11</td><td> S. Mammertus, Bishop and Confessor.</td></tr> -<tr><td>12</td><td> SS. Nereus and Achilleus, Martyrs.</td></tr> -<tr><td>13</td><td> S. John the Silent, Bp. and Confessor.</td></tr> -<tr><td>14</td><td> S. Boniface, Martyr.<br> - S. <i>Carthagh</i>, Bishop of Lismore.</td></tr> -<tr><td>15</td><td> S. <i>Dympna</i>, V. and M. - S. <i>Gonebrard</i>, Martyr.</td></tr> -<tr><td>16</td><td> S. Ubaine, B. C. and - S. John Nepomucen, M.<br> - In the Diocese of Ardfert and Clonfert, S. <i>Brendan</i>. Abbot.</td></tr> -<tr><td>17</td><td> S. <i>Maw</i>, C.<br> - S. Paschal Baylon, Confessor.</td></tr> -<tr><td>18</td><td> S. Venantius, Martyr.</td></tr> -<tr><td>19</td><td> † S. Peter Celestine, Pope and C.<br> - S. Prudentiana, V.</td></tr> -<tr><td>20</td><td> S. Bernardin of Sienna, C.</td></tr> -<tr><td>21</td><td> S. Ubaldus, Bp. and C.</td></tr> -<tr><td>22</td><td> S. Ivo. Confessor.</td></tr> -<tr><td>23</td><td> S. Julia, Virg. and M.</td></tr> -<tr><td>24</td><td> S. Vincent of Lerins, C.<br> - S. <i>Mac-Cartin</i>, Bishop of Clogher.</td></tr> -<tr><td>25</td><td> S. Greg. VII. P. and C.<br> - S. Urban, P. and M.</td></tr> -<tr><td>26</td><td> † S. Philip Neri, C.<br> - S. Eleutherius, P. and M.</td></tr> -<tr><td>27</td><td> S. Mary Magdalen of Pazzi, V.<br> - S. John, P. and M.</td></tr> -<tr><td>28</td><td> S. Germanus, B. and C.</td></tr> -<tr><td>29</td><td> S. Maximinus, B. and C.</td></tr> -<tr><td>30</td><td> S. Felix, Pope and M. - S. <i>Maguil</i>, Confessor.</td></tr> -<tr><td>31</td><td> S. Petronilla, Virg.<br> - †S. Angela of Brescia, V.</td></tr> -</table> - <h4>June, 30 Days.</h4> -<table> -<tr><td>1</td><td> S. Justin, Martyr.</td></tr> -<tr><td>2</td><td> SS. Marcellinus and Peter, MM.</td></tr> -<tr><td>3</td><td> S. <i>Comegen</i>, Bishop of Glendaloch.<br> - S. Cecilius, Conf.</td></tr> -<tr><td>4</td><td> S. <i>Petrocus</i>, Confessor.<br> - SS. <i>Breaca</i>, &c. Virgs.<br> - S. Francis Caracciolo, Confessor.</td></tr> -<tr><td><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_19">{19}</a></span></td></tr> -<tr><td>5</td><td> S. Boniface, B. and M.</td></tr> -<tr><td>6</td><td> † S. Norbert, B. and C.<br> - S. <i>Coca</i>, Virgin.</td></tr> -<tr><td>7</td><td> S. <i>Colman</i>, Bishop of Dromore, Conf.</td></tr> -<tr><td>8</td><td> S. <i>Syra</i>, V.<br> - S. <i>Bronius</i>, Bishop, Cuil-ira.<br> - S. Medard, Bp. and C.</td></tr> -<tr><td>9</td><td> S. <i>Columba</i>, Ab.<br> - SS. Primus and Felican, Martyrs.</td></tr> -<tr><td>10</td><td> S. Margaret, Queen of Scotland, Widow.</td></tr> -<tr><td>11</td><td> S. Barnabas, Apostle.<br> - S. <i>Mectalus</i>, Bishop,</td></tr> -<tr><td>12</td><td> S. John of Sahagun, C. and SS. Basilides, Cyras, &c. MM.</td></tr> -<tr><td>13</td><td> S. Anthony of Padua, C.<br> - S. <i>Macnisius</i>, Ab.</td></tr> -<tr><td>14</td><td> S. Basil the Great, Bp. and Conf.</td></tr> -<tr><td>15</td><td> SS. Vitus, Crescentia, and Modestus, MM.</td></tr> -<tr><td>16</td><td> S. John Francis Regis, Confessor.</td></tr> -<tr><td>17</td><td> SS. Nicander, &c. MM.</td></tr> -<tr><td>18</td><td> SS. Marcus and Marcellinus, MM.</td></tr> -<tr><td>19</td><td> † S. Juliana Falconieri, Virgin.<br> - SS. Gervasius and Protasius, MM.</td></tr> -<tr><td>20</td><td> S. Silverius, Pope and M.<br> - S. <i>Gobain</i>, Virgin.</td></tr> -<tr><td>21</td><td> S. Aloysius Gonzaga, C.</td></tr> -<tr><td>22</td><td> S. Paulinus, Bp. and C.</td></tr> -<tr><td>23</td><td> S. Etheldreda, V. and M.<br> - Vigil.</td></tr> -<tr><td>24</td><td> Nativity of S. John Baptist, with an Oct.</td></tr> -<tr><td>25</td><td> † S. William, Ab.</td></tr> -<tr><td>26</td><td> SS. John and Paul, Martyrs.</td></tr> -<tr><td>27</td><td> S. Ladislas, King and C.</td></tr> -<tr><td>28</td><td> S. Leo II. Pope and C. Vigil. Fast.</td></tr> -<tr><td>29</td><td> SS. Peter and Paul, Apostles, with an Oct.</td></tr> -<tr><td>30</td><td> Commemoration of S. Paul, Ap.</td></tr> -</table> - <h4>July, 31 Days.</h4> -<table> -<tr><td>1</td><td> Octave of S. John Baptist.<br> - S. <i>Cumian</i>, Bp.</td></tr> -<tr><td>2</td><td> Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.<br> - SS. Processus and Martinian, MM.</td></tr> -<tr><td>3</td><td> S. <i>Rumold</i>, Bp. and M.<br> - S. <i>Killen</i>, Ab.</td></tr> -<tr><td>4</td><td> S. <i>Finbar</i>, Ab.<br> - S. Ulric, B. and C.</td></tr> -<tr><td>5</td><td> S. <i>Modwena</i>, Virgin.<br> - S. Peter, B. and C.</td></tr> -<tr><td>6</td><td> Octave of SS. Peter and Paul, Apostles.</td></tr> -<tr><td>7</td><td> S. Paulinus, Conf.</td></tr> -<tr><td>8</td><td> S. <i>Kilian</i>, Bp. and M.<br> - S. Elizabeth, Queen of Portugal.</td></tr> -<tr><td>9</td><td> SS. Martyrs of Gorcum.</td></tr> -<tr><td>10</td><td> SS. Seven Brethren, and Rufina and Secunda, Martyrs.</td></tr> -<tr><td>11</td><td> S. Pius I. Pope and M.<br> - S. <i>Drostan</i>, Ab.</td></tr> -<tr><td>12</td><td> † S. John Gualbert, Ab.<br> - SS. Nabor and Felix, Martyrs.</td></tr> -<tr><td>13</td><td> S. Anacletus, Pope and Martyr.</td></tr> -<tr><td>14</td><td> S. Bonaventure, B. C. and D.<br> - S. <i>Idus</i>, Bp.</td></tr> -<tr><td>15</td><td> S. Henry II., Emperor of Germany, Conf.</td></tr> -<tr><td>16</td><td> Commemoration of Blessed Virgin Mary of Mt. Carmel.</td></tr> -<tr><td><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_20">{20}</a></span></td></tr> -<tr><td>17</td><td> S. Alexins, Confessor,<br> - S. <i>Turnin</i>, Conf.</td></tr> -<tr><td>18</td><td> † S. Camillus de Lellis, Conf.<br> - SS. Symphorosa, &c. Martyrs,</td></tr> -<tr><td>19</td><td> † S. Vincent of Paulo, C.</td></tr> -<tr><td>20</td><td> † S. Jerom Æmiliani, C.<br> - S. Margaret, V, M.</td></tr> -<tr><td>21</td><td> S. Praxedes, Virgin.<br> - S. <i>Arbogastus</i>, Bishop.</td></tr> -<tr><td>22</td><td> S. Mary Magdalen.<br> - S. <i>Dabius</i>, Conf.</td></tr> -<tr><td>23</td><td> S. Apollinaris, B. and M.<br> - S. Liborius, B. C.</td></tr> -<tr><td>24</td><td> S. Christina, V. and M.<br> - S. <i>Declan</i>, B. Vigil.</td></tr> -<tr><td>25</td><td> S. James, Apostle.<br> - S. Christopher, Martyr.</td></tr> -<tr><td>26</td><td> S. Anne, Mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary.</td></tr> -<tr><td>27</td><td> S. Pantaleon, Martyr.<br> - S. <i>Congal</i>, Ab.</td></tr> -<tr><td>28</td><td> SS. Nazarius, Celsus, and Victor, Martyrs.<br> - S. Innocent, Pope & C.</td></tr> -<tr><td>29</td><td> S. Martha, V.<br> - SS. Felix, Simplicius, &c, MM.</td></tr> -<tr><td>30</td><td> SS. Abdon and Sennen, Martyrs.</td></tr> -<tr><td>31</td><td> † S. Ignatius of Loyala, C.</td></tr> -</table> - <h4>August, 31 Days.</h4> -<table> -<tr><td>1</td><td> S. Peter's Chains.<br> - SS. Maccabees, MM.</td></tr> -<tr><td>2</td><td> S. Stephen, Pope and M.<br> - S. <i>Chrocan</i>.</td></tr> -<tr><td>3</td><td> Finding of S. Stephen's Relics.</td></tr> -<tr><td>4</td><td> † S. Dominick, Conf.<br> - S. <i>Launus</i>, Ab.</td></tr> -<tr><td>5</td><td> Dedication of the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Nives.</td></tr> -<tr><td>6</td><td> Transfiguration of our Lord.<br> - SS. Xystus, Pope, Felicissimus, &c. Martyrs.</td></tr> -<tr><td>7</td><td> † S. Cajetan, Confessor.<br> - S. Donatus, Martyr.</td></tr> -<tr><td>8</td><td> SS. Cariacus, Largus, and Smaragdus, MM.</td></tr> -<tr><td>9</td><td> S. Romanus, Martyr.<br> - S. <i>Nathy</i>, Bp. and C.<br> - S. <i>Fidlimid</i>, Bp. and C.<br> - Vigil.</td></tr> -<tr><td>10</td><td> S. Laurence, M. with an Octave.<br> - S. <i>Blan</i>, Bp.</td></tr> -<tr><td>11</td><td> SS. Tiberius and Susanna, Martyrs.</td></tr> -<tr><td>12</td><td> † S. Clare, Virgin.<br> - S. <i>Muredach</i> Bp. and C.</td></tr> -<tr><td>13</td><td> SS. Hypolitus and Cassianus, Martyrs.</td></tr> -<tr><td>14</td><td> S. Eusebius, Conf.<br> - S. <i>Fachanan</i>, Ab.<br> - Vigil. Fast.</td></tr> -<tr><td>15</td><td> Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary with an Oct.</td></tr> -<tr><td>16</td><td> S. Hyacinth, Conf.</td></tr> -<tr><td>17</td><td> Octave of S. Laurence.</td></tr> -<tr><td>18</td><td> S. Agapetus, Mart.<br> - S. <i>Degha</i>, Bp.<br> - S. Helen, Empress.</td></tr> -<tr><td>19</td><td> SS. Timothy, &c. MM.</td></tr> -<tr><td>20</td><td> S. Bernard, Abbot.</td></tr> -<tr><td>21</td><td> S. Jane Frances de Chantal, Widow.</td></tr> -<tr><td>22</td><td> Octave of the Assumption</td></tr> -<tr><td>23</td><td> S. Philip Beniti, Conf.<br> - S. <i>Eugenius</i>, B.<br> - Vigil.</td></tr> -<tr><td>24</td><td> S. Bartholomew, Apost.</td></tr> -<tr><td>25</td><td> S. Lewis IX. King of France, Confessor.</td></tr> -<tr><td><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_21">{21}</a></span></td></tr> -<tr><td>26</td><td> S. Zephyrinus, Pope and Martyr.</td></tr> -<tr><td>27</td><td> † S. Joseph Calasanctius, Confessor.</td></tr> -<tr><td>28</td><td> † S. Augustine, B. C. and D. S. Hermes. M.</td></tr> -<tr><td>29</td><td> Decollation of S. John Baptist.<br> - S. Sabina, M.</td></tr> -<tr><td>30</td><td> S. <i>Fiaker</i>, Conf.<br> - S. Rose of Lima, Virgin.</td></tr> -<tr><td>31</td><td> S. Raymund Nonnatus, Conf.<br> - S. <i>Aidan</i>, Bp.<br> - S. Joachim, on Sunday within the Octave of the Assumption.</td></tr> -</table> - <h4>September, 30 Days.</h4> -<table> -<tr><td>1</td><td> S. Giles, Abbot.<br> - SS. Twelve Brothers, MM.</td></tr> -<tr><td>2</td><td> S. Stephen, King of Hungary, Confessor</td></tr> -<tr><td>3</td><td> S. <i>Macnisius</i>, B. & C.<br> - S. Simeon Stilites.</td></tr> -<tr><td>4</td><td> S. <i>Ultan</i>, Bishop.<br> - SS. Marcellus, &c. MM.</td></tr> -<tr><td>5</td><td> S. Laurence Justinian, B.C.<br> - S. <i>Alto</i>, Abbot.</td></tr> -<tr><td>6</td><td> S. <i>Bega</i>, V.<br> - S. <i>Macculindus</i>, B.<br> - S. Pambo, Abbot.</td></tr> -<tr><td>7</td><td> S. <i>Grimonia</i>, V. M.<br> - S. <i>Ennau</i>, B.<br> - S. Cloud, C.</td></tr> -<tr><td>8</td><td> Nativity Blessed Virgin Mary, with an Oct.<br> - S. Adrian, M.</td></tr> -<tr><td>9</td><td> S. Gorgonius, Martyr.<br> - S. <i>Kiaran</i>, Abbot.</td></tr> -<tr><td>10</td><td> S. Nicholas of Tolentine, Conf.<br> - S. <i>Finian</i>, B.</td></tr> -<tr><td>11</td><td> SS. Proteus and Hyacinthus, Martyrs.</td></tr> -<tr><td>12</td><td> S. <i>Albeus</i>, B.<br> - S. Eanswide, V. Abbess.<br> - S. <i>Sigonius</i>, Abbot.</td></tr> -<tr><td>13</td><td> S. Eulogius, B. & C.</td></tr> -<tr><td>14</td><td> Exaltation of the Holy Cross.<br> - S. <i>Cormac</i>, B.K.</td></tr> -<tr><td>15</td><td> Octave of Nat. Blessed Virgin Mary.<br> - S. Nicodemus, M.</td></tr> -<tr><td>16</td><td> SS. Cornelius & Cyprian, Bishops and Martyrs.<br> - SS. Euphemia, Lucia, and Geminiani, MM.</td></tr> -<tr><td>17</td><td> Impression of the Sacred Stigmas of S. Francis.</td></tr> -<tr><td>18</td><td> S. Joseph of Cupertino, Confessor.</td></tr> -<tr><td>19</td><td> SS. Januarius, Bishop, and Companions, MM.</td></tr> -<tr><td>20</td><td> SS. Eustachius and Companions, MM.<br> - Vigil.</td></tr> -<tr><td>21</td><td> S. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist.</td></tr> -<tr><td>22</td><td> S. Thomas of Villanova, B. and C.<br> - S. Maurice and Companions, MM.</td></tr> -<tr><td>23</td><td> S. Linus, P. and M.<br> - S. Thecla, V. and M.<br> - S. <i>Eunan</i>, B. C.</td></tr> -<tr><td>24</td><td> Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Redemp. of Captives.</td></tr> -<tr><td>25</td><td> S. <i>Finbar</i>, Bp. of Cork.<br> - S. Cleofrid, Abbot.</td></tr> -<tr><td>26</td><td> SS. Cyprian & Justina, Martyrs.</td></tr> -<tr><td>27</td><td> SS. Cosmas & Damian, Martyrs.</td></tr> -<tr><td>28</td><td> S. Wenceslaus, Duke and Martyr.</td></tr> -<tr><td>29</td><td> Dedication of S. Michael, Archangel</td></tr> -<tr><td>30</td><td> S. Jerom, Priest, Conf. and Doctor.</td></tr> -</table> - -<p class="side"> - Festival of holy Name of Blessed Virgin Mary, Sunday within - Octave of Nativity Blessed Virgin Mary.—Seven Dolors, 3rd - Sunday in September. -</p> - -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_22">{22}</a></span> - - <h4>October, 31 Days.</h4> -<table> -<tr><td>1</td><td> S. Remigius, B. and C.<br> - S. <i>Odran</i>, Conf.</td></tr> -<tr><td>2</td><td> Feast of the Guardian Angels.</td></tr> -<tr><td>3</td><td> S. Dionysius the Areopagite. Bp. and M.</td></tr> -<tr><td>4</td><td> † S. Francis of Assisium, Confessor.</td></tr> -<tr><td>5</td><td> SS. Placidus and Companions, Martyrs.</td></tr> -<tr><td>6</td><td> † S. Bruno, Confessor.</td></tr> -<tr><td>7</td><td> S. Mark, Pope & Conf.<br> - SS. Sergius, &c. MM.</td></tr> -<tr><td>8</td><td> S. Bridget, Widow.<br> - S. <i>Corcra</i>, Abbot.</td></tr> -<tr><td>9</td><td> SS. Dionysius, Rusticus, &c. Martyrs.</td></tr> -<tr><td>10</td><td> S. Francis Borgia, Conf.</td></tr> -<tr><td>11</td><td> S. <i>Kenny</i>, Abbot, patron of Kilkenny.</td></tr> -<tr><td>12</td><td> S. <i>Mobius</i>, Ab. of Glasnaidh.<br> - S. Wilfrid, B.C.</td></tr> -<tr><td>13</td><td> S. Edward, King & Conf.<br> - S. <i>Colman</i>, M.</td></tr> -<tr><td>14</td><td> S. Callistus, Pope & M.</td></tr> -<tr><td>15</td><td> † S. Teresa, Virgin.</td></tr> -<tr><td>16</td><td> S. <i>Gaul</i>, Abbot.<br> - S. <i>Syra</i>, Abbess.</td></tr> -<tr><td>17</td><td> S. Hedwiges, or Avoice, Duchess of Poland, W.</td></tr> -<tr><td>18</td><td> S. Luke, Evangelist.</td></tr> -<tr><td>19</td><td> S. Peter of Alcantara, C.</td></tr> -<tr><td>20</td><td> S. John Cantins, Conf.<br> - S. <i>Aidan</i>, Bishop.</td></tr> -<tr><td>21</td><td> S. Hilarion, Abbot.<br> - †SS. Ursula & Companions, Virgins and Martyrs.</td></tr> -<tr><td>22</td><td> S. <i>Donatus</i> Bp. & Conf.</td></tr> -<tr><td>23</td><td> S. Theodoret, Martyr.</td></tr> -<tr><td>24</td><td> S. Raphael, Archangel.</td></tr> -<tr><td>25</td><td> SS. Chrysanthus and Daria, MM.</td></tr> -<tr><td>26</td><td> S. Evaristus, Pope & M.</td></tr> -<tr><td>27</td><td> S. <i>Abban</i>, Ab.<br> - S. <i>Oteran</i>, Bp. & Conf.<br> - Vigil.</td></tr> -<tr><td>28</td><td> SS. Simon & Jude, Ap.</td></tr> -<tr><td>29</td><td> S. <i>Colman</i>, Bp. & Conf.</td></tr> -<tr><td>30</td><td> S. Marcellus, Martyr.</td></tr> -<tr><td>31</td><td> S. <i>Folian</i>, M.<br> - S. Quintin, M.<br> - Vigil. Fast.</td></tr> -</table> - -<p class="side"> - Feast of the Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 1st Sunday in - October. Anniversary of the Dedication of the Churches of - Ireland, 2d Sunday in October. -</p> - - <h4>November, 30 Days.</h4> -<table> -<tr><td>1</td><td> Festival of All Saints, with an Oct.</td></tr> -<tr><td>2</td><td> Commemoration of All Souls.<br> - S. <i>Erc</i>, Bp. of Slane.</td></tr> -<tr><td>3</td><td> S. <i>Malachy</i>, Bishop of Armagh, Conf.</td></tr> -<tr><td>4</td><td> S. Charles Borromeo, B.&C.<br> - SS. Vitalis and Agricola, MM.</td></tr> -<tr><td>5</td><td> S. Bertile, Abbess.</td></tr> -<tr><td>6</td><td> S. Leonard, Confessor.</td></tr> -<tr><td>7</td><td> S. Willibrord, Conf.</td></tr> -<tr><td>8</td><td> Oct. of All Saints.<br> - Four Crowned Brothers, M M.</td></tr> -<tr><td>9</td><td> Dedication of our Saviour's Church, called - S. John of Lateran.<br> - S. Theodoras, M.</td></tr> -<tr><td>10</td><td> S. Andrew Avellina, C.<br> - SS. Triphon, &c. MM.</td></tr> -<tr><td>11</td><td> S. Martin of Tours, B. and C.<br> - S. Mennas, M.</td></tr> -<tr><td>12</td><td> S. Martin, Pope & M.<br> - S. <i>Livin</i> B. & M.</td></tr> -<tr><td>13</td><td> S. Didacus, C.<br> - S. <i>Chillen</i>, Priest.<br> - S. Stanislas Kostka, C.</td></tr> -<tr><td>14</td><td> S. <i>Laurence</i>, B. & C.</td></tr> -<tr><td><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_23">{23}</a></span></td></tr> -<tr><td>15</td><td> S. Gertrude, Virgin.</td></tr> -<tr><td>16</td><td> S. Edmond, B. & C.</td></tr> -<tr><td>17</td><td> S. Gregory Thaumaturgus, B.C.<br> - S. <i>Duloch</i>, C.</td></tr> -<tr><td>18</td><td> Dedication of the Churches of SS. Peter & Paul.</td></tr> -<tr><td>19</td><td> S. Elizabeth, Widow,<br> - S. Pontain, Pope & M.</td></tr> -<tr><td>20</td><td> † S. Felix of Valois, C.</td></tr> -<tr><td>21</td><td> Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.</td></tr> -<tr><td>22</td><td> S. Cecily, V. and M.</td></tr> -<tr><td>23</td><td> S. Clement, Pope & M.<br> - S. Felicitas, ML.</td></tr> -<tr><td>24</td><td> S. <i>Columban</i>, Abbot.<br> - S. John of the Cross, C.<br> - S. Chrysogonus, M.<br> - S. <i>Colman</i>, B. C.</td></tr> -<tr><td>25</td><td> S. Catharine, V. & M.</td></tr> -<tr><td>26</td><td> S. Peter of Alexandria, Bishop and Martyr.</td></tr> -<tr><td>27</td><td> S. <i>Virgil</i>, B. & C.<br> - S. <i>Secundin</i>, Bishop</td></tr> -<tr><td>28</td><td> S. Stephen the Younger, Martyr.</td></tr> -<tr><td>29</td><td> S. Saturninus, Bishop & Martyr.<br> - Vigil.</td></tr> -<tr><td>30</td><td> S. Andrew, Ap.<br> - S. <i>Brendan</i>, of Birr, Abbot.<br> - Feast of the Protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 2d Sunday in Nov.</td></tr> -</table> - - <h4>December, 31 Days.</h4> -<table> -<tr><td>1</td><td> S. Eligius, Bp. & Conf.</td></tr> -<tr><td>2</td><td> S. Bibiana, V. & M.</td></tr> -<tr><td>3</td><td> Francis Xavier, Conf. Apostle of the Indies.</td></tr> -<tr><td>4</td><td> S. Peter Chrysologus, Bp. & Conf.<br> - S. Barbara, Virgin & Martyr.</td></tr> -<tr><td>5</td><td> S. Sabbas, Abbot</td></tr> -<tr><td>6</td><td> S. Nicholas, Bp. & Conf.</td></tr> -<tr><td>7</td><td> S. Ambrose, Bishop, Confessor, and Doctor.</td></tr> -<tr><td>8</td><td> Conception of the B.V.M. with an Octave.</td></tr> -<tr><td>9</td><td> S. Leocadia, V. & M.</td></tr> -<tr><td>10</td><td> S. Melchiades, P. & M.</td></tr> -<tr><td>11</td><td> S. Damascus, P. & C.</td></tr> -<tr><td>12</td><td> S. <i>Finian</i>, Bishop.<br> - SS. Epimachus, &c. MM.</td></tr> -<tr><td>13</td><td> S. Lucy, Virg. & M.</td></tr> -<tr><td>14</td><td> SS. <i>Fingar</i>, and Companions, MM.<br> - S. Spiridion, Bp. & Conf.</td></tr> -<tr><td>15</td><td> Octave of the Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.</td></tr> -<tr><td>16</td><td> S. Eusebius, B. & Mart.<br> - S. <i>Beanus</i>, Bishop.</td></tr> -<tr><td>17</td><td> S. Olympias, Widow.</td></tr> -<tr><td>18</td><td> Expectation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.<br> - In the Diocese of Killaloe, S. <i>Flannan</i>, B. & C.</td></tr> -<tr><td>19</td><td> S. Samthana, Vir. & Ab.<br> - S. Nimesion, Mart.</td></tr> -<tr><td>20</td><td> S. Philagonius, Bishop and Confessor.<br> - Vigil.</td></tr> -<tr><td>21</td><td> S. Thomas, Apostle.</td></tr> -<tr><td>22</td><td> S. Ischyrion, Martyr.</td></tr> -<tr><td>23</td><td> S. Serbulus, Confessor.</td></tr> -<tr><td>24</td><td> Vigil of the Nativity.<br> - Fast.</td></tr> -<tr><td>25</td><td> Nativity of our Lord.</td></tr> -<tr><td>26</td><td> S. Stephen, first Martyr.<br> - S. <i>Jarlath</i>, Bishop of Tuam, Confessor.</td></tr> -<tr><td>27</td><td> S. John, Apost. & Evan.</td></tr> -<tr><td>28</td><td> Feast of the Holy Innocents, with an Oct.</td></tr> -<tr><td>29</td><td> S. Thomas, Bishop of Canterbury, Martyr.</td></tr> -<tr><td>30</td><td> The Office of the Sunday within Octave of the Nativity.</td></tr> -<tr><td>31</td><td> S. Sylvester, Pope & C.</td></tr> -</table> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_24">{24}</a></span> -<br> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_25">{25}</a></span> -<br> - <h3>Morning Prayer.</h3> - -<p class="side"> - Morning Prayer is a duty which God requires as the first fruits - of the day:—most religiously then should it be consecrated to - him. The success of our actions for the rest of the day, - depends in a great measure upon this first duty. To begin the - day without imploring God's grace, and thanking him sincerely - for the repose of the night, is certainly to expose ourselves - to infinite danger. -</p> -<p class="side"> - But before prayer, recollect yourself a moment; think what you - are, of yourself and what God is, to whom you are going to - speak. You will thus conceive the importance of the action, and - the sentiments of humility, of regret for your faults, of - attention, respect, and modesty, of fervour, love, and - confidence, with which you should address him. -</p> - <h4>Awaking in the Morning, say:</h4> -<p> -O my God, my only good, the author of my being, and my last end, -I offer thee my heart. Praise, honour, and glory be to thee, for -ever and ever. Amen. -</p> - - <h4>At Up-rising, say:</h4> -<p> -+ In the name of the Father,<br> -+ and of the Son,<br> -+ and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. -</p><p> -I will arise from this bed of sleep, to adore my God, and to -labour for the salvation of my soul. O! may I arise on the last -day to life everlasting! -</p> - - <h4>While clothing yourself, say:</h4> -<p> -O my God, clothe my soul with the nuptial robe of charity, and -grant that I may carry it pure and undefiled before thy -judgment-seat. - -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_26">{26}</a></span> - - <h4>When clothed, kneel down, and say:</h4> -<p> -+ In the name of the Father, &c. Amen. -</p><p> -Blessed be the holy and undivided Trinity, now and for evermore. -Amen. -</p><p> -Come, O Holy Ghost, take possession of my heart, and enkindle -therein the fire of thy divine love. Amen. -</p> -<p class="side"> - Attend seriously to the presence of God; return him thanks for - his benefits; and offer yourself to him without reserve. -</p><p> -O eternal God! most holy and adorable Trinity! Father, Son, and -Holy Ghost; the beginning and end of all things; in whom we live, -move, and have our being; I firmly believe that thou art here -present; I adore thee with the most profound humility; I praise -thee; I give thee thanks from the bottom of my heart, for having -created me after thine own image and likeness, and redeemed me -with the precious blood of thy Son; for having hitherto preserved -me, and brought me safe to the beginning of this day. Behold, O -Lord, I offer thee my whole being, and in particular all my -thoughts, words, and actions, together with such crosses and -contradictions as I may meet with in the course of this day. I -consecrate them entirely to the glory of thy name, in union with -those of Jesus Christ my Saviour, that, through his infinite -merits, they may find acceptance in thy sight. Give them, O Lord, -thy blessing. May thy divine love animate them; and may they all -tend to the greater honour of thy Sovereign Majesty. Amen. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_27">{27}</a></span> - - <h4>Resolve to avoid evil, and to do good.</h4> -<p> -Adorable Jesus! divine model of that perfection to which all -Christians should aspire; I will endeavour this day, after thy -example, to be mild, humble, chaste, zealous, patient, -charitable, and resigned. Incline my heart, O Lord, to keep thy -commandments. I am resolved to watch over myself with the -greatest diligence and circumspection, and to live soberly, -justly, and piously for the time to come. I will place a guard on -my mouth, and a gate of prudence before my lips, that I may not -offend with my tongue. I will turn away my eyes, that they may -not see vanity; and I will be particularly attentive not to -relapse into my accustomed failings; but will struggle against -them, and with thy gracious assistance, correct them. Enlighten -my mind, O Lord; purify my heart, and guide my steps, that I may -pass this and the remaining days of my life in thy divine -service. Amen. -</p> - - <h4>Implore the necessary Graces.</h4> -<p> -Thou knowest, O God, my weakness; thou knowest that I am so poor -and destitute, that I cannot do, or even think of any good, -without thy assistance; arise, therefore, to my help, and -strengthen me with thy grace, that I may fervently execute what I -have firmly resolved, and not only avoid all the evil thou -forbiddest; but also perform all the good thou commandest. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_28">{28}</a></span> - - <h4>The Lord's Prayer.</h4> -<p> -Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom -come; thy 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; -but deliver us from evil. Amen. -</p> - - <h4>The Angelical Salutation.</h4> -<p> -Hail Mary, full of grace, our Lord is with thee; blessed art thou -amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus. Holy -Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of -our death. Amen. -</p> - - <h4>The Apostles' Creed.</h4> -<p> -I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and -earth; and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord; who was -conceived by the Holy Ghost; born of the Virgin Mary; suffered -under Pontius Pilate; was crucified, died, and buried; he -descended into hell; the third day he arose again from the dead; -he ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the -Father Almighty; from thence he will come to judge the living and -the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the Holy Catholic Church; -the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the -resurrection of the body; and life everlasting. Amen. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_29">{29}</a></span> - - <h4>The Confiteor.</h4> -<p> -I confess to Almighty God, to blessed Mary ever a Virgin, to -blessed Michael the archangel, to blessed John the baptist, to -the holy apostles Peter and Paul, and to all the saints, that I -have sinned exceedingly in thought, word, and deed, <i>through my -fault, through my fault, through my grievous fault</i>. Therefore -I beseech the blessed Mary ever a Virgin, the blessed Michael the -archangel, the blessed John the baptist, the holy apostles Peter -and Paul, and all the saints, to pray to the Lord our God for me. -</p><p> -May almighty God have mercy on me, forgive me my sins, and bring -me to everlasting life. Amen. -</p><p> -May the almighty and merciful Lord grant me pardon, absolution, -and remission of all my sins. Amen. -</p> -<p class="side"> - Invoke the blessed Virgin, - your Angel guardian, - and your Patron Saint. -</p> -<p> -O holy Virgin! Mother of God! my advocate and patroness! pray for -thy poor servant; prove thyself a mother to me. And thou, O -blessed Spirit! my Guardian Angel, whom God in his mercy hath -appointed to watch over me, intercede for me this day, that I may -not stray from the paths of virtue. Our glorious apostle St. -Patrick, and thou also, O happy saint, whose name I bear, pray -for me, that I may serve God faithfully in this life, as thou -hast done, and with thee glorify him eternally in heaven. Amen. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_30">{30}</a></span> - - <h4>Indulgences</h4> - -<p class="side"> - To Be Obtained By The Faithful, Who Devoutly - Repeat Acts Of Faith, Hope, And Charity. -</p> -<p class="side"> - A Plenary Indulgence once a month, is obtained by those who - repeat Acts of Faith, Hope, and Charity, devoutly, once every - day; and who, on any day of that month, shall confess and - receive the holy Communion, and pray for peace and concord - among Christian princes, for the extirpation of heresy, and the - exaltation of the Catholic Church; granted by Pope Benedict XIII. - the 25th of January, 1728, and confirmed by Pope Benedict XIV. - the 28th of January, 1756; who further granted the application - thereof for the relief of the souls in purgatory; and also an - Indulgence of seven years' and seven forty days' penance, to - all the faithful, as often as they devoutly repeat the same. - Pope Clement XIV. the 5th of April, 1772, made this Indulgence - perpetual to the Catholics of this kingdom; but requires an Act - of Contrition to be made previous to the Acts of Faith. Hope, and - Charity. This Indulgence may be applied also for the relief of - the souls in purgatory. -</p> - - <h3>Acts Of<br> - Faith, Hope, And Charity,</h3> - - - <h4>A Prayer Before The Acts.</h4> -<p> -O almighty and eternal God! grant unto us an increase of Faith, -Hope, and Charity; and that we may obtain what thou hast -promised, make us love and practise what thou commandest; through -Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. -</p> - - <h4>An Act Of Contrition.</h4> -<p> -O my God! I am heartily sorry for having offended thee; and I -detest my sins most sincerely, because they are displeasing to -thee, my God, whom I should have never ceased to adore and love. -I now firmly purpose, by the assistance of thy holy grace, never -more to offend thee; and to avoid for the future, to the utmost -of my power, all dangerous occasions which might expose me to -sin. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_31">{31}</a></span> - - <h4>An Act Of Faith.</h4> -<p> -O my God! I firmly believe that thou art one only God, the -Creator and Sovereign Lord of heaven and earth, infinitely great, -infinitely good, and infinitely perfect. I firmly believe that in -thee, one only God, there are three Divine Persons, really -distinct, and in all things equal, the Father, the Son, and the -Holy Ghost. I firmly believe that God the Son, the second person -of the most Holy Trinity, became man; that he was conceived by -the Holy Ghost, and was born of the Virgin Mary; that he suffered -and died on a cross to redeem and save us: that he arose on the -third day from the dead; that he ascended into heaven, and -sitteth at the right hand of the Father, <i>always living to make -intercession for us;</i> that he will come at the end of the -world to judge mankind, and render to every one according to his -works; that he will reward the good with eternal happiness and -condemn the wicked to the everlasting pains of hell. I believe -these and all other articles which the Holy Roman Catholic Church -proposes to our belief, because thou, my God, the infallible -Truth, hast revealed them; and thou hast commanded us <i>to hear -the Church</i>, which is <i>the Pillar and the Ground of -Truth</i>. In this Faith I am firmly resolved, through thy holy -grace, to live and die. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_32">{32}</a></span> - - <h4>An Act Of Hope.</h4> -<p> -O my God! who hast graciously promised every blessing, even -heaven itself, through Jesus Christ, to those who keep thy -commandments: relying on thy power which is infinite, thy -mercies, which are over all thy works, and thy promises, to which -thou art always faithful, I confidently hope to obtain the pardon -of my past sins, which I now detest; grace to serve thee -faithfully in this life, by doing the good works thou hast -commanded; and eternal happiness in the next, through my Lord and -Saviour Jesus Christ. -</p> - - <h4>An Act Of Charity.</h4> -<p> -O my God! my Creator! my Redeemer! my Sovereign Good! whose -boundless charity to me has been unceasing, and whose infinite -perfections adoring angels behold with unspeakable delight, I -love thee with my whole heart and soul, and above all things; and -for thy sake I love my neighbour as myself. Oh, teach me, my -gracious God, to love thee daily more and more; and mercifully -grant that having loved thee on earth, I may love and enjoy thee -for ever in heaven. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_33">{33}</a></span> - - <h4>A Pious Devotion.</h4> - -<p class="side"> - For a perpetual glorification of the MOST HOLY TRINITY, and the - INCARNATION of our Blessed Redeemer JESUS CHRIST, first - instituted in France, with the approbation of Christopher - Beaumont, late Archbishop of Paris, and confirmed by a decree - of his Holiness Pious VI. issued the 16th May, 1784; who, in - order to promote and extend the same, was pleased to grant an - Indulgence for the City of Rome, and the Faithful throughout - the world, who shall voluntarily associate themselves in the - practice of this devotion according to the intention of his - Holiness, in the following manner. -</p> -<p class="side"> - Three persons, united in our Lord by the bands of mutual - charity, are to engage themselves voluntarily (though without - any obligation of conscience) to practise a religious exercise, - which consists in adoring the three divine Persons three times - a-day, <i>viz.</i> morning, noon, and night, reciting seven - <i>Gloria Patris</i>, &c. and one <i>Ave</i>, &c. each time, to - adore the Incarnation of the Eternal Word, and in honour of the - most holy Virgin Mother of God. These prayers may be said - either in common or separately, according to the convenience or - inclinations of the persons associated; and in order that these - unions may be continued, it is necessary that the associates - should be <i>mutually acquainted</i>, that in case of a vacancy - by death or otherwise, the loss may be repaired by - <i>appointing another;</i> by which means this pious society - may be perpetuated to the end of time. -</p> - - <h4>Litany Of The Holy Name Of Jesus.</h4> - -<pre class="serif"> - Lord, have mercy on us. - Christ, have mercy on us. - Lord, have mercy on us. - Christ <i>hear us</i>. - Christ <i>graciously hear us</i>. - - God the Father of heaven, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> - God the Son, Redeemer of the World, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> - God the Holy Ghost, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> - Holy Trinity one God, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_34">{34}</a></span> - Jesus, Son of the living God, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> - Jesus, Splendour of the Father, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> - Jesus, Brightness of Eternal Light, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> - Jesus, King of Glory, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> - Jesus, Sun of Justice, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> - Jesus, Son of the Virgin Mary, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> - Jesus, most amiable, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> - Jesus, most adorable, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> - Jesus, the mighty God, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> - Jesus, Father of the World to come, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> - Jesus, Angel of the Great Council, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> - Jesus, most powerful, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> - Jesus, most patient, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> - Jesus, most obedient, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> - Jesus, meek and humble of heart, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> - Jesus, Lover of Chastity, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> - Jesus, Lover of Peace, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> - Jesus, Lover of us, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> - Jesus, Author of Life, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> - Jesus, Example of Virtues, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> - Jesus, zealous Lover of Souls, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> - Jesus, our God, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> - Jesus, our Refuge, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> - Jesus, Father of the Poor, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> - Jesus, Treasure of the Faithful, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> - Jesus, good Shepherd, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> - Jesus, true Light, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> - Jesus, eternal Wisdom, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> - Jesus, infinite Goodness, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> - Jesus, Joy of Angels, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> - Jesus, King of Patriarchs, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> - Jesus, the Inspirer of the Prophets, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_35">{35}</a></span> - Jesus, Master of the Apostles, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> - Jesus, Teacher of the Evangelists, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> - Jesus, Strength of Martyrs, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> - Jesus, Light of Confessors, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> - Jesus, Spouse of Virgins, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> - Jesus, Crown of all Saints, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> - Be merciful unto us, - <i>Spare us, O Lord Jesus!</i> - Be merciful unto us, - <i>Hear us, O Lord Jesus!</i> - From all sin, - <i>Lord Jesus deliver us.</i> - From thy wrath, - <i>Lord Jesus deliver us.</i> - From the snares of the devil, - <i>Lord Jesus deliver us.</i> - From the spirit of uncleanness, - <i>Lord Jesus deliver us.</i> - From everlasting death, - <i>Lord Jesus deliver us.</i> - From the neglect of thy holy inspirations, - <i>Lord Jesus deliver us.</i> - Thro' the mystery of thy holy incarnation, - <i>Lord Jesus deliver us.</i> - Thro' thy nativity, - <i>Lord Jesus deliver us.</i> - Thro' thy divine infancy, - <i>Lord Jesus deliver us.</i> - Thro' thy sacred life, - <i>Lord Jesus deliver us.</i> - Thro' thy labours, - <i>Lord Jesus deliver us.</i> - Thro' thy cross and passion, - <i>Lord Jesus deliver us.</i> - Thro' thy pains and torments, - <i>Lord Jesus deliver us.</i> - Thro' thy death and burial, - <i>Lord Jesus deliver us.</i> - Thro' thy glorious resurrection, - <i>Lord Jesus deliver us.</i> - Thro' thy triumphant ascension, - <i>Lord Jesus deliver us.</i> - Thro' thy joys and glory, - <i>Lord Jesus deliver us.</i> - In the day of judgment, - <i>Lord Jesus deliver us.</i> - - Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world: - <i>Spare us, O Lord Jesus!</i> - - Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world: - <i>Hear us, O Lord Jesus!</i> - - Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world: - <i>Have mercy on us, O Lord Jesus!</i> - - Jesus, Master of the Apostles, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> - Jesus, Teacher of the Evangelists, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> - Jesus, Strength of Martyrs, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> - Jesus, Light of Confessors, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> - Jesus, Spouse of Virgins, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> - Jesus, Crown of all Saints, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> - Be merciful unto us, - <i>Spare us, O Lord Jesus!</i> - Be merciful unto us, - <i>Hear us, O Lord Jesus!</i> - From all sin, - <i>Lord Jesus deliver us.</i> - From thy wrath, - <i>Lord Jesus deliver us.</i> - From the snares of the devil, - <i>Lord Jesus deliver us.</i> - From the spirit of uncleanness, - <i>Lord Jesus deliver us.</i> - From everlasting death, - <i>Lord Jesus deliver us.</i> - From the neglect of thy holy inspirations, - <i>Lord Jesus deliver us.</i> - Thro' the mystery of thy holy incarnation, - <i>Lord Jesus deliver us.</i> - Thro' thy nativity, - <i>Lord Jesus deliver us.</i> - Thro' thy divine infancy, - <i>Lord Jesus deliver us.</i> - Thro' thy sacred life, - <i>Lord Jesus deliver us.</i> - Thro' thy labours, - <i>Lord Jesus deliver us.</i> - Thro' thy cross and passion, - <i>Lord Jesus deliver us.</i> - Thro' thy pains and torments, - <i>Lord Jesus deliver us.</i> - Thro' thy death and burial, - <i>Lord Jesus deliver us.</i> - Thro' thy glorious resurrection, - <i>Lord Jesus deliver us.</i> - Thro' thy triumphant ascension, - <i>Lord Jesus deliver us.</i> - Thro' thy joys and glory, - <i>Lord Jesus deliver us.</i> - In the day of judgment, - <i>Lord Jesus deliver us.</i> - - Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world: - <i>Spare us, O Lord Jesus!</i> - - Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world: - <i>Hear us, O Lord Jesus!</i> - - Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world: - <i>Have mercy on us, O Lord Jesus!</i> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_36">{36}</a></span> - Lord Jesus, <i>hear us!</i> - Lord Jesus, <i>graciously hear us!</i> -</pre> -<p> -O Lord Jesus Christ, who hast said, <i>Ask, and ye shall receive; -seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto -you;</i> mercifully attend to our supplications, and grant us the -gift of divine charity, that we may ever love thee with our whole -hearts, and never cease from praising thy holy name; who liveth -and reigneth one God, world without end. Amen. -</p> - - <h4>The Salve Regina.</h4> - -<p class="cite"> - Hail to the Queen who reigns above,<br> - Mother of clemency and love;<br> - Hail thou, our hope, life, sweetness; we,<br> - Eve's banish'd children, cry to thee.<br> -<br> - We, from this wretched vale of tears,<br> - Send sighs and groans unto thy ears;<br> - O then, sweet Advocate! bestow<br> - A pitying look on us below.<br> -<br> - After this exile let us see<br> - Our blessed Jesus, born of thee.<br> - O merciful, O pious Maid,<br> - O gracious Mary, lend thy aid.<br> -<br><br> -V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God; -<br><br> -R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. -</p> - - <h4>Let Us Pray.</h4> -<p> -O Almighty and eternal God! who didst prepare the body and soul -of the glorious Mary, Mother and Virgin, that by the co-operation -of the Holy Ghost she might become a worthy dwelling for thy Son; -grant, that as we rejoice in her commemoration, so by her pious -intercession we may be delivered both from present evils and -everlasting death: through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_37">{37}</a></span> - - <h4>The Angelus Domini.</h4> - -<p class="side"> - To be said morning, noon, and night, in memory of the adorable - mystery of the Incarnation of our blessed Saviour. -</p><p> -1. The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary: and she conceived of -the Holy Ghost. Hail, Mary, &c. -</p><p> -2. Behold the handmaid of the Lord: May it be done unto me -according to thy word. Hail, Mary, &c. -</p><p> -3. And the word was made Flesh: And dwelt among us. Hail, Mary, &c. -</p> - - <h4>Let Us Pray.</h4> -<p> -Pour forth, we beseech thee, O Lord, thy grace into our hearts, -that we, to whom the incarnation of Christ thy Son was made known -by the message of an angel, may, by his passion and cross, be -brought to the glory of his resurrection: through the same Christ -our Lord. -Amen. -</p> -<p class="side"> - Should the duties of your state of life afford you leisure, you - may, after Morning Prayers, recite the prayer peculiar to the - day, which may be found amongst the "Devotions for every Day in - the Week:" meditate also on the proper Reflections of the day, - which may be seen amongst the "Pious Reflections for every Day - in the Month." -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_38">{38}</a></span> - - <h4>Aspirations And Ejaculations</h4> -<p> -Which may be secretly repeated in the heart, amidst the ordinary -actions of the day. -</p><p> -O my God, grant me the grace never to offend thee. -</p><p> -O my God, teach me to love thee with my whole heart, and soul, -and mind, and strength, in time and eternity. -</p><p> -Too late have I known thee, O infinite goodness. -</p><p> -Too late have I loved thee, O eternal beauty. -</p><p> -To thee, O God! to thee alone be all honour, and glory, and -praise, and adoration, for ever. -</p><p> -Mortify in me, O Jesus, whatever displeaseth thee; and make me -according to thine own heart. -</p><p> -O blessed Jesus; give me grace to learn of thee to be meek and -humble of heart, that I may be united with thee, and find rest -for my soul. -</p><p> -O my God, and my All! teach me in all things to do thy holy will. -</p><p> -O Lord! keep me from sin, and grant me the grace of a happy -death. -</p><p> -O Fountain of all Goodness! have mercy on me. -</p><p> -O my God, grant me the grace to perform all my works with the -pure intention of pleasing thee. -</p><p> -Let the name of the Lord be blessed and glorified for ever and -ever. -</p><p> -Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_39">{39}</a></span> -<p> -From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same, the -name of the Lord is worthy of praise. -</p><p> -I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall ever be in -my mouth. -</p><p> -Bless the Lord, O my soul; and let all that is within me bless -his holy name. -</p><p> -Thanks be to God for all his benefits. -</p><p> -Praise be to thee, O Christ; blessed be thy holy name, O Jesus. -</p><p> -O God of my heart, and my portion for ever; O let nothing in life -or death ever separate me from thee. -</p><p> -O rather let me die a thousand deaths than offend thee mortally. -</p> -<p class="side"> - "In all thy works aim at perfection."—Ecclesiastes xxxiii. 23. -</p> - - <h4>Prayers For Night.</h4> - -<p class="side"> - If it be a duty of the greatest importance to begin the day - well, it is, doubtless, one of no less consequence to conclude - it properly. The new graces conferred on us daring the course - of the day, and the protection we stand in need of against the - dangers of the night, are urgent reasons why we should address - ourselves to God, and pray to him with the utmost gratitude and - fervour. -</p> -<p class="side"> - A daily Examination of Conscience, both in general, with regard - to our whole conduct throughout the day, and in particular, with - regard to our predominant vice, passion, or evil custom, and - the particular virtue we want to acquire, is strongly - recommended by all spiritual writers, as one of the most - important duties of a Christian life, and the most profitable - exercise we can apply ourselves to, both for the avoiding of - sin, and the acquiring of virtue. It is a <i>looking-glass</i>, - in which we see ourselves in our true colours, and come to the - knowledge of our sins and evil inclinations. It is a - <i>sponge</i>, by which we wipe away guilt from our souls, and - become the more pure before God, the more diligently we - practise it. If we do not daily weed the garden of our souls by - this holy exercise, the corrupt ground of the heart will - naturally produce vices and imperfections in abundance. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_40">{40}</a></span> -<p class="side"> - The nightly Examination of Conscience makes up the principal - part of the last exercise of the day. The method thereof - consists in the following acts, viz., of the presence of God, - thanksgiving, supplication, examine, sorrow, and good - resolutions. -</p> -<p class="side"> - The many single blessings which God has bestowed and does - bestow on those families where prayers are regularly said in - common, should alone be a sufficient inducement to establish - this practice every where, and chiefly at night, when all may - be assembled with greater convenience.—"<i>Where two or three - persons shall be assembled in my name, there,</i>" saith Christ, - "<i>shall I be in the midst of them.</i>" O Christians, what - stronger inducement can we have to procure so great a - happiness? -</p> -<p> - + In the name of the Father, &c. Amen. -</p><p> - Blessed be the holy and undivided Trinity, - now and for evermore. Amen. -</p><p> - Come, O Holy Ghost, replenish the hearts of the faithful, and - enkindle in them the fire of thy divine love. Amen. -</p> -<p class="side"> - Let us place ourselves in the presence of God,<br> - and humbly adore him. -</p><p> -Impressed with the most lively sense of the presence of thy -Eternal Majesty, I adore thee, O my God! I believe in thee, -because thou art truth itself; I hope in thee, because thou art -faithful to thy word; I love thee with my whole heart, because -thou art infinitely amiable and worthy of my love; and, for thy -sake, I love my neighbour as myself. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_41">{41}</a></span> -<p class="side"> - Let us return thanks to God for the favours he has conferred on - us. -</p><p> -Enable me, O Lord, to return thee sufficient thanks for all thy -inestimable blessings and favours. -</p><p> -Thou hast thought of me, and loved me, from all eternity; thou -hast formed me from nothing; thou hast delivered up thy beloved -Son to the ignominious death of the cross for my redemption; thou -didst preserve me from falling into the abyss of eternal misery, -when my sins had often provoked thee to cut the slender thread of -my life, which thou heldest in thy all-powerful and chastising -hand; and thou still continuest to preserve me, notwithstanding I -still continue to offend thee. Alas! my God, what return can I -make for the innumerable blessings thou hast conferred on me, -during the whole course of my life, as well as for the particular -favours of this day? O all ye angels and saints! unite with me in -praising the God of Mercies, who is so bountiful to so unworthy a -creature. -</p> -<p class="side"> - Let us beg of God to make our sins known to us. -</p><p> -O Eternal Source of Light! who saidst, "<i>Let there be -light</i>," and there was light; illuminate the darkness of my -understanding, and dispel those shades of ignorance and error, -which conceal from me the filth and enormity of my offences. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_42">{42}</a></span> -Discover to me, I beseech thee, all the sins I have committed -this day, whether in thought, word, deed, or omission; grant me a -lively sense of their enormity, in order that I may hold them in -the utmost detestation, and dread nothing so much as ever to -commit them hereafter. -</p> -<p class="side"> - Let us examine our consciences, and consider where and in what - company we have been this day. Let us also call to mind the - sins we have committed against God, our neighbour, and - ourselves, and reflect whether we have fulfilled the duties of - our state of life. -</p><p> -Against God: By omission or negligence in the discharge of our -religious duties; irreverence in the church; wilful distractions -or inattention at prayer; resistance to the divine grace; oaths; -murmurings; want of confidence and resignation. <i>Pause and -examine.</i> -</p><p> -Against our Neighbour: By rash judgments; hatred; jealousy; -contempt; desire of revenge; quarrelling; passion; imprecations; -injuries; detraction; raillery; false reports; damaging, either -in goods or reputation; bad example; scandal; want of obedience, -respect, charity, or fidelity. <i>Pause and examine.</i> -</p><p> -Against Ourselves: By vanity; human respect; lies; thoughts, -desires, discourses, or actions contrary to purity; by -intemperance, rage, or impatience; by an useless and sensual -life; or by sloth, in not complying with the duties of our state. -<i>Pause and examine.</i> -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_43">{43}</a></span> -<br> -<p class="side"> - Repeat the General Confession, "I confess," &c. p. 29. -</p> - - <h4>Prayer.</h4> -<p> -Penetrated with grief, and overwhelmed with confusion, at the -sight of my iniquities, I acknowledge myself unworthy, O Lord, to -be numbered amongst thy servants, much less to be accounted thy -child. Is it possible I could repay such infinite patience and -goodness with so much malice and ingratitude? Creator of heaven -and earth! I have sinned against thee! I have, alas! offended -thee, who are so good, so amiable, and so worthy of my love! Yet, -Lord, when I consider that I am the work of thy hands, and the -price of the blood of thine only Son, who expired on the cross -for my salvation, I cease to despair of thy pardon. It is -therefore through his infinite merits, that I implore and hope -that thou wilt grant me the forgiveness of my sins. Have pity on -me, O eternal Father, and spare me, for the sake of thy beloved -Son. Turn away thy face from my sins, and blot out my iniquities. -I am heartily sorry for them, because they are offensive to thee; -and shall continue to repent sincerely of them to the very hour -of my death. Amen. -</p> - - <h4>Let us make a firm purpose of amendment.</h4> - -<p> -O Almighty and eternal God, I wish from the bottom of my heart, -that I had never sinned against thee; but since I have been so -unhappy, O grant me now thy grace, that I may never offend thee -more. Thou hast said: "I will not the death of a sinner, but -rather that he be converted and live." -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_44">{44}</a></span> -Convert me therefore, and I shall be converted. "Have mercy on me -according to thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of -thy tender mercies, blot out my iniquities." I renounce all sin, -firmly purposing henceforth to walk in the path of thy -commandments. This fixed resolution I am determined to keep, with -the assistance of thy grace, purchased for me through the -infinite merits of thine only Son, Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen. -</p> -<p class="side"> - Repeat the Lord's Prayer, the Angelical Salutation, the Creed, - the Acts of the Theological Virtues, and the Angelus Domini, as - in Morning Prayer. -</p> - - <h3>The Litany Of The Blessed Virgin.</h3> - - <h4>Anthem</h4> -<p> -We fly to thy patronage, O holy Mother of God! despise not our -prayers in our necessities, but deliver us from all dangers, O -thou ever glorious and blessed Virgin. -</p> -<pre class="serif"> - Lord have mercy on us. - Christ have mercy on us. - Lord have mercy on us. - Christ hear us. - Christ graciously hear us. - God the Father of Heaven, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> - God the Son, Redeemer of the world, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> - God the Holy Ghost, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> - Holy Trinity, one God, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> - -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_45">{45}</a></span> - - Holy Mary, - <i>Pray for us.</i> - Holy Mother of God, - <i>Pray for us.</i> - Holy Virgin of Virgins, - <i>Pray for us.</i> - Mother^of Christ, - <i>Pray for us.</i> - Mother of Divine Grace, - <i>Pray for us.</i> - Most pure Mother, - <i>Pray for us.</i> - Most chaste Mother, - <i>Pray for us.</i> - Mother undefiled, - <i>Pray for us.</i> - Mother unviolated, - <i>Pray for us.</i> - Most amiable Mother, - <i>Pray for us.</i> - Most admirable Mother, - <i>Pray for us.</i> - Mother of our Creator, - <i>Pray for us.</i> - Mother of our Redeemer, - <i>Pray for us.</i> - Most prudent Virgin, - <i>Pray for us.</i> - Most venerable Virgin, - <i>Pray for us.</i> - Most renowned Virgin, - <i>Pray for us.</i> - Most powerful Virgin, - <i>Pray for us.</i> - Most merciful Virgin, - <i>Pray for us.</i> - Most faithful Virgin, - <i>Pray for us.</i> - Mirror of Justice, - <i>Pray for us.</i> - Seat of Wisdom, - <i>Pray for us.</i> - Cause of our Joy, - <i>Pray for us.</i> - Spiritual Vessel, - <i>Pray for us.</i> - Honourable Vessel, - <i>Pray for us.</i> - Vessel of singular Devotion, - <i>Pray for us.</i> - Mystical Rose, - <i>Pray for us.</i> - Tower of David, - <i>Pray for us.</i> - Tower of Ivory - <i>Pray for us.</i> - House of Gold, - <i>Pray for us.</i> - Ark of the Covenant, - <i>Pray for us.</i> - Gate of Heaven, - <i>Pray for us.</i> - Morning Star, - <i>Pray for us.</i> - Health of the Weak, - <i>Pray for us.</i> - Refuge of Sinners, - <i>Pray for us.</i> - Comforter of the Afflicted, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_46">{46}</a></span> - Help of Christians, - <i>Pray for us.</i> - Queen of Angels, - <i>Pray for us.</i> - Queen of Patriarchs, - <i>Pray for us.</i> - Queen of Prophets, - <i>Pray for us.</i> - Queen of Apostles, - <i>Pray for us.</i> - Queen of Martyrs, - <i>Pray for us.</i> - Queen of Confessors, - <i>Pray for us.</i> - Queen of Virgins, - <i>Pray for us.</i> - Queen of All Saints, - <i>Pray for us.</i> - - Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world: - <i>Spare us, O Lord.</i> - - Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world: - <i>Graciously hear us, O Lord,</i> - - Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world: - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> - - Christ hear us. - Christ graciously hear us. - Lord have mercy on us. - Christ have mercy on us. - Lord have mercy on us. - Our Father, &c. - V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God; - R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. -</pre> - - <h4>Prayer.</h4> -<p> -Pour forth, we beseech thee, O Lord, thy grace into our hearts, -that we, to whom the incarnation of Christ thy Son was made known -by the message of an angel, may, by his passion and cross, be -brought to the glory of his resurrection; through the same Christ -our Lord. Amen. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_47">{47}</a></span> - - <h4>Prayer.</h4> -<p> -Bless, O Lord, the repose I am going to take, that by renewing my -bodily strength, I may be the better enabled to serve thee. O all -ye saints and angels, but especially thou, O Mother of God, -intercede for me, not only during this night, and the rest of my -life, but more particularly at the hour of my death. Amen. -</p> - - <h4>Another Prayer.</h4> -<p> -Pour down thy blessings, O Lord, on my parents, benefactors, -friends, and on my enemies too, if I have any. Protect my -superiors, spiritual and temporal. Help the poor and sick, and -those that are in their last agony. Convert all heretics and -unbelievers. O God of mercy and goodness! have mercy on the souls -of the faithful in purgatory; put an end to their sufferings; and -grant to all those for whom I am particularly bound to pray, -eternal light, rest, and happiness. Amen. -</p> - - <h4>Hymn</h4> -<pre class="serif"> - Before the closing of the day, - Creator, we thee humbly pray, - That for thy wonted mercy's sake, - Thou us into protection take. - - May nothing in our minds excite - Vain dreams and phantoms of the night; - Our enemy repress, that so - Our bodies no uncleanness know. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_48">{48}</a></span> - In this, most gracious Father, hear, - Through Christ thy equal Son, our prayer; - Who, with the Holy Ghost and Thee, - Doth live and reign eternally. Amen. -</pre> - - - <h4>Prayer.</h4> -<p> -Visit, we beseech thee, O Lord, this habitation, and drive away -from it all the snares of the enemy; let thy holy angels dwell -therein to preserve us in peace; and may thy blessing be upon us -for ever; through Christ our Lord. Amen. -</p><p> -May the divine assistance remain always with us. Amen. -</p> -<p class="side"> - Before you go to bed, read a chapter in some spiritual book. - Resolve within yourself on the subject of the next morning's - meditation, which may be found amongst the "Pious Reflections - for every Day in the Month," and think upon it while you are - undressing. When you compose yourself in bed, think on your - grave, and how soon death, of which sleep is an image, will be - with you; and what your sentiments will then be of all worldly - vanities. Offer up your sleep to God, submitting it with a pure - intention to his holy will; that by this repose of nature you may - recover new vigour of mind and body to serve him. Wish that every - breath you are to draw this night, may be so many acts of praise - and love of the divine Majesty, like the happy breathings of - the angels and saints, who never sleep; and so compose yourself - to rest in the arms of your Saviour. -</p> -<p class="side"> - If you awake in the night, renew the offering of yourself to - God, saying: -</p> -<p class="side"> - "My soul hath desired thee in the night."<br> - Isaiah, xxvi. 9. -</p><p> -Into thy hands, O Lord, I recommend my spirit: Lord Jesus, -receive my soul, &c. -</p> - -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_49">{49}</a></span> - - <h4>A Prayer Before Sermon, Spiritual Reading, &c.</h4> -<p> -O incomprehensible Creator, true fountain of light, and only -author of all knowledge, vouchsafe, we beseech thee, to enlighten -our understanding with the rays of thy wisdom, and to chase away -from our minds all darkness of sin and ignorance. Thou who makest -eloquent the tongues of those that want utterance, pour on our -lips, <i>and into our hearts</i>, the grace of thy blessing; give -us a diligent and obedient spirit, quickness of apprehension, -capacity of retaining, and the continual assistance of thy holy -grace: that we may apply whatever we hear, read, or meditate on, -to thy honour, and the eternal salvation of our own souls: -through, &c. Amen. -</p> -<hr> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_50">{50}</a></span> - - <h4>On The Mass.</h4> - -<p class="side"> - Of all the duties prescribed by our holy religion, the - Sacrifice of the Mass is that which is most pleasing to God, - and most salutary to man. Here it is that Jesus Christ renews - the great mystery of our redemption; here doth he make himself - our victim in a real, though unbloody sacrifice, and in person - applieth to each of us the merits of that blood, which, hanging - on a cross, he was pleased to shed for mankind. This should - give us the most sublime idea of the Mass, and make us desire - to hear it with the utmost reverence and devotion; for to - assist at it irreverently, or without putting a proper - restraint on our eyes and our whole exterior, is to dishonour - religion, and renew, as far as in us lies, the insults he - received on Mount Calvary. To avoid then so great an evil, let - us always come to this august sacrifice with the most earnest - devotion; let us enter into the spirit of Christ; let us offer - ourselves up with him, and as he does; let the church, as we - enter it, strike us with awe; let our modesty and recollection - be uninterrupted from the beginning to the end thereof; let our - hearts, thoughts, and imaginations be, as it were, buried in - God, and the interests of our souls. -</p> -<p class="side"> - The Practical Reflections (in small letter) at the head of each - prayer, may help to excite our attention. -</p> -<p class="side"> - The Acts of Faith, Hope, and Charity, usually read on Sundays - and Holidays, before Mass, may be found in page 30. -</p><p> -O merciful Father, who didst so love the world as to give up thy -only Son to death, even the death of the cross, for our -redemption; vouchsafe, through his infinite merits, to accept in -our behalf the most holy Sacrifice of the Mass, in the offering -of which we are about to participate. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_51">{51}</a></span> -We approach thy throne, O Lord, with humble but firm hope, when -we remember that we have the price of the world's redemption to -lay before thee. That price has been paid by the death of thy -ever blessed Son; and among the wondrous means which he has -provided for applying the fruits thereof to our souls, we -contemplate, with especial gratitude, that enduring memorial of -his love, which he instituted at his last supper, whereby he -enables us not only to possess within us; in the divine -Communion, the very Author of grace, the Victim of propitiation, -who died for us on the cross, but also to present him anew to thy -acceptance, really present on our altar, as our Advocate and -Mediator, through the ministry of his Priests, in the adorable -Sacrifice of the Mass. -</p><p> -At this adorable Sacrifice we are now assembled to assist. O -Lord, look upon the face of thy Christ; and grant, that while we -unite with thy holy Church and its Minister, in offering him -before the throne of thy mercy, for all the purposes for which he -once shed his most precious blood, we may be made partakers of -the one all-atoning sacrifice which he consummated on Calvary. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_52">{52}</a></span> -<p> -Bowing down, therefore, in humble adoration, before thy sovereign -Majesty, we now offer the most holy Sacrifice of the Mass to thy -honour and glory, to acknowledge thy infinite perfections, thy -supreme dominion over all thy creatures, our entire subjection to -thee, and our total dependance on thy gracious providence. -</p><p> -We offer it to thee in thanksgiving for having created us to -thine own image, and destined us for eternal glory; for having -redeemed us from the slavery of Satan by the precious blood of -thy divine Son; for having called us to the true faith; assisted -us by thy graces; borne with our ingratitude; watched over us by -thy special providence; blessed us, notwithstanding our utter -unworthiness, with the continuance of thy gracious protection; -and for all the other innumerable favours which we owe to thy -undeserved bounty. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_53">{53}</a></span> -<p> -We offer it to move thee to compassion for our spiritual -miseries, that thou mayest grant us the gift of compunction and -the pardon of our sins. -</p><p> -We offer it for the propagation of the Catholic Faith, that all -may be brought into the <i>one fold</i> under the <i>one -shepherd;</i> for our most holy Father the Pope, that <i>the -spirit of wisdom, and fortitude, and piety,</i> may rest upon -him; for our Prelate, and for all the Pastors and Clergy of thy -holy Church, that they may direct the faithful in the way of -salvation; for the Queen, <i>and for all who are in high station, -that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life;</i> for concord and -good will among all states and people; for the necessities of -mankind; for the inhabitants of this parish, particularly for the -congregation here present; and to obtain all the blessings that -we stand in need of in this life, the happiness of heaven in the -next, and eternal rest to the faithful departed. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_54">{54}</a></span> -<p> -And as Jesus Christ so ordained, when he instituted at his last -supper this wonderful mystery of his power, wisdom, and goodness, -we offer the Mass in grateful remembrance of all that he has done -and suffered for the love of us, making special commemoration of -his bitter passion and death, and of his glorious resurrection -and ascension into heaven. Vouchsafe, O almighty and eternal God, -to whom alone the supreme worship of sacrifice is due, graciously -to accept it for these and all other purposes agreeable to thy -holy will. We offer it, not confiding in any merits of our own— -we offer it through the merits of the same Jesus Christ, thy -beloved Son, our High Priest and Victim, and in the name of the -most holy Trinity, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost; -to whom be honour, praise, and glory, for ever and ever. -</p><p> -O all ye Angels and Saints who stand before the throne of God, -vouchsafe to join in our humble supplications; and thou, above -all, O ever blessed Virgin, immaculate mother of God our Saviour, -assist us with thy prayers. We know that thou art near to that -most loving Son, through whom only we can find <i>access to the -throne of grace</i>, and who will refuse thee nothing, that -through his infinite merits thou wilt deign to solicit for us. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_55">{55}</a></span> -At thy suggestion he wrought the stupendous miracle of changing -water into wine. Oh then, beseech him, by all that he has -suffered for our salvation, that the still more wondrous prodigy -which he is about to perform on our altar, may not, through our -unworthiness, be unprofitable to us; that he may move us to -assist at it with the deepest awe, the firmest confidence, and -the most ardent love; that it may thus ascend in the odour of -sweetness to the throne of mercy in our behalf, to be to us an -unfailing source of grace here, and a pledge of eternal life -hereafter. Amen. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_56">{56}</a></span> - - <h4>Prayers At Mass. [Footnote 2]</h4> - -<p class="footnote"> - [Footnote 2: For an explanation of the Latin liturgy, and of - the sacrifice and sacred ceremonies of the Mass, the reader - is referred to the commencement of the Supplement, where also - will be found the Ordinary of the Mass, (in English,) as read - by the priest at the altar.] -</p> - - <h4>The Beginning Of The Mass.</h4> - -<p class="center" style="font-size:200%"> -+ -</p> -<p> -In the name of the Father, and of the -Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. -</p><p> -It is in thy name, O adorable Trinity, it is to honour thee, and -to do thee homage, that I assist at this most holy and august -sacrifice. Permit me then, O Lord, to unite my intention with -that of thy Minister now at the altar, in offering up this -precious victim; and give me the same sentiments I ought to have -had on Mount Calvary, had I been an eye-witness of that bloody -sacrifice. -</p> - - <h4>At The Confiteor.</h4> - -<p class="side"> - Think, in the bitterness of your heart, on all your past sins, - and recollect, in a general manner, such of them as are most - humiliating. Lay your weaknesses before God, and beg of him to - pardon them. Implore his assistance in all your necessities, - through the infinite efficacy of this great sacrifice. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_57">{57}</a></span> -<p> -I confess, O my God, not only in thy presence, who seest the -secrets of hearts, but also in the presence of all the blessed in -heaven, and faithful on earth, that I have often and grievously -offended thee in thought, word, and deed, <i>through my fault, -through my fault, through my most grievous fault.</i> Yes, Lord, -I have sinned; I acknowledge to my shame, and with the most -bitter regret, that I have ungratefully abused all thy gifts; and -therefore I humbly beseech thee, O blessed Virgin Mary, and all -ye saints and angels, to intercede for me. Vouchsafe, O Lord, to -listen to them; grant to the ardour of their prayers, what thou -mayest justly refuse to the coldness of mine; and to their -services, that pardon to which my offences can have no claim. -</p> - - <h4>When The Priest Is Going Up To The Altar.</h4> -<p> -Unite, O Lord, our hearts and wills, and remove from us every -thing that may any way make us unfit for appearing in thy -sanctuary. Of ourselves we are unworthy to appear in thy -presence: therefore we implore the intercession of the saints in -our behalf. Grant to their prayers the pardon of all our sins: -through Christ our Lord. Amen. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_58">{58}</a></span> - - <h4>At The Introit.</h4> -<p> -We beseech thee, O Lord, that we may be truly prepared for the -offering of this great sacrifice to thee this day. Our sins alone -can render us displeasing to thee, we therefore call aloud to -thee for mercy. -</p> - - <h4>At The Kyrie Eleison.</h4> -<p> -Have mercy on us, O Lord, and forgive us all our sins; and though -we have nothing of our own to move thy goodness, let our -importunity prevail: have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us. -</p> - - <h4>At The Gloria In Excelsis.</h4> -<p class="side"> - Conceive a vehement desire of promoting the glory of God, and - your neighbour's good. Rejoice with the angels, at the share - you nave in these holy mysteries; and form to yourself the - highest idea of the majesty of God; and of his Son Jesus - Christ. -</p><p> -Who is like unto thee, O almighty God! To whom can the most -unlimited tribute of honour, praise, and glory be due, either in -heaven or on earth, if not to thee, the King of kings, the Lord -of lords, and beneficent Creator of the universe! -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_59">{59}</a></span> -The angels and saints, with unceasing rapture, sing forth thy -praises, and glorify thy name in heaven; and shall not I, the -work of thy hands, praise thee also on earth? Yes, O Lord! -Graciously vouchsafe to accept the homage I now pay thee, and -which I purpose fervently to offer thee all the days of my life. -</p> - - <h4>At The Collect.</h4> - -<p class="side"> - So called, because the priest lays before God the necessities - of all his people; their vows and desires <i>collected</i>, as - it were, together; whence, turning to the congregation, he - invites them to unite with him in the petition, saying: - <i>Oremus</i>, or <i>Let us Pray</i>. -</p><p> -Almighty and eternal God, we humbly beseech thee to look down -from thy heavenly sanctuary upon this congregation, and -graciously hear these prayers, which thy church addresses to thee -for us by the ministry of thy priest. -</p><p> -Grant us, in thy infinite mercy, pardon of our sins, health of -mind and body, peace in our days, unity and increase of Catholic -faith, fervent charity, sincere devotion, patience in suffering, -and every thing else conducive to thy glory and our own -salvation: through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_60">{60}</a></span> - - <h4>At The Epistle.</h4> -<p class="side"> - Return God thanks for having called you to the knowledge of his - holy law; submit to it with perfect docility; and beg of him to - extend our holy religion over the whole world. -</p><p> - -O eternal God, who never ceasest to excite us to the worship and -love of thy holy name, or to arm us against the attacks of the -world, the flesh, and the devil, by the public ministry of thy -church, by the doctrine of thy prophets and apostles, and by many -other holy admonitions; grant we may faithfully attend to these -lessons of salvation, that thus our knowledge of thy law may -never rise in judgment against us, but guide us securely to thee: -through Christ our Lord. Amen. -</p> - - <h4>At The Gospel.</h4> -<p class="side"> - Look on the Gospel as the rule of your faith and morals; a rule - which Christ himself has drawn up; a rule which you have solemnly - promised by your baptism to follow, and by which you shall most - certainly be judged. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_61">{61}</a></span> -<p> -It is not thy interpreters, O God, who are now to instruct me; it -is thy only Son; it is his word I am about to hear. I most -gratefully embrace this heavenly doctrine. I stand up to declare -in the face of heaven and earth, that I will walk faithfully in -that way which he hath marked out for me. He tells me here, that -"it will avail a man nothing to gain the whole world, if he lose -his own soul; that the sensual, the covetous, the worldling, the -libertine, the detractor, and such as are insensible to the -miseries of the poor, shall have no share in his heavenly -kingdom; and that, in order to become his disciple, I must take -up my cross and follow him." I receive with my whole heart all -these sacred maxims. Grant me the grace to put them in practice; -for to what purpose should I declare myself thy disciple, if I -were not to live according to the maxims of thy gospel. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_62">{62}</a></span> - - <h4>At The Creed.</h4> -<p class="side"> - Renew your faith in all those articles which the church - proposes to your belief, because they are founded on God's own - word, revealed in the scriptures, announced by the prophets, - supported by miracles, confirmed by the blood of the martyrs, - verified by the establishment of our faith, and obvious by the - sanctity of our religion. -</p><p> -I return thee infinite thanks, O Lord, for having given me birth -in the bosom of the holy Catholic Church. The precious gift of -faith is much more dear to me than any advantage of birth or -fortune. Grant me a perfect docility for all it teaches, as well -for what I understand, as for what is above my conception. It is -neither just nor possible that I should fully comprehend an -infinite God, who cannot even comprehend myself. By thy grace I -am firmly convinced of the wisdom and sincerity of thy apostles, -by whom thou hast announced these mysteries to the world. By them -the world was converted; it submitted, and believed them; which, -if done without a miracle, must be in itself the greatest of all -miracles. What more then can I desire? What surer grounds can I -have? -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_63">{63}</a></span> -On these principles I rest my belief. Here is the faith which to -my last breath I shall profess:—I firmly believe that thou art -one God in three distinct persons, the Father, the Son, and the -Holy Ghost, who of nothing hast created all things. I believe, O -heavenly Father, that thy only Son, who is perfectly equal to -thee, holy, powerful, and eternal, as thou art, became man for -love of us; suffered, died on the cross, rose again, and ascended -into heaven; from whence he shall come at the last day to judge -the world; and that of his blessed kingdom there shall be no end. -I believe in the Holy Ghost, who is also true God as thou art, -proceeding from thee and thy Son: I believe that he spoke by the -prophets, and that by him we are sanctified, I confess one -baptism for the remission of sins. I expect the resurrection of -the body, and the life of the world to come, where I firmly hope -to possess thee, Lord, for ever and ever. Amen. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_64">{64}</a></span> - - <h4>At The Offertory.</h4> -<p class="side"> - Consider what an advantage it is to have in this sacrifice, - wherewithal to honour God perfectly; to thank him in a manner - equal to his gifts; to blot out entirely your past sins; and to - obtain, both for yourself and others, all those graces you - stand most in need of. -</p><p> -O holy Father, almighty and eternal God, how unworthy soever I -may appear in thy presence, yet I presume to offer thee this -Host, by the hands of the priest, with the same intention which -Christ my Saviour had, when he first instituted this august -sacrifice, and which he now has at this very instant that he -immolates himself for us. I offer it in acknowledgment of thy -supreme dominion over me and all creatures. I offer it in -expiation of my crimes; in thanksgiving for all thy benefits. I -offer it to obtain from thy infinite goodness, for my parents, -benefactors, friends, and enemies, all those precious gifts and -graces which only through him can be obtained, who is Just by -excellence, and who became a victim for the sins of men. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_65">{65}</a></span> -I earnestly entreat thee to bless and protect the holy Catholic -Church, our chief pastor the Pope, our Bishops and Clergy, the -Queen and Royal Family, and all our fellow-subjects of every -denomination. Remember also, O Lord, the souls of the faithful -departed, and grant them, through the merits of thy Son, eternal -light and peace. Have mercy upon all heretics, infidels and -sinners. Bless and preserve all mine enemies; and as I freely -forgive them the injuries they have done, or mean to do me, so do -thou, in thy mercy, forgive me mine offences. Amen. -</p> - - <h4>At The Preface.</h4> -<p class="side"> - Raise up your thoughts to heaven, even to the very throne of - the Divinity, and there with most holy and respectful awe, pay - homage to his glorious majesty, mixing your own praises with - those sacred hymns with which the heavenly spirits are ever - praising him. -</p><p> - -Do thou thyself, O Lord, raise up my heart; inflame it with thy -love, and free it from all earthly affections; let it rest in -heaven, where thou my treasure art, and on this altar also, where -thou art going to present thyself to thy eternal Father for our -sake. As my life, O Lord, is a continual succession of thy -favours, so let my thanksgivings be also uninterupted. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_66">{66}</a></span> -And since thou art going to renew the greatest of all sacrifices, -should not I also break forth into the most lively -acknowledgments? Permit me then, O Lord, to join my feeble voice -with the host of heavenly spirits, and to exclaim with them, in -transports of joy and admiration: "<i>Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God -of Sabaoth: The heavens and the earth are filled with thy glory. -Blessed is he who cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the -highest.</i>" -</p> - - - <h4>At The Canon.</h4> - -<p class="side"> - Represent to yourself the altar as a throne of mercy, upon - which Christ is to sit; where you are entitled to present - yourself, to expose your wants, to ask for blessings, and - obtain them. Can he who giveth us his only Son, refuse us any - other favour whatsoever? -</p><p> - -O Father of Mercy, graciously receive this most holy Sacrifice, -which we offer to thee by the hands of thy priest, in union with -that which thy beloved Son offered thee during his whole life, at -his last supper, and on the cross. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_67">{67}</a></span> -Look down on thy Christ, thy dearest and only begotten Son, "in -whom thou art always well pleased;" and by the infinite merits of -his incarnation, nativity, tears, labours, sufferings, and death, -have mercy upon me, and upon all those for whom I ought to pray -[<i>here name the particular persons</i>]; my parents, brethren, -friends, benefactors, relations, and those who have injured me, -or whom I may have injured. I also beseech thee to guard, -prosper, and extend the holy Catholic Church; to pour down thy -blessings upon our chief pastor the Pope, upon the Bishops and -all the Clergy; enlighten and guide them in the way of salvation. -Bless and preserve the Queen, and all the Royal Family. Look down -upon us all, I beseech thee, O Lord, with eyes of mercy and -compassion. Bring us all to the perfect practice of a holy and -virtuous life here, and to the possession of thy eternal glory -hereafter. May we all know thee; may we all please thee -perfectly; may we fear, love, and glorify thee: through the same -Jesus Christ, who, with thee and the Holy Ghost, liveth and -reigneth one God, world without end. Amen. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_68">{68}</a></span> -<p> -Why have not I, O God, at this moment, the ardent sighs with -which the holy patriarchs wished for the Messiah? Why have not I -their lively faith and their ardent love? Come, Lord Jesus! come, -sweet Redeemer of the world! come quickly to accomplish a -mystery, which is an abridgment of all thy other miracles. -</p><p> -Thou art, O Lord Jesus! the true pastor of souls, who didst lay -down thy life for thy flock! Thou art the Lamb of God, that died -upon the cross to save us! Prostrate in spirit before thee, I -desire to praise and bless thee, both now and for ever. Amen. -</p> - - <h4>At The Elevation Of The Host.</h4> -<p class="side"> - Behold your God, your Saviour, and your Judge! Contemplate in - silent astonishment what passes before you. Excite every - fervent sentiment in your soul, which fear, respect, and - confidence can inspire. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_69">{69}</a></span> -<p> -Hail, O Victim of Salvation! eternal King! incarnate Word! -sacrificed for me and all mankind! Hail, precious Body of the Son -of God! sacred Flesh, torn with nails, pierced with a lance, and -bleeding on a cross for us poor sinners! O amazing goodness! O -infinite love! O let that tender love plead now in my behalf: let -all my iniquities be here effaced, and my name be written in the -book of life. I believe in thee; I hope in thee; I love thee. To -thee be honour, praise, and glory, from all creatures, for ever -and ever. Amen. -</p> - - <h4>At The Elevation Of The Chalice.</h4> -<p> -Hail, sacred Blood, flowing from the wounds of Jesus Christ, and -washing away the sins of the world! O cleanse, sanctify, and -preserve my soul, that nothing in future may ever separate me -from thee. Behold, O eternal Father, thy holy Jesus, and look -upon the face of thy Christ, in whom thou art well pleased. Hear -the voice of his blood crying out to thee, not for vengeance, but -for mercy and pardon. Accept this divine oblation; and through -the infinite merits of all the sufferings that Jesus endured on -the cross for our salvation, be pleased to look upon us, and upon -all thy people, with an eye of mercy. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_70">{70}</a></span> -<p class="side"> - During the remainder of the Canon contemplate in the most - affectionate manner, your Saviour here present. Reflect on the - mysteries he renews. Unite the sacrifice of your heart to that - of his body. Offer him up to God his Father, with the several - intentions of the four kinds of sacrifice offered in the Old - Law, beseeching him to accept the prayers which his dear Son - addresses to him in our behalf. -</p><p> -It is now, O eternal Father, that we truly and really offer to -thy Divine Majesty, that pure, holy, and immaculate victim which -thou thyself hast been pleased to grant us, and of which all -other offerings were only the types and figures. The sacrifices -of Abel, of Abraham, and of Melchisedech, were of no value, when -compared to ours. This glorious victim, thy dear Son himself, the -perfect object of thy eternal love, and alone worthy of thy -altar, is an offering by so much the more precious than theirs, -as God is greater than all creatures. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_71">{71}</a></span> - - <h4>As A Holocaust, Or Whole-burnt Offering.</h4> -<p> -O sovereign Creator and Lord of all things! graciously vouchsafe -to accept my humble homage, in union with that which thou here -receivest from Jesus Christ, the only worthy adorer of thy -infinite Majesty. Whilst, therefore, he immolates himself upon -this altar, I unite my intentions with those views and purposes -himself has, in offering to thee this his holy sacrifice. It is -he alone can form a just conception of the boundless excellence -and unspeakable majesty of The Great Creator of Heaven and earth; -he alone fully comprehends the entire extent of thy dominion. He -beholds (what we blind mortals cannot) how far all creatures, -visible and invisible, depend on thee. He plainly conceives that -thy dominion is absolute over all we are, all we possess or can -hope for in time or eternity. It is in acknowledgment of this thy -sovereign authority, and to make, in his name, a public -profession of our total dependence on thee, that I unite with him -in his daily renewal of this most holy sacrifice. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_72">{72}</a></span> - - <h4>As A Sacrifice Of Thanksgiving.</h4> -<p> -Vouchsafe, O most bountiful Lord God, to receive this precious -victim in thanksgiving for all thy benefits. Thou hast created me -to thine own image and likeness, and if thy all-powerful hand had -not continued to preserve the slender thread of my life, I must -ere now have fallen back into my original nothing. For my sake -thou didst abandon thy beloved Son to the cruelty of the Jews, -and to an ignominious death; nor doth a single moment of my -existence pass away without fresh proofs of thy bounty. O that I -could, in some degree, acknowledge those thy innumerable favours, -even at the price of my blood; but the offering I here make thee -is infinitely more acceptable; it is nothing less than thy -beloved Son, equal to thee in all things, the very figure of thy -substance, and splendour of thy glory. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_73">{73}</a></span> - - <h4>As A Sacrifice Of Expiation.</h4> -<p> -Remember, O Lord, that the sacrifice we now offer to thee, is -essentially the same, and equally propitiatory with that which -our Saviour offered thee on Mount Calvary, though different as to -the manner of offering. However base, therefore, our ingratitude -may be, or however manifold our transgressions, we cannot but -hope for pardon, since it is the blood of a God we offer in -atonement. -</p> - - <h4>As A Sacrifice Of Impetration.</h4> -<p> -O God of infinite bounty, be pleased now to crown all the favours -thou hast hitherto conferred on me, by the gifts of a <i>lively -faith</i>, a <i>firm hope</i>, and an <i>ardent charity</i>. -Bless all my labours and undertakings. Give me an intuitive -knowledge of thy holy will, and an unshaken resolution to put it -into execution. Grant me perseverance in thy grace to the end of -my life. Have mercy on the souls of the faithful departed, -particularly on those for whom I am in a more especial manner -bound to pray. [<i>Name them</i>.] Deliver them, O Lord, from all -their sufferings, and admit them into the mansions of everlasting -bliss: through the infinite merits of Christ Jesus, thy only Son, -who liveth, &c. Amen. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_74">{74}</a></span> - - <h4>At The Pater Noster.</h4> -<p class="side"> - Let us imagine ourselves present with Jesus on a new Calvary. - Let us remain at the foot of his cross, with the tender - compassion of Magdalen, with the ardent love of St. John; or, - standing afar off with St. Peter, let us weep bitterly over our - manifold sins and offences. -</p><p> - -What a happiness, O my God, to have thee for my Father! How -joyful to think, that heaven, where thou art, is also to be my -eternal dwelling-place! May thy name be glorified throughout the -whole world. Reign, O Lord, over all hearts, affections, and -desires. Refuse us not our spiritual and corporal food. We freely -forgive others; do thou also forgive us. Support us in the trials -and temptations of this life, and preserve us from sin, the -greatest of all evils. -Amen. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_75">{75}</a></span> - - <h4>At The Agnus Dei.</h4> -<p class="side"> - God, so glorious in heaven! so powerful on earth! so dreadful - in hell! is here only a lamb, full of sweetness and bounty! - Behold! he comes here to take away the sins of the world, and - thine in particular. O what a motive of confidence! O what a - subject of consolation! -</p><p> - -O Lamb of God, sacrificed for my sake, have mercy on me! O -adorable Victim of my salvation, look down on me and save me! -Divine Mediator! obtain pardon of thy eternal Father for me a -sinner, and mercifully grant me the sweets of thy peace. Amen. -</p> - - <h4>At The Communion.</h4> -<p class="side"> - To communicate spiritually, renew, by an act of faith, your - firm belief of Christ's <i>real presence</i>. Make an act of - contrition. Desire most earnestly to receive him with the - priest; beg of him to accept these desires, and to unite - himself to you in the effusion of his graces. -</p><p> - -O that I were among the number of those whose sanctity allows -them to communicate daily! What a happiness, O my God! could I at -this moment erect a throne for thee in my heart, pay thee my -homage, lay open to thee my wants, and participate in the favours -thou grantest to those who <i>really</i> and <i>worthily</i> -receive thee. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_76">{76}</a></span> -But since I am unworthy, do thou, O Lord, supply my want of the -proper dispositions. Grant the pardon of my manifold sins, which -I detest from the bottom of my heart, because they displease -thee. Cast thy compassionate eye upon me, and purify my soul, -that the ardent wish I now conceive to be united to thee by a -worthy communion, may be speedily accomplished. But until the -arrival of so happy a moment, I earnestly entreat thee, O dearest -Lord, that thou wouldst make me partaker of all those advantages -which the communion of the priest may produce in those thy -people. By the efficacy of this enlivening sacrament, increase my -faith, strengthen my hope, revive in my soul the rays of divine -charity, inflame my heart with thy love, that it may pant only -for thee, and live for thee alone. Amen. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_77">{77}</a></span> - - <h4>At The Last Prayers.</h4> -<p class="side"> - Strive earnestly to offer your Lord sacrifice for sacrifice, by - becoming the victim of his love. Immolate freely to him all - your sinful inclinations, and whatever is contrary to his holy - will. -</p><p> - -Since thou, O Lord, hast sacrificed thyself for my salvation, -shall not I desire to be sacrificed for thy glory? Yes, I am thy -victim: do with me as thou willest. I consecrate my whole being -to thee. I willingly accept whatever crosses thou art pleased to -send me. Receiving them from thy fatherly hand, I embrace them, -and unite them with those thou hast endured for my sake. Before I -quit thy temple, strengthen the resolution I have made to serve -thee with more fidelity, and to struggle, not only against my -ordinary failings, but chiefly against that to which I am most -inclined. Thy law shall henceforth be my rule of conduct during -the remainder of my life; and I will forfeit every worldly -consideration, and suffer every calamity, sooner than transgress -it. Amen. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_78">{78}</a></span> - - <h4>At The Benediction.</h4> -<p class="side"> - Receive the blessing from the priest, as given in the name of - the Lord. Thank him sincerely for the favours here granted you. - Lay up with care the fruits of this sacrifice; and let your - conduct be such, as that all who see you, may clearly perceive - how much you have profited by so holy an action. -</p><p> -Most holy and adorable Trinity! as it is by thee we began this -sacrifice, so it is by thee we desire to conclude it. Suffer us -not therefore, O Lord, to depart hence without thy blessing. Give -it us by the ministry of this priest. May it ever remain with us; -may its influence always direct our actions; and may it be a sure -pledge of that final benediction which thine elect shall receive, -when called by thee to thy kingdom of eternal glory. Amen. -</p> - - <h4>At The Last Gospel.</h4> -<p> -Divine Word! only Son of the Father! Light of the World! who -camest from heaven to show us the way thither; I adore thy -Majesty with most profound respect; I place my whole confidence -in thee; I most firmly hope, that as thou art my God, a God made -man to save mankind, thou wilt grant me those graces which my -sanctification may require, and also the enjoyment of thee in -glory. Amen. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_79">{79}</a></span> - - <h4>A Prayer After Mass.</h4> -<p> -I return thee infinite thanks, O my God, for permitting me to -assist at this holy sacrifice, in preference to so many others -more worthy of so great a favour; and I hope, that through thy -great mercy, thou wilt pardon me the faults which I may have here -committed, either by my tepidity or inattention. Though I now -return hence to my worldly employments, yet I will remember, -through the course of the day, what thou hast here done for me; -and shall endeavour that no thought, word, or action of mine, -deprive me of the advantages of which I have now been a partaker. -Amen. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_80">{80}</a></span> - - <h4>A Preparation For Confession.</h4> -<p class="side"> - There is scarcely any duty of greater importance in religion, - than to receive the Sacrament of Penance with the necessary - dispositions. Penance is as indispensably requisite for those - who have fallen into sin after baptism, as baptism itself is - for such as have never been baptized. <i>It is a second plank - after the shipwreck of sin, without which the sinner must - inevitably perish</i>. But then it is to be observed, that this - sacrament must be received with the necessary dispositions. The - cleansing of the baptismal robe, and restoring it to its - original purity, is not to be effected without much labour and - application. It would be absurd to imagine, that the - unchangeable justice of God, which could not be satisfied but - by the sufferings of Jesus Christ, and which, notwithstanding - these sufferings, doth still condemn to eternal torments the - unrepenting sinner; it would be absurd, I say, to imagine that - his justice should now be appeased by a superficial or outward - compliance with this duty, accompanied perhaps with - insincerity, gross negligence, or a fixed adherence to mortal - sin, and therefore destitute of real sorrow, change of heart, - and a firm purpose of amendment. The enormity of sin is the - same at this day as it ever was; it is as unchangeable as God - himself; because it is essentially a rebellion against him; a - breach of his law, an insult offered to his eternal Majesty, - and consequently not more remissable at present in the - sacrament of penance, than at the earliest period of - Christianity, when the severest discipline prevailed, and when - the fervour of primitive penitents was so ardent.—Hence, that - this merciful institution may never be frustrated of its end, - and in order that the sinner may always receive the pardon of - his offences, we must strictly fulfil these five following - conditions: -<br><br> - I. An examination of conscience, that we may know all our sins. -<br><br> - II. A heart-felt sorrow for having committed them. -<br><br> - III. A firm resolution never to commit them again. -<br><br> - IV. A candid and humble confession of them to a priest - empowered to absolve us. -<br><br> - V. A desire or intention of satisfying God, and our neighbour - also, if injured. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_81">{81}</a></span> - - <h3>A Protestation</h3> - - <h4>Before The Examination Of Conscience.</h4> - -<p> -O God, the searcher of all hearts, behold, I here protest, in thy -presence, that what I now design is sincerely for the honour of -thy name, and because I heartily desire to be delivered from the -guilt of my sins: therefore I come to thy sacrament of penance, -that, complying with thy holy institution, I may obtain thy -blessing and pardon, as thou has promised. May thy holy grace -assist me in performing this great duty well, as it is thy mercy -which has called me to it. -</p><p class="side"> - Think seriously, and with the most lively gratitude, on all the - benefits God hath so liberally bestowed on you, and particularly - for his goodness in preparing this sacrament as a remedy for - your sins. -</p><p> -How great are my obligations to thee, O my God, in thus providing -for me, after my disgrace, the means of a perfect reconciliation. -To have purified me in the waters of baptism, was not enough; -thou hast also left me the waters of penance, to wash me still -more from my iniquities, and cleanse me from my sins. For this -end thou hast left to the church, in the persons of the apostles, -the power of remitting our offences: "<i>Receive ye the Holy -Ghost; whose sins ye shall forgive, shall be forgiven."</i> O -what Excessive goodness! What an advantage to poor sinners, to -have a tribunal established for them, always open, where they may -be received into favour! -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_82">{82}</a></span> -Can I ever be insensible to so striking an instance of thy -bounty? I have withdrawn myself from thee by a formal contempt of -thy law, and thou art pleased to make the first advances to meet -me: O Father of mercies, and God of goodness, be thou for ever -blessed! Permit me to fly to this powerful refuge; and suffer not -that, by a new ingratitude, I should for the future ever abuse so -excellent a resource of salvation. No: it is not human respect, -nor custom, nor the fear of being thought careless of my soul, -that brings me at present to this sacrament of reconciliation; -no, it is a sincere regret for having incurred thy displeasure; -for who can be at rest, O my God, when he knows that he is thy -enemy, and that he has offended the very best of fathers? -</p> - - <h3>Prayers</h3> - - - <h4>Before The Examination Of Conscience.</h4> - -<p class="side"> - Beg of God to make your sins known to you, and to give you a - true sense of their malice. Prostrate yourself in spirit at the - feet of your Redeemer, as Magdalen did when she washed them - with her tears; or imagine yourself on Mount Calvary, and - there, beneath his cross, pour forth your prayers to him, - resolving to acquit yourself of this confession, as if it were - to be your last. -</p><p> - -O holy Spirit, eternal Source of Light, mercifully vouchsafe to -enlighten the darkness of my understanding, that I may clearly -perceive the true state of my conscience. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_83">{83}</a></span> -Thou who hast created me, and art to be my judge, dost fully -behold the most secret recesses of my heart; show me now, -therefore, my sins, in as conspicuous a manner as I shall behold -them when on the point of appearing at thy tremendous tribunal. -My object at present is, to prevent the rigorous account I must -there give of all my thoughts, words, and actions; for were I now -deficient in that sincere exactness which is necessary in the -examination and confession of my sins, thou wouldst infallibly -correct, at thy unerring tribunal, the injustice and iniquity of -such a proceeding. Discover, then, to me, O my God, all these -secret thoughts, irregular desires, criminal words, and actions, -or omissions of my duty, by which I may have violated thy sacred -laws, or scandalized my neighbour. O do not permit self-love to -seduce and blind me, but rather remove the veil it places before -my eyes, that beholding the true state of my interior, I may make -an humble and sincere confession of my sins to thy minister. -</p><p> -I desire, like the prodigal child, to enter seriously into -myself, and without delay to forsake my evil ways, in which I -have been wearied out in the pursuit of empty toys and mere -shadows, seeking in vain to satisfy my thirst with muddy waters, -and my hunger with the husks of swine. I ardently desire to -return to thee, O Fountain of Life! but, O my God, though I can -go astray from thee fast enough, when left to myself, yet I -cannot make one step towards returning to thee, unless thy divine -grace stir me up and assist me. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_84">{84}</a></span> -This grace, then, I most humbly implore, prostrate in spirit -before the throne of thy mercy. I beg it for the sake of Jesus -Christ, my Redeemer, who died upon the cross for me and for all -sinners. Thou hast said, "<i>There is joy in heaven for one -sinner that doeth penance.</i>" Give me now the grace of true -repentance, and let heaven rejoice at my conversion. Assist me in -this great work by thy heavenly light, in order that I may -discover all my imperfections, see all my sins in their true -colours, and sincerely detest and confess them. I know thou -desirest not the death of a sinner, but rather that he be -converted and live. I know that thy mercies are above all thy -works, and I most confidently hope, that as in thy mercy thou -hast spared me so long, and hast now given me this desire of -returning to thee, so thou wilt finish the work that thou hast -begun, by assisting me in every part of my preparation for it, -and bringing me to a perfect reconciliation with thee. -</p> -<p class="side"> - Examine yourself attentively, not only on the sins you have - committed since your last confession, but also on the faults - you may have committed in making it; but beware of scrupulosity - or anxiety; for in this examination it is only necessary that - you should use such a moral diligence as any temporal concern - might require, where it is neither your intention nor your - interest to be deceived. For this purpose, calmly recollect on - the different occasions of sin which have since fallen in your - way, or to which your state and condition of life exposes you; - the places you have frequented, the persons you nave conversed - with; &c. &c.; in the doing of which the following table of - sins will greatly assist you. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_85">{85}</a></span> - <h4>Sins Against God.</h4> - -<p class="cite"> - In Matters of Faith. -</p> -<p class="cite2"> - Have you been guilty of heresy, or disbelief of any article - of faith, or of voluntarily doubting of any article of faith? -<br><br> - Have you rashly exposed yourself to the danger of infidelity, - by reading bad books, keeping wicked company, going into places - of worship belonging to other communions during the time of - their service, and joining with them in their worship? -<br><br> - Have you, by word or deed, denied your faith, or railed at or - despised holy things? -<br><br> - Have you been ignorant of the articles of your faith and the - duties of your religion, or have you been negligent in - instructing, or procuring the necessary instructions for - those under your care? -<br><br> - Have you given credit to dreams, taken notice of omens, or - made any other superstitious observations? -<br><br> - Have you used charms or spells, or consulted fortune-tellers, - or made use of any other superstitious practices to find out - things to come, recover things lost, &c. How often? and with - what scandal and ill example to others? -</p> - -<p class="cite"> - Of Hope. -</p> -<p class="cite2"> - Have you despaired of salvation, or of the forgiveness of - your sins? -<br><br> - Have you rashly presumed upon God's goodness, continuing to - offend him because he is merciful; going on in your sins, - without any thought of amendment, depending upon a death-bed - repentance? -<br><br> - Have you relied upon yourself rather than upon divine grace; - or neglected for a long time to return to God by repentance, - after falling into mortal sin? -</p> -<p class="cite"> - Of Charity. -</p> -<p class="cite2"> - Have you loved any creature as much or more than God? -<br><br> - Have you murmured against the providence of God, resisted his - inspirations, refused to submit to his divine will, not - prevented evil when you could and ought, committed sins - through human respect? -</p> -<p class="cite"> - Of Religion. -</p> -<p class="cite2"> - Have you made a sacrilegious confession or communion? -<br><br> - Have you received the sacraments of confirmation or matrimony - in the state of mortal sin? -<br><br> - Have you abused the holy scripture, or profaned holy places - or sacred things? -<br><br> - Have you blasphemed God or his saints? -<br><br> - Have you been negligent in the divine worship, seldom or - never adoring and praising God, or giving him thanks for his - benefits? -<br><br> - Have you prayed but seldom, or with little attention, or - omitted to make acts of faith, hope, and charity? -<br> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_86">{86}</a></span> -<br> - Have you behaved with irreverence in the house of God, or - broken any vow or solemn promise made to him? -<br><br> - Have you neglected to hear mass on Sundays and holy-days of - obligation? or have you heard it with wilful distractions, or - not taken care that your children or servants should hear it? -<br><br> - Have you neglected confession and communion at Easter, or - omitted the penance enjoined you, or acquitted yourself of - these religious duties carelessly? -<br><br> - Have you sworn falsely, or what you did not certainly know - whether it was true or false? -<br><br> - Have you broken your lawful oaths, or sworn to do any thing - that was wicked or unlawful? -<br><br> - Have you had a custom of swearing rashly or inconsiderately, - by the name of God, by your soul, or by the way of - imprecation upon yourself or others? -<br><br> - Have you sworn by the blood or wounds of God, or any other - blasphemous oath, or been accessory to others swearing, - cursing, or blaspheming? -<br><br> - Have you spent the Sundays or holy-days of obligation in - idleness or sin, or been the occasion of others so spending - them? -<br><br> - Have you done any servile work without necessity upon those - days? -<br><br> - Have you broken the days of abstinence, or eaten more than - one meal on fasting days, or been accessory to others so - doing? How often, &c. -</p> - - <h4>Sins Against Our Neighbour.</h4> - -<p class="cite"> - In Thoughts. -</p> -<p class="cite2"> - Have you been deficient in point of charity - towards your neighbour? -<br><br> - Have you judged rashly of him? -<br><br> - Have you willfully entertained thoughts of hatred, aversion, - rancour, or a coldness and resentment against him? -<br><br> - Have you, on this account, endeavoured to avoid meeting or - speaking to him? -<br><br> - Have you envied him in his merit, reputation, fortune or - employments? -<br><br> - Have you conceived desires of revenge against him, and wished - that harm might befall him? -<br><br> - Have you been hard-hearted, or without any feeling or - compassion for him in his affliction? -<br><br> - Have you felt in yourself a secret pleasure and satisfaction - when any disgrace happened to him, and discontent in seeing - him thrive and flourish? -<br><br> - [These sins may vary in their malice, according to the length - of time we were thus affected, or the relation we stand in to - the different persons in question, or according to the - greater or less importance of the matter under our - consideration.] -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_87">{87}</a></span> -<p class="cite"> - In Words. -</p> -<p class="cite2"> - Have you spoken harshly to your neighbour; given him abusive - language; railed at him; miscalled him; mocked and ridiculed - him; exposed him to scorn; affronted him; censured his - conduct; found fault with every thing he did; put wrong - constructions upon his actions; calumniated or detracted him; - been pleased to hear others speak ill of him; listened to and - encouraged the calumny or detraction when you could prevent - such discourses? [N.B.—The motive for speaking thus, the - number of persons present, and the subject of this - uncharitable language, must be specified, as we are bound to - repair the injury to the best of our power.] -<br><br> - We also sin by ill-natured reports or insinuations, malicious - expressions, whether true or false; by giving bad advice and - bad example; by instilling bad or dangerous principles; by - flattering others, or approving of evil; by giving false - testimony; by discovering the secrets or the faults of - others; by abusive words, reproaches, bad wishes or - imprecations, &c. