THE ROMAN BUEVIARY
THE ROMAN BREVIARY
REFORMED BY ORDER OF THE HOLY
OECUMENICAL COUNCIL OF TRENT;
PUBLISHED BY ORDER OF POPE ST
PIUS V.; AND REVISED BY CLEMENT
VIII., URBAN VIII., AND LEO XIII.
TOGETHER WITH THE
OFFICES SINCE GRANTED
AND THE MARTYROLOGY
TRANSLATED OUT OF
LATIN INTO ENGLISH BY
JOHN, MARQUESS OF BUTE, K.T.
A NEW EDITION
FOR USE IN ENGLAND
IN FOUR VOLS.
VOL. IV. AUTUMN
WILLIAM BLACKWOOD AND SONS
EDINBURGH AND LONDON
MCMVIII
All Rights reserved
CONTENTS.
PAGE
THE PIE ......... See vol. i. p. xix
TWO EASY TABLES .... ... ix
THE KALENDAR .... xix
PRAYERS. ABSOLUTIONS AND BLESSINGS . xxxiii
THE PSALTER
MATTINS
SUNDAY . .
I
MONDAY ......
73
TUESDAY ...
92
WEDNESDAY ....
108
THURSDAY . . . .
123
FRIDAY
140
SATURDAY
; 157
LAUDS
SUNDAY . . . .
22
MONDAY .......
8 7
TUESDAY
105
WEDNESDAY
120
THURSDAY .
137
FRIDAY ...
153
SATURDAY .........
I/I
VI
THE PSALTER-
CONTENTS.
PRIME
SUNDAY . 35
WEEK-DAYS ... 45
TERCE ... 5 2
SEXT .... 59
NONE ..... 66
VESPERS
SUNDAY ... .176
MONDAY . .185
TUESDAY ... .188
WEDNESDAY ..... .190
THURSDAY ... . 1 93
FRIDAY ... . .197
SATURDAY .... . 2OO
COMPLINE . . .205
PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON-
SEPTEMBER .213
OCTOBER .251
NOVEMBER ..... .285
PRAYERS, HOMILIES, AND GOSPEL ANTIPHONS . 3 2 3
THE COMMON OF SAINTS
FOR APOSTLES EVES .... .345
FOR APOSTLES AND EVANGELISTS . .346
FOR ONE MARTYR . . . 366
FOR MANY MARTYRS . 382
FOR ONE BISHOP AND CONFESSOR . . . . . . 399
FOR A CONFESSOR NOT A BISHOP ... . . . 415
FOR DOCTORS .431
FOR THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY . . . . . . . 436
FOR VIRGINS .451
FOR HOLY WOMEN ......... 464
FOR DEDICATION OF A CHURCH .- .... 472
CONTENTS. vii
PROPER OFFICE OF THE SAINTS-
FEAST-DAYS IN AUGUST . -493
SEPTEMBER . 59
OCTOBER ... 6 4
NOVEMBER . 7
,i DECEMBER
ADDITIONAL SERVICES-
LITTLE OFFICE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 793
OFFICE FOR THE DEAD .
GRADUAL PSALMS ...
SEVEN PENITENTIAL PSALMS AND LITANY
GRACE BEFORE AND AFTER MEAT .
PRAYERS FOR A JOURNEY
PREPARATION FOR COMMUNION
THANKSGIVING AFTER COMMUNION .
DEVOTIONS AFTER COMMUNION
THE VOTIVE OFFICES-
ALL HOLY ANGELS . 8 4 :
ALL THE HOLY APOSTLES 8 47
ST JOSEPH, SPOUSE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY . . 849
THE MOST HOLY SACRAMENT OF THE ALTAR .
THE PASSION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST 866
THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 874
GENERAL APPENDIX - 8Sl
OFFICES PECULIAR TO IRELAND . 899
TWO EASY TABLES. ix
TWO EASY TABLES,
COMPILED FROM THE PIE.
And in which it can be seen at a glance what is to be done
( I ) When the Second Vespers of one Office fall on the same evening with the First
Vespers of another Office.
(2) When two Offices fall on the same day.
To use these Tables, find the little square in which lines drawn from the
designations of the two Offices meet at right angles, and then look what direction
is given underneath the Table, with the number inscribed in the square.
For instance, in Table A a Double of the Second Class meets a Semi-double
in a square containing the numeral 4. And 4 gives the Rule " all of the former,
with a Commemoration of the latter," but if the case be reversed they meet in I,
and the Service is " all of the latter, nothing of the former." And so in Table B,
the case of a Double of the Second Class and a Semi-double falling on the same
day is provided for in 4 and 3, and it is ordered that the Semi-double be com
memorated and the Double of the Second Class observed, o indicates a case
which either cannot occur, or which is the subject of special directions in its own
place. However, it is first needful to know the rank of the different Offices.
LIST OF FEASTS ACCORDING TO THEIR CLASS.
Doubles of the First Class.
Christmas Day. Dec. 25.
Twelfth-Day. Jan. 6.
Maundy Thursday.
Good Friday.
Holy Saturday.
Easter Day.
Easter Monday.
Easter Tuesday.
Ascension Day.
Whitsun Day.
Whitsun Monday.
Whitsun Tuesday.
Corpus Christi.
The Sacred Heart.
The Immaculate Conception. Dec. 8.
Lady Day. March 25.
VOL. iv. a 2
TWO EASY TABLES.
The Assumption. Aug. I 5.
The Birthday of St John the Baptist. June 24.
St Joseph. March 19.
SS. Peter and Paul. June 29.
All Saints. Nov. i.
St Thomas of Canterbury. 1 Dec. 29.
St George. April 23.
St Augustine of Canterbury. May 26.
The Dedication of the Particular Church.
The Feast of the Patron, or Titular of the Particular Church.
The Feast of the Chief Patron or Patrons of the diocese.
Doubles of the Second Class.
The Circumcision. Jan. i.
The Holy Name.
The Most Holy Trinity.
The Most Precious Blood.
The Finding of the Cross. May 3.
Candlemas Day. Feb. 2.
The Visitation. July 2.
The Birth of the Blessed Virgin. Sept. 8.
The Solemnity of the Most Holy Rosary.
Michaelmas Day. Sept. 29.
The Patronage of St Joseph.
The Feasts of the Eleven Apostles, and of the Evangelists.
St Stephen. Dec. 26.
The Holy Innocents. Dec. 28.
St Lawrence. Aug. 10.
St Anne. July 26.
St Joachim.
St Gregory the Great. March 12.
St Edward. Oct. 13.
Greater Doubles.
The Commemorations
Of the Prayer of our Lord,
Of His Sufferings,
Of His Coronation,
Of His Piercing,
Of His Enshroudment,
Of His Five Wounds,
Of His Precious Blood.
The Transfiguration. Aug. 6.
The Most Holy Redeemer. Oct. 23.
The Exaltation of the Cross. Sept. 14.
Dedication of the Church of St Saviour. Nov. 9.
1 Regarding the rank of this Feast, see note under his day.
TWO EASY TABLES. XI
The Expectation of the Blessed Virgin. Dec. 18.
Her Espousal. Jan. 23.
Her Sorrows (the two Feasts).
The Blessed Virgin styled Help of Christians. May 24.
The Blessed Virgin styled of Mount Carmel. July 1 6.
Dedication of St Mary s of the Snows. Aug. 5.
The Name of Mary.
The Blessed Virgin styled of Ransom. Sept. 24.
The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin.
Her Motherhood.
Her Purity.
Her Patronage.
Manifestation of St Michael. May 8.
St Gabriel. March 18.
St Raphael. Oct. 24.
The Guardian Angels. Oct. 2.
The Beheading of the Baptist. Aug. 29.
St Peter s Chair at Rome. Jan. 18.
St Peter s Chair at Antioch. Feb. 22.
St Peter s Chains. Aug. I.
The Conversion of St Paul. January 25.
Commemoration of St Paul. June 30.
Dedication of the Churches of SS. Peter and Paul. Nov. 18.
St John before the Latin Gate. May 6.
St Barnabas. June i i .
The Blessed John and his companions. May 4.
St Bede the Venerable. May 27.
St Alban. June 22.
Translation of St Thomas of Canterbury. July 7.
The Holy Relics (second Sunday in July).
St Ursula. Oct. 21.
St Edmund the Martyr. Nov. 20.
St Benedict. March 2 i .
St Dominic. Aug. 4.
St Francis. Oct. 4.
St Patrick. March 17.
St Francis Xavier. Dec. 3. 1
Sundays of the First Class.
The First Sunday of Advent.
The First Sunday of Lent.
Passion Sunday.
Palm Sunday.
Easter Sunday.
Low Sunday.
Whitsunday.
Trinity Sunday.
The Feast was an Ordinary Double when the Office given in this Breviary was printed.
XI I TWO EASY TABLES.
Sundays of the Second Class.
The Second, Third, and Fourth Sundays in Advent.
Septuagesima Sunday.
Sexagesima Sunday.
Quinquagesima Sunday.
The Second, Third, and Fourth Sundays of Lent.
Greater Week-days.
Those of Advent.
Those of Lent.
The Ember Days.
Rogation Monday.
/;/ the General Appendix will be found the following Greater Doubles.
Translation of the Holy House of Loreto.
The Finding of the Child JESUS in the Temple.
The Holy Home.
The Blessed Thomas Plumtree and his Companions.
The Flight of our Lord JESUS Christ into Egypt.
The Blessed Virgin Mary, styled of Good Counsel.
The Blessed Virgin Mary, styled the Mother of the Lord our Shepherd.
Lowliness of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The Blessed Virgin Mary, styled Mother of Grace.
Translation of St Edmund.
The Blessed Virgin Mary, styled of Perpetual Succour.
The Blessed John Fisher.
The Blessed Thomas More.
Translation of St Cuthbert.
The Blessed Thomas Percy.
LIST OF PRIMARY FEASTS.
I. Doubles of the First Class.
Christmas.
Twelfth Day.
Easter Day.
The Ascension.
Whitsun Day.
Corpus Christi.
The Immaculate Conception.
Lady Day.
The Assumption.
The Birthday of St John the Baptist.
St Joseph.
TWO EASY TABLES. Xlli
SS. Peter and Paul.
All Saints.
St Thomas of Canterbury.
St George.
St Augustine of Canterbury.
The Dedication of the Particular Church.
The Patron or Titular.
The principal Patron or Patrons of the district or diocese.
II. Doubles of the Second Class.
The Circumcision.
The Most Holy Trinity.
Candlemas Day.
The Visitation.
The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin.
Michaelmas Day.
The Feasts of the Eleven Apostles, and of the Evangelists.
St Stephen. Dec. 26.
The Holy Innocents.
St Lawrence.
St Anne.
St Joachim.
St Gregory the Great.
St Edward.
III. Greater Doubles.
The Transfiguration.
The Dedication of St Saviour s.
Dedication of St Mary s of the Snows.
The Angels Guardian.
The Dedication of the Basilicas of SS. Peter and Paul.
St Barnabas.
St Benedict.
St Dominic.
St Francis.
St Gabriel.
St Raphael.
The Blessed John and his Companions.
St Bede the Venerable.
St Alban.
The Holy Relics.
St Ursula.
St Edmund the Martyr.
St Patrick.
St Francis Xavier.
IV. Doubles.
The Birthday (or day kept as such) of each Saint.
xiv TWO EASY TABLES.
LIST OF SECONDARY FEASTS.
I. Doubles of the First Class.
The Most Sacred Heart of JESUS.
II. Doubles of the Second Class.
The Most Holy Name of JESUS.
The Finding of the Holy Cross.
The Feast of the Most Precious Blood.
The Solemnity of the Most Holy Rosary.
The Patronage of St Joseph.
III. Greater Doubles.
The Exaltation of the Holy Cross.
The Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin (the two Feasts).
The Blessed Virgin styled of Mount Carmel.
Her Holy Name.
The Blessed Virgin styled of Ransom.
Her Presentation.
The Manifestation of St Michael.
The Beheading of St John the Baptist.
St Peter s Chair at Rome.
St Peter s Chair at Antioch.
St Peter s Chains. .
The Conversion of St Paul.
The Commemoration of St Paul.
St John before the Latin Gate.
The Commemorations
Of the Prayer of our Lord,
Of His Sufferings,
Of His Coronation,
Of His Piercing,
Of His Enshroudment,
Of His Five Wounds,
Of His Precious Blood.
Feast of the Most Holy Redeemer.
The Espousal of the Blessed Virgin.
Her Motherhood.
Her Purity.
Her Patronage.
The Expectation of the Blessed Virgin.
The Blessed Virgin styled Help of Christians.
Translation of St Thomas of Canterbury.
All other Feasts of our Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the Saints not
provided for in these lists.
TWO EASY TABLES.
XV
TABLE A.
If the Second Vespers of
An Higher Sunday (i.e., of the First or
Second Class) . . .
4
3
4
4
3
3
3
3
.
o
An Ordinary Sunday
4
3
4
4
3
3
i
i
I
o
A Double of the First Class .
2
4
2
4
4
4
6
4
6
4
a
6
,
/I
A Double of the Second Class
__..
__
_
A Patron or Titular
2
4
2
4
4
4
O
4
6
4
A Greater Double
4
4
4
4
4
6
I
3
I
4
A Double .
4
5
4
4
5
3
I
3
I
4
4
o
4
5
3
3
I
i
I
5
__
An Octave-day
4
5
4
4
5
3
I
3
I
4
A Day within an Octave
o
3
4
3
3
3
1
i
I
5
i . All of the latter, nothing of the former.
2. All of the former, nothing of the latter.
M
z
X
IT
n
CJ
o
C
P]
3. All of the latter, but with a Com
p
O
n
3
n
s
c
c
P
o
o
B
w
memoration of the former.
3
FT
cr
o
g
3
3
x-
FT
c-
< ft
4. All of the former, but with a Com
n
Pa
o
O
*<
C
w w
memoration of the latter.
3
93
o
-
d
5-
S 3
; 5. All of the former till the Chapter, ex
cr
o
^
fD
o
o _
clusive ; then of the latter, from the
O
-
"^ <
Chapter, inclusive, but with a Com
p
O
s
memoration of the former.
o
:^
L
Crq
6. All of the more important, but with
c/)
3.
a Commemoration of the less
X
C/)
T
important ; if equal, Vespers of the
ri-
tr
latter from the Chapter inclusive.
Note.
At the First Vespers of the Octave-days of the Ascension and of Corpus
Christi and of other Primary Feasts of our Lord, the whole Service is of the
Octave. If a Double Feast have occupied the day, it is only commemorated,
xvi TWO EASY TABLES.
unless it be of the First or Second Class, in which case the Service is of it, with
a Commemoration of the First Vespers of the Octave.
If the Second Vespers of the Octave-days of the Feasts of our Lord which
are Primary and more solemn, such as those of Twelfth-Day, Easter, the
Ascension, and the others, clash with the First Vespers of a Double (including
the Octave-day of St John the Baptist), the Double is only commemorated,
unless it be of the First or Second Class, the Patron, Titular, or Dedication
Feast of the particular Church, in which cases the Service is of the Double,
with a Commemoration of the Second Vespers of the Octave.
On the Octave-days of Primary Feasts of the Blessed Virgin, the Angels,
St John the Baptist, St Joseph, and the Holy Apostles, there is only a Com
memoration made of an Ordinary or Lesser Double that precedes or follows.
If a Double or Semi-double Feast have been reduced to the condition of a
Simple according to the Pie, Chap, x., and a Double of the First Class fall
upon the day before, the reduced Feast is commemorated at the Second Vespers
of the Double of the First Class only if it is to be commemorated at the Lauds
of the succeeding day, that is to say of its own day ; but upon Doubles of the
Second Class such a reduced Feast is commemorated at both Vespers in the
same way as an Octave-day or a Sunday would be ; but a day within an Octave
is not commemorated unless the next day s Office be of the same.
When several Commemorations are to be made, they are arranged in the order
of i, Privileged Sunday; 2, Octave-Day; 3, Greater Double; 4, Reduced
Double ; 5, Ordinary Sunday ; 6, Day within the Octave of Corpus Christi ;
7, Semi-double ; 8, Day within an Octave, reduced to the form of Simple ;
9, Greater Week-day or Eve; 10, Simple.
[TABLE B.
TWO EASY TABLES.
XVil
TABLE B.
If
A Double of the First Class
6
4
6
6
4
6
6
2
2
2
8
4
4
I
6
2
2
p
|
*
A Greater Double
2
g
i
4"
I
A Double of a Doctor
4
4
4
4
i
4
Q
O
I
I
i
4
I
A Double
7
o
r.
j
3
J
A Day within an Octave .
4
4
4
3
3
7
3-
3
3
5
5
3
3
3
An Octave-day
4
4
4
4
7
4
4
2
2
3
3
4
3
3
A Semi-double
4
4
4
7
3
4
3
3
3
3
5
3
3
3
A Simple ....
3
3
o
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
5
3
3
3
A Greater Week-day
6
o
4
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
o
o
o
An Eve ...
o
5
4
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
5
o
o
o
i. The former is transferred, and
,
the latter observed.
>*
P
^
>
t>
t>
|J*
&
*>
1>
>
^
p
2. The former is observed, and
the latter transferred.
W
n
O
n
p
X
3
(75
c
C
o
-
P
O
B
C
C
3-
r.
~
p
C
c
C
g
c
c
c
C
C
d.
x
3
J.
"B
a
n
c
-
^
2
5
n>
n
n
nT
r
*<?
rt
3. The latter is observed, and
the former commemorated.
3
C
E3"
Er
3"
8,
P
C
o
**
s,
P
5
s,
o
en
P
3"
a
<
C.
cr
^7^
-r
"-
4. The former is observed, and
C
2
rt
c
3
n
n
the latter commemorated.
p
O
o
C
c
o
C/l
D-
CD
<T>
8
IS
i*
Cfl
5. The former is altogether
omitted, and the latter
po
HL
rj
O
p
3
D-
Q
p
observed.
ET
rr
en
en
en
M
j
6. The former is observed, and
f j
i< J
j
thelatter altogether omitted.
7. The more important is ob
served, and the less im
portant commemorated.
8. The more important is ob
served, and the less im
portant transferred.
VOL. IV.
a 3
xviil TWO EASY TABLES.
Note.
A Double of any sort, even the Patron, Titular, or Dedication Feast of the
particular Church, if it fall on Dec. 24, Whitsun Eve, Jan. I or 13, Ash
Wednesday, Holy, Easter, or Whitsun Weeks, Ascension Day, Corpus Christi
Day, March 25, Aug. 15, Dec. 8, Midsummer Day, March 19, June 29, or
Nov. i, is transferred, if it can be transferred, but if not, it is simply com
memorated upon its own day, or totally omitted, as may be directed in the Pie.
Within the Octave of the Epiphany no Feast can be kept except Double
Feasts of the First Class, and that with Commemoration of the Octave. Other
Feasts of Nine Lessons are permanently fixed on the first free day after the
Octave ; Simples are commemorated only. Within the Octave of Corpus Christi,
Semi-doubles are reduced to the rank of Simples and commemorated, neither can
Doubles be transferred thither unless they be of the First or Second Class, and a
Commemoration is always made of the Octave. Within those Octaves, in which
the observance of Feasts is allowed, a Semi-double, if it fall on a Sunday, is
commemorated as prescribed by the Pie.
The Octaves of Christmas, Twelfth -Day, and Corpus Christi, are com
memorated at every Vespers and Lauds, whatever be the Office.
Other Octaves, which are not in the Kalendar, 1 are not observed from Ash
Wednesday to Low Sunday, or Whitsun Eve to Trinity Sunday, both inclusive,
or from Dec. 17 to Jan. 6.
An Octave-day can never be transferred. Therefore, if Corpus Christi fall
on Midsummer Day, and the Feast of St John were consequently kept on June
25, July i would be kept as the Octave of Corpus Christi, with a Commemoration
of the Octave of St John at both Vespers and at Lauds.
If some other Saints be mentioned in the Kalendar on the same day with the
Patron or Titular, the Feast of the Patron or Titular alone is observed. If the
other Feast be a Double or Semi-double, it is permanently fixed on the first free
day and kept as a Semi-double. If it is a Double of the First or Second Class,
it is similarly transferred and kept as on its own day. 2
The Week-days of Advent and Lent, if not kept as such, are always com
memorated at both Vespers and Lauds, whatever be the Office; Ember Days,
Eves, and Rogation Monday, at Lauds only. But if an Eve fall in Advent or
Lent, on an Ember Day, a Double of the First Class, or the Patronal, Titular,
or Dedication Feast of the particular Church, no notice is taken of it, even in
Lauds.
1 But in the diocese of Hexham there is a special privilege permitting the observance of an
Octave in honour of St Cuthbert.
- I.e., in that particular Church, it has a day fixed other than elsewhere.
KALENDAR. XIX
KALENDAR.
JANUARY.
1 . Circumcision of our Lord. Double of the Second Class.
2. Octave of St Stephen. Double. Commemoration of the Octaves of St
Thomas of Canterbury, of St John, and of the Holy Innocents.
3. Octave of St John, Apostle and Evangelist. Double. Commemoration of
St Thomas of Canterbury, and of the Octave of the Holy Innocents.
4. Octave of the Holy Innocents, Martyrs. Double. Commemoration of St
Thomas of Canterbury.
5. Octave of St Thomas of Canterbury, Martyr. Double. Commemoration of
the Eve of the Epiphany and of St Telesphorus, Pope of Rome, Martyr.
6. EPIPHANY OF OUR LORD. Double of the First Class.
7. Within the Octave of the Epiphany.
8. Within the Octave.
9. Within the Octave.
10. Within the Octave.
11. Within the Octave. Commemoration of St Hyginus, Pope of Rome, and
Martyr,
i 2. Within the Octave.
* Lord s Day within the Octave of the Epiphany. [The Finding of the Child
JESUS in the Temple. Greater Double. General Appendix.]
13. Octave of the Epiphany. Double.
* Second Lord s Day after the Epiphany. Feast of the Most Holy Name of
JESUS. Double of the Second Class. Commemoration of the Sunday.
14. Hilary, Bishop [of Poitiers,] Confessor, and Doctor of the Church. Double.
Commemoration of St Felix, Priest and Martyr.
15. Paul, the First Hermit. Double. Commemoration of St Maurus, Abbat.
1 6. Marcellus, Pope and Martyr. Semi-double.
17. Antony, Abbat. Double.
1 8. The Chair of St Peter at Rome. Greater Double. Commemoration of St
Paul and of St Prisca, Virgin and Martyr.
19. Wolstan, Bishop [of Worcester,] Confessor. Double. Commemoration of
SS. Maris, Audifax, Abachum, and Martha, Martyrs.
* Third Lord s Day after the Epiphany. [The Feast of the Holy Home,
JESUS, Mary, and Joseph. Greater Double. Gen. App.]
20. Fabian and Sebastian, Martyrs. Double.
21. Agnes, Virgin and Martyr. Double.
22. Vincent and Anastasius. Semi-double.
23. Espousal of the Blessed Virgin Mary to St Joseph. Greater Double. Com
memoration of St Joseph and of Emerentiana, Virgin and Martyr.
24. Timothy, Bishop [of Ephesus,] Martyr. Double.
XX KALENDAR.
25. Conversion of St Paul. Greater Double. Commemoration of St Peter.
26. Polycarp, Bishop [of Smyrna,]] Martyr. Double.
27. John Chrysostom, Patriarch [of. Constantinople,]] Confessor and Doctor of
the Church. Double.
28. Raymond of Penafuerte, Confessor. Semi-double. 1 Commemoration of St
Agnes for the second time.
29. Francis de Sales, Bishop [of Geneva,] Confessor, and Doctor of the
Church. Double.
30. Martina, Virgin and Martyr. Semi-double.
\_Double in the Province of Westminster.]
3 i . Peter Nolasco, Confessor. Double.
* Friday after Septuagesima Sunday, Prayer of our Lord in the Garden of
Gethsemane. Greater Double.
* Friday after Sexagesima Sunday, Sufferings of our Lord. Greater Double.
FEBRUARY.
1 . Ignatius, Bishop [of Antioch,] Martyr. Double.
2. Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Double of the Second Class.
3. Laurence, Archbishop of Canterbury, Confessor. Double. Commemoration
of Blase, Bishop of Sebaste in Armenia, Martyr.
4. Andrew Corsini, Bishop [of Fiesole,] Confessor. Double.
5. Agatha, Virgin and Martyr. Double.
6. Titus, Archbishop [of Gortyna in Crete,] Confessor. Double. Commem
oration of St Dorothy, Virgin and Martyr.
7. Romuald, Abbat. Double.
8. John de la Mata, Confessor. Double.
9. Cyril, Pope of Alexandria, Confessor, and Doctor of the Church. Double.
Commemoration of St Apollonia, Virgin and Martyr.
[The Twenty-six Holy Martyrs who suffered in Japan. Double. Gen.
App.]
10. Scholastica, Virgin. Double.
11. Gilbert [of Sempringham,] Confessor. Semi-double.
12. Benedict Biscop, Abbat, Confessor. Double.
13. The Seven Founders of the Servite Order, Confessors. Double.
[Kentigern, Bishop [of Glasgow,] Confessor. Double. Gen. App.]
14. Valentine, Priest and Martyr.
[Thomas Plumtree and his Companions, Martyrs. Greater Double. Gen.
App.]
15. Faustinus and Jovita, Martyrs.
16.
17. [The Flight of our Lord JESUS Christ into Egypt. Greater Double. Gen.
App.]
1 8. Simeon, Bishop [of Jerusalem,] Martyr.
19.
1 See vol. i. p. 723.
KALENDAK. XXI
2O.
21.
22. The Chair of St Peter at Antioch. Greater Double. Commemoration of St
Paul.
23. Peter Damian, [Cardinal] Bishop [of Ostia,] Confessor, and Doctor of the
Church. Double. Commemoration of the Eve.
24. Matthias, Apostle. Double of the Second Class.
25.
