FROM THE LIBRARY OF 
 REV. LOUIS FITZGERALD BENSON, D. D. 
 
 BEQUEATHED BY HIM TO 
 THE LIBRARY OF 
 
 PRINCETON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY 
 
 /V^ 
 
Digitized by the Internet Archive 
 in 2013 
 
 http://archive.org/details/deancieOObirc 
 
s< 
 
 W 8 1935 
 
 DEVOTION 
 
 
 IN 1 111: ANCIENT WAY OK 
 
 OFFICES; 
 
 WITH 
 
 psalms, JiJgmns, anU prayers, 
 
 FOR EVERY DAY IX THE WEEK, AND EVERY HOLY DAY 1\ 
 THE YEAR. 
 
 EDITED BY A LAYMAN, _ 
 FROM THE ORIGINAL OF JOHN AUSTIN, 
 
 U\\i\ a preface 
 
 BY RICHARD FREDERICK LITTLEDALE, 
 
 LL.D.. D.C.L. 
 
 LONDON: 
 
 THE CHURCH PRESS COMPAN Y 
 
 13, BURLEIGH-STREET, STRAND, W.C. 
 1869. 
 
THE PRECEPTS OF THE CHURCH. 
 
 1. To observe the Festivals and Holy Days appointed. 
 
 2. To keep the Fasting-days with devotion and absti- 
 
 nence. 
 
 3. To observe the ecclesiastical customs and ceremonies 
 
 established, and that without frowardness or con- 
 tradiction. 
 
 4. To repair unto the public Service of the Church for 
 
 Matins and Evensong, with other holy Offices, at 
 times appointed, unless there be a just and an 
 unfeigned cause to the contrary. 
 
 5. To receive the Blessed Sacrament of the Body and 
 
 Blood of Christ with frequent devotion, and three 
 times a year at least, of which times Easter to be 
 always one ; and for better preparation thereunto, 
 as occasion is, to disburden and quit our con- 
 sciences of those sins that may grieve us, or 
 scruples that may trouble us, to a learned and 
 discreet Priest, and from him to receive advice and 
 the benefit of absolution. 
 
 Bishop CosiN, of Durham. 1661. 
 
ERRATA. 
 
 Page \dfi,for Ascolmto read Ascolata, 
 „ 150, for Vatican read Vatieano. 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 The volume of Devotions here presented in a new edition 
 is one which has enjoyed a considerable and well-merited 
 share of popularity ever since its first appearance in the 
 seventeenth century. Its author, John Austin, an alumnus 
 of S. John's College, Cambridge, and afterwards a 
 barrister, was one of the small but influential knot of 
 converts to the Roman Church who left the Anglican 
 Communion during the troubles under Charles I. ; and his 
 secession, in 1640, anticipated by only a very short time the 
 temporary overthrow of the polity in which he had been 
 reared. The book of Prayers and Meditations which he 
 compiled was, however, marked by so much genuine piety, 
 and such a loving spirit, that it had the rare fortune of 
 becoming a favourite in the Communion which he had left, 
 as well as in that he had joined -, and it also stands nearly 
 at the head of those " adaptations" from Roman sources 
 which have for centuries contributed to the spiritual nutri- 
 ment of devout members of the English Church. Two 
 nearly contemporary revisions of the work for Anglican 
 use were made soon after the author's death in 1 669 ; one, 
 that which is the better known and the most frequently 
 printed, having been made by a lady named Susannah 
 Hopton, and edited with a preface by the well-known Dr 
 George Hickes, Dean of Worcester, afterwards titular 
 
VI PREFACE. 
 
 Bishop of Thetford in the Nonjuring succession. In this 
 preface there is much of considerable interest, not only in its 
 careful explanation of the rationale of the liturgical scheme 
 of the work, but in its vindication of that view of the relations 
 between the Churches of England and Rome which is now 
 upheld by the Reunion school amongst us. And further, 
 we learn that Susannah Hopton, the real editor, had been 
 herself a convert to the Roman Church, but returned to 
 the Church of England, bringing back with her, however, 
 many things which she had learned, and which she desired 
 to see made familiar to others, that they might profit by 
 them as she had done. Amongst them was this book of 
 Austin's, which, as recalling in a great degree the structure 
 of those ancient Offices which have regulated the devotions 
 of the Latin Church for more than a thousand years, and 
 as more fervid and various than Bishop Cosin's once popular 
 compilation, at once took a high place. Not that she was by 
 any means the first to make Austin known. The four un- 
 adapted editions of his work had already had a considerable 
 circulation amongst the Anglicans of the time; and a revision 
 by Theophilus Dorrington, Rector of Wittresham, in Kent, 
 had been five times printed before Susannah Hopton's 
 adaptation appeared, but with less regard to the ritual 
 arrangement of the book. The superiority of her edition 
 secured its acceptance at once, and though it had to contend 
 with several anonymous compilations which had borrowed 
 freely from Austin, it held its ground during the whole 
 eighteenth century. But after the fourth edition of it in 
 1712, subsequent issues were tampered with, rather from 
 
PREFACE. Vll 
 
 carelessness than design, until the actual text as issued by 
 Dr. Hickes was restored in an edition printed at Edinburgh 
 in 1765 and again in 1789, which was finally reproduced 
 so lately as 1 846. 
 
 So much for the past influence of a book which more 
 nearly replaced the Primer of Sarum for the devout # laity of 
 the last century than any other compilation that has ap- 
 peared since the compulsory disuse of that work •, and 
 there seems no reason to suppose that its power for good 
 is yet exhausted. Owing, however, to the great stride 
 which has been made in the full setting-forth and accept- 
 ance of Catholic verities amongst us of late years, there is 
 now much less need of varying from Austin's original text 
 than could have been the case when the book was first 
 adapted for Anglican use. The presence of the Offices for 
 the Blessed Virgin and for the Faithful Departed, now so 
 natural to us, would have almost certainly ensured the total 
 rejection of the remainder in an age which could barely 
 receive the milk of babes. Now, happily, it is so com- 
 pletely otherwise, that a Book of Offices which omitted to 
 provide for these Commemorations would have but slender 
 prospects of success ; and it is thus not merely feasible, but 
 necessary, to revert to the earlier form of the work. One 
 change only of importance has been made. Austin's imi- 
 tations of the Breviary Hymns, as well as the original 
 pieces he substituted for them, though always devout, are 
 too frequently rugged, bald, and unmusical ; and it has 
 been thought no departure from the spirit of his scheme to 
 substitute for them the happier versions in which our gene- 
 
Vlll PREFACE. 
 
 ration has been accustomed to sing them, versions which he 
 would doubtless have gladly employed instead of his own 
 less successful efforts. To have retained these latter would, 
 no doubt, have added to the interest of the book as a mere 
 antiquarian reprint, but with prejudice to its utility as an 
 manual of devotion, the sole character in which it now 
 appears again. It has never quite lost its charm, and old 
 copies of the various adaptations of it, scattered far and 
 wide, still assist the meditations and prayers of devout 
 souls in many places ; so that it may well be that, even 
 amidst the variety and abundance of cognate works which 
 pour incessantly from the press, John Austin's pious 
 volume may meet, more completely than any other, the 
 special needs of not a few seekers after holiness of life. 
 
 R. F. L. 
 
 London, S. Matthew's Day, 1869. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 PACK 
 
 Precepts of the Church... ... ... ... ... ... iii 
 
 Preface ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... v 
 
 Directions xi 
 
 Matins for Sunday i 
 
 Vespers „ ... ... ... ... .... ... 9 
 
 Matins for Monday ij 
 
 Vespers „ 21 
 
 Matins for Tuesday 24 
 
 Vespers „ ... ... ... ... ... ... 29 
 
 Matins for Wednesday .... ... ... ... ... ... 33 
 
 Vespers „ 38 
 
 Matins for Thursday ... ... ... ... ... ... 41 
 
 Vespers „ ... ... ... ... ... ... 48 
 
 Matins for Friday 52 
 
 Vespers „ 60 
 
 Matins for Saturday ... 65 
 
 Vespers „ 70 
 
 Matins for Feasts of our Blessed Saviour ... ... ... 75 
 
 Vespers „ „ „ 81 
 
 Matins for Feasts of the Holy Ghost ... ... ... ... 87 
 
 Vespers „ „ „ 94 
 
 Matins for Feasts of the Blessed Virgin ... ... ... 99 
 
 Vespers „ „ „ 105 
 
 Matins for Feasts of the Blessed Saints ... ... ... in 
 
 Vespers „ „ 117 
 
 Matins for the Blessed Departed ... ... ... ... 121 
 
 Vipers „ „ 129 
 
X INDEX. 
 
 
 
 
 HACK 
 
 Calendar, The ... 
 
 135 
 
 Proper of Festivals 
 
 
 
 .. 141 
 
 Moveable Festivals 
 
 
 
 .. 172 
 
 Moveable Holy Days, Table of 
 
 
 
 • • 173 
 
 Proper of Moveable Festivals ... 
 
 
 
 .. 174 
 
 Fasts 
 
 
 
 .. 180 
 
 Proper of Fasts 
 
 
 
 .. 181 
 
 Common of Martyrs ... ... 
 
 
 
 - 19? 
 
 „ Confessors 
 
 
 
 .. 201 
 
 „ Holy Men 
 
 
 
 2G4 
 
 „ Holy Women 
 
 
 
 .. 208 
 
 Commemoration Prayers 
 
 
 
 21 I 
 
 Occasional Prayers 
 
 
 
 •• 215 
 
 Itinerary... 
 
 
 
 .. 222 
 
 Office before receiving the Holy Sacrament 
 
 
 .. 224 
 
 „ after „ „ 
 
 
 .. 226 
 
 Prayers for a Family at Night ... 
 
 
 
 .. 228 
 
DIRECTIONS. 
 
 This Book consists of twelve Offices : one for each day of the week, 
 one for our Saviour's Feasts, one for the Holy Ghost, one for the 
 Blessed Virgin, one for Saints, and one for the Departed. 
 
 Each Office has two parts : Matins for the morning, Vespers for 
 the evening. 
 
 THE MANNER OF RECITING. 
 
 When one says his prayers alone, the circumstances are free to 
 be governed by his own devotion ; but if two or more say together, it 
 is convenient they agree on some rules, for which purpose these fol hiv- 
 ing are proposed, yet so to be altered by their own discretion as they 
 please. 
 
 MATINS. 
 
 First, both stand awhile to make the Presence of God and implore 
 His assistance, either without set form of words, or with th'' Prayer, 
 Prevent, we beseech Thee, &c, secretly. 
 
 Then both make the sign of the Cross, and say, In the Name of the 
 Father, >J» and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. 
 
 Then both joining their hands before their breasts, and lowly bowing 
 their heads, say, Blessed be the Holy and Undivided Trinity, now 
 and for ever. Amen. 
 
 Then both kneel and say, Our Father, Hail ! Mary, I believe, thus 
 far secretly. 
 
 Then both rise, and, standing, A. says, with an audible voice, 
 O Lord, open Thou our lips. (Saying these words, he makes the 
 sign of the Cross near his mouth.) 
 
 B. And our mouths shall shew forth Thy praise. 
 
 A. O God, make speed to save us. (Saying this, he makes the sign 
 of the Cross from the forehead to the breast, and from the left shoulder 
 to the right.) 
 
 B. O Lord, make haste to help us. 
 
 A. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy 
 Ghost. 
 
 B. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world 
 without end. Amen. 
 
 b 
 
Xll DIRECTIONS. 
 
 Then both say, Alleluia ! except in Lent, when Alleluia ! is always 
 omitted. 
 
 Then, both standing, A. says the Invitatory and the first verse of the 
 Psalm; B. repeats the Invitatory; A. says the second verse of the 
 Psalm ; B. the Invitatory ; and so to the end of that Psalm. A. says* 
 Glory be; B. As it was; A. says the Invitatory, and each recites a 
 stanza of the Hymn, A. beginning. 
 
 Then one says the Antiphon, the other begins the Psalm, which they 
 recite alternately, both sitting. 
 
 At the end of the Psalm both rise and bow their heads, while the 
 first verse of Glory be, &c, is said. 
 
 The Psalm being ended, both standing say secretly, Our Father. 
 
 Then A. reads the Lesson ; B. begins the Responsory, a-r^wr as the 
 first paragraph ; then A. takes it, and goes on to the next full point ; 
 then B. to the second paragraph ; and A. again repeats to the next 
 full point, as before; B. Glory be; A. the second part of it, the 
 Responsory. 
 
 Thus are all Responsories said. 
 
 At the end of the Responsory, Te Deum is said on all Sundays and 
 Holy Days, except the Sundays of Advent and Lent, and then it is 
 omitted. 
 
 In all Commemorations, B. says the Antiphon, A. the Versicle; 
 B. the Responsory, A. the Prayer. 
 
 After all the Prayers, both of the day and of the Commemorations, 
 A. says — 
 
 A. O Lord, hear our prayers. 
 
 B. And let our supplications come unto Thee. 
 
 A. Bless we our Lord. 
 
 B. Thanks be to God. 
 
 A. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of 
 God, rest in peace. 
 
 B. Amen. 
 
 Pause and meditate, according to your devotion. 
 
 Then A.s tys, The blessing of God Almighty, Father, >J« Son, and 
 Holy Ghost, descend upon us, and dwell in our hearts for ever. 
 B. Amen. 
 
 Pause awhile, then rise, and so ends the Morning Office. 
 
DIRECTIONS. Xlll 
 
 VESPERS. 
 
 Both stand a while, to make the Presence of God, and implore His 
 grace. 
 
 Then say, In the Name, &c. ; Blessed be, &c. ; as at Matins. 
 
 Then kneeling down say, Our Father, Hail ! Mary ; thus far secretly. 
 
 Then both rise and stand. A. says audibly, O God, make speed to 
 save us. (Saying these 'words, he makes the sign of the Cross from 
 forehead to breast, <&V.) B. O Lord, make haste to help us. 
 
 Then the Antiphon and Psalms are all recited alternately, both 
 sitting: then both standing up, A. reads the Lesson ; the other begins 
 the Hymn, of which each says his stanza to the end. 
 
 Then B. says the Antiphon ; A. the Versicle; B. the Responsory. 
 
 Then both kneeling, A. says the Prayer of the day ; B. Amen. 
 
 In all Commemorations, B. says the Antiphon ; A. the Versicle ; 
 B. the Responsory ; A . the Prayer. 
 
 After all the Prayers, both of the day and of the Commemorations, 
 A. Vouchsafe; B. Amen. 
 
 A. All the Versicles following. 
 
 B. All the Responsories. 
 
 A. The Prayer, Visit we, &c. ; B. Amen. 
 
 A. O Lord, hear; B. And let our. 
 
 A. Bless we our Lord; B. Thanks be to God. 
 
 A. May the souls, &c. ; B. Amen. 
 
 Pause awhile: then A. says, The blessing of God, &c. ; B. Amen. 
 
 HOLY DAYS OF OBLIGATION. 
 
 All Sundays, Christmas, Circumcision, Epiphany ; Easter Day, and 
 two days following ; Whitsun Day, and two days following ; Ascen- 
 sion, the Twelve Apostles, Conv. of S. Paul, Purification of Blessed 
 Virgin Mary, Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, S. Mark, 
 Nativity of S. John Baptist, S. Michael and All Angels, S. Luke, 
 All Saints, S. Stephen, Holy Innocents. 
 
 MOVEABLE HOLY DAYS. 
 
 Ash- Wednesday, Easter Day, with two days next following ,- 
 Ascension Day; Whitsun Day, with two days following; Corpus 
 ^hristi Day, Advent Sunday. 
 
XIV DIRECTIONS. 
 
 DAYS OF FASTING. 
 All Lent, except Sundays ; the Eves of Christmas, Easter, Ascen- 
 sion, and Whitsun Day ; of the Purification and Annunciation, 
 unless it fall in Easter Week ; Nativity and Assumption of the 
 Blessed Virgin ; All Saints; of all the Twelve Apostles, except S. 
 John Evangelist, SS. Philip and James ; Nativity of S. John 
 Baptist ; of S. Lawrence ; all Fridays, except in Christmas, and 
 between Easter and Ascension, u As long as the Bridegroom is with 
 us" (Matt. ix. 15). The Ember Days, being Wednesday, Friday, 
 and Saturdays next following the first Sunday in Lent, Whitsun 
 Day, the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, and S. Lucy's Day. 
 
 DAYS OF ABSTINENCE. 
 
 All Sundays in Lent ; all Saturdays in the year: the Rogation Days, 
 being Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday before Ascension ; and S. 
 A I ark's Day, if it fall not in Easter Week. 
 
 OF CONCURRENCE OF OFFICES. 
 
 If a Holy Day fall on a Sunday, the Office is said for the Holy Day, 
 except Easter Day, Whitsun Day, Trinity Sunday, and the Sundays 
 in Advent ; on which days Commemoration only is made of the 
 Holiday. 
 
 If any Holy Day happen on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday in Holy 
 Week, it is omitted that year without a Commemoration. 
 
 // any Holy Day happen on Monday or Tuesday in Easter or Whit 
 Week, it is omitted that year with a Commemoration. 
 
 AN OCTAVE 
 
 Is the same day seven nights after a Feast, till which be past, the 
 Feast is every day commemorated. 
 
 These Feasts have Octaves: — Christmas, Epiphany, Ascension, 
 Whitsun Day, Corpus Christi, All Saints. 
 
 The Lessons are out of Holy Scripture, but the particular places not 
 always cited, because sometimes the Lesson is not taken out of one 
 place alone, but of many. 
 
£©atirti8u 
 
 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 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 sentiment of humility -, of regret for your faults-, of 
 attention, respect, and modesty; of fervour, love, and con- 
 fidence, with which you should address Him. 
 
THE OFFICE FOR SUNDAY 
 MATINS. 
 
 Adore God for our Lord's glorious Resurrection, and the institution b; 
 the holy Apostles of the Christian Day of Rest ; for God's finish- 
 ing the Creation, and resting from all the works which He 
 made. 
 
 Introduction. 
 
 PREVENT, we beseech Thee, O Lord, ail our doings 
 with Thy most gracious favour, and further them with 
 Thy continual help ; that every prayer and work of ours 
 may emanate from Thee, and by Thee be happily ended ; 
 through Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 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 
 ever. Amen. 
 
 QUR Father, Which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy 
 Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in 
 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. For Thine is the kingdom, the 
 power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. 
 
 Hail ! Mary, &c. 
 
 J BELIEVE in God the Father Almighty, Maker 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, dead and buried, Lie descended into hell ; The 
 third day He rose again from the dead, He ascended into 
 heaven, And sitteth on the right hand of God the Father 
 Almighty ; From thence He shall come to judge the quick 
 and the dead. 
 
SUNDAY MATINS. 3 
 
 I believe in the Holy Ghost; The Holy Catholic Church ; 
 The Communion of Saints ; The Forgiveness of sins ; The 
 Resurrection of the body, And the life everlasting. Amen. 
 
 y. O Lord, open Thou our lips. & 
 
 R. And our mouth shall show forth Thy praise. 
 
 ~} . O God, make speed to save us. 
 
 R. O Lord, make haste to help us. 
 
 ^ . Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy 
 Ghost. 
 
 R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, 
 world without end. Amen. 
 
 (Thus far is the Introduction?) 
 
 Invitatory. 
 Come, let us adore our glorified Jesus. 
 
 Psalm. 
 Behold the angels assembled in their choirs, and the 
 blessed saints ready with their hymns ; behold, the Church 
 prepares her solemn offices, and summons all her children 
 to bring in their praises. 
 
 Come, let us adore cur glorified Jesus. 
 The King of Heaven Himself invites us, and graciously 
 calls us into His own Presence ; He bids us suspend our 
 mean employments in the world to receive the honour of 
 treating with Him. 
 
 Come, let us adore our glorified Jesus. 
 To Him we owe all the days of our life ; at least let us 
 pay this one to His service, a service so sweet and easy in 
 itself, and so infinitely ricli in its eternal rewards. 
 Cone, let us adore our glorified Jesus 
 Let us cheerfully ascend to the house of our Lord, the 
 place He has chosen for our sakes to dwell in ; let us 
 reverently bow before His holy Altar, where Himself comes 
 to meet us and our prayers. 
 
 Come, let us adore our glorified Jesus. 
 b2 
 
SUNDAY MATINS. 
 
 Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy 
 Ghost. 
 
 As it luas in the beginnings is now, and ever shall be, world 
 without end. Amen. 
 
 Come, let us adore our glorified Jesus. 
 
 Hymn. 
 
 /^\UR limbs refresh'd with slumber now, 
 
 And sloth cast off, in prayer we bow ; 
 And while we sing Thy praises dear, 
 O Father, be Thou present here ! 
 
 To Thee our earliest morning song, 
 To Thee our hearts' full powers belong ; 
 And Thou, O Holy One, prevent 
 Each following action and intent. 
 
 As shades at morning flee away, 
 And night before the Star of day, 
 So each transgression of the night 
 Be purged by Thee, celestial Light ! 
 
 Cut off, we pray Thee, each offence, 
 And every lust of thought and sense; 
 That by their lips who Thee adore 
 Thou may'st be praised for evermore. 
 
 O Father, that we ask be done, 
 Thro' Jesus Christ, Thine Only Son ! 
 Who, with the Holy Ghost and Thee, 
 Shall live and reign eternally. Amen. 
 
 Antiphon. This is the day the Lord hath made ; let us 
 
 be glad and rejoice therein. Alleluia. 
 
 Psalm. 
 
 T1TTELCOME, blest day,; This is the day which our 
 
 vv wherein the Sun of Righte- j Lord hath made; let us be glad 
 
 ousness arose and chased away j and rejoice therein. 
 
 the clouds of fear. This is the day He hath sane- 
 
 Welcome, thou birth-day of \ tified to Himself, and called by 
 
 our hopes, a day of joy and j His own most Holy Name ; 
 
 public refreshment ; That in it we may meet to 
 
 A day of holiness and solemn ' adore His greatness, and admire 
 
 devotion ; a day of rest and \ the wonders of His infinite power; 
 
 universal jubilee. That we may visit His holy 
 
SUNDAY MATINS. 
 
 Temple, and humbly present our 
 homage at His holy altars — 
 
 Those holy altars where the 
 Sacrifice of the Lamb of God 
 is daily shewn forth, and the 
 memory of our Saviour's life con- 
 tinually renewed ; 
 
 That the ignorant minds may 
 be taught Thy truth, and learn 
 the way to everlasting happi- 
 ness ; 
 
 That the guilty consciences 
 may accuse their crimes, and be 
 absolved on earth to be pardoned 
 in heaven ; 
 
 That the love-prepared souls 
 may approach Thy Table? and 
 feast their hope with that deli- 
 cious Banquet ; 
 
 That all may speak to Thee by 
 prayer, and hear Thy voice by 
 the mouth of Thy pastors. 
 
 O blessed Lord, what excellent 
 arts has Thy wisdom invented to 
 bring us unto Thyself ! 
 
 Thou takest our eyes by the 
 beauty of Thy house, and the 
 decent splendours of Thy solemn 
 offices. 
 
 Thou quickenest our affections 
 by the liveliness of pictures, and 
 meltest our hearts with the sweet- 
 ness of music. 
 
 Thou strengthenest our faith 
 
 Antlphon. This is the day 
 be glad and rejoice therein. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 by Thy public assemblies, and 
 improvest our charity both to 
 Thee and to one another. 
 
 Happy, thrice happy they, O 
 merciful God, whom Thy provi- 
 dence has favoured with all these 
 blessings ; 
 
 Who freely may enter Thy 
 holy Sanctuary, and sing aloud 
 their praises to Thy Name; 
 
 Who every day may wait on 
 Thy altars, and there securely 
 adore Thy Person. 
 
 But where Thou art pleased to 
 deny these mercies, refuse not, O 
 Lord, to extend Thy grace, 
 
 That at least we may build a 
 little chapel in our hearts, and 
 consecrate ourselves entirely to 
 Thee. 
 
 Be Thou but present, gracious 
 God ! and fill our souls with Thy 
 chaste love. 
 
 No further motives shall we 
 need to draw us ; nor scruple to 
 address our prayers, 
 
 Since every place where Thou 
 art not is unholy; and where 
 Thou art is joy and peace. 
 
 Glory be to the Father, and to 
 the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. 
 
 As it was in the beginning, is 
 now, and ever shall be, world 
 without end. Amen. 
 
 the Lord hath made 
 Alleluia. 
 
 let us 
 
 Lesson. I Cor. x 
 
 "DUT now Christ is risen from 
 
 the dead, and become the 
 
 first fniits of them that slept. 
 
 For since by man came death, 
 
 .20; and Col. iii. 
 
 by man came also the resurrec- 
 tion from the dead. 
 
 For as in Adam all die, even 
 so in Chri t shall all be made alive. 
 
SUNDAY MATINS. 
 
 If ye then be risen with Christ, 
 seek those things that are above, 
 where Christ sitteth on the right 
 hand of God. 
 
 Set your affections on things 
 above, not on things on the 
 earth. 
 
 For you are dead, and our 
 life is hid with Christ in God. 
 
 When Christ, Who is your 
 life, shall appear, then shall ye 
 also appear with Him in glory. 
 
 Mortify, therefore, your mem- 
 bers that are upon the earth ; for- 
 nication, uncleanness, inordinate 
 affection, evil concupiscence, and 
 covetousness, which is idola- 
 try. 
 
 For which things' sake the 
 
 wrath of God cometh en the 
 children of disobedience. 
 
 In the which you also walked 
 when you lived in them. 
 
 But now you also put off all 
 all these: anger, wrath, malice, 
 blasphemy, filthy communication 
 out of thy mouth. 
 
 Lie not one to another, seeing 
 that you have put oft" the old 
 man, with his deeds : 
 
 And have put on the new man, 
 which is renewed in knowledge, 
 after the image of Him that 
 created him. 
 
 Where there is neither Greek 
 nor -Jew, circumcision nor un- 
 circumcision, barbarian, Scythian, 
 bond or free, but Christ is all in all. 
 
 Respo/isory. 
 
 O glorious Jesus ! in Whom we live, and without Whom 
 we die, mortify in us all sensual desires, and quicken our 
 hearts with Thy holy love, that we no longer esteem the 
 vanities of the world, but place our affections entirely on 
 Thee: 
 
 Who didst die for our sins, and rise again for cur justifi- 
 cation. 
 
 O Thou, our only hope and portion in the land of the 
 living ! may our thoughts and conversation still be of Thee, 
 our works and sufferings all for Thee : 
 
 Who didst die for our sins, and rise again for our justifi- 
 cation. 
 
 Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy 
 Ghost: 
 
 Who didst die for our sins, and rise again for our justifi- 
 LL'i'r.n. 
 
 Antiphon. 
 
 Why reck ve the living among the dead ? He is risen-, 
 
SUNDAY MATINS. 
 
 He is not here-, He is gloriously ascended, and the heavens 
 have received Him. Alleluia > Alleluia. 
 
 y. Our Lord is risen and ascended indeed. 
 
 R. The first fruits of those that die in His love. 
 
 Te Deum 
 
 YXTF< praise Thee, () God : we 
 acknowledge Thee to be 
 the Lord. 
 
 All the earth doth worship 
 Thee : the Father everlasting. 
 
 To Thee all Angels cry aloud : 
 
 e Hea 
 therein. 
 
 ToT 
 phin : continually do cry, 
 
 Holy, Holy, Holy : Lord God 
 of Sabaoth ; 
 
 Heaven and earth are full ot 
 the Majesty : of Thy Glory. 
 
 The glorious company of the 
 Apostles : praise Thee. 
 
 The goodly fellowship of the 
 Prophets : praise Thee. 
 
 The noble army of Martyrs : 
 praise Thee. 
 
 The holy Church throughout 
 all the world : doth acknowledge 
 Thee ; 
 
 The Father : of an infinite 
 Majesty ; 
 
 Thine honourable, true : and 
 only Son ; 
 
 Also the Holy Ghost : the 
 Comforter. 
 
 Thou art the King of Glory : 
 O Christ. 
 
 Thou art the everlasting Son : 
 of the Father. 
 
 When Thou tockest upon Thee 
 
 Laudamus. 
 
 to deliver man : Thou didst not 
 abhor the Virgin's womb. 
 
 When Thou hadst overcome 
 < the sharpness of death : Thou 
 didst open the kingdom of Heaven 
 , to all believers. 
 
 Thou sittest at the right hand 
 of God : in the glory of the 
 Father. 
 
 We believe that Thou shalt 
 come : to be our Judge. 
 
 We therefore pray Thee : help 
 Thy servants : whom Thou hast 
 redeemed with Thv precious 
 Blood. 
 
 Make them to be numbered 
 ; with Thy Saints : in glory ever- 
 i lasting. 
 
 O Lord, save Thy people : and 
 ■ bless Thine heritage. 
 
 Govern them : and lift them 
 up for ever. 
 
 Day by day : we magnify 
 Thee ; 
 
 And we worship Thy Name : 
 ever world without end. 
 
 Vouchsafe, O Lord : to keep 
 us this day without sin. 
 
 O Lord, have mercy upon us : 
 have mercy upon us. 
 
 O Lord, let Thy mercy lighten 
 upon us : as our trust is in Thee. 
 
 O Lord, in Thee have I trust- 
 ed : let me never be confounded. 
 
 rrayer. 
 O God ! Who hast glorified our victorious Saviour with 
 a visibly triumphant resurrection from the dead, and ascen- 
 
SUNDAY MATINS. 
 
 sion into Heaven, where He sits at Thy right hand, the 
 world's supreme Governor and final Judge ! Grant, we 
 humbly beseech Thee, His triumphs and glories may ever 
 shine in our eyes, to make us more clearly see through His 
 sufferings, and more courageously bear our own-, being 
 assured by His example, that if we endeavour to live and 
 die like Him, purely for the advance of Thy love, in our- 
 selves and others, Thou wilt raise, too, our bodies, and 
 conform them to His glorious Body, call us up above the 
 clouds, and give us possession of Thy everlasting Kingdom ; 
 through the same our Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who, 
 with Thee and the Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth, one 
 God, world without end. Amen. 
 
 Here may fol/ozv prayers of obligations — i.e., for the Church, clergy, 
 parents , &Y., and of any society you may belong to. 
 
 "X . O Lord, hear our prayers. 
 I£. And let our supplications come unto Thee. 
 ^ . Bless we our Lord. 
 R. Thanks be to God. 
 
 ^ . May the souls of the faithful departed, through the 
 mercy of God, rest in peace. 
 B. Amen. 
 
 Pause and meditate, according to your devct:^:. 
 
 ^ . The blessing of God Almighty, Father, *% Son, and 
 Holy Ghost, descend upon us, and dwell in our hearts for 
 ever. 
 
 R. Amen. 
 
itegpcrg. 
 
 If it be a duty of the greatest importance to begin the day 
 well, it is one of no less consequence to conclude it pro- 
 perly. The graces conferred on us during 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 — 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 virtue we want most to acquire — 
 is strongly recommended by all spiritual writers as one of 
 the most important duties of Christian life, and the most 
 profitable exercise we can apply ourselves to for avoiding 
 sin and acquiring 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. 
 
 The examination of conscience and act of contrition form 
 the most important part of your evening exercise. 
 
 The many signal blessings which God has bestowed, 
 and does bestow, in those families where prayers are regu- 
 larly said in common, should be a sufficient inducement to 
 establish this practice everywhere ; and chiefly at night, 
 when all may be assembled with greater convenience. 
 " Where two or three are met together in My Name, 
 there," said Christ, "am I in the midst of them." O Chris- 
 tians, what stronger inducement can we have to procure so 
 great a happiness ? 
 
10 
 
 SUNDAY VESPERS. 
 
 In the Name cf the Father, 4" an( l °f the Son, and of the 
 Holy Ghost. Amen. 
 
 Blessed be the Holy and Undivided Trinity, now and for 
 ever. Amen. 
 
 Our Father, oV. Hail! Mary, £5f. 
 
 y~. O God, make speed 'to save us. 
 R. O Lord, make haste to help us. 
 f. Glory be, &c. 
 R. As it ivas, &c. Alleluia. 
 
 Antiphon. Glorious things are said of thee, thou City 
 of the King of Heaven. Alleluia. 
 Psalm . 
 
 We hope one day to come to 
 you, and be placed to sing in 
 your holy choirs. 
 
 There we shall rest from sin 
 
 "NJEVER can we say too much 
 of this glorious subject ; 
 never can we think enough of 
 the felicities of heaven. 
 
 Arise, my soul, to thee these 
 joys belong; arise, and advance 
 thyself on high. 
 
 Leave here below all earthly 
 -thoughts ; and fly away with the 
 wings of thy spirit. 
 
 Fly to that glorious land of 
 promise ; and gladly salute those 
 heavenly regions. 
 
 Hail ! happy paradise of pure 
 delights ; thou beauteous garden 
 of never-fading flowers. 
 
 Hail ! blest society of beautiful 
 spirits, who perpetually contem- 
 plate the Eternal Deity. 
 
 Hail ! and for ever may your 
 glories grow, till they rise so high 
 they can grow no more. 
 
 Hail ! and among your cheer- 
 ful hymns remember us who 
 dwell below in this vale of tears. 
 
 troubled with ourselves or others. 
 
 O Heaven ! the eternal source 
 of all these joys, and infinitely 
 more, and infinitely greater. 
 
 Who will give me the wings 
 of a dove, that I may fly away 
 and be at rest ? 
 
 That I may fly away from the 
 troubles of this life, and be at 
 rest, dear Lord, with Thee. 
 
 Here we, alas ! are forced to 
 sigh, and bear with grief the bur- 
 den of our miseries. 
 
 Often we encounter tempta- 
 tions that endanger us; and divert 
 our prayers in the way to bliss. 
 
 Often we are assaulted with 
 these temptations that overcome 
 us; and set us back in the ac- 
 counts of eternitv. 
 
SUNDAY VESPERS. 
 
 II 
 
 O Thou victorious Conqueror 
 of sin and death! do Thou assist 
 us in this dangerous warfare. 
 
 Make us still thirst and sigh 
 after Thee; the living foundation 
 of life-giving streams ! 
 
 To meditate the joys of saints 
 and angels ; and the blissful vision 
 of the face of Jesus. 
 
 O how secure and sweetly do 
 they sleep who go to bed with 
 a quiet conscience ! 
 
 Who after a day of faithful 
 industry, in a course of just and 
 pious living, 
 
 Lay down their wearied heads 
 in peace, and safely rest in the 
 bosom of Providence. 
 
 This too, my soul, should be 
 our care : to note, and censure, 
 and correct ourselves ; 
 
 To strive for mastery ovei the 
 
 Antiphon. Glorious things 
 of the King of Heaven. Alh 
 
 passions that molest us, and dis- 
 miss from our thoughts what no 
 way concerns us ; 
 
 Follow the way that leads to 
 truth, follow the truth that leads 
 to life ; 
 
 Follow the steps of thy beloved 
 Jesus, Who alone is the way, 
 the truth, and the life ; 
 
 Follow His holiness in what 
 He did ; follow His patience in 
 what He suffered ; 
 
 Follow Him that calls thee 
 with a thousand promises; fol- 
 low Him that crowns thee with 
 infinite rewards ; 
 
 Follow thy faithful Lord, O 
 my soul, to the end ; and thou 
 art sure in the end to possess Him 
 for ever. 
 
 Glory be, <b~'c. 
 
 As it iuasy (b'c. 
 
 are 
 iuia. 
 
 lid of thee, thou City 
 
 Lesso 
 
 T ET love be without dissimu- 
 -*— ' lation; hate that which is 
 evil, cleave to that which is 
 good. 
 
 Be kindly affectionated one 
 toward another, with brotherly 
 love in honour preferring one 
 another. 
 
 Not slothful in business ; fer- 
 vent in spirit, serving the Lord. 
 
 Rejoicing in hope, patient in 
 tribulation, continuing instant in 
 prayer. 
 
 Distributing to the necessity of 
 saints ; given to hospitality. 
 
 Bless them which persecute 
 you ; bless and curse not. 
 
 Romans xii. 9. 
 
 Rejoice with them that do re- 
 joice, and weep with them that 
 weep. 
 
 Be of the same mind one to- 
 ward another. 
 
 Mind not high things, but con- 
 descend to men of low estate. 
 
 Be not wise in your own con 
 ceits. 
 
 Recompense to no man evil 
 for evil ; provide things honest 
 in the sight of all men. 
 
 If it be possible, as much as 
 in you lieth, live peacably with 
 all men. 
 
 Dearly beloved, avenge not 
 yourselves, but rather give place 
 
12 
 
 SUNDAY VESPERS. 
 
 unto wrath ; for it is written, 
 Vengeance is mine, and I will 
 repay it. 
 
 Therefore, if thine enemy hun- 
 ger, feed him ; if he thirst, give 
 
 "DE present, Holy Father, 
 
 Unseen by mortal eye ; 
 And Christ the Word Eternal, 
 And Spirit from on high. 
 
 Thou Trinity in Essence, 
 And light and virtue One ! 
 
 Father, Son, and Spirit, 
 Of Father and of Son. 
 
 The toil of day is over ; 
 
 The hour of rest comes round, 
 And in its turn kind slumber 
 
 Our members hath unbound. 
 
 Servant of Christ, remember 
 The font's Baptismal dew; 
 
 Remember thy renewal 
 In Confirmation too. 
 
 him drink; for in so doing thou 
 shalt heap coals of fire upon his 
 head. 
 
 Be not overcome of evil, but 
 overcome evil with good. 
 
 And thou, O crafty serpent, 
 Who seek'st by many an art, 
 
 And many a guileful winding, 
 To vex the quiet heart : 
 
 Depart, for Christ is present ; 
 
 Since Christ is here, give place ; 
 And let the sign >J« thou ownest 
 
 Thy ghostly legions chase. 
 
 And though awhile the bodk- 
 in sleep may lie reclined, 
 
 Yet Christ, in very slumber, 
 Shall fill the Christian mind. 
 
 All laud to God the Father, 
 All laud to God the Son ; 
 
 To God the Holy Spirit 
 
 Be equal honour done. Amen. 
 
 Antiphoti. Fear not, Mary, thou hast found grace with the 
 Lord ; behold, thou shalt conceive and bear a Son. Alleluia. 
 Magnificat. 
 
 proud in the imagination of their 
 
 "V/TY soul doth magnify the 
 Lord : and my spirit hath 
 rejoiced in God my Saviour. 
 
 For He hath regarded : the 
 lowliness of His hand-maiden. 
 
 For behold, from henceforth : 
 all generations shall call me 
 blessed. 
 
 For He that is mighty hath mag- 
 nified me : and holy is His Name. 
 
 And His mercy is on them 
 that fear Him : throughout all 
 generations. 
 
 He hath shewed strength with 
 His arm : He hath scattered the 
 
 hearts. 
 
 He hath put down the mighty 
 from their seat : and hath exalted 
 the humble and meek. 
 
 He hath filled the hungry with 
 good things : and the rich he 
 hath sent empty away. 
 
 He remembering His mercy 
 hath holpen His servant Israel : 
 as He promised to our fore- 
 fathers, Abraham and his seed, 
 for ever. 
 
 Glory be, &'c. 
 
 As it was, $2'c. 
 
SUNDAY VESPERS. I 3 
 
 Antiphon. Fear not, Mary, thou hast found grace with 
 the Lord; behold, thou shalt conceive and bear a Son. 
 Alleluia. 
 
 y . Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither can the 
 heart of man conceive the things : 
 
 I£. Which God hath prepared for them that love Him. 
 
 Prayer. 
 O God, Who graciously wooest us to our eternal inheri- 
 tance, by describing its inexpressible glories in all manner 
 of ways which are apt to work upon our low conceits, that 
 they may fitly interpose themselves and become by degrees 
 absolute master of our hearts; bring them, we beseech 
 Thee, still seasonably into our memories, and so strongly 
 settle them in our affections, that our souls, being wholly 
 ravished with these great hopes, all the temptations and 
 vanities of this world may fly unconcerning by us, and 
 never be able to distract our entire, and steady, and daily 
 strengthening desires of entering once and for ever into 
 possession of Thy Kingdom ; through our Lord Jesus 
 Christ Thy Son, Who, with, &c. 
 
 Here may follo-zv prayers of obligation — i.e., for the Church, clergy , 
 parents, <&Y., or of any society you may belong to. 
 
 y. Vouchsafe us, we beseech Thee, O Lord, a quiet 
 
 night and a happy end. 
 ft. Amen. 
 
 y. Lord, have mercy upon us. 
 R. Christ, have mercy upon us. 
 jf . Lord, have mercy upon us. 
 
 Our Father, <b'c. 
 y. And lead us not into temptation. 
 1^. But deliver us from evil. Amen. 
 
 y . Into Thy hands, O Lord, we commend our spirits. 
 1^. Thou hast redeemed us, O Lord, Thou God of Truth 
 
14 SUNDAY VESPERS. 
 
 ~} . Preserve us, O Lord, as the apple of Thine eye. 
 
 $. Under the shadow of Thy wings protect us. 
 
 ^ . Save us, O Lord, waking; defend us sleeping. 
 
 $. That we may watch with Christ, and rest in peace. 
 
 y. Vouchsafe, O Lord, to keep us this night without sin, 
 
 I£. Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us. 
 
 y. O Lord, let Thy mercy be upon us. 
 
 I£. As our hope is in Thee. 
 
 y. O Lord, hear our prayers. 
 
 Ty. And let our crying come unto Thee. 
 
 Prayer. 
 
 Visit, we beseech Thee, O Lord, this habitation, and 
 drive far away all 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 our Lord Jesus 
 Christ Thy Son, Who, with Thee and the Holy Ghost, 
 liveth and reigneth, one God, world without end. Amen. 
 
 y. O Lord, hear our prayer. 
 B. And let our crying come unto Thee. 
 ^ . Bless we our Lord. 
 B« Thanks be to God. 
 
 y. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the 
 mercy of God, rest in peace. 
 ¥f. Amen. 
 
 Pause and meditate, according to your devotion. 
 
 "Ji" 1 '. The blessing of God Almighty, Father, ^ Son, and 
 Holy Ghost, descend upon us, and dwell in our hearts for 
 ever. 
 
 Ifc. Amen. 
 
THE OFFICE FOR MONDAY 
 MATINS. 
 
 Adore God for the works of creation, and celebrate His infinite power y 
 <wisdom, and goodness ; praise Him as the great Architect of t 
 world ; He made it, with infinite skill and art, in number f 
 weighty and measure. 
 
 The Introduction to be said as on page 2. 
 
 In vi t a tor y. 
 Come, let us adore our God that made us. 
 
 Psalm. 
 Let us with reverence appear before Him, and humble 
 ourselves in the presence of His glory ; let us all bring 
 forth our psalms of praise, and sing with joy to our 
 Creator. 
 
 Come, let us adore cur God that made us. 
 He made us, not we ourselves ; and freely bestowed on 
 us all the rest of His creatures ; to engage our hearts to love 
 His goodness, and admire the riches of His infinite glory. 
 Come, let us adore our God that made us. 
 Our bodies He framed of the dust of the earth ; and 
 gave us a soul after His own likeness — a soul which all 
 created nature cannot fill, nor anything below His own 
 immensity. 
 
 Come, let us adore our God that made us. 
 For Himself He made us, and for His glorious king- 
 dom ; that we might dwell with Him in perfect bliss, and 
 sing His praises for ever. 
 
 Come, let us adore our God that made us. 
 
 Glory be, life. 
 As it was, &c. 
 
 Come, let us adore our God that made us. 
 
1 6 MONDAY MATINS. 
 
 tfy 
 
 T 
 
 HOU brightness of the Fathers ray, 
 Thou Light of light, and Day of day j 
 Light's fountain and eternal spring ; 
 Thou Morn the morn illumining. 
 
 Glide in, Thou very Sun divine ; 
 "With everlasting brightness shine ; 
 And shed abroad on every sense 
 The Spirit's light and influence. 
 
 Thee, Father, let us seek aright — 
 The Father of perpetual light, 
 The Father of Almighty grace — 
 Each wile of sin away to chase. 
 
 Our acts with courage do Thou fill ; 
 Blunt Thou the tempter's tooth of ill ; 
 Misfortune into good convert; 
 Or give us grace to bear unhurt. 
 
 Our spirits, whatsoe'er betide, 
 Ih chaste and loyal bodies guide; 
 Let faith, with fervour unalloyed, 
 The bane of falsehood still avoid. 
 
 And Christ our daily food be nigh ; 
 And Faith our daily cup supply ; 
 So may we quaff, to calm and bless, 
 The Spirit's rapturous holiness. 
 
 Now let the day in joy pass on : 
 Our modesty like early dawn, 
 Our faith like noontide splendour glow, 
 Our souls the twilight never know. 
 
 All laud to God the Father be ; 
 All laud, Eternal Son, to Thee ; 
 All laud, as is for ever meet, 
 To God the Holy Paraclete. Amen. 
 
 Antiphon. Bless our Lord, O my soul ; and all that is 
 within me praise His holy Name. 
 
MONDAY MATINS. 
 
 17 
 
 Psalm. 
 
 HpOO glorious art Thou, O 
 Lord, in Thyself; and Thy 
 direct rays shine too bright for 
 our eyes. 
 
 Yet may we venture to praise 
 Thee in Thy works ; and con- 
 template Thee, at least, reflected 
 from Thy creatures. 
 
 In them we may safely behold 
 our mighty Maker, and freely 
 admire the magnificence of our 
 God. 
 
 Heaven and earth are full of 
 His greatness ; heaven and earth 
 were created by His power. 
 
 From Him all the hosts of 
 angels received their being ; from 
 Him they have the honour to 
 assist in His presence. 
 
 He kindled warmth and bright- 
 ness in the sun ; and beauteously 
 garnished the firmament with 
 stars. 
 
 He spread the air, and stored 
 it with flocks of birds; He 
 gathered the waters, and re- 
 plenished them with shoals of 
 fishes. 
 
 He established the earth on a 
 firm foundation ; and richly 
 adorned it with innumerable 
 varieties. 
 
 Every element is filled with 
 His blessings, and all the world 
 with His wonderful miracles. 
 
 He spake the word, and they 
 were made ; He commands, and 
 they are still preserved. 
 
 He governs their motions in 
 perfect order, and distributes to 
 each its proper office ; 
 
 Contriving the whole into one 
 vast machine, a spacious theatre 
 
 of His own unlimited great- 
 ness. 
 
 Oh, glorious Architect of uni- 
 versal nature, Who disposest all 
 things in number, weight, and 
 measure, 
 
 How does Thy wisdom engage 
 us to admire Thee, how does 
 Thy goodness oblige us to love 
 Thee. 
 
 Not for themselves alone, O 
 gracious God, did Thy hand 
 procure those happy spirits ; 
 
 But to receive in charge Thy 
 little flock, and safely conduct 
 them to the folds of bliss. 
 
 Not for themselves at all, O 
 bounteous Lord, were the rest 
 of this huge creation framed ; 
 
 But to sustain our lives on the 
 way, and carry us on to our 
 eternal home. 
 
 O may our souls first praise 
 Thee for themselves, and employ 
 their whole powers to improve 
 in Thy service. 
 
 May we praise Thee, O Lord, 
 for all Thy gifts, but infinitely, 
 above all, still value the Giver. 
 
 May every blessing be a motive 
 of gratitude, and every creature 
 a step of approach towards Thee. 
 
 So shall we faithfully observe 
 their end, and happily arrive at 
 ours. 
 
 Using them only to entertain 
 us here, till our souls be prepared 
 for the life of heaven ; 
 
 Till they become purified for 
 Thee, and then fly near to 
 holy presence. 
 
 Glory be, &c. 
 
 As it was, <b'c. 
 
MONDAY MATINS. 
 
 Antiphon. Bless our Lord, O my soul, and all that is 
 within me praise His holy Name. 
 
 Our Father, <&c. 
 
 Lesson. Genesis i. I, 
 
 TN the beginning God created 
 
 the heaven and the earth. 
 
 And the earth was without 
 form, and void ; and darkness 
 was upon the face of the deep. 
 And the Spirit of God moved 
 upon the face of the waters. 
 
 And God said, Let there be 
 light : and there was light. 
 
 And God saw the light, that 
 it was good : and God divided 
 the light from the darkness. 
 
 And God called the light Day, 
 and the darkness He called Night. 
 
 And the evening and morning 
 were the first day. 
 
 And God said, Let there be a 
 firmament in the midst of the 
 waters, and let it divide the 
 waters from the waters. 
 
 And God made the firmament, 
 and divided the waters which 
 were under the firmament from 
 the waters which were above the 
 firmament : and it was so. 
 
 And God called the firmament 
 Heaven. And the evening and 
 the morning were the second day. 
 
 Responsory. 
 
 Open Thou our eyes, O Lord, that we may see the 
 beauty of Thy commands : how wise and sweet they are 
 in themselves, how necessary and beneficial unto us : 
 
 While they improve our felicity here, and entitle us to that 
 of hereafter. 
 
 Guide Thou our lives, O gracious Lord, in the way of 
 Thy precepts ; that by observing faithfully these excellent 
 rules, we may all be evermore happy : 
 
 While they improve our felicity here, and entitle us to that 
 of hereof er. 
 
 Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy 
 Ghost : 
 
 While they improve our felicity here, and entitle us to that 
 of hereafter. 
 
MONDAY MATINS. 
 
 19 
 
 Antiphon. 
 
 Consider well your steps, O ye children of men ■ 
 behold who regards you : walk sincerely, and walk 
 confidently, for His rod and staff are ever at hand to 
 comfort you. 
 
 ^ . Fear not, O ye of little faith ! He is here. 
 R. Presume not, O ye much inclined to folly ! He is 
 here. 
 
 Antiphon. He that framed the heart of man designed it 
 for Himself, and bequeathed it unquietness till possest of 
 its Maker. 
 
 Benedictus. 
 "DLESSED be the Lord God 
 ^ of Israel : for He hath visited, 
 and redeemed His people ; 
 
 And hath raised up a mighty 
 salvation for us : in the house of 
 His servant David ; 
 
 As He spake by the mouth of 
 His holy prophets : which have 
 been since the world began ; 
 
 That we should be saved from 
 our enemies : and from the hands 
 of all that hate us ; 
 
 To perform the mercy pro- 
 mised to our forefathers : and to 
 remember His holy covenant ; 
 
 To perform the oath which He 
 sware to our forefather Abraham : 
 that He would give us ; 
 
 That we being delivered out of 
 the hand of our enemies : might 
 serve Him without fear : 
 
 In holiness and righteousness 
 before Him : all the davs of our 
 life. 
 
 And Thou, Child, shalt be 
 called the Prophet of the High- 
 est : for Thou shalt go before 
 the face of the Lord to prepare 
 His ways ; 
 
 To give knowledge of salva- 
 tion unto His people : for the re- 
 mission of their sins, 
 
 Through the tender mercy of 
 our God : whereby the day- 
 spring from on high hath visited 
 us; 
 
 To give light to them that sit 
 in darkness, and in the shadow of 
 death : and to guide our feet into 
 the \vai^)f peace. 
 
 G/ory&e, ts'c. 
 
 Antiphon. He that framed the heart of man designed it 
 for Himself, and bequeathed it unquietness till possest of 
 its Maker. 
 
 ~} . Vanity of vanities, all is vanity; 
 
 $. But to love our God, and attend His service, 
 c 2 
 
20 MONDAY MATINS. 
 
 Prayer. 
 O Almighty Lord, the only wise and good Creator of 
 the universe, Who madest all corporeal nature for the use 
 of man, and man for his own felicity ; enlarge our souls, 
 we beseech Thee, humbly to admire and adore Thy 
 infinite fulness of Being in Thyself, and Thy immense 
 liberality of it to us •, and mercifully carry on the whole 
 creation to its end, vouchsafing so to order all Thy creatures 
 about us, by Thy grace, that they may attain their perfec- 
 tion in duly serving us, and we ours in eternally enjoying 
 Thee ; through our Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who, 
 with, &c. 
 
 Here may follow prayers of obligation — i.e., for the Church , clergy, 
 parents y iD'c. ; or of any society you may belong to. 
 
 y. O Lord, hear our prayers. 
 
 I£. And let our supplications come unto Thee. 
 
 y. Bless we our Lord. 
 
 I£. Thanks be to God. 
 
 7/t. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the 
 mercy of God, rest in peace. 
 
 I£. Amen. 
 
 Pause and meditate, according to your devotion. 
 
 ~f. The blessing of God Almighty, Father, *h Son, and 
 Holy Ghost, descend upon us, and dwell in our hearts for 
 ever. 
 
 ]$. Amen. 
 
21 
 
 MONDAY VESPERS. 
 
 In the Name of the Father, ^ and of the Son, and of the 
 Holy Ghost. Amen. 
 
 Blessed be the Holy and Undivided Trinity, tisw and for 
 ever. Amen. 
 
 Our Father, &c. Hail I Mary, &c. 
 
 ^t. O God, make speed to save us. 
 ty. O Lord, make haste to help us. 
 f. Glory be, &c. 
 1^. As it was, &c. 
 
 Antiphon. To know Thee, O Lord, is the highest learn- 
 ing; and to see Thy face, the only happiness. 
 Psalm. 
 
 extend : vet infinitelv less than 
 
 I" ET us now consider, O Lord 
 
 our God ! let us thankfully 
 
 remember what Thou art to us. 
 
 Thou art the great beginning 
 of our nature, and glorious end 
 of all our actions. 
 
 Thou art the ever-flowing 
 source from whence we spring, 
 and the immense ocean into 
 which we tend. 
 
 Thou art the free bestower of 
 all we possess, and faithful pro- 
 miser of all we hope. 
 
 Thou art the strong sustainer 
 of our lives, and ready deliverer 
 from all our enemies. 
 
 Thou art the merciful scourger 
 of our sins, and bounteous re- 
 warder of our obedience. 
 
 Thou art the safe conductor of 
 our pilgrimage, and the eternal 
 rest of our wearied souls. 
 
 Such words, alas ! our narrow- 
 ness is constrained to use, when we 
 endeavour to speak Thy bounties. 
 
 Wider a little can our thoughts 
 
 the least of Thy mercies. 
 
 Tell us Thyself: one word of 
 Thine expresses more than all 
 the eloquence of men and angels. 
 
 Tell us Thyself, O Thou mild 
 instructor of the ignorant ! what 
 Thou art to us. 
 
 Say to our souls, Thou art our 
 salvation ; but say it so that we 
 may hear Thee. 
 
 Gladly will we run after the 
 sound of that Voice, and hope by 
 following it to find out Thee. 
 
 When we have found Thee 
 once, O Thou joy of our hearts ! 
 never let us lose Thy sight again. 
 
 Never let us turn our eyes 
 from Thee, but steadily fix them 
 on Thy glorious face. 
 
 Suffer us not to go till Thou 
 hast given us Thy blessing, and 
 then may Thy blessing bind us 
 faster to Thee. 
 
 Glory be, <b?c. 
 
 As it was, <t3rc. 
 
 Antiphon. To know Thee, O Lord, is the highest learn- 
 ing; and to see Thy face, the only happiness. 
 
22 
 
 MONDAY VESPERS. 
 
 CHILDREN, obey your pa- 
 ^ rents in the Lord ; for this 
 is right. 
 