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - In Actions. -</p> -<p class="cite2"> - Have you wronged, deceived, or circumvented your neighbour in - buying or selling? -<br><br> - Have you injured him by stealing, cheating, usury, extortion, - or any unlawful contract? by putting off false money, or using - false weights or measures? -<br><br> - Have you bought or received stolen goods? -<br><br> - Have you contracted debts without design of paying them? -<br><br> - We also sin by wronging our creditors, or our own family, by - prodigal expenses; by refusing to pay our just debts when - able, or by culpable extravagance rendering ourselves unable - to pay them by neglecting the work or business for which we - were hired, and obliged by contract to perform; in fine, by - unjustly taking or keeping any thing of value belonging to - another; in which case it is impossible to obtain forgiveness - without making restitution to the best of our power. [And - here it is to be observed, that where two or more jointly - injure another, in goods or reputation, they are jointly and - severally obliged to restitution; that is to say, they are - bound to contribute their respective proportions towards - repairing the injury; and every individual of them is - answerable before God for the whole injury, when either or - any of the accomplices refuse to repair their portion - thereof.] -</p> -<p class="cite"> - In Omissions. -</p> -<p class="cite2"> - Have you neglected to succour, comfort and assist your - neighbour in necessity? -<br><br> - Have you neglected to restore ill-gotten goods, or to repair - injured characters? -<br><br> - Have you refused to be reconciled to an enemy, or to perform - duties of obligation, such as respect and love towards - parents, obedience to superiors, &c. -<br> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_88">{88}</a></span> -<br> - Sins Against Ourselves Are Committed -</p> -<p class="cite"> - By Pride. -</p> -<p class="cite2"> - In having too great an esteem for ourselves, and haughtily - despising others -<br><br> - In being too apt to speak of our own affairs, or in our own - praise; -<br><br> - In aspiring to honours and preferment through vanity; -<br><br> - In affecting to be humble, or in deceiving others by - hypocrisy -<br><br> - In being influenced in what we do by human respects, for - obtaining the applause and esteem of men -<br><br> - In being too much wedded to our own opinions and - inclinations; -<br><br> - In being too solicitous about our health; -<br><br> - In being too fond of the pleasures, comforts, and - conveniences of life. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - By Avarice. -</p> -<p class="cite2"> - In being backward in giving alms according to our ability; -<br><br> - In squandering away in gaming, or in vain and foolish - expenses, the substance that Providence hath given for the - relief of the poor and distressed; -<br><br> - In not only refusing them an alms which we can afford, but in - refusing it with bitterness, reproaches, imperious, - ill-natured language, or with an insulting air; -<br><br> - In being too much attached to the goods of this life; where - it must be ever remembered, that whatever is <i>really</i> - superfluous to us belongs of right to the poor; that where - there is much, much should be given; and that where there is - only a little, even some of that little should be cheerfully - given; for "<i>God loves the cheerful giver.</i>" -</p> -<p class="cite"> - By Envy. -</p> -<p class="cite2"> - In being sorry for the prosperity of others -<br><br> - Rejoicing at their misfortunes -<br><br> - In wishing with jealousy for what belongs to them. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - By Impurity. -</p> -<p class="cite2"> - In willfully dwelling upon, or taking pleasure in unchaste - thoughts. -<br><br> - [N. B.—The penitent must here mention whether these bad - thoughts were entertained during a considerable time, and how - long; whether they were accompanied with desires of committing - the evil; whether they caused irregular motions; whether in a - holy place; and, finally, whether the objects of these sinful - desires were single or married, kindred or relations, or - persons consecrated to God.] -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_89">{89}</a></span> -<p class="cite"> - By Words. -</p> -<p class="cite2"> - In speaking obscenely, or with a double meaning, which is as - bad, if not worse; in listening with pleasure to such vile - language. [N. B.—this sort of discourse is still more - criminal, when it passes between two persons of a different - sex. We also sin grievously this way, by singing unchaste - songs, by giving toasts and sentiments contrary to modesty, - or by permitting them to be given when we can prevent them, - or by not retiring on such occasions.] -</p> -<p class="cite"> - By Looks. -</p> -<p class="cite2"> - In viewing immodest objects; -<br><br> - In reading bad books; -<br><br> - In keeping indecent pictures; -<br><br> - In frequenting plays and public assemblies, which are but too - often the schools of vice, where dangerous objects are held - up to view, and where vice is represented, not in its native - horrible colours or consequences, but as mere gaiety. -<br><br> - Comedies also are so full of indecent sentiments and - indelicate allusions, as cannot but offend a modest ear, and - have an immoral tendency. They are not only powerful - incentives to this vice, but are besides evidently unlawful, - for the following reason: viz. because we cannot assist at - them without contributing, by our purse and our example, to - maintain a set of people in a profession, or way of life, - which was always deemed infamous by the Catholic Church. - Under this head likewise may be classed, the tempting of - others to sin, by dissolute glances, gestures, or immodesty - in dress or behaviour. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - By Actions. -</p> -<p class="cite2"> - In abusing and defiling the sanctity of marriage by such - liberties and irregularities as are contrary to the order of - nature; -<br><br> - in touching ourselves or others immodestly; -<br><br> - in permitting indecent liberties to be taken with us. [N.B.— - It is necessary to explain every thing, in order to make - known such circumstances as may increase or diminish the - guilt, with as much modesty as possible; and also to declare, - whether we have employed, or neglected to employ the - necessary means of overcoming this vile passion. We should - carefully distinguish what is wilful, from what is not; an - effect of deliberation, from one of mere negligence; also the - number of these bad actions, or at least the length of time - we continued in the habit of committing them; with what sort - of persons we have sinned, or desired to sin, but this - without mentioning their names. And as it too often happens - with young persons, who have miserably fallen into a certain - sin of a lonely and abominable nature, either to conceal this - crime, or not faithfully confess how often they have been - guilty of it, we therefore earnestly beseech such to reflect - seriously on the fatal evils in which they involve - themselves. Let them consider, that all those confessions, - and the communions which follow them, are only so many - sacrileges, removing them still farther from God, and - provoking his just indignation against them; that the longer - they continue in this state of Hypocrisy, the more difficult - it must be to overcome their bashfulness, and the more - anguish they must feel in their own interior; that no - practice is more destructive of health, beauty, or genius, - than this; that it deforms and debilitates the wretched - perpetrator; that it must, not only in a moral, but also in a - physical sense, degrade him beneath the rank of the brute - creation, and render him contemptible to mankind.] -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_90">{90}</a></span> -<p class="cite"> - By Gluttony. -</p> -<p class="cite2"> - In exceeding the bounds prescribed by temperance; -<br><br> - in eating or drinking to excess; -<br><br> - in exciting others to do so; -<br><br> - in not observing with due exactness the days of fasting and - abstinence enjoined by the church; -<br><br> - in exceeding the quantity which is usually allowed at - collation. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - By Anger. -</p> -<p class="cite2"> - In abusing, quarrelling, striking, or wishing evil to - others; in provoking others to quarrel or fight. Which sins - are still more heinous when parents or superiors are the - objects thereof. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - By Sloth. -</p> -<p class="cite2"> - In neglecting our religious or moral duties; -<br><br> - in performing them carelessly; -<br><br> - in leading a life of idleness, voluptuousness, and - dissipation; -<br><br> - in passing our time unprofitably, - when the duties of our state call on us to labour. -<br><br> - We are also guilty by following the bent of our inclinations, - and gratifying self-love; -<br><br> - by studying too much our own ease; -<br><br> - by too great a remissness in mortifying our passions or - senses. -</p> - - <h4>After The Examination.</h4> -<p class="side"> - Having discovered the different sorts of sins of which you have - been guilty, together with their number, enormity, or such - aggravating circumstances as may considerably increase their - malice or change their nature, your next endeavour should be to - excite in your breast a <i>heart-felt sorrow</i> for having - committed them, and a sincere detestation of them. This being - the most essential, as well as the most difficult, of all the - dispositions requisite to a good confession, with what - humility, fervour, and perseverance should you not importune - Him who holds the hearts of men in his hands, to grant it you! -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_91">{91}</a></span> -<p class="side"> - In the mean time, seriously meditate on those powerful motives - for exciting contrition, which the church holds forth to her - children; and in order to feel their force the more - effectually, endeavour to enliven your faith, to strengthen - your hope, and inflame your charity, by devoutly reciting the - acts of the three theological virtues (<i>page</i> 30). In the - next place reflect on those motives which are most capable of - alarming, and at the same time of melting your heart into - compunction; such as the everlasting torments of hell; the - eternal loss of God, and of the joys of heaven, the horror and - filthiness of sin; the goodness of God in all he has done, and - all he still does, and all he will do for us, if we continue to - love and serve him; particularly that astonishing instance of - his love and undeserved mercy, in forbearing to cut your - slender thread of life, and to precipitate you into eternal - torments in the very height of your rebellion against him. This - consideration alone must necessarily engage you to cry out with - ecstatic surprise and astonishment, "<i>How good must God be in - himself who has been so good to me, his faithless and - ungrateful child!</i>" He saw nothing in you deserving of his - mercy; he saw every thing in you that merited his wrath and - indignation. -<br><br> - This last reflection on the infinite goodness of God, if dwelt - on with due attention, cannot fail to inflame your heart with - an unfeigned love of Him for his own sake, <i>the purest and - best of all motives</i>. Whilst the heart is thus softened by - divine love into compunction for your sins, form an unshaken - resolution of never more offending him, of doing your utmost to - amend your life, of satisfying for your sins, and of repairing - any injury you may have done your neighbour, either in his - character or property. -<br><br> - If, with these sentiments glowing in your breast, you cast - yourself at the feet of your confessor and reveal to him all - the sins you can recollect, <i>with tears</i> of compunction, - and in a truly penitential spirit, be assured you shall return - <i>with joy</i> from the tribunal of confession, and feel - realized in yourself the consoling promise of the Holy Spirit, - that "<i>They who sow in tears, shall reap in joy</i>." Psalm - cxxv. -</p> - - <h4>At The Confession.</h4> -<p class="side"> - Begin by devoutly making the sign of the cross, + saying at - the same time, <i>Bless me, O Father, for I have sinned</i>. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_92">{92}</a></span> - Then repeat the <i>Confiteor</i>, or "I confess to the - Almighty," &c. till you come to the words, "<i>through my - fault,</i>" at which strike your breast, glowing with - compunction, like the humble publican in the gospel; and so - proceed to accuse yourself with candour and sincerity, telling - first how long it is since you were last at confession, whether - you were then absolved, (a circumstance of the utmost - importance, which many are too negligent in attending to,) and - whether you performed your penance. Having confessed all the - sins you can remember, listen with docility to your confessor, - whilst he endeavours to excite you to contrition, and - prescribes the various means, either of atoning for the sins - you have confessed, or of preventing future relapses. -</p> - - - <h4>Prayers Before Confession.</h4> -<p class="side"> - We are taught by the holy Council of Trent, that those who - would obtain the grace of justification, should be thus - disposed: they must have faith; they must fear the justice of - God; they must hope for mercy, through Jesus Christ our Lord; - they must begin to love God; they must hate sin; they must - sincerely resolve to change their lives, and keep the - commandments. To infuse these necessary dispositions into the - soul of the penitent, is the intent of the following prayers: -</p><p> -I am fully sensible, O my God, that there cannot be a greater -misfortune than to have displeased thee, who art infinitely good -and worthy of all our affections. I tremble when I consider how -terrible a misfortune it is to fall unprepared into thy hands; -for who can bear that dreadful sentence: <i>Depart from me, ye -accursed, into eternal fire!</i>—Matthew xxv. But the thought of -losing thee, O Lord, alarms me still more than any other -punishment whatsoever. Thy patience in waiting for me, thy -readiness to pardon me, the multitude of thy mercies, which I -have so often experienced, are now present to my mind; they -upbraid me most forcibly. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_93">{93}</a></span> -Thou hast brought me forth from nothing, created me to thine own -image and likeness, ransomed me with thy precious blood, and -after I had rebelled and become a slave to Satan, thou didst -still bear with me, adopt me as thy child, and prefer me to -thousands who were never enlightened by thy holy law. Yet I have -deserted thee, I have tired myself in the ways of iniquity, I -have hated thy discipline, I have turned my back on all thy -commandments. Though thou hast called me, yet have I refused to -return; though thou hast frequently stretched out thy hands to -me, yet I have paid no regard to thy invitations. Wretch that I -am! who shall deliver me from this body of death? Who shall give -water to my head, and a fountain of tears to my eyes, that day -and night I may weep for my ingratitude? I have sinned! what -shall I do to appease thee? O Guardian of men! behold I -acknowledge my iniquity. My transgressions are become a heavy -burden upon me. I am not worthy to appear before thee, nor even -to lift up my eyes before thy throne. From the depth of my misery -I cry out to thee: O Lord, hear my voice, and be merciful to a -poor sinner! Thy mercies surpass all thy works; thou willest not -my death but my conversion; nor didst thou come to call the just, -but sinners to repentance. Thou art always mindful of thy word, -on which I rely: receive thy prodigal child, nor let me -henceforth be ever separated from thee. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_94">{94}</a></span> -<p> -Though I have sinned, O Lord, and done evil in thy sight, yet I -shall never say, as Cain did, that "my crimes are too great to be -forgiven." I know that in mercy thou dost display thy power; and -that though my sins were multiplied in number even beyond the -grains of sand in the sea, atoms in the air, or drops of water in -the ocean, yet thy mercies are still infinitely greater. Without -this consideration I should certainly despair. But thine own -repeated assurances, and the frequent proofs thou hast given of -thy tenderness towards sinners, support my confidence in thee -whenever my enemy attempts to weaken it. Thou art truth itself; -and therefore thy word can never deceive us. Thou hast declared -that thou wilt entirely forget the iniquities of the sinner, if -he be truly converted, and cease to do evil; thou hast told us, -that a contrite and humble heart shall always find favour with -thee. Thy sacred oracles are full of these sweet consolations, -and thy invariable conduct towards sinners speaks the same -soothing language. Thou didst pardon David, though his sin was -most grievous; Magdalen, a sinner by profession; Peter, who -denied thee with oaths; the adulteress, convicted in thy -presence; the penitent thief on the cross: all these obtained -forgiveness, because they sought it sincerely. Nay more, thy -tenderness was shown even to the traitor Judas; nor were even the -cruel Jews excluded from thy prayers: and shall I not also, O my -God, cry out to thee for mercy? -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_95">{95}</a></span> -Yes; for relying on thy wonted goodness, I shall never be -confounded. My sins are enormous, it is true, and stand always -against me; but the more hideous they are, the more I detest -them. Against thee, O God, have I sinned; and to thee I cry out -for pardon. O that I had never offended thee, because thou art -infinitely good. O that my sorrow for having offended thee were -as great as my offences. O that I might grieve for them even unto -death, and feel those bitter pangs with which thy soul was -overwhelmed in the Garden of Olives. Let the inexpressible -anguish of mind thou didst there feel, thy sighs, thy tears, thy -fainting, and thy bloody sweat, O Lord! plead now in my behalf, -and supply the defects of my imperfect sorrow. Let them draw down -thy mercies, O heavenly Father, and restore me again to thy -favour. -</p><p> -I have now before me, O Lord, a sad prospect of the manifold -offences by which I have displeased thy divine Majesty, and which -I am assured will appear in judgment against me, if I repent not, -and my soul be not disposed by a hearty sorrow, to receive thy -pardon. But this sorrow, O Lord, this repentance, must be thy -free gift; and if it come not from the hand of thy mercy, all my -endeavours will be in vain, and I shall be for ever miserable. -Have mercy therefore on me, O Father of Mercies! and pour forth -into my heart thy grace, whereby I may sincerely repent of all my -sins. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_96">{96}</a></span> -Give me a true contrition, that I may bewail my past miseries and -ingratitude, and grieve from the bottom of my heart for having -offended so good a God. Permit me not to be deluded with a false -sorrow, as, I fear, I have been too often, through my own -weakness and neglect; but let it be now thy gift, descending from -thee, the Father of Lights, that so my repentance may be -accompanied with amendment and a change of life, that I may be -fully acquitted from the guilt of all my sins, and once more -received into the number of thy servants: through Jesus Christ -our Lord. Amen. -</p><p> -Thou hast, O Lord, given power to thy church to forgive sins in -thy name. Thou hast promised pardon to those who do penance. -Behold the prodigal child; nay, worse than the prodigal. I have -disfigured and denied my soul, that was created to thy own image -and likeness. I have forfeited my title to that eternity of -happiness which was prepared for me. I have nourished sin in my -bosom, the most poisonous of serpents, and the most hateful of -monsters. Alas! I have offended him by whose blood I was -redeemed. I have been the cause of his sufferings; I have renewed -his death, and crucified him again by my sins. Oh! who will give -sorrow to my heart, and a fountain of tears to mine eyes, that I -may bewail my iniquities in the bitterness of my soul. Have -compassion on me, O most loving Father! I throw myself into the -arms of thy infinite mercy. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_97">{97}</a></span> -Clothe me with thy grace, and admit me to thy sacrament of -reconciliation. Cast out of my heart whatever thou knowest -profanes, or defiles thy temple. Root out of my soul whatever is -displeasing unto thee, and lay in me the foundation of a new -life. I renounce and utterly detest all my sins, for the love of -thee. O my God of infinite bounty and goodness! I am heartily -sorry for having offended thee. I beg and hope for pardon, -through the merits of thine only Son, my Saviour, Jesus Christ. -Accept his passion and death in satisfaction for my offences, and -for his sake have mercy on me, who place my whole trust and -confidence in thee. Amen. -</p> - - - <h4>A Prayer To The Blessed Virgin.</h4> -<p> -O holy Virgin, Mother of God, and sure refuge of penitent -sinners, intercede for me at this moment, that the confession -which I am about to make may not render me more guilty, but may -obtain for me the remission of all my sins, and the necessary -graces to avoid them hereafter. Amen. -</p> - - <h4>A Prayer At Receiving Absolution.</h4> -<p> -O merciful God, as at the words of thy angel, St. Peter was -immediately restored to liberty, by the chains falling off from -his feet; so grant, dear Lord, that by the words of this holy -sacrament, pronounced by thy priest, the chains of my sins may be -loosed, and all my offences pardoned. Amen. -</p><p> -Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me. O God, be merciful to me a -sinner. O Thou who suffered for me, have mercy on me. Sprinkle me -with thy blood, O Jesus, and I shall be made whiter than snow. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_98">{98}</a></span> - - <h4>Prayers After Confession.</h4> -<p> -Is it possible, O my God, that having been a criminal but a few -moments ago, I should now be cleansed from my sins by virtue of -this sacrament? Yes, I firmly believe it; because thou hast left -to thy church the power of forgiving sins, and hast inclined my -heart to comply with the necessary conditions for obtaining -pardon. Thou hast declared to thy apostles, that "whatever they -should loose on earth, should be loosed also in heaven; and that -whosoever sins they should forgive, should be forgiven." This is -the sacred warrant of their tribunal, whose authority thy -faithful have ever acknowledged. Here are the keys of thy -heavenly kingdom, solemnly made over to thy church in our favour; -we are therefore obliged to have recourse to them. This power was -not confined to the apostles, no more than the power of baptising -nations; but being granted in as general terms, doth in like -manner, extend to their successors. I give thee thanks, O my God, -for this tender proof of thy love, and invite all creatures to -glorify thee for it. Thou hast invested a power in the sons of -men, which thou wouldst not confer on angels or archangels; -<i>whatever ye shall bind on earth, &c.</i> was not addressed to -them. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_99">{99}</a></span> -"The princes of this world have dominion only over the body, but -the power of the priest affects the very soul. The eternal Father -hath given all power to his Son; but then I behold this very -power delivered by the Son to mortals. The Jewish priests could -only pronounce those clean whose bodies had been already cleansed -from the leprosy; but to our priests it was given, not merely to -<i>pronounce clean</i>, but really to <i>cleanse</i>, not the -infections of the body, but the very stains of the -soul."—[<i>St. Chrys. b.</i> iii. <i>of the Priesthood</i>.] -"Thus thy manifold mercy hath provided succour for human frailty; -that as by baptism, so also by penance, the hope of life should -be renewed; for Christ Jesus, our Mediator, authorized the rulers -of his church to impose penance upon persons confessing, and to -admit them, thus purified by wholesome satisfaction, to share in -the sacraments."—[<i>St. Leo. ep.</i> 23.] This is an effect of -that precious blood which thou, O amiable Redeemer, hast shed for -my sake: I acknowledge the wonders of thy love in accepting this -poor satisfaction, in pardoning all, in forgetting all, instead -of punishing me as I deserved. It is necessary to be what thou -art, a God of infinite goodness, to deal in such a compassionate -manner with so miserable a sinner: and therefore, I humbly -beseech thee to imprint on my heart a just sense of this favour, -that I may gratefully remember it all the days of my life, and -extol without ceasing the multitude of thy mercies. Amen. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_100">{100}</a></span> -<p> -O most sweet Lord Jesus! graciously vouchsafe to remember all -those holy thoughts that have passed in thy divine mind from the -beginning of the world to this very moment, and particularly thy -tender design in becoming man for the redemption of the world: -pardon, through the merits of these, not only all the evil -thoughts and vain imaginations I have ever conceived of myself, -but also those I might have excited in the minds of others. Amen. -</p><p> -O most pious Lord Jesus! I, a poor sinner, do humbly remind thee -of all those words of salvation which have ever fallen from thy -sacred lips, or which others have uttered, or shall hereafter -utter, to the glory of thy holy name. I earnestly beseech thee, -through these divine expressions, to forgive whatever I have -spoken offensive to thee, or what others, through my means, may -have sinfully uttered. Amen. -</p><p> -O most amiable Lord Jesus Christ! look on all the good works thou -has performed for our salvation; and be pleased now to pardon -whatever I have committed against thee. Mercifully direct all my -thoughts, words, and actions, to thy greater glory, and regulate -them by the model of thine own blessed life. Amen. -</p><p> -O Jesus Christ, Saviour of the world, who invitest the sinner to -return to thee, kindly receiving, refreshing, and consoling him, -remember that with thy precious blood thou wert pleased to redeem -me. To thy sacred wounds I fly for refuge; and as in thy mercy -thou didst pray for thine enemies, and pour forth thy life for -thy persecutors and tormentors, so impart here to me the benefit -of thy passion; Grant I may never again crucify thee by mine -offences, but that sincerely grieving for what is past, and -resolutely striving against future temptations, I may fervently -persevere in thy service to the end. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_101">{101}</a></span> -<p> -Into thy hands, O Lord, I commend my whole being. O Jesus, Son of -David, have mercy on me. -</p><p> -Receive, O Lord, in thy great mercy, the poor remains of my life. -I am heartily sorry for the years I have misspent; they have -vanished as a shadow, they have passed away without fruit; but as -I cannot recall them, suffer me at least to think of them in the -bitterness of my soul. Suffer me no longer to yield to my -accustomed failings. Let the ardour with which I pursued a life -of sin, be henceforth more diligently applied to thy service, -that where sin hath abounded, thy grace may still more abound. -Remember, O Lord Jesus! that it is not thy desire to lose any of -those whom thy Father hath given thee, but rather to have mercy -always, and to spare; to destroy no one, but to save all; because -thy Father hath sent thee into the world, not to judge the world, -but to grant us life through thee. May, therefore, O Lord, thy -boundless merits plead for me now, and at my last moments, that I -may obtain the full remission of my sins; that I may truly know -thee; that I may ever love thee; that I may tend to thee -incessantly; and at length arrive to the eternal enjoyment of -thee, who, with the Father and the Holy Ghost, livest and -reignest, &c. Amen. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_102">{102}</a></span> -<p> -I sincerely detest all my sins, and am fully resolved, O Lord, -through the assistance of thy divine grace, never to offend thee -hereafter. I therefore earnestly beseech thee to confirm all -those good resolutions I have made. Increase my fervour in thy -service, and render it efficacious, that my change of life may be -visible to all, and that in future my conduct may be as edifying -as it has been heretofore scandalous. -Amen. -</p><p> -O that I had never sinned! O that I had never transgressed thy -commands, my God! Happy those souls who have preserved their -innocence, and never lost that grace they received at the -baptismal font! Most loving Father, I have sinned against heaven -and before thee, and am not worthy to be called thy child. I -confess my ingratitude, and seek refuge in thy mercy. I have -wandered like a sheep that is gone astray; but have compassion on -me, and save me. Forgive me what is past; and through the bowels -of thy infinite goodness, grant me a true steadiness of spirit, -that from this moment I may never offend thee more. -</p><p> -O blessed Virgin Mary, my holy patron, [<i>name him or her,</i>] -and all ye Saints and Angels, praise and extol our Lord for his -boundless goodness towards me a most miserable sinner. Beseech -him to accept of this my humble confession, and to supply, -through his infinite mercies, all its deficiencies. Beg of him to -ratify in the archives of heaven, the sentence of absolution -which his minister, the priest, hath pronounced in my favour at -the tribunal of confession. Amen. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_103">{103}</a></span> - - <h3>Instructions For Communion.</h3> -<p class="side"> - As there is no religious duty of greater consequence, or more - conducive to our happiness both here and hereafter, than to - receive worthily the blessed Eucharist; so there can be no - greater favour conferred on a Christian, than to communicate - early in life, and afterwards frequently. Hence it becomes the - indispensable duty of such as have the education of children - committed to their care, not only to impress on their tender - minds a lively and active sense of the excellency of this - sacrament, but also to enforce the necessity of frequently - receiving it. "He that eateth this bread shall live for - ever."—<i>John</i>, vi. The obligation of communicating at - Easter is binding on every member of the church who has arrived - at the age of discretion; i.e. when reason and reflection, guided - by the gift of divine faith, arrive at such a state of maturity, - as may enable them to distinguish the flesh of Jesus Christ, - under the exterior appearance of bread and wine, from the - ordinary food of the body. It is further to be observed, that - as purity of heart is the most proper disposition to receive - worthily; so, of consequence, the less advanced the age of a - Christian, the more untainted, in general, is his baptismal - innocence. But, on the other hand, it is to be remarked, that - the longer a Christian defers his first communion, the greater - is the danger that either domestic affairs, or the violence of - those passions to which young persons in general are more or - less subject, should cause him to put it off to a more advanced - age, or perhaps to the very hour of death!—<i>a fatal - delusion</i>, which has betrayed numbers of Christians into the - abyss of eternal perdition. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_104">{104}</a></span> - Let parents, therefore, and others concerned in the education - of children, attend to the advice of the great St. Charles - Borromeus on this subject: "When children," says he, "of both - sexes, arrive at the age of ten years, provided they are - capable of being easily prepared for communion, suffer them - not, under pretence of ignorance, (as it is often the case,) to - defer it any longer; but rather let them be prepared in good - time, to participate of a sacrament which abounds with such - precious and inestimable advantages." -</p> -<p class="side"> - With respect to frequent communion, the best advice is to - follow the counsel of a wise and prudent director. But - remember, that according to the spirit of Jesus Christ and his - church, you should communicate frequently. Our divine Redeemer - gives himself to us in the blessed Eucharist under the forms of - bread and wine, hereby intimating, that as our corporal life - cannot be supported without the ordinary food of the body, so - our spiritual life cannot be maintained but by the blessed - Eucharist, which is the food and nourishment of our souls. - Hence it is that he assumes the most tender and affectionate - titles of spouse, brother, friend, &c. in order to incite us to - approach him frequently in this divine sacrament. -</p> -<p class="side"> - The spirit of the church is further made known by the advice of - the holy Council of Trent, which exhorts all the faithful to - communicate often, and particularly whilst they assist at the - celebration of the divine mysteries. To those testimonies may - be added the exhortations of the holy fathers, the example of - the saints, the practice of the primitive Christians, and the - experience of all pious and devout persons in every age, as so - many corroborating proofs of the happiness and advantage of - frequent communion. -</p> -<p class="side"> - But if it be a happiness to communicate early in life, and - frequently during the course thereof, it may be also said that - there cannot be a greater misfortune than to communicate - unworthily; it being a most flagrant abuse of what is most - sacred in religion. To avoid then so great an evil, reflect - seriously on these words of St. Paul: "Let a man <i>prove - himself</i>, and so eat of that bread, and drink of that - chalice; for he that eateth and drinketh <i>unworthily</i>, - eateth and drinketh <i>damnation</i> to himself, not discerning - the body of the Lord." Now this <i>proving</i> consists in - putting yourself into such a state, that your conscience may - not reproach you with any essential obstacle to the receiving - of this sacrament, that is, with the conscious guilt of any - mortal sin whatever. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_105">{105}</a></span> - This you can answer for, provided you have endeavoured to make - as exact, as fervent, and as perfect a confession as you would - wish to make at the hour of death; and you should certainly be - equally careful and fervent in so doing, there being not less - purity required to receive Jesus Christ in this life, than to - appear before the judgment-seat of God in the next. -</p> -<p class="side"> - Above all things it must be remembered, that the essential - point in this <i>proving</i> of yourself, is, "<i>to quit the - occasions of sin, and to repair the scandal it hath - caused:</i>" without a fixed determination of so doing, the - accusation and detestation of it are absolutely insufficient. -</p> -<p class="side"> - But this purity of conscience, which exempts from mortal sin, - and every criminal attachment, though it may prevent the - communion from being sacrilegious, yet it is not sufficient to - render it so fruitful and advantageous as it should be. - Wherefore, the more you prepare yourself for this sacrament, - the greater abundance of grace you will require. In order, - then, to prevent the mistake of such as do not think it - necessary to prepare for receiving this holy sacrament before - the very day of communion, the following pious practices are - earnestly recommended: -</p> -<p class="side"> - I. Some days before communion perform all your actions and - prayers, in order to obtain the graces necessary for so - important a duty. Offer them up in the morning with this - intention, and do some good work, such as an alms, an act of - mortification, or a fast, with the same design. -</p> -<p class="side"> - II. Visit our Lord in the blessed sacrament morning and - evening, to beg that he would himself by his grace dispose your - heart to receive him worthily. -</p> -<p class="side"> - III. Read every day a chapter out of the 4th Book of the - <i>Imitation of Christ</i>, or some other approved book that - treats of the Eucharist. -</p> -<p class="side"> - IV. On the eve of your communion be more recollected than - usual: think often upon the happiness you are to enjoy the - ensuing day in receiving your God. As this should be your last - thought at composing yourself to rest, so it should also be - your first at awaking. -</p> -<p class="side"> - V. Represent to your imagination that your angel guardian - addresses you in these words: "Behold the spouse cometh: go - forth now and meet him." Arise as early as possible to receive - the great guest, who designs to honour you with this visit. - Keep a profound silence till you return from mass; and let it - appear by your modesty and recollection, that you are deeply - penetrated with the consciousness of the sanctity of an action - of the most ineffable dignity and excellence. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_106">{106}</a></span> -<p class="side"> - VI. Whenever you go to communion have always in your mind some - particular intention—such as the acquiring of some virtue; - overcoming such a temptation; the knowing of God's will with - regard to yourself; the relief of the souls of the faithful - departed; the conversion of infidels, heretics, and of sinners - in general; for nothing is more capable of exciting fervour in - devotion, than some particular end to which it is referred. -</p> - - <h4>A Prayer To The Blessed Virgin.</h4> -<p> -O sacred Mother of God, pure and spotless Virgin! thou didst not -bear the Saviour of the world in thy sacred womb for thine own -sake alone, but for ours also. May not I then, O Mother of mercy, -hope to partake of his merits, and obtain, through thy powerful -intercession, some share of the same holy dispositions of soul -which thou thyself didst possess at the time thou didst conceive -him. O that the same divine Spirit which then prepared thy body -and soul for his reception, would now shed his precious gifts on -me, since it is the same God-Man that I am also about to receive. -Obtain for me a pure heart for his dwelling-place, and a firm and -constant resolution to support myself in his grace; but above -all, inspire me with an infinite horror of the detestable sin of -impurity, which, in a particular manner, contaminates the soul of -man, and renders it unworthy of communicating; because, by -dishonouring my flesh, I dishonour the flesh of Jesus Christ -also. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_107">{107}</a></span> -Alas! if thy immaculate virginal womb was not too pure for a God -to become incarnate therein, how can I presume to present myself -at the table of the God of purity, and receive him into a heart -contaminated with the smallest stain of a vice so abominable in -the sight of infinite purity and sanctity? -</p> - - <h4>Prayers Before Communion.</h4> -<p> -I firmly believe, O my divine Jesus, that thou art really present -in the blessed sacrament of the altar. I believe that it contains -thy body and blood, accompanied by thy very soul and divinity. I -acknowledge these truths; I believe these wonders; I adore the -power that has wrought them, the same power that said: "Let there -be light, and light was made." I submit my senses and reason to -thy divine authority. I praise and glorify thy infinite goodness, -which hath prepared this heavenly banquet for the food and -nourishment of my soul. Blessed be thy name for ever. Accept my -homage; accept, O my God, my most hearty thanks. But what am I, -that thou shouldst work such wonders for my sake? How shall such -a filthy sinner as I am, presume to approach thee, who art the -inexhaustible source of infinite purity and sanctity? How shall I -venture to lift up my eyes to heaven, much less to receive thee -within my breast? -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_108">{108}</a></span> -I tremble at the sentence of thy apostle: "Whosoever shall eat -this bread or drink this cup of the Lord unworthily, shall be -guilty of the body and blood of the Lord;" [1 <i>Corinthians</i> -ii.] for I acknowledge myself to be nothing but dust and ashes; a -poor, miserable worm of the earth, subject to many vices, and -void of all virtue and merit. Alas! my life has been nothing but -sin and misery. I have nothing to confide in but thy boundless -mercy; nor should I ever presume to approach thy sacred table, -and partake of the bread of angels, were I not encouraged by thy -infinite goodness, and excited by thy own most pressing -invitations. It is therefore in thy mercy, which is above all thy -works, that I put my whole trust; and since thou art pleased to -call me to this divine banquet, behold I come to it, like -Magdalen, to be happily united to thee, and to lay down all my -sins at thy feet, to be cancelled by thy precious blood. I come -to commemorate thy sufferings, as thou thyself hast ordained. I -come, as one sick, to the Physician of Life; as one blind, to the -Light of eternal Glory; as one poor, needy, and distressed, to -the King of heaven and earth. To thee I expose all my wounds, -that they may be healed. To thee I fly for protection, hoping -that thou wilt be to me a Saviour, and that thou wilt wash away -every sin that may defile me. Remove my blindness, relieve my -necessities, and clothe me with grace, that I may receive the -adorable sacrament of thy body and blood with such reverence and -humility, such contrition and devotion, such purity and faith, as -may be for thy honour and glory, and the salvation of my soul. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_109">{109}</a></span> -I am not worthy, O Lord, to receive thee; alas, I am not! but -thou canst, if thou wilt, make me worthy: say but the word, then, -and my soul shall be healed. Thou hast heretofore said to the -leper in the gospel, "I am willing; be thou healed;" and he was -immediately cured of his disease. My soul is covered with an -universal leprosy: heal me then, O my Saviour, in like manner; -cleanse my soul from its stains; remove from it all guilt; -extinguish in it every evil disposition; adorn it with the -necessary virtues, and make it a fit abode for thy reception. May -the body of our Lord Jesus Christ preserve my soul to life -everlasting. -</p> - - <h4>Another Prayer.</h4> -<p> -Who is he whom thou art about to receive? O my soul, be still and -attentive. Who is he thou art going to receive? Thy God! thy -Redeemer! who, for love of thee, shed torrents of blood during -his agony in the garden of Gethsemani! who for love of thee, -suffered his sacred head to be pierced with a crown of thorns, -and his virginal flesh to be rent and torn at the pillar with -whips and scourges! who, for love of thee, suffered himself to be -clothed in a purple garment, and derided as a mock king, with a -reed for his sceptre! who, for love of thee, suffered his sacred -hands and feet to be fastened with gross nails to the wood of the -cross! in fine, who, for love of thee, hung thereon, in the most -ignominious manner, between two thieves, suffering for the space -of three hours the most excruciating pains and tortures! and at -last expired for thy redemption! -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_110">{110}</a></span> -After such stupendous instances of thy love for man, who can -refuse a return of love to thee, Lord Jesus? I love thee, O my -God! and ardently wish, that as every breath I draw is an -increase of my life, so it may be of my love for thee, till at -last I love thee as thou thyself requirest, "with my whole heart, -with my whole soul, with all my mind, and with all my strength;" -for thou art the God of my heart, and the life of my soul; thou -art my treasure, my joy, my comfort, my support, my strength, my -armour, my defence, my only hope and comfort in this place of -banishment and vale of tears, and the supreme object of my -happiness in heaven. -</p><p> -As the wearied stag pants after the fountains of water, so does -my soul languish after thee, the ocean of all sweetness; it -thirsts after thee with the most vehement desire, and longs to -drink plentifully of those fountains which issue from the -inexhaustible source of thy infinite goodness for my comfort and -refreshment. O sweet Jesus! permit me now to experience the -multitude of thy tender mercies. Have compassion on me and save -me, for thou never forsakest such as place their hope in thee. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_111">{111}</a></span> -Purify my heart with the fire of divine love, that it may this -day become a fit abode for thy reception; O come and make it thy -dwelling-place for ever. I am sorry, and will be sorry as long as -I live, for having ever offended thy infinite goodness; forgive -me, dear Lord, my past trespasses, and be thou my keeper for the -time to come, that I may never more offend thee. -</p><p> -Hail, saving victim, who for me and all mankind was offered on -the cross! Hail, precious blood flowing from the wounds of my -crucified Lord, and washing away the sins of the world! As I now -desire to receive thee, veiled in this sacrament, so I hope -hereafter to behold thee, face to face, in the kingdom of heaven. -</p><p> -O all ye blessed Angels and Saints of God, I humbly beg the -assistance of your prayers and intercession, that I may with a -clean heart and a pure conscience, approach the Holy of Holies, -and receive this divine sacrament with such reverence and -humility as may be for my soul's salvation. -</p> - - - <h3>Acts Of Virtue,</h3> -<p class="side"> - <i>Which may be used with great spiritual advantage before - Communion, according to each person's leisure and devotion</i>. -</p> -<p class="side"> - Imagine that our Saviour invites yon into the same room in - which he ate his last supper with his apostles, to be witness - of the miracle he is there going to perform, and to give you - the communion with his own sacred hands. How fervent soever - your sentiments might have been on that solemn occasion, they - ought not to be less so at present: for as he ordained that - this divine food should be daily renewed for the nourishment of - the faithful, till his second coming to judge mankind at the - end of the world, so he gives himself no less to us at present, - than he did at that time to his apostles. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_112">{112}</a></span> - Take them now for your model. The account which we have in the - gospel, of this last mysterious supper, will furnish you with - proper acts for communion. Read them attentively; make them - your own by reflection; and let them sink deeply into your - heart. -</p> - - <h4>An Act Of Adoration.</h4> -<p class="side"> - The Gospel of St Luke, chap, xxii., informs us, that our - Saviour sat down, and his twelve apostles with him, to eat the - Paschal Lamb, or accomplish the Supper of the Old Law, and - institute that of the New in its stead. Who could be otherwise - than astonished at seeing a God admit his creatures, nay, even - his very enemies, to partake of his adorable body? "When he - loved his own who were in the world," says his beloved - disciple, St. John, "he loved them unto the end." But this was - loving them, not merely to the end of this mortal life, but - even beyond it, to the very end of ages with the utmost excess, - and to the farthest limits of love. Contemplate, therefore, - with the most attentive recollection, the excellence, the - depth, and the extent of the boundless love of our divine - Redeemer, of which this mystery is an epitome. -</p><p> -Could we ever believe, O Lord, or even imagine, that thy love for -us was so excessive, had not thine own infallible word convinced -us of its truth? Hadst thou, when thou wert about to quit this -world, left us thy adorable heart as a pledge of thy affection; -or hadst thou, when thy side was pierced, ordered thy precious -blood to be distributed throughout thy church; such favours would -have justly claimed our most grateful acknowledgments. But this -would not satisfy the extent of thy love; thou didst choose, in a -god-like manner, to penetrate into the very centre of our hearts, -and give thyself to each of us particularly, entirely, and for -ever. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_113">{113}</a></span> -With what amazement, then, must not the angels and the whole -hierarchy of celestial intelligences, have beheld such a prodigy! -Were they not in some measure jealous to see mankind thus -uncommonly favoured? But what didst thou discover in me, O Lord, -that could thus attract thee? Or what couldst thou possibly -expect from my indigence? Can I become the dwelling-place of him -who is the delight of the blessed? Alas! had I even the innocence -of thy beloved disciple John, or the ardent love of thy zealous -apostle St Peter, I should then have some little claim to sit -down at thy table; but since I am removed at so great a distance -from such holy dispositions, vouchsafe, O Lord, to supply my -deficiency by the effusion of thy grace. Whence is this favour to -me, O my merciful Redeemer? "What is man, that thou art mindful -of him? or the son of man, that thou shouldst visit him?" Psalm -viii. -</p> - - <h4>An Act Of Desire,</h4> -<p class="side"> - Founded on these tender words, which our Saviour pronounced - immediately before the Supper: "With desire I have desired to - eat this Pasch with you."—<i>Luke</i>, xxii. 15. For why - should we not feel the most ardent desire to be united to our - Lord in this sacrament, when we see him so desirous to visit - us, and take up his dwelling in our hearts? Endeavour to excite - this desire, by considering how much you stand in need of this - bread of life, and by the great esteem this heavenly - nourishment deserves. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_114">{114}</a></span> -<p> -Since thou, O Lord, art so prodigal of miracles, and obligest me -to receive thee under such severe penalties, nothing can be more -certain than that thou desirest to make my heart thy -dwelling-place. With what fervent desires should I not, -therefore, endeavour to co-operate with such bountiful -intentions! O my all-sufficient God, though thou standest in no -need of me, yet thou hast compassion on my poverty. May then the -efficacy of thy grace supply my indigence; may it awaken every -faculty of my soul, and render my desires to receive thee -worthily still more inflamed; for though they are arrived at a -certain anxiety, I am nevertheless sensible of their being too -tepid. Alas! my Redeemer, why do I not sigh after thee with the -same holy fervour as did the patriarchs of the old law, who -expected thy coming? "Come, O Lord, and do not delay." Remember, -O heavenly physician, that thou canst not refuse thy all-healing -balsam to the wounds of my soul, since thy motive for descending -on earth was to heal the sins of men. Although I am needy and -poor, yet thou canst enrich me; although I am enslaved under the -tyranny of my predominant passions, yet thou canst break my -chains and set me at liberty; a single word of thine would be -altogether sufficient to work these miracles in favour of one so -unworthy of thy corporal presence as I am. Speak it then, O -Sovereign Good, for I can no longer live without thee. Let blind -and infatuated worldlings intoxicate themselves with the false, -transient, and fading happiness of this life; as for my part, -nothing besides thyself can content me, either in heaven or on -earth; for what have I in heaven, or what can I desire on earth -besides thee? -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_115">{115}</a></span> -Come, then, O thou Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the -world! Come, thou beloved of my heart! adorable flesh and -precious blood of my Saviour! Come, to nourish, comfort, and -enliven my sickly soul. O God of my heart! let me neither love, -seek, nor think on any other object but thyself alone: for thou -alone art my consolation, my treasure, my joy, my life, my God, -and my all! My heart as eagerly desires to receive thee, as the -wearied stag longs to quench his thirst in the fountains of -water. <i>Psalm</i> xli. -</p> - - <h4>An Act Of Fear.</h4> -<p class="side"> - The Evangelist mentions, that when our Saviour declared to his - disciples, that one of them should betray him, they were all - exceedingly afflicted: "Verily I say unto you, that one of you - will betray me; and they began each of them to say, Is it I, - Lord? Is it I?"—<i>Matthew</i> xxviii. Let your hearts also give - way for a moment, to the thoughts of that uncertainty which every - man is in, of being in the state of grace: examine seriously your - real dispositions, and have no other confidence than in the mercy - of God. -</p><p> -If the uncertainty of being worthy of thy love or hatred, O Lord, -made even St. Paul, that vessel of election, tremble, how much -more reason have not I to apprehend, lest some concealed sin, -lurking in my heart, might obstruct the salutary influence of -those graces which thou hast prepared for those who worthily -receive thee in this divine sacrament? -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_116">{116}</a></span> -May not I, perhaps, like another Judas, give thee the kiss of -peace to-day, and basely betray thee to-morrow? or, instead of -coming to visit me as a faithful disciple, dost thou not rather -come with horror and indignation, as to a concealed enemy? How -can I answer for the integrity of my confession, the fervour of -my contrition, or the sincerity of my resolutions? Is it not -custom, or human respect, that brings me to the foot of thy -altar? Have not I still some favourite attachment? and in the -resolutions I have made of relinquishing my vile evil habits, -have I not spared some favourite though dangerous passion? With -the same heart-felt anguish as thy disciples experienced on the -like occasion, I ask thee, O Lord, "Is it I?" But the most -abominable traitor, Judas, asked thee the same question? Is not -my anxiety, as his was, only false and apparent? It is this -thought, O my God, that terrifies me; and it is to thyself alone -I have recourse to preserve me from so horrible a sacrilege. No, -thou wilt never permit me to be guilty of so horrid a -profanation, since thou seest there is no evil I dread so much. -Wherefore, my dear Saviour, after being as diligent as I could in -my preparation to receive thee, I now rest entirely on thy -infinite mercy, "Depart from me, O Lord, for I am a sinful -man."—<i>Luke</i>, v. "Have confidence, my child, thy sins are -forgiven thee."—<i>Matt</i>. xi. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_117">{117}</a></span> - - <h4>An Act Of Contrition.</h4> -<p class="side"> - By our Saviour's washing the feet of his disciples, to prepare - them for this new supper, ("And he began to wash the feet of - his disciples, and dry them with the girt he had about - him,"—<i>John</i>, xiii.) we are taught not to confine - ourselves merely to detesting those grievous sins which give - death to the soul; because we see that the disciples were - obliged to undergo this ceremony, though Christ already had - declared them pure, and in the state of grace; ("you," saith - he, "are already clean;") but we should also endeavour to - purify our souls, as much as possible, from even the slightest - stains of venial sin, which is signified by the washing of the - feet of his disciples. -</p><p> -To transform a soul, so defiled as mine by the ordure of sin, -into a state of innocence and purity, must be the work of the -right hand of the Most High. Ah, my God! I shall never be able to -discover any vestige of that precious innocence which makes a -soul so lovely and acceptable in thy sight, unless I trace back -my whole life to the days of my childhood. But although I have -had the misfortune to forfeit my baptismal innocence by sin, yet -there remains for my consolation this sure anchor, whereby I may -hope to regain thy favour, grounded on thy infallible promise, -<i>that thou wilt never despise a contrite and humble heart</i>. -</p><p> -But if even the enormity of my sins had not exposed me to thy -wrath, and consequently to the eternal pains of hell, yet I would -nevertheless sincerely detest them. O my God! do not upbraid me -with mine iniquities; they are always in my sight; and the -bitterness of my regret for having committed them, shall serve as -a continual punishment of my baseness. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_118">{118}</a></span> -Ah, my Redeemer, though I cannot suffer such an excessive degree -of anguish as thou didst during thy agony in the garden of -Gethsemani, when in a bloody sweat thou didst offer thyself as a -victim to the Eternal Father, yet I am fully determined to suffer -with patience every cross or affliction which may fall in my way, -as well in atonement for the sins I have hitherto committed, as -to prevent me from future relapses. Assist me with thy grace, O -Lord, and remove every occasion of sin at a distance from me: and -as I dread no evil so much as that of offending thee mortally, -rather prevent me, by cutting the thread of life, than suffer me -again to become thine enemy. But in my present disposition of -mind, I do not confine myself to merely detesting all mortal -offences! No, my amiable Saviour! inflamed with thy love, I am -also fully resolved to avoid every venial sin that may in the -least displease thee, or diminish the influence of thy graces. -And though I have a well-grounded confidence that my soul has -been cleansed in the sacrament of penance, still I desire to be -washed more and more from my iniquities. "Create a clean heart in -me, O God; and renew an upright spirit within my -bowels."—<i>Psalm</i> L. -</p> -<p class="footnote"> - [Transcriber's note: New American Bible, Psalms Chapter 51:12 - "A clean heart create for me, God; renew in me a steadfast - spirit."] -</p> - <h4>A Prayer</h4> -<p class="side"> - For Obtaining The Effects Of A Plenary Indulgence. -</p><p> -Accept, O almighty God, through the merits of thine only Son -Jesus Christ, the intercession of his immaculate Mother the -blessed Virgin Mary, and of the whole court of heaven, the -communion I am about to make, to thy greater glory. Accept it in -thanksgiving for thy innumerable benefits, to obtain the pardon -of my sins, and grace to acquire a victory over my passions, -particularly those to which I am most enslaved. [<i>Name -them</i>.] -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_119">{119}</a></span> -<p> -Considering that the debts which I owe to thy justice are so -immense, that of myself I have not the means of discharging them, -I have recourse to the inexhaustible treasure of the merits of my -Redeemer, which thy church (in virtue of the keys of the kingdom -of heaven, which he has committed to its supreme pastors, in the -person of St. Peter,) now holds forth to me. Grant me, O Lord, -the dispositions to obtain such a portion thereof, as may be -necessary to discharge the debt of temporal punishment due to my -sins. Suffer me now to partake of the infinite merits of Christ, -that the immense ransom which he has paid for my salvation being -applied to my poor sinful soul, I may be released from the -punishments which it has otherwise so justly deserved. I beseech -thee also, O most bountiful Lord! to pour down thy blessings on -thy holy Catholic Church; on its supreme pastor, [<i>Pope N. -N.</i>]; on the pastor to whom the care of thy flock in this -archdioceses or diocese is committed [<i>name him</i>]; upon our -queen, and all the royal family; upon all thy bishops and clergy -throughout the whole world. Enlighten poor infidels, heretics, -and sinners; and assist such apostolic missionaries as labour in -their conversion. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_120">{120}</a></span> -Unite all mankind in the profession of the true faith; give them -the spirit of divine charity, whereby they may love thee above -all things, and for thy sake love each other. Have compassion on -the suffering souls of the faithful departed. Give thy blessing -to my parents, friends, relations, and benefactors; preserve them -from eternal misery; and conduct us all, by thy grace, to the -mansions of celestial bliss, there to praise and glorify thee for -ever. Amen. -</p> - - <h4>An Act Of Humility.</h4> -<p class="side"> - Reflect on these words: "And he gave it to his disciples, and - said, Take ye, and eat," &c. It must have been a great cause of - confusion to the apostles, when they beheld their Saviour - distribute to them his sacred body, not merely that they might - adore it, or that they might preserve it as an inestimable - relic, but that they might make it their food. Be thou also - penetrated with the most profound humility. -</p><p> -What am I, O God of majesty and glory, or who am I, that thou -shouldst deign even to look on me? Whence am I honoured with so -unspeakable a favour, as that my Lord and my God should come and -visit in person such a miserable and vile worm of the earth? How -dare a being more contemptible than nothing, approach so holy a -God, eat the bread of angels, and feed on thy divine flesh! Ah, -Lord! it is too much; I am not worthy of so great a favour; I -shall never, no never, deserve it. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_121">{121}</a></span> -<p> -O King of heaven and earth! adorable Sovereign! the Author and -Preserver of the universe! behold, I annihilate myself before -thee, protesting that I would humble myself as much for thy -glory, as thou dost here for my salvation. I acknowledge, with -the most profound respect, the infinite, grandeur of thy divine -Majesty and my own miserable baseness. The contemplation of one -and the other fills me with inexpressible confusion. Can I -possibly say more, my dear Saviour, than to confess, with the -utmost humility, in the words of the centurion: "Lord, I am not -worthy that thou shouldst enter under my roof; say but the word, -and my soul shall be saved." -</p> - - <h4>An Act Of Faith.</h4> -<p class="side"> - In consequence of the words pronounced by our Saviour when he - consecrated the bread and wine, "This is my body," &c; "this is - my blood," &c; the apostles received what Christ then gave them - as his <i>real body</i> and <i>blood</i>. Do thou now, in like - manner, make a most lively Act of Faith of the real presence of - Jesus Christ in the blessed Eucharist. -</p><p> - -Since thou, omnipotent God, whose almighty words are creative, -productive, and effective; since thou, O eternal Truth, who canst -neither deceive nor be deceived; since thou, I say, hast declared -that thou art <i>really</i> and <i>actually present</i> under the -appearance of material bread, I therefore implicitly believe it; -for what greater proof can I require of the truth of this -mystery, than thine own infallible word? Yes, my dear Saviour, I -openly confess, and am inwardly convinced, that it is thou -thyself I am going to receive; thou who for my sake wast born in -a manger; thou who for my redemption didst die on a cross, and -who, though now gloriously seated on thy heavenly throne, still -continuest on earth, under the sacramental veils, to feed and -nourish the souls of men. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_122">{122}</a></span> -Were I to behold thee with my corporal eyes, and examine the -impression of the wounds thou didst receive in thy sacred hands -and sides, as St. Thomas did, still I could not say with more -confidence than I now do, that <i>thou art my Lord and my -God!</i> I do not demand a miracle as a proof of thy real -presence; no, Lord, let me rather have the whole merit of faith; -for thou hast said, "Blessed are those who believe and do not -see." -</p><p> -Wert thou therefore to speak to me from this very tabernacle, the -voice would affect me less than that which resounds in thy gospel -and thy church, founded by thyself, and propagated in a -miraculous manner. Though my senses may tell me it is nothing but -mere bread; yet, submitting them entirely in obedience to divine -faith, I answer it is thy real body and blood, accompanied by thy -soul and divinity. In this faith I am determined to live and die; -and were I to suffer a thousand martyrdoms in testimony thereof, -I am persuaded, that by the help of thy grace I would remain -immovable. "Thou art really a hidden God—a God Saviour."— -<i>Isaias</i>. "I believe; O Lord, help my -unbelief."—<i>Mark</i>, ix. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_123">{123}</a></span> -<p class="side"> - When about to communicate, let your heart be penetrated with a - lively sense of the actual presence of your divine Saviour, and - at the same time endeavour to recollect the different passages of - Scripture above quoted, they being, as it were, an abridgment of - the foregoing acts. You may also reflect on the words, "May the - body of our Lord Jesus Christ preserve thy soul into life - everlasting," which the priest pronounces at the moment he - gives you the blessed sacrament; because they imply, that the - end proposed in communicating, is not simply to abide in a - certain regularity of conduct for a few months, weeks, or days; - but to persevere faithfully, to the very hour of death, in that - state of grace to which a worthy participation of this divine - sacrament shall now raise you. -</p> - - <h4>An Act Of Hope.</h4> -<p> -Since thou vouchsafest to come and dwell within me, O my -Redeemer, what may I not expect from thy bounty! I therefore -present myself before thee with that lively confidence which thy -infinite goodness inspires. Thou not only knowest all my wants, -but thou art also willing and able to relieve them. Thou hast not -only invited me, but also promised me thy gracious assistance: -"Come to me, all you that labour and are heavy burdened, and I -will refresh you." Behold, then, O Lord, I accept of thy gracious -invitation; I lay before thee all my wants, my misery, and my -blindness; and confidently hope, without the fear of being -disappointed, that thou wilt enlighten my understanding, inflame -my will, comfort me in the midst of such crosses or afflictions -as thou hast appointed I should suffer, strengthen me in all -temptations and trials, and in fine, with the powerful assistance -of thy grace, change me into a new creature; for art not thou, O -God, the master of my heart; and when shall my heart be more -absolutely disposed of by thee, than when thou shalt have once -entered into it? -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_124">{124}</a></span> - - <h2>Devout Prayers, -<br> - Or Fervent Aspirations -<br> - After Communion.</h2> - -<p> -I return thee most hearty thanks, O amiable Jesus, for the -inestimable blessing I now enjoy. I praise and glorify thee with -my whole soul, for the numberless favours I have received from -thy bounty. I adore thee now reposing within my breast. O my God -and my all! a thousand times welcome. May thy holy name be for -ever blessed! O Sovereign Lord of Heaven! how amazing is the -excess of thy goodness, in condescending to visit so poor, so -vile, so abject a creature as I am! Thou hast vouchsafed to heap -thy favours on dust and ashes; to come into this poor cottage, -this house of clay, my earthly habitation; and to feed my soul -with the heavenly banquet of thy most precious body and blood. O -teach me to entertain thee as I ought, and to make thee some -suitable return for this thy infinite love. I would gladly make -thee some offering in acknowledgment of the rich present thou -hast made me, in giving thyself to me; but, alas! dear Lord, thou -knowest my poverty, and that I have nothing worthy of thy -acceptance; nothing but what, on a thousand titles, is already -thine. But, O my bountiful Saviour, such is thy goodness, that -thou wilt be contented with the little I can give thee, although -it be thine already. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_125">{125}</a></span> -Thou askest nothing but my heart, and this I most willingly offer -thee. O be pleased to accept it, and make it wholly thine for -ever. Take full possession thereof; I offer it to thee without -reserve. I desire to consecrate it entirely to thy service. -Disengage it therefore, from this moment, from the slavery of its -passions and vices. Stifle in it every desire but that of loving -and pleasing thee. Inflame it with the fire of divine charity, -that it may ever burn with thy love. O may the sweet flames -thereof consume my soul, that so I may die to the world for the -love of thee, who hast vouchsafed to expire on the cross for the -love of me. I cast myself entirely into the arms of thy mercy, -and offer thee my whole being; my body with all its senses, and -my soul with all its powers; that as thou hast honoured them both -by thy real presence, so they may both be thy temple for ever. O -sanctify and consecrate eternally to thyself this mansion, which -thou hast, by a wonderful condescension, chosen this day for -thine abode; and grant that, like Zacchæus, I may obtain thy -benediction. I offer thee my memory, that it may be ever -recollected in thee; my understanding, that it may be always -directed and enlightened by thy truth; and my will, that it may -be ever conformable to thine. O take me entirely into thy hands, -with all that I have, and all that I am; and let nothing -henceforward, either in life or death, ever separate me from thee -any more. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_126">{126}</a></span> -Make me according to thy own heart; and let my soul be thy -habitation for ever. Draw me most powerfully after thee, and -guide my steps, that I may cheerfully run into the paths of -virtue, and walk in the way of thy precepts. Make me diligent in -the duties of my calling and state of life, and teach me to do -thy will in all things. Let thy blessing be upon all my actions, -and thy grace direct my intentions, that the whole course of my -life, and the principal design of my heart, may ever tend to the -advancement of thy glory, the good of my neighbour, and the -eternal salvation of my soul. Amen. -</p><p> -O my soul, bless the Lord; and let all that is within thee praise -and magnify his holy name. Pay him the best homage thou art able, -and invite heaven and earth to join with thee in glorifying him -for ever. O my God! that I could now give thee as much praise, -honour, and glory, as the blessed spirits incessantly give thee -in heaven! O that I could adore thee with the spirit and -affection of thine elect! But as I am unable to do this, accept -at least this my desire and good will. O ye angels and saints, -bless my God for me; thank my Lord for me; love my Jesus for me; -and sing forth his praises in supply of my defects. O beauty ever -ancient and always new! too late have I known thee; too late have -I loved thee. When shall I live only in thee, by thee, and for -thee alone. O my God, and my all, when shall I see the day, when -shall the happy time arrive, that, disgusted with the false -happiness of this deceitful world, I shall seek comfort from thee -alone, and find rest to my soul? -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_127">{127}</a></span> -O heavenly manna! O adorable sacrament! O inestimable pledge of -God's love to mankind! O standing memorial of Christ's passion -and death! O inexhaustible fountain of divine grace! O boundless -mercy! O divine charity! O sacred fire, ever burning and never -decaying! Hail, O loving Jesus, my only pleasure and delight, the -joy of my soul, and my portion for ever. Let my soul be sensible -of the sweetness of thy presence. Let me taste how sweet thou -art, O Lord. Purify my heart from the dross of all earthly -affections. Deliver me from my vicious customs. Remove me from -all baneful effects of concupiscence. Perfect me in charity, -patience, humility, obedience, and all other virtues. May I -rather die than ever more offend thee by mortal sin! O may I -prove my gratitude by my fidelity to so good a God! Abolish the -reign of sin, and establish the kingdom of grace in all hearts. -Let the light of thy countenance so shine upon all those who are -in the darkness of infidelity, as to dispel their errors. Grant -peace and union to all Christian princes, and preserve us from -the dreadful scourges of war, famine, and pestilence. Convert all -sinners; reconcile those who are at variance. Have mercy on my -parents, friends, and benefactors. Have mercy on all my enemies; -forgive them their sins, and fill both their hearts and mine with -thy charity. Reform all abuses, and remove all scandals from thy -church. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_128">{128}</a></span> -Comfort all that are under any affliction, sickness, or violence -of pain. Support those who are under temptation; protect those -that are in danger; and grant a happy passage to all that are in -their last agony. Extend thy mercy likewise to the souls of all -the faithful departed, and admit them to the possession of thy -eternal glory. Grant relief to us all in our respective -necessities, the remission of our sins, the grace of final -perseverance, and life everlasting.—Amen. -</p> - - <h4>Another Prayer After Communion;</h4> -<p class="side"> - Or When It Has Been Received By The Sick As A Viaticum. -</p><p> -O my gracious Saviour! what greater happiness or comfort could I -expect! O wonderful condescension of my God! O what return shall -I make him for his ineffable love! He whom the saints, the -angels, and the whole heavenly host adore, hath given himself -entirely to me, and now really and substantially dwelleth within -me! Without any other inducement but his pure mercy, he hath -vouchsafed to visit, comfort, and nourish my poor soul with the -divine and heavenly banquet of his precious body and blood, with -which he redeemed me on the cross. May honour, praise, and glory -be for ever paid thee, O my sweet Redeemer Jesus Christ! O that I -could now give thee as much honour and glory as is incessantly -given thee by the whole choir of heaven! Accept, O Lord, my -heart, as a thanksgiving-offering for all thy favours and -blessings. Accept my whole being, for by every claim of right and -justice it belongeth entirely to thee. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_129">{129}</a></span> -<p> -And thou, O my soul, bless the Lord, and let all that is within -thee praise his holy name. O all ye works of the Lord, bless the -Lord, praise and glorify him for ever. O all ye angels of the -Lord, bless the Lord; magnify, praise, and glorify his holy name, -because I have found the beloved of my soul. Prostrate at his -feet, like the penitent Magdalen, I will embrace him in spirit, -and clasp him with the arms of inflamed love. And now, as I have -actually received him on earth, may I not confidently hope for -the perfect possession of him in heaven? I can now fear no evil, -because thou, O Lord, art with me, as my powerful guardian and -protector! Give me therefore thy blessing, O beloved Jesus! and -establish an everlasting peace in my soul. Thou art the God of my -heart, my portion and inheritance for ever. Let nothing in the -future be my comfort but thou, my Lord Jesus; nor let any thing -afflict me hereafter but my sins, and whatever is displeasing to -thy divine Majesty. O soul of Christ, sanctify me; body of -Christ, save me; blood of Christ, purify me; water issuing from -the side of Christ, wash me; passion of Christ, strengthen me. O -good Jesus, graciously hear me, hide me within thy wounds, suffer -me never to be separated from thee; call me at the hour of death, -and command me to come to thee, that I may associate with the -saints and angels, and the whole choir of celestial spirits, to -sing forth canticles of praise and glory to thy holy name for -ever and ever, world without end. Amen, Amen, Amen, sweet Jesus! -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_130">{130}</a></span> - - <h3>Acts Of Virtue After Communion.</h3> -<p class="side"> - To Be Used According To Each - Person's Leisure Or Opportunity. -</p> -<p class="side"> - Now, whilst the plenitude of the Divinity dwelleth corporally - within you, meditate most profoundly, with the Blessed Virgin, - upon the great wonders which the Almighty hath wrought in your - favour. Consider yourself as a living tabernacle, wherein - resideth the Holy of Holies. Let this single reflection prevent - all distractions, and keep your mind in the most perfect - composure and recollection. -</p> - - <h4>An Act Of Confidence.</h4> -<p class="side"> - "Now there was leaning on the bosom of Jesus one of his - disciples, whom Jesus loved."—<i>John</i>, xiii. 16. What a - glorious privilege was this which St. John had! What - consolation must he not have felt from the impression of the - Divinity! What delightful repose! Pour forth thy heart, as he - did his, into that of Jesus, and abandon thyself to the most - lively sentiments of confidence. -</p><p> -Behold! here he is, then, the treasure of my soul! I am now in -possession of the Sovereign Good! O what advantage upon earth can -be compared to this? What glory! what comfort! to feel my God so -near me! "My soul hath found whom she loveth: I have hold of him, -nor will I let him go."—<i>Cant</i>, iv. The first thought, O -God! with which thy presence inspires me, is a sentiment of -adoration and respect. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_131">{131}</a></span> -Permit me, then, in union with the blessed in heaven, to offer -thee my most profound homage. Yes, under these sacred veils, -where thy love for me hath concealed the splendour of thy -Majesty, I most humbly adore thee. I acknowledge thee as my -master, my creator, and the supreme arbiter of my eternal -destiny. The less thou wouldst make thyself for my sake, the more -real respect and veneration have I for thee. But these thoughts -are absorbed in the greatness of my confidence. This I cannot -contain, nor yet am I able to express it. If thou takest pleasure -in, if thou even enjoinest us to place our trust in thee, is it -not in this mystery, where thou dost communicate thyself without -reserve, where thou literally verifiest that tender promise of -<i>treating us no longer as servants, but as friends?</i> These -words, which thou never didst address to thy angels or prophets, -thou dost accomplish for sinners in this sacrament: yes, it would -be an insult offered to thee, not to have the greatest hopes in -thy mercy; for it is not here, O God, that thou exercisest thy -justice; thou art glorious in heaven! all-powerful on earth! and -terrible in hell! but in the Eucharist, thou art mild, consoling, -sweet, and liberal. Ah! what canst thou refuse me, when thou hast -given me thyself? and where is the confidence that can be too -tender? Why should I envy the beloved disciple who leaned on thy -breast at thy last supper, for dost thou not at present rest in -my heart? O let me, then, be for ever inviolably attached to -thee. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_132">{132}</a></span> -Let the sweets of thy presence so captivate my soul, that -disgusted with sin, it may be fixed in the contemplation of thee -alone, and listen with docility to thy holy inspirations. "All -you, then, that doubt of the goodness of God, come now and learn! -come and admire! come and taste with me his infinite mercies! -come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will tell you what -great things he hath done for my soul!"—<i>Psalm</i> xiv. Who -would have believed it? What! one of his disciples, not prostrate -at his feet, but reclining upon his breast, and honoured with his -particular affection! Yes, all this he hath done for him, and is -ready to do the same for me also. "Behold the Lord my Saviour; I -will act confidently, and I will not fear."—<i>Isaias</i>, ii. -"The mercies of the Lord I will sing for ever."—<i>Psalm</i>, -lxxviii. -</p> - - <h4>An Act Of Love.</h4> -<p class="side"> - "Lord, where art thou going, why cannot I follow thee now? I - will lay down my life for thee."—<i>John</i>, xiii. "How can I - consent to be separated from thee? (saith St. Peter to Jesus:) - no; I will never leave thee, were I to follow thee even unto - death." This is a model of that generous love which a faithful - soul should testify unto God in the holy Communion. -</p><p> - -If I cannot approach thee, O my God, with as much confidence as -thy apostle St. Peter did, yet I come with equal warmth and -sincerity, to assure thee of my eternal attachment. Accept, -therefore, the offering I now make thee, not only of my whole -being, but of all I possess. Unhappy and miserable should I think -myself, were I not in the disposition of mind to sacrifice the -most precious advantage this world can afford, at the first -intimation of thy will. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_133">{133}</a></span> -Dispose of the life thou hast given me according to thy pleasure. -I offer myself entirely to thee; my employments, talents, and -every power and faculty of soul and body, that they may be ever -and always employed in promoting thy honour and glory. In justice -I am obliged, if necessary, to die for thee, since thou hast -generously given up thy life for my salvation. But thy regard for -me, O sweet Jesus, was not to be confined within the boundaries -of this life; for after having loved me even unto death, thou -hast besides left me this divine food as a sensible pledge of thy -affection. Ah, dear Lord! what more couldst thou possibly do for -me? and how ungrateful a wretch would T not be, if such wonderful -marks of thy tenderness were not capable of exciting the most -lively sentiments of love and gratitude in my soul? The very -damned would then be less culpable than I; for if they do not -love thee, it is because they cannot possibly love thee; and -therefore thou dost not expect love from them. But I can love -thee; because every thing induces me to love thee; and thou art -even mercifully pleased to <i>command</i> that I should love thee -with my whole heart, &c. O thou eternal Beauty! too late have I -begun to love thee: O amiable Lord! who art ever lovely, and -never sufficiently beloved, I consider every moment of my life as -lost, which has not been consecrated to thy love; accept, at -least, the remainder thereof. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_134">{134}</a></span> -If I cannot love thee as much as I could wish, or as much as thou -hast loved me, or as much as thou dost deserve, yet I will love -thee as much as I am able. Angels of heaven! O Mother of God! and -all ye saints! lend me now your hearts; for I have, alas! but one -to love my God, and that too small, and too much polluted with -the love of creatures. Diminish in me, O Lord, all other -advantages, provided thou dost grant me an increase of divine -charity. I imagine, O my God, that thou art now enkindling this -sacred fire within my breast, and that I could answer thee, with -as much confidence as St. Peter, "Lord, thou knowest I love -thee," and that for thy sake alone; I love thee with my whole -heart, without reserve, firmly resolving never to fix my -affections on any thing besides thyself. Yes, I am content to -find nothing but disgust, bitterness, and affliction, in every -other attachment, that I may be thus happily compelled to repose -in thee for ever. O establish now a solid, efficacious, lively, -ardent, and persevering love within my heart; and though thou -remain therein but for a few moments, let the effectual influence -of thy grace for ever remain behind. "My beloved to me, and I to -my beloved."—<i>Cant</i>. xvi. "Thou knowest, Lord, that I love -thee."—<i>John</i>, xxi. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_135">{135}</a></span> - - <h4>An Act Of Supplication.</h4> -<p class="side"> - Our Saviour's last supper was one continual prayer, which he - offered up for his apostles, and a most pressing invitation to - solicit favours from him. "O holy Father," says he, "preserve - those whom thou hast given me; for them I ask. Peter, I have - asked for thee. Until now you have not asked for anything; ask, - and you shall receive." Here he exhorts us to pray for all those - graces we stand most in need of. He further adds a most - affecting and solid instruction, recommending them earnestly to - persevere in his service: "Remain," says he, "in my love." He - forewarned them of the trials they were to undergo; he - inculcated certain precepts; he reproached them with some of - their most striking defects. In this manner will he also speak - privately to your heart; he will make known his will to you; he - will tell you many things of which you have no notion, or which - you disguise to yourself. Listen to him then without doubt, as - the apostles did, and ask him questions with the most sincere - desire to accomplish his holy will. -</p><p> -Thou are present within me, O inexhaustible source of all good; -thou art full of tenderness, and ready to shed all thy favours -upon me. O shower them down most abundantly! Consider my manifold -wants; consider the immensity of thy power. Transform me, -therefore, into a new man. Divest my heart of whatever is -displeasing to thee. Adorn it with whatever may render me -acceptable in thy sight. Purify my body. Sanctify my soul. Let me -share in the merits of thy life and death. Unite thyself to me; -unite me to thyself. Live thou in me, that in thee I also may -live, and never have life but for thy sake. Grant me those graces -of which thou knowest I stand most in need. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_136">{136}</a></span> -Grant the same to all those for whom I am bound to pray. Canst -thou refuse me any thing, after what thou hast done for me? What -may I not expect from thee, since thou hast given me thyself? "I -will not let thee go until thou dost bless me."—<i>Gen</i>. -xxxii. 26. "Do to thy servant according to thy mercy." -</p> - - <h4>An Act Of Oblation.</h4> -<p> -In crowning the innumerable gifts thou hast already bestowed upon -me with the inestimable favour of giving me thyself, thou -desirest to convince me that I should live but for thy sake -alone, O God of goodness and mercy! This, O Lord, is what I also -most fervently wish: I would have all my thoughts, words, -actions, and whatever designs I may form or put into execution, -for the time to come, always directed by a most perfect -resignation to thy holy will. I desire that my health, fortune, -strength, reputation, talents of mind and body; in a word, -whatever relates to me, either interiorly or exteriorly, may be -entirely disposed of to thy honour and glory. I consecrate the -remainder of my life, without the least reserve, to thy divine -service. I now make an offering unto thee of whatever pains or -sufferings I may hereafter undergo in my last sickness, and -cheerfully accept of whatever crosses thou mayest henceforth be -pleased to afflict me with. "Into thy hands, O Lord, I commend my -spirit."—<i>Psalm</i> xxx. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_137">{137}</a></span> - - <h4>A Resolution Of Amendment.</h4> -<p class="side"> - "That the world may know that I love the Father; and as the - Father gave me a commandment, so I do. Arise, let us go," saith - Christ, (<i>John</i>, xiii.) "instantly and without hesitation, - to execute his will." Such is the generosity with which we - should now, and at all times, resolve to execute, in every - particular, the commandments of the Almighty. -</p><p> -Behold, O my God, the moment is now come, wherein I am to -sacrifice those inclinations to thee which thou hast so often -demanded, and which I was so miserably slothful as to have -refused thee. I now see the danger to which my sluggish languor -has exposed me, and am determined to avoid it. I will labour -incessantly against my vicious habits. I am determined to quit -the immediate occasion of sin. I pledge myself to thee, and am -satisfied to be treated as thine enemy, if these promises be not -most sincere and determined. I will no longer resist thy -inspirations, nor allow myself those pleasures which thy law -forbids, nor expose myself to the danger of offending thee. There -shall be no more remissness in my duty, nor languor in my -devotion. I do not make these promises through a spirit of -presumption, (for I am convinced of my own insufficiency, and -know, that if abandoned by thee, I must necessarily fall back -into all my former disorders,) but being now united to thee, I -flatter myself that, in spite of my frailty, I shall constantly -persevere in thy grace. Why should I not find the same strength -in this divine sacrament, which thy glorious martyrs have derived -from it? -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_138">{138}</a></span> -It was here they imbibed that generous spirit of suffering, which -could brave the power of tyrants, and smile on the horrors of -death. And art thou now less faithful, less liberal, or less able -to fortify me against the attacks of the enemies of my salvation? -No. Come, then, it is full time I should begin the work of my -salvation. Thy will has been sufficiently declared to me; I will -hesitate no longer to put it in execution, how great soever the -conflict may be against myself and the world. In fine, let me -feel, O Lord, an experimental conviction of such a reformation of -life, as may edify those whom my past conduct has scandalized, by -convincing them that I do now <i>really</i> love thee. "Arise, -let us go: I have sworn, and am resolved to keep thy -commandments."—<i>Psalm</i> cxviii. "Confirm, O God, what thou -hast wrought in us.'"—<i>Psalm</i> lxxvi. -</p> - - <h4>An Act Of Thanksgiving.</h4> -<p class="side"> - "And having sung a hymn they went out." The apostles did not - quit the room until they had previously testified their - gratitude for so signal a favour: and it is our Saviour himself - who showed them the example; for when he was just going to - bless and consecrate the bread, he lifted up his eyes to his - heavenly Father, to return him thanks for having bestowed this - favour upon mortals: "And giving thanks, he blessed, and - broke," &c. Conclude your Communion, in like manner, with the - most tender effusions of gratitude to God. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_139">{139}</a></span> -<p> -When I reflect, O Lord, on the many favours thou hast conferred -on me, I am overwhelmed with confusion, and feel my heart -penetrated with such deep sentiments of gratitude, as cannot be -expressed. I find myself, as it were, encompassed on all sides, -and pressed by thy goodness. It is thou thyself, O Lord, that -lovest me, in all those creatures from whom I receive any benefit -or advantage. My parents, from whom I received my existence, or -my friends, who have given me such proofs of their tenderness, -are but the instruments of thy providence, and the channels of -thy mercies in my behalf. Thou art not only the God of the -universe, but thou art also, in a particular way, my God! So -interested art thou in all that relates to me, that thy attention -seems as if it were entirely fixed on me alone. Thou hast given -me all thou hast made, all that I am, and all that thou art -thyself, cannot I, therefore, with as much reason as David, call -thee "the God of my salvation and my mercy; my refuge and my -support; my treasure and my inheritance?" Nay, more, dost thou -not at present vouchsafe to become my <i>very subsistence</i>, by -not only giving thyself to fortify my weakness, and as a pledge -of eternal life, but also that I may be nourished with thy -<i>very flesh and blood?</i> How great, therefore, must my -ingratitude be, if I do not make a cordial return for such -infinite love. O my God, suffer me sooner to forget myself, than -to be ever unmindful of this great favour. Although I have been -treacherous, fearful, and a prevaricator, yet I shall never be -guilty of <i>ingratitude</i>, since I should blush at this vice -even in my commerce with men. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_140">{140}</a></span> -But still, what return can I make thee, being of myself -insolvent, indigent, and miserable? Behold! the treasure is at -hand; the gift I have now received from thee enables me to repay -thee for all thy other benefits: the sacrifice of all that I am -or have, is not worthy to be presented to thee; but in offering -thee thyself, I consider my debts as abundantly discharged. May -thy infinite merits be for ever exalted for having given me such -excellent means of repaying <i>to the full</i>, the infinite -obligations I owe thee.—"What return shall I make to the Lord -for all those things which he has given unto me?"—<i>Psalm</i> -cxv. "He hath made a memorial of his wonderful works, being a -merciful and gracious Lord: he hath given food to them that fear -him."—<i>Psalm</i> xc. -</p> -<p class="side"> - Do not limit the devotion of this day to the foregoing prayers, - but rather consider it as entirely consecrated to Jesus Christ; - that by this means you may literally accomplish the precept of - the Holy Ghost: "Let no part of a good day escape without - profit."—<i>Ecclesiastes</i> xiv. Recollect frequently this great - action, and read some pious book, to nourish and enliven a - spirit of devotion. Remark (or, if convenient write down) some - of those tender sentiments and good resolutions with which you - were affected at the time of communion; the recollection of - them will serve as a bulwark to guard you against the attacks - of tepidity or dryness. But, above all, endeavour to regulate - your conduct for the time to come, in such a manner as to be - enabled to say, with St. Paul: "I live, not I, but Christ Jesus - liveth in me." In a word, let <i>your Redeemer only</i>, for - the future, <i>think, speak,</i> and <i>act</i> in you; and let - nothing remain in you that is unworthy of him, for no scandal - can be more injurious to our holy religion, than for Catholics, - after communicating, to lead disedifying and unchristian lives. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_141">{141}</a></span> -<br> - - <h2>The Seven Penitential Psalms.</h2> - -<p class="side"> - Proper to be said on Fasting Days, - and other Penitential Times. -</p> - - - <h4>Anthem</h4> -<p> -Remember not, O Lord, our offences, nor those of our parents; -neither take thou vengeance on our sins. -</p> - - <h4>The Sixth Psalm.</h4> -<p class="side"> - The Psalmist prays to be healed from sickness, and implores - pardon for his sins. After obtaining his request, he exults - over his enemies. -</p><p> - -O Lord, rebuke me not in thy indignation; nor chastise me in thy -wrath. -</p><p> -Take pity on me, O Lord, for I am weak: heal me, O Lord, for all -my bones are shaken. -</p><p> -And my soul is troubled exceedingly: but thou, O Lord, how long? -</p><p> -Return, O Lord, and deliver my soul: O save me for thy mercies' -sake. -</p><p> -For in death there is none that is mindful of thee: and who shall -confess to thee in hell? -</p><p> -I have tired myself with my groanings: every night I will wash my -bed, I will water my couch with my tears. -</p><p> -My eye is disturbed with rage: I am grown old amidst all mine -enemies. -</p><p> -Depart from me, all ye that work iniquity: for the Lord hath -heard the voice of my weeping. -</p><p> -The Lord hath heard my petition: the Lord hath received my -prayer. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_142">{142}</a></span> -<p> -Let all my enemies be ashamed, and very much troubled: let them -be turned back and put to shame very speedily. -</p><p> -Glory be to the Father, &c. -</p> - - <h4>The Thirty-first Psalm.</h4> -<p class="side"> - The Psalmist declares all those happy, whose sins are forgiven; - and, from his own example, and that of the saints, exhorts all to - seek this beatitude, and to avoid brutal obstinacy. Rewards and - punishments are proposed. -</p><p> - -Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins -are covered. -</p><p> -Blessed is the man to whom the Lord hath not imputed sin: and in -whose soul there is no guile. -</p><p> -Because I was silent, my bones grew old: whilst I cried all the -day. -</p><p> -For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: I am turned in my -anguish, whilst the thorn is fastened. -</p><p> -I have acknowledged my sin to thee, and my injustice I have not -concealed. -</p><p> -I said, I will confess against myself my injustice to the Lord: -and thou hast forgiven the impiety of my sin. -</p><p> -For this shall every one that is holy pray to thee in a -seasonable time. -</p><p> -Yet in the deluge of many waters they shall not approach him. -</p><p> -Thou art my refuge from the tribulation which hath surrounded me: -my joy, deliver me from them that encompass me. -</p><p> -I will give thee understanding, and I will instruct thee in the -way in which thou shalt go: I will fix my eyes upon thee. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_143">{143}</a></span> -<p> -Do not become like the horse and mule, that have no -understanding. -</p><p> -With bit and bridle bind fast their jaws who do not approach -thee. -</p><p> -Many are the scourges of the sinner: but mercy shall encompass -him that hopeth in the Lord. -</p><p> -Be joyful in the Lord, and rejoice ye just: and glory all ye -upright of heart. Glory, &c. -</p> - - <h4>The Thirty-seventh Psalm.</h4> -<p class="side"> - The Psalmist, in sickness, and neglected by his friends, begs - of God to pardon his sins, and to assist and heal him. -</p><p> -O Lord, rebuke me not in thy indignation, nor chastise me in thy -wrath. -</p><p> -For thy arrows are fastened in me: and thy hand hath been strong -upon me. -</p><p> -There is no health in my flesh, because of thy wrath: there is no -peace in my bones, because of my sins. -</p><p> -For mine iniquities are gone over my head: and, as a weighty -burden, are become heavy upon me. -</p><p> -My sores are putrefied and corrupted, because of my foolishness. -</p><p> -I am become miserable, and am bowed down even to the end: I -walked sorrowful all the day. -</p><p> -For my loins are filled with illusions: and there is no health in -my flesh. -</p><p> -I am afflicted and humbled exceedingly: I roared in the groaning -of my heart. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_144">{144}</a></span> -<p> -O Lord, my desire is before thee: and my sighing is not hidden -from thee. -</p><p> -My heart is troubled, my strength hath left me: and the light of -mine eyes itself is not with me. -</p><p> -My friends and my neighbours have drawn near, and stood up -against me. -</p><p> -And they that were near me stood afar off: and they that sought -my soul used violence. -</p><p> -And they that sought evils to me, spoke vain things: and studied -deceits all the day long. -</p><p> -But I, as one deaf, did not hear: and as one dumb, that opened -not his mouth. -</p><p> -And I became as a man that heareth not: and that hath no reproof -in his mouth. -</p><p> -For in thee, O Lord, have I hoped: thou wilt hear me, O Lord, my -God. -</p><p> -For I said, lest at any time mine enemies rejoice over me: and -whilst my feet are moved, they speak great things against me. -</p><p> -For I am prepared for scourges, and my sorrow is always in my -sight. -</p><p> -For I will declare my iniquity: and I will think of my sin. -</p><p> -But my enemies live, and are become stronger than I: and they are -multiplied who hate me unjustly. -</p><p> -And they that return evil for good have detracted me, because I -followed goodness. -</p><p> -Forsake me not, O Lord, my God: depart not thou from me. -</p><p> -Come unto my aid, O Lord, the God of my salvation. Glory, &c. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_145">{145}</a></span> - - <h4>The Fiftieth Psalm.</h4> -<p class="side"> - The Psalmist begs pardon for the sins of adultery and murder, - not through the Mosaic sacrifices, but through Christ, who was - to come and establish his church, and by his sacrifice appease - the injured justice of God. -</p><p> - -Have mercy on me, O God, according to thy great mercy: and -according to the multitude of thy tender mercies, blot out my -iniquity. -</p><p> -Wash me yet more and more from my iniquity: and cleanse me from -my sin. -</p><p> -Because I know my iniquity: and my sin is always before me. -</p><p> -Against thee only have I sinned, and done evil before thee: that -thou mayest be justified in thy words, and mayest overcome when -thou art judged. -</p><p> -For behold I was conceived in iniquities: and in sins hath my -mother conceived me. -</p><p> -For behold thou hast loved truth: the secret and hidden things of -thy wisdom thou hast made known to me. -</p><p> -Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be cleansed: thou -shalt wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. -</p><p> -To my hearing thou shalt give joy and gladness: and the bones -that are humble shall rejoice. -</p><p> -Turn away thy face from my sins: and blot out all my iniquities. -</p><p> -Create in me a clean heart, O God: and renew an upright spirit -within my bowels. -</p><p> -Cast me not away from thy face: and take not thy holy spirit from -me. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_146">{146}</a></span> -<p> -Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation: and confirm me with a -perfect spirit. -</p><p> -I will teach thy ways to the unjust: and sinners shall be -converted to thee. -</p><p> -Deliver me from blood, O God, the God of my salvation: and my -tongue shall extol thy justice. -</p><p> -Thou, O Lord, wilt open my lips: and my mouth shall declare thy -praise. -</p><p> -For if thou hadst desired sacrifice, verily I had given it: with -burnt offerings thou wilt not be delighted. -</p><p> -A sacrifice to God is an afflicted spirit: a contrite and humble -heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. -</p><p> -Deal favourably, O Lord, in thy good will with Sion: that the -walls of Jerusalem may be built up. -</p><p> -Then shalt thou accept the sacrifices of justice, oblations, and -whole-burnt offerings: then shall they lay calves upon thine -altar. -</p><p> -Glory, &c. -<p> - - <h4>The Hundred-and-First Psalm.</h4> -<p class="side"> - The Psalmist begs for mercy upon Sion, that he will raise out - of it his church, to which kings and people may come and praise - God.—A prayer of the poor man, when he was anxious, and poured - out his supplications before the Lord. -</p><p> - - -O Lord, hear my prayer, and let my cry come unto thee. -</p><p> -Turn not away thy face from me: in what day soever I am in -tribulation, incline thine ear to me. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_147">{147}</a></span> -<p> -In what day soever I shall call upon thee, hear me speedily. -</p><p> -For my days are vanished like smoke: and my hones are withered -like fuel for the fire. -</p><p> -I am smitten, and my heart is withered like grass: because I -forgot to eat my bread. -</p><p> -Through the voice of my groaning, by bones have cleaved to my -flesh. -</p><p> -I am become like a pelican of the wilderness: I am become like a -night raven in the house. -</p><p> -I have watched, and am become as solitary as a sparrow upon the -house-top. -</p><p> -My enemies upbraided me all the day long: and they that praised -me swore against me. -</p><p> -For I did eat ashes like bread: and mingled my drink with my -tears. -</p><p> -Because of thy wrath and indignation: for having lifted me up, -thou hast cast me down. -</p><p> -My days have declined like a shadow: and I am withered like -grass. -</p><p> -But thou, O Lord, remainest for ever: and thy memory is from -generation to generation. -</p><p> -Thou shalt arise and have mercy on Sion: for the time to have -mercy on it is come. -</p><p> -For the stones thereof have pleased thy servants: and they shall -have pity on the earth thereof. -</p><p> -And the Gentiles shall fear thy name, O Lord, and all the kings -of the earth thy glory. -</p><p> -For the Lord hath built up Sion: and he shall be seen in his -glory. -</p><p> -He hath regard to the prayer of the humble: and he hath not -despised their petition. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_148">{148}</a></span> -<p> -Let these things be written unto another generation: and a people -to be created shall praise the Lord. -</p><p> -Because he hath looked forth from his high sanctuary: the Lord -from heaven hath looked down upon the earth; -</p><p> -That he might hear the groans of them that are in fetters: that -he might unbind the children of them that are slain. -</p><p> -That they may declare the name of the Lord in Sion: and his -praise in Jerusalem. -</p><p> -In the assembling of the people together in one; and kings to -serve the Lord. -</p><p> -He answered me in the way of his strength: Declare unto me the -fewness of my days. -</p><p> -Call me not back in the midst of my days: thy years are from -generation unto generation. -</p><p> -In the beginning, O Lord, thou didst found the earth: and the -heavens are the works of thy hands. -</p><p> -They shall perish, but thou remainest: and they shall all grow -old as a garment. -</p><p> -And as a vestment thou shalt change them, and they shall be -changed: but thou art always the self-same, and thy years shall -not fail. -</p><p> -The children of thy servants shall continue: and their seed shall -be directed for ever. -</p><p> -Glory, &c. -</p> - - <h4>The Hundred-and-Twenty-Ninth Psalm.</h4> -<p class="side"> - The Psalmist earnestly begs pardon, foretelling redemption - through Christ. -</p><p> -From the depths I have cried unto thee, O Lord: Lord, hear my -voice. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_149">{149}</a></span> -<p> -Let thy ears be attentive to the voice of my petition. -</p><p> -If thou wilt observe iniquities, O Lord! Lord, who will endure -it? -</p><p> -For with thee there is merciful forgiveness: and on account of -thy law I have expected thee, O Lord. -</p><p> -My soul hath relied on his word: my soul hath hoped in the Lord. -</p><p> -From the morning watch even until night, let Israel hope in the -Lord. -</p><p> -Because with the Lord there is mercy: and with him plentiful -redemption. -</p><p> -And he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities. Glory, &c. -</p> - - <h4>The Hundred-and-Forty-Second Psalm.</h4> -<p class="side"> - The Psalmist prays that God would not regard him according to - his merits, but look upon his miseries, and deliver him from - them, and also from his enemies. -</p><p> - -O Lord hear my prayer; give ear to my petition in thy truth; hear -me in thy justice. -</p><p> -And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight no -man living shall be justified. -</p><p> -For the enemy hath persecuted my soul: he hath humbled my life to -the earth. -</p><p> -He hath made me dwell in darkness, as those who have been dead of -old: my spirit is in anguish upon me, and my heart is troubled -within me. -</p><p> -I remember the days of old, I meditated on all thy works: on the -works of thy hands did I meditate. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_150">{150}</a></span> -<p> -I stretched forth my hands to thee: unto thee my soul is as earth -without water. -</p><p> -Hear me speedily, O Lord: my spirit hath fainted away. -</p><p> -Turn not away thy face from me: lest I be like unto them that go -down into the pit. -</p><p> -Cause me to hear thy mercy in the morning: for I have hoped in -thee. -</p><p> -Make the way known to me wherein I should walk: for I have lifted -up my soul to thee. -</p><p> -Deliver me from mine enemies, O Lord: to thee have I fled: teach -me to do thy will, for thou art my God. -</p><p> -Thy good spirit shall conduct me into the way of righteousness; -for thy name's sake, O Lord, thou wilt quicken me in thy justice. -</p><p> -Thou wilt bring forth my soul out of tribulation: and in thy -mercy thou wilt destroy mine enemies. -</p><p> -And thou wilt destroy all those that afflict my soul: for I am -thy servant. Glory, &c. -</p> - - <h4>Anthem.</h4> -<p> -Remember not, O Lord, our offences, nor those of our parents: and -take not revenge of our sins. -</p> - - - <h3>The Litany Of The Saints.</h3> -<pre class="serif"> -Lord have mercy on us. -Christ have mercy on us. -Lord have mercy on us. -Christ hear us. -Christ graciously hear us. -God the Father of heaven, - <i>have mercy on us.</i> - -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_151">{151}</a></span> - -God the Son, Redeemer of the World, - <i>have mercy on us.</i> -God the Holy Ghost, - <i>have mercy on us.</i> -Holy Trinity, one God, - <i>have mercy on us.</i> -Holy Mary - <i>Pray for us.</i> -Holy Mother of God, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -Holy Virgin of Virgins, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -St. Michael, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -St. Gabriel, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -St. Raphael, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -All ye holy Angels and Archangels, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -All ye holy orders of blessed Spirits, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -St. John Baptist, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -St. Joseph, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -All ye holy Patriarchs and Prophets, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -St. Peter, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -St. Paul, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -St. Andrew, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -St. James, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -St. John, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -St. Thomas, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -St. James, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -St. Philip, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -St Bartholomew, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -St. Matthew, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -St. Simon, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -St. Thaddeus, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -St. Matthias, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -St. Barnaby, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -St. Luke, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -St. Mark, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -All ye holy Apostles and Evangelists, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -All ye holy Disciples of our Lord, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_152">{152}</a></span> -All ye holy Innocents, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -St. Stephen, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -St. Laurence, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -St. Vincent, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -SS. Fabian and Sebastian, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -SS. John and Paul, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -SS. Cosmas and Damian, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -SS. Gervase and Protase, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -All ye holy Martyrs, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -St. Sylvester, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -St. Gregory, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -St. Ambrose, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -St. Augustine, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -St. Jerome, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -St. Martin, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -St. Nicholas, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -All ye holy Bishops and Confessors, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -All ye holy Doctors, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -St. Anthony, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -St. Bennet, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -St. Bernard, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -St. Dominick, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -St Francis, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -All ye holy Priests and Levites, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -All ye holy Monks and Hermits, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -St. Mary Magdalen, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -St. Agatha, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -St. Lucy, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -St. Agnes, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -St. Cecily, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -St. Catherine, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -St. Anastasia, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -All ye holy Virgins and Widows, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_153">{153}</a></span> -All ye Men and Women, Saints of God, - <i>make intercession for us.