26. Ethelbert, King of Kent, Confessor. Double.
27. [Margaret of Cortona, Penitent. Semi-double. Gen. App.]
28.
In Leap- Year February has 29 days, the additional day is inserted after the
23rd, the 24th is then the Eve of St Matthias, and the following days
are each counted one later, the Feast of St Matthias being the 25th, &c.
* First Friday in Lent, Coronation of our Lord with Thorns. Greater
Double.
Second Friday in Lent, Piercing of Our Lord with Spear and Nails.
Greater Double.
Third Friday in Lent, Enshroudment of our Lord. Greater Double.
Fourth Friday in Lent, The Five Most Holy Wounds of our Lord.
Greater Double.
MARCH.
1. David, Archbishop [of Caerleon,] Confessor. Double.
2. Chad, Bishop [of Lichfield,] Confessor. Double.
3. Aelred, Abbat, Confessor. Semi-double.
4. Casimir, Confessor. Semi-double. Commemoration of St Lucius, Pope ot
Rome, and Martyr.
6*.
7. Thomas of Aquino, Confessor, and Doctor of the Church. Double. Com
memoration of SS. Perpetua and Felicitas, Martyrs.
8. Felix, Bishop [of Dunwich,] Confessor. Double.
9. Frances of Rome, Widow. Double.
10. The Forty Martyrs. Semi-double.
11. John of God, Confessor. Double.
12. Gregory \_the Great,~\ Pope of Rome, Doctor of the Church, and Apostle of
England. Double of the Second Class.
3-
14.
J 5-
16.
17. Patrick, Archbishop [of Armagh,] Confessor. Greater Double.
i 8. The Archangel Gabriel. Greater Double.
19. JOSEPH, HUSBAND OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY. Double of the First
Class.
XX11 KALENDAR.
20. Cuthbert, Bishop [of Lindisfarne,] Confessor. Double.
[In the diocese of Hexham and, Newcastle this Feast has an Octave. See
Gen. App.]
2 i . Benedict, Abbat and Confessor. Greater Double.
22. Cyril, Bishop [of Jerusalem,] Confessor, and Doctor of the Church. Double.
[Edward, King of England, Martyr. Double. Gen. App.]
2 3-
24.
25. ANNUNCIATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY. Double of the First Class.
26. [The Penitent Thief. Double. Gen. App.]
27. John of Damascus, Confessor, and Doctor of the Church. Double.
28. John of Capistrano, Confessor. Semi- double.
29.
3-
3 1 -
* Friday in Passion Week, Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Greater
Double.
APRIL,
i.
2. Francis of Paola, Confessor. Double.
3. Richard, Bishop [of Chichester,] Confessor. Double.
4. Isidore, Archbishop [of Seville,] Confessor, and Doctor of the Church.
Double.
5. Vincent Ferrer, Confessor. Double.
6.
7-
8.
9-
10.
n. Leo the Great, Pope of Rome, Confessor, and Doctor of the Church
Double.
12.
13. Hermenegild, Martyr. Semi-double.
14. Justin, Martyr. Double. Commemoration of SS. Tiburtius, Valerian, and
Maximus, Martyrs.
1 6.
17. Stephen Harding, Abbat, Confessor. Semi-double. Commemoration of St
Anicete, Pope of Rome, and Martyr.
18.
19. jElphege, Archbishop of Canterbury, Martyr. Double.
20.
21. Anselm, Archbishop [of Canterbury,] Confessor, and Doctor of the Church.
Double.
22. Soter and Caius, Popes of Rome, and Martyrs. Semi-double.
KALENDAR. XXlii
23. GEORGE, MARTYR, PATRON OF ENGLAND. Double of the First Class.
24. Faithful of Sigmaringen, Martyr. Double. Commemoration of the Octave
of St George and of St Mellitus, Archbishop of Canterbury.
25. Mark, Evangelist. Double of the Second Class.
26. Cletus and Marcellinus, Popes of Rome, and Martyrs. Semi-double. Com
memoration of the Octave of St George.
[The Blessed Virgin Mary, styled of Good Counsel. Greater Double.
Gen. App.]
27. Egbert, Confessor. Semi-double. Commemoration of the Octave of St
George.
28. Paul of the Cross, Confessor. Double. Commemoration of the Octave of
St George and of St Vitalis, Martyr.
29. Peter, Martyr. Double. Commemoration of the Octave of St George.
30. Octave of St George, Martyr. Double.
* Third Lord s Day after Easter, Patronage of St Joseph. Double of the
Second Class. Commemoration of the Sunday.
[In some dioceses this Feast has an Octave. See Gen. App.]]
MAY.
1 . Philip and James, Apostles. Double of the Second Class. Commemoration
of St Asaph, Bishop of St Asaph.
[* First Lord s Day in May, The Blessed Virgin Mary, styled the Mother
of the Lord our Shepherd. Greater Double. Gen. App.]
2. Athanasius, Pope of Alexandria, Confessor, and Doctor of the Church.
Double.
3. Finding of the Holy Cross. Double of the Second Class. Commemoration
of SS. Alexander, Eventius, and Theodulus, Martyrs, and Juvenal, Bishop
of Narni, Confessor.
4. John, Cardinal Bishop of Rochester, Thomas More, and their companions,
Martyrs. Greater Double.
5. Katharine of Sienna, Virgin. Double.
6. John, Apostle and Evangelist, before the Latin Gate. Greater Double.
7. Stanislaw, Bishop [of Crakow,] Martyr. Double.
8. Manifestation of the Archangel St Michael. Greater Double.
9. Gregory of Nazianzus, Patriarch [of Constantinople,] Confessor, and Doctor
of the Church. Double.
10. Antonine, Archbishop [of Florence,] Confessor. Double. Commemoration
of SS. Gordian and Epimachus, Martyrs.
1 1. Pius V., Pope of Rome, Confessor. Double.
[John Rochester and James Walworth and their Companions, Martyrs.
Double. Gen. App.]
12. Nereus, Achilles, the Virgin Domitilla, and Pancras, Martyrs. Semi-double.
[Lowliness of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Greater Double. Gen. App.]
13. Walburg, Virgin. Double.
[4. Monica, Widow. Double. Commemoration of St Boniface, Martyr.
XXIV KALENDAR.
15. [Jean-Baptiste de la Salle, Confessor. Double. Gen. App.]
[The Blessed Virgin Mary, styled Mother of Grace. Greater Double.
Gen. App.]
1 6. Simon Stock, Confessor. Double.
17. Paschal Baylon, Confessor. Double.
1 8. Venantius, Martyr. Double.
19. Dunstan, Archbishop [of Canterbury,]] Confessor. Double. Commemora
tion of St Pudentiana, Virgin.
20. Bernardine of Sienna. Semi-double.
2 1 . Peter Celestine, Pope of Rome, Confessor. Double.
22. Ubald, Bishop [of Gubbio,] Confessor. Semi-double.
23. John Baptist de Rossi, Confessor. Double.
24. The Blessed Virgin Mary, styled " Help of Christians." Greater Double.
[In the dioceses of Shrewsbury and Westminster, Double of the First Class,
e with an Octave. Gen. App.]]
25. Aldhelm, Bishop [of Sherborne,] Confessor. Double. Commemoration of
St Urban, Pope of Rome, and Martyr.
26. AUGUSTINE, ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY, CONFESSOR, APOSTLE OF ENGLAND.
Double of the First Class.
27. Bede the Venerable, Confessor, and Doctor of the Church. Greater Double.
Commemoration of the Octave of St Augustine and of St John I., Pope
of Rome, and Martyr.
28. Gregory VII., Pope of Rome, Confessor. Double. Commemoration of the
Octave of St Augustine.
[The Blessed Margaret Pole, Countess [of Salisbury,] Martyr. Double.
Gen. App.]
29. Eleutherius, Pope of Rome, Martyr. Double. Commemoration of the
Octave of St Augustine.
30. John of Nepomuc, Martyr. Double. Commemoration of the Octave of St
Augustine and of St Felix, Pope of Rome, and Martyr.
31. Angela Merici, Virgin. Double. Commemorations of the Octave of St
Augustine and of St Petronilla, Virgin.
* Third Lord s Day after Pentecost, the Most Sacred Heart of JESUS.
Double of the First Class. Commemoration of the Sunday.
JUNE.
1. Within the Octave of St Augustine of Canterbury.
2. Octave of St Augustine of Canterbury. Double. Commemoration of SS.
Marcellinus, Peter, and Elmo, Martyrs.
3. Mary Magdalen de Pazzi, Virgin. Double.
4. Francis Caracciolo, Confessor. Double.
5. Boniface, Archbishop [of Maintz,] Martyr. Double.
[In the diocese of Plymouth, a Double of the First Class, with an Octave.
Gen. App.]
6. Norbert, Archbishop [of Magdeburg,] Confessor. Double.
7-
KALENDAR. XXV
8. William, Archbishop of York, Confessor. Double.
9. Primus and Felician, Martyrs.
[_In the diocese of Portsmouth, Translation of St Edmund, Archbishop of
Canterbury, Confessor. Greater Double. Gen. App.]
10. Margaret, Queen of Scots, Widow. Double.
I i . Barnabas, Apostle. Greater Double.
12. John of San Fagondez. Double. Commemoration of SS. Basilides, Cyrinus,
Nabor, and Nazarius, Martyrs.
13. Anthony of Padua, Confessor. Double.
14. Basil the Great, Archbishop [of Cassarea-in-Pontus,] Confessor and Doctor
of the Church. Double.
15. Philip Neri, Confessor. Double. Commemoration of SS. Vitus, Modestus,
and Crescentia, Martyrs.
1 6.
17. Botolph, Abbat, Confessor. Semi-double.
[Lord s Day before the birth of St John the Baptist, the Blessed Virgin
Mary, styled of Perpetual Succour. Greater Double. Gen. App.]
1 8. Mark and Marcellian, Martyrs.
19. Juliana de Falconieri, Virgin. Double. Commemoration of SS. Gervase
and Protase, Martyrs.
20. Silverius, Pope of Rome, and Martyr.
21. Aloysius Gonzaga, Confessor. Double.
22. Alban, Proto-Martyr of Britain. Greater Double. Commemoration of
Paulinus, Bishop of Nola, Confessor.
[First Free Day after June 22, the Blessed John Fisher, Cardinal Bishop of
Rochester, Martyr. Greater Double. Gen. App.]]
23. Etheldreda, Virgin. Double. Commemoration of Midsummer Eve.
24. BIRTH OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST. Double of the First Class.
25. William, Abbat, Confessor. Double. Commemoration of the Octave of St
John.
26. John and Paul, Martyrs. Double. Commemoration of the Octave of St
John.
27. Within the Octave of the Birth of St John.
28. Leo II., Pope of Rome, and Confessor. Semi-double. Commemoration of
the Octave of St John, and of the Eve of the Apostles.
29. PETER AND PAUL, APOSTLES. Double of the First Class.
[Commemoration of all the Holy Apostles. Gen. App.]
30. Commemoration of St Paul. Greater Double. Commemoration of St Peter,
and of the Octave of St John.
JULY.
* First Lord s Day in July, the Most Precious Blood of our Lord JESUS
Christ. Double of the Second Class. Commemoration of the Sunday.
Octave of the Birth of St John the Baptist. Double. Commemoration of
the Octave of SS. Peter and Paul.
XXVI KALENDAR.
2. Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Double of the Second Class. Com
memoration of SS. Processus and Martinian, Martyrs.
3. Within the Octave of the Apostles.
4. Within the Octave of the Apostles.
5. Anthony Mary Zaccaria, Confessor. Double. Commemoration of the
Octave of the Apostles.
6. Octave of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul. Double.
[First Free Day after July 6, the Blessed Thomas More, Martyr. Greater
Double. Gen. App.]
7. Translation of Thomas, Archbishop [of Canterbury] , Martyr. Greater Double.
* Second Lord s Day in July, the Holy Relics. Greater Double. Com
memoration of the Sunday.
8. Isabel, Queen of Portugal, Widow. Semi-double.
9. Willibald, Bishop of Eichstad, Confessor. Double.
10. The Seven Brethren and the Holy Virgins Rufina and Secunda, all Martyrs.
Semi-double.
11. Cyril, Bishop of Moravia, and Methodius, Bishop of Kieff, Confessors.
Double. Commemoration of St Pius I., Pope and Martyr.
12. John Gualberto, Abbat [of Passignano,] Double. Commemoration of SS.
Nabor and Felix, Martyrs.
13. Anaclete, Pope of Rome, and Martyr. Semi-double.
14. " Buona- ventura, [Cardinal] Bishop [of Albano,] Confessor, and Doctor
of the Church. Double.
1 5. Swithun, Bishop [of Winchester,] Confessor. Double.
[The Division of the Apostles. Double. Gen. App.]
[Third Sunday in July, Commemoration of All the Holy Bishops of Rome.
Double. Gen. App.]
1 6. The Blessed Virgin Mary, styled of Mount Carmel. Greater Double.
[In the diocese of Salford, Double of the First Class. Gen. App.]
17. Osmund, Bishop [of Salisbury,] Confessor. Double.
1 8. Camillus de Lelli, Confessor. Double. Commemoration of St Symphorosa
and her Seven Sons, Martyrs.
19. Vincent de Paul, Confessor. Double.
20. Jerome Miani, Confessor. Double. Commemoration of St Margaret, Virgin
and Martyr.
21. Henry II., Emperor of the Romans, Confessor. Semi-double. Commem
oration of St Praxedes, Virgin.
22. Mary Magdalen. Double.
23. Apollinaris, Bishop [of Ravenna,] Martyr. Double. Commemoration of St
Liborius, Bishop of Mans, Confessor.
24. Alexis, Confessor. Semi-double. Commemoration of the Eve of St James,
and of St Christina, Virgin and Martyr.
25. James, Apostle. Double of the Second Class. Commemoration of St Chris
topher, Martyr.
26. Anne, Mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Double of the Second Class.
[/ the diocese of Leeds, Double of the First Class. Gen. App.]
27. Pantaleon, Martyr.
28. Nazarius, Celsus, and Victor, Martyrs, and Innocent, Pope of Rome, and
Confessor. Semi-double.
KALENDAR. XXV ii
29. Martha, Virgin. Semi-double. Commemoration of SS. Felix, Simplicius,
Faustinus, and Beatrix, Martyrs.
30. Germanus, Bishop of Auxerre, Confessor. Double. Commemoration of SS.
Abdon and Sennen, Martyrs.
3 1 . Ignatius, Confessor. Double.
AUGUST.
1. The Chains of St Peter. Greater Double. Commemoration of the Holy
Machabees, Martyrs.
2. Alphonsus Mary de Liguori, Bishop [of Santa-Agata-de -Goti,] Confessor,
and Doctor of the Church. Double. Commemoration of St Stephen,
Pope of Rome, and Martyr.
3. Finding of the body of St Stephen, the First Martyr. Semi-double.
4. Dominick, Confessor. Greater Double.
5. Dedication of St Mary s of the Snows. Greater Double.
6. Transfiguration of our Lord. Greater Double. Commemoration of St
Xystus, Pope of Rome, and SS. Felicissimus and Agapitus, Martyrs.
7. Gaetan, Confessor. Double. Commemoration of St Donatus, Bishop of
Arezzo, Martyr.
8. Cyriacus, Largus, and Smaragdus, Martyrs. Semi-double.
9. Oswald, King of the Northumbrians, Martyr. Double. Commemoration of
the Eve of St Lawrence, and of St Romanus, Martyr.
10. Lawrence, Martyr. Double of the Second Class.
11. Within the Octave of St Lawrence. Commemoration of SS. Tiburtius and
Susanna.
12. Clare, Virgin. Double. Commemoration of the Octave of St Lawrence.
13. Within the Octave of St Lawrence. Commemoration of SS. Hippolytus
and Cassian, Martyrs.
14. Within the Octave of St Lawrence. Commemoration of the Eve of the
Assumption, and of St Eusebius, Confessor.
1 5. ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY. Double of the First Class.
* The Lord s Day within the Octave of the Assumption, St Joachim, Con
fessor, Father of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Double of the Second Class.
Commemoration of the Sunday.
1 6. Hyacinth, Confessor. Double. Commemoration of the two Octaves.
17. Octave of St Lawrence. Double. Commemoration of the Octave of the
Assumption.
1 8. Helen, Empress of the Romans, Widow. Double. Commemoration of the
Octave of the Assumption, and of St Agapitus, Martyr.
19. Within the Octave of the Assumption.
20. Bernard, Abbat [of Clairvaux,] Confessor, and Doctor of the Church.
Double. Commemoration of the Octave of the Assumption.
21. Jeanne Frances Fremiot de Chantal, Widow. Double. Commemoration of
the Octave of the Assumption.
22. Octave of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Double. Com
memoration of SS. Timothy, Hippolytus, and Symphorian, Martyrs.
XXVlll KALENDAR.
* The Lord s Day after the Octave of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin
Mary. [Office of the Most Pure Heart of the Blessed Virgin. Greater
Double. Vol. iii., Gen. App., p. 1028 ; vol. iv., Gen. App., p. 916.]]
23. Philip Benizzi, Confessor. Double. Commemoration of the Eve of St
Bartholomew.
24. Bartholomew , Apostle. Double of the Second Class.
25. Louis IX., King of France, Confessor. Semi-double.
26. Zephyrinus, Pope of Rome, and Martyr.
27. Joseph Casalanz, Confessor. Double.
28. Austin, Bishop [of Hippo,] Confessor, and Doctor of the Church. Double.
Commemoration of St Hermes, Martyr.
29. Beheading of St John the Baptist. Greater Double. Commemoration of St
Sabina, Martyr.
30. Rose of Lima, Virgin. Double. Commemoration of SS. Felix and him
that joined him, Martyrs.
31. Aidan, Bishop [of Lindisfarne,] Confessor. Double.
SEPTEMBER.
1. Raymond the Unborn, Confessor. Double. Commemoration of St Giles,
Abbat, and of the Twelve Holy Brethren, Martyrs.
2. Stephen, King of Hungary, Confessor. Semi-double.
4. [Translation of St Cuthbert, Bishop [of Lindisfarne] and Confessor. Greater
Double in the diocese of Hex ham. Gen. App.]
5. Lawrence de Giustiniani, Patriarch of Venice, Confessor. Semi-double.
6.
7-
8. Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Double of the Second Class. Commem
oration of St Adrian, Martyr.
" The Lord s Day within the Octave, The Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin
Mary. Greater Double. Commemoration of the Sunday.
9. Within the Octave of the Birth of the Blessed Virgin. Commemoration of
St Gorgonius, Martyr.
10. Nicolas of Tolentino. Double. Commemoration of the Octave of the Birth
of the Blessed Virgin,
i i. Within the Octave of the Birth of the Blessed Virgin. Commemoration of
SS. Protus and Hyacinth, Martyrs.
12. Within the Octave of the Birth of the Blessed Virgin.
13. Within the Octave of the Birth of the Blessed Virgin.
14. Uplifting of the Holy Cross. Greater Double. Commemoration of the
Octave of the Birth of the Blessed Virgin.
15. Octave of the Birth of the Blessed Virgin. Double. Commemoration of St
Nicomede, Martyr.
* Third Lord s Day in this Month, The Seven Sorroivs of the Blessed Virgin
Mary. Greater Double. Commemoration of the Sunday.
KALENDAR. xxix
1 6. Cornelius, Pope of Rome, and Cyprian, Bishop of Carthage, Martyrs.
Semi-double. Commemoration of SS. Euphemia, Lucy, and Geminian,
Martyrs.
17. Marking of the Body of St Francis with the marks of Our Lord. Double.
1 8. Joseph of Cupertino, Confessor. Double.
19. Januarius, Bishop [of Benevento,] and his Companions, Martyrs. Double.
20. Eustace, Agapitus, Theopistus, and Theopista, Martyrs. Double. Com
memoration of the Eve of St Matthew.
21. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist. Double of the Second Class.
22. Thomas of Villanueva, Archbishop [of Valencia,] Confessor. Double.
Commemoration of St Maurice and his Companions, Martyrs.
23. Linus, Pope of Rome, and Martyr. Semi-double. Commemoration of St
Thecla, Virgin and Martyr.
24. The Blessed Virgin Mary, styled " of Ransom." Greater Double.
25. Ninian, Bishop [of Galloway,] Confessor. Double.
26. Theodore, Archbishop of Canterbury, Confessor. Double. Commemoration
of SS. Cyprian and Justina, Martyrs.
27. Cosmas and Damian, Martyrs. Semi-double.
28. Wenceslaus, Duke [of Bohemia,] Martyr. Semi-double.
29. Dedication of the Church of St Michael, the Archangel. Double of the Second
Class.
[In the dioceses of Menevia and Newport, ST MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS.
Double of the First Class. Gen. App.]
30. Jerome, Priest, Confessor, and Doctor of the Church. Double. Com
memoration of St Honorius, Archbishop of Canterbury.
OCTOBER.
* First Lord s Day in the Month, The Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin
Mary. Double of the Second Class. Commemoration of the Sunday.
1 . Remy, Bishop of Rheims, Confessor. Simple or Semi-double at will.
2. The Guardian Angels. Greater Double.
3. Thomas, Bishop of Hereford, Confessor. Double.
4. Francis, Confessor. Greater Double.
5. Placidus and his Companions, Martyrs.
6. Bruno, Confessor. Double.
7. Mark, Pope of Rome, Confessor. Commemoration of SS. Sergius and his
Companions, Martyrs.
* Second Lord s Day in the Month. Motherhood of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Greater Double. Commemoration of the Sunday.
8. Bridget, Princess of Nericia, Widow. Double.
9. Denys, Bishop of Paris, Rusticus, and Eleutherius, Martyrs. Semi-double.
10. Paulinus, Archbishop of York, Confessor. Double.
IT. Francis Borgia, Confessor. Semi-double.
12. Wilfred, Archbishop [of York,] Confessor. Double.
13. Edward, King of England, Confessor. Double of the Second Class.
XXX KALENDAR.
14. Kallistus, Pope of Rome, Martyr. Double. Commemoration of the Octave
of St Edward.
* Third Lord s Day in the Month, Purity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Greater Double. Commemoration of the Sunday.
15. Theresa, Virgin. Double. Commemoration of the Octave of St Edward.
16. Within the Octave of St Edward.
17. ladwiga, Widow. Semi-double. Commemoration of the Octave of St
Edward.
1 8. Luke, Evangelist. Double of the Second Class.
19. Peter of Alcantara, Confessor. Double. Commemoration of the Octave
of St Edward.
[In the diocese of Shrewsbury, Double of the First Class. Gen. App.]
20. Octave of St Edward. Double.
21. Ursula and her Companions, Virgins and Martyrs. Greater Double. Com
memoration of St Hilarion, Abbat.
* Fourth Lord s Day in the Month, Patronage of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Greater Double. Commemoration of the Sunday.
22. John of Kenty, Confessor. Double.
23. Feast of the Most Holy Redeemer. Greater Double.
24. The Archangel Raphael. Greater Double.
25. John of Beverley, Archbishop [of York,] Confessor. Double. Commem
oration of SS. Chrysanthus and Daria, Martyrs.
26. Evaristus, Pope of Rome, Martyr.
27. Eve of SS. Simon and Jude.
28. Simon and Jude -, Apostles. Double of the Second Class.
29.
30-
31. Eve of All Saints.
NOVEMBER.
1. FEAST OF ALL THE SAINTS. Double of the First Class.
2. Within the Octave of All Saints. Commemoration of all the Faithful
Departed.
3. Winefrid, Virgin and Martyr. Double. Commemoration of the Octave of
All Saints.
4. Charles, [Cardinal] Archbishop [of Milan,] Confessor. Double. Com
memoration of the Octave of All Saints, and of Saints Vitalis and
Agricola, Martyrs.
5. Within the Octave of All Saints.
6. Within the Octave of All Saints.
7. Within the Octave of All Saints.
8. Octave of All Saints. Double. Commemoration of the Four Crowned
Martyrs.
9. Dedication of the Cathedral Church of Our Most Holy Saviour. Greater
Double. Commemoration of St Theodore, Martyr.
KALENDAR. XXXI
10. Andrew Avellino, Confessor. Double. Commemoration of SS. Tryphon,
Respicius, and the Virgin Nympha, Martyrs, and of St Justus, Bishop of
Rochester, Confessor.
11. Martin, Bishop [of Tours,] Confessor. Double. Commemoration of St
Mennas, Martyr.
12. Martin, Pope of Rome, Martyr. Semi-double.
13. Diego, Confessor. Semi-double.
14. Erconwald, Bishop of London, Confessor. Double.
[Thomas Percy, Earl of Northumberland, Martyr. Greater Double. Gen.
App.]
i 5. Gertrude, Virgin. Double.
1 6. Edmund Rich, Archbishop of Canterbury, Confessor. Double.
[In the diocese of Portsmouth, EDMUND OF CANTERBURY. Double of the
First Class. Gen. App.]
17. Hew, Bishop of Lincoln, Confessor. Double.
1 8. Dedication of the Churches of SS. Peter and Paul. Greater Double.
19. Elizabeth, Widow. Double. Commemoration of St Pontian, Pope of
Rome, and Martyr.
20. Edmund, King of the East Angles, Martyr. Greater Double.
21. Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Greater Double.
22. Cecily, Virgin and Martyr. Double.
23. Clement, Pope of Rome, Martyr. Double. Commemoration of St Felicity,
Martyr.
24. John of the Cross, Confessor. Double. Commemoration of St Chrysogonus,
Martyr.
25. Katharine, Virgin and Martyr. Double.
26. Sylvester, Abbat, Confessor. Double. Commemoration of St Peter, Pope
of Alexandria, Martyr.
27. Gregory, the Wonder-worker, Bishop [of Neo-Cassarea in Pontus,] Con
fessor. Double.
28. Jehoshaphat, Archbishop of Polotsk, Martyr. Double.
29. Willibrord, Archbishop of Utrecht, Confessor. Double. Commemoration of
the Eve of St Andrew, if out of Advent, and of St Saturninus, Martyr.