 Honour thy father and mother, 
 which is the first commandment 
 with promise. 
 
 That it may be well with thee, 
 and thou mayest live long upon 
 the earth. 
 
 And ye fathers, provoke not 
 your children to wrath, but bring 
 them up in the nurture and ad- 
 monition of the Lord. 
 
 Servants, be obedient to your 
 masters according to the flesh, 
 with fear and trembling, in sin- 
 gleness of heart, as unto Christ. 
 
 Ephes. vi. 
 
 Not with eye-service as men- 
 pleasers, but as the servants of 
 Christ, doing the will of God 
 from the heart ; with good will 
 doing service as unto the Lord, 
 and not unto men. 
 
 Knowing that whatsoever good 
 thing any man doth, the same 
 shall he receive of the Lord, 
 whether he be bond or free. 
 
 And ye masters, do the same 
 things unto them, forbearing 
 threatening, knowing that your 
 Master also is in heaven ; neither 
 is there respect of persons with 
 Him. 
 
 Hymn. 
 
 r\ Great Creator of the sky, 
 
 ^ Who wouldest not the floods on high 
 
 With earthly waters to confound, 
 
 But mad'st the firmament their bound. 
 
 The floods above Thou didst ordain, 
 The floods below Thou didst restrain ; 
 That moisture might attemper heat, 
 Lest the parched earth should ruin meet. 
 
 Upon our souls, good Lord, bestow 
 The gift of grace in endless flow, 
 Lest some renewed deceit or wile 
 Of former sin should us beguile. 
 
 Let faith discover heavenly light, 
 So shall its ray direct us right ; 
 And let this faith each error chase, 
 And never give to falsehood place. 
 
 O Father, that we ask be done 
 Through Jesus Christ, Thine only Son ! 
 Who, with the Holy Ghost and Thee, 
 Shall live and reign eternally. Amen. 
 
MONDAY VESPERS. 2^ 
 
 Prayer. 
 
 O God ! Whose gracious providence vouchsafest to put 
 us frequently in mind of our own and the world's last end, 
 by burying every day in the silent grave of night ; sweeten, 
 we humbly beseech Thee, and render familiar to our 
 expectation, those terrible periods of time, by our constant 
 due use of this, to balance our accounts with Thee, and fit 
 ourselves for sleep with a devout composure of our souls 
 to their eternal rest ; and grant that our yielding so often 
 and so easily, at the summons of our sleepy humours, 
 to suspend for some hours all operations of the whole man, 
 may teach our souls to reflect themselves into a more 
 reasonable willingness, whenever Thou callest, to leave our 
 bodies in the bed of dust, and pass into the state of their 
 own perfect and ever-waking activity and bliss, heightened 
 by such hopes of a completely glorifying resurrection ; 
 through our Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who, with, &c. 
 
 Here may follow prayers of obligation — i.e., for the Churchy clergy, 
 parents y &c, or of any Society you may belong to. 
 
 p. Vouchsafe us, we beseech Thee, &c, see page 13. 
 
2 4 
 
 THE OFFICE FOR TUESDAY 
 MATINS. 
 
 Adore God, as the preserver and sustainer of all that He hath created, 
 and particularly as preserver and guardian of men. 
 
 The Introduction to be said as on page 2. 
 
 Invitatory. 
 Come, let us adore our God that preserves us. 
 
 Psalm. 
 From Thee, O Lord, we derive our being ; and from 
 the same goodness our continuance to be : if Thou with- 
 drawest Thy hand but a moment, we instantly return to 
 our first nothing. 
 
 Come, let us adore our God that preserves us. 
 From all our enemies His providence defends us ; and 
 covers our heads in the day of danger : He sends in His 
 grace to relieve our weakness ; and disappoints the tempta- 
 tions that threaten to undo us. 
 
 Come, let us adore our God that preserves us. 
 Here His almighty power sustains our life, and merci- 
 fully allows us space to repent, that by well employing the 
 time He lends us, we may wisely provide for our own 
 eternity. 
 
 Come, let us adore our God that preserves us. 
 He still repeats blessings for us, and shall we neglect 
 our duty to Him ? He freely bestows on us all our day, 
 and shall we not spend half-an-hour in His service ? 
 Come, let us adore our God that preserves us. 
 Glory be, tec. 
 As it ivas, &c. 
 
 Come, let us adore our God that preserves us. 
 
TUESDAY MATINS. 
 
 25 
 
 Hymn. 
 '"pHE winged herald of the day 
 -*• Proclaims the morn's approaching ray ; 
 And Christ the Lord our souls excites, 
 And so to endless life invites. 
 
 Take up thy bed ! to each He cries, 
 Who sick, or wrapped in slumber lies : 
 And chaste, and just, and sober stand, 
 And watch : My coming is at hand. 
 
 "With earnest cry, with tearful cry, 
 Call we the Lord to hear our prayer ; 
 While supplication, pure and deep, 
 Forbids each chastened heart to sleep. 
 
 Do Thou, O Christ, our slumbers wake ; 
 Do Thou the chains of darkness break : 
 Purge Thou our former sins away, 
 And in our souls new light display. 
 
 All laud to God the Father be ; 
 All laud, Eternal Son, to Thee ; 
 All laud, as is for ever meet, 
 To God the Holy Paraclete. Amen. 
 
 Antiphon. God is my Saviour, whom shall I fear ? God 
 is my Protector, of what shall I be afraid ? 
 
 Psalm. 
 
 '"pHUS we depend, and happy 
 we in this dependence, did 
 we but know our own true in- 
 terest. 
 
 We^nd our whole concerns 
 are deposited with God; and 
 where can we find a better hand 
 to ensure them ? 
 
 Is He not wise enough to 
 choose safely for us, Who dis- 
 poses all nature in such admirable 
 order ? 
 
 Has He not power to go 
 through with His purpose, Who 
 commands the wills of men and 
 angels ? 
 
 Wants He, perhaps, an incli- 
 
 nation to favour us, Who desires 
 our felicity more than our own 
 hearts ? 
 
 He feeds the fowls of the air, 
 and clothes the lilies of the field. 
 
 Without His providence not a 
 sparrow falls to the ground ; and 
 shall we mistrust His care for 
 His children ? 
 
 Under His government we 
 have lived all this while; and 
 can we now suspect He will for- 
 sake us ? 
 
 He has shown His bounty in 
 extraordinary graces; and will He 
 deny us His lesser blessings ? 
 
 He has freely bestowed on us 
 
26 
 
 TUESDAY MATINS. 
 
 His dearest Son; how shall He not 
 with Him give us all things else ? 
 
 All that are truly useful to 
 carry us on our way, and bring 
 us at length to His eternal rest. 
 
 If our necessities be the effects 
 of our folly, we must not pre- 
 sume He will maintain us in our 
 sins. 
 
 Rather we should strive to 
 moderate our appetites ; and cor- 
 rect the vices that have bred these 
 miseries. 
 
 But if our wants be innocent 
 and pressing, He will sooner do 
 a miracle than break His word ; 
 
 His word, which He so often 
 has solemnly engaged, so often 
 proved by a thousand experi- 
 ments. 
 
 Ask but the former ages, and 
 they will tell you the wonders 
 He wrought in favour of His 
 servants. 
 
 He multiplied the oil in the 
 poor widow's cruse, and fed His 
 prophet by the service of a raven. 
 
 He dried the sea into a path 
 for His people, and melted the 
 rocks to refresh their thirst. 
 
 He made His angels stewards 
 of their provision, and nourished 
 them in the wilderness with the 
 bread of heaven. 
 
 Still, O my God, Thy eternal 
 charity retains the same affec- 
 tions for them that rely on Thee. 
 
 Still Thy all-seeing wisdom 
 governs the world with the same 
 immense, unalterable goodness. 
 
 Nay, surely, now the streams 
 of Thy mercy run more strong, 
 and have wrought to themselves 
 a larger channel, 
 
 Since Thou broughtest down 
 the waters from above the hea- 
 vens ; and openedst in Thine own 
 Body a spring of life ; 
 
 A spring of joy and bliss to 
 revive our hearts, and overflow 
 them with a torrent of everlasting 
 pleasures. 
 
 Glory be, <&V. 
 
 As it iv as , <h"c. 
 
 Antiphon. God is my Saviour, whom shall I fear ? God 
 is my Protector, of what shall I be afraid ? 
 
 Our Father, (b'c. 
 
 npRUST in our Lord with all 
 thy heart; and lean not to 
 thy own understanding. 
 
 In all thy ways think on Him, 
 and He will direct thy paths. 
 
 Be not wise in thine own con- 
 ceit ; fear God, and depart from 
 evil ; the greater thou art, the 
 more humble thou shouldest be ; 
 seek not the things that are too 
 high for thee, nor search into 
 those above thy strength ; but 
 
 Lesson. 
 
 the thing that God h™ com- 
 manded thee, that do thou ; and 
 in many of His works be not 
 thou curious, since it is not neces- 
 sary for thee to see with thine 
 eyes those things that are hidden. 
 
 Lay up thy treasure according 
 to the commandments of the 
 Most High, and it shall profit 
 thee more than gold. 
 
 Shut up alms in thy store- 
 houses, and it shall deliver thee 
 
TUESDAY MATINS. 
 
 from all affliction : it shall fight 
 for thee against the enemy better 
 than a mighty shield and strong 
 spear: in all thy gifts show a 
 cheerful countenance, and pay 
 tithes with gladness. 
 
 Give to the highest according 
 to what he has given thee, and 
 with a good eye give according 
 to the ability of thy hands ; for 
 the Lord is thy rewarder, and He 
 will repay thee seven times as 
 much. 
 
 When a man's ways please the 
 Lord, he maketh even his enemies 
 to be at peace with him. 
 
 The heart of man deviseth his 
 way, but the Lord directeth his 
 steps. 
 
 He that is patient is better than 
 he that is strong ; and he that 
 rules over his mind than he that 
 conquers cities. 
 
 There is no wisdom, nor un- 
 derstanding, nor council against 
 the Lord. 
 
 Responsory. 
 
 Well may we give Thee, O Lord, some part of what 
 we have, since we received from Thee all we have ; well 
 may we give with gladness to Thee, since Thy bounty 
 rewards us with so great advantage. 
 
 O make us still mistrust oursthes, and with an humble con- 
 fidence rely on Thee. 
 
 Without Thy blessing our labours are in vain, and 
 against Thy decrees no power can succeed ; but if we 
 humbly submit to Thee, Thou wilt direct us ; if we keep 
 Thy commandments, Thou wilt defend us. 
 
 make us still mistrust ourselves, and with an humble con- 
 fidence rely on Thee. 
 
 Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy 
 Ghost. 
 
 make us still mistrust ourselves, and with an humble con- 
 fidence rely on Thee. 
 
 Antiphon. 
 
 1 saw the bright sun show his flaming eyes, and behold, 
 a thousand rays filled the air, and beauteously gilded the 
 earth. His glorious face but masked itself in a cloud, and 
 immediately they vanished away, and their place was to be 
 found no more ; and I said, Such, O my God, just such is 
 the stability of every creature. 
 
28 TUESDAY MATINS. 
 
 y. Even the line we now repeat must beg its breath of 
 Thee. 
 
 1^. And stop if Thou desirest it. 
 
 Prayer. 
 O God, Who to preserve in reach of happiness those 
 whom Thou preservest in being, sentest down in the fulness 
 of time (as Thy mercy, ancient as our misery, had pro- 
 mised) the true Messias to save the world from the ruin 
 into which Adam's fall had plunged it ! Fill our souls, 
 we beseech Thee, through deep admiration of this Thy 
 excessive bounty, with an overflowing love of Thyself, 
 infinitely fuller of goodness than even Thyself canst 
 express to us : and grant that this love may so powerfully 
 endear to us our Heavenly Master's ruling precept and 
 example, that our perfect observing them may reciprocally 
 raise this love, till it fit us for our only bliss, the eternal 
 enjoyment of Thee ; through our Lord Jesus Christ Thy 
 Son, Who, with, &c. 
 
 Here may follow prayers of obligation — i.e., for the Churchy clergy, 
 parents, <te-'c, or of any society you may belong to. 
 
 y. O Lord, hear our prayers. 
 fy. And let our supplications come unto Thee. 
 y. Bless we our Lord. 
 1$. Thanks be to God. 
 
 ~f. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the 
 mercy of God, rest in peace. 
 fy. Amen. 
 
 Pause and meditate, according to your det'otion. 
 
 ^f. The blessing of God Almighty, Father, ►£■ Son, and 
 Holy Ghost, descend upon us, and dwell in our hearts for 
 ever. 
 
 ~fy. Amen. 
 
20 
 
 TUESDAY VESPERS. 
 
 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 ever. 
 Amen. 
 
 Our Father, Zsfc. Hail I Mary, &c. 
 
 ^ . O God, make speed to save us. 
 ]p>. O Lord, make haste to help us. 
 f. Glory be, Gfc. 
 fy. As it ivas, &c. 
 
 Antiphon. Dreadful art Thou, O Lord, in the terror of 
 Thy judgments ; but infinitely more amiable in the sweet- 
 ness of Thy mercies. 
 
 Psalm. 
 
 CTILL let us sing the mercies 
 ^ of our God, and hold and 
 
 shake a little longer this sweet 
 key. 
 
 When we, alas ! lay buried in 
 the abyss of nothing, His own 
 free goodness first called us into 
 being. 
 
 He fashioned our limbs in our 
 mother's womb, artd filled our 
 nurse's breast with milk. 
 
 He enlarged our little steps 
 when we began to go, and care- 
 fully preserved our helpless in- 
 fancy: 
 
 Commanding even His angels 
 to bear us in their hands, lest we 
 dash our feet against a stone. 
 
 How many dangers have we 
 happily escaped, and not one of 
 them but was governed by His 
 providence ! 
 
 How many blessings do we 
 daily receive, and not one of 
 them but proceeds from His 
 bounty ! 
 
 He provided tutors to instruct 
 our youth, and plant in our 
 tender minds the seeds of virtue. 
 
 He appointed pastors to feed 
 our souls, and safely guide them 
 in the ways of bliss. 
 
 He founded His Church on an 
 immovable rock, to render our 
 faith firm and secure. 
 
 He sealed His love with sacra- 
 ments of grace, to breed and 
 nourish in us the life of charity. 
 
 All this Thou hast done, O 
 merciful Lord! the wise Dis- 
 i poser of heaven and earth. 
 
 All this Thou hast done, and 
 still goest on by infinite ways to 
 gain us to Thy love. 
 
 Thou commandest us to ask, 
 and promisest to grant ; Thou 
 invitest us to seek, and assurest 
 us to find. 
 
 Thou vouchsafest even Thyself 
 to stand at the door and knock ; 
 and, if we open, Thou enterest 
 and fillest our hearts with joy. 
 
3° 
 
 TUESDAY VESPERS. 
 
 If we forget Thee, Thou re- 
 newest afresh our memory; if 
 we fly from Thee, Thou still 
 findest some means to recal us. 
 
 If we defer our amendment, 
 Thou patiently stayest for us; 
 and when we return, Thou open- 
 est Thy arms to embrace us. 
 
 Surely, O my God! from all 
 eternity Thou hast cast Thy gra- 
 cious eyes upon us. 
 
 Surely Thy merciful hand has 
 signed our lot, and marked us 
 out for Thy everlasting favours. 
 
 We know Thy ways are in 
 the deep abyss, and none can 
 sound the bottom of Thy coun- 
 sels. 
 
 Yet may we safely look on the 
 flowing streams, and gather this 
 
 When we were not, Thou 
 freely lovedst us ; Thou wilt not 
 forsake us now we strive to love 
 Thee. 
 
 When we had lost our way, 
 Thou soughtest after us; Thou 
 wilt not refuse us now we seek 
 after Thee. 
 
 Lord, all we have is derived 
 from Thee, and all we expect can 
 come from none but Thyself. 
 
 Accomplish Thine own blest 
 purpose in us, and finish these 
 happy beginnings toward us : 
 
 For our hopes are great ; Thou 
 hast chosen us to Thy glory, 
 since already Thou so kindly hast 
 disposed us by grace. 
 
 Glory be, <b*c. 
 
 As it <was, <&c. 
 
 comfort from their gentle course. 
 
 Antiphon. Dreadful art Thou, O Lord, in the terror of 
 Thy judgments ; but infinitely more amiable in the sweet- 
 ness of Thy mercies. 
 
 Lesson. Rom. xiii. 
 
 T ET every soul be subject to 
 -*-* the higher powers, for there 
 is no power but of God ; the 
 powers that be are ordained of 
 God. 
 
 Whosoever therefore resisteth 
 the power, resisteth the ordinance 
 of God ; and they that resist shall 
 receive to themselves damnation : 
 
 For rulers are not a terror to 
 good work, but to the evil. 
 
 Wilt thou, then, not be afraid 
 of the powers ? 
 
 Do that which is good, and 
 thou shalt have praise of the 
 same, 
 
 For he is the minister of God 
 to thee for good. 
 
 But if thou do that which is 
 evil, be afraicl, for he beareth not 
 the sword in vain ; 
 
 For he is the minister of God, 
 a revenger to execute wrath upon 
 him that doth evil. 
 
 Wherefore ye must needs be 
 subject, not only for wrath, but 
 also for conscience sake ; 
 
 For for this cause pay you 
 tribute also : tribute to whom 
 tribute is due, custom to whom 
 custom, fear to whom fear, honour 
 to whom honour. 
 
 Owe no man anything but to 
 love one another, for he that 
 loveth another hath fulfilled the 
 law. 
 
TUESDAY VESPERS. 3 I 
 
 H> 
 
 mn. 
 
 T? ARTH'S mighty Maker, Whose command 
 
 Raised from the sea the solid land, 
 And drove each billowy heap away, 
 And bade the earth stand firm for aye : 
 
 That so with flowers of golden hue, 
 The seeds of each it might renew ; 
 And fruit-trees, bearing fruit, might yield — 
 And pleasant pasture of the field : 
 
 Our spirits' rankling wounds efface 
 With dewy freshness of Thy grace ; 
 That grief may cleanse each deed of ill, 
 And o'er each lust may triumph still. 
 
 Let every soul Thy law obey, 
 And keep from every evil way ; 
 Rejoice each promised good to win, 
 And from every mortal sin. 
 
 O Father, that we ask be done, 
 Through Jesus Christ, Thine Only Son ! 
 Who, with the Holy Ghost and Thee, 
 Shall live and reign eternally. Amen. 
 
 Antiphon, 
 
 What heart can resist the great King of Kings, terrible 
 and amiable, and mightily shewing both in glorious miracles 
 of vengeance and love ? 
 
 }. His right hand holds out a golden sceptre. 
 R. And His left a flaming sword. 
 
 Prayer. 
 
 O gracious Lord, Whose laws are but necessary rules of 
 soul-saving love, and Whose commands are but efficacious 
 advices of what our nature requires to grow happy ; quicken, 
 we beseech Thee, the slackness of our obedience to them, 
 by often reflecting on this Thy generous goodness : and 
 
3 2 TUESDAY VESPERS 
 
 grant that the ready observance paid by all other creatures 
 to Thy least will in serving us, may so reproach our per- 
 verse resisting the guidance of Thy sweet Spirit towards 
 our own only good, which Thou kindly callest Thy service, 
 that we may feel ourselves confounded with shame at our 
 wicked follies, and be henceforth anon willing to learn, by 
 all the world about us, our duty to Thee-, through our 
 Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who, with, &c. 
 
 Here may follow prayers of obligation — i. e., for the Church, clergy, 
 parents, 4d*c, or of any society you may belong to. 
 
 }. Vouchsafe us, we beseech Thee, &c, see page 13. 
 
33 
 
 THE OFFICE FOR WEDNESDAY 
 MATINS. 
 
 Adore God, as the great Governor and Sovereign of the creation, Who 
 appoints every creature its proper office, and guides all the motions of 
 the universe according to His own infinite wisdom and counsels, 
 thereby to bring about His own glorious designs. 
 
 The Introduction to be said as on page 2. 
 
 Invitatory. 
 
 Come, let us adore our God that governs us. 
 
 Psalm. 
 
 He is our great and sovereign Lord, the absolute King 
 
 of Heaven and earth : He sees at once the whole frame of 
 
 all things, and thoroughly comprehends their various 
 
 natures. 
 
 Come, let us adore our God that governs us. 
 To every creature He appoints a fit office, and guides 
 all their motions in perfect order, till He has wrought His 
 glorious design, to finish the world in a beauteous close. 
 Come, let us adore our God that governs us. 
 All these He governs with infinite wisdom, and all for 
 the good of them that love Him : His counsels are deep, 
 and beyond our reach • but all His ways are just and 
 merciful. 
 
 Come, let us adore our God that governs us. 
 He governs His enemies with a rod of iron, and punishes 
 their wilfulness with eternal miseries ; but His servants He 
 blesses with the privilege of children, and provides for their 
 duty a rich inheritance. 
 
 Come, let us adore our God that governs us. 
 Glory be, &c. 
 As it ivas, Idc. 
 
 Come, let us adore our God that governs us. 
 
34 WEDNESDAY MATINS. 
 
 Hymn. 
 
 T-JENCE night, and clouds that night-time brings, 
 
 Confused and dark and troubled things; 
 The dawn is here, the sky grows white : 
 Christ is at hand, depart from sight ! 
 
 Earth's dusky veil is torn away, 
 Pierced by the sparkling beams of day : 
 The world resumes its hues apace 
 Soon as the day-star shows its face. 
 
 But Thee, O Christ, alone we seek, 
 With conscience pure and temper meek ! 
 With tears and chants we humbly pray 
 That Thou wouldst guide us through the day. 
 
 For many a shade obscures each sense, 
 Which needs Thy beams to purge it thence. 
 Light of the Morning Star ! illume, 
 Serenely shining, all our gloom. 
 
 All laud to God the Father be ; 
 All laud, Eternal Son, to Thee; 
 All laud, as is for ever meet, 
 To God the Holv Paraclete. Amen. 
 
 am 
 
 Ant'iphon. All my life long will I praise my God 
 lift up my hands to His holy Throne. 
 
 Psalm. 
 
 ATAY every age sing praises to and found it not enough to guide 
 
 our God, and all genera- : untoward man to his true end; 
 tions adore His providence. What did He then to save the 
 
 From the beginning His mercy j perishing world ? O strange ex- 
 has still laid means to raise us to ; cess of the Divine goodness ! 
 
 those blessed objects above our 
 nature. 
 
 At first He created Adam with 
 all necessary knowledge, and then 
 
 He sent His own beloved Son 
 to dwell among us, and teach us 
 the art of working our salvation : 
 
 That sacred art of training up 
 
 ordained the Patriarchs to inform ! our souls for heaven, and fitting 
 
 their families. 
 
 Afterwards He charged the 
 Angels to bring us His com- 
 mands, and often inspired the 
 Prophets to declare His wi 
 
 them for the blissful union with 
 Himself. 
 
 But, O Thou King of glorious 
 sweetness, Whose flowing tongue 
 dropped milk and honey 
 
 When He had done all this, We were, alas! not happy to 
 
WEDNESDAY MATINS. 
 
 35 
 
 behold Thy Person, nor our ears 
 worthy to hear Thy Voice : 
 
 Yet ere we were born Thou 
 hadst us in Thy thoughts, and 
 didst provide a method to supply 
 that defect ; 
 
 Selecting a number of choice 
 disciples, and thoroughly instruct- 
 ing them in Thy heavenly doc- 
 trine ; 
 
 That they might keep alive the 
 memory of Thee, and witness to 
 all nations Thy stupendous works. 
 Thou didst verify their mission 
 with power of miracles, and en- 
 fiamedst their hearts with the lire 
 of Thy Spirit. 
 
 O'er all the world they pro- 
 claimed Thy law, and undaunt- 
 ingly preached the crucified God. 
 Deep in the hearts of the faith- 
 ful did they write Thy Gospel, 
 and seal it before their eyes with 
 their own blood. 
 
 Their successors deposited the 
 same precious treasure in the 
 common magazine of the Uni- 
 versal Church ; 
 
 Enjoining their children to 
 guard it with their lives, and 
 convey it unchanged to future 
 ages. 
 
 Thus is the Catholic Faith de- 
 
 scended on us, and thus shall 
 continue to the end of the world. 
 
 'Tis but to ask our fathers, and 
 they will tell us ; our ancestors, 
 and they will instruct us. 
 
 Blessed be Thy wisdom, O 
 Lord, which has laid such marks 
 to seek Thy Church, and opened 
 our eyes to find it. 
 
 Blessed be Thy power that has 
 wrought such miracles to confirm 
 Thy faith, and inclined our hearts 
 to believe it. 
 
 How many souls are unhappily 
 seduced, and lose themselves in 
 the wilderness of heresy ! 
 
 While we, by Thy Providence, 
 are directly led the straight and 
 only way to bliss. 
 
 How many nations lie miserably 
 involved in the darkness of bar- 
 barism and unbelief ; 
 
 While we enjoy a clear noon- 
 day, and safely walk in the light 
 of truth. 
 
 O infinite Goodness ! Who 
 freely choosest to pour forth Thy 
 blessings on unworthy us : 
 
 As it is from Thee alone we 
 receive these favours, to Thee 
 alone let us return our praises. 
 
 Glory be, &c. 
 
 Antiphon. All my life long will I praise my God, and 
 lift up my hands to His holy Throne. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 Lesson. 
 
 T END to thy neighbour in the 
 time of his need, and pay 
 thou thy neighbour again in due 
 season. 
 
 D 2 
 
 Keep thy word, and deal faith- 
 fully with him, and thou shalt 
 always find that which is neces- 
 sary for thee. 
 
WEDNESDAY MATINS. 
 
 Do good to the just, and thou 
 shalt have great reward ; if not 
 from him, yet assuredly from the 
 Lord. 
 
 Loose thy money for thy bro- 
 ther and thy friend ; hide it not 
 under a stone to be lost. 
 
 Be not ashamed to say the 
 truth ; for there is a shame that 
 brings sin, and a shame that 
 brings glory and grace. 
 
 Accept no man's person against 
 thy soul, nor let the respect of 
 any cause thee to fall. 
 
 Be not hasty in thy words, and 
 remiss in thy deeds. 
 
 Let not thy hand be stretched 
 out to receive, and closed to give. 
 
 Be not as a lion in thy house, 
 nor oppress those that are under 
 thee. 
 
 Fear thou the Lord and the 
 king, and meddle not with them 
 that are given to change ; for 
 their destruction shall suddenly 
 come upon them. 
 
 He that useth much swearing 
 shall be filled with indignity, and 
 the plague shall not depart from 
 his house. 
 
 The drunkard and the glutton 
 shall come to poverty, and drow- 
 siness shall clothe a man with 
 rags. 
 
 I passed by the field of the 
 slothful man, and by the vineyard 
 of the man void of understand- 
 ing, and, behold! it was grown 
 over with nettles. 
 
 By what things a man sins, by 
 the same he shall be tormented. 
 
 Re spon sory. 
 
 Blessed, O my God, be Thy Providence for ever, which 
 so plentifully furnishes us with rules of virtue, and so 
 safely guides all those souls to happiness who choose to 
 live under Thy sweet government. 
 
 As Thou hast shown us the way, Lor a 7 , give us strength to 
 walk in it, and bring us in the end to Thy eternal rest. 
 
 Make us seriously reflect on every line we read, and love 
 the truth when it most reproves us ; make us labour to 
 correct every error of our lives, and always humbly implore 
 Thy gracious assistance. 
 
 As Thou hast shown us the way, Lord, give us strength to 
 walk in it, and bring us in the end to Thy eternal rest. 
 
 Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy 
 Ghost. 
 
 As Thou hast shown us the way, Lord, give us strength to 
 walk in it, and bring us in the end to Thy eternal rest. 
 
WEDNESDAY MATINS. 37 
 
 Anttphon. 
 
 Before man is life and death, good and evil ; that which 
 he chooses shall be given him. 
 
 } . He that follows virtue, chooses good. 
 1^. But the vicious liver, endless evil. 
 
 Prayer. 
 O God, Whose eternal wisdom the Word made flesh 
 and dwelling amongst us not only told the world, with 
 His own sacred mouth, the unthought-of steps which lead 
 directly to heaven, but trod them out plain with His own 
 sacred feet, and ordained others after Him, through all 
 generations, to guide ours steadily in them ; let not, we 
 humbly beseech Thee, so much love and care be lost upon 
 us, but vouchsafe us Thy continually necessary grace, not 
 only to learn by rote and profess with our lips this precious 
 way, kept still open to our eyes, but make it our whole life 
 to walk diligently in it, even to death, and beyond ; through 
 our Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who, with, &c. 
 
 Here may follow prayers of obligation — i. e., for the Church, clergy ', 
 parents, &C, or of any society you may belong to. 
 
 y. O Lord, hear our prayers. 
 1^. And let our supplications come unto Thee. 
 y. Bless we our Lord. 
 $. Thanks be to God. 
 
 y. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the 
 mercy of God, rest in peace. 
 !f>. Amen. 
 
 Pause and meditate, according to your devotion. 
 
 y. The blessing of God Almighty, Father, + S° n > an d 
 Holy Ghost, descend upon us, and dwell in our hearts for 
 ever. 
 
 $. Amen. 
 
3* 
 
 WEDNESDAY VESPERS. 
 
 In the Name cf the Father, ►£« and cf the Sen, and of the 
 Holy Ghost. Amen. 
 
 Blessed be the Holy and Undivided Trinity, now and for 
 ever. Amen. 
 
 Our Father, <fcv. Hail ! Mary, <b'c. 
 
 }. O God, make speed to save us. 
 R. O Lord, make haste to help us. 
 
 f. Glory be, <b'c. 
 B. As it ivas, <&'c. 
 
 Antiphon. Repent now, my soul, for the evil thou hast 
 done-, and bless thy God for the good thou hast received. 
 
 Psalm, 
 
 "TX^ELL, we are so much 
 
 nearer our grave; and all ! 
 the world is older by a day. 
 
 The portion of the wicked is 
 so much less ; and their time of 
 punishment so much approached. 
 
 The sufferings of the patient 
 so much diminished ; and their 
 hopes of delivery so much in- 
 creased. 
 
 They who have spent this day 
 in sin and folly, see all their 
 thoughts now vanish like a dream. 
 
 They see all is past but a fear 
 of revenge ; and the best that can 
 follow is a bitter repentance. 
 
 But such as have wisely be- 
 stowed their time, and made 
 another new step towards heaven, 
 
 They see their joys come to 
 
 Antiphon. Repent now, my 
 done ; and bless thy God for 
 
 meet them on the way, and still 
 grow bigger as they come ; 
 
 Till by a holy death they join 
 in one, and dwell together for 
 eternal ages. 
 
 O Thou best Author of all 
 our hopes, and perfect Satisfier of 
 all our wishes ! 
 
 Do Thou instruct us in this 
 great wise truth, and let every 
 evening renew it in our minds: 
 
 That the things of this world 
 are of little import ; since its 
 joys and griefs last but for a 
 time. 
 
 But the future state most in- 
 finitely concerns us; where life 
 and death endure for ever. 
 
 Glory be, &'c. 
 
 As it was, &c. 
 
 soul, for the evil thou hast 
 the good thou hast received. 
 
WEDNESDAY VESPERS. 
 
 Lessen. Gal. v. 19. 
 
 "VTOW the works of the flesh 1 before, as I have also told you 
 are manifest, which are j in time past, that they who do 
 these: adultery, fornication, un- such things shall not inherit the 
 cleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, Kingdom of God. 
 witchcraft, hatred, variance, emu- But the fruit of the Spirit is 
 lations, wraths, strifes, seditions, love, joy, peace, long-suffering, 
 heresies, envyings, murders, gentleness, goodness, faith, meek- 
 drunkenness, revellings, and such ness, temperance : against such 
 Jike ; of the which I tell you there is no law. 
 
 Hymn. 
 
 r^ GOD, Whose hand hath spread the sky, 
 ^ And all its shining hosts on high ! 
 And pointing it with fiery light, 
 Made it so beauteous and so bright. 
 
 Thou, when the Wednesday was begun, 
 Didst frame the circle of the Sun ; 
 And set the Moon, for ordered change, 
 And planets for their wider range. 
 
 To night and day, by certain line, 
 Their varying bounds Thou didst assign ; 
 And gav'st a signal, known and meet, 
 For months begun and months complete. 
 
 Enlighten Thou the hearts of men, 
 Polluted souls make pure again ; 
 Unloose the bonds of guilt within ; 
 Remove the burden of our sin. 
 
 O Father, that we ask be done, 
 Through Jesus Christ, Thine only Son ! 
 Who, with the Holy Ghost and Thee, 
 Shall live and reign eternally. Amen. 
 
 Antiphon. 
 
 When, O my soul, did we ever follow our passions, but 
 they instantly wrought our disturbance, and threatened at 
 last our ruin ? When did we ever turn our thoughts to 
 piety, but it instantly brought us peace, and refreshed our 
 minds with new hopes of felicity ? 
 
40 WEDNESDAY VESPERS. 
 
 ~} . The winds are often rough, and our own weight 
 presses us downwards. 
 
 fy. Reach forth, O Lord, Thy saving hand, and speedily 
 deliver us. 
 
 Pra 
 
 er. 
 
 O God, Whose merciful providence sweetens and makes 
 easy the laborious course of our pilgrimage through this 
 world with constant warnings and seasons of repose ! 
 Vouchsafe us, we humbly beseech Thee, to make our due 
 advantage of this Thy mercy •, composing our souls more 
 satisfiedly to rest, by a faithful recollection every evening 
 how we have kept our way, and whether we are advanced ; 
 and grant that, reflecting with hearty contrition on every 
 step we have made out of the right way, and with thankful 
 acknowledgements for those Thou hast led us aright, we 
 may henceforth be rendered more careful of our deviating 
 inclinations, and more attentively obedient to the steady 
 guidance of Thy grace ; through our Lord Jesus Christ 
 Thy Son, Who, with, &c. 
 
 Here may follow prayers of obligation — i.e., for the Church, clergy , 
 parents, fyc, or of any society you may belong to. 
 
 y . Vouchsafe us, we beseech Thee, &c, see page 13. 
 
4* 
 
 THE OFFICE FOR THURSDAY 
 MATINS. 
 
 Adore God for instituting the Holy Eucharist on this day, because our 
 Lord, on the day before His Passion, appointed that Holy Sacra- 
 ment and commemorative Sacrifice to be a perpetual memorial 
 or commemoration before God, as -jjell as among men, of the 
 great propitiatory Sacrifice He made upon the Cross. 
 
 The Introduction to be said as on page 2. 
 Livitatory. 
 
 Come, let us adore our God that feeds us. 
 
 Psalm. 
 He freely opens His bounteous hand, and fills with 
 His blessing every living creature : He gives even kings 
 their daily bread ; and ail the world is maintained by His 
 provision. 
 
 Come, let us adore oar God that feeds us. 
 He feeds our understanding with the knowledge of 
 truth ; and strengthens our wills with His holy grace : 
 He refreshes our memories with a thousand benefits ; and 
 feasts our whole souls with everlasting hopes. 
 
 Come, let us adore our God that feeds us. 
 With Himself and with His sacred Flesh He feeds us, 
 and nourishes us up to immortal life : beginning even here 
 that blessed Union which shall fully be perfected in His 
 own kingdom. 
 
 Come, let us adore our God that feeds us. 
 Come, all we servants of so gracious a Lord > whom 
 He daily entertains with innumerable mercies : come, all 
 you children of so loving a Father, for whom He has 
 provided an eternal feast. 
 
 Come, let us adore our God that feeds us. 
 Glory be, &c. 
 As it was, <jfc. 
 
 Come, let us adore our God that feeds us. 
 
42 THURSDAY MATINS, 
 
 Hymn. 
 
 MOW, my tongue, the mystery telling, 
 ■^ Of the glorious Body sing ; 
 And the Blood, all price excelling, 
 
 Which the Gentiles' Lord and King, 
 In a Virgin's womb once dwelling, 
 
 Shed for this world's ransoming. 
 
 Given for us, and condescending 
 
 To be born for us below, 
 He with men in converse blending, 
 
 Dwelt, the seed of truth to sow, 
 Till He closed with wondrous ending 
 
 His most patient life of woe. 
 
 That last night, at supper lying, 
 'Mid the twelve, His chosen band, 
 
 Jesus, with the law complying, 
 Keeps the feast its rites demand ; 
 
 Then more precious Food supplying, 
 Gives Himself with His own hand. 
 
 Word-made-Flesh true Bread He maketh, 
 
 By His Word His Flesh to be ; 
 Wine, His Blood ; which whoso taketh ■ 
 
 Must from carnal thoughts be free: 
 Faith alone, though sight forsaketh, 
 
 Shows true hearts the mystery. 
 
 Therefore we, before Him bending, 
 
 This great Sacrament revere ; 
 Types and shadows have their ending, 
 
 For the newer Rite is here : 
 Faith, our outward sense befriending, 
 
 Makes our inward vision clear. 
 
 Glory let us give, and blessing, 
 
 To the Father and the Son ; 
 Honour, might, and praise addressing, 
 
 While eternal ages run : 
 Ever, too, His love confessing, 
 
 Who from Both with Both is One. Amen. 
 
 Atit'iphon. How admirably, O Lord, has Thy wisdom 
 contrived our salvation ; infusing even by our senses grace 
 into our souls. 
 
THURSDAY MATINS. 
 
 43 
 
 CAFE in the hands of 
 
 Catholic Church has our 
 Lord deposited the richest trea- 
 sures of His kingdom ,• 
 
 Commending His priests to 
 conserve them with reverence, 
 and dispense them to others with 
 a prudent charity. 
 
 Soon as we are bom into this 
 world of danger, His vigilant 
 Baptism stands ready to save us ; 
 
 Ready to wipe out the guilt of 
 our birth, and write our new 
 names in the Book of Life. 
 
 What all eternity could never 
 have worn off, a little sprinkling 
 of water washes away. 
 
 When we are come to riper 
 years, and a fit capacity of pro- 
 fessing our faith, 
 
 His holy bishops, by laying on 
 of hands, cherish and confirm 
 our growing belief; 
 
 That we never be ashamed of 
 the Cross of Christ, but to the 
 face of death freely confess Him. 
 
 If in our spiritual combat we 
 receive a wound, His appointed 
 priests are waiting to cure us. 
 
 Only He requires we should 
 open our sores before them, and 
 heartily repent our wilful rash- 
 ness. 
 
 He requires we should satisfy 
 the world and our own souls, in 
 repairing the damage they sustain 
 by our trespass. 
 
 Healed by the bitter waters of 
 penance, we are immediately in- 
 vited to all the sweetness of 
 Paradise : 
 
 To taste the delicious bread of 
 
 Antiphon 
 contrived our salvation 
 into our souls. 
 
 Psalm. 
 the 
 
 angels: to eat even the Flesh 
 itself of the Son of God. 
 
 So to become entirely one with 
 Him ; while we feed on His 
 Body, and are governed by His 
 Spirit. 
 
 That the world may continue 
 in ablest succession, He solemnly 
 sanctified the rites of marriage ; 
 
 Exalting that state to the 
 honour of a Sacrament, that 
 we might more regard the holi- 
 ness of its duties. 
 
 To prevent the failing of 
 governors in the Church, the 
 Church for which this world 
 continues, 
 
 Themselves are empowered to 
 kindle fresh lights, who still may 
 shine on when the old ones are 
 spent. 
 
 Yet is there one important 
 period of our life: the sickness 
 that summons us to the bar ot 
 death. 
 
 Nor has our gracious Lord 
 forgotten this ; but carefully 
 provided a Holy Office 
 
 To allay our fears in that sad 
 hour ; and strengthen our hopes 
 of everlasting felicity : 
 
 That we may finish our course 
 in peace, and go up with joy to 
 receive our crown. 
 
 Thus by Thy wise indulgent 
 
 of our souls ! 
 
 Every station of our pilgrim- 
 age has a fit entertainment ; and 
 every defeat a proper remedy. 
 Glory be, &c. 
 As it ivasy (b'c. 
 How admirably, O Lord, has Thy wisdom 
 infusing even by our senses grace 
 
44 
 
 THURSDAY MATINS. 
 
 Or, 
 
 Antiphon. We confess we are bound to do many things 
 against our will : why not believe some few above our 
 understanding. 
 
 Psalm. 
 
 'HPHESE are the seven bright 
 golden candlesticks,the seven 
 golden sacraments, set up to en- 
 lighten and adorn the Church. 
 
 But behold, in the midst, one 
 like the Son of Man ; but is in- 
 deed the Son of God. 
 
 Behold one disguised in the 
 shape of bread ; but is indeed the 
 Son both of God and Man : 
 
 He Whom the seraphim pros- 
 trate adore, and fly with all their 
 wings to perform His commands: 
 
 He Who came down to die 
 for us sinners, and ascended 
 again above the highest heaven, 
 
 Himself is there,and graciously 
 stays our coming ; to receive our 
 prayers, and send us home with 
 His blessing. 
 
 He is there, though not dis- 
 cerned by sense ; nor the mys- 
 teries of His presence compre- 
 hended by reason. 
 
 Yet may a lively faith pass 
 through the veil, and confidently 
 enter the Holy of Holies ; 
 
 A faith that works by love 
 may enter, and fill itself with 
 celestial manna. 
 
 But the uncharitable faith shall 
 be cast into darkness, among 
 them that believe and tremble. 
 
 Behold, O Lord, we believe and 
 hope ; perfect by Thy vigorous 
 grace our faint endeavours. 
 
 Quicken our half-dead faith 
 into a ready assent, wherever 
 Thou art pleased to engage Thv 
 Word. 
 
 Why should we doubt the 
 power of God can do something 
 that the weakness of man can- 
 not understand ? 
 
 Which of us knows how the 
 common bread we eat is natu- 
 rally turned into our own sub- 
 stance ? 
 
 And shall we dispute the 
 supernatural conversion of this 
 blessed Bread into the substance 
 of our Saviour ? 
 
 Shall we submit our reason to 
 the secrets of nature, and make 
 it judge of the mysteries of 
 grace ? 
 
 Shall we rely on the reports of 
 men where we do not see, and 
 distrust the Word of God be- 
 cause we do not see ? 
 
 No, let us now believe, that 
 hereafter we may see ; when our 
 eyes shall be opened in the king- 
 dom of light ; 
 
 Where our dark faith shall 
 cease into vision, and our hope 
 expire into full enjoyment ; 
 
 W r here all our affections shall 
 be contracted into love, and love 
 extended to eternity. 
 
 (ilory be y <&Y. 
 
 As it -jjaSy &C. 
 
 Anthiphoiu We confess we are bound to do many things 
 against our will : why not believe some few above our 
 understanding ? 
 
 Our Father. ISjc. 
 
THURSDAY MATINS. 
 
 45 
 
 Lesson. 
 
 JESUS came and spake to them, 
 saying, All power is given 
 unto Me, both in heaven and 
 earth, (i) Go ye therefore and 
 teach all nations, baptizing them 
 in the Name of the Father, >J« 
 and of the Son, and of the Holy 
 Ghost. 
 
 Teaching them to observe all 
 things whatsoever I have com- 
 manded you ; and lo, I am 
 with you always, even unto the 
 end of the world. (Matt, xxviii. 
 18). 
 
 (2) Now when the Apostles 
 that were at Jerusalem heard 
 that Samaria had received the 
 Word of God, they sent unto 
 them Peter and John: 
 
 Who, when they were come 
 down, prayed for them, that they 
 might receive the Holy Ghost : 
 
 For as yet He was fallen on 
 none of them, only they were 
 baptized in the Name of the Lord 
 Jesus. 
 
 Then la id they their hands upon 
 them, and they received the Holy 
 Ghost. {Acts viii. 14.) 
 
 (3) Then said Jesus to His 
 disciples, As My Father hath 
 sent Me, even so send I you. 
 
 And when He had thus said, 
 He breathed on them, and said 
 unto them, Receive ye the Holy 
 Ghost : whosesoever sins ye 
 
 remit, they are remitted unto 
 them ; whosesoever sins ye re- 
 tain, they are retained. {John xx. 
 21.) 
 
 (4) The cup of blessing which 
 we bless, is it not the Communion 
 of the Blood of Christ ? 
 
 The bread which we break, 
 is it not the Communion of the 
 Body of Christ \ (1 Cor. x. 16.) 
 
 (5) And when they had or- 
 dained them elders in every 
 church, and had prayed with 
 fasting, they commended them to 
 the Lord, in Whom they be- 
 lieved. (Jets xiv. 23.) 
 
 (6) For this cause shall a man 
 leave his father and mother, and 
 shall cleave unto his wife, and 
 they two shall be one flesh. This 
 is a great mystery ; but I speak 
 concerning Christ and His 
 Church. (Gen. ii. 24.) 
 
 (7) Is any sick among you, let 
 him call for the presbyters of the 
 Church ; and let them pray over 
 him, anointing him with oil in 
 the Name of the Lord. 
 
 Now unto Him that is able to 
 do exceeding abundantly above 
 all that we can ask or think, ac- 
 cording to the Power that 
 worketh in us ; to Him be glory 
 in the Church throughout all 
 ages, world without end. Amen. 
 (James v. 14 ; Eph. iii 20.) 
 
 Respowory. 
 
 Blessed, O Lord, be Thy Holy Name, Who hast pro- 
 vided the Scriptures for comfort of the faithful ; and 
 blessed be Thy gracious wisdom, Who hast left in Thy 
 Church a rule to interpret them. 
 
46 THURSDAY MATINS. 
 
 Lest the unlearned and unstable should pervert them to their 
 own destruction. 
 
 Renew, O merciful Lord, a right spirit in the world - r 
 a spirit of humility and obedience : that in reading those 
 sacred books, none may prefer their private favours before 
 the testimony of the Church, but readily submit to them r 
 whom he that hears, hears Thee ; and he that despises, 
 despises Thee. 
 
 Lest the unlearned and unstable should pervert them to their 
 own destruction. 
 
 Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy 
 Ghost. 
 
 Lest the unlearned and unstable should pervert them to their 
 own destruction. 
 
 Antiphon. 
 
 Let none excuse their wanderings from the straight path 
 of life •, behold a steady Guide : let none pretend faintness 
 and want of spirits to walk in it ; behold at every step 
 abundant refreshments. 
 
 "J?". The Church shines ever bright, as the Sun. 
 
 II. And sheds all about us quickening Beams. 
 Prayer. 
 
 O bounteous Lord, the continual supplier of Thy 
 creatures with all convenient sustenance ; to advance our 
 growth and strength fit to take heavenly violence, and rise 
 at length eternal enjoyers of Thyself, fix, we beseech 
 Thee, our eyes and adoration on that open hand which 
 thus graciously gives us our daily bread ; and grant that 
 the miraculous Feast of Thy Son's Body and Blood may 
 duly sanctify our tastes to all other Thy bounties ; that 
 they may relish, as they are, only Thy great love to us, 
 and feel, as they ought, purely Thy dear love in us ; through 
 the same our Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who, with, &c. 
 
 Here may follow prayers of obligation — i.e., for the Church, clergy r 
 parents , <&V., or of any society you may belong to. 
 
THURSDAY MATINS. 47 
 
 y. O Lord, hear our prayers. 
 
 I£. And let our supplications come unto Thee. 
 
 y. Bless we our Lord. 
 
 1^. Thanks be to God. 
 
 "jt. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the 
 
 mercy of God, rest in peace. 
 
 ft. Amen. 
 
 Pause and meditate, according to your devotion. 
 
 }f . The blessing of God Almighty, Father, »f« Son, and 
 Holy Ghost, descend upon us, and dwell in our hearts for 
 ever. 
 
 R. Amen. 
 
4 8 
 
 THURSDAY VESPERS. 
 
 /// the Name of the Father, >J« and of the Son, and of the 
 Holy Ghost. Amen. 
 
 Blessed be the Holy and Undivided Trinity, now and for 
 ever. Amen. 
 
 Our Father, <&V. Hail I Mary, tec. 
 
 )t. O God, make speed to save us. 
 R. O Lord, make haste to help us. 
 fl . Glory be, t&c. 
 1$. As it ivas, (b'c. 
 
 Antiphon. This is the greatest charity that God Himself 
 can bestow : since God can bestow nothing greater than 
 Himself. 
 
 Psalm. 
 
 rjNHAPPY MAN! at first I This moved Thy pity, gracious 
 ^ created just, as every work | Lord! Who often art found by 
 
 comes fair from the hands of 
 God; 
 
 At first endowed with domi- 
 nion over the earth, and, which 
 was more, with dominion over 
 thyself ; 
 
 At first, not only made sole 
 lord of Paradise, but heir-appa- 
 rent of the Heaven of heavens ; 
 
 All this thou hast lost by one 
 rash act, disobeying the law of 
 thy wise Creator; 
 
 All this, alas ! we lost by thy 
 transgression, which brought in 
 gin, and death, and universal 
 misery. 
 
 Thus lay the miserable world 
 all covered with darkness, and 
 the thickest mists of gross idola- 
 try 
 
 those that seek Thee not. 
 
 This moved Thy pity to under- 
 take our relief, and come down 
 Thyself and dwell among us ; 
 
 That as our nature used to 
 worship what it saw, we now 
 should see what we might safely 
 worship. 
 
 But Thou again, dear Lord, 
 must leave our world ; and 
 though it be good for us, 'tis 
 hard to part with Thee. 
 
 Thou must again ascend to 
 Thy Father's bosom, to prepare 
 a place for Thy faithful followers. 
 
 Yet, even then, O Thou wise 
 and infinite Goodness ! Thou 
 didst not wholly forsake our 
 earth ; 
 
 Only Thy outward appearance 
 
THURSDAY VESPERS. 
 
 49 
 
 was changed, but Thy former 
 Self still dwells among us. 
 
 Lord, what a happy change 
 has Thy coming wrought ! what 
 glorious effects has Thy doctrine 
 produced ! 
 
 Narrow was once the gate, and 
 straight the path to bliss ; and 
 few there were that found it. 
 
 Now we see thousands, with a 
 strong and generous love, run 
 swiftly after Thee in the ways o! 
 Thy counsels. 
 
 Whence, O my God, could 
 this strange improvement come, 
 but that Jesus ascending left 
 Himself on our Altars? 
 
 This is the Mystery that gives 
 life and spirit to the Church, and 
 works all the wonders that adorn 
 the world; 
 
 This builds our great and sump- 
 tuous temples, to bestow on our 
 God the best house we have ; 
 
 This, with our richest trea- 
 sures, beautifies our Altars, to 
 entertain our Lord in the best 
 way we can ; 
 
 This causes the reverence we 
 pay to priests, and excellently 
 disposes us to believe and obey 
 them ; 
 
 This keeps alive our dear Re- 
 deemer's death, and applies to 
 our souls all the virtue of His 
 passion. 
 
 O blest memorial of my Sa- 
 viour's love, and faithful seal of 
 all His promises ! 
 
 All the short time I remain in 
 Thy presence I will wholly em- 
 ploy to adore Thv Majestv. 
 
 Thee will I bless for all Thy 
 mercies ; to Thee will I open all 
 my necessities ; 
 
 Begging Thy pardon for my 
 past offences, and Thy gracious 
 assistance for the time to come ; 
 
 Imploring Thy peace for the , 
 souls departed, and Thy blessing 
 for all the world. 
 
 O spotless Lamb, once slain 
 for us on the Cross, and daily 
 sacrificed on the Holy Altar ! 
 
 Offer Thy sacred Self before 
 His Throne, and turn away the 
 wrath we deserve for our sins. 
 
 If Thou, O Lord, shalt thus 
 restore our liberty, and clothe 
 Thy servants in the robes ot 
 innocence ; 
 
 Then shall we delight to be 
 still in Thy presence, and follow 
 Thee wherever Thou goest. 
 
 In Thy processions we'll wait 
 on Thy triumph, in Thy visit- 
 ing the sick we'll attend Thy 
 charity. 
 
 When Thou art lifted up, 
 we'll bow before Thee; when 
 solemnly exposed, we'll publicly 
 adore Thee. 
 
 Wherever Thou art, we'll 
 never forsake Thee ; wherever we 
 are. our hearts shall be with Thee. 
 
 Glory be, <&'c. 
 
 As it ivas } &C. 
 
 Ant'iphon. This is the greatest charity that God Himself 
 can bestow : since God can bestow nothing greater than 
 Himself. 
 
 E 
 
5° 
 
 THURSDAY VESPERS. 
 
 Lesson. 
 
 •"THOUGH I speak with the 
 tongues of men and angels, 
 and have not charity, I am be- 
 come as sounding brass, or a 
 tinkling cymbal. 
 
 And though I have the gift of 
 prophecy, and understand all 
 mysteries and all knowledge, and 
 though I have all faith, so that I 
 could remove mountains, and 
 have not charity, I am nothing. 
 
 And though I bestow all my 
 goods to feed the poor, and 
 though I give my body to be 
 burnt, and have not charity, it 
 profiteth me nothing. 
 
 Charity suffereth long, and is 
 kind ; charity envieth not, charity 
 vaunteth not itself, is not puffed 
 up, doth not behave itself un- 
 seemly, seeketh not her own, is 
 not easily provoked, thinketh no 
 evil : 
 
 I Cor. xiii. 
 
 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but 
 | rejoiceth in the truth ; 
 
 Beareth all things, believeth all 
 things, hopeth all things, endur- 
 eth all things. 
 
 Charity never faileth ; but 
 whether there be prophecies, they 
 shall fail ; whether there be 
 tongues, they shall cease; whethei 
 there be knowledge, it shall be 
 done away. 
 
 When I was a child I spake 
 as a child, I understood as a 
 child, I thought as a child ; but 
 when I became a man, I put 
 away childish things: 
 
 For now I see through a glass 
 darkly, but then face to face ; 
 now I know in part, but then I 
 shall know even as I am known. 
 
 And now abideth Faith, Hope T 
 and Charity, these three ; but the 
 • greatest of these is Charity. 
 
 T 
 
 Hymn, 
 
 HE "Word ot God proceeding forth, 
 Yet leaving not the Father's side, 
 And going to His work on earth, 
 Had reached at length life's eventide. 
 
 By a disciple to be given 
 
 To rivals, for His blood athirst, 
 
 Himself, the very Bread of Heaven, 
 He gave to His disciples first. 
 
 He gave Himself in either kind, 
 
 His precious Flesh, His precious Blood 
 
 Of flesh and blood is man combined, 
 And He of man would be the food. 
 
 In birth, man's fellow-man was He; 
 
 His Meat, while sitting at the board ; 
 He died, his Ransomer to be : 
 
 He reigns to be his great reward. 
 
THURSDAY VESPERS. 5 I 
 
 O Saving Victim, slain to bless ! 
 
 Who op'st the Heavenly Gate to all, 
 The attacks of many a foe oppress, 
 
 Give strength in strife, and help in fall. 
 
 To God, the Three in One, ascend 
 
 All thanks and praise for evermore ; 
 He grant the life that shall not end 
 
 Upon the Heavenly Country's shore. Amen. 
 
 Anhphon. 
 Thou art ascended, our glorious Redeemer, to prepare a 
 place for us ; yet continuest still here, our gracious 
 Emmanuel, to prepare us for it. 
 
 } '. It is Thy delight, O Lord, to be with the children 
 of men. 
 