</i> -Be merciful to us: - <i>Spare us, O Lord.</i> -Be merciful to us: - <i>Graciously hear us, O Lord.</i> -From all evil, - <i>O Lord, deliver us.</i> -From all sin, - <i>O Lord, deliver us.</i> -From thy wrath, - <i>O Lord, deliver us.</i> -From sudden and unprovided death, - <i>O Lord, deliver us.</i> -From the deceits of the devil, - <i>O Lord, deliver us.</i> -From anger, hatred, and all ill-will, - <i>O Lord, deliver us.</i> -From the spirit of fornication, - <i>O Lord, deliver us.</i> -From lightning and tempest, - <i>O Lord, deliver us.</i> -From everlasting death, - <i>O Lord, deliver us.</i> -Thro' the mystery of thy holy incarnation, - <i>O Lord, deliver us.</i> -Thro' thy coming, - <i>O Lord, deliver us.</i> -Thro' thy nativity, - <i>O Lord, deliver us.</i> -Thro' thy baptism and holy fasting, - <i>O Lord, deliver us.</i> -Thro' thy cross and passion, - <i>O Lord, deliver us.</i> -Thro' thy death and burial, - <i>O Lord, deliver us.</i> -Thro' thy holy resurrection, - <i>O Lord, deliver us.</i> -Thro' thy admirable ascension, - <i>O Lord, deliver us.</i> -Thro' the coming of the Holy Ghost, the comforter, - <i>O Lord, deliver us.</i> -In the day of Judgment, - <i>We sinners beseech thee to hear us.</i> -That thou spare us, - <i>We beseech thee to hear us.</i> -That thou pardon us. - <i>We beseech thee to hear us.</i> -That thou vouchsafe to bring us to true penance, - <i>We beseech thee to hear us.</i> -That thou vouchsafe to govern and preserve thy holy church, - <i>We beseech thee to hear us.</i> -That thou vouchsafe to preserve our apostolic prelate, and all -ecclesiastical orders in thy holy religion, -<i>We beseech thee to hear us.</i> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_154">{154}</a></span> -That thou vouchsafe to humble the enemies of thy holy church, - <i>We beseech thee to hear us.</i> -That thou vouchsafe to give peace and - true concord to Christian kings and princes, - <i>We beseech thee to hear us.</i> -That thou vouchsafe to grant peace and unity to all Christian -people, - <i>We beseech thee to hear us.</i> -That thou vouchsafe to confirm and preserve - us in thy holy service, - <i>We beseech thee to hear us.</i> -That thou lift up our minds to heavenly desires, - <i>We beseech thee to hear us.</i> -That thou render eternal good things to all our benefactors, - <i>We beseech thee to hear us.</i> -That thou deliver our souls, and those of -our brethren, kinsfolk, and benefactors, from eternal damnation, - <i>We beseech thee to hear us.</i> -That thou vouchsafe to give and preserve - the fruits of the earth, - <i>We beseech thee to hear us.</i> -That thou vouchsafe to give eternal rest - to all the faithful departed, - <i>We beseech thee to hear us.</i> -That thou vouchsafe graciously to hear us, - <i>We beseech thee to hear us.</i> -Son of God, - <i>We beseech thee to hear us.</i> - -Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world: - <i>Spare us, O Lord.</i> -Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world: - <i>Hear us, O Lord.</i> -Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world: - <i>Have mercy on us!</i> -Christ hear us. - <i>Christ graciously hear us.</i> -Lord have mercy on us! - <i>Christ have mercy on us!</i> -Lord have mercy on us! - -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_155">{155}</a></span> - -Our Father, &c. (<i>in secret</i>.) -V. And lead us not into temptation. -R. But deliver us from evil. Amen. -</pre> - - - <h3>Psalm lxix.</h3> -<p> -Incline unto my aid, O God: O Lord, make haste to help me. -</p><p> -Let them be confounded and ashamed that seek my soul. -</p><p> -Let them forthwith be turned backward, and blush for shame, that -desire evils to me. -</p><p> -Let them be turned backward, and blush, and be put to shame, who -say to me, It is well! it is well! -</p><p> -Let all that seek thee be glad, and rejoice in thee: and let -those who love thy salvation, say always, Our Lord be magnified. -</p><p> -But I am needy and poor! O God help me. -</p><p> -Thou art my helper and my deliverer! O Lord make no delay. -</p><p> -V. Glory be to the Father, &c. -</p><p> -R. As it was, &c. -</p><p> -V. Save thy servants: -</p><p> -R. Who put their trust in thee, my God. -</p><p> -V. Be to us, O Lord, a tower of strength: -</p><p> -R. Against the face of the enemy. -</p><p> -V. Let not the enemy prevail against us: -</p><p> -R. Nor the son of iniquity have power to hurt us. -</p><p> -V. O Lord, deal not with us according to our sins: -</p><p> -R. Nor reward us according to our iniquities. -</p><p> -V. Let us pray for our chief Bishop [<i>N.N.</i>] -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_156">{156}</a></span> -<p> -R. May the Lord preserve him, and prolong his life, and make him -happy on earth, and deliver him not up to the will of his -enemies. -</p><p> -V. Let us pray for our benefactors: -</p><p> -R. Vouchsafe, O Lord, for thy name's sake, to render eternal life -to all those who do us good. -</p><p> -V. Let us pray for the faithful departed: -</p><p> -R. Give them, O Lord, eternal rest: -and let perpetual light shine unto them. -</p><p> -V. May they rest in peace. R. Amen. -</p><p> -V. For our absent brethren: -</p><p> -R. Save thy servants, O my God, who put their trust in thee. -</p><p> -V. Send them help, O Lord, from thy sanctuary; -</p><p> -R. And from Sion protect them. -</p><p> -V. O Lord, hear my prayer: -</p><p> -R. And let my supplication come unto thee. -</p><p> -V. May the Lord be with you: -</p><p> -R. And with thy spirit. -</p> - - <h4>Let Us Pray.</h4> -<p> -O God, whose property it is, always to have mercy and to spare, -receive our petitions, that we and all thy servants, who are -bound by the chain of sin, may, by the compassion of thy -goodness, mercifully be absolved. -</p><p> -Hear, we beseech thee, O Lord, the prayers of thy suppliants, and -pardon our sins, who confess them to thee; that of thy bounty -thou mayest grant us pardon and peace. -</p><p> -Out of thy clemency, O Lord, show us thy unspeakable mercy; that -so thou mayest both acquit us of our sins, and deliver us from -the punishment we deserve for them. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_157">{157}</a></span> -<p> -O God, who by sin art offended, and by repentance pacified, -mercifully regard the prayers of thy people who make supplication -to thee, and turn away the scourges of thy anger, which we -deserve for our sins. -</p><p> -O almighty and eternal God, have mercy on thy servant (<i>N</i>.) -our chief Bishop, and direct him, according to thy clemency, in -the way of everlasting salvation, that by thy grace he may desire -the things that are agreeable to thy will, and perform them with -all his strength. -</p><p> -O God, from whom are all holy desires, righteous counsels, and -just works, give to thy servants that peace which the world -cannot give; that our hearts being disposed to keep thy -commandments, and the fear of enemies taken away, the times, by -thy protection, may be peaceable. -</p><p> -Inflame, O Lord, our reins and hearts with the fire of thy holy -spirit, that we may serve thee with a chaste body, and please -thee with a clean heart. -</p><p> -O God, the Creator and Redeemer of all the faithful, give to the -souls of thy servants departed the remission of all their sins, -that by pious supplications they may obtain the pardon they have -always desired. -</p><p> -Model, we beseech thee, O Lord, our actions by thy holy -inspirations, and carry them on by thy gracious assistance; that -every prayer and work of ours may always begin from thee, and by -thee be happily ended. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_158">{158}</a></span> -<p> -O almighty and eternal God, who hast dominion over the living and -the dead, and art merciful to all whom thou foreknowest shall be -thine by faith and good works; we humbly beseech thee, that they -for whom we have purposed to offer our prayers, whether this -present world still detains them in the flesh, or the next world -hath already received them, divested of their bodies, may, by the -clemency of thine own goodness, and the intercession of thy -saints, obtain pardon and full remission of all their sins; -through our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee, -in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. -</p><p> -R. Amen. -</p><p> -V. May the Lord be with you: -</p><p> -R. And with thy spirit. -</p><p> -V. May the almighty and merciful Lord graciously hear us: -</p><p> -R. Amen, -</p><p> -V. May the souls of the faithful departed, -through the mercy of God, rest in peace: -</p><p> -R. Amen. -</p> - - <h4>Motives</h4> -<p class="side"> - <i>Which should excite us to support the Crosses of this Life - with cheerfulness, and to persevere till death in the practice - of Virtue.</i> -</p><p class="side"> - - - Since all things co-operate for the good of those who love God, - and as God knows how to produce good out of evil, for whom should - he do it, if not for those who give themselves up to him without - reserve? Nay, he even makes their past sins contribute towards - their good, as is evident in the cases of David, St. Peter, and - Mary Magdalen. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_159">{159}</a></span> -<p class="side"> - When God lays the filth and deformity of sin before our eyes, - it is in order that we should be captivated with the beauty of - virtue; if he cast us flat on the earth, as he did St. Paul, it - is with a view to raise us up again to a higher pitch of glory. -</p><p class="side"> - If God were not actually our Father, he never would have - commanded us to say, "Our Father, who art in heaven." What then - have the children of such a father to fear? Without his - permission not a single hair of our heads can fall to the - ground? Since, therefore, we are the children of almighty God, - is it not the most unaccountable folly in us, to be over - solicitous about any other concern than that of persevering - till death, in his love and service? The test of our love - towards God, is the observance of his commandments; and its - recompense, no less than the possession of himself. "If any one - love me," saith Jesus Christ, (John, xiv. 23.) "he will keep my - word, and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, - and make our abode with him." -</p><p class="side"> - "When I sent you without scrip or staff," saith Christ to his - apostles, "did you want any thing?" They answered, "No." Have - we not suffered afflictions when as yet we had little or no - confidence in God, and did we perish under these afflictions? - No. How, then, can we entertain thoughts of despondency, or - betray a want of courage in adversity? For if God hath hitherto - protected us, notwithstanding the little or no reliance we had - on his providence, can it be supposed that he will forsake us, - when, placing our whole confidence in him, we put on the - determined resolution of dedicating the remainder of our lives - to his love and service? Ah! no, he assuredly will not. Why, - then, should we perplex ourselves with apprehensions of future - evils, which perhaps will never befall us? or on the - supposition they did, will not God enable us by his grace to - support them with Christian fortitude? He commanded St. Peter - to walk to him on the water; Peter, terrified by the blustering - of the wind and the turbulence of the waves, and under the - dreadful apprehension of immediately sinking to the bottom, - calls out to his divine Master for assistance. When God, in - like manner, ordains that you should walk on the boisterous - waves of adversity, take courage and fear not; for be assured, - he is actually present, and will stretch forth his hand to your - assistance, as he did to St. Peter. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_160">{160}</a></span> -<p class="side"> - Our condition in this short and fleeting life, is an object of - little consequence, provided that in the end we are admitted to - the eternal enjoyment of God and his glory. Do we not, at every - step we tread, approach nearer and nearer to eternity? Nay, - have we not our feet, for aught we know to the contrary, on the - very brink of it this moment? What, therefore, doth it signify - whether our pilgrimage through life be chequered with - afflictions or not, provided it terminate in a happy eternity? - Can we possibly repine under short-lived sufferings, whilst we - await their recompence in never-ending consolations? Ah! - whatever has not eternity for its object, is, in reality, - nothing but fleeting vanity. -</p><p class="side"> - Awake, therefore, O my soul! "Let us cast off the works of - darkness, and put on the armour of light." Let us humbly - beseech the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who - consoleth us in all our afflictions, to inspire us with the - same sentiments as the Apostle had when he exclaimed, "Far be - it from me, that I should glory in any thing but in the cross - of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ah! were the cross of our crucified - Saviour but deeply implanted in our hearts, the most bitter - crosses of this world would then appear as sweet as roses. The - heart that is impressed with a lively sense of the crown of - thorns which pierced the tender head of our suffering Redeemer, - will feel but little or no pain from the trifling scratches of - worldly afflictions. -</p> - - <h3>Devotions<br> - - For Every Day In The Week.</h3> -<p class="side"> - It was an ancient and pious practice among the faithful to - dedicate every day in the week to some particular devotion. - Conformably with this custom, a prayer is here given for each - of those days, to be said immediately after morning prayers, or - at any other time of the day, as each person's leisure from the - necessary occupations of his state of life, may permit. But it is - to be observed, that the worship of the mystery, or the - devotion to the saint we purpose to honour, consists less in - the prayer itself, than in the practical instructions which it - contains. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_161">{161}</a></span> - - <h4>Sunday,</h4> -<p class="side"> - Which by way of pre-eminence over the rest of the days of the - week, is called the day of the Lord? is happily chosen to - render homage, in a more special manner, to the most Holy - Trinity, and to thank those three adorable Persons for the - inestimable blessings we have received. It would be irreligious - therefore, if not impious, to spend this day in idle - amusements, or in the management of temporal concerns, whilst - we are strictly obliged, both by the precepts of God and his - church, to sanctify it, as well as every holy-day of - obligation, by assisting at the divine offices, hearing sermons - or catechetical discourses, reading pious books, employing - ourselves in the exercise of corporal or spiritual works of - mercy, and especially in making solid reflections on the most - important of all affairs—the affair of our eternal salvation. -</p> - - <h4>A Prayer To The Holy Trinity.</h4> -<p> -Glory be to the Father, who by his almighty power hath created -me, and made me to his own image and likeness. Glory be to the -Son, who by his wisdom hath delivered me from hell, and opened -for me the gates of heaven. Glory be to the Holy Ghost, who in -his mercy hath sanctified me by baptism, and who incessantly -worketh my sanctification by the fresh graces I daily receive -from his bounty. Glory be to the three adorable Persons of the -blessed Trinity, which was as great at the beginning as he now -is, or will be for ever and ever. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_162">{162}</a></span> -<p> -We adore thee, O holy Trinity! we reverence thee; we thank thee -with the humblest sentiments of gratitude, for having been -pleased to reveal to us this glorious and incomprehensible -mystery. Grant that, by persevering in this faith till death, we -may see and glorify in heaven what we believe here below on -earth: one God in three divine Persons, the Father, and the Son, -and the Holy Ghost. -Amen. -</p> - - <h4>Monday.</h4> -<p class="side"> - Although the three adorable Persons of the blessed Trinity, - concur unanimously in the sanctification of our souls, our - spiritual regeneration, and all the graces we receive from - heaven, are, nevertheless, attributed more especially to the - operations of the Holy Ghost; because these favours being the - effects of God's love towards us, we acknowledge him as the - author of them, who is the love of the Father and the Son. -<br><br> - It is inconceivable what blessed effects this divine Spirit - produces in the souls of such persons as oppose no obstacles to - his operations. What abundance of light and strength doth he not - communicate by his seven gifts, and those fruits and beatitudes - which peculiarly flow from his bounty, if, with fidelity and - attention, we are docile to his inspirations! -<br><br> - Let us then rejoice at being under the conduct of so wise and - beneficent a guide; let us continually study the motions of our - hearts; let us follow those which the Holy Spirit produces, and - which alone can vanquish every evil inclination excited in us, - either by the corruptness of our nature, or the machinations of - our spiritual enemy; let us dread nothing so much as to resist, - or desire nothing so much as to preserve his grace; or, if we - have incurred the misfortune of losing it by sin, let us have - immediate recourse to the sacrament of reconciliation, by which - we may regain it, and live more attentive to our spiritual - welfare in [the] future. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_163">{163}</a></span> - - - <h4>A Prayer To The Holy Ghost.</h4> -<p> -Author of the sanctification of our souls—Spirit of Love and -Truth! I adore thee as the primary source of my eternal -happiness; I thank thee as the sovereign dispenser of the -benefits I receive from on high; I invoke thee as the beneficent -giver of that portion of light and strength, which thou knowest -to be necessary for me in the practice of good works. Spirit of -Wisdom! enlighten my understanding, fortify my will, purify my -heart, regulate all its motions, and grant me an attentive -docility to all thy holy inspirations. -</p><p> -Pardon, O Spirit of Grace and Mercy! pardon my continual -infidelities, and the unworthy blindness with which I have so -often refused to correspond with the most tender and moving -inspirations of thy grace. I purpose for the future, with thy -assistance, to cease to be rebellious, and to follow the motions -of thy grace with so much docility, that I may be enabled to -taste those fruits, and enjoy those beatitudes, which are -produced in our souls by the influence of thy sacred gifts. Amen. -</p> - - <h4>Tuesday.</h4> -<p class="side"> - We ought to have such profound sentiments of respect, - gratitude, love, and confidence, towards our Guardian Angels, - as the dignity of their nature, their tender care of us, and - the solicitude they conceive for our welfare, require. Let us - then incessantly invoke their assistance; let us consult them - in all our undertakings; let us frequently beseech them to - procure the joint intercession of the heavenly host, their - companions in glory, in our behalf; but, above all, let us be - particularly docile to their holy inspirations. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_164">{164}</a></span> - - <h4>A Prayer To Our Guardian Angel.</h4> -<p> -O holy Angel, whom God, by the effect of his goodness, and the -tender regard of my welfare, hath charged with the care of my -conduct; who doth assist me in all my wants, and comfort me in -all my afflictions; who supporteth me when I am discouraged, and -continually obtaineth for me new favours; I return thee profound -thanks, and conjure thee, most amiable protector! to continue thy -charitable care and defence of me against the malignant attacks -of all my enemies. Keep me at a distance from all occasions of -sin. Obtain for me the grace of hearkening attentively to thy -holy inspirations, and of faithfully reducing them to practice. -Protect me in all the temptations and trials of this life, but -more especially at the hour of death; and do not quit me till -thou hast conducted me into the presence of my Creator, in the -mansions of everlasting happiness. Amen. -</p> - - <h4>Wednesday.</h4> -<p class="side"> - The glorious functions wherewith God honoured Saint Joseph in - this world, and the rare examples of humility, wisdom, - patience, fidelity, obedience, and submission, which he hath - given us, should inspire us with the highest idea of his - sanctity, and the greatest devotion towards him. Honour him, - therefore, but more especially by a faithful imitation of his - virtues. Have recourse to him with confidence, and inspire this - confidence into others. St. Teresa assures us, that she never - asked any favour of God in his name but what she obtained. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_165">{165}</a></span> - - <h4>A Prayer To St. Joseph.</h4> -<p> -Illustrious Saint! who art that good and faithful servant, to -whom God committed the care of his family; whom he appointed -guardian and protector of the life of Jesus Christ, the comfort -and support of his holy Mother, and co-partner in his great -design of the redemption of mankind; thou who hadst the happiness -of living with Jesus and Mary, and of dying in their arms; chaste -spouse of the Mother of God; model and patron of pure souls; -humble, patient, and reserved; be moved with the confidence we -place in thy intercession, and accept with kindness this -testimony of our devotion. -</p><p> -We give thanks to God for the signal favours he hath been pleased -to confer on thee, and we conjure him by thy intercession, to -make us imitate thy virtues. Pray for us, then, O great saint; -and by that love which thou hadst for Jesus and Mary, and by the -love which Jesus and Mary had for thee, obtain for us the -incomparable happiness of living and dying in the love of Jesus -and Mary. Amen. -</p> - - <h4>Thursday.</h4> -<p class="side"> - In order to make some return to that boundless love, of which - Jesus Christ has given us a testimony in the institution of the - blessed Sacrament of the altar, let us unite ourselves to him by - holy and frequent communion. Let us often pay him our homage - under the sacramental veils. Let us, at least, never omit a - Thursday without acquitting ourselves of this consoling duty. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_166">{166}</a></span> - Let us sometimes present ourselves in the most profound - sentiments of adoration, before him, as did the Shepherds and - the Eastern Kings or Magi. Let us, at other times, go to hear - and receive his instructions, in imitation of his apostles and - disciples. Let us approach him, like Magdalen, to contemplate - his admirable perfections, and weep bitterly over our sins. Let - us again present ourselves before him, after the example of the - sick man in the gospel, to be healed from our spiritual - infirmities; or, like the poor, to disclose to him our wants, - and demand those comforts and graces which our doubts, or the - tribulations and crosses incidental to human life, may require. - But on all or every one of these occasions, be careful to - present thyself before him with that profound degree of - modesty, recollection, respect, fear, love, gratitude and - confidence, which a lively faith of his real presence in this - most blessed sacrament seldom fails to produce. - -</p> - <h4>A Prayer Before The Blessed Sacrament.</h4> -<p> -Sweet Jesus! O amiable Saviour! who, by an effect of thy infinite -goodness and love, hast vouchsafed to remain really present -amongst us in the adorable Sacrament of the altar; I acknowledge -thee for my Sovereign Lord and God; I adore thee with the most -profound sentiments of humility; I give thee thanks, from the -bottom of my heart, for the numberless instances of thy love and -tenderness towards me, a most wretched and miserable sinner, who, -for my manifold offences, have rather deserved to be cast into -the infernal abyss, and there punished according to the rigour of -thy severest justice. Penetrated with grief at the sight of my -ingratitude, I come, O God of Majesty! to crave pardon for all -the profanations, sacrileges, and impieties which ever have been -committed, or may be committed against thee, in this adorable -sacrament. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_167">{167}</a></span> -And O that I could sufficiently express the grief which I -now feel, for having so often appeared before thee with -irreverence, and so often approached thee with so little fervour -and devotion. -</p><p> -Forget, O Lord, our iniquities, and remember only thy mercies. -Accept my sincere desire to honour, and see thee honoured, in -this admirable sacrament of thy love. Yes, I ardently desire to -bless, praise, and adore thee therein, with as much love and -fervour as the saints and angels bless, praise, and adore thee, -encircled with the rays of ineffable glory in thy heavenly -kingdom. O amiable Jesus! I conjure thee by thy precious body and -blood, before which I now prostrate myself, that I may adore thee -for the future with such reverence, and receive thee so worthily, -as to deserve after death to be admitted into thy divine -presence, and with the choirs of celestial spirits, praise and -glorify thee for ever and ever. Amen. -</p> - - <h4>Friday.</h4> -<p class="side"> - It is not sufficient that we carefully avoid whatever can renew - the passion and death of our divine Redeemer, but we must also - endeavour to honour them, by every pious exercise which a - tender devotion can inspire. The holy sacrifice of the Mass, - offered with this intention; fervent communion; prayer before a - crucifix; frequent reflections on the sufferings of our Lord; - voluntary acts of penance, such as fasting on Fridays; patience - and perseverance under the inevitable troubles and afflictions - of this life; or, in other words, carrying our cross, after the - example of our divine Redeemer, and with the same intentions; - will serve as so many pious practices, by which we may testify - the excess of our love, and apply to ourselves the fruit of his - passion. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_168">{168}</a></span> - - <h4>A Prayer To Our Suffering Jesus.</h4> -<p> -Lamb without spot or blemish!—innocent Victim! whose blood has -cancelled the sins of the world, efface mine, and do not permit -thy sufferings to become useless to me. Jesus, deserted and -forsaken by every body! Jesus, sorrowful and aggrieved! Jesus, -agonized, patient, and resigned! help me to bear, with the like -resignation, all the afflictions thou mayest be pleased to send -me in this life. Jesus, calumniated, despised, and outrageously -insulted! teach me to despise the judgments of men, and patiently -to suffer the blackest calumnies. Jesus, whose virginal flesh was -swollen with blows, mangled with wounds, pierced with thorns, and -covered with blood for love of me! teach me to endure, for thy -love, the pains and inconveniencies of sickness. Jesus, condemned -to suffer the ignominious death of the cross! enable me to shun -the praises of men, and to love the most humble situations. -Jesus, bending beneath the heavy load of the cross! unite my -cross to thine, and enable me to bear it with the like -resignation, strength, and meekness. Jesus, elevated on the cross -for my sake, and who expiredst thereon for my salvation! raise up -my affections to heavenly desires, that living only for thee, and -at length expiring in thy divine embraces, I may be for ever -occupied in singing, forth thy praises. Amen. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_169">{169}</a></span> - - <h4>Saturday.</h4> -<p class="side"> - The eminent holiness of Mary, her dignity as Mother of God, the - glory she enjoys, and the power she has received on earth and in - heaven, her tenderness for mankind, and more especially for - such as seek her intercession, or imitate her virtues, are the - motives which have inspired all the saints with the most lively - and affectionate devotion towards her. -<br><br> - Let us also devote ourselves to her, after their example. - "Devotion to the Blessed Virgin," (says St. Bernard,) "is a - mark of predestination." The best devotion we can practise with - regard to her, and that which is most strenuously recommended - by the saints, is a faithful imitation of her excellent - virtues; particularly her love of purity and humility, and that - heroic patience and fortitude under the severest crosses and - afflictions which she suffered, and wherewith almost her whole - life was embittered. -<br><br> - Let us therefore celebrate her festival, by preparing ourselves - on the eve, and communicating on the day, in her honour. Let us - pay to her images and pictures that respect and veneration - which the Catholic church, ever guided by the Spirit of Truth, - recommends. Let us sometimes recite her office, at other times - her litanies or rosary, according as the duties of our state of - life may afford us leisure, or our devotion direct. Let us often - address her with the utmost respect, attention, and confidence, - in the words of that beautiful prayer, composed partly by the - Angel Gabriel, partly by St. Elizabeth, and partly by the - church, and with the same spirit and sentiments. In fine let us - have recourse to her in all our wants and necessities, and omit - nothing to procure her assistance at that most critical period, - when we stand in most need thereof—the hour of death. -</p> - - <h4>A Prayer To The Blessed Virgin.</h4> -<p> -Most Holy Virgin! Mother of God; and, by that august quality, -worthy of the most profound respect from angels and men, I come -to render thee my most humble homage, and to implore thy help and -protection. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_170">{170}</a></span> -Seated above the heavenly hosts of saints and angels, next to the -throne of the Almighty, thou art most powerful, and thy goodness -towards mankind equals the power thou hast in heaven. -</p><p> -Thou knowest, O most sacred Virgin, that I have been taught from -my infancy to look up to thee as my mother, my patroness, and -most powerful advocate; and thou hast vouchsafed from on high, to -look down on me as one of thy children. I acknowledge, with the -most humble sentiments of gratitude, that it is by the means of -thy most powerful intercession I have received such innumerable -graces and favours from the Almighty. Why then has not the -fervour of my devotion towards thee been equal to thy zeal in -succouring me in my necessities? Alas! the sense of my -ingratitude overwhelms me with shame and confusion; but accept, O -amiable Queen, of my determined resolution to love, honor and -serve thee with more fidelity for the future. -</p><p> -Receive, then, O sacred Virgin, the protestation I now make of -being hereafter entirely thine. Accept the unshaken confidence -which I place in thy clemency and goodness. Obtain for me, most -powerful advocate with thy dear Son, my Saviour, (who can refuse -thee nothing that is conducive to my salvation,) a lively faith, -a firm hope, and a generous, tender, and constant love. Procure -for me such a purity of soul and body as nothing can defile or -contaminate; such a profound humility as nothing can alter or -change; and such patience and submission to the will of heaven, -as nothing can perplex or disturb. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_171">{171}</a></span> -Lastly, most blessed Virgin, obtain for me such a faithful -imitation of thyself, in the practice of every virtue, during -life, as may procure for me thy powerful aid and protection at -the hour of death. Amen. -</p> -<p class="side"> - The following short ejaculatory Prayer to the BLESSED VIRGIN - MARY, has been recommended and experienced by many as an - excellent preventative against impure temptations. -</p><p> -Through thy sacred virginity and immaculate conception, O most -chaste Virgin, obtain for me purity of soul and body; in the name -of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. -</p> - - <h3>Pious Reflections<br> - For Every Day In The Month.</h3> - -<p class="side"> - <i>Translated from the French of the Rev. F. Bouhours.</i> -<br><br><br> - - The following reflections, on account of their conciseness and - simplicity, require neither much time nor application to be - read and understood. They do not merely regard the social - duties of mankind, like those of Epictetus or Seneca; they are - Christian thoughts on the important truths of religion, and the - most elevated maxims of the gospel. They are not only adapted - for such as, by retirement, are familiarized to the practice of - mental prayer; but likewise for those who, from their secular - occupations, are as yet but little versed in the use of - meditation. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_172">{172}</a></span> - Even worldlings are still capable of sometimes elevating their - thoughts to heaven; for, in whatever occupations persons may be - engaged, they may always find sufficient leisure for a short - lecture. If the multiplicity or urgency of the concerns of this - life will not afford you sufficient time for regular meditation, - you may at least suffer a good thought to take possession of - your mind, before the business of the day is entered upon. Such - is the design of these short reflections; and the method of - using them is as follows:—Every day in each month, after - having acquitted yourself of the indispensable duty of morning - prayer, place yourself again in the presence of God, and read - the Thoughts of the Day; but in order that you may the better - comprehend their meaning, read them with deliberation, and the - most profound attention. After reading the first article, allow - yourself a short interval for reflection before you pass on to - the second. Do not rest satisfied with barely conceiving the - truth of the maxim you read; but after ruminating seriously - upon it, apply it to yourself; and observe the same rule with - the second and third articles. But should the urgency of - business allow you but sufficient leisure merely to read them, - be satisfied, under the assurance that pious thoughts have the - same effect on the soul, as a seal has upon melted wax; for, - should they enter but ever so slightly into the mind, they will - always leave some impression behind. If you cannot find leisure - to read these Thoughts in the morning, read them at least in - the course of the day, or at night before you go to bed. The - Practical Resolutions immediately following the Thoughts, must - not be omitted. An act of virtue, or a short reflection, is - soon made. -<br><br> - The passages from the holy Scriptures and Fathers, at the close - of the Reflections, are, as it were, an abridgment or abstract of - the Thoughts of the Day; they collect, as in a focus, their whole - strength and sense in a few words. Being short and concise, they - are easily remembered; being pithy and affecting, they are - happily calculated to rouse, support, and nourish the soul - throughout the course of the day. They are as grains of - essence, which contain a strong and fragrant odour within a - small compass; or as an ingenious piece of mechanism, which can - execute a great deal of work in a very little time. Be not - content with reading these reflections once over; but read them - over and over again, month after month, till by making a - lasting impression on the mind, you may reap all the spiritual - advantages they are capable of producing; for there is always - something new to be found in the truths of religion; they are - mines which cannot be too deeply dug into; they are fountains - whose sources are inexhaustible; but they are also seeds which - produce little or no fruit, unless they take root by being - deeply planted in the heart. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_173">{173}</a></span> - - <h4><i>First Day</i>.—On Faith.</h4> -<p> -1. All that Faith teaches is grounded on the authority of the -word of God. It is from Christ himself that the church has -learned whatever she proposes to the faithful as the object of -their belief. When truth itself is the guide, one cannot go -astray; and there is nothing more reasonable than to submit -reason to faith. -</p><p> -2. Of what use is faith to a Christian, if it be not the rule of -his conduct? If it be the most consummate folly to doubt of a -doctrine which God has revealed, which so many martyrs have -sealed with their blood, and which the devils themselves have so -often confessed, is it not downright madness to believe this -doctrine, and yet to live as if it were supposed to be false? Not -to live conformable to our belief, is to believe just as the -damned do. -</p><p> -3. Faith, then, shall henceforth be the sole principle of my -actions, and the only rule of my life. Whatever it condemns, I -also absolutely condemn. In spite of every natural repugnance, I -will oppose the maxims of the gospel to those of the world, as -often as the occasion presents itself. What does the world -say?—<i>Follow</i> the natural bent of your inclinations, suffer -nothing, &c. But what doth Jesus Christ say?—quite the contrary. -But who is right—Jesus Christ or the world? -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_174">{174}</a></span> -<p class="side"> - Thank God for being incorporated with his church, and recite - the Creed slowly, as a solemn profession of your faith. -</p><p> -"Lord increase my faith." <i>Luke</i>, xvii. -</p><p> -"What doth it avail to believe like a Catholic, and yet to live -like a heathen?" <i>Peter Dam</i>. -</p> - - <h4><i>Second Day</i>.-— On the End of Man.</h4> -<p> -1. God alone is our last end; he did not create us but for -himself. Our hearts tell us that we were made for him; we cannot -disown it without belying ourselves. -</p><p> -2. Every one should have what justly belongs to him; let us then -give ourselves to God, since it is he that has a right to us. If -we be not his children of our own accord, we must be his slaves -in spite of us. We must of necessity live under the dominion of -his justice or his bounty. Which choice shall we make? -</p><p> -3. Every thing should tend to its proper object, and act -according to its nature. If the sun, which is made to shine, -refused its light to the world, it would be a monster in the -universe; nor is that heart less monstrous, which, being made for -God, doth still refuse to belong to him. Do I behave myself as a -creature which belongs to God? Are my thoughts and all my actions -directed to him? Ah, how little do I do, that may be called truly -done for God? What doth all the business in this world avail me, -if I forget the only affair for which I am come into it. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_175">{175}</a></span> -<p class="side"> - Make here a resolution of seeking God alone, and of depriving - him of nothing which he has a right to. -</p><p> -"Thou art my Lord and my God." <i>John</i>, xx. -</p><p> -"He requires you entirely, who hath made you entirely." <i>St. -Augustine</i>. -</p> - - <h4><i>Third Day</i>.—Contempt of the World.</h4> -<p> -1. From the moment we are attached to the world, we cease, in -some measure, to be Christians. This profane world, so -passionately fond of grandeur, of pleasure, of every thing that -can flatter self-love, is the capital enemy of Jesus Christ; -their maxims, their commandments, their interests, are quite -opposite; they cannot be obeyed at once, we must break off either -with one or with the other. -</p><p> -2. We cannot take part with the world, without a breach of the -promises we made at our baptism. When we renounced Satan and his -pomps, we bound ourselves down, by solemn oath, to trample under -foot whatever is greatest in the esteem of worldlings. What -perfidy! what sacrilege! to prefer the goods of the earth to -those of heaven, and to become idolaters of vanity. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_176">{176}</a></span> -<p> -3. The world has nothing worthy of an immortal soul; it has not -even wherewith to requite its most devoted servants. Its -treasures, its amusements, its honors, may indeed occupy and -disturb the heart of man, but they can never satisfy it. They -are, in reality, but false goods, vain shadows, and illusions; -or, to speak more properly, they are real evils. They make a man -wicked; they can never make him happy. The most brilliant fortune -is not only frail and dangerous, but is often a source of the -most painful uneasiness. There are sighs and sufferings upon the -throne, as well as in chains and dungeons. -</p><p class="side"> - Beg of God to destroy in you the spirit of the world, and give - you strength to despise its allurements. -</p><p> -"The figure of the world passeth away."—1 <i>Corinthians</i> -vii. -</p><p> -"Wo to those who adhere to what is transitory; because with those -things they themselves must pass away." <i>St. Augustine.</i> -</p> - - <h4><i>Fourth Day</i>.—Upon Death.</h4> -<p> -1. A Christian who does not lead the life of a Christian, has -great reason to be afraid of death. What a dreadful account must -he give after a worldly and sensual life! what bitter regret to -have lost the opportunities of saving himself! to die an enemy of -God! O dismal death! O dreadful moment, which concludes the -pleasures of time, to begin the pains of eternity. -</p><p> -2. What would we, at the hour of death, wish that we had done? -Let us do at present what we would then be glad we had done. -There is no time to lose: every moment may be the last of our -life. The longer we have lived, the nearer we approach to the -grave. Our death is not less distant, the more it has been put -off. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_177">{177}</a></span> -<p> -3. What will our notion of this earth he, when we are forced to -quit it? Let us now take advice from death; it is a faithful -counsellor; it will not deceive us. What will become of this -beauty, this money, this pleasure, this honour? What will be our -thoughts of them at the hour of death? In our life-time -appearances often deceive us; but at our death we shall see -things as they really are. Man, whilst alive, esteems the world; -man when dying despises it. But which should we reasonably -believe—man living, or man at the point of death? Ah! how -trifling will the world appear at the light of that torch which -faintly glimmers near the bed of death! But alas! it will then be -no longer time to undeceive ourselves. -</p><p class="side"> - - Think seriously on what you chiefly apprehend were you this - moment to die, and regulate it immediately. Accustom yourself - from this moment, to perform every action, as if you were to - die instantly after it. Above all things, observe this practice - in the use of the sacraments. -</p><p> -"Death and I are divided but a single step."<br> - 1 <i>Kings</i>, xx. -</p><p> -"There is no to-morrow for a Christian."<br> - <i>Tertullian.</i> -</p> - - <h4><i>Fifth Day</i>.—On the Last Judgment.</h4> -<p> -1. <i>I must one day appear before the tribunal of Jesus Christ, -to be there judged upon the good or evil I shall have done</i>. -There is nothing more formal nor express in the gospel than this -truth; I believe it as firmly as if the last trumpet had already -sounded to call up all the dead to judgment. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_178">{178}</a></span> -<p> -2. What shall we say at the sight of so many bad thoughts, of so -many criminal actions, of so many graces despised? O what a -terrible day is the day of God's wrath! where the inmost recesses -of the heart shall be openly exposed; where every fault shall be -strictly examined! If the just themselves shall be hardly found -just, what must become of unhappy sinners. -</p><p> -3. What sentence must an impenitent sinner expect from an -offended and inexorable God? O tremendous condemnation! <i>Depart -ye accursed, &c</i>, Alas! where shall these miserable wretches -go, to whom you thus give your malediction? To what part of the -world shall they retire when they withdraw from you? Where can -there be so miserable a dwelling? To be banished from the -presence of God! to be accursed of God! O what a shocking -destiny! -</p><p class="side"> - - Imagine yourself now before the tribunal of Christ. What are - you most ashamed of at this very moment? Reflect seriously on - it, and remember that all your secret sins shall be exposed at - the day of Judgment, if you do not here efface them by a - sincere repentance. -</p><p> - -"Who shall be able to stand before the face of his wrath?"<br> - <i>Nahum</i>, i. -</p><p> -"Wo even to the praiseworthy life, if without mercy, O God, thou -shalt examine it."<br> - <i>St. Augustine</i>. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_179">{179}</a></span> - - <h4><i>Sixth Day</i>.—Upon Hell.</h4> -<p> -1. How great would be our horror, if the shrieks of the -damned—if their groans and blasphemies could reach us! They roar -like wild beasts; they accuse themselves of their sins; they -bewail—they detest them. But it is too late; their tears but add -new strength to the fire that torments them. O repentance of the -damned! how rigorous art thou! but ah! how fruitless! -</p><p> -2. Never to see God! to be burning in flames for ever! the blood -boiling in our veins, the marrow in our bones! to be trampled on -by the devils! to have all that is hideous for ever before our -eyes! to have rage, anguish, and despair eternally rooted in our -heart, without comfort or mitigation! O what a life! -</p><p> -3. These wretches are outrageous at having had so many -opportunities of saving themselves, and for having neglected -them. The recollection of their past pleasure is one of their -most sensible torments. But nothing more keenly gnaws them, than -the impossibility of forgetting that God whom by their fault, -they have miserably forfeited. -</p> -<p class="side"> - Go down in spirit into hell, and inquire of the damned what is - it that has made them fall into it. Question them upon their - present state, and learn of them to fear God and your own - danger. -</p><p> - -"Which of you can dwell with devouring flames."<br> - <i>Isaiah</i>, xxxiii. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_180">{180}</a></span> -<p> -"The impious pass from one punishment to another—from the -burnings of concupiscence to the flames of hell."<br> - <i>St. Augustine.</i> -</p><p> - - <h4><i>Seventh Day</i>.—On the Eternal Torments of the Damned.</h4> -<p> -1. Can the wrath of God go farther than punishing pleasures which -are so soon over, by tortures which will never have an end? To be -miserable while ever God is God!—can any misery be like it? Is -it not enough that the evils of the damned are extreme? Must they -still, besides this, be eternal? To be hurt by the point of a -pin, is trifling in itself; yet were this pain to last always, it -would become insupportable: <i>What shall it be then, &c</i>. -</p><p> -2. O eternity! when a damned soul shall have shed tears enough to -make up all the rivers and seas in the world, did he shed but one -tear in every hundred years, he shall not be more advanced, after -so many millions of ages, than if he had only just began to -suffer. He must begin again, as if he had yet suffered nothing; -and when he shall have begun as often as there are grains of sand -on the seashore, or atoms in the air, or leaves on the trees, he -shall still be as far off from the end of his sufferings as ever. -</p><p> -3. The damned must not only suffer during eternity, but suffer -every moment an eternity entire. Eternity is always present to -them; it enters into their punishment; their mind is incessantly -struck with the endless duration of their torments. O cruel -thought! O deplorable condition!—to rage for an eternity!—to -burn for an eternity! Ah, that we could conceive this, as those -damned souls conceive it. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_181">{181}</a></span> -<p class="side"> - Make an act of faith upon the duration of the punishments which - the justice of God inflicts for mortal sin. We must at least - believe, what we are not able to conceive. It is a great - misfortune for a Christian not to be persuaded of this - eternity, but by his own sad experience. -</p><p> - -"Those who do not obey the gospel,<br> -shall suffer eternal punishment."<br> - 2 <i>Thessalonians </i> i. -</p><p> -"Momentary is that which delights,<br> -eternal is that which tortures."<br> - <i>St. Chrysostom.</i> -</p> - - <h4><i>Eighth Day</i>.—On Heaven.</h4> -<p> -1. Heaven! thou glorious state! no heart can conceive, no tongue -can describe what thou art! Exemption from all that is evil; -assemblage of all that is good; masterpiece of God's omnipotence; -the price of the blood of Jesus; and more than man can desire. -</p><p> -2. To see God clearly, and as he is in his glory; to love God -without measure; to possess God without ever fearing to lose him; -to be happy in the felicity of God himself; such is the object of -my hope. But a day or two of pilgrimage or exile, and then I -shall be with him for ever. -</p><p> -3. What matters it how we fare here below, provided we be with -Jesus for all eternity? Can I justly complain that a never-ending -happiness should cost me so little? The martyrs purchased heaven -at the price of their blood, and thought it was given them for -nothing. Shall not I then sacrifice my corrupt will for it? O -happy eternity! if men only knew what thou art worth. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_182">{182}</a></span> -<p class="side"> - Excite within yourself a great desire of heaven, and behold the - earth with a proportionable contempt. Were you filled with a - proper sense of it, nothing here below could allure or disturb - you. -</p><p> - -"I shall be satisfied when thy glory shall appear."<br> - <i>Psalm</i> xvi. -</p><p> -"If the labour terrifies, the reward invites."<br> - <i>St. Bernard</i>. -</p> - - <h4><i>Ninth Day</i>.—On the Presence of God.</h4> -<p> -1. God at this moment beholds me, as if I were alone in the -world; or rather, he is within me as an eye infinitely -enlightened, which observes me attentively, and which nothing can -escape. He sees me as clearly as he comprehends himself, and with -as intense an application, as if he ceased to contemplate -himself, in order to study me. -</p><p> -2. Ought I not to be infinitely more ashamed that my sins should -appear in his sight, than that they should be exposed to the eyes -of the whole world? Would I commit in the presence of a servant, -what I dare commit before the King of kings? O what blindness to -fear so much the eyes of men, and so little the eyes of God! -</p><p> -3. The most obscure darkness can never conceal me from light -itself; the most distant and solitary retreats are always filled -with the divine Majesty. Let me shun, as much as I please, the -sight and the company of men, I will find God every where. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_183">{183}</a></span> -<p class="side"> - Put yourself in the presence of God, and see whether there may - be any thing in you that may offend his eyes. The most powerful - remedy against sin, is to say frequently within yourself, "God is - looking at me:" there needs no more to restrain you in the - greatest violence of temptation. -</p><p> - -"All things are clear and open to his eyes."<br> - <i>Hebrews</i>, iv. -</p><p> -"If you be determined to commit sin, seek first a place where God -will not see you, and then do what you please."<br> - <i>St. Augustine.</i> -</p> - - <h4><i>Tenth Day</i>.—Care of our Salvation.</h4> -<p> -1. The affair of Salvation is, properly speaking, the only -business of man; every other concern, when compared with it, -should be accounted as nothing. The enterprises of kings, their -negotiations, &c, are as the amusements and the triflings of -children. The important and the only affair, therefore, is to -serve God, and thereby save our souls: the whole good—the whole -perfection of man consists in this. It would be irrational, and -therefore degrading to man, to neglect an affair whose -consequences are so great, whose success is so uncertain, and -whose loss is irreparable. What blindness! what folly! to think -only of living, and not to think of living well! to apply so much -time to making our fortune, and so little to the saving of our -soul! "What doth it avail a man to gain the whole world, if he -lose his own soul?" -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_184">{184}</a></span> -<p> -2. All creatures are made but for our salvation; they become -useless when not employed for that great end: so that from the -moment a man ceases to labour for his salvation, the sun also -should cease to shine, the planets should stop in their course, -the earth should no longer support him, the angels should abandon -him; he should fall back into his original nothing. He is -unworthy of life, when he liveth not for God. -</p><p> -3. However, the greater part of mankind think less of saving -themselves than of any thing else. Every other business is -carefully attended to, except the affair of salvation. All other -concerns are turned to account. This sum of money must be put out -to interest; this field must be tilled; these lands must be let -at a more considerable rent. All other losses are bewailed, -except the one without resource. Great expenses are incurred for -the body, and nothing at all is done for the soul: from the -manner in which we live, it should seem that our soul does not -really belong to us, but that it is the soul of our most mortal -enemy, or the soul of some brute; or rather, that we have a soul -just merely to destroy it. -</p> -<p class="side"> - Make now a firm resolution to save your soul, let it cost you - what pains it will: be of the same sentiment with a certain - pontiff, who, when a king had asked something of him, which - could not be granted without sin, replied: "If I had two souls, - I would give one of them to thee. O Prince, but as I have only - one, I do not choose to forfeit it." -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_185">{185}</a></span> -<p> -"Moreover, one thing is necessary."<br> - <i>Luke</i>, x. -</p><p> -"Where there is the loss of salvation,<br> -there surely there can be no gain."<br> - <i>St. Euch</i>. -</p> - - <h4><i>Eleventh Day</i>.—On Horror for Sin.</h4> -<p> -1. How great a loss is the loss of God! Men think themselves -unfortunate when they lose all their possession at law, or by -bankruptcy, or by some other accident. What is it, then, to lose -an infinite God! Unhappy the soul which loses its God by sin; but -far more unhappy the soul who considers this loss as nothing. -</p><p> -2. O sin! how common art thou among men! but how little at the -same time art thou known to them! Playing and amusing themselves, -they become the execration of God. And what play—what amusement -is this? God, who is all love, detests sin with infinite hatred: -should any thing, therefore, be so shocking in our eyes as this -hellish monster. -</p><p> -3. A soul in the state of grace, is beautiful beyond expression! -it is a brilliant image of God himself; the Holy Ghost animates -it. But when mortal sin is allowed to infect it, its beauty is -lost, its light is extinguished, the Divine Spirit departs, the -devil takes possession; all then is darkness, filth, and -deformity. If a God-man dying was a dreadful spectacle, mortal -sin is yet more dreadful; for Christ died but to atone for sin, -and sin can daily frustrate all his merits; he is crucified over -and over; his blood is trampled upon by ungrateful sinners. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_186">{186}</a></span> -<p class="side"> - O detest at this moment all your sins. Lament from your heart - the loss of God's grace; there is no loss so much to be - lamented; it is the only loss which sorrow can repair. -</p><p> - -"What advantage had you in those things at which you are now -blushing?"<br> - <i>Romans</i> vi. -</p><p> -"Wo to that daring soul, which hoped that having retired from -you, she might still find something better."<br> - <i>St. Augustine</i>. -</p> - - <h4><i>Twelfth Day</i>.—On Repentance.</h4> -<p> -1. "Repent, and believe the Gospel." Our Lord here joins faith -and repentance together, in order to teach us, that the rigours -of penance, and the profession of Christianity, are inseparable. -During his mortal life he was a penitent God, ever occupied in -expiating our sins, to appease the justice of his eternal Father. -Surely, we should follow his example. If the Holy of Holies -fasted, prayed, and wept, what should not be done by such vile -wretches as we are? -</p><p> -2. Sin must necessarily be punished, either by him who commits, -or by God, against whom it is committed. If sinners do not punish -themselves in time, the Divine Justice will punish them in -eternity. The flames of hell must punish what the waters of -penance have not effaced. Is it not, therefore, better to weep -for a few days, than to burn for eternity. -</p><p> -3. To be reconciled with God, it is not enough to prostrate -ourselves before a priest, cover our heads with ashes, and our -whole bodies with hair-cloth. If we have not a sincere sorrow for -our sins, if we do not entirely renounce our criminal -attachments, we are impostors, and not penitents. Prayers, alms, -fastings, and macerations of the flesh, are but the outside of -repentance; the hatred of sin is its very spirit and essence. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_187">{187}</a></span> -<p class="side"> - Implore God's mercy for having hitherto led a life so opposite - to the Gospel: and beg of him the grace to live for the future - as the first Christians did, in the constant practice of - penance. -</p><p> - -"Unless you do penance, you shall all perish alike."<br> - <i>Luke</i>, xiii. -</p><p> -"To penitents, I say, To what purpose is it that you be humbled, -if with this you be not changed?"<br> - <i>St. Augustine.</i> -</p> - - <h4><i>Thirteenth Day.</i>—On Delay of Conversion.</h4> -<p> -1. By deferring so long to give myself up to God, it should seem -as if I intended to escape out of his hand. Is it then a -misfortune to belong to him? To-morrow! to-morrow!—Why not -to-day? why not at this very moment? Will my chains be more -easily broken to-morrow? will my heart be less hard?—No, -certainly. Time, that weakens every thing else, adds new strength -to bad habits. By putting off the remedy, the complaint becomes -incurable. -</p><p> -2. What is it that prevents our obeying the voice that calls us -to repentance? What is it that terrifies us? That there is great -difficulty in changing our lives, must certainly be granted; but -what should not a Christian do, who adores a crucified God, and -who looks up to heaven? If we have any thing to fear, it should -be the abuse of God's graces. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_188">{188}</a></span> -<p> -3. There is time to come; but can I call it mine? Is it a -possession I am master of? God waits for me, it is true—the -scriptures tell me so—but still they do not tell me how long I -am to live. He that promised pardon to those who repent, has not -promised another day to those who continue in their vices. -Perhaps I shall have time, and perhaps I shall not. Must not I -have lost my senses, to trust my salvation to a mere -<i>perhaps?</i> -</p> -<p class="side"> - Reflect now upon the time you have been deferring your - conversion to God, and tremble at the sight of your danger. -</p><p> - -"I said: now I have begun."<br> -<i>Psalm</i> lxxix. -</p><p> -"We cannot be too cautious, where eternity is at stake."<br> - <i>St. Gregory</i>. -</p> - - <h4><i>Fourteenth Day,</i>—On Human Respect.</h4> -<p> -1. What will the world say? Let it say what it will: should the -talk of fools hinder you from being wise? But what will my -acquaintance say? They will say, that you fear God more than you -fear man; the greatest libertines will secretly admire you, and -acknowledge within themselves that you are doing right. But what -matters it, after all, what people may say of you, provided you -do your duty, and that God be satisfied? -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_189">{189}</a></span> -<p> -2. O what cowardice, to blush at the gospel? To wear the livery -of a prince is held honourable: is it then shameful to wear that -of Jesus Christ? The lowest mechanics make open profession of the -trades they follow; and yet Christians, in the church, blush at -being thought Christians! The Son of God will deny before his -Father in heaven, the Christian that shall have denied him before -men. -</p><p> -3. What then? Is there any thing in Jesus that you should be -ashamed of? Is his name infamous? Is it a disgrace to follow his -maxims and example? You are not ashamed, perhaps, of being a -libertine, a drunkard, a blasphemer; you may probably even glory -in it; and yet you blush at being a good man. But let people say -what they will, the man that is most esteemed is he who serves -God with most fidelity, and who openly professes himself to be a -follower of Christ. -</p> -<p class="side"> - Ask yourself seriously whether this phantom of the world doth - not frighten you, and prevent your fulfilling the obligations - which the Christian religion imposes. -</p><p> - -"I do not blush at the gospel."<br> - <i>Romans</i> i. -</p><p> -"Why should you fear or be ashamed,<br> -when armed with the sign of the cross?"<br> - <i>St. Aug.</i> -</p> - - <h4><i>Fifteenth Day.</i>—Diffidence in Ourselves.</h4> -<p> -1. We have nothing to fear so much as ourselves. Our own weakness -is more alarming than the united powers of hell. A thought, a -word, a single look is enough to overcome us. Angels have -rebelled, Adam hath fallen, Solomon hath bowed to idols, Peter -hath denied his Master. When cedars have yielded, how shall -osiers stand? -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_190">{190}</a></span> -<p> -2. Our own heart is our most dangerous enemy; our senses and our -passions are always conspiring against us; we are vanquished -almost without a struggle. Let us then never be so weak or -foolish as to trust to ourselves. Many whom torments could not -shake, have wretchedly perished in a slight temptation: they were -victorious over tyrants, but vanquished by concupiscence. -</p><p> -3. There is no man, of how exemplary soever a conduct, that -should not tremble at the justice of God, because he cannot be -certain whether he be worthy of love or hatred. To the all-seeing -eye of Infinite Perfection, the very angels themselves shall not -appear without blemish. Sanctity may be lost in a single moment, -and the saint may be transformed into an odious reprobate. We -should all, therefore, cry out with St. Philip of Neri: "Watch -me, O Lord, this day, for abandoned to myself I shall surely -betray thee." -</p> -<p class="side"> - Beware of the occasions of sin; the most dangerous are often - what you are least afraid of. -</p><p> - -"Let him who thinks he stands,<br> -take heed lest he fall."<br> - 1 <i>Corinthians</i> iv. -</p><p> -"Though you be in a place of safety,<br> -do not on that account think yourself secure."<br> - <i>St. Bernard.</i> -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_191">{191}</a></span> - - <h4><i>Sixteenth Day.</i>—Use of Divine Grace.</h4> -<p> -1. Whatever grace we have, was dearly purchased: our Saviour gave -his blood for it. Wherefore to reject a pious thought, to resist -an holy inspiration, is, in fact, to trample on the merits of -Christ, and to frustrate, as much as we can, the ends he proposed -to himself in dying for us. -</p><p> -2. We are accountable to God, not only for the graces we have -received, but also for those which he intended to confer on us, -provided we ourselves had not put an obstacle to them. His sun -shines, but we shut our windows against it. Are we the less -indebted to him for its light?—No; for we may, if we please, -make use of it. -</p><p> -3. Many years, perhaps, has God been inviting us in vain; -soliciting, reprehending, and threatening us, to no manner of -purpose. But let us remember, that he is a <i>creditor</i> who -will not thus be put off, and that the longer our debt is unpaid, -the more strictly will he require the interest. There is possibly -a measure of sins which may force him at last to abandon us. -</p> -<p class="side"> - Thank the Almighty now for all his gifts and graces. Beg pardon - for having been unfaithful to him, and resolve to correspond with - docility, to all the suggestions of his grace for the future. -</p><p> - -"From him to whom much hath been given,<br> -much will be required."<br> - <i>Luke</i>, xii. -</p><p> -"Grace is followed by judgment."<br> - <i>St. Basil.</i> -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_192">{192}</a></span> - - <h4><i>Seventeenth Day</i>.—Good Use of Time.</h4> -<p> -1. The loss of time is one of the greatest misfortunes in the -world. This life is so short! all its moments so precious! yet we -live as if it were never to end, or as if we had nothing to fear -hereafter. -</p><p> -2. Alas! if a damned soul had but one single moment of the time -we now squander away, what good use would he make of it! Every -instant of our life we may purchase a happy eternity. The -opportunity of enriching or amusing ourselves we never miss; but -the means of salvation appear to us indifferent. -</p><p> -3. The day that is best employed, is not always the one that has -most forwarded our temporal affairs, but that which has added -most to our merits, and which God has been best pleased with. Let -us always so regulate our time, that God and our salvation may be -our constant objects. -</p> -<p class="side"> - Renew the resolution you have taken to serve God faithfully; - and be firmly persuaded, that the time which is not employed - for God, is no more than so much time lost for ever. -</p><p> - -"God hath given to no person time for sinning."<br> - <i>Ecclesiastes</i> xv. -</p><p> -"You have leisure to become a philosopher;<br> -you have none to become a Christian."<br> - <i>St. Paul.</i> -</p> - - <h4><i>Eighteenth Day</i>.—Use of the Sacraments.</h4> -<p> -1. The sacraments are the channels of divine grace; through them -the merits of Christ abundantly flow into our souls. We must -therefore take care to approach them worthily; for otherwise his -merits will not avail us, nor will our salvation of course be -possible. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_193">{193}</a></span> -<p> -2. The abuse of the sacraments is an evil of the first magnitude. -They were instituted as the means of life; but, when perverted, -lead to eternal death. There is no medium; they must be either -our food or our poison. How dreadful then must it be to reflect, -that after so many confessions we should be so little improved, -that after repeated communions we should still follow the same -sinful course! -</p><p> -3. The unworthy communicant receives his own condemnation, and -becomes, as it were, incorporated with his own ruin. What answer -can he give when called to account for his baseness? How shall he -hope to escape, when arraigned for such daring profanations? -</p> -<p class="side"> - Examine yourself carefully upon the use you have made of the - sacraments, and receive them for the future, as if death were - immediately approaching. -</p><p> - -"Let a man prove himself."<br> - 1 <i>Corinthians</i>. -</p><p> -"There are bad Christians, who are called by the name of -faithful, and who are not such; by whom the sacraments of Christ -are dishonoured and profaned."<br> - <i>St. Augustine.</i> -</p> - - <h4><i>Nineteenth Day</i>.—On the Mass.</h4> -<p> -1. A sacrifice is an exterior or visible offering made by a -lawful minister to God alone, in testimony of his supreme -dominion. Our absolute dependance on God, and the homage we owe -him, render sacrifice essential to religion. Hence, from the -beginning of the world it has been always offered: Abel, Noah, -Melchisedech, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, have sacrificed to the -Almighty; and a variety of sacrifices were prescribed in the -written law of Moses. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_194">{194}</a></span> -<p> -2. All these however, were only weak figures of the sacrifice of -Christ upon the cross; for sin was too great an evil, its guilt -was of too black a die to be ever removed by the blood of sheep -and oxen. No other atonement could possibly compensate for its -enormity, than the excruciating sufferings of a God; therefore -did he come. "In the head of the book it was written of him, that -he should do the will of his Father." By the one oblation of -himself he paid off all our debts, closed up the abyss of -separation, cancelled the hand-writing of sin that lay against -us, and the sanctified he perfected for ever. -</p><p> -3. Was not this enough? Most undoubtedly it was; nay, one drop of -his blood was fully adequate to all these purposes. Why then is -the same sacrifice daily renewed in the Mass? Why is he still -immolated upon our altars? Why is his body mystically drained of -his blood, by the separate consecrations of the two species? -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_195">{195}</a></span> -Because his love for us would have it so; he would leave us a -standing memorial of his death; he would daily apply to our souls -the infinite merits thereof, just as he prays for us still, -though his prayer on the cross was already heard for us; he -would, as a priest for ever, according to the order of -Melchisedech, continue to the end of time the same unbloody -sacrifice; he was willing that his faithful on earth, united not -only in spirit, but in outward ties of religion, should ever have -this sacrifice before them, as the strongest bond of love, and -the most perfect act of adoration. -</p> -<p class="side"> - Make a resolution to hear Mass every day, and to hear it with - the devotion which so august a sacrifice requires. For this - purpose go to the church as you would to Mount Calvary; adore - Jesus Christ in his state of humiliation: pay him your homage - with fervour at the foot of the altar. It is shameful in us and - most displeasing to him, that he should be so much deserted in - the midst of our churches, and that his court should be so - empty, whilst earthly kings have their levees crowded. -</p><p> - -"In every place there is a sacrifice,<br> -and a pure victim is offered to my name."<br> - <i>Malic</i>. i. -</p><p> -"He will then be our victim indeed,<br> -when we sacrifice ourselves to him."<br> - <i>St. Gregory</i>. -</p> - - <h4><i>Twentieth Day</i>.—On Alms Deeds.</h4> -<p> -1. We minister to Christ when we relieve the poor. He abides in -the Eucharist to receive our adoration, and to become our -nourishment; he abides in the poor to excite our compassion, and -to be fed by us in our turn. Happy the man who gives alms to -Jesus! but wretched is he who refuses to assist him. Shall we -feed our dog, and let Christ famish with hunger! -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_196">{196}</a></span> -<p> -2. What we give to the great ones of the earth may, in a great -measure, be considered as forfeited: but what we present to God -is always attended with advantage. He gives it back with -interest. He repays with liberality the crumbs that are given for -his sake; his rewards are laid up even for <i>a cup of cold -water</i>. Play, luxury, and debauch, have ruined innumerable -families, but alms have impoverished no one. -</p><p> -3. Men at the day of judgment shall be accountable for their -alms; but what answer can the unfeeling rich ones make when the -poor shall accuse them, when Jesus Christ himself shall reproach -them with their insensibility? "Go, ye accursed, into eternal -fire: I was hungry, and you gave me not to eat; I was naked, and -you did not clothe me," &c. A heart that is hard to the poor, is -the heart of a reprobate; but on the contrary, a soul that is -truly charitable, is a soul predestined. What can our Judge say -against us, when he shall see our clothes upon himself, when he -shall see our bread and our money in his own hands? We shall -approach his awful tribunal with confidence, provided the poor be -our advocates. -</p> -<p class="side"> - Consider seriously how you behave to the poor; whether you - treat them as members of Jesus Christ, by doing them all the - good in your power. -</p><p> - -"He gives at interest to the Lord,<br> -who has pity on the poor."<br> - <i>Proverbs</i> xix. -</p><p> -"Give unto all, lest he whom you refuse should be Jesus Christ."<br> - <i>St. Augustine</i>. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_197">{197}</a></span> - - <h4><i>Twenty-first Day</i>—On Bad Example.</h4> -<p> -1. Bad example has damned more souls than the preaching and good -example of all the saints together have been the means of saving. -</p><p> -2. Were the gates of hell to be laid open, scarcely would any one -be found that would not say, <i>it is such or such-a-one that has -damned me</i>. O what a reproach! We are commanded to love our -enemies: why then should we destroy souls which have never done -us an injury? A man who has been unfortunate enough to ruin souls -redeemed by the blood of a God, hath much reason to fear for his -salvation. What can we reasonably hope from Jesus Christ, after -having torn from him what he hath so dearly purchased? O fathers -and mothers, who do not live as Christians ought to live, it were -far better for your children that they had never been born! You -have given them life only to put them to death; that dreadful -death which is eternal! When they shall require of you the heaven -they have lost, what will you he able to answer them? -</p><p> -3. Let us clothe ourselves with Jesus Christ, according to the -words of the apostle; let his conduct, his virtue, and his spirit -shine forth in us, so that <i>he</i> may be remembered when we -are seen. We contribute not less to our neighbour's salvation by -an edifying life, than we do to his damnation by a scandalous -one. -</p> -<p class="side"> - Be very careful to do nothing that may scandalize your - neighbour; and humbly beg pardon of God for the sins you have - occasioned. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_198">{198}</a></span> -<p> -"Wo be to the man by whom scandal cometh."<br> - <i>St. Matt</i>. xviii. -</p><p> -"The scandalous sinner must answer for the crimes which his bad -example hath caused to be committed."<br> - <i>Salvian</i>. -</p> - - <h4><i>Twenty-second Day</i>.—On Mortification.</h4> -<p> -1. We are not Christians merely to be rich and to live at our -ease. It was not necessary to institute Christianity for that -purpose: the world might have been left as it was, under the -empire of passion and opinion. The life of a Christian is a -crucified life: unless the cross be embraced, faith must be -renounced. -</p><p> -2. What doth the gospel say? "Blessed are those who weep: wo be -to you, O rich, who have your consolation in this world!" Such is -the language of the Holy Ghost. But it is now looked on as -nonsense to believe that felicity consists in tears, and that the -rich are unhappy. -</p><p> -3. The Son of God was to die on the cross, that he might take -possession of his glory; the saints have arrived at heaven by the -path of sufferings. Shall we then imagine that what the Son of -God and the saints have so dearly purchased, shall be given to us -for nothing? No; the cross is the distinctive mark and portion of -the elect: a soul which suffers nothing, and is resolved to -suffer nothing, bears the strongest character of a reprobate. We -must of necessity suffer in this world or in the next. -</p><p class="side"> - Adore Christ crucified, and beg of him the grace to participate - now in his suffering life, that you may be one day a partaker in - his life of glory. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_199">{199}</a></span> -<p> -"Whoever doth not carry his cross is not worthy of me."<br> - <i>Luke</i>, xiv. -</p><p> -"What a shame to be a delicate member -of a head crowned with thorns."<br> - <i>St. Bernard.</i> -</p> - - <h4><i>Twenty-third Day</i>.—On Conformity to the Will of God.</h4> -<p> -1. The greatest happiness of a rational creature is, to will that -which his Creator willeth. It is in this, precisely, that real -sanctity consists. The saints are saints only because their will -corresponded with the will of God. Whatever virtue we may -possess, if we have not that of conformity to the divine will, we -are not truly virtuous. -</p><p> -2. A soul that is not satisfied with the will of God, seems to -doubt, in some measure, of his authority. To desire that what he -ordains and permits in this world should go on otherwise than it -does, is to desire that God should not be master. Every thing -that happens to us, happens by his order; and is it not just to -acquiesce in whatever is ordained by infinite wisdom? -</p><p> -3. All things but sin fall out by God's appointment. Though his -arm be raised to strike, we are sure that his hand is conducted -by his heart. What have we to fear from a heart that loves us? We -will then desire nothing but what he pleases; we will not -complain of losses, sickness, trouble, &c. The name and the -nature of these things are changed as they pass through the hands -of God. What the world calls misfortunes, affliction, dishonour, -is an advantage, a grace, and a favour from heaven, when -considered in the order of providence. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_200">{200}</a></span> -<p class="side"> - Renounce your own will, and beg of God that his maybe - accomplished in you. -</p><p> - -"Be it so, Father, because it is thy will."<br> - <i>Matthew</i> xi. -</p><p> -"He is pleasing to God,<br> -to whom God is pleasing."<br> - <i>St. Augustine.</i> -</p> - - <h4><i>Twenty-fourth Day</i>.—Confidence in God.</h4> -<p> -1. God is the greatest parent of mankind; our Lord Jesus Christ -has taught us to call him <i>Father</i>. Not a hair can even drop -from our heads without his knowledge. His providence reaches from -end to end, disposing all things sweetly. What madness, -therefore, to doubt of his protection, or to be slow in trusting -ourself to his guidance! -</p><p> -2. The <i>insects</i> are an object of his care; how much more we -who are created to his image, and redeemed by the blood of his -only-begotten Son! If God feed the infidels, who know him not; if -he heaps favours on the impious, by whom he is blasphemed, what -will he not do for Christians who honour and love him? -</p><p> -3. Our affairs are much better off when in his hands, than they -can be in our own: let us therefore leave them all at his -disposal. He is at the same time our Father and our Creator. The -tenderness he has for his children obliges him to take care of -them. He has promised us his protection; he will then be as good -as his word. Sooner shall the heavens and the earth he destroyed, -than that man should perish, who places his confidence in God. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_201">{201}</a></span> -<p class="side"> - Examine your heart, and see whether your confidence be worthy - of the goodness of God, and the merits of Jesus Christ. -</p><p> - -"Thou art my God: my lot is in thy hands."<br> - <i>Psalm</i> xxx. -</p><p> -"Throw yourself upon him,<br> -he will not withdraw to let you fall."<br> - <i>St. Augustine.</i> -</p> - - <h4><i>Twenty-fifth Day.</i>—On the Love of God.</h4> -<p> -1. God has loved us to such a degree, as to give us his only Son: -had he any thing better he would have given it us. Is it not -buying our love too dearly, to purchase it at so dear a rate? A -trifling bounty from a fellow-creature is entitled to our love; -why, then, shall we not love a bounty that is infinite? Why doth -its being infinite render it less amiable? -</p><p> -2. God has strictly enjoined me to love him. Is a commandment -rigorous, which orders us to love what is infinitely worthy of -our affections? He commands us to love him with all our hearts. -Is a heart so small as mine, too much for a God so great? But in -saying <i>all</i>, he admits of no exception. Whatever share I -give him, if I give him not all, I give him nothing. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_202">{202}</a></span> -<p> -3. If eternity could have an end, the torments of the damned in -hell, even to the day of judgment, would not be too much to -obtain this heavenly love. There is not one of these miserable -souls that would not think itself happy, provided that, after -ages of sufferings, it could love that infinite beauty. We can -love God if we please: every moment invites us to it. Not to do -so while it can be done, is a monstrous insensibility. -</p> -<p class="side"> - Disclaim every love but that of God alone, and endeavour to - love him above all things. -</p><p> - -"If I have not charity, I am nothing."<br> - 1 <i>Corinthians</i> xiii. -</p> - - <h4><i>Twenty-sixth Day</i>.—Love of Jesus Christ.</h4> -<p> -1. Nothing was ever purchased at so dear a rate as my soul. A -divine life was given to redeem it. I deserved hell: justice -cried out for punishment; but Christ would listen only to the -emotions of his heart: it pleaded in my behalf, and I obtained -forgiveness. If I return him not life for life, the least I can -do is to return him love for love. -</p><p> -2. The dog that I feed, watches, caresses, and attends me: Jesus -has given his blood for me, and continues to give me himself; yet -I am still insensible. Learn, then, ungrateful soul! learn, I -say, thy duty from a brute! thy dog is thy teacher and thy judge. -If his example reform not thy heart, thou art more brutal than -he. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_203">{203}</a></span> -<p> -3. We can feel for our friends; we are not insensible of the good -they do us; we pique ourselves upon gratitude. Shall we then be -ungrateful only to Christ? Shall he alone find us hard-hearted? -Had we ever a friend that sacrificed himself for us? -</p> -<p class="side"> - Beg the love of Jesus from Jesus himself. Without his grace we - shall never be able to love him. -</p><p> - -"If any one love not the Lord Jesus,<br> -let him be accursed."<br> - 1 <i>Corinthians</i> vi. -</p><p> -"If I belong to him entirely for having created me, what shall I -add for having been redeemed, and redeemed in so excellent a -manner?"<br> - <i>St. Bernard.</i> -</p> - - <h4><i>Twenty-seventh Day</i>.—Love of our Neighbour.</h4> -<p> -1. If we love not our neighbour, we cannot love God. Whatever -good we do, is to no purpose, if we do not love our brethren. -Even martyrdom itself will not avail us, without charity. -</p><p> -2. "This is my commandment," said Jesus, "that you love one -another, as I have loved you." Had mankind nothing else than -Christ's love to endear them, they are objects of esteem for that -very reason. Since our Saviour has loved them, shall we refuse to -do so? -</p><p> -3. Do we love all men as Christ has loved them? Do we thirst for -their salvation as he did? Do we do by them as we would be done -by? -</p> -<p class="side"> - Excite yourself to love those whom our Lord Jesus Christ has - loved so tenderly: firmly purpose to promote their salvation, - and never to do what may offend against charity. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_204">{204}</a></span> -<p> -"He that loveth his neighbour hath fulfilled the law."<br> - <i>Romans</i> xiii. -</p><p> -"By charity alone, the children of God are -distinguished from the children of Satan."<br> - <i>St. Augustine.</i> -</p> - - <h4><i>Twenty-eighth Day.</i>—Love of our Enemies.</h4> -<p> -1. So essential is charity to the Christian religion, that we are -obliged to love even our enemies; Christ hath given the -commandment, and set the example. God orders it, and shall we -find it hard to obey? A God forgives his very executioners, and -shall we refuse to pardon a brother? -</p><p> -2. "He that will not forgive, shall not be forgiven." God will -not pardon us, but on the condition that we pardon others. If we -seek revenge, we call down God's anger upon us. We must either -love our enemies, or hate ourselves. -</p><p> -3. It should seem that two Christians who hate each other, are -not really professors of the same religion; for how can they -approach the same altar, eat the same food, believe the same -heaven, and hope to be together eternally? Mutual hatred is -allowed but to devils: it belongs to them alone. There is not a -more formal sign of reprobation, than that of refusing to pardon -an enemy; and a soul in such a disposition may be looked on as -marked for hell. -</p> -<p class="side"> - Examine your heart at the sight of the crucifix; and if you - feel a hatred for any person, take sentiments of charity from - the wounds of Jesus. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_205">{205}</a></span> -<p> -"He that hates his brother is a murderer."<br> -1 <i>John</i>, iii. 15. -</p><p> -"You a Christian, and yet desire to be revenged! -But Christ hath not yet taken vengeance."<br> - <i>St. Augustine.</i> -</p> - - <h4><i>Twenty-ninth Day</i>.—Imitation of Christ.</h4> -<p> -1. The Son of God, when he united his divinity to our human -nature, became the model of Christians. He is the head of the -predestined; we are therefore bound to resemble him. -</p><p> -2. The manners of the world are carefully studied; but the life -of Jesus Christ is hardly thought upon. Courtiers form themselves -upon their prince; philosophers have been imitated even in their -faults. Did we ever seriously strive to imitate Jesus? Have we -taken any pains to follow his example, or to copy after the -virtues of his holy life? -</p><p> -3. What shall we say for ourselves at the awful tribunal of -Divine Justice, when we shall be compared to our model; when the -life of Jesus shall be opposed to our life; his humility to our -pride; his wounds to our delicacy; his sweetness to our anger and -impatience, &c.? Ah! what a monster is a Christian without -Christianity! baptized, and a slave of the devil! under the -banners of the cross, yet a follower of the flesh and the world! -We must then renounce our baptism, or conform to the life of our -Saviour. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_206">{206}</a></span> -<p class="side"> - See whether you bear any resemblance to the Son of God, and - whether you may be truly considered as a disciple of a - crucified Jesus. -</p><p> - -"Master, I will follow thee wheresoever thou goest."<br> - <i>Matthew</i> viii. -</p><p> -"Without cause am I a Christian,<br> -if I follow not Christ."<br> - <i>St. Bernard.</i> -</p> - - <h4><i>Thirtieth Day</i>.—On Fervour in the Service of God.</h4> -<p> -1. Let us have as much zeal for God as he has for us. He acts -exteriorly, but for the perfection of our souls. All the desires -of his heart, all the cares of his providence, all the tenderness -of his mercy, are referred to this. O what a subject of confusion -for tepid souls! -</p><p> -2. Were we to judge of God by our own indifference, it might be -said that he does not deserve our services, and that his rewards -are very trifling. What idea can be had of a master whose -servants attend him carelessly, and without the smallest -affection? We dishonour God, we cry down his services, as often -as we perform negligently what he requires of us. Wo be to the -man who does the work of God without attention! -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_207">{207}</a></span> -<p> -3. An action done for God, how trifling soever it may be, is of -far greater value than the most renowned exploits of heroes. If -we pique ourselves upon so much courage in labouring for vanity, -what should be done when we are employed for eternity? What! the -servants of the devil spare no pains; they do not complain of -what they go through; they are ever indefatigable. Is Jesus -Christ then less considerable than the devil? Is paradise less -valuable than hell? Hell then shall be, as it were, our -instructor: we are to love God as much as the damned hate him; we -are to serve God as much as the world serves the devil. Is this -too much? -</p> -<p class="side"> - Examine your conduct with respect to the service of God; - consider the actions in which you are most remiss, and excite - yourself to perform them henceforth with a fervour worthy of - your master. -</p><p> - -"Fervent in spirit, serving the Lord."<br> - <i>Romans</i>. -</p><p> -"Let the ardour you formerly had for the world be now entertained -for him that created it."<br> - <i>St Augustine.</i> -</p> - - <h4><i>Thirty-first Day.</i>—On Devotion to the Mother of God.</h4> -<p> -1. A more pure, more excellent, or more amiable being than this -glorious Virgin, was never yet created. God having from all -eternity destined her to be the mother of his Son, it was proper -she should be embellished with every created excellence, and that -her dignity and influence in heaven should far surpass the -dignity and influence of all the other saints. Most justly then -is she entitled to our veneration, respect, and confidence. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_208">{208}</a></span> -<p> -2. Let us put ourselves under her protection: let us recommend -ourselves to her prayers. How great soever our wickedness, or how -numerous soever our faults may have been, let us always have -recourse to her, and hope, through her prayers, for the grace of -our conversion. Her charity is so great, her interest is so -powerful, that she must always plead successfully for the -repenting sinner. -</p><p> -3. But let us never forget, that to honour her properly, is to -imitate her virtues; that to persevere in sin, upon the hopes of -her future intercession, is equally absurd, impious, and -detestable. Her hatred of this error should be always before our -eyes. Her purity, her mildness, her patience, should be ever -present to us. -</p><p> -"Hail, full of grace."<br> - <i>Luke</i>, i. -</p><p> -"O name! under which no one should despair."<br> - <i>St. Augustine.</i> -</p> - - <h4>Concluding Reflection.</h4> -<p> -1. As Christians, it would be very profitable for us to reflect, -every morning, that we have on that day a God to glorify, a -Saviour to imitate, our souls to save, our bodies to mortify, -virtues to acquire, sins to satisfy for, heaven to seek after, -hell to fly, eternity to meditate on, time to improve, -temptations to overcome, the devil to resist, our neighbour to -edify, our passions to subdue, the world to guard against, and -perhaps death and judgment to undergo. Reflect seriously on all -these important truths, and they will not only incite you to -begin the day well, but also, in the course thereof, to make the -affair of your eternal salvation your principal study. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_209">{209}</a></span> -<p> -2. As it is also a duty of the last consequence to conclude the -day properly, nothing can prove a more powerful incitement -thereto, than the serious consideration of the many spiritual and -temporal blessings which God hath bestowed on you; the various -evils from which his providence hath hitherto preserved you; and -the absolute uncertainty whether you shall ever unclose your eyes -to behold the next morning. Thousands who had as good a right to -expect it as you, were nevertheless disappointed. The very bed on -which you lie is a <i>memento mori</i>, or kind of sepulchre; and -sleep, the image of death. What unaccountable rashness then must -it be, for a sinner to compose himself to sleep in a state of -mortal sin, without first endeavouring to appease the wrath of -God by an act of contrition, or some other spiritual exercise of -piety and devotion; since that very night, perhaps, his soul may -be required of him! -</p><p> -3. Let us then guard against this danger, by a faithful discharge -of every Christian duty; let us frequently exclaim, with the -prophet: "Enlighten mine eyes, O Lord, that I may never sleep in -death, lest the enemy at any time may say, I have -<i>prevailed</i> against him." -</p><p> -"He that desires to make any progress in the service of God, must -begin every day with fresh ardour; he must, as much as possible, -keep himself in the presence of God, and in all his actions, have -no other object in view but that of promoting the divine honour." - <i>St. C. Borromeus.</i> -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_210">{210}</a></span> - - <h3>Mentations On The Apostles' Creed,</h3> -<p class="side"> - <i>Which may be used with great spiritual profit by Religious - Societies, or Private Families, assembled together in common - prayer at night, or at any other time most convenient; on - Sundays, Holidays, &c</i>. -</p> - - <h4>The Method.</h4> -<p class="side"> - Thirteen Paters and Aves are annexed to these meditations, in - honor of Jesus Christ and his twelve apostles. The meditations - to be read by the head of the family or community, to which the - assistants should hearken with the most devout attention. The - prayers to be recited partly by the head, and partly by the - assistants. -</p><p> -In the name of the Father, and of the Son, -and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. -</p><p> -Blessed be the holy and undivided Trinity, -now and for evermore. Amen. -</p><p> -V. Thou, O Lord, wilt open my lips, -</p><p> -R. And my tongue shall declare thy praise. -</p><p> -V. O God, incline unto mine aid. -</p><p> -R. O Lord, make haste to help me. -</p><p> -V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; -</p><p> -R. As it was in the beginning, &c. Amen. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_211">{211}</a></span> - - <h4>Let Us Pray.</h4> -<p> -Direct, O Lord, we beseech thee, our actions by thy holy -inspirations, and carry them on by thy gracious assistance, that -every prayer and work of ours may always begin from thee, and may -by thee be happily ended, through Christ our Lord. Amen. -</p> -<p class="side"> - Let us recite the Lord's Prayer. -</p> -<p> -Our Father, &c. Give us this day, &c. -<p class="side"> -Let us recite the Angelical Salutation. -</p> -<p> -Hail Mary, &c. Holy Mary, &c. -</p><p class="side"> - Let us recite and devoutly meditate on - the different articles of the Creed. -</p> - - <h4>First Article.</h4> -<p> -"<i>I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker of Heaven and -Earth.</i>"—Let us attentively consider, in this first article -of our creed, the infinite power, wisdom, and goodness, which our -almighty and sovereign Lord God has displayed in the creation of -the heavens and of the earth, and of all things visible and -invisible therein contained. He drew us out of the abyss of -nothing, and made all things for our use and service. He gave us -rational and immortal souls, stamped with his own image and -likeness, and capable of knowing, loving, and serving him on -earth, and of enjoying him for all eternity in the kingdom of -heaven. This is the noble, the blessed, and the glorious end for -which he has vouchsafed to create us; and should it not be our -chief study and care to answer this happy end, by dedicating -ourselves to him for time and eternity, and by employing all our -senses, and all the faculties of our souls, in his love and -service, and for his greater honour and glory? With this -intention let us say: "Our Father," &c. "Give us this day," &c. -"Hail Mary," &c. "Holy Mary," &c. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_212">{212}</a></span> - - <h4>Second Article.</h4> -<p> -"<i>And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.</i>"—Let us now -meditate on the great benefit of our redemption, and the -boundless mercy of the only-begotten and eternal Son of God; who, -when four thousand years had elapsed after the creation and fall -of our first parents from their original innocence, out of pure -love and compassion, came down from heaven, to reconcile us to -his eternal Father, and to purchase mercy, grace, and salvation -for us, by the effusion of the last drop of his precious blood. -Thus he became our Jesus, our Christ, our Redeemer, our Saviour, -our High Priest, our Mediator, our King, our Lord, and our -Sovereign Master. He claims and challenges us, therefore, as his -sole right and property. We belong to him by every title that -dominion or jurisdiction can confer. We are his by creation, his -by preservation, his by the title of his all-ruling providence. -We are his in a very special and particular manner, by virtue of -our redemption. As Christians we derive our name from him, and -are his members and temples, dedicated and consecrated to him by -the solemn vows and covenant of our baptism. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_213">{213}</a></span> -<p> -Let us then offer all our thoughts, words, and actions, to his -honour and glory, and let us employ our whole lives in loving and -serving him faithfully; saying, for this end, the prayers which -himself and his church have taught us: "Our Father," &c. "Hail -Mary," &c. -</p> - - <h4>Third Article.</h4> -<p> -"<i>Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost; born of the Virgin -Mary.</i>"—We are now to meditate on the wonderful mystery of -the incarnation and temporal nativity of the Son of God. When the -fulness of time appointed for the redemption of mankind was come, -the second Person of the blessed Trinity assumed our flesh in the -womb of his blessed Mother; that the divine and human nature -being thus united in his person, he might be capable of -satisfying divine justice for the injury which God had received -by sin. He became man for our salvation, not in the <i>ordinary -way</i>, but after <i>a supernatural and incomprehensible -manner</i>, by the operation of the Holy Ghost. But although the -incarnation, considered particularly as a work of divine mercy, -goodness and love, be particularly attributed to the Holy Ghost, -and although the three Persons of the blessed Trinity, -essentially possessing the same undivided powers, have equally -concurred therein, yet this wonderful work was effected only by -the second Person: his sacred body was formed of the most pure -blood of his Virgin Mother, without the least violation of her -virginal integrity, and a most perfect soul was created to -animate his body. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_214">{214}</a></span> -Being thus miraculously conceived, he was also, after the space -of nine months, miraculously born in a stable at Bethlehem, under -the reign of Augustus Cæsar. As man, being at the same time true -God, he subjected himself to all our infirmities and miseries, -sin only excepted, of which he was incapable. At so early a -period as at his very first entrance into the world, he was -pleased to suffer for us, and to give us, in his tender infancy, -the most perfect example of poverty, humility, and mortification; -that he might thereby manifest to us the infinite riches of his -mercy and goodness, and teach us to despise the sinful vanities -of the world. He discovered himself to the shepherds by a choir -of angels from heaven, to shew that he came to be the Saviour of -the Jews. He manifested himself also to the Eastern Magi by a -star from heaven, to shew that he was likewise come to be the -Saviour of the Gentiles. He continued to live in a poor, private, -and retired manner, till he was thirty years of age, when he -began to preach the gospel, to cast out devils, to cure the dumb, -the deaf, the lame, and blind, and to work the most stupendous -miracles, in favour of a people the most ungrateful on the face -of the earth. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_215">{215}</a></span> -Let us not imitate them; let us rather embrace our divine -Redeemer with all the affections of our souls, and ever retain a -most grateful sense of the innumerable benefits he has conferred -on us; devoutly saying: "Our Father," &c. "Hail Mary," &c. -</p> - - <h4>Fourth Article.</h4> -<p> -"<i>Suffered under Pontius Pilate; was crucified, dead and -buried.</i>"—Let us here meditate on the dolorous mysteries of -our dear Redeemer's passion, crucifixion, death and burial. To -show the greatness of his love for us, and the plenteous -redemption which he brought us, he was pleased to suffer every -kind of torment with which human nature could be afflicted. "What -was sufficient for our salvation," says St. Bernard, "was not -sufficient for his charity." When he could have saved us with a -single drop of his blood, he redeemed us with a deluge thereof, -after a painful life of thirty-three years. His passion began in -the garden of Gethsemani, at the foot of Mount Olivet, near -Jerusalem, and ended only on Mount Calvary; Tiberius being then -emperor of Rome, and Pontius Pilate governor, or president, of -Judea. He suffered in his soul, and in his body, in his senses, -and in all his members, from the sole of his foot, to the crown -of his head. He was buffet ted and spit upon; he was mocked and -insulted; he was scourged; he was crowned with thorns; and at -length his hands and feet were pierced and fastened with gross -nails to an ignominious cross; and after hanging alive thereon, -between two thieves, in the most excruciating pain, for the space -of three long hours, he expired, and gave up his blessed soul -into the hands of his eternal Father. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_216">{216}</a></span> -After his death, his sacred body being taken off the cross on -Good-Friday, in the afternoon, and being embalmed, according to -the custom of the Jews, by Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, it -was wrapped up in linen cloth, and laid in a new monument, hewn -out of a rock, near Mount Calvary. O let us not then repay the -boundless love of our crucified Redeemer with sin and -ingratitude, but let us rather make the best return we are able, -of love and gratitude to him, who suffered so much for our sake; -devoutly saying, "Our Father," &c. "Hail, Mary," &c. -</p> - - <h4>Fifth Article.</h4> -<p> -"<i>He descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the -dead</i>."—Here let us meditate how our blessed Saviour's soul, -when separated from his body, descended into hell, or the dreary -prison, where the souls of the holy patriarchs and saints of the -Old Testament were detained, until he had paid the price of their -redemption, and opened for them the gates of heaven, which had -remained shut against mankind from the fall [of] Adam until that -time. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_217">{217}</a></span> -We may judge how the presence and sight of their so long -wished-for Redeemer turned their gloomy prison into a paradise of -delights, and occasioned unspeakable joy to the holy souls to -whom he came to preach the gospel of redemption, release from -their tedious captivity, and carry up with him to heaven at his -ascension, as the first fruits of his victorious triumph over sin -and death. Having comforted them by these happy tidings, his -blessed soul, after remaining part of three days subject to the -laws of death, returned from this prison to the sepulchre, and -being re-united to his body, he arose early on the morning of the -third day from the bowels of the earth, by his own divine power, -and was the first who from death rose to a glorious and immortal -life. His resurrection is a perfect model for us to copy after. -Let us endeavour to imitate it by a spiritual resurrection from -the death of sin, to a new life of grace, so as to continue for -ever to live with him, and to return no more to the death of -mortal sin. For this end, let us implore his divine assistance; -saying with devotion, "Our Father," &c. "Hail Mary," &c. -</p> - - <h4>Sixth Article.</h4> -<p> -"<i>He ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of -God, the Father Almighty.</i>"—Let us here meditate how our -divine Redeemer, after accomplishing the great work of our -redemption, ascended triumphantly from the top of Mount Olivet -into the kingdom of heaven, on the fortieth day after his -glorious resurrection, in the presence of his apostles and -disciples, till a cloud at length interposed and took him out of -their sight. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_218">{218}</a></span> -He then withdrew his visible presence from the world; raised -human nature above the choirs of saints and angels, to the -highest seat in the kingdom of heaven, where, in full possession -of the glory of his eternal Father, he pleads for us with the -powerful eloquence of his sacred wounds, which he incessantly -represent to him, in quality of our High Priest, Mediator, and -Advocate. O what a comfortable reflection, to think that we have -such an affectionate friend in the court of heaven! O what -encouragement to raise our hopes! what inducement to follow him -with our hearts, and ascend after him in spirit and affection! -For this end let us beseech him to break the chains of our sins, -and the fetters of our passions, which so unhappily tie down our -affections to the earth; devoutly saying, "Our Father," &c. "Hail -Mary," &c. -</p> - - <h4>Seventh Article.</h4> -<p> -"<i>From whence he shall come to judge both the quick and the -dead</i>." Here let us meditate on our blessed Redeemer's return -at the end of the world, with great pomp and majesty, in quality -of Sovereign Judge of the living and the dead. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_219">{219}</a></span> -As soon as the last trumpet shall sound, and the angel -repeat these words in the four corners of the earth: "Arise ye -dead, and come to judgment!" the whole race of mankind, both the -good and the wicked, are to appear before his awful tribunal, in -sight of Mount Calvary, in order to give a strict account of all -their thoughts, words, and actions; for, besides the particular -judgment which is passed on every soul immediately after death, -the justice of God requires that a general judgment should also -take place, in order that the children of Adam should be -assembled together, and receive their sentence; either of eternal -salvation or eternal reprobation. O let us make a timely -provision for this woful day, in order that we may then meet with -a favourable judgment, and be entitled to receive the happy -sentence of the elect; saying for this end, "Our Father," &c. -"Hail Mary," &c. -</p> - - <h4>Eighth Article.</h4> -<p> -<i>"I believe in the Holy Ghost.</i>"—Let us now meditate on the -great work of our sanctification, which is particularly -attributed to the Holy Ghost, the third person of the ever -blessed Trinity; because he is the love of the Father and the -Son, and because it is from God's love to us that all sanctity, -all grace, all justification and virtue flow. For which reason -the apostle says, "the charity of God is poured into our hearts -by the Holy Ghost, who is given to us." We first receive the Holy -Ghost, and are made his living temples at the font of baptism, -and afterwards we receive him in a more perfect manner in the -sacrament of confirmation, &c. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_220">{220}</a></span> -O what a happiness it is to possess this divine and heavenly -guest in our souls! and how solicitous should we be to invite him -into our hearts, to engage him to stay with us, and to make our -souls his dwelling-place for time and eternity! Let us devoutly -implore this greatest of blessings; saying, "Our Father," &c. -"Hail Mary," &c. -</p> - - <h4>Ninth Article.</h4> -<p> -"<i>The holy Catholic Church; the Communion of Saints</i>."—We -are now to meditate on the infinite goodness and mercy of God, -who, by a special grace, has vouchsafed to call us to the light -of his true and saving faith, and to include us within the pale -and bosom of his One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, in -preference to so many thousands in different parts of the world, -left in ignorance, or buried in the darkness of error and -infidelity. This grace of our vocation is so signal a blessing, -that it calls upon us for our most grateful acknowledgments, and -will render us more culpable at the last day than pagans or -infidels, if, instead of living up to our holy profession, we -dishonour it by the immorality of our lives. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_221">{221}</a></span> -On the contrary, if we square our actions according to our -belief; if we show the purity of our religion by the purity of -our morals, and live as becomes worthy members of the Catholic -Church, we shall assuredly be made partakers of all spiritual -blessings and treasures thereof, and benefit by all the prayers, -sacrifices, and good works, which are wrought therein by our -fellow-members; for as there subsists a common union between all -the parts of the human body, there subsists, in like manner, a -common or general union in spirituals between all the parts of -Christ's mystical body, the holy Catholic Church. O what an -inestimable blessing then must it be, to live and die in the -communion of his church! and, on the contrary, what a grievous -loss and misfortune to be cut off therefrom by excommunication, -like rotten and dead members separated from a natural body by -amputation! Let us beware of incurring the like misfortune, and -beseech the Almighty to grant us grace to be always obedient -hearers of the pastors of his church, those spiritual guides to -whom he has committed the care of our souls; saying for this end, -"Our Father," &c. "Hail Mary," &c. -</p> - - <h4>Tenth Article.</h4> -<p> -"<i>The Forgiveness of Sins</i>."—Here let us also meditate on a -second signal advantage which may be obtained within the pale of -the holy Catholic Church. Besides the mutual communication in -spirituals, and participation in good works, that subsists -between all the parts of the church in their three different -states, viz. the saints in heaven, the souls in purgatory, and -the true believers on earth, who compose the church triumphant, -sufferant, and militant; the apostles also teach us, in this -article of their creed, that there is a power left by Jesus -Christ to his church, to forgive the sins of such as truly -repent, and properly apply for absolution. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_222">{222}</a></span> -Original sin has been already remitted by the sacrament of -baptism, and the actual sins committed after baptism are pardoned -in the sacrament of penance, when duly administered by the -pastors of the church, and received with the proper dispositions -on the part of the repenting sinner. Let us therefore beseech the -Father of mercies to grant us these dispositions; saying, "Our -Father," &c. "Hail Mary," &c. -</p> - - <h4>Eleventh Article.</h4> -<p> -"<i>The Resurrection of the Flesh</i>."—Let us here meditate on -a third signal privilege reserved in the next life for the living -members of the holy Catholic Church. On the last day there will -be a general resurrection of the dead; and the whole human race, -which at the fall of our first parents had been sentenced to -return to their original dust, shall arise again to receive their -final and irrevocable doom. As soon as the angel, by the sound of -his trumpet, proclaims the awful summons, "Arise ye dead, and -come to judgment!" the bodies of all the children of Adam, -re-animated by their respective souls, shall instantaneously, in -the "twinkling of an eye," issue forth out of their several -graves and sepulchres, never more to be separated for an endless -eternity. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_223">{223}</a></span> -But, alas! how very different will be the manner of the -resurrection of the reprobate from that of the elect! for whereas -the bodies of the former shall arise in a condition suitable to -their deserts, that is, foul, hideous, heavy, inactive, and only -fit to be the fuel of everlasting flames, (immortal indeed they -shall be, but to no other end than to endure immortal torments,) -so those of the latter shall arise glorious, beautiful, immortal, -and impassible, brighter than the stars, and more resplendent -than the sun. This glorious state of immortality is infallibly -reserved for the bodies of such Christians as in this life have -been as it were consecrated by receiving the holy sacraments, and -particularly the Eucharist; since Christ himself expressly -declares, "He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood, hath -eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day." O let us -then frequently approach this heavenly banquet, with the proper -dispositions, that thereby our bodies and souls being preserved -pure from the corruption of sin, may both arise together at the -last day to a happy immortality. That this may be our happy lot, -let us with the most fervent devotion, say, "Our Father," &c. -"Hail Mary," &c. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_224">{224}</a></span> - - <h4>Twelfth Article.</h4> -<p> -"<i>Life everlasting</i>."—This is the fourth and -final blessing attainable within the pale of the -holy Catholic Church, and reserved for the -children of light in the next world. It is the -last end of man, the ultimate reward that -awaits true faith, animated by charity and -good works, and it essentially consists in the -clear vision and fruition of God. O let us -lead such lives here on earth, that we may -hereafter live with Jesus Christ in the glory of his eternal -Father, for ever and ever: and that this may be our happy case, -let us devoutly say, "Our Father," &c. "Hail Mary," &c. -</p> - - <h3>The Salve Regina.</h3> - -<p class="cite"> - Hail, happy Queen! thou mercy's parent hail!<br> - Life, hope, and comfort of this earthly vale;<br> - To thee we eve's wretched children cry;<br> - In sighs and tears to thee we suppliants fly.<br> - Rise, glorious advocate, exert thy love,<br> - And let our vows thine eyes of pity move.<br> - O sweet, O pious maid! for us obtain—<br> - For us who long have in our exile lain—<br> - To see thy Jesus, and with him to reign.<br> -</p><p> -V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God, -</p><p> -R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. -</p><p> -V. Pray for us, O ye holy apostles, and all ye saints of God, -</p><p> -R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_225">{225}</a></span> - - - <h4>Let Us Pray.</h4> -<p> -We beseech thee, O Lord, that by the intercession of the blessed -and glorious Virgin Mary, of thy holy apostles, and of all thy -saints, thou wouldst vouchsafe to protect and defend us from the -snares of the enemy, and conduct us unto life everlasting. Amen. -</p> - - <h4>An Universal Prayer.</h4> -<p class="side_center"> - For All Things Necessary To Salvation. -</p> -<p> -O my God, I believe in thee; do thou strengthen my faith. All my -hopes are in thee; do thou secure them. I love thee with my whole -heart; teach me to love thee daily more and more. I am sorry that -I have offended thee; do thou increase my sorrow. -</p><p> -I adore thee as my first beginning. I aspire after thee as my -last end. I give thee thanks as my constant benefactor. I call -upon thee as my sovereign protector. -</p><p> -Vouchsafe, O my God, to conduct me by thy wisdom, to restrain me -by thy justice, to comfort me by thy mercy, to defend me by thy -power. -</p><p> -To thee I desire to consecrate all my thoughts, words, actions, -and sufferings; that henceforward I may think of thee, speak of -thee, willingly refer all my actions to thy greater glory, and -suffer willingly whatever thou shalt appoint. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_226">{226}</a></span> -<p> -Lord, I desire that in all things thy will may be done, because -it is thy will and in the manner thou willest. -</p><p> -I beg of thee to enlighten my understanding, to inflame my will, -to purify my body, and to sanctify my soul. -</p><p> -Give me strength, O my God, to expiate my offences, to overcome -my temptations, to subdue my passions, and to acquire the virtues -proper for my state. -</p><p> -Fill my heart with a tender affection for thy goodness, a hatred -for my faults, a love for my neighbour, and a contempt for the -world. -</p><p> -Let me always remember to be submissive to my superiors, -condescending to my inferiors, faithful to my friends, and -charitable to my enemies. -</p><p> -Assist me to overcome sensuality by mortification, avarice by -alms-deeds, anger by meekness, and tepidity by devotion. -</p><p> -O my God, make me prudent in my undertakings, courageous in -dangers, patient in afflictions, and humble in prosperity. -</p><p> -Grant that I may ever be attentive at my prayers, temperate at my -meals, diligent in my employments, and constant in my -resolutions. -</p><p> -Let my conscience be ever upright and pure, my exterior modest, -my conversation edifying, and my comportment regular. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_227">{227}</a></span> -<p> -Assist me, that I may continually labour to overcome nature, to -correspond with thy grace, to keep thy commandments, and to work -out my salvation. -</p><p> -Discover to me, O my God, the nothingness of this world, the -greatness of heaven, the shortness of time, and the length of -eternity. -</p><p> -Grant that I may prepare for death; that I may fear thy -judgments; that I may escape hell, and in the end obtain heaven, -through the merits of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. -</p> - - <h4>A Prayer For The Choice Of A State Of Life.</h4> -<p> -O eternal God, who art the light of the world, and for whose -glory the whole creation is ordained, to thee I submit myself, -and my whole life; and that I may live to thy glory, I beseech -thee, in thy mercy, to direct me in the choice of a state of -life; that, having thee for my guide, I may embrace that course -which may be most pleasing to thee, and most proper for me to -work out my salvation. -</p><p> -O Queen of heaven, and mother of Jesus, be a mother to me, and -obtain for me of thy divine Son, that I may hear his call, and -know his will, and have grace readily to put it into execution. -Amen. -</p> - - <h4>A Prayer For A Pregnant Woman.</h4> -<p> -O Lord God Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, who hath made -us out of nothing, and redeemed us by the precious blood of thine -only Son, look down upon thy poor handmaid here prostrate before -thee, humbly imploring thy mercy, and begging thy blessing for -herself and her child, which thou hast given her to conceive. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_228">{228}</a></span> -Preserve, I beseech thee, the work of thy hands, and defend both -me and the tender fruit of my womb, from all perils and evils; -grant me, in due time a happy delivery, and bring my child safe -to the font of baptism, that it may there be happily dedicated to -thee, to love and serve thee for ever. But, O my God, I have too -much reason to fear, lest my great and manifold sins should -hinder thee from hearing my prayers, and draw down thy judgment -upon me and mine, instead of thy mercies which I sue for; and -therefore I am sensible the first thing I ought to do is, to -repent from the bottom of my heart for all my offences, humbly -confess them, and continually cry to thee for mercy. I detest, -then, all my sins with my whole heart, and desire to lay them all -down here at thy feet, to be effaced and destroyed for ever. I -renounce and abhor them with my whole soul, because they are -infinitely odious to thee, and wish that I could expiate them -with tears of blood. I humbly beg thy pardon for them, and am -sorry from the bottom of my heart that I ever committed them. I -here offer myself to make what satisfaction I am able for them, -and most willingly accept whatever pains I may suffer in -childbearing, and offer them up to thee now beforehand for my -sins, firmly resolving by thy grace never wilfully to offend thee -more. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_229">{229}</a></span> -Behold here my poor heart, O Lord, and if it be not such as I -here express, I desire at least it should be such: I desire it -should be that contrite and humble heart, which thou dost never -despise. In this disposition of soul, and with a lively -confidence in thy mercies, and in the merits of the death and -passion of Jesus Christ thy Son, I renew the petition I made -before, and once more I beg of thee for myself, thy grace, -protection, and a happy delivery; and for my child, that thou -wouldst be pleased to preserve it for baptism, sanctify it for -thyself, and make it thine for ever; through the same, &c. -</p> - - <h3>The Litany Of Divine Providence.</h3> - -<p class="side_center"> -<i>A short Instruction to the Devout Reader.</i> -</p> -<p class="side"> - That we may be equally disposed and subordinate to the designs - and directions of Divine Providence, as well in adversity as in - prosperity, and receive with equal gratitude its decrees and - appointments, is the end of the ensuing devotion or litany. - Three particulars we ought to keep in view: -<br><br> - 1. That we bow our heads with the greatest submission, - humility, and resignation to the will of God, manifested to us - in the order of his Divine Providence. -<br><br> - 2. That we place a full confidence and reliance in his - favourable intentions in our regard. -<br><br> - 3. That our behaviour be such as to draw on us his favour and - protection, and that we may be thoroughly grateful and - acknowledging for blessings conferred on us through his Divine - Providence. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_230">{230}</a></span> - - <h4>The Litany.</h4> - -<pre class="serif"> -Lord, have mercy on us. - -Christ, have mercy on us. - -Lord, have mercy on us. - -Christ, hear us. Christ graciously hear us - -God the Father, whose holy providence governs all things, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> -God the Son, Redeemer of human kind, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> -God the Holy Ghost, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> -Holy Trinity, one God, unchangeable Providence, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> -Divine Providence, that governs all things in heaven and earth, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> -Divine Providence, that gives, preserves, and governs our life, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> -Divine Providence, the eternal love of man below and angels above, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> -Divine Providence, ever conformable to -the influence of the tender heart of Jesus, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> -Divine Providence, that created, directs, -and governs all things, with weight, -measure, and wisdom, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> -Divine Providence, our hope, life, and salvation, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> -Divine Providence, defence and comfort of the afflicted, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> -Divine Providence, guide and support of souls in all dangers, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> -Divine Providence, that provides us with, -and imparts to us, all natural and supernatural gifts, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_231">{231}</a></span> -Divine Providence, inexhaustible treasury -Of the riches of heaven, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> -Divine Providence, protector and defence of the just, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> -Divine Providence, safe retreat and sanctuary to the miserable, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> -Divine Providence, our resource in all wants, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> -Divine Providence, our anchor in storms, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> -Divine Providence, our security in danger, -our way and secure haven, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> -Divine Providence, remedy in all evils, food to the hungry, and -fountain of refreshing water to the thirsty, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> -Divine Providence, raiment to the naked, strength to the weak, -protector and mother to widows and orphans, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> -Divine Providence, refuge of sinners, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> -Providence of God, who rules all things, infinitely deserving of -our homage and adoration: - <i>Spare us, O Lord,</i> -Providence of God, which protects and conserves all things, -infinitely worthy of our homage and adoration: - <i>Hear us, O Lord.</i> -Providence of God, which created and knows our weakness, -infinitely above our homage, and adoration: - <i>Have mercy on us, O Lord.</i> -V. We praise and adore thee, Divine Providence. - -R. We resign ourselves to thy just and holy designs. -</pre> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_232">{232}</a></span> - - <h4>Let Us Pray.</h4> -<p> -Eternal God, whose eyes are over all thy works, especially intent -on thy servants, vouchsafe to turn away from us whatever is -hurtful, and grant us whatever is advantageous, that through thy -favour, and under the benign influence of thy special providence, -we may securely pass through the transitory dangers and -difficulties of this life, and happily arrive at the eternal joys -of the other: through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. -</p><p> -<i>Anth.</i> By thy immaculate conception, and most spotless -virginity, O ever holy Mother of Christ, comfort of the -afflicted, be propitious to us, both now and in the hour of our -death. -</p><p> -V. In all our anguish and tribulation, -</p><p> -R. We fly to thee, O Mother of Mercy. -</p> - - <h4>A Prayer</h4> -<p> -Remember, O most pious and tender Virgin, that it is a thing -unheard of in all ages, that any one was abandoned by you, who -ran to you for succour, who implored your help, and begged your -intercession. Animated with this confidence, I, a wretched -sinner, place myself in sighs and groans before you, to entreat -you to adopt me for your child for ever, and to take my eternal -salvation into your own care. Do not, O Mother of the Divine -Word, despise my petition, but listen to me and hear me with a -mother's tenderness. Amen. -</p><p> -Great St. Joseph, admirable model of resignation, obtain for me -from my dear Saviour, who, to enforce your example, would submit -himself to be governed by you during the thirty years of his -hidden life, obtain for me from God the grace to imitate him, and -to resign myself perfectly to that so sure and so amiable -Providence, which, preserving me from ever going astray, may -procure me an unalterable peace in this life, and eternal -happiness in the next. Amen. -</p> - -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_233">{233}</a></span> - - <h4>The Litany Of St. Winefrid.</h4> - -<p class="center" style="font-size:200%"> -+ -</p> -<pre class="serif"> -In the name of the Father, and of the Son, -and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. -Lord have mercy on us. -Christ have mercy on us. -Lord, have mercy on us. -God the Father of heaven, - have mercy on us. -God the Son, Redeemer of mankind, - have mercy on us. -God the Holy Ghost, - have mercy on us. -Holy Trinity, one God, - have mercy on us. -Holy Mary, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -Holy Mother of God, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -Holy Virgin of Virgins, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -O blessed <i>St. Winefrid</i>, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -O humble and mild virgin, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -O glorious spouse of Christ, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -O devout and charitable Virgin, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -O sweet comforter of the afflicted, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -O singular example of chastity, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -O radient star, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -O fairest flower of the British nation, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_234">{234}</a></span> -O admirable and elected vessel, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -O mirror of chastity, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -O mirror of devotion, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -O mirror of piety, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -O bright lamp of sanctity, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -O golden image of angelic purity, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -O hope and safety of distressed pilgrims, - <i>Pray for us.</i> -That we may be delivered from all iniquity, - <i>O holy virgin and mother, pray for us.</i> -That we may be delivered from -all disordered passions of the mind, - <i>O holy virgin and mother, pray for us.</i> -That we may be delivered from -the deceits of the world, the flesh, and the devil, - <i>O holy virgin and mother, pray for us.</i> -That we may be delivered from all occasions of sin, - <i>O holy virgin and mother, pray for us.</i> -That we may be delivered from plague, famine and war, - <i>O holy virgin and mother, pray for us.</i> -That we may be delivered from - the wrath of God, and eternal damnation, - <i>O holy virgin and mother, pray for us.</i> -That we and all sinners may have true contrition, and full -remission of our sins, - <i>O holy virgin and mother, pray for us.</i> -That all schismatics, heretics, and infidels, -may be converted to the holy catholic and apostolic faith, - <i>O holy virgin and mother, pray for us.</i> -That we may always hate sin, and overcome all temptations, - <i>O holy virgin and mother, pray for us.</i> -That we may despise all worldly vanities and delights, - <i>O holy virgin and mother, pray for us.</i> -That we all may ever fear God, and fulfil his holy will, - <i>O holy virgin and mother, pray for us.</i> -That we may have both spiritual and corporal health, - <i>O holy virgin and mother, pray for us.</i> -That we may devoutly desire chastity and purity of life, - <i>O holy virgin and mother, pray for us.</i> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_235">{235}</a></span> -That we may fervently love humility and mildness, - <i>O holy virgin and mother, pray for us.</i> -That we may delight in pious prayer, -fasting, and charitable alms, - <i>O holy virgin and mother, pray for us.</i> -That we may discreetly and fervently -continue in the exercise of godliness, - <i>O holy virgin and mother, pray for us.</i> -That we may cheerfully and constantly -suffer for the love of Christ, - <i>O holy virgin and mother, pray for us.</i> -That the souls in purgatory, and all afflicted -persons may obtain heavenly consolations, - <i>O holy virgin and mother, pray for us.</i> -That our benefactors, -and all that labour to save souls, -may be blessed with abundance of grace -and everlasting life, - <i>O holy virgin and mother, pray for us.</i> -That we may enjoy true peace and endless felicity, - <i>O holy virgin and mother, pray for us.</i> -That God, of his abundant mercy, -may vouchsafe to bless this our pilgrimage, - <i>O holy virgin and mother, pray for us.</i> -That by thy pious intercession, -it may be to the perfect health of our souls and bodies, - <i>O holy virgin and mother, pray for us.</i> -That thou wilt vouchsafe to grant our requests, - <i>O holy virgin and mother, pray for us.</i> - -O blessed St. Winefrid, pray for us. - -Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world: - <i>Spare us, O Lord.</i> -Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world: - <i>Hear us, O Lord.</i> -Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world: - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> -Christ hear us. -Christ graciously hear us. -Lord have mercy on us. -Christ have mercy on us. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_236">{236}</a></span> -Lord have mercy on us. - - Our Father, &c. Hail Mary, &c. - V. The Lord be with you. - R. And with thy spirit. -</pre> - - - <h4>Let Us Pray.</h4> -<p> -Almighty and everlasting God, who hast adorned Saint Winefrid -with the reward of virginity; grant, we beseech thee, by her -pious intercession, that we may set aside the delights of the -world, and obtain with her the throne of everlasting glory; -through Jesus Christ thy Son, who with thee liveth and reigneth -in the unity of the Holy Ghost for ever. Amen. -</p> - - <h4>Another Prayer.</h4> -<p> -Almighty and everlasting God, grant we humbly beseech thee, that -blessed St. Winefrid, by her pious intercession, may obtain for -us such spiritual and temporal benefits as are expedient to thy -holy service and our eternal salvation: through our Lord Jesus -Christ thy Son, who with thee and the Holy Ghost liveth and -reigneth, ever one God, world without end. Amen. - -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_237">{237}</a></span> - - <h4>A Hymn Of St. Winefrid.</h4> - -<pre class="serif"> - As the fragrant rose in pleasing spring, - To God's own Son a spouse most dear, - A martyr rare of Christ our King, - St. Winefrid did flourish here. - - Descended great of British race, - In faith was firm, in hope secure, - With holy works and soul of grace, - From worldly filth preserved pure. - - Caradock this sacred maiden slew, - Because she did resist his lust; - But heaven's immediate vengeance flew, - And doomed his soul for ever curst. - - Stained with spots of reeking blood, - Where Caradock's sword sever'd the head, - A healing stream immediate flow'd, - Perpetual token of the deed. - - Here God supreme doth wonders work, - The blind to see, the dumb to speak; - Diseases which in bodies lurk, - Are cur'd where faith is not too weak. - - O glorious Virgin Winefrid, - To us the raging sea appease; - And free us so from Satan's dread, - That he on us may never seize. -</pre> - - - <h4>A Prayer To St. Winefrid.</h4> -<p> -O blessed Winefrid! O pure Virgin, and glorious martyr, so -especially elected, so divinely graced, and wonderfully restored -from death to life! O singular hope of all that fly unto thee -with full confidence and humility. Though unworthy, yet we thy -devoted pilgrims make our addresses to thee! O sanctuary of -piety, look upon us with patient eyes, receive our petitions, -accept our offerings, and present our supplications to the throne -of mercy, that through thy powerful intercession God will be -pleased to bless this our pilgrimage, and grant us our requests -and desires: through Jesus Christ, his Son, who with God the -Father, and the Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth ever one God, -world without end. Amen. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_238">{238}</a></span> - - <h4>Another Prayer To St. Winefrid.</h4> -<p> -O blessed Winefrid! O glorious Virgin and Martyr, who hast -admirably beautified with the purple of thy blood the rare purity -of thy innocent life, whom God has so specially chosen, so highly -privileged, and so wonderfully restored to life again, gracing -thee with the honour of a living martyr, causing a fountain -miraculously to spring, bearing a perpetual memory of thy name, -for the relief of all diseased and distressed pilgrims who shall -devoutly beg thy powerful intercession. O blessed Winefrid, hear -my prayers, and receive my humble supplications, or any poor -devoted pilgrim's, and obtain that by thy pious intercession, -God, of his infinite mercy, will be pleased to grant us a full -pardon and remission of our sins, and a blessing to this our -pilgrimage, and that we may increase and persevere in God's -grace, and enjoy him eternally in heaven. This we beg of thee, O -blessed Virgin and Martyr, for Jesus Christ our Lord and -Saviour's sake. Amen. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_239">{239}</a></span> - - <h3>The Golden Litany,</h3> - - <h4>Briefly Commemorating Our Blessed Redeemer's Life<br> - And Passion.</h4> - -<pre class="serif"> -Lord, have mercy upon us! -<i>Christ, have mercy upon us!</i> -Lord, have mercy upon us! - -God, the Father Almighty, -Creator of heaven and earth, - <i>Have mercy upon us.</i> - -God, the Son, Redeemer of the world, - <i>Have mercy upon us.</i> - -God, the Holy Ghost, Sanctifier of mankind, - <i>Have mercy upon us.</i> - -O sacred Trinity of Persons, in unity of essence, - <i>Have mercy upon us.</i> - -O blessed Jesus, true God and true man, - <i>Have mercy upon us.</i> - -Through thy power in creating heaven and earth, -and all things therein contained, - <i>Have mercy upon us.</i> - -Through thy goodness in making man to -thine own image and likeness, - <i>Have mercy upon us.</i> - -Through thy mercy in redeeming man after his fall, - <i>Have mercy upon us.</i> - -Through thy unspeakable love, -in making choice of the blessed -Virgin Mary for thy Mother, - <i>Have mercy upon us.</i> - -Through the ineffable mystery of thine Incarnation, -whereby thou didst vouchsafe to unite -thy divine person to our frail nature, - <i>Have mercy upon us.</i> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_240">{240}</a></span> -Through thy immaculate Conception, -and nine months imprisonment within the -sacred body of the blessed Virgin Mary, - <i>Have mercy upon us.</i> - -Through thy blessed nativity in the poor stable at -Bethlehem, - <i>Have mercy upon us.</i> - -Through the hunger, cold, and the other -inconveniencies thou didst endure in thy tender -body, when laid in the crib between an ox and an ass, - <i>Have mercy upon us.</i> - -Through thy painful circumcision, on the eighth -day after thy birth, when thou didst first shed -thy precious blood for our sake, - <i>Have mercy upon us.</i> - -Through the adorable name of Jesus, -which was then given thee, - <i>Have mercy upon us.</i> - -Through the mystical offerings of gold, -frankincense, and myrrh, which the wise men -presented thee, whom by a miraculous star thou -didst summon out of the East, to adore thee in -thine infancy, - <i>Have mercy upon us.</i> - -Through the oblation thou didst make of thyself to -thine eternal Father, when in the temple thou wert -acknowledged by Simeon and Anne, and ransomed with -a pair of doves by thy poor Virgin Mother, - <i>Have mercy upon us.</i> - -Through thy flight into Egypt to avoid the cruelty -of king Herod, and all thou didst there suffer -with thy blessed Mother and St. Joseph, - <i>Have mercy upon us.</i> - -Through thy return from thence to Nazareth, and -the obedience thou didst there pay to thy parents, - <i>Have mercy upon us.</i> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_241">{241}</a></span> -Through thy being lost by thy parents in -Jerusalem, where thou wert again found by them, -after three days' search, sitting in the temple in -the midst of the doctors, - <i>Have mercy upon us.</i> - -Through the sacred and hidden life thou didst lead -in Nazareth, with holy Mary and Joseph, from the -twelfth to the thirtieth year of thine age, - <i>Have mercy upon us.</i> - -Through thy humble reception of baptism in the -river Jordan by the hands of St. John, - <i>Have mercy upon us.</i> - -Through thy forty days' fast in the desert, where -thou didst obtain repeated victories over the -three temptations of the devil, - <i>Have mercy upon us.</i> - -Through thy first miracle of changing water into -wine at the marriage feast of Cana, - <i>Have mercy upon us.</i> - -Through the zeal which thou didst show for the -honour of thy eternal Father, in casting the -buyers and sellers out of the temple, - <i>Have mercy upon us.</i> - -Through thy condescending to discourse with -the Samaritan woman sitting at the fountain. - <i>Have mercy upon us.</i> - -Through thy excessive charity in healing the young -man of Capharnaum, Simon Peter's mother-in-law, -and a multitude of other infirm persons, - <i>Have mercy upon us.</i> - -Through the power thou didst manifest in appeasing -the tempest at sea, walking on the water, and -enabling St. Peter to do so likewise, - <i>Have mercy upon us.</i> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_242">{242}</a></span> -Through thy efficacious calling of Peter, Andrew, -James, and John, from their boats, and Matthew -from the receipt of custom, to follow thee, - <i>Have mercy upon us.</i> - -Through the choice of thy twelve apostles, and the -divine sermon thou didst deliver to them on the -Mount, in which is exhibited the model of a -perfect Christian life, - <i>Have mercy upon us.</i> - -Through the mercy thou didst show to the penitent -Magdalen, preferring her to the Pharisee, and -pardoning her sins, - <i>Have mercy upon us.</i> - -Through the sending of the apostles to preach thy -gospel to the people, - <i>Have mercy upon us.</i> - -Through thy miraculous feeding of five thousand -persons with five loaves of bread, and four -thousand with seven loaves, - <i>Have mercy upon us.</i> - -Through thy appointment of Peter to be the rock on -which thou wouldst build thy church, for his -having confessed thee to be Christ the Son of the -living God, - <i>Have mercy upon us.</i> - -Through thy glorious transfiguration on Mount -Thabor, in the presence of three of thy disciples, - <i>Have mercy upon us.</i> - -Through thy instructing us in the virtue and -efficacy of prayer, and by giving us a model -thereof in the divine "Our Father," &c. - <i>Have mercy upon us.</i> - -Through thy inflamed desire to redeem mankind, - <i>Have mercy upon us.</i> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_243">{243}</a></span> -Through thy meek and humble entry into Jerusalem -on Palm-Sunday, riding upon an ass, - <i>Have mercy upon us.</i> - -Through thy humility in washing the feet of thy -disciples, even those of the traitor Judas, - <i>Have mercy upon us.</i> - -Through thy ineffable love manifested in the -institution of the sacrifice and sacrament of thy -precious body and blood, - <i>Have mercy upon us.</i> - -Through the prayer thou didst thrice repeat in the -Garden of Mount Olivet, when a bloody sweat -trickled down thine agonized body, - <i>Have mercy upon us.</i> - -Through thy condescending to receive a kiss from -the mouth of the traitor Judas, - <i>Have mercy upon us.</i> - -Through thy being apprehended, bound, and brought -before the tribunals of Annas and Caiphas, - <i>Have mercy upon us.</i> - -Through the blows, buffets, and opprobrious usage -thou didst endure the night before thy -crucifixion, - <i>Have mercy upon us.</i> - -Through thy presentation to the pagan judge, -Pilate, in the quality of a notorious criminal, - <i>Have mercy upon us.</i> - -Through thy being sent before Herod, and -scornfully treated by that wicked king and his -soldiers, - <i>Have mercy upon us.</i> - -Through the cruel and contumelious whipping -thou didst endure at the pillar, - <i>Have mercy upon us.</i> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_244">{244}</a></span> -Through the barbarous clamours of the people to -have Barrabas, the murderer, released, and the -innocent Jesus put to death, - <i>Have mercy upon us.</i> - -Through the false accusations, suborned witnesses, -slanders, and calumnies, brought against thee by -the Jews, - <i>Have mercy upon us.</i> - -Through the shameful stripping off thy clothes, -and exposing thy naked body to the multitude, -<i>Have mercy upon us.</i> - -Through the pressing of a crown of sharp -pointed thorns on thy sacred head, - <i>Have mercy upon us.</i> - -Through thy being clothed in a purple garment, and -derided as a mock king, having a reed put into thy -hand for a sceptre, - <i>Have mercy upon us.</i> - -Through the scoffing salutations, insulting -reflections, and scornful adorations, whereby thou -wert mocked by the Jews and the soldiers, - <i>Have mercy upon us.</i> - -Through their spitting on thy divine face, -and striking thy sacred head, - <i>Have mercy upon us.</i> - -Through thy being exposed to the people in the -most lamentable condition, Pilate saying to the -multitude: Behold the man! - <i>Have mercy upon us.</i> - -Through the horrid clamours and repeated -vociferations of the Jews, "Away with him! Crucify him!" - <i>Have mercy upon us.</i> - -Through thy meek and patient hearing of the -sentence of death pronounced against thee, - <i>Have mercy upon us.</i> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_245">{245}</a></span> -Through thy bearing thy heavy cross on thy sacred -shoulders, - <i>Have mercy upon us.</i> - -Through the painful stretching of thy naked body -on the cross as on a rack, and fastening thy hands -and feet thereto with gross nails, - <i>Have mercy upon us.</i> - -Through the compassion thou hadst for thy -sorrowful Mother, and beloved disciple, standing -at the foot of thy cross, - <i>Have mercy upon us.</i> - -Through thy excessive charity in praying for thy -persecutors, and murderers, and in promising -Paradise to the penitent thief, - <i>Have mercy upon us.</i> - -Through the seven last speeches thou didst utter -on the cross whilst thou wast suspended thereon -for the space of three hours, - <i>Have mercy upon us.</i> - -Through the vehement thirst thou didst then -suffer, and the gall and vinegar which was given -thee to drink, - <i>Have mercy upon us.</i> - -Through thy last agony, in which thou didst -commend thy blessed soul into the hands of thy -heavenly Father, - <i>Have mercy upon us.</i> - -Through the piercing of thy side with a lance, and -the water and blood which issued therefrom, - <i>Have mercy upon us.</i> - -Through the descent of thy departed soul into -Limbo, to conquer the devils, and set the ancient -fathers at liberty, - <i>Have mercy upon us.</i> - -Through the taking down of thy dead body from the -cross by Joseph, of Arimathea, and Nicodemus, in -order to its burial, - <i>Have mercy upon us.</i> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_246">{246}</a></span> -Through thy glorious resurrection from death to -life on the third day, - <i>Have mercy upon us.</i> - -Through thy appearing to thy blessed Mother, to -Mary Magdalen, to Peter and the other apostles, -frequently comforting and confirming them during -the space of forty days, - <i>Have mercy upon us.</i> - -Through thine admirable ascension into heaven, in -the sight of thy sacred Mother and thy disciples, - <i>Have mercy upon us.</i> - -Through the miraculous descent of the Holy Ghost -on thy apostles in the form of fiery tongues, - <i>Have mercy upon us.</i> - -Through all thine actions and sufferings during -thy thirty years sojourning amongst men, and by -all that is pleasing to thy divine Majesty in -heaven and on earth, - <i>Have mercy upon us.</i> - -V, Graciously hear our prayers, O Lord. - -R. And let our cry come unto thee. -</pre> - - - <h4>Let Us Pray.</h4> -<p> -Vouchsafe, O Almighty and most merciful Creator, Redeemer and -Sanctifier, to have compassion, not only on us, but also on all -such as shall present the foregoing petitions to the throne of -thy mercy, in commemoration of thy sacred life and most bitter -passion. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_247">{247}</a></span> -We beseech thee also, for thine own dear sake, that thou wouldst -grant to us, our friends and benefactors, and to all those for -whom we intend or are bound to pray, the pardon of all past -offences, and preservation from future failings; that loving -thee, serving thee, and obeying thee, with the utmost fervour, -fidelity and perseverance, during the remainder of our earthly -pilgrimage, we may be at length admitted to the eternal enjoyment -of thy beatific presence in thy heavenly paradise. Amen. -</p><p> -May the blessing of Almighty God, the Father, and the Son, and -the Holy Ghost, descend upon us, and dwell with us for evermore. -Amen. -</p> - - - <h3>The Prayers Of St. Bridget.</h3> -<p class="side_center"> - To Be Said In Honour Of The Sacred Wounds - Of Our Blessed Saviour. -</p> - -<p> -1. O most sweet Lord Jesus Christ, eternal sweetness of those who -love thee, joy above any desire, firm hope of the hopeless, -solace of the sorrowful, and most merciful lover of all penitent -sinners; who hast said, thy delight is to be with the sons of -men, for the love of whom thou didst assume human nature in the -fulness of time. Remember, most sweet Lord Jesus, all those sharp -sorrows which then pierced thy sacred soul, from the first -instant of thy incarnation, until the time of thy solitary -passion, pre-ordained from all eternity. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_248">{248}</a></span> -Remember, O most amiable Saviour, all those bitter anguishes thou -didst suffer, when at thy last supper thou didst wash the feet of -thy disciples, didst feed them with the sacred banquet of thy -precious body and blood, and most sweetly comforting them, didst -foretell them thy ensuing passion; after which, going to Mount -Olivet, thou saidst, "My soul is sorrowful unto death." Remember, -I beseech thee, O most sweet Saviour, that bitter grief and -anguish which thy sacred soul did suffer, when praying three -several times to thy heavenly Father, thou didst sweat water and -blood; thou wert betrayed by thy own disciple, apprehended by thy -chosen people, accused by false witnesses, unjustly judged by -three judges, and in thy elected city, in the paschal solemnity, -in the flourishing age of thy youth, wrongfully condemned, bound, -beaten, spurned, spit upon, despoiled of thy garments, and -clothed with others in scorn; wert blind-folded, buffeted, spit -upon again, bound naked to a pillar, most cruelly scourged, -crowned with thorns, struck with a reed, and afflicted with -innumerable other torments, pains, and injuries. O my Lord Jesus, -by the memory and merit of all those bitter pains and anguishes -before thy last expiration on the cross, vouchsafe to grant me -before my death, true contrition, entire confession, a flowing -fountain of tears, full satisfaction, and a plenary remission of -all my sins. Amen. -</p><p> -O most gracious Lord Jesus, be propitious to me a sinner. -Pater Noster. Ave Maria. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_249">{249}</a></span> -<p> -2. O most sweet Lord Jesus, true liberty of angels, and paradise -of delights, remember, I beseech thee, that grief and sorrow -which thou didst suffer when thy cruel enemies, like fierce -lions, with furious and dreadful looks, compassing thee round -about, did tear off thy hair, spit upon thy sacred face, -scratched, beat, buffeted thee, and with all manner of -unheard-of-injuries, outrages, and torments, didst most cruelly -and basely blaspheme, scorn, and affront thee. O most sweet Lord -Jesus, by all those most barbarous and inhuman outrages which -thou didst suffer, vouchsafe to deliver me from all my enemies, -visible and invisible; that, protected under the shadow of thy -wings, I may safely arrive at the port of eternal glory. Amen. -</p><p> -O most gracious Lord Jesus Christ, be propitious to me a sinner. -Pater Noster. Ave Maria. -</p><p> -3. O most sweet Lord Jesus, omnipotent creator and fabricator of -the world, and repairer of mankind, who containest both heaven -and earth in thy hand, and whose immensity no bounds can limit; -remember, I beseech thee, the bitter pains and anguishes which -thou didst endure, when the perfidious Jews pierced thy delicate -and tender hands and feet with most rough and blunt nails, -stretching them forth so violently with cords to the holes which -they made in the cross. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_250">{250}</a></span> -Thus they heaped dolors upon dolors, most cruelly disjointing all -thy bones, breaking all thy veins, and renewing all thy sacred -wounds. O most sweet Jesus, by the memory of all these thy pains -and torments upon the cross, vouchsafe to give me thy fear and -love, with perfect charity towards my neighbour. Amen. O most -pious Lord Jesus, &c. &c. -</p><p> -4. O most sweet Lord Jesus, heavenly physician of human nature, -and eternal king, remember, I beseech thee, all those bitter -pains and torments which thou didst endure in thy sacred members, -who, being hoisted up upon the cross, with all thy precious body -rent and torn, not having from the crown of thy head to the sole -of thy foot any part left unhurt; so that no dolor could be -compared to thine; at which time, being unmindful of thy own -torments, thou didst mercifully pray to thy heavenly Father for -thy cruel enemies, saying: "Father, forgive them, for they know -not what they do." O most meek and merciful Lord Jesus, by this -thy admirable benignity, goodness, love, and mercy, and by all -thy bitter pains and torments, grant that the memory of thy -dolorous passion may be a most powerful protection of my soul and -body, against all deceits, temptations, and molestations of the -devil, my cruel enemy. Amen. -</p><p> -O most merciful Lord Jesus, &c. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_251">{251}</a></span> -<p> -5. O most sweet Jesus Christ, mirror of eternal brightness, and -wisdom of the omnipotent Father, remember the bitter grief and -sorrow thy sacred soul did feel, when beholding, in the clear -mirror of thy divine presence, the predestination of thy elect, -who through the merits of thy most salutary passion were to be -saved; and the reprobation of the wicked, who for their -ingratitude were to be damned; and the abyss of thy immense -mercy, by which thou didst commiserate and shed tears for us, -miserable, lost, and forlorn sinners; and chiefly by that mercy -which thou didst show to the thief upon the cross, saying to him, -"This day thou shalt be with me in paradise;" I beseech thee, O -most sweet Lord Jesus, my Lord and my God, to show the like mercy -unto me, now and at the hour of my death. Amen. -</p><p> -O most sweet Lord Jesus, &c. -</p><p> -6. O most sweet Lord Jesus, omnipotent king and most amiable -friend, remember the bitter grief and sorrow thy sacred soul did -suffer, when, being forsaken of all thy friends, and -acquaintances, thou didst hang naked, rent, and torn upon the -cross; not having any to comfort or compassionate thee, only the -blessed and glorious Virgin Mary, thy mother; who standing under -the cross in the bitterness of her soul, accompanied thee in all -thy torments; unto whom thou didst commend thy beloved disciple, -St. John, in thy place, saying unto her, "Woman, behold thy son;" -and after, to thy disciple, "Son, behold thy mother." -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_252">{252}</a></span> -O most sweet Lord Jesus, by that sword of sorrow which did then -transpierce her sacred soul, and by the tender love and -compassion wherewith thou didst behold the sad distresses of thy -sorrowful mother, have pity and compassion on me, I beseech thee, -my dearest Lord, and mercifully help, comfort, succour, and -assist me in all my tribulations, adversities, necessities, -sorrows, and sufferings, both spiritual and corporal. Amen. -</p><p> -O most blessed Lord Jesus, &c. -</p><p> -7. O most sweet and blessed Lord Jesus, crown of joy, treasure of -felicity, sweet source of consolation, and unexhausted fountain -of mercy; who, hanging on the cross, out of the most inflamed -desire thou hadst for the salvation of our souls, saidst, <i>I -thirst;</i>—viz. for the redemption of mankind. O dearest Lord, -by this, thy ardent charity, inflame our hearts with thy holy -love, kindle our desire to accomplish diligently all good works, -and wholly to extinguish the heat of all evil concupiscence and -worldly affections in us. Amen. -</p><p> -O most sweet Lord Jesus, &c. -</p><p> -8. O most sweet Lord Jesus, the true light of those who believe -in thee, suavity of hearts, and sovereign solace of all faithful -souls, by that bitter gall and vinegar thou didst taste upon the -cross at the hour of thy death, grant us, miserable sinners, -grace worthily to receive at all times, particularly at the hour -of our death, thy most precious body and blood; that by the -virtue of this divine banquet, and all other salutary sacraments, -we may be preserved from all evils, sin, and punishments, and -replenished with all joy, and securely appear in thy divine -presence. Amen. -</p><p> -O most sweet Lord Jesus, &c. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_253">{253}</a></span> -<p> -9. O most sweet Lord Jesus, source of all regal virtue, and all -mental jubilee, remember, I beseech thee, those excessive pains -and anguishes thou didst endure for us upon the cross, when, -through the bitterness of death, and the impious blasphemies, -derisions, scorns, and reproaches of the Jews, with a loud voice -and weeping eyes, thou didst cry to thy heavenly Father, with -this sad complaint: "Eli, Eli, lamma sabacthani?" that is to say, -"My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" O most sweet Lord -Jesus, by this thy bitter torment, sorrow, grief, and anguish, -vouchsafe, I beseech thee, to have pity on me, and to succour me -in all my sorrows, sufferings, and tribulations, and particularly -at the hour of my death. O then, my dearest Lord and my God, -succour me, and forsake me not, I beseech thee. Amen. -</p><p> -O most gracious Lord Jesus, &c. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_254">{254}</a></span> -<p> -10. O most sacred Lord Jesus, Alpha and Omega, the beginning and -ending of all things, and mirror of all virtue, remember how, -from the crown of thy head to the sole of thy feet, thou wert -immerged in the deluge of thy dolorous passion, for the love of -us, vile sinners. O most sweet Lord Jesus, by the length, -breadth, greatness, and multitude of thy sacred wounds, take from -me the love of the world, and teach me by a true and perfect -charity, always to keep thy holy law and commandments. Amen. -</p><p> -O most wise Lord Jesus, &c. -</p><p> - -11. O most sweet Lord Jesus, sovereign goodness, eternal -beatitude of thy saints, and most profound abyss of mercy, by the -deep wounds which did not only transpierce thy sacred flesh, but -even thy bowels, and the marrow of thy bones, be merciful to me a -miserable sinner, who now am drowned in my sins and iniquities, -and hide me in thy sacred wounds from the face of thy wrath, -until thy indignation be passed and appeased. Amen. -</p><p> -O most potent Lord Jesus, &c. -</p><p> - -12. O most sweet Lord Jesus, mirror of verity, pledge of unity -and bond of charity! remember the innumerable multitude of all -those painful wounds wherewith thou wert covered from head to -foot, all thy holy body most cruelly rent and torn by impious -Jews, and dyed with thy most precious blood; all which most -dreadful dolors thou didst endure for us vile sinners. O most -gracious Lord, engrave those thy dolors deeply in my heart, and -write them there with thy precious blood, that in them I may -always read thy love and dolors; so that the memory of thy -painful passion may daily be renewed in me, and my love increase -towards thee, and I remain perpetually thankful to thy immense -charity, to the last period of my life, until I come to enjoy -thee, my only dear Lord, and most desired treasure, abounding -with all joy and felicity: which through thy goodness be pleased -to grant, O most sweet Lord Jesus. Amen. -</p><p> -O most noble Lord Jesus, &c. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_255">{255}</a></span> -<p> -13. O most sweet Lord Jesus, most victorious lion, most -invincible, triumphant, and immortal king! remember, I beseech -thee, all the bitter pains and anguishes thou didst endure, when -all the forces of thy heart and body failing, bowing down thy -sacred head, thou saidst: "It is consummated." O dearest Lord, by -these thy deadly dolors, have mercy on me at my last passage, -when my heart and soul shall be in anguish and anxiety. Amen. -</p><p> -O most noble Lord Jesus, &c. -</p><p> - -14. O most sweet Lord Jesus, only begotten Son of the eternal -Father, figure of his substance, and splendour of his glory! -remember that most earnest recommendation wherewith thou didst -commend thy sacred, sweet soul, to thy omnipotent Father, upon -the cross, saying: "Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit." -At which time thou didst hang naked on the cross, with thy most -holy body all over wounded, rent, and torn, pouring forth streams -of thy most precious blood; with thy face pale and wan, thy head -crowned with thorns, thy arms extended, thy hands nailed, thy -veins bleeding, thy bowels of mercy opened, thy eyes weeping and -obscured, thy voice failing, thy breast thirsting, and wholly -heart-broken. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_256">{256}</a></span> -O my most merciful Lord, unto all these cruel pains and torments -didst thou deliver thy most sacred, innocent, tender, pure, and -precious body for the redemption of us most wretched, vile, and -miserable sinners, and in this manner, renderest thy sweet soul -to thy celestial Father; by which most precious and innocent -death of thine, and by the virtue of thy holy cross, I beseech -thee, O Father of mercy and omnipotent King of saints, to give me -grace to resist the world, the flesh, and the devil; that being -dead to all terrestrial things, I may live to thee alone, and -have the happiness to be received by thee at my last passage, -when this my miserable exile shall be ended. Amen. -</p><p> -O most pious Lord Jesus, &c. -</p><p> - -15. O most sweet Lord Jesus, most flourishing, true, and fruitful -vine, remember the super-abundant effusion of thy precious blood, -which thou didst pour forth so plentifully from all parts of thy -holy body, like a cluster of pressed grapes; when thou thyself -alone didst tread the vine-press on the cross, and out of thy -pierced side didst give us water and wine to drink, not leaving -so much as one drop, being like a bundle of pure and precious -myrrh: thou wert suspended on high upon the cross, at which time -the liquor of thy bowels dried up, the marrow of thy bones -consumed, and thy most delicate and tender body wholly fainted -and failed. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_257">{257}</a></span> -<p> -O most sweet Lord Jesus, by this most liberal effusion of thy -precious blood, by thy bitter death and passion, and all thy -sacred wounds, vouchsafe to wound my heart with that tender love, -wherewith the holy heart of thy most blessed mother was wounded -under the cross, that tears of love and penance may be my bread -day and night; and convert me wholly to thee, that my heart may -be thy perpetual habitation, my conversation pleasing and -acceptable to thy divine Majesty, and the end of my life so -laudable, that having finished this mortal pilgrimage, I may be -admitted into immortal glory, to praise and glorify thee my -sovereign Lord, in the sweet society of thy holy angels and -saints, to all eternity. Amen. -</p><p> -O most gracious Lord Jesus, be propitious to me a sinner. -Pater Noster. Ave Maria. -</p> - - <h4>Conclusion.</h4> -<p> -O most sweet Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, vouchsafe -to receive these prayers, in union with that most excellent love -wherewith thou didst suffer all the wounds of thy most precious -body; and be merciful to me thy poor, unworthy servant, and all -sinners, with all faithful souls, both living and dead; -graciously granting to us all mercy, grace, remission of sins, -and life everlasting. Amen. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_258">{258}</a></span> - - <h3>Devotions To The<br> - - Sacred Heart Of Jesus.</h3> - -<p class="side"> - That the Associates of the Sacred Heart may discharge the - obligations required of them, they should daily repeat one - <i>Pater</i>, one <i>Ave</i>, and the <i>Creed</i>, with the - following aspiration: - <i>Adorable Heart of Jesus, grant that I may increase in thy - love</i>. They should also spend one hour in the year, at their - own choosing, in the presence of the blessed Sacrament, in - making acts of reparation, &c. -</p> - - <h4>Act Of Consecration.</h4> -<p> -To thee, O Sacred Heart of Jesus; I devote and offer up my life, -thoughts, words, actions, pains, and sufferings. To thee I -consecrate my soul and body, with all the faculties and senses -thereof, so that no part of my being may any longer be employed, -but in loving, serving, honouring, and glorifying thee. Be thou, -O most Sacred Heart! the sole object of my love, the protector of -my life, the pledge of my salvation, and my secure refuge at the -hour of my death. Be thou also, O most bountiful Heart! my -justification at the throne of God, and screen me from his anger, -which I have so justly merited. In thee I place all my -confidence, and convinced, as I am, of my own weakness, I rely -entirely on thy compassionate mercy. Annihilate in me all that is -displeasing and offensive to thy pure eye. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_259">{259}</a></span> -Imprint thyself like a divine seal on my heart, that I may ever -remember my obligations, and never be separated from thee. May my -name also I beseech thee, by thy tender goodness, ever be fixed -and engraved in thee, O Book of Life! and may I ever be a victim -consecrated to thy glory, ever burning with the flames of thy -pure love, and entirely penetrated with it for all eternity! In -this I place all my happiness; this is all my desire, to live and -die in no other quality, but that of thy devoted servant. Amen. -</p> - - - <h3>The Litany Of The Sacred Heart Of Jesus.</h3> - -<pre class="serif"> -Lord, have mercy on us. -Christ, have mercy on us. -Lord, have mercy on us. -Christ, hear us. -Christ, graciously hear us. -God, the Father of heaven, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> -God, the Son, Redeemer of the world, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> -God, the Holy Ghost, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> -Holy Trinity, one God, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> -Heart of Jesus, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> -Heart of Jesus, formed in the womb of the most -Blessed Virgin, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> -Heart of Jesus, hypostatically united to the -eternal Word, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> -Heart of Jesus, sanctuary of the Divinity, and -tabernacle of the -most holy Trinity, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_260">{260}</a></span> -Heart of Jesus, temple of sanctity and fountain of -all graces, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> -Heart of Jesus, most meek and humble, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> -Heart of Jesus, most chaste and obedient, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> -Heart of Jesus, furnace of love, -and source of contrition, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> -Heart of Jesus, treasure of wisdom and goodness, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> -Heart of Jesus, throne of mercy, -and abyss of all virtues, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> -Heart of Jesus, sorrowful in the garden, -and spent with a bloody sweat, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> -Heart of Jesus, saturated with reproaches, -and consumed for our sins, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> -Heart of Jesus, made obedient even unto -the death of the cross, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> -Heart of Jesus, pierced through with a lance, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> -Heart of Jesus, refuge of sinners, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> -Heart of Jesus, fortitude of the just, -and comfort of the afflicted, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> -Heart of Jesus, main strength of the tempted, -and terror of the devils, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> -Heart of Jesus, sanctification of hearts, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> -Heart of Jesus, perseverance of the good, -and hope of the dying, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> -Heart of Jesus, joy of the blessed, -and the delight of all the saints, - <i>Have mercy on us.</i> -Lamb of God, who takest away the sins -of the world, spare us, O Jesus! -Lamb of God, who takest away the sins -of the world, hear us, O Jesus! -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_261">{261}</a></span> -Lamb of God, who takest away the sins -of the world, have mercy on us, O Jesus! - -V. O most sacred heart of Jesus, have mercy on us. - -R. That we may worthily love thee with our whole hearts. -</pre> - - - <h4>Let Us Pray.</h4> -<p> -O God, who out of thy immense love, hast given to the faithful -the most sacred Heart of thy Son, our Lord, as the object of thy -tender affection; grant, we beseech thee, that we may so love and -honour this pledge of thy love on earth, as by it to merit the -love both of thee and thy gift, and to be eternally loved by thee -and this most blessed Heart in heaven: through the same Jesus -Christ, our Lord. Amen. -</p><p> -Through thy sacred Heart, O Jesus, overflowing with all -sweetness, we recommend to thee ourselves, and all our concerns, -our friends, benefactors, parents, and relations, our superiors, -and enemies; take under thy protection this house, city, and -kingdom; extend thy care to all such as lie under any affliction, -and to those who labour in the agony and pangs of death; cast an -eye of compassion on the obstinate sinner, and more particularly -on the poor suffering souls in purgatory; as also on those who -are engaged and united with us in the holy confederacy of -honouring and worshipping thee. Bless these in particular, O -divine Jesus! and bless them according to the extent of thy -infinite goodness, mercy, and charity. Amen. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_262">{262}</a></span> - - <h3>A Reparation Of Honour To The Sacred Heart.</h3> - -<p class="side"> - To be made on the Feast itself, or at any other time, in - presence of the Blessed Sacrament. -</p><p> -O most amiable and adorable Heart of Jesus! centre of all hearts, -glowing with charity, and inflamed with zeal for the interest of -thy Father and the salvation of mankind; O Heart, ever sensible -of our misery, and ever ready to redress our evils; the real -victim of love in the holy Eucharist, and a propitiatory -sacrifice for sin on the altar of the cross! seeing that the -generality of Christians make no other return for these thy -mercies, than contempt for thy favours, forgetfulness of their -own obligations, and ingratitude to the best of benefactors; is -it not just that we thy servants, penetrated with the deepest -sense of such indignities, should, as far as in our power, make a -due and satisfactory reparation of honour to thy most sacred -Majesty? Prostrate, therefore, in body, and humbled in mind, -before heaven and earth, we solemnly declare our utter -detestation and abhorrence of such conduct. Inexpressible, we -know, was the bitterness which the multitude of our sins brought -on thy tender heart; insufferable the weight of our iniquities, -which pressed thy face to the earth in the garden of Olives; and -insurmountable thy anguish, when expiring with love, grief, and -agony, on Mount Calvary, in thy last breath thou wouldst reclaim -sinners to their duty and repentance. This we know, O dear -Redeemer! and would most willingly redress these thy sufferings -by our own, or share with thee in thine! -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_263">{263}</a></span> -<p> -O merciful Jesus! ever present on our altars, and with a heart -open to receive all who labour and are burdened! O adorable heart -of Jesus, source of true contrition, impart to our hearts the -true spirit of penance, and to our eyes a fountain of tears, that -we may bewail our sins, and the sins of the world. Pardon, divine -Jesus! all the injuries and outrages done to thee in the course -of thy holy life and bitter passion. Pardon all the impieties, -irreverences, and sacrileges, which have been committed against -thee in the holy sacrament of the Eucharist, since its first -institution:—graciously receive the small tribute of our -sincere repentance, as an agreeable offering in thy sight, and in -requital for the benefits we daily receive from thy altar, where -thou art a living and continual sacrifice, and in union with that -bloody holocaust thou didst present to thy eternal Father, on -Mount Calvary. -</p><p> -Sweet Jesus! give thy blessing to the ardent desire we now -entertain, and the holy resolution we have taken, of ever loving -and adoring thee, with our whole mind and with our whole heart, -in the sacrament of thy love; thus to repair, by a true -conversion of heart, and a zeal for thy glory, our past -negligence and infidelities. Be thou, O adorable Heart! who -knowest the clay of which we are formed, be thou our mediator -with thy heavenly Father, whom we have so grievously offended; -strengthen our weakness, confirm our resolution, and with thy -charity, humility, meekness, and patience, cover the multitude of -our iniquities. Be thou our support, our refuge, and our -strength, that nothing henceforward in life or death may separate -us from thee. Amen. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_264">{264}</a></span> - - <h3>Devotions For The Sick.</h3> - - <h4>Instruction.</h4> -<p class="side"> - The state of sickness and sufferings is to be regarded as a - fatherly visitation, whereby God knocks at the door of our - hearts, to put us in mind of our mortality. It is a call from - heaven, a timely warning to prepare for eternity, by spending - the remainder of our life in the love and service of our - Creator. It is the <i>touchstone</i> of patience, the school, - or rather the <i>harvest</i> of penance, resignation, and every - Christian virtue. It is the <i>test</i> of our love, by which - we may judge whether we acquit ourselves of duties that are - agreeable to nature, in conformity to the will of God, or only - do them because they are agreeable to our own will. We know not - what we are until we are tried. It costs us nothing to say, "We - love thee, O God, above all things;" or to show the courage of - martyrs at a distance, when we have nothing to cross or thwart - our inclinations; but that love is sincere which stands the - proof. -<br><br> - If we loved God sincerely, we would on all occasions embrace, - desire, and find no happiness but in the accomplishment of his - holy will. We would be prepared to bear whatever crosses and - calamities he is pleased to send us, with a patient - resignation. We would rejoice in them as the greatest - blessings, and the sources of immortal crowns. We would regard - them as precious talents, to be improved by the increase of our - love and affection for God, and the exercise of the most heroic - virtues of self-denial, patience, humility, &c. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_265">{265}</a></span> -<p class="side"> - To be dejected and impatient under sickness and trials, to - indulge murmurs and complaints, to repine and call ourselves - wretched and unhappy, &c, are signs that an inordinate - self-love reigns in our hearts, and that we seek our own - inclinations more than the will of God, who has bequeathed the - cross to his elect, as their portion and inheritance in this - world. It is in vain that we take the name of Christians, or - pretend to follow Christ, unless we also carry our cross after - his example. It is in vain for us to expect to be glorified - with Jesus, unless we also suffer with Jesus. He sacrificed - himself for us on the cross, that he might unite us, by it, - eternally to himself. We cannot arrive at heaven by any other - road. If we courageously embrace our cross, God will be our - comfort and support, as he was the comfort and support of the - holy martyrs under the most severe trials. He will not forsake - us, unless we first forsake him by sin. -<br><br> - Too nice and anxious a care of health, is also an evident sign - of inordinate self-love, and hatred of mortification. - Nevertheless, as a man is not master of his own life or health, - he is bound to take a moderate and reasonable care not to throw - either of them away, nor neglect the essential prescriptions of - physicians in the simple and ordinary remedies and succours of - medicine. But he who trusts more in the art of physicians than - in the Lord, deserves to be disappointed, like Asa, king of - Juda, who became the victim of death, because he placed more - confidence in his physicians than in God. Wherefore a Christian - in his sickness should, in the first place, consider God as his - chief physician, make his peace with him, and seek the health - of his soul, by having recourse to the holy sacraments in due - time, whilst he is in a condition to receive them with the - proper dispositions. If he be in debt, or has any restitution - or satisfaction to make, he should take care to have these - obligations discharged to the best of his power. He should - settle his temporal affairs without delay, that he may wholly - apply his thoughts afterwards, without any disturbance, to the - care of his immortal soul. He ought to beg of God to extinguish - in him all self-love, and to dispose of him as he pleases. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_266">{266}</a></span> - He ought to excite in his soul devout acts of faith, hope, - charity, contrition, patience, resignation, &c. He should - endeavour to sanctify his sufferings, by receiving them from - the hand of God, by bearing them in the spirit of penance, by - offering them in satisfaction for his sins, and by uniting them - with the sufferings of his blessed Saviour and Redeemer, Jesus - Christ.—"<i>Omnia si pardas, animam servare memento</i>." - "Although you should lose everything else, be careful to save - your soul." -</p> - - <h4>A Prayer In The Beginning Of Sickness.</h4> -<p> -O my God, I accept this sickness with which thou art pleased to -visit me, as a favour from, thy heavenly hand. I accept all its -circumstances and consequences, in satisfaction for my sins. Thou -hast given me health and strength, O Lord, and thou hast taken -them away: may thy holy name, O Lord, be blessed for ever. I bow -down my whole soul to adore thee in all thy appointments. I -resign myself entirely into the hands of thy providence, and -acknowledge that thou dost treat me with too much indulgence. I -know I deserve greater evils than those I now endure, and that I -merit, by my sins, pains infinitely greater than even the pains -of hell, where I would long since have been, had not thy pure -mercy interposed between my soul and thy justice. Alas! how many -are now suffering there for crimes less than mine? My pains are -nothing in comparison to theirs. I have no reason to complain. O -may thy holy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. I offer -myself, with an entire submission, to suffer whatever thou -pleasest, as long as thou pleasest, and in what manner thou -pleasest. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_267">{267}</a></span> -May this sickness be to the honour of thy holy name, and to the -good of my soul. But, O Lord, have regard to my weakness, and -deal not with me according to my sins; but according to the -multitude of thy tender mercies have compassion on me. Confirm my -soul with strength from above, that I may be patient under all -uneasiness, pain, disquietudes, and difficulties of my illness. -Grant that I may cheerfully submit to them, as a just punishment -of my manifold offences, and duly offer them in conjunction with -the sufferings and death of my blessed Redeemer on the cross, -through whose merits I look for mercy, and hope to possess -eternal life. Have pity on me, O most loving father! clothe me -with thy grace, and receive me into the arms of thy mercy. Create -a clean heart within me, O God, and renew an upright spirit -within my bowels; cast out from thence whatever profanes or -defiles thy temple; destroy and root out what is displeasing to -thee, and lay in me the foundation of a new life, either for this -world or the world to come. I am heartily sorry that I ever -offended thy infinite goodness, in thought, word, deed, or -omission. I most humbly implore thy pardon for all my sins, I now -propose not to offend thee any more, and to avoid every thing -that may be to me an occasion of sin. I resolve to make -restitution and satisfaction for the injuries I have committed. -For the love of thee, I sincerely forgive all those who have -injured me or done me wrong; I beseech thee to pardon them and -grant them the same blessing that I desire for my own soul. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_268">{268}</a></span> -With the utmost humility I also heartily beg pardon of all those -to whom I have given any offence, whether by ill example, by -words, deeds, or any other way, deliberately or unknowingly. Thou -seest, O Lord, how frail I am, and that I am nothing but dust and -ashes; preserve me from all temptations, and be thou my defence -against all the assaults of the evil spirit, that in this -sickness I may no way offend thee: and if this is to be my last, -I beg of thee so to direct me by thy grace, that I may not -neglect the necessary means of salvation, nor be deprived of any -of those powerful helps which thou hast in thy mercy ordained for -the good of my soul. Prepare it, O Lord, for its passage into -eternity; that being perfectly cleansed from all my iniquities, I -may be admitted one day into the kingdom of thy glory, there to -love and praise thee for ever, in the company of thy blessed -angels and saints. Amen. -</p><p> -"Lord, thy thorns are my roses, and thy suffering my paradise."<br> - <i>St. Felix</i>. -</p><p> -"Tears of devotion are sweeter than the joys of theatres."<br> - <i>St. Augustine.</i> -</p> - - <h4>A Prayer Before Receiving The Viaticum.</h4> -<p> -O my blessed Redeemer Jesus Christ, I firmly believe thou art -really present in this venerable sacrament, which I am now about -to receive by way of viaticum. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_269">{269}</a></span> -I believe it contains thy sacred body and blood, accompanied with -thy soul and divinity. I desire to receive this heavenly banquet -for thy honour and glory, and the good of my soul, that I may be -happily united to thee. I desire to commemorate thy sufferings as -thou hast commanded. But how shall I dare to approach thee?—so -wretched a worm, to so infinite a majesty! so filthy a sinner, to -so infinite purity and sanctity! It is therefore in thy mercy -that I place my whole trust; and since thou art pleased to invite -thyself into so poor, so wretched so mean a cottage as this of my -breast, vouchsafe, I beseech thee, to grant me those graces, and -that reverence, humility, and devotion, which may prepare a fit -abode for thy reception. Cleanse my soul from every foul stain of -sin, clothe it with the nuptial garment of charity, and adorn it -with all virtues. I come to thee, like Magdalen, that I may be -delivered from all my evils, and that I may embrace thee, my only -good. I detest with my whole heart, all the sins of my past life, -because they have offended thy goodness. I desire to lay them all -down here at thy feet, to be cancelled by thy precious blood. I -am sorry for them, and will be sorry for them as long as I live. -I will bewail them in the bitterness of my soul. They are many -and grievous, it is true; yet they are nothing when compared to -thy boundless mercy, and to the infinite ransom of thy precious -blood. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_270">{270}</a></span> -Forgive me, then, sweet Jesus, for thy mercy's sake; have pity on -me and save me, since thou forsakest none that place their hope -in thee. I love thee, my God, with my whole heart and soul, and -above all things in heaven and on earth! at least I earnestly -desire so to love thee, and consecrate myself eternally to thee. -O come and take full possession of my heart for ever; I offer it -to thee without reserve; O come and inflame it with the celestial -fire of thy divine love, and let nothing in life or death ever -again separate me from thee. O sweet Jesus, prepare me for a -worthy reception of the blessing thou art now about to bestow on -me. I adore and worship thee, humbled in mind and body, and -confess myself to be nothing but dust and ashes in thy presence. -It is my confidence in thy goodness that makes me presume to -approach thee, for I cannot but acknowledge myself infinitely -unworthy. <i>Domine non sum dignus, &c.</i> -</p><p> -For a Prayer after receiving the Viaticum, see page 128. -</p> - - <h4>A Prayer Before Extreme Unction.</h4> -<p> -O Lord Jesus Christ, who, in the abundance of thy mercy, hast -provided powerful resources for relief in all our necessities, -grant me grace to have recourse to them with such worthy -dispositions that my soul may partake of all those great -advantages and salutary effects which thou hast appointed in -their institution. Thou hast instituted the sacrament of Extreme -Unction for the benefit of the sick, who, in the extremity of -life, stand in need of more graces, more helps, and more -consolation, than ever. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_271">{271}</a></span> -I now desire to receive this heavenly medicine, for the ends for -which it has been instituted. I am willing to be anointed, as -thou hast commanded by thy apostle St James. Grant, I beseech -thee, that this holy Unction may produce in me all its happy -fruits, by healing my soul from the ulcers of sin, by fortifying -me against all temptations, by supporting me in the hour of -anguish and distress, and by preparing me for a happy passage out -of this life, or whatever may be thy holy will. Shouldst thou -foresee that my health may be conducive to thy greater glory, and -expedient for my eternal salvation, let this be the means to -restore it. I absolutely submit myself to thy divine will and -pleasure. I wish not to live but to serve thee. Dispose of me as -thou knowest best; do with me as thou pleasest. All I desire is -the accomplishment of thy most holy will. Give me health or -sickness, life or death; give me whatsoever thou pleasest: not my -will, O Lord, but thine be done: it is a greater happiness to -fulfil thy will, than to enjoy ten thousand lives. O how happy -should I be, if the destruction of my body could repair the -injury I have offered to thy divine Majesty! My <i>eyes</i>, -alas! have seen vanities; my <i>ears</i> have been open to -detractions, to profane and unprofitable discourses; my -<i>tongue</i> has many ways offended thee, both in speaking and -tasting; my <i>hands</i> have contributed to my follies; my -<i>feet</i> have often gone astray in the paths of vanity and -sin. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_272">{272}</a></span> -By this holy anointing, and the prayers of thy church, pardon me, -O Jesus, all the sins I have ever committed by these my five -senses. Let those avenues through which sin has made its way into -my soul, be now shut to the world; let my eyes be open to thee -alone, my Jesus; let my ears be now attentive to thy commands, -and to thy call; let my tongue be solely employed in crying out -for mercy; let my prayers ascend like incense in thy sight; let -my hands be lifted up to heaven for pardon; let my feet walk in -thy ways; and let my heart be the living temple of the Holy -Ghost. Into thy hands, O dear Jesus, I commend my spirit. In thee -I will live, in thee I will die, in thee I will abide, and in -thee I hope to possess eternal rest and heavenly joy for ever and -ever. Amen. -</p> - - <h4>A Prayer After Extreme Unction.</h4> -<p> -O my God, thou hast created, redeemed, and sanctified me; thou -hast preserved me in many dangers both of soul and body; thou -hast nourished me with the adorable sacrament of thy body and -blood, and granted me the grace to receive the rights of thy -church, preferably to so many others, who are carried off by a -sudden death, without being favoured with those succours and -graces which thou hast bestowed upon me, a most ungrateful -sinner. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_273">{273}</a></span> -For these and all thy other blessings, I offer thee innumerable -thanks. O that I had as many tongues and hearts as there are -stars in the heavens, atoms in the air, and creatures in the -universe; how willingly would I employ them all in praising, -loving, and glorifying thee! To thee I resign my heart: receive -it as a holocaust. Into thy hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit: -receive me, O dear Jesus, in thy mercy; receive me into thy -loving arms, which were stretched forth on the cross for my -redemption; receive me into the embraces of thy infinite charity. -I do not desire to be freed from my pains; thou knowest what is -best for me: do but take from me all murmuring, and give me -patience to suffer whatever thou willest, and as long as thou -pleasest. Should it be thy divine pleasure to inflict on my weak -body and languishing soul greater punishments than I now suffer, -my heart is ready, O Lord, my heart is ready to accept them, and -to suffer in whatever manner and measure may be most conformable -to thy will. This one grace I most earnestly beg of thee, my -God—<i>that I may die the death of the just</i>, and be -admitted, after the sufferings and tribulations of this -transitory and sinful life, into the kingdom of thy glory, there -to see and enjoy thee, in the company of the blessed, for a -never-ending eternity. Amen. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_274">{274}</a></span> - - <h4>Short Acts Of Virtue In Time Of Sickness.</h4> -<p> -I acknowledge, O Lord, that I am a sinner; accept, therefore, of -what I now suffer, in atonement for my sins. Help me to receive -with submission and resignation, whatever afflictions thou shalt -please to send me. -</p><p> -I am content to suffer here, provided thou dost spare me -hereafter. I know that it is by many tribulations we must enter -into the kingdom of heaven. I know that those who would be -glorified with Jesus, must also suffer with Jesus. I am -convinced, that the sufferings of this present time are not to be -set in competition with the eternal glory which shall be revealed -in us. I believe that the present momentary and light tribulation -worketh in us, above measure, an eternal weight of glory. -</p><p> -I offer myself, and all that I have, or am, to thee. Do with me, -my God, whatever thou pleasest. Shall I not drink the cup which -my Father hath given me? Not my will, but thine be done. -</p><p> -O sweetness of my heart, and love of my soul! take off my heart -and thought from this world, that all my comfort may be in thee. -O when will thy kingdom come? O Lord, when wilt thou perfectly -reign in all hearts? when shall sin be no more? Wound my heart -with thy love, that it may relish nothing that is earthly. O that -I had never offended so good a God! O that I had never sinned! -Happy those souls that have always preserved their baptismal -innocence. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_275">{275}</a></span> -<p> -O my God, all my hopes are in thee.—Through Jesus Christ my -Redeemer, I hope for mercy, grace, and salvation. -</p><p> -O sweet and adorable Jesus! O spotless Lamb! O innocent victim! -who by thy passion and death hath effaced the sins of mankind, -blot out my iniquities, and do not permit that thy sufferings -should become useless to me. -</p><p> -Look, O God, on this poor piece of clay, and help me in my -distress. O my Jesus! I love thee; I love thee above all things, -and desire to love thee alone, because thou alone art worthy of -my love. -</p><p> -I cast myself into the arms of thy holy love. I abandon myself -entirely to thy blessed will. My unworthiness humbles and -confounds me; but the sight of thy wounds, O Jesus, proclaims -aloud how great thy mercy is, and how far it exceeds my misery. -</p><p> -O boundless love of my Jesus! inflame my heart with thy heavenly -fire. Consume in me all earthly affections, and confirm my soul -in thy holy love for ever. -</p><p> -O Jesus, torn with stripes, pierced with thorns, and weltering in -blood, for my sake! teach me to endure for the love of thee, the -anguish and inconvenience of my infirmities and sickness. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_276">{276}</a></span> -<p> -O Jesus, raised upon the cross, attract me now most powerfully to -thyself, that my whole occupation may be to love, praise, and -adore thee for ever. Hail, sacred wounds of the hands and feet of -Jesus! Hail precious streams of blood, that flowed from those -painful wounds! Infinite praise, honour, and glory be to thee, my -amiable Redeemer, for suffering such pains for the love of me. -Ah, how does it pierce my heart with sorrow, to contemplate thee, -and to consider the torments thou didst suffer for my salvation. -</p><p> -Hail, sacred wound of the side of Jesus! hail, blessed passage to -the sacred heart of my divine Redeemer! O that I could -contemplate thee with the love of a Magdalen, and melt into tears -of sweet devotion in honor of thee! By the sacred wounds of thy -hands, of thy feet, and of thy side; by the precious streams that -flowed from them; by thy blessed heart, burning with love for me; -I beg and beseech thee never to forsake me, but to grant me -whatever thou seest necessary for the sanctification of my soul. -</p><p> -Glory be to the Father, who by his power hath brought me forth -from nothing, and made me to his own image and likeness. Glory be -to the Son, who by his wisdom hath delivered me from hell, and -opened for me the gates of Heaven. Glory be to the Holy Ghost, -who by his mercy hath sanctified me in baptism, and still -continues to sanctify me by the graces which I daily receive. -Glory be the three adorable persons of the blessed Trinity. O may -I behold and glorify eternally in heaven, what I believe, adore, -and worship on earth—one God and three Persons, the Father, and -the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Amen. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_277">{277}</a></span> -<p> -"Here we have no permanent city:<br> -but we seek that which is to come."<br> - <i>Hebrews</i> xiii. 14. -</p><p> -"While we are in the body we are strangers from the Lord."<br> - 2 <i>Corinthians</i> v. 6. -</p><p> -"Whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord."<br> - <i>Romans</i> xiv. 8. -</p> - - <h4>A Prayer Of Thanksgiving,<br> - Upon The Recovery Of<br> - A Person From The Bed Of Sickness.</h4> -<p> -Almighty and everlasting God, I here acknowledge thy blessing in -the recovery of my health, and return thee my most hearty thanks -for it. I beg thy grace for the making a better use of it than -hitherto I have done; that I may correct all the errors of my -past life, that I may improve in virtue, be an example to others, -and dedicate that health to thee, which is now thy special gift; -that thus living to thee, I may be ever prepared for my last -hour: through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. -</p><p> -Bless the Lord, O my soul; may he be praised and glorified for -ever. -</p><p> -Bless the Lord, O my soul; and forget not all his benefits. -</p><p> -Blessed be the Lord, God of our fathers; let praise and glory be -given to him for ever. -</p><p> -I will praise thee, O my God, while I live; I will glorify thy -holy name while I have my being. -</p><p> -O magnify the Lord with me, all ye holy angels: praise him, all -ye saints. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_278">{278}</a></span> -<p> -I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall be ever in -my mouth. -</p><p> -Give glory to the Lord, for he is good, for his mercy endureth -for ever. -</p><p> -Blessed be the name of the Lord, from henceforth, now, and for -ever. -</p><p> -From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same, the -name of the Lord is worthy of praise. Glory, &c. -</p> - - <h3>Preparation for Death</h3> - - <h4>Instruction</h4> -<p class="side"> - The last moments of a Christian are not only the most precious - of his life, but to him of the greatest importance, as on them - depends his eternal lot. It is then Satan uses his utmost - efforts to accomplish the ruin of a soul. His snares and - batteries are more subtle and violent at the extremity, than at - any other period, of life; for it is then, as the apostle says, - (<i>Revelation</i> xii.) "he cometh down, having great wrath, knowing - that he hath but a short time." Hence it becomes the - indispensable duty of every soldier of Jesus Christ, frequently - to exercise himself in acts of faith, hope, charity, confidence, - fortitude, and perseverance; that by the familiar use of these - spiritual weapons during life, he may be enabled to encounter - the mortal enemy of his soul in his last conflict, and defeat - all his malicious designs. -<br><br> - When the disorder of a sick person has the appearance of - danger, every spiritual help should be offered him before he - loses the use of his senses; for which reason it would be very - unfriendly to flatter him with the hopes of recovery, or to be - negligent in exhorting him to make the best use of the little - time which perhaps he has to live, in preparing for his voyage - to eternity; and since a truly penitential spirit is the best - security to a Christian in life or death, he ought to be urged - to secure it to himself by the most perfect acts of - compunction, resignation, faith, hope, and divine love. For - this purpose he should keep himself as much as possible in the - divine presence, and in the blessed company of Jesus Christ, - the perfect model of suffering Christians. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_279">{279}</a></span> - He should converse frequently with him, cast himself in spirit - at his feet, like Magdalen; bewail his sins in the bitterness - of his soul, and cry out for mercy while there is yet time for - mercy. He should place a crucifix, or picture of his crucified - Redeemer, before his eyes; think often upon his passion, his - agony in the garden and on the cross; consider him nailed and - fastened on that bed of sorrow, without moving either hand or - foot, or having any other pillow to support his head but a - crown of thorns. He should fly to his bleeding wounds, there to - bathe his soul, and find a cure for all his disorders. He - should be excited by these considerations to make a voluntary - sacrifice of himself to the Divine Will; bear all his pains - with patience; accept of death as the just punishment due to - his sins; and offer it up in union with the death of Jesus - Christ, that being united thereto, it may become precious in - the sight of the Lord. He should frequently raise his thoughts - above this world, and fix them on heaven—making it the object - of his contemplation, and the centre of all his desires. He - should consider what a happy thing it is to see and enjoy God - eternally; and that the longer he remains here below, the more - he lies exposed to the danger of offending him. Far, therefore, - from being disturbed at the thoughts of quitting a wicked, - treacherous, and deceitful world, he should rather endeavour to - enter into the sentiments of St. Paul, who "longed to be - dissolved, and to be with Jesus Christ." Instead of being sorry - or unwilling to be disengaged from a frail body, subject to a - thousand infirmities, he should rather, like King David, thirst - after the happy hour that is to put him in possession of that - eternal kingdom of glory, for the enjoyment of which he was - created. -<br><br> - In effect, if the <i>seafaring man</i> long for his arrival in - the port of his destination; if the <i>military man</i> wish - for an and of the campaign, and long for the day that is to - restore him to his friends, crowned with laurels, and enriched - with spoils and trophies; if the <i>wearied traveller</i> pant - after his native soil, and wish for the end of his journey; if - the <i>captive</i> long to be freed from his chains; if the - <i>farmer</i>, after the toils and fatigues of the winter, - rejoice at the bright prospect of the approaching harvest; why - should not a <i>Christian</i> long for the end of the laborious - winter of this life, in order to reap the sweet fruits of his - past labours? -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_280">{280}</a></span> - Why should he not be charmed with the well-grounded hope of - <i>entering</i> into the joys of his Lord, and finding the - gates of heaven open to receive his soul? Why should he not - wish to be <i>rescued</i> out of the stormy sea of this world, - and arrive safely in the harbour of eternal life? Why should he - not long for the end of the <i>spiritual warfare</i> wherein he - is constantly engaged, in order to receive that never-fading - <i>crown of glory</i>, which is reserved in the kingdom of - heaven for such as <i>conquer?</i> Why should he not welcome - the happy hour of his death, which is to restore him to his - native country, fix him in his proper habitation, secure him - from the embarrassments and snares of this mortal life, and - translate him to the glorious society of the holy apostles, - martyrs, confessors, virgins, and an innumerable host of - heavenly citizens, who await him, and long to congratulate his - happy arrival? "Which amongst us," says St. Cyprian, "who for a - long time had been a sojourner in a foreign country would not - anxiously desire to return to his native soil? What person - would not wish for a prosperous gale of wind to waft him with - expedition to his favourite home, that he might the sooner - embrace his friends and relations?" Heaven is our native - country; here we are but strangers, captives, and pilgrims. - Here we have no permanent city; but there we shall be at home - in our Fathers house. Here we are exiles and travellers, - hastening to the end of our journey. This world is a - tempestuous ocean, full of rocks and quicksands, wherein we are - constantly tossed to and fro by storms and hurricanes, tortured - between hopes and fears, and every moment exposed to the danger - of being shipwrecked. "O how happy are they," continues St. - Cyprian, "who, after being delivered from these storms and - hurricanes, have happily arrived at the haven of everlasting - bliss!" How happy are they who are removed from the dangers of - sin, and freed from the assaults of the devil, and the conflict - of their passions! How happy are they who are withdrawn from - the miseries of this perishable life, and have put on a - glorious immortality! Who would not rejoice to obtain - everlasting rest, out of the reach of danger? Who would not - cheerfully quit this sinful Babylon, to spend an eternity in - the presence of God, and live for ever with Jesus Christ, in - the company of millions of saints and angels! -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_281">{281}</a></span> - O blessed be that Divine Providence, that infinite goodness, - which has provided a better world to receive us, and there - promises us eternal life: Hence hath St. Teresa exclaimed: "O - death, I know not who can fear thee, since it is by thee that - we find life." -<br><br> - Too great a love of life betrays a want of that lively faith - and confidence, which, by fortifying the mind of a Christian, - enables him to stare death in the face, and despise that king - of terrors. It is now more than ever incumbent on us to comply - with the obligation we lie under, of suppressing inordinate - self-love in our hearts, and of doing, not our own, but the - will of our heavenly Father; for how inconsistent would it be - to desire that <i>his will may be done on earth, as it is in - heaven</i>, if upon summoning us to quit this world, we are - reluctant and unwilling to obey his call? With what propriety - can we say, <i>thy kingdom come</i>, whilst we evidently betray - a desire of remaining here in a state of bondage to our - passions and subjection to the devil, rather than accept the - invitation to go and live with Jesus Christ, in the kingdom - which he has purchased for us at the expense of his sacred - blood. To die well or ill, is all that should give us trouble. - We know for certain that death is the only way to eternal - happiness; that the cross is the ladder by which we should - ascend to heaven; and that through many sufferings and - tribulations we must endeavour to enter into it. Christ himself - died before he entered into his glory. We cannot arrive at - heaven by any other road. It is the only gate to life - everlasting. It is a passage from a valley of tears to a region - of unspeakable bliss. It is a deliverance from a continual - warfare, in which we are surrounded with a thousand dangers of - perishing. It is a happy exemption from the temptation of the - devil, the world, and the flesh, which are our capital enemies. - Animated therefore, with a bright prospect of eternal happiness - at our departure, we should consider the pangs of death as - nothing else but the breaking down of that partition which - stands betwixt the soul and the sight of its sovereign good. -<br><br> - "The body is a tottering edifice, which must necessarily fall, - that the soul may be at rest. It is like the scaffolding which - architects make use of to erect a palace; but which they take - away after the building is finished."—<i>Clement XIV.—Picture - of Man</i>. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_282">{282}</a></span> - - <h4>Short Acts Of Virtue,</h4> -<p class="side"> - Which may be leisurely and distinctly suggested to sick persons - in time of danger, yet so as not to fatigue them with too much - reading. -</p><p> - -O my God, I firmly believe whatever thy holy Catholic Church -believes and teaches, and with the assistance of thy divine -grace, I will die in this belief. Increase, O Lord, and -strengthen my faith. -</p><p> -In thee, O Lord, I place my whole confidence. I hope to possess -eternal life through thy infinite mercy and the merits of my -Saviour Christ Jesus. O let me not be confounded for ever. My -God! I love thee with my whole heart and soul, above all things, -because thou art infinitely good and worthy of all love. -</p><p> -I love my neighbour, nay, and even my enemies, for the love of -thee. O my God, it grieves me to the soul for having so -ill-served so good a master. O that my heart could break asunder -with sorrow for having offended thee by the sins of my past life! -O that I had never offended so good a God! O unhappy day that I -neglected to love thee! Too late, too late have I begun to love -thee. I confess mine iniquities are many and grievous; but they -cannot lessen my confidence in thy mercies, which are infinitely -greater than my sins. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_283">{283}</a></span> -<p> -I most humbly ask pardon for them. I detest them because they -displease thee. O God, be merciful to me a sinner. O grant me a -true and sincere contrition, and let not the enemy of my soul -have any power over me, either now or at my last hour. -</p><p> -Pardon me, O Jesus. Hear me, O Jesus. Save me, O Jesus. I -renounce from this moment, and for all eternity, the devil and -all his works. I abhor all his suggestions and temptations. I -will, by no means, give admittance or consent to them. -</p><p> -Grant me, O Lord, the most precious gift of final perseverance, -that whenever my hour comes, I may die in thy grace. I beg pardon -of all those whom I have any way offended, and I sincerely -forgive all those who have any way offended or injured me, or who -wish me any kind of evil whatsoever. -</p><p> -I recommend my soul to God my Creator, who made me out of -nothing; to Jesus Christ my Saviour, who redeemed me with his -blood; to the Holy Ghost, who sanctified me in the water of -baptism. -</p><p> -Praise, honour, and glory, be to thy name for ever, O my God, for -all the graces and benefits which I have received from thy bounty -during the whole course of my life. -</p><p> -May thy providence be ever blessed and praised for all the -sufferings I have endured: O receive them in satisfaction for my -sins. I offer up to thee, O my crucified Redeemer, all that I now -suffer, or may have yet to suffer, to be united to, and to be -sanctified by thy passion. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_284">{284}</a></span> -<p> -I am content to suffer here, in hopes that my momentary pains and -sufferings will be soon changed into an eternity of happiness and -comfort. -</p><p> -Let the flesh suffer and perish, so that the spirit may be safe. -Scourge and afflict my body; and spare my soul for all eternity. -Here wound me, here burn me, here cut me asunder; but spare me at -my last hour. -</p><p> -My whole confidence, either of living or dying well, is grounded -on the infinite merits of my Redeemer's death and passion, and -the blood he hath shed for my sins. -</p><p> -Receive, O eternal Father, his precious merits, in full -satisfaction for all my offences. O let me never be separated -from thee. -</p><p> -Wound my heart with thy love, that it may relish nothing that is -earthly. Take off my thoughts from this mortal life, that all my -comfort may be placed in thee alone. -</p><p> -Dispose of my soul that it may be prepared at thy call to go -forth and meet thee, and become thy habitation for ever. -</p><p> -To thee I resign my heart, and bequeath my soul. O do not cast me -off amongst the reprobate; but make me fit to appear in thy -sight. -</p><p> -O happy hour! when shall I behold thee? O sweet Jesus! when shall -I appear before thy face? When shall I be disengaged from this -earthly habitation, that I may come to the enjoyment of thee? -When shall I be released from this prison, this miserable -Babylon, this place of banishment, that I may bless thy name, and -join with thy angels and saints in thy everlasting praise? -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_285">{285}</a></span> -<p> -When shall I lay down this cumbrous weight of flesh, and be -delivered from this body of death, which I have loved too well? -</p><p> -Thou hast in thy justice decreed that I should die. I most humbly -submit to the sentence, and readily accept it in the spirit of -penance, in order to honour thee by the sacrifice of my life, and -to give a proof of my obedience to thy orders. -</p><p> -I am content to die for thy glory, and to testify that I love -thee better than myself. -</p><p> -I am content to die, that I may no longer offend thee, but that I -may love thee, possess thee, praise thee, bless thee, and glorify -thee for ever in heaven. I am content to die, to expiate by my -death and suffering, all the sins which I have committed since I -came into the world. -</p><p> -I am ready and willing to be deprived of every thing I have loved -upon earth. I renounce all the vanities of the world, and now -willingly bid farewell to this vale of tears and miseries. -</p><p> -Heaven is my happier home. Paradise is much more pleasant and -agreeable, and death is the path that leads to it. -</p><p> -O happy news of my departure! I hope I shall soon hear the choirs -of angels sing forth the immortal praise of my God. To dwell one -day in his holy palace, in the company of the blessed, is better -than to be a thousand years in the tabernacle of sinners. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_286">{286}</a></span> -<p> -Let slow death then hasten on, that dying I may be no longer -exposed to the dangerous occasions of sin, but that I may see and -enjoy thee, my God, in paradise, and love thee eternally in the -regions of bliss and immortality. -</p><p> -O heavenly Jerusalem! O beautiful city of God, my happy home! -when shall I arrive in thy sacred tabernacles? -</p><p> -Take courage, my soul. The hour approacheth. Eternity comes on. -Thy miseries and sorrows will soon have an end. -</p><p> -Thou art going to the nuptials of the Lamb. Thou art going to the -land of the living. Thou art going to a kingdom where the God of -all glory displays his grandeur with the greatest magnificence. -</p><p> -O welcome the approaching hour of death, which is to remove thee -to a better life, and to translate thee from misery to felicity, -from death to immortality. -</p><p> -Jesus Christ was crucified and died for thee. Be ready then to -die for him, that thou mayest enjoy him in the kingdom of heaven, -which he has promised to those who put their trust and confidence -in him. [<i>Here the assistants may show a crucifix to the sick -person</i>.] Contemplate him expiring on the painful bed of the -cross, without any other pillow to support his head but a crown -of thorns. Behold his merciful arms extended to embrace thee. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_287">{287}</a></span> -See his sacred side laid open to grant thee admittance to his -heart. See his blessed head laid down to give the kiss of peace. -See at how dear a rate he has purchased thy salvation. See what -he suffered for thy sake. Embrace him with the most tender -affection, and with a firm confidence that thou wilt soon see him -in heaven, whom thou now beholdest fastened on a cross. Yes, my -divine Redeemer, I embrace thee with all the affections of my -soul. I depend on thy merits, and take shelter in thy bleeding -wounds. I trust thou wilt not suffer me to be for ever miserable, -for thou art infinitely good and merciful. Since I have thy blood -to plead in my behalf, why should I fear? why should I tremble at -the thoughts of death, when I consider that thou hast satisfied -for my sins, paid my debts, and laid down thy life for my -salvation? -</p><p> -I am not afraid of hell, though I have deserved it, because my -dear Jesus has purchased heaven for me. -</p><p> -I hope in his mercy; and all the artifices of the infernal -spirits shall never induce me to relinquish my hope. -</p><p> -In spite of them all, I will sing eternal praises to thee, O -blessed Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; I will adore thy -mercies, and will possess and love thee for ever. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_288">{288}</a></span> -<p> -I will now say what, perhaps, I shall not be able to say at my -dying moments:—"O Father of mercies, and God of all consolation, -into thy most merciful hands I commend my soul, both for time and -eternity." -</p><p> -Now, instead of then, when perhaps I may be deprived of the use -of speech and reason, I offer thee, O Lord, my heart, my life, my -agony, my pains, my anguish, my distress, and my death, to be -united to the blood, sweat and agony of my dear Saviour Jesus -Christ. -</p><p> -Now, as well as at the time of my departure, I renounce Satan, -and declare my abhorrence of whatever evil thoughts he shall then -suggest to me. -</p><p> -O God of my heart, my portion, and my inheritance for ever! I -desire to love thee, as the angels of heaven love thee. O how -good hast thou been to me, and how ungrateful have I been to -thee! I grieve from the bottom of my heart that I ever offended -thee, who art infinitely amiable. Forgive me, dear Jesus! forgive -me, O Father of mercies. -</p><p> -O my God and my all! my soul doth thirst after thee. When shall I -come and appear before thee, O thou fountain of mercy! O who will -deliver me from this body of death! I desire to be dissolved and -to be with Christ; for Christ is my life, and to die will be my -gain. -</p><p> -How lovely are thy tabernacles, O Lord God of Hosts! I love the -beauty of thy house, and the place of thy glorious abode. "The -eye hath not seen, the ear hath not heard, nor hath it entered -into the heart of man to conceive, what things God hath prepared -for those who love him." -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_289">{289}</a></span> -<p> -What have I more to do with the world? And in heaven, what can I -desire but thee only, O Lord? Now dost thou dismiss thy servant -in peace. -</p><p> -I am weary of this life. I willingly take my leave of this world, -and of all terrestrial objects. -</p><p> -Nothing, O good Jesus! nothing more shall ever separate me from -thee. -</p><p> -O holy Mary, mother of God, who didst assist at the death of thy -beloved son Jesus, obtain for me the grace of a happy death. -</p><p> -Glorious St. Michael, prince of the heavenly host, intercede for -me at the hour of my death, that I may depart this world in the -grace and favour of my Creator. -</p><p> -O holy Angel Guardian, to whose care God in his mercy has -committed me, stand by me at that dreadful hour; protect me -against all the powers of darkness: defend me from all my -enemies; and conduct my soul to the mansions of eternal repose. -</p><p> -O all ye blessed angels and saints of God, assist me by your -intercession, in this last and dreadful passage. -</p><p> -O Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, be thou -then to me a powerful redeemer and advocate with the Father. -</p><p> -Let those hands which were nailed to the cross, plead in my -behalf, and open to me the gates of heaven. -</p><p> -Be thou a Jesus to me, and save my soul at that awful period. -Hide me in thy wounds, and protect me under the shadow of thy -wings. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_290">{290}</a></span> -<p> -O good Shepherd of souls! do not forsake me, but conduct my soul -into eternal rest. -</p><p> -Suffer thy passion and death to stand betwix my soul and thy -justice; and let these comfortable words sound then in my ears: -"This day thou shalt be with me in paradise." -</p><p> -O sweet Comforter of desolate and distressed souls let me then -experience the multitude of thy tender mercies, when my soul -shall be in conflict with the pangs of death. -</p><p> -Be mindful of thy poor creature, whom thou hast redeemed with thy -precious blood. -</p><p> -Remember thou hast bought my soul at a dear rate. O let not thy -precious blood be lost on me, or spilt in vain. -</p><p> -O let not my soul perish, which cost thee so great a price. -</p><p> -Thou hast promised, that whosoever shall invoke thy name with -faith and confidence, shall be saved: I invoke thy sacred name, O -Jesus, with my whole heart, and with all possible respect and -devotion: do not then suffer me to be lost for ever. -</p><p> -Help me, O God my Saviour; and for the glory of thy blessed name, -deliver me. Look with an eye of pity on this poor piece of clay, -and succour me in my distress. -</p><p> -I beseech thee, by thy sufferings on the cross, especially at -that hour when thy blessed soul left thy sacred body, to have -mercy on my soul at the time of its departure from mine. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_291">{291}</a></span> -<p> -Call me to thyself, and receive me into the number of thine -elect, that I may praise thee without end. -</p><p> -O Jesus, Son of the living God, have mercy on me. -</p><p> -Give me thy blessing, O most loving Jesus. Lord Jesus, receive my -soul. -</p><p> -Receive me Lord Jesus, in thy mercy! receive my soul in peace. -</p><p> -Glory be to the Father, &c. -</p><p class="side"> -Post hominem vermis; post vermem fœtor et horror: Sic in non -hominem vertitur omnis homo. -</p> - - <h4>A Prayer By St. Liguori.