[Cuthbert Maine, Martyr. Double. Gen. App.]
30. Andrew , dpost/e. Double of the Second Class.
DECEMBER.
1. Felix de Valois, Confessor. Double.
[Edmund Campion and his Companions, Martyrs. Double. Gen. App.]
2. Bibiana, Virgin and Martyr. Semi-double.
3. Francis Xavier, Confessor. Doubled-
4. Peter Chrysologus, Archbishop [of Ravenna,] Confessor, and Doctor of the
Church. Double. Commemoration of St Barbara, Virgin and Martyr.
1 Since raised to the rank of a Greater Doiible.
XXX11 KALENDAR.
5. Brian, Bishop [of Dorchester,] Confessor. Double. Commemoration of St
Saba, Abbat.
6. Nicolas, Archbishop [of Myra,] Confessor. Double.
[In diocese of Liverpool, Double of the First Class. Gen. App.]
7. Ambrose, Bishop [of Milan,] Confessor, and Doctor of the Church.
Double.
8. IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY. Double of the
First Class.
9. Within the Octave of the Conception.
10. Within the Octave of the Conception. Commemoration of St Melchiades,
Pope of Rome, Martyr.
[Translation of the Holy House of Loreto. Greater Double. Gen. App.]
1 1 . Damasus, Pope of Rome, Confessor. Semi-double. Commemoration of the
Octave of the Conception.
12. Within the Octave of the Conception.
13. Lucy, Virgin and Martyr. Double. Commemoration of the Octave of the
Conception.
14. Within the Octave of the Conception.
15. Octave of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin. Double.
1 6. Eusebius, Bishop [of Vercelli,] Martyr. Semi-double.
*7r
1 8. The Blessed Virgin Mary looking shortly to be delivered. Greater Double.
19.
20. Eve of St Thomas.
21. Thomas, Apostle. Double of the Second Class.
22.
2 3-
24. Christmas Eve.
25. BIRTHDAY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. Double of the First Class.
26. Stephen, the First Martyr. Double of the Second Class. Commemoration
of the Octave of Christmas.
27. John, Apostle and Evangelist. Double of the Second Class. Commemora
tion of the Octaves of Christmas and of St Stephen.
28. The Holy Innocents. Double of the Second Class. Commemoration of the
Octaves of Christmas, of St Stephen, and of St John.
29. THOMAS, ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY, MARTYR. Double of the First
Class. 1 Commemoration of the Octaves of Christmas, [of St Stephen,
of St John, and of the Innocents.]
30. Office of the Sunday within the Octave of Christmas, or of the Octave.
Commemorations of the Octaves of [Christmas,] of St Thomas of
Canterbury, of St Stephen, of St John, and of the Innocents.
31. Silvester, Pope of Rome, Confessor. Double. Commemoration of the
Octaves of Christmas, of St Thomas of Canterbury, of St Stephen,
of St John, and of the Innocents.
1 See the note to the Office in the Breviary.
PRAYERS. ABSOLUTIONS AND BLESSINGS. xxxiii
PRAYERS. ABSOLUTIONS AND BLESSINGS.
A PRAYER BEFORE A SERVICE.
O Lord, open Thou my mouth that I may bless Thy Holy Name. Cleanse
my heart from all vain, evil, and wandering thoughts ; enlighten my under
standing ; kindle my affections, that I may pray to, and praise Thee with
attention and devotion ; and may worthily be heard before the presence of
Thy Divine Majesty. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Lord, in union with that Divine Intention wherewith Thou didst Thyself
praise God, while as Thou wast on earth, I offer these Hours unto Thee.
A PRAYER AFTER A SERVICE.
In respect of which Pope Leo X. has granted to all persons who after saying
the Divine Office shall devoutly recite it on their knees , condonation of the shortcomings
and faults committed by them from human frailty in saying the Office.
To the Most Holy and undivided Trinity, to the Manhood of our Lord
JESUS Christ Crucified, to the fruitful Virginity of the most blessed and most
glorious Mary, always a Virgin, and to the holiness of all the Saints be ascribed
everlasting praise, honour, and glory, by all creatures, and to us be granted the
forgiveness of all our sins, world without end. Amen.
Verse. Blessed be the womb of the Virgin Mary which bore the Son of
the Eternal Father.
Answer. And blessed be the paps which gave suck to Christ our Lord.
Then are said the Lord s Prayer and the Angelic Salutation.
SUMMARY OF THE ABSOLUTIONS AND BLESSINGS PRONOUNCED AT MATTINS.
In the First Nocturn^ and on Monday and Thursday.
Absolution.
Graciously hear, O Lord JESUS Christ, the prayers of Thy servants, and
have mercy upon us: Who livest and reignest with the Father, and the Holy
Ghost, world without end. Amen.
First Blessing.
May the Eternal Father bless us
With an eternal blessing. Amen.
Second Blessing.
May the Son, the Sole-begotten,
Mercifully bless and keep us. Amen.
XXxiv PRAYERS. ABSOLUTIONS AND BLESSINGS.
Third Blessing.
May the grace of God the Spirit
All our heart and mind enlighten. Amen.
In the Second Nocturn, and on Tuesday and Friday.
Absolution.
May His loving-kindness and mercy help us, Who liveth and reigneth with
the Father, and the Holy Ghost, world without end. Amen.
Fourth Blessing.
God the Father Omnipotent,
Be to us merciful and clement. Amen.
Fifth Blessing.
May Christ to all His people give,
For ever in His sight to live. Amen.
Sixth Blessing.
May the Spirit s fire Divine
In our hearts enkindled shine. Amen.
In the Third Nocturn, and on Wednesday and Saturday.
Absolution.
May the Almighty and merciful Lord loose us from the bonds of our
sins. Amen.
Seventh Blessing.
May the Gospel s holy lection
Be our safety and protection. Amen.
Eighth Blessing.
God s most mighty strength alway
Be His people s staff and stay. Amen.
For Feasts of Saints.
He (or she or they) whose feast-day we are keeping,
Be our Advocate (or Advocates) with God.
For Feasts of the Blessed Virgin.
She whose feast-day we are keeping
Mary, blessed Maid of Maidens,
Be our Advocate with God.
PRAYERS. ABSOLUTIONS AND BLESSINGS. XXXV
Ninth Blessing.
May He that is the Angels King
To that high realm His people bring. Amen.
Or, if another Gospel and Homily are to be begun,
May the Gospel s glorious word
Cleansing to our souls afford.
On days of Three Lessons the Absolution and Blessings are as above, according
to the Week-day, with the following exceptions : First Blessing on Wednesday or
Saturday, (not the Simple Office of the Blessed Virgin,) if the First Lesson be
not Gospel with Homily,
May His blessing be upon us
Who doth live and reign for ever.
Whenever the First Lesson is Gospel with Homily, the Blessings are from the
Third Nocturn.
If the Office be of a Saint or Saints, the Blessings are :
First Blessing.
May His blessing be upon us
Who doth live and reign for ever.
Second Blessing.
He (or she or they) whose feast-day we are keeping,
Be our Advocate (or Advocates) with God.
Third Blessing.
May He that is the Angels King
To that high realm His people bring. Amen.
The Absolution and Blessings in the Simple OJice of the Blessed Firgin for
Saturdays are peculiar to that OJice, and are given in their own place.
Cite |)galt*r,
OR,
BOOK OF PSALMS,
DIVIDED ACCORDING TO THE DAYS OF THE WEEK, TOGETHER WITH
THE ORDINARY OFFICE FOR THE DIFFERENT SEASONS.
MATTINS, 1 OR MORNING PRAYER.
FOR THE LORD S DAY, SUNDAY.
Before Mat tins, and every other
Hour, except Lauds and Compline,
there is said inaudibly?
Father, Who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Thy Name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be
done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses, as we
forgive them that trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation ;
but deliver us from evil. Amen.
HAIL, Mary, full of grace ;
The Lord is with thee :
blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy
womb, JESUS.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray
for us sinners, now and at the hour
of our death. Amen.
At the beginning of Mat tins and
Prime, and at the end of Compline,
is then said inaitdibly the Apostles
Creed.
1 The proper hour for Mattins is midnight, at which time it is said in many Convents.
In others it is said at 2 or 5 A.M. In the Cathedral of Rome (St. John Lateran s) and
other Churches of the same country, the hour is about 7 A.M. It is allowable to say it at
any hour after the sun has begun to decline, and an ordinary practice is to do so late in the
afternoon.
- The reason why the Lord s Prayer and the Apostles Creed are recited inaudibly during
the Office seems to be, that in the early Church these formulae were concealed from the
unbaptized until very shortly before their baptism. Now, all were allowed to be present
at the Office, of which these formulae are a part, and therefore they were then so said that
the unbaptized could not hear them. The " Hail, Mary," having been added as a sort of
appendix to the Lord s Prayer, follows the same rule with it. The Lord s Prayer is said
aloud during the Canon of the Mass, because only the faithful were then present.
VOL. IV. A
THE PSALTER.
T BELIEVE in God the Father
^ Almighty, Maker of heavjen
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 : He 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. I be
lieve 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.
Then is said aloud :
Versed ^ O LORD, open Thou
my lips.
Answer. And my mouth shall
show forth Thy praise.
Verse? ^ Make haste, O God,
to deliver me.
Answer. Make haste to help me,
O LORD.
Glory be to the Father, and to the
Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
3 As it was in the beginning, is
now, and ever shall be, world with
out end. Amen, Alleluia. 4
From Sepluagesima Sunday to
Maundy Thursday instead of Alleluia
is said:
Ceaseless praise to Thee be given,
O Eternal King of heaven.
Then is said Psalm xciv. with the
Invitatory. The Invitatory here given
is said from the Octave of the Epiph
any to Septiiagesima Sunday, and
from the Octave of Pentecost to Ad
vent Sunday.
Invitatory. Let us worship the
Lord, for * He is our Maker.
Repetition. Let us worship the
Lord, for * He is our Maker.
Psalm XCIV. 5
[Vulgate and LXX., "A song of praise
by David."]
OCOME, let us sing unto the
LORD, let us make a joyful
noise to the God of our Salva
tion : let us come before His
presence with thanksgiving, and
make a joyful noise unto Him
with psalms.
Let us worship the Lord, for He
is our Maker.
For the LORD is a great God, and
a great King above all gods : for the
Lord will not cast off His people :
for in His hand are all the ends of
the earth ; and the heights of the
hills are His also.
He is our Maker.
For the sea is His, and He made
it : and His hands formed the dry
land : 6 O come, let us worship
and fall down ; let us cry unto the
1 Ps. 1. 17. 2 Ps. Ixix. 2.
3 The Greek original of this Doxology does not contain the words, "As it was in the
beginning" (inserted against the Arians), but runs thus : " Glory be to the Father, and to
the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, both now, and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen."
4 Or rather, "Hal lu-YAH," " Praise-ye-the- Eternal," a Hebrew phrase which occurs
repeatedly in the Bible. The sound of these words causes the Church such joy that she
denies herself their use during her penitential season. But in order not to remit the praise of
God, she substitutes for the Hebrew phrase a short rhyming Latin one, of similar meaning.
5 This Psalm is not given in the original from the Vulgate, but from some other Latin
translation. 6 Here it is usual to kneel till the *.
SUNDAY AT MATTINS.
LORD our Maker. * For He is
the Lord our God ; and we are
His people, and the sheep of His
pasture.
Let us worship the Lord, for He
is our Maker.
To-day if ye will hear His voice,
harden not your heart ; as in " the
Provocation," and as in the day of
" Temptation " in the wilderness :
when your fathers tempted Me,
proved Me, and saw My works. 1
He is our Maker.
Forty years long was I grieved
with that generation 2 and said, It is
a people that do alway err in their
heart, and they have not known My
ways : unto whom I sware in My
wrath that they should not enter
into My rest.
Let us worship the Lord, for He
is our Maker.
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.
He is our Maker.
Let us worship the Lord, for He
is our Maker.
The following Hymn is then said,
from the Octave of the Epiphany to the
First Sunday in Lent, and from thejirst
Sunday of October to Advent.
HYMN. 3
HTO-DAY the Blessed Three in One
* Began the earth and skies ;
To-day a Conqueror, God the Son,
Did from the grave arise ;
We too will wake, and, in despite
Of sloth and languor, all unite,
As Psalmists bid, through the dim night
Waiting with wistful eyes.
So may He hear, and heed each vow,
And prayer to Him addrest ;
And grant an instant cleansing now,
A future glorious rest.
So may He plentifully shower,
On all who hymn His love and power,
In this most still and sacred hour,
His sweetest gifts and best.
Father of purity and light !
Thy presence if we win,
Twill shield us from the deeds of night,
The burning darts of sin ;
Lest aught defiled or dissolute
Relax our bodies or imbrute,
And fires eternal be the fruit
Of fire now lit within.
Fix in our hearts, Redeemer dear,
The ever-gushing spring
Of grace to cleanse, of life to cheer
Souls sick and sorrowing.
Thee, bounteous Father, we entreat,
And only Son, awful and sweet,
And life-creating Paraclete,
The Everlasting King.
Amen.
Instead of the foregoing the follow
ing Hymn is said from the Octave of
Pentecost to the Jirst Sunday of Oc
tober.
1 The occasion here referred to is that described in Exodus xvii. 1-7. The children of
Israel while travelling through the desert became rebellious from want of water. It was
given them from the smitten rock. Then is added : " And he [Moses] called the name of
the place Temptation" (Hebrew and LXX. add "and Provocation"), "because of the
chiding of the children of Israel, and because they tempted the LORD, saying : Is the LORD
among us, or not?"
2 Namely, that particular generation which had come out of Egypt. The next clauses
relate to that which is written in Numbers xiv. 22 :" Because all these men which have
seen My glory, and My miracles, which I did in Egypt, and in the wilderness, have tempted
Me now these ten times, and have not hearkened to My voice, surely they shall not see the
land which I sware unto their fathers, neither shall any of them that provoked Me see it."
And this is confirmed -with an oath, in verse 28 : "As truly as I live, saith the LORD, as ye
have spoken in Mine ears, so will I do to you : your carcasses shall fall in this wilderness."
3 Ascribed to Pope St. Gregory the Great, but altered, one verse omitted, and the last
verse added. Translation by the late Card. Newman.
THE PSALTER.
HYMN. 1
T ET us arise and watch by nigh t,
* < And meditate always ;
And chant as in our Maker s sight
United hymns of praise.
So singing with the saints in bliss,
With them we may attain
Life everlasting after this,
And heaven for earthly pain.
Grant this, O Father, Only Son,
And Spirit, God of grace,
To whom all worship shall be done
In every time and place.
Amen.
When the Invitatories, Hymns, &*c.,
are different from the above they are
given in the Office to which they be
long.
FIRST NOCTURN, OR WATCH OF
THE NIGHT.
Antiphon for Advent. Behold,
there cometh the King.
Antiphon for the rest of the year.
Serve the LORD.
Antiphon for Paschal tune. Al
leluia.
Psalm I.
"DLESSED is the man that walk-
*-* eth not in the counsel of the
ungodly, nor standeth in the way of
sinners, * nor sitteth in the seat of
the scoffers :
But his delight is in the Law of
the LORD ; * and in His Law doth
he meditate day and night.
And he shall be like a tree
planted by the rivers of water, *
that bringeth forth his fruit in his
season :
His leaf also shall not wither :
* and whatsoever he doeth shall
prosper.
Not so are the ungodly, not so :
* but are like the chaff which the
wind driveth away from the face of
the earth.
Therefore the ungodly shall not
stand in the judgment : * nor sin
ners in the congregation of the
righteous.
For the LORD knoweth the way
of the righteous : * but the way of
the ungodly shall perish.
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.
This Doxology is said at the end of
every Psalm unless special directions
are given to the contrary.
Psalm II.
[In Acts iv. 25, 26, the authorship of this
Psalm is attributed to David.]
"\ \ ^HY do the heathen rage, *
* * and the peoples devise a
vain thing?
The kings of the earth set them
selves, and the rulers take counsel
together * against the LORD, and
against His Anointed.
Let us break their bands asun
der : * and cast away their yoke
from us.
He That sitteth in the heavens
shall laugh them to scorn : * and
the Lord shall have them in de
rision.
Then shall He speak unto them
in His wrath : * and plague them in
His sore displeasure.
Yet hath He set me for King
upon His holy hill of Zion * to de
clare His decree.
1 Also ascribed to Pope St. Gregory the Great, although somewhat altered. Translation
by the late Card. Newman.
SUNDAY AT MATTINS.
The LORD hath said unto me :
* Thou art My Son, this day have
I begotten thee.
Ask of Me, and I shall give
thee the heathen for thine inheri
tance, * and the uttermost parts
of the earth for thy possession.
Thou shalt rule them with a rod
of iron, * and shalt dash them in
pieces like a potter s vessel.
Be wise now, therefore, O ye
kings ; * be instructed, ye judges
of the earth.
Serve the LORD with fear : * and
rejoice with trembling before Him.
Lay hold of instruction, lest the
Lord be angry, * and ye perish from
the righteous way.
When His wrath is kindled sud
denly, * blessed are all they that
put their trust in Him.
Psalm III.
[Intituled "A Psalm of David, when he
fled from Absalom his son." See the his
tory in 2 Kings (Sam.) xv., xvi., xviii.]
T ORD, how are they increased
that trouble me ? * many are
they that rise up against me.
Many there be that say of my
soul : * There is no help for him
in his God. 1
But Thou, O LORD, art a shield
for me, * my glory, and the Lifter
up of mine head.
I cried unto the LORD with my
voice : * and He heard me out of
His holy hill. 2
I laid me down and slept ; * I
awaked, for the LORD sustained me.
I will not be afraid of thousands
of people that have set themselves
against me round about : * arise, O
LORD, save me, O my God.
For Thou hast smitten all them
that fought against me without a
cause 3 : * Thou hast broken the
teeth of the ungodly.
Salvation belongeth unto the
LORD : * and Thy blessing is upon
Thy people. 2
Psalm VI.
[Intituled "A Psalm of David." The
title also contains directions, probably musi
cal, the meaning of which is now uncertain.]
LORD, rebuke me not in
Thine anger : * neither
chasten me in Thine hot dis
pleasure.
Have mercy upon me, O LORD,
for I am weak : * O LORD, heal me,
for my bones are shaken.
My soul also is sore vexed : * but
Thou, O LORD, how long ?
Return, O LORD, deliver my soul :
* O save me for Thy mercy s sake.
For in death there is no one that
remembereth Thee : * and in the
grave who shall give Thee thanks ?
I am weary with my groaning,
every night I wash my bed : * I
water my couch with my tears.
Mine eye is grown dim because
of grief: * I am waxen old because
of all mine enemies.
Depart from me, all ye workers
of iniquity : * for the LORD hath
heard the voice of my weeping.
The LORD hath heard my suppli
cation : * the LORD hath received
my prayer.
1 Here occur in the Hebrew the letters SLH, or " Selah." The meaning of this is un
certain. Gesenius thinks "it seems to have been used to mark a short pause in singing
the words of the Psalm, so that the singer would be silent, while the instrumental music
continued." 2 SLH, again.
3 But the Hebrew reads, not, " without a cause," but, "on the jaw-bone."
THE PSALTER.
Let all mine enemies be ashamed
and sore vexed : * let them return
and be ashamed suddenly.
Antiphon for Advent. Behold,
there cometh the King, even the
Most High, with great power, to
save the nations. Alleluia.
Antiphon for the rest of the year.
1 Serve the LORD with fear, and re
joice with trembling before Him.
In Paschal time there is only one
Antiphon to the whole Nocturn.
Second Antiphon for Advent.
Strengthen ye.
Second Antiphon for the rest of the
year. God is a righteous judge.
Psalm VII.
[Intituled " An Hymn of David, which
he sang unto the LORD concerning the words
of Cush the Benjamite." This Gush is sup
posed to be the same as Shimei, whose curs
ing of David is narrated in 2 Kings (Sam.)
xvi. 7, 8, or else a nickname for Saul.]
OLORD my God, in Thee do
I take refuge : * save me
from all them that persecute me,
and deliver me.
Lest he tear my soul like a lion, *
while there is none to deliver, or to
save.
O LORD my God, if I have done
this, * if there be iniquity in mine
hands ;
If I have requited with evil them
that requited me [with good], * may
I then flee empty before mine
enemies.
Let the enemy persecute my soul,
and take it, yea, let him tread down
my life upon the earth, * and lay
mine honour in the dust. 2
1 Ps. ii. ii.
Arise, O LORD, in Thine anger :
* and lift up Thyself against the
borders of mine enemies.
And awake for me, O Lord my
God, according to the decree that
Thou hast made : * so shall the
congregation of the people com
pass Thee about.
For their sakes, therefore, return
Thou on high : * the LORD judgeth
the peoples.
Judge me, O LORD, according to
my righteousness, * and according
to mine integrity that is in me.
let the wickedness of the
wicked come to an end, and es
tablish the just; * God trieth the
hearts and reins.
Mine help is righteous, coming
from the Lord, * Who saveth the
upright in heart.
God is a righteous judge, strong
and patient : * is He not provoked
every day ?
If ye turn not, He will whet His
sword : * He hath bent His bow and
made it ready.
And hath fitted thereon the in
struments of death, * He hath
ordained His arrows against the
persecutors.
Behold, he travaileth with iniquity :
* he hath conceived mischief, and
brought forth falsehood.
He made a pit and digged it : *
and is fallen into the ditch which he
made.
His mischief shall return upon
his own head : * and his iniquity
shall come down upon his own
pate.
1 will praise the LORD according
to His righteousness : * and will
sing praise to the name of the
LORD Most High.
2 SLH.
SUNDAY AT MATTINS.
Psalm VIII.
[Intituled "A Psalm of David." It has
also a title which seems to show that it was
a song for the vintage.]
OLORD, our Lord, * how ex
cellent is Thy Name in all
the earth !
For Thy glory is exalted * above
the heavens.
1 Out of the mouth of babes and
sucklings hast Thou perfected praise
because of Thine enemies, * that
Thou mightest destroy the enemy
and the avenger.
When I consider Thine heavens,
the work of Thy fingers : * the moon
and the stars which Thou hast or
dained :
What is man, that Thou art mind
ful of him ? * or the son of man,
that Thou visitest him ?
Thou hast made him a little lower
than the angels, Thou hast crowned
him with glory and honour, * and
madest him to have dominion over
the works of Thine hands.
Thou hast put all things under
his feet, * all sheep and oxen, yea,
and the beasts of the field.
The fowl of the air, and the fish
of the sea, * that pass through the
paths of the sea.
LORD, our Lord, * how excel
lent is Thy Name in all the earth !
Psalm IX.
[Intituled "A Psalm of David." It has
also a superscription the meaning of which
is not now certain. The Targum connects
it with the slaying of Goliath.]
T WILL praise Thee, O LORD,
* with mine whole heart : * I will
show forth all Thy marvellous works.
1 will be glad and rejoice in
Thee : * I will sing praise to Thy
Name, O Thou Most High.
When mine enemies are turned
back, * they shall fall and perish at
Thy presence.
For Thou hast maintained my
right and my cause : * Thou satest
in the throne judging right.
Thou hast rebuked the heathen,
and the wicked are perished :
Thou hast put out their name for
ever, even for ever and ever.
The swords of the enemy have
failed utterly : * and their cities
Thou hast destroyed.
Their memorial is perished with
a crash : * and the LORD endureth
for ever.
He hath prepared His throne for
judgment : * and He shall judge
the world in righteousness, He shall
minister judgment to the people in
uprightness.
The LORD also is a refuge for the
poor : * a refuge in times of trouble.
And let them that know Thy
name put their trust in Thee : * for
Thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them
that seek Thee.
Sing praises to the LORD, Who
dwelleth in Zion : * declare among
the people His doings.
For when He maketh inquisition
for blood He remembereth them : *
He forgetteth not the cry of the
afflicted.
Have mercy upon me, O LORD :
* consider my trouble [which I
suffer] of them that hate me.
Thou That liftest me up from the
gates of death : * that I may show
forth all Thy praises in the gates of
the daughter of Zion !
I will rejoice in Thy salvation : *
1 This verse was quoted by our Lord, concerning those who cried Hosannah on Palm
Sunday, Matthew xxi. 1 6.
8
THE PSALTER.
the heathen are sunk down in the
pit that they made.
In the net which they hid, * is
their own foot taken.
The LORD is known when He
executeth judgment : * the wicked
is snared in the work of his own
hands. 1
The wicked shall be turned into
hell : * all the nations that forget
God.
For the needy shall not alway be
forgotten : * the expectation of the
poor shall not perish for ever.
Arise, O LORD, let not man pre
vail : * let the heathen be judged in
Thy sight.
Put Thou a master over them, O
LORD : * let the nations know them
selves to be but men. 2
Why standest Thou afar off, O
LORD, * why hidest Thou Thyself
in times of trouble ?
The wicked in his pride doth per
secute the poor : * they are taken
in the devices that they have im
agined.
For the wicked is praised accord
ing to his soul s desire : * and the
unrighteous is deemed blessed.
The wicked provoketh the LORD :
* in the greatness of his scornful
indignation he doth not care.
God is not before his eyes : * his
ways are always grievous.
Thy judgments are far out of his
sight : * he hath dominion over his
enemies.
He hath said in his heart : * I
shall not be moved unto generation
and generation, yea, I shall never
be in adversity.
His mouth is full of cursing, and
1 Here occurs: "Instrumental music SLH.
Gesenius opinion, see p. 5, note i.
2 SLH. Here, according to the present Hebrew text, ends Ps. ix.
bitterness, and fraud : * under his
tongue is mischief and sorrow.
He sitteth in the lurking-places
with the rich : in the secret places
* doth he murder the innocent.
His eyes are privily set against
the poor : * he lieth in wait secretly,
as a lion in his den.