 II. O make it ours to be with the God of Heaven. 
 
 Prayer. 
 O God, Who, seeing the dulness of our spirits need so 
 often fresh impulses of sense, hast wonderfully contrived 
 our alone saving object, Thy sacrificed Son, continually to 
 solicit our hearts by His own dear Presence, still really 
 among us ; reclaim, we humbly beseech Thee, all our 
 wandering affections with this miracle of goodness, and 
 compose them into such a diligent and devout attendance 
 on our graciously veiled Jesus, that we may daily feed our 
 adoration and love of Him, and daily grow in our desires 
 of seeing eternally His glorious Face; Who, with, &c. 
 
 Here may follow prayers of obligation — i. e., for the Church, ch-rg: 
 parents j Ar., or of any society you may belong to. 
 
 y. Vouchsafe us, we beseech Thee, &c, see page 1 3. 
 
 e 2 
 
THE OFFICE FOR FRIDAY 
 MATINS. 
 
 To-day we meditate upon God's love towards us, in giving His Son to 
 
 die for us, and by His sufferings redeeming us from the penalty oj 
 our sins. 
 
 The Introduction to be said as on page 2. 
 
 Invitatory. 
 
 Come, let us adore our God that redeemed us. 
 
 Psalm. 
 
 When we had sold ourselves to sin, and were all become 
 the slaves of Satan, our blessed Jesu descended from 
 Heaven, and brought a vast price to buy out our freedom. 
 Come t let us adore our God that redeemed us. 
 The price was no less than His own dearest Blood, 
 which He plenteouslv shed on the Holy Cross ; depositing 
 so His inestimable life, to rescue us sinners from eternal 
 death. 
 
 Come, let us adore our God that redeemed us. 
 Let us consecrate this day to His sacred memory, and 
 tenderly compassionate His unparalleled sufferings; repenting 
 from our hearts our many sins, and thankfully admiring 
 His infinite mercies. 
 
 Come, let us adore our God that redeemed us. 
 Let us wean our minds from unbecoming delights, and 
 mortify ourselves with a prudent restraint; that, carried 
 on the wings of fasting and alms, our prayers may mount 
 up more swiftly to Heaven. 
 
 Come, let us adore our God that redeemed us. 
 
 Glory be, &c. 
 As it was, Esfr. 
 
 Come, let us adore our God that redeemed us. 
 
FRIDAY MATINS. 
 
 3D 
 
 Jtlymn. 
 
 ING, my tongue, the glorious battle, 
 Y\ ith completed victory rife, 
 And above the Cross's trophy 
 
 Tell the triumph of the strife : 
 How the world's Redeemer conquered 
 
 By surrendering His life. 
 
 S 
 
 God, his Maker, sorely grieving 
 That the first-made Adam fell, 
 
 When he ate the fruit of sorrow, 
 Whose reward was death and hell, 
 
 Noted then this wood, the ruin 
 Of the ancient wood to quell : 
 
 For the work of our salvation, 
 Needs would have His order so, 
 
 And the multiform deceiver's 
 Art by art would overthrow ; 
 
 And from thence would bring the med'cine, 
 Whence the insult of the foe. 
 
 Wherefore, when the sacred fulness 
 Of th' appointed time was come, 
 
 This world's Maker left His Father, 
 Sent the heavenly Mansion from, 
 
 And proceeded. God Incarnate 
 Of the Holy Virgin's womb: 
 
 Thirty years among us dwelling, 
 
 His appointed time fulfil I'd, 
 Born for this He meets His Passion, 
 
 For that this He freely will'd ; 
 On the Cross the Lamb is lifted, 
 
 Where His life-blood shall be spill'd 
 
 He endured the nails, the spitting, 
 
 Vinegar, and spear, and reed ; 
 From that holy Body broken, 
 
 Blood and water forth proceed : 
 Earth, and stars, and sky, and ocean, 
 
 By that flood from stain are freed. 
 
 Faithful Cross ! above all other, 
 
 One and only noble Tree ; 
 None in foliage, none in blossom, 
 
 None in fruit thy peers may be : 
 Sweetest wood and sweetest iron, 
 
 Sweetest weight is hung on thee ! 
 
54 
 
 FRIDAY MATINS. 
 
 Bend thy boughs, O Tree of Glory ! 
 
 Thy relaxing sinews bend ; 
 For awhile the ancient rigour 
 
 That thy birth bestowed, suspend, 
 And the King of heavenly beauty 
 
 On thy bosom gently tend. 
 
 Thou alone was counted worthy 
 This world's ransom to uphold, 
 
 For a shipwrecked race preparing 
 Harbour, like the Ark of old ; 
 
 With the sacred Blood anointed, 
 From the smitten Lamb that roll'd. 
 
 To the Trinity be glory 
 
 Everlasting, as is meet ; 
 Equal to the Father, equal 
 
 To the Son and Paraclete : 
 Trinal Unity, Whose praises 
 
 All created things repeat. Amen. 
 
 Anhphon. He humbled Himself for us, and became obe- 
 dient unto death, even the death of the Cross. 
 
 Psalm. 
 
 CHALL we rejoice, my soul, 
 to-day ? shall we not mourn 
 at the funeral of our dear Re- 
 deemer ? 
 
 Yes, now is the time we should 
 reverently go and offer our hearts 
 at the foot of His Cross. 
 
 Under the shade of that happy 
 tree let us kneel, and often look 
 up to our dearest Lord. 
 
 Let us compassionate every 
 stroke of His death, and one by 
 one salute His sacred wounds. 
 
 Blest be the hands that wrought 
 so many miracles, and were bored 
 with cruel nails. 
 
 Blest be the feet that so often 
 travelled for us, and at last were 
 unmercifully fastened to the 
 Cross. 
 
 Blest be the head which was 
 
 crowned with thorns, the head 
 that so industriously studied our 
 happiness. 
 
 Blest be the heart which was 
 pierced with a spear, the heart 
 that so passionately loved our 
 peace. 
 
 Blest be the entire Person of 
 our crucified Lord, and may all 
 our powers join in His praise; 
 
 Who, to redeem us, humbled 
 Himself to this low world, and 
 all the infirmities of our miserable 
 nature. 
 
 He patiently endured hunger 
 and thirst, and the malicious 
 affronts of enraged enemies. 
 
 How many times did He 
 hazard His life, to sustain with 
 courage the truth of Heaven ! 
 
 How many tears did He ten- 
 
FRIDAY MATINS. 
 
 55 
 
 derly weep, in compassion of His 
 ungrateful country ! 
 
 How many drops of blood did 
 He shed in that doleful garden, 
 and on the bitter Cross ! 
 
 The Cross where, after three 
 long hours of grief and shame 
 and intolerable pains, 
 
 He meekly bowed His faint- 
 ing head, and in an agony of 
 prayer yielded up the ghost. 
 
 So sets the glorious Sun in a 
 sad cloud, and leaves our earth 
 in darkness and disorder. 
 
 O glorious Jesu ! behold, to 
 Thee we bow, and humbly kiss 
 the dust in honour of Thy 
 death. 
 
 Behold, thus low we bow, to 
 implore Thy blessing, and the 
 
 sure assistance ot Thy special 
 grace ; 
 
 That we may wean our affec- 
 tions from all vain desires, and 
 clear our thoughts from all im- 
 pertinent fancies. 
 
 Then shall our lives be en- 
 tirely dedicated to Thee, and all 
 the faculties of our souls to Thy 
 holy service. 
 
 Our minds shall continually 
 study Thy knowledge, and our 
 wills grow every day stronger in 
 Thy love. 
 
 Our memories shall faithfully 
 lay up Thy mercies, and both 
 tongue and heart shall sing for 
 ever. 
 
 Glory be, (b'c. 
 
 As it was, <&Y. 
 
 Antiphon. He humbled Himself for us, and became obe- 
 dient unto death, even the death of the Cross. 
 
 Lesson. 
 
 I was as one that is deaf, and 
 
 XJEARKEN unto Me, My 
 people; give ear unto Me, 
 O My nation; for a law shall 
 proceed from Me, and I will 
 make My judgment to rest for a 
 light of My people. (Is a. li. 14.) 
 
 I gave My back to the smiters, 
 and My cheeks to them that 
 plucked off the hair ; I hid not 
 My face from spitting. (Isa. 1. 6.) 
 
 I have trodden the winepress 
 alone, and of the people there 
 was none with Me; I looked, 
 and there was none to help. 
 (Isa. Ixiii. 3,5.) 
 
 All that see Me laugh Me to 
 scorn ; they shoot out their lips, 
 they shake the head, saying, He 
 trusted in the Lord that He 
 would deliver Him ; let Him de- 
 liver Him, seeing He delighteth 
 in Him. (Psalm xxii. 7.) 
 
 heard not ; as a dumb man, that 
 opens not his mouth. They 
 gaped upon Me with their mouths, 
 as a ravening and roaring lion ; 
 for the dogs have compassed Me, 
 the assembly of the wicked have 
 enclosed Me. They pierced My 
 hands and My feet ; all My bones 
 are out of joint ; they part My 
 garments among them, and cast 
 lots for My vesture. (Psalm 
 xxxviii. 13.) 
 
 They gave Me gall for My 
 meat, and in My thirst they gave 
 Me vinegar to drink. (Psalm 
 xcvi. 2.) 
 
 My strength is dried up as a 
 potsherd, and My tongue cleav- 
 eth to My jaws ; Thou hast 
 brought Me to the dust of death. 
 (Psalm xxii. 15.) 
 
$6 FRIDAY MATINS. 
 
 Responsory. 
 
 All this, O blessed Jesn, Thou tanghtest by Thy holy 
 prophets, to prepare the world for Thy coming; all this, 
 and infinitely more, Thou verifiedst in Thine own Person, 
 with pains and sorrows and reproaches, able to make even 
 patience itself break forth into this sad complaint : 
 
 Is it nothing to you, all ye that pass by ? Behold, and see if 
 there be any sorrow like unto My sorrow which is done unto Me, 
 wherewith the Lord hath afflicted Me in the day of His fierce 
 anger. 
 
 I was betrayed, and bound, and led away captive ; I was 
 reviled, buffeted, and scornfully spit on ; I was stripped, 
 scourged, and condemned to a cruel death ; I was crowned 
 with thorns and pierced with nails, and crucified among 
 thieves. O all ye that pass by the way, behold My 
 sorrow. 
 
 Is it nothing to you, all ye that pass by ? Behold, and see if 
 there be any sorrow like unto My sorrow which is done unto Me, 
 wherewith the Lord hath afflicted Me in the day of His fierce 
 anger. 
 
 Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy 
 Ghost. 
 
 Is it nothing to you, all ye that pass by ? Behold, and see if 
 there be any sorrow like unto My sorrow which is done unto Me, 
 wherewith the Lord hath afflicted Me in the day of His fierce 
 anger. 
 
 Here, and every other Fast Day, say, still kneeling — 
 
 } . Lord, have mercy upon us. 
 I£. Christ, have mercy upon us. 
 "JT. Lord, have mercy upon us. 
 
 Our Father, <&c. 
 y. And lead us not into temptation. 
 fy- But deliver us from evil. Amen. 
 
FRIDAY MATINS. 57 
 
 ~jf. Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy upon us, 
 
 $. For our souls trust in Thee. 
 
 ~)t. And under the shadow of Thy wings will we hope - y 
 
 R. Till our iniquities pass away. 
 
 ~ft. Have mercy upon us, O Lord, for we are weak; 
 
 II. Heal us, O Lord, for we have sinned against Thee. 
 
 y. Our iniquities are gone over our heads ; 
 
 Pv. And, like a sad burden, sit heavy upon us. 
 
 jt. Will not our God require an account of these things ? 
 
 1^. Will He not examine every passage of our lives ? 
 
 y. He sees the secrets of our hearts ; 
 
 ~fy. And our darkest sins are not hid from Him. 
 
 y. Lord, make us judge ourselves", lest we be condemned 
 
 by Thee ; 
 T^. And chastise ourselves, lest we be punished by Thee. 
 p. Make us mortify our senses with discreet austerities - y 
 fy. Particularly in opposition to the passions which most 
 
 molest us. 
 y. That we may reduce our bodies into subjection to our 
 
 minds •, 
 1$:. And our minds into subjection to Thee. 
 ~)t. That as our too much liberty brought us to fall ; 
 I£. Our just severity may bring us to pardon. 
 y '. Pardon, O Lord, the iniquities of our sins ; 
 $. And graciously remove away all Thy punishments. 
 "J^". Enter not into judgment with Thy servants, O Lord-,, 
 I£. For in Thy sight shall no man living be justified. 
 y. Our ruin, we confess, is wholly from ourselves , 
 I£. And all our hope is in Thy salvation. 
 y. If we repent, and say, Now we will begin ; 
 1^. It is time now to rise from sleep. 
 y. Behold, temptation stands at the door ; 
 $. And our weak resistance lets it in. 
 
58 FRIDAY MATINS. 
 
 y. Our corrupt nature conspires with our enemies ; 
 
 ft. And our evil customs prevail against us. 
 
 y. Pity us, O Lord, Thou Who knowest whereof we 
 
 are made ; 
 ft. "Wean us from this world, Thou Who madest us for 
 
 a better. 
 y. Deliver us from the occasions that so often endanger 
 
 US ; 
 
 ft. Deliver us from the occasions that so often overcome 
 
 us. 
 y. Deliver us from all sudden and disastrous mis- 
 chances ; 
 ft. Deliver us from the miseries of everlasting tor- 
 ments. 
 "jt. Why art thou sad, O my soul ? 
 ft. And why art thou so disquieted within me ? 
 y. Still trust in God, for still we should praise His 
 
 Name ; 
 ft. He is our Saviour and our God. 
 y. O praise our Lord, for He is good ; 
 ft. And His mercy endures for ever. 
 y . Let all who fear the Lord now say, 
 ft. That His mercy endures for ever. 
 jf. He was mindful of us in our low estate ; 
 It. For His mercy endures for ever. 
 ~lt. And redeemed us from our enemies ; 
 It. For His mercy endures for ever. 
 ^ . He will guide us here in the ways of peace ; 
 R. For His mercy endures for ever. 
 it. He will bring us hereafter to the joy of Eternity ; 
 ft. For His mercy endures for ever. 
 jf. O Lord, hear our prayer j 
 ft. And let our cry come unto Thee. 
 
FRIDAY MATINS. $$ 
 
 Ant'iphon. 
 We are bought with a price, even the most precious 
 sweat and blood of Jesus, henceforth to call Him Master, 
 Whose service is perfect freedom, and gives us effectual 
 powers to become the sons of God. 
 
 ^ . The chains fell off our hands and feet ; 
 
 R. When Thine, dear Redeemer, were nailed to the 
 Cross. 
 
 Prayer. 
 
 O Eternal Father, Who sentest down Thine only Son to 
 redeem the world enslaved to sin and Satan, by assuming 
 our frail nature, and powerfully teaching us, both by word 
 and example, its sole way to that bliss for which we are 
 created ; grant, we humbly beseech Thee, that the con- 
 tinual memory of His bitter passion and death on the Cross 
 may beget in us an utter disvalue of the riches or ills we 
 meet with here, compared to the advancing ourselves or 
 others in the esteem of what we hope hereafter ; through 
 the same our Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who, with, &c. 
 
 Here may follow -prayers of obligation — i.e., for the Church, clergy, 
 parents y &c. 9 or of any society you may belong to. 
 
 y . O Lord, hear our prayers. 
 R. And let our supplications come unto Thee. 
 ~y. Bless we our Lord. 
 R. Thanks be to God. 
 
 J. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the 
 mercy of God, rest in peace. 
 R. Amen. 
 
 Pause and meditate, according to your devotion. 
 
 y. The blessing of God Almighty, Father, *%* Son, and 
 Holy Ghost, descend upon us, and dwell in our hearts for 
 ever. 
 
 Ifc. Amen. 
 
6o 
 
 FEIDAY VESPERS. 
 
 of the Father 
 
 Holy Ghost. A me 7i. 
 
 Blessed be the Holy 
 ever. Amen. 
 
 Our Father, &c. Hail! Ml 
 
 ~y. O God, make speed to save us, 
 Ty. O Lord, make haste to help us 
 JT. Glory be, Iffc. 
 R. As it was, &c. 
 Antiphon. Now is the accepted time, now i 
 
 ^ and of the Son, and of the 
 and Undiv'uled Trinity, now and fr 
 
 y, oV. 
 
 the day of 
 
 salvation •, O let us humble ourselves as the servants of 
 God, in fasting and watching, in patience and charity. 
 
 Psalm. 
 
 love Thy ways ; and humble 
 
 CHOULDST Thou, O Lord, 
 have dealt with us in rigour ; 
 we had long since been sentenced 
 to eternal death. 
 
 Long since our guilty souls 
 had been snatched away, and 
 hurried down to everlasting tor- 
 ments. 
 
 But Thy gracious mercy has 
 reprieved our lives ; and given us 
 space to work out our pardons. 
 
 Now is the time of acceptance 
 with Thee ; now is the day of 
 salvation for us. 
 
 Now let us mourn our former 
 offences, and bring forth fruits 
 meet for repentance. 
 
 If we, O Jesu, have hitherto 
 persecutedThee, and with our sins 
 nailed Thee to the Tree of Death. 
 
 Now let our whole endeavours 
 attend Thy service ; and loyally 
 conspire to uncrucify our Lord. 
 
 Let us ascend to the Mount of 
 Calvary ; and as often as we go, 
 kiss Thy holy steps. 
 
 We kiss Thy steps when we 
 
 ways : 
 ourselves, and follow Thee. 
 
 Let us there in meekness ap- 
 proach Thy Cross; and re- 
 verently cover Thy naked Body. 
 
 We cover Thee, when our 
 charity clothes Thy servants; 
 and hides the infirmities of Thy 
 little ones. 
 
 Let us there, with the tenderest 
 care, unfasten the nails ; and 
 gently draw them out of Thy 
 hands and feet. 
 
 We draw them out when we 
 freely obey Thy will ; and loosen 
 our affections from cleaving to 
 the world. 
 
 Lord, when we have thus 
 rescued Thee, and placed Thee 
 again on Thy throne of glory ; 
 
 Instead of Thyself, nail Thou 
 us to Thy Cross, who really 
 deserve what Thou enduredst. 
 
 Crucify our flesh with the fear 
 of Thee ; and give us our portion 
 of sorrow here. 
 
 Crucify the world to us, and 
 
FRIDAY VESPERS. 6 1 
 
 us to the world ; that dead to it, 
 
 we may live in Thee. Thee. 
 
 At least live Thou in us, O One only hope we have, Thy 
 
 Holy Jesu ; and fit our souls for care for us ; one only fear, the 
 
 so glorious a guest. neglect of ourselves. 
 
 Enter into our hearts, and till Glory be, te'c. 
 
 them with Thyself; that no As it <ivas 9 <&c. 
 
 Antiphon. Now is the accepted time, now is the day of 
 salvation ; O let us humble ourselves as the servants of 
 God, in fasting and watching, in patience and charity. 
 
 Lesson. Gal. vi. 1 4. 
 
 C^ OD forbid that I should circumcision availeth anything, 
 
 ^^ glory, save in the Cross of nor uncircumcision, but a new 
 
 our Lord Jesus Christ, by Whom creature; and whomsoever shall 
 
 the world is crucified unto me, follow this rule, peace be on 
 
 .and I unto the world. them, and mercy, and upon the 
 
 For in Christ Jesus neither Israel of God. 
 
 Hv> 
 
 in. 
 
 *npHE royal banners forward go, 
 
 The Cross shines forth in mystic glow, 
 Where He in flesh, our flesh Who made, 
 Our sentence bare, our ransom paid: 
 
 Where deep for us the spear was dyed, 
 Life's torrent rushing from His side, 
 To wash us in that precious flood, 
 Where mingled Water flowed, and Blood. 
 
 Fulfilled is all that David told 
 
 In true prophetic song of old: 
 
 Amidst the nations God, saith he, 
 
 Hath reigned and triumphed from the Tree. 
 
 O Tree of beauty, Tree of light ! 
 O Tree with royal purple dight ! 
 Elect, on whose triumphal breast 
 Those holy limbs should find their rest : 
 
 On whose dear arms, so widely flung, 
 The weight of this world's ransom hung ; 
 The price of human kind to pay, 
 And spoil the spoiler of his prey. 
 
 To Thee, eternal Three in One, 
 Let homage meet by all be done ; 
 Whom by the Cross Thou dost restore, 
 Preserve and govern evermore. Amen. 
 
6l FRIDAY VESPERS. 
 
 Antiphon. 
 
 Our Lord died for us, that we may live in Him ; and 
 putting off the old man, with all his concupiscence, be 
 renewed henceforth in the spirit of our minds. 
 
 y. Behold, dear Saviour, Thou art exalted from the 
 earth. 
 
 1£. Fulfil Thy Word, and draw all things unto Thyself, 
 
 Prayer. 
 
 O God, Who, by the price of Thy Son's last drop of 
 blood on the Cross, hast won our hearts from this life, and 
 all the riches of it, to the sole pursuit and hope of Thyself 
 in eternity : possess, we beseech Thee, and absolutely 
 dispose of what Thou hast so dearly paid for ; mortifying 
 us to this world, and confirming our courage to fight man- 
 fully under the banner of our crucified Jesus ; that we 
 stand the assault of all temptations, and nothing in life or 
 death be able to separate us from Thy love in Him, our 
 glorious Redeemer, Who, with, &c. 
 
 Here, and every other Fast Day, say, still kneeling — 
 
 y> Lord, have mercy upon us. 
 I£. Christ, have mercy upon us. 
 ~y. Lord, have mercy upon us. 
 Our Father y &c. 
 
 "JT. Who will give water to our eyes ? 
 
 R. And a fountain of tears to our head ? 
 ^T. That we may weep day and night 
 
 $. The loss of our time past, and the danger of our 
 time to come. 
 
 }. That we may weep for our many sins ; 
 
 R. And humbly confess our grievous offences. 
 
 "JT. We have sinned with our fathers, we have sinned -, 
 
 R. We have done unjustly, we have committed iniquity 
 
 jf. We have broken the laws of our Maker •, 
 
 R. We have provoked the wrath of our Judge. 
 
FRIDAY VESPERS. 6g 
 
 y . We have despised the goodness of our God. 
 
 I£. What shall we do, O Thou Preserver of men ? 
 
 }. What shall we do, but appeal from the bar of Thy 
 justice 
 
 R:. To Thy mild and gracious seat of mercy ? 
 
 y '. Spare us, O Lord, for Thy mercy sake ; 
 
 R. Spare the works of Thine own hands. 
 
 }. Spare us, whom Thou hast made for the enjoyment 
 of Thyself. 
 
 R. Spare us, whom Thou hast redeemed with Thy 
 precious Blood. 
 
 y*. Pardon, O Lord, our sins of weakness, and surprise, 
 
 R. Pardon our sins of wilfulness and malice. 
 
 jl . Pardon our relapsing into the sins we have repented. 
 
 R. Pardon our lying in sins without repentance. 
 
 y . Make us so grieve for our sins that we may hate 
 them ; 
 
 ^. And hate them so that we quite forsake them. 
 
 y. Check our unruly passions with Thy holy fear ; 
 
 R. And guide our lives in the ways of discipline. 
 
 y. That we may turn to Thee with our whole heart ; 
 
 R. In fasting, weeping, and mourning. 
 
 }. That we may humble our souls in prayer ; 
 
 R. And as much as we can, redeem our sins with alms. 
 
 y '. That we may root out our sins and vices with con- 
 trary virtues ; 
 
 R. And bring forth fruits agreeable to repentance. 
 
 y . Hear us, O merciful Lord, when we pray for our- 
 selves. 
 
 R. Hear us, when we pray for others. 
 
 J. Remember Thy congregation that Thou hast posscst 
 from the beginning. 
 
 R. Defend, and govern, and increase it for ever. 
 
 ft. Give to Thy priests the spirit of knowledge - T 
 
 R. The spirit of holiness, and zeal, and wisdom. 
 
64 FRIDAY VESPERS. 
 
 ji . Give to Thy people the spirit of docility ; 
 
 11. The spirit of obedience, devotion, and charity. 
 
 y. Reveal Thyself, O Lord, to those who never knew 
 Thee ; 
 
 R. And bring home those who have gone astray from 
 Thee. 
 
 "JT. Preserve, we beseech Thee, our Sovereign, and 
 guide Thou the Council ; 
 
 R. And bless all the people of this nation. 
 
 T. Bless us with health, and peace, and plenty ; 
 
 II. And make us use them with sobriety, gratitude, and 
 charity. 
 
 ~\ . Eeward, O Lord, our kindred, friends, and bene- 
 factors ; 
 
 ¥?. And forgive our enemies and all that hate us. 
 
 y. Comfort those that mourn, and are oppressed with 
 their afflictions ; 
 
 R. Or labour under the burden of a troubled mind. 
 
 y . Relieve the poor who have none to help them ; 
 
 R. And defend the cause of the fatherless and widow. 
 
 A . Strengthen those who languish on the bed of sickness ; 
 
 R. And those who struggle in the agony of death. 
 
 ")? . Have mercy upon all the faithful who go hence in 
 Thy grace. 
 
 II. Have mercy upon all the world ; convert the un- 
 converted, and bring us all to Thy glory. 
 
 jf . O Lord, hasten Thy kingdom ; 
 
 R. And let all the kingdoms of the earth become Thy 
 possession. 
 
 "Jt . Lord, hear our prayer. 
 
 II. And let our cry come unto Thee. 
 
 Here may follow prayers of obligation — i.e., for the Church, clergy, 
 parents, Q^V. ? or of any society you may belong to. 
 
 y . Vouchsafe us, we beseech Thee, &c, see page 13. 
 
65 
 
 THE OFFICE FOR SATURDAY 
 MATINS. 
 
 To-day twe meditate still upon our Lord's meritorious sufferings, and 
 His 'victory obtained over sin and death, and the power of dark- 
 ness. 
 
 The Introduction to be said as on page 2. 
 
 Invitatory. 
 Come, let us adore our victorious Redeemer. 
 
 Psalm. 
 Come, all ye powers of my delivered soul, and pay 
 homage to the Prince of Peace, to the Prince of our salva- 
 tion ; cast your unworthy selves at His sacred feet, and 
 renew your vows of following His steps. 
 
 Come, let us adore our -victorious Redeemer. 
 He triumphed over death in His own Body, and enables 
 us to conquer it in ours ; imparting to us His heavenly 
 skill, and provoking our courage with infinite rewards. 
 Come, let us adore our victorious Redeemer. 
 He changed the corrupted government of the world, and 
 established a new and holy law, that as we were vassals to 
 sin before, we might now become the free subjects of grace. 
 Come, let us adore our victorious Redeemer. 
 Let us live and die in His blest obedience, and no 
 temptation separate us from Him, Who, if we resist, will 
 make us overcome, and when we have overcome, will 
 crown us with peace. 
 
 Come, let us adore our victorious Redeemer. 
 Glory be, &c. 
 As it lias, life. 
 
 Come, let us adore our victorious Redeemer. 
 
66 SATURDAY MATINS. 
 
 Hymn. 
 
 'T'HE Lamb's high Banquet we await, 
 
 In snow-white robes of royal state ; 
 And now the Red Sea's channel past, 
 To Christ our Prince we sing at last. 
 
 Upon the Altar of the Cross 
 His Body hath redeemed our loss ; 
 And tasting of His roseate Blood, 
 Our life is hid with Him in God. 
 
 That Paschal Eve God's arm was bared, 
 The devastating Angel spared : 
 By strength of hand our hosts went free 
 From Pharaoh's ruthless tyranny. 
 
 Now Christ, our Paschal Lamb, is slain, 
 The Lamb of God that knows no stain ; 
 The true Oblation offered here, 
 Our own unleavened Bread sincere. 
 
 O Thou, from "Whom hell's monarch flies! 
 O great, O very Sacrifice ! 
 Thy captive people are set free, 
 And endless life restored in Thee : 
 
 For Christ, arising from the dead, 
 From conquered hell victorious sped ; 
 And thrust the tyrant down to chains, 
 And Paradise for man regains. 
 
 To Thee Who, dead, again dost live, 
 All glory, Lord, Thy people give ; 
 All glory, as is ever meet, 
 To Father and to Paraclete. Amen. 
 
 Antiphon. When Thou hadst overcome the sharpness of 
 death, Thou didst open the Kingdom of Heaven t 
 believers. 
 
 Psalm. 
 
 PROSTRATE before Thy I Peacefully in the grave Thy 
 
 tomb, O Lord ! behold, we 
 freely confess our misery ; 
 
 And in the lowliest posture of 
 afflicted pilgrims, humbly im- 
 
 holy body reposed, and Thy soul 
 went triumphing to redeem Thy 
 captives. 
 
 If we rejoiced for ourselves in 
 
 plore Thy mercy. Thy sufferings, blest Lord, let us 
 
SATURDAY MATINS. 
 
 67 
 
 now rejoice that Thy sufferings 
 are ended. 
 
 Now that the fowler's net is 
 broken, and the meek and inno- 
 cent dove is escaped : 
 
 Now that the bitterness is 
 past away, and never possible 
 to return again : 
 
 Never again, O dearest Jesu, 
 shall those blest eyes weep, nor 
 Thy holy soul be sorrowful to 
 death ; 
 
 Never shall Thy precious life 
 be subject any more to the 
 bloody malice of ambitious hypo- 
 crites ; 
 
 Never shall Thy innocence any 
 more be exposed to the barbar- 
 ous fury of an ungrateful multi- 
 tude ; 
 
 But Thou shalt live and reign 
 for ever, and all created nature 
 perpetually adore Thee. 
 
 O happy end of well-endured 
 afflictions ! O blessed fruits that 
 spring from the Cross of Jesus ! 
 
 Look up, my soul, and see 
 thy crucified Lord sit gloriously 
 enthroned at the right hand of 
 His Father. 
 
 Behold the ragged purple now 
 turned into a robe of light, and 
 the scornful reed into a royal 
 sceptre. 
 
 The wreath of thorns is grown 
 into a sparkling diadem, and all 
 His scars polished into bright- 
 ness. 
 
 His tears are all now changed 
 into joy, and the laughter of His 
 persecutors into sad despair. 
 
 Herod long since perished in 
 miserable contempt, and Pilate 
 still trembles with everlasting 
 fears. 
 
 f 2 
 
 The impenitent Jews are scat- 
 tered over the world, to attest 
 His truth and their own obdu- 
 rate blindness. 
 
 But He Himself is crowned 
 with eternal triumphs, and the 
 souls He has redeemed shall sing 
 His victories for ever. 
 
 Live, glorious King of men 
 and angels ; live, happy Con- 
 queror of sin and death. 
 
 Our praises shall always attend 
 Thy Cross, and our patience en- 
 deavour to bear our own. 
 
 Sing, O ye reverend patriarchs 
 and holy prophets ! sing hymns 
 of glory to the great Redeemer. 
 
 Sing and rejoice, all ye ancient 
 saints, who so long waited for 
 His gracious appearance. 
 
 Sing and rejoice, all ye souls 
 of the righteous, who wait for a 
 blessed resurrection. 
 
 Bring forth your best and pur- 
 est incense, and humbly offer it 
 at the Throne of the Lamb s 
 
 The Lamb that was slain from 
 the beginning of the world, by 
 the sprinkling of Whose Blood 
 ye are all saved. 
 
 O still sing on the praises of 
 the God of Peace, and bless for 
 ever His victorious mercy, 
 
 Since He has changed our 
 grave into a bed of rest, and 
 made death itself but a passage 
 into life. 
 
 We will love no more the 
 pleasures cf vanity, nor set our 
 hearts on unsatisfying riches, 
 
 Since He has opened Paradise 
 again, and purchased for us the 
 Kingdom of Heaven. 
 
 Glory be, h'c. 
 
 As it was, <&Y. 
 
68 
 
 SATURDAY MATINS. 
 
 Antiphon. When Thou hadst overcome the sharpness of 
 death, Thou didst open the Kingdom of Heaven to all 
 believers. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 Lesson. 
 
 when she pours forth her com- 
 
 JTAVE thy thoughts in the 
 precepts of God, and let 
 thy chief business be His com- 
 mandments. 
 
 Deliver him that suffers injury 
 out of the hands of the proud, 
 and be not faint-hearted when 
 thou sittest in judgment. 
 
 Be merciful to orphans as a 
 father, and as a husband to their 
 mother ; and thou shalt be as the 
 obedient son of the Highest. 
 
 He that reproacheth the poor 
 reproacheth his Maker, but he 
 honours Him who pitieth them. 
 
 The wicked shall be cast out 
 in his malice, but the just hath 
 hope in his death. 
 
 Our Lord will not accept any 
 person against the poor, and will 
 hear the prayer of him that is 
 wronged. 
 
 plaint. 
 
 Do not the tears run down 
 the widow's cheeks, and is not 
 her cry against them that caused 
 them ? 
 
 But from the cheeks they go 
 up to Heaven, and the Lord who 
 heareth them will not be pleased. 
 
 Turn not away thine eyes in 
 anger from the poor, nor give 
 him occasion to curse thee ; 
 
 For the prayer of him that 
 curseth thee, in the bitterness ot 
 his soul, shall be heard. 
 
 He that made him shall hear 
 him. 
 
 Remember not every wrong ot 
 thy neighbour, nor do anything 
 by injurious practice. 
 
 The great, the judge, the 
 mighty, are in honour, but there 
 is none greater than he that fears 
 
 He will not despise the prayer 
 of the fatherless, nor the widow ! God. 
 
 Responsory. 
 
 Lord, with what admirable wisdom dost Thou govern 
 the world ! Thou makest the poor, and appointest them 
 their task of innocent work ; Thou makest the rich, and 
 givest them leisure for their better improvement ; and both 
 poor and rich to need and help one another. 
 
 give us hearts to comply with Thy blest design, that every 
 cue way strive for the good of all. 
 
 One God created us, one Saviour redeemed us, one 
 Holy Ghost sanctifieth us, that we may all live in love, 
 and unity, and mutual assistance. 
 
 O give us hearts to comply with Thy blest design., that every 
 cue may strive for the good of all. 
 
SATURDAY MATINS. 69 
 
 Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy 
 Ghost. 
 
 give us hearts to comply with Thy blest design, that every 
 one may strive for the good of all. 
 
 Antiphon. 
 
 It is finished; Thou hast, O Jesu, overcome, in Thy 
 Body, all the powers of darkness, That hour is past; but 
 Thy soul's eternal bliss remains, and, behold, that of Thy 
 triumphant resurrection approaches. 
 
 ^ . Be not afraid of those that kill the body. 
 
 Ii. And after that have no more to do. 
 Prayer. 
 
 O God, Who hast submitted Thine only Son, our 
 Saviour Jesus, to expire on the Cross, and descend into the 
 grave, that He might destroy the life of sin, and bury the 
 terrors of death ; grant, we beseech Thee, they may never 
 revive or rise again, to tempt or fright us from the ways of 
 virtue, nor shake this sure and fundamental truth which 
 Thy grace has laid in our hearts, that the greatest mis- 
 chiefs our salvation can cost us here are but momentary, 
 and work above measure exceedingly in us an eternal 
 weight of glory ; through the same our Lord Jesus Christ 
 Thy Son, Who, with, &c. 
 
 Here may foHo-.v prayers of obligation — i. e., for the Church, clergy, 
 parents, &C, or of any society you may belong to. 
 
 }. O Lord, hear our prayers. 
 1^. And let our supplications come unto Thee. 
 "Jl . Bless we our Lord. 
 R. Thanks be to God. 
 
 y. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the 
 mercy of God, rest in peace. 
 1^. Amen. 
 
 Pause and meditate, according to your devotion. 
 
 }. The blessing of God Almighty, Father, *i* Son, and 
 Holy Ghost, descend upon us, and dwell in our hearts for 
 ever. 1^. Amen. 
 
70 
 
 SATURDAY VESPERS. 
 
 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 
 ever. Amen. 
 
 Our Father, <frr. Hail I Mary, (b'c. 
 
 y. O God, make speed to save us. 
 R. O Lord, make haste to help us. 
 ~J< . Glory be, fo-c. 
 R. As it was, <&c, 
 
 Antiphon. It is decreed for all men once to die, and after 
 death to come to judgment. 
 
 Psalm. 
 
 *~pHIS life indeed is the way we 
 -*- must work, but this alone 
 cannot bring us to an end. 
 
 Ere we arrive at our appointed 
 Home, we must be led through 
 the gates of death, 
 
 Where we shall be absolutely 
 stripped of all we have, and carry 
 nothing with us but what we are ; 
 
 Where we must not only quit 
 the whole world, but leave be- 
 hind us even a part of ourselves. 
 
 Hast thou, my soul, seen some 
 neighbour die, and dost tbou re- 
 member those circumstances of 
 sorrow ? 
 
 We are sure the case ere long 
 will be our own ; and not so sure 
 but it may be so very soon. 
 
 Have we ourselves been dan- 
 gerously sick, and do we re- 
 member the thoughts we had 
 then? 
 
 How we resolved to correct 
 our passions, and strive against 
 the vices that so particularly en- 
 danger us ? 
 
 'Twill come to this again, and 
 no reprieve be found to stay one 
 single minute the hand of death, 
 
 To stay one single minute the 
 band of death ; 
 
 But he will immediately seize 
 upon us, and bear us away to the 
 region of spirits, 
 
 There to be ranged in our 
 proper place, as the course of our 
 life has qualified us here. 
 
SATURDAY VESPERS. 
 
 71 
 
 Nor is this all, to expire and 
 die, and dwell for a time in a 
 -state of separation : 
 
 We must expect another day, 
 a day of public accounts, and 
 restitution of all things, 
 
 When the Archangel shall 
 sound his trumpet, and proclaim 
 aloud this universal summons : 
 
 u Arise, ye dead, and come to 
 judgment ! arise, and appear be- 
 fore the Throne of God." 
 
 Then shall the little heaps ot 
 ■dust immediately awake, and 
 every soul put on her proper 
 body; 
 
 Immediately all the children ot 
 Adam shall be gathered together, 
 from heaven and hell, and every 
 corner of the earth. 
 
 There they must stand, and all 
 attend their doom ; but, oh, 
 with how sad and fatal a differ- 
 ence! 
 
 The just shall look up with a 
 cheerful confidence, and in their 
 new white robes triumph and 
 sing : 
 
 " Alleluia ! let us rejoice, for 
 the marriage of the Lamb is 
 come, and His bride has prepared 
 herself. 
 
 a Let us rejoice ! for the king- 
 dom of the world is made our 
 Lord's and His Christ's ; and 
 He shall reign for ever and ever. 
 
 u Let us rejoice ! for now our 
 Redeemer is nigh ; behold, He 
 comes quickly, and His reward 
 is with Him. 
 
 u Come, come, Lord Jesu ! 
 Thou long desire of our hearts ! 
 come quickly, Thou full delight 
 of our souls ! 
 
 " Come, and declare to all the 
 
 world Thy glory ! come, and 
 reward before all the world Thy 
 servants !" 
 
 Lo ! where He comes aloft in 
 power and majesty, attended with 
 a train of innumerable angels. 
 
 Behold, where He sitsenthroned 
 on the wings of the cherubim, 
 and takes at once a view of all 
 mankind. 
 
 Soon He commands His angels 
 to sever His sheep, and gather 
 them together on His right hand. 
 
 First, then, to them He turns 
 His glorious face, and shines 
 upon them with these ravishing 
 words : 
 
 Come, ye blessed ot My 
 Father, possess the kingdom pre- 
 pared for you from the beginning 
 of the world. 
 
 O the joys their souls shall 
 feel when those heavenly words 
 shall sound in their ears ! 
 
 Joys which the wit of man 
 cannot conceive ! joys that the 
 tongues of angels cannot express ! 
 
 Let it suffice, themselves shall 
 taste their own felicity, and feed 
 on its sweetness for evermore. 
 
 But, oh, with what dejected 
 eyes and trembling hearts shall 
 the wicked stand expecting their 
 Judge ! 
 
 What shall they do when, 
 where'er they look, their eye can 
 meet with nothing but despair ? 
 
 Above, the offended Judge, 
 ready to condemn them ; below, 
 the bottomless pit gaping to 
 receive them ; 
 
 Within, the worms of con- 
 science gnawing their bowels, and 
 round about all the world in 
 flames. 
 
:- 
 
 SATURDAY VESPERS. 
 
 Wh when the 
 
 terrible voice dial] strike them 
 
 •• down to the bottom of 
 hell: 
 
 Go, everlasting 
 
 fire, prepared for the D : v; 
 gel& 
 The day of man is past, when 
 sinners did ;- ; they pleased, and 
 God seemed tot "race. 
 
 It is now the : God, 
 
 rak in 
 thunder. utd sinners surer vuutt 
 their 
 
 Then shall they -ink imme- 
 diately into the pit of sorrows, 
 . veil in darkness and t - 
 nentf ■•■er; 
 
 joy and triumph, ,:: with 
 
 cur Lord in His kingdom for 
 eva and ever. 
 
 T b d s s h al 1 the whole ere a : 
 
 be n.- . uui nuercy 
 
 I :e divide the world. 
 O no ho now art here 
 
 truth s as gs Bj 
 
 Know thou shalt then be pre- 
 
 : : 
 
 eyes, and be thyself concerned 
 
 for all eternity. 
 
 Know, as thou livest thou art 
 I ) die; and a5 thou 
 thou art sure to be jr.: 
 
 Think what a sad condition it 
 I find thyself on the 
 wrong hand ; 
 
 Think what thou then wouldst 
 >ented in time ; 
 think what thou won", d 
 a little time to repent. 
 
 Watch therefore now, and 
 continually pray, for we know 
 not the hour when the Son ot 
 --hi come. 
 O Son ot God and M 
 earnest in mercy to save 
 us, bring the san with 
 
 Thee when Thou comest to judge 
 us. 
 
 Mc.u with Thy 
 
 heavenly grace to stand perpetu- 
 us- - ith ur accounts prepared, 
 That we may die in thv peace 
 of God, and of His holy Church ; 
 » t i live with Him and His 
 ever. 
 . bPc. 
 
 As it was. tfc. 
 
 Antipbon. It is decreed for all men once to die, and after 
 m l _ u. u 
 
 Lai 
 
 T3UT 
 
 become sound doctrine, that 
 I men be sober. : 
 faith, c 
 and patience. 
 
 The aged women hi: 
 
 ri .)ur as becometh 
 t . ilsc iccusers, not 
 to much wine, 
 good things ; 
 
 Titus h. 
 
 That they may teach I 
 
 | women to be sober, to love 
 husbands, to love their child- 
 ren: 
 
 To be discreet. . u-epers 
 
 at home, good, obedient unto 
 their own husbands, that the 
 Word of God be not blasphemed. 
 
 Young men likewise exhort to 
 be sober minded, in all things 
 
SATURDAY VESPERS. J^ 
 
 shewing thyself a pattern of good j please them well in all things ; 
 works ; in doctrine shewing in- j not answering again, not pur- 
 corruptness, with gravity and loining, but shewing all good 
 sincerity. I fidelity, that they may adorn the 
 Exhort servants to be obedient ; doctrine of God our Saviour in 
 to their own masters, and to all things. 
 
 Hx 
 
 inn. 
 
 C\ WHAT their joy and their glory must be, 
 
 Those endless Sabbaths the blessed ones see ! 
 Crown for the valiant, to weary ones rest ; 
 God shall be all, and in all ever blest. 
 
 What are the Monarch, His Court and His Throne, 
 What are the peace and the joy that they own ? 
 Tell us, ye blest ones, that in it have share, 
 If what ye feel ye can fully declare. 
 
 Truly "Jerusalem," name we that shore, 
 
 " Vision of peace " that brings joy evermore ! 
 
 Wish and fulfilment can sever'd be ne'er, 
 
 Nor the thing prayed for come short of the prayer. 
 
 We, where no trouble distraction can bring, 
 Safely the anthems of Zion shall sing ; 
 W r hile for Thy grace, Lord, their voices of praise 
 Thy blessed people shall evermore raise. 
 
 There dawns no Sabbath — no Sabbath is o'er — 
 Those Sabbath-keepers have one, and no more ; 
 One and unending is that triumph song 
 Which to the angels and us shall belong. 
 
 Now, in the meanwhile, with hearts raised on high, 
 We for that country must yearn and must sigh ; 
 Seeking Jerusalem, dear native land, 
 Through our long exile on Babylon's strand. 
 
 Low before Him with our praises we fall, 
 
 Of Whom, and in Whom, and through Whom are all: 
 
 Of Whom the Father, and in Whom the Son, 
 
 Through Whom the Spirit, with These ever One. Amen. 
 
 Antiphon. 
 
 We have here no abiding city, but we seek Jerusalem 
 above, the Eternal Mansion of bliss. 
 
 }. Jesus came down 'to give us a glimpse of it ; 
 
 R. And made His own life the chart to direct us to it. 
 
74 SATURDAY VESPERS. 
 
 Prayer, 
 
 O merciful God, Whose Providence disparages with 
 shortness and crossness all the improvements of this world, 
 that they may become less tempting to us, and take less 
 hold on our hearts ; grant us grace, we beseech Thee, 
 wisely to discern and heartily praise Thee for this most 
 beneficent alloy of their natures ; and since we cannot attain 
 Thee, the Heaven of Heavens, if we do not fix ourselves 
 -entirely on Thee, nor yet be raised to this if we are, or 
 may be, satisfied with anything besides Thy glorious Self, 
 make us check and overcome the repinings of flesh and 
 blood with juster adorations of Thy infinite mercy, for 
 qualifying so fitly this womb of our souls that, by its own 
 uneasiness, it more easily disposes of them for a happy 
 birth into Thy blessed Eternity; through our Lord Jesus 
 Christ Thy Son, Who, with, &c. 
 
 Here may follow prayers of obligation — i.e., for the Church, clergy , 
 parents, (b'c, or of any society you may belong to. 
 
 )t. Vouchsafe us, we beseech Thee, &c, see page 1 3. 
 
Cljc ©fltcc of our QBleg0c5 ©afeiaur. 
 
 This Office is to be said on all the Feasts of our Saviour, 
 which are as follows : — All Sundays in Advent, Christinas 
 Day, Circumcision, Epiphany, Purification, the Annuncia- 
 tion, Passion Sunday, Palm Sunday and Finding of the 
 Holy Cross, Ascension. They are noted in the Proper of 
 Festivals, where you will find a particular Invitatory, which 
 is to be recited with the Psalm, and three particular And- 
 phons, either of which may be said before the Psalm of 
 Matins and Vespers ; also an Antiphon for the Magnificat, 
 with a Versicle and Response and Prayer. 
 
 Then those placed in the Office are omitted, they being 
 provided only for those who find the particular ones too 
 troublesome, and such as choose to say our Saviour's 
 Office, sometimes on days to which it is not appropriated. 
 
 All the rest, Psalm, Lesson, Hymn, say as in the Office 
 of our Saviour. 
 
76 
 
 OFFICE OF OUR- BLESSED SAVIOUR. 
 MATINS. 
 
 The Introduction to be said as on page 2. 
 
 Invitatory. 
 To-day let us adore our God that redeemed us. 
 
 Psalm. 
 
 Bring to our Lord, all ye His servants, bring to our 
 Lord the sacrifice of praise ; bring to our Lord, all ye 
 nations of the earth, bring hymns of glory to His great 
 Name. 
 
 To-day let us adore our God that redeemed us. 
 
 He is our God, and we His people, created by His 
 goodness to be happy for ever ; He is our Redeemer, and 
 we His purchase, restored by His death to a better eternity. 
 
 To-day let us adore our God that redeemed us. 
 
 Let us learn of Him, and He will teach us His ways; 
 let us follow Him, and we shall walk in the light, for the 
 Law and its types were given by Moses, but grace and truth 
 came by Jesus Christ. 
 
 To-day let us adore our God that redeemed us. 
 
 Come, let us ascend to the house of our Lord, and 
 celebrate this day with a holy joy, imploring His mercies 
 for all we need, and blessing His bounty for all we have. 
 
 To-day let us adore our God that redeemed us. 
 Glory be, life. 
 As it was, &c. 
 
 To-day let us adore our God that redeemed us. 
 
MATINS. 77 
 
 Hymn. 
 
 T7ROM lands that see the sun arise, 
 To earth's remotest boundaries, 
 The Virgin-bom to-day we sing, 
 The Son of Mary, Christ the King. 
 
 Blest Author of this earthly frame, 
 To take a servant's form He came ; 
 That liberating flesh by flesh, 
 Whom He had made might live afresh. 
 
 In that chaste parent's holy womb 
 Celestial grace hath found its home ; 
 And she, as earthly bride unknown, 
 Yet calls that Offspring blest her own. 
 
 The mansion of the modest breast 
 Becomes a shrine where God shall rest ; 
 The pure and undefined one 
 Conceived in her womb the Son. 
 
 That Son, that Royal Son she bore, 
 "Whom Gabriel's voice had told afore; 
 "Whom in His Mother yet concealed, 
 The Infant Baptist had revealed. 
 
 The manger and the straw He bore — 
 The cradle did He not abhor ; 
 By milk in infant portions fed, 
 Who gives e'en fowls their daily bread. 
 
 The heavenly chorus filled the sky, 
 The angels sang to God on high ; 
 What time to shepherds, watching lone, 
 They made Creation's Shepherd known. 
 
 For that Thine Advent glory be, 
 
 () Jesu, Virgin-born, to Thee ! 
 
 With Father and with Holy Ghost, 
 
 From men and from the heavenly host. Amen. 
 
 Antiphon. Blessed be the mercy of our God, Who has 
 left no way untried that could possibly recover us. 
 
 Psalm. 
 POME now, and hear, ye that 
 fear the Lord, and I will 
 tell vou what He hath done for 
 
 my soul. 
 
 Hear, and I will tell vou what 
 
 He hath done for yours also, and being. 
 
 the wonders of His bounty to- 
 wards all the world. 
 
 When we lay asleep in the 
 shades of darkness, of nothing, 
 His mighty hand awaked us into 
 
7 8 
 
 OFFICE OF OUR BLESSED SAVIOUR : 
 
 He printed on our souls His 
 own similitude, and promised to 
 our obedience His own felicity ; 
 
 Creating a whole world to 
 serve us here, and providing a 
 Heaven to glorify us hereafter. 
 
 Thus didst Thou favour us, O 
 infinite Goodness ! but we, what 
 return did we make unto Thee ? 
 
 Blush, O my soul, for shame 
 at so strange a weakness, and 
 weep for grief at so extreme an 
 ingratitude. 
 
 We childishly preferred a tri- 
 vial apple before the law of our 
 God and the safety of our lives. 
 
 We fondly embraced a little 
 present satisfaction before the 
 pleasures of Paradise and the 
 eternity of Heaven. 
 
 Behold the unhappy source of 
 all our miseries, which still in- 
 creased its streams as they went 
 further on ; 
 
 Until at length there had been 
 an end of man, a sad and fatal 
 end of the whole world, 
 
 Had not our wise Creator 
 foreseen the danger, and in time 
 prevented the extremity of ruin. 
 
 When all was reduced to this 
 desperate state, and no imagin- 
 able hope left to recover us ; 
 
 Behold, the Eternal Wisdom 
 finds a strange expedient, the 
 best and highest instance of Al- 
 mighty love : 
 
 Himself He resolves to clothe 
 with our flesh, and come down 
 among us and die to redeem us. 
 
 He delivered Himself up unto 
 death, and was numbered with 
 the wicked : He bore the sins of 
 
 many, and prayed for His perse- 
 cutors. 
 
 All we like sheep have gone 
 astray; we have turned every- 
 one to his own way, and the 
 Lord hath laid on Him the ini- 
 quity of us all. 
 
 He was wounded for our 
 transgressions, He was bruised 
 for our iniquities ; the chastise- 
 ment of our peace was upon Him, 
 and with His stripes we are healed. 
 
 O blessed Jesu ! Who didst take 
 upon Thee our infirmities, to be- 
 stow on usThine own perfections, 
 
 Heal us by the mystery of Thy 
 holy Incarnation, and the meek- 
 ness of Thy humble Birth : 
 
 Heal us by the precious Blood 
 of Thy Circumcision, and the 
 sweet and ever blessed Name ot 
 Jesus: 
 
 Heal us by Thy gracious 
 manifestation to the Gentiles, and 
 the powerful influence of all Thy 
 miracles : 
 
 Heal us by the exemplary obe- 
 dience of Thy Presentation, and 
 the sovereign balsam of Thy 
 Passion : 
 
 Heal us by the joys of Thy 
 victorious Resurrection, and the 
 triumph of Thy glorious Ascen- 
 sion: 
 
 Heal us by the memory of all 
 Thy blessings; heal us by the 
 memory of this day's mercy : 
 
 Heal us, Thou great Phy- 
 sician of our souls ; and grant 
 that we may sin no more, lest a 
 worse thing befal us. 
 
 Glory be, &'c. 
 
 As it <ivas, 4d'c. 
 
 Antiphon. Blessed be the mercy of our God, Who has 
 left no way untried that could possibly recover us. 
 
MATINS. 79 
 
 Our Father, Esfr. 
 
 Lesson. Isaiah xi. I -4, and 0, 10. 
 AND there shall come forth a I But with righteousness shall 
 i-r^ ™i* n f fV.o ct^m ^f He judge the poor, and reprove 
 
 rod out of the stem of 
 Jesse, and a Branch shall grow 
 out of his roots. 
 
 And the Spirit of the Lord 
 shall rest upon Him, the spirit 
 of wisdom and understanding, 
 the spirit of counsel and might, 
 the spirit of knowledge and of 
 the fear of the Lord ; 
 
 And shall make Him of quick 
 understanding in the fear of the 
 
 with equity for the meek of the 
 earth. 
 
 They shall not hurt nor de- 
 story in all My holy mountain, 
 for the earth shall be full of the 
 knowledge of the Lord, as the 
 waters cover the sea. 
 
 And in that day there shall be 
 a root of Jesse, which shall stand 
 for an ensign of the people ; to it 
 
 Lord; and He shall not judge j shall the Gentiles seek, and His 
 after the sight of His eyes, neither rest shall be glorious, 
 reprove after the hearing of His 
 ears: 
 
 Responsory. 
 
 Thus, Holy Jesus ! did the ancient prophets foretelThy 
 perfections, and the blessed changes Thy doctrine should 
 produce : the cruelty of the crowd should be softened into 
 meekness, and the innocency of the weak be protected by 
 the strong, and peace and charity flourish over the world. 
 
 This w as Thy wise and gracious design, to mahe us happy 
 by making us holy. 
 
 Thou hast planted the seeds of all these effects : O give 
 the increase, that we may gather the fruits : defend the 
 good, and rebuke the wicked, and fill the earth with Thy 
 knowledge, that all discord and animosity may utterly 
 cease, and justice and equity govern our lives. 
 
 This iv as Thy wise and gracious design, to make us happy 
 by making us holy. 
 
 Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy 
 Ghost. 
 
 This was Thy wise and gracious design, to make us happy 
 by making us holy. 
 
 Te Deum Laudamus. 
 We praise Thee, &c. (To be omitted in Advent and Lent.) 
 
8o 
 
 OFFICE OF OUR BLESSED SAVIOUR : MATINS. 
 