</h4> -<p> -Ah, my Redeemer, how have I been able hitherto to live in such -forgetfulness of you? You were prepared to grant me all the -graces which I should ask of you; you only waited for me to ask -them. But I have thought only of indulging my senses, and have -been indifferent about the privation and loss of your love and of -your graces. Lord, forget all my ingratitude, and have mercy on -me. Pardon me all the displeasure I have given you, and grant me -perseverance. O God of my soul, give me the grace always to ask -your aid not to offend you. Do not permit me to be, as I have -hitherto been, negligent in the performance of this duty. Grant -me light and strength always to recommend myself to you, and -particularly when my enemies tempt me to offend you again. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_292">{292}</a></span> -<p> -Grant, O my God, this grace through the merits of Jesus Christ, -and through the love which you bear to him. O Lord, I have -offended you enough. I wish to love you during the remainder of -my life. Give me your love; and may this love remind me to ask -your aid whenever I shall be in danger of losing you by sin. -Mary, my hope after Jesus, through your intercession I hope for -the grace to recommend myself, in all my temptations, to you and -to your Son. Hear me, O my queen, through the love which you bear -to Jesus Christ. -</p> - - <h4>A Devout Prayer Of St. Augustine<br> - On The Sufferings Of Christ.</h4> -<p> -O God! who for the redemption of the world didst vouchsafe to be -born—to be circumcised—to be rejected by the Jews—to be -betrayed with a kiss—to be bound like a malefactor, and like an -innocent lamb to be led to the slaughter—to be ignominiously -brought before Annas, Caiphas, Pilate, and Herod—to be accused -by false witnesses—scourged with whips—buffeted—defiled with -spittle—crowned with thorns—stripped of thy clothes—fastened -to the cross, placed between two thieves—to have vinegar and -gall given thee to drink—to have thy side pierced through with a -spear! Thou, O Lord, by these most grievous pains, which I, -though unworthy, do commemorate, and by thy most sacred passion -and death, free me from the pains of hell, and conduct me whither -thy mercy did conduct the good thief crucified with thee: who, -together with the Father and the Holy Ghost, livest and reignest -for ever. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_293">{293}</a></span> - - <h4>A Prayer Of St. Jerome In Time Of Agony.</h4> -<p> -Merciful Jesus, thou art my strength, my refuge, and my -deliverer; in thee I have believed and hoped; in thee have I -loved. Call me now, I beseech thee, and I will answer.—Stretch -forth thy hand of mercy to the work of thy hands, and let me not -perish, whom thou hast redeemed with thy precious blood. -</p><p> -It is now time for dust to return to dust, and my spirit to thee -who gavest it. Open then, Lord, the gate of life, and receive me; -receive me most merciful Lord, according to the multitude of thy -tender mercies, who receivedst the thief on the cross, and now -prepare my soul for hearing the same promise of mercy which he -did. I am sick, O Lord, and my life is withering away; therefore -I come to thee my physician. Heal me then, my God, and I shall be -healed: let me not be confounded; because I put my trust in thee. -In thee have I hoped; let me not be cast off for ever. -</p><p> -But what am I, most merciful Lord, that I should speak thus -boldly to thee?—I am a sinner, grown up in sin, a rotten -carcass, a vessel of corruption, and food for worms. But spare me -still, my God; for what victory is there in overthrowing me, who -am but as dust before the wind? Forgive me all my sins, and -deliver me from my distress. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_294">{294}</a></span> -<p> -Arise and help me, Lord; arise and let thy mercy plead for me. -Let my prayer ascend before thee, and stretch forth thy hand to -help me; for behold I am covered with sin, and have done evil in -thy sight, and there is none can heal me but thou, my God. If -thou hadst not paid my ransom, by dying on the cross, should not -I have been for ever miserable? Remember then, O merciful Jesus, -that I have a share in that price that was paid. It was for me -also, though most unworthy, thy blood was shed; let me, -therefore, have a part in this mercy. -</p><p> -I confess I have many times offended against thee, and therefore -am not worthy to be called thy child; but turn away thy face, I -beseech thee, from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Deal -not with me according to what I deserve, nor chastise me -according to my iniquities; but help me, O God, my Saviour, and -for the glory of thy name deliver me. Now at this hour show mercy -to me, and whenever I depart receive me into the number of thy -family, that I may be one of those who are to praise thee for -ever. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_295">{295}</a></span> - - <h4>Prayers To Be Recited By The Assistants<br> - When The Dying Person Loses The Use Of Speech.</h4> -<p> -Lord Jesus Christ, we beseech thee, by thy bitter agony and -prayer in the garden, that thou wouldst be pleased to be an -advocate with thy eternal Father, in behalf of this thy servant: -lay before him (<i>her</i>) all those drops of blood which in thy -anguish of spirit flowed from thy body, and offer them for the -remission of all his (<i>her</i>) sins: that in this hour of -extremity, he (<i>she</i>) may be discharged from that -hand-writing of sin which stands against him (<i>her</i>), and -from that punishment which he (<i>she</i>) fears to be too justly -due to his (<i>her</i>) sins. "Our Father," &c. "Hail Mary," &c. -</p><p> -Lord Jesus Christ! who for our salvation was pleased to suffer -death on the cross, we beseech thee to offer up all the anguish -and pains thou didst then endure, and most especially at the hour -of thy death, in behalf of this thy servant, that they may be -accepted in his (<i>her</i>) favour, for the good of his -(<i>her</i>) soul, for the obtaining of a happy hour, and for the -release from that punishment which he (<i>she</i>) has deserved -for his (<i>her</i>) sins. "Our Father," &c. "Hail Mary," &c. -</p><p> -Lord Jesus Christ! who hadst such a boundless love for man as to -induce thee to become man for his salvation, we beseech thee to -let this thy infinite charity and goodness towards mankind, so -plead in behalf of this thy poor servant, that by thy powerful -mediation, his (<i>her</i>) soul, at the moment of its departure -from the body, being freed from the bonds of sin, may find a free -admittance through the gates that lead to the mansions of eternal -bliss. "Our Father," &c. "Hail Mary," &c. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_296">{296}</a></span> -<p> -Lord Jesus Christ! who by thy precious blood hast redeemed us, we -beseech thee to imprint deep in the soul of this thy servant the -memory of thy most sacred wounds, that having them perpetually in -his (<i>her</i>) sight, he (<i>she</i>) may be encouraged to -suffer with patience and resolution, and be armed against all the -pangs of death. Thus let him (<i>her</i>) cheerfully submit to -all the difficulties of his (<i>her</i>) condition, and begin, -even here, to be united to thee with a love that shall never end. -</p><p> -Grant him (<i>her</i>) now to partake of the fruit of thy holy -incarnation, of thy bitter passion, of thy glorious resurrection, -and admirable ascension. -</p><p> -Grant that he (<i>she</i>) may be sensible of the effects of thy -holy mysteries and sacraments, and of all the prayers which are -offered by the whole church. -</p><p> -Remember, O Lord, that thou wast once in the straits of death; -and in this extremity, after crying out to thy eternal Father, -and commending thy spirit to him, didst expire. Behold now this -thy servant in his (<i>her</i>) anguish crying aloud to thee; -stand thou by him (<i>her</i>), defend and comfort him -(<i>her</i>) in this his (<i>her</i>) distress, and receive his -(<i>her</i>) soul into thy merciful embraces. -</p><p> -Remember, O Jesus, that thy arms were stretched forth, thy side -opened, and thy sacred head bowed down from the cross; have -regard now, we beseech thee, to the soul of this thy servant, -which, departing out of this world, seeks refuge in thee; receive -it into thy arms, clasp it to thy breast, and there let it hide -itself, secured from the attacks of all its enemies, till the -anger of God pass over. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_297">{297}</a></span> -Into thy hands we commend his (<i>her</i>) spirit, which has been -created and redeemed by thee, despise not, we beseech thee, the -work of thy hands. -</p><p> -O Christ Jesus, who was crucified for our redemption, we beseech -thee, by that love which brought thee from heaven, to have -compassion on the soul of thy servant; forgive him (<i>her</i>) -all his (<i>her</i>) sins, and by the merits of thy bitter -passion, satisfy for all his (<i>her</i>) failings, and supply -his (<i>her</i>) defects; let him (<i>her</i>) now experience the -multitude of thy tender mercies, and be sensible how good thou, O -Lord, art. Dispose now his (<i>her</i>) soul by thy grace, that -he (<i>she</i>) may be prepared at thy call to go forth to meet -thee, his (<i>her</i>) heavenly bridegroom. Grant him -(<i>her</i>), we beseech thee, true patience and perfect -resignation in his (<i>her</i>) pains and anguish. Give him -(<i>her</i>) full discharge from all his (<i>her</i>) sins; -confirm his (<i>her</i>) faith; strengthen his (<i>her</i>) hope, -and perfect his (<i>her</i>) charity; that departing hence, his -(<i>her</i>) soul may be received into thy mercy. O dear -Redeemer, by that distress which thou didst suffer on the cross, -when thou criedst out to thy eternal Father, we pray thee to show -mercy to this thy servant in his (<i>her</i>) extremity; hear the -sighs and desires of his (<i>her</i>) heart; and since he -(<i>she</i>) is now deprived of the faculty of speech, speak thou -for him (<i>her</i>) we beseech thee, who art the eternal Word, -and to whom the Father will refuse nothing. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_298">{298}</a></span> -<p> -By thy victory over death, and the infinite merits of thy -passion, we beseech thee, on behalf of this thy servant, to have -no other thoughts but of peace, of mercy and comfort, and not of -affliction. Bear him (<i>her</i>) up against all distrust and -despair; deliver him (<i>her</i>) from his (<i>her</i>) -necessities, and be his (<i>her</i>) comforter in his -(<i>her</i>) distress. Let those hands which were once nailed to -the cross, now plead for him (<i>her</i>) and obtaining his -(<i>her</i>) pardon, conduct him (<i>her</i>) into thy eternal -rest. Amen. -</p> - - <h3>The Recommendation Of A Soul Departing.</h3> - -<pre class="serif"> -Lord, have mercy on us. - Christ, have mercy on us. - Lord, have mercy on us. - -Holy Mary, - <i>Pray for him (her).</i> -All ye Angels and Archangels, - <i>Pray for him (her).</i> -Holy Abel, - <i>Pray for him (her).</i> -All the choir of the Just, - <i>Pray for him (her).</i> -Holy Abraham, - <i>Pray for him (her).</i> -St. John Baptist, - <i>Pray for him (her).</i> -St. Joseph, - <i>Pray for him (her).</i> -All ye Patriarchs and Prophets, - <i>Pray for him (her).</i> -St. Peter and St Paul, - <i>Pray for him (her).</i> -St. Andrew, - <i>Pray for him (her).</i> -St. John, - <i>Pray for him (her).</i> -All ye holy Apostles and Evangelists, - <i>Pray for him (her).</i> -All ye holy disciples of our Lord, - <i>Pray for him (her).</i> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_299">{299}</a></span> -All ye holy Innocents, - <i>Pray for him (her).</i> -St. Stephen, - <i>Pray for him (her).</i> -All ye holy Martyrs, - <i>Pray for him (her).</i> -St Sylvester, - <i>Pray for him (her).</i> -St. Gregory, - <i>Pray for him (her).</i> -St. Augustine, - <i>Pray for him (her).</i> -St. Laurence, - <i>Pray for him (her).</i> -All ye holy Bishops and Confessors, - <i>Pray for him (her).</i> -St. Benedict, - <i>Pray for him (her).</i> -St Francis, - <i>Pray for him (her).</i> -All ye holy Monks and Hermits, - <i>Pray for him (her).</i> -St. Mary Magdalen, - <i>Pray for him (her).</i> -St. Lucy, - <i>Pray for him (her).</i> -All ye holy Virgins and Widows, - <i>Pray for him (her).</i> -All ye saints of God, - <i>make intercession for him (her)</i>. -Be merciful, - <i>spare him (her,) O Lord.</i> -Be merciful, - <i>deliver him (her,) O Lord.</i> -Be merciful, - <i>receive him (her,) O Lord.</i> -From thy anger, - <i>Deliver him (her), O Lord.</i> -From the danger of death, - <i>Deliver him (her), O Lord.</i> -From an ill end, - <i>Deliver him (her), O Lord.</i> -From the pains of hell, - <i>Deliver him (her), O Lord.</i> -From all evil, - <i>Deliver him (her), O Lord.</i> -From the power of the devil, - <i>Deliver him (her), O Lord.</i> -Through thy nativity, - <i>Deliver him (her), O Lord.</i> -Through thy cross and passion, - <i>Deliver him (her), O Lord.</i> -Through thy death and burial, - <i>Deliver him (her), O Lord.</i> -Through thy glorious resurrection, - <i>Deliver him (her), O Lord.</i> -Through thy admirable ascension, - <i>Deliver him (her), O Lord.</i> -Through the grace of the Holy Ghost, the comforter, - <i>Deliver him (her), O Lord.</i> -In the day of judgment, - <i>Deliver him (her), O Lord.</i> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_300">{300}</a></span> -We sinners, - <i>beseech thee to hear us.</i> -That thou spare him (<i>her</i>), - <i>we beseech thee to hear us.</i> - -Lord, have mercy on us. - Christ, have mercy on us. - Lord, have mercy on us. -</pre> - <h4>Let Us Pray.</h4> -<p> -Depart then, O Christian soul, out of this miserable world, in -the name of God the Father Almighty, who created thee; in the -name of Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God, who suffered for -thee; in the name of the Holy Ghost, who sanctified thee; in the -name of the angels, archangels, thrones, dominations, cherubim, -and seraphim; in the name of the patriarchs and prophets, of the -holy apostles, and evangelists, of the holy martyrs and -confessors, of the holy monks and hermits, of the holy virgins, -and of all the saints of God: let thy place be this day in peace, -and thy abode in holy Sion: through Christ our Lord. Amen. -</p><p> -God of clemency! God of goodness! O God, who according to the -multitude of thy mercies, forgivest the sins of such as repent, -and graciously remittest the guilt of their past offences, -mercifully regard this thy servant (<i>N</i>.) and grant him -(<i>her</i>) a full discharge from all his (<i>her</i>) sins, who -most earnestly begs it of thee. Renew, O merciful Father, -whatever is corrupt in him (<i>her</i>) through human frailty, or -by the snares of the enemy; make him (<i>her</i>) a true member -of thy church, and let him (<i>her</i>) partake of the fruit of -thy redemption. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_301">{301}</a></span> -Have compassion, O Lord, on his (<i>her</i>) sighs, have pity on -his (<i>her</i>) tears, and admit him (<i>her</i>) to the -sacrament of thy reconciliation, who has no hope but in thee: -through Christ our Lord. Amen. -</p><p> -I recommend thee, dear brother (<i>sister</i>,) to Almighty God, -and commit thee to his mercy, whose creature thou art; that -having paid the common debt, by surrendering thy soul, thou -mayest return to thy Maker, who formed thee out of the earth. -May, therefore, the noble company of angels meet thy soul at its -departure. May the court of the apostles receive thee. May the -triumphant army of glorious martyrs conduct thee. May the crowds -of joyful confessors encompass thee. May the choir of blessed -virgins go before thee; and may a happy rest be thy portion in -the company of the patriarchs. May Jesus Christ appear to thee -with a mild and cheerful countenance, and give thee a place among -those who are to be in his presence for ever. Mayest thou be a -stranger to all who are condemned to darkness, chastised with -flames, or punished with torments. May God command thy wicked -enemy, with all his evil spirits, to depart from thee. May the -infernal spirits tremble at thy approach encompassed by angels, -and retire into the horrid confusion of eternal night. May thy -God arise, and thy enemies be put to flight. May all who hate him -fly before his face. Let them vanish like smoke, or as wax before -the fire; so let sinners perish in the sight of God. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_302">{302}</a></span> -But as to the just, let them rejoice and be happy in his -presence. May all the ministers of hell be filled with confusion -and shame, and let no evil spirit dare to stop thy course to -heaven. May Christ Jesus, who was crucified for thee, be thy -deliverer. May he deliver thee from death, who for thy sake -vouchsafed to die. May Christ Jesus, the Son of the living God, -place thee in his garden of Paradise; and may he, the true -shepherd, own thee for one of his flock. May he absolve thee from -all thy sins, and place thee at his right hand in the inheritance -of his elect. O may it be thy happy lot to behold thy Redeemer -face to face; to be ever in his presence, in the beatific vision -of that eternal truth, which is the joy of the blessed. And thus -placed among those happy spirits, mayest thou be for ever filled -with heavenly sweetness. Amen. -</p><p> -Receive thy servant, O Lord, into that place where he -(<i>she</i>) may hope for salvation from thy mercy.—R. Amen. -</p><p> -Deliver, O Lord, the soul of thy servant from all dangers of -hell, and from all pain and tribulation.—R. Amen. -</p><p> -Deliver, O Lord, the soul of thy servant, as thou deliveredst -Enoch and Elias from the common death of the world.—R. Amen. -</p><p> -Deliver, O Lord, the soul of thy servant, as thou deliveredst -Noah in the flood.—R. Amen. -</p><p> -Deliver, O Lord, the soul of thy servant, as thou deliveredst -Abraham from the midst of the Chaldeans.—R. Amen. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_303">{303}</a></span> -<p> -Deliver, O Lord, the soul of thy servant, as thou deliveredst Job -from all his afflictions.—R. Amen. -</p><p> -Deliver, O Lord, the soul of thy servant, as thou deliveredst -Isaac from being sacrificed by his father.—R. Amen. -</p><p> -Deliver, O Lord, the soul of thy servant, as thou deliveredst Lot -from Sodom and the the flames of fire.—R. Amen. -</p><p> -Deliver, O Lord, the soul of thy servant, as thou deliveredst -Moses from the hands of Pharaoh, king of Egypt.—R. Amen. -</p><p> -Deliver, O Lord, the soul of thy servant, as thou deliveredst -Daniel from the lions' den.—R. Amen. -</p><p> -Deliver, O Lord, the soul of thy servant, as thou deliveredst the -three children from the fiery furnace, and from the hands of that -unmerciful king.—R. Amen. -</p><p> -Deliver, O Lord, the soul of thy servant, as thou deliveredst -Susannah from her false accusers.—R. Amen. -</p><p> -Deliver, O Lord, the soul of thy servant, as thou deliveredst -David from the hands of Saul and Goliah.—R. Amen. -</p><p> -Deliver, O Lord, the soul of thy servant, as thou deliveredst -Peter and Paul out of prison.—R. Amen. -</p><p> -And as thou deliveredst the blessed virgin and martyr, St. -Thecla, from most cruel torments, vouchsafe to deliver the soul -of this thy servant, and bring it to the participation of thy -heavenly joys.—R. Amen. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_304">{304}</a></span> - - <h4>Let Us Pray.</h4> -<p> -We commend to thee, O Lord, the soul of this thy servant; and -beseech thee, O Jesus Christ, Redeemer of the world, that as in -thy mercy to him (<i>her</i>) thou becamest man, so now thou -mayest vouchsafe to admit him (<i>her</i>) into the number of the -blessed. Remember, O Lord, that he (<i>she</i>) is thy creature, -not made by strange gods, but by thee, the only true and living -God; for there is no other God but thee, and none can work thy -wonders. Let his (<i>her</i>) soul find comfort in thy sight, and -remember not his (<i>her</i>) former sins, nor any of those -excesses which he (<i>she</i>) has fallen into through the -violence of passion and corruption. For although he (<i>she</i>) -hath sinned, yet he (<i>she</i>) has still retained a true faith -in thee, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; he (<i>she</i>) has had a -zeal for thy honour, and faithfully adores thee his (<i>her</i>) -God and Creator of all things. -</p><p> -Remember not, O Lord, the sins or ignorance of his (<i>her</i>) -youth; but according to thy great mercy be mindful of him -(<i>her</i>) in thy eternal glory. Let the heavens be opened to -him (<i>her</i>,) and the angels rejoice with him (<i>her</i>). -May St. Michael the archangel, the chief of the heavenly host, -conduct him (<i>her</i>). May blessed Peter, thy apostle, to whom -were given the keys of the kingdom of heaven, receive him -(<i>her</i>.) -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_305">{305}</a></span> -May holy Paul thy apostle, and chosen vessel of election, assist -him (<i>her</i>.) May St. John, thy beloved disciple, to whom -were revealed the secrets of heaven, intercede for him -(<i>her</i>.) May all thy holy apostles, to whom was given the -power of binding and loosening, pray for him (<i>her</i>.) May -all the chosen servants and martyrs of God, who in this world -have suffered torments for thy sake, O Christ, intercede for him -(<i>her</i>,) that being delivered from this body of corruption, -he (<i>she</i>) may be admitted into the kingdom of heaven; -through the assistance and merits of thee, our Lord Jesus Christ, -who liveth and reigneth with the Father and the Holy Ghost, world -without end. Amen. -</p> - -<p class="side"> - [Should the sick person still continue in distress of agony, it - may be proper for the assistants to continue on in prayer, saying - Psalms xxi. cxviii.] -</p> - - <h3>Litany For A Happy Death;</h3> -<p class="side"> - <i>Composed by a young Lady who was converted to the Catholic - Faith, and afterwards died at eighteen, in the odour of - sanctity.</i> -</p> - -<pre class="serif"> -O Lord Jesus, God of goodness, and Father of -mercies, I approach to thee with a contrite and -humble heart: to thee I recommend the last hour of -my life, and the decision of my eternal doom. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_306">{306}</a></span> -When my feet, benumbed with death, shall admonish -me that my mortal course is drawing to an end, - <i>Merciful Jesus, have mercy on me.</i> - -When my eyes, dim and troubled at the approach of -death, shall fix themselves on thee, my last and -only support, - <i>Merciful Jesus, have mercy on me.</i> - -When my face, pale and livid, shall inspire the -beholders with pity and dismay; when my hair, -bathed in the sweat of death, and stiffening on my -head, shall forebode my approaching end, - <i>Merciful Jesus, have mercy on me.</i> - -When my ears, soon to be for ever shut to the -discourse of men, shall be opened to the -irrevocable decree which is to cut me off from the -number of the living, - <i>Merciful Jesus, have mercy on me.</i> - -When my imagination, agitated by dreadful -spectres, shall be sunk in an abyss of anguish; -when my soul, affrighted with the sight of my -iniquities, and the terrors of thy judgments, -shall have to fight against the angel of darkness, -who will endeavour to conceal thy mercies from my -eyes, and to plunge me into despair, - <i>Merciful Jesus, have mercy on me.</i>. - -When my poor heart, yielding to the pressure, and -exhausted by its frequent struggles against the -enemies of its salvation, shall feel the pangs of -death, - <i>Merciful Jesus, have mercy on me.</i> - -When the last tear, the forerunner of my -dissolution, shall drop from my eyes, receive it -as a sacrifice of expiation for my sins; grant -that I may expire the victim of penance; and in -that dreadful moment, - <i>Merciful Jesus, have mercy on me.</i> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_307">{307}</a></span> -When my friends and relations, encircling my bed, -shall shed the tear of pity over me, and invoke -thy clemency in my behalf, - <i>Merciful Jesus, have mercy on me.</i> - -When I shall have lost the use of my senses; when -the world shall have vanished from my sight; when -my agonizing soul shall feel the sorrows of death, - <i>Merciful Jesus, have mercy on me.</i> - -When my last sigh shall summon my soul to burst -from the embraces of the body, and to spring to -thee on the wings of impatience and desire, - <i>Merciful Jesus, have mercy on me.</i> - -When my soul, trembling on my lips, shall bid -adieu to the world, and leave my body lifeless, -pale, and cold, receive this separation as a -homage which I willingly pay to thy divine -Majesty; and in that last moment of my mortal -life, - <i>Merciful Jesus, have mercy on me.</i> - -When at length my soul, admitted to thy presence, -shall first behold the splendour of thy Majesty, -reject me not, but receive me into thy bosom, -where I may for ever sing thy praises; and in that -moment, when eternity shall begin to me, - <i>Merciful Jesus, have mercy on me.</i> -</pre> - - - <h4>Let Us Pray.</h4> -<p> -O God, who hast doomed all men to die, but hast concealed from -all the hour of their death, grant that I may pass my days in the -practice of holiness and justice, and that I may deserve to quit -this world in the peace of a good conscience, and in the embraces -of thy love: through Christ our Lord. Amen. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_308">{308}</a></span> - - <h4>The Soul Being Now Departed,<br> - The Following Responsory is Said:</h4> -<p> -Come to his (<i>her</i>) assistance, all you saints of God; meet -him (<i>her</i>) all you angels of God; receive his (<i>her</i>) -soul, and present it now before its Lord. May Jesus Christ -receive thee, and the angels conduct thee to thy place of rest; -may they receive thy soul, and present it now before its Lord. -</p><p> -V. Eternal rest grant him (<i>her</i>,) O Lord. -</p><p> -R. And let perpetual light shine unto him (<i>her</i>.) -</p><p> -May the angels present him (<i>her</i>) now before the Lord. -</p><p> -Lord, have mercy on us.<br> -Christ, have mercy on us.<br> -Lord, have mercy on us.<br> -</p><p> -Our Father, &c. -</p><p> -V. And lead us not into temptation; -</p><p> -R. But deliver us from evil. -</p><p> -V. Eternal rest grant him (<i>her</i>,) O Lord. -</p><p> -R. And let perpetual light shine unto him, (<i>her</i>.) -</p><p> -V. From the gates of hell; -</p><p> -R. Deliver his (<i>her</i>) soul, O Lord. -</p><p> -V. May he (<i>she</i>) rest in peace; -</p><p> -R. Amen. -</p><p> -V. O Lord, hear my prayer; -</p><p> -R. And let my cry come unto thee. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_309">{309}</a></span> - - <h4>Let Us Pray.</h4> -<p> -Unto thee, Lord, we commend the soul of thy servant (<i>N</i>.) -that being dead to this world, he (<i>she</i>) may live to thee; -and whatever sins he (<i>she</i>) has committed through human -frailty, we beseech thee, in thy goodness, mercifully to pardon: -through Christ our Lord. Amen. -</p><p class="side"> - [Then, for a conclusion, may be added the following prayer for - the assistants, which may be also said at the burial.] -</p><p> -Grant, O Lord, that while we here lament the departure of thy -servant, we may ever remember that we are most certainly to -follow him (<i>her</i>). Give us grace to prepare for that last -hour by a good life, that we may not be surprised by a sudden -death, but be ever watching when thou shalt call, that so with -the spouse we may enter into eternal glory: through Jesus Christ -our Lord. Amen. -</p> - - <h4>A Prayer For All That Are Buried<br> - In A Church Or Church-yard.</h4> -<p> -O God, by whose mercy the souls of all the faithful find rest, -grant to all thy servants, here or elsewhere, that have slept in -Christ, the full remission of all their sins; that being -acquitted as well from the guilt as the temporal punishment due -to them, they may be speedily admitted into thy heavenly kingdom, -and there rejoice with thee for all eternity: through, &c. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_310">{310}</a></span> - - <h3>Exequies, Or Sacred Rites Over The Tomb.</h3> -<p class="side"> - [Solemnity performed after High Mass for the Dead, and which - may be privately recited after the Office.] -</p> - - <h4>Responsory.</h4> -<p> -Libera me, Domine, de morte æterna, in die illa tremenda: *Quando -cœli movendi sunt, et terra: *Dum veneris judicare sæculum per -ignem. -</p><p> -V. Tremens factus sum ego, et timeo dum -discussio venerit, atque ventura ira. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - R. Quando cœli movendi sunt et terra. -</p><p> -V. Dies illa, dies iræ, calamitatis, et miseriæ: -dies magna, et amara valde. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - R. Dum veneris judicare sæculum per ignem. -</p><p> -Requiem æternam dona eis, Domine, et lux perpetua luceat eis. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - R. Libera me, Domine, de morte æterna, in die illa tremenda, - quando cœli movendi sunt et terra, dum veneris judicare sæculum - per ignem. -</p><p> -Kyrie, eleison.<br> -Christe, eleison.<br> -Kyrie, eleison. -</p><p> -Pater noster, [<i>secreto</i>.] -</p><p> -V. Et nos inducas in tentationem. -</p><p> -R. Sed libera nos a malo. -</p><p> -V. A porta inferi. -</p><p> -R. Erue, Domine, animam ejus [animas eorum.] -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_311">{311}</a></span> - - <h3>Exequies, Or Sacred Rites Over The Tomb.</h3> -<p class="side"> - [Solemnity performed after High Mass for the Dead, and which - may be privately recited after the Office.] -</p> - <h4>Responsory.</h4> -<p> -Deliver me, O Lord, from eternal death on that dreadful day: -*When the heavens and earth shall be moved: *Whilst thou wilt -come to judge the world by fire. -</p><p> -V. I am seized with trembling and dread, when I reflect on the -rigorous examination, and the vengeful wrath of that day. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - R. When the heavens and earth shall be moved. -</p><p> -V. That day shall be a day of wrath, calamity, and misery: the -great day of extreme bitterness and terror. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - R. Whilst thou wilt come to judge the world by fire. -</p><p> -Eternal rest grant to them, O Lord, and may -the perpetual light of glory shine upon them. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - R. Deliver me, O Lord, from eternal death on that dreadful day, - when the heavens and earth shall be moved, whilst thou wilt - come to judge the world by fire. -</p><p> -Lord, have mercy on us.<br> - Christ, have mercy on us.<br> - Lord, have mercy on us. -</p><p> -Our Father, [<i>in silence</i>.] -</p><p> -V. And lead us not into temptation. -</p><p> -R. But deliver us from evil. -</p><p> -V. From the gates of hell. -</p><p> -R. Deliver his soul, [their souls,] O Lord. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_312">{312}</a></span> -<p> -V. Requiescat (requiescant) in pace. -</p><p> -R. Amen. -</p><p> -V. Domine, exaudi, orationem meam. -</p><p> -R. Et clamor meus ad te veniat. -</p> - <h4>Oremus.</h4> -<p class="side_center"> -Prayer On The Commemoration Of All Souls. -</p><p> -Fidelium, Deus, omnium conditor et redemptor, animabus famulorum -famularumque tuarum remissionem cunctorum tribue peccatorum: ut -indulgentiam quam semper optaverunt, piis supplicationibus -consequantur. Qui vivis et regnas cum Deo Patre in unitate -Spiritus Sancti, Deus, per omnia sæcula sæculorum. Amen. -</p> - - <h2>Suffrages For The Souls Of The<br> - Faithful Departed In General.</h2> - - <h4>Psalmus cxxix.</h4> -<p> -De profundis clamavi ad te, Domine: *Domine, exaudi vocem meum. -</p><p> -Fiant aures tuæ intendentes *in vocem deprecationis meæ. -</p><p> -Si iniquitatis observaveris, Domine: Domine, quis sustinebit? -</p><p> -Quia apud te propitiatio est: et propter legem tuam sustinui te, -Domine. -</p><p> -Sustinuat anima mea in verbo ejus: *speravit anima mea in Domino. -</p><p> -A custodia matutina usque ad noctem, *speret Israel in Domino. -</p><p> -Quia apud Dominum misericordia: et copiosa apud eum redemptio. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_313">{313}</a></span> -<p> -V. May he (they) rest in peace. -</p><p> -R. Amen. -</p><p> -V. O Lord, hear my prayer. -</p><p> -R. And let my cry come unto thee. -</p> - <h4>Let Us Pray. -<br><br> -Prayer On The Commemoration Of All Souls.</h4> - -<p> -O God, the creator and redeemer of all the faithful, give to the -souls of thy servants departed, the full remission of all their -sins; that, through the help of pious supplications, they may -obtain the pardon they have always desired. Who livest and -reignest, with the Father and the Holy Ghost, one God, world -without end. Amen. -</p> - - <h3>Suffrages For The Souls Of The<br> - Faithful Departed In General.</h3> - - <h4>Psalm cxxix.</h4> -<p> -From the depths I have cried out to thee, -*O Lord: Lord, hear my voice. -</p><p> -Let thy ears be attentive * to the voice of my petition. -</p><p> -If thou wilt consider our iniquities, O mighty Lord, * who shall -endure it? -</p><p> -But with thee there is merciful forgiveness: * and by reason of -thy law I have waited for thee, O Lord. -</p><p> -My soul hath relied on his word: *my soul hath hoped in the Lord. -</p><p> -From the morning watch, even until night, * let Israel hope in -the Lord. -</p><p> -Because with the Lord there is mercy: * and with him, plentiful -redemption. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_314">{314}</a></span> -<p> -Et ipse redimet Israel *ex omnibus iniquitatibus ejus. -</p><p> -Kyrie, eleison. Christe, eleison. Kyrie, eleison. -</p><p> -Pater noster, (<i>secreto</i>.) -</p><p> -V. Et ne nos inducas in tentationem, -</p> -<p class="cite"> - R. Sed libera nos a malo. -</p><p> -V. Requiem æternam dona eis, Domine; -</p> -<p class="cite"> - R. Et lux perpetua luceat eis. -</p><p> -V. A porta inferi, -</p> -<p class="cite"> - R. Erue, Domine, animas eorum. -</p><p> -V. Requiescant in pace. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - R. Amen. -</p><p> -V. Domine, exaudi orationem meam. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - R. Et clamor meus ad te veniat. -</p> - - <h4>Oremus.</h4> -<p> -Fidelium, Deus, omnium conditor et redemptor, animabus famulorum -famularumque tuarum remissionem cunctorum tribue peccatorum; ut -indulgentiam quam semper optaverunt, piis supplicationibus -consequantur. Qui vivis et regnas in sæcula sæculorum. Amen. -</p><p> -V. Requiem æternam dona eis, Domine. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - R. Et lux perpetua luceat eis. -</p><p> -V. Requiescant in pace. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - R. Amen. -</p><p> -V. Anima ejus (animæ eorum) et animæ omnium fidelium defunctorum, -per misericordiam Dei, requiescant in pace. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - R. Amen. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_315">{315}</a></span> -<p> -And he shall redeem Israel * from all his iniquities. -</p><p> -Lord, have mercy on us.<br> -Christ, have mercy on us.<br> -Lord, have mercy on us. -</p><p> -Our Father, (<i>in silence</i>.) -</p><p> -V. And lead us not into temptation, -</p> -<p class="cite"> - R. But deliver us from evil. -</p><p> -V. Eternal rest grant to them, O Lord; -</p> -<p class="cite"> - R. And may the perpetual light of glory shine upon them. -</p><p> -V. From the gates of hell, -</p> -<p class="cite"> - R. Deliver their souls, O Lord. -</p><p> -V. May they rest in peace. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - R. Amen. -</p><p> -V. O Lord, hear my prayer. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - R. And let my cry come to thee. -</p> - - <h4>Let Us Pray.</h4> -<p> -O God, the creator and redeemer of all the faithful, give to the -souls of thy servants departed, the full remission of all their -sins: that through the help of pious supplications, they may -obtain the pardon they have always desired. Who livest and -reignest world without end. Amen. -</p><p> -V. Eternal rest grant to them, O Lord. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - R. And may the perpetual light of glory shine upon them. -</p><p> -V. May they rest in peace. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - R. Amen. -</p><p> -V. May his soul (their souls), and may the souls of all the -faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - R. Amen. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_316">{316}</a></span> - - <h3>Litany For The Dead.</h3> - -<p class="side_center"> -"It is a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead, that -they may be loosed from their sins."<br> - 2 Maccabees xii. 46. -</p> -<pre class="serif"> -Lord, have mercy on us. -Christ, have mercy on us. -Lord, have mercy on us. - -Jesus, receive our prayers. -Lord Jesus, grant our petitions. - -O God the Father, Creator of the world, - <i>Have mercy on the souls of the faithful - departed.</i> - -O God the Son, Redeemer of mankind, - <i>Deliver the souls of the faithful departed.</i> - -O God the Holy Ghost, perfecter of the elect, - <i>Accomplish the bliss of the faithful departed.</i> - -Blessed Virgin Mary, who, by the special privilege -of grace, was triumphantly assumed into the -kingdom of thy Son, - <i>Pray for the souls of the faithful departed.</i> - -Blessed angels, who, ordering aright the first act -of your will, were fixed forthwith in unchangeable -happiness, - <i>Pray for the souls of the faithful departed.</i> - -Blessed patriarchs, who were filled with joy when -the Desired of Nations put an end to your -captivity, - <i>Pray for the souls of the faithful departed.</i> - -Blessed prophets, who after patiently awaiting the -arrival of the Messiah, were at length consoled by -a visit from him in person, - <i>Pray for the souls of the faithful departed.</i> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_317">{317}</a></span> -Blessed saints, who at the glorious resurrection -of our Saviour, were translated from Limbo to the -visible presence of God, - <i>Pray for the souls of the faithful departed.</i> - -Blessed apostles, who at the last day shall sit to -judge the twelve tribes of Israel, - <i>Pray for the souls of the faithful departed.</i> - -Blessed disciples of our Lord, who followed his -steps in the narrow paths to perfection, - <i>Pray for the souls of the faithful departed.</i> - -Blessed martyrs, who passed through the sea of -your own blood, entering immediately into the land -of promise, - <i>Pray for the souls of the faithful departed.</i> - -Blessed confessors, who despised the vanity of the -earth, and placed your affections on the joys of -heaven, - <i>Pray for the souls of the faithful departed.</i> - -Blessed virgins, who, with your lighted lamps, -awaited the coming of the heavenly spouse, - <i>Pray for the souls of the faithful departed.</i> - -O holy saints, who, being freed from all irregular -attachment to creatures, were perfectly fitted for -an immediate union with your Creator, - <i>Pray for the souls of the faithful departed.</i> - -Be merciful, O Lord, and pardon their sins. - -Be merciful, O Lord, and hear their prayers. - -From the shades of death, where the light of thy -countenance shineth not, - <i>Deliver them, O Lord.</i> - -From the evils to which immortification in this -world must expose them in the other, - <i>Deliver them, O Lord.</i> - -From thy displeasure, provoked by negligence and -ingratitude, <i>Deliver them, O Lord.</i> - -From the pains of purgatory, so justly inflicted -upon unexpiated sins, - <i>Deliver them, O Lord.</i> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_318">{318}</a></span> -From the torments of purgatory, incomparably -greater than the bitterest anguish of this life, - <i>Deliver them, O Lord.</i> - -By the multitude of thy mercies, ever -compassionate to human frailties, - <i>Deliver them, O Lord.</i> - -By the virtue of thy cross, whereon thou -reconciledst the world to thy Father, - <i>Deliver them, O Lord.</i> - -By thy victorious descent into hell, to break the -chains of death, - <i>Deliver them, O Lord.</i> - -By thy glorious resurrection from the tomb, to -open the kingdom of heaven, - <i>Deliver them, O Lord.</i> - -By thy triumphant ascension into heaven, to lead -captivity captive, - <i>Deliver them, O Lord.</i> - -By thy dread coming to judge the world, - <i>Deliver them, O Lord.</i> - -We sinners, - <i>Beseech thee to hear us.</i> - -That it please thee to hasten the day when thy -faithful shall be delivered from the mansions of -sorrow, - <i>We Beseech thee to hear us.</i> - -That it please thee to shorten the time of their -expiation, and to admit them speedily into thy -heavenly sanctuary, - <i>We Beseech thee to hear us.</i> - -That it please thee through the prayers and good -works performed in thy church, to receive them -into thy eternal tabernacles, - <i>We Beseech thee to hear us.</i> - -That it please thee to accept, in atonement for -their sins, the infinite value of thy unbloody -sacrifice, - <i>We Beseech thee to hear us.</i> - -That the blessed view of Jesus may comfort them, -and his unfading glory shine upon them, - <i>We Beseech thee to hear us.</i> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_319">{319}</a></span> -That the whole triumphant church may soon -celebrate their deliverance and the choir of -angels sing new hymns of joy, on their neverending -happiness, - <i>We Beseech thee to hear us.</i> - -That we ourselves may share in their triumph, and -unite with all the citizens of heaven in eternal -alleluias, - <i>We Beseech thee to hear us.</i> - -Son of God, - <i>We Beseech thee to hear us.</i> - -Lamb of God, who shalt come with glory to judge -the living and the dead, - <i>Give rest to the souls of the faithful departed</i>. - -Lamb of God, at whose presence the heavens and the -earth shall be moved, - <i>Give rest to the souls of the faithful departed</i>. - -Lamb of God, in whose book of life the names of -thy elect are inscribed, - <i>Give rest to the souls of the faithful departed</i>. -</pre> - - <h4>The Antiphon.</h4> -<p> -Deliver us, O Lord, from eternal death, in that tremendous day, -when the heavens and the earth shall be moved; whilst thou shalt -come to judge the world by fire. We tremble and are sore afraid -at the discussion which will take place, and at thy future wrath; -when the heavens and the earth shall be moved; when thou shalt -come to judge the world by fire. -</p><p> -That day is a day of wrath, of calamity, and of misery; a great -and a most bitter day; when thou shalt come to judge the world by -fire. -</p><p> -Give them, O Lord, eternal rest, and let perpetual light shine -upon them. Amen. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_320">{320}</a></span> - - <h4>Let Us Pray.</h4> -<p> -O God, the creator and redeemer of all the faithful, grant to the -souls of thy servants departed, the remission of all their sins, -that by means of pious supplications, they may obtain the pardon -which they have ever earnestly desired: who livest and reignest, -&c. Amen. -</p> - - <h4>A Prayer Upon The Day<br> - Of A Person's Decease Or Burial.</h4> -<p> -O Lord, we commend unto thy infinite clemency, the souls of thy -servants lately deceased: pardon them, we beseech thee, in the -multitude of thy mercies, the sins which they have committed -through human frailty, and grant them eternal life in thy kingdom -of bliss. Amen. -</p> - - <h4>Another Prayer.</h4> -<p> -O God, whose property it is always to have mercy, and to spare, -we humbly present our prayers to thee in behalf of the soul of -thy servant <i>N</i>. which thou hast called out of this world, -beseeching thee not to deliver into the hands of the enemy, nor -forget it for ever; but command it to be received by the holy -angels, and to be carried into paradise; that as it believed and -hoped in thee, it may be delivered from the pains of hell, and -inherit life everlasting; through Christ our Lord. Amen. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_321">{321}</a></span> - - <h4>Vespers For Sundays.</h4> - - -<p class="center"> -Our Father. Hail Mary. (<i>In silence</i>.) -</p> -<p class="center" style="font-size:200%"> -+ -</p> -<pre class="serif"> -V. Deus, in adjutorium meum intende. - - V. O God, come to my assistance. - -R. Domine, ad adjuvandum me festina. - - R. O Lord, make haste to help me. - -Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto. - - Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy - Ghost. - - Sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et semper, et in sæcula - sæculorum. Amen. Alleluia. - - As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world - without end. Amen. Alleluiah. - - - From Saturday before Septuagesaima Sunday, till Saturday in - Holy Week, instead of <i>Alleluia</i>, is said, - -Laus tibi, Domine, Rex eternæ gloriæ. - - Praise be to thee, O Lord, King of eternal glory. - - -N. B.—In Paschal time all the Psalms are said under this only. -Anthem. <i>Alleluia</i>. - -<i>Ant</i>. Dixit Dominus. - - <i>Ant</i>. The Lord said. - -<i>Ant</i>. Alleluia. - - <i>Ant</i>. Alleluiah. -</pre> - - - <h4>Psalm CIX.</h4> - - -<pre class="serif"> -<i>Christ's Exaltation and everlasting Priesthood.</i> - - -Dixit Dominus Domino meo: *sede a dextris meis. - - The Lord said unto my Lord, sit on my right hand. - -Donec ponam inimicos tuos: *scabellum pedum tuorum. - - Until I make thy enemies the footstool of thy - feet. - -Virgam virtutis tuæ emittet Dominus ex Sion: -*Dominare in medio inimicorum tuorum. - - The Lord will send the sceptre of thy power out - of Sion: rule thou in the midst of thy enemies. - -Tecum principium in die virtutis tuæ, in -splendoribus sanctorum: *ex utero ante luciferum -genui te. - - Dominion shall be with thee in the day of thy - power in the brightness of the saints: from the - womb before the day star I begat thee. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_322">{322}</a></span> -Juravit Dominus, et non pœnitebit eum: *Tu es -sacerdos in æternam secundum ordinem Melchisedech. - - The Lord swore, and it shall not repent him: - Thou art a priest for ever, according to the - order of Melchisedech. - -Dominus a dextris tuis: *confregit in die iræ suæ -reges. - - The Lord at thy right hand hath broken kings in - the day of his wrath. - -Judicabit in nationibus, implebit ruinas: -*conquassabit capita in terra multorum. - - He shall judge among nations, he shall fill - ruins: he shall crush the heads in the land of - many. - -De torrente in via bibet: *propterea exaltabit -caput. - - He shall drink of the torrent in the way; - therefore shall he lift up the head. - -Gloria Patri, &c. - - Glory be to the Father, &c. - -<i>Ant</i>. Dixit Dominus. - - <i>Ant</i>. The Lord said unto my Lord: sit thou - on my right. - -<i>Ant</i>. Fidelia. - - <i>Ant</i>. All his commandments. -</pre> - - - <h4>Psalm. CX.</h4> - -<p class="center"> - <i>God is to be praised for his graces and benefits to his - Church.</i> -</p><p> -Confitebor tibi, Domine, in toto corde meo: *in concilio -justorum, et congregatione. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart: in the council - of the just, and in the congregation. -</p><p> -Magna opera Domini: *exquisita in omnes voluntates ejus. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - Great are the works of the Lord: sought out according to all - his wills. -</p><p> -Confessio et magnificentia opus ejus: *et justitia ejus manet in -sæculum sæculi. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - His work is praise and magnificence: and his justice continueth - for ever and ever. -</p><p> -Memoriam fecit mirabilium suorum, misericors et miserator -Dominus: *escam dedit timentibus se. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - He hath made a remembrance of his wonderful works, being a - merciful and gracious Lord: he hath given food to them that - fear him. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_323">{323}</a></span> -<p> -Memor erit in sæculum testamenti sui; *virtutem operum suorum -annuntiabit populo suo. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - He will be mindful for ever of his covenant: he will shew forth - to his people the power of his works. -</p><p> -Ut det illis hæreditatem gentium: *opera manuum ejus veritas et -judicium. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - That he may give them the inheritance of the Gentiles: the - works of his hands are truth and judgment. -</p><p> -Fidelia omnia mandata ejus, confirmata in sæculum sæculi: *facta -in veritate et equitate. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - All his commandments are faithful: confirmed for ever and ever, - made in truth and equity. -</p><p> -Redemptionem misit populo suo: *mandavit in æternum testamentum -suum. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - He hath sent redemption to his people: he hath commanded his - covenant for ever. -</p><p> -Sanctum et terribile nomen ejus: *initium sapientiæ timor Domini. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - Holy and terrible is his name: the fear of the Lord is the - beginning of wisdom. -</p><p> -Intellectus bonus omnibus facientibus eum *laudatio ejus manet in -sæculum sæculi. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - A good understanding to all that do it: his praise continued - for ever and ever. -</p><p> -Gloria Patri, &c. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - Glory, &c. -</p><p> -<i>Ant</i>. Fidelia. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - <i>Ant</i>. All his commandments are faithful: confirmed for - ever and ever. -</p><p> -<i>Ant</i>. In mandatis. -</p> -<p class="cite2"> - <i>Ant</i>. In his commandments. -</p><p> - - <h4>Psalm CXI.</h4> - - <h4><i>The good man is happy.</i></h4> - -<p> -Beatus vir, qui timet Dominum: *in mandatis ejus volet nimis. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord: he shall delight - exceedingly in his commandments. -</p><p> -Potens in terra erit semen ejus: *generatio rectorum benedicetur. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generations of the - righteous shall be blessed. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_324">{324}</a></span> -<p> -Gloria et divitiæ in domo ejus: *et justitia ejus manet in -sæculum sæculi. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - Glory and wealth shall be in his house; and his justice - remaineth for ever and ever. -</p><p> -Exortum est in tenebris lumen rectis: *misericors, et miserator -et justus. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - To the righteous a light is risen up in darkness; he is - merciful, and compassionate and just. -</p><p> -Jucundus homo qui miseretur et commodat: disponet sermones suos -in judicio: *quia in æternum non commovebitur. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - Acceptable is the man that showeth mercy and lendeth; he shall - order his words with judgment; because he shall not be moved - for ever. -</p><p> -In memoria æterna erit justus: *ab auditione mala non timebit. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - The just shall be in everlasting remembrance: he shall not fear - the evil hearing. -</p><p> -Paratum cor ejus sperare in Domino, confirmatum est cor ejus: -*non commovebitur, donec despiciat inimicos suos. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - His heart is ready to hope in the Lord: his heart is - strengthened, he shall not be moved, until he look over his - enemies. -</p><p> -Dispersit, dedit pauperibus: justitia ejus manet in sæculum -sæculi: *cornu ejus exaltabitur in gloria. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - He hath distributed, he hath given to the poor: his justice - remaineth for ever and ever, his horn shall be exalted in - glory. -</p><p> -Peccator videbit et irascetur, dentibus suis fremet, et tabescet: -*desiderium peceatorum peribit. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - The wicked shall see and shall be angry, he shall gnash with - his teeth and pine away: the desire of the wicked shall perish. -</p><p> -Gloria Patri, &c. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - Glory, &c. -</p><p> -<i>Ant</i>. In madatis ejus cupit nimis. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - <i>Ant</i>. In his commandments he has great delight. -</p><p> -<i>Ant</i>. Sit nomen Domini. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - <i>Ant</i>. Let the name of the Lord. - - - <h4>Psalm CXII.</h4> - - <h4><i>God is to be praised for his regard to the poor and - humble.</i></h4> - -<p> -Laudate pueri Dominum: *laudate nomen Domini. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - Praise the Lord, ye children: praise ye the name of the Lord. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_325">{325}</a></span> -<p> -Sit nomen Domini benedictum: *ex hoc nunc et usque in sæculum. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - Blessed be the name of the Lord, from henceforth now and for - ever. -<p> -A solis ortu usque ad occasum: *laudabile nomen Domini. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same, the - name of the Lord is worthy of praise. -<p> -Excelsus super omnes gentes Dominus: *et super cœlos gloria ejus. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - The Lord is high above all nations: and his glory above the - heavens. -<p> -Quis sicut Dominus Deus noster, qui in altis habitat: *et humilia -respicit in cœlo et in terra? -</p> -<p class="cite"> - Who is as the Lord our God, who dwelleth on high: and looketh - down on the low things in heaven and in earth? -<p> -Suscitans a terra inopem: *et de steroore erigens pauperem. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - Raising up the needy from the earth, and lifting up the poor - out of the dunghill: -<p> -Ut collocet eum cum principibus: *cum principibus populi sui. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - That he may place them with princes, with the princes of his - people. -<p> -Qui habitare facit sterilem in domo: *matrem filiorum lætantem. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - Who maketh a barren woman to dwell in a house, the joyful - mother of children. -<p> -Gloria Patri, &c. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - Glory, &c. -</p><p> -<i>Ant</i>. Sit nomen Domini. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - <i>Ant</i>. Let the name of the Lord be blessed for ever. -</p><p> -<i>Ant</i>. Nos qui vivimus. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - <i>Ant</i>. We that live. -</p> - - <h4>Psalm CXVI.</h4> -<p> -Laudate Dominum omnes gentes: *laudate eum omnes populi. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - O praise the Lord, all ye nations: praise him all ye people. -</p><p> -Quoniam confirmata est super nos misericordia ejus: *et Veritas -Domini manet in æternum. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - For his mercy is confirmed upon us: and the truth of Lord - remaineth for ever. -</p><p> -Gloria Patri, &c. -</p><p> -Glory be to the Father, &c. -</p><p> -<i>Ant</i>. Nos qui vivimus benedicimus Domino. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - <i>Ant</i>. We that live bless our Lord. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - <i>In Paschal time, Ant</i>. - Alleluiah, Alleluiah, Alleluiah. - -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_326">{326}</a></span> - - <h4><i>The Little Chapter</i>.—2 Cor. 1</h4> -<p> -Benedictus Deus, et Pater Domini nostri Jesu Christi, Pater -misericordiarum, et Deus totius consolationis, qui consolatur nos -in omni tribulatione nostra. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the - Father of mercies, and God of all comfort, who comforts us in - all our tribulation. -</p><p> -R. Deo Gratias. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - R. Thanks be to God. - - - <h4><i>The Hymn Lucis Creator.</i></h4> - -<pre class="serif"> - Lucis Creator optime, - Lucem dierum proferens, - Primordiis lucis novæ, - Mundi parans originem. - - Creator of the radiant light. - Fountain of bliss, essential sight. - Emitting splendour's orient beam. - The world's creation to proclaim. - - Qui mane junctum vesperi. - Diem vocari præcipis, - Illabitur Tetrum Chaos; - Audi preces cum fletibus. - - Who, with the morn's enliv'ning ray, - Dispell'st the shades and call'st the day; - Approaching night over-spreads the spheres; - Now gracious hear our sighs and tears. - - Ne mens gravata crimine - Vitæ sit exul munere; - Dum nil perenne cogitat, - Seseque culpis illigat. - - Distain'd with guilt and foul offence, - Let not a sudden summons hence, - Present us at thy awful seat, - Victims of fleeting vain deceit. - - Cœleste pulset ostium; - Vitale tollat præmium; - Vitemus omne noxium; - Purgemus omne pessimum. - - But rather while at mercy's door, - Contrite, our treasons we deplore, - Admit thy suppliants; grant us peace. - That triumph of thy saving grace. - - Præsta, Pater piissime; - Patrique compar, Unice; - Cum Spiritu Paracleto, - Regnans per omne sæculum. - Amen. - - Eternal Father, lend thine ear; - Co-eternal Son, receive our prayer; - O Holy Ghost, we cry to thee, - God! three in one eternally. - Amen. -</pre> - -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_327">{327}</a></span> -<p> -V. Dirigatur, Domine, oratio mea. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - V. Let my prayer, like incense, -</p><p> -R. Sicut incensum in conspectu tuo. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - R. Ascend to thee, O Lord. -</p> - - <h4><i>The Song of the Blessed Virgin Mary</i>.—Luke, i.</h4> -<p> -Magnificat *anima mea Dominum: -</p> -<p class="cite"> - My soul doth magnify the Lord: -</p><p> -Et exultavit spiritus meus *in Deo salutari meo. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. -</p><p> -Quia respexit humilitatem ancillæ suæ: *ecce enim ex hoc beatam -me dicent omnes generationes. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - Because he hath regarded the humility of his handmaid; for - behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. -</p><p> -Quia fecit mihi magna, qui potens est; *et sanctum nomen ejus. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - For he that is mighty, hath done great things to me, and holy - is his name. -</p><p> -Et misericordia ejus a progenie in progenies, *timentibus eum. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - And his mercy is from generation to generation, to them that - fear him. -</p><p> -Fecit potentiam in brachio suo; *dispersit superbos mente cordis -sui. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - He hath showed might in his arm; he hath scattered the proud in - the conceit of their hearts. -</p><p> -Deposuit potentes de sede; *et exaltavit humiles. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - He hath put down the mighty from their seat, and hath exalted - the humble. -</p><p> -Esurientes implevit bonis; *et divites dimissit inanes. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he - hath sent away empty. -</p><p> -Suscepit Israel puerum suum, *recordatus misericordiæ suæ. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - He hath received Israel his servant, being mindful of his - mercy. -</p><p> -Sicut locutus est ad patres nostros: *Abraham et semini ejus in -sæcula. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - As he spoke to our Fathers, to Abraham and to his seed for - ever. -</p><p> -Gloria Patri, &c. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - Glory, &c. -</p> - -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_328">{328}</a></span> - - - <h3>The Litany Of The Blessed Virgin.<br><br> - - In Latin.</h3> - -<pre class="serif"> -Kyrie, eleison. -Christe, eleison. -Kyrie, eleison. -Christe, audi nos. -Christe, exaudi nos. - -Pater de cœlis Deus, - <i>miserere nobis.</i> - -Fili redemptor mundi Deus, - <i>miserere nobis.</i> - -Spiritus Sancte Deus, - <i>miserere nobis.</i> - -Sancta Trinitas unus Deus, - <i>miserere nobis.</i> - -Sancta Maria, - <i>Ora pro nobis.</i> - -Sancta Dei Genitrix, - <i>Ora pro nobis.</i> - -Sancta Virgo virginum, - <i>Ora pro nobis.</i> - -Mater Christi, - <i>Ora pro nobis.</i> - -Mater Divinæ gratis, - <i>Ora pro nobis.</i> - -Mater purissima, - <i>Ora pro nobis.</i> - -Mater castissima, - <i>Ora pro nobis.</i> - -Mater inviolata, - <i>Ora pro nobis.</i> - -Mater intemerata, - <i>Ora pro nobis.</i> - -Mater amabilis, - <i>Ora pro nobis.</i> - -Mater admirabilis, - <i>Ora pro nobis.</i> - -Mater Creatoris, - <i>Ora pro nobis.</i> - -Mater Salvatoris, - <i>Ora pro nobis.</i> - -Virgo prudentissima, - <i>Ora pro nobis.</i> - -Virgo veneranda, - <i>Ora pro nobis.</i> - -Virgo prædicanda, - <i>Ora pro nobis.</i> - -Virgo potens, - <i>Ora pro nobis.</i> - -Virgo clemens, - <i>Ora pro nobis.</i> - -Virgo fidelis, - <i>Ora pro nobis.</i> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_329">{329}</a></span> -Speculum justitiæ, - <i>Ora pro nobis.</i> - -Sedes sapientiæ, - <i>Ora pro nobis.</i> - -Causa nostræ lætitiæ, - <i>Ora pro nobis.</i> - -Vas spirituale, - <i>Ora pro nobis.</i> - -Vas honorabile, - <i>Ora pro nobis.</i> - -Vas insigne devotionis, - <i>Ora pro nobis.</i> - -Rosa mystica, - <i>Ora pro nobis.</i> - -Turris Davidica, - <i>Ora pro nobis.</i> - -Turris eburnea, - <i>Ora pro nobis.</i> - -Domus aurea, - <i>Ora pro nobis.</i> - -Fœderis arca, - <i>Ora pro nobis.</i> - -Janua cœli, - <i>Ora pro nobis.</i> - -Stella matutina, - <i>Ora pro nobis.</i> - -Salis infirmorum, - <i>Ora pro nobis.</i> - -Refugium peccatorum, - <i>Ora pro nobis.</i> - -Consolatrix affiictorum, - <i>Ora pro nobis.</i> - -Auxilium Christianorum, - <i>Ora pro nobis.</i> - -Regina Angelorum, - <i>Ora pro nobis.</i> - -Regina Patriarcharum, - <i>Ora pro nobis.</i> - -Regina Prophetarum, - <i>Ora pro nobis.</i> - -Regina Apostolorum, - <i>Ora pro nobis.</i> - -Regina Martyrum, - <i>Ora pro nobis.</i> - -Regina Confessorum, - <i>Ora pro nobis.</i> - -Regina Virginum, - <i>Ora pro nobis.</i> - -Regina Sanctorum Omnium, - <i>Ora pro nobis.</i> - -Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, - <i>Parce nobis, Domine.</i> - -Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, - <i>Exaudi nos, Domine.</i> - -Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, - <i>Miserere nobis.</i> - -V. Ora pro nobis, sancta Dei genitrix. - - R. Ut digni efficiamur promissionibus Christi. -</pre> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_330">{330}</a></span> -<br><br> - <h2>Method Of Serving At Mass.</h2> - -<p class="side"> - [The Clerk, kneeling at the left side of the Priest, should - answer as follows:] -</p><p> -P. + In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen. -</p><p> -Introibo ad altare Dei. -</p><p> -C. Ad Deum qui lætificat juventutem meam. -</p><p> -P. Judica me, Deus, et discerne causam meam de gente non sancta: -ab nomine iniquo et doloso erue me. -</p><p> -C. Quia tu es, Deus, fortitudo mea: quare me repulisti, et quare -tristis incedo dum affligit me inimicus. -</p><p> -P. Emitte lucem tuam et veritatem tuam: ipsa me deduxerunt et -adduxerunt in montem: sanctum tuum, et in tabernacula tua. -</p><p> -C. Et introibo ad altare Dei: ad Deum qui lætificat juventutem -meam. -</p><p> -P. Confitebor tibi in cithara, Deus, Deus meus: quare tristis es -anima mea, et quare conturbas me? -</p><p> -C. Spera in Deo, quoniam adhuc confitebor illi, salutare vultus -mei, et Deus meus. -</p><p> -P. Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto; -</p><p> -C. Sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et semper, et in sæcula -sæculorum. Amen. -</p><p> -P. Introibo ad altare Dei. -</p><p> -C. Ad Deum qui lætificat juventutem meam. -</p><p> -P. Adjutorium nostrum in nomine Domini. -</p><p> -C. Qui fecit cœlum et terram. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_331">{331}</a></span> -<p> -P. Confiteor Deo, &c. -</p> -<p class="side"> - [Bow your head when the priest begins the Confiteor, and - continue bent till the <i>Dominus Vobiscum.</i>] -</p><p> -C. Misereatur tui omnipotent Deus, et dimissis peccatis tuis, -perducat te ad vitam æternam. -</p><p> -P. Amen. -</p><p> -C. Confiteor Deo omnipotenti, beatæ Mariæ semper Virgini, beato -Michaeli Archangelo, beato Joanni Baptistæ, sanctis apostolis -Petro et Paulo, omnibus Sanctis, et tibi pater, (<i>here turn -your head towards the priest, and then go on</i>,) quia peccavi -nimis cogitatione, verbo, et opere, (<i>striking your breast -thrice, say</i>,) mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa: ideo -precor beatam Mariam semper Virginem, beatum Michaelem -Archangelum, beatum Joannem Baptistam, sanctos apostolos Petrum -et Paulum, omnes sanctos, et te pater, (<i>here turn again -towards the priest</i>,) orare pro me ad Dominum Deum nostrum. -</p><p> -P. Misereatur vestri, &c. -</p><p> -C. Amen. -</p><p> -P. Indulgentiam, &c. -</p><p> -C. Amen. -</p><p> -P. Deus tu conversus vivificabis nos. -</p><p> -C. Et plebs tua lætabitur in te. -</p><p> -P. Ostende nobis, Domine, misericordiam tuam. -</p><p> -C. Et salutare tuum da nobis. -</p><p> -P. Domine, exaudi orationem meam. -</p><p> -C. Et clamor mens ad te veniat. -</p><p> -P. Dominus vobiscum. -</p><p> -C. Et cum spiritu tuo. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_332">{332}</a></span> -<p> -P. Kyrie eleison. -</p><p> -C. Kyrie eleison. -</p><p> -P. Kyrie eleison. -</p><p> -C. Christe eleison. -</p><p> -P. Christe eleison. -</p><p> -C. Christe eleison. -</p><p> -P. Kyrie eleison. -</p><p> -C. Kyrie eleison. -</p><p> -P. Kyrie eleison. -</p><p> -P. Dominus vobiscum: <i>or</i>, Flectamus genua. -</p><p> -C. Et cum spiritu tuo: <i>or</i>, Levate. -</p><p> -P. Per omnia sæcula sæculorum. -</p><p> -C. Amen. -</p><p class="side"> - [At the end of the Epistle say, <i>Deo gratias</i>, and after - the Gradual and Alleluia, or Tract, remove the took to the - gospel side of the altar, and return to the epistle side—make - a low reverence as you pass the middle of the altar, then stand - up whilst the gospel is read,] -</p><p> -P. Dominus vobiscum. -</p><p> -C. Et cum spiritu tuo. -</p><p> -P. Sequentia [<i>or</i> initium] sancti Evangelii, &c. -</p> -<p class="side"> - [Here make the sign of the cross—1st, upon your forehead; 2nd, - upon your mouth; 3rd, upon your breast; and say, <i>Gloria tibi - Domine.</i> At the end of the gospel say,] -</p><p> -C. Laus tibi, Christe. -</p><p> -P. Dominus vobiscum. -</p><p> -C. Et cum spiritu tuo. -</p><p class="side"> - [Going to the middle of the altar, kneel and make a reverence, - then proceed to prepare the wine and water; present them to the - priest, making a reverence; afterwards pour water on his - fingers, present him with a towel, and return to your place at - the epistle side of the altar.] -</p><p> -P. Orate fratres, &c. -</p><p> -C. Suscipiat Dominus sacrificium de manibus tuis ad laudem et -gloriam nominis sui, ad utilitatem quoque nostram, totiusque -ecclesiæ suæ sanctæ. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_333">{333}</a></span> -<p> -P. Per omnia sæcula sæculorum. -</p><p> -C. Amen. -</p><p> -P. Dominus vobiscum. -</p><p> -C. Et cum spiritu tuo. -</p><p> -P. Sursum corda. -</p><p> -C. Habemns ad Dominum. -</p><p> -P. Gratias agamus Domino Deo nostro. -</p><p> -C. Dignum et justum est. -</p><p class="side"> - [When the priest says, <i>Sanctus, sanctus, sanctus, &c.</i> - ring the bell each time he pronounces it. When he spreads his - hands over the chalice, ring the bell, then proceed to the - centre of the altar, where kneeling ring the bell with your - right, and hold up the vestment with your left hand, during the - elevation. Then return to your former place, and as often as - you pass by the blessed sacrament, adore on your knees.] -</p><p> -P. Per omnia sæcula sæculorum. -</p><p> -C. Amen. -</p><p> -P. Et ne nos inducas in tentationem. -</p><p> -C. Sed libera nos a malo. -</p><p> -P. Per omnia sæcula sæculorum. -</p><p> -C. Amen. -</p><p> -P. Pax Domini sit semper vobiscum. -</p><p> -C. Et cum spiritu tuo. -</p><p class="side"> - [Each time the priest says, <i>Domine non sum dignus</i>, ring - the bell. When he has received the chalice, serve him with wine - only; on his presenting the chalice again, serve him with wine - and water. Remove the book to the epistle side of the altar, - and retire to your place on the gospel side.] -</p><p> -P. Dominus vobiscum. -</p><p> -C. Et cum spiritu tuo. -</p><p> -P. Per omnia sæcula sæculorum. -</p><p> -C. Amen. -</p><p> -P. Dominus vobiscum. -</p><p> -C. Et cum spiritu tuo. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_334">{334}</a></span> -<p> -P. Ite, missa est; <i>or</i>, Benedicamus Domino. -</p><p> -C. Deo gratias. -</p><p> -<i>Note</i>.—In Mass for the Dead, the priest says, -</p><p> -P. Requiescant in pace. -</p><p> -C. Amen. -<p class="side"> - [Remove the book, if left open; kneel before the centre of the - altar, and receive the priest's blessing.] -</p><p> -P. Pater, et Filius, et Spiritus Sanctus. -</p><p> -C. Amen. [<i>Then rise</i>.] -</p><p> -P. Dominus vobiscum. -</p><p> -C. Et cum spiritu tuo. -</p><p> -P. Initium [Sequentia] sancti Evangelii, &c. -</p><p> -C. Gloria tibi Domine. -</p><p class="side_center"> -At the end of the Gospel, say, -</p><p> -C. Deo gratias. -</p> - - <h4>Psalm cxxix.</h4> -<p> -P. De profundis clamavi ad te Domine: Domine exaudi vocem meam. -</p><p> -C. Fiant aures tuæ intendentes in vocem deprecationis meæ. -</p><p> -P. Si iniquitates observaveris Domine: Domine, quis sustinebit? -</p><p> -C. Quia apud te propitiatio est: et propter legem tuam sustinui -te Domine. -</p><p> -P. Sustinuit anima mea in verbo ejus: speravit anima mea in -Domino. -</p><p> -C. A custodia matutina usque ad noctem: speret Israel in Domino. -</p><p> -P. Quia apud Dominum misericordia: et copiosa apud eum redemptio. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_335">{335}</a></span> -<p> -C. Et ipse redimet Israel ex omnibus iniquitatibus ejus. -</p><p> -P. Requiem æternum dona eis Domine. -</p><p> -C. Et lux perpetua luceat eis. -</p><p> -P. A porta inferi. -</p><p> -C. Erue, Domine, animas eorum. -</p><p> -P. Requiescant in pace. -</p><p> -C. Amen. -</p><p> -P. Domine exaudi orationem meam. -</p><p> -C. Et clamor meus ad te veniat. -</p><p> -P. Dominus vobiscum. -</p><p> -C. Et cum spiritu tuo. -</p><p class="side"> - [At the end of the Prayer, say, <i>Amen</i>]. -</p><p> -P. Requiem æternam dona eis Domine. -</p><p> -C. Et lux perpetua luceat eis. -</p><p> -P. Requiescant in pace. -</p><p> -C. Amen. -</p> - - <h1>End Of The First Part Of Catholic Piety.</h1> -<br> -<hr> -<br> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_336">{336}</a></span> - - <h1>Supplement To The<br> - - Manual Of Catholic Piety.</h1> - - - <h2>On The Sacrifice Of The Mass<br> - And The Use Of The Latin Liturgy.</h2> - -<p class="side"> - From the beginning of the world, the servants of God, were - always accustomed to offer sacrifice to him, by way of - acknowledging his sovereignty, and paying their homage to him. - In the law of nature, and in the law of Moses, there was a - great variety of sacrifices; some <i>bloody</i>, others - <i>unbloody</i>; some were called <i>Holocausts</i>, or - Whole-burnt Offerings; others, <i>Sin Offerings;</i> others, - <i>Offerings of Thanksgiving;</i> others, <i>Pacific</i> or - <i>Peace Offerings</i>. All these sacrifices of the law of - nature and the law of Moses, were of themselves but <i>weak and - feeble elements</i>, and figures of the great sacrifice of - Jesus Christ, offered afterwards on the altar of the cross for - the sins of the whole world. -</p><p class="side"> - It was to renew the memory of this great sacrifice of the - cross, and to apply the fruits of it to our souls, that Christ - our Lord instituted the Eucharist and commemorative sacrifice - of the Mass; for as the ancient sacrifices were required to - represent the sacrifice of the cross, and to prefigure the - death of Christ, then to come; so, in like manner, a - commemorative sacrifice was required in the new law, to be a - standing memorial of the sacrifice of the cross, and to - represent the death of Christ, already past. This is the solemn - liturgy of the Catholic Church, and the pure offering that is - made to God in every place among the Gentiles, according to the - prophecy of Malachy, chap. i. ver. 10, 11. By it Christ is a - <i>priest for ever, according to the order of Melchisedech</i>, - (Psalm 109,) whose sacrifice was bread and wine. (Gen. 15.) It - is the same in substance with the sacrifice of the cross, - because both the victim offered, and the priest, or - <i>principal offerer,</i> is the same Jesus Christ. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_337">{337}</a></span> - The difference is only in the manner of offering: in the - sacrifice of the cross, Christ offered himself in a bloody - manner, and actually died; in the sacrifice of the Mass, he - offers himself on our altars in an unbloody manner, by the - ministry of the priests of his church, under appearances that - mystically represent and show forth his death. -</p><p class="side"> - The sacrifice of the Mass is still celebrated in the ancient - language which was universally used throughout the Roman - empire, and in which the liturgy and public offices of the - church were performed in all the western parts of Europe, when - the Christian religion was first published to the world. All - sermons, exhortations, and instructions which regard the - faithful, are regularly delivered to them in the vulgar or - maternal language which they speak and understand; but it is - deemed an expedient point of discipline, to retain the same - ancient, fixed, and unchangeable language, in the celebration - of the divine mysteries, and in the solemn prayers which are - addressed immediately to God, and which regard the office of - the clergy. The chief reasons which induce the Catholic Church - to make choice of the Latin, in preference to any of the mixed - languages that sprung from it after the dismemberment of the - Roman empire, and are now in use in the European nations, are - the following: -</p><p class="side"> - 1st—She is the church of all ages, and of all nations; and - therefore, to show her antiquity and catholicity, as well as - her aversion to novelty and changes in religious matters, she - still retains the same ancient and universal language which the - saints have used for so many ages from the apostles' days, and - which is fixed and unchangeable, taught every where in public - schools, generally learned by persons of all conditions, and - the best known and most universally understood in the western - parts of the world. -</p><p class="side"> - 2dly—In order to preserve the purity of her faith, and a - greater conformity in her public worship in all countries, and - to avoid the various alterations and corruptions which the - living languages, spoken in different places, are liable to in - every century, the church wisely judges, that as there is but - one true faith, there should be but one common language for all - the faithful, spread over the different nations of the world, - to commune with each other in the profession of one and the - same faith, and in the exercise of the same religious duties. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_338">{338}</a></span> -<p class="side"> - 3rdly—Another good effect and advantage that arises from this - point of ecclesiastical discipline, is, that the same priest - can perform the public church offices in all places where he - travels; and a Catholic is never at a loss to join with those - of his own religion, and assist at the public worship of God, - whithersoever he may have occasion to go, since he meets with - the same Mass and Liturgy, in the same words, abroad, which he - was accustomed to near at home; whereas, if the divine service - was to be performed in the maternal language of every country, - and to be translated into as many different tongues as the - ignorant people understand and speak in the different - provinces, there would be nothing but a Babel of confusion, and - a man of one country would be at a loss to serve God on the - Lord's day in another country. -</p><p class="side"> - As to any inconvenience that may seem to attend this - ecclesiastical discipline, it is no way material, especially - when compared to the great advantages that arise from it; nor - does it affect the substance of religion; neither is it a - prejudice to the illiterate, who do not understand the Latin; - for though they may not perhaps understand the particular form - of prayers, which it is only the priest's office to offer to - God, for and in the name of the congregation, yet they know - them at least as to the substance, and may find the meaning of - every thing fully explained in their manuals. They are taught - from their childhood to accompany the officiating priest - through every part of his function, with proper and suitable - prayers, and are frequently instructed in the nature, the - benefit, and the ends for which the Mass is offered, and in the - manner of assisting thereat with attention and devotion, which - is sufficient to concur in and partake of the sacrifice, though - the people should neither hear nor cite the same prayers with - the priest. -</p><p class="side"> - The very seeing of the priest was more than God was pleased to - require in the old law; for we read, (St. Luke, 1. 10,) <i>that - the whole multitude of the people were praying without</i>, when - Zacharias went into the temple to burn incense; and (Levit. - xvi. 17.) it was expressly ordered, that there should be no man - in the tabernacle, or temple, when the high-priest went with - the blood of the victims into the sanctuary to make atonement, - which is a clear proof that it was not necessary for the people - to hear and understand the particular form of prayers, that the - priest offered to God for them in the sacrifices at which they - assisted. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_339">{339}</a></span> - Moreover, we find that after the Babylonian captivity, nay, - even in our Saviour's time, the public service of the Jewish - synagogue was performed in the old Hebrew language, though it - was not understood by the common people, who only spoke the - Syriac, (Nah. viii. 13,) into which the scriptures were not - then translated from the Hebrew. -</p><p class="side"> - But does not the sacred scripture condemn this practice? No: - far from condemning, it authorises it, as appears from what has - been already said. As to the text of St. Paul, (1 Cor. xiv.) - the apostle does not speak one word, in that whole chapter, of - the liturgy of the church, which at Corinth was in Greek, and - consequently in a known language. He treats of the miraculous - gift of speaking all tongues, which was communicated by the - Holy Ghost to the first believers; and he cautions the - Corinthians against all confusion and disorder in the use of - this miraculous gift at their pious meetings and assemblies, by - directing them, that if they spoke with tongues, it should be - done by two, or at most by three, and that one should interpret - the meaning of the words. In short, the apostle only blames the - abuse of the gifts of tongues, which some of the Corinthians - were guilty of, by affecting, out of ostentation, to make - extemporary prayers, and to preach and exhort, at the same - time, all or any of them together, in tongues utterly unknown, - which, for want of an interpreter, could be of no edification - to the rest of the faithful. But when it is done in proper - circumstances, without confusion, and when the sense of the - words is expounded by an interpreter, the apostle does not - reprehend, but permits and orders the speaking in tongues that - are not commonly understood, as appears from the 5th and 29th - verses. Now the faithful have the public liturgy and church - offices interpreted in their ordinary prayer books; and their - pastors are commanded by the Council of Trent, (Sess. 22. chap. - 8,) to explain to them the mysteries contained in the Mass, and - to teach them to accompany the priest with suitable prayers and - devotion adapted to every part of it. -</p> -<br> -<hr> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_340">{340}</a></span> - - <h2>The Ordinary Of The Holy Mass.</h2> - - <h3>Part I.</h3> - -<p class="side"> - The Preparation Of The Offerers, By Acts Of - Humility, Praise, Faith, Etc. -</p> -<p class="side"> - The Priest beginning at the foot of the Altar, says, -</p> -<p> -In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen. -</p><p class="side"> - In the name of the Father, &c. Amen. -</p><p> -<i>Ant</i>. Introibo ad altare Dei. -</p><p class="side"> - <i>Ant</i>. I will go unto the altar of God. -</p><p> -R. Ad Deum qui lætificat juventutem meam. -</p><p class="side"> - R. To God, who rejoiceth my youth. -</p> -<br> -<p class="side"> - The following Psalm (42nd) is omitted in Passion time, and in - Masses for the Dead. -</p> -<br> -<p> -Judica me, Deus, et discerne causam meam de gente non sancta: ab -homine iniquo et doloso erne me. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - Judge me, O God, and distinguish my cause from the nation that - is not holy: from the unjust and deceitful man deliver me. -</p><p> -R. Quia tu es, Deus, fortitudo mea, quare me repulisti? et quare -tristis incedo, dum affligit me inimicus? -</p> -<p class="cite"> - R. Since thou, O God, art my strength, why hast thou cast me - off? and why do I go sorrowful, while the enemy afflicteth me? -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_341">{341}</a></span> -<p> -P. Emitte lucem tuam et veritatem tuam: ipsa me deduxenmt et -adduxenint in montem sanctum tuum, et in tabernacula tua. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - P. Send forth thy light and thy truth: they have conducted and - brought me to thy holy mount, and into thy tabernacles. -</p><p> -R. Et introibo ad altare Dei: ad Deum qui lætificat juventutem me -am. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - R. And I will go unto the altar of God; to God who rejoiceth my - youth. -</p><p> -P. Confitebor tibi in cithara, Deus, Deus, meus: quare tristis -es, anima mea; et quare conturbas me? -</p> -<p class="cite"> - P. I will praise thee on the harp, O God, my God: why art thou - sorrowful, O my soul; and why dost thou disturb me? -</p><p> -R. Spera in Deo, quoniam adhuc confitebor illi: salutare vultus -mei, et Deus meus. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - R. Hope in God, for I will yet praise him: the salvation of my - countenance, and my God. -</p><p> -P. Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto: -</p> -<p class="cite"> - P. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, &c. -</p><p> -R. Sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et semper, et in sæcula -sæculorum. Amen. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world - without end. Amen. -</p><p> -P. Introibo ad altare Dei. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - P. I will go unto the altar of God. -</p><p> -R. Ad Deum qui lætificat juventutem meam. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - R. To God who rejoiceth my youth. -</p><p> -P. Adjutorium nostrum in nomine Domini. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - P. Our help is in the name of the Lord. -</p><p> -R. Qui fecit cœlum et terrain. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - R. Who made heaven and earth. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_342">{342}</a></span> -<p> -P. Confiteor Deo omnipotenti, &c. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - P. I confess to almighty God, &c. -</p><p> -R. Misereatur tui omnipotens Deus, et dimissis peccatis tuis, -perducat te ad vitam æternam. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - R. May almighty God be merciful to thee, and forgiving thee thy - sins, bring thee to life everlasting. -</p><p> -P. Amen. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - P. Amen. -</p><p> -R. Confiteor Deo omnipotenti, beatæ Mariæ, semper virgine, beato -Michaeli archangelo, beato Joanni baptistæ, Sanctis apostolis -Petro et Paulo, omnibus Sanctis, et tibi, pater, quia peccavi -nimis cogitatione, verbo, et opere: <i>mea culpa, mea culpa, mea -maxima culpa</i>. Ideo precor beatam Mariam semper virginem, -beatum Michaelem archangelum, beatum Joannem baptistam, sanctos -apostolos Petrum et Paulum, omnes sanctos, ette, pater, orare pro -me ad Dominum Deum nostrum. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - R. I confess to almighty God, to blessed Mary, ever virgin, to - blessed Michael the archangel, to blessed John the baptist, to - the holy apostles Peter and Paul, to all the saints, and to - thee, O father, that I have grievously sinned in thought, word, - and deed: <i>through my fault, through my fault, through my - exceeding great fault.</i> Therefore I beseech the blessed - Mary, ever virgin, blessed Michael the archangel, blessed John - the baptist, the holy apostles Peter and Paul, and all the - saints, and thee, O father, to pray to the Lord our God for me. -</p><p> -P. Misereatur vestri omnipotens Deus, et dimissis peccatis -vestris, perducat vos ad vitam æternam. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - R. Amen. -</p><p> -P. May almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you your sins, and -bring you to life everlasting. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - R. Amen. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_343">{343}</a></span> -<p> -P. Indulgentiam, absolutionem, et remissionem peccaturum -nostrorum, tribuat nobis omnipotens et misericors Dominus. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - R. Amen. -</p><p> -P. May the almighty and merciful Lord grant us pardon, -absolution, and remission of our sins. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - R. Amen. -</p><p> -P. Deus, tu conversus vivificabis nos. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - P. O God, thou being turned towards us, wilt receive us. -</p><p> -R. Et plebs tua lætabitur in te. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - R. And thy people shall rejoice in thee. -</p><p> -P. Ostende nobis, Domine, misericordiam tuam. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - P. Show us thy mercy, O Lord. -</p><p> -R. Et salutare tuum da nobis. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - R. And grant us thy salvation. -</p><p> -P. Domine, exaudi orationem meam. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - P. O Lord, hear my prayer. -</p><p> -R. Et clamor meus ad te veniat. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - R. And let my cry come unto thee. -</p><p> -P. Dominus vobiscum: -</p> -<p class="cite"> - P. The Lord be with you: -</p><p> -R. Et cum spiritu tuo. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - R. And with thy spirit. -</p> -<br> -<p class="side"> - When the Priest goes up to the Altar, say, -</p> -<p> -Take away from us our iniquities, we beseech thee, O Lord, that -we may be worthy to assist with pure minds at the celebration of -these tremendous mysteries; through Christ our Lord. Amen. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_344">{344}</a></span> -<p class="side"> -When he bows down before the Altar, say, -</p><p> -We beseech thee, O Lord, by the merits of thy saints, whose -relics are enclosed in this altar, and of all the saints, that -thou wouldst vouchsafe to forgive us all our sins. Amen. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - Here at Solemn Masses, the Priest having blessed the incense - with the sign of the cross, and these words, "Mayest thou be - blessed by him in whose honour thou wilt be burned," fumes the - altar therewith, and then turning to the book, reads the - Introit, which, being different every day, may be supplied by - the following prayer: -</p><p> -It is in thy name, O adorable Trinity! it is to honour thee, and -to do thee homage, that I assist at this most holy and august -sacrifice. Permit me, then, O Lord, to unite my intention with -that of thy minister now at the altar, in offering up this -precious victim; and give me the same sentiments I ought to have -had on Mount Calvary, had I been an eye-witness of that bloody -sacrifice. -</p> - - <h4>After which follows:</h4> - -<p> -P. Kyrie eleison. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - P. Lord have mercy on us. -</p><p> -R. Kyrie eleison. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - P. Lord have mercy on us. -</p><p> -P. Kyrie eleison. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - P. Lord have mercy on us. -</p><p> -R. Christe eleison, -</p> -<p class="cite"> - R. Christ have mercy on us. -</p><p> -R. Christe eleison, -</p> -<p class="cite"> - R. Christ have mercy on us. -</p><p> -R. Christe eleison, -</p> -<p class="cite"> - R. Christ have mercy on us. -</p><p> -P. Kyrie eleison. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - P. Lord have mercy on us. -</p><p> -P. Kyrie eleison. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - P. Lord have mercy on us. -</p><p> -P. Kyrie eleison. -</p> -<p class="cite"> - P. Lord have mercy on us. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_345">{345}</a></span> -<br> -<p class="side"> - Then, if it be neither Lent or Advent, nor a Mass for the Dead, - is said or sung the angelical hymn, "Gloria in Excelsis." -</p><p> - -Gloria in excelsis Deo, et in terra pax hominibus bonæ -voluntatis. Laudamus te, benedicimus te, adoramus te, -glorificamus te. Gratias agimus tibi propter magnam gloriam tuam, -Domine Deus, Rex cœlestis, Deus Pater omnipotens. Domine Fili -unigenite Jesu Christe, Domine Deus, Agnus Dei, Filius Patris, -qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis; 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. -</p><p class="side"> - 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 thanks to thee for thy great glory, O Lord God, - heavenly King, God the Father, almighty. O Lord Jesus Christ, - the only begotten Son. O 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 prayer; who - sitteth at the right hand of the Father, have mercy on us. For - thou only art holy, thou only art the Lord, thou only, O Jesus - Christ, together with the Holy Ghost, art most high, in the - glory of God the Father. Amen. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_346">{346}</a></span> -<br> -<p class="side"> -The Priest, turning towards the people, says, -</p><p> -P. Dominus vobiscum: -</p><p class="side"> - P. The Lord be with you: -</p><p> -R. Et cum spiritu tuo. -</p><p> -R. And with thy spirit. -</p><p class="side"> - Going to the book, he reads the Collects, which being different - every day, may be supplied by the following prayer: -</p><p> -Almighty and eternal God, we humbly beseech thee to look down -from thy heavenly sanctuary upon this congregation, and -graciously hear these prayers which thy Church addresses to thee -for us by the ministry of this thy priest. Grant us, in thy -infinite mercy, pardon of our sins, health of mind and body, -peace in our days, unity and increase of Catholic faith, fervent -charity, sincere devotion, patience in suffering, and every thing -else conducive to thy glory and our own salvation; through Jesus -Christ our Lord. Amen. -</p><p class="side"> - At the end of the Collects, the Clerk answers, Amen. Whilst the - Priest reads the Epistle for the day,* the following prayer may - be said. -</p><p> -O eternal God, who never ceasest to excite us to the worship and -love of thy holy name, or to arm us against the attacks of the -world, the flesh, and the devil, by the public ministry of thy -church, by the doctrine of thy prophets and apostles, and by many -other holy admonitions; grant we may faithfully attend to these -lessons of salvation, that thus our knowledge of thy law may -never rise in judgment against us, but guide us securely to thee: -through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. -</p><p class="side"> - * See Gospels and Epistles for all Sundays and festivals, - p. 388 to 481. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_347">{347}</a></span> -<p class="side"> - At the end of the Epistle, the Clerk answers, -</p><p> -R. Deo gratias. -</p><p class="side"> - R. Thanks be to God. -</p> -<br> -<p class="side"> - Whilst the Priest reads the Gradual, or the Tract, which - differs every day, the following may be said: -</p><p> -How wonderful, O Lord, is thy name throughout the whole earth: I -will bless our Lord at all times; his praise shall be always in -my mouth. Be thou my God and my protector. In thee alone will I -put my trust; O let me never be confounded. -</p> - - <h4>The Prayer Before The Gospel.</h4> -<p> -Cleanse my heart and my lips, O almighty God, who didst cleanse -the lips of the prophet Isaiah with a burning coal; and -vouchsafe, through thy gracious mercy, so to purify me, that I -may worthily attend to thy holy gospel: through Christ our Lord. -Amen. -</p><p> -Bless me, O Lord. -</p><p> -May the Lord be in my heart, and on my lips, that I may worthily -and in a becoming manner, attend to his holy gospel. Amen. -</p><p> -P. Dominus vobiscum: -</p><p class="cite"> - P. The Lord be with you: -</p><p> -R. Et cum spiritu tuo, -</p><p class="cite"> - R. And with thy spirit. -</p><p> -P. Sequentia [<i>vel</i> initium] sancti Evangelii secundum, &c. -</p><p class="cite"> - P. The continuation [<i>or</i> the beginning] of the holy - Gospel according to St. &o. -</p><p> -R. Gloria tibi, Domine. -</p><p class="cite"> - R. Glory be to thee, O Lord. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_348">{348}</a></span> -<br> -<p class="side"> - Whilst the Priest reads the Gospel of the day, [Footnote 3] the - following prayer may be said: -</p> -<p class="footnote"> - [Footnote 3: See Gospels and Epistles for all Sundays and - festivals, pp. 388-481.] -</p><p> -It is not thy interpreters, O God, who are now to instruct me; it -is thy only Son; it is his word I am about to hear. I most -gratefully embrace this heavenly doctrine. I <i>stand up</i> to -declare in the face of heaven and earth, that I will walk -faithfully in that way which he hath marked out for me. He tells -me here, "that it will avail a man nothing to gain the whole -world, if he lose his own soul; that the sensual, the covetous, -the worldling, the libertine, the detractor, and such as are -insensible to the miseries of the poor, shall have no share in -his heavenly kingdom; and that in order to become his disciple, I -must take up my cross and follow him." I receive with my whole -heart all these sacred maxims. Grant me the grace to put them in -practice; for to what purpose should I declare myself thy -disciple, if I were not to live according to the maxims of thy -gospel? -</p> -<p class="side"> - At the end of the Gospel, the Clerk answers, -</p><p> -R. Laus tibi Christe. -</p><p class="cite"> - R. Praise be to thee, O Christ. -</p> -<p class="side"> - Then say with the Priest, in a low voice, "May our sins be - blotted out by the words of the Gospel." -</p> - - <h4>The Nicene Creed.</h4> -<p> -Credo in unum Deum, Patrem omnipotentem, factorem cœli et terrae, -visibilium omnium et invisibilium. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_349">{349}</a></span> -<p> -Et in unum Dominum Jesum Christum, Filium Dei unigenitum; et ex -Patre natum ante omnia sæcula; Deum de Deo; Lumen de Lumine; Deum -verum de Deo vero; Genitum non factum; consubstantialem Patri, -per quem omnia facta sunt. Qui propter nos homines, et propter -nostram salutem, descendit de cœlis, et incarnatus est de Spiritu -Sancto, ex Maria Virgine; [Footnote 4] ET HOMO FACTUS EST. -Crucifixus etiam pro nobis, sub Pontio Pilato passus, et sepultus -est; et resurrexit tertia die, secundum scripturas; et ascendit -in cœlum, sedet ad dexteram Patris et iterum venturus est cum -gloria judicare vivos et mortuos; cujus regni non erit finis. -</p><p> -Et in Spiritum Sanctum, Dominum et Vivificantem, qui ex Patre -Filioque procedit; qui cum Patre et Filio simul adoratur et -conglorificatur; qui locutus est per prophetas. Et unam sanctam -Catholicam et Apostolicam Ecclesiam Confiteor unam Baptisma in -remissionem peccatorum. Et expecto resurrectionem mortuorum, et -vitam venturi sæculi. Amen. -</p><p class="cite"> - I Believe in one God the Father almighty, maker of heaven and - earth, and of all things visible and invisible. -</p><p class="cite"> - And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God; and - born of the Father before ail 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 was incarnate by the - Holy Ghost, of the Virgin Mary; [Footnote 4] AND WAS MADE, MAN. - Was crucified also for us, suffered under Pontius Pilate, and - was buried; and the third day he rose again, according to the - scriptures; and ascended into heaven, sitteth at the right hand - of the Father, and shall come again with glory to judge both - the living and the dead; of whose kingdom there shall be no - end. -</p><p class="cite"> - And in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of Life, who - proceedeth from the Father and the Son; who, together with the - Father and the Son, is adored and glorified; who spake by the - prophets. And one holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. I confess - one baptism for the remission of sins. And I expect the - resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. - Amen. -</p> -<p class="footnote"> - [Footnote 4: At these words the people kneel down to - adore God for the ineffable mystery of the incarnation.] -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_350">{350}</a></span> - - <h3>Part II.</h3> - - <h4>The Preparation And Sanctification Of The Bread And Wine For - The Use Of The Sacrifice.</h4> -<p> -P. Dominus vobiscum: -</p><p class="cite"> - P. The Lord be with you: -<p> -R. Et cum spiritu tuo. -</p><p class="cite"> - R. And with thy spirit. -<p> -P. Oremus. -</p><p class="cite"> - P. Let us pray. -</p> -<p class="side"> - During the Offertory, which differs every day, may be said the - following Prayers: -</p><p> -O Holy Father, almighty and eternal God, how unworthy soever I -may appear in thy presence, yet I presume to offer thee this -host, by the hands of the priest, with the same intention which -Christ my Saviour had when he first instituted this august -sacrifice, and which he now has at this very instant that he -immolates himself for us. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_351">{351}</a></span> -I offer it in acknowledgment of thy supreme dominion over me and -all creatures. I offer it in expiation of my crimes, in -thanksgiving for all thy benefits. I offer it to obtain from thy -infinite goodness, for my parents, benefactors, friends, and -enemies, all those precious gifts and graces which only through -him can be obtained, who is JUST by excellence, and who became a -victim for the sins of man. I earnestly entreat thee to bless and -protect the holy Catholic Church; our chief pastor the Pope, our -Bishops and Clergy; the Queen and Royal Family; and all our -fellow-subjects of every denomination. Remember also, O Lord, the -souls of the faithful departed; and grant them, through the -merits of thy Son, eternal light and peace. Have mercy upon all -heretics, infidels, and sinners. Bless and preserve all mine -enemies; and as I freely forgive them the injuries they have -done, or mean to do me, so do thou, in thy mercy, forgive me mine -offences. Amen. -</p> - - - <h4>The Priest offering up the Host, says,</h4> -<p> -Accept, O holy Father, almighty and eternal God, this unspotted -host, which I, thy unworthy servant, offer unto thee, my living -and true God, for my own innumerable sins, offences, and -negligences, and for all here present, as also for all faithful -Christians, both living and dead, that it may avail both me and -them unto eternal life. Amen. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_352">{352}</a></span> - - <h4>Putting the Wine and Water into the Chalice, he says,</h4> -<p> -O God, who, in creating human nature, hast wonderfully dignified -it, and still more wonderfully reformed it, grant that, by the -mystery of this water and wine, we may be made partakers of his -divinity, who vouchsafed to become partaker of our humanity, -<i>namely</i>, Jesus Christ our Lord, thy Son, who, with thee, in -the unity of the Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth God, for ever -and ever. Amen. -</p> -<p class="side_center"> -At Offering the Chalice, he says, -</p> -<p> -We offer thee, O Lord, the chalice of salvation, beseeching thy -clemency, that it may ascend before thy divine Majesty, as a most -sweet odour, for our salvation, and for that of the whole world. -Amen. -</p> -<p class="side_center">The Priest humbly bowing himself, says, -<br> -<p> -Accept us, O Lord, in the spirit of humility, and contrition of -heart; and grant that the sacrifice which we offer this day in -thy sight, may be pleasing to thee, O Lord God. -</p> -<p class="side_center"> -At blessing the Bread and Wine, he says, -</p> -<p> -Come, O almighty and eternal God, the Sanctifier, and bless this -sacrifice prepared for the glory of thy holy name. -</p> -<p class="side_center"> -Here, in solemn Masses, he blesses the Incense, saying, -</p> -<p> -May the Lord, by the intercession of the blessed Michael the -Archangel, who standeth at the right side of the altar of -perfumes, and of all his elect, vouchsafe to bless this incense, -and receive it as an odour of sweetness: through Christ our Lord. -Amen. -</p> -<p class="side_center"> -At incensing the Bread and Wine, he says, -</p> -<p> -May this incense which thou hast blessed, O Lord, ascend to thee, -and may thy mercies descend upon us. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_353">{353}</a></span> -<p class="side_center"> -At incensing the Altar, he says, Psalm cxl. -</p> -<p> -Let my prayer ascend, O Lord, like incense, in thy sight; and the -lifting up of my hands, as an evening sacrifice: place, O Lord, a -guard upon my mouth, and a gate of prudence before my lips; that -my heart may not wander after words of malice, to seek excuses in -sin. -</p> -<p class="side_center"> -Giving the Censer to the Deacon, he says, -</p> -<p> -May the Lord enkindle within us the fire of his love, and the -flames of everlasting charity. Amen. -</p> -<p class="side_center"> -At washing his Hands, he says, Psalm xxv. 6. -</p> -<p> -I will wash my hands among the innocent; and go up to thy altar, -O Lord, that I may hear the voice of praise: and publish all thy -wonderful works. O Lord, I have loved the beauty of thy house, -and the place where thy glory dwelleth. Destroy not my soul with -the impious: nor my life with men of blood. In whose hands are -iniquities: their right hand is filled with bribes. But I have -walked in mine innocence: rescue me, and have mercy on me. My -feet have stood in the right path: in the assembly of the -faithful I will bless thee, O Lord. Glory, &c. -</p> -<p class="side_center"> -Bowing in the midst of the Altar, he says, -</p> -<p> -Accept, O holy Trinity, this oblation which we make thee, in -memory of the passion, resurrection, and ascension of our Lord -Jesus Christ; and in honour of the ever blessed Virgin Mary, the -blessed John Baptist, the holy apostles Peter and Paul, and all -the saints, that it may be available to their honour and to our -salvation. And may they vouchsafe to intercede for us in heaven, -whose memory we celebrate on earth: through the same Christ our -Lord. Amen. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_354">{354}</a></span> -<p class="side_center"> -Turning himself towards the People, he says, -</p> -<p> -Brethren, pray that my sacrifice and yours may be acceptable in -the sight of God the Father Almighty. -</p><p> -R. May the Lord receive the sacrifice from thy hands, to the -praise and glory of his own name, and to our benefit, and that of -all his holy church. -</p><p class="side"> - When the Priest says the Secret Prayer in a low voice, which - differs every day, you may say as follows: -</p><p> -Mercifully hear our prayers, O Lord, and graciously accept this -oblation, which we thy servants are making to thee; that as we -offer it to the honour of thy name, so it may be to us a means of -obtaining thy grace in this life, and in the next everlasting -happiness: through, &c. -</p><p> -P. Per omnia sæcula sæculorum. -</p><p class="cite"> - P. World without end. -</p><p> -R. Amen. -</p><p class="cite"> - R. Amen. - - - <h4>The Preface.</h4> -<p> -P. Dominus vobiscum: -</p><p class="cite"> - P. The Lord be with you: -<p> -R. Et cum spiritu tuo. -</p><p class="cite"> - R. And with thy spirit. -<p> -P. Sursum corda. -</p><p class="cite"> - P. Raise up your hearts on high. -<p> -R. Habemus ad Dominum. -</p><p class="cite"> - R. We have raised them to the Lord. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_355">{355}</a></span> -<p> -P. Gratias agamus Domino Deo nostro. -</p><p class="cite"> - P. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. -<p> -R. Dignum et justum est. -</p><p class="cite"> - R. It is meet and just. -</p> -<p class="side"> - The Preface for all the Sundays in the year, except from - Christmas to the Octave of the Epiphany, and from Ash-Wednesday - to Whit-Sunday, inclusively. -</p><p> -It is truly meet, just, right, and available to salvation, that -we should always and in all places give thanks to thee, O holy -Lord, Father almighty, eternal God, who, together with thine only -begotten Son, and the Holy Ghost, art one God and one Lord; not -in a singularity of one person, but in a trinity of one -substance. For what, according as thou hast revealed, we believe -of thy glory, the same we believe of the Son, the same we believe -of the Holy Ghost, without any difference or distinction. So that -in the confession of the true and eternal deity, we adore a -distinction in the person, an unity in the essence, and an -equality in the majesty; which the angels and archangels, the -cherubim, and likewise the seraphim, praise, and cease not daily -to cry out with united voice, saying, -</p> -<p class="cite"> - Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord God of Hosts.<br> - The heavens and the earth are full of thy glory.<br> - <i>Hosanna</i> to him who is on high.<br> - Blessed is he who cometh in the name of the Lord.<br> - <i>Hosanna</i> to him who is on high.<br> -</p> -<p class="side"> - The Common Preface for Festivals which have none proper, - and in Masses for the Dead. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_356">{356}</a></span> -<p> -It is truly meet and just, right and available to salvation, that -we should always, and in all places, give thanks to thee, O holy -Lord, Father almighty, eternal God, through Christ our Lord; by -whom the angels praise thy Majesty; the dominations adore it; the -powers tremble before it; the heavens, the heavenly host, and -blessed seraphim, with common jubilee glorify it: together with -whom we humbly beseech thee to admit our voices of praise, saying -in the most suppliant manner, Holy, Holy, Holy, &c. (as in the -foregoing Preface for Sundays.) -</p> - - <h3>Part III.</h3> - - <h4>The Canon Of The Mass,<br> - Or Main Action Of The Sacrifice.</h4> -<p> -We therefore humbly beseech thee, most merciful Father, through -Jesus Christ thy Son, our Lord, that thou wouldst vouchsafe to -accept and bless these gifts and offerings, this holy and -unspotted sacrifice, which in the first place we offer unto thee -for thy holy Catholic Church, to which we beseech thee that thou -wouldst vouchsafe to grant peace; as also to preserve, unite, and -govern it, throughout the world; together with thy servant -<i>N</i>. our Pope, <i>N</i>. our Bishop, and <i>N</i>. our -Queen, as also all orthodox believers and professors of the -Catholic and Apostolic faith. -</p> - - <h4>Commemoration Of The Living.</h4> -<p> -Be mindful, O Lord, of thy servants, men and women, [<i>name -them</i>.] -</p><p class="side"> - [Here the Priest prays awhile for those he intends to pray - for:] -</p><p> -And of all here present, whose faith and devotion are known unto -thee; for whom we offer, or who offer up to thee this sacrifice -of praise for themselves, and for all that belong to them; for -the redemption of their own souls; for the safety and salvation -they hope for; and who now pay their vows to thee, the eternal, -living, and true God. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_357">{357}</a></span> -<p> -Being united in communion with the saints, and honouring, in the -first place, the memory of the glorious Mary, ever virgin, mother -of our Lord Jesus Christ; as also of the blessed apostles and -martyrs, Peter and Paul, Andrew, James, John, Thomas, James, -Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Simon and Thadeus, Linus, Cletus, -Clement, Xystus, Cornelius, Cyprian, Laurence, Chrysogonus, John -and Paul, Cosmas, and Damian, and of all thy saints; by whose -merits and prayers, grant that we may on all occasions be -defended by the help of thy protection: through the same Christ -our Lord. Amen. -</p> -<p class="side_center"> -Spreading his hands over the Oblation, he says, -</p> -<p> -We therefore beseech thee, O Lord, graciously to accept this -offering of our homage, as also of thy whole family: dispose our -days in thy peace, preserve us from eternal damnation, and rank -us in the number of thine elect: through Christ our Lord. Amen. -</p><p> -Which oblation do thou, O Lord, vouchsafe, we beseech thee, in -all respects, to bless, approve, ratify, and accept; that it may -be made to us the body and blood of thy most beloved Son, our -Lord Jesus Christ: -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_358">{358}</a></span> -<p> -Who, the day before he suffered, took bread into his sacred and -venerable hands, and with his eyes lifted up towards heaven, to -thee, almighty God, his father, giving thanks, he blessed it, -brake it, and gave it to his disciples, saying: -</p> -<p class="cite"> - "Take, and eat ye all of this,<br> - for THIS IS MY BODY." -</p> -<p class="side_center"> -At Solemn Masses, daring the Elevation,<br> - this Hymn is sometimes song: -</p> -<pre class="serif"> - O Salutaris hostia, - Quæ cœli pandis ostium; - Bella premunt hostilia, - Da robur, fer auxilium. - Uni trinoque Domino, - Sit sempiterna gloria: - Qui vitam sine termino, - Nobis donet in patria. - - O saving host, that heaven's gate, - Laidst open at so dear a rate; - Intestine war invade our breast; - Be thou our strength, support, and rest. - To God the Father, and the Son, - And Holy Spirit, three in one, - Be endless praise: may He above. - With life eternal crown our love. -</pre> - -<p class="side"> - After the Priest has adored and elevated the sacred Host, he - proceeds: -</p><p> -In like manner, after he had supped, taking this most excellent -chalice into his sacred and venerable hands, and giving thanks -also unto thee, he blessed it, and gave it to his disciples, -saying: -</p> -<p class="cite"> - "Take, and drink ve all of this,<br> - for this is the chalice of my blood,<br> - of the new and eternal testament—<br> - the mystery of faith, which shall be shed for you<br> - and for many, to the remission of sins,"<br> -<br> - "As often as ye do these things,<br> - ye shall do them in commemoration of me." -</p> -<br> -<p class="side_center"> -Here, after he has adored and elevated the Chalice, he goes on: -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_359">{359}</a></span> -<p> -Wherefore, we thy servants, O Lord, as also thy holy people, -being mindful as well of the blessed passion of the same Christ -thy Son our Lord, as of his resurrection from the dead, and his -glorious ascension into heaven, offer unto thy most excellent -Majesty, of thy gifts bestowed upon us, a pure host, a holy host, -an immaculate host, the holy bread of eternal life, and chalice -of everlasting salvation. -</p><p> -Upon which vouchsafe, we beseech thee, to look with a propitious -and pleasing countenance, and to accept them, as thou wert -pleased graciously to accept the gifts of thy just servant Abel, -and the sacrifice of our patriarch Abraham, and that which thy -high priest Melchisedech offered unto thee, a holy sacrifice and -spotless victim. -</p><p> -We most humbly beseech thee, O Almighty God, that thou wouldst -command these offerings to be carried by the hands of thy holy -angel unto thine altar on high, in the sight of thy divine -Majesty, that as many of us as <i>assist at this oblation</i>, or -partake of the sacred body and blood of thy Son, may be filled -with every heavenly grace and blessing: through the same Christ -our Lord. Amen. -</p> - - <h4>The Commemoration Of The Dead.