He lieth in wait to catch the
poor : * to catch the poor when
he draweth him [after him].
In his snare doth he bring him
down : * yet shall he himself totter
and fall down, when he hath mas
tered the poor.
He hath said in his heart : God
hath forgotten : * He turneth away
His face so that He shall never see it.
Arise, O LORD, O God, lift up
Thine hand : * forget not the
afflicted.
Wherefore doth the wicked pro
voke God? * for he hath said in
his heart : He will not require it.
Thou seest it, for Thou beholdest
labour and sorrow : * to deliver
them into Thine own hand.
The poor leaveth himself unto
Thee: * Thou wilt be the helper
of the fatherless.
Break Thou the arm of the
wicked and the evil man : * his
wickedness shall be sought after and
shall not be found.
The LORD shall be King for ever
and ever : * the heathen shall perish
out of His land.
The LORD hath heard the petition
of the poor : * Thine ear hath heard
the desire of his heart.
To judge the fatherless and the
oppressed, * that man may magnify
himself no more upon earth.
This is a strong argument in favour of
SUNDAY AT MATTINS.
Psalm X.
[Intituled " Of David." There is also a
superscription perhaps musical, but now of
uncertain meaning.]
IN the LORD put I my trust ;
how say ye to my soul, *
Flee as a bird to the mountain?
For lo, the wicked bend their
bow, they make ready their arrows
in the quiver, * that they may
privily shoot at the upright in
heart.
For they have destroyed that
which Thou hast established : *
and what hath the righteous done ?
The LORD is in His holy temple :
* the LORD S throne is in heaven.
His eyes behold the poor : * His
eyelids try the children of men.
The LORD trieth the righteous
and the wicked : * but he that
loveth iniquity hateth his own soul.
Upon the wicked He shall rain
spares : * fire, and brimstone, and
an horrible tempest, this shall be
the portion of their cup.
For the righteous LORD loveth
righteousness : * His countenance
doth behold uprightness.
Antiphon for Advent. l Strengthen
ye the weak hands : be strong ; say :
Behold, our God will come, and
save us, Alleluia.
Antiphon for the rest of the year.
2 God is a righteous judge, strong,
and patient : is He not provoked
every day?
Third Antiphon for Advent. Re
joice, all ye.
Third Antiphon for the rest of the
year. Thou shalt keep us.
Psalm XI.
[Intituled "A Psalm of David," with some
other words, of meaning now uncertain, as
before.]
1 Isa. xxxv. 3, 4.
VOL. IV.
TTELP, LORD, for the godly
^ -- man ceaseth : * for the truth
faileth from among the children of
men.
They speak vanity every one with
his neighbour : * with flattering lips,
with a double heart, do they speak.
The LORD shall cut off all flat
tering lips, * and the tongue that
speaketh proud things.
Who have said : With our tongue
will we prevail, our lips are our
own : * who is lord over us ?
For the oppression of the poor,
and the sighing of the needy, * now
will I arise, saith the LORD.
I will set him in safety : * I will
deal faithfully with him.
The words of the LORD are pure
words : * silver tried in a furnace,
purged of dross, purified seven times.
Thou shalt keep us, O LORD, and
preserve us * from this generation
for ever.
The wicked walk on every side :
* the increase of men is according
to Thy secret counsel.
Psalm XII.
[This Psalm has the same title as the
last.]
HOW long wilt Thou forget
me, O LORD ? for ever ? *
How long hidest Thou Thy face
from me ?
How long shall I take counsel
in my soul, * having sorrow in mine
heart daily ?
How long shall mine enemy be
exalted over me ? * Consider, and
hear me, O LORD my. God.
Lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the
sleep of death : * lest mine enemy
say : I have prevailed against him.
Ps. vii. I2. 1
A 2
10
THE PSALTER.
Those that trouble me will re
joice if I am moved : * but I have
trusted in Thy mercy.
Mine heart shall rejoice in Thy
salvation ; I will sing unto the LORD
because He hath dealt bountifully
with me : * and I will sing praise
to the name of the Lord Most
High.
Psalm XIII.
[Same title as Psalm x.]
fool hath said in his heart :
* There is no God.
They are corrupt, and have be
come abominable in their works :
* there is none that doeth good,
no, not one.
The LORD looked down from
heaven upon the children of men :
* to see if there were any that did
understand, or seek God.
They are all gone aside, they are
altogether become unprofitable : *
there is none that doeth good, no,
not one.
1 Their throat is an open sepul
chre : with their tongues they have
used deceit : * the poison of asps is
under their lips.
Their mouth is full of cursing and
bitterness : * their feet are swift to
shed blood.
Destruction and misery are in
their ways, and the way of peace
they have not known : * there is no
fear of God before their eyes.
Have all the workers of iniquity
no knowledge, * who eat up my
people as they would eat bread ?
They call not upon the LORD : *
there were they in great fear, where
no fear was ;
For the Lord is in the generation
of the righteous : ye have shamed
the counsel of the poor : * because
the LORD is his hope.
O that the salvation of Israel were
come out of Zion ! * when the
LORD bringeth back the captivity of
His people, Jacob shall rejoice and
Israel shall be glad.
Psalm XIV.
[Intituled "A Psalm of David."]
T ORD, who shall abide in Thy
J tabernacle ? * who shall
dwell in Thine holy hill?
He that walketh uprightly, * and
worketh righteousness.
He that speaketh the truth in his
heart, * he that deceiveth not with
his tongue.
He that hath not done evil to his
neighbour, * nor taken up a reproach
against his neighbour.
In whose eyes a vile person is
despised : * but he honoureth them
that fear the LORD.
He that sweareth to his neighbour,
and deceiveth him not, * he that
putteth not out his money to usury,
nor taketh reward against the in
nocent.
He that doeth these things, *
shall never be moved.
Antiphon for Advent. 2 Rejoice,
all ye, and be glad : for, behold, the
Lord will come with vengeance, He
will bring a recompense : He will
come and save us.
Antiphon for the rest of the year.
3 Thou shalt keep us, O LORD, and
preserve us.
1 The next three verses are not in the Hebrew, although found in the Vulgate and the
LXX., which are supported by Rom. iii. 13-18.
- Isa. xxxv. 4. 3 p Si xi- 8>
SUNDAY AT MATTINS.
II
Antiphon for Paschal time. Al
leluia. * The stone was rolled away,
Alleluia, from the door of the sepul
chre. Alleluia, alleluia.
Then is said a Verse and Answer.
In Advent.
Verse. 2 Out of Zion, the Per
fection of beauty.
Answer. Our God shall come
manifestly.
During the rest of the year.
Verse. B I have remembered Thy
name, O LORD, in the night.
Answer. And have kept Thy
law.
In Lent.
Verse. 4 He hath delivered me
from the snare of the fowler.
Answer. And from the noisome
pestilence.
In Passion time.
Verse. 5 O God, deliver my soul
from the sword.
Answer. And my darling from
the power of the dog.
In Paschal time.
Verse. The Lord is risen from
the grave, Alleluia.
Answer. Who hung for us upon
the tree, Alleluia.
Then is said the Lord s Prayer.
Father (inaudibly), Who
art in heaven, Hallowed be
Thy Name. Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done on earth, as it is
in heaven. Give us this day our
daily bread. And forgive us our
trespasses, as we forgive them that
trespass against us. (Aloud .)
Verse. And lead us not into
temptation.
Answer. But deliver us from
evil.
Then this Absolution.
hear, O Lord
Jesus Christ, the prayers of
Thy servants, and have mercy upon
us : Who livest and reignest with
the Father and the Holy Ghost,
world without end.
Answer. Amen.
Then the reader says :
6 Sir, be pleased to give the bless
ing.
First Blessing.
May the Eternal Father bless us
With an everlasting blessing.
Answer. Amen.
Then is read the First Lesson, and at
the end the reader says :
But Thou, O Lord, have mercy
upon us.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
Then is said the First Responsory,
after which the reader says :
Sir, be pleased to give the bless
ing.
Second Blessing.
May the Son the Sole-begotten
In His mercy bless and help us.
Answer. Amen.
3 Ps. cxviii. 55.
1 Mark xvi. 3. 2 Ps. xlix. 2..
4 Ps. xc. 3. 5 Ps. xxi. 20.
6 Some persons bound to say the Office, when reciting alone, are accustomed to substi
tute for this the words, " Command Thy blessing, O Lord ! "
12
THE PSALTER.
Then is read the Second Lesson, and
at the end the reader says :
But Thou, O Lord, have mercy
upon us.
Answer.
Thanks be to God.
Then is said the Second Responsory,
after which the reader says ;
Sir, be pleased to give the bless
ing.
Third Blessing.
May the grace of God the Spirit
All our heart and mind enlighten.
Answer. Amen.
Then is read the Third Lesson, and
at the end the reader says :
But Thou, O Lord, have mercy
upon us.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
Then is said the Third Responsory.
SECOND NOCTURN, OR WATCH OF
THE NIGHT.
Antiphon for Advent. Rejoice
greatly.
Antiphon for the rest of the year.
Thou hast no need.
Antiphon for Paschal time. Al
leluia.
Psalm XV.
[Intituled a work "of David," but the
specifically descriptive word is not now of
certain meaning.]
PRESERVE me, O Lord, for in
Thee do I put my trust : *
I have said unto the LORD : Thou
art my God, for Thou hast no need
of my goods.
To the Saints that are in His
land, * He hath made all my will
admirable.
Their sorrows are multiplied, *
that hasten after [a strange god].
1 Zech. ix. 9.
In their assemblies for blood-
shedding will I have no part : * nor
mention their names with my lips.
The LORD is the portion of mine
inheritance, and of my cup :
Thou art He That shalt restore
mine inheritance unto me.
The lines are fallen unto me in
pleasant places : * yea, I have a
goodly heritage.
I will bless the LORD, Who hath
given me counsel : * my reins also
instruct me in the night seasons.
I have set the LORD always be
fore my face : * because He is at
my right hand, I shall never be
moved.
Therefore mine heart is glad, and
my tongue rejoiceth : * my flesh
also shall rest in hope,
For Thou wilt not leave my soul
in hell : * neither wilt Thou suffer
Thine Holy One to see corruption.
Thou hast shown me the path
of life, Thou shalt fill me with joy
in Thy presence : * at Thy right
hand there are pleasures for ever
more.
Antiphon for Advent. x Rejoice
greatly, O daughter of Jerusalem :
behold, thy King cometh into thee,
O Zion ; fear not, for thy salvation
cometh quickly.
Antiphon for the rest of the year.
2 Thou hast no need of my goods,
in Thee do I put my trust, preserve
me, O Lord.
In Paschal time there is only one
Antiphon to the whole Nocturn.
Second Antiphon for Advent.
Christ our King.
Second Antiphon for the rest of
the year. By the words.
- PS. XV. I, 2.
SUNDAY AT MATTINS.
Psalm XVI.
[Intituled "A Prayer of David."]
HEAR my right, O LORD, *
attend unto my cry.
Give ear unto my prayer, * that
goeth not out of feigned lips.
Let my sentence come forth from
Thy presence : * let Thine eyes be
hold the things that are equal.
Thou hast proved mine heart,
and visited it by night : * Thou
hast tried me with fire, and found
no wickedness in me.
That my mouth may not speak
concerning the works of men : * by
the words of Thy lips I have kept
me to strait paths.
Hold up my goings in Thy paths,
* that my footsteps slip not.
I have called upon Thee, for
Thou hast heard me, O God ; * in
cline Thine ear unto me, and hear
my speech.
Show Thy marvellous loving-
kindness, * O Thou That savest
them which put their trust in Thee !
From those that rise up against
Thy right hand keep me > * as the
apple of the eye.
Hide me under the shadow of
Thy wings, * from the face of the
wicked that oppress me.
Mine enemies compass my soul
round about, they are inclosed in
their own fat : * with their mouth
they speak proudly.
They that drave me out have
now compassed me : * they have
set their eyes bowing down to the
earth.
They have lain in wait for me, as
a lion that is ready for his prey : *
and as it were a young lion lurking
in secret places.
1 John i. 36. .
Arise, O LORD, disappoint him,
and cast him down : * deliver my
soul from the wicked, Thy sword
from them that hate Thine hand.
O LORD, part them in their life
from the precious things of the
earth : * their belly is filled with
Thine hidden treasure.
They have children to the full : *
and leave the rest of their substance
to their babes.
As for me, I will behold Thy face
in righteousness : * I shall be satis
fied when Thy glory shall appear.
Antiphon for Advent. Christ
our King cometh, l Whom John
preached, saying ; Behold the Lamb
That should come !
Antiphon for the rest of the year.
2 By the words of Thy lips I have
kept me to strait paths.
Third Antiphon for Advent. Be
hold, I come.
Third Antiphon for the rest of the
year. I will love Thee.
When this Antiphon is tised the
Psalm begins with the words, " O
LORD, my strength."
Psalm XVII.
[After a superscription, of meaning now
uncertain, the title of this Psalm proceeds,
" Of David, the servant of the LORD, who
spake unto the LORD the words of this song,
in the day that the LORD delivered him
from the hand of all his enemies, and from
the hand of Saul : and he said : : It is
found also, with a few slight differences, in
2 Kings (Sam.) xxii.]
I WILL love Thee, O LORD,
my strength : * the LORD is
my rock, and my fortress, and
my Deliverer.
My God, mine Helper, * in
Whom I trust.
2 Ps. xvi. 4.
THE PSALTER.
My buckler, and the horn of my
salvation, * and my refuge.
I called upon the LORD with
praises, * and am saved from mine
enemies.
The sorrows of death compassed
me : * and the floods of wicked
ness made me afraid.
The sorrows of hell compassed
me about : * the snares of death
came upon me.
In my distress I called upon the
LORD, * and cried unto my God.
And He heard my voice out of
His holy temple : * and my cry
came before Him, even into His
ears.
The earth shook and trembled :
* the foundations of the hills moved
and quaked, because He was wroth.
There went up a smoke in His
wrath, and fire burst forth before
His presence : * coals were kindled
by it.
He bowed the heavens also, and
came down : * and darkness was
under His feet.
And He rode upon the Cherubim l
and did fly : * yea, He did fly upon
the wings of the wind.
And He made darkness His secret
place, His pavilion round about
Him : * dark waters, thick clouds
of the skies.
At the brightness that was be
fore Him, the thick clouds passed,
* hailstones and coals of fire.
The LORD also thundered in the
heavens, and the Highest uttered
His voice : * hailstones and coals
of fire.
Yea, He sent out His arrows
and scattered them : * He shot
out many lightnings and discomfited
them.
And the fountains of waters were
seen, * and the foundations of the
world were discovered.
At Thy rebuke, O LORD, * at
the blast of the breath of Thy
wrath !
He sent from above, and took
me ; * and drew me out of many
waters.
He delivered me from the strong
est of mine enemies, and from them
which hated me : * for they were too
strong for me.
They came upon me in the day
of my calamity, * but the LORD was
my stay.
He brought me forth also into a
large place : * He delivered me be
cause He delighted in me.
And the LORD shall reward me
according to my righteousness, *
and according to the cleanness of
mine hands shall He recompense
me.
For I have kept the ways of the
LORD, * and have not wickedly de
parted from my GOD.
For all His judgments were before
me : * and I did not put away His
statutes from me.
I shall also be upright with Him,
* and keep myself from mine in
iquity.
And the LORD shall reward me
according to my righteousness, *
and according to the cleanness of
mine hands in His eye-sight.
With the holy Thou shalt be holy,
* and with the innocent Thou shalt
be innocent.
And with the pure Thou shalt be
1 Of these creatures, frequently mentioned in connection with the Divine manifestation,
an elaborate account will be found in Ezekiel i. (First Sunday of November), and more
shortly in Apoc. iv. (Tuesday in Third Week after Easter).
SUNDAY AT MATTINS.
pure, * and with the contentious
Thou shalt be contentious.
For Thou wilt save the afflicted
people, * and bring down high
looks.
For Thou lightest my lamp, O
LORD : * my God, enlighten my
darkness !
For by Thee shall I be delivered
from temptation, * and by my God
shall I leap over a wall.
As for my God, His way is per
fect ; the word of the LORD is tried
in the fire : * He is a buckler to all
those that trust in Him.
For who is God save the LORD ?
* or who is God save our God ?
It is God that girdeth me with
strength, * and maketh my way
perfect.
He maketh my feet like hinds
feet, * and setteth me upon mine
high places.
He teacheth my hands to war, *
and maketh mine arms like a bow
of brass.
Thou hast also given me the
shield of Thy salvation : * and Thy
right hand hath holden me up.
Thy correction also hath made
me great : * and Thy chastening it
is that shall teach me.
Thou hast enlarged my steps
under me, * and my feet have not
slipped.
I will pursue mine enemies and
overtake them : * neither will I turn
again till they be consumed.
I will wound them that they shall
not be able to rise : * they shall fall
under my feet.
Thou hast girded me also with
strength unto the battle, * and hast
subdued under me those that rose
up against me.
And hast made mine enemies to
turn their back toward me, * and
hast destroyed them that hate me.
They cried, but there was none
to save them, even unto the LORD,
* but He answered them not.
And I will beat them small, as
the dust before the wind : * I will
cast them out as the dirt in the
streets.
Thou shalt deliver me from the
gainsayings of the people : * Thou
shalt make me the head of the
heathen.
A people whom I knew not have
served me : * as soon as they heard
of me they obeyed me.
The strangers feigned obedience
unto me : * the strangers were
wearied out, and stumbled in their
paths.
The LORD liveth, and blessed be
my God : * and let the God of my
salvation be exalted !
It is Thou, O God, That avengest
me, and subduest the people under
me. * Thou art my deliverer from
my wrathful adversaries.
And Thou shalt lift me up above
those that rise up against me :
Thou shalt deliver me from the
wicked man.
Therefore will I give thanks unto
Thee, O LORD, among the heathen,
* and sing praises unto Thy name.
Great deliverance giveth He to
His king, and showeth mercy to
His Anointed, to David, * and to
his seed for evermore.
Antiphon for Advent, 1 Behold,
I come quickly, saith the Lord,
and My reward is with Me, to give
every man according as his work
shall be.
1 Apoc. xxii. 12.
i6
THE PSALTER.
Antiphon for the rest of the year.
1 I will love Thee, O LORD, my
strength.
Antiphon for Paschal time. Al
leluia. 2 Woman, whom seekest
thou ? Alleluia. The Living among
the dead ? Alleluia. Alleluia.
Then is said a Verse and Answer.
In Advent.
Verse. 3 Send forth the Lamb,
O Lord, the ruler of the land.
Answer. From the "Rock" of
the wilderness unto the mount of
the daughter of Zion.
During the rest of the year.
Verse. 4 For Thou lightest my
candle, O LORD.
Answer. My God, enlighten my
darkness.
In Lent.
Verse. 5 He shall cover thee with
His wings.
Answer. And under His feathers
shalt thou trust.
In Passion time.
Verse. 6 O Lord, save me from
the lion s mouth.
Answer. And mine affliction from
the horns of the unicorns.
In Paschal time.
Verse. 7 The Lord is risen indeed,
Alleluia.
Answer. And hath appeared unto
Simon, Alleluia.
Then is said the Lord s Prayer.
OUR Father (inaudibly), Who
art in heaven, Hallowed be
Thy Name. Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done on earth, as it is
in heaven. Give us this day our
daily bread. And forgive us our
trespasses, as we forgive them that
trespass against us. (Aloud.}
Verse. And lead us not into
temptation.
Answer. But deliver us from
evil.
Then this Absolution.
IX/TAY His loving-kindness and
^*^ His mercy help us, Who
liveth and reigneth with the Father,
and the Holy Ghost, world without
end.
Answer. Amen.
Then the reader says :
Sir, be pleased to give the bless
ing.
Fourth Blessing.
God the Father the Almighty,
Show on us His grace and mercy.
Answer. Amen.
Then is read the Fourth Lesson, and
at the end the reader says :
But Thou, O Lord, have mercy
upon us.
Ansiver. Thanks be to God.
Then is said the Fourth Responsory,
after which the reader says :
Sir, be pleased to give the bless
ing.
Fifth Blessing.
May Christ to all His people give,
For ever in His sight to live.
Answer. Amen.
1 Ps. xvii. 2. 2 _ John xx. 15.
3 Isa. xvi. i. The " Rock " is the town of Petra in the wilderness.
4 Ps. xvii. 29. 5 Ps. xc. 3. ^ Ps. xxi. 22.
7 Luke xxiv. 34.
SUNDAY AT MATTINS.
Then is read the Fifth Lesson, and at
the end the reader says :
But Thou, O Lord, have mercy
upon us.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
Then is said the Fifth Responsory,
after which the reader says:
Sir, be pleased to give the bless
ing.
Sixth Blessing.
May the Spirit s fire Divine
In our inmost being shine.
Answer. Amen.
Then is read the Sixth Lesson, and
at the end the reader says :
But Thou, O Lord, have mercy
upon us.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
Then is said the Sixth Responsory.
THIRD NOCTURN, OR WATCH OF
THE NIGHT.
Antiphon for Advent. The Angel
Gabriel.
Antiphon for the rest of the year.
There is no speech.
Antiphon for Paschal time. Al
leluia.
Psalm XVIII.
[Intituled "A Psalm of David," with the
same farther obscure superscription, as in
Pss. xii. and xiii.]
THE heavens declare the glory
of God, * and the firmament
showeth His handy-work.
Day unto day uttereth speech,
* and night unto night showeth
knowledge.
There is no speech nor lan
guage, * where their voice is not
heard.
Their sound is gone out through
all the earth : * and their words to
the ends of the world.
He hath set His tabernacle in the
sun : 1 * which is as a bridegroom
coming out of his chamber.
He rejoiceth as a strong man to
run a race : * his going forth is from
the end of the heaven.
And his circuit unto the ends of
it : * and there is nothing hid from
the heat thereof.
The law of the LORD is perfect,
converting the soul : * the testimony
of the LORD is sure, making wise the
simple.
The statutes of the LORD are
right, rejoicing the heart : * the
commandment of the LORD is clear,
giving light unto the eyes.
The fear of the LORD is holy,
enduring for ever and ever : * the
judgments of the LORD are true,
righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than
gold and store of precious stones,
* sweeter also than honey and the
honeycomb.
Verily, Thy servant keepeth them :
1 So the LXX., as well as the Vulgate. Cf. Ps. cii. 19 ; ciii. 2, 3. The sense seems
to be that the physical source of the light and life of this system is represented as a kind of
celestial counterpart of the tabernacle, which was the centre of the Divine authority as re
vealed upon earth. The Hebrew, however, which is supported by St. Jerome, reads, " In
them (i.e., the starry heavens) hath He set a tabernacle for the sun," and this reading
seems to commend itself to Archbishop Kenrick, who suggests that the " tabernacle " may
signify the region below the horizon, into which the sun retires nightly, as into a tent, to
sleep, and from which he issues in renewed glory every morning. Targum : "In them
hath He set splendour as a tabernacle for the sun."
18
THE PSALTER.
* in keeping of them there is great
reward.
Who can understand his errors?
Cleanse Thou me from secret faults :
* preserve Thy servant also from
the sins of others.
If they get not dominion over me,
then shall I be undefiled : * and
1 shall be cleansed from the great
transgression.
Let the words of my mouth,
and the meditation of mine heart,
* be acceptable in Thy sight for
ever,
O LORD mine Helper, * and my
Redeemer !
Antiphon for Advent. 1 The An
gel Gabriel spake unto Mary, saying :
Hail, thou that art full of grace, the
Lord is with thee : blessed art thou
among women.
Antiphon for the rest of the year.
2 There is no speech nor lan
guage where their voice is not
heard.
In Paschal time only one Antiphon is
said to the whole Nocturn.
Second Antiphon for Advent.
Mary said.
Second Antiphon for the rest of the
year. The LORD.
When this Antiphon is used the
Psalm begins with the words " Hear
thee."
Psalm XIX.
[This Psalm has the same title as the
last.]
I "HE LORD hear thee in the day
* of trouble : * the Name of
the God of Jacob defend thee.
Send thee help from the sanc
tuary, * and strengthen thee out of
Zion.
Remember all thine offerings, *
and accept thy burnt sacrifice. 3
Grant thee according to thine
own heart, * and fulfil all thy
counsel.
We will rejoice in Thy salvation :
* and in the name of our God will
we exult.
The LORD fulfil all thy petitions :
* now know I that the LORD saveth
His Anointed.
He will hear him from His holy
heaven, * strong is the salvation of
His right hand.
Some trust in chariots and some
in horses : * but we will call
upon the name of the LORD our
God.
They are brought down and fal
len : * but we are risen, and stand
upright.
O LORD, save the king : * and
hear us in the day when we call
upon Thee.
Antiphon for Advent. 4 Mary
said : What manner of salutation
is this? My soul is troubled.
Shall I bear the King? And will
He not break the seal of my vir
ginity ?
Antiphon for the rest of the year.
5 The LORD hear thee in the day of
trouble.
Third Antiphon for Advent. The
King.
Third Antiphon for the rest of the
year. The king.
When this Antiphon is used the
Psalm begins with the words " Shall
joy."
1 Luke i. 28.
4 Luke i. 29.
2 Ps. xviii. 4.
5 Ps. xix. 2.
3 SLH.
SUNDAY AT MATTINS.
Psalm XX.
[This Psalm also bears the same title as
the xviiith.]
T^HE king shall joy in Thy
- strength, O LORD : * and in
Thy salvation how greatly shall he
rejoice !
Thou hast given him his heart s
desire, * and hast not withholden
the request of his lips. 1
For Thou hast met him with the
blessings of sweetness : * Thou hast
set a crown of precious stones upon
his head.
He asked life of Thee : * and
Thou gavest him length of days for
ever and ever.
His glory is great in Thy salva
tion : * honour and great majesty
shalt Thou lay upon him.
For Thou wilt give him to be a
blessing for ever : * Thou shalt
make him exceeding glad with Thy
countenance.