 Antiphon, 
 
 Blessed be Thy holy Name, O glorious Son of God ! 
 and blessed be Thy mercy for ever. 
 
 Thou hast perfectly fulfilled all that Thy prophets fore- 
 told, and infinitely transcended all the wonders they admired. 
 Thou hast done enough to convince us into faith, and 
 suffered abundantly to inflame us with Thy love. 
 
 ~y. Blessed be Thy glorious Name, O Thou Son of 
 God! 
 
 R. And blessed be Thy mercy for ever. Alleluia. 
 
 Prayer. 
 Most gracious God, Who so lovedst the world that 
 Thou gavest Thyself to redeem it, and didst humbly 
 take upon Thee our nature that Thou mightest familiarly 
 teach us the truth of our salvation; invincibly fortify us 
 against all persecutions, and efficaciously draw us after Thee 
 into Thine own Kingdom, by Thy holy life, precious death, 
 and glorious resurrection. Grant, we beseech Thee, that 
 we may so meditate upon these infinite mercies, and so fill 
 our souls with the memory of this love, that we may live 
 in Thy obedience, die in Thy favour, and rise again to 
 rejoice with Thee for ever in Thy glory; Who, with, &c. 
 
 Here may follow prayers of obligation — i.e., for the Churchy clergy, 
 parents, (b'c, or of any society you may belong to. 
 
 }T. O Lord, hear our prayers. 
 
 1^. And let our supplications come unto Thee. 
 
 IT. Bless we our Lord. 
 
 R. Thanks be to God. 
 
 ~f. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the 
 mercy of God, rest in peace. 
 
 R. Amen. 
 
 Pause and meditate, according to your devotion. 
 
 ^fr. The blessing of God Almighty, Father, *J« Son, and 
 Holy Ghost, descend upon us, and dwell in our hearts for 
 ever. 
 
 TJ.. Amen. 
 
8i 
 
 OFFICE OF OUR BLESSED SAVIOUR. 
 VESPERS. 
 
 In the Name of the Father, *i* and of the Son, and of the 
 Holy Ghost. Amen. 
 
 Blessed be the Holy and Undivided Trinity, now and for 
 ever. Amen. 
 
 Our Father, 
 
 Hail I Mary, &c, 
 
 ~ft. O God, make speed to save us. 
 fy. O Lord, make haste to help us. 
 y . Gkry be, &c. 
 fy. As it was, Zsfe. 
 
 Antiphon. Thou art, O Lord, the true Light of the 
 world ; they who follow Thee walk not in darkness. 
 
 Psalm. 
 
 "D ISE, holy Spouse of the Son 
 -*^- of God ! rise, and put on 
 thy robes of joy. 
 
 Rise, shine forth, for thy glory 
 is come, and the splendour of 
 our Lord strikes bright upon thee. 
 
 To thee shall be given the keys 
 of Heaven, and thou shalt shut 
 and open those eternal doors. 
 
 Heaven and earth shall pass 
 away, but not a tittle of His 
 Word shall be disappointed for 
 ever. 
 
 Many of the sacred prophecies 
 are already fulfilled, abundantly 
 enough to assure us of the rest. 
 
 Already a Virgin hath brought 
 forth a Son, and given Him the 
 gracious Name of Jesus. 
 G 
 
 The kings of the East have 
 been led to Him by a star, and 
 offered Him gold, and frankin- 
 cense, and myrrh. 
 
 His holy parents have pre- 
 sented Him in the Temple, and 
 the devout Simeon was overjoyed 
 to see Him. 
 
 In His tender infancy he fled 
 into Egypt, and the idols fell 
 down at the presence of a child. 
 
 He passed His private life in 
 peace and meekness, and taught 
 a contradicting people in patience 
 and humility. 
 
 He confirmed His doctrine 
 with innumerable miracles, and 
 defended the truth with the last 
 drop of His blood. 
 
82 
 
 OFFICE OF OUR BLESSED SAVIOUR 
 
 He rose again victoriously from 
 the grave, and ascended in tri- 
 umph to the right hand of the 
 Father. 
 
 And there, O glorious Jesu ! 
 mayest Thou sit and reign till all 
 Thy enemies become Thy foot- 
 stool. 
 
 We know, O Lord, Thy ways 
 are in the deep abyss, and we 
 humbly adore Thy secret coun- 
 sels. 
 
 Only we cannot think of their 
 lamentable condition without pi- 
 tying their misery, and imploring 
 Thy mercy. 
 
 Some have not yet so much as 
 heard of Thee, and others who 
 have heard, refuse to entertain 
 Thee. 
 
 Some who have once acknow- 
 ledged Thee have fallen quite 
 away, and others reject what 
 they list, and obey by halves. 
 
 Many of those who even 
 rightly believe abuse their holy 
 faith by a wicked life. 
 
 Look down, O Lord, arid 
 behold from Heaven ; behold 
 from the habitation of Thy holi- 
 ness. 
 
 Hast Thou not given Thy 
 disciples express commission to 
 go into all the world, and preach 
 to every creature ? 
 
 Visit, O Lord, Thine own | 
 house first, and thoroughly re- 
 dress what Thou fmdest amiss. 
 
 Make our lives holy, as Thou | 
 hast made our faith, and per- 
 fectly unite us in the bonds of 
 love. 
 
 Kindle in the hearts of kings, ! 
 
 and the great ones of the world, 
 an heroic spirit to advance Thy 
 glory. 
 
 Inflame the hearts of the pre- 
 lates and priests of Thy Church 
 with a generous zeal of conver- 
 sion of souls. 
 
 Prepare, O Lord, the hearts ot 
 those that are in error, and make 
 them willing to receive the truth. 
 
 So shall the glory of God be 
 everywhere revealed, and all flesh 
 shall see it together. 
 
 Lord, e'er I take my leave ot 
 this holy day, which Thy Church 
 has sanctified in honour of Thy 
 memory, 
 
 Let me think on those joys 
 above : We shall hereafter be like 
 the angels in Heaven. 
 
 And what, O Lord, are these 
 blessed angels but spirits that 
 know, and love, and delight for 
 ever ? 
 
 Such, O my soul, we shall be, 
 and that sweet life we shall lead; 
 we shall be and live like the 
 angels in Heaven. 
 
 No ignorance shall darken, nor 
 error deceive us ; we shall be 
 like the angels in Heaven. 
 
 No cares shall perplex us, nor 
 crosses afflict us; we shall be 
 like the angels in Heaven. 
 
 Our joys shall be full, and 
 pure, and everlasting ; we shall 
 be like the angels in Heaven. 
 
 Cheer thee, and raise thy hopes 
 yet gloriously higher; we shall 
 be like Himself, for we shall see 
 Him as He is. 
 
 Glory be, &c. 
 
 As it was, (b*c. 
 
VESPERS. 83 
 
 Antiphon. Thou art, O Lord, the true Light of the 
 world; they who follow Thee walk not in darkness. 
 
 Lesson. Titus ii. II. 
 
 esson 
 
 pOR the grace of God, that 
 bringeth salvation, hath ap- 
 peared to all men ; 
 
 Teaching us that, denying un- 
 godliness and worldly lusts, we 
 should lively soberly, righteously, 
 and godly in this present world ; 
 
 Looking for that blessed hope, 
 
 and the glorious appearing of the 
 great God and our Saviour Jesus 
 Christ ; 
 
 Who gave Himself for us, that 
 He might redeem us from all 
 iniquity, and purify unto Him- 
 self a peculiar people, zealous of 
 
 Hymn. 
 
 JESU, the Father's only Son, 
 Whose death for all redemption won, 
 Before the worlds, of God Most High, 
 Begotten all ineffably : 
 
 The Father's light and splendour Thou, 
 Their endless hope to Thee that bow ; 
 Accept the prayers and praise to-day 
 That through the world Thy servants pay. 
 
 Salvation's Author, call to mind, 
 Thou took' st the form of human kind, 
 When of the Virgin undefrled 
 Thou in man's flesh becam'st a child. 
 
 Thus testifies the present day, 
 Through every year, in long array, 
 That Thou, Salvation's source alone, 
 Proceeded'st from the Father's Throne ; 
 
 Whence sky, and stars, and sea's abyss, 
 And earth, and all that therein is, 
 Shall still, with laud and carol meet, 
 The Author of Thine Advent greet : 
 
 And we who, by Thy precious Blood 
 From sin redeemed, are marked for God, 
 On this, the day that saw Thy birth, 
 Sing the new song of ransomed earth. 
 2 
 
84 
 
 OFFICE OF OUR BLESSED SAVIOUR 
 
 For that Thine Advent glory be, 
 
 O Jesu, Virgin-born, to Thee ! 
 
 With Father, and with Holy Ghost, 
 
 From men and from the heavenly host. Amen. 
 
 Antiphon, 
 
 Come, all ye nations of the earth, whom the mercy of 
 our Lord has so dearly redeemed ; come, and in honour of 
 the Divine Son, sing the Canticle of the Blessed Mother. 
 Alleluia I 
 
 Magnificat. 
 
 My soul doth magnify the Lord, &c, see page 12. 
 
 Antiphon. 
 
 Come, all ye nations of the earth, whom the mercy of 
 our Lord has so dearly redeemed ; come, and in honour of 
 the Divine Son, sing the Canticle of the Blessed Mother. 
 Alleluia I 
 
 jt. Thou art, O God, the free bestower of all we have. 
 1^. Thou art the faithful promiser of all we expect. 
 
 Prayer. 
 
 O holy and ever-blessed Jesu, Who, being the Eternal 
 Son of God, and Most High in the glory of God the 
 Father, vouchsafedst for us sinners to be born of an 
 humble Virgin, to be subject to the weakness of a little 
 child, to grow up in a life of privacy and labour, to declare 
 Thyself at last the Redeemer of the world, by establishing 
 a perfect law of grace, and confirming it with innumerable 
 miracles, and suffering for it intolerable persecutions, even 
 to death itself : work in us, we humbly beseech Thee, the 
 happy effects of all these mercies, that believing in Thee 
 we may imitate Thy life, and obeying Thy commands may 
 enjoy Thy promises ; Who, with, &c. 
 
VESPERS. 8 
 
 Here may follow prayers of obligation — i.e., for the Church, clergy , 
 parents, <&'c, or of any society you -may belong to. 
 
 y. Vouchsafe us, we beseech Thee, O Lord, a quiet 
 
 night and a happy end. 
 P. Amen. 
 
 Y. Lord, have mercy upon us. 
 P. Christ, have mercy upon us. 
 ~} . Lord, have mercy upon us. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 ~y. And lead us not into temptation. 
 P. But deliver us from evil. Amen. 
 V. King of Kings, extinguish in us the lusts of the flesh. 
 P. And kindle the fire of Thy love. 
 
 ^ . Saviour of the world, remove far from us the wrath 
 
 of bitterness. 
 
 P. And grant to us the shield of Thy patience. 
 
 y. Redeemer of mankind, deliver us from pride. 
 
 P. And grant us the treasure of Thy humility. 
 
 ^ . O Lord, hear our prayer. 
 
 P. And let our crying come unto Thee. 
 
 Prayer. 
 
 Visit, we beseech Thee, O Lord, this habitation, and 
 drive far away all snares of the enemy-, let Thy holy 
 angels dwell therein to preserve us in peace, and Thy 
 blessing be upon us for ever-, through our Lord Jesus 
 Christ Thy Son, Who, with, &c. 
 
 y. O Lord, hear our prayer. 
 
 P. And let our cry come unto Thee. 
 
 ^ . Bless we our Lord. 
 
 P. Thanks be to God. 
 
86 OFFICE OF OUR BLESSED SAVIOUR : VESPERS. 
 
 y. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the 
 mercy of God, rest in peace. 
 R. Amen. 
 
 Pause mid meditate, according to your devotion. 
 
 y. The blessing of God Almighty, Father, *i* Son, and 
 Holy Ghost, descend upon us, and dwell in our hearts for 
 ever. 
 
 I£. Amen. 
 
(Efje Office of tfic JMg (Stout 
 
 This Office is to be said on Whit Sunday, Monday, and 
 Tuesday, and (omitting Te Deum and Magnificat) on every 
 first Wednesday of the month, unless it be a Holy Day, 
 and then it should be postponed to the next convenient 
 day. 
 
OFFICE OF THE HOLY GHOST. 
 MATINS. 
 
 The Introduction to be said as on page 2. 
 
 Invitatory. 
 Come, let us adore our God that sanctifies us. 
 
 Psalm. 
 
 Come, let us humbly first implore His grace, to make 
 us worthy to adore the Sanctifier, Who, from the Father 
 and the Son eternally proceeds, and with the Father and 
 the Son is equally glorified. 
 
 Come, let us adore our God that sanctifies us. 
 He infuses into us the breath of life, and brings us forth 
 into our second birth — a birth that makes us heirs of 
 heaven, and gives us a title to everlasting happiness. 
 Come, let us adore our God that sanctifies us. 
 Let us prepare our understandings to assent to His 
 truths, and our wills to follow His Divine inspirations ; let 
 us fill our memories with His innumerable mercies, and 
 our whole souls with the glory of His attributes. 
 Come, let us adore our God that sanctifies us. 
 Let us confidently address to Him our petitions, Who 
 promises to help the infirmity of our prayers ; let us not 
 doubt the bounty of His goodness, but hope that He will 
 grant what Himself inspires us to ask. 
 
 Come, let us adore our God that sanctifies us. 
 Glory be, &c. 
 As it was, <sfc. 
 
 To-day let us adore our God that sanctifies us. 
 
MATINS. 
 
 89 
 
 Jtiymn. 
 
 pOME, Holy Ghost, our souls inspire ! 
 ^ And lighten with celestial fire : 
 Thou the Anointing Spirit art, 
 Who dost Thy sevenfold gifts impart. 
 
 Thy blessed Unction from above 
 Is comfort, life, and fire of love : 
 Enable with perpetual light 
 The dulness of our blinded sight. 
 
 Anoint and cheer our soiled face 
 With the abundance of Thy grace : 
 Keep far our foes, give peace at home — 
 Where Thou art guide no ill can come. 
 
 Teach us to know the Father, Son, 
 And Thee of Both, to be but One; 
 That through the ages all along 
 This may be our endless song : 
 
 Praise to Thy eternal merit, 
 
 Father. Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen. 
 
 Antiphon. In those day 
 My Spirit upon all flesh. 
 
 saith our Lord, I will pour out 
 
 Alleluia I Alleluia ! 
 
 Psalm. 
 
 T>LESSED for ever be Thy 
 JJ Name, O Holy Spirit ! and 
 blessed be the bounty of Thy 
 goodness. 
 
 When the eternal Father, by 
 creating the world, had declared 
 Himself and His almighty power : 
 
 When the increated Word, by 
 redeeming mankind, had revealed 
 Himself and His infinite wisdom : 
 
 When now there remained but 
 one seal more to be opened of 
 the Book of Divine Mysteries : 
 
 Behold, a strange condescend- 
 ence to our weak nature, the In- 
 visible Spirit visibly appears. 
 
 He descends from heaven in 
 
 the shape of a dove, and gently 
 lights on the Prince of Peace. 
 
 Again He descends in the like- 
 ness of fire, and miraculously sits 
 upon the heads of the disciples. 
 
 O blessed and admirable 
 Teacher ! Who can instruct 
 like the Spirit of God ? 
 
 He took a poor shepherd from 
 following the flock, and imme- 
 diately raised him to the degree 
 of a Prophet. 
 
 He by one lesson perfected the 
 disciples, and polished rude fisher- 
 men into eloquent preachers. 
 
 He touched the heart of a per- 
 secuting Pharisee, and instantly 
 
9° 
 
 OFFICE OF THE HOLY GHOST : 
 
 changed him into a glorious 
 Apostle. 
 
 All this Thou hast done, O 
 infinite Goodness ! and all we do 
 is wrought in us by Thee. 
 
 By Thee we are regenerated 
 at first in our baptism ; by Thee 
 confirmed in the imposition of 
 hands. 
 
 By Thee we are healed in the 
 sacrament of penance ; by Thee 
 prepared for that Banquet of the 
 Bread of Angels. 
 
 By Thee Thy choicer servants 
 are consecrated into priests ; by 
 Thee our marriages are sanctified 
 into blessings. 
 
 By Thee our souls are com- 
 forted on our beds of sickness; 
 and by Thy holy Unction all our 
 life is governed. 
 
 Such were the fervours of 
 those happy times : and O how 
 happy were our times had we 
 those fervours ! 
 
 But ours are become miserable 
 by schisms, and heresies, and the 
 darkness that covers a great part 
 of the earth. 
 
 Ours are become miserable by 
 the unfruitful lives and scandal- 
 ous examples of too many Chris- 
 tians. 
 
 Too many, alas ! yet even the 
 gates of hell can never prevail 
 against the power of God. 
 
 Still the same Spirit governs 
 the world, and keeps alive the 
 same primitive fire. 
 
 Still there are hearts full of the 
 Holy Ghost, full of that ravish- 
 ing wine of Divine love. 
 
 Still there are souls who re- 
 nounce all they have, and take up 
 their Cross and follow our Lord. 
 
 Still there are fiery tongues 
 
 kindled by the Breath of Heaven, 
 who carry their sacred flames 
 into every nation. 
 
 Still the Apostolic Church is 
 true to her name, and sends 
 abroad her burning and her shining 
 lights. 
 
 Still the Almighty Goodness is 
 true to His Church, and con- 
 serves it one, holy, and universal. 
 
 O keep us, Blessed Spirit ! in 
 this Thy fold of grace ; and bring 
 the whole world into one flock ; 
 
 That all may be of the same 
 mind here, and all enjoy the same 
 happiness hereafter. 
 
 O that we had the tongues of 
 saints and angels ! O that we 
 had Thine own miraculous 
 tongues ! 
 
 Still all our praises would be 
 poor and narrow ; still infinitely 
 less than Thy infinite perfections. 
 
 Praise the Eternal Spirit, O 
 thou Queen of Saints ! by whom 
 the world's Redeemer was con- 
 ceived in thy womb : 
 
 By Whom thou wert made 
 the Mother of the Son of God ; 
 so high a favour to thee, and so 
 happy to us. 
 
 Praise Him, all ye choirs ot 
 rejoicing angels, Whose early- 
 grace confirmed you in glory. 
 
 Praise Him, ye reverend 
 patriarchs, whose ways He 
 governed, and by particular pro- 
 vidence led you to felicity. 
 
 Praise Him, ye ancient pro- 
 phets, whose souls He inspired 
 to teach His chosen people the 
 will of heaven. 
 
 Praise Him, ye glorious 
 Apostles, whose persons He em- 
 powered to be ambassadors of 
 peace betwixt heaven and earth 
 
MATINS. 
 
 91 
 
 Praise Him, ye generous 
 martyrs, whose spirits He en- 
 couraged, and gave you victory 
 over the terrors of death. 
 
 Praise Him, ye blessed con- 
 fessors, whose lives He sanctified, 
 and gave you victory over the 
 world and yourselves. 
 
 Praise Him, ye holy virgins, 
 whose souls He espoused, and 
 consecrated your chaste bodies 
 into temples for Himself. 
 
 Praise Him, ye faithful de- 
 parted, whose hope He sustains, 
 and will at last bring you to full 
 fruition. 
 
 Praise Him, all ye elect in 
 your several happy states ; bless 
 Him, and magnify Him for ever. 
 
 Praise Him in the power and 
 freedom of His grace; praise 
 Him in the greatness and eternity 
 of His glory. 
 
 Praise Him, O my soul, for 
 His mercies to thee ; praise Him 
 for His goodness to all the world. 
 
 Praise Him on thy choicest 
 instrument, that of thy heart; 
 praise Him in thy best words, 
 those of the Church. 
 
 Glory be, <&-'c. 
 
 As it was <b°c. 
 
 Antiphon. In those days, saith our Lord, I will pou 
 
 r out 
 
 My Spirit upon all flesh. 
 Our Father, EsV. 
 
 Alleluia I Alleluia ! 
 
 Lesson. S. 
 
 T/'ERILY, verily, I say unto 
 you, he that believeth in Me, 
 the works that I do shall he do 
 also ; and greater works than 
 these shall he do, because I go 
 unto My Father. 
 
 And whatsoever ye shall ask 
 in My Name, that will I do, that 
 the Father may be glorified in 
 the Son. 
 
 If ye shall ask anything in My 
 Name, I will do it. 
 
 John xiv. 12. 
 
 If ye love Me, keep My com- 
 mandments. 
 
 And I will pray the Father, 
 and He shall give you another 
 Comforter, that He may abide 
 with vou for ever; 
 
 The Spirit of Truth, Whom 
 the world cannot receive, because 
 it seeth Him not, neither knoweth 
 Him : but ye know Him, for 
 He dwelleth with you, and shall 
 be in you. 
 
 He sponsor y. 
 
 Blessed be Thy merciful providence, O Jesu ! Who, 
 when Thou hadst finished Thy great work on earth, 
 ascendest into heaven, to draw up our minds even thither 
 after Thee. Alleluia ! 
 
 That where our happiness is, there might our hearts be also. 
 
9- OFFICE OF THE HOLY GHOST : 
 
 Blessed be Thy infinite goodness, O dear Redeemer ! 
 Who, when Thou hadst taught us the words of eternal 
 life, sentest down the Holy Ghost to make us observe 
 them, and to raise up our affections to that glorious King- 
 dom whither Thou art gone before us. Alleluia ! 
 That where our happiness is, there might our hearts be also. 
 Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy 
 Ghost. 
 That where our happiness is, there might our hearts be also. 
 
 Te Deum Laudamus. 
 We praise Thee, Sec. (To be omitted in Advent and Lent.) 
 
 Antiphon. 
 
 Come, Holy Spirit, the free disposer of all graces, visit 
 the hearts of Thy faithful servants, and replenish them 
 with Thy sacred inspirations ; illuminate our understandings, 
 and inflame our affections, and sanctify all the faculties of 
 our souls ; that we know, and love, and constantly do the 
 things that belong to our peace, our everlasting peace. 
 Alleluia I Alleluia I 
 
 ^ . Our departing Lord promised He would not leave 
 us comfortless. 
 
 I>. Holy Comforter, shew Thou suppliest His place to us. 
 
 Prayer, 
 
 O God, Who miraculously sentest the Holy Ghost to 
 supply the absence of Thy Son, and comfort His dis- 
 heartened followers, and instruct them in all things necessary 
 to their great work, the conversion of the world; grant, we 
 beseech Thee, that our devout commemorating those fiery 
 tongues which sate upon each of their heads, and produced 
 such glorious effects, may increase the fervour of our 
 hearts, to continue, and attest by all fruits of grace the 
 same Spirit still abiding in us ; through our Lord Jesus 
 
MATINS. 93 
 
 Christ, Who with Thee, in the unity of the same Blessed 
 Spirit, liveth and reigneth, One God, world without end. 
 Amen. 
 
 Here may follo-jo prayers of obligation — i.e., for the Church, clergy, 
 parents, &c, and of any society you may belong to. 
 
 J(/ O Loid, hear our prayer. 
 
 I£. And let our supplication come unto Thee. 
 
 y. Bless we our Lord. 
 
 R. Thanks be to God. 
 
 ^ . May the souls of the faithful departed, through the 
 
 mercy of God, rest in peace. 
 
 R. Amen. 
 
 Pause and meditate, according to your devotion, 
 
 ~f. The blessing of God Almighty, Father, ^ Son, and 
 Holy Ghost, descend upon us, and dwell in our hearts for 
 ever. 
 
 $. Amen. 
 
94 
 
 OFFICE OF THE HOLY GHOST. 
 
 VESPEES. 
 
 /// the Name of the Father, *%* and of the Son, and of the 
 Holy Ghost. Amen. 
 
 Blessed be the Holy and Undivided Trinity, now end for 
 ever. Amen. 
 
 Our Father, 
 
 Hail I Mai 
 
 y> 
 
 ~} . O God, make speed to save us. 
 R. O Lord, make haste to help us. 
 f. Glory be, &c. 
 B. As it iv as, 
 
 >c. 
 
 Antiphon. Quicken us by Thy grace, O Holy Spirit ! that 
 we may thoroughly mortify the works of the flesh. 
 
 Psalm. 
 
 pOME, let us now again pre- 
 ^ pare our hearts, and humbly 
 offer this our evening sacrifice. 
 
 Let us remember our God is 
 a pure Spirit, and delights to 
 dwell in a clean tabernacle. 
 
 He will not enter a soul that 
 is subject to sin, nor stay where 
 He finds His grace neglected. 
 
 But we, alas ! are hot and cold 
 by turns, and, which is worse, 
 our coldness lasts the longer. 
 
 Some few half-hours we spend 
 in prayer, and many whole days 
 in idleness and vanity. 
 
 Sometimes we bestow a little 
 on the poor, and often throw 
 away a great deal on our pas- 
 sions. 
 
 Sometimes we deny and mor- 
 j tify ourselves, but far more often 
 \ obey our sensual appetites. 
 
 Thus we confess to Thee, O 
 ! Lord our God ! Who perfectly 
 J seest every corner of our hearts. 
 Thus we confess to Thee, not 
 j that Thou mayest know us, but 
 ! that we may know ourselves, and 
 ! that Thou mayest cure us. 
 
 Cure us, O Thou Great Phy- 
 sician of souls ! cure us of all our 
 sinful distempers. 
 
 Cure us of this aguish inter- 
 mitting piety, and fix it into an 
 even and a constant holiness. 
 
 Our own infirmities are too 
 strong for us, and our evil cus- 
 toms prevail against us. 
 
VESPERS. 
 
 95 
 
 Every day we resolve to amend, 
 and every day we break our reso- 
 lutions. 
 
 Have mercy on us, O God of 
 infinite compassion ! have mercy 
 upon us, O Thou Comforter of 
 afflicted minds ! 
 
 Have mercy upon us, and par- 
 don what is past ; and have 
 mercy upon us, and guide us in 
 the days to come. 
 
 Give us a right spirit to guide 
 our intentions, that we may aim 
 directly at our true end. 
 
 Give us a holy spirit to sanc- 
 tify our affections, that what we 
 rightly design we may piously 
 pursue. 
 
 Give us an heroic spirit to con- 
 firm our hearts, that what we 
 piously endeavour we may cou- 
 rageously achieve. 
 
 Deliver us, O Lord, from what 
 Thou knowest is against us ! de- 
 liver us from what we know our- 
 selves will subdue us. 
 
 Deliver us from the spirit of 
 profaneness and infidelity, from 
 the spirit of error, and schism, 
 and heresy. 
 
 Deliver us from resisting law- 
 ful authority, for therein we re- 
 sist Thee our God. 
 
 Deliver us from all schismatical 
 rending the peace of the Church, 
 and thereby destroying ourselves. 
 
 O Thou, Who never deniest 
 Thy favours except we first deny 
 our obedience : 
 
 Thou Who art often near us 
 when we are far from Thee, 
 often ready to grant when we are 
 unmindful to ask : 
 
 Refuse not, O Lord, to hear 
 us now we call upon Thee, and 
 make us still hear Thee when 
 Thou callest to us. 
 
 But, above all, suffer us not, 
 O Thou Blessed and Holy Spirit! 
 to be guilty of the unpardonable 
 sin against Thyself. 
 
 Suffer us not obstinately to 
 persist in any known wickedness, 
 nor maliciously impugn any 
 known truth. 
 
 Suffer us not to die in our sins 
 without repentance, but, oh, have 
 mercy upon us in that solemn 
 hour ! 
 
 Have mercy upon us, and 
 govern us in our life ; have mercy 
 upon us, and save us at our 
 death. 
 
 Glory be, <&'c. 
 
 As it ivas, &c. 
 
 Antiphon. Quicken us by Thy grace, O Holy Spirit ! that 
 we may thoroughly mortify the works of the flesh. 
 
 Lesson. Gal. v. 1 9. 
 
 N 
 
 OW the works of the flesh 
 
 these : Adultery, fornication, un- 
 cleanness, lasciviousness ; 
 
 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, 
 
 variance,emulations,wrath,strife, 
 seditions, heresies ; 
 
 Envyings, murders, drunken- 
 ness, revellings, and such like ; of 
 the which I tell you before, as I 
 
$6 OFFICE OF THE HOLY GHOST 
 
 have also told you in time past, 
 that they which do such things 
 shall not inherit the kingdom of 
 God. 
 
 Meekness, temperance; against 
 such there is no law. 
 
 If we live in the Spirit, let us 
 also walk in the Spirit. 
 
 But the fruit of the Spirit is Let us not be desirous of vain 
 love, joy, peace, long-suffering, i glory, provoking one another, 
 gentleness, goodness, faith ; | envying one another. 
 
 Hymn . 
 
 pOME, Thou Holy Paraclete, 
 ^- / And from Thy Celestial seat 
 
 Send Thy light and brilliancy : 
 Father of the poor, draw near ; 
 Giver of all gifts, be here : 
 
 Come, the soul's true radiancy. 
 
 Come, of Comforters the best, 
 Of the soul the sweetest guest, 
 
 Come in toil refreshingly: 
 Thou in labour rest most sweet, 
 Thou art shelter from the heat, 
 
 Comfort in adversity. 
 
 O Thou Light, most pure and blest ! 
 Shine within the inmost breast 
 
 Of Thy faithful company: 
 Where Thou art not, man hath nought ; 
 Every holy deed and thought 
 
 Comes from Thy Divinity. 
 
 What is soiled, make Thou pure; 
 What is wounded, work its cure ; 
 
 What is parched, fructify : 
 What is rigid, gently bend; 
 What is frozen, warmly tend ; 
 
 Strengthen what goes erringly. 
 
 Fill Thy faithful, who confide 
 
 In Thy power to guard and guide, 
 
 With Thy sevenfold Mystery: 
 Here Thy grace and virtue send, 
 Grant salvation in the end, 
 
 And in Heaven felicity. Amen 
 
VESPERS. 97 
 
 Antiphon. 
 
 Blessed be Thy Name, O Holy Spirit of God, Who 
 dividest Thy gifts to everyone as Thou pleasest, and work- 
 est all in ail. In Thee our sorrows have a Comforter to 
 allay them, and our sins an Advocate to plead for them ; in 
 Thee our ignorances have a Guide to direct them, and our 
 frailties a Confirmer to strengthen them; and in all our 
 wants a God to relieve them. Alleluia! Alleluia! 
 
 Magnificat. 
 My soul doth magnify the Lord, &c, see page 12. 
 Antiphon. 
 Blessed be Thy Name, O Holy Spirit of God, Who 
 dividest Thy gifts to everyone as Thou pleasest, and work- 
 est all in all. In Thee our sorrows have a Comforter to 
 allay them, and our sins an Advocate to plead for them ; in 
 Thee our ignorances have a Guide to direct them, and our 
 frailties a Confirmer to strengthen them; and in all our 
 wants a God to relieve them. Alleluia! Alleluia! 
 p. By Thy precious fruits Thou art surely known. 
 $. Controlling all the manifest works of the flesh. 
 
 Prayer. 
 O God, Who by Thy Holy Spirit didst at first estab- 
 lish a Church, and, sanctifying it by the same Spirit, dost 
 still preserve and govern it; hear, we beseech Thee, the 
 prayers of Thy servants, and mercifully grant us the per- 
 petual assistance of Thy grace, that we may never be 
 deceived by any false spirit, nor overcome by the vicious 
 suggestfcns of flesh and blodd, but in all our doubts be 
 directed in the ways of truth, and in all our actions guided 
 by Thy Holy Spirit; Who, with, &c. 
 
 Here may follow prayers of obligation — i.e., for the Church, clergy, 
 parents, ts'c., or of any society you may belong to. 
 
 } . Vouchsafe us, we beseech Thee, O Lord, a quiet 
 
 night and a happy end. 
 $. Amen. 
 
 H 
 
98 OFFICE OF THE HOLY GHOST: VESPERS. 
 
 jf . Lord, have mercy upon us. 
 R. Christ, have mercy upon us. 
 y. Lord, have mercy upon us. 
 
 Our Father, Ifjc. 
 "J^". And lead us not into temptation. 
 R. But deliver us from evil. Amen. 
 y. O Eternal Light, shine into my soul. 
 R. And prepare it for the benefit of Thy presence. 
 ~jt. Scatter Thou the people that delight in war. 
 R. And restrain them by Thy power. 
 "J^". Show, we beseech Thee, Thy might, and glorify 
 
 the strength of Thy right hand. 
 II. For there is no other hope or refuge for us, save 
 
 only in Thee, O Lord our God. 
 y. O Lord, hear our prayer. 
 R. And let our crying come unto Thee. 
 
 Prayer. 
 
 Visit, we beseech Thee, O Lord, this habitation, and 
 drive far away all snares of the enemy: let Thy holy 
 angels dwell therein to preserve us in peace, and Thy 
 blessing be upon us for ever; through our Lord Jesus 
 Christ Thy Son, Who, with, &c. 
 
 y. O Lord, hear our prayer. 
 
 R. And let our cry come unto Thee. 
 
 JT . Bless we our Lord. 
 
 R. Thanks be to God. 
 
 ~f. May the souls of the faithful departed, thyj^igh the 
 mercy of God, rest in peace. 
 
 R. Amen. 
 
 Pause and meditate, according to your devotion. 
 
 y . The blessing of God Almighty, Father, »i» Son, and 
 Holy Ghost, descend upon us, and dwell in our hearts for 
 ever. 
 
 $. Amen. 
 
C|)e Ofitce of tfie 15tcsgco Virgin. 
 
 This Office is to be said on the Feasts of the Blessed 
 Virgin: Purification, Annunciation, Visitation, Assumption, 
 Nativity, Presentation, Conception. In saying this Office 
 the same method is to be observed as in that for our 
 Saviour. 
 
 h2 
 
100 
 
 OFFICE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN. 
 MATINS. 
 
 The Introduction to be said as on page 2. 
 
 Livitatory. 
 Hail ! Mary, full of grace ; our Lord is with thee. 
 
 Psalm. 
 Hail ! Virgin, Mother of the world's Redeemer, and 
 glorious Queen of Saints and Angels ; may all the nations 
 of the earth confess thy greatness, and all the choirs of 
 Heaven sing praises to thy name. 
 
 Hall I Mary, full of grace ; our Lord is ivith thee. 
 Hail ! Mary, full of grace ; who by that holy title art 
 far more honoured than by all thy privileges ; while thy 
 soul was replenished with the love of God, and by that 
 love made fit to enjoy Him. 
 
 Hail! Mary, full of grace ; our Lord is ivith thee. 
 Our Lord, the Eternal Son of the Father, second 
 Person in the sacred Trinity, chose thee out among all the 
 daughters of men, to advance thee to the dignity of 
 Mother of God. 
 
 Hail I Mary, full of grace ; our Lord is ivith thee. 
 With thee, while here thou livedst below on our earth, 
 to protect and sanctify thee by His special grace ; with 
 thee, while now thou shinest in His Heaven, to be Himself 
 thy everlasting joy. 
 
 Hail I Mary, full of grace ; our Lord is ivith thee. 
 Glory be, &c. 
 As it ivas, &c. 
 Hail ! Mary, full of grace -, our Lord is with thee. 
 
MATINS. 
 
 TOI 
 
 Hymn. 
 
 JESU, the Virgin's Crown, do Thou 
 Accept us, as in prayer we bow : 
 Born of that Virgin, whom alone 
 The Mother and the Maid we own. 
 
 Amongst the lilies thou dost feed, 
 With virgin choirs accompanied ; 
 With glory decked, the spotless brides, 
 Whose bridal gifts Thy love provides. 
 
 They, wheresoe'er Thy footsteps bend, 
 With hymns and praises still attend ; 
 In blessed troops they follow Thee, 
 W ith dance, and song, and melody. 
 
 We pray Thee, therefore, to bestow, 
 Upon our senses here below 
 Thy grace ; that so we may endure 
 From taint of all corruption pure. 
 
 All laud to God the Father be ! 
 All laud, Eternal Son, to Thee ! 
 All laud, as is for ever meet, 
 To God the Holy Paraclete ! Amen. 
 
 Antiphon. As by a woman came sin and death, so by the 
 fruit of a woman came grace and life. 
 
 Psalm. 
 
 pRAISE our Lord, all ye 
 nations of the earth ; praise 
 Him for the mercies vouchsafed 
 His Blessed Mother. 
 
 He that is mighty hath done 
 great things for her, and holy is 
 His Name. 
 
 He sanctified her with an early- 
 grace, a grace which found her 
 out in her mother's womb ; 
 
 And there prepared and began 
 to build a pure ark for the living 
 God. 
 
 He took care of her infancy 
 and youth, and made her to 
 
 bring forth fruit both in per- 
 fection and abundance ; 
 
 That when the angel first 
 appeared, he found her already 
 full of grace ; 
 
 Fit to be overshadowed by the 
 power of the Most High ; fit of 
 the handmaid to become the 
 Mother of God. 
 
 Behold an archangel sent down 
 from heaven, not to Jerusalem, 
 but to lowly Nazareth : 
 
 Not to the palace of some 
 mighty princess, but to the little 
 cottage of an humble virgin. 
 
102 
 
 OFFICE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN: 
 
 To her, retired in her little 
 oratory, and religiously watching 
 in prayer and meditation, 
 
 Behold the glorious angel 
 reverently approaches with words 
 all full of honour and religion. 
 
 She received commission from 
 heaven to give that sweet Name 
 to which all knees must bend. 
 
 To her was entrusted the joy 
 of men and angels ; she fed and 
 clothed the Giver of all things. 
 
 His tender years passed under 
 her government ; and the Creator 
 of the Universe was subject to 
 her. 
 
 He filled her soul with number- 
 less blessings, and those the best 
 of blessings, virtues. 
 
 He daily shed new beams into 
 her understanding, beams of 
 sublime, pure, and holy light. 
 
 He daily kindled new flames 
 in her will, flames of chaste, 
 strong, and active love ; 
 
 Which made her approach 
 nearer, unite more closely, and 
 adhere more firmly. 
 
 Praise our Lord ye happy 
 nations of heaven ; praise Him 
 you whom praise becomes. 
 
 Praise Him ye bright flaming 
 spirits for raising His humble 
 handmaid above you all. 
 
 Praise Him ye glorious 
 Apostles for her perfections, of 
 which you were once the daily 
 witnesses. 
 
 Praise Him ye generous 
 martyrs, who resisted to death, 
 and entered the Land of Promise 
 
 through the Red Sea of your 
 blood ; 
 
 And teach us the true courage 
 to fear nothing but sin ; and with 
 a virtuous resolution to carry 
 heaven. 
 
 Praise Him ye steadfast con- 
 fessors, who, by possessing your 
 souls here in patience, possess 
 them now in glory ; 
 
 Teach us to follow her and 
 your example, and never to be 
 ashamed of the Cross of Christ. 
 
 Praise Him ye pure virgins, 
 whose chaste hearts were always 
 fit temples of the Holy Ghost ; 
 
 Teach us to be like you, clean 
 of heart, that we may with you 
 enjoy the blest effect to see God. 
 
 Praise Him thyself, O Blessed 
 Virgin ! who best canst do what 
 can be well done by creatures. 
 
 Praise the unexhausted source 
 of bounty, never the less rich for 
 enriching others. 
 
 Praise Him for showering 
 down that bounty on thee ; for 
 thou hast nothing but what He 
 gave thee. 
 
 Praise Him for showering it 
 down in such plenty, and giving 
 thee the perfections of all. 
 
 Martyrs had courage, con- 
 fessors constancy, virgins purity ; 
 but thou all virtues. 
 
 Praise Him, and with thy 
 praises mingle thy prayers, that 
 we too at last may praise Him 
 with thee. 
 
 Glory be, <&V. 
 
 As it was, iD'c. 
 
 Aiithiphon. As by a woman came sin and death, so by 
 the fruit of a woman came grace and life. 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
MATINS. 
 
 TO} 
 
 Less op.. Is a. vii. 10- 1 6. 
 
 A/T0RE0VER the Lord spake 
 - 1 - VJ - again unto Ahaz, saying, 
 
 Ask thee a sign of the Lord 
 thy God ; ask either in the depth, 
 or in the height above. 
 
 But Ahaz said, I will not ask, 
 neither will I tempt the Lord. 
 
 And he said, Hear ye now, O 
 house of David; is it a small 
 thing for you to weary men, but 
 will ye weary my God also ? 
 
 Therefore the Lord Himself 
 
 shall give you a sign : Behold, a 
 Virgin shall conceive, and bear a 
 Son, and shall call His Name 
 Emmanuel. 
 
 Butter and honey shall He eat, 
 that He may know to refuse the 
 evil and choose the good. 
 
 For before the Child shall 
 know to refuse the evil and choose 
 the good, the land thou abhorrest 
 shall be forsaken of both her 
 kings. 
 
 Re sponsor y. 
 
 Hear, house of David, hear the joyful news ! that 
 woman which mercy was pleased to promise, Omnipotence 
 is pleased should be both a Mother and a Virgin. 
 
 And with ecstasies of gratitude and joy reflect that Omni- 
 potence pins with mercy to redeem mankind. 
 
 Let us pray our Emmanuel to be true to His Name, and 
 be always with us ; let us pray Him to make us always 
 with Him ; let us make way for our prayers, by always 
 flying evil and following good. 
 
 And with ecstasies of gratitude and joy refect that Omni- 
 potence joins with mercy to redeem mankind. 
 
 Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy 
 Ghost. 
 
 And with ecstasies of gratitude and joy reflect that Omni- 
 potence joins with mercy to redeern mankind. 
 
 Te Deum Laudamus. 
 We praise Thee, &c. {To be omitted in Advent and Lent.) 
 
 Antiphon. 
 
 Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found grace with God ; 
 blessed art thou among women. 
 
 y . Behold the handmaid of the Lord. 
 
 I£. Be it done to me according to Thy word. 
 
104 OFFICE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN: MATINS. 
 
 Prayer. 
 O God, Who by a ready and obedient assent to Thy 
 seeming impossible word vouchsafest to fit the Blessed 
 Virgin Mary to become the miraculous Mother of Thy 
 Son, fit us, we beseech Thee, by a continual faith in Thy 
 promises, and obedience to Thy commands, to become 
 co-heirs with Him of Thy kingdom ; Who, with Thee 
 and the Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth, one God, world 
 without end. Amen. 
 
 Here may follow prayers of obligation — i.e., for the Church, clergy, 
 parents, &c, or of any society you may belong to. 
 
 y. O Lord, hear our prayers. 
 
 $. And let our supplications come unto Thee. 
 
 y. Bless we our Lord. 
 
 B. Thanks be to God. 
 
 y. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the 
 
 mercy of God, rest in peace. 
 ]$. Amen. 
 
 Pause and meditate, according to your devotion. 
 
 ~f. The blessing of God Almighty, Father, ^ Son, and 
 Holy Ghost, descend upon us, and dwell in our hearts for 
 ever. 
 
 $. Amen. 
 
io5 
 
 OFFICE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN. 
 VESPERS. 
 
 In the Name of the Father, *fr and of the Son, and of the 
 Holy Ghost. Amen. 
 
 Blessed be the Holy and Undivided Trinity, now and for 
 ever. Amen. 
 
 Our Father, &c. Hail! Mary, &c. 
 
 "ft. O God, incline unto our aid. 
 
 R. O Lord, make haste to help us. 
 
 f. Glory be, &c. 
 
 fy. As it ivas, &c. 
 
 Antiphon. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou 
 excellest them all. 
 
 Psalm. 
 
 'T i HOU, O blessed among 
 women ! wert full of wisdom 
 because full of grace ; 
 
 Thou knewest thy pedigree 
 derived from kings, yet con- 
 tentedly marriedest a poor trades- 
 man ; 
 
 Thou wert honoured with an 
 embassy from Heaven, courted 
 to alliance with Divinity ; 
 
 And for this becamest sus- 
 pected by thy husband, on the 
 
 point of being cast off with dis- 
 grace. 
 
 Thou hadst no doubt made 
 some provision, such as thy low 
 condition could afford, to receive 
 the King of Heaven and earth. 
 
 But it was thought fit that 
 thou shouldest be disappointed 
 in thy humble preparations, and 
 brought a helpless stranger to an 
 unknown place : 
 
 Thrust unregarded to lodge 
 
io6 
 
 OFFICE OF THE ELESSED VIRGIN 
 
 with beasts, and be delivered in 
 a stall. 
 
 Soon a new decree of Provi- 
 dence called thee away from thy 
 friends and country into banish- 
 ment, 
 
 Not leaving thee so much as 
 the poor content to breathe with 
 freedom thy native air. 
 
 What had the Mother of God 
 deserved, to be exposed to such, 
 as we think, harsh trials ? 
 
 But, see ! ambition never aimed 
 so high as her humble resignation 
 reached : 
 
 God takes her protection upon 
 Himself, and sets her right in the 
 opinion of her husband ; 
 
 Expressly deputing an Angel 
 to Joseph, to clear her innocence 
 and quiet his suspicions. 
 
 He sends down His own 
 heavenly officers to wait at her 
 stable, and brings kings from afar 
 to adore and offer gifts. 
 
 He inspires the good Elizabeth 
 to own and proclaim her blessed 
 among women. 
 
 He inspires herself to know 
 and foretell that all generations 
 should call her blessed. 
 
 But, oh, the incomprehensible 
 ways of Providence ! while she 
 is intent on serving the Father, 
 she loses the Son. 
 
 Without complaint, without 
 repining, she turns with a quiet 
 care to do her part ; 
 
 Searches three days with an 
 unsuccessful diligence, and at 
 
 last returns again to the Tem- 
 ple; 
 
 There she finds, by a joyful 
 experiment, God is never hid 
 from those who seek Him as 
 they ought : 
 
 She not only finds immediately 
 her beloved Son, but finds Him 
 honoured to admiration. 
 
 Happy are they who finish 
 well their course, and break not 
 off for weariness or discourage- 
 ment. 
 
 So our Great Master loved 
 His chosen ones to the end, so 
 His Blessed Mother carried her 
 love from the manger to the 
 Cross ! 
 
 See how a feeble woman, de- 
 spising the assaults of fear, and 
 shame, and grief, through all 
 obstacles arrives at the place of 
 horror : 
 
 There stands; and while the 
 sword of sorrow cuts her heart, 
 still owns her Son and cleaves to 
 His Cross. 
 
 Say not hereafter, cold pre- 
 tender to virtue, I am too weak 
 to go through this temptation, to 
 struggle with that affliction. 
 
 Cleave with the Blessed Virgin 
 to the Cross of Christ; be pa- 
 tient, and silent, and resigned : 
 
 And the worst that can come 
 will but work thee up here to a 
 stronger virtue, and hereafter to 
 a higher glory. 
 
 Glory be, <&c. 
 
 As it was, &c. 
 
 Antiphon. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou 
 excellest them all. 
 
VESPERS. 
 
 107 
 
 A ] 
 
 Lesson. S. Luke i 
 
 KD in the sixth month the 
 Angel Gabriel was sent from 
 God unto a city of Galilee, named 
 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 came in unto 
 her, and said, Hail, highly fa- 
 voured ! the Lord is with thee ; 
 blessed art thou among women. 
 
 And when she saw him, she 
 was troubled at his saying, and 
 cast in her mind what manner of 
 salutation this should be. 
 
 And the Angel said unto her, 
 Fear not, Mary; for thou hast 
 found favour with God. 
 
 And, behold, thou shalt con- 
 ceive in thy womb and bring 
 forth a Son, and shalt call His 
 name Jesus. 
 
 He shall be great, and shall be 
 called the Son of the Highest ; 
 and the Lord God shall give 
 unto Him the throne of His 
 father David : 
 
 6-38. 
 
 And He shall reign over the 
 house of Jacob for ever, and of 
 His kingdom there shall be no 
 end. 
 
 Then said Mary unto the 
 Angel, How shall this be, seeing 
 I know not a man ? 
 
 And the Angel answered and 
 said unto her, The Holy Ghost 
 shall come upon thee, and the 
 power of the Highest shall over- 
 shadow thee ; therefore also that 
 Holy Thing which shall be born 
 of thee shall be called the Son of 
 God. 
 
 And, behold, thy cousin Eliz- 
 abeth, she hath also conceived a 
 son in her old age; and this is 
 the sixth month with her who 
 was called barren : 
 
 For with God nothing shall 
 be impossible. 
 
 And Mary said, Behold the 
 handmaid of the Lord; be it 
 unto me according to thy word. 
 And the Angel departed from 
 her. 
 
 Hymn. 
 
 'T'HE world, and all its boasted good, 
 
 As vain and passing, she eschewed ; 
 And therefore with angelic bands 
 In endless joys for ever stands. 
 
 Grant then that we, O gracious God, 
 May follow in tke steps she trod ; 
 And, freed from ev'ry stain of sin, 
 As she hath won, may also win. 
 
 To Thee, O Christ, our loving King, 
 All glory, praise, and thanks we bring ; 
 All glory, as is ever meet, 
 To Father and to Paraclete. Amen. 
 
108 OFFICE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN: 
 
 Antiphon. Blessed art thou, Mary, who believest ; 
 behold, all things are accomplished that were told thee 
 from our Lord. 
 
 Magnificat. 
 My soul doth magnify the Lord, &c, see page 12. 
 
 Antiphon. Blessed art thou, Mary, who believest ; 
 behold, all things are accomplished that were told thee 
 from our Lord. 
 
 Y . He that is mighty hath done great things to me ; 
 
 1^. And holy is His Name. 
 
 Prayer. 
 
 O God, Who hast been pleased to glorify Thy holy 
 Name by expressing Thy mighty power in great effects of 
 Thy goodness to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and all gene- 
 rations through her ; bless us, we humbly beseech Thee, 
 with grace to keep, like her, and ponder all these things 
 continually in our hearts, and to bring forth fruits worthy 
 of them in our lives and deaths ; through our Lord Jesus 
 Christ Thy Son, Who, with, &c. 
 
 Here may follow prayers of obligation — i.e., for the Churchy clergy y 
 parents , <&V. ; or of any society you may belong to. 
 
 ~jt. Vouchsafe us, we beseech Thee, O Lord, a quiet 
 
 night and a happy end. 
 $. Amen. 
 
 "jf. Lord, have mercy upon us. 
 $. Christ, have mercy upon tfs. 
 jfr. Lord, have mercy upon us. 
 
 Our Father, <b*c. 
 
 ~)lr. And lead us not into temptation. 
 R. But deliver us from evil. Amen. 
 
VESPERS. 109 
 
 "jf . O Thou, Who didst deign to inhabit a fleshly taber- 
 nacle, support me under my fleshly ills. 
 
 R. Light of the World ! Light of the World ! shine 
 upon my darkened soul. 
 
 ^ . O Thou, Who wast a Man of Sorrows, and well 
 acquainted with human grief, help me to endure 
 all things patiently. 
 
 R. Cross of Jesus ! Cross of Christ ! my cross cheer- 
 fully I take. 
 
 "JT. With that white-robed company grant me to have 
 part, 
 
 R. Who follow the Lamb withersoever He goeth, for 
 they are virgins. 
 
 y. Into Thy hands, () Lord, we commend our spirits. 
 
 R. Thou hast redeemed us, O Lord, Thou God of 
 Truth ! 
 
 "JiT. Preserve us, O Lord, as the apple of Thine eye. 
 
 R. Under the shadow of Thy wings protect us. 
 
 }l . Save us, O Lord, waking*; defend us, sleeping. 
 
 R. That we may watch with Christ, and rest in peace. 
 
 y. O Lord, let Thy mercy be upon us. 
 
 I£. As our hope is in Thee. 
 
 y. O Lord, hear our prayers. 
 
 R. And let our cry come unto Thee. 
 
 Prayer. 
 
 Visit, we beseech Thee, O Lord, this habitation, and 
 drive far away all snares of the enemy ; let Thy holy 
 angels dwell therein to preserve us in peace, and Thy 
 blessing be upon us for ever ; through our Lord Jesus 
 Christ Thy Son, Who, with, &c. 
 
 y. O Lord, hear our prayer. 
 
 R. And let our cry come unto Thee. 
 
110 OFFICE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN : VESPERS. 
 
 y. Bless we our Lord. 
 I£. Thanks be to God. 
 "jt. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the 
 
 mercy of God, rest in peace. 
 I£. Amen. 
 
 Pause and meditate, according to your demotion. 
 
 ^f. The blessing of God Almighty, Father, *J* Son, and 
 Holy Ghost, descend upon us, and dwell in our hearts for 
 ever. 
 
 $. Amen. 
 
Clje ©ffi'cc of tlje ©aint^ 
 
 This Office is intended to be said only on the greater 
 Feasts, but may be applied to others according to particular 
 devotion. In saying this Office, the same method is to be 
 observed as in that for our Saviour. 
 
112 
 
 OFFICE OF THE SAINTS. 
 MATINS. 
 
 The Introduction to be said as on page 2. 
 
 Invitatory. 
 Come, let us adore the King of Saints. 
 
 Psalm. 
 Great is the majesty of the King we serve, rich the 
 splendour of His courts ; over all the world He sends His 
 commands, and none dare resist or dispute His power. 
 Come, let as adore the King of Saints. 
 Great is the clemency of our gracious Sovereign, to 
 pardon the offences of repentant sinners ; great is the bounty 
 of our glorious Lord, to crown with rewards His faithful 
 servants. 
 
 Come, let us adore the King of Saints. 
 Thousands of saints attend at His presence, and millions 
 of angels wait on His Throne; all beauteously ranged in 
 perfect order, all joyfully singing the praises of their 
 Creator. 
 
 Come, let us adore the King of Saints. 
 Thou art our King, Blessed Jesus, and we, alas! Thy 
 unprofitable subjects ; we cannot praise Thee like those in 
 Thine own bright choirs, yet humbly offer our little tribute. 
 Come, let us adore the King of Saints. 
 Let us bow down low our heads to Him before Whom 
 the Seraphim cover their faces ; let us bow low our faces to 
 Him at Whose Feet the saints lay down their crowns. 
 Come, let us adore the King of Saints 
 Glory be, life. 
 As it was, &c. 
 
 Come, let us adore the King of Saints. 
 
MATINS. 
 
 "3 
 
 Hymn. 
 
 '""pHE praises that the blessed know 
 
 The Church shall imitate below, 
 Whene'er she greets, in yearly strain, 
 The birth-days of her saints again. 
 
 Now all their battles past and gone, 
 The crown of glory is set on ; 
 For chastity, as lily white, 
 For martyrdom, as ruby bright. 
 
 This cannot human fancy know, 
 Nor tongue of men nor angels show, 
 Till endless life the victory brings 
 That gives for earthly, heavenly things. 
 
 One day of these most glorious rays 
 Is better than ten thousand days : 
 Refulgent with Celestial light, 
 And with God's fullest knowledge bright. 
 
 That we the saints' blest lives may reach, 
 That we their blessed faith may teach, 
 May join above, and love below, 
 The Spirit of all grace bestow. Amen. 
 
 Antiphon. The just shall be as lilies planted in Paradise; 
 Alleluia! and flourish in the presence of God for ever. 
 Alleluia! 
 
 Psalm. 
 
 Praise Him in the mighty 
 hosts of angels, whom He sets 
 above us as the guard of our 
 lives ; 
 
 That they may safely keep us 
 in all our ways, and carry us at 
 last to their own home. 
 