</h4> -<p> -Be mindful, O Lord, of thy servants, men and women, who are gone -before us with the sign of faith, and rest in the sleep of peace. -</p><p class="side"> - [Here such Dead as are prayed for, should be particularly - mentioned.] -</p><p> -To these, O Lord, and to all who sleep in Christ, grant, we -beseech thee, a place of refreshment, light, and peace: through -the same Christ our Lord. Amen. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_360">{360}</a></span> -<p class="side_center"> -Striking his breast, he says: -</p> -<p> -And to us also, thy unworthy servants, who hope in the multitude -of thy mercies, vouchsafe to grant some part and fellowship with -thy holy apostles and martyrs, with John, Stephen, Matthias, -Barnabas, Ignatius, Alexander, Marcelline, Peter, Felicitas, -Perpetua, Agatha, Lucy, Agnes, Cecily, Anastasia, and all thy -saints: into whose company we beseech thee to admit us, not in -confidence of any merit of our own, but of thine own gracious -mercy and pardon: through Jesus Christ our Lord. -</p><p> -By whom, O Lord, thou dost always create, sanctify, quicken, -bless, and give us those good gifts; so, by him, with him, and in -him is to thee, O God the Father Almighty, in the unity of the -Holy Ghost, all honour and glory. -</p><p> -P. Per omnia sæcula sæculorum. -</p><p class="cite"> - P. For ever and ever, -</p><p> -R. Amen. -</p><p class="cite"> - R. Amen. -</p> - - - <h3>Part IV.<br><br> - - The Communion, Or<br> - Sacramental Part Of The Canon.</h3> - -<p class="side_center"> - Let Us Pray. -</p> -<p> -Instructed in thy saving precepts, and following thy divine -directions, we presume to say: -</p><p> -Our Father, &c. -</p><p> -R. But deliver us from evil. -</p><p> -P. Amen. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_361">{361}</a></span> -<p> -Deliver us we beseech thee, O Lord, from all evils, past, -present, and to come. And by the intercession of the blessed and -ever glorious Virgin Mary, mother of God, and of the holy -apostles Peter and Paul, of Andrew, and of all the saints -mercifully grant peace in our days, that through the assistance -of thy mercy, we may be always free from sin, and secure from all -disturbance: through the same Lord Jesus Christ thy son, who -liveth and reigneth with thee God, in unity with the holy Ghost. -</p><p> -P. Per omnia sæcula sæculorum. -</p><p class="cite"> - P. World without end. -</p><p> -R. Amen. -</p><p class="cite"> - R. Amen. -</p><p> -P. Pax Domini sit semper vobiscum. -</p><p class="cite"> - P. May the peace of the Lord be always with you; -</p><p> -R. Et cum spiritu tuo. -</p><p class="cite"> - R. And with thy spirit. -</p> -<br> -<p class="side_center"> - Breaking the Host, he puts a particle thereof into the Chalice, - saying: -</p><p> -May this mixture together, and consecration of the body and blood -of our Lord Jesus be to us that receive it, or <i>assist -thereat</i>, effectual to eternal life. Amen. -</p><p class="side"> - Then bowing and striking his breast, he says thrice: -</p><p> -Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world,<br> -have mercy on us. -</p><p> -Lamb of God who takest away the sins of the world,<br> -have mercy on us. -</p><p> -Lamb of God who takest away the sins of the world,<br> -give us peace. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_362">{362}</a></span> -<p class="side"> - In Masses for the Dead, instead of "Have mercy on us," he says, - twice, "Give them rest," and lastly "Give them eternal rest." - The following Prayer is also omitted: -</p><p> -Lord Jesus Christ who saidst to thy apostles "I leave you peace, -I give you my peace," regard not my sins, but the faith of thy -church, and vouchsafe to grant her that peace and unity which is -agreeable to thy will; who livest and reignest for ever and ever. -Amen. -</p><p> -O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, who, according to the -will of thy Father, with 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 my iniquities, and from -all evils; make me always live up to thy commandments; and never -suffer me to be separated from thee, who livest and reignest with -God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without -end. Amen. -</p><p> -Let not the participation of thy body, O Lord Jesus Christ, which -I, though unworthy, presume to receive, turn to my judgment and -condemnation; but let it, through thy mercy, become a safeguard -and remedy, both of soul and body: who with God the Father, in -the unity of the Holy Ghost, livest and reignest God for ever and -ever. Amen. -</p><p class="side"> - Kneeling, rising, and taking the Host in his hands, he says: -</p><p> -I will partake of this heavenly bread, and call upon the name of -the Lord. -</p><p class="side"> - He strikes his breast, saying devoutly, thrice: -</p><p> -Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldst enter under my roof; -speak only the word, and my soul shall be healed. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_363">{363}</a></span> -<p class="side"> - During the time of the Priest's communicating, it would be - profitable for persons who are not then in a state of actually - communicating, to communicate also spiritually or in desire; - for this purpose say the following prayer: -</p><p> -O that I were among the number of those whose sanctity allows -them to communicate daily! What a happiness, O my God! could I at -this moment erect a throne for thee in my heart, pay thee my -homage, lay open to thee my wants, and participate in the favours -thou grantest to those who <i>really</i> and <i>worthily -receive</i> thee. But since I am unworthy, do thou, O Lord, -supply my want of the proper dispositions. Grant the pardon of my -manifold sins, which I detest from the bottom of my heart, -because they displease thee. Cast thy compassionate eye upon me, -and purify my soul, that the ardent wish I now conceive to be -united to thee by a worthy communion may be speedily -accomplished. But until the arrival of so happy a moment I -earnestly entreat thee, O dearest Lord, that thou wouldst make me -partaker of all those advantages which the communion of the -priest may produce in those thy people. By the efficacy of this -enlivening sacrament, increase my faith, strengthen my hope, -revive in my soul the rays of divine charity, inflame my heart -with thy love, that it may pant only for thee and live for thee -alone. Amen. -</p><p class="side"> - Receiving reverently both parts of the Host, he says: -</p><p> -May the body of our Lord Jesus Christ preserve my soul to life -everlasting. Amen. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_364">{364}</a></span> -<p class="side_center"> - Taking the Chalice, he says: -</p> -<p> -What return shall I make to the Lord for all the good things that -he hath given unto me? I will partake of the chalice of -salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord. Praising I will -call upon the Lord, and I shall be saved from mine enemies. -</p> -<p class="side_center"> - Receiving the Blood of our Saviour, he says: -</p> -<p> -May the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ preserve my soul to life -everlasting. Amen. -</p> -<p class="side_center"> - Taking the first Ablution, he says: -</p> -<p> -Grant, Lord, that what we have partaken of with our mouth, we may -receive with purity of mind; and that of a temporal gift it may -become unto us an everlasting remedy. Amen. -</p> -<p class="side_center"> - Taking the second Ablution, he says: -</p> -<p> -May thy body, O Lord, which I have received, and thy blood which -I have drank, cleave to my soul: and grant that no stain of sin -remain within me, who have been fed with this pure and holy -sacrament. Who livest and reignest for ever and ever. Amen. -</p> -<p class="side_center"> - Having wiped his Mouth, his Fingers, and the Chalice, he then - continues the Mass. -<br><br> -The Communion being every day different, what follows may be -said: -</p><p> -Let it be now, O Lord, an effect of thy mercy, that we who have -been present at this holy mystery may find the benefit thereof in -our souls. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_365">{365}</a></span> - - <h3>Part V.<br><br> - - The Public Thanksgiving After Communion.</h3> - -<p> -Dominus vobiscum: -</p><p class="cite"> - The Lord be with you: -</p><p> -R. Et cum spiritu tuo. -</p><p class="cite"> - R. And with thy spirit. -</p><p> -P. Oremus. -</p><p class="cite"> - P. Let us pray. -</p> -<p class="side"> - The Post Communion being also different every day, what follows - may be said: -</p><p> -We give thee thanks O God, for thy mercy in admitting us to have -a part in offering this sacrifice to thy holy name: accept it now -to thy glory, and be ever mindful of our weakness; pardon all our -defects, and grant our request; through, &c. Amen. -</p><p> -P. Dominus vobiscum: -</p><p class="cite"> - P. May the Lord be with you: -</p><p> -B. Et cum spiritu tuo. -</p><p class="cite"> - R. And with thy spirit. -</p><p> -P. Ite, Missa est. -</p><p class="cite"> - P. Depart, the Mass is finished. - -</p><p class="side_center"> - Or, if "Gloria in excelsis" has not been said, -</p><p> -P. Benidicamus Domino. -</p><p class="cite"> - P. Let us bless the Lord. -</p><p> -R. Deo gratias. -</p><p class="cite"> - R. Thanks be to God. -</p> -<p class="side_center"> -In Masses for the Dead. -</p> -<p> -P. Requiescant in pace. -</p><p class="cite"> - P. May they rest in peace. -</p><p> -R. Amen. -</p><p class="cite"> - R. Amen. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_366">{366}</a></span> -<p> -May the performance of this my homage be pleasing to thee, O Holy -Trinity; and grant that the sacrifice which I, though unworthy, -have offered up, in the sight of the Divine Majesty, may be -acceptable to thee, and, through thy mercy, become a propitiation -for me, and all those for whom it hath been offered: through -Christ our Lord. Amen. -<p><p class="side"> - - The Priest turning himself towards the people, says, (except in - Masses for the Dead.) -</p><p> -May almighty God, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, bless you. -Amen. -</p><p></p><p> -P. Dominus vobiscum: -</p><p class="cite"> - P. May the Lord be with you: -</p><p> -R. Et cum spiritu tuo. -</p><p class="cite"> - R. And with thy spirit. -</p><p> -P. Initium sancti Evangelii secundum Joannem. -</p><p class="cite"> - P. The beginning of the Gospel according to St. John. -</p><p> -R. Gloria tibi, Domine. -</p><p class="cite"> - R. Glory be to thee, O Lord. -</p> - - <h4>The Gospel According To St. John.</h4> -<p> -In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and God -was the Word; the same was in the beginning with God. All things -were made by him; and without him was made nothing that was made. -In him was life, and the life was the light of men: and the light -shineth in darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. -</p><p> -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 give -testimony of the light. It was the true light which enlighteneth -every man that cometh into this world. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_367">{367}</a></span> -<p> -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 those 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 <i>the Word was made flesh</i>, and dwelt amongst -us. And we saw his glory, the glory as it were of the only -begotten Son of the Father, full of grace and truth. -</p><p> -R. Deo gratias. -</p><p class="cite"> - R. Thanks be to God. -</p> -<br> -<hr> -<br> - <h3>Another Devout Method<br> - - Of Assisting At The<br> - - Holy Sacrifice Of The Mass,</h3> - -<p class="side"> - By turning the attention and affections of the soul towards the - mysteries of our blessed Saviour's passion and death, which are - thereby represented and shown forth according to these words, - THIS DO IN REMEMBRANCE OF ME; that is, for a perpetual and - grateful commemoration of my sufferings and death, as the - apostle explains it.<br> - 1 <i>Corinthians</i> xi. 26. -</p> -<p class="side"> - The Mass is called by St. Francis of Sales, <i>Introd</i>. - <i>p</i>. 2, <i>c</i>. 14, the sun of spiritual exercises, the - centre of religion, the heart of devotion, and the soul of - piety. It is offered to none but God alone; as the nature of a - sacrifice, in the common judgment of all mankind, is to - acknowledge the supreme dominion of God over us, and our total - subjection and dependence on him. It is a standing memorial and - a commemorative sacrifice, that represents the sacrifice of the - cross, and was prefigured by the sacrifice of Melchisedech, and - foretold by the prophet Malichi.—c. i. v. 10. The faithful - should go to it as if they were going to Mount Calvary, to be - present at the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ, and - assist at it with a grateful remembrance and a feeling sense of - his sufferings. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_368">{368}</a></span> - The altar on which this great sacrifice is offered, with a - crucifix erected thereon, is a figure of Mount Calvary, and of - Christ crucified. The corporal and linen cloth that covered the - altar, signify the linen cloth that wrapped the sacred body of - Christ when he was buried. The chalice denotes the holy - sepulchre of our Lord. The paten denotes the great stone that - was rolled against the door of the sepulchre. The two candles - signify the two testaments, and the light of faith revealed to - the Jews and Gentiles. The priest who officiates represents the - person of Christ, who is the High Priest of the New Law; his - tonsure represents the crown of thorns which Christ wore; and - the robes with which he is vested, represents the robes of - derision with which Christ was ignominiously clothed. The amice - represents the veil with which his eyes were muffled, when he - was desired to prophesy who it was that struck him. The alb - represents the white robe with which he was covered by Herod - out of contempt. The cincture, maniple, and stole represent the - cords and bandages with which he was bound like a malefactor. - The chasuble, or outward vestment, represents the purple - garment with which he was clothed like a mock king. The figure - of a pillar on the front of the chasuble, represents the stone - pillar at which he was scourged; and the figure of a cross on - the back, represents the wooden cross which he carried on his - shoulders from Jerusalem to Mount Calvary. The three languages, - Hebrew, Greek, and Latin, which are used in the Mass, remind us - of the title of the cross, which was written in Hebrew, Greek, - and Latin letters. The different parts and ceremonies of the - Mass correspond to the different stations of his passion, and - represent all that happened from his entering into the Garden - of Olives, until the day of his ascension into heaven, and the - descent of the Holy Ghost upon the apostles; <i>as will appear - to the devout reader of the explanations premised to each - prayer</i>. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_369">{369}</a></span> - - <h4>A Prayer Before Mass.</h4> -<p> -O Divine Spirit, descend into my soul, purify it from the dross -of its imperfections, and replenish it with the flames of thy -sacred affections, that it may breathe nothing but thy love, and -desire nothing but the accomplishment of thy will. O ye angels, -saints, and all creatures, come help me to honour, praise, bless, -and love our Lord Jesus Christ, who once offered himself a bloody -sacrifice on the cross for my salvation, and now offers himself -an unbloody sacrifice on the altar for the same end. -</p><p> -Give me grace, O sweet Jesus, to assist at this holy sacrifice -with the fervour and devotion of the pious shepherds in the -stable of Bethlehem; and with a lively faith, profound respect, -and humility of the three wise men of the East, who came to adore -thee in the manger, and to offer thee the three mystical presents -of frankincense, gold, and myrrh, in testimony of thy divinity, -royalty and humanity. And now, since I, who am but dust and -ashes, have presumed to speak, permit me to follow thee in spirit -through the different stages of thy passion, and accompany thee -to Mount Calvary.—Make me partaker of that charity which -conducted thee to it, that I may return love for love, life for -life, death for death. Give me such a feeling sense of thy -sufferings, as the daughters of Sion had, when they met thee with -thy cross on thy shoulders, and a thorny crown on thy head. Grant -me resignation of my will to thine, like that of thy Virgin -Mother at the foot of the cross. Prostrate before the throne of -thy divine Majesty, I humbly implore thy pardon for all my -offences, and thy grace to avoid relapse into sin. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_370">{370}</a></span> -I offer up this divine sacrifice, by the hands of thy priest, to -the glory of thy name; in acknowledgment of thy infinite -greatness, and of my own nothingness; in thanksgiving for all thy -benefits; in satisfaction for all my sins; in memory of thy -dolorous passion; and to obtain of thy bounty, for myself and for -thy whole church, for my superiors, spiritual and temporal, for -my parents, benefactors, friends, and enemies, and all mankind, -those precious graces and favours which thou knowest us to stand -in most need of. -</p> - - <h4>Explanation.</h4> -<p class="side"> - "The priest going from the sacristy to the altar, and retiring - to the foot of it, in order to recite the 42nd psalm, <i>Judica - me Deus</i>, &c. represents Jesus Christ retiring from his last - supper, and praying to his heavenly Father in the garden of - Gethsemani, situate at the foot of Mount Olivet. The beginning - of the Mass, with the sign of the cross, and the invocation of - the three persons of the most Holy Trinity, signifies that it - is in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy - Ghost, that the faithful assembled, in order to celebrate the - memory of Christ's passion and death. The psalm which is then - repeated, expresses the deep concern of a soul kept at a - distance from the temple of God, like David when he was - persecuted by Saul, and the ardent desires with which we are to - approach the altar, and partake of the divine mysteries. The - <i>Introit</i>, or entrance of the Mass, and the - <i>Confiteor</i>, or general confession made to the whole court - of heaven, represent the fall of Adam, which was the source of - all our miseries, and remind us that we ought to dispose - ourselves for this great sacrifice by a sincere repentance for - our sins." -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_371">{371}</a></span> - - <h4>Prayer At The Beginning Of Mass.</h4> -<p> -O Lord, in the multitude of thy mercies I will enter thy house, -and adore thee in thy holy temple and confess to thy name. Though -my sins are without number, I have still thy goodness to appeal -to, I have still a confidence in the sufferings of my Redeemer, -and hope, through his infinite merits, to find mercy, grace, and -salvation. Thou, O dear Jesus, hast washed me once in baptism; -wash me yet more from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sins. -Sprinkle me with the hyssop of thy blood, and I shall be -cleansed; wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow. -</p> - - <h4>Explanation.</h4> -<p class="side"> - "The priest bowing down before the altar, and saying the - <i>Confiteor</i>, represents our Saviour loaded with the sins - of mankind, prostrate at his prayers in the garden, and falling - into a bloody sweat and most painful agony. The priest going up - to the altar and kissing it, represents our Saviour going to - meet his enemies, and receiving the treacherous kiss from - Judas. When he goes to the book at the corner of the Epistle, - forms the sign of the cross, and reads the <i>Introit</i>, he - represents our Saviour seized, bound, and led captive to the - courts of Annas and Caiphas, where he was struck across the - face, blindfolded, buffeted, spit upon, and treated with the - greatest indignity, by the servants of the high priest, as if - he were a mock prophet." -</p> - - <h4>Prayer At The Introit And Kyrie.</h4> -<p> -Blessed be thou, O Jesus, for all thou hast suffered for our -redemption. It is but just that my sins should draw tears from my -eyes, since they have drawn streams of blood from thy veins. I -desire to join the most humble contrition of my soul with thy -agony in the garden, and resolve to be sorry for my sins, even -unto the hour of my death. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_372">{372}</a></span> -My heart is pierced with grief to think that I have repaid thy -goodness with such ingratitude; but until I cease to live, I will -never cease to cry, with the humble publican: <i>O God be -propitious to me a sinner</i>. May those bonds that tied thy -innocent hands, loosen the chains of my sins, break the fetters -of my iniquities, deliver me from the captivity of Satan, and -restore me to the sweet liberty of thy children, that I may be -enabled to cry out with thy prophet: <i>Thou hast broken my -chains: I will sacrifice to thee an host of praise</i>. I cast -myself at thy feet, and beseech thee by thy infinite charity, to -strengthen me with thy all-powerful grace under all trials and -afflictions. Never suffer me to betray thy sacred truths, or to -take part with the world against thee. Grant that when any -tribulation or anguish shall assault me, I may receive it with -humility like unto thine, and with a true submission and -resignation to thy heavenly Father's will. Grant that under the -severest scourges I may call upon thee as a father, confide in -thee as a father, and seek no comfort out of thee. Remember me at -my last hour, when the terrors of death shall begin to seize me; -then let thy angels comfort me; then let the memory of thy -sufferings support me against all apprehensions, that no fear of -death or judgment may ever lessen the hope I ought to repose in -thee. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_373">{373}</a></span> - - <h4>Explanation.</h4> -<p class="side"> - "The repetition of the <i>Kyrie Eleison, Christe Eleison</i>, - &c. (that is, Lord have mercy on us, Christ have mercy on us,) - three times, in honour of each of the three Divine Persons, - reminds us that Christ was denied three times by St. Peter. The - <i>Dominus vobiscum</i>, or, Our Lord be with you, which is the - usual salutation in the scriptures, and which the priest says - after the <i>Gloria in Excelsis</i>, it being the greatest of - all blessings for the Lord to be with us, and we with him, - reminds us how Peter was touched with repentance, when Christ - cast a glance of his merciful eyes upon him. The aforesaid - hymn, which a choir of angels sung in the air at our Saviour's - birth, denotes the joy that is in heaven among the angels upon - the conversion of a sinner, The <i>Kyries</i> also remind us of - the longing desires of the holy fathers for the coming of the - Messiah. The <i>Gloria</i> represents Christ's nativity. The - Collects, Epistle, and Gospel, his prayers, miracles, and - preaching.—The priest returning to the epistle side of the - altar, and reading the Collects and the Lesson, represents - Christ sent by Caiphas to Pilate, after being falsely accused - and unjustly condemned by the Sanhedrin of the Jews. Then the - priest goes to the middle of the altar, and humbly bowing - himself down, prays in silence. This represents Christ - conducted to Herod, and interrogated and scoffed at by him, - without returning the least answer, or saying a word to justify - himself. The priest going to the gospel side of the altar, and - returning to the middle to make a profession of faith, by - repeating the Nicene Creed, represents Christ sent back to - Pilate in a fool's dress, and professing that he came to bear - witness to the truth, and that his kingdom is not of this - world. The removal of the Mass-book from the right to the left - side of the altar, signifies that the new law of the gospel - being rejected by the Jews, who were the first called, was - preached to the Gentiles, who embraced it with joy, and were - converted to the Christian religion in great multitudes. The - lighted candles are emblems of their spiritual joy and of God's - glory, and denote the light of faith which Christ brought to - the world by his gospel.—At the beginning of the gospel, the - priest and the people make the sign of the cross, first upon - their foreheads, to signify that they are not ashamed of the - cross of Christ, nor of his doctrine; secondly, upon their - mouths, to denote that they are ready to profess it openly by - word of mouth; and thirdly, upon their breasts, to signify that - they will always preserve it carefully in their hearts. The - people rise up and stand during the gospel, to show by this - posture their readiness to go and practise whatever they shall - be commanded by the word of God." -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_374">{374}</a></span> - - <h4>Prayer At The Gloria, Epistle, And Gospel.</h4> -<p> -Let heaven and earth join together, and the choirs of angels he -united with the voices of men, to sing eternal praises to God, in -trinity and unity, for the mercies we have received in the -admirable work of our redemption. O my amiable Jesus, how am I -bound to love thee! How black must my ingratitude be, if, after -such demonstrations of love, I can continue to offend thee! I am -the offender, I am the malefactor, and thou hast taken upon thee -the punishment due to my sins! It is I who deserve to be accused, -arraigned, dispised, and condemned, and not thou: O innocent and -spotless Lamb of God, eternal praise be to thy name. Whilst the -Jews proclaim thee a blasphemer, I own thee for my Lord; and -beseech thee, that under all reproaches and calumnies I may -remember what thou hast suffered for me, and that I may -endeavour, by an humble and patient silence, to show myself on -all occasions to be thy true disciple. Grant that whenever I am -persecuted by lies or false accusations, thy example may be my -comfort, my model, and my rule. Give me courage, constancy, and -patience, under all the injuries, crosses, and contradictions, -which thy providence shall permit to befall me during my -pilgrimage here on earth. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_375">{375}</a></span> -Do not suffer me to despair of thy mercy, or die in my sins, like -unhappy Judas: but soften my stony heart, and melt it into tears -of compunction. Leave me not to myself, but teach me to confide -wholly in thee. Look on me with an eye of pity, and awaken me -from the sleep of death, that I may bewail my past sins in the -bitterness of my soul, and persevere in serving thee and -promoting thy glory. May the fall of Peter be a lesson to me all -the days of my life, to shun all evil company, to fly all the -dangerous occasions of sin, and never to deny thee, my Lord and -my God, either by word or deed; but openly to profess my faith -without fear or shame. I thank thee for revealing thy heavenly -truths, and for instructing us by thy holy apostles in the only -true saving faith. Give me grace to attend to thy doctrine, to -live up to the maxims of thy gospel, to profess thy faith by the -practice of good works, and never to swerve from thy sacred law. -Have mercy on all those that are involved in the dismal state of -mortal sin, and grant them the grace of sincere repentance. Let -the light of thy countenance shine upon those who are sitting in -the darkness of infidelity, and in the gloomy shade of death.— -Bring back the strayed sheep to thy fold, and unite them to the -communion of thy church, that we may all become one sheepfold -under one shepherd. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_376">{376}</a></span> - - <h4>Explanation.</h4> -<p class="side"> - "When the priest unveils the chalice for the Offertory, he - represents Christ stripped of his garments and bound to the - pillar. The offering of the bread on the paten, denotes Christ - offering up his body to be scourged. The mingling of the water - with the wine, denotes the water and blood that flowed from his - side on the cross. The offering the chalice with the wine, - represents Christ scourged, and the streams of his blood - flowing down upon the ground. The covering the chalice with the - paten, represents him crowned with thorns, and treated as a - mock king. The washing of the fingers at the <i>Lavabo</i>, - reminds us how Pilate washed his hands before the multitude, - and pronounced Christ innocent and just. The <i>Orate - Fratres</i> reminds us that Christ was shown to the people with - ensigns of mock royalty, Pilate crying out at the same time: - <i>Ecce Homo</i>, Behold the man. The priest saying the Secret - Prayers in silence, represents Christ condemned to be - crucified, and submitting to the unjust sentence without any - defence or reply. The Preface, (so called because it serves as - an introduction to the Canon of the Mass,) and the Canticle of - the Hebrew children, which are repeated with a loud voice, - remind us that Christ was loaded with the cross; the pious - Hosanna being changed into the clamorous and cruel - <i>Crucifige</i>, or crucify him." -</p> - - - <h4>Prayer At The Offertory, Lavabo, And Preface.</h4> -<p> -O my soul! run to thy suffering Lord, and at his feet pour out -thyself in thanksgiving, and in all the ecstasies of love and -praise. It is thy God that suffers, that he may redeem a slave, a -poor sinful worm of the earth. When I behold thee, O dear Jesus, -stripped naked, fastened to the pillar, cruelly scourged, torn, -and mangled, I see the immensity of thy love for us, and the -greatness of our sins against thee. I see in thy wounds, the -slavery into which we are degraded, and the punishment due to our -crimes. Our sins bound thy hands, and every stroke thou didst -receive was the effect of our iniquities. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_377">{377}</a></span> -I offer thee my heart and soul, to be eternally consecrated to -thy divine service, and to be washed and purified in the purple -streams that gushed forth from every pore of thy sacred body. I -throw myself into the arms of thy infinite mercy, with a firm -resolution to die rather than renew thy passion, by relapsing -into any mortal sin. No, dear Redeemer, I never will prefer -Barabbas to thee; I never will set thee in competition with the -world, or its delusive charms, sinful pleasures, or sordid -interests. O amiable Jesus, thou shalt be my choice for ever. I -will strike no more nails into thy hands by my evil deeds. I will -add no more thorns to thy painful crown by my sinful thoughts. I -will no more pierce thy sacred side by any unlawful desires. I -will not scourge thy holy flesh by curses or blasphemies, nor -crucify thee over again by any fresh crime. I am determined, with -thy assistance, to put off the old man with all his acts, by a -candid and naked confession of all my past sins. O grant that I -may never appear naked of virtue in thy sight; but may be clad -with the white robe of innocence when I shall be presented before -thy awful tribunal. Pierce my heart with the thorns of penance -and compunction here, that I may, through thy merits, be crowned -with glory hereafter. Grant that whenever I am under any -affliction, meet with any adversity, disgrace or contempt, or -feel any part of the thorny crown on my head, I may rejoice in -bearing such a resemblance of thy sufferings, and show by my -patience and humility whose disciple I am. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_378">{378}</a></span> -Give me grace to submit with cheerfulness to the rod of thy -paternal correction; and support my natural weakness, that I may -not sink under the weight of any cross with which it shall please -thy Divine Providence to visit me. Disengage my heart from all -earthly affections. Raise and elevate my soul to thee, that I may -always live and converse in heaven, where thou, my only treasure, -art. I now presume to join my unworthy voice with the heavenly -choirs of all thy angels and saints, who are incessantly singing -eternal praises to thee: -</p><p class="cite"> - <i>Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Sabaoth; - Heaven and Earth are full of thy glory: - Blessed is he who cometh in the name of the Lord: - Hosannah in the highest, &c.</i> -</p> - - <h4>Explanation.</h4> -<p class="side"> - "The Canon, which is the most sacred and most solemn part of - the Mass, is read in a low voice, to denote the mourning and - affliction of the faithful at the time of our Saviour's - passion, which amazed and silenced all nature. The priest - raises his hands, in imitation of Moses, who, as we read, - (<i>Exodus</i> xvii.) prayed with his hands lifted up, whilst - Josue was combating with the Amalekites. After the - <i>Memento</i> for the living he spreads his hands over the - bread and wine that are to be consecrated, in imitation of the - priests of the old law, who were ordered, (<i>Lev</i>. 1.) when - they offered sacrifice, to lay their hands upon the victim - before it was immolated. These ceremonies represent Christ led - away to be crucified, carrying his cross on his shoulders to - Mount Calvary, admonishing the devout women on the way, who - wept over him, to mourn for themselves and for their children; - and when he arrived at the end of his painful journey, stripped - again of his garments, and laid on the painful bed, without any - other pillow to support his head but the thorns with which he - was crowned. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_379">{379}</a></span> - The signing of the oblation with the sign of the cross, denotes - how his hands and feet were stretched and nailed on the cross. - The separated consecration of the bread and wine, represents - his body slain, and his blood shed, for the remission of our - sins. The elevation of the consecrated Host, represents him - exalted on the cross in the sight of the whole multitude. The - elevation of the Chalice represents the sacred blood flowing - from his wounds. The ringing of the bell denotes the - earthquakes and other signs which happened at his death. The - five crosses formed over the oblation, signify the five - principal wounds in his body. The time from the elevation to - the communion corresponds to the three hours he hung alive on - the cross. The <i>Memento</i> for the dead denotes that whilst - he was thus elevated between heaven and earth, he prayed as a - powerful mediator for the whole world, even for his enemies and - crucifiers. The conversion of the thief on the cross, on one - side of him, is represented by the priest striking his breast, - and saying, <i>nobis quoque peccatoribus</i>. The seven - petitions of the <i>Pater Noster</i> remind us of Christ's last - words on the cross. The breaking of the Host is used in - imitation of his having broken it before he gave it to his - disciples at his last supper. The breaking of it in three parts - represents his mystical body, or the church in three states: - the blessed in heaven, the souls in purgatory, and the faithful - on earth; this great sacrifice being offered for the whole - church, triumphant, suffering, and militant; in honour of the - first, that is, in thanksgiving to God for all the graces - bestowed upon them, and for all the happiness they enjoy; for - the relief of the second, to obtain a speedy admittance for - them into eternal glory; and for the benefit of the last, - according to the four great ends of sacrifice. The breaking of - the Host also represents the death of Christ on the cross, and - is a figure of his soul being separated from his body after he - bowed down his sacred head. The mixing a particle of the Host - with the sacramental species in the chalice, represents the - descent of his soul into <i>Limbo</i>, or the prison of the - Fathers of the old testament." -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_380">{380}</a></span> - - <h4>Prayer At The Canon Of The Mass.</h4> -<p> -O King of glory! when shall I leave this earthly prison, this -miserable Babylon, and be admitted into thy lovely tabernacles? O -ocean of sweetness, and fountain of divine love, when shall I -contemplate thee face to face in thy happy kingdom? My sins are a -terror to my soul, but having so plentiful a redemption, I never -will despair. Thy wounds cry out for mercy. Mercy, then, O God of -goodness! have mercy on me. O Jesus, be a Jesus to my soul, and -save me. I am thy purchase, snatched from the jaws of hell by the -merits of thy sacred passion; accept me, therefore, an unworthy -sinner. Purify me in those sacred streams that flowed from thy -bleeding wounds, and present me to thy eternal Father, that -through thee I may obtain his blessing and favour, which of -myself I do not deserve. Extinguish in me all ambition, pride, -and vanity, the love of the world, and every degree of vicious -self-love. Grant me true humility, perfect patience, unfeigned -charity, and sincere devotion. Give me only grace to practise -what thou commandest, and command what thou pleasest. Increase -true religion; plant thy faith in our hearts; give peace and -unity to thy church; repentance and pardon to all sinners. Grant -comfort to the sick and afflicted; relief to the distressed; -mercy, grace, and salvation to all those for whom thou hast shed -thy blood, and whom I am bound to pray for, particularly -<i>N</i>. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_381">{381}</a></span> -We render thee thanks for admitting us to have a part in this -great sacrifice, which thy Catholic Church offers to thy holy -name, by the hands of the priest, for thy people. Accept it now, -we beseech thee, O Lord, to thy glory, in satisfaction for all -our offences and ingratitude, and in union with that divine -intention with which our blessed Saviour offered it up, when he -instituted it at his last supper, and consummated it upon the -altar of the cross. -</p> - - <h4>Prayer At The Elevation Of The<br> - Consecrated Host And Chalice.</h4> -<p> -Hail, O King of glory, Prince of peace, and Saviour of the world! -Hail, O immaculate Host! offered for me and all mankind on the -cross! I adore, bless, and glorify thee, O loving Jesus, with all -the faculties of my soul and body. May all thy creatures sound -forth thy praises. O sacrament of piety! O sign of unity! O bond -of charity! O the goodness of my God! O how wonderful are the -ways of divine love! How incomprehensible are the riches of the -divine bounty! -</p><p> -O my bleeding Jesus, I bow down to the ground to adore thee! -Hail! most precious blood, shed for me and the sins of the whole -world! Hear, O eternal Father, the voice of thy Son's blood, that -cries out loudly to heaven, not for vengeance, but for mercy: let -it now speak in my behalf, and plead my pardon; let it blot out -my iniquities, and cleanse my soul from all the foul stains of -sin. I beg it most humbly for the sake of Jesus, who died upon -the cross for my redemption. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_382">{382}</a></span> - - <h4>Prayer After The Elevation.</h4> -<p> -Behold, O almighty and all-gracious God, thy Son, Jesus, in whom -thou art well pleased. Look upon the face of thy Christ and my -Saviour, here present. Look upon this spotless lamb, this -adorable victim, this pure holocaust of obedience, humbled to the -very death of the cross. Behold in him what may move thee to look -down upon us with an eye of mercy, and to forgive us our sins. He -is our High Priest, sprinkled with his own blood. Receive the -sacrifice he has offered for us, in consideration of all the -honours and homages that are due to thy sovereign goodness from -me and all creatures. Extend, O compassionate Creator, the virtue -of it unto the souls in the church suffering, and grant to the -faithful departed rest and life everlasting, particularly to -<i>N</i>.; mitigate their punishment, and translate them to that -state of glory for which thou hast designed them. Thou hast -formerly promised, that looking on thy rainbow thou wouldst -remember the covenant made between thee and the patriarch Noah, -(<i>Genes</i>, ix.); canst thou then look down on the blood of -thy beloved Son Jesus, offered here to thee in sacrifice, and not -remember the great covenant of the new law, sealed and confirmed -with the effusion of his sacred blood? -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_383">{383}</a></span> -<p> -O dear Jesus! that I could love thee as thy goodness deserves. -The more thou hast humbled thyself for my sake, the more I am -bound to love thee. Remember thou hast bought me at a dear rate. -O let not thy blood be lost or spilt in vain for me; but receive -me into the number of the elect. I detest my sins, which were the -cause of thy sufferings, and thy most cruel executioners. My -crimes, alas! were the nails that bored thy hands and feet, and -fastened thee to an ignominious cross. O who will give sorrow to -my heart, and a fountain of tears to my eyes, that I may bewail -them in the bitterness of my soul all the days of my life, and -that at the hour of my departure I may, by means of a true -conversion, be entitled to hear those comfortable words which -thou saidst to the penitent thief on the cross: <i>This day shalt -thou be with me in paradise.</i> I acknowledge my unworthiness, I -do not deserve to be ranked among the number of thy children, yet -I will presume to say that heavenly prayer which thou hast taught -me: "Our Father, who art in heaven," &c. -</p> - - <h4>Explanation</h4> -<p class="side"> - "When the priest strikes his breast, and says the <i>Agnus - Dei</i>, (that is, O Lamb of God, &c.) he reminds us of the - Centurion and many others striking their breasts with sorrow, - and bewailing their offences, when they beheld Christ expiring - on the cross, and were eye-witnesses of the prodigies which - happened at his death. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_384">{384}</a></span> - The Prayer for Peace, before the communion of the priest, - signifies, that to communicate worthily, we must be in peace - with God and our neighbour, and approach with a clean heart and - pure conscience. The priest's communion is a sign of the burial - of Christ's body, which was taken down from the cross, wrapped - up in clean linen, and laid in a new monument, cut out of a - rock, near Mount Calvary. The purifying and covering of the - chalice represents Christ's sepulchre, shut and covered with a - stone. The resurrection of Christ from the dead is represented - by the priest going to the corner of the Epistle, and reading - the Post Communion, the mass-book being brought back to the - right side of the altar, to signify that the Jews are to be - converted to the Christian faith at the end of the world. - <i>Dominus vobiscum</i> represents Christ appearing to his - disciples, and giving them his peace. The last Collect - represents Christ conversing forty days with his disciples, and - speaking to them of the kingdom of God. The last <i>Dominus - vobiscum</i>, represents Christ's last apparition to his - disciples; and the blessing given by the priest to the people, - denotes that Christ lifted up both his hands, and blessed his - apostles and other disciples before he left them, and in their - sight ascended into heaven. The <i>Ite Missa est</i>, and the - reading of the Gospel at the left corner of the altar, denote - that Christ came not to call the just, but sinners, to - repentance: and sent his apostles to teach all nations; and - that they preached the gospel with amazing success in all parts - of the known world, after the descent of the Holy Ghost." -</p> - - - <h4>Prayer At The Agnus Dei.</h4> -<p> -O Innocent Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, -have mercy on me; for nothing is more pleasing to thee than to -have compassion on those that are miserable. Give me tears of -repentance, that I may mourn for the evil I have committed. In -thee I place all my hope, because thou alone art my salvation, my -strength, my refuge, and the fountain of all my good. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_385">{385}</a></span> -I most humbly beseech thee, by the anguish of thy passion, and by -thy sufferings on the cross, especially at that hour when thy -blessed soul left thy body, to spare me in that dreadful moment, -and have mercy on my soul. Let me experience the multitude of thy -tender mercies, when I shall be in conflict with the pangs of -death. Let thy passion and death stand then between my soul and -thy justice. I accept the sentence of my death, in whatever -manner I am to suffer it, in union with thy death on the cross. I -humbly submit to it, and now offer it to thy divine majesty as a -sacrifice and a just punishment due to my sins. I commend my soul -into thy hands, and most earnestly entreat thee to give me thy -blessing this day, and to grant me perseverance in thy service, -that on the day of judgment I may be ranked in the happy number -of those blessed souls, who are to be invited by thee to take -possession of the kingdom of thy glory. During the time of my -sojourn here on earth, preserve me from thirsting after the false -goods of this world.—May I always remember thy vinegar and -gall, and rest contented with what is sufficient to support -nature. May I every day increase in thy love, and may all created -objects be of little account with me, that thou mayest be the -only delight of my soul and my everlasting joy. -</p> - - <h4>Prayer At The Communion.</h4> -<p> -I Adore, O dear Jesus, thy sacred body and blood, soul and -divinity, here present on the altar under the sacramental forms. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_386">{386}</a></span> -Praised be this most holy sacrament with as many praises as there -are stars in the heavens, atoms in the air, drops of water in the -ocean, sands in the sea, sparks in the fire, motes of dust upon -the earth, flowers in the spring, grains of corn in the summer, -leaves in the autumn, flakes of snow and hailstones in the -winter, or creatures in the universe. O that I had the necessary -dispositions of a worthy communicant! how willingly would I unite -myself to my divine Redeemer in this sacrament of love! O may I -receive it worthily at the hour of my death, that it may serve me -as a viatic to a happy eternity. Though I am unworthy to receive -it now sacramentally, yet I wish to receive it spiritually into -my soul by faith, love, and devotion. Enter then, O divine -bridegroom, into this poor lodging: you vouchsafed to lodge in a -stable, you did not refuse to enter into the house of Zachæus, -the publican; enter into my house as into the house of another -Zachæus, and give a blessing to my soul, as thou didst to the -house of Zachæus: say unto me, as thou saidst unto him: -<i>Salvation is this day come to this house</i>.—Luke, xix. -</p> - - - <h4>A Prayer At The Last Collects, &c.</h4> -<p> -Praise, honour, and glory be to thee, O blessed Redeemer, who -coming forth out of the grave, didst rise triumphantly from the -dead, and having conversed with thy disciples for forty days, -didst ascend into heaven, where thou sittest at the right hand of -thy eternal Father. Inflame my heart and soul with thee, that I -may seek nothing but to be united to thee for ever in heaven. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_387">{387}</a></span> -<p> -Hear, O eternal Father, whatever the holy Catholic Church asks of -thee in the name of thy beloved son. We beseech thee, that this -our sacrifice may be acceptable in thy sight, and become -profitable to us and to thy whole church. Receive my unworthy -prayers, supply all my defects, pardon all my indevotions, -distractions, and irreverences. Engrave in my heart the rules and -maxims of thy gospel, and give me grace to live according to -them. Teach me to follow thy example, that rising with thee to a -new life of piety and holiness, and walking in thy footsteps, I -may live to thee alone, and advance every day towards everlasting -happiness. Amen. -</p><p> -<i>I did not judge to know anything among you, but Jesus Christ, -and him crucified</i>.<br> - St. Paul, 1 Cor. ii. 2. -</p> -<br> -<hr> -<br> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_388">{388}</a></span> - - <h2>The Epistles And Gospels For The Sundays - And Principal Festivals Throughout The Year.</h2> - - - <h4>First Sunday Of Advent. </h4> -<p> -Epistle.<br> -<i>Romans</i> xiii. 11, 14.<br> -<i>Brethren</i>: -Know, that it is now the hour for us to rise from sleep. For now -our salvation is nearer than when we believed. The night is past, -and the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of -darkness, and put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, -as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering -and impurities, not in contention and envy: but put ye on the -Lord Jesus Christ. -</p><p> - -Gospel.<br> -<i>Luke</i> xxi. 25, 33.<br> -<i>At that time:</i> Jesus said to his disciples: There shall be -signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the -earth distress of nations, by reason of the confusion of the -roaring of the sea and of the waves, men withering away for fear, -and expectation of what shall come upon the whole world. For the -powers of the heavens shall be moved; and then they shall see the -Son of Man coming in a cloud with great power and majesty. But -when these things begin to come to pass, look up, and lift up -your heads; because your redemption is at hand. And he spoke to -them a similitude: See the fig-tree and all the trees: when they -now shoot forth their fruit, you know that summer is nigh: so you -also, when you shall see these things come to pass, know that the -kingdom of God is at hand. Amen, I say to you, this generation -shall not pass away till all things be fulfilled. Heaven and -earth shall pass away; but my words shall not pass away. Credo. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_389">{389}</a></span> - - <h4>Second Sunday Of Advent</h4> -<p> -Epistle.<br> -<i>Romans</i> xv. 4, 13.<br> -<i>Brethren:</i> What things soever were written, were written -for our learning, that through patience and the comfort of the -scriptures we might have hope. Now the God of patience and of -comfort grant you to be of one mind one towards another, -according to Jesus Christ; that with one mind, and with one -mouth, you may glorify God and the Father of our Lord Jesus -Christ. Wherefore receive one another, as Christ also hath -received you unto the honour of God. For I say that Christ Jesus -was minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm -the promises made unto the fathers. But that the Gentiles are to -glorify God for his mercy, as it is written: "Therefore, will I -confess to thee, O Lord, among the Gentiles, and will sing to thy -name." And again, he saith: "Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his -people." And again: "Praise the Lord all ye Gentiles, and magnify -him all ye people." And again Isaiah saith: "There shall be a -root of Jesse, and he that shall rise up to rule the Gentiles, in -him the Gentiles shall hope." Now the God of hope fill you with -all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, and -in the power of the Holy Ghost. -</p><p> - -Gospel.<br> -<i>Matt</i>. xi. 2, 10.<br> -<i>At that time</i>: When John had heard in prison the works of -Christ, sending two of his disciples he said to him: Art thou he -that art to come, or look we for another? And Jesus making -answer, said to them: Go and relate to John what you have heard -and seen. The blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, -the deaf hear, the dead rise again, the poor have the gospel -preached to them; and blessed is he that shall not be scandalized -in me. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_390">{390}</a></span> -And when they went their way, Jesus began to say to the -multitude, concerning John: What went ye out into the desert to -see? A reed shaken with the wind? But what went ye out to see? A -man clothed in soft garments? Behold, they that are clothed in -soft garments are in the houses of kings. But what went ye out to -see? A prophet? Yea, I tell you, and more than a prophet. For -this is he of whom it is written: "Behold, I send my angel before -thy face, who shall prepare thy way before thee." Credo. -</p> - - <h4>Third Sunday Of Advent.</h4> -<p> -Epistle.<br> -<i>Philip</i> iv. 4, 7.<br> -<i>Brethren</i>: Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I say, -rejoice. Let your modesty be known to all men. The Lord is nigh. -Be nothing solicitous: but in every thing by prayer and -supplication with thanksgiving, let your petitions be made known -to God. And the peace of God, which surpasseth all understanding, -keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. -</p><p> - -Gospel.<br> -<i>John</i> i. 19, 28.<br> -<i>At that time:</i> The Jews sent from Jerusalem Priests and -Levites to John, to ask him: Who art thou? And he confessed, and -did not deny; and he confessed: I am not the Christ. And they -asked him: What then? Art thou Elias? And he said: I am not. Art -thou a prophet? And he answered: No. They said therefore unto -him: Who art thou, that we may give an answer to them that sent -us? What sayest thou of thyself? He said: "I am the voice of one -crying in the wilderness, <i>Make straight the way of the -Lord</i>," as said the prophet Isaias. And they that were sent -were of the Pharisees. And they asked him and said to him: Why -then dost thou baptize, if thou be not Christ, nor Elias, nor the -prophet? John answered them, saying: I baptize with water; but -there hath stood one in the midst of you, whom you know not. The -same is he that shall come after me, who is preferred before me; -the latchet of whose shoe I am not worthy to loose. These things -were done in Bethania beyond the Jordan, where John was -baptizing.—Credo. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_391">{391}</a></span> - - <h4>Fourth Sunday Of Advent.</h4> -<p> -Epistle.<br> -1 <i>Corinthians</i> iv. 1, 6.<br> -<i>Brethren:</i> Let a man so account of us as of the ministers -of Christ, and the dispensers of the mysteries of God. Here now -it is required amongst the dispensers that a man be found -faithful. But to me it is a very small thing to be judged by you, -or by man's day: but neither do I judge my own self. For I am not -conscious to myself of any thing: yet I am not hereby justified; -but he that judgeth me is the Lord. Therefore judge not before -the time till the Lord come; who both will bring to light the -hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsel of -hearts: and then shall every man have praise from God. -</p><p> - -Gospel.<br> -<i>Luke</i> iii. 1, 6.<br> -Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Cæsar (Pontius -Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod Tetrarch of Galilee, -and Philip his brother Tetrarch of Iturea and the country of -Trachonitis, and Lysanias Tetrarch of Abilana, under the high -priests Annas and Caiphas) the word of the Lord came to John, the -son of Zachary, in the desert. And he came into all the country -about the Jordan, preaching the baptism of penance for the -remission of sins, as it was written in the book of the words of -Isaias the prophet: "A voice of one crying in the wilderness: -prepare ye the way of the Lord: make straight his paths: every -valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be -brought low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the -rough ways plain:" and all flesh shall see the salvation of God. -Credo. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_392">{392}</a></span> - - <h4>Christmas Day.<br> - First Mass. At Midnight.</h4> -<p> -Epistle.<br> -<i>Titus</i> ii. 11, 15.<br> -<i>Dearly beloved:</i> The grace of God our Saviour hath appeared -to all men. Instructing us, that denying ungodliness, and worldly -desires, we should live soberly, and justly, and godly, in this -world, looking for the blessed hope, and coming of the glory of -the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: who gave himself for -us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and might cleanse -to himself a people acceptable, a pursuer of good works. These -things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no -man despise thee. -</p><p> - -Gospel.<br> -<i>Luke</i> ii. 1, 14.<br> -And it came to pass that in those days there went out a decree -from Cæsar Augustus, that the whole world should be enrolled. -This enrolling was first made by Cyrinus the governor of Syria. -And all went to be enrolled, every one into his own city. And -Joseph also went up from Galilee out of the city of Nazareth into -Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem: because -he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary -his espoused wife, who was with child. And it came to pass, that -when they were there, her days were accomplished, that she should -be delivered. And she brought forth her first-born son, and -wrapped him up in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, -because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in -the same country shepherds watching and keeping the night watches -over their flock. And behold an angel of the Lord stood by them, -and the brightness of God shone round about them, and they feared -with a great fear. And the angel said to them: Fear not: for -behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, that shall be to -all the people: for this day is born to you a Saviour, who is -Christ the Lord, in the city of David. And this shall be a sign -unto you: you shall find the infant wrapped in swaddling clothes, -and laid in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a -multitude of the heavenly army, praising God, and saying: Glory -to God in the highest; and on earth peace to men of good-will. -Credo. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_393">{393}</a></span> - - <h4>Second Mass<br> - At Break Of Day.</h4> -<p> -Epistle.<br> -<i>Titus</i> iii. 4, 7.<br> -<i>Most dearly beloved:</i> The goodness and kindness of God our -Saviour appeared: not by the works of justice, which we have -done, but according to his mercy, he saved us, by the laver of -regeneration, and renovation of the Holy Ghost, whom he hath -poured forth upon us abundantly, through Jesus Christ our -Saviour: that being justified by his grace, we may be heirs -according to hope of life everlasting, through Jesus Christ our -Lord. -</p><p> - -Gospel.<br> -<i>Luke</i> ii. 15, 20.<br> -<i>At that time:</i> The shepherds said one to another: Let us go -over to Bethlehem, and let us see this word that has come to pass -which the Lord hath showed to us. And they came with haste: and -they found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in a manger. And -seeing, they understood of the word that had been spoken to them -concerning this child. And all that heard wondered: and at those -things that were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all -these words, pondering <i>them</i> in her heart. And the -shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God, for all the -things they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. Credo. -</p> - - <h4>Third Mass<br> - In The Day Time.</h4> -<p> -Epistle.<br> -<i>Hebrews</i> i. 1, 12.<br> -God, who at sundry times, and in divers manners spoke in times -past to the fathers by the prophets, last of all, in these days, -hath spoken to us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all -things, by whom also he made the world: who being the brightness -of his glory, and the figure of his substance, and upholding all -things by the word of his power, making purgation of sins, -sitteth on the right hand of the majesty on high: being made so -much better than the angels, as he hath inherited a more -excellent name than they. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_394">{394}</a></span> -For to which of the angels hath he said at any time, "Thou art my -Son, to-day have I begotten thee?" And again: "I will be to him a -father, and he shall be to me a Son?" And again, when he bringeth -in the first-begotten into the world, he saith: "And let all the -angels of God adore him." And to the angels indeed he saith: "He -that maketh his angels spirits: and his ministers a flame of -fire." But to the Son: "Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: -a sceptre of justice is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Thou hast -loved justice and hated iniquity: therefore God, thy God, hath -anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows." And: -"Thou, in the beginning, O Lord, didst found the earth: and the -works of thy hands are the heavens. They shall perish, but thou -shalt continue: and they shall all grow old as a garment. And as -a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed: but -thou art the self-same and thy years shall not fail." -</p><p> - -Gospel.<br> -<i>John</i> i. 14.<br> -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 him was made nothing that was made. -In him was life, and the life was the light of men; and the light -shineth in 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 give -testimony of the light. That was the true light which -enlighteneth every man that cometh into this world. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_395">{395}</a></span> -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 <i>the word was made flesh</i>, 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. - -</p> - - <h4>Sunday Within The Octave Of Christmas.</h4> -<p> -Epistle.<br> -<i>Galatians</i> iv. 1, 7.<br> -<i>Brethren</i>: As long as the heir is a child, he differeth -nothing from a servant, though he be Lord of all: but is under -tutors and governors, until the time appointed by the father. So -we also, when we were children, were serving under the elements -of the world. But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent -his Son, made of a woman, made under the law: that he might -redeem them who were under the law; that we might receive the -adoption of sons. And because you are sons, God hath sent the -Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying: Abba, Father. -Therefore now he is not a servant, but a son. And if a son, an -heir also through God. -</p><p> - -Gospel.<br> -<i>Luke</i> ii. 33, 40.<br> -<i>At that time:</i> Joseph, and Mary the mother of Jesus, were -wondering at those things which were spoken concerning him. And -Simon blessed them, and said to Mary his mother: Behold the child -is set for the fall, and for the resurrection of many in Israel, -and for a sign which shall be contradicted. And thy own soul a -sword shall pierce, that out of many hearts thoughts may be -revealed. And there was one Anna a prophetess, the daughter of -Phanuel, of the tribe of Asar; she was far advanced in years, and -had lived with her husband seven years from her virginity. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_396">{396}</a></span> -And she was a widow until fourscore and four years; who departed -not from the temple, by fastings and prayers serving day and -night. Now she at the same hour coming in, confessed to the Lord; -and spoke of him to all that looked for the redemption of Israel. -And after they had performed all things according to the law of -the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their city Nazareth. And -the child grew and waxed strong, full of wisdom; and the grace of -God was in him. -</p> - - <h4>The Circumcision.</h4> -<p> -Epistle.<br> -<i>Titus</i> ii. 11, 15.<br> -<i>Dearly beloved:</i> The grace of God our Saviour hath appeared -to all men. Instructing us, that denying ungodliness, and worldly -desires, we should live soberly, and justly, and godly, in this -world, looking for the blessed hope, and coming of the glory of -the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: who gave himself for -us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and might cleanse -to himself a people acceptable, a pursuer of good works. These -things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no -man despise thee. -</p><p> - -Gospel.<br> -<i>Luke</i> ii. 21.<br> -<i>At that time:</i> After eight days were accomplished that the -child should be circumcised, his name was called Jesus, which was -called by the angel, before he was conceived in the womb. Credo. -</p> - - <h4>The Epiphany.</h4> -<p> -Lesson.<br> -<i>Isaias</i> lx. 1, 9.<br> -Arise, be enlightened, O Jerusalem; for thy light is come, and -the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. For behold darkness -shall cover the earth, and a mist the people: but the Lord shall -arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the -Gentiles shall walk in thy light, and kings in the brightness of -thy rising. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_397">{397}</a></span> -Lift up thy eyes round about and see: all these are gathered -together, they are come to thee; thy sons shall come from afar, -and thy daughters shall rise up at thy side. Then shalt thou see -and abound, and thy heart shall wonder and be enlarged, when the -multitude of the sea shall be converted to thee, the strength of -the Gentiles shall come to thee. The multitude of camels shall -cover thee, the dromedaries of Madian and Epha: all they from -Saba shall come, bringing gold and frankincense, and showing -forth praise to the Lord. -</p><p> - -Gospel.<br> -<i>Matthew</i> ii. 1, 12.<br> -When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Juda, in the days of king -Herod, behold there came wise men from the east, to Jerusalem, -saying: "Where is he that is born King of the Jews? For we have -seen his star in the east, and are come to adore him." And Herod -hearing this was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And -assembling together all the chief priests and the scribes of the -people, he inquired of them where Christ should be born, but they -said to him, "In Bethlehem of Juda." For so it is written by the -prophet: "And thou, Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the -least among the princes of Juda; for out of thee shall come forth -the captain that shall rule my people Israel." Then Herod -privately calling the wise men, learned diligently of them the -time of the star which appeared to them; and sending them into -Bethlehem, said: "Go, and diligently inquire after the child; and -when you have found him, bring me word again, that I also may -come and adore him." Who, having heard the king, went their way; -and behold the star which they had seen in the east went before -them, until it came and stood over where the child was. And -seeing the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And -entering into the house, they found the child with Mary his -mother, and falling down they adored him; and opening their -treasures, they offered him gifts, gold, frankincense, and myrrh. -And having received an answer in sleep that they should not -return to Herod, they went back another way into their own -country. Credo. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_398">{398}</a></span> - - <h4>First Sunday After Epiphany.</h4> -<p> -Epistle.<br> -<i>Romans</i> xii. 1, 5.<br> -<i>Brethren:</i> I beseech you, by the mercy of God, that you -present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, pleasing unto God, -your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but -be reformed in the newness of your mind, that you may prove what -is the good, and the acceptable, and the perfect will of God. For -I say, by the grace that is given me, to all that are among you, -not to be more wise than it behoveth to be wise, but to be wise -unto sobriety, and according as God hath divided to every one the -measure of faith. For as in one body we have many members, but -all the members have not the same office; so we, being many, are -one body in Christ, and every one members of one another, in -Jesus Christ our Lord. -</p><p> - -Gospel.<br> -<i>Luke</i> ii. 42, 52.<br> -When Jesus was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem -according to the custom of the feast. And having fulfilled the -days, when they returned, the child Jesus remained in Jerusalem, -and his parents knew it not. And thinking that he was in the -company, they came a day's journey, and sought him among their -kinsfolks and acquaintance. And not finding him, they returned -into Jerusalem seeking him. And it came to pass, that after three -days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the -doctors, hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that -heard him were astonished at his wisdom and his answers. And -seeing him they wondered. And his mother said to him: Son, why -hast thou done so to us? Behold thy father and I have sought thee -sorrowing. And he said to them: How is it that you sought me? Did -you not know that I must be about my Father's business? And they -understood not the word that he spoke unto them. And he went down -with them, and came to Nazareth; and was subject to them. And his -mother kept all those words in her heart. And Jesus advanced in -wisdom, and age, and grace with God and men. Credo. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_399">{399}</a></span> - - <h4>Second Sunday After Epiphany.</h4> -<p> -Lesson.<br> -<i>Acts</i> iv. 8, 12.<br> -<i>In those days:</i> Peter being filled with the Holy Ghost, -said to them: Ye princes of the people and ancients, hear: If we -this day are examined concerning the good deed done to the infirm -man, by what means he hath been made whole, be it known to you -all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of our -Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God hath -raised from the dead, even by him this man standeth here before -you whole. "This is the stone which was rejected by you the -builders, which is become the head of the corner;" neither is -there salvation in any other. For there is no other name under -heaven given to men whereby we must be saved. -</p><p> - -Gospel.<br> -<i>Luke</i> ii. 33, 40.<br> -<i>At that time:</i> Joseph, and Mary the mother of Jesus, were -wondering at those things which were spoken concerning him. And -Simon blessed them, and said to Mary his mother: Behold the child -is set for the fall, and for the resurrection of many in Israel, -and for a sign which shall be contradicted. And thy own soul a -sword shall pierce, that out of many hearts thoughts may be -revealed. And there was one Anna a prophetess, the daughter of -Phanuel, of the tribe of Asar; she was far advanced in years, and -had lived with her husband seven years from her virginity. And -she was a widow until fourscore and four years; who departed not -from the temple, by fastings and prayers serving day and night. -Now she at the same hour coming in, confessed to the Lord; and -spoke of him to all that looked for the redemption of Israel. And -after they had performed all things according to the law of the -Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their city Nazareth. And the -child grew and waxed strong, full of wisdom; and the grace of God -was in him. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_400">{400}</a></span> - - <h4>Third Sunday After Epiphany.</h4> -<p> -Epistle.<br> -<i>Romans</i> xii. 16.<br> -<i>Brethren:</i> Be not wise in your own conceits. To no man -rendering evil for evil. Providing good things not only in the -sight of God, but also in the sight of all men. If it be -possible, as much as in you, having peace with all men. Not -revenging yourselves, my dearly beloved, but give place unto -wrath. For it is written: "Revenge to me, I will repay," saith -the Lord. But "if thy enemy be hungry, give him to eat: if he -thirst, give him to drink: for doing this, thou shalt heap coals -of fire on his head. Be not overcome by evil, but overcome evil -by good." -</p><p> - -Gospel.<br> -<i>Matthew</i> viii. 1, 13.<br> -<i>At that time:</i> When Jesus was come down from the mountain, -great multitudes followed him; and behold a leper came and adored -him, saying: Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And -Jesus stretching forth his hand, touched him, saying: I will, be -thou made clean. And forthwith his leprosy was cleansed. And -Jesus saith to him: See thou tell no man, but go show thyself to -the priest, and offer the gift which Moses commanded for a -testimony unto them. * And when he had entered into Capharnaum, -there came to him a centurion, beseeching him, and saying: Lord, -my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, and is grievously -tormented. And Jesus saith to him: I will come and heal him. And -the centurion making answer, said: Lord, I am not worthy that -thou shouldst enter under my roof; but only say the word, and my -servant shall be healed. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_401">{401}</a></span> -For I also am a man under authority, having under me soldiers; -and I say to this, Go, and he goeth, and to another, Come, and he -cometh, and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. And when -Jesus heard this, he marvelled, and said to them that followed -him: Amen, I say to you, I have not found so great faith in -Israel. And I say unto you, that many shall come from the east -and the west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and -Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven; but the children of the kingdom -shall be cast out into the exterior darkness: there shall be -weeping and gnashing of teeth. And Jesus said to the centurion: -Go, and as thou hast believed, so be it done to thee. And the -servant was healed at the same hour. Credo. -</p> - - <h4>Fourth Sunday After Epiphany.</h4> -<p> -Epistle.<br> -<i>Romans</i> xiii. 8, 10.<br> -<i>Brethren:</i> Owe no man any things, but to love one another; -for he that loveth his neighbour, hath fulfilled the law. For -"Thou shalt not commit adultery: Thou shalt not kill: Thou shalt -not steal: Thou shalt not bear false witness: Thou shalt not -covet and if there be any other commandment, it is comprised in -this word: Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." The love of -our neighbour worketh no evil. Love, therefore, is the fulfilling -of the law. -</p><p> - -Gospel.<br> -<i>Matthew</i> viii. 23, 27.<br> -<i>At that time:</i> When Jesus entered into a boat his disciples -followed him; and behold a great tempest arose in the sea, so -that the ship was covered with waves; but he was asleep. And his -disciples came to him, and awakened him, saying: Lord, save us, -we perish. And Jesus saith to them: Why are ye fearful, O ye of -little faith? Then rising up, he commanded the winds and the sea, -and there came a great calm. But the men wondered, saying: What -manner of man is this, for the winds and the sea obey him? Credo. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_402">{402}</a></span> - - <h4>Fifth Sunday After Epiphany.</h4> -<p> -Epistle.<br> -<i>Colossians</i> iii. 12, 17.<br> -<i>Brethren:</i> Put ye on therefore as the elect of God, holy, -and beloved, the bowels of mercy, benignity, humility, modesty, -patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if -any have a complaint against another. Even as the Lord hath -forgiven you, so you also. But above all these things have -charity, which is the bond of perfection; and let the peace of -Christ rejoice in your hearts, wherein also you are called in one -body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you -abundantly, in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another -in psalms, hymns, and spiritual canticles, singing in grace in -your hearts to God. All whatsoever you do in word or in work, do -all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God -and the Father, through Jesus Christ our Lord. -</p><p> - -Gospel.<br> -<i>Matthew</i> xiii. 24, 30.<br> -<i>At that time:</i> Jesus spoke this parable to the multitude, -saying: The kingdom of heaven is likened to a man that sowed good -seed in his field. But while men were asleep, his enemy came and -oversowed cockle among the wheat, and went his way. And when the -blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared also -the cockle. Then the servants of the good man of the house came -and said to him: Sir, didst thou not sow good seed in thy field? -from whence then hath it cockle? And he said to them: An enemy -hath done this. And the servants said to him: Wilt thou that we -go and gather it up? And he said: No, lest while you gather up -the cockle, you root up the wheat also together with it. Let both -grow until the harvest, and in the time of the harvest I will say -to the reapers: Gather up first the cockle, and bind it in -bundles to burn, but gather the wheat into my barn. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_403">{403}</a></span> - - <h4>Sixth Sunday After Epiphany.</h4> -<p> -Epistle.<br> -1 <i>Thessalonians</i> i. 2, 10.<br> -<i>Brethren:</i> We give thanks to God always for you all; making -a remembrance of you in our prayers without ceasing; being -mindful of you in the work of your faith, and hope, and charity, -and of the enduring of the hope of our lord Jesus Christ, before -God and our Father; knowing, brethren beloved of God, your -election. For our gospel hath not been to you in word only, but -in power also, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much fulness, as you -know what manner of men we have been among you for your sakes. -And you became followers of us, and of the Lord, receiving the -word in much tribulation, with joy of the Holy Ghost; so that you -were made a pattern to all that believe in Macedonia and in -Achaia. For from you was spread abroad the word of the Lord, not -only in Macedonia and in Achaia, but also in every place your -faith, which is towards God, is gone forth, so that we need not -to speak any thing. For they themselves relate of us, what manner -of entering in we had unto you; and how you turned to God from -idols, to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son -from heaven (whom he raised up from the dead) Jesus, who hath -delivered us from the wrath to come. -</p><p> - -Gospel.<br> -<i>Matthew</i> xiii 31, 35.<br> -<i>At that time:</i> Jesus spoke to the multitude this parable: -The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard-seed, which a -man took and sowed in his field. Which indeed is the least of all -seeds; but when it is grown up, it is greater than all herbs, and -becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and dwell in -the branches thereof. Another parable he spoke to them: The -kingdom of heaven is like to leaven, which a woman took and hid -in three measures of meal, until the whole was leavened. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_404">{404}</a></span> -All these things Jesus spoke in parables to the multitudes, and -without parables he did not speak to them; that the word might be -fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying: "I will open -my mouth in parables, I will utter things hidden from the -foundation of the world." Credo. -</p> -<p class="side"> - If there be not VI. Sundays between the Epiphany and - Septuagesima, what remain are omitted, and taken in between the - XXIII. and the last Sunday after Pentecost. -</p> - - <h4>Septuagesima Sunday.</h4> -<p> -Epistle<br> -1 <i>Corinthians</i> ix. 24, <i>and</i> x. 1.<br> -<i>Brethren:</i> Know you not that they that run in the race, all -run indeed, but one receiveth the prize? So run that you may -obtain. And every one that striveth for the mastery, refraineth -himself from all things; and they indeed that they may receive a -corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible one. I therefore so -run, not as an uncertainty: I so fight, not as one beating the -air: but I chastise my body, and bring it into subjection: lest -perhaps when I have preached to others, I myself should become a -castaway. [<i>Chap</i>. x. 1, 6.] For I would not have you -ignorant, brethren, that our fathers were all under the cloud, -and all passed through the sea. And all in Moses were baptized in -the cloud, and in the sea; and did all eat the same spiritual -food: and all drank the same spiritual drink: (and they drank of -the spiritual rock that followed them, and the rock was Christ.) -But with the most of them God was not well pleased. -</p><p> - -Gospel.<br> -<i>Matthew</i> xx. 1, 16.<br> -<i>At that time:</i> Jesus spoke to his disciples this parable: -The kingdom of heaven is like to a householder who went out early -in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard. And when -having agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them -into his vineyard. And going out about the third hour, he saw -others standing in the market place idle. And he said to them: Go -you also into my vineyard, and I will give you what shall be -just. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_405">{405}</a></span> -And they went their way. And again he went out about the sixth -and the ninth hour, and did in like manner. But about the -eleventh hour he went out and found others standing, and he saith -to them: Why stand you here all the day idle? They say to him: -Because no man hath hired us. He saith to them: Go you also into -my vineyard. And when evening was come, the lord of the vineyard -said to his steward: Call the labourers and pay them their hire, -beginning from the last even to the first. When therefore they -were come, that came about the eleventh hour, they received every -man a penny. But when the first also came, they thought that they -should have received more: and they also received every man a -penny. And receiving it they murmured against the master of the -house, saying: These last have worked but one hour, and thou hast -made them equal to us that have borne the burden of the day, and -the heats. But he answering said to one of them, Friend, I do -thee no wrong: didst thou not agree with me for a penny? Take -what is thine and go thy way: I will also give to this last even -as to thee. Or, is it not lawful for me to do what I will? Is thy -eye evil, because I am good? So shall the last be first, and the -first last. For many are called, but few chosen. Credo. -</p> - - <h4>Sexagesima Sunday.</h4> -<p> -Epistle.<br> -2 <i>Corinthians</i> xi. 19, 33.<br> -<i>Brethren:</i> You gladly suffer the foolish: whereas -yourselves are wise, For you suffer if a man bring you into -bondage, if a man devour <i>you</i>, if a man take <i>from -you</i>, if a man be lifted up, if a man strike you on the face. -I speak according to dishonour, as if we had been weak in this -part. Wherein if any man dare (I speak foolishly) I dare also. -They are Hebrews: so am I. They are Israelites: so am I. They are -the seed of Abraham: so am I. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_406">{406}</a></span> -They are the ministers of Christ (I speak as one less wise) I am -more: in many more labours, in prisons more frequently, in -stripes above measure, in deaths often. Of the Jews five times -did I receive forty stripes, save one. Thrice was I beaten with -rods, once I was stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck; a night and -a day I was in the depth of the sea. In journeying often, in -perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils from my own -nation, in perils from the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in -perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils from -false brethren. In labour and gainfulness, in much watchings, in -hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. -Besides these things which are without; my daily instance, the -solicitude for all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? -Who is scandalized, and I am not on fire? If I must needs glory, -I will glory of the things that concern my infirmity. The God and -Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is blessed for ever, knoweth -that I lie not. At Damascus the governor of the nation under -Aretas the king, guarded the city of the Damascenes, to apprehend -me; and through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, -and so escaped his hands. [<i>Chap</i>. xii. 1.] If I must glory, -(it is not expedient indeed,) but I will come to the visions and -revelations of the Lord. I know a man in Christ about fourteen -years ago, (whether in the body, I know not, or out of the body, -I know not, God knoweth,) such a one rapt even to the third -heaven. And I know such a man (whether in the body, or out of the -body, I cannot tell, God knoweth) how he was caught up into -paradise, and heard secret words, which is not granted to man to -utter. For such a one I will glory; but for myself I will glory -nothing, but in my infirmities. For though I should have a mind -to glory, I shall not be foolish: for I will say the truth. But I -forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he -seeth in me, or any thing he heareth from me. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_407">{407}</a></span> -And lest the greatness of the revelations should lift me up, -there was given me a string of my flesh, an angel of Satan, to -buffet me. For which thing I thrice besought the Lord, that it -might depart from me: and he said to me: My grace is sufficient -for thee: for power is made perfect in infirmity. Gladly, -therefore, will I glory in my infirmities, that the power of -Christ may dwell in me. -</p><p> - -Gospel.<br> -<i>Luke</i> viii. 4, 16.<br> -<i>At that time:</i> When a very great multitude was gathered -together, and hastened out of the cities to meet Jesus, he spoke -by a similitude. A sower went out to sow his seed; and as he -sowed, some fell by the way-side, and it was trodden down, and -the fowls of the air devoured it. And other some fell upon a -rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because -it had no moisture. And other some fell among thorns; and the -thorns growing up with it, choked it. And other some fell upon -good ground, and sprung up, and yielded fruit a hundred-fold. -Saying these things he cried out: He that hath ears to hear, let -him hear. And his disciples asked him what this parable might be. -To whom he said: To you it is given to know the mystery of the -kingdom of God; but to the rest in parables: that seeing they may -not see, and hearing they may not understand. Now the parable is -this: The seed is the word of God. And they by the way-side, are -they that hear; then the devil cometh, and taketh the word out of -their hearts, lest believing they should be saved. Now they upon -the rock are they, who, when they hear, receive the word with -joy; and these have no roots; for they believe for a while, and -in time of temptation fall away. And that which fell among -thorns, are they who have heard, and going their way, are choked -with the cares and the riches and pleasures of this life, and -yield no fruit. But that on the good ground, are they, who in a -good and perfect heart, hearing the word, keep it, and bring -forth fruit in patience. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_408">{408}</a></span> - - <h4>Quinquagesima Sunday.</h4> -<p> -Epistle.<br> -1 <i>Corinthians</i> xiii. 1, 13.<br> -<i>Brethren:</i> If I speak with the tongues of men and of -angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a -tinkling cymbal. And if I should have prophecy, and should know -all mysteries, and all knowledge, and if I should have all faith, -so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am -nothing. And if I should distribute all my goods to feed the -poor, and if I should deliver my body to be burned, and have not -charity, it profiteth me nothing. Charity is patient, is kind. -Charity envieth not, dealeth not perversely; it is not puffed up, -it is not ambitious, seeketh not her own, is not provoked to -anger, thinketh no evil, rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth -with the truth; beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth -all things, endureth all things. Charity never falleth away; -whether prophecies shall be made void, or tongues shall cease, or -knowledge shall be destroyed. For we know in part, and we -prophesy in part; but when that which is perfect is come, that -which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spoke -as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but -when I became a man, I put away the things of a child. We now see -through a glass in a dark manner; but then face to face. Now I -know in part; but then I shall know even as I am known. And now -there remain faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest -of these is charity. -</p><p> - - -Gospel.<br> -<i>Luke</i> xviii. 31, 43.<br> -<i>At that time:</i> Jesus took unto him the twelve, and said to -them: Behold we go up to Jerusalem, and all things shall be -accomplished which were written by the prophets concerning the -Son of Man. For he shall be delivered to the Gentiles, and shall -be mocked, and scourged, and spit upon; and after they have -scourged him, they will put him to death, and the third day he -shall rise again. And they understood none of these things. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_409">{409}</a></span> -And this word was hid from them, and they understood not the -things that were said. Now it came to pass, that when he drew -nigh to Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way-side, -begging. And when he heard the multitude passing by, he asked -what this meant. And they told him that Jesus of Nazareth was -passing by. And he cried out: Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on -me. And they that went before, rebuked him, that he should hold -his peace. But he cried out much more: Son of David, have mercy -on me. And Jesus, standing, commanded him to be brought unto him. -And when he was come near, he asked him, saying: What wilt thou -that I do to thee? But he said: Lord, that I may see. And Jesus -said to him: Receive thy sight; thy faith hath made thee whole. -And immediately he saw, and followed him, glorifying God. And all -the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God. Credo. -</p> - - <h4>Ash-Wednesday.</h4> -<p> -Lesson.<br> -<i>Joel</i> ii. 12, 19.<br> -Thus saith the Lord: Be converted to me with all your heart, in -fasting, in weeping, and in mourning. And rend your hearts, and -not your garments, and turn to the Lord your God; for he is -gracious and merciful, patient and rich in mercy, and ready to -repent of the evil. Who knoweth but he will return, and forgive, -and leave a blessing behind him; sacrifice and libation to the -Lord your God? Blow the trumpet in Sion, sanctify a fast, call a -solemn assembly, gather together the people, sanctify the church, -assemble the ancients, gather together the little ones, and them -that suck at the breasts: let the bridegroom go forth from his -bed, and the bride out of the bride-chamber. Between the porch -and the altar, the priests, the Lord's ministers, shall weep, and -shall say: Spare, O Lord, spare thy people; and give not thine -inheritance to reproach, that the heathens should rule over them. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_410">{410}</a></span> -Why should they say among the nations: Where is their God? The -Lord hath been zealous for his land, and hath spared his people. -And the Lord answered and said to his people: Behold I will send -you corn, and wine, and oil; you shall be filled with them, and I -will no more make you a reproach among the nations, saith the -Lord Almighty. -</p><p> - -Gospel.<br> -<i>Matthew</i> vi. 16, 21.<br> -<i>At that time:</i> Jesus said to his disciples: When you fast, -be not, as the hypocrites, sad. For they disfigure their faces, -that they may appear to men to fast. Amen, I say to you, they -have received their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint -thy head, and wash thy face, that thou appear not to men to fast, -but to thy Father, who is in secret; and thy Father, who seeth in -secret, will reward thee. Lay not up for yourselves treasures on -earth, where the rust and moth consume, and where thieves break -through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, -where neither rust nor moth doth consume, and where thieves do -not break through, nor steal. For where thy treasure is, there is -thy heart also. -</p> - - <h4>First Sunday In Lent.</h4> -<p> -Epistle.<br> -2 <i>Corinthians</i> vi. 1, 10.<br> -<i>Brethren:</i> We exhort you, that you receive not the grace of -God in vain. For he saith: "In an acceptable time have I heard -thee; and in the day of salvation have I helped thee." Behold, -now is the acceptable time: behold, now is the day of salvation. -Giving no offence to any man, that our ministry be not blamed: -but in all things let us exhibit ourselves as the ministers of -God, in much patience, in tribulation, in necessities, in -distresses, in stripes, in prison, in seditions, in labours, in -watchings, in fastings, in chastity, in knowledge, in -long-suffering, in sweetness, in the Holy Ghost, in charity -unfeigned, in the word of truth, in the power of God; by the -armour of justice on the right hand, and on the left: by honour, -and dishonour: by evil report, and good report: as deceivers, and -yet true: as unknown, and yet known: as dying, and behold we -live: as chastised, and not killed: as sorrowful, yet always -rejoicing: as needy, yet enriching many: as having nothing, and -possessing all things. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_411">{411}</a></span> -<p> -Gospel.<br> -<i>Matthew</i> iv. 1, 11.<br> -<i>At that time:</i> Jesus was led by the spirit into the desert, -to be tempted by the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and -forty nights, he was afterwards hungry. And the tempter coming, -said to him, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones -be made bread. But he answered and said: It is written, "Not by -bread alone doth man live, but by every word that proceedeth out -of the mouth of God." Then the devil took him into the holy city, -and set him upon a pinnacle of the temple, and said to him: If -thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down; for it is written, "He -hath given his angels charge over thee, and in their hands shall -they bear thee up, lest perhaps thou dash thy foot against a -stone." Jesus said to him: It is written again, "Thou shalt not -tempt the Lord thy God." Again the devil took him up into a very -high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world, and -the glory of them, and said to him: All these will I give thee, -if thou wilt fall down and adore me. Then Jesus said to him: -Begone, Satan; for it is written, "The Lord thy God shalt thou -adore, and him only shalt thou serve." Then the devil left him; -and behold angels came and ministered to him.—Credo. -</p> - - <h4>Second Sunday In Lent.</h4> -<p> -Epistle.<br> -1 <i>Thessalonians</i>, iv. 1, 7.<br> -<i>Brethren:</i> We pray and beseech you in the Lord Jesus, that -as you have received of us, how you ought to walk and to please -God, so also you would walk, that you may abound the more. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_412">{412}</a></span> -For you know what precepts I have given to you by the Lord Jesus. -For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that you should -abstain from fornication, that every one of you should know how -to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour, not in the -passion of lust, like the Gentiles that know not God; and that no -man over-reach nor circumvent his brother in business; because -the Lord is the avenger of all these things, as we have told you -before, and have testified. For God hath not called us unto -uncleanness, but unto sanctification. -</p><p> - -Gospel.<br> -<i>Matthew</i> xvii. 1, 9.<br> -<i>At that time:</i> Jesus taketh unto him Peter and James, and -John his brother, and bringeth them up into a high mountain -apart: and he was transfigured before them. And his face did -shine as the sun: and his garments became white as snow. And -behold there appeared to them Moses and Elias talking with him. -Then Peter answering, said to Jesus: Lord, it is good for us to -be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles, one -for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. And as he was yet -speaking, behold a bright cloud overshadowed them. And lo, a -voice out of the cloud, saying: This is my beloved Son, in whom I -am well pleased; hear ye him. And the disciples hearing, fell -upon their face, and were very much afraid. And Jesus came and -touched them, and said unto them: Arise, and be not afraid. And -when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one, but only Jesus. -And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, -saying: Tell the vision to no man, till the Son of man shall be -risen from the dead. Credo. -</p> - - <h4>Third Sunday In Lent.</h4> -<p> -Epistle.<br> -<i>Ephesians</i> v. 1, 9.<br> -<i>Brethren:</i> Be ye -therefore followers of God, as most dear children; and walk in -love, as Christ also loved us, and hath delivered himself for us, -an oblation and a sacrifice to God, for an odour of sweetness. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_413">{413}</a></span> -But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not -so much as be named among you, as becometh saints; or obscenity, -or foolish talking, or scurrility, which is to no purpose: but -rather giving of thanks. For know ye this, and understand, that -no fornicator, or unclean or covetous person, (which is serving -of idols,) hath inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. -Let no man deceive you with vain words. For because of these -things cometh the anger of God upon the children of unbelief. Be -ye not therefore partakers with them. For you were heretofore -darkness, but now light in the Lord. Walk ye as children of the -light. For the fruit of the light is in all goodness, and -justice, and truth. -</p><p> - -Gospel.<br> -<i>Luke</i> xi. 14, 28.<br> -<i>At that time:</i> Jesus was casting out a devil, and the same -was dumb; and when he had cast out the devil, the dumb spoke, and -the multitude were in admiration at it. But some of them said: He -casteth out devils, by Belzebub, the prince of devils. And -others, tempting, asked of him a sign from heaven. But he seeing -their thoughts, said to them: Every kingdom divided against -itself, shall be brought to desolation, and house upon house -shall fall. And if Satan also be divided against himself, how -shall his kingdom stand? because you say, that through Belzebub I -cast out devils. Now, if I cast out devils by Belzebub, by whom -do your children cast them out? Therefore they shall be your -judges. But if I by the finger of God cast out devils, doubtless -the kingdom of God is come upon you. When a strong man armed -keepeth his court, those things are in peace which he possesseth. -But if a stronger than he come upon him, and overcome him, he -will take away all his armour wherein he trusted, and will -distribute his spoils. He that is not with me is against me: and -he that gathereth not with me, scattereth. When the unclean -spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through places without -water, seeking rest; and not finding, he saith: I will return -into my house whence I came out. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_414">{414}</a></span> -And when he is come, he findeth it swept and garnished. Then he -goeth and taketh with him seven other spirits more wicked than -himself, and entering in they dwell there; and the last state of -that man becometh worse than the first. And it came to pass, as -he spoke these things, a certain woman from the crowd, lifting up -her voice, said to him: Blessed is the womb that bore thee, and -the paps that gave thee suck. But he said: Yea rather, blessed -are they who hear the word of God, and keep it. Credo. -</p> - - <h4>Fourth Sunday In Lent.</h4> -<p> -Epistle.<br> -<i>Galatians</i> iv. 22, 31.<br> -<i>Brethren:</i> It is written that Abraham had two sons; the one -by a bond-woman, and the other by a free-woman. But he who was of -the bond-woman, was born according to the flesh; but he by the -free-woman, was by promise. Which things are said by an allegory. -For these are the two testaments. The one from Mount Sina, -engendering unto bondage, which is Agar; for Sina is a mountain -in Arabia, which hath affinity to that Jerusalem which now is, -and is in bondage with her children. But that Jerusalem, which is -above, is free; which is our mother. For it is written: Rejoice, -thou barren, that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that -travailest not; for many are the children of the desolate, more -than of her that hath a husband. Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, -are the children of promise. But as then, he that was born -according to the flesh, persecuted him that was after the spirit, -so also it is now. But what saith the scripture? Cast out the -bond-woman and her son; for the son of the bond-woman shall not -be heir with the son of the free-woman. So then, brethren, we are -not children of the bond-woman, but of the free; by the freedom -wherewith Christ hath made us free. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_415">{415}</a></span> -<p> -Gospel.<br> -<i>John</i> vi. 1, 15.<br> -<i>At that time:</i> Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is -that of Tiberias; and a great multitude followed him, because -they saw the miracles which he did on them that were diseased. -Jesus therefore went up into a mountain, and there he sat with -his disciples. Now the pasch, the festival day of the Jews, was -near at hand. When Jesus therefore had lifted up his eyes, and -seen that a very great multitude cometh to him, he said to -Philip: Whence shall we buy bread that these may eat? And this he -said to try him, for he himself knew what he would do. Philip -answered him: Two hundred penny-worth of bread is not sufficient -for them, that every one may take a little. One of his disciples, -Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, saith to him: There is a boy -here that hath five barley loaves, and two fishes; but what are -they among so many? Then Jesus said: Make the men sit down. Now -there was much grass in the place. The men therefore sat down, in -number about five thousand. And Jesus took the loaves; and when -he had given thanks, he distributed to them that were sat down. -In like manner also of the fishes, as much as they would; and -when they were filled, he said to his disciples: Gather up the -fragments that remain, lest they be lost. They gathered up -therefore, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the -five barley loaves, which remained over and above to them that -had eaten. Now these men, when they had seen what a miracle Jesus -had done, said: This is of a truth the prophet that is to come -into the world. Jesus therefore, when he knew that they would -come to take him by force and make him king, fled again into the -mountain himself alone. Credo. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_416">{416}</a></span> - - <h4>Passion Sunday.</h4> -<p> -Epistle.<br> -<i>Hebrews</i> ix. 11, 15.<br> -<i>Brethren:</i> Christ being come, an high priest of the good -things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle not made -with hands, that is, not of this creation, neither by the blood -of goats or of calves, but by his own blood, entered once into -the Holies, having obtained eternal redemption. For if the blood -of goats and of oxen, and the ashes of an heifer being sprinkled, -sanctify such as are defiled, to the cleansing of the flesh; how -much more shall the blood of Christ (who by the Holy Ghost -offered himself unspotted unto God) cleanse our conscience from -dead works to serve the living God? And therefore he is the -mediator of the New Testament; that by means of his death, for -the redemption of those transgressions which were under the -former testament, they that are called may receive the promise of -eternal inheritance. -</p><p> - - -Gospel.<br> -<i>John</i> viii. 46, 59.<br> -<i>At that time:</i> Jesus said to the multitude of the Jews: -Which of you shall convince me of sin? If I say the truth to you, -why do you not believe me? He that is of God, heareth the words -of God. Therefore you hear them not, because you are not of God. -The Jews therefore answered and said to him: Do we not say well -that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil? Jesus answered: I -have not a devil; but I honour my Father, and you have -dishonoured me. But I seek not my own glory: there is one that -seeketh and judgeth. Amen, amen, I say to you: If any man keep my -word, he shall not see death for ever. The Jews therefore said: -Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the -prophets; and thou sayest: If any man keep my word, he shall not -taste death for ever. Art thou greater than our father Abraham, -who is dead? And the prophets are dead. Whom dost thou make -thyself? Jesus answered: If I glorify myself, my glory is -nothing. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_417">{417}</a></span> -It is my Father that glorifieth me, of whom you say that he is -your God; and you have not known him, but I know him. And if I -should say that I know him not, I should be like to you, a liar. -But I do know him, and do keep his word. Abraham your father -rejoiced that he might see my day: he saw it, and was glad. The -Jews then said to him: Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast -thou seen Abraham? Jesus said to them: Amen, amen, I say to you, -Before Abraham was made, I am. They took up stones therefore to -cast at him. But Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple. -</p> - - - <h4>Palm Sunday.</h4> -<p> -Epistle.<br> -<i>Philippians</i> ii. 5, 11.<br> -<i>Brethren:</i> Let this mind be in you, which was also in -Christ Jesus; who being in the form of God, thought it not -robbery to be equal with God, but emptied himself, taking the -form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men, and in -habit found as a man. He humbled himself, becoming obedient unto -death, even to the death of the cross. For which cause God also -hath exalted him, and hath given him a name which is above all -names; that in the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, of those -that are in heaven, on earth, and under the earth. And that every -tongue should confess that the Lord Jesus Christ is in the glory -of the Father. -</p><p> - -Gospel.<br> -<i>The</i> Passion <i>of our</i> Lord Jesus Christ, -<i>according</i> to Matthew xxvi. <i>and</i> xxvii.<br> -<i>At that -time:</i> Jesus said to his disciples: You know that after two -days shall be the pasch, and the Son of man shall be delivered up -to be crucified. Then were gathered together the chief priests -and ancients of the people into the court of the high-priest, who -was called Caiphas; and they consulted together, that by subtlety -they might apprehend Jesus, and put him to death. But they said: -Not on the festival day, lest perhaps there should be a tumult -amongst the people. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_418">{418}</a></span> -And when Jesus was in Bethania, in the -house of Simon the leper, there came to him a woman having an -alabaster-box of precious ointment, and poured it on his head as -he was at table. And the disciples seeing it, had indignation, -saying: To what purpose is this waste? For this might have been -sold for much, and given to the poor. And Jesus knowing it, said -to them: Why do you trouble this woman? For she has wrought a -good work upon me. For the poor you have always with you, but me -you have not always. For she, in pouring this ointment upon my -body, hath done it for my burial. Amen, I say to you, wheresoever -this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, that also which -she hath done, shall be told for a memory of her. Then went one -of the twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, to the chief -priests, and said to them: What will you give me, and I will -deliver him unto you? But they appointed him thirty pieces of -silver. And from thenceforth he sought an opportunity to betray -him. And on the first day of the Azymes the disciples came to -Jesus, saying: Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat -the pasch? But Jesus said: Go ye into the city to a certain man, -and say to him, "The Master saith, My time is near at hand. I -will keep the pasch at thy house with my disciples." And the -disciples did as Jesus appointed to them, and they prepared the -pasch. Now when it was evening, he sat down with is twelve -disciples; and whilst they were eating, he said: Amen, I say to -you, that one of you is about to betray me. And they being very -much troubled, began every one to say: Is it I, Lord? But he -answering said: He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, he -shall betray me. The Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of -him; but woe to that man, by whom the Son of man shall be -betrayed. It were better for him, if that man had not been born. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_419">{419}</a></span> -And Judas, that betrayed him, answering said: Is it I, -Rabbi? He saith to him: Thou hast said it. And whilst they were -at supper, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and broke: and gave to -his disciples, and said: Take ye, and eat: This is my body. And -taking the chalice he gave thanks, and gave to them, saying: -Drink ye all of this: for this is my blood of the New Testament, -which shall be shed for many for the remission of sins. And I say -to you, I will not drink from henceforth of this fruit of the -vine, until that day when I shall drink it new with you in the -kingdom of my Father. And a hymn being said, they went out into -mount Olivet. Then Jesus said to them: All you shall be -scandalized in me this night. For it is written: "I will strike -the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be dispersed." But -after I shall be risen again, I will go before you into Galilee. -And Peter answering, said to him: Although all shall be -scandalized in thee, I will never be scandalized. Jesus said to -him: Amen, I say to thee, that in this night, before the cock -crow, thou wilt deny me thrice. Peter saith to him: Yea, though I -should die with thee, I will not deny thee. And in like manner -said all the disciples. Then Jesus came with them into a country -place which is called Gethsemani; and he said to his disciples: -Sit you here, till I go yonder, and pray. And taking with him -Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to grow sorrowful, -and to be sad. Then he saith to them: My soul is sorrowful even -unto death; stay you here and watch with me. And going a little -further he fell upon his face, praying, and saying: My Father, if -it be possible, let this chalice pass from me. Nevertheless, not -as I will, but as thou wilt. And he cometh to his disciples and -findeth them asleep, and he said to Peter: What! could you not -watch one hour with me? Watch ye, and pray that ye enter not into -temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. -Again the second time he went and prayed, saying: My Father, if -this chalice may not pass away, but I must drink it, thy will be -done. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_420">{420}</a></span> -And he cometh again, and findeth them sleeping; for -their eyes were heavy. And leaving them, he went again; and he -prayed the third time, saying the self-same words. Then he cometh -to his disciples, and saith to them: Sleep ye now, and take your -rest: behold the hour is at hand, and the Son of man shall be -betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us go: behold he is -at hand that will betray me. As he yet spoke, behold Judas, one -of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords -and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the ancients of the -people. And he that betrayed him, gave them a sign, saying: -Whomsoever I shall kiss, that is he, hold him fast. And forthwith -coming to Jesus, he said: Hail, Rabbi; and he kissed him. And -Jesus said to him: Friend, whereto art thou come? Then they came -up, and laid hands on Jesus, and held him. And behold one of them -that were with Jesus, stretching forth his hand, drew out his -sword; and striking the servant of the high-priest, cut off his -ear. Then Jesus said to him: Put up again thy sword into its -place; for all that take the sword, shall perish with the sword. -Thinkest thou that I cannot ask my Father, and he will give me -presently more than twelve legions of angels? How then shall the -Scriptures be fulfilled, that so it must be done? In that same -hour Jesus said to the multitude: You are come out as it were to -a robber, with swords and clubs, to apprehend me. I sat daily -with you teaching in the temple, and you laid not hands on me. -Now all this was done, that the Scriptures of the prophets might -be fulfilled. Then the disciples all leaving him, fled. But they -holding Jesus, led him to Caiphas the high-priest, where the -scribes and the ancients were assembled. And Peter followed him -afar off, even to the court of the high-priest; and going in, he -sat with the servants, that he might see the end. And the chief -priests and the whole council sought false witness against Jesus, -that they might put him to death; and they found not, whereas -many false witnesses had come in. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_421">{421}</a></span> -And last of all there -came two false witnesses; and they said: This man said, I am able -to destroy the temple of God, and after three days to rebuild it. -And the high-priest rising up, said to him: Answerest thou -nothing to the things which these witness against thee? But Jesus -held his peace. And the high-priest said to him: I adjure thee, -by the living God, that thou tell us if thou be the Christ the -Son of God. Jesus saith to him: Thou hast said it. Nevertheless I -say to you. Hereafter you shall see the Son of man sitting on the -right hand of the power of God, and coming in the clouds of -heaven. Then the high-priest rent his garments, saying: He hath -blasphemed, what further need have we of witnesses? Behold, now -you have heard the blasphemy: what think you? But they answering, -said: He is guilty of death. Then did they spit in his face, and -buffet him, and others struck his face with the palms of their -hands, saying: Prophesy unto us, O Christ, who is he that struck -thee? But Peter sat without in the court; and there came to him a -servant-maid, saying: Thou also wast with Jesus the Galilean. But -he denied before them all, saying: I know not what thou sayest. -And as he went out of the gate, another maid saw him, and she -saith to them that were there: This man also was with Jesus of -Nazareth. And again he denied with an oath: That I know not the -man. And after a little while they came that stood by, and said -to Peter: Surely thou also art one of them; for even thy speech, -doth discover thee. Then he began to curse and swear that he knew -not the man. And immediately the cock crew. And Peter remembered -the words of Jesus which he had said: Before the cock crow, thou -wilt deny me thrice. And going forth, he wept bitterly. And when -morning was come, all the chief priests and ancients of the -people took council against Jesus, that they might put him to -death. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_422">{422}</a></span> -And they brought him bound, and delivered him to -Pontius Pilate the governor. Then Judas, who betrayed him, seeing -that he was condemned, repenting himself, brought back the thirty -pieces of silver to the chief priests and ancients, saying: I -have sinned, in betraying innocent blood. But they said: What is -that to us? look thou to it. And casting down the pieces of -silver in the temple, he departed, and went and hanged himself -with a halter. But the chief priests having taken the pieces of -silver, said: It is not lawful to put them into the corbona, -because it is the price of blood. And after they had consulted -together, they bought with them the potter's field, to be a -burying-place for strangers. For this cause that field was called -Haceldama, that is, the field of blood, even to this day. Then -was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremias the prophet, -saying: "And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of -him that was prized, whom they prized of the children of Israel. -And they gave them unto the potter's field, as the Lord appointed -to me." And Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor -asked him, saying: Art thou the king of the Jews? Jesus saith to -him: Thou sayest it. And when he was accused by the chief priests -and ancients, he answered nothing. Then Pilate saith to him: Dost -thou not hear how great testimonies they allege against thee? And -he answered him to never a word; so that the governor wondered -exceedingly. Now upon the solemn day the governor was accustomed -to release to the people one prisoner, whom they would. And he -had then a notorious prisoner, that was called Barabbas. They -therefore being gathered together, Pilate said: Whom will you -that I release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus that is called Christ? -For he knew that for envy they had delivered him. And as he was -sitting in the place of judgment, his wife sent to him, saying: -Have thou nothing to do with that just man. For I have suffered -many things this day in a dream because of him. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_423">{423}</a></span> -But the -chief priests and ancients persuaded the people that they should -ask Barabbas, and make Jesus away. And the governor answering, -said to them: Whether will you of the two to be released unto -you? But they said, Barabbas. Pilate saith to them: what shall I -do then with Jesus that is called Christ? They say all: Let him -be crucified. The governor said to them: Why, what evil hath he -done? But they cried out the more, saying: Let him be crucified. -And Pilate seeing that he prevailed nothing, but that rather a -tumult was made; taking water he washed his hands before the -people, saying: I am innocent of the blood of this just man: look -you to it. And the whole people answering, said: His blood be -upon us, and upon our children. Then he released to them -Barabbas: and having scourged Jesus, delivered him unto them to -be crucified. Then the soldiers of the governor taking Jesus into -the hall, gathered together unto him the whole band; and -stripping him, they put a scarlet cloak about him. And platting a -crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his -right hand. And bowing the knee before him, they mocked him, -saying: Hail, king of the Jews. And spitting upon him, they took -the reed, and struck his head. And after they had mocked him, -they took off the cloak from him, and put on his own garments, -and led him away to crucify him. And going out they met a man of -Cyrene named Simon: him they forced to take up the cross. And -they came to the place that is called Golgotha, which is the -place of Calvary. And they gave him wine to drink mingled with -gall. And when he had tasted, he would not drink. And after they -had crucified him, they divided his garments, casting lots: that -it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying: -"They divided my garments among them; and upon my vesture they -cast lots:" and they sat and watched him. And they put over his -head his cause written: <i>This is Jesus the King of the -Jews.</i> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_424">{424}</a></span> -Then were crucified with him two thieves, one on -the right hand, and one on the left. And they that passed by, -blasphemed him, wagging their heads, and saying: Vah, thou that -destroyest the temple of God, and in three days dost rebuild it, -save thy own self: if thou be the Son of God, come down from the -cross. In like manner also the chief priests, with the scribes -and ancients, mocking, said: He saved others; himself he cannot -save: if he be the king of Israel, let him now come down from the -cross, and we will believe him. He trusted in God: let him now -deliver him, if he will have him: for he said: I am the Son of -God. And the self-same thing the thieves also that were crucified -with him, reproached him with. Now from the sixth hour there was -darkness over the whole earth until the ninth hour. And about the -ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying: Eli, Eli, lamma -sabacthani? that is, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" -And some that stood there and heard, said: This man calleth -Elias. And immediately one of them running, took a sponge, and -filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to -drink. And the others said: Let us see whether Elias will come -and deliver him. And Jesus again crying with a loud voice, -yielded up the ghost. [Here all kneel and pause.] And behold the -veil of the temple was rent in two from the top even to the -bottom, and the earth quaked, and the rocks were rent. And the -graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints that had slept -arose; and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection, came -into the holy city and appeared to many. Now the centurion, and -they that were with him watching Jesus, having seen the -earthquake and the things that were done, were sore afraid, -saying: Indeed this was the Son of God. And there were there many -women afar off who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering -unto him: among whom was Mary Magdalen, and Mary the Mother of -James and Joseph, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_425">{425}</a></span> -And when it was evening, there came a certain rich man of -Arimathea, named Joseph, who also himself was a disciple of -Jesus. He went to Pilate, and asked the body of Jesus. Then -Pilate commanded that the body should be delivered. And Joseph -taking the body, wrapped it up in a clean linen cloth, and laid -it in his own new monument, which he had hewn out in a rock. And -he rolled a great stone to the door of the monument, and went his -way. And there was there Mary Magdalen, and the other Mary -sitting over against the sepulchre. And the next day, which -followed the day of preparation, the chief priests and the -Pharisees came together to Pilate, saying: Sir, we have -remembered, that that seducer said, while he was yet alive: After -three days I will rise again. Command therefore the sepulchre to -be guarded until the third day: lest perhaps his disciples come -and steal him away, and say to the people he is risen from the -dead: and the last error shall be worse than the first. Pilate -said to them: You have a guard; go, guard it as you know. And -they departing, made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and -setting guards. -</p> - - - <h4>Easter Sunday.</h4> -<p> -Epistle.<br> -1 <i>Corinthians</i> v. 7, 8.<br> -<i>Brethren:</i> Purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new -paste, as you are unleavened. For Christ, our pasch, is -sacrificed. Therefore let us feast, not with the old leaven, nor -with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened -bread of sincerity and truth. -</p><p> - -Gospel.<br> -<i>Mark</i> xvi. 1, 7.<br> -<i>At that time:</i> Mary Magdalen, and Mary the mother of James -and Salome, brought sweet spices, that coming they might anoint -Jesus. And very early in the morning the first day of the week, -they come to the sepulchre, the sun being now risen. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_426">{426}</a></span> -And they said one to another: Who shall roll us back the stone -from the door of the sepulchre? And looking, they saw the stone -rolled back. For it was very great. And entering into the -sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side clothed -with a white robe: and they were astonished. Who saith to them: -Be not affrighted: you seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified: -he is risen, he is not here, behold the place where they laid -him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, that he goeth before -you into Galilee: there you shall see him, as he told you. Credo. -</p> - - - <h4>Quasimodo, Or Low Sunday.</h4> -<p> -Epistle.<br> -1 <i>John</i> v. 4, 9.<br> -<i>Dearly beloved:</i> Whatsoever is born of God, overcometh the -world; and this is the victory which overcometh the world, our -faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth -that Jesus is the Son of God? This is he that came by water and -blood, Jesus Christ: not by water only, but by water and blood. -And it is the Spirit which testifieth, that Christ is the truth. -And there are three who give testimony in heaven, the Father, the -Word, and the Holy Ghost. And these three are one. And there are -three that give testimony on earth: the Spirit, the water, and -the blood, and these three are one. If we receive the testimony -of men, the testimony of God is greater. For this is the -testimony of God which is greater, because he hath testified of -his Son. He that believeth in the Son of God, hath the testimony -of God in himself. -</p><p> - -Gospel.<br> -<i>John</i> xx. 19, 31.<br> -<i>At that time:</i> When it was late that same day, being the -first day of the week, and the doors were shut, where the -disciples were gathered together for fear of the Jews, Jesus came -and stood in the midst, and said to them: Peace be to you. And -when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_427">{427}</a></span> -The disciples therefore were glad when they saw the Lord. He said -therefore to them again: Peace be to you. As the Father hath sent -me, I also send you. When he had said this, he breathed on them; -and he said to them: Receive ye the Holy Ghost: whose sins you -shall forgive, they are forgiven them; and whose sins you shall -retain, they are retained. Now Thomas, one of the twelve, who is -called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. The other -disciples therefore said to him: We have seen the Lord. But he -said to them: Except I shall see in his hands the print of the -nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my -hands into his side, I will not believe. And after eight days, -again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them. Jesus -cometh, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said: -Peace be to you. Then he said to Thomas: Put in thy finger -hither, and see my hands, and bring hither thy hand, and put it -into my side; and be not faithless, but believing. Thomas -answered, and said to him: My Lord and my God! Jesus said to him: -Because thou hast seen me, Thomas, thou hast believed: blessed -are they that have not seen, and have believed. Many other signs -also did Jesus in the sight of his disciples, which are not -written in this book. But these are written that you may believe -that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God: and that believing you -may have life in his name. Credo. -</p> - - - <h4>Second Sunday After Easter.</h4> -<p> -Epistle.<br> -1 <i>Peter</i> ii. 21, 25.<br> -<i>Dearly beloved;</i> Christ also suffered for us, leaving you -an example that you should follow his steps. <i>Who did no sin, -neither was guile found in is mouth</i>. Who when he was reviled, -did not revile: when he suffered, he threatened not: but -delivered himself to him that judged him unjustly: who his own -self bore our sins in his body upon the tree: that we being dead -to sins, should live to justice: by whose stripes you were -healed. For you were as sheep going astray: but you are now -converted to the shepherd and bishop of your souls. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_428">{428}</a></span> -<p> -Gospel.<br> -<i>John</i> x. 11, 16.<br> -<i>At that time:</i> Jesus said to the Pharisees: I am the good -shepherd. The good shepherd giveth his life for his sheep. But -the hireling, and he that is not the shepherd, whose own the -sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming and leaveth the sheep, and -flieth, and the wolf catcheth, and scattereth the sheep: and the -hireling flieth, because he is a hireling; and he hath no care -for the sheep. I am the good shepherd: and I know mine, and mine -know me. As the Father knoweth me, and I know the Father: and I -lay down my life for my sheep. And other sheep I have, that are -not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my -voice, and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. Credo. -</p> - - - <h4>Third Sunday After Easter.</h4> -<p> -Epistle.<br> -1 <i>Peter</i> ii. 11, 19.<br> -<i>Dearly beloved:</i> I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims to -refrain yourselves from carnal desires, which war against the -soul, having your conversation good among the Gentiles: that -whereas they speak against you as evil doers, they may, by the -good works which they shall behold in you, glorify God in the day -of visitation. Be ye subject therefore to every human creature -for God's sake: whether it be to kings as excelling: or to -governors as sent by him for the punishment of evil doers, and -for the praise of the good: for so is the will of God, that by -doing well you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: -as free, and not as making liberty a cloak for malice, but as the -servants of God. Honour all men: love the brotherhood: fear God: -honour the king. Servants be subject to your masters with all -fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. -For this is thanks-worthy <i>in Jesus Christ our Lord</i>. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_429">{429}</a></span> -<p> -Gospel.<br> -<i>John</i> xvi. 16,22.<br> -<i>At that time:</i> Jesus said to his disciples: A little while, -and now you shall not see me: and again a little while, and you -shall see me; because I go to the Father. Then some of his -disciples said one to another: What is it that he saith to us: A -little while, and you shall not see me: and again a little while, -and you shall see me, and because I go to the Father? They said -therefore: What is this that he saith: A little while? we know -not what he speaketh. And Jesus knew that they had a mind to ask -him; and he said to them: Of this do you inquire among -yourselves, because I said: A little while, and you shall not see -me; and again, a little while and you shall see me. Amen, amen, I -say to you, that you shall lament and weep, but the world shall -rejoice: and you shall be made sorrowful, but your sorrow shall -be turned into joy. A woman, when she is in labour, hath sorrow, -because her hour is come: but when she hath brought forth the -child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is -born into the world. So also you now indeed have sorrow, but I -will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice; and your joy no -man shall take from you. Credo. -</p> - - - <h4>Fourth Sunday After Easter.</h4> -<p> -Epistle.<br> -<i>James</i> i. 17, 21.<br> -<i>Dearly beloved:</i> Every best gift, and every perfect gift, -is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom -there is no change, nor shadow of alteration. For of his own will -hath he begotten us by the word of truth, that we might be some -beginning of his creatures. You know, my dearest brethren. And -let every man be swift to hear, but slow to speak, and slow to -anger. For the anger of man worketh not the justice of God. -Wherefore casting away all uncleanness, and abundance of -naughtiness, with meekness receive the ingrafted word, which is -able to save your souls. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_430">{430}</a></span> -<p> -Gospel.<br> -<i>John</i> xvi. 5, 15.<br> -<i>At that time:</i> Jesus said to his disciples: I go to him -that sent me; and none of you asketh me: Whither goest thou? But -because I have spoken these things to you, sorrow hath filled -your heart. But I tell you the truth: It is expedient to you that -I go: for if I go not, the Paraclete will not come to you; but if -I go, I will send him to you. And when he is come, he will -convince the world of sin, and of justice, and of judgment. Of -sin: because they believed not in me. And of justice: because I -go to the Father; and you shall see me no longer. And of -judgment: because the prince of this world is already judged. I -have yet many things to say to you: but you cannot bear them now. -But when he, the Spirit of truth is come, he will teach you all -truth. For he shall not speak of himself; but what things soever -he shall hear, he shall speak: and the things that are to come he -shall show you. He shall glorify me: because he shall receive of -mine, and shall show it you. Credo. -</p> - - - <h4>Fifth Sunday After Easter.</h4> -<p> -Epistle.<br> -<i>James</i> i. 22, 27.<br> -<i>Dearly beloved:</i> Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers -only, deceiving your own selves. For if a man be a hearer of the -word and not a doer; he shall be compared to a man beholding his -own countenance in a glass. For he beheld himself and went his -way, and presently forgot what manner of man he was. But he that -hath looked into the perfect law of liberty, and hath continued -therein, not becoming a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work: -this man shall be blessed in his deed. And if any man think -himself religious, not bridling his tongue, but deceiving his own -heart, this man's religion is vain. <i>Religion</i> clean and -undefiled before God and the Father, is this: to visit the -fatherless and the widows in their tribulation: and to keep one's -self unspotted from the world. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_431">{431}</a></span> -<p> -Gospel.<br> -<i>John</i> xvi. 23, 30.<br> -<i>At that time:</i> Jesus said to his disciples: Amen, amen, I -say to you; if you ask the Father any thing in my name, he will -give it you. Hitherto you have not asked any thing in my name. -Ask and you shall receive; that your joy may be full. These -things I have spoken to you in proverbs. The hour cometh when I -no more will speak to you in proverbs, but will show you plainly -of the Father. In that day you shall ask in my name: and I say -not to you, that I will ask the Father for you. For the Father -himself loveth you, because you have loved me, and have believed -that I came out from God. I came forth from the Father, and am -come into the world: again I leave the world, and go to the -Father. His disciples say to him: Behold now thou speakest -plainly, and speakest no proverb. Now we know that thou knowest -all things, and thou needest not that any man should ask thee. By -this we believe that thou camest forth from God. Credo. -</p> - - - <h4>Ascension-Day.</h4> -<p> -Lesson.<br> -Acts i. 1, 11.<br> -The former treatise, I made, O Theophilus, of all things which -Jesus began to do and to teach, until the day on which, giving -commandments by the Holy Ghost to the apostles whom he had -chosen, he was taken up. To whom also he showed himself alive -after his passion, by many proofs, by forty days appearing to -them, and speaking of the kingdom of God. And eating together -with them, he commanded them, that they should not depart from -Jerusalem, but should wait for the promise of the Father, which -you have heard (saith he) by my mouth: for John indeed baptized -with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not -many days hence. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_432">{432}</a></span> -They therefore who were come together, asked him, saying: Lord, -wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom of Israel? But -he said to them: It is not for you to know the times or moments, -which the Father hath put in his own power; but you shall receive -the power of the Holy Ghost coming upon you, and you shall be -witnesses to me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and Samaria, and -even to the uttermost part of the earth. And when he had said -these things, while they looked on, he was raised up; and a cloud -received him out of their sight. And while they were beholding -him going up to heaven, behold two men stood by them, in white -garments. Who also said: Ye men of Galilee, why stand you looking -up to heaven? This Jesus, who is taken up from you into heaven, -shall so come as you have seen him going into heaven. -</p><p> - -Gospel.<br> -<i>Mark</i> xvi. 14, 20.<br> -<i>At that time:</i> Jesus appeared to the eleven as they were at -table; and he upbraided them with their incredulity and hardness -of heart, because they did not believe them who had seen him -after he was risen again. And he said to them: Go ye into the -whole world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that -believeth and is baptized, shall be saved; but he that believeth -not shall be condemned. And these signs shall follow them that -believe: In my name they shall cast out devils: they shall speak -with new tongues: they shall take up serpents: and if they shall -drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them: they shall lay -hands upon the sick, and they shall recover. And the Lord Jesus, -after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven, and -sitteth on the right hand of God. But they going, preached every -where: the Lord working withal, and confirming the word with -signs that followed. Credo. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_433">{433}</a></span> - - <h4>Sunday Within The Octave Of The Ascension.</h4> -<p> -Epistle.<br> -1 <i>Peter</i> iv. 7, 11.<br> -<i>Most dearly beloved:</i> Be prudent, and watch in prayers. But -before all things have a constant mutual charity among -yourselves: for charity covereth a multitude of sins. Using -hospitality one towards another, without murmuring. As every man -hath received grace, ministering the same one to another: as good -stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, let him -speak as the words of God. If any man minister, let him do it as -of the power which God administereth; that in all things God may -be honoured through Jesus Christ; to whom is glory and empire for -ever and ever. <i>Amen</i>. -</p><p> - -Gospel.<br> -<i>John</i> xv. 26. xvi. 1, 4.<br> -<i>At that time:</i> Jesus said to his disciples: When the -Paraclete cometh whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit -of truth, who proceedeth from the Father, he shall give testimony -of me; and you shall give testimony, because you are with me from -the beginning. These things have I spoken to you, that you may -not be scandalized. They will put you out of the synagogues; yea -the hour cometh, that whosoever killeth you, will think that he -doeth a service to God. And these things will they do to you, -because they have not known the Father, nor me. But these things -I have told you; that when the hour shall come, you may remember -that I told you of them. Credo. -</p><p> - - - <h4>Whit-Sunday.</h4> -<p> -Lesson.<br> -<i>Acts</i> ii. 1, 11.<br> -When the days of Pentecost were accomplished, they were all -together in one place: and suddenly there came a sound from -heaven, as of a mighty wind coming, and it filled the whole house -where they were sitting. And there appeared to them parted -tongues as it were of fire, and it sat upon every one of them: -and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they began to -speak with divers tongues, according as the Holy Ghost gave them -to speak. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_434">{434}</a></span> -Now there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men out of -every nation under heaven. And when this was noised abroad, the -multitude came together, and were confounded in mind, because -that every man heard them speak in his own tongue. And they were -all amazed and wondered, saying: Behold, are not all these that -speak, Galileans; and how have we heard, every man our own tongue -wherein we were born? Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and -inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea, and Cappadocia, Pontus and -Asia, Phrygia and Pamphilia, Egypt and the parts of Lybia, about -Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews also, and Proselytes, Cretes -and Arabians: we have heard them speak in our own tongues the -wonderful works of God. -</p><p> - -Gospel.<br> -<i>John</i> xiv. 23. 31.<br> -<i>At that time:</i> Jesus said to his disciples: If any one love -me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we -will come to him, and will make our abode with him: he that -loveth me not, keepeth not my words. And the word which you have -heard, is not mine: but the Father's who sent me. These things -have I spoken to you, abiding with you. But the Paraclete, the -Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach -you all things, and bring all things to your mind, whatsoever I -shall have said to you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give -to you: not as the world giveth, do I give unto you. Let not your -heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. You have heard that I -said to you: I go away, and I come again to you. If you loved me, -you would indeed be glad, because I go to the Father: for the -Father is greater than I. And now I have told you before it come -to pass: that when it shall come to pass, you may believe. I will -not now speak many things with you. For the prince of this world -cometh, and in me he hath not any thing. But that the world may -know that I love the Father: and as the Father hath given me -commandment, so do I. Credo. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_435">{435}</a></span> - - <h4>Trinity Sunday.</h4> -<p> -Epistle.<br> -<i>Romans</i> xi. 33, 36.<br> -O the depth of the -riches of the wisdom and of the knowledge of God! -How incomprehensible are his judgments, and how -unsearchable his ways! For who hath known the mind -of the Lord? Or who hath been his counsellor? Or -who hath first given to him, and recompense shall be -made him? For of him, and by him, and in him are all -things: to him be glory for ever. Amen. -</p><p> - -Gospel.<br> -<i>Matthew</i> xxviii. 18, 20.<br> -<i>At that time:</i> Jesus said to his disciples: All power is -given to me in heaven and in earth. Going, therefore, teach all -nations: <i>Baptising them in the name op the Father, and of the -Son, and of the Holy Ghost.</i> Teaching them to observe all -things whatsoever I have commanded you: and behold I am with you -all days, even to the consummation of the world. Credo. -</p><p> - -Gospel of the First Sunday <i>after</i> Pentecost.<br> -<i>Luke</i> vi. 30, 42.<br> -<i>At that time:</i> Jesus said to his disciples: Be ye merciful, -as your Father also is merciful. Judge not, and you shall not be -judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and -you shall be forgiven. Give, and it shall be given to you; good -measure and pressed down and shaken together and running over, -shall be given into your bosom. For with the same measure that -you shall mete withal, it shall be measured to you again. And he -spoke also to them a similitude: Can the blind lead the blind? do -they not both fall into the ditch? The disciple is not above his -master: but every one shall be perfect, if he be as his master. -And why seest thou the mote in thy brother's eye; but the beam -that is in thy own eye thou considerest not? or how canst thou -say to thy brother: Brother, let me pull the mote out of thy eye, -when thou thyself seest not the beam in thy own eye? Hypocrite, -cast first the beam out of thine own eye, and then thou shalt see -clearly to take out the mote from thy brother's eye. <i>Deo -gratias</i>. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_436">{436}</a></span> - - <h4>Corpus Christi</h4> -<p> -Epistle.<br> -1 <i>Corinthians</i> xi. 23, 29.<br> -<i>Brethren:</i> I have received of the Lord, that which also I -delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus, the same night in which he -was betrayed, took bread, and giving thanks, broke, and said: -<i>Take ye, and eat: this is my body which shall be delivered for -you: this do for the commemoration of me.</i> In like manner also -the chalice, after he had supped, saying: <i>This chalice is the -New Testament in my blood: this do ye, as often as you shall -drink it, for the commemoration of me.</i> For as often as you -shall eat this bread, and drink this chalice, you shall show the -death of the Lord, until he come. Therefore, whosoever shall eat -this bread or drink of the chalice of the Lord unworthily, shall -be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man prove -himself: and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of the -chalice. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and -drinketh judgment to himself, not discerning the body of the -Lord. -</p><p> - -Gospel.<br> -<i>John</i> vi. 56, 59.<br> -<i>At that time:</i> Jesus said to the multitude of the Jews: My -flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that -eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood, abideth in me, and I in -him. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father; -so he that eateth me, the same also shall live by me. This is the -bread that came down from heaven. Not as your fathers did eat -manna and are dead. He that eateth this bread shall live for -ever. Credo. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_437">{437}</a></span> - - <h4>Second Sunday After Pentecost.</h4> -<p> -Epistle.<br> -1 <i>John</i> iii. 13, 18.<br> -<i>Dearly beloved:</i> Wonder not if the world hate you. We know -that we have passed from death to life, because we love the -brethren. He that loveth not, abideth in death. Whosoever hateth -his brother, is a murderer. And you know that no murderer hath -eternal life abiding in himself. In this we have known the -charity of God, because he hath laid down his life for us: and we -ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. He that hath the -substance of this world, and shall see his brother in need, and -shut up his bowels from him: how doth the charity of God abide in -him? My little children, let us not love in word, nor in tongue, -but in deed and in truth. -</p><p> - -Gospel.<br> -<i>Luke</i> xiv. 16, 24.<br> -<i>At that time:</i> Jesus spoke this parable to the Pharisees: A -certain man made a great supper, and invited many, and he sent -his servant at the hour of supper to say to them that were -invited, that they should come, for now all things are ready. And -they began all at once to make excuse. The first said to him: I -have bought a farm, and must needs go out and see it: I pray -thee, hold me excused. And another said: I have bought five yoke -of oxen, and I go to try them: I pray thee hold me excused. And -another said: I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. -And the servant returning told these things to his lord. Then the -master of the house being angry, said to his servant: Go out -quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in -hither the poor, and the feeble, and the blind, and the lame. And -the servant said: Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and -yet there is room. And the Lord said to the servant: Go out into -the high-ways and hedges; and compel them to come in, that my -house may be filled. But I say unto you, that none of those men -that were invited, shall taste of my supper. Credo. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_438">{438}</a></span> - - <h4>Third Sunday After Pentecost.</h4> -<p> -Epistle.<br> -1 <i>Peter</i> v. 6, 11.<br> -<i>Dearly beloved:</i> Be you humbled under the mighty hand of -God, that he may exalt you in the time of visitation. Casting all -your care upon him, for he hath care of you. Be sober and watch: -because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, goeth about, -seeking whom he may devour: whom resist ye, strong in faith; -knowing that the same affliction befalls your brethren who are in -the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us into his -eternal glory in Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little, -will himself perfect you, and confirm and stablish you. To him be -glory and empire for ever and ever. <i>Amen</i>. -</p><p> - -Gospel.<br> -<i>Luke</i> xv. 1, 10.<br> -<i>At that time:</i> The publicans and sinners drew near unto him -to hear him. And the Pharisees and Scribes murmured, saying: This -man receiveth sinners and eateth with them. And he spoke to them -this parable, saying: What man of you that hath a hundred sheep, -and if he shall lose one of them, doth he not leave the -ninety-nine in the desert, and go after that which was lost until -he find it? And when he hath found it, lay it upon his shoulders -rejoicing: and coming home call together his friends and -neighbours, saying to them: Rejoice with me, because I have found -my sheep that was lost? I say to you, that even so there shall be -joy in heaven upon one sinner that doth penance, more than upon -ninety-nine just who need not penance. Or what woman having ten -groats, if she lose one groat, doth not light a candle, and sweep -the house, and seek diligently until she find it? And when she -hath found it, call together her friends and neighbours, saying: -Rejoice with me, because I have found the groat which I had lost? -So I say to you, there shall be joy before the angels of God upon -one sinner doing penance. Credo. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_439">{439}</a></span> - - <h4>Fourth Sunday After Pentecost.</h4> -<p> -Epistle.<br> -<i>Romans</i> viii. 18, 23.<br> -<i>Brethren:</i> I reckon that the sufferings of this time are -not worthy to be compared with the glory to come, that shall be -revealed in us. For the expectation of the creature waiteth for -the revelation of the sons of God. For the creature was made -subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him that made -it subject, in hope: Because the creature also itself shall be -delivered from the servitude of corruption, into the liberty of -the glory of the children of God. For we know that every creature -groaneth and travaileth in pain even till now. And not only it, -but ourselves also, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, even -we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption of -the sons of God, the redemption of our body in Christ Jesus our -Lord. -</p><p> - -Gospel.<br> -<i>Luke</i> v. 1, 11.<br> -<i>At that time:</i> -It came to pass, that when the multitude pressed upon him to hear -the word of God, he stood by the lake of Genesareth. And he saw -two ships standing by the lake; but the fishermen were gone out -of them and were washing their nets. And going up into one of the -ships that was Simon's, he desired him to draw back a little from -the land. And sitting he taught the multitudes out of the ship. -Now when he had ceased to speak, he said to Simon: Launch out -into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. And Simon, -answering, said to him: Master, we have laboured all the night, -and have taken nothing; but at thy word I will let down the net. -And when they had done this, they enclosed a very great multitude -of fishes, and their net broke. And they beckoned to their -partners that were in the other ship, that they should come and -help them. And they came and filled both the ships, so that they -were almost sinking. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_440">{440}</a></span> -Which when Simon Peter saw, he fell down at Jesus's knees, -saying: Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord. For he was -wholly astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of -the fishes which they had taken. And so were also James and John -the sons of Zebedee, who were Simon's partners. And Jesus saith -to Simon: Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. And -having brought their ships to land, leaving all things they -followed him. Credo. -</p> - - <h4>Fifth Sunday After Pentecost.</h4> -<p> -Epistle.<br> -1 <i>Peter</i> iii. 8, 15.<br> -<i>Dearly beloved:</i> Be ye all of one mind, having compassion -one of another, being lovers of the brotherhood, merciful, -modest, humble: not rendering evil for evil, or railing for -railing, but contrariwise, blessing: for unto this you are -called, that you may inherit a blessing. "For he that will love -life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, -and his lips that they speak no guile. Let him decline from evil, -and do good: let him seek after peace, and pursue it: because the -eyes of the Lord are upon the just, and his ears unto their -prayers; but the countenance of the Lord against them that do -evil things." And who is he that can hurt you, if you be jealous -of good? But if also you suffer any thing for justice sake, -blessed are ye. And be not afraid of their fear, and be not -troubled. But sanctify the Lord Christ in your hearts. -</p><p> - -Gospel.<br> -<i>Matthew</i> v. 20, 24.<br> -<i>At that time:</i> Jesus said to his disciples: Unless your -justice exceed that of the Scribes and Pharisees, you shall not -enter into the kingdom of heaven. You have heard that it was said -to them of old: Thou shalt not kill. And whosoever hall kill, -shall be in danger of the judgment. But I say to you, that -whosoever is angry with his brother, shall be in danger of the -judgment. And whosoever shall say to his brother, <i>Raca</i>, -shall be <i>in danger of</i> the council. And whosoever shall -say, Thou fool, shall be <i>in danger of</i> hell fire. -Therefore, if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there shalt -remember that thy brother hath any thing against thee; leave -there thy gift before the altar, and go first to be reconciled to -thy brother: and then come and offer thy gift. Credo. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_441">{441}</a></span> - - <h4>Sixth Sunday After Pentecost.</h4> -<p> -Epistle.<br> -<i>Romans</i> vi. 3, 11.<br> -<i>Brethren:</i> All we who are baptized in Christ Jesus, are -baptized in his death. For we are buried together with him by -baptism unto death: that as Christ is risen from the dead by the -glory of the Father, so we also may walk in newness of life. For -if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we -shall also be in the likeness of his resurrection. Knowing this, -that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin may -be destroyed, and that we may serve sin no longer. For he that is -dead is justified from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we -believe that we shall live also together with Christ. Knowing -that Christ, rising again from the dead, dieth now no more, death -shall no more have dominion over him. For in that he died to sin, -he died once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. So do -you also reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to -God in Christ Jesus our Lord. -</p><p> - -Gospel.<br> -<i>Mark</i> viii. 1, 9.<br> -<i>At that time:</i> When there was a great multitude with Jesus, -and had nothing to eat: calling his disciples together, he saith -to them: I have compassion on the multitude, for behold they have -now been with me three days, and have nothing to eat; and if I -send them away fasting to their own home, they will faint in the -way: for some of them came afar off. And his disciples answered -him: From whence can any one fill them here with bread in the -wilderness? -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_442">{442}</a></span> -And he asked them: How many loaves have ye? Who said: Seven. And -he commanded the people to sit down on the ground; and taking the -seven loaves, giving thanks, he broke, and gave to his disciples -for to set before them, and they set them before the people. And -they had a few little fishes; and he blessed them, and commanded -them to be set before them. And they did eat and were filled, and -they took up that which was left of the fragments, seven baskets. -And they that had eaten were about four thousand: and he sent -them away. Credo. -</p> - - <h4>Seventh Sunday After Pentecost.</h4> -<p> -Epistle.<br> -<i>Romans</i> vi. 19.<br> -<i>Brethren:</i> I speak a human thing, because of the infirmity -of your flesh: for as you have yielded your members to serve -uncleanness and iniquity unto iniquity; so now yield your members -to serve justice, unto sanctification. For when you were the -servants of sin, you were free from justice. What fruit therefore -had you then in those things of which you are now ashamed? For -the end of them is death. But now being made free from sin, and -become servants to God, you have your fruit unto sanctification, -and the end life everlasting. For the wages of sin is death; but -the grace of God, life everlasting in Christ Jesus our Lord. -</p><p> - -Gospel.<br> -<i>Matthew</i> vii. 15, 21.<br> -<i>At that time:</i> Jesus said to his disciples: Beware of false -prophets, who come to you in the clothing of sheep, but inwardly -they are ravening wolves. By their fruits you shall know them. Do -men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every -good tree bringeth forth good fruit, and the evil tree bringeth -forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, -neither can an evil tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that -bringeth not forth good fruit, shall be cut down, and shall be -cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits you shall know -them. Not everyone that saith, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the -kingdom of heaven; but he that doth the will of my Father who is -in heaven, he shall enter into the kingdom of heaven. Credo. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_443">{443}</a></span> - - <h4>Eighth Sunday After Pentecost.</h4> -<p> -Epistle.<br> -<i>Romans</i> viii. 12, 17.<br> -<i>Brethren:</i> We are debtors, not to the flesh, to live -according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh, -you shall die: but if by the Spirit you mortify the deeds of the -flesh, you shall live. For whosoever are led by the Spirit of -God, they are the sons of God. For you have not received the -spirit of bondage again in fear; but you have received the spirit -of adoption of sons, whereby we cry: Abba, (Father.) For the -Spirit himself giveth testimony to our spirit, that we are the -sons of God. And if sons, heirs also: heirs indeed of God, and -joint heirs with Christ. -</p><p> - -Gospel.<br> -<i>Luke</i> xvi. 1, 9.<br> -<i>At that time:</i> Jesus spoke to his disciples this parable: -There was a certain rich man who had a steward: and the same was -accused unto him, that he had wasted his goods. And he called -him, and said to him; How is it that I hear this of thee? give an -account of thy stewardship: for now thou canst be steward no -longer. And the steward said within himself: What shall I do, -because my lord taketh away from me the stewardship? To dig I am -not able; to beg I am ashamed. I know what I will do, that when I -shall be removed from the stewardship, they may receive me into -their houses. Therefore calling together every one of his lord's -debtors, he said to the first: How much dost thou owe my lord? -But he said: A hundred barrels of oil. And he said to him: Take -thy bill and sit down quickly, and write fifty. Then he said to -another: And how much dost thou owe? Who said: A hundred quarters -of wheat. He said to him: Take thy bill and write eighty. And the -lord commended the unjust steward, forasmuch as he had done -wisely: for the children of this world are wiser in their -generation, than the children of light. And I say to you: Make -unto you friends of the mammon of iniquity, that when you shall -fail, they may receive you into everlasting dwellings. Credo. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_444">{444}</a></span> - - <h4>Ninth Sunday After Pentecost.</h4> -<p> -Epistle.<br> -1 <i>Corinthians</i> x. 6, 13.<br> -<i>Brethren:</i> Let us not covet evil things, as they also -coveted. Neither become ye idolaters, as some of them: as it is -written: "The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to -play." Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them -committed fornication, and there fell in one day three-and-twenty -thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ: as some of them tempted, -and perished by the serpents. Neither do you murmur: as some of -them murmured, and were destroyed by the destroyer. Now all these -things happened to them in figure: and they are written for our -correction, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore -let him that thinketh himself to stand, take heed lest he fall. -Let no temptation take hold on you but such as is human. And God -is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that -which you are able; but will make also with temptation issue, -that you may be able to bear it. -</p><p> - -Gospel.<br> -<i>Luke</i> xix. 41, 47.<br> -<i>At that time:</i> When he drew near to Jerusalem, seeing the -city, he wept over it, saying: If thou also hadst known, and that -in this thy day, the things that are to thy peace: but now they -are hidden from thy eyes. For the days shall come upon thee: and -thy enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee -round, and straiten thee on every side, and beat thee flat to the -ground, and thy children who are in thee: and they shall not -leave in thee a stone upon a stone; because thou hast not known -the time of thy visitation. And entering into the temple, he -began to cast out them that sold therein, and them that bought, -saying to them: It is written: "My house is the house of prayer." -But you have made it a den of thieves. And he was teaching daily -in the temple. Credo. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_445">{445}</a></span> - - <h4>Tenth Sunday After Pentecost.</h4> -<p> -<i>Epistle.</i><br> -1 <i>Corinthians</i> xii. 2, 11.<br> -<i>Brethren:</i> You know that when you were heathens, you went -to dumb idols, according as you were led. Wherefore I give you to -understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God, saith -anathema to Jesus. And no man can say the Lord Jesus, but by the -Holy Ghost. Now there are diversities of graces, but the same -spirit. And there are diversities of ministries, but the same -Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but the same God -who worketh all in all. And the manifestation of the Spirit is -given to every man unto profit. To one indeed, by the Spirit, is -given the word of wisdom; and to another, the word of knowledge, -according to the same spirit; to another faith in the same -spirit; to another, the grace of healing in one spirit; to -another, the working of miracles; to another, prophecy; to -another, the discerning of spirits; to another, divers kinds of -tongues; to another, interpretation of speeches. But in all these -things, one and the same Spirit worketh, dividing to every one -according as he will. -</p><p> - -Gospel.<br> -<i>Luke</i> xviii. 9, 14.<br> -<i>At that time:</i> Jesus spake this parable to some who trusted -in themselves as just, and despised others. Two men went up into -the temple to pray: the one was a Pharisee, and the other a -publican. The Pharisee standing, prayed thus with himself: O God, -I give thee thanks that I am not as the rest of men, -extortioners, unjust, adulterers, as also is this publican. I -fast twice in the week: I give tithes of all that I possess. And -the publican standing afar off would not so much as lift up his -eyes towards heaven: but struck his breast, saying: O God, be -merciful to me a sinner. I say to you, this man went down to his -house justified rather than the other, because every one that -exalted himself, shall be humbled; and he that humbleth himself, -shall be exalted. Credo. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_446">{446}</a></span> - - <h4>Eleventh Sunday After Pentecost.</h4> -<p> -Epistle.<br> -1 <i>Corinthians</i> xv. 1, 10.<br> -<i>Brethren:</i> I make known unto you the gospel which I -preached to you, which also you have received, and wherein you -stand, by which also you are saved: if you hold fast after what -manner I preached unto you, unless you have believed in vain. For -I delivered unto you first of all, which I also received: how -that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures: and -that he was buried, and that he arose again the third day -according to the Scriptures: and that he was seen by Cephas; and -after that by the eleven. Then was he seen by more than five -hundred brethren at once; of whom many remain until this present, -and some are fallen asleep. After that he was seen by James, then -by all the apostles: and last of all, he was seen also by me, as -one born out of due time. For I am the least of the apostles, who -am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the -Church of God. But by the grace of God I am what i am; and his -grace in me hath not been void. -</p><p> - -Gospel.<br> -<i>Mark</i> vii. 31, 37.<br> -<i>At that time:</i> Jesus going out of the coast of Tyre, he -came by Sidon to the sea of Galilee, through the midst of the -coast of Decapolis. And they bring to him one deaf and dumb: and -they besought him that he would lay his hand upon him. And taking -him from the multitude apart, he put his fingers into his ears, -and spitting, he touched his tongue: and looking up to heaven, he -groaned and said to him: Ephpheta, that is, Be opened. And -immediately his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue -was loosed, and he spoke right. And he charged them that they -should tell no man. But the more he charged them, so much the -more a great deal did they publish it. And so much the more did -they wonder, saying: He hath done all things well; he hath made -both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak. Credo. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_447">{447}</a></span> - - <h4>Twelfth Sunday After Pentecost.</h4> -<p> -Epistle.<br> -2 <i>Corinthians</i> iii. 4, 9.<br> -<i>Brethren:</i> We have confidence through Christ towards God: -not that we are sufficient to think any thing of ourselves as of -ourselves: but our sufficiency is from God. Who also hath made us -fit ministers of the New Testament, not in the letter, but in the -spirit. For the letter killeth; but the spirit quickeneth. Now if -the ministration of death, engraven with letters upon stones, was -glorious, so that the children of Israel could not steadfastly -behold the face of Moses, for the glory of his countenance, which -is made void: how shall not the ministration of the Spirit be -rather in glory? For if the ministration of condemnation be -glory, much more the ministration of justice aboundeth in glory. -</p><p> - -Gospel.<br> -<i>Luke</i> x. 23, 37.<br> -<i>At that time:</i> Jesus said to his disciples: Blessed are the -eyes that see the things which you see. For I say to you, that -many prophets and kings have desired to see the things that you -see, and have not seen them; and to hear the things that you -hear, and have not heard them. And behold a certain lawyer stood -up, tempting him, and saying: Master, what must I do to possess -eternal life? But he said to him: What is written in the law? how -readest thou? He answering, said: "Thou shalt love the Lord thy -God with thy whole heart, and with thy whole soul, and with all -thy strength, and with all thy mind: and thy neighbour as -thyself." -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_448">{448}</a></span> -And he said to him: Thou hast answered right: this do and thou -shalt live. But he, willing to justify himself, said to Jesus: -And who is my neighbour? And Jesus answering, said: A certain man -went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among robbers, who -had stripped him, and having wounded him, went away, leaving him -half dead. And it chanced that a certain priest went down the -same way: and seeing him, passed by. In like manner also a -Levite, when he was near the place, and saw him, passed by. But a -certain Samaritan being on his journey, came near him: and seeing -him, was moved with compassion. And going up to him, bound up his -wounds, pouring in oil and wine: and setting him upon his own -beast brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And the next -day he took out two pieces, and gave to the host, and said: Take -care of him; and whatsoever thou shalt spend over and above, I at -my return will repay thee. Which of these three in thy opinion -was neighbour to him that fell among robbers? But he said: He -that showed mercy to him. And Jesus said to him: Go, and do thou -in like manner. Credo. -</p> - - <h4>Thirteenth Sunday After Pentecost.</h4> -<p> -Epistle.<br> -<i>Galatians</i> iii. 16, 22.<br> -<i>Brethren:</i> To Abraham were the promises made, and to his -seed. He saith not: And to his seeds, as of many; but as of one: -And to thy seed, which is Christ. Now this I say, that the -testament which was confirmed by God, the law which was made -after four hundred and thirty years, doth not disannul, or make -the promise of no effect. For if the inheritance be of the law, -it is no more of promise. But God gave it to Abraham by promise. -Why then was the law? It was set because of transgressions, until -the seed should come, to whom he made the promise, being ordained -by angels in the hand of a mediator. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_449">{449}</a></span> -Now a mediator is not of one; but God is one. Was the law then -against the promises of God? God forbid. For if there had been a -law given which could give life, verily justice should have been -by the law. But the Scripture hath concluded all under sin, that -the promise by the faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them -that believe. -</p><p> - -Gospel.<br> -<i>Luke</i> xvii. 11, 19.<br> -<i>At that time:</i> As Jesus was going to Jerusalem, he passed -through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered into -a certain town, there met him ten men that were lepers, who stood -afar off, and lifted up their voice, saying: Jesus, Master, have -mercy on us. Whom when he saw, he said: Go, show yourselves to -the priests. And it came to pass, that as they went, they were -made clean. And one of them when he saw that he was made clean, -went back, with a loud voice glorifying God. And he fell on his -face before his feet, giving thanks: and this was a Samaritan. -And Jesus answering, said: Were not ten made clean, and where are -the nine? There is no one found to return and give glory to God, -but this stranger. And he said to him: Arise, go thy way; for thy -faith hath made thee whole. Credo. -</p> - - <h4>Fourteenth Sunday After Pentecost.</h4> -<p> -Epistle.<br> -<i>Galatians</i> v. 16, 24,<br> -<i>Brethren:</i> Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfil the -lusts of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the spirit; and -the spirit against the flesh: for these are contrary to one -another, so that you do not the things that you would. But if you -are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works -of the flesh are manifest, which are, fornication, uncleanness, -immodesty, luxury, idolatry, witchcrafts, enmities, contentions, -emulations, wraths, quarrels, dissensions, sects, envy, murders, -drunkenness, revellings, and such like. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_450">{450}</a></span> -Of the which I foretell you, as I have foretold to you, that they -who do such things shall not obtain the kingdom of God. But the -fruit of the Spirit is charity, joy, peace, patience, benignity, -goodness, longanimity, mildness, faith, modesty, continency, -chastity. Against such there is no law. And they that are -Christ's, have crucified their flesh with the vices and -concupiscences. -</p><p> - -Gospel.<br> -<i>Matthew</i> vi. 24, 33.<br> -<i>At that time:</i> Jesus said to his disciples: No man can -serve two masters. For either he will hate the one, and love the -other: or he will sustain the one, and despise the other. You -cannot serve God and mammon. Therefore I say to you, be not -solicitous for your life, what you shall eat, nor for your body, -what you shall put on. Is not the life more than the meat, and -the body more than the raiment: Behold the birds of the air, for -they neither sow, nor do they reap, nor gather into barns, and -your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are not you of much more value -than they? And which of you, by taking thought, can add to his -stature one cubit? And for raiment why are you solicitous? -Consider the lilies of the field how they grow: they labour not, -neither do they spin. But I say to you, that not even Solomon in -all his glory was arrayed as one of these. And if the grass of -the field, which is to-day, and to-morrow is cast into the oven, -God doth so clothe: how much more you, O ye of little faith. Be -not solicitous therefore, saying, what shall we eat, or what -shall we drink, or wherewith shall we be clothed? For after all -these things do the heathens seek. For your Father knoweth that -you have need of all these things. Seek ye therefore first the -kingdom of God, and his justice, and all these things shall be -added unto you. Credo. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_451">{451}</a></span> - - <h4>Fifteenth Sunday After Pentecost.</h4> -<p> -Epistle.<br> -<i>Galatians</i> v. 25. vi. 1, 10.<br> -<i>Brethren:</i> If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in -the Spirit. Let us not be made desirous of vain glory, provoking -one another, envying one another. (Chap, vi.) Brethren, if a man -be overtaken in any fault, you, who are spiritual, instruct such -a one in the spirit of meekness, considering thyself, lest thou -also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens: and so you shall -fulfil the law of Christ. For if any man think himself to be -something, whereas he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. But let -every one prove his own work, and so he shall have glory in -himself only, and not in another. For every one shall bear his -own burden. And let him that is instructed in the word, -communicate to him that instructed him, in all good things. Be -not deceived, God is not mocked. For what things a man shall sow, -those also shall he reap. For he that soweth in his flesh, of the -flesh also shall reap corruption. But; he that soweth in the -Spirit, of the Spirit shall reap life everlasting. And in doing -good, let us not fail. For in due time we shall reap, not -failing. Therefore, whilst we have time, let us work good to all -men, but especially to those who are of the household of the -faith. -</p><p> - -Gospel.<br> -<i>Luke</i> vii. 11, 16.<br> -<i>At that time:</i> Jesus went into a city called Naim; and -there went with him his disciples, and a great multitude. And -when he came nigh to the city, behold a dead man was carried out, -the only son of his mother, and she was a widow; and much people -of the city were with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had -compassion on her, and said to her: Weep not. And he came near -and touched the bier. And they that carried it, stood still. And -he said: Young man, I say to thee, Arise. And he that was dead, -sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother. -And there came a fear on them all: and they glorified God, -saying: A great prophet is risen up amongst us, and God hath -visited his people. - -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_452">{452}</a></span> - - <h4>Sixteenth Sunday After Pentecost.</h4> -<p> -Epistle.<br> -<i>Ephesians</i> iii. 13, 21.<br> -Brethren: I pray you not to faint at my tribulations for you, -which is your glory. For this cause I bow my knee to the Father -of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom all paternity in heaven and -earth is named, that he would grant you, according to the riches -of his glory, to be strengthened by his Spirit with might unto -the inward man. That Christ may dwell by faith in your hearts: -that being rooted and founded in charity, you may be able to -comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth, and length, -and height, and depth: to know also the clarity of Christ, which -surpasseth all knowledge, that you may be filled unto all the -fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do all things more -abundantly than we desire or understand, according to the power -that worketh in us: to him be glory in the church, and in Christ -Jesus, unto all generations, world without end. Amen. -</p><p> - -Gospel.<br> -<i>Luke</i> xiv. 1, 11.<br> -<i>At that time:</i> When Jesus went into the house of one of the -chief of the Pharisees on the Sabbath-day to eat bread, they -watched him. And behold there was a certain man before him that -had the dropsy. And Jesus answering, spoke to the lawyers and -Pharisees, saying: Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath-day? But -they held their peace. But he, taking him, healed him, and sent -him away. And answering them, he said: Which of you shall have an -ass or an ox fall into a pit; and will not immediately draw him -out on the Sabbath-day? And they could not answer him to these -things. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_453">{453}</a></span> -And he spoke a parable also to them that were invited, marking -how they chose the first seats at the table, saying to them: When -thou art invited to a wedding, sit not down in the first place, -lest perhaps one more honourable than thou be invited by him: and -he that invited thee and him, come and say to thee: Give this man -place; and then thou begin with shame to take the lowest place. -But when thou art invited, go, sit down in the lowest place, that -when he who invited thee cometh, he may say to thee: Friend, go -up higher. Then shalt thou have glory before them that sit at -table with thee; because every one that exalted himself, shall be -humbled; and he that humbleth himself, shall be exalted. Credo. -</p> - - - <h4>Seventeenth Sunday After Pentecost.</h4> - -<p> -Epistle.<br> -<i>Ephesians</i> iv. 1, 6.<br> -<i>Brethren:</i> I who am a prisoner in the Lord, beseech you -that you walk worthy of the vocation in which you are called. -With all humility and mildness, with patience, supporting one -another in charity. Careful to keep the unity of the Spirit in -the bond of peace. One body and one spirit; as you are called in -one hope of your calling. One Lord, one faith, one baptism. One -God, and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in -us all, who is blessed for evermore. -</p><p> - -Gospel.<br> -<i>Matthew</i> xxii. 35, 46.<br> -<i>At that time:</i> The Pharisees came to Jesus; and one of -them, a doctor of the law, asked him, tempting him: Master, which -is the great commandment of the law? Jesus said to him: <i>Thou -shalt love the Lord thy God with thy whole heart, and with thy -whole soul, and with thy whole mind.</i> This is the greatest and -the first commandment. And the second is like to this: <i>Thou -shalt love thy neighbour as thyself</i>. On these two -commandments dependeth the whole law and the prophets. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_454">{454}</a></span> -And the Pharisees being gathered together, Jesus asked them, -saying: What think you of Christ? whose son is he? They say to -him: David's. He saith to them: How then doth David in spirit -call him Lord, saying: <i>The Lord said to my Lord, Sit on my -right hand, until I make thy enemies thy footstool?</i> If David -then call him Lord, how is he his son? And no man was able to -answer him a word; neither durst any man from that day forth ask -him any more questions. Credo. -</p> - - - <h4>Eighteenth Sunday After Pentecost.</h4> -<p> -Epistle.<br> -1 <i>Corinthians</i> i. 4, 8.<br> -<i>Brethren:</i> I give thanks to my God always for you, for the -grace of God, that is given you in Christ Jesus; that in all -things you are made rich in him, in all utterance, and in all -knowledge, as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you. So -that nothing is wanting to you in any grace, waiting for the -manifestation of our Lord Jesus Christ. Who also will confirm you -unto the end without crime, in the day of the coming of our Lord -Jesus Christ. -</p><p> - -Gospel.<br> -<i>Matthew</i> ix. 1, 8.<br> -<i>At that time:</i> Jesus entering into a boat, he passed over -the water and came into his own city. And behold they brought to -him one sick of the palsy, lying on a bed. And Jesus seeing their -faith, said to the man sick of the palsy: Be of good heart, son, -thy sins are forgiven thee. And behold some of the Scribes said -within themselves: He blasphemeth. And Jesus seeing their -thoughts, said: Why do you think evil in your heart? Whether is -it easier to say: Thy sins are forgiven thee: or to say: Arise -and walk? But that you may know that the Son of man hath power on -earth to forgive sins, (then said he to the man sick of the -palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go into thy house. And he -arose and went into his house. And the multitude seeing it, -feared and glorified God that gave such power to men. Credo. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_455">{455}</a></span> - - <h4>Nineteenth Sunday After Pentecost.</h4> -<p> -Epistle.<br> -<i>Ephesians</i>. iv. 23, 28.<br> -<i>Brethren:</i> Be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and put -on the new man, who, according to God, is created in Justice, and -holiness of truth. Wherefore putting away lying, speak ye the -truth every man with his neighbour: for we are members one of -another. Be angry and sin not. Let not the sun go down upon your -anger. Give not place to the devil. He that stole, let him now -steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands -the thing which is good, that he may have something to give to -him that suffereth need. -</p><p> - -Gospel.<br> -<i>Matthew</i> xxii. 1, 14.<br> -<i>At that time:</i> Jesus spoke to the scribes and Pharisees in -a parable, saying: The kingdom of heaven is likened to a king, -who made a marriage for his son. And he sent his servants, to -call them that were invited to the marriage: and they would not -come. Again he sent other servants, saying: Tell them that were -invited: Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my beeves and -fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come ye to the -marriage. But they neglected, and went their ways, one to his -farm, and another to his merchandise. And the rest laid hands on -his servants, and having treated them contumeliously, put them to -death. But when the king had heard of it, he was angry, and -sending his armies, he destroyed those murderers, and burnt their -city. Then he saith to his servants: The marriage indeed is -ready: but they that were invited, were not worthy. Go ye -therefore into the high-ways; and as many as you shall find, call -to the marriage. And his servants going forth into the ways, -gathered together all they found, both bad and good: and the -marriage was filled with guests. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_456">{456}</a></span> -And the king went in to see the guests, and he saw there a man -who had not on a wedding garment. And he saith to him, Friend, -how camest thou in hither, not having on a wedding garment? But -he was silent. Then the king said to the waiters: Bind his hands -and his feet, and cast him into the exterior darkness; there -shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called but -few are chosen. Credo. -</p> - - - <h4>Twentieth Sunday After Pentecost.</h4> -<p> -Epistle.<br> -<i>Ephesians</i>. v. 15, 21.<br> -<i>Brethren:</i> See, therefore, how you walk circumspectly, not -as unwise, but as wise: redeeming the time, because the days are -evil. Wherefore become not unwise, but understanding what is the -will of God. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is luxury, but -be ye filled with the holy Spirit, speaking to yourselves in -psalms and hymns, and spiritual canticles, singing and making -melody in your hearts to the Lord: giving thanks always for all -things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to God and the -Father. Being subject one to another in the fear of Christ. -</p><p> - -Gospel,<br> -<i>John</i> iv. 46, 53.<br> -<i>At that time:</i> There was a certain ruler, whose son was -sick at Capharnaum. He having heard that Jesus was come from -Judea into Galilee, went to him, and prayed him to come down and -heal his son, for he was at the point of death. Jesus therefore -said to him: Unless you see signs and wonders, you believe not. -The ruler saith to him: Lord, come down before that my son die. -Jesus saith to him: Go thy way, thy son liveth. The man believed -the word which Jesus said to him, and went his way. And as he was -going down, his servants met him: and they brought word, saying, -that his son lived. He asked therefore of them the hour wherein -he grew better. And they said to him: Yesterday at the seventh -hour the fever left him. The father therefore knew that it was at -the same hour that Jesus said to him: Thy son liveth; and himself -believed, and his whole house. Credo. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_457">{457}</a></span> - - <h4>Twenty-First Sunday After Pentecost.</h4> -<p> -Epistle.<br> -<i>Ephesians</i>. vi. 10, 17.<br> -<i>Brethren:</i> Be strengthened in the Lord, and in the might of -his power. Put you on the armour of God, that you may be able to -stand against the deceits of the devil. For our wrestling is not -against flesh and blood; but against principalities and powers, -against the rulers of the world of this darkness, against the -spirit of wickedness in the high places. Therefore take unto you -the armour of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil -day, and to stand in all things perfect. Stand therefore, having -your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breast-plate -of justice, and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel -of peace; in all things taking the shield of faith, wherewith you -may be able to extinguish all the fiery darts of the most wicked -one. And take unto you the helmet of salvation, and the sword of -the Spirit, which is the word of God. -</p><p> - -Gospel.<br> -<i>Matthew</i> xviii. 28, 35. -<i>At that time:</i> Jesus spoke to his disciples this parable: -The kingdom of heaven is likened to a king who would take an -account of his servants. And when he had begun to take the -account, one was brought to him that owed him ten thousand -talents. And as he had not wherewith to pay it, his lord -commanded that he should be sold, and his wife and children, and -all that he had, and payment to be made. But that servant falling -down, besought him, saying: Have patience with me and I will pay -thee all. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_458">{458}</a></span> -And the lord of that servant being moved with pity, let him go, -and forgave him the debt. But when that servant was gone out, he -found one of his fellow-servants that owed him a hundred pence; -and laying hold of him, he throttled him, saying: Pay what thou -owest. And his fellow-servant falling down, besought him, saying: -Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. And he would not: -but went and cast him into prison, till he paid the debt. Now his -fellow-servants seeing what was done, were very much grieved, and -they came and told their lord all that was done. Then his lord -called him, and said to him: Thou wicked servant, I forgave thee -all the debt, because thou besoughtest me: shouldst not thou then -have had compassion also on thy fellow-servant, even as I had -compassion on thee? And his lord being angry, delivered him to -the torturers, until he paid all the debt. So also shall my -heavenly Father do to you, if you forgive not every one his -brother from your hearts. Credo. -</p> - - - <h4>Twenty-Second Sunday After Pentecost.</h4> -<p> -Epistle.<br> -<i>Philippians</i> i. 6, 11.<br> -<i>Brethren:</i> We are confident of this very thing, that he who -hath begun a good work in you, will perfect it unto the day of -Christ Jesus. As it is meet for me to think this for you all: for -that I have you in my heart; and that in my bands, and in the -defence and confirmation of the gospel, you are all partakers of -my joy. For God is my witness, how I long after you all in the -bowels of Jesus Christ. And this I pray, that your charity may -more and more abound in knowledge and in all understanding; that -you may approve the better things, that you may be sincere and -without offence unto the day of Christ. Filled with the fruit of -justice, through Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_459">{459}</a></span> -<p> -Gospel.<br> -<i>Matthew</i> xxii. 15, 21.<br> -<i>At that time:</i> The Pharisees going, consulted among -themselves how to ensnare Jesus in his speech. And they sent to -him their disciples, with the Herodians, saying: Master, we know -that thou art a true speaker, and teachest the way of God in -truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou dost not regard -the person of men. Tell us therefore what thou dost think, is it -lawful to give tribute to Cæsar or not? But Jesus knowing their -wickedness, said: Why do you tempt me, ye hypocrites? Show me the -coin of the tribute. And they offered him a penny. And Jesus -saith to them: Whose image and inscription is this? They say to -him: Cæsar's. Then he saith to them: Render therefore to Cæsar -the things that are Cæsar's, and to God the things that are -God's. Credo. -</p> - - - <h4>Twenty-Third Sunday After Pentecost.</h4> -<p class="side"> - Should there be but 23 Sundays after Pentecost, the Mass of the - 24th is said to-day, and this on the preceding Saturday, (if it - be neither a double nor semi-double,) in which case it is said - on some vacant day before it. -</p><p> - -Epistle.<br> -<i>Philippians</i> iii. 17, 21; iv. 1, 3.<br> -<i>Brethren:</i> Be followers of me, and observe them who walk so -as you have our model. For many walk, of whom I have told you -often, (and now tell you weeping,) that they are enemies of the -cross of Christ; whose end is destruction, whose God is their -belly, and whose glory is their shame: who mind earthly things. -But our conversation is in heaven: from whence also we look for -the Saviour, our Lord Jesus Christ, who will reform the body of -our lowness, made like to the body of his glory, according to the -operation whereby also he is able to subdue all things unto -himself. (Chap, iv.) Therefore my dearly beloved brethren, and -most desired, my joy, and my crown: so stand fast in the Lord, my -dearly beloved. I beg of Evodia, and I beseech Syntyche, to be of -one mind in the Lord. And I entreat thee also, my sincere -companion, help those women that have laboured with me in the -gospel, with Clement and the rest of my fellow labourers, whose -names are in the book of life. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_460">{460}</a></span> -<p> -Gospel.<br> -<i>Matthew</i> ix. 18, 26.<br> -<i>At that time:</i> As Jesus was speaking to the multitude, -behold a certain ruler came up and adored him, saying: Lord, my -daughter is even now dead; but come, lay thy hand upon her, and -she shall live. And Jesus rising up followed him, with his -disciples. And behold a woman who was troubled with an issue of -blood twelve years, came behind him and touched the hem of his -garment. For she said within herself: If I shall touch only his -garment, I shall be healed. But Jesus turning and seeing her, -said: Be of good heart, daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole. -And the woman was made whole from that hour. And when Jesus was -come into the house of the ruler, and saw the minstrels and the -multitude making a rout, he said: Give place: for the girl is not -dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn. And when the -multitude was put forth, he went in and took her by the hand. And -the maid arose. And the fame hereof went abroad into all that -country. Credo. -</p> -<p class="side"> - As there cannot be less than 23, nor more than 28 Sundays after - Pentecost, it is to be observed, that the Mass of the 24th is - always said on that Sunday which immediately precedes Advent. - When, therefore, it happens that there are any intervening - Sundays between the 23rd and the last, the Epistles and Gospels - are taken from the Sundays which were omitted after Epiphany: - for instance, if but one Sunday, the Mass is of the 6th after - Epiphany; if two, of the 5th and 6th; if three, of the 4th, - 5th, and 6th; and if four, of the 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th. -</p> - - - <h4>Twenty-Fourth, Or Last Sunday After Pentecost.</h4> -<p> -Epistle.<br> -<i>Ccolossians</i> i. 9, 14.<br> -<i>Brethren:</i> We cease not to pray for you, and to beg that -you may be filled with the knowledge of his will, in all wisdom, -and spiritual understanding: that you may walk worthy of God, in -all things pleasing: being fruitful in every good work, and -increasing in the knowledge of God: strengthened with all might, -according to the power of his glory, in all patience and -long-suffering with joy. Giving thanks to God the Father, who -hath made us worthy to be partakers of the lot of the saints in -light: who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath -translated us into the kingdom of the Son of his love, in whom we -have redemption through his blood, the remission of sins. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_461">{461}</a></span> -<p> -Gospel.<br> -<i>Matthew</i> xxiv. 15, 35.<br> -<i>At that time:</i> Jesus said to his disciples: When you shall -see the abomination of desolation, which was spoken of by Daniel -the prophet, standing in the holy place: he that readeth let him -understand. Then they that are in Judea, let them flee to the -mountains; and he that is on the house-top, let him not come down -to take any thing out of his house; and he that is in the field, -let him not go back to take his coat. And woe to them that are -with child, and give suck in those days. But pray that your -flight be not in the winter, nor on the Sabbath. For there shall -be then great tribulation, such as hath not been from the -beginning of the world until now, neither shall be. And unless -those days had been shortened, no flesh could be saved: but for -the sake of the elect, those days shall be shortened. Then if any -man shall say to you: Lo! here is Christ, or there: do not -believe him: For there shall arise false Christs, and false -prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders, insomuch as to -deceive (if possible) even the elect. Behold I have told it you, -beforehand; if therefore they shall say to you: Behold he is in -the desert, go ye not out: Behold he is in the closets, believe -it not. For as lightning cometh out of the east, and appeareth -even into the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man -be. Wheresoever the body shall be, there shall the eagles also be -gathered together. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_462">{462}</a></span> -And immediately after the tribulation of those days, the sun -shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the -stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall -be moved: and there shall appear the sign of the Son of man in -heaven: and then shall all tribes of the earth mourn: and they -shall see the Son of man, coming in the clouds of heaven with -much power and majesty. And he shall send his angels with a -trumpet, and a great voice: and they shall gather together his -elect from the four winds, from the farthest parts of the heavens -to the utmost bounds of them. And from the fig-tree learn a -parable: when the branch thereof is now tender, and the leaves -come forth, you know that summer is nigh. So you also, when you -shall see all these things, know ye that it is nigh even at the -doors. Amen, I say to you, that this generation shall not pass, -till these things be done. Heaven and earth shall pass, but my -words shall not pass. Credo. -</p> -<hr> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_463">{463}</a></span> -<br> - <h2>The Common Of Saints.</h2> - - - <h3>Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.<br> - 8th December.</h3> - -<p> -Lesson.<br> -<i>Proverbs</i> viii. 22, 35.<br> -The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his ways, before he -made any thing, from the beginning. I was set up from eternity, -and of old, before the earth was made. The depths were not as -yet, and I was already conceived, neither had the fountains of -water as yet sprung out: the mountains with their huge bulk had -not as yet been established: before the hills I was brought -forth: he had not yet made the earth, nor the rivers, nor the -poles of the world. When he prepared the heavens, I was there: -when with a certain law and compass he enclosed he depths: when -he established the sky above, and poised the fountains of waters: -when he compassed the sea with its bounds, and set a law to the -waters, that they should not pass their limits: when he balanced -the foundations of the earth, I was with him forming all things, -and was delighted every day, playing before him at all times, -playing in the world: and my delight is to be with the children -of men. Now, therefore, ye children, hear me: blessed are they -that keep my ways. Hear instruction and be wise, and refuse it -not. Blessed is the man that heareth me, and that watcheth daily -at my gates, and waiteth at the posts of my doors. He that shall -find me shall find life, and shall have salvation from the Lord. -</p><p> - -Gospel.<br> -<i>Matthew</i> i. 1, 16.<br> -The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the -son of Abraham. Abraham begot Isaac. And Isaac begot Jacob. And -Jacob begot Judas and his brethren. And Judas begot Phares and -Zara of Thamar. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_464">{464}</a></span> -And Phares begot Esron. And Esron begot Aram. And Aram begot -Aminidab. And Aminidab begot Naasson. And Naasson begot Salmon. -And Salmon begot Booz of Rahab. And Booz begot Obed of Ruth. And -Obed begot Jesse. And Jesse begot David the king. And David the -king begot Solomon, of her who had been <i>the wife</i> of Urias. -And Solomon begot Roboam. And Roboam begot Abia. And Abia begot -Asa. And Asa begot Josaphat. And Josaphat begot Joram. And Joram -begot Ozias. And Ozias begot Joatham. And Joatham begot Achaz. -And Achaz begot Ezechias. And Ezechias begot Menasses. And -Menasses begot Amon. And Amon begot Josias. And Josias begot -Jechonias and his brethren in the transmigration of Babylon. And -after the transmigration of Babylon, Jechonias begot Salathiel. -And Salathiel begot Zorobabel. And Zorobabel begot Abiub. And -Abiub begot Eliacim. And Eliacim begot Azor. And Azor begot -Sadoc. And Sadoc begot Achim. And Achim begot Eliud. And Eliud -begot Eleazar. And Eleazar begot Matham. And Matham begot Jacob. -And Jacob begot Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born -Jesus, who is called Christ. -</p> - - - <h4>Of St. Patrick, ap. and Patron of Ireland.<br> - 17th March.</h4> -<p> -Lesson.<br> -<i>Ecclesiastes</i> xliv. xlv.<br> -Behold a great priest, who in his time pleased God, and was found -just; and in the time of wrath became an atonement. There were -none found like him in observing the law of the Most High. -Therefore by an oath did the Lord make him great amongst his -people. He gave him the blessing of all nations, and established -his covenant on his head. He acknowledged him in his blessings: -he stored up his mercy for him; and he found favour in the eyes -of the Lord. (Chap, xlv.) He exalted him in the sight of kings; -and gave him a crown of glory. He made with him an eternal -covenant: and bestowed on him a great priesthood: and rendered -him blessed in glory. To perform the priestly office, to sing -praises to the name of God; and to offer him precious incense for -an odour of sweetness. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_465">{465}</a></span> -<p> -Gospel.<br> -<i>Matthew</i> xxv. 14, 23.<br> -<i>At that time:</i> Jesus spoke this parable to his disciples: A -man going into a far country, called his servants, and delivered -to them his goods. And to one he gave five talents, and to -another two, and to another one, to every one according to his -proper ability; and immediately he took his journey. And he that -had received the five talents went his way, and traded with the -same, and gained other five. And in like manner he that had -received the two, gained other two. But he that had received the -one, going his way, digged into the earth, and hid his lord's -money. But after a long time the lord of those servants came, and -reckoned with them. And he that had received the five talents, -coming, brought other five talents, saying: Lord, thou didst -deliver to me five talents, behold I have gained other five over -and above. His lord said to him: Well done, good and faithful -servant, because thou hast been faithful over a few things, I -will place thee over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy -lord. And he also that had received the two talents came and -said: Lord, thou deliveredst two talents to me: behold I have -gained other two. His lord said to him: Well done, good and -faithful servant, because thou hast been faithful over a few -things, I will place thee over many things: enter thou into the -joy of thy lord. -</p> - - - <h4>Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary,<br> - 25th March.</h4> -<p> -Lesson.<br> -<i>Isaiah</i> vii. 10. 16.<br> -<i>In those days:</i> The Lord spoke unto Achaz, saying: Ask thee -a sign of the Lord thy God, either unto the depth of hell, or -unto the height above. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_466">{466}</a></span> -And Achaz said: I will not ask, and I will not tempt the Lord. -And he said: Hear ye, therefore, O house of David; Is it a small -thing for you to be grievous to men, that you are grievous to my -God also? Therefore, the Lord himself shall give you a sign. -Behold a Virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall -be called Emmanuel. He shall eat butter and honey, that he may -know to refuse the evil, and to choose the good. -</p><p> - -Gospel.<br> -<i>Luke</i> i. 26, 38.<br> -<i>At that time:</i> The angel Gabriel was sent from God into a -city of Galilee, called Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man -whose name was Joseph, of the house of David: and the virgin's -name was Mary. And the angel being come in, said unto her: Hail -Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou -among women. Who having heard, was troubled at his saying, and -thought with herself what manner of salutation this should be. -And the angel said to her: Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found -grace with God. Behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and shalt -bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus. He shall -be great, and shall be called the Son of the Most High, and the -Lord God shall give unto him the throne of David his father: and -he shall reign in the house of Jacob for ever, and of his kingdom -there shall be no end. And Mary said to the angel: How shall this -be done, because I know not man? And the angel answering, said to -her: The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the -Most High shall overshadow thee. And therefore also the Holy -which shall be born of thee, shall be called the Son of God. And -behold thy cousin Elizabeth she also hath conceived a son in her -old age; and this is the sixth month with her that is called -barren: because no word shall be impossible with God. And Mary -said: Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it done to me according -to thy word. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_467">{467}</a></span> - - <h4>SS. Peter <i>and</i> Paul.<br> - - 29th June.</h4> -<p> -Lesson.<br> -<i>Acts</i> xii. 1, 11.<br> -<i>In those days:</i> Herod the king stretched forth his hand to -afflict some of the church. And he killed James the brother of -John with the sword. And seeing that it pleased the Jews, he -proceeded to take up Peter also. Now it was in the days of -Azymes. And when he had apprehended him, he cast him into prison, -delivering him to four files of soldiers to be kept, intending -after the pasch to bring him forth to the people. Peter therefore -was kept in prison. But prayer was made without ceasing by the -church unto God for him. And when Herod would have brought him -forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, -bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the -prison. And behold an angel of the Lord stood by him: and a light -shined in the room: and he striking Peter on the side raised him -up, saying: Arise quickly. And the chains fell off from his -hands. And the angel said to him: Gird thyself, and put on thy -sandals. And he did so. And he said to him: Cast thy garment -about thee, and follow me. And going out he followed him, and he -knew not that it was true which was done by the angel: but -thought he saw a vision. And passing through the first and second -ward, they came to the iron gate that leadeth to the city, which -of itself opened to them. And going out, they passed on through -one street: and immediately the angel departed from him. And -Peter coming to himself, said: Now I know in very deed that the -Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand -of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews. -</p><p> - -Gospel.<br> -<i>Matthew</i> xvi. 13, 19.<br> -<i>At that time:</i> Jesus came into the quarters of Cesarea -Philippi: and he asked his disciples, saying: Whom do men say -that the Son of man is? But they said: Some, John the Baptist, -and other some, Elias, and others Jeremias, or one of the -prophets. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_468">{468}</a></span> -Jesus saith to them: But whom do you say that I am? Simon Peter -answered and said: Thou art Christ, the Son of the living God. -And Jesus answering, said to him: Blessed art thou, Simon -Bar-Jona; because flesh and blood hath not revealed it to thee, -but my Father who is in heaven. And I say to thee: That thou art -Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates -of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give to thee the -keys of the kingdom of heaven. And whatsoever thou shalt bind -upon earth, it shall be bound also in heaven: and whatsoever thou -shalt loose on earth, it shall be loosed also in heaven. Credo. -</p> - - - <h4>Assumption <i>of the</i> Blessed Virgin Mary.<br> - - 15th August.</h4> -<p> -Lesson.<br> -<i>Ecclesiastes</i> xxiv. 11, 20.<br> -I sought rest every where, and I shall abide in the inheritance -of the Lord. Then the Creator of all things gave his orders, and -said to me: and he that made me, rested in my tabernacle, and he -said to me: Let thy dwelling be in Jacob, and thy inheritance in -Israel, and take root in my elect. From the beginning, and before -the world was I created, and unto the world to come I shall not -cease to be, and in the holy dwelling place I have ministered -before him. And I was so established in Sion, and in the holy -city likewise I rested, and my power <i>was</i> in Jerusalem. And -I took root in an honourable people, and in the portion of my God -his inheritance, and my abode is in the full assembly of saints. -I was exalted like a cedar in Libanus, and as a cypress-tree on -mount Sion. I was exalted like a palm-tree in Cades, and as a -rose plant in Jericho: as a fair olive-tree in the plains, and as -a plane-tree by the water in the streets, was I exalted. I gave a -sweet smell like cinnamon, and aromatical balm: like the myrrh I -yielded a sweet odour. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_469">{469}</a></span> -<p> -Gospel.<br> -<i>Luke</i> x. 38, 42.<br> -<i>At that time:</i> Jesus entered into a certain town; and a -certain woman named Martha, received him into her house. And she -had a sister called Mary. Who sitting also at the Lord's feet, -heard his word. But Martha was busy about much serving. Who stood -and said: Lord, hast thou no care that my sister hath left me -alone to serve? Speak to her therefore, that she help me. And the -Lord answering, said to her: Martha, Martha, thou art careful, -and art troubled about many things. But one thing is necessary. -Mary hath chosen the best part, which shall not be taken from -her. Credo. -</p> - - - <h4>Feast Of All Saints.<br> - - 1st November.</h4> -<p> -Lesson.<br> -<i>Revelation</i> vii. 2, 12.<br> -<i>In those days:</i> Behold -I, John, saw another angel ascending from the rising of the sun, -having the sign of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice -to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and -the sea, saying: Hurt not the earth, nor the sea, nor the trees, -till we have signed the servants of our God in their foreheads. -And I heard the number of them that were signed, an hundred -forty-four thousand were signed, of every tribe of the children -of Israel. Of the tribe of Judah, were twelve thousand signed: Of -the tribe of Reuben, twelve thousand signed: Of the tribe of Gad, -twelve thousand signed: Of the tribe of Aser, twelve thousand -signed: Of the tribe of Nephtali, twelve thousand signed: Of the -tribe of Manasses, twelve thousand signed: Of the tribe of -Simeon, twelve thousand signed: Of the tribe of Levi, twelve -thousand signed: Of the tribe of Issachar, twelve thousand -signed: Of the tribe of Zebulon, twelve thousand signed: Of the -tribe of Joseph, twelve thousand signed: Of the tribe of -Benjamin, twelve thousand signed. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_470">{470}</a></span> -After this I saw a great multitude, which no man could number, of -all nations and tribes, and peoples and tongues; standing before -the throne and in sight of the Lamb, clothed with white robes, -and palms in their hands; and they cried with a loud voice, -saying: Salvation to our God who sitteth upon the throne, and to -the Lamb. And all the angels stood round about the throne, and -the ancients, and the four living creatures; and they fell down -before the throne upon their faces, and adored God, saying: Amen. -Benediction, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, honour, and -power, and strength to our God for ever and ever. Amen. -</p><p> - -Gospel.<br> -<i>Matthew</i> v. 1, 12.<br> -<i>At that time:</i> Jesus seeing the multitude, went up into a -mountain, and when he was set down, his disciples came unto him. -And opening his mouth he taught them, saying: Blessed are the -poor in spirit; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are -the meek; for they shall possess the land. Blessed are they that -mourn; for they shall be comforted. Blessed are they that hunger -and thirst after justice; for they shall have their fill. Blessed -are the merciful; for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the -clean of heart; for they shall see God. Blessed are the peace -makers; for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are -they that suffer persecution for justice sake; for theirs is the -kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye when they shall revile you, and -persecute you, and speak all that is evil against you untruly, -for my sake; be glad and rejoice, for your reward is very great -in heaven. Credo. -</p> - - - <h4>Commemoration <i>of the</i> Faithful <i>departed</i>.<br> - - 2nd November.</h4> -<p> -Epistle.<br> -1 <i>Corinthians</i> xv. 51, 57.<br> -<i>Brethren:</i> Behold I tell you a mystery: We shall all indeed -rise again; but we shall not all be changed. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_471">{471}</a></span> -In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet: for -the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall rise again -incorruptible; and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must -put on incorruption; and this mortal must put on immortality. And -when this mortal hath put on immortality, then shall come to pass -the saying that is written: <i>Death is swallowed up in victory, -O grave, where is thy victory? O death, where is thy sting?</i> -Now the sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the -law. But thanks be to God, who hath given us the victory through -our Lord Jesus Christ. -</p><p> - -Gospel.<br> -<i>John</i> v. 25, 29.<br> -<i>At that time:</i> Jesus said to the multitude of the Jews: -Amen, amen, I say unto you, that the hour cometh, and now is, -when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God, and they -that hear shall live. For as the Father hath life in himself; so -he hath given to the Son also to have life in himself: and he -hath given him power to do judgment, because he is the Son of -man. Wonder not at this, for the hour cometh wherein all that are -in the grave shall hear the voice of the Son of God. And they -that have done good things shall come forth unto the resurrection -of life: but they that have done evil unto the resurrection of -judgment. -</p> -<hr> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_472">{472}</a></span> -<br> - <h2>Common Of Saints.</h2> - - - <h4>For The Vigil Of An Apostle,<br> - - Which May Be Read On The Festival Day.</h4> -<p> -Lesson.<br> -<i>Ecclesiastes</i> xliv. <i>and</i> xlv.<br> -The blessing of the Lord is on the head of the righteous man. -Therefore did the Lord give him an inheritance, and assign him a -part among the twelve tribes; and he found grace in the sight of -all flesh. And he made him great to the terror of his enemies, -and by his words he tamed monsters. He rendered him glorious in -the presence of kings, and gave him his commandments in the sight -of his people, and showed him his glory. For his faith and -meekness he sanctified him, and made choice of him among all -flesh: and publicly gave him his precepts, and the law of life -and discipline, and highly exalted him. He settled with him an -eternal covenant, and encompassed him with the girdle of -righteousness: and the Lord hath put on him a crown of glory. -</p><p> - -Gospel.<br> -<i>John</i> xv. 12, 16.<br> -<i>At that time:</i> Jesus said to his disciples: This is my -commandment, that you love one another, as I have loved you. -Greater love than this no man hath, that a man lay down his life -for his friends. You are my friends, if you do the things that I -command you. I will not now call you servants; for the servant -knoweth not what his lord doth. But I have called you friends: -because all things whatsoever I have heard of my Father, I have -made known to you. You have not chosen me: but I have chosen you; -and have appointed you that you should go, and should bring forth -fruit: and your fruit should remain: that whatsoever you shall -ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. -</p> - - - - <h4>Of a Martyr and Bishop.</h4> -<p> -Epistle.<br> -<i>James</i> i. 12, 18.<br> -<i>Dearly beloved:</i> Blessed is the man that endureth -temptation; for when he hath been proved, he shall receive the -crown of life which God hath promised to them that love him. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_473">{473}</a></span> -Let no man, when he is tempted, say that he is tempted by God. -For God is not a tempter of evils, and he tempteth no man. But -every man is tempted by his own concupiscence, being drawn away -and allured. Then when concupiscence hath conceived, it bringeth -forth sin. But sin, when it is completed, begetteth death. Do not -err therefore, my dearest brethren. Every best gift, and every -perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of -lights, with whom there is no change, nor shadow of alteration. -For of his own will hath he begotten us by the word of truth, -that we might be some beginning of his creatures. -</p><p> - -Gospel.<br> -<i>Luke</i> xiv. 26, 33.<br> -<i>At that time:</i> Jesus said to his disciples: If any man come -to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and -children, and brethren, and sisters, yea and his own life also, -he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not carry his cross -and come after me, cannot be my disciple. For which of you having -a mind to build a tower, doth not first sit down and reckon the -charges that are necessary, whether he have wherewithal to finish -it: lest, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to -finish it, all that see it begin to mock him, saying: This man -began to build, and was not able to finish. Or, what king about -to go and make war against another king, doth not first sit down -and think whether he be able with ten thousand, to meet him that -with twenty thousand cometh out against him. Or else, whilst the -other is yet afar off, sending an embassy, he desireth conditions -of peace. So likewise every one of you that doth not renounce all -that he possesseth, cannot be my disciple. -</p> - - - <h4>Of a Martyr not a Bishop.</h4> -<p> -Lesson.<br> -<i>Wisdom</i> x. 10, 14.<br> -The Lord conducted the just man through the right ways, and -showed him the kingdom of God, and gave him the knowledge of the -holy things: made him honourable in his labours, and accomplished -his labours. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_474">{474}</a></span> -In the deceit of them that over-reached him, she stood by him, -and made him honourable. She kept him safe from his enemies, and -she defended him from seducers, and gave him a strong conflict, -that he might overcome, and know that wisdom is mightier than -all. She forsook not the just when he was sold, but delivered him -from sinners: she went down with him into the pit, and in bands -she left him not, till she brought him the sceptre of the -kingdom, and power against those that oppressed him: and showed -them to be liars that accused him, and gave him everlasting -glory. -</p><p> - -Gospel.<br> -<i>Matthew</i> x. 34, 42.<br> -<i>At that time:</i> Jesus said to his disciples: Do not think -that I came to send peace upon earth: I came not to send peace, -but the sword. For I came to set a man at variance against his -father, and the daughter against her mother, and the -daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a man's enemies -against they of his own household. He that loveth his father and -mother more than me, is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son -or daughter more than me, is not worthy of me. And he that taketh -not up his cross, and followeth me, is not worthy of me. He that -findeth his life shall lose it: and he that shall lose his life -for me, shall find it. He that receiveth you, receiveth me; and -he that receiveth me, receiveth him that sent me. He that -receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet, shall receive the -reward of a prophet: and he that receiveth a just man in the name -of a just man, shall receive the reward of a just man. And -whosoever shall give to drink to one of these little ones a cup -of cold water only in the name of a disciple, amen, I say to you, -he shall not lose his reward. -</p> - - <h4>Of Many Martyrs.