For the king trusteth in the
LORD, * and, through the mercy
of the Most High, he shall not be
moved.
Thine hand shall find out all
thine enemies : * thy right hand
shall find out all those that hate
thee.
Thou shalt make them as a fiery
oven in the time of thine anger : *
the LORD shall cut them off in His
wrath, and the fire shall devour them.
Their fruit shalt thou destroy from
the earth, * and their seed from
among the children of men.
For they intended evil against
thee : they imagined a device,
which they were not able to perform.
Therefore shalt thou cast them
behind thee : * thou shalt leave
their faces lying in thy track.
Be Thou exalted, O LORD, in
Thine own strength : * we will sing
and praise Thy power.
Antiphon for Advent. The King,
even the Most High, cometh ; there
fore let the hearts of men be purified
to go forth to meet Him, for, behold,
2 He will come and will not tarry.
Antiphon for the rest of the year.
3 The king shall joy in Thy strength,
O LORD.
Antiphon for Paschal time. Alle
luia, Weep not, Mary, Alleluia : the
Lord is risen, Alleluia, Alleluia.
Then is said a Verse and Answer,
hi Advent.
Verse. 4 The Lord cometh out of
His holy place.
Answer. He will come and save
His people.
During the rest of the year.
Verse. 5 Be Thou exalted, O
LORD, in Thine own strength.
Ansiver. We will sing and praise
Thy power.
In Lent.
Verse. 6 His truth shall be thy
shield.
Answer. Thou shalt not be afraid
for the terror by night.
In Passion time.
Verse. 7 Take not away my soul
with sinners, O God !
Answer. Nor my life with bloody
men.
SLH.
4 Isa. xxxv. 4 ; Micah i. 3.
2 Heb. x. 37.
5 Ps. xx. 14.
3 PS, XX, 2.
6 Ps. xc. 5. 7 Ps. xxv. 9.
20
THE PSALTER.
In Paschal time.
Verse. 1 The disciples were glad,
Alleluia.
Answer. When they saw the
Lord, Alleluia.
Then is said the Lord s Prayer.
OUR Father (inaudibly\ Who
art in heaven, Hallowed be
Thy Name. Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done on earth, as it is
in heaven. Give us this day our
daily bread. And forgive us our
trespasses, as we forgive them that
trespass against us. (Aloud.)
Verse. And lead us not into
temptation.
Answer. But deliver us from evil.
Then the Absolution.
TV/FAY the Almighty and merci-
** ful Lord loose us from the
bonds of our sins.
Answer. Amen.
Then the reader says :
Sir, be pleased to give the bless
ing.
Seventh Blessing.
May the Gospel s saving Lord
Bless the reading of His word.
Answer. Amen.
Then is read the Seventh Lesson, and
at the end the reader says :
But Thou, O Lord, have mercy
upon us.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
Then is said the Seventh Responsory,
after which the reader says :
Sir, be pleased to give the bless
ing.
Eighth Blessing.
God s most mighty strength al-
way
Be His people s staff and stay.
Answer. Amen.
Then is read the Eighth Lesson, and
at the end the reader says :
But Thou, O Lord, have mercy
upon us.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
Then is said the Eighth Responsory,
after which the reader says :
Sir, be pleased to give the bless
ing.
Ninth Blessing.
May He That is the Angels
King
To that high realm His people
bring.
Answer. Amen.
Or, if another Gospel and Homily are
to be read:
May the Gospel s glorious word
Cleansing to our souls afford.
Then is read the Ninth Lesson, and
at the end the reader says :
But Thou, O Lord, have mercy
upon us.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
Then is said a Ninth Responsory,
unless this Hymn, "We praise Thee,
O God," be substituted for it. The
Hymn "We praise Thee, O God," is
said in this place on every Sunday and
Feast-day in the year (except the Feast
of the Holy Innocents if it fall on a
Week - day} from Easter to Advent
and from Christmas to Septuagesima.
In Advent and from Septuagesima to
Easter it is not said on Sunday, but
only on Feast-days. From Easter to
Pentecost it is said on every day what
soever, except only Rogation Monday.
1 John xx. 20.
SUNDAY AT MATTINS.
21
praise Thee, O God: we
acknowledge Thee to be
the Lord.
All the earth doth worship Thee,
the Father everlasting.
To Thee all Angels cry aloud,
the heavens, and all the Powers
therein.
To Thee Cherubim 2 and Sera
phim 3 continually do cry :
Holy, Holy, Holy LORD God of
Sabaoth. 4
Heaven and earth are full of the
majesty of Thy glory.
The glorious company of the
Apostles praise Thee :
The goodly fellowship of the
Prophets praise Thee :
The white-robed army of Mar
tyrs praise Thee :
The holy Church throughout all
the world doth acknowledge Thee :
The Father of an infinite Ma
jesty :
Thine honourable, true and only
Son :
Also the Holy Ghost, the Com
forter.
Thou art the King of glory, O
Christ !
Thou art the everlasting Son of
the Father.
When Thou tookest upon Thee
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 :
5 We therefore pray Thee, help
Thy servants, whom Thou hast re
deemed with Thy precious Blood.
Make them to be numbered with
Thy Saints in glory everlasting. 6
7 O Lord, save Thy people, and
bless Thine inheritance.
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, this day,
to keep us without sin.
8 Have mercy upon us, O LORD,
have mercy upon us.
9 O LORD, let Thy mercy lighten
upon us, as our trust is in Thee.
10 O LORD, in Thee have I trust
ed : let me never be confounded.
If Lauds be not immediately to follow,
Mattins end thus :
Verse. Hear my prayer, O LORD.
Answer. And let my cry come
unto Thee.
Let us pray.
Then the Prayer for the day ; then
Verse. Hear my prayer, O LORD.
Answer. And let my cry come
unto Thee.
Verse. Bless we the Lord.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
Verse. May the souls of the
faithful, through the mercy of God,
rest in peace.
Answer. Amen.
Then the Lord s Prayer.
1 The authorship of this Hymn, which is prescribed in the Rule of St. Benedict (born A.D.
480, died 543), is uncertain. See Ezek. i. 8 See Isaiah vi. 2.
4 Hebrew feminine Plural, meaning " hosts," "armies."
5 During this verse it is usual to kneel. 6 Here ends the original Hymn.
7 Ps xxvii 9 8 Ps. cxxii. 3. 9 Ps. xxxii. 22.
22
LAUDS, OR THE MORNING PRAISES
OF GOD. 1
THE LORD S DAY.
Verse. ^ Make haste, O God, to
deliver me.
Answer. Make haste to help me,
O LORD.
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 with
out end. Amen, Alleluia.
From Septiiagesima Sunday to
Maundy Thursday instead of "Alle
luia," is said:
Ceaseless praise to Thee be given,
O Eternal King of Heaven.
Then follow at once the Psalms and
Antiphons. From the First Sunday in
Advent till the Sunday after the Octave
of the Epiphany and from Septuagesima
Sunday till the Octave of Pentecost
(and also on all Feasts), Five Antiphons
are given, which are then said in the
places here marked. During the rest
of the year only Three Antiphons are
said, which are given here.
Antiphon. Alleluia.
Psalm XCII.
[The Hebrew and the Targum give no
superscription ; but the LXX. and the
Vulgate have "A Song of Praise by David
for the eve of the Sabbath when the earth
was established" i.e., A Song of Praise
proper for the close of Friday before the
setting - in of the Sabbath ; the time of
which it is said (Gen. i. 31, ii. i) : "And
God saw every thing that He had made,
and, behold, it was very good. And the
evening and the morning were the sixth
day. Thus the heavens and the earth
were finished, and all the host of them."]
LORD reigneth, He is
clothed with majesty : * the
LORD is clothed with strength, where
with He hath girded Himself.
He hath established the world
also, * that it cannot be moved.
Thy throne is established of old :
* Thou art from everlasting.
The floods have lifted up, O
LORD, * the floods have lifted up
their voice
The floods lift up their waves. *
But Mightier than the noise of
many waters
Than the mighty breakers of the
sea * is the LORD on high !
1 The proper hour for Lauds is the dawn of day. This is reckoned to be about 3 A.M., at
which time this Office is said in many Convents. For this purpose it is, in choirs, invari
ably (except where it forms part of the same service with the Midnight Mass at Christmas)
said immediately after and as one service with Mattins. Hence it follows 1st, that it is
said late in the afternoon, when Mattins are said at that time, and 2ndly, that the Lord s
Prayer and Angelic Salutation are not said at the beginning. This service is constructed
on the same general principle as Vespers, and answers to that Office as Prime does to
Compline.
SUNDAY AT LAUDS.
Thy testimonies are very sure : *
holiness becometh Thine house, O
LORD, for ever !
When there are Five Antiphons the
First is repeated, and the Seco?id begun
or said through the first time here.
Psalm XCIX.
[Intituled in the Vulgate and the LXX.,
"A Psalm of Thanksgiving."]
TV /TAKE a joyful noise unto God,
** all ye lands : * serve the
LORD with gladness.
Come before His presence, * with
singing.
Know ye that the LORD, He is
God : * it is He That hath made
us, and not x we ourselves :
We are His people, and the sheep
of His pasture. * Enter into His gates
with thanksgiving, and into His courts
with praise : give thanks unto Him,
Praise His Name. For the LORD
is good, His mercy is everlasting :
* and His truth endureth to all
generations.
When there are Five Antiphons the
Second is repeated, and the Third begun
or said through the first time here.
Psalm LXII.
[Intituled "A Psalm of David, when he
was in the wilderness of Judah." This was
one of the most perilous periods of David s
life, when he was flying from the pursuit of
Saul, and hiding in different forests and
wildernesses in the south of Palestine. He
was betrayed again and again, and had the
most hairbreadth escapes. The history
will be found in I Kings (Sam.) xxii. and
xxiii.]
OGOD, Thou art my God, *
early will I seek Thee :
My soul thirsteth for Thee, * my
flesh longeth for Thee,
In a dry and desert land, with
out water. * So have I appeared
before Thee in the Sanctuary, to see
Thy power and Thy glory.
Because Thy loving-kindness is
better than life, * my lips shall praise
Thee.
Thus will I bless Thee while I
live : * and will lift up mine hands
in Thy name.
My soul shall be satisfied as
with marrow and fatness ; * and
my mouth shall praise Thee with
joyful lips.
When I remember Thee upon my
bed, I meditate upon Thee in the
night watches : * because Thou
hast been mine help :
And in the shadow of Thy wings
will I rejoice. My soul followeth
hard after Thee : * Thy right hand
upholdeth me.
But those that seek my soul to
destroy it, shall go into the lower
parts of the earth : * they shall fall
by the sword, they shall be a portion
for foxes.
But the King shall rejoice in
God : every one that sweareth by
him shall glory : * for the mouth
of them that speak lies shall be
stopped.
Here the Doxology, " Glory be to the
Father, &c," is not said.
Psalm LXVI.
[Besides a musical superscription, the
Hebrew and the Targum give no title ex
cept " A Psalm, a Psalm. " But the Vulgate
and the LXX. ascribe the authorship to
David.]
GOD be merciful unto us, and
bless us : * cause His face
1 The Hebrew tradition attributes the negative to an eccentric spelling, and translates
and His we are."
THE PSALTER.
to shine upon us, and be merciful
unto us. 1
That Thy way may be known
upon earth : * Thy saving health
among all nations.
Let the people praise Thee, O
God : * let all the people praise
Thee.
O let the nations be glad and
sing for joy : * for Thou judgest
the people righteously, and govern-
est the nations upon earth. 2
Let the people praise Thee, O
God, let all the people praise Thee.
* The earth hath yielded her in
crease ;
Let God, even our own God,
bless us ; let God bless us : * and
let all the ends of the earth fear
Him.
When there are Five Antiphoiis, the
Third is repeated, and the Fourth begun
or said through the first time here.
Ordinary Antiphon throughout the
year. Alleluia, Alleluia.
Second Ordinary Antiphon. The
king commanded.
Antiphon for Paschal time. Al
leluia, Alleluia, Alleluia; Alleluia,
Alleluia, Alleluia; Alleluia, Alleluia,
Alleluia.
Second Antiphon for Paschal time.
He That delivered.
THE SONG OF THE THREE HOLY
CHILDREN. (Daniel iii. 57.)
[It is well known how the three young
comrades of Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and
Azariah, called by the heathen, Shadrach,
Meshach, and Abednego, were thrown into
a furnace for refusing to worship an idol,
and remained unhurt amid the flames. In
this strange position Azariah offered a long
prayer. "And the king s servants, that put
them in, ceased not to make the oven hot
with resin, pitch, tow, and small wood, so
that the flame streamed forth above the
furnace forty and nine cubits. But the
Angel of the Lord came down into the
oven together with Azariah and his fellows,
and smote the flame of the fire out of the
oven, and made the midst of the furnace as
it had been a moist whistling wind, so that
the fire touched them not at all, neither
hurt nor troubled them. Then the three,
as out of one mouth, praised, glorified, and
blessed God in the furnace, saying " the
Hymn, of which that in the text is a cento.
The first five verses are omitted.]
r^\ ALL ye works of the Lord,
>r bless ye the Lord : * praise
Him, and exalt Him above all for
ever.
O ye Angels of the Lord, bless ye
the Lord : * O ye heavens, bless ye
the Lord.
O all ye waters that be above the
heavens, bless ye the Lord : * O all
ye powers of the Lord, bless ye the
Lord.
O ye Sun and Moon, bless ye the
Lord : * O ye stars of heaven, bless
ye the Lord.
O ye showers and dew, bless ye
the Lord : * O ye winds of God,
bless ye the Lord.
O ye fire and heat, bless ye the
Lord : * O ye winter and summer,
bless ye the Lord.
O ye dews and rime, bless ye the
Lord : * O ye frost and cold, bless
ye the Lord.
O ye ice and snow, bless ye the
Lord : * O ye nights and days, bless
ye the Lord.
O ye light and darkness, bless ye
the Lord : * O ye lightnings and
clouds, bless ye the Lord.
O let the earth bless the Lord :
* let her praise and exalt Him above
all for ever !
1 SLH. The repetition of the words "be merciful unto us" is peculiar to the Latin.
2 SLH.
SUNDAY AT LAUDS.
O ye mountains and hills, bless
ye the Lord : * O all ye green
things upon the earth, bless ye the
Lord.
O ye wells, bless ye the Lord :
* O ye seas and floods, bless ye the
Lord.
O ye whales, and all that move
in the waters, bless ye the Lord :
* O all ye fowls of the air, bless
ye the Lord.
O all ye beasts and cattle, bless
ye the Lord : * O ye children of
men, bless ye the Lord.
O let Israel bless the Lord : * let
him praise and exalt Him above all
for ever !
O ye Priests of the Lord, bless ye
the Lord : * O ye servants of the
Lord, bless ye the Lord.
O ye spirits and souls of the
righteous, bless ye the Lord : * O
ye holy and humble men of heart,
bless ye the Lord.
Ananias, Azarias, and Misael,
bless ye the Lord : * praise and
exalt Him above all for ever.
1 Bless we the Father, and the
Son, and the Holy Ghost : * let us
praise and exalt Him above all for
ever.
Blessed art Thou, O Lord, in the
firmament of heaven : * and to be
praised, and glorified, and exalted
above all for ever.
Here the Doxology, " Glory be to the
Father, &c.," is not said, nor "Amen"
answered. But the other Canticles are
treated like ordinary Psalms.
When there are Five Antiphons, the
Fourth is repeated, and the Fifth begun
or said through the first time here.
Ordinary Antiphon throughout the
year. The king commanded, and
the Three Children were cast into
the furnace, fearing not the flame
of the fire, but saying : Blessed be
God!
Antiphon for Paschal time. He
That delivered the Three Children
from the burning fiery furnace, even
Christ, is risen from the grave.
Alleluia.
Third Antiphon. Alleluia.
Psalm CXLVIII.
[To this Psalm is prefixed "Alleluia."
The LXX. connect it with the Prophets
Haggai and Zechariah. See Thursday and
Friday in the fifth week of November. ]
PRAISE ye the LORD from the
heavens : * praise Him in the
heights.
Praise ye Him, all His Angels : *
praise ye Him, all His hosts.
Praise ye Him, sun and moon :
* praise Him, all ye stars and light.
Praise Him, ye heavens of heavens:
* and all the waters that be above
the heavens. Let them praise the
Name of the LORD !
For He spake, and they were
made 2 : * He commanded, and they
were created.
He hath established them for
ever and ever : * He hath made a
decree which shall not pass.
Praise the LORD from the earth,
* ye dragons, and all deeps :
Fire, hail, snow, ice, stormy wind,
* fulfilling His word :
Mountains, and all hills, * fruitful
trees, and all cedars :
Beasts, and all cattle, * creeping
things, and flying fowl :
Kings of the earth, and all people ;
1 This verse is, of course, a later addition ; more than two verses are omitted, and the last
given is one of those omitted at the beginning.
2 Taken from Ps. xxxii. 9.
26
THE PSALTER.
* princes, and all judges of the
earth :
Young men, and maidens, old
men, and children : let them praise
the Name of the LORD * for His
Name alone is exalted !
His glory is above heaven and
earth. * He also exalteth the horn
of His people,
The praise of all His Saints, *
even of the children of Israel, a
people near unto Him.
[Here "Alleluia."]
Here the Doxology, " Glory be to the
Father, &c.," is not said.
Psalm CXLIX.
[Here "Alleluia."]
CING unto the LORD a new
^ song : * His praise in the
congregation of Saints.
Let Israel rejoice in Him That
made him : * and let the children
of Zion be joyful in their King.
Let them praise His Name in
the dance : * let them sing praises
unto Him with the timbrel and
harp.
For the LORD taketh pleasure in
His people : * He also will exalt
the meek unto salvation.
Let the Saints be joyful in glory :
let them sing aloud upon their
beds:
Let the high praises of God be in
their mouth : * and a two-edged
sword in their hands ;
To execute vengeance upon the
heathen, * and punishments upon
the people ;
To bind their kings with chains,
* and their nobles with fetters of
iron :
To execute upon them the judg
ment written : * this honour have
all His Saints.
[Here "Alleluia."]
Here the Doxology, " Glory be to the
Father, &c.," is not said.
Psalm CL.
[Here "Alleluia."]
the Lord in His sanc
tuary ! * praise Him in the
firmament of His power !
Praise Him in His mighty acts !
* praise Him according to His ex
cellent greatness !
Praise Him with the sound of
the trumpet ! * praise Him with the
psaltery and harp !
Praise Him with the timbrel and
dance ! * praise Him with stringed
instruments and organs !
Praise Him upon the loud cym
bals, praise Him upon the high-
sounding cymbals ! * Let every
thing that hath breath praise the
LORD !
[Here "Alleluia."]
Antiphon. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alle
luia.
(The last of Five Antipkons is, of
course, repeated here.}
Then follows the Chapter. From the
First Sunday in Advent to the Second
Sunday after the Epiphany, and from
Septuagesima Sunday to the Third
Sunday after Pentecost, as also on all
Feasts, a special Chapter is given. On
the remaining Sundays the Chapter is
that give?i here.
CHAPTER. (Apoc. vii. 12.)
DLESSING, and glory, and wis-
-*-* dom, and thanksgiving, and
honour, and power, and might be
SUNDAY AT LAUDS.
unto our God for ever and ever.
Amen.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
This answer is always made after
the Chapter.
Then follows the Hymn. From the
First Sunday in Advent till the Octave
of the Epiphany and from the First
Sunday in Lent till the Octave of Pen
tecost, as also on all Feasts, a special
Hymn is given. On the remaining
Sundays the Hymn given here is said,
except between the Octave of Pentecost
and the first Sunday of October.
HYMN. 1
CRAMER of the earth and sky,
*- Ruler of the day and night,
With a glad variety,
Tempering all, and making light ;
Gleams upon our dark path flinging,
Cutting short each night begun,
Hark ! for chanticleer is singing,
Hark ! he chides the lingering sun.
And the morning star replies,
And lets loose the imprison d day ;
And the godless bandit flies
From his haunt, and from his prey.
Shrill it sounds, the storm relenting
Soothes the weary seamen s ears ;
Once it wrought a great repenting,
In that flood of Peter s tears.
Rouse we ; let the blithesome cry
Of that bird our hearts awaken ;
Chide the slumberers as they lie,
And arrest the sin-o ertaken.
Hope and health are in his strain,
To the fearful and the ailing ;
Murder sheathes his blade profane,
Faith revives when faith was failing.
JESU, Master ! when we sin,
Turn on us Thy healing Face ;
It will melt the offence within
Into penitential grace :
Beam on our bewildered mind,
Till its dreamy shadows flee ;
Stones cry out where Thou hast shined,
JESU ! musical with Thee.
To the Father and the Son,
And the Spirit, Who in heaven
Ever witness, Three and One,
Praise on earth be ever given.
Amen.
The folio wi?ig Hymn is said from the
Fourth Sunday after Pentecost till the
first Sunday of October.
HYMN. 2
"DALER have grown the shades of
1 night,
And nearer draws the day,
Checkering the sky with streaks of
light,
Since we began to pray :
To pray for mercy when we sin,
For cleansing and release,
For ghostly safety, arid within
For everlasting peace.
Praise to the Father, as is meet,
Praise to the Only Son,
Praise to the Holy Paraclete,
While endless ages run.
Amen.
Then is said a Verse and Answer.
In Advent and from Septuagesima
Sunday till the end of Paschal time, as
also o?i all Feasts, a special Verse and
Answer are given.
Verse. 3 The LORD reigneth, He
is clothed with majesty.
Answer. The LORD is clothed
with strength, and hath girded Him
self with power.
Then is said the following Song from
the Gospel. It has an Antiphon, which
is always special, and which is either
1 By St. Ambrose, or at least of the Ambrosian school, except the last verse. Translation
by the late Card. Newman.
2 By Pope St. Gregory the Great, but a good deal altered. Translation by the late
Card. Newman.
Ps. xcii. I.
28
THE PSALTER.
begun or said through the first time be
fore z /, according as the Office is Double
or not.
THE SONG OF ZACHARIAS.
[On the occasion of the circumcision of
St. John the Baptist. Luke i. 68-79.]
T3LESSED be the Lord God of
M Israel, * for He hath visited
and redeemed His people.
And hath raised up an horn of
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 hand of
all that hate us :
To perform the mercy promised
to our fathers, * and to remember
His holy covenant :
The oath which He sware to our
father Abraham, * that He would
grant unto us,
That we, being delivered out of
the hand of our enemies, * might
serve Him without fear,
In holiness and righteousness be
fore Him * all the days of our life.
And thou, child, shalt be called
the Prophet of the Highest : * for
thou shalt go before the face of the
Lord to prepare His ways :
To give knowledge of salvation
unto His people, * by the remission
of their sins ;
Through the tender mercy of our
God, * whereby the dayspring from
on high hath visited us,
To give light to them that sit
in darkness, and in the shadow of
death, * to guide our feet into the
way of peace.
The Doxology, "Glory be to the
Father, &c.," is said, and then the
Antiphon repeated.
Then is said :
Verse. Hear my prayer, O LORD.
Answer. And let my cry come
unto Thee.
Let us pray.
Then follows the Prayer for the day
at the end of which is answered:
Answer. Amen.
Afterwards are made any Commem
orations necessary, by the Antiphon
for the Song of Zacharias, the Verse
and Answer after the Hymn, and the
Prayer {preceded by " Let us pray ")
from the superseded Office which is to
be commemorated. After which the
following Common Commemorations
are made, if required, according to
Chapter xxxv. of the General Rubrics.
When more than two Prayers are to
be said, the last clause of each (begin
ning "Through our Lord, &c.," or
" Who livest, &c.,") is omitted in all
except the first and the last, nor is
"Amen" answered except after these
two.
(Note that if these Commemorations
be said upon a week-day, kept as such,
out of Paschal time, they are preceded
by the Commemoration of the Cross,
given hereafter at the end of the Lauds
of Monday.}
I. Commemoration of the Blessed
Virgin Mary.
(Omitted if the Office of the day is
of the Blessed Virgin, or if her Little
Office is to be said.)
Antiphon. O Holy Mary, be
thou an help to the helpless, a
strength to the fearful, a comfort to
the sorrowful ; pray for the people,
plead for the clergy, make inter
cession for all women vowed to
God ; may all that keep thine holy
SUNDAY AT LAUDS.
2 9
remembrance, feel the might of
thine assistance.
Verse. Pray for us, O holy
Mother of God.
Answer. That we may be made
worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray.
GRANT, we beseech Thee, O
Lord God, unto all Thy
servants, that they may continually
enjoy soundness both of mind and
of body, and by the glorious inter
cession of the Blessed Mary, always
a Virgin, may be delivered from
present sadness, and enter into the
joy of Thine eternal gladness.
From the Octave of the Epiphany to
Candlemas, the Antiphon is the same,
but the rest is as follows :
Verse. After thy delivery thou
still remainest a Virgin undefiled.
Answer. Mother of God, pray
for us.
Let us pray.
GOD, Who, by the fruitful
virginity of the Blessed
Mary, hast given unto mankind the
rewards of everlasting life; grant,
we beseech Thee, that we may con
tinually feel the might of her inter
cession, through whom we have
worthily received the Author of our
life, our Lord JESUS Christ Thy Son.
II. Commemoration of St. Joseph^
Patron of the Universal Church.
(Omitted in his Votive Office^
Antiphon. 1 JESUS Himself began
to be about thirty years of age, being
(as was supposed) the son of Joseph.
Verse. 2 The mouth of the right
eous speaketh wisdom.
Answer. And his tongue talketh
judgment.
Let us pray.
GOD, Who, in Thine un-
speakable foreknowledge,
didst choose Thy blessed servant
Joseph to be the husband of Thine
Own most holy Mother; mercifully
grant that now that he is in heaven
with Thee, we who on earth do
reverence him for our defender,
may worthily be holpen by the
succour of his prayers to Thee on
our behalf.