 Praise Him in the sacred Col- 
 lege of the Apostles, to whom 
 He revealed the mysteries of His 
 Kingdom ; 
 
 That they might teach us, too, 
 those heavenly truths, and show 
 us the same blest way to felicity. 
 
 Praise Him in the generous 
 
 r\ PRAISE the Lord, all ye 
 ~^ powers of my soul ; praise 
 the immortal King of Saints and 
 Angels. 
 
 Praise Him, the Author of all 
 their graces ; praise Him, the 
 finisher of all their glories. 
 
 Praise Him in the admirable 
 privileges of the Virgin Mother, 
 whom He obeyed on earth and 
 assumed into Heaven ; 
 
 That He might give us hope 
 that our petitions will be heard, 
 presented by the hand of so 
 powerful an advocate. 
 I 
 
ii 4 
 
 OFFICE OF THE SAINTS : 
 
 fortitude of Martyrs, whom He 
 strengthened with courage to re- 
 sist even to death ; 
 
 That we might leam from them 
 to hold fast our faith, and rather 
 lose this life than hazard the other. 
 
 Praise Him in the eminent 
 sanctity of Confessors, whose 
 whole design was a course of 
 heroic virtue ; 
 
 That we might raise our minds 
 from our usual lazy flight, and 
 with quick and active wing mount 
 up towards Heaven. 
 
 Praise Him in the angelic pu- 
 rity of Virgins, whose hearts He 
 inflamed with His Divine charity ; 
 
 That they might kindle our 
 breasts with the same chaste fire, 
 the same fervent love to the 
 Spouse of our souls. 
 
 Praise Him in the perfect holi- 
 ness of all His Saints, whose lives 
 He moulded into such various 
 characters ; 
 
 That every one of us might 
 readily behold an ensample suited 
 to himself. 
 
 O praise our Lord, all ye 
 powers of my soul ; praise the 
 immortal King of Saints and 
 Angels. 
 
 Praise every Person of the 
 Sacred Deity, and give a hearty 
 joy to the whole Court of Heaven. 
 
 Ant'iphon. The just shall be 
 
 Blessed for ever be the Eternal 
 Father, Who has placed His 
 xA.ngels in so high a state of hap- 
 piness. 
 
 Triumph, bright Angels, on 
 your radiant thrones ! and shine 
 continually in the presence of 
 your God. 
 
 Blessed for ever be the Eternal 
 Son, Who has exalted so glo- 
 riously His incomparable Mother. 
 
 Live, most glorious Mother of 
 the King of Heaven ! and dwell 
 perpetually in thejoys of thy Son. 
 
 Blessed for ever be the Eternal 
 Spirit, Whose grace prefers all 
 the Saints to glory. 
 
 Rejoice, every, happy Saint, in 
 your own felicity; rejoice each 
 one in the happiness of all. 
 
 Blessed for ever be the Holy 
 and Undivided Trinity, Whose 
 sight alone is the Heaven of 
 Heavens. 
 
 Sing, all ye holy citizens ot 
 Heaven; sing altogether ever- 
 lasting hymns. 
 
 Sing, and among your highest 
 fervours forget not us, who thus 
 in our humble way remember you. 
 
 Still pray our dear Redeemer 
 
 praise His Name for saving yours. 
 Glory be j <&c. 
 As it was, <b-'c. 
 
 as lilies planted in Paradise; 
 Alleluia ! and flourish in the presence of God for ever. 
 Alleluia! 
 
 Our Father, <&-r. 
 
 Lessofu Wisdom iii. 
 
 T)UT the souls of the righteous 
 are in the hands of God, and 
 there shall no torment touch 
 them. 
 
 In the sight of the unwise they 
 seemed to die, and their departure 
 is taken for misery ; 
 
 And their going from us to be 
 
MATINS. 
 
 "5 
 
 utter destruction: but they are 
 in peace. 
 
 For though they be furnished 
 in the sight of men, yet is their 
 hope full of immortality. 
 
 And having been a little chas- 
 tised, they shall be greatly re- 
 warded ; for God proved them, 
 and found them worthy of Him- 
 self. 
 
 A s gold in the furnace has He 
 tried them, and received them as 
 a burnt-offering. 
 
 And in the time of their visi- 
 
 tation they shall shine, and run 
 to and fro, as sparks among 
 stubble. 
 
 They shall judge the nations, 
 and have dominion over the 
 people; and their Lord shall 
 reign for ever. 
 
 They that put their trust in 
 Him shall understand the truth, 
 and such as be faithful in love 
 shall abide with Him : for grace 
 and mercy is to His Saints, and 
 He has care for His elect. 
 
 Responsory. 
 
 Rejoice, all ye holy Saints, rejoice and sing for ever the 
 mercies of the Lord : His blessed Hand has wiped all tears 
 from your eyes, and now ye shall no more weep, no more 
 complain. 
 
 For the evening of sorrow is past, and the day of eternal joy 
 is come. Alleluia I 
 
 Now you no longer shall sigh to be delivered out of this 
 dark and tedious prison, and. dwell for ever in the glorious 
 light which springs from the Face of God. 
 
 For the evening of sorrow is past, and the day of eternal joy 
 is come. Alleluia I 
 
 Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy- 
 Ghost. 
 
 For the evening of sorrow 
 is come. Alleluia I 
 
 Te Deum Laudamus. 
 We praise Thee, O God, &c, see page 7. 
 
 Antiphon. The number of them was ten thousand times 
 ten thousand, and thousands of thousands ; saying, with a 
 loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive 
 power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, 
 and glory, and blessing. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! 
 1 2 
 
 is past, and the day of eternal joy 
 
Il6 OFFICE OF THE SAINTS: MATINS. 
 
 Benedictus. 
 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, &c, see page 19. 
 
 Ant'iphon. The number of them was ten thousand times 
 ten thousand, and thousands of thousands ; saying, with a 
 loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive 
 power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, 
 and glory, and blessing. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! 
 
 y. Innumerable they are, yet pray for us to increase 
 their number. 
 
 R. Thus they triumph for ever, yet desire us to enlarge 
 their triumph. 
 
 Prayer, 
 
 Most gracious God, the Author of all sanctity and Lover 
 of unity, Whose wisdom has established an admirable com- 
 munion between Thy Church triumphant in Heaven and 
 militant in earth, as members of the same mystical Body 
 whereof Thy Son Christ Jesus is the Head; mercifully 
 grant that, as Thy blessed, without ceasing, pray to Thee 
 for us, we may continually praise Thee for them, and in 
 correspondence to their perfect charity with pious obser- 
 vance celebrate their memory, till we all meet before Thy 
 glorious Throne, and with one heart adore the Saviour of 
 us all ; Who, with Thee and Thy Eternal Spirit, lives and 
 reigns, One God, w T orld without end. Amen. 
 
 Here may follow prayers of obligation — i.e., for the Church, clergy y 
 parents, <&'c., or of any society ycu may belong to. 
 
 y. O Lord, hear our prayers. 
 1^. And let our supplications come to Thee. 
 y. Bless we our Lord. 
 R. Thanks be to God. 
 y. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the 
 
 mercy of God, rest in peace. 
 $. Amen. 
 
 Pause and meditate, according to four devotion. 
 "ft. The blessing of God Almighty, Father, ►£. Son, and 
 Holy Ghost, descend upon us, and dwell in our hearts for 
 ever. 1$. Amen. 
 
ii7 
 
 OFFICE OF THE SAINTS. 
 VESPEES. 
 
 In the Name of the Father, *% and of the Son, and of the 
 Holy Ghost. Amen. 
 
 Blessed be the Holy and Undivided Trinity, noiu and for 
 ever. Amen. 
 
 Our Fathei 
 
 t- 
 
 Hail! Mary, &c. 
 
 O God, make speed to save us. 
 1^. O Lord, make haste to help us. 
 f. Glory be, &c. 
 I£. As it was, &c. 
 
 Antiphon. Precious in Thy sight, O Lord, is the death 
 of Thy saints ; precious to Thee, themselves, and us. 
 
 Psalm. 
 
 boured ; and both night and day 
 continually prayed. 
 
 Lord, what a very little our 
 
 npHUS we have past another 
 -*- day, another step towards 
 our long home. 
 
 We have seen the sun a few 
 hours more ; and our day is lost 
 in its own night. 
 
 and all the holy words we have 
 read and heard ? 
 
 Have we not been at a solemn 
 feast ? and do we so soon forget 
 our entertainments ? 
 
 Are we devout as the saints of 
 God ? and chaste, and temperate, 
 and resigned as they r 
 
 Rather, what a lukewarm life 
 is ours, compared to the zeal and 
 fervour of the saints. 
 
 Often and long they fasted 
 and chastised their bodies, to 
 bring them under the influence 
 of the Spirit. 
 
 Part of the night they watched, 
 and most of the day they la- 
 
 frowardness endures, compared 
 to the heroic patience of the 
 saints. 
 
 When they were reviled, they 
 reviled not again ; when spitefully 
 scorned, they held their peace. 
 
 When they were curst, they 
 blest their enemies; when bar- 
 barously opprest, they prayed for 
 their persecutors. 
 
 They served their Lord in 
 hunger and thirst, and in all the 
 austerities of an impoverished 
 life. 
 
 Prisons and chains they will- 
 ingly accepted ; tortures and 
 racks they cheerfully embraced. 
 
 Even death itself they un- 
 dauntedly encountered, though 
 furiously armed with every shape 
 of terror. 
 
n8 
 
 OFFICE OF THE SAINTS : 
 
 All this they endured ; and 
 under all rejoiced, that they were 
 counted worthy to suffer for 
 Jesus. 
 
 O generous souls, who con- 
 quered heaven itself, and entered 
 by force those everlasting gates ! 
 
 Who, satisfied not with a little 
 holiness, still prest onward to 
 new degrees of perfection ; 
 
 "Who so frequently prayed the 
 salvation of others, while yet you 
 were concerned to procure your 
 own. 
 
 Help us, O blessed spirits, now 
 your state is secure ! pray for us, 
 O holy saints, now your charity 
 is complete ! 
 
 Pray that the seed you have 
 sown may take deep root, and 
 bring forth fruit to everlasting life. 
 
 Pray we may follow those who 
 imitate you, and not be corrupted 
 by the example of the careless. 
 
 And when our prayers seem 
 long or dry, or call us away from 
 some vanity we love ; 
 
 When to forgive our enemies 
 seems hard to us, or any other 
 duty crosses our humour, 
 
 Pray we may then remember 
 what you have done, and what 
 you have gained by enduring to 
 the end. 
 
 Pray we may think what our 
 Lord Himself has done, and what 
 He has promised to them that 
 follow Him. 
 
 Their names He will write in the 
 Book of Life, and make them sit 
 with Him about His own Throne. 
 
 O gracious Lord, Whose love 
 is ever around, and searches every 
 way to save us sinners ! 
 
 Who earnest Thyself, bright 
 Sun of Glory, to enlighten our 
 darkness, and warm our hearts ; 
 
 Who with Thy fruitful beams 
 still kindlest others, to burn as 
 tapers in Thy Church's hand ; 
 
 O make us bless Thy Name 
 for all these mercies, and let not 
 one be lost by our ingratitude ! 
 
 And when our life's last day 
 begins to wane, and bids us 
 hasten to prepare for night, 
 
 Then come, ye holy angels, and 
 watch about us ; and suffer not 
 the enemy to disturb our passage. 
 
 Come and receive in peace our 
 departing souls, and bear them 
 safely to the presence of our Lord. 
 
 Then, O thou blessed Virgin 
 Mother, and all ye glorious saints, 
 protect and assist us with thy 
 favours and prayers ! 
 
 Then, O Thou blest Redeemer 
 of the world, and Sovereign King 
 of Life and Death ! 
 
 Hear Thou our cries, and 
 pardon our sins, and graciously 
 deliver us from all our fears ; 
 
 Call us to Thyself with Thine 
 own blest voice; call us, O 
 blessed Jesu ! in Thine own sweet 
 words : 
 
 Come, ye blessed of My Father, 
 possess the kingdom prepared for 
 you from the foundation of the 
 world. 
 
 Then, O my happy soul ! im- 
 mediately obey, and go forth 
 with gladness to meet thy Lord ; 
 
 To live with Him, and behold 
 His glory; to rejoice with Him, 
 and sing His praise. 
 
 Glory be, <fc*c. 
 
 As it was, <h'c. 
 
 Antlphon. Precious in Thy sight, O Lord, is the death 
 of Thy saints ; precious to Thee, themselves, and us. 
 
VESPERS. 119 
 
 Rev. vii. 1 4. 
 
 "PHESE are they which came 
 
 out of great tribulation, and 
 
 have washed their robes, and 
 
 made them white in the Blood of 
 
 the Lamb. 
 
 Therefore they are before the 
 Throne of God, and serve Him 
 day and night in His Temple ; 
 and He that sitteth on theThrone 
 shall dwell amongst them. 
 
 They shall hunger no more, 
 they shall thirst no more ; neither 
 shall the sun light on them, nor 
 any heat. 
 
 For the Lamb that is in the 
 midst of the Throne shall feed 
 them, and shall lead them into 
 living fountains of waters; and 
 God shall wipe away all tears 
 from their eves. 
 
 Hymn. 
 
 r IGHT'S abode, celestial Salem! 
 
 Vision dear, whence peace hath spring, 
 Brighter than the heart can fancy, 
 Mansion of the Highest King : 
 O how glorious are the praises 
 Which of thee the prophets sing ! 
 
 Thou with beauteous stones, and polished, 
 Wondrously art reared on high ; 
 
 Thou with precious gems and crystal 
 Decorated gloriously ; 
 
 And with pearls thy portals glitter, 
 A nd with gold thy streets may vie. 
 
 There for ever and for ever 
 
 Alleluia is outpoured ; 
 For unending, for unbroken, 
 
 Is the Feast-day of the Lord: 
 All is pure and all is holy 
 
 That within thy walls is stored. 
 
 There no cloud nor passing vapour 
 Dims the brightness of the air; 
 
 Endless noon-day, glorious noon-day, 
 From the Sun of suns is there ; 
 
 There no night brings rest from labour, 
 There unknown are toil and care. 
 
 O how glorious and resplendent, 
 
 Fragile body, shalt thou be ! 
 When endued with so much beauty, 
 
 Full of health, and strong, and free — 
 Full of vigour, full of pleasure, 
 
 That shall last eternally ! 
 
120 OFFICE OF THE SAINTS: VESPERS. 
 
 Now with gladness, now with courage, 
 
 Bear the burden on thee laid ; 
 That hereafter these, thy labours, 
 
 May with endless gifts be paid, 
 And in everlasting glory 
 
 Thou with joy mayest be arrayed. 
 
 Laud and honour to the Father ! 
 
 Laud and honour to the Son I 
 Laud and honour to the Spirit, 
 
 Ever Three ! and ever One ! 
 Consubstantial, co-eternal, 
 
 While unending ages run. Amen. 
 
 A?itiphon. Worthy art Thou, O Lord, to receive the book, 
 and to open the seals thereof ; for Thou wert slain, and hast 
 redeemed us to God with Thy Blood out of every tribe, 
 and tongue, and people, and nation ; and hast made us to 
 our God a kingdom. Alleluia I 
 
 Magnificat. My soul doth magnify, &c, see page 12. 
 Antiphon. Worthy art Thou, O Lord, to receive the book, 
 and to open the seals thereof ; for Thou wert slain, and hast 
 redeemed us to God with Thy Blood out of every tribe, 
 and tongue, and people, and nation ; and hast made us to 
 our God a kingdom. Alleluia ! 
 
 y. Thou hast made us to our God a kingdom ; may 
 He reign in it for ever. 
 
 1^. Thou hast prepared for us a kingdom with our God ; 
 may we reign in it for ever. 
 
 Prayer. 
 
 O God, Who, after Thy servants had spent the day of 
 their life in a course of piety and heroic virtue, didst close 
 their evening with a holy death and eternal reward ; grant 
 us, we beseech Thee, so to imitate Thy saints, in wisely 
 bestowing our time here, that we may follow them in their 
 happy voyage out of this world, and be admitted to Thy 
 everlasting glory with them in the other ; through our 
 Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who, with, &c. 
 
 Here may follow prayers of obligation — i.e., for the Churchy clergy , 
 parents, <te'c. y or of any society you may belong to. 
 
 y". Vouchsafe us, we beseech Thee, &c, see page 1 3. 
 
 i 
 
 X 
 
Cfie Office for tfie Departed 
 
 This Office should be said every first Monday of the month, 
 unless it be a Holy Day, and then it should be postponed 
 to the next convenient day : it may also be said at other 
 times, according to occasion, or particular devotion. When- 
 ever it is said, that of the day may be omitted. 
 
OFFICE FOR THE DEPARTED. 
 MATINS. 
 
 The Introduction to be said as on page 2. 
 
 Invitatory. 
 Come, let us adore our God, to Whom all things live. 
 
 Psalm. 
 He is the great Creator of the world, and Sovereign 
 Judge of all mankind : He sits above on His glorious 
 Throne, and in His "hands are the keys of life and death. 
 Come, let us adore our God, to Whom all things live. 
 Whatever He pleases He brings to pass, and none can 
 resist His almighty power : whatsoever He does is still 
 the best, and none can accuse His all-knowing goodness. 
 Come, let us adore our God, to Whom all things live. 
 All things do live to Thee, O Lord ! Thou sole Pre- 
 server of universal nature, the blessed saints rejoice in Thy 
 glory ; and the imperfect souls are sustained in hope. 
 Come, let us adore our God, to Whom all things live. 
 Even the unhappy spirits declare Thy justice ; and the 
 rest of Thy creatures look up for mercy, expecting at last 
 to be delivered from corruption into the glorious liberty 
 of the sons of God. 
 
 Come, let us adore cur God, to Whom all things live. 
 Lord, while we breathe, make us live to Thee ; and 
 when we expire, depart in Thy peace : and, whether we 
 live or die, we be always Thine, and after death still live 
 with Thee. 
 
 Come, let us adore our God, to Whom all things 
 Give them eternal rest, O merciful Lord ! 
 And may Thy glorious light shine upon them for ever. 
 Come, let us adore our God, to Whom all things live. 
 
MATINS. 
 
 12 
 
 Antiphon. I am the Resurrection and the Life ; he that 
 believes in Me, even though he be dead, shall live ; and 
 every one that lives and believes in Me shall not die for 
 ever. 
 
 Psalm. 
 
 "VX/HEN we have shed our 
 solemn tears, and paid our 
 due sighs to the memory of the 
 departed, 
 
 Let us wipe our eyes with the 
 comfort of hope, and change our 
 grief into a charitable joy. 
 
 The friends we mourn are 
 delivered from this world, and 
 all the miseries we so justly de- 
 plore. 
 
 They quietly rest in the silent 
 grave, till they arise to immortal 
 glory ; 
 
 No longer confined to this 
 prison of the body, but gone to 
 dwell in the region of spirits ; 
 
 Where, though their passage 
 be stopt awhile, they are free 
 from all fear of being cast away. 
 
 They are sure at last to behold 
 their Redeemer, and live for ever 
 with the blessed Jesus. 
 
 Seems it, then, so hard a fate 
 to tread the path which all our 
 ancestors have trodden before ? 
 
 Adam, the first of men ; and 
 Abraham, the friend God ; 
 
 David, the man after God's 
 own heart \ and the blessed Mary, 
 Mother of our Lord. 
 
 All these have paid their debt 
 to nature, and subscribed the law 
 of universal mortality. 
 
 Jesus Himself, the Eternal Son 
 of God, expired on the Cross ; 
 and went to His glory through 
 the gates of death. 
 
 And shall our fond self-love so 
 
 blindly flatter us to wish an ex- 
 ception to this general rule ? 
 
 Should we not rather rejoice 
 at the sight of death, that, when- 
 ever it comes, will still bring us 
 advantage ? 
 
 If in our age, 'tis a haven of 
 | repose, and ought to be welcome 
 j after so long a voyage ; 
 
 If in our youth, it prevents a 
 ! thousand calamities, a thousand 
 ; dangers of ruining our souls ; 
 
 If by an ordinary sickness, 'tis 
 i the course of nature ; if by an 
 i outward violence, 'tis always the 
 I will of heaven. 
 
 YV hat need we fear how many 
 deaths there are? We are sure 
 there can be but one for us. 
 Dying is an act to be done but 
 ce; < 
 j are happy for ever. 
 
 Praise, then, our Lord, all ye 
 nations of the earth ! whom His 
 providence yet sustains alive. 
 
 O praise our Lord, all ye faithful 
 
 departed, for th i s preserves the j u s t . 
 
 Though ye dwell in the valley 
 
 of death, and sit afflicted in the 
 
 shades of darkness, 
 
 Yet will He bring you to His 
 eternal mountains, and fill your 
 eyes with glorious light ; 
 
 Though your bones be bruised 
 with sorrow, and your hearts 
 made heavy with faintness, 
 
 Yet you again shall be clothed 
 with beauty, and placed to sing 
 among the blessed saints. 
 
I2 4 
 
 OFFICE FOR THE DEPARTED 
 
 of the world, and still maintain 
 your unchangeable lustre. 
 
 O praise our Lord, all ye His 
 works! bless Him and magnify 
 Him for ever. 
 
 Praise His almighty power that 
 
 gave you your being, and still 
 preserves you from relapsing into 
 nothing. 
 
 O praise our Lord, all ye 
 blessed saints, whom His bounty 
 already has crowned with glory. 
 
 Ye, who, designing your whole 
 life for heaven, departed with joy 
 to possess your hopes. 
 
 O praise our Lord, all ye 
 glorious angels ! whose bright 
 felicity began so early. 
 
 Stars that arise in the morning 
 
 Give them eternal rest, O merciful Lord ! 
 And may Thy glorious light shine upon the ?n for ever. 
 
 Antiphon. I am the Resurrection and the Life ; he that 
 believes in Me, even though he be dead, shall live ; and 
 every one that lives and believes in Me shall not die for 
 ever. 
 
 Our Father, dye. 
 
 Lesson. 
 A/TAN that is bom of a woman 
 
 is of few days, and full of 
 trouble. 
 
 He cometh forth like a flower, 
 and is cut down : he fleeth also 
 as a shadow, and continueth not. 
 
 And dost Thou open Thine 
 eyes upon such an one, and 
 bringeth me into judgment with 
 Thee? 
 
 Who can bring a clean thing 
 out of an unclean ? 
 
 Not one. Seeing his days are 
 determined, the number of his 
 months are with Thee, Thou hast 
 
 Responsory. 
 My days are declined as a shadow, and I am withered 
 away even as grass ; and nothing remains but the cold 
 grave. O let me recal that uncomfortable word ! My 
 days indeed are declined, but my eternity is safe. I am 
 withered away as grass, but the spring will come, and revive 
 me into a flower of Paradise. 
 
 Job xiv. 
 
 appointed his bounds which he 
 cannot pass ; 
 
 Turn from him, that he may 
 rest, till he shall accomplish, as 
 an hireling, his day. 
 
 All the days of my appointed 
 time will I wait, till my change 
 come. 
 
 Thou shalt call, and I will 
 answer Thee ; Thou wilt have a 
 desire to the work of Thine own 
 hands. 
 
 For now Thou numberest my 
 steps, dost Thou not watch over 
 my sin ? 
 
MATINS. 125 
 
 'This my hope, is laid up in my bosom ; let then my body be 
 crumbled into dust, and my soul detained for a time in sorrow. 
 
 I know my Redeemer lives, and in the last day I shall 
 rise out of the earth, and be compassed again with my 
 skin ; and in my flesh shall see God, and in that blissful 
 sight be for ever happy. 
 
 This, my hope, is laid up in my bosom ; give them eternal 
 rest, merciful Lord, and may Thy glorious light shine upon 
 them for ever. 
 
 y. Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord. 
 1^. They rest from their labours, and their works follow 
 them. 
 
 Antiphon. Only our earth shall return to earth ; but our 
 better part shall live for ever. 
 
 Benedictus. 
 Blessed be our Lord God of Israel, &o, see page 19. 
 
 Antiphon. Only our earth shall return to earth ; but our 
 better part shall live for ever. 
 
 Then kneeling, say — 
 Our Father, &r. 
 
 Miserere mei, Deus. 
 y. Have mercy upon me, O God, after Thy great 
 
 goodness. 
 $. According to the multitude of Thy mercies do away 
 
 mine offences. 
 ~Y. Wash me throughly from my wickedness, arid 
 
 cleanse me from my sin. 
 I£. For I acknowledge my faults, and my sin is ever 
 
 before me. 
 y. Against Thee only have I sinned, and done this evil 
 
 in Thy sight, that Thou mightest be justified in 
 
 Thy saying, and clear when Thou art judged. 
 
126 OFFICE FOR THE DEPARTED: 
 
 $. Behold, I was shapen in wickedness, and in sin hath 
 
 my mother conceived me. 
 y. But lo, Thou requirest truth in the inward parts, 
 
 and shalt make me to understand wisdom secretly. 
 I£. Thou shalt purge me with hyssop, and I shall be 
 
 clean ; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be whiter 
 
 than snow. 
 J. Thou shalt make me hear of joy and gladness, that 
 
 the bones which Thou hast broken may rejoice. 
 $. Turn Thy face from my sins, and put out all my 
 
 misdeeds. 
 y. Make me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right 
 
 spirit within me. 
 ]^. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not 
 
 Thy Holy Spirit from me. 
 "JT. O give me the comfort of Thy help again, and 
 
 stablish me with Thy free Spirit. 
 $. Then shall I teach Thy ways unto the wicked, and 
 
 sinners shall be converted unto Thee. 
 y. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, O God, Thou 
 
 that art the God of my health, and' my tongue 
 
 shall sing of Thy righteousness. 
 fy. Thou shalt open my lips, O Lord, and my mouth 
 
 shall shew Thy praise, 
 y". For Thou desirest no sacrifice, else would I give it 
 
 Thee ; but Thou delightest not in burnt-offerings. 
 fy. The sacrifice of God is a troubled spirit ; a broken 
 
 and contrite heart, O God, shalt Thou not de- 
 spise. 
 y. O be favourable and gracious unto Sion ; build 
 
 Thou the walls of Jerusalem. 
 $. Then shalt Thou be pleased with the sacrifice of 
 
 righteousness, with the burnt-offerings and obla- 
 tions ; then shall they offer young bullocks upon 
 
 Thine Altar. 
 
MATINS. 127 
 
 ~f~. Give them eternal rest, O merciful Lord. 
 
 $. And may Thy glorious light shine upon them for ever. 
 
 y. Turn not away Thy face from them, O Lord. 
 
 $. Turn not Thy face away in wrath from Thy servants. 
 
 y. Behold their humiliation and their labour. 
 
 $. And forgive them all their sins. 
 
 y. Behold how their spirit is in anguish. 
 
 I£. And their heart troubled within them. 
 
 y. Their iniquities have overtaken them. 
 
 #. Innumerable evils have compassed them about. 
 
 y. And now what is their expectation but Thou, O Lord ? 
 
 I£. And their substance is with Thee. 
 
 y. Before Thee is all their desire. 
 
 ]$. And their groans are not hid from Thee. 
 
 y. As the hart pants after the water-brooks. 
 
 $. So do their souls thirst after Thee. 
 
 y. Their souls thirst after Thee, the Living Fountain. 
 
 $. When shall they come and appear before Thy face ? 
 
 y. Their tears are their bread day and night. 
 
 I£. While still it is said to them, Where is your God ? 
 
 y. Perfect them, O Lord, Thou God of strength. 
 
 $. Shew them Thy face, and they shall be safe. 
 
 y. Bring out their souls from prison to praise Thy Name. 
 
 1^. The just stand expecting till Thou rewardest them. 
 
 y. How long, Lord, wilt Thou forget them, for ever ? 
 
 ]$. How long wilt Thou hide Thy face from them ? 
 
 y. Turn Thee, O Lord, and deliver their souls. 
 
 R. Save them for Thy mercy's sake. 
 
 y. Save Thy people, O Lord, and bless Thy inheritance. 
 
 ^. Govern them, and raise them up to eternity. 
 
 y. That they may walk in the light of Thy countenance. 
 
 1^. And rejoice in Thy presence for ever. 
 
128 OFFICE FOR THE DEPARTED: MATINS. 
 
 y. That their souls may live and sing Thy praise. 
 
 I£. "While even Thy judgments lead them to their bliss. 
 
 y. O Lord, hear our prayer. 
 
 I£. And let our cry come unto Thee. 
 
 Prayer. 
 O God, the giver of pardon, and the lover of the salva- 
 tion of mankind, we beseech Thy clemency in behalf of 
 our brethren, relations, and benefactors who have departed 
 this life ; grant that the souls of these Thy servants, whom 
 Thou hast called out of this world, having received the 
 full pardon of their sins, and being discharged from all 
 guilt, may be received into the region of light and peace, 
 and be numbered amongst the blessed ; through our Lord 
 Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who, with, &c. 
 
 A Prayer for any particular Person Departed. 
 O most gracious God, Father of Mercies, God of 
 infinite goodness, behold me prostrate before Thy Throne. 
 I pray and beseech Thee to have mercy upon the soul of 
 Thy faithful servant, N. N., and place him in possession of 
 his everlasting inheritance. Remember that he is the work 
 of Thy hand, purchased by the most precious Blood of 
 Thy Divine Son Jesus, and shew Thy infinite mercy upon 
 him. Hear, O Lord, the prayers that I put up to Thee 
 with confidence ; through the merits of the Passion and 
 Death of Jesus, Thy most beloved Son, that he may receive 
 his consolation, and enjoy without delay that immortal glory 
 which Thou hast prepared for Thine elect. Amen. 
 
 "ft. Give them eternal rest, O merciful Lord. 
 
 1^. And may Thy glorious light shine upon them for ever. 
 y. May they rest in peace. 
 
 $. Amen. 
 
120 
 
 OFFICE FOR THE DEPARTED. 
 VESPERS. 
 
 In the Name of the Father , ►J* and of the Son, and of the Holy 
 Ghost. Amen. 
 
 Blessed be the Holy and Undivided Trinity, now and for ever. 
 Amen. % 
 
 Our Father, &c. Hail! Alary, &c. 
 
 y. O God, make speed to save us. 
 IjL O Lord, make haste to help us. 
 f. Glory be, &c. 
 ~fy. As it was, &c. 
 
 Antiphon. Happy they who are prayed for by others, but 
 far more happy they who pray for themselves. 
 
 Psalm, 
 
 pOME, let us make our peace 
 ^ betimes with our God, be- 
 fore the evening approach too 
 near. 
 
 Let us implore His favour first 
 for ourselves, and not till then 
 presume to beg for others. 
 
 Let us look first into our own 
 breasts, and strictly examine what 
 passes there, 
 
 Lest, while we pray for the 
 salvation of others, ourselves be- 
 come everlasting reprobates. 
 
 Tell me, my soul, how stand 
 our great accounts ? Are all 
 things even betwixt Heaven and 
 us ? 
 
 Are we prepared to go and 
 meet our Judge, Whose justice 
 punishes every least defect ? 
 
 Is there not some restitution 
 to make, which the love of this 
 world tempts us to delay ? 
 
 Forgive, O Sovereign Good- 
 ness, our imperfections, and fix 
 our whole hearts on nothing but 
 Thyself. 
 
 Deliver us, O Lord, from the 
 temptations of this world, and 
 mercifully save us from the wrath 
 to come : 
 
 That dreadful wrath which we 
 so justly fear, and which so many 
 terribly feel. 
 
 Pity, O Lord, their miseries, 
 Thou Who hearest their cries ; 
 relieve their sorrows, Thou Who 
 seest their tears : 
 
 That they may pass away to 
 those mansions of joy, where 
 holy souls rest and weep no 
 more. 
 
 Hear these prayers, O Lord, 
 for Thy servants, and favourably 
 accept our humble charity. 
 
 Hear their own better prayers, 
 
130 
 
 OFFICE FOR THE DEPARTED : 
 
 O Lord, for themselves, and ten- 
 derly regard their doleful com- 
 plaints. 
 
 Comfort yourselves, O ye heirs 
 of hope, and be not cast down at 
 your present distress. 
 
 If He defer a while, expect ; 
 for He will surely come, and 
 bring you relief. 
 
 He justly stay^to punish your 
 neglect, when He often called 
 and you would not come to Him ; 
 
 He mercifully stays till your 
 soul be refined and able to bear 
 the splendour of His presence. 
 
 Then will His glorious light 
 immediately appear, and open to 
 your view that blissful prospect; 
 
 Then will He graciously un- 
 veil Himself, and your eye shall 
 see Him face to face ; 
 
 Then will the Eternal Deity 
 shine brightly on you, and ravish 
 your hearts with everlasting ecs- 
 tasies ; 
 
 All your great hopes shall be 
 fully satisfied, and your long ex- 
 pectation abundantly rewarded : 
 
 Meanwhile, our task shall be 
 to pray for your peace, and join 
 
 our humble voice to your strong 
 cries. 
 
 O pray for us, ye holy Saints ! 
 whose well-prepared affections 
 went straight to Heaven. 
 
 Pray for us, ye choirs of 
 Angels ! who assist continually 
 at the Throne of Glory. 
 
 Pray for us, bright Queen of 
 heavenly spirits, and blessed 
 Mother of the Son of God ! 
 
 Pray for the faithful detained 
 in sorrow, that the days of their 
 banishment be no more pro- 
 longed. 
 
 Pray for us sinners, yet pil- 
 grims in the way, that our souls 
 may arrive at their true home. 
 
 Pray that we both may still 
 look up to your glories, and wish 
 and long for that happy state. 
 
 Pray that in all our most eager 
 desires we may still submit to 
 the orders of Heaven ; 
 
 Still frame our songs of hope 
 and patience, and still close all 
 with these precious words: 
 
 Thy Kingdom come, O glo- 
 rious Lord ! and yet, O Lord, 
 Thy will be done. 
 
 Give them eternal rest, O merciful Lord ! 
 
 And may Thy glorious light shine upon them for ever. 
 
 Antiphon. Happy they who are prayed for by others, but 
 far more happy they who pray for themselves. 
 
 ^/t. Blessed are the dead who die in our Lord. 
 
 1$;. They rest from their labours, and their works follow 
 
 them. 
 
 Antiphon. Blessed are the servants whom our Lord shall 
 find watching ; He surely will bestow on them all the 
 mercies of Heaven. 
 
VESPERS. 131 
 
 Magnificat. 
 
 My soul doth magnify the Lord, &c, see page 12. 
 
 Antiphon. Blessed are the servants whom our Lord shall 
 rind watching ; He surely will bestow on them all the 
 mercies of Heaven. 
 
 Then kneeling, say — 
 Our Father, E9f. 
 
 De Profundi*. 
 
 ~f . Out of the deep have I called unto Thee, O Lord : 
 
 Lord, hear my voice. 
 R. O let Thine ears consider well the voice of my com- 
 plaint. 
 y. If Thou, Lord, wilt be extreme to mark what is 
 
 done amiss, O Lord, who may abide it ? 
 11. For there is mercy with Thee, therefore shalt Thou 
 
 be feared. 
 y . I look for the Lord ; my soul doth wait for Him ; 
 
 in His Word is my trust. 
 R. My soul fleeth unto the Lord ; before the morning 
 
 watch, I say, before the morning watch. 
 "JT. O Israel, trust in the Lord, for with the Lord there 
 
 is mercy, and with Him is plenteous redemption. 
 R. And He shall redeem Israel from all his sins. 
 
 y. Give them eternal rest, O merciful Lord ! 
 
 K. And may Thy glorious light shine upon them for 
 
 ever. 
 y. Have mercy upon them, O Lord, have mercy on 
 
 them. 
 li. For their souls confide in Thee. 
 y. And in the shadow of Thy wings shall they hope 
 ty. Till their iniquities pass away. 
 y. Have mercy on them, O Lord, and bless them. 
 
132 OFFICE FOR THE DEPARTED : 
 
 R. Show them the light of Thy countenance, and be 
 
 merciful to them. 
 "Ji . Turn not Thy face away from them. 
 1^. Lest thev become like those who descend into the 
 
 lake. ' 
 JC. Keep Thou their souls, O Lord, for they are holy. 
 
 IJr. Save Thy servants, who put their trust in Thee. 
 jt. They praise Thee, O Lord, with their whole hearts. 
 
 1^. And glorify Thy Name for ever. 
 
 }. For Thy mercy already has been great towards them. 
 
 II. Thou hast delivered them from the lowermost hell. 
 "\ . Yet hast Thou set them in obscure places. 
 
 !r}. As the dead of the world. 
 
 ^JT. Thy arrows are stuck deep in them. 
 
 ]$. And Thou hast fastened Thy hand upon them. 
 y. Their iniquities are gone over their heads. 
 
 R. And keep them down as a heavy burden. 
 "J?". But Thou, O Lord, art their strong sustainer. 
 
 R. Their glory, and the lifter up of their heads. 
 y . Thou art always near to relieve the afflicted. 
 
 II. And wilt save the humble in spirit. 
 "JT. Thou raisest those that are fallen. 
 
 1^. And bindest together the broken hearts. 
 "JT. Show them Thy mercy, O Lord, who call on Thy 
 Name. 
 
 1^. Make them rejoice who lift up their souls to Thee. 
 jt. To Thee, O Lord, they lift up their souls. 
 
 1^. In Thee is their confidence ; let them not be ashamed. 
 "JT. Let not their enemies triumph over them. 
 
 1^. For all that expect Thee shall not be confounded. 
 "jT. Though they walk in the midst of the shadow of 
 death, 
 
 1^. Let them not fear, for Thou art with them. 
 
VESPERS. I33 
 
 Y- Thou art their God, and their deliverer. 
 
 R. O Lord, delay not Thy coming. 
 
 y. O Lord, hear our prayer. 
 
 R. And let our cry come unto Thee. 
 
 Prayer. 
 O God, Whose gracious Providence has not left without 
 hope Thy servants departed imperfect in charity-, accept, 
 we beseech Thee, our humble s applications, that their 
 souls may be rendered worthy to enjoy Thy blissful sight, 
 that while our memory of them teaches us a greater care- 
 fulness of incurring Thy displeasure and postponement 
 from Thy presence, Thy indulgent mercy would vouchsafe 
 them refreshment, light, and peace, and hasten their 
 entrance into eternal rest and glory with Thy saints ; 
 through our Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who, with, &c. 
 
 Prayer for any particular Person Departed. 
 O most gracious God, see page 1 2 8. 
 
 y . Give them eternal rest, O merciful Lord. 
 
 R. And may Thy glorious light shine upon them for 
 
 ever. 
 y . May they rest in peace. 
 
 ^r>. Amen. 
 
Clje Calendar, 
 
 WITH THE 
 
 FESTIVALS AND FASTING DAYS OF THE CHCRCH, 
 
 AND THE 
 
 MEMORIES OF SUCH HOLY MEN AND MARTYRS 
 AS ARE THEREIN REGISTERED. 
 
 OF THE CALENDAR, AND THE SPECIAL L'^E THEREOF IN THE 
 CHURCH OF GOD. 
 
 The Calendar of the Church is as full of benefit as 
 delight unto such as are given to the due study and con- 
 templation thereof; for, besides the admirable order and 
 disposition of times which are necessary for the better 
 transacting of ail ecclesiastical and secular affairs, it hath in 
 it a very beautiful distinction of the days and seasons, 
 whereof some are chosen out and sanctified,* and others 
 are put among the days of the week to number. 
 
 But the chief use of it in the Church (saith S. Austin) is 
 to preserve a solemn memory, and to continue in their due 
 time, sometimes a weekly and sometimes an annual com- 
 memoration of those excellent and high benefits which 
 
 o 
 
 God, both by Himself, His Son, and His Blessed Spirit — 
 one Undivided Trinity — hath bestowed upon mankind, for 
 the founding and propagating of that Christian Faith and 
 religion which we now profess. 
 
 And this Faith of ours, being no other than the very 
 same wherein the holy Angels are set to succour us, and 
 which the glorious company of the Apostles, the noble 
 army of Martyrs, and the goodly fellowship of other God's 
 Saints and servants, men famous in their generations before 
 
 * Ecclus. xxxili. -. 
 
36 OF THE CALENDAR. 
 
 us, have some maintained with the sanctity of their lives, 
 and some sealed with the innocency of their deaths ; it is 
 for this cause that the names of these holy and heavenly 
 Saints are still preserved in the Calendar of the Church, 
 there to remain upon record and register (as of old time 
 they did), where they might also stand as sacred memorials 
 of God's mercy towards us, as forcible witnesses of His 
 ancient Truth, as confirmations of the Faith which we now 
 profess to be the same that theirs then was, as provocations 
 to the piety which they then practised, and as everlasting 
 records to show Whose blessed servants they were on 
 earth, that are now like the angels of God in Heaven. 
 
 Howbeit, forasmuch as, in process of time, the multitude 
 of men and women reputed holy in this kind became so 
 exceedingly numerous that all the days of the year would 
 not have been sufficient for a several commemoration of 
 them, it was the great wisdom and moderation of those 
 religious and grave prelates by whom God (of His especial 
 blessing to our Church above others) did reform such 
 things as were many ways amiss here among us, to choose 
 one solemn day alone wherein to magnify God for the 
 generality of all His Saints together, and to retain some 
 few selected days in every month for the special memory of 
 others, both holy persons and holy actions, which they 
 observed, not our people alone, but the Universal Church 
 of Christ also, to be most affected unto, and best acquainted 
 withal, hereby avoiding only the burden and the unneces- 
 sary number of Festival Days ; not disallowing the multi- 
 tude of God's true Martyrs and Saints, whose memorials 
 we are to solemnize, howsoever, in the general Festival of 
 All Saints' Day, as by the proper Lessons, the Collect, 
 Epistle, and Gospel, then appointed in our public Liturgy, 
 doth most evidently appear. 
 
THE CALENDAR. 
 
 JANUARY. 
 
 i. Circumcision of our Horn 
 
 6. (gptpfmirg of our Horn 
 
 8. S. Lucian, a Priest of Antioch, and a Martyr 
 
 13. S. Hilary, Bishop of Poictiers in France ... 
 
 18. S. Prisca, a Roman Virgin and Martyr ... 
 
 20. S. Fabian, Bishop of Rome, and Martyr ... 
 
 21. S. Agnes, a Roman Virgin and Martyr ... 
 
 22. S. Vincent, a Deacon of Spain, and Martyr 
 
 25. Conversion of %. Paul 
 
 30. S. Charles, King and Martyr 
 
 PAGE 
 
 148 
 149 
 
 195 
 
 201 
 
 195 
 195 
 195 
 195 
 150 
 195 
 
 FEBRUARY. 
 
 2. Purification of tfje ^lessen Cltrgm Q3arp 
 
 3. S. Blase, an Armenian Bishop and Martyr 
 5. S. Agatha, a Virgin of Sicily, and Martyr 
 
 14. S. Valentine, a Bishop of Rome, and Martyr 
 24. &\ a^attfjtas, apostle ana QBa.it^r 
 
 151 
 
 195 
 *95 
 195 
 152 
 
 1. 
 
 2. 
 7- 
 
 12. 
 18. 
 21. 
 25- 
 
 MARCH. 
 
 S. David, Archbishop of S. David's 
 
 S. Chad, Bishop of Lichfield 
 
 S. Perpetua, a Virgin and Martyr (often mentioned by 
 Tertullian and S. Augustine) ... 
 
 S. Gregory the Great, Bishop of Rome 
 
 S. Edward, the King of the West Saxons 
 
 S. Benedict, the famous Abbot, in Italy 
 
 annunciation of tfje :i5Iess>cti Utrgtu a3ary 
 
 204 
 204 
 
 i95 
 201 
 i95 
 204 
 154 
 
138 
 
 THE CALENDAR. 
 
 4. 
 I 9 . 
 
 *5« 
 
 APRIL. 
 
 S. Richard, Bishop of Chichester... 
 
 S. Ambrose, Bishop of Milan 
 
 S. Alphege, Archbishop of Canterbury ... 
 
 S. George, the famous Martyr under Dioclesian 
 
 %. 89arfc, Sfcancreitst anti a^art^r 
 
 MAY. 
 1. ©§. }'?W$ aitti fames;, auo.stleg anti ^art^rs... 
 
 3. Finding of the Holy Cross 
 
 6. S. John, Evangelist, Port. Lat 
 
 19. S. Dunstan, Archbishop of Canterbury 
 
 26. S* Augustine, the first Archbishop of Canterbury 
 
 27. Venerable S. Bede, Priest and Confessor ... 
 
 JUNE. 
 
 1. S. Nicomede, a Priest of Rome, and Martyr 
 5. S. Boniface, an Englishman, Bishop of Mentz, and Martyi 
 
 11. %, 3arnafias, Spostle anti £F)arr|>r 
 
 17. S. Alban, Proto-martyr of England 
 
 20. Translation of S. Edward, King of the West Saxons 
 
 24. Battturp of %. 3fo!m baptist 
 
 29. ©. peter, apostle anti SJBartpr tott^ ©. JSatrf ... 
 
 JULY. 
 
 2. Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary 
 
 4. Translation of S. Martin, Bishop of Tours, in France 
 15. S. Swithun, Bishop of Winchester 
 20. S. Margaret, Virgin, and Martyr at Antioch 
 22. S. Mary Magdalene 
 
 25- ©. 3Iame0, apstle anti 39artgr 
 
 26. S. Anne, Mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary 
 
 PACK 
 
 204 
 201 
 
 195 
 
 156 
 209 
 209 
 204 
 204 
 204 
 
 195 
 
 195 
 157 
 195 
 195 
 ij* 
 159 
 
 209 
 201 
 204 
 
 J 95 
 160 
 161 
 162 
 
 AUGUST. 
 1. Lammas Day 
 
 6. Transfiguration of our Lord 
 
 7. Name of Jesus 
 
 209 
 210 
 210 
 
THE CALENDAR. 1 39 
 
 PAGE 
 
 10. S. Lawrence, Archdeacon of Rome, and Martyr ... 163 
 24- ©. IBartl&oiomefo, apostle ami 39artpr 165 
 
 28. S. Augustin, Bishop of Hippo ... ... ... ... 201 
 
 29. Beheading of S. John Baptist ... ... ... ... 210 
 
 SEPTEMBER. 
 
 1. S. Giles, Abbot of Marborn, in France 201 
 
 7. S. Enurchns, Bishop of Orleans, in France 204 
 
 8. Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary 166 
 
 14. Holy Cross Day 210 
 
 17. S. Lambert, Bishop of Liege, and Martyr ... ... 195 
 
 21. %. S^attfjeto, apostle, CEfcangeltst, anti sparer 167 
 
 26. S. Cyprian, Archbishop of Carthage, and Martyr ... 195 
 
 29. ©. a^tdjael ant> 311 angels? 168 
 
 30. S. Jerome, the famous Priest, Confessor, and Doctor ... 201 
 
 OCTOBER. 
 
 1. S. Remigius, Bishop of Rheims ... ... ... ... 204 
 
 6. S. Faith, Virgin, of Agenne in France, and Martyr - ... 195 
 
 9. S. Denys, the Areopagite, Bishop of Paris, and Martyr... 195 
 13. Translation of S. Edward the Confessor, King of England 201 
 
 17. S. Etheldreda, or Andry, Foundress of Ely Abbey ... 208 
 
 18. ^. Eulie, eEfcangeiisr anH S^art^r 169 
 
 25. S. Crispin, a Roman, Martyr at Soissons in France ... 195 
 
 28. &%, %imon anti l J[uDe, apostles anti spartprs 17° 
 
 NOVEMBER. 
 
 1. an ©aims 171 
 
 ! 6. S. Leonard, Confessor, a disciple of S. Remigius in France 201 
 
 11. S. Martin, Bishop of Tours, in France ... ... ... 201 
 
 T3. S. Brice, Successor to S. Martin ... ... ... 204 
 
 15. S. Machutus, a Briton, and Bishop of Sainctes, in France 204 
 17. S. Hugh, Bishop of Lincoln ... ... ... ... 204 
 
 20. S. Edmund, King and Martyr, after whom Bury St. 
 
 Edmunds is named 195 
 
 22. S. Cecily, Virgin and Martyr ... ... ... ... 195 
 
140 
 
 THE CALENDAR. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 23. S. Clement, the first Bishop of Rome, and Martyr ... 195 
 25. S. Catharine, Virgin and Martyr, of Alexandria in Egypt. 195 
 
 141 
 
 30. ©. Qinti.refr), Spogtle atin S^att^r .. 
 
 DECEMBER. 
 
 6. S. Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, in Lycia 
 8. Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary 
 
 13. S. Lucy, Virgin, and Martyr at Syracuse in 
 
 16. O Sapientia ... 
 
 21. ©. Cfjoittajes, Spogtlc ano £^art£r 
 
 35 • C^rtistmajet Dap 
 
 26. ©. Stephen, tfie j r ir£t a^aitgr 
 
 27* ©, 3iottt, Cfoangcltgt ann Spostle 
 
 28, Cpolp 'Innocents' Dap 
 
 31. S. Silvester, Bishop of Rome 
 
 Sicily 
 
 204 
 210 
 
 195 
 210 
 142 
 143 
 144 
 145 
 146 
 147 
 
Cfie proper of j7e£titml0< 
 
 NOVEMBER 30.— S. ANDREW. 
 
 S. Andrew, Apostle atid Martyr. — A native of Bethsaida, styled 
 by the Greeks the Protoclete, being the first of the Baptist's fol- 
 lowers to acknowledge the Divinity of our Lord. He first brought 
 his own brother Simon to the knowledge of the Incarnate One. 
 S. Andrew subsequently preached the Gospel in Scythia and Thrace ; 
 confessed and suffered for the Faith at Patrae in Achia, being cruci- 
 fied upon a crux decussata of olive-wood. His body was removed to 
 Constantinople by Constantine, 357 ; translated to Amalp, a.d. 1210. 
 
 1. As soon as that holy Apostle S. Andrew saw the Cross 
 afar off prepared for his martyrdom, he was transported 
 with joy, and triumphantly saluted it as the happy instru- 
 ment of his approaching glory. Alleluia. 
 
 2. O blessed Cross! dearly by me beloved, and earnestly 
 desired, and often sought, and now at length ready to 
 satisfy my longing soul ; take me up into thy arms, the 
 disciple of Him Who was crucified on thee. Alleluia. 
 
 3. Take me up into thy arms, O blessed Cross ! and bear 
 me to my glorious Master ; that by thee He may receive 
 me, Who by thee has redeemed me. Alleluia. 
 
 Antiphon. 
 
 S. Andrew's sole glory was in the Cross of our Lord 
 Jesus Christ, in Whom the world was crucified to him, 
 and^he to the world. 
 
 "JT. He besought the people not to hinder his martyrdom. 
 1$:. And preached to them for two days as he hung on 
 the Cross. 
 
 Prayer. 
 
 O God, Whose grace kindled in the blessed Apostle 
 S. Andrew so ardent a love of his Master that it shone forth 
 in vehement desires of His Cross ; grant that, through our 
 devoutly celebrating the remembrance of his holy race and 
 happy reward, Thy grace may be quickened in our hearts, 
 and that we may be encouraged with confidence and joy to 
 endure whatever sufferings Thy Providence casts in our 
 way ; and grant that they may serve to glorify Thee, to 
 advance Thy Truth, and to secure the attainment of our 
 eternal salvation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
I4 2 PROPER OF FESTIVALS. 
 
 DECEMBER 21.— S. THOMAS. 
 
 S. Thomas, Apostle and Martyr. — Recorded as slow in attaining 
 to the confirmation of the belief in the corporeal presence of our 
 Lord after the Resurrection, but subsequently a firm upholder of the 
 Faith. He carried the Gospel into India, where he is supposed to 
 have survived SS. Peter and Paul, and to have won the crown of 
 martyrdom at Meliapore, on the coast of Goromandel, where he was 
 stabbed by lances. His body was discovered by John III. of Por- 
 tugal, 1523. 
 
 1. The other disciples said to Thomas, "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 
 print of the nails, and thrust my hand into His side, I will 
 not believe." 
 
 2. After eight days Jesus came in, the doors being shut, 
 and stood in the midst of them, and said, "Peace be with 
 you." Then said He to Thomas, " Reach hither thy linger, 
 and behold My hand ; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust 
 it into My side, and be not faithless, but believing." 
 
 3. S. Thomas, no longer able to resist so clear an evi- 
 dence, cried out to Jesus, "'My Lord and my God !" 
 
 Antiphon. 
 
 O wondrous sweetness of our Saviour's spirit ! S. Thomas 
 was absent, and incredulous, and peremptory, and our Lord 
 forgives him all, and restores him to favour with the easy 
 penance of a gentle reproof. 
 
 "J^. O Thomas ! because thou hast seen thou hast be- 
 lieved. 
 
 r£. Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have 
 believed. 
 
 Prayer. 
 
 O God, Whose condescension to convince the incredulity 
 of Thy Apostle S. Thomas did turn his hardness to believe 
 into a means of increasing the faith of Thy Church ; grant, 
 we beseech Thee, that this festal remembrance ot the 
 glorious Apostle's attesting our risen Saviour may so 
 quicken our hearts that we may, not only in words, but, 
 like him in life and death, continue to confess Thy Son 
 Jesus, our Lord and our God •, to Whom, with, &c. 
 
PROPER OF FESTIVALS. 1^3 
 
 DECEMBER 25.— THE NATIVITY OF OUR. LORD, 
 
 COMMONLY CALLED 
 
 CHRISTMAS DAY. 
 
 ChrisT's-MASS. — Celebrated upon the Birth-day of our King, and 
 we come with the shepherds to adore the Infant God presented to 
 us in the arms of His Blessed Mother. The Mystery of the Incar- 
 nation and of the Blessed Sacrament are one ; therefore upon this 
 joyful Festival we join the first worshippers of the Real Presence, 
 and re-echo the angelic song, Gloria in Excehis Deo, et in terra pax. 
 ei We fall down and worship in the House of Bread." 
 
 Invitatory. To-day for us our Lord was born : O come, 
 let us adore Him. 
 
 1. O joyful tidings ! worthy of an angel. Behold, to us 
 was born this day a Saviour, Who is Christ our Lord ! 
 Alleluia ! 
 
 2. Wonderful signs, to seek this new-born King of 
 Heaven and earth ! Ye shall find Him wrapped in swad- 
 dling-clothes, and lying in a manger. Alleluia I 
 
 3. O blessed harmony of the Celestial choirs ! Glory be 
 to God on high, in earth peace towards men of good will. 
 Alleluia! Alleluia I 
 
 Autlphou. 
 The shepherds came to Bethlehem with speed, and 
 found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in the manger. 
 y. This is the day which our Lord has made. Alleluia I 
 I£. This is the day which made our Lord. Alleluia ! 
 
 Prayer. 
 O God, Who every year givest a fresh birth to the 
 devotions of Thy Church by the welcome Festival of our 
 Saviour's Nativity; grant us, we beseech Thee, with such 
 tender affections to entertain this first humble rising of the 
 Sun of Justice to us, as may better dispose and more 
 strongly engage us to follow Him through the whole 
 painful course which, like a giant, He rejoiced to run, 
 enlightening the world with Thy Truth, and inflaming it 
 with Thy love, till in the end we arrive at His eternal rest ; 
 through the same our Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who, 
 
 with, &c- 
 
144 PROPER OF FESTIVALS. 
 
 DECEMBER 26.— S. STEPHEN. 
 