</h4> -<p> -Epistle.<br> -1 <i>Peter</i> i. 3, 7.<br> -Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who, -according to his great mercy hath regenerated us into a lively -hope, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, unto an -inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, and that cannot fade, -reserved in heaven for you, who by the power of God are kept by -faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. -Wherein you shall greatly rejoice, if now you must be for a -little time made sorrowful in divers temptations; that the trial -of your faith (much more precious than gold which is tried by the -fire) may be found unto praise, and glory, and honour, at the -appearing of Jesus Christ our Lord. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_475">{475}</a></span> -<p> -Gospel.<br> -<i>John</i> xv. 5, 11.<br> -<i>At that time:</i> Jesus said to his disciples: I am the vine, -you the branches: he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same -beareth much fruit: for without me you can do nothing. If any one -abide not in me, he shall be cast forth as a branch, and shall -wither, and they shall gather him up, and cast him into the fire, -and he burneth. If you abide in me, and my word abide in you, you -shall ask whatever you will, and it shall be done unto you. In -this is my Father glorified; that you bring forth very much -fruit, and become my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, I -also have loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my -commandments, you shall abide in my love; as I also have kept my -Father's commandments, and do abide in his love. These things -have I spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and your joy may -be filled. -</p> - - <h4>Of A Confessor And Bishop.</h4> - -<p class="center"> - Lesson <i>and</i> Gospel, <i>as in page</i> 79. -</p> -<br> - <h4>Of A Confessor Not A Bishop.</h4> -<p> -Lesson.<br> -<i>Ecclesiastes</i> xxxi. 8. 11.<br> -Blessed is the man that is found without blemish; and that hath -not gone after gold, nor put his trust in money nor in treasures. -Who is he, and we will praise him, for he hath done wonderful -things in his life. Who hath been tried thereby, and made -perfect, he shall have glory everlasting, He that could have -transgressed, and hath not transgressed: and could do evil -things, and hath not done them. Therefore are his goods -established in the Lord, and all the church of the saints shall -declare his alms. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_476">{476}</a></span> -<p> -Gospel.<br> -<i>Luke</i> xii. 35, 40.<br> -<i>At that time:</i> Jesus said to his disciples: Let your loins -be girt, and lamps burning in your hands, and you yourselves like -to men who wait for their lord, when he shall return from their -wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open to him -immediately. Blessed are those servants, whom the lord, when he -cometh, shall find watching: Amen, I say to you, that he will -gird himself, and make them sit down to meat, and passing will -minister unto them. And if he shall come in the second watch, or -come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those -servants. But this know ye, that if the householder did know at -what hour the thief would come, he would surely watch, and would -not suffer his house to be broke open. Be you then also ready: -for at what hour you think not, the Son of man will come. -</p> - - <h4>Of a Virgin And Martyr.</h4> -<p> -Lesson.<br> -<i>Ecclesiastes</i> li. 1, 8.<br> -I will give glory to thee, O Lord, my King, and I will praise -thee, O God, my Saviour. I will give glory to thy name, for thou -hast been a helper and protector to me, and hast preserved my -body from destruction, from the snare of an unjust tongue, and -from the lips of them that forge lies, and in the sight of them -that stood by, thou hast been my helper. And thou hast delivered: -me according to the multitude of the mercy of thy name, from the -roaring <i>lions</i>, that were ready to devour me. Out of the -hands of them that sought my life, and from the gates of -afflictions, which compassed me about: from the oppression of the -flame which surrounded me, and in the midst of the fire I was not -burnt. From the depth of the belly of hell, and from an unclean -tongue, and from lying words, from an unjust king, and from a -slanderous tongue: my soul shall praise the Lord even to death, -because thou succourest those that trust in thee, and deliverest -them from the hands of the Gentiles, O Lord our God. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_477">{477}</a></span> -<p> -Gospel.<br> -<i>Matthew</i> xxv. 1, 13.<br> -<i>At that time:</i> Jesus spoke to his disciples this parable: -The kingdom of heaven shall be like to ten virgins, who taking -their lamps went out to meet the bridegroom and the bride. And -five of them were foolish, and five wise. But the five foolish, -having taken their lamps, did not take oil with them: but the -wise took oil in their vessels with the lamps. And the bridegroom -tarrying, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was -a cry made: Behold the bridegroom cometh, go ye forth to meet -him. Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And -the foolish said to the wise: Give us of your oil, for our lamps -are gone out. The wise answered, saying: Lest perhaps there be -not enough for us and for you, go you rather to them that sell, -and buy for yourselves. Now whilst they went to buy, the -bridegroom came: and they that were ready, went in with him to -the marriage, and the door was shut. But at last came also the -other virgins, saying: Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered, -saying: Amen, I say to you, I know you not. Watch ye therefore, -because you know not the day nor the hour. -</p> - - - <h4>Of Many Virgins And Martyrs.</h4> -<p> -Epistle.<br> -1 <i>Corinthians</i> vii. 25, 34.<br> -<i>Brethren:</i> Concerning virgins I have no commandment of the -Lord: but I give counsel, as having obtained mercy of the Lord to -be faithful. I think therefore, that this is good for the present -necessity, for a man so to be. Art thou bound to a wife? seek not -to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife. But -if thou take a wife, thou hast not sinned. And if a virgin marry, -she hath not sinned: nevertheless, such shall have tribulation of -the flesh. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_478">{478}</a></span> -But I spare you. This therefore I say, brethren: the time is -short: it remaineth, that they also who have wives, be as if they -had none; and they that weep, as though they wept not; and they -that rejoice, as if they rejoiced not: and they that buy, as -though they possessed not; and they that use this world, as if -they used it not: for the fashion of this world passeth away. But -I would have you to be without solicitude. He that is without a -wife, is solicitous for the things that belong to the Lord, how -he may please God. But he that is with a wife, is solicitous for -the things of the world, how he may please his wife; and he is -divided. And the unmarried woman and the virgin thinketh on the -things of the Lord: that she may be holy both in body and spirit, -in Christ Jesus our Lord. -</p><p> - -Gospel.<br> -<i>Matthew</i> xxv. 1, 13,<br> -<i>as in page</i> 92. -</p> - - - <h4>Of a Virgin only.</h4> -<p> -Epistle.<br> -2 <i>Corinthians</i> x. 17; xi. 1, 2.<br> -<i>Brethren: </i>Let him that glorieth, glory in the Lord: for -not he that commendeth himself is approved; but he whom God -commendeth. [<i>Chap</i>. xi.] Would to God you could bear with -some little of my folly: but do bear with me. For I am jealous of -you with the jealousy of God. For I have espoused you to one -husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. -</p><p> - -Gospel.<br> -<i>Matthew</i> xxv. 1, 13,<br> -<i>as in page</i> 92. -</p><p> - - - <h4>Of Holy Women.</h4> -<p> -Lesson.<br> -<i>Proverbs</i> xxxi. 10.<br> -Who shall find a valiant woman? the price of her is <i>as of -things brought</i> from afar off, and from the uttermost coasts. -The heart of her husband trusteth in her, and he shall have no -need of spoils. She will render him good and not evil, all the -days of her life. She hath sought wool and flax, and hath wrought -by the counsel of her hands. She is like the merchant's ship, she -bringeth her bread from afar. And she hath risen in the night, -and given prey to her household, and victuals to her maidens. She -hath considered a field, and bought it: with the fruit of her -hands she hath planted a vineyard. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_479">{479}</a></span> -She hath girded her loins with strength, and hath strengthened -her arm. She hath tasted and seen that her traffic is good: her -lamp shall not be put out in the night. She hath put out her hand -to strong things, and her fingers have taken hold of the spindle. -She hath opened her hand to the needy, and stretched out her -hands to the poor. She shall not fear for her house in the cold -of snow, for all her domestics are clothed with double garments. -She hath made for herself clothing of tapestry; fine linen and -purple is her covering. Her husband is honourable in the gates, -where he sitteth among the senators of the land. She made fine -linen and sold it, and delivered a girdle to the Chananite. -Strength and beauty are her clothing, and she shall laugh in the -latter day. She hath opened her mouth to wisdom, and the law of -clemency is on her tongue. She hath looked well to the paths of -her house, and hath not eaten her bread idle. Her children rose -up, and called her blessed: her husband, and he praised her. Many -daughters have gathered together riches: thou hast surpassed them -all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: the woman that -feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of -her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates. -</p><p> - -Gospel.<br> -<i>Matthew</i> xiii. 44, 52.<br> -<i>At that time:</i> Jesus spoke to his disciples this parable: -The kingdom of heaven is like unto a treasure hidden in a field. -Which a man having found, hid it, and for joy thereof goeth, and -selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. Again the -kingdom of heaven is like to a merchant seeking good pearls. Who -when he had found one pearl of great price, went his way, and -sold all that he had, and bought it. Again the kingdom of heaven -is like to a net cast into the sea, and gathering together of all -kinds of fishes. Which, when it was filled they drew out, and -sitting by the shore, they chose out the good into vessels, but -the bad they cast forth. So shall it be at the end of the world. -The angels shall go out, and shall separate the wicked from among -the just. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_480">{480}</a></span> -And shall cast them into the furnace of fire; there shall be -weeping and gnashing of teeth. Have you understood all these -things? They say to him: Yes. He said unto them: Therefore every -scribe instructed in the kingdom of heaven, is like to a man who -is a householder, who bringeth forth out of his treasure new -things and old. -</p> - - - <h4>Anniversary Mass Of The Dedication Of A Church.</h4> -<p> -Lesson.<br> -<i>Revelation</i> xxi. 2, 5.<br> -<i>In those days:</i> I John saw the holy city, the new -Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven, from God, prepared as a -bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice from the -throne, saying: Behold the tabernacle of God with men, and he -will dwell with them. And they shall be his people: and God -himself with them shall be their God. And God shall wipe away all -tears from their eyes: and death shall be no more, nor mourning, -nor crying, nor sorrow shall be any more, for the former things -are passed away. And he that sat on the throne said: Behold I -make all things new. -</p><p> - -Gospel.<br> -<i>Luke</i> xix. 1, 10.<br> -<i>At that time: </i>Jesus entering in, he walked through -Jericho. And behold there was a man named Zacheus, who was the -chief of the publicans, and he was rich. And he sought to see -Jesus, who he was, and he could not, for the crowd, because he -was low of stature. And running before he climbed up into a -sycamore tree that he might see him: for he was to pass that way. -And when Jesus was come to the place, looking up he saw him, and -said to him: Zacheus, make haste and come down: for this day I -must abide in thy house. And he made haste and came down, and -received him with joy. And when all saw it, they murmured, -saying: that he was gone to be a guest with a man that was a -sinner. But Zacheus standing said to the Lord: Behold, Lord, the -half of my goods I give to the poor: and if I have wronged any -man of any thing, I restore him four-fold. Jesus said to him: -This day is salvation come to this house; because he also is a -son of Abraham. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save -that which was lost. Credo. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_481">{481}</a></span> - - <h4>For The Dead<br> - <i>On the day of Decease or Burial.</i></h4> -<p> -Epistle.<br> -1 Thessalonians iv. 12, 17.<br> -<i>Brethren:</i> We will not have you ignorant concerning them -that are asleep, that you be not sorrowful, even as others who -have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, -even so them who have slept through Jesus, will God bring with -him. For this we say unto you in the word of the Lord, that we -who are alive, who remain unto the coming of the Lord, shall not -prevent them who have slept. For the Lord himself shall come down -from heaven with commandment: and with the voice of an archangel, -and with the trumpet of God: and the dead who are in Christ, -shall rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, shall be -taken up together with them in the clouds to meet Christ, into -the air, and so shall we be always with the Lord. Wherefore -comfort ye one another with these words. -</p><p> - -Gospel.<br> -<i>John</i> xi. 21, 27.<br> -<i>At that time:</i> Martha said to Jesus: Lord, if thou hadst -been here, my brother had not died. But now also I know that -whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee. Jesus -saith to her: Thy brother shall rise again. Martha saith to him: -I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last -day. Jesus said to her: I am the resurrection and the life; he -that believeth in me, although he be dead, shall live. And every -one that liveth, and believeth in me, shall not die for ever. -Believest thou this? She saith to him: Yea, Lord, I have believed -that thou art Christ the Son of the living God, who art come into -this world. -</p> -<br> -<hr> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_482">{482}</a></span> - - <h2>Instructions And Devotions<br> - - For Confirmation.</h2> - -<p class="side"> - Confirmation is a sacrament instituted by our Lord Jesus - Christ, to enable us to arrive at the state of perfect - Christians, and to strengthen the spiritual life of grace which - we received at baptism. It is called <i>Confirmation</i>, from - its effect, which is to <i>confirm</i> and <i>fortify</i> those - who receive it with the necessary dispositions, in the - possession of the true faith, to arm them against their - spiritual enemies, and to complete and finish in them the - sanctification which baptism had begun. In baptism we receive - the character of the children of God; in confirmation we - receive the strength of men, and the character of the soldiers - of Jesus Christ, says St. Melchiades. In baptism we are - enlisted under the standard of Christ crucified; in - confirmation we are armed with the shield of faith, and enabled - to combat against the devil, the world, and the flesh. In baptism - we are regenerated, and receive the sanctifying grace of God for - the remission of sins; in confirmation we are prepared for a - spiritual warfare, and receive the Holy Ghost for a force and - corroboration, that we may stand firm in the divine service, - for the sake of Christ, with a holy vigour of spirit and - constancy of mind, amidst the terrors of the severest trials - and persecutions. -<br><br> - The effects of this sacrament appear visibly, not only in - thousands of holy martyrs, but also in the apostles, who, after - they had been confirmed on Whitsunday, by the Holy Ghost coming - down upon them, were immediately changed into new men, and were - animated by this Divine Spirit to that degree, that sufferings - for the sweet name of Jesus became the subject of their glory. - It is evident from Acts, viii. and xix., that the apostles - practised confirmation, as a means to communicate the graces - and gifts of the Holy Ghost to the faithful. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_483">{483}</a></span> - It is of confirmation also that St. Paul makes mention, Hebrews - vi. 1, 2, and 2 Corinthians i. 21, 22, where he expressly says: - <i>Now he who confirmeth us with you in Christ, and hath - anointed us, is God; who hath also sealed us, and given us the - earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.</i> -<br><br> - The testaments of the most ancient writers plainly show, that - the church of God, from the apostles' days, has always believed - confirmation to be a sacrament of the new law, and administered - it as such. Among the rest, St. Clement, a contemporary of the - apostles, says, chap. 4, that he received this doctrine from - St. Peter and other apostles; and therefore he exhorts all, - without delay, to hasten to be signed by the bishop, that they - may receive the seven-fold grace of the Holy Ghost, since he - cannot be a perfect Christian who wilfully neglects this - sacrament. Tertullian, St. Fabian, and St. Melchiades, who - flourished in the second, third, and fourth centuries; St. - Cyprian, St. Jerome, St. Ambrose, &c. have handed down the same - doctrine: and St. Augustine, cont. lit. Petil. 2, c. 104, says - in express terms, "The sacrament of chrism in the kind of - visible seals, is sacred and holy, even as baptism itself." - Moreover, it is plain from the 8th chapter of the Acts of the - Apostles, ver. 14, that the <i>visible sign</i> of the - imposition of hands has annexed to it an <i>invisible - grace</i>, viz. the imparting of the Holy Ghost. Consequently, - confirmation is a sacrament, as it has all things necessary to - constitute a sacrament, and is a <i>visible sign of an - invisible grace, &c.</i> -<br><br> - The ordinary minister of this sacrament is a bishop only; and - it was for this reason that St. Peter and St. John, who were - both bishops, were sent to confirm the Samaritans, who had been - converted and baptised by Philip, the deacon; which is an - additional proof, that confirmation is a holy sacrament, and - not a mere ceremony, as Calvin pretends; for were it only a - ceremony that they had administered, why did not Philip, the - deacon, who baptised the Samaritans, use that ceremony? Where - was the necessity of sending two bishops to Samaria, as the - apostles did?—<i>Acts</i> viii. -<br><br> - As water is made use of in baptism, so chrism is used in - confirmation. <i>Chrism</i> is a sacred ointment, composed of - <i>oil of olives</i> and <i>balsam</i> (or <i>balm</i>) <i>of - Gilead</i>, solemnly blessed by a bishop on Holy Thursday. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_484">{484}</a></span> - The unction, or outward anointing with <i>chrism</i>, - represents the inward anointing of the soul with the gifts of - the Holy Ghost; as the outward ablution with water in baptism, - denotes the inward washing of the soul by the sanctifying grace - of God. The oil, whose properties are to assuage our pains, to - fortify the limbs, and to give a certain vigour to the body, - represents the spiritual effects of the grace of this sacrament - in the soul; and the balm, which is of a sweet smell, and whose - property is to preserve bodies from putrefaction, represents - the good odour or sweet savour of Christian virtues with which - we are to edify our neighbours after having received this - sacrament. The form of words used in conferring this sacrament - is this: <i>I sign thee with the sign of the cross, I confirm - thee with the chrism of salvation, in the name of the Father, - and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.</i> Whilst the bishop - pronounces the form, he makes the sign of the cross with the - holy chrism, upon the forehead of each person that is to be - confirmed, to give them to understand, that no worldly fear or - shame is to deter them from confessing Christ crucified; but - that they are openly to profess the doctrines and maxims of his - gospel, and live as becomes members of his church in spite of - the ill example and corrupt maxims of the world. Hence - Tertullian says, lib. 1. adv. Marc. "The flesh is anointed, - that the soul may be consecrated. The flesh is signed, that the - soul may be fenced. The flesh, by the imposition of hands, is - shadowed, that the soul, by the spirit, may be - illuminated."—This is what the bishop prays for, when turning - himself towards those that are to be confirmed, with his hands - joined before his breast, he says, <i>May the Holy Ghost come - down upon you and the power of the Most High keep you from all - sins.—Amen</i>. A little blow is given on the cheek to the - persons confirmed, to imprint in their minds, that they are to - be ready to bear with meekness and patience, all crosses, - persecutions, trials, affronts, and injuries, for the sake and - glory of their Lord and Master Jesus Christ. At the same time - the bishop says, <i>Peace be with thee</i>, to signify that the - true peace of God, which, as St. Paul says, <i>exceeds all - understanding</i>, is chiefly to be found in patient suffering - for God and his truths. Lastly, the bishop prays for those who - have been confirmed, that the Holy Ghost may ever dwell in - their hearts, and make them temples of his glory. After which - be dismisses them with his blessing, &c. -<br> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_485">{485}</a></span> -<br> - Q. Can this sacrament of confirmation be received more than - once? -<br><br> - A. No; because, like baptism, it imprints an indelible - character or spiritual mark in the soul, which always remains. -<br><br> - Q. Is there any spiritual kindred contracted in confirmation? -<br><br> - A. Yes; the godfather or the godmother contracts the same - spiritual kindred as in the sacrament of baptism. -<br><br> - Q. Is confirmation absolutely necessary to salvation? -<br><br> - A. It is not so necessary but that a person may be saved - without it; yet, when a favourable opportunity offers for - receiving it, it would be certainly a sin to neglect so - powerful a help to salvation, and deprive ourselves of the - benefit of this holy sacrament, which our blessed Redeemer was - mercifully pleased of his infinite goodness to institute, as - the never-failing means in his church to communicate his divine - spirit to his followers. It would be a still more grievous - crime to neglect confirmation through contempt, disregard, or - want of faith. It is to a wilful neglect of this sacrament that - the holy fathers attribute the downfall of several apostates - from the true religion. -<br><br> - Q. What kind of persons stand most in need of the grace of this - sacrament? -<br><br> - A. Those who are most exposed to temptations against faith, or - to persecutions upon account of their religion. -<br><br> - Q. At what age may a person be confirmed? -<br><br> - A. Ordinarily speaking, the church does not give confirmation - to children before they are seven years old; but defers it till - they come to the use of reason, and are sufficiently instructed - and prepared. Fathers and mothers should take care to have them - carefully instructed in the Christian doctrine, and regularly - prepared to be presented to the bishop for confirmation at the - proper time, before they have received the Blessed Eucharist. - If their children be lost through ignorance, they shall answer - for it to God. -<br><br> - Q. What are the dispositions necessary for receiving the - sacrament of confirmation worthily? -<br><br> - A. A person must be free from the guilt of mortal sin, and in - the state of grace; for the <i>holy spirit of wisdom will not - enter into a malicious soul, nor dwell in a body subject to - sins</i>.—Wisdom i. 4. He must also be well instructed in the - principles of the Christian faith, according to his age and - capacity, and have a proper sense of what he is doing. -<br> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_486">{486}</a></span> -<br> - Q. In what manner then must a person prepare himself for - confirmation? -<br><br> - A. First, he must examine his conscience diligently, and if he - find it charged with wilful sin, he must take care to purge it - by a good sacramental confession; for it would be a grievous - sacrilege to presume to receive the sacrament of confirmation, - knowingly in the state of mortal sin.—Secondly, he must - prepare himself some days before by devout and humble prayer, - frequently and fervently calling upon God to dispose his soul - for receiving the Holy Ghost, who communicates his gracious - gifts and favours in proportion to the dispositions with which - they are received. -<br><br> - Q. As confirmation is ordained for the sanctification of souls, - why do not all who receive it become saints? -<br><br> - A. The fault is entirely their own. God on his part is ready to - bestow all the graces necessary to enable them to become saints; - but, alas! how few are disposed to improve and co-operate with - them as they might and ought! How few make the proper use of - them! How many on the contrary resist them, like the - stiff-necked Jews! How many <i>contristate</i> and - <i>extinguish</i> the divine spirit, as the apostle expresses - it! How many banish this heavenly guest from the temple of - their souls by falling into mortal sin, and thus obstruct the - operation of this holy sacrament! -<br><br> - Q. Is a person obliged to receive the sacrament of confirmation - fasting? -<br><br> - A. No. There is no strict obligation or precept for it, though - to fast on the eve and day of confirmation is a laudable - custom, and conformable to the practice of the primitive - church. -<br><br> - Q. Why are the fervent exercises of piety and devotion required - before confirmation? -<br><br> - A. For two reasons: First, because our Saviour has assured us - that his <i>heavenly Father will give his good spirit to them - that ask it.</i>—Luke, xi. 13. Secondly, in imitation of the - apostles, who, during the ten days between the ascension of our - Lord and the descent of the Holy Ghost at Pentecost, retired from - the noise and tumults of the world, and continued with one accord - in prayer, with Mary the Mother of Jesus, and with his - brethren.—<i>Acts</i>, i. 14. -<br> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_487">{487}</a></span> -<br> - Q. Why are we to invoke the Holy Ghost in particular? -<br><br> - A. Not that we are to neglect praying to the Father and the Son - also, as we know that all the three persons are but one and the - same God; but because the work of our sanctification, the - pouring down the grace of God into our souls, and all the - heavenly favours and helps that are necessary for conducting us - in the way of salvation, are the effects of the divine love, - and are by a peculiar approbation attributed in a special - manner to the operation of the Holy Ghost, as it is the love of - the Father and of the Son, and as it is from God's love that - all grace, all virtue and sanctification, flow and proceed. -</p> - - <h4>A Prayer Before Confirmation.</h4> -<p> -O God of infinite goodness and bounty, who has been pleased, at -my baptism, to make me a Christian, to sanctify my soul with thy -grace, and to honour me with the glorious title of thy child; -which, alas! for my part, I have so wretchedly corresponded with, -and have even forfeited a thousand times by my sins: behold, -notwithstanding all my ingratitude, and my repeated treasons, -which thou hast so long and so patiently endured, thou art still -pleased, not only to invite me to return to thee, and to offer me -thy mercy, but also to call upon me at this time, to come and -present myself, in order to receive the greatest of all thy -gifts, even thine own most Holy Spirit; to be consecrated to thee -by his unction; to be made a strong and perfect Christian, and a -soldier of thy Son. O may all heaven and earth praise thee, bless -thee, and glorify thee for ever, for all thy mercies, goodness, -and bounty to me. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_488">{488}</a></span> -And now, dearest Lord, I desire to come, because such is thy will -and my duty, to receive this great sacrament of Confirmation; -that I may like thy apostles, be <i>baptised with the Holy Ghost, -and be endowed with power from on high;</i> and like them be -changed by divine grace, into another man, in such manner as -henceforward to live up to the dignity, and to fulfil every part -of the duty of a <i>soldier of Christ!</i> and to preserve and -maintain even to death, that purity and sanctity which become the -temple of the living God. But, O my God, how far am I from being -worthy to approach this heavenly sacrament! How can I expect that -thy Holy Spirit should come into my inward house, to make it his -temple, which has been so long possessed by unclean spirits? -Where are the dispositions in me, which the apostles brought, and -which all Christians ought to bring along with them, to the -receiving of the Holy Ghost? O! I acknowledge myself infinitely -unworthy; I confess and detest from the bottom of my heart, all -my past uncleanness and abominations; I humbly crave thy mercy -and pardon, through Jesus Christ thy Son; and beg, through him, -that thou wilt be pleased to cleanse my soul from all its filth -with his precious blood, and to give me thy grace to come to this -sacrament with that humility, faith, and devotion, which is most -agreeable to thee. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_489">{489}</a></span> -O Divine Spirit, do thou prepare my soul for thyself! Behold, I -come, desiring to give up myself to thee for all time and -eternity, that thou mayest ever live and reign in my soul; and O -let my whole soul henceforward he perpetually subject to thee, -and let nothing in me ever more rebel against thee. Amen. -</p> -<p class="side"> - Those who are preparing themselves for the sacrament of - Confirmation, may likewise breathe forth, from time to time, - the following short Ejaculations: -</p><p> -Come, Holy Ghost, who replenisheth the hearts of the faithful, -descend into my soul, and make it the place of thy abode. -</p><p> -Come, O Divine Spirit, take full possession of my heart, and -kindle in it the fire of thy divine love. -</p><p> -Enter into my soul and abide there for ever, to be my light, my -guide, and my strength. -</p><p> -Come, Holy Ghost, with all thy gifts, and fill my soul; -enlighten, direct, and conduct me in all my ways. Strengthen me -against all the assaults of self-love, remove from me all vicious -shame, and inspire me with a Christian courage. -</p><p> -O grant that I may make the gospel the rule of my life. Preserve -me from the corruption of sin, and from the pernicious maxims of -the world. Give me grace, O God, to do thy will in all things. -Enlighten my eyes, O Lord, that I may never sleep in death. -</p><p> -O uncreated fire, when wilt thou consume whatever is imperfect in -my soul. -</p><p> -Inebriate my soul with thy holy love, O thou sovereign beauty. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_490">{490}</a></span> -<p> -O may I never forget the obligations that are contracted, by -being enlisted a disciple of the cross, in the sacrament of -confirmation. -</p><p> -O grant that I may ever have before my eyes the duties thereunto -annexed, and that I may live henceforward according to the spirit -of a true and perfect Christian. -</p><p class="side"> - "Short ejaculations of this kind, frequently darted from an - humble and fervent heart, penetrate the clouds, pierce the - paternal heart of the Father of Mercies, and draw down an ample - benediction on those pious souls to whom they become familiar - by practice and habit; this manner of prayer is highly - commended by the saints, and was one of the principal - excercises by which the ancient solitaries arrived at the - highest perfection. It has this peculiar advantage, that one - can practise it at all times, on all occasions, and in the - midst of external employment, without being exposed to the - danger of vain glory, as it is secretly performed in the closet - of the heart. It is short and easy, does not distract or - fatigue the mind, but keeps up the fervour of the spirit, and - attention to the divine presence." -</p> - - <h4>A Prayer After Confirmation.</h4> -<p> -O my God, I now desire to adore thee, bless thee, and glorify -thee, for ever, for all thou hast done for me, and for thy whole -church, both of heaven and earth. I would now gladly join both my -heart and my voice with all thy angels and saints in heaven, and -with all that fear thee and love thee on earth, in giving -perpetual praise to thee for thy infinite goodness, and in -particular for that love thou hast shown to me this day. I give -thee thanks from the bottom of my heart, for having sent down the -Holy Spirit into my soul, with all his gifts and graces. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_491">{491}</a></span> -O let him now take full possession of my soul; let this heavenly -unction penetrate into the very centre of my interior; let his -divine <i>wisdom</i> ever preside there, may it ever enlighten me -with his gifts of <i>understanding</i>, and dispel all my -darkness: may it direct me with his <i>counsel</i>, strengthen me -with his <i>fortitude</i>, instruct me with his <i>knowledge</i>, -make me ever fervent in all good, with his <i>piety</i> and -<i>godliness</i> and let his <i>divine fear</i> ever restrain me -from <i>evil</i>. And now, dear Lord, since thou hast been -pleased, by this sacrament, to consecrate and sanctify my soul -for thyself, and to make it thy temple, be pleased also to drive -far from it, by thy grace, all that may violate or profane it, or -render it any ways disagreeable to thy eyes. O keep it for ever -for thyself, and restrain Satan from ever entering into it any -more. O let it be a <i>house of prayer</i>, in which thou mayest -be ever <i>worshipped, in spirit and in truth</i>, and suffer it -not to be made any more a <i>den of thieves</i>. Give me grace -also to fulfil, with perfection, every branch of the duty of thy -<i>soldier</i>,—which glorious title thou hast <i>conferred</i> -on me this day: arm me completely for the warfare in which I am -happily engaged, and stand by me in all my conflicts, to crown me -with victory. O make me <i>faithful unto death</i>, and bring me -safe through all the dangers of my mortal pilgrimage, to the -crown of everlasting life: through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. -</p><p class="side"> - <i>N. B.—Here repeat the Hymns</i>, "Creating Spirit, come - posses;" <i>and,</i> "Come, Holy Ghost, send down those beams," - <i>which are inserted, with the Latin, at the end, under the head - of Whit-Sunday</i>. -</p> -<br> -<hr> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_492">{492}</a></span> - - <h4>The Psalter Of Jesus. -</h4> -<p class="side"> - "There is no other name under heaven given to men - whereby we must be saved."—<i>Acts</i>. iv. 12. -</p> - -<p class="side"> - This Psalter is divided into three Parts; each part consisting - of five Petitions, and each Petition prefaced by a tenfold - repetition of the sacred name of <i>Jesus</i>. As it is not to - be run over in too hasty a manner, but performed with the - utmost reverence and recollection, the whole may be said - without interruption; or, each Part at three distinct periods - of time; according to the leisure which persons may find, after - discharging the indispensable duties of their several states - and conditions of life. -</p> - - - <h4>First Part.</h4> -<p class="side"> - "At the name of <i>Jesus</i> let every knee bend, both in - heaven, on earth, and under the earth; and let every tongue - acknowledge that the Lord Jesus Christ is in the glory of God - the Father."—Philippians ii. -</p> - - <h4>The First Petition.</h4> -<p> -Jesus! (<i>repeated ten times</i>) thou God of compassion, have -mercy on me, and forgive the many and great offences I have -committed in thy sight. Many have been the follies of my life, -and great are the miseries I have deserved for my ingratitude. -Have mercy on me, dear Jesus, for I am weak; heal me, O Lord, for -I am unable to help myself. Deliver me from an inordinate -affection for any of thy creatures, which may divert my eyes from -incessantly looking up to thee. For the love of thee, grant me -henceforth the grace to hate sin, and out of a just esteem of -thee, to despise all worldly vanities. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_493">{493}</a></span> -<p> -Have mercy on all sinners, I beseech thee, dear Jesus; turn their -vices into virtues; and making them sincere lovers of thee, and -observers of thy law, conduct them to bliss in everlasting glory. -For the sake of thy glorious name Jesus, and through the merits -of thy bitter passion, have mercy also on the souls in purgatory. -O blessed Trinity, one eternal God, have mercy on me. Our Father. -Hail, Mary. -</p> - - <h4>The Second Petition.</h4> -<p> -Jesus! (<i>repeated ten times</i>) help me to overcome all -temptations to sin, and the malice of my ghostly enemy. Help me -to spend my time in virtuous actions, and in such labours as are -acceptable to thee. Enable me to resist and repel every -inordinate emotion of sloth, gluttony, and carnality. Render my -heart enamoured of virtue, and inflamed with desires of thy -glorious presence. Help me to merit and preserve a good name by a -peaceable and pious life, to thy honor, <i>O Jesus!</i> to my own -comfort, and the edification of others. -</p><p> -Have mercy on all sinners, &c. <i>as in the first petition</i>. -Our Father. Hail Mary. -</p> - - <h4>The Third Petition.</h4> -<p> -Jesus! (<i>repeated ten times</i>) grant me effectual strength of -soul and body, to please thee in the performance of such virtuous -actions as may bring me to thy everlasting joy and felicity. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_494">{494}</a></span> -Grant me, O most merciful Saviour, a firm purpose to amend my -life, and to make atonement for the years past; those years, -alas! which I have lavished, to thy displeasure, in vain or -wicked thoughts, evil words, deeds, and habits. Make my heart -obedient to thy will, and ready, for thy love, to perform all the -works of mercy. Grant me the gifts of the Holy Ghost, which, -through a virtuous life, and a devout frequenting of thy most -holy sacraments, may at length conduct me to thy heavenly -kingdom. -</p><p> -Have mercy on all sinners, &c. Our Father. Hail Mary. -</p> - - <h4>The Fourth Petition.</h4> -<p> -Jesus! (<i>repeated ten times</i>) comfort me, and grant me grace -to fix in thee my chief joy and only felicity; inspire me with -heavenly meditations, spiritual sweetness, and fervent desires of -thy glory; ravish my soul with the contemplation of heaven, where -I hope to dwell everlastingly with thee. Bring thy unspeakable -goodness to my frequent recollection, and let me always with -gratitude remember thy gifts; but when thou bringest the -multitude of the sins whereby I have so ungratefully offended -thee, to sad remembrance, comfort me with the assurance of -pardon; and by the spirit of true penance purging away my guilt, -prepare me for the possession of thy heavenly kingdom. -</p><p> -Have mercy on all sinners, &c. Our Father. Hail Mary. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_495">{495}</a></span> - - <h4>The Fifth Petition.</h4> -<p> -Jesus! (<i>repeated ten times</i>) make me constant in faith, -hope, and charity. Grant me perseverance in virtue, and a -resolution never to offend thee. May the memory of thy passion, -and of those bitter pains thou didst suffer for my sake, fortify -my patience, and refresh my soul under every tribulation and -adversity. Render me a strenuous professor of the Catholic faith, -and a diligent frequenter of my religious duties. Let me not be -blinded by the delights of a deceitful world, nor my fortitude -shaken by internal frauds or carnal temptations. My heart has for -ever fixed its repose in thee, and resolved to contemn all things -for thine eternal reward. -</p><p> -Have mercy on all sinners, &c. Our Father. Hail Mary. -</p><p> -The Lord Jesus "Christ, for our sakes, became obedient unto -death, even the death of the cross."<br> - <i>Philippians</i> ii. -</p><p> -Hear these petitions, O most merciful Saviour, and grant me the -grace frequently to repeat and consider them, that they may serve -as so many easy steps, whereby my soul may ascend to thy -knowledge and love, and to a diligent performance of my duty to -thee and my neighbour, through the whole course of my life.— -Amen. -</p><p> -Our Father. Hail Mary. I believe in God. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_496">{496}</a></span> - - <h3>Second Part.</h3> -<p class="side"> - Begin as before, saying, "At the name of Jesus let every knee - bend, both in heaven, on earth, and under the earth," &c, as in - part the first, <i>page</i> 492. -</p> - - <h4>The Sixth Petition.</h4> -<p> -Jesus! (<i>repeated ten times</i>) enlighten me with a spiritual -wisdom, whereby I may arrive at a knowledge of thy goodness, and -of every thing which is most acceptable to thee. Grant me a -perfect apprehension of my only good, and a discretion to -regulate my life accordingly. Grant me wisely to proceed from -virtue to virtue, till at length I enjoy a clear sight of thy -glory. Forbid it, dear Lord, that I return to the sins of which I -accused myself at the tribunal of confession. Let others be -edified by my pious example, and my enemies mollified by my good -counsel. -</p><p> -Have mercy on all sinners, &c, <i>as before, page</i> 493. Our -Father. Hail Mary. -</p> - - <h4>The Seventh Petition.</h4> -<p> -Jesus! (<i>repeated ten times</i>) grant me grace inwardly to -fear thee, and avoid every occasion whatsoever of offending thee. -Let the threats of the torments prepared for sinners, the dread -of the loss of thy love and of thy heavenly inheritance, always -keep me in awe. Suffer me not to slumber in sin, but rather rouse -me to repentance, lest through thine anger I may be overtaken by -the sentence of eternal wrath, and endless damnation. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_497">{497}</a></span> -Let the powerful intercession of thy blessed mother, and of all -thy saints, but above all, thine own merits and mercy, serve as a -rampart between my poor soul and thy avenging justice.—Enable -me, O my God! to work out my salvation with fear and trembling, -and the apprehension of thy sacred judgments. Make me a more -humble and diligent suitor to the throne of thy mercy. -</p><p> -Have mercy, &c. Our Father. Hail Mary. -</p> - - <h4>The Eighth Petition.</h4> -<p> -Jesus! (<i>repeated ten times</i>) grant me the grace truly to -love thee, for thine infinite goodness, and those excessive -bounties I have received, or shall ever hope to receive from -thee. Let the recollection of thy benignity and patience conquer -the malice and wretched propensity of my perverse nature. May the -consideration of the many deliverances, frequent calls, and -continual helps, I have received from thee during the course of -my life, make me blush at my ingratitude. Ah, what return dost -thou require of me for all thy mercies, but that I love thee! And -why dost thou require it? Because thou art my only good!—thou -art my dear Lord! the sole object of my life; and I will -diligently keep thy commandments, because I truly love thee. -</p><p> -Have mercy, &c. Our Father. Hail Mary. -</p> - - <h4>The Ninth Petition.</h4> -<p> -Jesus! (<i>repeated ten times</i>) grant me the grace always to -remember my latter end, and the account I am to give in after -death; that so my soul may be always well disposed, and ready to -depart out of this life in thy grace and favour. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_498">{498}</a></span> -At that important hour, by the powerful intercession of thy -blessed mother, the glorious assistance of St. Michael, and my -good angel, rescue my poor soul, O Lord, from the snares of the -enemy of my salvation. Remember then thy mercy, O dear Jesus! and -hide not thy face from me on account of my offences. Secure me -against the terrors of that awful period, by causing me now to -die daily to all earthly things, and to have my conversation -continually in heaven. Let the remembrance of thy death teach me -to set a just value on life; and the memory of thy resurrection -encourage me to descend cheerfully to the grave. -</p><p> -Have mercy, &c. Our Father. Hail Mary. -</p> - - <h4>The Tenth Petition.</h4> -<p> -Jesus! (<i>repeated ten times</i>) send me my purgatory in this -life, and thus prevent me from being tormented in the cleansing -fire which awaits those souls who have not been sufficiently -purified in this world. Vouchsafe to grant me those merciful -crosses and afflictions which thou seest necessary for weaning my -affections from things here below. Suffer not my heart to find -any repose but in sighing after thee, since no one can see thee, -who loves any thing which is not for thy sake. Too bitter, alas! -will be the anguish of the soul that desires to be united to -thee, and whose separation is retarded by the heavy chains of -sin. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_499">{499}</a></span> -Keep me then, O my Saviour, continually mortified in this world, -that being purified thoroughly with the fire of thy love, I may -pass from hence to the immediate possession of thee in -everlasting glory. -</p><p> -Have mercy on all sinners, &c. &c. <i>as at the conclusion of the -fifth petition, page</i> 495. -</p> - - <h3>Third Part.</h3> -<p class="side"> - Begin as before, saying, "At the name of Jesus let every knee - bend," &c., <i>page</i> 492. -</p> - - <h4>The Eleventh Petition.</h4> -<p> -Jesus! (<i>repeated ten times</i>) grant me grace to avoid bad -company; or, if I should chance to come in the midst of such, -preserve me from being infected with the least temptation to -mortal sin, through the merits of thine uncorrupt conversation -among sinners. Art thou not always present, O Lord? and wilt thou -not take an exact account of all our words and actions, and judge -us accordingly? How then dare I converse with liars, slanderers, -drunkards, or blasphemers; or with such whose discourse is either -vain, quarrelsome, or dissolute?—Repress in me, dear Jesus, -every inordinate affection to carnal pleasures, and to delights -of taste; and strengthen me by thy grace to avoid such company as -would enkindle the flames of those unruly appetites. May thy -power, thy wisdom, and thy fatherly compassion defend, direct, -and chastise me; and cause me to lead such a life here amongst -men, as may qualify me hereafter for the conversation of angels. -</p><p> -Have mercy, &c. Our Father. Hail Mary. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_500">{500}</a></span> - - <h4>The Twelfth Petition.</h4> -<p> -Jesus! (<i>repeated ten times</i>) grant me the grace to call on -thee for help in all my necessities, and frequently to remember -thy death and resurrection. Wilt thou be deaf to my cries, who -hast laid down thy life for my ransom? or canst thou not save me, -who took it up again for my crown? <i>Call on me in the day of -trouble, and I will deliver thee</i>. Whom have I in heaven but -thee, O my Jesus! from whose blessed mouth issued such balmy -words? Thou art my sure rock of defence against all mine enemies, -and my gracious assistant in every good work. I will, then, -invoke thee with confidence in all my trials and afflictions, and -when thou hearest me, O Jesus! thou wilt have mercy on me. -</p><p> -Have mercy, &c. Our Father. Hail Mary. -</p> - - <h4>The Thirteenth Petition.</h4> -<p> -Jesus! (<i>repeated ten times</i>) enable me to persevere in a -virtuous life, and never to grow weary in thy service till thou -rewardest me in thy kingdom. In pious customs, holy duties, and -in all honest and necessary employments, continue, O Lord, to -strengthen me, both in soul and body. My life is nothing on earth -but a pilgrimage towards the heavenly Jerusalem, to which he that -sits down, or turns out of the way, can never arrive. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_501">{501}</a></span> -May I always, O Jesus! follow thy blessed example. With how much -pain, and how little pleasure, didst thou press on to a bitter -death, that being the assured way to a glorious resurrection. Let -me frequently meditate on those severe words of thine: <i>He only -that perseveres to the end shall be saved.</i> -</p><p> -Have mercy, &c. Our Father. Hail Mary. -</p> - - <h4>The Fourteenth Petition.</h4> -<p> -Jesus! (<i>repeated ten times</i>) grant me grace to fix my mind -on thee, especially whilst I converse with thee in time of -prayer. Check the wanderings of my fanciful brain, put a stop to -the desires of my fickle heart, and suppress the power of my -spiritual enemies, who at that time endeavour to withdraw my mind -from heavenly thoughts to vain imaginations. Thus shall I -joyfully look on thee as my deliverer from all evil, and thank -thee as my benefactor for all the good I have received, or hope -to obtain. I shall be convinced that thou art my chief good, and -that all other things were ordained by thee only as the means of -engaging me to fix my affections on thee alone; that by -persevering till death in thy love and service, I might be -eternally happy. Let all my thoughts, O beloved of my soul! be -absorbed in thee, that my eyes being shut to all vain and sinful -objects, may become worthy to behold thee face to face in thy -everlasting glory. -</p><p> -Have mercy, &c. Our Father. Hail Mary. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_502">{502}</a></span> - - <h4>The Fifteenth Petition.</h4> -<p> -Jesus! (<i>repeated ten times</i>) grant me the grace to order my -life with reference to my eternal welfare, sincerely intending, -and wisely referring all the operations of my soul and body -towards obtaining the reward of thy infinite bliss and eternal -felicity. For what else is this world but a school for the -tutoring of souls created for eternal happiness in the next? And -how are they educated but by an anxious desire of enjoying God, -their only end? Break my froward spirit, O Jesus! by the reins of -humility and obedience. Grant me grace to depart hence with the -most sovereign contempt of this world, and with a heart -overflowing with joy at the thoughts of going to thee. Let the -memory of thy passion make me cheerfully undergo every temptation -or suffering in this state of probation, for love of thee; whilst -my soul, in the mean time, languishes after that life of -consummate bliss and immortal glory, which thou hast prepared for -thy servants in heaven. O Jesus! let me frequently and -attentively consider, that whatsoever I may gain, If I lose thee, -all is lost; and that whatever I may lose, if I obtain thee, all -is gained. -</p><p> -Have mercy on all sinners, &c, <i>as in page</i> 493. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_503">{503}</a></span> - - <h3>The Rosary Of<br> - The Blessed Name Of Jesus.</h3> - -<p class="center" style="font-size:200%"> - + -</p> -<p> -In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. -Amen. -</p><p> -Thou, O Lord, wilt open my lips, and my tongue shall declare thy -praise. -</p><p> -Incline unto my aid, O God. -</p><p> -O Lord, hasten to help me. -</p><p> -Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; -</p><p> -As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. -</p> - - <h3>The Five Mysteries Of The First Part.</h3> -<p> -I.—<i>The Incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ.</i> -</p> - <h4>The Meditation.</h4> -<p> -The Son of God assumes human flesh, of the pure blood of the -blessed Mary ever virgin, and is made man in her womb. -</p><p> -O Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on us. [<i>Ten times</i>.] -Glory be to the Father, &c. -</p> -<br> -<p> -II.—<i>The Birth of our Lord Jesus Christ</i>. -</p> - <h4>The Meditation.</h4> -<p> -The Saviour of the world is born for our redemption; his mother -remaining a virgin. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_504">{504}</a></span> -<p> -O Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on us. [<i>Ten times</i>.] -Glory, &c. -</p> -<br> -<p> -III.—<i>The Circumcision of our Lord Jesus Christ.</i> -</p> - <h4>The Meditation.</h4> -<p> -Our Saviour being eight days old, begins to suffer for our sins, -and his blood already flows for us. He is circumcised according -to the law, as if he had been himself a sinner. -</p><p> -O Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on us. [<i>Ten times</i>.] -Glory, &c. -</p> -<br> -<p> -IV.—<i>Our Lord Jesus Christ is found in the Temple.</i> -</p> - <h4>The Meditation.</h4> -<p> -Our Saviour being twelve years old, shows himself more than -mortal, by his knowledge and wisdom, teaching the very teachers -of the Jews. -</p><p> -O Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on us. [<i>Ten times</i>.] -Glory, &c. -</p> -<br> -<p> -V.—<i>The Baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ</i>. -</p> - <h4>The Meditation.</h4> -<p> -The Saviour of the world is baptised by St. John. The eternal -Father declares him to be his Son. -</p><p> -O Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on us. [<i>Ten times</i>.] -Glory, &c. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_505">{505}</a></span> -<br> - <h4>The Prayer.</h4> -<p> -O Jesus! whose name is above all names; that in the name of Jesus -every knee may bend, of those that are in heaven, on earth, and -in hell; who, at the time appointed by the eternal wisdom, -assumedst flesh in the womb of the blessed Mary, ever virgin, and -thus became the Son of David, whose birth gladdened men and -angels; who began so early to suffer for us, and to shed, on our -account, that blood that washeth away the sins of the world; -whose eternal wisdom appeared at the age of twelve years; to -whose baptism all heaven was attentive; grant to us to celebrate -those mysteries to thy honour and our own salvation: who with the -Father and the Holy Ghost, livest and reignest, one God, for all -eternity. Amen. -</p> - - <h3>The Five Mysteries Of The Second Part.</h3> -<p> -I.—<i>Our Saviour washeth his Disciples' feet</i>. -</p> - <h4>The Meditation.</h4> -<p> -Our Saviour, to show us an example of humility, and how much we -ought to serve each other, descended so low as to wash the feet -of his disciples, though he is the God whom heaven and earth -adore. -</p><p> -O Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews, have mercy on us. [<i>Ten -times</i>.] Glory, &c. -</p> -<br> -<p> -II.—<i>The Prayer of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Garden</i>. -</p> - <h4>The Meditation.</h4> -<p> -Our Saviour, knowing his passion to be now at hand, is so -affected with the thoughts of it, and so oppressed with the load -of our sins, that he prays to his almighty Father, that the -bitter cup might pass away from him. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_506">{506}</a></span> -<p> -O Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews, have mercy on us. [<i>Ten -times.</i>] Glory, &c. -</p> -<br> -<p> -III.—<i>Our Saviour is apprehended.</i> -</p> - <h4>The Meditation.</h4> -<p> -Our Saviour, as if he had been no more than mortal, yields to the -power of men, and permits himself, for our redemption, to be -apprehended, as if he were a malefactor. -</p><p> -O Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews, have mercy on us. [<i>Ten -times.</i>] Glory, &c. -</p> -<br> -<p> -IV.—<i>Our Saviour carries his Cross.</i> -</p> - <h4>The Meditation.</h4> -<p> -Our Saviour, being torn with scourges, and pierced with thorns, -to expiate our sins, is compelled to carry the cross on which he -is to die, and moves on in anguish and sorrow towards the place -of his execution. -</p><p> -O Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews, have mercy on us. [<i>Ten -times</i>.] Glory, &c. -</p> -<br> -<p> -V.—<i>The Descent of our Saviour into Hell</i>. -<br> - <h4>The Meditation.</h4> -<p> -The soul of our Saviour being separated by death from the body, -descends to that place where the saints were expecting their -redemption. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_507">{507}</a></span> -<p> -O Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews, have mercy on us. [<i>Ten -times</i>.] Glory, &c. -</p> - - <h4>The Prayer.</h4> -<p> -O Jesus, whose name is above all names; that at the name of Jesus -every knee may bend, of those that are in heaven, on earth, and -in hell; whose mysterious humiliation and sorrows, appointed for -thee on account of our sins, appeared in the washing of the feet -of thy servants and creatures, in thy distress, and prayer, and -bloody sweat; in thy being secured and brought before tribunals -as a criminal; in thy bearing the load of the cross, and in the -separation of thy soul from the body, and its descent to the -regions below: grant to us to celebrate these mysteries to thy -honour and our own salvation; who, with the Father and the Holy -Ghost, livest and reignest, one God, for all eternity. Amen. -</p> - - <h3>The Five Mysteries Of The Third Part.</h3> -<p> -I.—<i>The Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ</i>. -</p> - <h4>The Meditation.</h4> -<p> -The soul of our Lord Jesus Christ, which had been separated from -the body, is re-united to it, by a miracle of the Almighty power; -and that body, which had been dead, rises to die no more. -</p><p> -O Jesus, Son of the living God, have mercy on us. [<i>Ten -times</i>.] Glory, &c. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_508">{508}</a></span> -<p> -II.—<i>The Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ.</i> -</p> - <h4>The Meditation.</h4> -<p> -The body of our Lord Jesus Christ ascends to the highest heaven, -where the Saviour of mankind sitteth at the right hand of God, -the almighty Father. -</p><p> -O Jesus, Son of the living God, have mercy on us. [<i>Ten -times</i>.] Glory, &c. -</p> -<br> -<p> -III.—<i>Our Lord Jesus Christ sends down the Holy Ghost</i>. -</p> - <h4>The Meditation.</h4> -<p> -Our Saviour, now seated at the right hand of God, his almighty -Father, sends down the Holy Ghost, to inspire and animate his -disciples, that they may be qualified to publish to mankind his -cross and his glory. -</p><p> -O Jesus, Son of the living God, have mercy on us. [<i>Ten -times</i>.] Glory, &c. -</p> -<br> -<p> -IV.—<i>Our Lord Jesus Christ crowning the blessed Virgin and Saints</i>. -<br> - <h4>The Meditation.</h4> -<p> -Our Saviour, having by his passion, resurrection, and ascension, -opened the way for the sons of Adam to heaven, which they had -lost by sin, bestows on his Mother and his saints a crown of -immortal glory. -</p><p> -O Jesus, Son of the living God, have mercy on us. [<i>Ten -times</i>.] Glory, &c. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_509">{509}</a></span> -<p> -V.—<i>Our Lord Jesus Christ coming to Judge Mankind.</i> -</p> - <h4>The Meditation.</h4> -<p> -Our Saviour will come in power and majesty, to judge the living -and the dead, and to return to every one according to his works. -</p><p> -O Jesus, Son of the living God, have mercy on us. [<i>Ten -times</i>.] Glory, &c. -</p> - - <h4>The Prayer</h4> -<p> -O Jesus, whose name is above all names; that at the name of Jesus -every knee may bend, of those that are in heaven, on earth, and -in hell; whose body, that was murdered by mankind, the Almighty -raised from death, glorious and immortal; who, by thy ascension, -triumphed over death, and led captivity captive; who, according -to thy promise, sent down the Spirit, that proceedeth from the -Father and the Son, the comforter and the enlivener; who, -stretching forth the bounty of thy almighty hand, shed upon the -chosen children of Adam, that glory that neither eye hath seen, -nor ear hath heard, nor hath it entered into the heart of man; -and who will come forth in power and majesty, to judge the living -and the dead, before whose throne all mortals will appear: grant -to us to celebrate these mysteries to thy honour, and our own -salvation; who, with the Father and the Holy Ghost, livest and -reignest one God for all eternity. Amen. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_510">{510}</a></span> -<p class="side"> - "N.B.—The repeating of the above prayers or meditations, is - not absolutely necessary. Those who cannot read or meditate on - the mysteries, let them say the Creed beforehand in this - Rosary, and in that of the blessed Virgin. -<br><br> - "The devotions belonging to this Rosary, or the Rosary of the - blessed Virgin, do not bind under sin. -<br><br> - "N.B.—Those who are in the Society of the Rosary of the name - of Jesus, may have the same plenary indulgence on New Year's - Day, that is granted in the year of the Jubilee. -</p> -<p class="cite2"> - "On every second Sunday in the month, -<br><br> - "At the time of being received into the Society, -<br><br> - "At the article of death, -<br>q - "And on each day of the fifteen mysteries." -</p> -<br> - - <h3>The Rosary Of The Blessed Virgin.</h3> - -<p class="center" style="font-size:200%"> -+ - -<p> -In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. -Amen. -</p><p> -<i>Vers</i>. Hail, Mary, full of grace, our Lord is with thee: -</p><p> -<i>Resp</i>. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the -fruit of thy womb, Jesus. -</p><p> -<i>Vers</i>. Thou, O Lord, wilt open my lips. -</p><p> -<i>Resp</i>. And my tongue shall announce thy praise. -</p><p> -<i>Vers</i>. Incline unto mine aid, O God. -</p><p> -<i>Resp</i>. O Lord, make haste to help me. -</p><p> -Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost: -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_511">{511}</a></span> -<p> -As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world -without end. Amen. <i>Alleluia</i>. -</p><p> -[<i>From the Septuagesima to Easter, instead of</i> Alleluia, -<i>say:</i> Praise be to thee, O Lord, King of eternal glory.] -</p> - - <h4>Part The First.<br><br> - - The Five Joyful Mysteries,</h4> -<p class="side"> - To be said on all Mondays and Thursdays, the Sundays of Advent, - and after Epiphany till Lent. -</p> -<p> -I.—<i>The Annunciation.</i> -</p><p> -Let us contemplate in this mystery, how the angel Gabriel saluted -our blessed Lady with the title of "<i>Full of Grace</i>," and -declared unto her the incarnation of our Lord and Saviour Jesus -Christ. -</p><p> -<i>Then say</i>, Our Father, &c. <i>once; and</i> Hail Mary, &c. -<i>ten times</i>. -</p> -<p class="side"> - [When the "Hail Mary" is repeated a tenth time, the Decade - finishes with, "Glory be to the Father." &c.; then follows the - Prayer. Which method is to be observed in beginning, and saying - each part of the Rosary.] -</p> - - <h4>Let Us Pray.</h4> -<p> -O holy Mary, Queen of virgins, through the most high mystery of -the incarnation of thy beloved Son our Lord Jesus Christ, by -means of which the work of our salvation was so happily begun, -obtain for us, by thine intercession, light to be sensible of so -great a benefit, which he hath bestowed upon as; vouchsafing -thereby to make himself our brother, and thee, his only beloved -mother, our mother also. Amen. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_512">{512}</a></span> -<br> - <h4>II.—<i>The Visitation</i>.</h4> -<p> -Let us contemplate in this mystery, how the blessed Virgin Mary, -understanding from the angel that her cousin, St. Elizabeth, had -conceived, went with haste into the mountains of Judea, to visit -her, and remained with her three months. -</p><p> -Our Father, &c. -</p> - - <h4>Let Us Pray.</h4> -<p> -O holy Virgin, most spotless mirror of humility, by that -exceeding charity which moved thee to visit thy holy cousin, St. -Elizabeth, obtain for us, by thine intercession, that our hearts -may be visited by thy most holy Son, that being free from all -sin, we may praise and give him thanks for ever. -Amen. -</p> -<br> -<p> -III.—<i>The Birth of our Lord Jesus Christ in Bethlehem</i>. -</p><p> -Let us contemplate in this mystery, how the blessed Virgin Mary, -when the time of her delivery was come, <i>brought forth our -Redeemer, Jesus Christ, at midnight, and laid him in a -manger</i>, because there was no room for him in the inns at -Bethlehem. -</p><p> -Our Father, &c. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_513">{513}</a></span> -<br> - <h4>Let Us Pray.</h4> -<p> -O most pure Mother of God, by thy virginal and most joyful -delivery, in which thou gavest unto the world thine only Son, our -Saviour, we beseech thee obtain for us, by thine intercession, -grace to lead such pure and holy lives in this world, that we may -worthily sing without ceasing, both day and night, the mercies of -thy Son, and his benefits to us by thee. Amen. -</p> -<br> -<p> -IV.—<i>The Oblation of our blessed Lord in the Temple.</i> -</p><p> -Let us contemplate in this mystery, how the most blessed Virgin -Mary, on the day of her purification, presented the child Jesus -in the temple, where holy Simeon, giving thanks to God with great -devotion, received him into his arms. -</p><p> -Our Father, &c. -</p> - <h4>Let Us Pray.</h4> -<p> -O holy Virgin, most admirable mistress, and pattern of obedience, -who didst present in the temple the Lord of the temple, obtain -for us of thy beloved Son, that, with holy Simeon and devout -Anna, we may praise and glorify him for ever. Amen. -</p> -<br> -<p> -V.—<i>The finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple</i>. -</p><p> -Let us contemplate in this mystery, how the blessed Virgin Mary -having lost, without any fault of hers, her beloved Son in -Jerusalem, she sought him for the space of three days, and at -length found him the fourth day in the temple, in the midst of -the doctors, disputing with them, being of the age of twelve -years. Our Father, &c. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_514">{514}</a></span> - - <h4>Let Us Pray.</h4> -<p> -Most blessed Virgin, more than martyr in thy sufferings, and yet -the comfort of such as are afflicted, by that unspeakable joy -wherewith thy soul was ravished, at finding thy beloved Son in -the temple, in the midst of the doctors, disputing with them, -obtain of him for us, so to seek him and find him in the holy -Catholic Church, that we may never be separated from him. Amen. -</p> - - <h4>The Salve Regina.</h4> -<p> -Hail! holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, -our life, our sweetness, and our hope. -To thee do we cry, poor banished sons of Eve. -To thee do we send up our sighs, mournings, -and weepings, in this valley of tears. -Turn, then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of -mercy towards us, and after this our exile -ended, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy -womb, Jesus, O clement, O pious, O sweet Virgin Mary. -</p><p> -<i>Vers</i>. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God. -</p><p> -<i>Resp</i>. That we may be made worthy of the promises of -Christ. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_515">{515}</a></span> -<br> - <h4>Let Us Pray.</h4> -<p> -O God, whose only begotten Son, by his life, death, and -resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life, -grant we beseech thee, that meditating upon those mysteries, in -the most holy Rosary of the most blessed Virgin Mary, we may -imitate what they contain, and obtain what they promise: through -the same Christ our Lord. Amen. -</p> - - <h4>Part The Second.<br><br> - - The Five Dolorous Mysteries,</h4> -<p class="side"> - To be said on Tuesdays and Fridays throughout the Year, and on - Sundays in Lent. -</p> -<p> -I.—<i>The Prayer and Bloody Sweat of our Blessed Saviour in the -Garden</i>. -</p><p> -Let us contemplate in this mystery, how our Lord Jesus was so -afflicted for us in the Garden of Gethsemani, that his body was -bathed in a bloody sweat, which ran trickling down in great drops -to the ground. -</p><p> -Our Father, &c. Hail Mary, &c. Glory, &c. <i>as before</i>. -</p> - - <h4>Let Us Pray.</h4> -<p> -Most holy Virgin, more than martyr, by that ardent prayer which -thy most beloved Son poured forth unto his Father in the Garden, -vouchsafe to intercede for us, that our passions being reduced to -the obedience of reason, we may always, and in all things, -conform and subject ourselves to the will of God. Amen. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_516">{516}</a></span> -<p> -II.—<i>The Scourging of our Blessed Lord at the Pillar</i>. -</p><p> -Let us contemplate in this mystery, how our Lord Jesus Christ was -most cruelly scourged in Pilate's house, the number of stripes -they gave him being above five thousand. [As it was revealed to -St. Bridget.] Our Father, &c. -</p> - - <h4>Let Us Pray.</h4> -<p> -O Mother of God, overflowing fountain of patience, by those -stripes thine only and most beloved Son vouchsafed to suffer for -us, obtain of him for us grace, that we may know how to mortify -our rebellious senses, and cut off all occasions of sinning, with -that sword of grief and compassion which pierced thy most tender -soul. Amen. -</p> -<br> -<p> -III.—<i>The Crowning of our Blessed Saviour with Thorns</i>. -</p><p> -Let us contemplate in this mystery, how those cruel ministers of -Satan platted a crown of sharp thorns, and most cruelly pressed -it on the most sacred head of our Lord Jesus Christ. -</p><p> -Our Father, &c. -</p> - - <h4>Let Us Pray.</h4> -<p> -O Mother of our eternal Prince and King of Glory, by those sharp -thorns wherewith his holy head was pierced, we beseech thee, that -by thine intercession we may be delivered here from all motions -of pride, and in the day of judgment from that confusion which -our sins deserve. Amen. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_517">{517}</a></span> -<p> -IV.—<i>Jesus carrying the Cross</i>. -</p><p> -Let us contemplate in this mystery, how our Lord Jesus Christ -being sentenced to die, bore, with the most amazing patience, the -cross which was laid upon him for his greater torment and -ignominy. Our Father, &c. -</p> - - <h4>Let Us Pray.</h4> -<p> -O holy Virgin, example of patience, by the most painful carrying -the cross, on which thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ bore the heavy -weight of our sins, obtain of him for us by thine intercession, -courage and strength to follow his steps, and bear our cross -after him to the end of our lives. Amen. -</p> -<br> -<p> -V.—<i>The Crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ</i>. -</p><p> -Let us contemplate in this mystery, how our Lord and Saviour -Jesus Christ, having arrived at Mount Calvary, was stripped of -his clothes, and his hands and feet most cruelly nailed to the -cross, in the presence of his most afflicted mother. -</p><p> -Our Father, &c. -</p> - - <h4>Let Us Pray.</h4> -<p> -O holy Mary, mother of God, as the body of thy beloved Son was -for us extended on the cross, so may our desires be daily more -and more stretched out in his service, and our hearts wounded -with compassion for his most bitter passion. And thou, O most -blessed Virgin, graciously vouchsafe to help us to accomplish the -work of our salvation, by thy powerful intercession. Amen. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_518">{518}</a></span> -<p> -Hail, holy Queen, &c. <i>with the verse and prayer as before</i>. -<br> - - <h3>Part The Third.<br><br> - - The Five Glorious Mysteries,</h3> -<p> -Assigned for Wednesdays and Saturdays throughout the Year, and -Sundays from Easter until Advent. -</p> -<br> -<p> -I.—<i>The Resurrection of Christ from the Dead</i>. -</p><p> -Let us contemplate in this mystery, how our Lord Jesus Christ, -triumphing gloriously over death, rose again the third day, -immortal and impassable. -</p><p> -Our Father, &c. Hail Mary, &c. Glory, &c, <i>as before</i>. -</p> - - <h4>Let Us Pray.</h4> -<p> -O glorious Virgin Mary, by that unspeakable joy thou receivedst -in the resurrection of thine only Son, we beseech thee to obtain -of him for us, that our hearts may never go astray after the -false joys of this world; but may be ever and wholly employed in -the pursuit of the only true and solid joys of heaven. Amen. -</p> -<br> -<p> -II.—<i>The Ascension of Christ into Heaven</i>. -</p><p> -Let us contemplate in this mystery, how our Lord Jesus Christ, -forty days after his resurrection, ascended into heaven, attended -by angels, in the sight of his most holy Mother, his holy -apostles and disciples, to the great admiration of them all. -</p><p> -Our Father, &c. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_519">{519}</a></span> -<br> - <h4>Let Us Pray.</h4> -<p> -O mother of God, comfort of the afflicted, as thy beloved Son, -when he ascended into heaven, lifted up his hands and blessed his -apostles, so vouchsafe, most holy Mother, to lift up thy pure -hands to him for us, that we may enjoy the benefits of his -blessing and thine, here on earth, and hereafter in heaven. Amen. -</p> -<br> -<p> -III.—<i>The coming of the Holy Ghost to the Disciples</i>. -</p><p> -Let us contemplate in this mystery, how our Lord Jesus Christ, -being seated at the right hand of God, sent, as he had promised, -the Holy Ghost upon the apostles, who, after he was ascended, -returning to Jerusalem, continued in prayer and supplication with -the blessed Virgin Mary, expecting the performance of his -promise. -</p><p> -Our Father, &c. -</p> - <h4>Let Us Pray.</h4> -<p> -O sacred Virgin, tabernacle of the Holy Ghost, we beseech thee, -obtain by thine intercession, that this most sweet Comforter, -whom thy beloved Son sent down upon his apostles, filling them -thereby with spiritual joy, may teach us in this world the true -way of salvation, and make us walk in the paths of virtue and -good works. Amen. -</p> -<br> -<p> -IV.—<i>The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven</i>. -</p><p> -Let us contemplate in this mystery, how the glorious Virgin, -twelve years after the resurrection of her Son, passed out of -this world unto him, and was by him taken into heaven, -accompanied by the holy angels. -</p><p> -Our Father, &c. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_520">{520}</a></span> - - <h4>Let Us Pray.</h4> -<p> -O most prudent Virgin, who entering into the heavenly palace, -didst fill the holy angels with joy, and man with hope, vouchsafe -to intercede for us at the hour of death, that free from the -illusions and temptations of the devil, we may joyfully and -successfully pass out of this temporal state, to enjoy the -happiness of eternal life. Amen. -</p> -<br> -<p> -V.—<i>The Coronation of the B.V.M, in Heaven.</i> -</p><p> -Let us contemplate in this mystery, how the glorious Virgin Mary -was, with great jubilee, and exultation of the whole court of -heaven, and the particular glory of all the saints, crowned by -her Son with the brightest diadem of Glory. -</p><p> -Our Father, &c. -</p> - - <h4>Let Us Pray.</h4> -<p> -O glorious Queen of all the heavenly citizens, we beseech thee to -accept this Rosary, which, as a crown of roses, we offer at thy -feet; and grant, most gracious Lady, that by thine intercession, -our souls may be inflamed with so ardent a desire of seeing thee -so gloriously crowned, that it may never die in us, until it be -changed into the happy fruition of thy blessed sight. Amen. -</p><p> -Hail, holy Queen, &c, -<i>with the verse and prayer as before</i>. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_521">{521}</a></span> - - <h4>Te Deum;</h4> -<p> -<i>A Hymn which may be said after Mass, or on occasion of any -public or private Thanksgiving.</i> -</p> -<pre class="serif"> - Thee, sovereign God, our grateful accents praise, - We own thee Lord, and bless thy wondrous ways; - To thee, eternal Father, earth's whole frame - With loudest trumpet sounds immortal fame. - Lord God of hosts! to thee the heavenly pow'rs - With sounding anthems, fill thy vaulted tow'rs; - The Cherubim thrice holy, holy, cry, - Thrice holy, all the Seraphim reply, - And thrice returning echoes endless songs supply. - Both heaven and earth thy majesty display; - They owe their beauty to thy glorious ray. - Thy praises fill the loud apostles' choir; - The train of prophets in the song conspire; - Legions of martyrs in the chorus shine; - And vocal blood with vocal music join. - By these thy church, inspir'd with heavenly art, - Around the world maintains a second part. - And tunes her sweetest notes, O God, to thee. - The Father of unbounded majesty, - The Son, ador'd co-partner of thy seat, - And equal everlasting Paraclete. - Thou King of glory. Christ; of the Most High, - Thou co-eternal filial Deity. - Thou who, to save the world's impending doom, - Vouchsafedst to dwell within a virgin's womb; - Old tyrant death disarmed, before thee flew - The bolts of heav'n, and back the foldings drew, - To give access, and make the faithful way; - From God's right hand thy filial beams display. - Thou art to judge the living and the dead; - Then spare those souls for whom thy veins have bled. - - O take us then among the blest above, - To share with them thy everlasting love. - Preserve, O Lord, thy people, and enhance - Thy blessing on thine own inheritance: - For ever raise their hearts, and rule their ways: - Each day we bless thee, and proclaim thy praise. - No age shall fail to celebrate thy name, - Nor hour neglect thy everlasting fame. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_522">{522}</a></span> - Preserve our souls, O Lord, this day from ill, - Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy still. - As we have hop'd, do thou reward our pain. - We've hop'd in thee, let not our hope be vain. - - V. Let us bless the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. - - R. Let us praise and extol him for ever. -</pre> -<br> - <h4>The Prayer, <i>Deus cujus.</i></h4> -<p> -O God, of whose mercies there is no number, and of whose goodness -the treasure is infinite, we humbly thank thy most gracious -majesty for the favours thou hast bestowed on us; ever beseeching -thy clemency, that as thou grantest our requests when we humbly -ask thee, so thou wouldst not forsake us, but dispose us for the -rewards of the life to come. Through Christ our Lord. R. Amen. -</p> -<br> -<hr> - <h4>The Thirty Days' Prayer</h4> -<p> -To The Blessed Virgin Mary, In Honour Of The Sacred Passion Of -Our Lord Jesus Christ; -</p><p class="side"> - By the devout recital of which for the above space of time, we - may mercifully hope to obtain our lawful request.—It is - particularly recommended as a proper devotion for every day in - Lent, and all the Fridays throughout the Year. -</p><p> - -Ever glorious and blessed Mary, Queen of Virgins, Mother of -Mercy, hope and comfort of dejected and desolate souls; through -that sword of sorrow which pierced thy tender heart, whilst thine -only son, Christ Jesus our Lord, suffered death and ignominy on -the cross; through that filial tenderness and pure love he had -for thee, grieving in thy grief, whilst from his cross he -recommended thee to the care and protection of his beloved -disciple St. John; take pity, I beseech thee, on my poverty and -necessities; have compassion on my anxieties and cares; assist -and comfort me in all my infirmities and miseries, of what kind -soever. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_523">{523}</a></span> -Thou art the mother of mercies, the sweet consolatrix and only -refuge of the needy and the orphan, of the desolate and the -afflicted. Cast, therefore, an eye of pity on a miserable, -forlorn child of Eve, and hear my prayer; for since, in just -punishment for my sins, I find myself encompassed by a multitude -of evils, and oppressed with much anguish of spirit, whither can -I fly for more secure shelter, O amiable Mother of my Lord and -Saviour Jesus Christ, than under the wings of thy maternal -protection? Attend, therefore, I beseech thee, with an ear of -pity and compassion, to my humble and earnest request. I ask it -through the bowels of mercy of thy dear Son, through that love -and condescension wherewith he embraced our nature, when, in -compliance with the divine will, thou gavest thy consent, and -whom, after the expiration of nine months, thou didst bring forth -from the chaste enclosure of thy womb, to visit this world, and -bless it with his presence. I ask it through that anguish of mind -wherewith thy beloved Son, our dear Saviour, was overwhelmed on -Mount Olivet, when he besought his eternal Father <i>to remove -from him</i>, if possible, <i>the bitter chalice</i> of his -future passion. I ask it through the threefold repetition of his -prayers in the garden, from whence afterwards with dolorous steps -and mournful tears, thou didst accompany him to the doleful -theatre of his death and sufferings. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_524">{524}</a></span> -I ask it through the welts and sores of his virginal flesh, -occasioned by the cords and whips wherewith he was bound and -scourged, when stripped of his seamless garment, for which his -executioners afterwards cast lots. I ask it through the scoffs -and ignominies by which he was insulted; the false accusation and -unjust sentence by which he was condemned to death, and which he -bore with heavenly patience. I ask it through his bitter tears -and bloody sweat, his silence and resignation, his sadness and -grief of heart. I ask it through the blood which trickled from -his royal and sacred head, when struck with a sceptre of a reed, -and pierced with his crown of thorns. I ask it through the -excruciating torments he suffered when his hands and feet were -fastened with gross nails to the tree of the cross. I ask it -through his vehement thirst, and bitter potion of vinegar and -gall. I ask it through his dereliction on the cross, when he -exclaimed: "My God! my God! why hast thou forsaken me?" I ask it -through his mercy extended to the good thief, and through his -recommending his precious soul and spirit into the hands of his -eternal Father before he expired, saying: "All is finished." I -ask it through the blood mixed with water, which issued from his -sacred side, when pierced with a lance, and whence a flood of -grace and mercy has flowed to us. I ask it through his immaculate -life, bitter passion, and ignominious death on the cross, at -which nature itself was thrown into convulsions, by the bursting -of rocks, rending of the veil of the temple, the earthquake, and -darkness of the sun and moon. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_525">{525}</a></span> -I ask it through his descent into hell, where he comforted the -saints of the old law with his presence, and led captivity -captive. I ask it through his glorious victory over death, when -he arose again to life on the third day; and through the joy -which his appearance for forty days after, gave thee, his blessed -Mother, his apostles, and the rest of his disciples, when, in -thine and their presence, he miraculously ascended into heaven. I -ask it through the grace of the Holy Ghost, infused into the -hearts of the disciples, when he descended upon them in the form -of fiery tongues, and by which they were inspired with zeal in -the conversion of the world, when they went to preach the gospel. -I ask it through the awful appearance of thy Son at the last -dreadful day, when he shall come to judge the living and the -dead, and the world, by fire. I ask it through the compassion he -bore thee in this life, and the ineffable joy thou didst feel at -thine assumption into heaven, where thou art eternally absorbed -in the sweet contemplation of his divine perfections. O glorious -and ever blessed Virgin! comfort the heart of thy suppliant, by -obtaining it for me.[Footnote 5] -</p> -<p class="footnote"> - [Footnote 5: Here mention, or reflect on your lawful request, - under the reservation of its being agreeable to the will of - God, who sees whether it will contribute towards your - spiritual good.] -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_526">{526}</a></span> -<p> -And as I am persuaded my divine Saviour doth honour thee as his -beloved Mother, to whom he can refuse nothing; so let me speedily -experience the efficacy of thy powerful intercession, according -to the tenderness of thy maternal affection, and his filial, -loving heart, who mercifully granteth the requests, and complieth -with the desires of those that love and fear him. Wherefore, O -most blessed Virgin, besides the object of my present petition, -and whatever else I may stand in need of, obtain for me also, of -thy dear Son, our Lord and our God, a lively faith, firm hope, -perfect charity, true contrition of heart, unfeigned tears of -compunction, sincere confession, condign satisfaction, abstinence -from sin, love of God, and my neighbour, contempt of the world, -patience to suffer affronts and ignominies, nay, even, if -necessary, an opprobrious death itself, for the love of thy Son -our Saviour Jesus Christ.—Obtain likewise for me, O Sacred -Mother of God! perseverance in good works, performance of good -resolutions, mortification of self will, a pious conversation -through life, and at my last moments, strong and sincere -repentance, accompanied by such a lively and attentive presence -of mind, as may enable me to receive the last sacrament of the -Church worthily, and die in thy friendship and favour. Lastly, -obtain, I beseech thee, for the souls of my parents, brethren, -relations, and benefactors, both living and dead, life -everlasting. Amen. -</p> -<br> -<hr> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_527">{527}</a></span> - - <h3>Hymns For Festivals.</h3> - - - <h4>Hymn <i>for Advent</i>.</h4> -<pre class="serif"> -Alma Redemptoris Mater, quæ pervia cœli porta manes, - - Mother of Jesus, heaven's open gate, - -Et stella maris, succurre cadenti; - - Star of the Sea, support the falling state - -Surgere qui curat populo; tu quæ genuisti, - - Of mortals: thou, whose womb thy maker bore, - -Natura mirante tuum sanctum genitorem: - - And yet, strange thing! a virgin as before; - -Virgo priùs ac posteriús, Gabrielis ab ore - - Who didst from <i>Gabriel's</i> hail! the news receive, - -Sumens illud Ave, peccatorum miserere. - - Repenting sinners by thy prayers relieve. - -V. Angelus Domini nuntiavit Mariæ. - - V. The angel of the Lord declared to <i>Mary</i>, - -R. Et concepit de Spiritu Sancto. - - B. And she conceived of the Holy Ghost. -</pre> - - <h4>Hymn <i>for Christmas.</i></h4> -<pre class="serif"> -Adeste fidelis, Læti triumph antes, - - Ye faithful souls, rejoice and sing; - -Venite, venite in Bethlehem: - - To Bethlehem your trophies bring, - -Natem videte Regem Angelorum: - - Before the new-born Angel's King: - -Venite adoremus, -Venite adoremus Dominum. - - Come let us him adore, Come, &c. - - -Deum de Deo, Lumen de Lumine, - - True God of God, true Light of Light, - -Gestant puellæ viscera; Deum verum, - - Born in womb of Virgin bright; - -Genitum non factum: - - Begot, not made; true God of might: - -Venite adoremus, Venite, &c. - - Come let us him adore, Come, &c. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_528">{528}</a></span> -Cantet nunc Io, Chorus angelorum; - - Angelic choirs with joy now sing, - -Cantet nunc aula cœlestium, - - The heavenly courts with echoes ring. - -Gloria In excelsis Deo: - - Glory on high to God our king: - -Venite adoremus, Venite, &c. - - Come, let us him adore, Come, &c. - - -Ergo qui natus Die hodierna, - - Jesus, whose life this day begun, - -Jesu tibi sit gloria: - Patris æterni - <i>Verbum caro factum:</i> - - The Father's co-eternal Son: Glory to him be ever sung: - -Venite adoremus, Venite, &c. - - Come, let us him adore, Come, &c. -</pre> - - <h4>Hymn <i>for Passion-Sunday, and Palm-Sunday</i>.</h4> - -<pre class="serif"> -Vexilla regis prodeunt, - - Behold the royal ensigns fly, - -Fulget crucis mysterium: - - Bearing the cross' mystery: - -Quâ vita mortem protulit, - - Where life itself did death endure, - -Et morte vitam protulit. - - And by that death did life procure. - -Quæ vulnerata lanceæ - - A cruel spear let out a flood - -Mucrone diro, criminum - - Of water, mixed with saving blood: - -Ut nos lavaret fordibus, - - Which, gushing from the Saviour's side, - -Manavit undâ et sanguine. - - Drown'd our offences in the tide. - - -Impleta sunt quæ concinit, - - The mystery we now unfold, - -David fideli carmine, - - Which David's faithful verse foretold. - -Dicendo nationibus: - - Of our Lord's kingdom; whilst we see - -Regnavit â ligno Deus. - - God ruling nations from a tree. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_529">{529}</a></span> -Arbor decora et fulgida, - - O lovely tree, whose branches wore - -Ornata regis purpura! - - The royal purple of his gore! - -Electa digno stipite, - - How glorious does thy body shine? - -Tam sancta membra tangere! - - Supporting members so divine! - -Beata, cujus brachiis, - - The world's blest balance thou wast made, - -Pretiùm pependit sæculi, - - Thy happy beam its purchase weigh'd, - -Statera facta corporis, - - And bore his limbs, who snatch'd away - -Tulitque prædam tartari. - - Devouring hell's expected prey. - -O Crux, ave spes unica, - - Hail Cross, our hope! on thee we call, - -Hoc passionis tempore! - - Who keep this mournful festival: - -Piis ad auge gratiam, - - Grant to the just increase of grace, - -Reisque dele crimina. - - And ev'ry sinner's crimes efface. - -Te, fons salutis Trinitas, Collaudit omnis spiritus. - - Blest Trinity, we praises sing - To thee, from whom all graces spring, - -Quibus crucis victoriam, - - Celestial crowns on those bestow, - -Largiris, adde præmium. Amen. - - Who conquer by the cross below. Amen. -</pre> -<p> -V. Eripe me, Domine, ab homine malo. -</p><p> - V. Deliver me, O Lord, from the wicked man. -</p><p> -R. A viro iniquo eripe me. -</p><p> - R. And from the unjust man deliver me. -</p> - - <h4>Hymn <i>for Good-Friday</i>,<br> - (Plaint of the Blessed Virgin.)</h4> - -<pre class="serif"> -Stabat mater dolorosa - - Beneath the world's redeeming wood, - -Juxta crucem lacrymosa, - - The most afflicted Mother stood, -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_530">{530}</a></span> -Dum pendebat filius. - - Mingling her tears with her Son's blood. - -Cujus animara gementem - - As that flow'd down from every part, - -Contristatam et dolentem - - Of all his wounds she felt the smart; - -Pertransivit gladius. - - What pierc'd his body, pierc'd her heart. - -O quam tristis et afflicta, - - Who can with tearless eyes look on, - -Fuit illa benedicta - - When Mary does, alas! bemoan - -Mater unigeniti. - - Wounded and faint, her only Son. - -Quæ merebat, et dolebat, - - O worse than <i>Jewish</i> heart, that could, - -Pia mater dum videbat, - - Unmov'd, behold the double flood - -Nati pœnas inclyti. - - Of <i>Mary's</i> tears, and <i>Jesu's</i> blood. - -Quis est homo, qui non fleret, - - Alas! our sins, they were not his - -Christi matrem si videret -In tanto supplicio? - - In this atoning sacrifice, - For which he bleeds, for which he dies. - -Quis non posset contristari, - - When graves were open'd rocks were rent, - -Piam matrim contemplari - - When nature and each element - -Dolentem cum filio? - - His torments and her grief resent. - -Pro peccatis suæ gentis - - Shall man, the cause of all his pain - -Vidit Jesum in tormentis, - - And all his grief, shall sinful man - -Et flagellis subditum. - - Alone insensible remain? - -Vidit suum dulcem natum - - Ah, pious mother, teach my heart, - -Morientem, desolatum, - - Of sighs and tears the holy art, -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_531">{531}</a></span> -Dum emisit spiritum. - - And in thy grief to bear a part. - -Eia, mater fons amoris, - - The sword of grief, which did pass through - -Me sentire vim doloris -Fac ut tecum lugeam, - - Thy very soul, O may it now - Upon my heart a wound bestow. - -Fac ut ardeat cor meum, - - Great Queen of sorrows, in thy train - -In amando Christum Deum, - - Let me a mourner's place obtain, - -Ut sibi complaceam. - - Let me thy Jesus love again. - -Sancta mater istud agas, -Crucifixi fige plagas, - - To heal the leprosy of sin, - We must the cure with tears begin. - -Cordi meo valide. - - All flesh's corrupt without their brine. - -Tui nati vulnerari, - - Refuge of sinners, grant that we - -Tam dignati pro me pati - - May tread thy steps, and let it be - -Pœnas mecum divide. - - Our sorrow not to grieve like thee. - -Fec me vere tecum flere, - - O may the wounds of thy dear Son, - -Crucifixo condolere, - - Our contrite hearts possess alone. - -Donec ego vixero. - - And all terrene affections drown. - -Juxta crucem tecum stare, - - Those wounds, which now the stars outshine, - -Te libenter sociare, - - Those furnaces of love divine. - -In planctu desidero. - - May they our drossy souls refine; - -Virgo virginum præclara, - - And on us such impressions make, - -Mihi jam non sis amara, - - That we of suff'ring for his sake, - -Fac me tecum plangere. - - May joyfully our portion take. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_532">{532}</a></span> -Fac ut portem Christi mortem, - - Let us his proper badge put on, - -Passionis fac consortem, - - Let's glory in the cross alone, - -Et plagas recolere. - - By which he marks us for his own. - -Fac me plagis vulnerari, - - That when the dreadful trial's come, - -Cruce hac inebriari, - - For every man to hear his doom, - -Ob amorem filii. - - On his right hand we may find room. - -Inflammatus et accensus, - - O hear us, <i>Mary! Jesus</i>, hear! - -Per te virgo aim defensus - - Our humble pray'rs; secure our fear, - -In die judicii. - - When thou in judgment shalt appear. - -Fac me cruce custodiri, - - Now give us sorrow, give us love, - -Morte Christi præmuniri Confoveri gratia. - - That so prepar'd we may remove, - -Quando corpus morietur - - When call'd to seats of bliss above. Amen. - -Fac ut animæ donetur -Paradisi gloria. -</pre> -<p> -V. Tuam ipsius animam pertransivit gladius. -</p><p> - V. A sword has pierced thy own soul. -</p><p> -R. Ut revelentur ex multis cordibus cogitationes. -</p><p> - R. That the thoughts of many hearts may be - revealed. -</p> - - <h4>Hymn <i>for Easter</i>.</h4> - -<pre class="serif"> -O filii et filiæ, - - Praise by mortals now be given, - -Rex cœlestis, Rex gloriæ, - - On this day from death hath risen - -Morte surrexit hodie, Alleluia. - - The King of Glory, King of Heaven, Alleluia, - -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_533">{533}</a></span> - -Et mane prima Sabbati, - - The morn of Sabbath scarce did beam, - -Ad ostium monumenti - - When to his monument there came - -Accesserant discipuli, Alleluia. - - Disciples who ador'd his name, Alleluia. - -Et Maria Magdalene, - - There <i>Mary Magdalen</i> anxious stood. - -Et Jacobi, et Salome, - - And <i>James</i>, and <i>Salome</i> the good - -Venerunt corpus ungere, Alleluia. - - His body fain embalm they would, Alleluia. - -In albis sedens angelus - - The angel sat in white all rob'd, - -Prædixit mulieribus, - - And to the women he foretold: - -In Galilea est Dominus, Alleluia. - - In <i>Galilee</i> you'll see the Lord, Alleluia. - -Et Joannes apostolus - - The message scarce did greet his ear, - - Cucurrit Petro citùs, - - Swifter than <i>Peter, John</i> drew near - -Monumento venit priùs, Alleluia. - - To the Lord's tomb, with hope, with fear, Alleluia. - -Discipulis astantibus, - - The disciples all assembled were; - -In medio stetit Christus, - - Among them Jesus did appear, - -Dicens, pax vobis omnibus, Alleluia. - - His peace he gave, remov'd their fear, Alleluia. - -Ut intellexit Didymus - - <i>Thomas</i> believed not, when 'twas said - -Quia surrexerat Jesus, - - That Christ had risen from the dead, - -Remansit fere dubius, Alleluia. - - Until he saw the wounds that bled, Alleluia. - -Vide Thoma, vide latus, - - My hands, my side, my feet, O see! - -Vide pedes, vide manus: - - <i>Thomas</i>, wounds that bled for thee: - -Noli esse incrodulus, Alleluia. - - Renounce thine incredulity, Alleluia. - -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_534">{534}</a></span> - -Quando Thomas vidit Christum - - When <i>Thomas</i>, Jesus had survey'd, - -Pedes, manus, latus suum, - - And on his wounds his fingers laid, - -Dixit: Tu es Deus meus, Alleluia. - - Thou art my Lord and God, he said, Alleluia. - -Beati qui non viderunt, - - Blessed are they who have not seen, - -Et firmiter crediderunt, - - And yet, whose faith entire hath been, - -Vitam æternam habebunt, Alleluia. - - Them endless joy from pain shall screen, Alleluia. - -In hoc festo sanctissimo - - On this most solemn feast let's raise - -Sit laus et jubilatio: - - Our hearts to God in hymns of praise. - -Benedicamus Domino, Alleluia. - - And bless the Lord in all his ways, Alleluia, - -Ex quibus nos humillimas - - Our grateful thanks to God let's give, - -Devotas atque debitas - - In humblest manner, whilst we live, - -Deo dicamus gratias, Alleluia. - - For all the favours we receive, Alleluia. -</pre> -<p class="side"> - [Transcriber's note: This is a better translation (with - music) from St. Gregory's Hymnal. - http://www.gutenberg.org/files/23673/23673-h/English.html#No._28] -</p> -<pre class="serif"> - Ye sons and daughters of the Lord! - The King of glory, King adored, - This day Himself from death restored. Alleluia! - Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! - - All in the early morning grey, - Went holy women on their way, - To see the tomb where Jesus lay. Alleluia! - Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! - - Of spices pure a precious store, - In their pure hands those women bore, - To anoint the Sacred Body o'er. Alleluia! - Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! - - Then straightway One in white they see, - Who saith, "Ye seek the Lord; but He - Is ris'n, and gone to Galilee." Alleluia! - Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! - - This told they Peter, told they John, - Who forthwith to the tomb are gone; - But Peter is by John outrun. Alleluia! - Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! - - That selfsame night, while out of fear, - The doors were shut, their Lord most dear, - To His Apostles did appear. Alleluia! - Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! - - But Thomas when of this He heard, - Was doubtful of his brethren's word; - Wherefore again there comes the Lord. Alleluia! - Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! - - "Thomas, behold My Side" saith He; - "My Hands, My Feet, My Body see, - And doubt not, but believe in Me." Alleluia! - Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! - - When Thomas saw that wounded Side, - The truth no longer he denied; - "Thou art my Lord and God," he cried. Alleluia! - Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! - - Oh, blest are they who have not seen - Their Lord, and yet believe in Him: - Eternal life awaiteth them. Alleluia! - Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! - - Now let us praise the Lord most high, - And strive His Name to magnify, - On this great day through earth and sky: Alleluia! - Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! - - Whose mercy ever runneth o'er, - Whom men and Angel Hosts adore, - To Him be glory ever more. Alleluia! - Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! -</pre> - - - <h4>Hymns <i>for Whit-Sunday</i>.</h4> -<pre class="serif"> -Veni Creator Spiritus, - - Creating Spirit, come possess - -Mentes tuorum visita, - - Our souls, and with thy presence bless: - -Imple superna gratia, - - And in our hearts, fram'd by thy hand, - -Quæ tu creasti, pectora. - - Let thy celestial grace command. - -Qui diceris Paraclitus, - - Thou who art call'd the <i>Paraclete</i>, - -Altissimi donum Dei; - - The Almighty Father's gift complete: -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_535">{535}</a></span> -Fons vivus, ignis, charitas, - - The living fountain, fire, and love, - -Et spiritalis unction. - - And sacred unction from above. - -Tu septiformis munere, - - Thou finger of the Father's hand, - -Digitus pateræ dexteræ, - - Who dost a sev'nfold grace command: - -Tu rite promissum Patris, - - Thou promis'd from the Highest sent, - -Sermone ditans guttura. - - In various language eloquent - -Accende lumen sensibus: - - Purge with thy light our earthly parts. - -Infunde amorem cordibus: - - And with thy love inflame our hearts: - -Infirma nostri corporis - - Thus human weakness fortify - -Virtute firmans perpeti. - - With everlasting constancy. - -Hostem repellas longiùs, - - Far from us drive the infernal foe, - -Pacemque dones protinùs, - - And peace, the fruit of love, bestow: - -Ductore sic te prævio - - Thus having thee, our safest guide, - -Vitemus omne noxium. - - Let not our feet to evil slide. - -Per te sciamus da Patrem - - Let us by thee the Father own, - -Noscamus atque Filium: - - And to us let thy Son be known: - -Te utriusque Spiritum - - Let us believe in thee, who dost - -Credamus omni tempore. - - From both proceed the Holy Ghost. - -Deo Patri, sit gloria, - - To God the Father, and the Son, - -Et Filio, qui a mortuis - - Who rose from death, be glory done: - -Surrexit, ac Paraclito, - - This praise for ever let's repeat, - -In sæculorum sæcula. Amen. - - To God the holy Paraclete, Amen. -</pre> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_536">{536}</a></span> -<p> -V. Loquebantur variis linguis Apostoli, <i>Alleluia</i>. -</p><p> - V. The Apostles spoke in various tongues. <i>Alleluia</i>. -</p><p> -R. Magnalia Dei, <i>Alleluia</i>, -</p><p> - R. The wonders of God, <i>Alleluia</i>. -</p> - - - <h4>The Prayer.</h4> -<p> -O God, who by the light of the Holy Ghost, didst instruct the -hearts of the faithful, grant that by the direction of the same -Holy Spirit, we may relish what is right, and always rejoice in -his consolations: through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. -</p> - - <h4><i>Sequence for Whit-Sunday</i>.</h4> -<pre class="serif"> -Veni Sancte Spiritus - - Come, Holy Ghost, send down those beams, - -Et emitte cælitus - - Which sweetly flow in silent streams, - -Lucis tuæ radium. - - From thy bright throne above. - -Veni Pater pauperum: - - O come thou Father of the poor, - -Veni dator munerum: - - Thou bounteous source of all our store, - -Veni lumen cordium. - - Come fire our hearts with love. - -Consolator optime, - - Come thou of comforters the best, - -Dulcis hospes animæ, - - Come thou the soul's delicious guest, - -Dulce refrigerium. - - The pilgrim's sweet relief. - -In labore requies, - - Thou art our rest in toil and sweat, - -In æstu temperies, - - Refreshment in excessive heat - -In fletu solatium. - - And solace in our grief. - -O lux beatissima, - - O sacred light, shoot home thy darts, - -Reple cordis intima - - O pierce the centre of those hearts, - -Tuorura fideliam. - - Whose faith aspires to thee. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_537">{537}</a></span> -Sine tuo numine, - - Without thy Godhead no thing can - -Nihil est in homine, - - Have any price or worth in man: - -Nihil est innoxium. - - Nothing can harmless be. - -Lava quod est sordidum, - - Lord, wash our sinful stains away, - -Riga quod est aridum, - - Water from heaven our barren clay, - -Sana quod est saucium. - - Our wounds and bruises heal. - -Flecte quod est rigidum, - - To thy sweet yoke our stiff necks bow, - -Fove quod est frigidum, - - Warm with thy fire our hearts of snow, - -Rege quod est devium. - - Our wand'ring feet repel. - -Da tuis fidelibus, - - O grant thy faithful, dearest Lord, - -In te confitentibus, - - Whose only hope is thy sure word, - -Sacrum septenarium. - - The seven gifts of thy spirit. - -Da virtutis meritum, - - Grant us in life to obey thy grace, - -Da salutis exitum, - - Grant us in death to see thy face, - -Da perenne gaudium. Amen. - - And endless joys inherit. Amen. -</pre> - - <h4>The Prayer.</h4> -<p> -O God, to whom every heart lies open, every will speaks its -desire, and from whom no secret is concealed; purify the thoughts -of our hearts by the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, in order that -we may perfectly love thee, and worthily praise thee: through our -Lord Jesus Christ, thy Son, who with thee and the same Holy Ghost -liveth, &c. -Amen. -</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_538">{538}</a></span> - - <h4>Hymns For Festivals.</h4> - -<p class="side"> - Hymns <i>for Corpus Christi, and for the Procession of - the Blessed Sacrament, on Holy Thursday</i>. -</p> - -<pre class="serif"> -Pange lingua gloriosi - - Sing, O my tongue, adore and praise - -Corporis mysterium, - - The depth of God's mysterious ways: - -Sanguinisque pretiosi - - How Christ, the world's great King, bestow'd - -Quem in mundi pretium, - - His flesh conceal'd in human food, - -Fructus ventris generosi, - - And left mankind the blood that paid - -Rex effudit gentium. - - The ransom for the souls he made. - -Nobis datis, nobus natus, - - Given from above, and born for man, - -Ex intacta virgine; - - From virgin chaste his life began: - -Et in mundo conversatus - - He liv'd on earth, and preached to sow - -Sparso verbi semine, - - The seeds of heavenly love below; - -Sui notas incolatus - - Then seal'd his mission from above - -Miro clausit ordine! - - With strange effects of power and love! - -In supremæ nocte cœnæ, - - 'Twas on that ev'ning when the last - -Recumbens cum fratribus, - - And most mysterious supper past; - -Observata lege plene - - When Christ with his disciples sat, - -Cibis in legalibus, - - To close the law with legal meat; - -Cibum turbæ duodense - - Then to the twelve himself bestow'd - -Se dat suis manibus. - - With his own hands to be their food. -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_539">{539}</a></span> -Verbum caro, panem verum, - - The Word made flesh for love of man, - -Verbo carnem efficit: - - His word turns bread to flesh again, - -Fitque sanguis Christi merum, - - And wine to blood, unseen by sense, - -Et si sensus deficit, - - By virtue of omnipotence: - -Ad firmandum cor sincerum - - And here the faithful rest secure, - -Sola fides sufficit. - - Whilst God can vouch and faith insure. - -Tantum ergo sacramentum - - To this mysterious table now, - -Veneremur cernui; - - Our knees, our hearts, and sense we bow: - -Et antiquum documentum, - - Let ancient rites resign their place - -Novo cedat ritui, - - To nobler elements of grace: - -Præstet fides supplementum - - And faith for all defects supply, - -Sensuum defectui. - - Whilst sense is lost in mystery. - - -Genitori, Genitoque, - - To God the Father, born of none, - -Laus et jubilatio, - - To Christ his co-eternal Son, - -Salus, honor, virtus, quoque, - - And Holy Ghost, whose equal rays, - -Sit et benedictio: - - From both proceed, be equal praise: - -Procedenti ab utroque, - - One honour, jubilee, and fame, - -Compar sit laudatio. Amen. - - For ever bless his glorious name. Amen. -</pre> -<p> -V. Panem de cœlo præstitisti eis. <i>Alleluia</i>. -</p><p> - V. Thou hast given them bread from heaven. <i>Alleluia</i>. -</p><p> -R. Omne delectamentum in se habentum. <i>Alleluia</i>. -</p><p> - R. Abounding with whatever is delicious. <i>Alleluia</i>. -</p> -<p class="side"> - [Transcriber's note: This is a better translation (with music) - from St. Gregory's Hymnal. - http://www.gutenberg.org/files/23673/23673-h/English.html#No._52] -</p> -<pre class="serif"> - 1. - Sing, my tongue, the Saviour's glory, - Of His Flesh the myst'ry sing; - Of the Blood all price exceeding - Shed by our immortal King, - Destined, for the world's redemption, - From a noble womb to spring, - - 2. - Of a pure and spotless Virgin - Born for us on earth below, - He, as Man, with man conversing, - Stayed, the seeds of truth to sow; - Then He closed in solemn order - Wonderously His Life of Woe. - - 3. - On the night of that Last Supper, - Seated with His chosen band, - He the Paschal victim eating, - First fulfills the law's command; - Then, as Food to His Apostles - Gives Himself with His own Hand. - - 4. - Word made Flesh, the bread of nature - By His word to Flesh He turns; - Wine into His Blood He changes: - What through sense no change discerns? - Only be the heart in earnest, - Faith her lesson quickly learns. - - Tantum ergo Sacramentum - - 5. - Down in adoration falling, - Lo! The sacred Host we hail; - Lo! O'er ancient forms departing, - Newer rites of grace prevail; - Faith for all defects supplying, - Where the feeble senses fail. - - 6. - To the Everlasting Father, - And the Son Who reigns on high, - With the Holy Ghost proceeding - Forth from Each eternally, - Be salvation, honor, blessing, - Might, and endless majesty. Amen. -</pre> - -<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_540">{540}</a></span> - - - <h4>The Prayer.</h4> - -<pre class="serif"> -Deus, qui nobis sub Sacramento -mirabili passionis -tuæ memoriam reliquisti; -tribue, quæsumus, ita nos -corporis et sanguinis tui -sacra mysteria venerari, ut -redemptionis tuæ fructum -in nobis jugiter sentiamus. -Qui vivis, &c. - - O God, who in this wonderful - sacrament hast left us - a memorial of thy passion: - grant us so to reverence the - sacred mysteries of thy body - and blood, that our souls - may be always sensible of - the fruit of thy redemption. - Who livest, &c. -</pre> - - <h4>Hymn <i>at the Elevation</i>.</h4> -<pre class="serif"> -O salutaris hostia, - - O saving host, that heaven's gate, - -Quæ cœli pandis ostium; - - Laidst open at so dear a rate; - -Bella premunt hostilia, - - Intestine wars invade our breast; - -Da robur, fer auxilium. - - Be thou our strength, support, and rest. - -Uni trinoque Domino, - - To God the Father, and the Son, - -Sit sempiterna gloria: - - And Holy Spirit, three in one, - -Qui vitam sine termino, - - Be endless praise: may He above. - -Nobis donet in patria. - - With life eternal crown our love. -</pre> - - <h1>Finis.</h1> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Complete Manual Of Catholic Piety, by -Rev. 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