III. Commemoration of the Holy
Apostles, Peter and Paul.
(Omitted in the Votive Office of the
Apostles.}
Antiphon. 3 These are glorious
princes over all the earth, they
loved one another in their lives,
and in their death they were not
divided.
Verse. 4 Their sound is gone out
through all the earth.
Answer. And their words to the
ends of the world.
Let us pray.
OGOD, Whose Right Hand
caught the Blessed Peter
when he walked upon the water,
and began to sink, 5 and thrice de
livered his fellow-Apostle Paul from
the deep of the sea, when he suf
fered shipwreck ; 6 graciously hear
us, and grant, for the sake of them
1 Luke iii. 23.
4 Ps. xviii. 5.
2 Ps. xxxvi. 30.
5 Matth. xiv. 31.
3 2 Kings (Sam.) i. 23.
6 2 Cor. xi. 25.
30 THE PSALTER.
both, that we also may attain unto For Peace.
everlasting glory. Antiphon. Give peace in our
Note 1 . time, O Lord, because there is
1 In England in this case, by a special rule, is made
Commemoration of St. George^ Patron of England.
Antiphon. * The Saints through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought
righteousness, obtained promises.
Verse, t O LORD, Thou hast compassed him.
Answer. With Thy favour as with a shield.
Let us pray.
OGOD, Who dost gladden us through the worthy deeds and prayers of
Thy blessed Martyr George ; mercifully grant that all they that seek
Thy favour through him, may effectually obtain the gift of Thy grace.
And thus it is said within the Octave.
In the Diocese of Hexham St. George is not commemorated, but instead, the following
commemoration is made of St. Cuthbert :
Antiphon. Holy Cuthbert, our Protector, grace and glory of our father
land, look down upon us from Heaven, and pray God for us, that He grant
us everlasting joy.
Verse. At the prayers of Blessed Cuthbert and for his sake,
Answer. Be merciful unto Thy people, O Lord.
Let us pray.
GOD, Who, through the priceless gift of Thy grace, dost make Thine
holy ones glorious, mercifully grant, that the prayers of Thy Blessed
Confessor and Bishop Cuthbert may help us worthily there to attain, where
are the spirits of just men made perfect.
In the Diocese of Northampton the following commemoration of St. Thomas of Canter
bury is made before that of St. George :
Antiphon. II am the Good Shepherd, and know My sheep, and am
known of Mine, and I lay down My life for the sheep.
Verse. In your patience
Answer. Possess ye your souls.
Let us pray.
GOD, in defence of Whose Church the glorious Bishop Thomas fell
by the swords of wicked men, grant, we beseech Thee, that all that
ask his help may obtain wholesome fruit of their petition.
In the Diocese of Plymouth the following commemoration of St. Boniface of Maintz is
made before that of St. George :
Antiphon. Many nations, many thousands of men, did Blessed Boniface
* Heb. xi. 33. f Ps. v. 13. J John x. 14, 15. Luke xxi. 19.
SUNDAY AT LAUDS. 31
none other that fighteth for us, but our hearts may be set to obey Thy
only Thou, O our God. commandments, and also that by
Verse. 1 Peace be within thy Thee we being defended from the
walls. fear of our enemies, may pass our
Answer. And prosperity within time in rest and quietness. Through
thy palaces. our Lord JESUS Christ, Thy Son,
Who liveth and reigneth with Thee,
Let us pray. in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one
God, world without end.
OGOD, from Whom all holy Answer. Amen,
desires, all good counsels,
and all just works do proceed ; give JjffaE* ^f"^ 1 ^- 1 S ? n ^
unto Thy servants that peace which ^ p rec g (ij n
the world cannot give, that both the following:
gain for Christ, and forasmuch as he made himself like unto an Apostle, he
hath purchased unto himself a great reward in Heaven along with the
Apostles.
Verse. Be strong in the Lord, be strong.
Answer. That ye may live for ever with God.
Let us pray.
GOD, Who wast pleased to make the zeal of Thy Blessed Martyr and
Bishop Boniface the mean whereby Thou didst cause many peoples
to know Thy Name, mercifully grant unto us who honour his memory to be
feelingly holpen by the succour of his protection.
(And so it is said within the Octave.}
In the Diocese of Portsmouth the following commemoration of St. Edmund of Can
terbury is made after that of St. George :
Antiphon. He loved righteousness and hated iniquity, and therefore he
died in exile.
Verse. Cast out upon a world of woes,
In exile here we roam.
Answer. O Blessed Edmund, by thy prayers,
Gain us the love of home.
Let us pray.
GOD, Who in the abundance of Thy goodness toward Thy Church
hast made her bright by the illustrious life of Thy blessed Confessor
and Bishop Edmund, and gladdened her by his glorious and wondrous
works, mercifully grant unto Thy servants that they may be bettered in
following after his ensample, and shielded by his protection from all things
that may rise up against them.
1 Ps. cxxi. 7.
THE PSALTER.
Paschal Commemoration of the
Cross.
(Omitted in the Votive Offices of the
Blessed Sacrament and of the Passion?)
Antiphon. He That was cruci
fied is risen from the dead, and
hath redeemed us. Alleluia, Al
leluia.
Verse. l Say among the heathen
Alleluia.
Answer. That the LORD reign-
eth from the tree Alleluia.
Let us pray.
OGOD, Who didst send Thy
Son to surfer death for us
upon the Cross, that Thou might-
est deliver us from the power of
the enemy ; grant unto us Thy
servants to be made partakers of
His Resurrection. Through the
Same our Lord JESUS Christ Thy
Son, Who liveth and reigneth with
Thee in the unity of the Holy
Ghost, one God, world without end.
Answer. Amen.
After the last Prayer is said :
Verse. Hear my prayer, O LORD.
Answer. And let my cry come
unto Thee.
Verse. Bless we the Lord.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
If the Office of the Dead or the Litany
(with or without the Penitential Psalms}
is to follow immediately, it is begun
here. Otherwise
There is said in rather a low voice :
May the souls of the Faithful
1 Ps. xcv. 10, old version.
2 i.e., it is said for the first time after Vespers, if the Antiphon of the B.V. be to be said,
and in any case after Compline, on the Saturday evening before Advent Sunday, and it is
still similarly said after Vespers on February 2, but not after Compline on that day. It is
ascribed to Hermann the Cripple, a monk of Reichenau, who died A.D. 1052. This trans
lation is in the same rhymeless measure as the original,
through the mercy of God rest in
peace.
Answer. Amen.
If Prime is to follow immediately, it
is begun here, a?id what follows is not
said till the end of the whole service.
Otherwise the Office ends thus :
The Lord s Prayer is said inaudibly :
OUR Father, Who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy
kingdom come. Thy will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven. Give
us this day our daily bread. And
forgive us our trespasses, as we
forgive them that trespass against
us. And lead us not into temp
tation ; but deliver us from evil.
Amen.
Then aloud:
Verse. The Lord give us His
peace.
Ansiver. And life everlasting.
Amen.
Then follows one of these Four Anti-
phons of the Blessed Virgin Mary, ac
cording to the season of the year.
I. From the First Sunday in Ad
vent to Candlemas, both inclusive.
Antiphon. 2 Maiden, Mother of
Him that redeemed us, thou that
abidest
Heaven s open gate, and the Star
of the Sea, come, succour the fallen !
Fallen indeed we are, but fain
would rise by thy succour.
Thou that beyond nature s course,
hast borne in time the Eternal ;
Thou that a Virgin before and
after that childbirth remainest,
SUNDAY AT LAUDS.
33
From the Archangel s lips the
quickening message receiving,
Mother of JESUS and us, turn
thine eyes of mercy on sinners.
Verse. The Angel of the Lord
announced unto Mary.
Answer. And she conceived by
the Holy Ghost.
Let us pray.
WE beseech Thee, O Lord,
pour Thy grace into our
hearts ; that, as we have known
the Incarnation of Thy Son Christ
by the message of an Angel, so by
His Passion and Cross we may be
brought unto the glory of the
Resurrection. Through the same
Christ our Lord.
Answer. Amen.
In and after the First Vespers of
Christmas Day the Verse and Answer
and Prayer are as follows :
Verse. After thy delivery thou
still remainest a Virgin undefiled.
Answer. Mother of God, pray
for us.
Let us pray.
GOD, Who, by the fruitful
virginity of the Blessed Mary,
hast given unto mankind the re
wards of everlasting life ; grant, we
beseech Thee, that we may con
tinually feel the might of her inter
cession, through whom we have
worthily received the Author of
our life, even our Lord JESUS
Christ Thy Son.
Answer. Amen.
II. From Candlemas to Maundy
Thursday, both exclusive }
Antiphon. Hail, O Mary, Queen
of Heaven,
Queen of Angel worlds on high,
Hail, O Rod to Jesse given,
Blessed Portal of the sky,
Hail, O Lady, bright and glorious,
Clad in beauty pure and true,
Virgin ! o er sin s stain victorious,
Sinners for thy succour sue.
Verse. Holy Virgin, my praise
by thee accepted be.
Ansiver. Give me strength against
thine enemies.
Let us pray.
GRANT, we beseech Thee, O
most merciful God, a succour
unto the frailty of our nature, that
as we keep ever alive the memory
of the holy Mother of God, so by
the help of her intercession we may
be raised up from the bondage of
our sins. Through the same Christ
our Lord.
Answer. Amen.
III. From Easter Sunday* till the
Saturday after Pentecost, both in
clusive.
Antiphon. Rejoice! rejoice! thou
Queen of Heaven, Alleluia,
For He* That thee for Son was
given, Alleluia,
As He promised is arisen. Alle
luia.
1 i.e., it is said for the first time after Compline on Feb. 2 (even if the Feast of the
Purification be transferred), and for the last time after Compline on Wednesday in Holy
Week. The authorship is unknown ; it seems to date from about the eleventh century.
2 i.e., it is said for the first time after Compline on Easter Eve. The date and author
ship are unknown ; but a legend has become attached to it to the effect that St. Gregory
the Great heard the three first lines uttered by an angel, and himself added the fourth, on
the same occasion from which was instituted the procession upon St. Mark s Day.
VOL. IV. B
34
THE PSALTER.
Mother, pray to Him for us. Alle
luia.
Verse. Be glad and rejoice, O
Virgin Mary, Alleluia,
Answer. For the Lord is risen
indeed, Alleluia.
Let us pray.
OGOD, Who art pleased to
gladden the whole world by
the resurrection of Thy Son our
Lord JESUS Christ ; grant, we be
seech Thee, that by the help of
His Mother the Virgin Mary, we
may finally attain unto the glad
ness of life everlasting. Through
the same Christ our Lord.
Answer. Amen.
IV. From Trinity Sunday^ till the
Saturday before Advent Sunday,
both inclusive.
Antiphon. Hail, O Queen, Mother
of mercy ! hail, our life, our sweet
ness, and our hope ! To thee we
cry, the banished sons of Eve. To
ward thee we sigh, weeping and
groaning in this vale of tears. Ah,
then, thou our Advocate, turn on us
those merciful eyes of thine ! And,
after this our exile, show to us
JESUS, the blessed Fruit of thy
womb. O merciful, O gracious, O
sweet Virgin Mary !
Verse. Pray for us, O holy Mother
of God,
Answer. That we may be made
worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray.
ALMIGHTY and everlasting
God, Who, by the co-opera
tion of the Holy Ghost, didst make
ready both the body and soul of the
glorious Virgin and Mother Mary
worthily to become a meet dwelling
for Thy Son ; grant that as we re
joice in her memory, so by her piti
ful intercession we may be delivered
from the evils that continually hang
over us, and finally from everlasting
death. Through the same Christ
our Lord.
Answer. Amen.
After each of these Antiphons is said
this Blessing :
God s most mighty strength alway
Be His people s staff and stay.
Answer. Amen.
Feasts. The above Office, appointed
for Sunday, is also said on all Feasts
whatsoever, even Simples, and every
day in Paschal time.
1 i.e., it is said for the first time after Vespers, if the Antiphon of the B.V. be to be
said, and in any case after Compline, on the Saturday evening before Trinity Sunday. The
last clause is usually admitted to be an exclamation uttered by St. Bernard of Clairvaux in
the Cathedral of Spires; but* the authorship of the rest is disputed, some ascribing it to
Hermann the Cripple, others to one Peter of Monsoro, Bishop of Compostella, others to
one Adhemar, Bishop of Podium (Puy-en-Velay). It seems to have been well known, at
least in Spain, early in the twelfth century.
35
PRIME, OR THE FIRST HOUR. 1
THE LORD S DAY.
Before Prime is said inaudibly the
LorcPs Prayer, the Angelic Salutation,
and the Apostles Creed.
OUR Father, Who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Thy Name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be
done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses, as
we forgive them that trespass against
us. And lead us not into tempta
tion ; but deliver us from evil.
Amen.
TTAIL, Mary, full of grace; The
-*- J- Lord is with thee : blessed
art thou among women, and blessed
is the fruit of thy womb, JESUS.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray
for us sinners, now and at the hour
of our death. Amen.
T BELIEVE in God the Father
* Almighty, Maker of heaven and
earth. And in JESUS Christ, His
Only Son, our Lord ; Who was con
ceived by the Holy Ghost, Born of
the Virgin Mary, suffered under
Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead,
and buried : He 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. I believe
in the Holy Ghost, the holy Catholic
Church, the Communion of Saints,
the Forgiveness of sins, the Resur
rection of the body, and the Life
everlasting. Amen.
Then is said aloud:
Verse. *J< Make haste, O God,
to deliver me.
Answer. Make haste to help me,
O LORD.
Glory be to the Father, and to the
Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now,
and ever shall be, world without end.
Amen. Alleluia. ; ;
From Septuagesima Sunday to
Maundy Thursday instead of "Alle
luia" is said:
Ceaseless praise to Thee be given,
O Eternal King of heaven.
1 Prime is the first service of the Church for the day-time, Mattins and Lauds being for
the middle and close of night. Its proper hour is when the sun has fairly risen, and day
begun, which is reckoned to be about 6 A.M., about which time it is generally said in
choirs. Sometimes Mattins, Lauds, and Prime are said together early in the morning,
forming the complete morning service of the Church. It is from this aggregation that the
" Morning Prayer" of the Anglican Prayer Book is derived.
THE PSALTER.
Then is said the following :
HYMN. 1
T^HE star of morn to night succeeds,
We therefore meekly pray,
May God, in all our words and deeds,
Keep us from harm this day.
May He in love restrain us still
From tones of strife and words of ill,
And wrap around and close our eyes
To earth s absorbing vanities.
May wrath and thoughts that gender
shame
Ne er in our breasts abide,
And painful abstinences tame
Of wanton flesh the pride ;
So when the weary day is o er,
And night and stillness come once
more,
Blameless and clean from spot of earth
We may repeat with reverent mirth
To God the Father glory be,
And to His Only Son,
And to the Spirit, One and Three,
While endless ages run.
Amen.
The last verse is sometimes said thus,
altered in honour of the Incarnation :
JESU, the Virgin-born, to Thee
Eternal praise be given,
With Father, Spirit, One and Three,
Here as it is in heaven.
Amen.
In Paschal time it is said thus, altered
in honour of the Resurrection :
To Father, Son; and Paraclete,
The slain and risen Son,
Be praise and glory, as is meet,
While endless ages run.
Amen.
// is also occasionally otherwise al
tered, which occasions are marked in
their places.
Then follow the Psalms. They are
all said ^mder one Antiphoji, and
when Five Antiphons have been said
at Lauds, the First of these Five
is the Antiphon at Prime, otherwise
that given here is used.
Antiphon. Alleluia.
Psalm LI 1 1.
[The superscription of this Psalm, after
some words which are probably a musical
direction, proceeds "[A Psalm] of David,
when the Ziphim came and said to Saul,
Doth not David hide himself with us ? "
This was during the same period of his life
in the South in which he composed Ps.
Ixii. The Ziphim, or peasantry of the
neighbourhood of Ziph, betrayed him twice
to Saul, and both times, especially the first,
he was in imminent peril. I Kings (Sam.)
xxiii. 19-29. xxvi.]
CAVE me, O God, in Thy Name,
^ * and judge me in Thy
power.
Hear my prayer, O God : * give
ear to the words of my mouth.
For strangers are risen up against
me, and oppressors seek after my
soul : * and have not set God be
fore them. 2
Behold God is mine Helper : *
and the Lord upholdeth my soul.
Reward Thou evil unto mine
enemes :
and cut them off in
Thy truth.
I will freely sacrifice unto Thee :
* and praise Thy Name, O LORD,
for it is good.
For Thou hast delivered me out
of all trouble : * and mine eye
hath seen [my desire] upon mine
enemies.
The following Psalm, " O give thanks
unto the LORD," is said only on Sun
days, when the Office is of the Sunday,
nor is it said from Easter to Pentecost t
both inclusive. Moreover it is not said
on or after Septuagesima Sunday till
1 Another Ambrosian hymn. Translation by the late Card. Newman.
2 SLH.
PRIME, OR THE FIRST HOUR.
37
Easter, but then is substituted for it
Psalm xcii., " The LORD reigneth "
(given at the beginning, of Lauds).
Psalm CXVII.
[From some verses it seems as though this
Psalm was written for the Feast of Taber
nacles, and perhaps as a processional at the
entry of the King (David ?) into the place
of worship. The Vulgate and the LXX.
prefix the word Alleluia.]
OGIVE thanks unto the LORD,
for He is good : * for His
mercy endureth for ever.
Let Israel now say that He is
good : * for His mercy endureth
for ever.
Let the house of Aaron now say,
* that His mercy endureth for ever.
Let them now that fear the LORD
say, * that His mercy endureth for
ever.
I called upon the LORD in dis
tress : * and the LORD heard me
[and set me] at large.
The LORD is on my side : * I
will not fear what man can do
unto me.
The LORD is on my side : * and
I shall see [my desire upon] them
that hate me.
It is better to put confidence in
the LORD, * than to put confidence
in man.
It is better to trust in the LORD,
* than to trust in princes.
All nations compassed me about :
* but in the Name of the LORD ! *
I was avenged on them.
They compassed me about, yea,
they compassed me about : * but
in the Name of the LORD ! I was
avenged on them.
They compassed me about like
bees ; they burnt out as the fire
of thorns : * but in the Name
of the LORD ! I was avenged on
them.
They thrust sore at me, that I
might fall : * but the LORD helped
me.
The LORD is my strength and
my song, * and is become my
salvation.
The voice of rejoicing and salva
tion * is in the tabernacles 2 of the
righteous.
The right hand of the LORD hath
done valiantly. The right* hand of
the LORD hath exalted me : * the
right hand of the LORD hath done
valiantly.
I shall not die, but live, * and
declare the works .of the LORD.
The LORD hath chastened me
sore : * but He hath not given me
over unto death.
Open to me the gates of right
eousness ; I will go into them and
praise the LORD. * This is the gate
of the LORD, into which the righteous
shall enter.
I will praise Thee, for Thou hast
heard me, * and art become my
salvation.
3 The stone which the builders
refused * is become the head-stone
of the corner.
This is the LORD S doing : * and
it is marvellous in our eyes.
This is the day which the LORD
hath made : * let us rejoice and be
glad in it.
Save me now, O LORD ! O LORD,
send Thou prosperity. * Blessed
1 Probably a war-cry.
2 The allusion is to the ceremonial of the Feast of Tabernacles, Lev. xxiii. 42,
dwell in booths seven days."
3 These two verses were quoted by our Lord. Matth. xxi. 42 ; Mark xii. 10.
Ye shall
THE PSALTER.
be he that cometh in the Name of
the LORD ! l
We have blessed you out of the
house of the LORD. * God is the
LORD and hath showed us light :
Keep the solemn feast-day with
leafy boughs, * even unto the horns
of the Altar. 2
Thou art my God, and I will
praise Thee : * Thou art my God,
and I will exalt Thee.
I will give thanks unto Thee, for
Thou hast heard me, * and art be
come my salvation.
O give thanks unto the LORD,
for He is good : * for His mercy
endureth for ever.
Psalm CXVIII.
T3LESSED are the undefiled in
*-* the way, * who walk in the
law of the LORD.
Blessed are they that keep His
testimonies : * that seek Him with
the whole heart.
For they that work iniquity, *
walk not in His ways.
Thou hast commanded us * to
keep Thy precepts diligently.
O that my ways were directed *
to keep Thy statutes.
Then shall I not be ashamed, *
when I have respect unto all Thy
commandments.
I will praise Thee with upright
ness of heart, * when I shall have
learned Thy righteous judgments.
I will keep Thy statutes : * O
forsake me not utterly.
Here the Doxology, " Glory be to the
Father, c.," is not said.
^[THEREWITHAL shall a young
* * man keep his way ? * By
taking heed unto Thy word.
With my whole heart have I sought
Thee : * O let me not wander from
Thy commandments !
Thy word have I hid in mine
heart, * that I might not sin against
Thee.
Blessed art Thou, O LORD : * teach
me Thy statutes !
With my lips * have I declared
all the judgments of Thy mouth.
I have rejoiced in the way of Thy
testimonies, * as much as in all
riches.
I will meditate on Thy pre
cepts, * and have respect unto
Thy ways.
I will delight myself in Thy
statutes : * I will not forget Thy
word.
1 Notice that this is the very verse which was sung during the Palm Sunday procession.
The word Hosanna is a corruption of its third and fourth words viz., " Ho-shy ah na."
a Lev. xxiii. 40. " And ye shall take you on the first day the boughs of goodly trees,
branches of palm-trees, and the boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook ; and ye
shall rejoice before the LORD your God seven days." As to the Feast of Tabernacles,
the Jewish tradition understands by "goodly trees" the citron, and by "thick trees" the
myrtle. Branches of willow were fastened to the corners of the altar.
3 This long poem in praise of the Divine Law, which the Church recites every day and
all day, is A B C Darian. Its 176 verses are divided into twenty-two sections, of eight
verses each, in each of which sections all the verses begin with the same letter of the
Hebrew alphabet. The first eight, therefore, begin with Aleph, which somewhat cor
responds to A.
4 Here begins the letter Beth, somewhat represented by B.
PRIME, OR THE FIRST HOUR.
39
Continuation of the same Psalm.
DEAL bountifully with Thy ser
vant, quicken me, * and I
will keep Thy word.
Open Thou mine eyes, * that I
may behold wondrous things out of
Thy law.
I am a stranger in the earth : *
hide not Thy commandments from
me.
My soul is an-hungered for the
longing that it hath unto Thy
judgments * at all times.
Thou hast rebuked the proud : *
they are cursed that do err from
Thy commandments.
Remove from me reproach and
contempt : * for I have kept Thy
testimonies.
Princes also did sit and speak
against me : * but Thy servant did
meditate on Thy statutes.
Thy testimonies also are my de
light, * and Thy precepts my coun
sellors.
Here the Doxology, " Glory be to the
Father, &c.," is not said.
1V/TY soul cleaveth unto the
IV J. ground : * quicken Thou
me according to Thy word.
I have declared my ways and
Thou heardest me : * teach me Thy
statutes.
Make me to understand the way
of Thy precepts : * so shall I talk
of Thy wondrous works.
My soul sleepeth for heaviness : *
strengthen Thou me according unto
Thy word.
Remove from me the way of lying :
* and grant me Thy law graciously.
I have chosen the way of truth :
* Thy judgments have I not for
gotten.
I cleave unto Thy testimonies, O
LORD : * put me not to shame !
I have run the way of Thy com
mandments, * since Thou hast en
larged mine heart.
The following Creed is only said on
Sundays when the Office is of the Sun
day, and on Trinity Sunday. The ex
ceptions are Easter and Pentecost Sun
days, when it is not said, because they
are treated as Festivals.
THE CREED OF ST ATHANASIUS. 3
A WHOSOEVER willeth to be
* * safe, * before all things it
is necessary that he hold the
Catholic Faith.
Which faith except every one do
keep whole and undefiled, * without
doubt he shall perish eternally.
Now the Catholic Faith is this, *
that we worship One God in Trinity,
and Trinity in Unity.
Neither confounding the Persons,
* nor dividing the Substance.
For there is one Person of the
Father, another of the Son, * and
another of the Holy Ghost.
But the Godhead of the Father,
1 Here begins the letter Ghimel, answering partly to our G.
2 Here begins the letter Daleth, answering partly to our D.
3 The translation largely follows that in the Rev. A. E. Burn s Introduction to the
Creeds. The origin and date of this hymn have been the subject of much discussion^
" It is agreed that it was not written by St Athanasius, and that it was written in Latin."
In the opinion of Mr Burn the indications point to the South of Gaul as its place of origin,
and to the decade A.D. 420-430 as the period of its composition.
40
THE PSALTER.
of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost
is One, * the Glory Equal, the
Majesty Co-Eternal.
Such as the Father is, such is the
Son, * and such is the Holy Ghost.
The Father Uncreated, the Son
Uncreated, * and the Holy Ghost
Uncreated.
The Father Infinite, the Son In
finite, * and the Holy Ghost In
finite.
The Father Eternal, the Son Eter
nal, * and the Holy Ghost Eternal.
And yet They are not Three
Eternals, * but One Eternal.
As also They are not Three Un
created, nor Three Infinites, * but
One Uncreated, and One Infinite.
So likewise the Father is Almighty,
the Son Almighty, * and the Holy
Ghost Almighty.
And yet They are not Three Al
mighties, * but One Almighty.
So the Father is God, the Son
God, * and the Holy Ghost God.
And yet They are not Three Gods,
* but One God.
So the Father is Lord, the Son
Lord, * and the Holy Ghost Lord.
And yet They are not Three
Lords, * but One Lord.
For, like as we are compelled by
Christian truth to acknowledge every
Person by Himself to be God and
Lord, * so are we forbidden by the
Catholic Religion to say, there be
Three Gods or Three Lords.
The Father is made of none, *
neither created, nor begotten.
The Son is of the Father alone :
* not made, nor created, but Be
gotten.