 S. Stephen, Deacon and Proto-martyr, suffered by stoning at the 
 close of the first year of our Lord's Crucifixion. After his Divine 
 Master, he is our example in the forgiveness of injuries even unto 
 death, and an encouragement to the all-availing efficacy of intercessory 
 prayer, the conversion of S. Paul being the first fruits of this martyr's 
 petition for his enemies. 
 
 1. S. Stephen, full of grace and courage, wrought great 
 miracles among the people ; and none could resist the 
 wisdom and spirit with which he spake. Alleluia ! 
 
 2. Undaunted, he cut their hearts with reproaches of 
 them, and of their fathers, as betrayers and murderers of 
 the Just One, and of those who foretold His coming. 
 Alleluia I 
 
 3. When they gnashed their teeth at him, he looked 
 steadfastly up, and saw the heavens opened, and Jesus 
 standing on the right hand of God. Alleluia ! 
 
 Antiphon. 
 
 "While they stoned him, S. Stephen called upon God, 
 and prayed, "Lord Jesus receive my soul !" and, kneeling 
 down, cried out with a loud voice, " Lord, lay not this sin 
 to their charge !" Alleluia ! 
 
 y. He saw the heavens opened ; he saw and entered. 
 1^. He saw by his faith, and entered by his charitv. 
 
 Prayer. 
 
 O God, Who in Thy first martyr, S. Stephen, has 
 vouchsafed to Thy Church an eminent example of perfect 
 Christianity, kindle in our hearts, we beseech Thee, a 
 zealous emulation of his graces ; that imitating his constancy 
 here in asserting Thy truth, and his charity in praying for 
 our persecutors, we may, with him, hereafter receive the 
 crown of eternal life ; through Thy Son Christ Jesus our 
 Lord. Amen. 
 
PROPER OF FESTIVALS. 1 45 
 
 DECEMBER 27.— S. JOHN EVANGELIST. 
 
 S. Joiix, Apostle and Evangelist.— «The disciple whom Jesus loved, 
 the representative of the Church in all ages, faithful at the foot of 
 the Cross, worshipping the sacred wounds, showing his devotion to 
 his crucified Lord by his adoring, reverent care for the Mother of 
 God, who was entrusted to him, S. John proved his willingness for 
 martyrdom ; and was then by Domitian banished to Patmos, where 
 he was granted heavenly visions. He returned to Ephesus, to preach 
 even unto death (at the age of 102) words of purity and love. He 
 survived his Master seventy years. 
 
 1. This is that favourite disciple who leaned on our 
 Lord's breast at His Last Supper, and to whom were 
 revealed the secrets of heaven. Alleluia ! 
 
 2. This is he in whom meet all those glorious titles of 
 Apostle, Evangelist, and Prophet ; of Martyr, Confessor, 
 and Virgin. Alleluia ! 
 
 3. This is he who, above all those glorious titles, delights 
 in one incomparably greater than them all, the disciple 
 'whom Jesus loved. Alleluia I 
 
 Antiphon. 
 
 S. John alone had the care and courage to assist the 
 sorrowing Mother at the Cross of her dying Son ; S. John 
 alone had the glory of hearing himself and her bequeathed 
 to one another as Mother and Son. 
 
 y . The scalding oil could not hurt his chaste body. 
 
 r>. Nor banishment in Patmos prevent his free converse 
 with angels. 
 
 Prayer. 
 
 O God, by the prerogatives of Whose special grace the 
 blessed Apostle S. John obtained the transcendent title of 
 " Beloved of his Master," and afterwards became the great 
 teacher of mutual charity-, grant, we beseech Thee, that 
 his sacred memory may incite us and encourage us to have 
 the same purity of body and mind, and steady love of 
 •Thee, and sincere charity one towards another ; and that 
 we may aspire after some share in that blessed title, and 
 enjoy its happy fruits, Thy grace here and Thy glory here- 
 after ; througfi^ur Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who, &c. 
 
 L 
 
I46 PROPER OF FESTIVALS. 
 
 DECEMBEB SS.-HOLY INNOCENTS. 
 
 The Holy Innocents, 0% Childer - mass, Martyrs in deed, 
 
 though not in will. The primroses of martyrdom, put to death by 
 order of Herod Ascolmta, in his infamous wish to destroy the Infant 
 King of the Jews, child of Mary. Herod's own son, by a wife or 
 the House of David, suffered amongst the babes under two years 
 old. Baptized in blood, first of the blessed little ones who have 
 passed into Paradise in baptismal purity. 
 
 1. God withdrew his only [Isaac, and left a thousand 
 happy lambs to be sacrificed in His stead, and accepted for 
 His sake. Alleluia! 
 
 2. Herod meant to destroy, but behold he saved ; his 
 diligent cruelty secured the hazard of their infant state, and 
 by shedding their blood effected their Baptism. Alleluia ! 
 
 3. These were brought from amongst men, the first fruits 
 of God and the Lamb ; and in their mouth was found no 
 lie, for they were without spot before the Throne of God. 
 Alleluia I 
 
 Antiphon. 
 
 A voice was heard in Ramah ; lamentation and great 
 mourning ; Rachel weeping for her children, and would 
 not be comforted because they were not. 
 
 y . Weep not for thy children, Rachel ; behold they are. 
 ~fy. Be comforted ; they are kings, and reign with Christ 
 for ever. Alleluia I Alleluia ! 
 
 Prayer. 
 
 O God, Who by the death of the Holy Innocents hast 
 taught Thy Church that no age nor occasion of suffering 
 for our Saviour is exempt from high reward, grant, we 
 beseech Thee, that our celebrating this festival may make 
 us adore this gracious dispensation of Thy providence; and 
 however severely it may seem at any time to treat us, grant 
 that our hearts may be confirmed in a hopeful resignation 
 to Thy will, and assured trust that ail leads to eternal 
 advantage ; through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. 
 
PROPER OF FESTIVALS. I47 
 
 DECEMBER 31.— S. SYLVESTER. 
 
 S. SYLVESTER, Bishop and Confessor, A.D. 22>S-> imbibed early 
 saintliness from his holy mother, Justina. He was exalted to the 
 Pontificate, and discharged its arduous duties for twenty-one years 
 and eleven months, and died December 31. Sylvester was instru- 
 mental in the conversion to the faith of the first Christian Emperor, 
 Constantine; by whose admission to the Church the words received 
 their fulfilment, " Kings shall be thy nursing fathers." 
 
 1. This is the holy saint and bishop who miraculously 
 healed the great Emperor Constantine, and by the sacred 
 laver of Baptism cleansed him at once from the leprosy of 
 his body and the sins of his soul. Alleluia ! 
 
 2. The sign of the Son of Man in the heavens, which, 
 copied on his banner, made him a conqueror ; displayed 
 on his forehead, did incomparably more — made him a 
 Christian. Alleluia ! 
 
 3. O happy times, when Paganism was abolished, Arian- 
 ism condemned! when persecution ceased, and public liberty 
 was given to profess and practice as Christians and Catho- 
 lics. Alleluia I Alleluia I 
 
 Antiphou. 
 
 This is that happy bishop in whom the holiness of all 
 his predecessors began to be rewarded with those privileges 
 which better enable to govern the universal Church. 
 
 y. With glory and honour Thou hast crowned him, O 
 Lord. 
 
 R. And established him over the works of Thy hands. 
 Alleluia I 
 
 Prayer. 
 
 O God, Whose bounty crowned, even on earth, Thy 
 holy servant S. Sylvester with the glory of baptizing the 
 first Christian Emperor, and the happiness of obtaining 
 liberty and encouragement for Christianity through all his 
 dominions ; grant, we beseech Thee, that our celebrating 
 his festival may refresh in us the memory of that high 
 mercy to the world, and render us more steadfast to that 
 primitive faith, so eminently victorious over all persecutions; 
 through our Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who, with. &c. 
 l 2 
 
i 4 8 
 
 PROPER OF FESTIVALS. 
 
 JANUARY 1.— CIRCUMCISION OP OUR LORD. 
 
 Tur: Circumcision of our Lord. — The Festival of Obedience, 
 upon which we commemorate our perfect God, in His perfect 
 Manhood, submitting to the law for man — the first step in the path 
 of suffering which was to make the Captain of our Salvation perfect. 
 As to-day we kneel before the Altar, we see the first drops ot 
 Sacrificial Blood, the first stroke of the Sacrificial knife that was to 
 slay the Lamb of God. 
 
 Invitatory. To-day our Lord was circumcised, and re- 
 ceived the sweet Name of Jesus. Alleluia! O come let us 
 adore Him. 
 
 1. To-day our Blessed Saviour, Who was Lord of the 
 Law, and by His perfect purity absolutely exempt, suffered 
 for us the pain of circumcision, and the dishonour of being 
 reckoned among sinners . Alleluia ! 
 
 2. To-day was given Him the Name that is above every 
 name, that at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow, 
 of things in heaven, of things on earth, and things under 
 the earth. Alleluia ! Alleluia ! Alleluia ! 
 
 3. O Blessed Jesu, make good to us Thy precious Name, 
 and save us from our sins, that now we may begin a new 
 year of virtue, and cancel by repentance all the failings of 
 the old. Alleluia ! 
 
 Antiphon. 
 
 After eight days the Child was circumcised, and His 
 Name called Jesus, as the angels had appointed before 
 His conception in the Virgin's womb. 
 
 y. Our Infant Lord endured the knife. 
 
 R. To teach us to circumcise our hearts. 
 
 Prayer. 
 O God, Who for our example didst command Thy 
 beloved Son to submit His pure and innocent flesh to the 
 rigour of the law, teach us, we beseech Thee, with readi- 
 iness and humility to obey Thy sacred laws, and in all our 
 necessities to call on that holy Name, in which whatever 
 we ask we are promised shall be granted ; through the 
 same our Lord Jesus Christ, our only Saviour. Amen. 
 
PROPER OF FESTIVALS. 1 49 
 
 JANUARY .6.— EPIPHANY OF OUR LORD. 
 
 The Epiphany of our Lord. — The wall of partition is thrown 
 down, the Star has appeared to the Gentile world ; all alike may 
 come and worship the King of Kings, bringing offerings of gold, 
 frankincense, and myrrh. Come we then with the wise of the earth 
 and worship Him upon His Altar, with the gold of pure and ardent 
 charity, the myrrh of penance and self-denial, the incense of praise 
 and thankoffering, at the feet of Mary's Infant Son. 
 
 Invitatory. To-day the holy kings brought their presents 
 to our Lord. Alleluia. O come, let us adore Him. 
 
 1 . To-day the wise men were led by a star to the cradle 
 of our Lord, and falling down, adored Him, and offered 
 Him their presents of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 
 Alleluia! Alleluia! 
 
 2. To-day our gracious Redeemer vouchsafed His pre- 
 sence at a marriage feast, and there first published to the 
 world His Divine power, turning water into wine. Alleluia! 
 
 3. To-day our Blessed Saviour was baptized by S. John, 
 and the Holy Ghost descended visibly upon Him ; and a 
 Voice was heard from heaven, saying, " This is My beloved 
 Son, in Whom I am well pleased." Alleluia ! Alleluia ! 
 
 Antiphon. 
 
 Now were the first fruits of the Gentiles consecrated to 
 our Lord, and that sacred prophecy happily fulfilled, " In 
 His light shall the Gentiles walk, and kings in the bright- 
 ness of His rising." Alleluia ! Alleluia ! Alleluia ! 
 
 y. The sages, entering, found the Child with Mary, 
 His Mother. 
 
 I£. And, falling down, adored, and offered Him gifts. 
 
 Prayer. 
 O God, Who, by the guidance of a star in the heavens 
 broughtest the Gentiles to our Lord ; grant, we humbly 
 beseech Thee, that our hearts may be more earnestly 
 fixed on Thy goodness, graciously working towards the 
 accomplishment of Thy promises, to call at length the Je ws 
 and all the earth to the saving knowledge and love of the 
 same Thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ, Who, with, &c. 
 
I ^O PROPER OF FESTIVALS. 
 
 JANUARY 25.— CONVERSION' OF S. PAUL. 
 
 S. Paul, apostle and Martyr, a.d. 67. — The persecutor of the 
 infant Church, converted by a miracle of revelation, baptized by 
 Ananias, he, subsequent to the "laying on of hands," became the 
 Apostle of the Gentiles, brought the Faith to Europe, worked many 
 miracles, and, S. Austin says, about a.d. 57 regulated the rites for 
 administering the Divine Mysteries, and forbad that any should 
 receive the Body of our Lord in the evening or otherwise than 
 fasting. S. Paul was beheaded at Rome the day of S. Peter's cruci- 
 fixion. Their bodies lie in the Grotto Vatican. 
 
 Invitatory. This day was the great Apostle of the Gentiles 
 miraculously converted to the Christian Faith. Alleluia I 
 
 1 . This day our Lord appeared from heaven in a glorious 
 light, to the greatest persecutor of His Name, and made 
 him with trembling cry out, " Lord, what wilt Thou have 
 me to do ?" Alleluia I 
 
 2. He became a chosen vessel to bear the Name of Christ 
 before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel. 
 
 3. He undauntedly preached and laboured more abun- 
 dantly for the propagation of the Faith he had endeavoured 
 to destroy, and at length laid down his life in its defence, 
 Alleluia! Alleluia! 
 
 Antiphon. 
 
 The Apostle S. Paul bowed his head to the sword, 
 Alleluia! and went to Christ, Who had so miraculously 
 called him. Alleluia! 
 
 jl . He has preached, and lived, and died. 
 
 J^. And received his eternal reward. 
 
 Prayer. 
 O God, Who hast made the light of Thy Gospel to 
 shine through the world by the preaching of Thy blessed 
 Apostle S. Paul, whose miraculous conversion we now 
 thankfully commemorate; grant, we humbly beseech Thee, 
 that we may always keep in mind and diligently practise 
 the doctrines he taught, and may resolutely follow his 
 a example, and being faithful unto death may at last receive 
 crown of life and glory; thro' our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. 
 
PROPER OF FESTIVALS. 151 
 
 FEBRUARY 2.— PURIFICATION OF B. V. M. 
 
 The Purification, commonly called Candlemas from the ancient 
 
 custom of carrying candles in procession, symbolic of the procession 
 commemorated on this day, when Joseph and Mary bore the Light 
 of the World to His Temple to present Him, and to offer the sin- 
 offering ; when, needing herself no purification, she fulfilled the law 
 for sinners ; and holy Simeon, discerning the Divinity through the 
 Humanity, chanted his Nunc Dimittis. 
 
 Invitatory, To-day our Blessed Lord was presented in 
 the Temple-, Alleluia! O come, let us adore Him. 
 
 1. To-day the immaculate Mother humbled herself to the 
 ordinary rites of purification, and presented her newly-born 
 Jesus in the Temple, and for the little price of five shekels 
 redeemed the world's inestimable Redeemer. Alleluia I 
 
 2. To-day the devout Simeon took our Lord in his arms, 
 and sung aloud this glad farewell to all the world : " Lord, 
 now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, according 
 to Thy Word, for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation." 
 Alleluia! 
 
 3. To-day the holy widow and prophetess Anna, who 
 had spent her life in fasting and prayer, and in the service 
 of the Temple, when she saw our Lord, gave thanks, and 
 spake gloriously of Him to all them that looked for redemp- 
 tion in Israel. Alleluia ! 
 
 Antiphon. 
 
 Behold, the Lord comes to His holy Temple! Be glad, 
 O Sion, and rejoice to meet thy God ! 
 
 y. He came in the disguise of a poor child. 
 
 I£. Yet has He provided those that discern and attest Him. 
 
 Prayer. 
 O God, Who vouchsafest us this day to commemorate 
 the Blessed Virgin's presenting herself to be purified in the 
 Temple, and her Son to be redeemed according to the Law ; 
 give us grace so to follow these examples, that in our lives 
 as well as with our words we may confess our Lord Jesus 
 Christ, Thy Son, to be the Light of the Gentiles and the 
 glory of Thy people Israel ; Who, with, &c. 
 
152 PROPER OF FESTIVALS. 
 
 FEBRUARY 24.— S. MATTHIAS. 
 
 S. Matthias, Apostle and Martyr. — One of the seventy-two 
 disciples of our Lord ; previous to the Day of Pentecost elected 
 into the College of the Apostolate, from whence Judas by trans- 
 gression fell. He planted the Faith in Cappadocia and on the coasts 
 of the Caspian Sea. He was stoned and beheaded in Colchis, which 
 they call Ethiopia. S. Matthias was remarkable for inculcating the 
 necessity for mortification of the flesh. 
 
 1. Let them that stand take heed lest they fall : Judas was 
 an Apostle, yet he betrayed his Master and died in despair, 
 and another took his office. 
 
 2. The Eleven nominated two for the vacant Apostleship, 
 Barnabas and Matthias, and gave them lots and prayed. 
 
 3. They prayed, " Thou, Lord, Who knowest the hearts 
 of all men, show of these two which Thou hast chosen % 
 and the lot fell on Matthias. 
 
 Antiphon. 
 
 The lot fell on Matthias, a constant follower of Jesus 
 from the baptism of John to the day of his ascension ; and 
 he was numbered with the Eleven. 
 
 y. He lived their life, and died their death. 
 r}. And sits with them in glory, to judge the twelve 
 tribes of Israel. 
 
 Prayer. 
 
 O God, by Whose special grace the blessed Matthias 
 was chosen to supply the place of the traitor Judas, and 
 complete again the number of the Apostles; grant, we 
 humbly beseech Thee, that, by our celebrating his memory, 
 we may be enabled so to follow his virtues as to fill up the 
 breaches made by our falling brethren, and help to accom- 
 plish the happy number of Thy elect ; through our Lord 
 Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who, with, &c. 
 
PROPER OF FESTIVALS. 1 53 
 
 MARCH 19.— S. JOSEPH. 
 
 S. Joseph, Husband of Mary. — In reward for his persevering 
 faith, he was permitted to he the first worshipper of the Presence of 
 our Lord on the Altar of the manger-throne at Bethlehem. The 
 guardian of the Sacred Infancy, under angelic guidance he led the 
 Virgin and Child into Egypt, and afterwards returned with his 
 charge to Nazareth, where his carpenter's shop was consecrated by 
 the Presence of the Holy Boy, Whose last kiss was the Viaticum of 
 S. Joseph. 
 
 1. This is that wise and faithful servant whom our Lord 
 appointed over His family. 
 
 2. This is he who was honoured with the title of father 
 of our Saviour, and spouse to the Blessed Virgin Mother. 
 
 3. This is he who knew how to order his life becoming 
 these titles, with all reverence to their persons. 
 
 Antlphon. 
 
 This was the true Joseph, whom envy forced into Egypt 
 to preserve the Bread of Life, whose chastity deserved 
 espousals with purity itself, and to whom all the mysteries 
 of Heaven were revealed. 
 
 y. Our Lord deemed him fit for His weightiest office. 
 I£. And carried him perfectly through it to glory. 
 
 Prayer. 
 
 O God, Who hast rewarded the blessed S. Joseph with 
 glory in Heaven, worthy those high graces vouchsafed him 
 on earth, of spouse to the Blessed Virgin, and father to 
 Thy Eternal Son, and faithful guardian to them both ; 
 grant, we beseech Thee, that as we celebrate his memory 
 we may imitate the virtues of his holy life, and by the same 
 perfect fidelity in whatever Thy Providence entrusts to our 
 charge secure our hopes to attain hereafter the same ever- 
 lasting felicity; through our Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son, 
 Who, with, &c. 
 
154 PROPER OF FESTIVALS. 
 
 MABCH 25.— ANNUNCIATION Or 3. V. M. 
 Annunciation of the B. V. M.— On this day God became 
 Man. The first joyful Mystery of the Incarnation was revealed 
 when the Angel sang the first Ave^ and the all-pure Virgin accepted 
 the heavenly message. She gave as her first example of acquiescence 
 to the Divine will, " Behold the handmaid of the Lord ! be it unto 
 me according to Thy Word;" and she became the Mother of God. 
 Upon the Altar to-day we worship our hidden God, and with those 
 of all generations unite to call her Blessed. 
 
 Invitatory. To-day the Eternal Word was made flesh ; 
 O come, let us adore Him. 
 
 1. To-day the Archangel Gabriel was sent from God to 
 the Virgin Mary, and, entering her little chamber, humbly 
 presented her this honourable salutation : Hail, full of grace ! 
 our Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women. 
 
 2. Behold, thou shalt conceive and bear a Son, and thou 
 shalt call His name Jesus ; He shall be great, and called 
 the Son of the Most High, and of His Kingdom there shall 
 be no end. 
 
 3. Immediately the Blessed Virgin, secured of her chastity, 
 gave consent to the glorious embassy : " Behold the hand- 
 maid of our Lord ! be it to me according to Thy Word." 
 
 Antiphon. 
 
 To-day the Holy Ghost came upon the Blessed Virgin, 
 and the power of the Most High overshadowed her; and, 
 untouched of man, she conceived the Son of God. 
 
 y. Hail ! Mary, full of grace. 
 
 I>. Blessed art thou among women. 
 
 Pi'ayer. 
 O Eternal God, Who didst send Thy holy Angel in 
 embassy to the Blessed Virgin, the Mother of our Lord, to 
 manifest the Incarnation of Thine Eternal Son ; grant us, 
 we humbly beseech Thee, with such devout adoration to 
 celebrate the memory of this highest mystery, as may feed 
 and increase Thy charity begotten in our hearts by Thy 
 Spirit, and ripen it to bring us forth partakers of His 
 Divinity ; Who, with, &c. 
 
PROPER OF FESTIVALS. 155 
 
 APRIL 25.— S. MAILS. 
 S. Mark, Evangelist and Martyr, a.d. 68. — Nephew of S. Peter, 
 his fellow-labourer and amanuensis. Preached the Gospel in Italy, 
 Rome, and Egypt. Taken during the celebration of Divine Service 
 at Serapis, he was bound with cords, dragged through the streets 
 and over the craggy places near that city, till his flesh being torn off 
 he expired. His body was burnt, but his bones were collected by 
 Christians and subsequently removed to Venice, that city adopting 
 him as Patron Saint. 
 
 1. Blessed art thou, Mark! disciple of our Lord, and, after 
 His Ascension, chief assistant to the Prince of the Apostles. 
 
 2. Blessed art thou, faithful writer of the Gospel of 
 Peace, and doer of the work of an Evangelist, planting the 
 Church at Alexandria. 
 
 3. Blessed be His grace Who has attested thy glory by 
 numerous miracles for the Church by thy intercession, and 
 carrying solemnly down the memory of that mercy through- 
 out all generations. 
 
 Aniiphon. 
 
 This is the second of those mystical beasts (like to 
 a lion) with six wings round about, full of eyes within, 
 that, before, behind, and in the midst of the Throne, rest 
 not day nor night, saying, Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God 
 Omnipotent ! Who was, and is ? and is to come. 
 
 ~jt. How beautiful are the feet of those 
 
 11. That evangelize the Gospel of Peace. 
 
 Prayer. 
 O God, Who most graciously summonest Thy Church 
 
 to special devotions, by the Feast of Thy Son's blessed 
 disciple and Evangelist S. Mark; vouchsafe us, we humbly 
 beseech Thee, both in heart to adore Thy Providence for 
 so glorious an instrument of propagating the history of 
 salvation to us, and in our lives duly to copy out and show 
 our faith in his Gospel ; and grant that our solemn com- 
 memorating Thy wonderful regard on this day to the 
 prayers and humiliations of our Mother the Church, in her 
 extremity, may encourage our hope and increase our merits 
 to obtain, by the same means, the like favour from Thee in all 
 her and our necessities ; thro' our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. 
 
I56 PROPER OF FESTIVALS. 
 
 MAY 1.— SS. PHILIP AND JAMES. 
 
 SS. Philip and James. — S. Philip, the first called to leave all to 
 follow his Master. He preached in Phrygia, and suffered at Hiero- 
 polis. S. James, Bishop of Jerusalem, a.d. 6a, styled the Brother 
 of our Lord, being the son of Mary, sister of the Blessed Virgin 
 and of Alpheus. S. James was President of the first Council held 
 at Jerusalem. He wrote one General Epistle, in which he enforced 
 the Sacrament of Extreme Unction upon all the faithful. 
 
 1. Now it sufficeth thee, Philip, our Lord hath shewn 
 thee the Father ; and henceforth and for ever thou shalt 
 see Him face to face. Alleluia ! 
 
 2. And thou, holy James, Brother of our Lord, art 
 graciously happy in enjoying for ever the same blissful 
 vision. Alleluia ! 
 
 3. These are two of those precious stones that found and 
 adorn the heavenly Jerusalem. Alleluia ! 
 
 Antiphon. 
 
 S. Philip, both crucified and stoned, ascended to his 
 Master ; and blessed James, the long-reverenced Bishop 
 of Jerusalem, thrown down from the top of the Temple, 
 and martyred with a club, breathed out his soul in prayer 
 for his murderers. 
 
 y. The senseless world thought their end dishonourable. 
 fy. But behold how high their lot is among the blessed. 
 
 Prayer. 
 
 O God, by Whose grace the blessed Apostles SS. Philip 
 and James watered with their blood the heavenly seed 
 which they had sown over the world, redouble, we beseech 
 Thee, the devotions of Thy servants, by celebrating to- 
 gether their happy memories ; and grant that our faith, so 
 gloriously confirmed, may bear forth the fruits of a holy- 
 life and death ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
PROPER OF FESTIVALS. 157 
 
 JUNE 11.— S. BABNABAS. 
 
 S. BARNABAS, Apostle and Martyr, of the tribe of Levi, a native 
 of Cyprus, called by special designation of the Holy Ghost to be 
 |£t apart for the ministry, and sent as preacher to the Gentiles. For 
 a time fellow-labourer of S. Paul, h£ considered his special mission 
 to be the conversion of his own native island, and at Salamis he 
 suffered martyrdom, after many tortures, by stoning. S. Barnabas 
 was chosen as Patron Saint of Milan, and by some is considered 
 founder of that Church. 
 
 1. Blessed and happy art thou, O Joses ! disciple of our 
 Lord, and honoured by His Apostles, inscribed by them in 
 the Book with the new name of Barnabas. 
 
 2. Let us this day bless the memory of S. Barnabas, who 
 followed Christ though being rich in lands and possessions ; 
 joyfully quitted all, that he might have a name written in 
 Heaven. 
 
 3. Precious is the memory of the saint of this day, a 
 faithful witness and martyr of Jesus Christ. To him we 
 owe the name of Christian. 
 
 Ant'iphon. 
 
 " Peace be with you," said he, " O sons and daughters, 
 in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who hath loved 
 us in peace." 
 
 y . Thus was the salutation of the Cyprian Apostle : 
 let it in like manner be ours. 
 
 R. And as Christ has loved us in peace, so also let us 
 love each other. 
 
 Prayer. 
 
 O Lord God Almighty, Who didst endow Thy holy 
 Apostle Barnabas with singular gifts of the Holy Ghost, 
 leave us not, we beseech Thee, destitute of Thy manifold 
 gifts, nor yet of grace to use them alway to Thy honour 
 and glory ; through our Lord Jesus Christ, Who, with, 
 &c. 
 
PROPER OF FESTIVALS. 
 
 JUNE 24.— NATIVITY OF S. JOHN BAPTIST. 
 Nativity of S. John Baptist, the forerunner of our Lord. 
 His birth foretold by an angel, sanctified from his mother's womb by 
 the visitation of the Mother of God, when S. John became the first 
 worshipper of the hidden God in the humanity of Mary, dwelling 
 in the wilderness from the age of five years. Preparatory to his entering 
 upon his mission of preaching the Baptism of Repentance, S. John 
 gave the antiphonal note to the Eucharistic Office, " Behold the 
 Lamb of God !" 
 
 1 . This is the great harbinger of the world's Redeemer, 
 the miraculous son of age and barrenness. Alleluia ! 
 
 2. In his mother's womb was he sanctified, and many shall 
 rejoice at his birth. Alleluia ! 
 
 3. This is that burning and shining light, who, despising 
 the pleasures and conveniences of the world, chose his 
 garments of camel's hair, and a girdle of leather about his 
 loins, and whose food was locusts and wild honey. Alleluia! 
 
 Antiphon. 
 
 This is that prophet, and more than a prophet, of whom 
 our Lord said, " Among them that are born of women, 
 there hath not risen a greater ; yet he that is least in the 
 Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he." Alleluia ! 
 
 ~yfr. He shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from 
 his mother's womb. 
 
 B. And many shall rejoice at his birth. 
 
 Prayer. 
 Almighty God, by Whose Providence we are summoned 
 this day to celebrate the nativity of the great S. John 
 Baptist, grant, we beseech Thee, that as we fulfil the 
 prophecy of the holy angel by rejoicing in his nativity, we 
 may, by following his teaching and by imitating his holy 
 life, truly repent according to his preaching ; and, after his 
 example, constantly speak the truth, boldly rebuke vice, 
 and patiently suffer for the truth's sake ; through our Lord 
 Jesus Christ, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the 
 Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen. 
 
PROPER CF FESTIVALS. 1 59 
 
 JUNE 29.— S. FETES,. 
 S. Peter, Apostle and Martyr, a.d. 67, planted the Church in 
 Antioch and Rome. Married before his vocation to the Apostle- 
 ship, but one of the first to devote his love and zeal in counting all 
 as nought to follow Christ, he was elected by his Lord, Primate 
 of the future College of the Apostles. To S. Peter was more 
 especially entrusted the care of the Church and the power of the 
 Keys. He was crucified with his head downwards at Rome, June 29. 
 
 1. Thou art the pastor of the sheep, O Peter, Prince of 
 the Apostles ! To thee were delivered the Keys of the 
 Kingdom of Heaven. Alleluia ! 
 
 2. This is he who, when he was young, girded himself, 
 and walked whither he would ; but when he was old, 
 another guided him, and carried him whither he would 
 not. Alleluia ! 
 
 3. This is he who taught us Thy law, O Lord ; Thou 
 shalt establish him prince over all the earth, and he shall 
 publish Thy Name to the end of the world. Alleluia ! 
 Alleluia ! 
 
 Antlphon. 
 
 To-day Simon Peter ascended the Cross. Alleluia ! 
 To-day the keeper of the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven 
 joyfully passed to his Master. Alleluia ! 
 
 V. Lie faithfully finished the race set before him. 
 Alleluia I 
 
 R. And went to receive his eternal crown. Alleluia ! 
 
 Prayer. 
 O God, Who this day vouchsafest to refresh and excite 
 the devotions of Thy Church by the glorious festival of 
 Thy Son's great Apostle, S. Peter, grant us, we beseech 
 Thee, both humbly to adore Thy powerful Providence in 
 rendering a frail man so firm a rock of saving truth, that 
 the gates of hell shall not prevail against it, and duly sub- 
 mit to the supreme authority of the Church, which Thy 
 infinite wisdom has ordained, as the fittest means to 
 establish order and preserve unity amongst Christians ; 
 through our Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who, with, &c. 
 
]60 PROPER OF FESTIVALS. 
 
 JULY 22.— S. MASY MAGDALENE. 
 
 S. Mary Magdalene, Patron Saint of Penitents, to whom much- 
 was forgiven because she loved much — she who anointed our 
 Lord's feet with ointment, she who was prostrate at the foot 
 of the Cross when the precious Blood from the pierced side 
 streamed through the yet clasped hands of the Blessed Mother and 
 S. John upon the hair of her head. S. Mary Magdalene, the first 
 to see her Lord after His Resurrection, the first worshipper of the 
 risen Lord on Easter morn. S. Mary Magdalene accompanied S. 
 Lazarus to Provence, and after thirty years of penance died in the 
 wilderness of S. Baume. 
 
 1 . Mary Magdalene lay at Jesus' feet, and made a fountain 
 of her eyes and a towel of her hair to cleanse them. Alleluia ! 
 
 2. She cleansed His feet, but more her own soul ; and 
 therefore deserved to hear these B. words from His mouth, 
 " Thy sins, which are many, are forgiven thee." Alleluia ! 
 
 3. She cleansed her soul by filling it with the pure love of 
 Jesus, which thrust out all vain affections : her many sins 
 were forgiven her, because she loved much. Alleluia! 
 
 Antiphon. 
 
 See the blest effects of hearty penance ! Mary's advanced 
 her to the privileges of hanging ever on her Jesus' lips, be- 
 coming the renowned anointer of His blessed head; for His 
 funeral, His nearest attendant at His Cross and Grave ; an 
 eminent witness of his Resurrection and Ascension, and a 
 high partaker of His eternal glory. Alleluia ! 
 
 ~y. Martha was solicitous about many things, but heard 
 that one thing is necessary. 
 
 1^. Mary chose the best part, which was never taken 
 from her. 
 
 Prayer. 
 
 O God, Who mercifully refreshest Thy Church's sense 
 of our Saviour's tender and generous kindness for the truly 
 penitent, by the Feast of the glorious S. Mary Magdalene, 
 grant, we humbly beseech Thee, that her solemn memory 
 may work its effects in us ; quickening our faith and hope, 
 that by daily advancing to love Thee much, like her, our 
 sins, which are many, will also be forgiven us ; and that 
 we shall be favoured by Thee with full grace here, and 
 glory hereafter •, thro' our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. 
 
PROPER OF FESTIVALS. l6l 
 
 JULY 25.— S. JAMES THE GREAT. 
 
 S. James the Great, Apostle and Martyr, A.D. 44, brother or 
 S. John, and son of Zebedee ; one of the favoured three to witness 
 the Transfiguration, and the first Apostle to win the crown of mar- 
 tyrdom. S. James preached the Gospel in Spain, but returned to 
 Jerusalem, where he was put to death by Herod Agrippa. His 
 body was subsequently removed to Compostella, in Spain, where he 
 was taken as Patron Saint of Fishermen and a grotto shrine erected, 
 which became a favourite pilgrimage annually to " Remember the 
 grotto." 
 
 1. James, the son of Zebedee, when called by our Lord, 
 immediately left his nets, his boats, his father, and kindred, 
 and followed Jesus. Alleluia ! 
 
 2. He so followed Jesus, that he alone was made worthy, 
 with Peter and John, to be admitted to share in the most 
 important mysteries of his Divine Master. Alleluia ! 
 
 3. He freely confessed the Divinity of his Saviour, and by 
 his joy at suffering death for His sake converted his accuser 
 to be his companion in martyrdom. Alleluia ! 
 
 Antiphon. 
 
 He was a " Son of Thunder ;" one of the best beloved 
 of our Lord's brethren ; whom, the first of the Apostles, 
 King Agrippa sent a martyr to his Master. Alleluia ! 
 
 Y- Blessed James now enjoys his mother's desire. 
 
 R. Seated at the right hand of Jesus in His Kingdom. 
 
 Prayer. 
 O God, Who by the Feast of Thy holy Apostle S. 
 James, remindest us of Thy great mercy to the world, 
 giving us so glorious an example of obedience to our 
 Saviour in this life and out of it, grant, we humbly beseech 
 Thee, that, at the call of Thy grace, we may show the 
 same readiness to quit our nets, and all ties of worldly 
 affection and interest, and that we may apply ourselves to 
 become, and use our best endeavours to render others 
 also, worthy disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who, 
 with Thee and the Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth ever 
 one God, world without end. Amen. 
 
 M 
 
1 62 PROPER OF FESTIVALS. 
 
 JULY 2S.-S. ANNE. 
 
 S. ANNE, a holy Matron, and Mother of the Blessed Virgin, and 
 wife of Joachim ; the great model of virtue to all engaged in the 
 married state, and charged with the education of children ; a lesson 
 to all parents, that by the holy education of children they glorify 
 God, perpetuate His honour to all ages, and save their own souls. 
 " Grace was spread on her lips ; therefore God hath blessed her for 
 ever." 
 
 1. S. Anne, full of the Holy Ghost, exults, and cries, 
 Rejoice with me, whose happy womb, freed from barren- 
 ness, has brought forth the Branch of Promise. Alleluia I 
 
 2. Blessed is He Who hears the prayers of His suppliants, 
 and has made me the glorious mother of her whose virgin 
 womb is heaven, in which He resided Whose immensity 
 no space can contain. Alleluia ! 
 
 3. I will pour out My Spirit on thy seed, and My blessing 
 on thy offspring, saith our Lord. Alleluia ! 
 
 Antiphoti. 
 
 Rejoice, O glorious Matron, for thy prayers are heard, 
 and thy barrenness comforted ! thou hast brought forth 
 the Mother of all our hopes, the Mother of Jesus. Alleluia ! 
 
 y . Blessed art thou among women, O holy Anne ! 
 I£. And blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Mary. 
 Alleluia ! 
 
 Prayer, 
 
 O God, Whose peculiar providence sanctified the womb 
 of barrenness, and devout S. Anne to bear the Blessed 
 among women, Thy Son's Virgin Mother, grant us, we 
 humbly beseech Thee, in venerating her memory, to adore 
 Thy free grace, which vouchsafed her so glorious a privi- 
 lege from Thee, and so high an honour in Thy Church ; 
 through our Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who, with, &c. 
 
PROPER OF FESTIVALS. 1 63 
 
 AUGUST 10.— S. LAWRENCE. 
 
 S. Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr, a.d. zj8, suffered the per- 
 secution of Valerian, being scorched to death upon a heated rack in 
 the form of a gridiron. S. Lawrence, who had been seized with a 
 longingto share the martyrdom of his master and spiritual father, Pope 
 Xystus, was only detained three days, that he might give a practical 
 exemplification of the fact, " The treasures of the Church are 
 Christ's poor," with whose care she is entrusted. 
 
 1. This is the glorious martyr S. Lawrence whose courage 
 remained invincible in the midst of his torments. They 
 broiled him on a gridiron, and he confessed our Lord ; 
 they tried him with fire, and he was found true. Alleluia ! 
 
 2. They sought his treasures, but his charity had laid 
 them out of their reach •, the hands of the poor had carried 
 them into Heaven. Alleluia ! 
 
 3. While they were burning his flesh, he generously said 
 to the tyrant, " I worship my God, and Him alone I serve ; 
 therefore I fear not thy torments." 
 
 Antiphoh. 
 
 Blessed S. Lawrence, as he lay broiling on the gridiron, 
 cried to the tyrant, u It is now enough, turn and eat •, for 
 the goods of the Church which thou requirest the hands 
 of the poor have carried up into the heavenly treasure." 
 
 y. The saint attested whose servant he was. 
 
 I£. By the sign of the Cross giving sight to the blind. 
 
 Prayer. 
 
 O God, by Whose grace the glorious Deacon S. Law- 
 rence sustained the cruel torments of a lingering death 
 rather than betray the goods of the Church, or deny the 
 truths of the Catholic religion, grant us, we beseech Thee, 
 in solemnizing his Feast, both to praise Thy Name for so 
 great and early an example of Christian courage, and be 
 strengthened by it, against all temptations, to preserve our 
 fidelity to Thee and our spiritual truths ; through our Lord 
 Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who, with, &c. 
 m 2 
 
I64 PROPER OF FESTIVALS. 
 
 AUGUST 15.— ASSUMPTION OF THE B. V. M. 
 
 Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. — A cloud of 
 glory veils all from human sight, too dazzling for us to look upon ; 
 we dare not rush in where Angels fear to tread. We think we hear 
 the Angelic song, " Who is she that riseth as the morning, fair as the 
 moon and clear as the sun ?" We cannot believe that her body could 
 be allowed to see corruption. We do not believe that even in her 
 flesh she is parted from her glorified Son. We have an assured 
 faith that her prayers avail for us. But we are more than content 
 to lie still to bask before the Altar in silence. 
 
 Itwitatory. Come, let us adore the King of Saints, Whose 
 Virgin Mother was assumed into Heaven. Alleluia I 
 
 1. To-day the Mother of our Lord was assumed into 
 Heaven. Alleluia I And seated in glory above the highest 
 angels. Alleluia I 
 
 2. Her sacred body, too pure to mix again with dust. 
 Alleluia I Soon left the grave, and was carried up to her 
 Eternal Mansion. Alleluia I 
 
 3. Behold, from henceforth, Mary, all generations shall 
 call thee Blessed. Alleluia ! For He that is mighty hath 
 magnified thee : and Hoi)' is His Name. Alleluia ! 
 
 Antiphon. 
 Come forth now, all ye glorious angels and blessed 
 saints of Heaven ! Come forth and behold your Queen, 
 with the crown wherewith her Son has crowned her in 
 the day of her espousals, in the day of the gladness of her 
 heart ! Alleluia ! Alleluia ! 
 
 ~)f. With glory and honour Thou hast crowned her, O Lord ! 
 R. And for ever enshrined her, next her Son in His kingdom. 
 
 Prayer. 
 O God, Whose gracious providence would not suffer 
 the sacred womb that bore Thy Holy One to see corrup- 
 tion, but, raising from the grave the Blessed Virgin's body, 
 assumed it with her soul to the highest Throne in Heaven, 
 grant, we beseech Thee, that devoutly celebrating the 
 memory of this Thy grace to her, we may inure our minds 
 to raise and fix themselves there, where at length we hope 
 also to ascend ; through our Lord Jesus Christ, &c. 
 
PROPER OF FESTIVALS. 1 65 
 
 AUGUST 24.— S. BARTHOLOMEW. 
 
 S. Bartholomew, Apostle and Martyr, called by S. John, 
 Nathaniel ; of whom our Lord spake the words, " An Israelite in- 
 deed, in whom there is no guile." A native of Cana, and a doctor 
 of the Jewish Law. He carried the Gospel into the remoter Inaies, 
 and finally removed into Great Armenia, where he was condemned 
 by the Governor Albanopolis to be crucified, and then flayed alive. 
 
 1. His skin, and all he had, even life itself, S. Bartholo- 
 mew freely gave for the testimony of the truth, and for the 
 love of Jesus. Alleluia ! 
 
 2. At the last day he shall rise, and be clothed again in 
 his skin ; and in his flesh he shall see God. Alleluia ! 
 
 3. His body must remain a while in hope ; but his soul 
 went immediately away to enjoy the happy vision. Alleluia ! 
 
 Antiphon. 
 This is that wise Apostle, who gladly put off his skin 
 to enter in at the straight gate, and gave his head itself to 
 receive a crown of glory. Alleluia ! 
 
 X . He now triumphs with those who came out of great 
 tribulation, 
 
 R. Clothed in robes washed white in the Blood of the 
 Lamb. 
 
 Prayer. 
 O God, Who, by the martyrdom of Thy blessed 
 Apostle, S. Bartholomew, dost refresh in our memories 
 the glorious attestations which Thy providence has vouch- 
 safed to the world for the confirmation of Thy truth, 
 grant, we beseech Thee, that we may so reflect upon the 
 great pains he took and suffered for the spread of the 
 Gospel, and upon the exceeding great reward he now 
 enjoys in Thy blissful presence, that our faith may be 
 strengthened, and more actively applied to carry us on in 
 the same race to the same happy end ; through our Lord 
 Jesus Christ, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the 
 Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen. 
 
1 66 PROPER OF FESTIVALS. 
 
 SEPTEMBER 8.— NATIVITY OF THE B. V. M. 
 
 Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. — The Mother of 
 God, the Immaculate and Ever Virgin. The Festival upon which 
 all Catholic Christendom proclaim, and with one heart and voice 
 from:' East and West unite in all generations to call her Blessed. As 
 through Eve came the curse upon women, so in the angelic Ave all 
 is reversed ; and from henceforth all women have their perfect ex- 
 ample, the foreordained from eternity to bear her Son. 
 
 Invitatory. Come, let us adore the King of Saints, Whose 
 Virgin Mother was born to-day. Alleluia ! 
 
 1. To-day was born the Blessed Virgin Mary, of the seed 
 of Abraham, and tribe of Judah, and family of David. 
 Alleluia ! 
 
 2. To-day was born the Blessed Virgin Mary, Spouse 
 of the Holy Ghost, and Mother of the Son of God, and 
 Daughter of the Eternal Father. Alleluia .' 
 
 3. Let all the world rejoice in the Nativity of the Blessed 
 Virgin Mary ; Alleluia ! of whom was born the Redeemer 
 of all the world. Alleluia I 
 
 Antiphon. 
 
 Welcome to our dark world, thou Day-spring from on 
 high ! welcome, thou long-looked-for Orient to the Sun of 
 Glory ! Alleluia I 
 
 ~f. Behold the root of the tree of life. Alleluia ! 
 
 I£. Behold the source of the fountain of grace. Alleluia t 
 
 Prayer. 
 O God, Who this day callest us to celebrate her Nativity 
 of whom Thy only Son did vouchsafe to take our flesh, 
 and be born the world's Eedeemer, grant us, we beseech 
 Thee, so devoutly to rejoice in the dawn of her immaculate 
 birth as may fitly more dispose us to behold and walk by 
 her light, which every moment increasingly shined before 
 men through the whole day of her life here, and follow its 
 setting into eternal glory ; through our Lord Jesus Christ 
 Thy Son, Who, with, &c. 
 
PROPER OF FESTIVALS. l6j 
 
 SEPTEMBER 21.— S. MATTHEW. 
 
 S. MATTHEW, Apostle, Evangelist, and Martyr, A.D. 71.— Of the 
 tribe of Levi, a publican and tax-gatherer upon the shores of the lake 
 of Genesareth ; called from his seat of custom, he left all to follow 
 our Lord. S. Matthew compiled his Gospel at the command of the 
 other Apostles before their dispersion into all the world ; he preached 
 in Persia and Ethiopia, and ended his course in Parthia, suffering 
 martyrdom at the Altar, as he celebrated the Divine Mysteries, at 
 Nadabar. 
 
 1. Be not discouraged, O my soul! nor make thy past 
 offences unpardonable by despair. 
 
 2. This is he who from a sinner became a preacher, and 
 who from a publican was called to be an Apostle. 
 
 3. Fear not the power of the grace of God, but take 
 heed of delaying to embrace it ; take heed of refusing to 
 obey it ; take heed of relapsing into the sins of which thou 
 hast repented. 
 
 Antrphon. 
 
 S. Matthew the publican, when busy at his office, was 
 called by Jesus passing by, and straightway arose, left all, 
 and followed Him — a wise example to sinners; and for the 
 encouragement of converts, Jesus Himself condescended to 
 feast at his house with a great number of publicans. 
 
 y. Our Lord came not to call the righteous, 
 
 R. But sinners to repentance. 
 
 Prayer. 
 O God, by the power of Whose call Matthew the 
 publican was drawn from the receipt of custom itself to 
 become an eminent Apostle and Evangelist in the Church, 
 grant, we beseech Thee, that we, in celebrating the blessed 
 memory of his life and death, may advance Thy praise for 
 so glorious an example of Thy grace, and permit, we pray 
 Thee, that, complying readily and faithfully following it, 
 we may forsake all for Thy service ; through our Lord 
 Jesus Christ. Amen. 
 
l68 PROPER OF FESTIVALS. 
 
 SEPTEMBER 29.— S. MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS. 
 
 S. Michael and All Axgels. — This Festival, although espe- 
 cially naming the chief of the four princes of the angelic host, yet 
 seeks and proclaims the union of the Church on earth with all those 
 that are mighty in strength, and execute the orders of the King of 
 Angels ; and we pray to be assisted, not only by the intercessions of 
 the blessed Michael, but each of us by his own guardian angel, and 
 by all those ministering spirits sent forth to minister to us upon earth. 
 
 Invitatory. Come, let us adore the King of Angels. 
 
 1. He has commanded His angels to keep us in all our 
 ways ; they shall bear us in their hands, lest at any time 
 we dash our feet against a stone. Alleluia ! 
 
 2. Take heed that you despise not one of My little ones, 
 saith our Lord, for their angels continually behold the 
 Face of My Father Who is in Heaven. Alleluia ! 
 
 3. In the sight of Thy angels will I sing unto Thee, O my 
 God ! Alleluia ! I will worship in Thy Holy Temple, and 
 confess unto Thy Name. Alleluia ! 
 
 Antiphon. 
 
 Praise our Lord, all ye angels, archangels, and thrones, 
 praise Him ; all ye dominations, principalities, and powers, 
 praise Him ; all ye heavenly host of cherubin and seraphin, 
 praise Him ; all ye glorious choirs of blessed spirits, praise 
 Him and magnify Him for ever. Alleluia I Alleluia ! 
 Alleluia I 
 
 y . Bright guardians, praise our Lord for us; 
 
 I£. And help us to praise His grace for you. 
 
 Prayer, 
 O God, Who, by the Feast of S. Michael the Archangel, 
 Prince of the Church, summonest us to commemorate all 
 the glorious host of Heaven ranged under his banner to 
 assist Thy elect against all the powers of darkness, grant 
 us grace, we beseech Thee, to adore and praise Thee for 
 their ministry and protection, so that we may with firmer 
 hope pursue the holy way of increasing their joy by ad- 
 vancing our own bliss ; through our Lord Jesus Christ 
 Thy Son, Who, with, &c. 
 
PROPER OF FESTIVALS. l6l) 
 
 OCTOBER 18.-S. LUKE. 
 
 S. Luke, Evangelist, a.d. 74. — A native of Antioch, and 
 fellow-labourer of S. Paul; a physician and painter, he conse- 
 crated both professions to the service of God. He preached in 
 Italy, Gaul, and Macedon, and died, some think, by martyrdom at 
 Bithynia. He is the only Evangelist to relate the particulars of the 
 Incarnation in the mysteries of the Annunciation and Visitation, and 
 from his pen alone we have the Magnificat. S. Luke, in his Gospel, 
 insists most upon Christ's priestly office in offering the One Sacrifice. 
 
 1 . We commemorate this day the great Apostle's disciple, 
 and the constant companion in all his travels. 
 
 2. We celebrate the glory of him who is worthy of being 
 divinely recorded: "Luke, the most dear physician and 
 brother, whose praise is in the Gospel through all the Churches.''' 
 Alleluia ! 
 
 3. To his inspired pen we owe the third sacred Gospel, 
 and a faithful history of the Church's early days in the 
 Acts of the Apostles. Alleluia. 
 
 Antiphon. 
 Worthy of high honour in the Church is this blessed 
 Evangelist, who was chosen by the Teacher of the Gen- 
 tiles to be one of the chief instruments of building it. 
 
 y . He is the third of those inspired writers 
 
 fy. Who have written the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 
 
 Prayer. 
 O God, Whose special grace rendered Luke, the phy- 
 sician, a glorious disciple and evangelist by permitting him 
 first to cure himself, and then to apply all his life and power 
 to the cure of others' souls, grant us, we beseech Thee, 
 by his blessed memory, encouragement to emulate the 
 better gifts, sanctifying, if not changing, our temporal 
 vocations to the highest spiritual advantage of ourselves 
 and others ; through our Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son, our 
 only Saviour, Who, with, &c. 
 
I70 PROPER OF FESTIVALS. 
 
 OCTOBEB 28 .— SS. SIMON AND JUDE. 
 
 SS. SIMON and Jude, Apostles and Martyrs. — Of the former 
 little is known beyond his Apostolate: he is believed to have suffered 
 martyrdom in Persia. S. Jude preached in Judaea, Samaria, and 
 Mesopotamia, and planted the Gospel in Libya. He returned to 
 Jerusalem a.d. 62, after the martyrdom of his brother S. James, and 
 assisted at the election of S. Simeon, also his brother as successor in 
 the bishopric of Jerusalem. S. Jude wrote one General Epistle, in 
 which he insists upon the duty of contending for the unchangeable 
 Catholic Faith. He suffered in Persia. 
 
 1. These are they which planted the Church of God 
 with preaching, settled it with miracles, and watered it 
 with their blood. Alleluia ! 
 
 2. They ventured their lives among barbarous nations, 
 and converted vast regions to the Faith of Christ. Alleluia ! 
 
 3. They rejected the flatteries of the world and despised 
 the menaces of their persecutors, and are now eternally re- 
 warded for all they did and for all they suffered. 
 
 Antiphon. 
 
 The disciple is not above his Master, nor the servant 
 above his Lord ; it sufficeth the disciple if he be as his 
 Master, and the servant as his Lord. 
 
 y. If they have blasphemed and slain the Master of the 
 house, 
 
 R. How much more them of His household ? 
 
 Prayer. 
 O God, Who by a glorious martyrdom didst call the 
 blessed Apostles, Simon and Jude, from their eminent 
 labours in Thy vineyard to a blissful rest in Thy kingdom, 
 grant us Thy grace, we beseech Thee, to improve this 
 opportunity of devoutly celebrating their memories by 
 praising Thee for such excellent instructors, and pressing 
 more lively on ourselves their saving doctrine and examples ; 
 through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. 
 
PROPER OF FESTIVALS. IJ t 
 
 NOVEMBER 1.— ALL SAINTS. 
 
 All Saints. — Upon this precious Festival we are called to gather 
 up into one garland the flowers of the whole year, to sum up and 
 intensify before the Altar our Eucharistic thank-offering for every 
 soul passed into Paradise — martyrs, confessors, saints of every age 
 and place, those who have fought and won the battle with those 
 spotless gems gathered, in the purity of their baptismal robes, to the 
 land of rest and peace ; and on this Festival we seem specially united 
 before the Altar with all the company of Heaven. 
 
 The same as in the Office of Sat /its. 
 
 NOVEMBER 2.— ALL SOULS. 
 
 All Souls. — A Holy Day set apart for the remembrance of 
 those departed in God's true Faith : blessed are the dead from 
 henceforth — from the moment of dissolution, when their Christian 
 souls obeyed the command to depart, and stood face to face with 
 Him they had held converse with upon His Altar, yet who still, in 
 the intermediate state, await their final consummation and bliss. 
 Upon this day, holding close converse with our beloved ones, we cry 
 aloud before the Altar, " Grant them, Lord, eternal rest, light, and 
 refreshment!" 
 
 'The same as in the Office for the Departed. 
 
*7: 
 
 THE MOVEABLE FEASTS, 
 
 Which have ho fixed place in the Calendar, as the rest there 
 mentioned have, but vary every year from one day of the 
 month to another, according to the position of Easter and the 
 changes of the Moon, w he re upon that day doth depend. 
 
 Easter Day is always the first Sunday after the Full 
 Moon, which beginneth next the Equinoctial of the Spring in 
 March. 
 
 Easter Day. 
 Easter Monday. 
 Easter Tuesday. 
 Ascension Day. 
 
 Whitsun Day. 
 Whit-mon Day. 
 Whit-tues Day. 
 Trinity Sunday. 
 
 Corpus Ciiristi. 
 
173 
 
 A TABLE OF MOVEABLE HOLY DAYS. 
 
 Year 
 of our 
 Lord. 
 
 Ash 
 
 Wednes- 
 day. 
 
 Easter 
 Day. 
 
 Ascension 
 Day. 
 
 Whit 
 Sunday. 
 
 Corpus 
 Christi. 
 
 First 
 Sunday in 
 Advent. 
 
 1869 
 
 Feb. 10 
 
 Mar. 28 
 
 May 6 
 
 May 16 
 
 May 27 
 
 Nov. 28 
 
 1870 
 
 Mar. 2 
 
 April 17 
 
 May 26 
 
 June 5 
 
 June 16 
 
 Nov. 27 
 
 1871 
 
 Feb. 22 
 
 April 9 
 
 May 18 
 
 May 28 
 
 June 8 
 
 Dec. 3 
 
 1872 
 
 Feb. 14 
 
 Mar. 3 1 
 
 May 9 
 
 May 19 
 
 May 30 
 
 Dec. 1 
 
 18/3 
 
 Feb. 26 
 
 April 13 
 
 May 22 
 
 June 1 
 
 June 12 
 
 Nov. 30 
 
 1874 
 
 Feb. 18 
 
 April 5 
 
 May 14 
 
 May 24 
 
 June 4 
 
 Nov. 29 
 
 1875 
 
 Feb. 10 
 
 Mar. 28 
 
 May 6 
 
 May 16 
 
 May 27 
 
 Nov. 28 
 
 1876 
 
 Mar. 1 
 
 April 16 
 
 May 25 
 
 June 4 
 
 June 15 
 
 Dec. 3 
 
 1877 
 
 Feb. 14 
 
 April 1 
 
 May 10 
 
 May 20 
 
 May 3 1 
 
 Dec. 2 
 
 1878 
 
 Mar. 6 
 
 April 21 
 
 May 30 
 
 June 9 
 
 June 20 
 
 Dec. 1 
 
 1879 
 
 Feb. 26 
 
 April 13 
 
 May 22 
 
 June 1 
 
 June 12 
 
 Nov. 30 
 
 1880 
 
 Feb. 11 
 
 Mar. 28 
 
 May 6 
 
 May 16 
 
 May 27 
 
 Nov. 28 
 
 Note. — The last year in each of the above divisions will be Leap Year. 
 
74 
 
 MOVEABLE FESTIVALS. 
 
 EASTER DAY. 
 
 Easter, from the Saxon word " Oster" (to rise) — the Paschal 
 Feast, of which the Jewish Passover was the type — the day upon 
 which our Lord's Resurrection was to be commemorated by the 
 Church, was finally settled and received in the Western Council of 
 Mecca. The third day He rose again ! Well may we all go with 
 S. Mary Magdalene before it is light, and, amidst the incense of the 
 garden flowers, wait to hear our own names called, and fall down 
 before His Altar and own Him, in the Sacrament of His love, 
 Master and Lord of all ! 
 
 1 . Christ is risen from the dead ; Alleluia ! and become 
 the first fruits of them that slept. Alleluia ! 
 
 2 . The Lord of Life is risen again ; Alleluia ! and has 
 clothed Himself with immortal glory. Alleluia I 
 
 3. He that raised up Jesus will also raise up us ; Alleluia! 
 and transform our vile flesh into the likeness of His glorious 
 Body. Alleluia ! 
 
 Antiphon. 
 
 Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, 
 and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and 
 glory, and blessing for ever and ever. Alleluia ! Alleluia ! 
 Alleluia ! 
 
 ;, . O Death, where is thy sting ? 
 
 R. O Grave, where is thy victory ? 
 
 Prayer, 
 O God, Whose gracious providence restores to Thy 
 Church the face and voice of holy exultation, by the trium- 
 phant Festival of our Saviour's Resurrection, grant, we 
 humbly beseech Thee, that the joy which shines in our 
 looks may flame in our hearts, and by purifying them make 
 us worthy of those high and glorious hopes, so firmly 
 sealed to us by this day's experience, of rising at last from 
 our graves, and rejoicing thenceforth for ever in a state of 
 blissful immortality; through our Lord Jesus Christ Thy 
 Son, Who, with, &c. 
 
PRbPER OF FESTIVALS: MOVEABLE. 1 75 
 
 EASTER MONDAY AND TUESDAY, 
 
 AND ALL SUNDAYS AFTER TILL ASCENSION. 
 
 1. Our Lord, that was dead and buried, rose the third 
 day ; Alleluia ! loosing the sorrows of hell, according as it 
 was impossible that He should be holden of it. Alleluia! 
 
 2. He left His grave, but not our earth; Alleluia! till 
 He had raised a cloud of witnesses to His Resurrection. 
 
 Alleluia ! 
 
 3. Every day of forty He appeared to some or other of 
 His disciples ; Alleluia ! to confirm their faith and open 
 their understandings, and prepare their hearts to bear His 
 Ascension from them. Alleluia ! 
 
 Antiphon. 
 
 Christ the third day rose from the dead, according to 
 the Scriptures, and was seen of Cephas, after that of the 
 Eleven, then of more than five hundred brethren together-, 
 moreover of James, then of all the Apostles. 
 
 y . Thy testimonies, O Lord, are rendered even too 
 credible ; 
 
 1}. By so great a cloud of witnesses encompassing us. 
 
 Prayer, 
 
 O God, Whose gracious providence established the im- 
 portant faith of our Lord's Resurrection, by His frequent 
 conversing with His disciples and followers for the period 
 of forty days ; grant, we humbly beseech Thee, that by 
 our rising from dead works and conversation we may 
 daily more and more attest this glorious mystery, and 
 advance that great day when, no longer by faith, but 
 with these very eyes, we shall see Him for ever; Who, 
 with, &c. 
 
 Say this y ., ]£. ? and Prayer every week-day also by waj of commemo- 
 ration. 
 
17^ PROPER OF FESTIVALS : MOVEABLE. 
 
 ASCENSION DAY. 
 
 Ascension Day. — The Festival that certifies to us our share in 
 the blessings of the Incarnation. Our Lord is gone up in human 
 form with those precious wounds to plead for us; He is gone to 
 prepare a place for us, and to send His Holy Spirit to guide and 
 direct His Church for ever. When upon this Festival the Holy 
 Spirit broods over the Altar, w r e, with the Apostles, gaze into the 
 cloud that veils Him from our eyes, and listen to the song of the 
 angelic choir : " He has conquered Death and Sin ; take the King ot 
 Glory in." 
 
 Invitatory. To-day our glorious Jesus ascended into 
 Heaven ; Alleluia ! O come, let us adore Him ! 
 
 1. I have finished the work which My Father com- 
 manded Me, and now it is time I return to Him that sent 
 Me. Let not your hearts be troubled; I go to My Father 
 and your Father, to My God and your God. Alleluia ! 
 
 2. Let not your hearts be troubled; I go to prepare a 
 place for you : and I will come again and receive you to 
 Myself, that where I am there may My servants be. 
 Alleluia ! 
 
 3. Meanwhile I will not leave you desolate, but will 
 pray to My Father, and He shall give you another Com- 
 forter, the Spirit of Truth, to abide with you for ever. 
 Alleluia ! 
 
 Antiphon. 
 
 Why stand we looking downwards on the things of this 
 world ? Behold, the Lord is ascended into Heaven, and 
 sits in glory at the right hand of His Father ; Alleluia ! 
 Why stand we idle, with our accounts unprepared ? Be- 
 hold, the same Jesus shall come again to judge the living 
 and the dead, and shall give to everyone according to his 
 works. Alleluia / Alleluia I 
 
 y. All His disciples saw Him ascend, till a cloud re- 
 ceived Him out of their sight. 
 
 B=. All the world shall see Him coming in the clouds of 
 Heaven, with power and great glory. Alleluia ! 
 
PROPER OF FESTIVALS: MOVEABLE. IJJ 
 
 Prayer. 
 O God, "Who hast inspired Thy Church to celebrate on 
 this day the memory of our Saviour's Ascension, when, 
 having finished on earth the great work of our redemption, 
 He carried up His glorified Humanity above the clouds to 
 its eternal rest ; grant, we beseech Thee, that, taking off 
 our eyes from the vanities here below, we may stand con- 
 tinually looking after Him, and, expecting His coming 
 again at the last great day, may be always ready to obey 
 His call to meet Him in the clouds, and to follow Him 
 into those blissful mansions which He went to prepare for 
 us; Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy 
 Ghost ; ever One God, world without end. Amen. 
 
 WHIT SUNDAY, MONDAY, AND TUESDAY. 
 
 Whit Sunday, so called from its being the custom for those 
 yesterday baptized to assist at Mass in their white garments: the 
 Feast of Pentecost Cor, in Greek, " fiftieth"), when in that upper 
 room the promised day was fully come, the Blessed Mother and the 
 chosen Twelve assembled, the Holy Spirit filled the house, and in 
 tongues of fire sat upon each, giving them utterance, the gift of lan- 
 guage to convert all nations, to carry peace to all hearts. Earnestly 
 at the Altar this day we entreat the same Spirit to shed on us His 
 sevenfold gifts. 
 
 The same as in the Office of the Holy Ghost. 
 
 And all the week after only commemorate. 
 
 N 
 
1 78 PROPER OF FESTIVALS : MOVEABLE. 
 
 TRINITY SUNDAY. 
 Trinity Sunday. — To-day we sum up all our faith and cele- 
 brate the Mystery of Mysteries, chanting the Holy, Holy, Holy ! 
 and with the Holy Catholic Church unite with one voice to acknow- 
 ledge the glory of the Blessed co-equal, co-eternal Trinity, Three 
 Persons in One God, and bow before the Altar to praise Father, 
 Son, and Holy Spirit. 
 
 Invitatory. Come, let us adore the Sacred Trinity, Three 
 Persons in One God. Alleluia ! 
 
 1. There are Three that bear witness in Heaven: the 
 Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost ; and these Three 
 are One. Allduia ! 
 
 2. The Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy 
 Ghost is God ; yet are they not Three Gods, but One God. 
 Alleluia I 
 
 3. In this adorable Trinity none is afore or after, none 
 greater or less than another; but all the Three Persons are 
 co-equal together, and co-eternal. Alleluia ! 
 
 Antiphon. 
 
 To Thee the Eternal Father, made by none-, to Thee the 
 Increated Son, begotten by the Father alone; to Thee the 
 Blessed Spirit, proceeding from the Father and the Son ; 
 One Holy, Consubstantial, and Undivided Trinitv, be 
 ascribed all power and wisdom and goodness, now and for 
 ever. Alleluia ! 
 
 f. Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Sabaoth ! 
 
 R. Heaven and earth are full of the majesty of Thy 
 glory. Alleluia / 
 
 Prayer. 
 
 O Eternal Father, Who, by the visible descent of Thy 
 Son to redeem the world, and of Thy Holy Spirit to 
 sanctify the elect, hast wonderfully made Thy Church's 
 own experience facilitate our faith of the incomprehensible 
 Trinity, grant us, we beseech Thee, in heart and voice to 
 profess this most high and supernatural truth, and humbly 
 adore Thee, Three every-way co-equal Persons in the same 
 indivisible Deity, till we come hereafter to Thy blissful 
 Presence, and see the mystery revealed in Thine Own 
 glorious Face-, through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. 
 
PROPER OF FESTIVALS: MOVEABLE. 1 79 
 
 CORPUS CHRISTI. 
 
 Corpus Ciiristi. — This Festival, celebrated on the Thursday 
 after Trinity Sunday, was instituted the middle of the thirteenth 
 century by Urban IV., as an annual protest against infidelity on a 
 most vital point of Christian Faith, and to give all the faithful an 
 opportunity of expressing their thankfulness for the unfailing promise 
 of our Lord to be with His Church to the end of the world. This 
 Festival is not observed by the Eastern Church: possibly the True 
 Faith has been less assailed; the worship is One — all re-echo, 
 " Blessed Sacrament, we thee adore !" 
 
 1 . I am the living Bread that came down from Heaven , 
 if any one eat of this Bread he shall live for ever, and the 
 Bread which I will give is My Flesh, for the life of the 
 world. Alleluia ! 
 
 2. Except ye eat the Flesh of the Son of Man, and 
 drink His Blood, ye have no life in you. Alleluia ! 
 
 3. He that eateth My Flesh and drinketh My Blood 
 hath eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. 
 Alleluia I 
 
 Autiphon. 
 
 O sweet and sacred Feast, wherein Christ Himself is 
 
 received, and the memory of Flis Passion renewed ! our 
 
 minds are filled with grace, and our future glory secured 
 
 to us with a dear and precious pledge. Alleluia! Alleluia! 
 
 ") . In the strength of this Bread we walk. Alleluia ! 
 B. Even to the Mountain of God. Alleluia ! 
 
 Prayer. 
 O God, Whose infinite mercy has wonderfully ordered 
 the very Body of our Saviour, which gloriously sits at Thy 
 right, hand in the heavens, to become still the daily object 
 of our adorations on earth, grant us, we beseech Thee, so 
 devoutly to celebrate this glorious Festival as may sanctify 
 us every day to feed more strongly with it our faith, and 
 hope, and chanty, and raise in us a higher appetite of that 
 clear unveiled vision to which our hidden God thus mira- 
 culously now condescends to invite us-, through the same 
 our Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who, with, &c. 
 
 N 2 
 
THE FASTING DAYS OF THE CHURCH, 
 
 OR 
 DAYS OF SPECIAL ABSTINENCE AND DEVOTION. 
 
 Advent Sunday is always the nearest Sunday to the Feast of 
 S. Andrew, whether before or after. 
 
 Advent. 
 Lent. 
 Ash Wednesday. Maundy Thursday. 
 
 Passion Sunday. Good Friday. 
 
 Palm Sunday. Holy Saturday. 
 
 Ember Days. 
 "Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, after the First Sunday in Lent. 
 „ „ „ „ the Feast of Pentecost. 
 
 „ „ „ „ Holy Cross Day 
 
 „ „ „ „ S. Lucy's Day.' 
 
 Rogation Days. 
 Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday before Holy Thursday. 
 
 Fasting Eves, or Vigils. 
 Christmas, Easter, Ascension, and Pentecost, Purification, Annun- 
 ciation, Nativity of S. John Baptist ; SS. Matthias, Peter, James, 
 Bartholomew, Matthew, Simon and Jude, Andrew, Thomas, All 
 Saints. 
 
 It hath been also an ancient religious custom to fast all the Fridays 
 of the year, except those that fall within the twelve days of Christ- 
 mas. 
 
CIjc proper of jTagtx 
 
 SUNDAYS IN ADVENT. 
 Advent is a season of penance set apart by the Church to pre- 
 pare us for the Festival of Christmas ; and it is believed that the 
 observance of these four weeks can be traced to Apostolic origin. 
 The word Advent signifies coming, and we are led to fix our thoughts 
 upon the two comings of our Lord — first, in His humility ; secondly, 
 on His future coming in glorious majesty. The Collects for the 
 Second and Fourth Sundays in Advent sufficiently mark their com- 
 parative antiquity, and need no comment. The Church prohibits 
 marriages during the season of Advent. 
 
 Invitatory. Behold, the day of our Lord draws nigh. 
 O come, let us adore Him ! 
 
 1. Behold, our Lord will appear, and not fail to make 
 good His promises : though He delay a while, expect 
 Him, for He will surely come and deliver us. Alleluia ! 
 
 2. Come, O Thou Sun of Justice and Fountain of Eternal 
 Light ! come and enlighten those that sit in darkness and in 
 the shadow of death, and guide our feet into the paths of 
 peace. Alleluia I 
 
 3. Come, O Thou hope of the Gentiles, and the desired 
 of all nations ! come and redeem us from the slavery of 
 sin, into the only true liberty of serving Thee. Alleluia ! 
 
 Antiphon. 
 
 Prepare now thy ways, O my soul, before our Lord ! 
 make thy paths straight before the face of our God ; for 
 He will come again with glory to judge the living and the 
 dead, and blessed are all they who are ready to meet Him. 
 Alleluia I Alleluia! 
 
 y. Our Lord is come to redeem the world. 
 
 1^. Our Lord will come to judge the world. 
 Prayer. 
 
 O God, by Whose providence Thy Church has ap- 
 pointed the solemn time of Advent to precede the com- 
 memoration of our Saviour's Nativity, and prepare its way 
 in our hearts, grant us, we humbly beseech Thee, so 
 devoutly to employ this holy season in meditating on the 
 prophecies and gracious preparations of the world for the 
 coming of the Messias, and on the infinitely greater mercies 
 He brought along with Him, and has left behind Him -, 
 
I 02 PROPER OF FASTS. 
 
 that our spirits may be raised to celebrate the great Feast 
 with joy and fervour, and thereby better disposed to expect 
 His second coming ; Who, with Thee and the Holy Ghost > 
 lives and reigns one God, world without end. Amen. 
 
 WEDNESDAYS AND FRIDAYS IN ADVENT. 
 Invitatory. Behold > the Lord cometh with ten thousand 
 of His saints. Come, let us adore Him ! 
 
 1. Awake! awake! put on thy strength, O my soul ! 
 shake thyself from the dust of the earth : arise, and meet 
 thy Lord ! 
 
 2. Behold, thy God cometh ! put on thy garment of 
 righteousness, and gird up thy loins : prepare to meet 
 thy Saviour, O Zion ! 
 
 3. The Lord is at hand ; let us judge nothing before the 
 time. The hidden things of darkness will Lie bring to 
 light, and the counsels of all hearts will He manifest ; and 
 His saints shall have praise of Him. Alleluia ! 
 
 Antiphon. 
 
 Come, O Thou Sun of Righteousness, the most beautiful 
 and true Light, whereof this light of the visible sun is but 
 a shadow ! shine in our darkness. G come forth out of 
 Thy chamber as a bridegroom ! 
 
 y. Let nothing hide itself from the light of Thy truth. 
 
 $. Let there be nothing hid from the heat of Thy love. 
 
 Prayer. 
 Grant, O God, we beseech Thee, unto us and Thy 
 whole family, for which Thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, 
 came into our flesh, that we so cast away at this time the 
 work of darkness, and daily endeavour to follow the 
 steps of His most holy life, walking here in His light ; that 
 when He shall come again, we may be found an acceptable 
 people in Thy sight, being renewed after His image, and 
 so may be carried up to life and light everlasting ; through 
 Him Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy 
 Ghost, now and ever. Amen. 
 
PROPER OF FASTS. 
 
 THE FIUST DAY IN LENT, OF- THE SPUING- FAST, 
 
 COMMONLY CALLED 
 
 ASH-WEDNESDAY. 
 
 Forty days not only in commemoration of our Lord's miraculous 
 fast, it is the mystic number ever connected with seasons of humilia- 
 tion : from the earliest days of Christianity we hear of the Anti- 
 Paschal Fast. Upon Ash- Wednesday, or Caput Jejunii, we enter 
 upon this penitential season ; no longer marked, as of old, by open 
 or public penance, but strictly binding upon everyone who would 
 follow our Lord's steps to Calvary. 
 
 lnvitatory. Come, let us fast, and mourn, and pray ; for 
 our Lord is merciful and just. 
 
 Remember, O man ! that dust thou art, and into dust 
 thou shalt return. 
 
 Aniiphon. 
 
 All flesh is grass, and the pride thereof as the flower 
 of the fleld : the grass withers, and the flower fades, and 
 leaves the naked soul to judgment. 
 
 y. Remember, man, that dust thou art ; 
 $. And into dust thou shalt return. 
 
 Prayer. 
 
 O God, by Whose providence Thy Church provides 
 the sober discipline of Lent, by the mortifying memento 
 of the vile and frail matter we are made of, grant, we 
 humbly beseech Thee, that the Cross of our Redeemer 
 may lay all our proud conceits in the dust, and make flesh 
 and blood feel itself highly honoured if, by whatever 
 crosses or mortifications, it may be tempered and raised 
 to become a fit instrument for ripening the soul in Thy 
 love ; through our Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who, 
 with, &c. 
 
1 84 PROPER OF FASTS. 
 
 DTJEJNG LENT. 
 
 After the prayer of the day at Matins and Vespers, say on all week- 
 days in Lent, till Passion Sunday — 
 
 Antiphon. 
 
 Let us follow as we may our Divine Master in His 
 forty days' retirement and fasting, Who needed not, as we, 
 the means of religion, but all He did was for our example, 
 that we might learn to fly from the danger of occasions, 
 and take away the fuel from our passions, and by curbing 
 the appetites of sense inure ourselves to obey the com- 
 mands of reason. 
 
 y. Now let us take a just and holy revenge on our sins 
 past. 
 
 r*. And strive for the future to bring forth fruits meet 
 for repentance. 
 
 Prayer. 
 
 O God, Whose gracious providence has ordained us to 
 lighten the weight of our corrupt bodies, pressing down 
 our souls, by the long and solemn abstinence of Lent, 
 grant us, we beseech Thee, conscientiously to observe the 
 wholesome discipline now prescribed for us, and with the 
 due mortification of our flesh so to join the quickening of 
 our spirit by frequent devotions, that all our carnal appetites 
 may be fitted for burial in our Saviour's grace, and all our 
 affections ready to rise with Him to immortality, at these 
 sacred fasts for which this season is to prepare us ; through 
 our Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who, with, &c. 
 
 Then say the Responsories as on Friday at Matins, page 5 6 ; 
 Vespers j page 62. 
 
PROPER OF FASTS. 
 
 THE FLFTH SUNDAY IN LENT, 
 
 COM CXJOJ 
 
 PASS 10 X SUNDAY. 
 
 To be said on Pas and on M: . _ . 
 
 Tt esdt . . Holj Week. 
 
 PASSIONTIDE. — Neater and nearer we approach the great and 
 ck-eadful day ; the solemnity of our contemplation must needs in- 
 ciease. The sounds of e "ay through Lent should 
 
 cekse entirely (if it be possible). ?.i •• with loving hearts and footsteps 
 slow to Calvary with Christ we go." Bowed down with the weight 
 .. revealed to the i soul during the earlier weeks of 
 
 Lett, yet strengthened, if it may be, by the closer communing 
 our Jesus, we now, with stricter fasting and prayer, enter the 
 of the Passion. 
 
 Livitatory. Behold the Passion of our Lord draws nigh. 
 O ccme, let us adore Kirn ! 
 
 1. Who will give water to my head, and a fountain of 
 tears "o my eves, that day and night I may weep for my 
 own sins, and for : ;::' sufferings : 
 
 2. "What, O my Jesi i aid cur weakness want that 
 a hast no: done : Wt our malice invent that 
 
 Thou ha-t not suffered ? 
 
 3. Far be it from us t at the Cross 
 of our Saviour 3 in Whom i our life, and hea] 
 
 resurrection. 
 
 Proper Lesson, S. Matthew xxvi., xxvii. 
 
 - 
 Look up, my soul, on .1 Lord ! look up and 
 
 see the utmost extremity cr Divine love. Already with 
 great suffering He harh laboured in the work of our redemp- 
 tion — in fasting and tra /caching, 
 in doing miracles and bearing injuries ; and now, to finish 
 all with one incomparable charity, behold Lie prepares to 
 suffer even death itself, and that death upon the Cross. 
 
1 86 PROPER OF FASTS. 
 
 ~)t r . What, O Jesu ! could our weakness want that Thou 
 hast not done ? 
 
 R. What could our malice invent that Thou hast not 
 suffered ? 
 
 Prayer. 
 
 O God, Who by the mortifying discipline of Lent hast 
 graciously disposed us for the solemn season of closer pre- 
 paration to celebrate the memory of our Saviour's bitter 
 Passion, make us now, we beseech Thee, so devoutly to 
 attend to and thoroughly to meditate upon every circum- 
 stance of this dread Mystery, that our Lord Jesus may 
 appear crucified even before our eyes, and melt our hearts 
 with such tender compassion as may kill in them all sin, 
 the sole cause of His sufferings, and fit us by perfect love 
 of Him for a happy part in His glorious Resurrec'ion - 7 
 through the same our Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son, "Who, 
 with Thee and the Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth one 
 God, world without end. Amen. 
 
 THE SUNDAY NEXT BEFOBE EASTER, 
 
 COMMONLY CALLED 
 
 PALM SUNDAY. 
 
 Palm Sunday. — The day is observed in commemoration of the 
 first procession attendant upon our Lord, He was coming into 
 Jerusalem, in the midst of His chosen people. He was about to 
 offer up the Sacrifice of Himself upon the Cross, to give for them 
 His precious Blood. "Well might the Hebrew children shout the 
 loud Hosannas, and cut down palm and olive branches to strew them 
 in the way. Shall the dumb animal in its kind for ever carry the 
 banner-mark of Him Who rode in majesty upon the ass, and shall 
 not we wave the consecrated palm ? 
 
 Lruitatory. To-day our Saviour entered Jerusalem in 
 triumph. O come, let us adore Him ! 
 
PROPER OF FASTS. 187 
 
 1. Rejoice, O daughter of Sion ! shout for gladness, O 
 daughter of Jerusalem ! Behold, thy King comes to thee ; 
 the Just One, and thy Saviour. 
 
 2. Strew the way for His triumph, and cry aloud, 
 Hosanna ! He comes to thee meek and lowly, and riding 
 on a colt the foal of an ass. 
 
 3. Exult and cry, This is our Lord, Whom we have 
 long expected ; He Himself is come to redeem us ! This 
 is our God, Whom we have long looked for ; let us sing 
 and rejoice in His salvation. 
 
 Antiphon. 
 
 As Jesus rode to Jerusalem, a very great multitude spread 
 their garments and boughs in the way, and cried, saying, 
 Hosanna to the Son of David ! Blessed is He that cometh 
 in the Name of the Lord ! Hosanna in the highest. 
 
 "^ . If these had held their peace, the stones would have 
 immediately cried out, 
 
 fy. And owned the Divine Author of so many gracious 
 miracles. 
 
 Sunday: Proper Lesson. S. Matt. xxi. to v. 1 7. 
 
 Monday : Proper Lesson. S. Luke xxii., xxiii. to v. 53* 
 
 Tuesday: Proper Lesson. S. John xviii., xix. 
 
 Wednesday: Proper Lesson. S. Matt, xxvi., xxvii. 
 
 Prayer. 
 
 O God, Who by this day's solemnities revivest to us the 
 memory of our Saviour's triumph, ushering in His Passion 
 and Death, teach us, we beseech Thee, from this perfect 
 instance, the fickleness of this world's chiefest glories ; 
 mortify our esteem of its best deserved applauses, and 
 bring our hearts cheerfully to expect a Cross after them, 
 as the highest way to our eternal glory with Thee ; through 
 the same our Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who, with 
 Thee and the Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth, ever one 
 God, world without end. Amen. 
 
1 88 PROPER OF FASTS. 
 
 MAUNDY THURSDAY. 
 
 Maundy Thursday is so called from the first word of the 
 Anthem Mandatum, <&'c., S. John xiii. 34. The mandate given on 
 this day by our Lord Himself has made Maundy Thursday precious 
 beyond expression to all ages, for with the mandate " Do this/' 
 " Offer up this," came the priceless gift, His Body, His Blood; and 
 we know He will be with us to the end of the world, in all 
 countries, in all times, the daily food and sustenance, the source of 
 our greatest happiness, the brightness that nothing can dim, in joy 
 and sorrow what our hearts most cling to; our God, our life, our all 
 in all ! Blessed Sacrament, we thee adore ! O make us love thee 
 more and more. 
 
 All as in the Thursday Office ; hut omit all Antiphons, Hymns, and 
 Glory be — instead whereof, at the end of Psalm say, kneeling — 
 
 Christ was made obedient to death for us. 
 Proper Lesson. S. Mark xiv. 12, and xv. 46. 
 
 Antiphon. 
 Our Lord Jesus rose from the table, and laid by His 
 garments, and girt Himself with a towel, and poured water 
 into a basin, and washed the feet of His disciples, and 
 wiped them with the towel ; which having done, He took 
 His garments and sate down again, and said to them, Do 
 you know what I have done to you ? You call me Master 
 and Lord, and you say well, for so I am ; if therefore I, 
 Who am your Lord and Master, have washed your feet, 
 you ought also to wash one another's -, for I have given you 
 an example, that, as I have done to you, you also do. 
 Christ ivas made obedient to death for us. 
 
 Say the Benedict us (page 19} at Matins, and Magnificat (page 12) at 
 Vespers', then repeat Antiphon ; then kneel and say, Our Father, 
 all silently. Then, in a low, grave tone, say — 
 
 y . Have mercy upon me, O God, after Thy great good- 
 ness. 
 
 I£. And according to the multitude of Thy mercies do 
 away mine offences. 
 
 }f. Wash me throughly from my wickedness, and 
 cleanse me from sin. 
 
 I£. For I acknowledge my faults, and my sin is ever 
 before me. 
 
PROPER OF FASTS. I 89 
 
 t 
 
 f 
 
 y. Against Thee only have I sinned, and done this evil 
 
 in Thy sight, that Thou mightest be justified 
 
 in Thy saying, and clear when Thou art judged. 
 R. Behold, I was shapen in wickedness, and in sin hath 
 
 mv mother conceived me. 
 y. But, lo ! Thou requirest truth in the inward parts, 
 
 and shalt make me to understand wisdom secretly. 
 II. Thou shalt purge me with hyssop, and I shall be 
 
 clean ; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be 
 
 whiter than snow. 
 Thou shalt make me hear of joy and gladness, that 
 
 the bones which Thou hast broken may rejoice. 
 $. Turn Thy face from my sins, and put out all my 
 
 misdeeds. 
 Make me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right 
 
 spirit within me. 
 I£. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not 
 
 Thy Holy Spirit from me. 
 y. O give me the comfort of Thy help again, and 
 
 stablish me with Thy free Spirit. 
 fy. Then shall I teach Thy ways unto the wicked, and 
 
 sinners shall be converted unto Thee. 
 ~f. Deliver me from blood guiltiness, O God, Thou that 
 
 art the God of my health, and my tongue shall sing 
 
 of Thy righteousness. 
 I£. Thou shalt open my lips, O Lord, and my mouth 
 
 shall sing Thy praise. 
 For Thou desirest no sacrifice, else would I give it 
 
 Thee ; but Thou delightest not in burnt-offerings. 
 B. The sacrifice of God is a troubled spirit ; a broken 
 
 and contrite heart, O God, shalt Thou not despise. 
 ^. O be favourable and gracious unto Sion ; build Thou 
 
 the walls of Jerusalem. 
 ~fy. Then shalt Thou be pleased with the sacrifice of 
 
 righteousness, with the burnt-offerings and obla- 
 tions ; then shall they offer young bullocks upon 
 
 Thine Altar. Amen. 
 
 t 
 
190 PROPER OF FASTS. 
 
 Prayer. 
 Look down, O Lord, we beseech Thee, on this Thy 
 family, for which our Lord Jesus Christ vouchsafest to be 
 betrayed into the hands of the wicked, and undergo the 
 torments of the Cross ; Who, with, &c. 
 
 And so for the tavo following days. 
 
 GOOD FHIDAY. 
 
 Good Friday. — Hitherto each day has been marked in this great 
 week, bnt now we draw near the end it is no longer days — every 
 hour teems with agonizing interest. Through the night we have 
 watched in Gethsemane, and in the judgment-hall we have seen our 
 Jesus at early morn led away to be crucified ; at the third hour the 
 iron enters through His precious hands. We worship those bleed- 
 ing wounds : we listen ! word by word. Drop by drop falls the 
 precious Blood : He bequeaths His Mother to His Apostolic Church, 
 and at the ninth hour consummatum est. 
 
 All as in the Friday Office] but omit all Antiphons, Hymns, and 
 Glory be — instead whereof at the end of Psalm say, kneeling — 
 
 Christ was made obedient unto death for us, even the 
 death of the Cross. 
 
 Proper Lesson. S. Luke xxii. I to xxiii. 53. 
 
 Antiphon. 
 
 Look up, my soul, on thy crucified Lord ; look up, and 
 see the utmost extremity of Divine love ; already He has 
 carried on to a fair degree the work of our redemption, in 
 fasting and praying, in travelling and preaching, in working 
 miracles and bearing injuries ; and now, to finish all with 
 one incomparable charity, behold ! He suffers death itself, 
 even death upon the Cross. 
 
 Say the Benedictus (page 19) at Matins, and Magnificat (page 12) at 
 Vespers ; then repeat Antiphon ; then kneel and say — 
 
 Christ was made obedient unto death for us, even the death 
 of the Cross. 
 
 Our Father. Have merry. Look down. 
 
 And so end, as on Maundy Thursday. 
 
PROPER OF FASTS. 10 1 
 
 HOLY SATXJKDAY. 
 
 All as in the Saturday Office ; tut omit all Antiphons, Hymns, and 
 Glory be — instead whereof, at the end of Psalm say, kneeling — 
 
 Christ was made obedient unto death for us, even the 
 death of the Cross ; wherefore also God has exalted Him, 
 and given Him a Name above every name. 
 
 Proper Lesson. S. John xviii. 10. 
 
 Antiphon. 
 
 Death is swallowed up in victory. Death, where is thy 
 victory ? Death, where is thy sting ? The sting of death 
 is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be 
 to God, Who has given us victory by our Lord Jesus 
 Christ ! Let us therefore be stable and immovable, abound- 
 ing always in the work of our Lord, knowing our labour 
 is not in vain in our Lord. 
 
 Say the Benedictus (page 19) at Matins, and Magnificat (page 12) at 
 Vespers ; then repeat Antiphon ; then kneel and say — 
 
 Christ was made obedient unto death for us, even the death 
 of the Cross ; wherefore also God has exalted Him, and given 
 Him a Name above every name. 
 
 Our Father. Have mercy. Look down. 
 
 And so end, as on Maundy Thursday. 
 
192 PROPER OF FASTS. 
 
 EMBER DAYS. 
 
 Ember Bays. — It is doubtful whether the word is derived from 
 the ancient religious custom, on days of fasting, of eating cakes baked 
 in the embers, called bread, or from a Saxon word denoting "course." 
 These Fasts, coming " in course," were finally settled at the Council 
 of Placentia, 1095, to be observed in the weeks after the first Sunday 
 in Lent, Whit Sunday, Holy Cross, and S. Lucy's Festivals, the 
 object being for all Christians, in fasting and prayer, to make suppli- 
 cation on behalf of those about to receive Holy Orders, that, coming 
 to this Sacrament with single and devoted hearts, the Holy Ghost 
 may come down upon them as on the Day of Pentecost. 
 
 Aniiphon. 
 
 The harvest is great, but the labourers few ; pray there- 
 fore the Lord of the harvest, that He would send labourers 
 into His harvest, says our Lord. 
 
 }. How shall we hear without a preacher ? 
 
 1^. And how shall they preach unless they be sent ? 
 
 Prayer. 
 
 O God, by Whose providence Thy Church, from the 
 beginning, has set apart certain times for the solemnity of 
 conferring the Holy Sacrament of Order, to supply still the 
 faithful with sanctified masters of her doctrine and disci- 
 pline, and enjoined us all, with extraordinary devotions, to 
 implore Thy special assistance to a work so much concern- 
 ing us all ; hear, we humbly beseech Thee, Thy servants, 
 by the mortifications of our bodies desiring to increase the 
 fervour of our prayers, that Thou wouldst vouchsafe, our 
 Governor, the Giver of discerning spirits, to ordain only 
 such as are indeed fit for their sacred functions, and us the 
 grace of reverence and due subjection to these so ordained, 
 as truly sent by Thee for our edification ; through our 
 Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who, with, &c. 
 
 Then say the Responsories as on Friday at Matins, page 56; Vespers, 
 page 62. 
 
PROPER OF FASTS. I93 
 
 ROGATION DAYS. 
 
 Rogation Days (from u Rogare" — to ask or pray). — The three 
 days preceding the Festival of the Ascension having previously been 
 adopted in special dioceses, were ordered in the sixth century, by the 
 First Council of Orleans, to be observed by the whole Church, 
 to entreat a blessing upon the fruits of the earth, and exemption 
 from plague, pestilence, and famine. Supplications or Litanies, called 
 by the Latins Rogations, were chanted in processions by priests and 
 people round their parishes. The religious element has for a time 
 disappeared from England, but the shadow of the custom is retained 
 in beating the bounds. 
 
 Antiphon. 
 
 If you ask the Father anything in My Name, He will 
 give it you, says our Lord, Whose Word cannot fail ; if 
 you ask and receive not, it is because you ask amiss. 
 
 y . Father, Thou knowest we need all these things ; 
 
 R. But more, by these our needs, to be drawn to look 
 up to Thee. 
 
 Prayer. 
 
 O God, by Whose Holy Spirit Thy Church ordains this 
 a solemn time of supplication for all our necessities, open, 
 we humbly beseech Thee, Thy gracious ears to the prayers 
 Thou inspirest and drawest from our hearts, and by grant- 
 ing us these goods which Thy children with humility and 
 resignation ask of Thee their Heavenly Father, so encourage 
 our devotion and obedience, and so increase our hope and 
 love, that transcending all particulars, as safely to be trusted 
 in the hands of Thy providence, our whole souls may 
 thirst after Thee, Thyself alone, W r ho art our all in all for 
 ever ; through our Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who, 
 with, &c. 
 
194 PROPER OF FASTS. 
 
 FASTIN3 EVES. 
 
 Fasting Eves, or Vigiliae, originally kept in the churches pre- 
 paratory to receiving the Lord's Body before daybreak. At the 
 beginning of the sixth century the public Vigil, in its continuance 
 through the night, was abolished, but the Eves of Festivals are still 
 observed with prayer and fasting, with the intention of seeking con- 
 formity to the lives of the saints who, through suffering, entered 
 into joy ; and that, commemorating them in the presence of the 
 Blessed Sacrament upon their Festivals, we may attain unto their 
 perfection. 
 
 Antiphon. 
 
 Behold, the Feast of is at hand ; let us 
 
 timely prepare our hearts to entertain it, that so gracious a 
 help to devotion be not lost upon us. 
 
 y . Before prayer, prepare thy soul ; 
 I£. And be not as one that tempts God. 
 
 Prayer, 
 
 O God, Who inspirest Thy Church to fill and sanctify 
 the year with Festivals, memorials of our Saviour and His 
 most exemplary followers, and to excite and introduce our 
 devotions to each Feast by the wholesome discipline of 
 a religions Fast ; grant us Thy servants, we most humbly 
 
 beseech Thee, brought again to the Eve of , 
 
 by this day's obedient mortification of our carnal appetites, 
 to call in and purify our souls, and fitly dispose them for 
 the fruitful celebration of to-morrow's great solemnity ; 
 through our Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who, with, &c. 
 
 'Then say the Responsories as on Friday at Matins, page 56 ; Vespers , 
 page 62. 
 
l 95 
 
 Common of agartju^ 
 
 May be said on the following Holy Days : — 
 
 SS.Alban,Alphege,Blasius,Boniface,Charles, Clement, 
 
 Crispin, Cyprian, Denys, Edmund, Edward, Fabian, 
 George, Lambert, Lucian, Nicomede, Valentine, Vin- 
 cent; SS. Agatha, Agnes, Cecilia, Faith, Katharine, 
 Lucy, Margaret, Perpetua, Prisca. 
 
 All as in the Office of Saints, except 
 
 Antiphons. 
 
 I. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but 
 shall have the light of life, saith the Lord. 
 
 z. Father! I will that where I am, there may a! so My 
 servants be. 
 
 3. If any one would come after Me, let him deny him- 
 self, and take up his Cross and follow Me. 
 
 Prayer. 
 O God, Who hast graciously permitted us to celebrate 
 
 the Festival of the holy Martyr S , mercifully 
 
 grant that we may so follow his blessed example that we 
 may hereafter dwell with him in eternal glory ; through 
 Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 y". Precious in the sight of the Lord 
 R. Is the death of His saints. 
 o 2 
 
iq6 
 
 MEMORIALS OF MARTYRS. 
 
 AGATHA, Virgin Martyr, A.D. 251: Feb.^ — Of noble Sicilian 
 parentage, she was early consecrated to God. Her beauty and riches 
 excited the cupidity of Quintianus, the Consul, but Agatha declined 
 all offer of earthly marriage, declaring her heavenly betrothal, for 
 which she was subjected to the most fearful tortures ; but, remaining 
 true to her first love, she received the crown of martyrdom at 
 Catana, in Sicily. 
 
 AGNES, Virgin Martyr, A.D. 305 : Jan. 21. — From her earliest 
 years devoted herself to the Heavenly Bridegroom, resisting the most 
 enticing proffers of marriage and earthly honours. She was equally 
 unmoved by the most awful tortures. At thirteen years of age she 
 triumphed over her enemies by a glorious martyrdom at Rome, 
 under Diocletian, and is reverenced in all ages as the Patron Saint or 
 the Pure in Heart. 
 
 S. ALBAX, Proto-Martyr of England, A.D. 305: June 17. — A 
 native of Verulam, of noble family, educated at Rome ; whilst still 
 a stranger to the Christian Faith, was hospitable and liberal, and 
 received the grace of conversion in reward for a corporal work 
 of mercy. " Entertaining strangers," Alban unawares received a 
 S. Amphibalus, through whose teaching he embraced Christianity, 
 and for whose personal safety he disguised himself in the priest's 
 cloak and offered himself for martyrdom. 
 
 S. Alpiiege, Bp. Sf Mart., a.d. 1012 : Ap. 19. — Devoted himself to 
 God in the monastery of Derherste, Gloucester ; we afterwards find 
 him working the reformation of the abbey at Bath. S. Dunstan 
 having had it revealed to him in a dream that Alphege was chosen, 
 he insisted upon his accepting the bishopric of W inchester : he was 
 afterwards translated to Canterbury, and was martyred by the 
 Danes in their siege of that city. Alphege was buried in S. Paul's, 
 London, but his remains subsequently restored to Canterbury. 
 
 Blase, Bishop and Martjr, A.D. 316 : Feb. 3. — Bishop of Sebaste, 
 in Armenia ; crowned with martyrdom in the persecution of Licinius 
 by the command of Agricolanus, Governor of Cappadocia, being 
 torn in pieces with iron combs, which may have decided the wool- 
 combers upon choosing S. Blase as titular patron of their trade. He 
 has received special devotion in the city of Norwich, England. 
 
MEMORIALS OF MARTYRS. I97 
 
 Boniface, or Winfred, Bishop and Martyr, AJ>. 755 : June 5. 
 — Bom at Crediton, in Devon ; educated to the age of thirteen in 
 the monastery of Exeter, subsequently at Nutcell ; consecrated 
 Archbishop of Mentz, and commissioned by Pope Gregory II. to 
 preach the Gospel in Germany, of which country he is called the 
 Apostle ; put to death by the infidels on the plains of Dockum, in 
 East Friesland, as he was about to administer the Sacrament of Con- 
 firmation to recent converts. 
 
 S. Cecilia, Martyr, a.d. 230: Nov. 22. — A native of Rome; 
 married Valerian, a nobleman, whom she converted to the Faith : he 
 was beheaded, and Cecilia within a few days followed her husband 
 through the glorified gate of martyrdom. Their bodies lie in the 
 catacombs beneath the church of S. Calisto at Rome. She is the 
 Patron Saint of Sacred Music. 
 
 Charles Stuart, King and Martyr, a.d. 1649 : Jan. 3c. — A true 
 defender of the Faith, a martyr in the cause of England's Catholicity, 
 he suffered at the hands of a godless and Puritan faction, of which 
 John Bradshawe was the President, the object being to disestablish 
 and uproot both Church and Throne. Bradshawe, Ludlow, Ireton, 
 Cromwell, Lambert, and their supporters, have found more successors 
 in England in their respective positions than has " our own, our 
 royal saint." Charles was the author of ^Liymv Ha.ijict.Kr,. 
 
 S. Clement, Bishop andMartyr,A.B. 100: Not. 23. — Third Bishop 
 of Rome ; mentioned by S. Paul as a fellow-labourer whose name is 
 in the Book of Life. He wrote several Epistles, which have been 
 esteemed by many inspired. There is no authentic record of the 
 manner of his martyrdom. 
 
 S. Crispin, Martyr, a.d. 287: Oct. 25. — With his brother 
 Crispinus, natives of Rome, came to preach the Gospel in Gaul 
 towards the middle of the third century, fixing their residence at 
 Soissons. In imitation of S. Paul, they both preached the Faith and 
 worked with their own hands. They followed the trade of shoe- 
 makers, and they were convened before Rictius Varus by order of 
 Maximinian, and condemned to death by the sword. Crispin is 
 still reverenced in Northamptonshire as Patron of Shoemakers. 
 
 S.Cyprian, Archbishop and Martyr, a.d. 258: Sept. 26. — Com- 
 memorated in the Roman and Greek Calendars on Sept. 16. For 
 the good of the Church he fled from place to place during the perse- 
 cution of Decias, but was ultimately banished to Carubus, fifty miles 
 from Carthage; subsequently recalled, again apprehended, and sen- 
 tenced to death. He was beheaded in a forest a few miles from 
 Carthage, in the persecution of Valerian, after witnessing a most 
 glorious confession. 
 
19$ MEMORIALS OF MAYTYRS. 
 
 S. Denis or Dionysius, Bishop and Martyr, a.d. 272 : Oct. 9. — 
 A Roman missionary sent into Gaul, fixed his see at Paris, founded 
 Cologne and numerous other bishoprics. Denis suffered in the per- 
 secution of Valerian, being beheaded and his body cast into the 
 Seine, but recovered and honourably interred by the Christians- 
 He is the Patron Saint of France. 
 
 Edmund, King and Martyr, a.d. 870 : Nov. 20. — Crowned King 
 of the East Angles at the age of fifteen ; reigned fifteen years. Upon 
 the Danes infesting his dominions, they endeavoured to make 
 Edmund relinquish the Faith ; his firmness and patience exasperating 
 his enemies, they bound him to a tree, shooting at him for a mark. 
 Having pierced him with arrows, they completed his martyrdom 
 with the sword. 
 
 Edward, King and Martyr, a.d. 979: Mar. 1 8. — Became Monarch 
 of all England a.d. 975, at thirteen years of age. He followed in 
 all things the counsels of the saintly Dunstan, and bore the perse- 
 cutions of his stepmother Elfrida with Christian forbearance ; never- 
 theless, she caused him to be treacherously stabbed during a visit he 
 paid her at Corf Castle. His body, though plunged in a deep 
 marsh, was discovered by a miraculous pillar of light, and was 
 buried in Wareham Church, but subsequently translated to Shaftes- 
 bury. 
 
 Translation of Edward, King and Martyr, a.d. 98a: June 
 20. — This King having been murdered by his stepmother at Corf 
 Castle, was first buried without funeral rites, but three years subse- 
 quently with great pomp translated to Shaftesbury. His body being 
 found fresh and entire, it was re-translated to Glastenbury A.D- 
 1001. 
 
 Fabian, Bishop and Martyr, A.D. 250 : January 20. — Succeeded 
 S. Anterus in the Pontificate a.d. 236. In an assembly of clergy 
 and people held for the purpose of electing a chief pastor, a dove was 
 unexpectedly seen resting upon the head of Fabian, a stranger and 
 layman — a miraculous sign which was accepted as an intention of 
 the Divine will for his election. Fabian suffered martyrdom in the 
 persecution of Decius. 
 
 S. Faith, Virgin Martyr, cir. A.D. 290: Oct. 6. — Suffered in the 
 persecution of Dacian ; born in Agen, in Aquitain, and witnessed a 
 glorious confession, beyond which little is known of the genuine acts 
 of this saint. 
 
 S. George, Martyr, cir. a.d. 290 : April 23. — A native of Cap- 
 padocia ; entered the army of Diocletian, but having declared him- 
 self, by tearing down the cruel edicts against the Christians, their 
 friend and champion, he was cast into prison, tortured, and be- 
 
MEMORIALS OF MARTYRS. 1 99 
 
 headed. In consequence of his miraculous appearance at the siege 
 of Antioch to the troops of Godfrey de Boullion, S. George was 
 chosen Patron Saint of England. The Greeks style him " The 
 Great Martyr," and observe his day as a Festival of Obligation. 
 
 S. Katherixe, Virgin Martyr, a.d. 307: Nov. 25.— Of royal 
 descent; an Alexandrian by birth, as famed for her learning as for 
 her sanctity ; remained faithful to a Heavenly Spouse amidst every 
 temptation and trial ; miraculously delivered from the wheel, but 
 Avas vouchsafed the glorious crown of the virgin martyr by means 
 of the sword. In the eighth century, her body being discovered, was 
 translated by the monks to their monastery of S. Helena, or Mount 
 Sinai. 
 
 S. LAMBERT, Bishop and Martyr, A.D. 709 : Sept. 17. — A native, 
 afterwards Bishop, of Maestrecht. Two brothers had plundered 
 the church at Maestrecht ; S. Lambert's retainers, unknown to him, 
 put the spoilers to death. A relative of theirs, Dodoan, officer in 
 Pepin's army, vowed vengeance on the innocent Bishop: assembling 
 a body of armed men, marched to Leodium. Lambert would offer 
 no resistance. His unjust death, endured with patience and charity, 
 has always classed him with martyrs of the second order. 
 
 LUCIAN, Priest and Martyr, A.D. 312: Jan. 8. — A native of 
 Syria ; having a large patrimony, he distributed it among the poor. 
 Lucian was a man of great learning : his revised translation of the 
 Old Testament was of much use to S. Jerome. Lucian was im- 
 prisoned nine years, and finished his course in Nicomedia either by 
 famine or sword. When chained down upon his back, he conse- 
 crated the Sacred Mysteries, and communicated the faithful who 
 were present. 
 
 S. Lucy, Virgin Martyr •, A.D. 304 : Dec. 13. — Born of honourable 
 parents in the city of Syracuse ; her mother, Eutychia, trained her to 
 the Faith. S. Lucy early made a vow of celibacy, and was de- 
 nounced as a Christian by a Pagan youth, who sought her in 
 marriage. She so won the crown of martyrdom in the reign of 
 Diocletian, being torn with hot pincers. 
 
 S. MARGARET, Virgin Martyr, cir. A.D. 278: July 20. — Suffered 
 at Antioch, in Pisidia; she is said to have been instructed in the 
 Faith by a Christian nurse, and to have been prosecuted by her own 
 father, a priest of idols. After many torments she finished her 
 martyrdom by the sword. S. Margaret's body is now kept at 
 Monti Fiascone, in Tuscany: she has always been cons'dered the 
 protector of married women. There is much of symbols and 
 legends, but little of her actual life recorded. 
 
200 MEMORIALS OF MARTYRS. 
 
 Nicomede, Priest and Martyr, a.d. 90: June I. — Beaten to 
 death, his Christianity having discovered itself in the work of mercy. 
 Burying the dead, he was seized in the act of performing the 
 Christian rites over the body of the holy martyr Filincula. Nico- 
 mede is believed to have been a pupil of S. Peter's. 
 
 Perpetua, Martyr, a.d. 203 : March 7. — She was apprehended 
 for the Faith, with five other catechumens, during the persecution ot 
 Severus. The sufferings and visions of these martyrs are related by 
 Perpetua herself; they were all admitted to Holy Baptism whilst in 
 prison. Every effort was made by her own father to lead her to 
 deny her faith, and her young infant held out as an inducement for 
 life. Perpetua persevered to the end, and, having been exposed to a 
 wild cow, finally received the crown in the spoliarium. 
 
 Prisca, Virgin Martyr, A.D. 275: Jan. 18. — A noble Roman 
 who, at about thirteen years of age, was, on account of her faith, 
 exposed in the Amphitheatre, but the wild beasts refused to approach 
 her. She received the crown of martyrdom by the sword. A 
 church upon the Aventine Hill is dedicated to her, conjointly with 
 her earlier namesake Priscilla, and Aquilla. 
 
 Valentine, Priest and Martyr, cir. A.D. 270 : Feb. 14. — Having 
 befriended the martyrs in the persecution under Claudius II., was 
 himself seized and sent before the Prefect of Rome, who caused him 
 to be beaten with clubs and then beheaded. Valentine endeavoured 
 to abolish a heathen custom held in honour of the goddess Februata 
 Juno, by inducing the boys and girls to substitute, in the billets of 
 love exchanged on that day, names of saints for reverence and 
 imitation. 
 
 Vincent, Deacon and Martyr, A.D. 304: Jan. 22. — A native ot 
 Spain ; suffered, in the persecution of Dacian, most fearful and lin- 
 gering agonies, consummated upon a hot rack with revolving scythes 
 at Valentia. His spiritual father and Bishop, Valerius, was released 
 and exiled. S. Vincent was chosen Patron Saint of Lisbon, Sara- 
 gossa, and Valentia. 
 
201 
 
 Common of Confessors 
 
 May be said on the following Holy Days : — 
 
 SS. Ambrose, Augustine, Edward, Giles, Gregory, 
 Hilary, Jerome, Leonard, Martin. 
 
 All as in the Office for Saints , except 
 
 Antiphons. 
 
 1. He who confesseth Me before men, him will I also 
 confess before My Father which is in Heaven. 
 
 2. Good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy 
 of thy Lord. 
 
 3. There was none found like unto him, who preserved 
 the commandments of the Lord blameless. 
 
 Prayer. 
 
 Hear, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the prayers that we 
 offer unto Thee in the solemnity of the blessed Confessor 
 
 , and grant that the remembrance of his piety may 
 
 increase our devotion and earnestness ; through Jesus Christ 
 our Lord. Amen. 
 
 "y. The Lord hath led the just man by straight paths. 
 ft. And shewn him the Kingdom of God. 
 
202 
 
 MEMORIALS OF CONFESSORS. 
 
 S. Ambrose, Bp. and Doct. y a.d. 397 : April 4. — A native of Gaul, 
 Whilst in his cradle, a swarm of bees playing round the head of the 
 future saint foretold his subsequent eloquence. When Governor ot 
 Liguria and iEmilia,yetunbaptized, he was elected to the Bishopric 
 of Milan, and from that time was a powerful opponent to the Arian 
 heresy. S. Ambrose manfully rebuked wickedness in high places, 
 and asserted the supremacy of the ecclesiastical over the civil power. 
 He is believed to have compiled the Te Deum, which was first sung 
 at S. Augustine's baptism. 
 
 S. Augustine, Bishop, A.D. 430: August 28. — Born in Numidia, 
 a.d. 354 ; converted to Christianity in answer to the prayers of his 
 holy mother, Monica; baptized by S. Ambrose, a.d. 387, after- 
 wards elected Bishop of Hippo. S. Augustine was the writer of 
 many works valued by the Church, especially his " Confessions." 
 He founded the order of Austin Friars. 
 
 Translation of S. Edward, Confessor King, 1066: Oct. 13. 
 — Son of Ethelred, and Patron Saint of England till superseded by 
 S. George in the thirteenth century, Edward's life was more that of 
 a monk than a king, he and his saintly wife Editha devoting them- 
 selves entirely to a life of prayer. He was the founder of West- 
 minster Abbey, which was consecrated Feast of Holy Innocents, 
 1065. His relics were translated to a more worthy than the 
 original shrine by S. Thomas of Canterbury, a.d. 11 63. 
 
 S. Giles, Abbot, a.d., 725 : Sept. 1. — By birth an Athenian, the 
 Patron Saint of Cripples, from his refusing to be cured of an acci- 
 dental lameness, for his more entire self-mortification ; lived a 
 hermit's life near the mouth of the river Rhone, afterwards in a 
 forest in the diocese of Nismes. S. Giles was highly favoured by 
 the French King, but would not be persuaded to leave his solitude. 
 He founded a monastery, which became one of the most flourishing 
 of the Benedictine Order. 
 
 Gregory, Bishop and Doctor, A.D. 604: March 12. — Surnamed 
 the Great. Embraced the monastic life at thirty-five years of age, 
 a.d. 575. When only a deacon he projected the evangelization of 
 Britain, which he was desirous to have undertaken in person, a.d. 
 596. Six years after his elevation to the Pontificate he despatched 
 S. Augustine, at the head of the mission to which England owes so 
 much. The Church is indebted to Gregory for many writings, as 
 also for the revision of the Divine Liturgy, and the improvement of 
 Church music. 
 