The Holy Ghost is of the Father,
and the Son : * not made, nor
created, nor begotten, but Pro
ceeding.
So there is One Father, not Three
Fathers ; One Son, not Three Sons ;
* One Holy Ghost, not Three Holy
Ghosts.
And in this Trinity is nothing
afore or after, nothing is greater or
less; * but the whole Three Per
sons are Co -Eternal together, and
Co-Equal.
So that in all things, as is afore
said, * the Unity in Trinity, and
the Trinity in Unity is to be wor
shipped.
He therefore that willeth to be
safe, * let him thus think of the
Trinity.
But it is necessary to eternal
salvation, * that he also believe
faithfully the Incarnation of our
Lord JESUS Christ.
The right Faith therefore is, that
we believe and confess, * that our
Lord JESUS Christ, the Son of God,
is God and Man.
God, of the Substance of the
Father, Begotten before the worlds :
* and Man, of the substance of His
mother, born in the world.
Perfect God, Perfect Man, * of
a reasoning Soul and human Flesh
subsisting.
Equal to the Father as touching
His Godhead, inferior to the
Father as touching His Manhood.
Who, although He be God and
Man, * yet He is not Two, but One
Christ.
One, however, not by conversion
of the Godhead into Flesh, * but by
taking of the Manhood into God.
One altogether, not by confusion
of Substance, * but by Unity of
Person.
For as the reasoning soul and
flesh is one man, * so God and
Man is One Christ.
PRIME, OR THE FIRST HOUR.
Who suffered for our salvation,
descended into hell, * rose again
the third day from the dead.
He ascended into heaven, He sit-
teth on the right hand of the Father,
God Almighty, * from whence He
shall come to judge the quick and
the dead.
At Whose coming all men shall
rise again with their bodies, * and
shall give account for their own
works.
And they that have done good
shall go into life eternal, * but
they that have done evil into
eternal fire.
This is the Catholic Faith, * which
except a man believe faithfully and
firmly, he cannot be safe.
Here is said the Doxology, "Glory
be to the Father, &c."
Antipkon. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alle
luia.
In Paschal time is said a fourth
time^ Alleluia.
Then is said the Chapter,
CHAPTER, (i Tim. i. 17.)
UNTO the King Eternal, Im
mortal and Invisible, the
only God, be honour and glory for
ever and ever. Amen.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
Then follows the Short Responsory.
Christ, Thou Son of the Living
God, have mercy on us.
Answer. Christ, Thou Son of the
Living God, have mercy on us.
Verse. Thou That sittest at the
right hand of the Father.
Answer. Have mercy on us.
Verse. Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost.
Answer. Christ, Thou Son of the
Living God, have mercy on us.
Verse. l Arise, O Christ, and help
us.
Answer. And deliver us for Thy
Name s sake.
This Responsory is occasionally al
tered, which alterations are given in
their proper places. From Low Su?t-
day inclusive till Ascension Day ex
clusive it is said thus :
Christ, Thou Son of the Living
God, have mercy on us. Alleluia,
Alleluia.
Answer. Christ, Thou Son of the
Living God, have mercy on us. Alle
luia, Alleluia.
Verse. Thou That art arisen
from the dead.
Ansiver. Alleluia, Alleluia.
Verse. Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost.
Answer. Christ, Thou Son of the
Living God, have mercy on us. Alle
luia, Alleluia.
Verse. Arise, O Christ, and help
us. Alleluia.
Answer. And deliver us for Thy
Name s sake. Alleluia.
From Ascension Day inclusive till
Pentecost exclusive it is the same, ex
cept that instead of "Thou That art
arisen from the dead" is said:
Verse. Thou That art gone up
above the stars.
During the Octave of Pentecost it is
still the same except that this Verse is
said thus :
Verse. Thou That sittest at the
right hand of the Father.
Ps. xliii. 26.
VOL. IV.
B 2
4 2
THE PSALTER.
After the Short Responsory follow
these prayers called the Preces, except
on Doubles and within Octaves, when
they are omitted down to the mark *.
1 Kyrie eleison.
Answer. Christe eleison.
Kyrie eleison.
Father (inaudibly), Who art
in heaven, Hallowed be Thy
Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy
will be done on earth, as it is in
heaven. Give us this day our daily
bread. And forgive us our tres
passes, as we forgive them that tres
pass against us. (Aloud.)
Verse. And lead us not into
temptation.
Answer.
evil.
But deliver us from
T BELIEVE (inaudibly) 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 : He de
scended into hell : the third day He
rose again from the dead : He as
cended 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. I believe in the Holy Ghost,
the Holy Catholic Church, the Com
munion of Saints, the Forgiveness
of sins. (Aloud.)
Verse. The Resurrection of the
body.
Answer. And the Life everlast
ing. Amen.
Verse. 2 And unto Thee have I
cried, O LORD.
Answer. And in the morning
shall my prayer come betimes be
fore Thee.
Verse. 3 Let my mouth be filled
with Thy praise.
Answer. That I may sing of Thy
glory, all the day long of Thy great
ness.
Verse. 4 O Lord, hide Thy face
from my sins.
Answer. And blot out all mine
iniquities.
Verse. Create in me a clean heart,
O God.
Answer. And renew a right spirit
within me.
Verse. Cast me not away from
Thy presence.
Anstver. And take not Thine
holy Spirit from me.
Verse. Restore unto me the joy
of Thy salvation.
Answer. And uphold me with
Thy free spirit.
Verse. 5 >J< Our help is in the
name of the LORD.
Answer. Who made heaven and
earth.
The General Confession.
T CONFESS to God Almighty,
* to the Blessed Mary, always
a Virgin, to the Blessed Michael
the Archangel, to the Blessed John
the Baptist, to the Holy Apostles
Peter and Paul, and to all the
Saints, that I have sinned exceed
ingly in thought, word, and deed,
by my fault, by my fault, by my
most grievous fault. Therefore I
beseech the Blessed Mary, always
1 Greek Litany, signifying " Lord, have mercy Christ, have mercy Lord, have mercy."
2 Ps. Ixxxvii. 14. 3 Ps. Ixx. 8. 4 Ps. 1. 11-14. 5 Ps. cxxiii. 8,
PRIME, OR THE FIRST HOUR.
43
a Virgin, the Blessed Michael the
Archangel, the Blessed John the
Baptist, the Holy Apostles Peter
and Paul, and all the Saints, to
pray to the Lord our God for me.
The Absolution.
ALMIGHTY God have mercy
^~~^- on us, forgive us our sins,
and bring us to life everlasting.
Answer. Amen.
AY the Almighty and mer-
ciful Lord grant us pardon,
absolution, and remission of all our
sins.
Answer. Amen.
Then the Office continues as follows :
Verse. Vouchsafe, O Lord, this
day.
Answer. To keep us without
sin.
Verse. Have mercy upon us, O
LORD.
Answer. Have mercy upon us.
Verse. O LORD, let Thy mercy
lighten upon us.
Answer. As our trust is in Thee.
Here the Office is resumed when the
Preces have been omitted.
* Verse. Hear my prayer, O
LORD.
Answer. And let my cry come
unto Thee.
Let us pray.
LORD God Almighty, Who
hast safely brought us to the
beginning of this day, defend us
in the same with Thy mighty power :
and grant that this day we fall into
no sin, but that all our thoughts,
words, and works may be ordered
by Thy governance to do always
that is righteous in Thy sight.
Through our Lord JESUS Christ,
Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth
with Thee, in the unity of the Holy
Ghost, one God, world without end.
Answer. Amen.
Verse. Hear my prayer, O LORD.
Answer. And let my cry come
unto Thee.
Verse. Bless we the Lord.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
If the Prime of the Little Office of the
Blessed Virgin Mary is to be said, it is
said now. Then is read the Martyr-
ology of the morrow, if it be to be read,
the reader concluding with the words :
And in other places many other
holy Martyrs and Confessors and
holy Virgins.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
After which the Office proceeds thus : J
Verse. 2 Precious in the sight of
the LORD.
Answer. Is the death of His
Saints.
TV/FAY Holy Mary and all the
* Saints plead for us with the
Lord, that we may worthily be
holpen and delivered by Him Who
liveth and reigneth for ever and
ever.
Answer. Amen.
Verse. Make haste, O God, to
deliver me.
Answer. Make haste to help me,
O LORD.
Verse. Make haste, O God, to
deliver me.
Answer. Make haste to help me,
O LORD.
1 Whether the Martyrology has been read or not. The Martyrology is never binding
out of Choir. 2 Ps. cxv. 6.
44
THE PSALTER.
Verse. Make haste, O God, to
deliver me.
Answer. Make haste to help me,
O LORD.
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 with
out end. Amen.
OUR Father (inaudibly], Who
art in heaven, Hallowed be
Thy Name. Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done on earth, as it is
in heaven. Give us this day our
daily bread. And forgive us our
trespasses, as we forgive them that
trespass against us. (Aloud^)
Verse. And lead us not into
temptation.
Answer. But deliver us from
evil.
Verse. x Look upon Thy ser
vants, O Lord, and upon the works
of Thine hands, and order the go
ings of their children.
Answer. And let the beauty of
the LORD our God be upon us,
and establish Thou the work of
our hands upon us, yea, the work
of our hands, establish Thou it.
Verse. Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost.
Answer. As it was in the be
ginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen.
Let us pray.
OLORD God, King of heaven
and earth, may it please Thee
this day to order and to hallow, to
rule and to govern our hearts and
our bodies, our thoughts, our words,
and our works, according to Thy
law and in the doing of Thy com
mandments, that we, being holpen
of Thee, may here, and for ever
and ever, worthily be saved and de
livered by Thee, O Saviour of the
world, Who livest and reignest for
ever and ever.
Answer. Amen.
Sir, be pleased to give the bless
ing.
The Blessing.
The Lord Almighty order our
days and deeds in His peace.
Answer. Amen.
Then is read the Short Lesson. On all
Feasts, even Simples, and some other
days, this is the same as the Chapter
which is to be read at None, which will
be found in its proper place. On other
days one of the following is read, ac
cording to the Season of the year.
i. From the Octave of the Epiphany
till the First Sunday in Lent, and
from the Octave of Pentecost till
Advent Sunday, all exclusive.
2 Thess. iii. 5.
And the Lord direct your hearts
into the love of God, and into the
patience of Christ.
2. From Advent Sunday inclusive till
Christmas Eve exclusive.
Isa. xxxiii. 2.
O LORD, be gracious unto us :
for we have waited for Thee : be
Thou our arm every morning, our
salvation also in the time of
trouble.
.Ps. Ixxxix. 1 6, 17.
PRIME, OR THE FIRST HOUR.
45
3. From the First Sunday in Lent in
clusive till Passion Sunday exclusive.
Isa.lv. 6.
Seek ye the LORD, while He may
be found : call ye upon Him while
He is near.
4. From Passion Sunday inclusive till
Maundy Thursday exclusive.
Isa. 1. 6.
I hid not my face from shame
and spitting. The Lord GOD x
will help me, therefore also shall
I not be confounded.
5. From Easter Sunday inclusive till
Ascension Day exclusive.
Col. iii. i.
If ye be risen with Christ, seek
those things which are above, where
Christ sitteth at the right hand of
God : set your affections on things
above, not on things on the earth.
When the Reader has finished the
Short Lesson, he says :
But Thou, O Lord, have mercy
upon us.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
Verse. Our help is in the name
of the LORD.
Answer. Who made heaven and
earth.
Verse. Bless ye.
Answer. May God [bless us].
The Blessing.
*J< The Lord bless us, and keep
us from all evil, and bring us to life
everlasting; and may the souls of
the Faithful, through the mercy of
God, rest in peace.
Answer. Amen.
Lastly, unless some other Hour is to
follow immediately, the Lord s Prayer
is said inaudibly.
OUR Father, Who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy
kingdom come. Thy will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven. Give
us this day our daily bread. And
forgive us our trespasses, as we
forgive them that trespass against
us. And lead us not into tempta
tion ; but deliver us from evil.
Amen.
Note. When Office is said in Choir
the Service is ended with the Antiphon
of the Blessed Virgin Mary every time
the Choir is left. Otherwise it is only
said as given in this book, at the end of
Lauds (or the aggregation of which
Lauds forms a part} and Compline.
Feasts. The above Office appointed
for Sundays is also said on all Feasts
whatsoever, even Simples, and every
day in Paschal time.
PRIME ON WEEK-DAYS.
All the same as on Sunday, except as
otherwise given here.
Ordinary Antiphon during the
year. Blessed are they that walk.
In Advent the Antiphon is the First
Antiphon which has been said at Lauds
on Sunday, unless the day have a set of
its own.
Antiphon in Lent. As I live.
Antiphon for Passiontide. De
liver me, O Lord.
Psalm cxvii., "O give thanks unto
the LORD," is not said. On Saturday
it is simply omitted, and only the three
Feast- Day Psalms (viz. liii. and the two
first sections 0/cxviii.) are said, but on
the other days of the week one of the
Psalms following is put in its place.
1 The Divine Name.
4 6
THE PSALTER.
Psalm XXIII.
[Intituled "A Psalm of David." The
Vulgate and the LXX. add "for the first
day of the week."]
THE earth is the LORD S and
the fulness thereof; * the
world, and they that dwell there
in.
For He hath founded it upon the
seas, * and established it upon the
floods.
Who shall ascend into the moun
tain of the LORD? * or who shall
stand in His holy place?
He that hath clean hands and
a pure heart, * who hath not
lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor
sworn deceitfully unto his neigh
bour.
He shall receive a blessing from
the LORD, * and mercy from the
God of his salvation.
This is the generation of them
that seek Him, * that seek the
face of the God of Jacob. 1
Lift up your gates, O ye princes,
and be ye lift up, ye everlasting
doors ! * and the King of glory
shall come in.
Who is this King of glory ? *
The LORD strong and mighty, the
LORD mighty in battle.
Lift up your gates, O ye princes,
and be ye lift up, ye everlasting
doors ! * and the King of glory
shall come in.
Who is this King of glory ? *
The LORD of hosts, He is the
King of glory. 1
Psalm XXIV.
[Intituled "Of David." This Psalm is
ABC Darian.]
UNTO Thee, O LORD, do I lift
up my soul : * O my God,
I trust in Thee, let me not be
ashamed.
Neither let mine enemies triumph
over me : * for none that wait on
Thee shall be ashamed :
Let them be ashamed that
transgress * without cause.
Show me Thy ways, O LORD, *
and teach me Thy paths.
Lead me in Thy truth and teach
me; * for Thou art the God of
my salvation : and on Thee do I
wait all the day.
Remember, O LORD, Thy tender
mercies, * and Thy loving-kind
nesses, which have been ever of
old.
Remember not the sins of my
youth, * nor my transgressions :
According to Thy mercy remem
ber Thou me, * for Thy goodness
sake, O LORD.
Good and upright is the LORD ;
* therefore will He teach sinners
in the way.
The meek will He guide in judg
ment : * the meek will He teach
His way.
All the paths of the LORD are
mercy and truth, * unto such as
keep His covenant and His testi
monies.
For Thy Name s sake, O LORD,
pardon mine iniquity; * for it is
great.
SLH.
PRIME, OR THE FIRST HOUR.
47
What man is he that feareth the
LORD ? * him shall He teach in the
way that He shall choose.
His soul shall dwell at ease : *
and his seed shall inherit the earth.
The LORD is a strong rock unto
them that fear Him; * and His
covenant shall be made known to
them.
Mine eyes are ever toward the
LORD : * for He shall pluck my feet
out of the net.
Turn Thee unto me, and have
mercy upon me, * for I am desolate
and afflicted.
The troubles of mine heart are
enlarged : * O bring me out of my
distresses.
Look upon mine affliction and my
pain : * and forgive all my sins.
Consider mine enemies, for they
are many : * and they hate me with
cruel hatred.
O keep my soul, and deliver me :
* let me not be ashamed, for I put
my trust in Thee.
The undefiled and the upright
cleave to me : * for I wait on Thee.
Redeem Israel, O God, * out of
all his troubles !
Psalm XXV.
[Intituled "Of David."]
JUDGE me, O LORD, for I have
walked in mine innocence : * I
have trusted also in the LORD; I
shall not slide.
Examine me, O LORD, and prove
me : * try as by fire my reins and
mine heart.
For Thy loving-kindness is before
mine eyes : * and I have walked in
Thy truth.
I have not sat with vain persons,
* neither will I go in with wrong
doers.
I hate the congregation of evil
doers : * and will not sit with the
wicked.
I will wash mine hands in inno-
cency, * and I will compass Thine
Altar, O LORD.
That I may hear the voice of
thanksgiving, * and tell of all Thy
wondrous works.
LORD, I have loved the beauty of
Thine house, * and the place where
Thy glory dwelleth.
Make not my soul to perish with
sinners, O God, * nor my life with
bloody men :
In whose hands is mischief, * and
their right hand is full of bribes.
But as for me, I will walk in
mine innocence : * redeem me, and
be merciful unto me.
My foot standeth in uprightness :
* in the congregations will I bless
Thee, O LORD.
Psalm XXII.
[Intituled "A Psalm of David."]
THE LORD is my Shepherd, I
shall not want. * He maketh
me to lie down in green pastures :
He leadeth me beside the still
waters. * He restoreth my soul :
He leadeth me in the paths of
righteousness, * for His Name s
sake.
Yea, though I walk through the
valley of the shadow of death, I will
fear no evil : * for Thou art with
me :
Thy rod and Thy staff * they
comfort me.
4 8
THE PSALTER.
Thou preparest a table before me,
* in the presence of mine enemies :
Thou anointest mine head with
oil : * and mine overflowing cup, O
how goodly is it !
Surely Thy mercy shall follow me
* all the days of my life :
And I will dwell in the house of
the LORD * for ever.
Psalm XXI.
[Intituled "A Psalm of David." It has
a musical (?) superscription, from part of
which it appears that it was written for a
tune called "The hind of the morning."]
1\ /TY God, my God, look upon
* me 1 : why hast Thou for
saken me? * the voice of mine of
fences keepeth Thy deliverance far
from me.
O my God, I cry in the day-time,
and Thou hearest not : * and in the
night season and still it is not fool
ishness in me.
But Thou dwellest in holiness, *
O Thou Praise of Israel !
Our fathers trusted in Thee : *
they trusted, and Thou didst deliver
them,
They cried unto Thee, and were
delivered : * they trusted in Thee,
and were not confounded.
But I am a worm and no man : *
a reproach of men, and despised of
the people.
2 All they that see me laugh me to
scorn : * they shoot out the lip, and
shake their head :
He trusted in the LORD, let Him
rescue him : * let Him deliver him,
seeing He delighteth in him.
But Thou art He That took me
out of the womb : * Thou art mine
hope from my mother s breasts. I
was cast upon Thee from the womb :
Thou art my God from my
mother s belly. * Be not far from
me :
For trouble is near : * for there is
none to help.
Many bulls have compassed me :
* strong bulls have beset me round.
They gaped upon me with their
mouths, * as a ravening and a roar
ing lion. -; }
I am poured out like water, * and
all my bones are out of joint ;
Mine heart is like melting wax *
in the midst of my bowels.
My strength is dried up like a
potsherd, and my tongue cleaveth to
my jaws : * and Thou hast brought
me into the dust of death.
For many dogs have compassed
me : * the assembly of the wicked
have inclosed me.
They pierced mine hands and my
feet : * they have told all my bones :
They look and stare upon me. *
They part my garments among them,
and upon my vesture do they cast
lots.
But let not Thine help be far from
me ; O LORD, * haste Thee to save
me.
God, deliver my soul from the
sword : * my darling from the power
of the dog !
Save me from the lion s mouth ; *
and mine affliction from the horns of
the unicorns.
1 will declare Thy name unto my
brethren : * in the midst of the
congregation will I praise Thee.
1 The words "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?" were quoted by our
Lord upon the Cross (Matth. xxvii. 46 ; Mark xv. 34).
2 Read Matth. xxvii. 39-44.
PRIME, OR THE FIRST HOUR.
49
Ye that fear the LORD, praise
Him : * all ye seed of Jacob, glorify
Him ;
Let all the seed of Israel fear
Him. * For He hath not despised
nor abhorred the prayer of the
poor;
Neither hath He hid His face
from me : * but when I cried unto
Him, He heard me.
My praise shall be of Thee in the
great congregation : * I will pay my
vows before them that fear Him.
The poor shall eat and be satis
fied, and they shall praise the LORD
that seek Him : * their heart shall
live for ever.
All the ends of the earth * shall
remember and turn unto the LORD.
And all the kindreds of the na
tions * shall worship before Him.
For the kingdom is the LORD S :
* and He hath dominion among the
nations.
All they that be fat upon earth
shall eat and worship : * all they
that go down to the dust shall fall
down before Him :
My soul also shall live unto Him ;
* and my seed shall serve Him :
The generation to come shall tell
it unto the Lord : * and the heavens
shall declare His righteousness unto
a people that shall be born, whom
the Lord hath made.
Psalm cxvii. is simply omitted and
no other is substituted for it.
Ordinary Antiphon during the
year. Blessed are they that walk
in Thy law, O Lord.
In Advent the Antiphon is the First
Antiphon which has been said at Lauds
on Sunday, ujiless the day have a set of
its own.
Antiphon in Lent. 1 As I live,
saith the LORD, I have no pleasure
in the death of the wicked, but
rather that he turn from his way and
live.
Antiphon for Passiontide. 2 De
liver me, O Lord, and set me be
side Thee : and any man s hand
may fight against me.
CHAPTER. (Zech. viii. 19.)
LOVE peace and truth, saith the
Lord Almighty.
If the Preces have not been said at
Lauds, then the Preces are now said,
as on Sunday; but if the Lauds Preces
have been said, the following longer
form is used, all kneeling:
Kyrie eleison.
Answer. Christe eleison.
Kyrie eleison.
OUR Father (inaudibly}, Who
art in heaven, Hallowed be
Thy Name. Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done on earth, as it is
in heaven. Give us this day our
daily bread. And forgive us our
trespasses, as we forgive them that
trespass against us. (Aloud.}
Verse. And lead us not into
temptation.
Answer.
evil.
But deliver us from
1
BELIEVE (inaudibly} in God
the Father Almighty, Maker of
heaven and earth. And in JESUS
1 Ezek. xxxiii. 1 1.
2 Job xvii. 3.
THE PSALTER.
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 : He
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. I believe in the Holy
Ghost, the Holy Catholic Church,
the Communion of Saints, the For
giveness of sins. (Aloud.)
Verse. The Resurrection of the
body.
Answer. And the Life everlast
ing. Amen.
Verse. And unto Thee have I
cried, O LORD.
Answer. And in the morning
shall my prayer come betimes before
Thee.
Verse. Let my mouth be filled
with Thy praise.
Answer. That I may sing of
Thy glory, all the day long of Thy
greatness.
Verse. O Lord, hide Thy face
from my sins.
Answer. And blot out all mine
iniquities.
Verse. Create in me a clean
heart, O God.
Answer. And renew a right spirit
within me.
Verse. Cast me not away from
Thy presence.
Ansiver. And take not Thine
Holy Spirit from me.
Verse. Restore unto me the joy
of Thy salvation.
Answer. And uphold me with
Thy free spirit.
Verse. x Deliver me, O LORD,
from the evil man.
Answer. And preserve me from
the wicked man.
Verse. 2 Deliver me from mine
enemies, O my God.
Answer. And defend me from
them that rise up against me.
Verse. Deliver me from the
workers of iniquity.
Answer. And save me from
bloody men.
Verse. 3 So will I sing unto Thy
Name for ever.
Answer. That I may daily per
form my vows.
Verse. 4 Answer us, O God of
our salvation.
Answer. Who art the confidence
of all the ends of the earth, and of
them that are afar off upon the sea.
Verse. Make haste, O God, to
deliver me.
Answer. Make haste to help me,
O LORD.
Verse. 5 Holy God, Holy Mighty,
Holy Immortal.
Answer. Have mercy on us.
Verse. 6 Bless the LORD, O my
soul.
Answer. And all that is within
me, bless His holy Name.
Verse. Bless the LORD, O my soul.
Answer. And forget not all his
benefits.
Verse. Who forgiveth all thine
iniquities.
1 Ps. cxxxix. 2. 2 Ps. Iviii. 2, 3. 3 Ps. Ix. 9. 4 Ps. Ixiv. 6.
5 Called the " Trisagion " in the Eastern Church. Its legendary origin is that it was
learnt from angels by a boy who was carried up into the air during a tempest at Con
stantinople in the time of St Proclus (A.D. 434). It is probably much older than his
time. Photius thought it was adapted from Ps. xli. 2. 6 Ps. cii. 1-5.
PRIME, OR THE FIRST HOUR.
Answer. Who healeth all thy
diseases.
Verse. Who redeemeth thy life
from destruction.
Answer. Who crowneth thee
with loving - kindness and tender earth,
mercies.
Verse. Who satisfieth thy desire
with good things.
Answer. Thy youth is renewed
like the eagle s.
Verse. *J Our help is in the
name of the LORD.
Answer. Who made heaven and
Then is made the General Confession,
and all proceeds as on Sunday.
TERCE, OR THE THIRD HOUR. 1
JBce for efaerg Dag in
At the beginning of Terce the Lord **
Prayer and the Angelic Salutation are
said inaudibly.
OUR Father, Who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy
kingdom come. Thy will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven. Give
us this day our daily bread. And
forgive us our trespasses, as we for
give them that trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation ;
but deliver us from evil. Amen.
T T AIL, Mary, full of grace ; The
-* ! Lord is with thee : blessed
art thou among women, and blessed
is the fruit of thy womb, JESUS.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray
for us sinners, now, and at the hour
of our death. Amen.
Thsn is said aloud :
Verse. ^ Make haste, O God,
to deliver me.
Answer. Make haste to help me,
O LORD.
Glory be to the Father, and to the
Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now,
and ever shall be, world without end.
Amen. Alleluia.