MEMORIALS OF CONFESSORS. 
 
 HILARY, Bishop and Confessor, A.D., 368: Jan. 13. — A native ot 
 Poictiers, of illustrious family. He was married before his conver- 
 sion to the faith. His daughter Apra was yet living when he was 
 called to the Bishopric of Poictiers. From that time Hilary re- 
 signed all domestic ties, and devoted his energies to the confutation 
 of the Arian heresy, both by preaching and writing. He is the 
 author of the hymn, " Lucis Langitor Splendide." 
 
 S. Jerome, Priest and Doctor, A.D. 420: Sept. 30. — The most 
 learned of all the Latin Fathers. Born at Strigonium, in Lower 
 Hungary. He spent four years in the wilderness of Chalcis, em- 
 ployed in study and the exercise of charity, where he was beset, but 
 overcame many temptations from the flesh and the devil. Jerome 
 afterwards pursued his studies at Constantinople, Rome, and 
 Alexandria. He translated from the original languages both the 
 Old and New Testaments. He lived to a great age. 
 
 S. Leonard, Deacon, a.d. 559 : Nov. 6. — Born in France, and 
 brought up at the court of Clovis, converted by S. Remigius, em- 
 braced the monastic life in the territory of Orleans under S. 
 Mesmini,and finally retired to a hermit life in the forest of Nobiliac, 
 where he subsisted on wild herbs and fruits. Leonard is considered 
 the protector of prisoners. 
 
 Translation of S. Martin, cir. a.d. 470 : July 4. — Bishop 
 of Tours. Fell asleep at the age of eighty. Having foretold his 
 own death, he expired at Cande, a.d. 597, having been occupied to 
 the last for the spiritual good of his diocese. The inhabitants of 
 Poictiers warmly disputed the possession of his body, but the people 
 of Tours carried it off. The whole city went forth in procession to 
 receive it with solemn pomp. A church was built by S. Perpetua 
 over its resting-place. 
 
 S. Martin, Bishop, a.d. 397 : Not'. 11. — Born in Hungary, 316 ; 
 his youth was spent in the army. His great charity was rewarded 
 by a vision, in which our Lord appeared to him as recipient of his 
 bounty, which so much impressed Martin that he immediately 
 applied for Holy Baptism. He was elected Bishop of Tours, although 
 he retained the monastic rule of life. He was the first confessor,, 
 not being a martyr, honoured with a festival. 
 
:o 4 
 
 Common of Jpoig 2©en 
 
 May be said on the following Holy Days : — 
 
 SS. Augustin, Bede, Benedict, Britius, Chad, David, 
 Dunstax, Enurchus, Hugh, Machutus, Nicholas, Re- 
 migius, Richard, Swithun. 
 
 All as in the Office of Saints, except 
 
 Antiphons. 
 
 1. Well done, thou good servant, faithful in few things ; 
 enter thou into the joy of thy Lord. 
 
 2. Blessed is that servant whom, when the Lord comes, 
 He shall find watching. 
 
 3. Good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of thy 
 Lord. 
 
 Prayer. 
 
 O God, Who comfortest us by the yearly solemnity of 
 
 blessed , Thy servant, mercifully grant that, while 
 
 we celebrate this festival, we may imitate his actions ; 
 through our Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who, with, &c. 
 
 "J^. The Lord hath led the just through the right ways. 
 Ifc. And shewn them the Kingdom of God. 
 
20! 
 
 MEMORIALS OF HOLY MEN 
 
 AuGUSTIN, a.d. 604 : May 26. — First Archbishop of Canterbury, 
 generally styled Apostle of the English, the more ancient British 
 Church having never eradicated Paganism. We are indebted to S. 
 Augustin for the branch of the Apostolic Church which, from the 
 time of King Ethelbert, has been the religion of England. He 
 founded the abbey of SS. Peter and Paul, that is still called by his 
 name; and founded the See of Canterbury, its cathedral, Christ 
 Church, being raised on the former site of a heathen temple. 
 
 Bede, The Venerable, Priest, a.d. 735: May 27. — One of 
 England's greatest saints and greatest scholars. Born near his future 
 monastery of J arrow, Northumberland ; admitted to the diaconite at 
 nineteen years of age by S. John of Beverley, and priest by the same 
 Bishop of Hexham. At thirty Bede was styled " Mass Priest," that 
 being his chief employment in the convent, and to which no doubt 
 may be attributed the holiness which pervades his numerous and 
 valuable writings, both doctrinal and historic. He expired May 26, 
 Eve of the Ascension. 
 
 Benedict, Abbot, a.d. 543 : March 21. — A native of L T mbria; 
 sent for education to Rome, but at fourteen years of age escaped 
 from what he considered the vice of the public schools, and received 
 the monastic habit at Romanus. He retired to a cavern, now called 
 Holy Grotto, at Subiaco. Benedict was the founder of numerous 
 monasteries, and many families placed their sons under his care to be 
 trained in early sanctity. Amongst these boys were Maurus and 
 Placidas. Monte Casino in Naples remained a monument to S. 
 Benedict for after ages. One of his most stringent rules was u to 
 avoid all singularity of dress." 
 
 Britius, or Brice, Bishop, a.d. 444: Nov. 13. — Succeeded S. 
 Martin as Bishop of Tours. In his early life he had exercised 
 that saint's patience, but S. Martin always prophesied the final 
 triumph of holiness. After his election to the Bishopric, Britius was 
 subjected to a false accusation, and consequent exile. After some 
 years' sojourn in Rome, his innocence was proved, and his fame for 
 sanctity established. 
 
 Chad, a.d. 673: March 2. — Brother of Cedd, Bishop of Lon- 
 don ; received his education from S. Aidan, in the monastery of 
 Lindisfarne ; was first consecrated to the See of York during the 
 absence of Wilfred in France, but upon the adjudication of that 
 
206 MEMORIALS OF HOLY MEN. 
 
 bishopric to Wilfred, S. Chad retired to the monastery of Lestingay, 
 but was soon called to found the diocese of Lichfield, which see he 
 governed for two years and six months, and died in the great 
 pestilence. The present cathedral is under the invocation of the 
 Blessed Virgin Mary and S. Chad. 
 
 DAVID, OR Dewi, Archbishop, and Patron Saint of Wales, A.D. 
 544: March I. — A native of Cardiganshire, son of one of the 
 princes; embraced the religious life in the Isle of Wight; after- 
 wards removed to Glastonbury, where he built a chapel. David 
 was a powerful opponent to the first Welsh heresy, introduced by 
 one Morgan, afterwards called Palagius. Dubritius resigned the 
 archbishopric of Caerleon to David, who removed the see to Menevia, 
 now called S. David, where he died at an advanced age. 
 
 Dunstan, A.D. 988 : May 19. — Bishop successively of Worcester, 
 London, and Canterbury. A native of Glastonbury, educated by 
 Irish monks, he became a favourite at the court of Athelstan ; but 
 subsequently being ordained priest, he took the monastic habit, and 
 built himself a cell five feet long by two-and-a-half wide, with an 
 adjoining oratory. Dunstan employed a portion of his time in 
 manual labour, as artificer in metal. He was deemed an opponent 
 to the secular clergy in his great wish to bring all under the Bene- 
 dictine rule. 
 
 Enurchus, Bishop, a.d. 340: Sept. 7. — Believed to have been 
 Bishop of Orleans, but nothing in his legendary history is authenti- 
 cated. 
 
 Hugh, Bishop, A.D. 1200: Noi\ 17. — A native of Burgundy; 
 took the monastic habit at Chatreuse, upon Henry II. founding the 
 first Carthusian monastery in England. Hugh was sent over as 
 Prior of Witham, in Somersetshire, which he governed till elected 
 to the see of Lincoln, where he rebuilt the Cathedral, assisting the 
 workmen with his own hands. 
 
 Maciiutus, or Malo, Bishop, a.d. 564 : Nov. 15 — A native ot 
 Wales ; troubles at home induced him to fly to Brittany, where, 
 after preaching the Gospel some years, he was chosen Bishop of 
 Aleth, afterwards called in his memory S. Malo. 
 
 Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, a.d. 326: Lee. 6.— A native ot 
 Patera, in Lycia ; distinguished for his charity to the portionless. 
 Having by his fervant prayer calmed a storm at sea, as he voyaged 
 to the Holy Land, he was chosen Patron Saint of Sailors. He is 
 also the special patron of boys, and for this reason, in the dedication 
 of churches and schools, his name is constantly joined with S. Mary, 
 the highest protector of virgins. 
 
MEMORIALS OF HOLY MEN. 207 
 
 Remigius, Archbishop in A.D. S33 : Oct. I. — A native of Gaul; 
 elected Archbishop of Rheims when only twenty-two years of age. 
 Clovis, the founder of the French monastery, was converted and 
 baptized by Remigius : the ampulla used for the Unction on that 
 occasion is still preserved. 
 
 Richard, Bishop, a.d. 1253: April 3. — Born at Droitwich, in 
 Worcestershire ; studied at Paris and Boulogne, but was essentially 
 English in all his tastes. He returned to take his Master's degree 
 at Oxford ; and although he retired for a time to a Dominican con- 
 vent at Orleans, where he received Priest's Orders, he accepted a 
 parochial cure in the diocese of Canterbury, subsequently Chancellor- 
 ship of that see, till in 1245 consecrated Bishop of Chichester. He 
 was renowned for self-sacrifice and an austere life, and for charity 
 to the poor and the penitent. 
 
 Swithun, Translation of the Relic of, a.d. 971 : July 15. 
 — Bishop of Winchester ; died July 2, 862 ; buried by his own 
 order in the churchyard, where his grave might be trodden over by- 
 passengers. About a hundred years later it was removed by order 
 of Bishop Ethelwold, and placed inside the church ; and there 
 is an old superstition that the original intention of the saint being 
 thus disregarded, a mighty downfal of rain marked the displeasure 
 of Heaven. 
 
208 
 
 Common of Jpolg aBomca 
 
 May be said on the following Holy Day : — 
 Etiieldreda. 
 
 S. Etheldreda, or Audry Queen, a.d. 670: Oct. 17. — 
 Daughter of the King of the East Angles. First married to 
 Tonbert, Prince of the Girvii ; secondly/ Egfrid, son of Oswi, King 
 of the Northumbrians. Primarily with her husband's consent, sub- 
 sequently withdrawn, she took the religious habit in the Abbey ot 
 Coldingham ; but upon Egfrid wishing to regain his wife, she fled to 
 a convent at Ely. The Church has held that her motive was right, 
 and she is commemorated as the founder of Ely Cathedral. 
 
 All as in the Office of Saints, except 
 
 Antiphons. 
 
 1. The strength of many waters cannot extinguish the 
 warmth of charity. 
 
 2. Fair is she amongst the daughters of Jerusalem, and 
 grace is poured out of her lips. 
 
 3. She opened her hand to the indigent, and extended 
 her help to the poor, and ate not the bread of idleness. 
 
 Prayer. 
 
 O God, Who, amongst other miracles of Thy power, 
 hast also bestowed the victory on the weaker sex ; gra- 
 ciously grant that those who now venerate the memory of 
 the blessed S. Etheldreda may by her example be taught to 
 approach nearer to Thee ; through Jesus Christ, Thy 
 Blessed Son, our Lord. Amen. 
 
 y. God hath chosen her, and selected her, 
 I£. To make His Temple with her. 
 
209 
 
 MEMORIALS OF CERTAIN HOLY DAYS 
 
 Which have no proper Antiphons and Prayers in this book. 
 
 Invention of the Cross, a.d. 326: May 3.— The Festival 
 upon which is commemorated the finding of the Cross which had 
 bome the Saviour of the world. S. Helena, mother of Constantine, 
 at her advanced age of eighty undertook a journey to Jerusalem to 
 discover the exact spot. She caused a heathen temple to be de- 
 stroyed — some distance below the surface were found three crosses : 
 on being carried to the bedside of a sick person the touch of the one 
 Cross testified its sanctity by restoring her to health, and also 
 verified the nails which had caused the precious wounds. 
 
 S. John Evangelist ante Portam Latinum, a.d. 75 : May 6. — 
 Observed in more Catholic times as a Festival of the second order, 
 all servile work, with the exception cf agriculture, being suspended 
 in commemoration of this Apostle being, by order of Domitian, cast 
 into a cauldron of boiling oil, placed at the Latinum Gate, from 
 which he was miraculously delivered: the will and intention of 
 martyrdom being accepted as the filling up of that cup of suffering 
 of which S. John drank deep at the foot of the Cross. 
 
 Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary: July 2. — This 
 Festival was first instituted by Urban VI. for the special intention ot 
 venerating the intense humility and charity of the Blessed Virgin 
 — a Festival of consolation to all who are, by bodily weakness, 
 hindered from seeking the Services of the Temple, being an assurance 
 that none are forgotten by the Mother of God, who trod so many 
 rough and stony miles to present to Elizabeth the Hidden God. 
 S. John, by his recognition of the Divinity, was cleansed from 
 original sin, and S. Mary uttered her glorious Magnificat. 
 
 Lammas Day, or S. Pietro ad Vincula: August 1. — A Festival 
 in commemoration of S. Peter's angelic deliverance from prison 
 chains. As early as a.d. 921 Saxon Churches mention Lammas, or 
 Loaf Mass, being observed as a thanksgiving tor the first-fruits of 
 the earth ; and that Mass was also celebrated upon this day both by 
 the Greek and Latin Churches with this intention, and for the 
 blessing of the first grapes. There has been a custom in York 
 of offering a lamb as payment to the Cathedral, but this has no con- 
 nection with the name of this Festival. 
 r 
 
210 NOTES ON CERTAIN HOLY DAYS. 
 
 The Transfiguration of Christ in Mount Tabor : 
 August 6. — The Sermon of S. Leo upon this mystery shows the 
 Festival to have been observed at Rome in the middle of the fifth 
 century. Calixtus III. made it more universal by a Bull dated 1457, 
 but it was observed by the Greeks much earlier. 
 
 Name of Jesus: August 7. — A Festival in honour of the Name 
 at which every knee must bow has been fixed for various degrees 
 of men at different times in 1530. January 14 was observed by the 
 Franciscans ; in Spain, on the second Sunday after Epiphany. For 
 many centuries England has observed it upon the 7th of August. 
 
 The Beheading of S. John Baptist : August 29. — This 
 glorious saint, we are told, was a martyr, a doctor, a prophet, 
 and more than a prophet ; the greatest of all that had been born of 
 woman, sanctified from his mother's womb, the great forerunner of 
 his Lord. He has, therefore, two days appointed to be observed in 
 his honour — that of his birth, and that of his unflinching firmness 
 unto death, for the cause of virtue rebuking Herod's vicious life, for 
 which S. John was beheaded. 
 
 Exaltation of the Holy Cross, a.d. 335: Sept. 14. — The 
 miraculous appearance of the Cross to Constantine, and the dis- 
 covery of the sacred wood by S. Helena, gave the first occasion to 
 this Festival, which was celebrated by the Greek and Latin Churches 
 as early as the sixth and seventh centuries, and at Jerusalem from 
 a.d. 335. On the spot where the Cross stood Constantine erected 
 a Basilica. 
 
 Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Dec. 8. — " It 
 is the mystery of the Immaculation or Sanctification of the Blessed 
 Virgin which is the object of the Church on this Festival, rather 
 than her bare Conception." It has been kept with great devotion 
 since the twelfth century, as the first anticipatory note in hymning 
 the honour of the Holy Incarnate. The doctrine of the perfect 
 freedom from sin in the Mother of God has ever been held by the 
 faithful as a pious opinion, though not ruled de fide by (Ecumenical 
 Council. 
 
 O Sapientia: Dec. 16. — To mark the day upon which the 
 special Antiphons to the Magnificat are chanted, of which there are 
 seven, sung severally upon the consecutive days : 16th, (5 Sapientia; 
 17th, O Adonai ; 18th, O Radix Jesse; 19th, O Clavis David; 
 20th, O Oriens; 21st, O Rex Gentium; 22nd, () Emmanuel; and 
 in England has been added, 23rd, O Virgo Virginum. 
 
Commemoration pragersu 
 
 A Commemoration is made by reciting the Afitiphon, Versicle, 
 Response, and Prayer in the Proper of Festivals for the Feast 
 commemorated; end it is to be made immediately, after the 
 Prayer for the day whose Office is actually said, both at Matins 
 and Vespers. 
 
 FOR THE CHURCH. 
 Anttphon. 
 
 Let us in all things grow in Him Who is our Head, 
 Christ ; from Whom all the whole body, being compact 
 and knit together by every joint of sub-ministration, in- 
 creases to the edifying itself in charity. 
 
 Y. We are all members of the same body. 
 
 Ft. Let us love and serve and pray for one another. 
 
 Prayer. 
 O God, Who gatherest Thy flock out of all nations 
 into the saving fold of one Catholic Church, where Thy 
 providence has ordained bishops and pastors immediately 
 to feed Thy sheep and lambs ; bless, we beseech Thee, all 
 bishops and their clergy with courage and skill and 
 fatherly care to edify and guard their several charges ; 
 bless all the faithful with a filial love and due obedience to 
 their superiors, that the clearness and truth and beauty of 
 holiness daily increasing in Thy Church, through every- 
 one's devout pursuing their duties, all heresies and schisms 
 may at length vanish among Christians, and all Pagans 
 and Jews be happily won into her sacred bosom, the sole 
 ark of salvation ; through our Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son, 
 Who, with, &c. 
 
 FOR THE QUEEN. 
 
 Antiphon. 
 Be subject to all in authority ; to the King, as supreme, 
 or unto governors, as sent by him for the punishment of 
 p 2 
 
212 COMMEMORATION PRAYERS. 
 
 evil doers and reward of the good : for so is the will of 
 God, that with well-doing ye may put to silence the igno- 
 rance of foolish men. 
 
 y. Be subject, not only for fear, 
 
 1^. But for conscience sake. 
 
 Prayer. 
 
 O God, by Whom alone kings reign, preserve, we 
 humbly beseech Thee, and govern by Thy grace our 
 Sovereign Lady Queen Victoria ; endow her Royal person 
 with wisdom and courage, and all qualities befitting her 
 weighty office ; bless her with fidelity and diligence in her 
 ministers, and with reverence and obedience in all her 
 subjects, that the sword of justice in her hand may 
 establish us in peace and plenty, to our greater improve- 
 ment under the discipline of true virtue, and the higher ex- 
 alting her crown in the kingdom of eternity; through, &c. 
 
 FOR THE BLESSED VIRGIN. 
 
 Anhphon. 1 Kings ii. 
 
 And the king sate on his throne, and a seat was placed 
 
 for the king's mother, and she sate on his right hand ; and 
 
 the king said to her, Ask on, my mother, for I will not say 
 
 thee nay. 
 
 "jf. Ask thou blessings for us, O blessed among women ! 
 R. Of thy womb's blessed fruit, our Lord Jesus. 
 
 Prayer. 
 O God, Who hast endowed the ever-Blessed Virgin 
 Mary with all the graces on earth and all glories in 
 Heaven worthy the Mother of Thy Son, the world's 
 Great Redeemer ; grant, we beseech Thee, that as we 
 praise and magnify Thy Name for so highly exalting the 
 lowliness of Thine handmaid, we may be encouraged, by 
 the confidence of her intercession, to hope in Thy mercy, 
 both for pardon of our sins and conduct of our lives, and 
 joyful reception intoThy everlasting Kingdom ; through, &c. 
 
COMMEMORATION PRAYERS. 2 I 3 
 
 FOR THE SAINTS. 
 Antiphon. 
 They seem, in the eyes of the foolish, dead to them- 
 selves and all the world ; but they rest with God in 
 immortal peace, and exercise towards us a far greater 
 charity. 
 
 "J? '. Hear Thou, O Lord, their prayers for us in Heaven, 
 TL Who on earth have taught us to pray. 
 
 Prayer. 
 O Eternal Father, Whose Holy Spirit, by Thy blessed 
 Apostles, has planted in the world the saving doctrine of 
 Thy Son, and watered it with so much sweat and blood of 
 them and their followers that it has overspread the earth, 
 and born much fruit to Heaven ; most thankfully we 
 praise Thee for the gracious lives and deaths of all Thy 
 Saints here, and the glorious crowns with which they are 
 rewarded in Thy Kingdom, where, we humbly beseech 
 Thee, accept their intercessions for us sinners, applying so 
 home to our hearts their memory and merits that we, too, 
 by Thy grace, may in some measure live and die like them, 
 and be crowned at length with the same blissful rewards ; 
 through, &c. 
 
 OF THE HOLY CROSS. 
 
 Antiphon. 
 From our enemies deliver us, O Lord, by the sign of 
 the Cross. 
 
 A . Let all the earth adore Thee, and sing psalms to Thee. 
 FL Let it sing psalms to Thy Name, O Lord ! 
 
 Prayer. 
 
 O Lord, Who, upon the wood of the sacred Cross, 
 didst deign to redeem us ; keep us, we beseech Thee, in 
 perpetual peace, and grant that this symbol of suffering 
 may ever remind us that by patience and suffering only can 
 we follow in Thy footsteps and attain unto Thy Kingdom-, 
 Who, with, &c. 
 
214 COMMEMORATION PRAYERS. 
 
 FOR PEACE. 
 Antiphon. 
 Give peace in our days, O Lord, for there is none that 
 fighteth for us save Thou, our God. 
 
 y~. Let there be peace in Thy strength. 
 $. And abundance within Thy towers. 
 
 Prayer. 
 O God, Who, in Thy inspired Word, hath taught us 
 that one of the chief blisses of the glorious abode Thou 
 hast prepared for Thy saints will be the enjoyment of 
 perfect rest and peace ; grant that even in this world, sur- 
 rounded as we are by temptations, and harassed by many 
 troubles and dangers, we may yet ever preserve that blessed 
 inward peace which passeth all understanding; through, &c. 
 
 FOR THE UNITY OF CHRISTENDOM. 
 
 Antiphon. 
 Our Master, Christ, hath other sheep which are not of 
 this fold, but His promise is that a time shall come when 
 there shall be one fold and One Shepherd. 
 
 } . Blessed are the peacemakers ; 
 R. For they shall see God. 
 
 Prayer. 
 O God, Who art Three and yet One, we earnestly praj 
 Thee for the restoration of visible unity of worship and 
 communion in Thy torn and divided Church, and that all 
 who confess Thy Holy Name, and are called Christians, 
 may be reunited, as at the beginning, " in the Apostles' 
 doctrine, and the fellowship, and in the breaking of the 
 Bread, and in the prayers." Remove, we beseech Thee, 
 from us and from all others whatever may hinder or delay 
 this blessed re-union — all suspicions, prejudices, hard 
 thoughts and judgments — and endue us with such ardent 
 
OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. 21^ 
 
 love toward Thee, and toward each other, that we may be 
 one in heart, even as Thou, Lord, art one with the Father ; 
 to Whom, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, be all praise and 
 glory and thanksgiving for ever. Amen. 
 
 £Dcca$tonaI Imagers, 
 
 Which may be said as circumstances require, at Matins am 
 Vespers, after the Prayer for the day and Commemorations . 
 
 FOR A MEMBER OF THE FAMILY SICK. 
 
 Antiphon. 
 
 The wheat must lose its verdure, and wither away, to be 
 ripe for the sickle, and put ofF its chaff, and be stored up 
 in the granary. 
 
 jf. Such is the progress of human nature. 
 
 K. Our bodies must dissolve, to raise us into spirits. 
 
 Prayer. 
 
 O Sovereign Lord of life and death, by the order of 
 Whose providence one of Thy servants lies now dangerously 
 sick ; hear, we beseech Thee, our humble supplications for 
 him, that if it seem good to Thee this sickness may only 
 be for Thy greater glory ; or if there be no reprieve, and it 
 must be to death, that he may be strengthened by Thy 
 grace to bear the approaches to his dissolution, and 
 yield up his soul when Thou pleasest, as becomes a 
 hopeful Christian ; through our Lord Jesus Christ Thy 
 Son, Who, with, &c. 
 
2l6 OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. 
 
 FOR A MEMBER OF THE FAMILY RECOVERED. 
 Antiphon. 
 
 The grave gaped wide to swallow up Thy servant from 
 among us, but Thou hast mercifully reprieved him from its 
 greedy jaws, to glorify Thee awhile longer with us. 
 
 y . His soul is snatched away from the snare of the hunter. 
 
 f£. The snare is broken, and he is delivered. 
 
 Prayer. 
 O God, Whose mighty hand dispenses sickness and 
 health, leads down to the grave and brings back again ; 
 accept, we beseech Thee, our humble thanksgiving for 
 restoring Thy servant N. N. to health and strength : may 
 we feel how uncertain our sojourn is in this world, and 
 know that our life is only at Thy will, O Lord ! May the 
 thoughts in sickness govern us in health, and provoke us to 
 pursue the one necessary work that leads to eternal life ; 
 through, &c. 
 
 FOR A MEMBER OF THE FAMILY DECEASED. 
 
 A?itiphon. 
 Grieve not for the dead, they are past all dangerous storms ; 
 rather emulate their rest, having finished well their course, 
 y . We too shall land at the same noble port, 
 I£. And meet there endless joys, if we are so wise as to 
 choose them. 
 
 Prayer. 
 O God, by Whose providence Thy servant N. N., 
 through the travail of dying, is at length happily born out of 
 the dangerous womb of this world ; allay, we humbly 
 beseech Thee, all troublesome regrets of nature for the 
 death of our neighbour, and work in us a friendlier conceit 
 of our own, that our prayers may prevail with Thy mercy 
 to hasten the cleansing of his soul by the purging fire, 
 to render it worthy the beatifying sight of Thee, and so 
 purify our own from all drossy affections, that when the 
 night of death comes, in which none can work, we may 
 enter immediately into Thy eternal rest ; through, &c. 
 
OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. 217 
 
 PERSECUTION. 
 
 Antlphon. 
 
 Blessed are ye when men shall revile and persecute you, 
 and say all manner of evil against you falsely for My sake ; 
 rejoice and exult, for great is your reward in Heaven, says 
 our Lord. 
 
 y. Thus the holy Prophets earned their crowns. 
 
 R. Thus the blessed Apostles climbed their thrones. 
 
 Prayer. 
 
 O provident Lord, Who permitteth the powers of dark- 
 ness in this world to persecute the children of light, that 
 their sufferings may exercise among themselves and attest 
 to others the dis value of all temporal things ; sustain us, we 
 humbly beseech Thee, that we be not shaken in the Faith 
 once for all delivered to the saints by this present persecu- 
 tion, and grant that no temptation turn us aside from our 
 duty, or betray Thy truth and the blessed promise of 
 inheriting a title to Thy Kingdom, which Thou hast with 
 Thine own mouth promised to them that surfer for Thy 
 sake ; through, &c. 
 
 W A R. 
 
 Antiphon. 
 
 Fear not: our Lord that said, " All that take the sword 
 (unduly) shall perish with the sword/' said also, on occa- 
 sion, " He that hath not a sword, let him sell his coat and 
 buy one." 
 
 } . A due use sanctifies even judgments into mercies, 
 1^. And makes war itself our way to endless peace. 
 
 Prayer. 
 O God, by Whose ordinance the people's swords are 
 subject to the Prince, so that it is their duty to heartily 
 draw them at his legal call ; vouchsafe, we humbly beseech 
 Thee, our Sovereign may conduct it to Thy glory and 
 honour, and the public advantage ; vouchsafe us the grace 
 
2l8 OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. 
 
 that we may adhere to our duty by rendering due service, 
 by freely hazarding our lives and fortunes in obedience to 
 his orders as Thy undoubted vicegerent, and resignedly 
 expecting the issue from Thee, the world's just Governor, 
 Who will surely render it the best to those that show 
 indeed they love Thee by doing what Thou commandest ; 
 through, &c. 
 
 MORTALIT Y 
 
 Antiphon. 
 
 Why are we still preserved in perfect health, amidst so 
 many sad examples of mortality ? Is it not that we may 
 daily learn to die better prepared, and by such experience 
 of the uncertainty of this life make it easier for us, by a 
 just undervalue of it, to set our hearts on our future 
 immortality ? 
 
 }. They fall on all sides of us into their sick beds or 
 their graves, 
 
 1^. And none of us know whose turn will be next. 
 
 Prayer. 
 O gracious God, Who, to the slight warnings of par- 
 ticular diseases, addest sometimes the strong alarms of 
 universal contagions to awake us out of the lethargy 
 wherein this life's pleasures enchain us, and rouse us into 
 an earnest preparing for death and eternity; mercifully 
 grant that we be not terrified at the grim look of mor- 
 tality, but wisely meet the design of Thy goodness by 
 feeling our minds checked in this sensual career, and 
 endeavour to calm them into a fit temper to realize better 
 the immortal state to which Thou summonest us, that when 
 our time too is come, we may pass cheerfully through it to 
 Thee, our final Good ; through our Lord Jesus Christ 
 Thy Son, Who, with, &c. 
 
OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. 210. 
 
 For the Primate. — O God, the Pastor and Governor of 
 all the faithful, mercifully look upon Thy servant N., whom 
 Thou hast been pleased to appoint the Pastor of Thy 
 Church in this land ; grant, we beseech Thee, that both 
 by word and example he may edify those over whom he is 
 set, and, together with the flock committed to his care, 
 may attain everlasting life ; through our Lord Jesus Christ. 
 Amen. 
 
 For Bishops. — Almighty and Everlasting God, Who alone 
 workest great miracles, send down upon our bishops the 
 healthful spirit of Thy grace ; and that they may truly 
 please Thee, pour upon them the continual dew of Thy 
 blessing ; through, &c. 
 
 For Priests. — Remember, O Lord, according to the 
 multitude of Thy mercies and compassions, all the priests 
 who compass Thy holy Altar ; preserve them for the glory 
 of Thy Name, for they have proclaimed Thy praise ; keep 
 unstained their hands, for they have blessed ; keep inwardly 
 their hearts, sealed with the marks of Thy priesthood •, 
 bless their labours, the souls they love, the souls they seek, 
 the souls they pray for; through, &c. 
 
 • For the Flock. — O Lord Jesus Christ, look down from 
 Heaven, we beseech Thee, upon the old and young of Thy 
 flock ; bless them in their bodies and bless them in their 
 souls, and grant that those who have received Thy sign, 
 O Christ, upon their foreheads, may at the day of judgment 
 be acknowledged by Thee as Thy true children ; through, 
 &c. 
 
 For our own Church. — O merciful God, bless this par- 
 ticular Church in which we live ; make it, and all the 
 members of it, sound in faith and holy in life, that they 
 may serve Thee and Thou bless them; through, &c. 
 
 For our Parents. — Almighty God, Father of our Lord 
 Jesus Christ, of Whom the whole family in Heaven and 
 earth is named, I give Thee humble thanks that Thou 
 didst of Thy providence cause me to be born of Christian 
 parents ; recompense them out of the riches of Thy bounty 
 
220 OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. 
 
 for the care bestowed upon me, give them blissful rest with 
 Thy faithful people, and the perfect fruition of Thy glorious 
 Godhead in the life everlasting ; through, &c. 
 
 For our Family. — Defend, we beseech Thee, O Lord, 
 this Thy family from all adversity, and mercifully protect 
 us, now prostrate before Thee with our whole hearts, from 
 all the snares of our enemies ; through, &c. 
 
 For cur Relations. — Have mercy, O Lord, upon those 
 whom Thou hast associated with us in the bonds of 
 kindred and natural affection, and grant that they may, 
 along with me, be so perfectly conformed to Thy holy will, 
 that, being cleansed from all earthly desires, we may be 
 found worthy, by the inspiration of Thy love, to be par- 
 takers together of the blessedness of Thy heavenly King- 
 dom ; through, &c. 
 
 For our Friends. — O God, Who, by the grace of Thy 
 Holy Spirit, hast poured into the hearts of Thy faithful the 
 gifts of charity ; grant to Thy servants N. N., for whom 
 we implore Thy mercy, health both of body and soul, that 
 they may love Thee with all their strength, and cheerfully 
 perform those things which are pleasing unto Thee ; 
 through, &c. 
 
 For Unity in a Congregation. — O God, Who art the 
 giver of peace and lover of charity, grant to Thy servants, 
 this congregation, true concord and union with Thy holy 
 will, that we may be delivered from all temptations which 
 assault us ; through, &c. 
 
 For Deliverance from Persecution. — Hear the prayers of 
 Thy Church, O Lord, we beseech Thee, and turn away 
 Thine anger from us, that all adversities and errors being 
 done away, we may freely and securely serve Thee ; 
 through, &c. 
 
 In any Tribulation. — O Almighty God, despise not Thy 
 people who cry unto Thee in their affliction, but for the 
 glory of Thy Name turn away Thine anger, and help us 
 in our tribulations ; through, &c. 
 
OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. 22 1 
 
 /;/ Time of Famine or Pestilence. — Grant, we beseech 
 Thee, O Lord, an answer to earnest supplications, and, 
 Thy wrath being appeased, turn away from us this famine 
 [or pestilence] , that the hearts of men may know that these 
 scourges proceed from Thy anger, and cease by Thy 
 mercy; through, &c. 
 
 In Times of Calamity. — O Lord Jesus Christ, Holy, Im- 
 mortal God ! have mercy upon us and upon all men ; 
 purify us by Thy holy Blood, forgive us by Thy holy 
 Blood, save us by Thy holy Blood, now and for eve>r. 
 Amen. 
 
 For Heretics and Schismatics. — O Almighty and ever- 
 lasting God, Who hast compassion on all, and wouldest 
 not that any should perish ; favourably look down upon 
 all those who are seduced by the deceit of Satan, that, all 
 heretical piety being removed, the hearts of such as err 
 may reoent, and return to the unity of Thy truth ; through, 
 &c. 
 
 For Jews. — O Almighty and Everlasting God, Who 
 repellest not from Thy mercy even the perfidious Jews ; 
 hear the prayer which we offer for the blindness of that 
 people, that the Light of Thy truth, Christ our Lord, being 
 known to them, they may be delivered from their darkness-, 
 through, &c. 
 
 For Pagans. — O Almighty and Everlasting God, Who 
 desireth not the death but the life of sinners ; mercifully 
 accept our prayers, and, delivering pagans from the worship 
 of idols, unite them to Thy Church, to the praise and 
 honour of Thy glorious Name-, through, &c. 
 
 Before a Crucifix. — O my Lord Jesus ! by that bitterness 
 Thou sufferedst for me on the Cross, chiefly when Thy 
 Blessed Soul was separated from Thy Body, have mercy 
 on my soul now and at its departure from this world, that 
 it may be admitted to life everlasting. Amen. 
 
3[tinerarg. 
 
 BEING PRAYERS FOR THE USE OF PERSON'S TRAVELLING 
 
 In the Name of the Father, »$« and of the Son, and of the 
 Holy Ghost. Amen, 
 
 AnUphon. In the way of peace. 
 
 Benedict us. 
 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, &c, see page 19. 
 
 Antlphon. In the way of peace and prosperity may the 
 Lord, the Almighty and Merciful, direct our steps ; and 
 may the angel Raphael accompany us on the way, that we 
 may return to cur homes in peace, safety, and joy. 
 
 Our Father, <Sjc. 
 
 y. O God, save Thy servants, 
 
 Ifc. Who put their trust in Thee. 
 
 ~y. Send us help, O Lord, from Thy holy place. 
 
 ~§. And defend us out of Sion. 
 
 ~f~. Be unto us, O Lord, a tower of strength. 
 
 ]$. And let not the enemy prevail against us. 
 
 "jf. Blessed be the Lord from day to day. 
 
 $. May the God of our salvation make our way pros- 
 perous before us. 
 
 ~ft. Shew us Thy way, O Lord. 
 
 R. And teach us Thy paths. 
 
 y. O that our ways were directed, 
 
 II. To keep Thy righteous laws, 
 
 y. The crooked ways shall be made straight; 
 
 R. And the rough places smooth. 
 
 ~)t. God hath given His angels charge concerning thee, 
 
 TL To keep thee in all thy ways. 
 
 y . Lord, hear my prayer. 
 
 R. And let my cry come unto Thee. 
 
ITINERARY. 2 2g 
 
 Prayer. 
 
 O God, Who madest the sons of Israel to walk with 
 dry feet through the midst of the sea, and Who didst 
 open to the three Magi, by the guiding of a star, the way 
 that led to Thee ; grant to us, we beseech Thee, a pros- 
 perous journey and a time of tranquillity, that, attended by 
 Thy holy angel, we may happily arrive at that place 
 whither we are journeying, and finally at the haven of 
 eternal salvation. 
 
 O God, Who broughtest Abraham Thy son out of the 
 land of the Chaldees, and didst preserve him unhurt through 
 all his wanderings, vouchsafe, we beseech Thee, to guard 
 us, Thy servants ; be unto us, O Lord, our support in our 
 setting out, our solace on the way, our shadow in the 
 heat, our shelter in the rain and cold, the chariot of our 
 weariness, the fortress of our adversity, our staff in the 
 ways of slipperiness, and our harbour in shipwreck, that 
 under Thy guidance we may reach in prosperity the object of 
 our journey, and at length return to our homes in safety. 
 
 Vouchsafe, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that Thy 
 people may set forward on the way of salvation, and by 
 following the exhortations of the blessed forerunner John, 
 may come safe to the presence of Him Whom he preached, 
 Jesus Christ Thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth 
 with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever 
 and ever. Amen. 
 
 O omnipotent God, Whom both the winds and the sea 
 obey, Who holdest the tempest in the hollow of Thy 
 hand, and dost rule the raging of the waves ; defend us, 
 we beseech Thee, from all the perils and dangers of the 
 deep, granting us a safe and prosperous voyage, and a 
 speedy arrival at the haven where we would be ; through 
 Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 y. Let us proceed in peace. 
 
 $. In the Name of the Lord. Amen. 
 
 If no part of the journey is to be made by sea, then shall the prayer, 
 O omnipotent God ? &c, be omitted. 
 
224 
 
 a @>f)ort Office, 
 
 FOR USE 
 
 BEFORE RECEIVING THE HOLY SACRAMENT, 
 
 In the Name of the Father, »$« and of the Son, and of the 
 Holy Ghost. Amen. 
 
 }. O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the 
 world, 
 
 ~fy. Have mercy upon us. 
 
 Antiphon. I will take the chalice of salvation, and call 
 upon the Name of the Lord. 
 
 Psalm. 
 
 Great are the works of Thy power, O Lord, and 
 wonderful the ways of Thy goodness ; 
 
 Who hast given Thy only-begotten Son to the world, 
 not once only, but to be with us always, even unto the 
 end ; 
 
 Not once only to die for us on the shameful Cross, but 
 day by day to comfort us upon the holy Altar ; 
 
 With awe and unspeakable reverence may I approach 
 that Throne, and bow my soul before the Presence, 
 
 Knowing that a greater than kings is there, yea, the very 
 King of Kings, and the Master of all things living. 
 
 May my soul be free from all sin when thus I presume 
 to draw nigh Thee. 
 
 May my heart be purged from all guile, and my lips 
 from the words of the scoffer. 
 
 Pure and undefiled let me come unto Thee, that I may 
 offer a temple meet for Thy reception, a spirit fit for com- 
 munion with Thee. 
 
 Glory be, EsV. 
 
 As it ivas, ijfc. 
 
 Antiphon. I will take the chalice of salvation, and call 
 upon the Name of the Lord. 
 
A SHORT OFFICE, ETC. 225 
 
 Hymn. 
 
 T) RIGHT upon the vested Altar 
 *~* Burns the taper's steady light ; 
 For the Day-star hath arisen 
 Through the shadows of the night. 
 
 Light of Light, from Heaven descending 
 
 To thy earthly Altar-throne ! 
 Lo, we call Thee, we receive Thee ! 
 
 Master, come unto Thine own. 
 
 Prayer. 
 
 O Lord Jesu Christ, Son of the living God, Who in 
 accordance with the will of the Father, the Holy Ghost 
 co-operating, hast by Thy death given life unto the world, 
 deliver me by this Thy most holy Body and Blood from 
 all my iniquities and from all evils ; make me always to 
 cleave to Thy commandments, and never suffer me to be 
 separated from Thee ; Who, with the same God the 
 Father, and with the Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth for 
 ever and ever. Amen. 
 
 ^f. O taste, and see how gracious the Lord is ! 
 R. I will go in the strength of the Lord God : I will 
 make mention of His Name, even of His only. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 y. And lead us not into temptation. 
 B. But deliver us from evil. Amen. 
 
226 
 
 a ©ftort Office, 
 
 FOR USE 
 
 AFTER HAVING RECEIVED THE HOLY SACRAMENT. 
 
 In the Name of the Father , ^ and of the Son, and of the 
 Holy Ghost. Amen. 
 
 y. He hath given Bread from Heaven to us. 
 B. And men have eaten angels' food. 
 
 Antiphon. His Flesh is meat indeed, and His Blood is 
 drink indeed. 
 
 Psalm. 
 
 Great is the privilege which I have enjoyed, and terrible 
 will be my punishment if I misuse it. 
 
 That heavenly Feast, which, if partaken of with a faithful 
 and true heart, is for the salvation of my soul, may but 
 procure me the deeper condemnation. 
 
 If I discern not the Lord's Body, if my faith is weak 
 and my love cold, I but eat and drink my own condemna- 
 tion. 
 
 Awful thought, that this miraculous means of grace 
 which Thou hast provided may by my fault be perverted, 
 and tend but to destruction. 
 
 Pardon, therefore, O Lord, my shortcomings at the 
 time of the Sacrifice, and the imperfect preparation with 
 which I dared to approach it. 
 
 And thou, O my soul, praise thy God for all His 
 benefits towards thee. 
 
 Praise Him for the means of grace j praise Him for the 
 hope of salvation. 
 
 Praise Him for His unspeakable Gift ; praise Him for 
 the continual Presence. 
 
 Glory be, izfc. 
 
 As it was, &c. 
 
A SHORT OFFICE, ETC. 2 27 
 
 A?itiphon. His Flesh is meat indeed, and His Blood is 
 drink indeed. 
 
 Nunc Dirnittis. 
 Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, &c. 
 
 Prayer. 
 
 We give thanks unto Thee, O Lord Jesu, Creator and 
 Redeemer of mankind, Who, to manifest Thy love for all 
 the world, hast prepared a great Feast, in which Thou dost 
 offer not the typical Lamb, but Thy own most holy Body 
 and Blood, making joyful all faithful people with the 
 sacred Food, and cheering them with the saving Chalice, 
 in which are all the delights of Paradise. 
 
 O God, Who in this wonderful Sacrament hast left us 
 a memorial of Thy Passion, grant us, we beseech Thee, so 
 to venerate the sacred mysteries of Thy Body and Blood, 
 that we may ever feel within ourselves the fruit of Thy 
 Redemption ; Who livest and reignest with the Father and 
 the Holy Ghost, world without end. Amen. 
 
 y. The eyes of all wait upon Thee, O Lord. ! 
 
 $. And Thou givest them their meat in due season. 
 
 Our Father, dye. 
 "JT. And lead us not into temptation. 
 R. But deliver us from evil. Amen. 
 
228 
 
 prager at jQig&t for a Mmity* 
 
 In the Name of the Father, >J« and of the Son, and of the 
 Holy Ghost. Amen. 
 
 Blessed be the Holy and Undivided Trinity, now and for 
 ever. Amen. 
 
 Our Father, &c. Hail I Mary, &c. I believe, £sV. 
 
 O Eternal, Infinite, and Almighty God, Whose glory 
 the Heaven of heavens cannot contain, look down on Thy 
 unworthy servants, prostrate at the feet of Thy mercy, 
 and humbly confessing to Thee, in the sight of all Thy 
 holy angels and blessed saints, the sinfulness and vanity of 
 our lives, but especially the transgressions of this day, by 
 which we have so grievously wounded our own souls. 
 
 We confess to Almighty God, before all the holy 
 angels and blessed saints, and all the whole company of 
 Heaven, that we have sinned grievously in thought, word, 
 and deed ; through our fault, through our own fault, 
 through our exceeding great fault. 
 
 Here examine diligently what sins you may have fallen into this day, 
 by thought, word, deed, or omission, and, humbly confessing them, 
 proceed thus : — 
 
 Therefore I beseech the Blessed Virgin Mary, the holy 
 angels, and all the blessed saints, to pray to God for me. 
 
 The great and glorious Lord of Heaven and Earth have 
 mercy on us ; forgive us our sins, and bring us to ever- 
 lasting life. Amen. 
 
 Lord, have mercy on us. 
 Christ, have mercy on us. 
 Lord, have mercy on us. 
 Jesus, receive our prayers. 
 Lord Jesu, grant our petitions. 
 
PRAYER AT NIGHT FOR A FAMILY. 229 
 
 O .God the Father of Heaven, Creator of the world, 
 
 O God the Son, Redeemer of mankind, 
 
 O God the Holy Ghost, Perfecter of the elect, 
 
 O Sacred Trinity, Three Persons and One God, 
 
 O God, the Eternal Fulness of all perfection, 
 
 O God, the ever-flowing Source of all being, 
 
 O God, the bounteous Author of all good, 
 
 O God, Who hast chosen us in Thy Son, before the 
 
 constitution of the world, 
 O God, Who hast created us of nothing to Thine 
 
 own similitude, 
 O God, Who preservest us every moment, that we 
 
 return not again to nothing, 
 O God, Who hast made all the world for the use of 
 
 us, and us for the enjoyment of Thyself, 
 O God, Who hast redeemed us by the death of Thy 
 
 Son, and sanctified us by the grace of Thy Holy £ 
 Spirit, ^ 
 
 O God, Who hast brought us to the knowledge of 
 Thy Truth, and blest us with so plentiful means 
 of working our salvation, 
 O God, Who hast prepared for us a glorious inheri- 
 tance, if we love Thee and keep Thy com- 
 mandments, 
 O God, Who art Thyself that glorious inheritance, 
 O God, the only end of all our labours, 
 O God, the only rest of our wearied souls, 
 O God, the only joy of our time and eternity, 
 O God, our God, and all things, 
 
 Have mercy, O Lord, and spare us. 
 Have mercy, Lord, and hear us. 
 From all evil, ~") S 
 
 From all sin, J§ 
 
 From all occasions of offending Thy Divine Majesty, O 
 From the particular temptations to which we are y < 
 most exposed, ^ 
 
 From sudden and unprovided death, jjj 
 
 From everlasting death, J ^ 
 
2^0 PRAYER AT NIGHT FOR A FAMILY. 
 
 By Thy almighty Power, 
 
 By Thy unsearchable Wisdom, 
 
 By Thy adorable Goodness, 
 
 By all Thy glorious Attributes, 
 
 By all Thy gracious Mercies, 
 
 By the Mystery of Thy Holy Incarnation and humble 
 Nativity, 
 
 By the sanctity of Thy Heavenly Doctrine and mira- 
 culous Life, 
 
 By the merits of Thy bitter Passion, and all-reviving 
 Death, 
 
 By the joys of Thy victorious Resurrection and 
 triumphant Ascension, 
 
 By the glory of Thy Eternal Kingdom and incom- 
 prehensible Majesty, 
 
 In the hour of death, and in the Day of Judgment, 
 Deliver us, O Lord. 
 We sinners beseech ^hee hear us, Lord. 
 
 That it would please Thee to give us a true and 
 hearty sorrow for all our offences, 
 
 That it would please Thee to work in us a firm and 
 sincere resolution of amending our lives, 
 
 That it would please Thee to pardon our sins past, 
 and prevent us by Thy grace for the time to come, 
 
 That it would please Thee to have pity on our nature, 
 and in all our necessities, temptations, and 
 dangers to strengthen and relieve us, 
 
 That seeing every day our imperfections, we may ^*q 
 quicken our diligence and humble ourselves, and 
 learn to depend upon Thee, 
 
 That acknowledging all we have is derived from Thy 
 free bounty, we may praise and glorify Thee, 
 and above all Thy benefits love Thee our 
 Benefactor, 
 
 That knowing all we hope proceeds from the same 
 free bounty, we may faithfully endeavour to 
 serve and please Thee, and secure to ourselves 
 Thy everlasting rewards, 
 
 >e 
 
PRAYER AT NIGHT FOR A FAMILY. 2^1 
 
 That considering Thy providence does all things for 
 the best, we may thankfully accept whatever 
 part Thou assignest us, and not murmur at our 
 part, but strive to act it well, 
 
 That we may diligently observe the rules of our 
 several places, and contentedly stoop to the 
 meanest work of our condition, sweetening all 
 our labours with this glad hope, if we be inno- 
 cent here we shall be happy hereafter, 
 
 That we may live in peace and charity with all the 
 world, especially among ourselves, so particu- 
 larly engaged by our union with one family, 
 patiently forbearing and freely forgiving, and 
 readily assisting one another, 
 
 That often in the midst of our business we may steal 
 up our thoughts to Heaven, to renew and in- 
 crease our desire for that glorious Eternity, 
 
 That whether we sleep or wake we may still be safe 
 in Thee, and whether we live or die be always 
 Thine, 
 
 ft* 
 
 i: 
 
 Son of God, 
 
 We beseech Thee to hear us. 
 O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world, 
 
 Spare us, Lord. 
 O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world, 
 
 Hear us, Lord. 
 O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world, 
 
 Have mercy on us. 
 
 y. Lord, have mercy on us. 
 R. Christ, have mercy on us. 
 "JT. Lord, have mercy on us. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 y. And lead us not into temptation. 
 R. But deliver us from evil. Amen. 
 
32 PRAYER AT NIGHT FOR A FAMILY. 
 
 y. Bless, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy Spouse the 
 
 Church. 
 B. Bless her with the graces of unity, and truth, and 
 
 holiness. 
 jf . Bless Thy servant, our Sovereign Lady Queen 
 
 Victoria. 
 1^. Bless her with the spirit of wisdom, and courage, 
 
 and piety. 
 y. Bless all the nations subject to her government. 
 $. Bless them with the gifts of peace, and truth, and 
 
 unfeigned charity. 
 y. Bless our kindred and acquaintance, our friends and 
 
 benefactors. 
 f£. Bless our enemies and slanderers, and all that de- 
 
 spitefully use us. 
 y. Have mercy, O Lord, on the nations who never 
 
 knew Thee. 
 1^. And those who knew Thee once, but now are fallen 
 
 from the truth. 
 y . Have mercy on the poor, and helpless, and afflicted. 
 1^. And comfort them with hope, and patience, and relief. 
 )t. Have mercy on the living, and govern them by grace. 
 R. Have mercy on the dead, and bring them to Thy 
 
 glory. 
 y . Have mercy on us, Thy servants, here assembled in 
 
 Thy presence. 
 $. And Thou, Who art our refuge, be our defence. 
 y . Into Thy hands, O Lord, we commend our spirits. 
 R. Into Thy hands, O Lord, we commend our spirits. 
 }[ . Thou hast redeemed us, O Lord, Thou God of 
 
 Truth ! 
 R. Into Thy hands, O Lord, we commend our spirits. 
 y. Preserve us, O Lord, as the apple of Thine eye. 
 R. Under the shadow of Thy wings protect us. 
 
PRAYER AT NIGHT FOR A FAMILY. 2^3 
 
 y. Save us, O Lord, waking ; defend us, sleeping. 
 fy. That we may watch with Christ, and rest in peace. 
 jt. Vouchsafe, O Lord, to keep us this night without sin. 
 T$. Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us. 
 y. Lord, let Thy mercy be on us. 
 B. As our hope is in Thee. 
 y. O Lord, hear our prayers. 
 1^. And let our cry come unto Thee. 
 
 Let us pray. 
 
 O Almighty and merciful Lord, we praise and magnify 
 Thy holy Name for Thy great and innumerable benefits, 
 proceeding purely from Thy bounty, and intended wholly 
 for our good, particularly for preserving us this day in the 
 midst of so many dangers incident to our condition, and 
 delivering us from so many calamities as are due to our sins. 
 
 Thou art our Creator, O our God ! Thou art the end 
 of our being, and Supreme perfection of our nature ; 
 under the shadow of Thy wings is perpetual repose, and 
 from the light of Thy countenance flows eternal joy and 
 felicity : to Thee be glory and honour, to Thee adoration 
 and obedience, from all Thy creatures for ever. Amen. 
 
 And since Thou hast ordained the day to labour and the 
 night to take our rest, as we praise Thee for the blessings 
 of this day past, so we implore Thy protection this night 
 to come. Let the eyes of Thy providence watch over us, 
 and Thy holy angels pitch their tents about us, that, being 
 safely delivered from all dangers, and comfortably refreshed 
 with sleep, we may the better perform the employments of 
 our calling and state of life, and faithfully persevere in the 
 discharge of the duties of Thy service, and so doily advance 
 to new victories over our passions, and to a more perfect 
 observance of Thy commandments, till, having passed our 
 days in Thy fear, we may end them in Thy favour, and 
 rejoice with Thee for ever in Thy heavenly Kingdom ; 
 
 R 
 
234 PRAYER AT NIGHT FOR A FAMILY. 
 
 through Jesus Christ our Lord and only Saviour, Who, 
 with Thee and the Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth, One 
 God, world without end. Amen. 
 
 y. O Lord, hear our prayers. 
 
 $. And let our cry come unto Thee. 
 
 jf , Bless we our Lord. 
 
 ]$. Thanks be to God. 
 
 "JT. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the 
 
 mercy of God, rest in peace. 
 $. Amen. 
 
 O Blessed Virgin, Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ, 
 
 Pray for us. 
 O glorious Angels, whom our Lord sends in mission for 
 the good of His elect, 
 Pray Jo, 
 
 O holy Saints, who, perfectly secure of your own hap- 
 piness, are charitably solicitous of ours, 
 Pray Jor us. 
 O all ye blessed inhabitants of Heaven, who continually 
 behold the face of God, and readily dispense His 
 benefits to us, 
 
 Pray Jor us. 
 
 God the Father sustain and protect us. 
 Jesus Christ illuminate and govern us. 
 The Holy Spirit sanctify and perfect us to life ever- 
 lasting. 
 Amen. 
 
 Pause awhile, then rise. 
 
 FINIS. 
 
 for us. 
 
OMISSION, 
 
 To be said on Monday in Vespers, immediately following the 
 Lesson, page 22. 
 
 Antiphon. 
 
 Learn of Me, says our Lord, for I am meek and lowly 
 in heart ; and you shall find rest to your souls. 
 
 Nunc Dimittis. 
 
 Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, 
 according to Thy Word. 
 
 For mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, 
 
 Which Thou has prepared before the fiice of all people ; 
 
 To be a light to lighten the Gentiles, and to be the 
 glory of Thy people Israel. 
 
 Glory be, <Sjc. 
 
 As it ivas, &c. 
 
 Antiphon. 
 
 Learn of Me, says our Lord, for I am meek and lowly 
 in heart ; and you shall find rest to your souls. 
 
 y. Meekness indeed is the heaven of this life ; 
 
 J£. But the Heaven of heavens is above with Thee. 
 
LONDON : 
 
 PRINTED BV THE CHURCH PRESS COMPANY, 
 
 13, BURLEIGH-ST.. STRAND, W.C.