From Septuagesima Sunday to
Maundy Thursday instead of "Alle
luia" is said:
Ceaseless praise to Thee be given,
O Eternal King of heaven.
Then is said the following :
HYMN. 2
, Holy Ghost, Who ever One,
Reignest with Father and with
Son,
3 It is the hour, our souls possess
With Thy full flood of holiness.
Let flesh, and heart, and lips, and mind,
Sound forth our witness to mankind ;
And love light up our mortal frame
Till others catch the living flame.
Now to the Father, to the Son,
And to the Spirit, Three in One,
Be praise, and thanks, and glory given,
By men on earth, by Saints in heaven.
Amen.
The last verse is sometimes said thus,
altered in honour of the Incarnation :
JESU, the Virgin-born, to Thee,
To Father, Spirit, One and Three,
Be praise, and thanks, and glory given,
By men on earth, by Saints in heaven.
Amen.
1 The proper hour of Terce is 9 A.M., about which time it is generally said in
communities before the Community Mass.
2 Another hymn of the Ambrosian school. Translation by the late Card. Newman.
3 It was at this the third hour that the Holy Ghost descended on the day of Pente
cost. Acts ii. 15.
TERCE, OR THE THIRD HOUR.
53
In Paschal time it is said thus, al
tered in honour of the Resurrection :
JESU, our Risen Lord, to Thee,
To Father, Spirit, One and Three,
Be praise, and thanks, and glory given,
By men on earth, by Saints in heaven.
Amen.
// is also occasionally otherwise al
tered, which occasions are marked in
their places.
Then follow six sections of Psalm
CX VIIL They are all said under one
Antiphon, and when Five Antiphons
have been said at Lauds, the Second of
these Five is the Antiphon at Terce.
Otherwise those given here are used.
Ordinary Antiphon for Sundays ;
and for every day in Paschal time.
Alleluia.
Ordinary Antiphon for Week-days.
Lead me.
In Advent the Antiphon is the Second
Antiphon which has been said at Lauds
on Sunday, unless the day have a set of
its own.
Antiphon in Lent. Behold now
is the day.
Antiphon in Passiontide. O Lord,
Thou hast judged.
Continuation of Psalm C XVI II.
TEACH me, O LORD, the way of
Thy statutes: * and I shall
keep it unto the end.
Give me understanding, and I
shall keep Thy law : * yea, I shall
observe it. with my whole heart.
Lead me in the path of Thy
commandments : * for therein do I
delight.
Incline mine heart unto Thy testi
monies, * and not to covetousness.
Turn away mine eyes from be
holding vanity : * quicken Thou me
in Thy way.
Stablish Thy word unto Thy ser
vant, * that he may fear Thee.
Turn away my reproach, which I
dread : * for Thy judgments are
good.
Behold, I have longed after
Thy precepts : * quicken me in
Thy righteousness.
Here the Doxology, " Glory be to the
Father, &c.," is not said.
T ET Thy mercy come also unto
" me, O LORD : * even Thy sal
vation, according to Thy word.
So shall I have wherewith to
answer him that reproacheth me :
* for I trust in Thy word.
And take not the word of truth
utterly out of my mouth : * for I
have hoped in Thy judgments.
So shall I keep Thy law contin
ually, * for ever and ever.
And I will walk at liberty : * for
I seek Thy precepts.
I will speak of Thy testimonies
also before kings : * and will not be
ashamed.
And I will delight myself in Thy
commandments, * which I have loved.
Mine hands also will I lift up
unto Thy commandments, which I
have loved : * and I will meditate
in Thy statutes.
1 Here begins the letter He, an aspirate, nearly represented by our H.
2 Here begins the letter Van, variously attempted to be represented by V, W,
O, Oo.
U,
54
THE PSALTER.
Continuation of the same Psalm.
ID EMEMBER Thy word unto
tV Thy servant, * upon which
Thou hast caused me to hope.
This is my comfort in mine afflic
tion, * that Thy word hath quickened
me.
The proud have behaved them
selves very wickedly : * yet have I
not turned aside from Thy law.
I remembered Thy judgments of
old, O LORD : * and have comforted
myself.
Horror hath taken hold upon me,
* because of the wicked that forsake
Thy law.
Thy statutes have been my songs
* in the house of my pilgrimage.
I have remembered Thy Name, O
LORD, in the night, * and have kept
Thy law.
This I had, * because I kept Thy
precepts.
Here the Doxology, " Glory be to the
Father, &c.," is not said.
tt 2
T^HOU art my portion, O LORD,
* * I have said that I would
keep Thy law.
I entreated Thy favour with my
whole heart : * be merciful unto me
according to Thy word.
I thought on my ways, * and
turned my feet unto Thy testi
monies.
I made haste, and delayed not
* to keep Thy commandments.
The bands of the wicked have
compassed me about : * yet have
I not forgotten Thy law.
At midnight I will rise to give
thanks unto Thee, * because of
Thy righteous judgments.
I am the companion of all them
that fear Thee, * and of them that
keep Thy precepts.
The earth, O LORD, is full of
Thy mercy : * teach me Thy
statutes.
Continuation of the same Psalm.
to 3
hast dealt well with Thy
servant, O LORD, * according
to Thy word.
Teach me goodness, and judg
ment, and knowledge : * for I have
believed Thy commandments.
Before I was afflicted, I went
astray : * therefore now I have
kept Thy word.
Thou art good, * and in Thy
goodness teach me Thy statutes.
The proud have dealt very
wickedly with me : * but I will
keep Thy precepts with my whole
heart.
Their heart is curdled as milk : 4
* but I delight in Thy law.
It is good for me that Thou hast
afflicted me : * that I might learn
Thy statutes.
The law of Thy mouth is better
unto me, * than thousands of gold
and silver.
Here the Doxology, " Glory be to the
Father, &c.," is not said.
1 Here begins the letter Zain, answering to Z.
2 Here begins the letter Kheth, a strong guttural, variously represented by Kh and Hh.
3 Here begins the letter Teth, represented by T.
4 " Gross as fat is their heart " (Leeser). The idea conveyed is that of stupidity.
TERCE, OR THE THIRD HOUR.
55
THINE hands have made me and
fashioned me : * give me
understanding, that I may learn
Thy commandments.
They that fear Thee will be glad
when they see me : * because I have
hoped in Thy word.
I know, O LORD, that Thy judg
ments are right, * and that Thou
in faithfulness hast afflicted me.
Let Thy merciful kindness be for
my comfort, * according to Thy
word unto Thy servant.
Let Thy tender mercies come unto
me, that I may live : * for Thy law
is my delight.
Let the proud be ashamed, for
they dealt wrongfully with me with
out a cause : * but I will meditate
in Thy precepts.
Let those that fear Thee turn
unto me, * and those that know
Thy testimonies.
Let mine heart be undented in
Thy statutes, * that I be not
ashamed.
Ordinary Antiphon for Sundays.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
Antiphon for every day in Paschal
time. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia,
Alleluia.
Ordinary Antiphon for Week
days. 2 Lead me in the path of
Thy commandments, O Lord.
In Advent the Antiphon is the Second
Antiphon which has been said at Lauds
on Stfnday, unless the day have a set of
its own.
Antiphon in Lent. Behold now
is the day of repentance, to redeem
sin, and save the soul.
Antiphon in Passiontide. 3 O
Lord, Thou hast judged the cause
of my soul. Thou hast redeemed
my life, O Lord my God.
Then follows the Chapter and the
Short Responsory. When they are not
given specially, one of the following is
used. After the Chapter is always an
swered, " Thanks be to God."
On Sundays, from the Third Sun
day after the Epiphany inclusive until
Septuagesima Sunday exclusive, and
from the Third Sunday after Pentecost
inclusive until Advent Sunday exchcsive
are said the following, and the Respon
sory is used moreover till the First
Sunday in Lent exclusive.
CHAPTER, (i John iv. 16.)
GOD is love : and he that dwell-
eth in love dwelleth in God,
and God in him.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
Short Responsory.
4 Incline mine heart unto Thy
testimonies, O God.
Answer. Incline mine heart unto
Thy testimonies, O God.
Verse. Turn away mine eyes from
beholding vanity : quicken Thou me
in Thy way.
Answer. Unto Thy testimonies,
O God.
Verse. Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost.
Answer. Incline mine heart unto
Thy testimonies, O God.
Verse. 5 I said, LORD, be merci
ful unto me.
Answer. Heal my soul, for I
have sinned against Thee.
1 Here begins the letter Jod, variously represented by J, Y, I, Ee.
2 Ps. cxviii. 35. 3 Lam. iii. 58. 4 Ps. cxviii. 36, 37.
5 Ps. xl. 5.
THE PSALTER.
On ordinary Week-days throughout
the year are said the following :
CHAPTER. (Jer. xvii. 14.)
HEAL me, O LORD, and I shall
be healed : save me, and I
shall be saved : for Thou art my
praise.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
Short Responsory.
Heal my soul, for I have sinned
against Thee.
Answer. Heal my soul, for I
have sinned against Thee.
Verse. I said, LORD, be merciful
unto me.
Answer. For I have sinned against
Thee.
Verse. Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost.
Answer. Heal my soul, for I
have sinned against Thee.
Verse. 1 Be Thou mine Helper,
neither leave me,
Answer. Nor forsake me, O God
of my salvation.
In Advent are said the following (but
the Chapter on Week-days only} :
CHAPTER. (Jer. xxiii. 5.)
BEHOLD, the days come, saith
the LORD, that I will raise
unto David a righteous branch : and
a King shall reign in wisdom, and
shall execute judgment and justice
in the earth.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
Short Responsory.
Come and save us, O Lord God
of hosts.
Answer. Come and save us, O
Lord God of hosts.
Verse. 2 Cause Thy face to shine,
and we shall be saved.
Answer. O Lord God of hosts.
Verse. Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost.
Answer. Come and save us, O
Lord God of hosts.
Verse. 3 The heathen shall fear
Thy Name, O LORD.
Ansiver. And all the kings of
the earth Thy glory.
In Lent are said the following (but the
Chapter on Week-days only) :
CHAPTER. (Joel ii. 12, 13.)
ye to Me with all your
heart, with fasting, and with
weeping, and with mourning. And
rend your heart and not your gar
ments, saith the Lord Almighty.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
Short Responsory.
4 He hath delivered me from the
snare of the fowler.
Answer. He hath delivered me
from the snare of the fowler.
Verse. And from the noisome
pestilence.
Answer. From the snare of the
fowler.
Verse. Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost.
Answer. He hath delivered me
from the snare of the fowler.
Verse. He shall cover thee with
His wings.
Answer. And under His feathers
shalt thou trust.
Ps. xxvi. 9.
2 Ps. Ixxix. 4.
Ps. ci. 1 6.
4 Ps. xc. 3.
TERCE, OR THE THIRD HOUR.
57
In Passiontide are said the following
(but the Chapter on Week-days only) :
CHAPTER. (Jer. xvii. 13.)
OLORD, all that forsake Thee
shall be ashamed : they that
depart from Thee shall be written
in the earth : because they have
forsaken the LORD, the fountain of
living waters.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
Short Responsory.
1 O God, deliver my soul from
the sword.
Answer. O God, deliver my soul
from the sword.
Verse. And my darling from
the power of the dog.
Answer. My soul from the sword.
O God, deliver my soul from the
sword.
Verse. O Lord, save me from
the lion s mouth.
Answer. And mine affliction
from the horns of the unicorns.
hi Paschal time are said the following
(btit the Chapter on Week-days only) :
CHAPTER. (Rom. vi. 9.)
/CHRIST, being raised from the
^- dead, dieth no more, death
hath no more dominion over Him.
For in that He died, He died unto
sin once ; but in that He liveth, He
liveth unto God.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
Short Responsory.
The Lord is risen from the grave,
Alleluia, Alleluia.
Answer. The Lord is risen from
the grave, Alleluia, Alleluia.
Verse. Who hung for us upon
the tree.
Answer. Alleluia, Alleluia.
Verse. Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost.
Answer. The Lord is risen from
the grave, Alleluia, Alleluia.
Verse. 2 The Lord is risen in
deed, Alleluia.
Answer. And hath appeared to
Simon, Alleluia.
After the Short Responsory, if the
Preces have been said at Lauds, all kneel
down and the following are said; but
if the Preces have been omitted at Lauds,
then these are also omitted down to the
mark *.
Kyrie eleison.
Answer. Christe eleison.
Kyrie eleison.
OUR Father (inaudibly), Who
art in heaven, Hallowed be
Thy Name. Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done on earth, as it is
in heaven. Give us this day our
daily bread. And forgive us our
trespasses, as we forgive them that
trespass against us. (Aloud^)
Verse. And lead us not into
temptation.
Answer. But deliver us from evil.
Verse. 3 Turn us again, O Lord
God of hosts.
Answer. And cause Thy face to
shine, and we shall be saved.
Verse. Arise, O Christ, and help
us.
Answer. And deliver us for Thy
Name s sake.
Here the Office is contmued when the
above has been omitted.
Ps. xxi. 21.
Luke xxiv. 34.
THE PSALTER.
* Verse. Hear my prayer, O
LORD.
Answer. And let my cry come
unto Thee.
Let us pray.
Here is said the Prayer for the day,
after which :
Verse. Hear my prayer, O LORD.
Answer. And let my cry come
unto Thee.
Verse. Bless we the Lord.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
If the Little Office of the Blessed
Virgin Mary is to follow immediately,
it is begun here, and what follows is not
said. Otherwise the Office ends thus :
Verse (said in a somewhat lower
voice}. May the souls of the Faith
ful, through the mercy of God, rest
in peace.
Answer. Amen.
Lastly, unless Sext follow, the Lord^s
Prayer is said inaudibly.
OUR Father, Who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy
kingdom come. Thy will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven. Give
us this day our daily bread. And
forgive us our trespasses, as we for
give them that trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation ;
but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Note. When Office is said in Choir
the Service is ended with the Antiphon
of the Blessed Virgin Mary every time
the Choir is left. Otherwise it is only
said as given in this book, at the end
of Lauds (or the aggregation of which
Lauds forms a part] and Compline.
Feasts. The above Office, appointed
for all Sundays and Week-days through
out the year, is likewise said on all
Feasts.
59
SEXT, OR THE SIXTH HOUR. 1
ffitce for eberg fcag in tfje
At the beginning of Sext, the Lord s
Prayer and the Angelic Salutation are
said inaudibly.
OUR Father, Who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy
kingdom come. Thy will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven. Give
us this day our daily bread. And
forgive us our trespasses, as we for
give them that trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation;
but deliver us from evil. Amen.
TIAIL, Mary, full of grace; The
-* * Lord is with thee : blessed
art thou among women, and blessed
is the fruit of thy womb, JESUS.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray
for us sinners, now, and at the hour
of our death. Amen.
Then is said aloud :
Verse. >J Make haste, O God, to
deliver me.
Answer. Make haste to help me,
O LORD.
Glory be to the Father, and to
the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is
1 The proper hour for Sext is 12 noon,
munity Mass.
2 Another hymn of the Ambrosian school
late Card. Newman.
now, and ever shall be, world with
out end. Amen. Alleluia.
From Septuagesima Sunday to
Mattndy Thursday, instead of "Alle
luia" is said:
Ceaseless praise to Thee be given,
O Eternal King of Heaven.
Then is said the following :
HYMN. 2
OGOD, Who canst not change nor
fail,
Guiding the hours, as they roll by,
Brightening with beams the morning
pale,
And burning in the mid-day sky ;
Quench Thou the fires of hate and
strife,
The wasting fever of the heart ;
From perils guard our feeble life,
And to our souls Thy peace impart.
Grant this, O Father, Only Son,
And Holy Spirit, God of grace,
To Whom all glory, Three in One,
Be given in every time and place.
Amen.
The last verse is sometimes said thus,
altered in honour of the Incarnation :
Hear, JESTJ, Virgin-born, our cry,
With Father and with Holy Ghost,
To Whom be praise, here as on high,
On earth as mid the Angelic Host.
Amen.
In Choirs it is generally said after the Com-
, with one word altered. Translation by the
6o
THE PSALTER.
In Paschal time it is said thus, altered
in honour of the Resurrection :
To Thee, our Risen Lord, we cry,
With Father and with Holy Ghost,
To Whom be praise, here as on high,
On earth as mid the Angelic Host.
Amen.
// is also occasionally otherwise al
tered, which occasions are marked in
their places.
Then follow six sections of Psalm
CX VIII. They are all said under one
Antiphon, and when Five Antiphons
have been said at Lauds the third of
these Five is the Antiphon at Sext.
Otherwise those given here are used.
Ordinary Antiphon for Sundays
and for every day in Paschal time.
Alleluia.
Ordinary Antiphon for Week-days.
Hold Thou me up.
In Advent the Antiphon is the Third
Antiphon which has been said at Lauds
on Sunday, unless the day have a set of
its own.
Antiphon in Lent. Let us ap
prove ourselves.
Antiphon in Passiontide. O My
people.
Continuation of Psalm CXVIII.
1V/TY soul fainteth for Thy salva-
ly** tion : * but I hope in Thy
word.
Mine eyes fail for Thy word, *
saying : When wilt Thou comfort
me?
For I am become like a wine
skin in time of frost : * yet do I
not forget Thy statutes.
How many are the days of Thy
servant ? * when wilt Thou execute
judgment on them that persecute
me?
The wicked have spoken lies
unto me, * which are not after Thy
law.
All Thy commandments are faith
ful : * they persecute me wrongfully,
help Thou me.
They had almost consumed me
upon earth : * but I forsook not
Thy precepts.
Quicken me after Thy loving-
kindness : * so shall I keep the
testimony of Thy mouth.
Here the Doxology, " Glory be to the
Father, &c.," is not said.
FOR ever, O LORD, * Thy word
is settled in heaven.
Thy faithfulness is unto all genera
tions : * Thou hast established the
earth, and it abideth.
The day continueth by Thine
ordinance : * for all things serve
Thee.
Unless Thy law had been my
delight, * then perchance I should
have perished in mine affliction.
I will never forget Thy precepts :
* for with them Thou hast quick
ened me.
I am Thine, save me : * for I
have sought Thy precepts.
The wicked have waited for me,
to destroy me : * but I considered
Thy testimonies.
I have seen an end of all perfec
tion : * but Thy commandment is
exceeding broad.
1 Here begins the letter Caph, a guttural variously represented by C, Q, Ch, &c.
2 Here begins the letter Lamed, answering to L.
SEXT, OR THE SIXTH HOUR.
61
Continuation of the same Psalm.
HOW I love Thy law, O Lord !
* it is my meditation all the
O
day.
Thou, through Thy command
ments, hast made me wiser than
mine enemies : * for they are ever
with me.
I have more understanding than
all my teachers : * for Thy testi
monies are my meditation.
I understand more than the an
cients, * because I keep Thy pre
cepts.
I have refrained my feet from
every evil way ; * that I might keep
Thy word.
I have not departed from Thy
judgments : * for Thou hast taught
me.
How sweet are Thy words unto
my taste ! * yea, sweeter than honey
to my mouth.
Through Thy precepts I get un
derstanding : * therefore I hate every
false way.
Here the Doxology, " Glory be to the
Father, &c.," is not said.
THY word is a lamp unto my feet,
* and a light unto my path.
I have sworn, and am stedfastly
purposed, * to keep Thy righteous
judgments.
I am afflicted very much, O
LORD : * quicken me according to
Thy word.
Accept, I beseech Thee, the free
will offerings of my mouth, O LORD :
* and teach me Thy judgments.
My soul is continually in mine
hand : * yet do I not forget Thy law.
The wicked have laid a snare for
me : " yet I erred not from Thy
precepts.
Thy testimonies have I taken as
an heritage for ever : * for they are
the rejoicing of mine heart.
I have inclined mine heart to
perform Thy statutes always, * be
cause of the reward.
Continuation of the same Psalm.
T HATE the unrighteous : * but
-* Thy law do I love.
Thou art mine Helper and my
Protector : * and in Thy word do
I hope.
Depart from me, ye evil-doers :
* for I will keep the commandments
of my God.
Uphold me according to Thy
word, and I shall live : * and let me
not be ashamed of mine hope.
Hold Thou me up and I shall be
safe : * and I will have respect unto
Thy statutes continually.
Thou hast trodden down all them
that err from Thy statutes : * for
their thought is falsehood.
I hold all the wicked of the earth
as liars : * therefore I love Thy
testimonies.
Make Thou my flesh to tremble
for fear of Thee : * for I am afraid
of Thy judgments.
Here the Doxology, " Glory be to the
Father, &c.," is not said.
1 Here begins the letter Mem, answering to M-
2 Here begins the letter Nun, answering to N.
3 Here begins the letter Samech, somewhat represented by S.
62
THE PSALTER.
HAVE done judgment and jus-
^ tice : * leave me not to mine
oppressors.
Be surety for Thy servant for
good : * let not the proud oppress
me.
Mine eyes fail for Thy salva
tion, * and for the word of Thy
righteousness.
Deal with Thy servant according
unto Thy mercy : * and teach me
Thy statutes.
I am Thy servant : * give me un
derstanding, that I may know Thy
testimonies.
It is time for Thee, LORD, to work :
* they have made void Thy law.
Therefore I love Thy command
ments * above gold and the topaz
stone.
Therefore did I turn to all Thy
commandments : * I hate every
false way.
Ordinary Antiphon for Sunday.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
Antiphon for every day in Paschal
time. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia,
Alleluia.
Ordinary Antiphon for Week-days.
2 Hold Thou me up, O Lord, and I
shall be safe.
In Advent the Antiphon is the Third
Antiphon which has been said at Lauds
on Sunday, unless the day have a set of
its own.
Antiphon in Lent. Let us ap
prove ourselves in much patience, in
much fasting, by the armour of
righteousness.
Antiphon in Passiontide. 3 O My
people, what have I done unto thee,
and wherein have I wearied thee ?
Testify against Me.
Then follows the Chapter and the
Short Responsory. When they are not
given specially, one of the following is
used. After the Chapter is always an
swered, " Thanks be to God."
On Sundays, from the Third Sunday
after the Epiphany inclusive until Sep-
tuagesima Sunday exclusive, and from
the Fourth Sunday after Pentecost in
clusive until Advent Sunday exclusive,
are said the following, and the Re
sponsory is used moreover until the
First Sunday in Lent, exclusive.
CHAPTER. (Gal. vi. 2.)
"DEAR ye one another s burdens,
*~* and so shall ye fulfil the law
of Christ.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
4 For ever, O LORD, Thy word is
settled [in heaven].
Answer. For ever, O LORD, Thy
word is settled [in heaven].
Verse. Thy faithfulness is unto
all generations.
Answer. Thy word is settled [in
heaven].
Verse. Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost.
Answer. For ever, O LORD, Thy
word is settled [in heaven].
Verse. 5 The LORD is my Shep
herd, I shall not want.
Answer. He maketh me to lie
down in green pastures.
1 Here begins the letter Ayin, or Ghain, as to the sound of which the learned are not
agreed.
- Ps. cxviii. 117.
3 Micah vi. 3.
4 Ps. cxviii.
5 Ps. xxii. i, 2.
SEXT, OR THE SIXTH HOUR.
On ordinary Week-days throughout
the year are said the following :
CHAPTER. (Gal. vi. 2.)
BEAR ye one another s burdens,
and so shall ye fulfil the law
of Christ.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
Short Responsory.
1 1 will bless the LORD at all
times.
Answer. I will bless the LORD
at all times.
Verse. His praise shall continu
ally be in my mouth.
Answer. At all times.
Verse. Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost.
Answer. I will bless the LORD
at all times.
Verse. The LORD is my Shep
herd, I shall not want.
Answer. He maketh me to lie
down in green pastures.
In Advent are said the following (but
the Chapter on Week-days only) :
I
CHAPTER. (Jerem. xxxiii. 16.)
N those days shall Judah be
saved, and Israel shall dwell
safely : and this is the name where
by she shall be called, The LORD
our Righteousness.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
Short Responsory.
2 Show us Thy mercy, O LORD.
Answer. Show us Thy mercy, O
LORD.
Verse. And grant us Thy sal
vation.
Answer. Thy mercy, O LORD.
1 Ps. xxxiii. 2. 2 Ps. Ixxxiv. 8.
Verse. Glory be to the Father, and
to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
Answer. Show us Thy mercy, O
LORD.
Verse. 3 Remember us, O LORD,
with the favour that Thou bearest
unto Thy people.
Answer. O visit us with Thy
salvation.
In Lent are said the. following (but
the Chapter on Week-days only):
CHAPTER. (Isa. lv. 7.)
T ET the wicked forsake his way,
-L- and the unrighteous man his
thoughts, and let him return unto
the LORD, and He will have mercy
upon him ; and to our God, for He
will abundantly pardon.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
Short Responsory.
4 He shall cover thee with His
wings.
Answer. He shall cover thee
with His wings.
Verse. And under His feathers
shalt thou trust.
Answer. With His wings.
Verse. Glory be to the Father, and
to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
Answer. He shall cover thee
with His wings.
Verse. His truth shall be thy
shield.
Answer. Thou shalt not be
afraid for the terror by night.
In Passiontide are said the following
(but the Chapter on Week-days only) :
CHAPTER. (Jerem. xvii. 18.)
T ET them be confounded that per-
** secute me, but let not me be
confounded ; let them be dismayed,
3 Ps. cv. 4. 4 Ps. xc. 4.
6 4
THE PSALTER.
but let not me be dismayed ; bring
upon them the day of evil, and de
stroy them with double destruction,
O Lord our God.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
Short Responsory.
1 O Lord, save me from the lion s
mouth.
Answer. O Lord, save me from
the lion s mouth.
Verse. And mine affliction from
the horns of the unicorns.
Answer. From the lion s mouth,
O Lord, save me from the lion s
mouth.
Verse. 2 Make not my soul to
perish with sinners, O God.
Answer. Nor my life with bloody
men.
In Paschal time are said the follow
ing (but the Chapter on Week-days
only] :
CHAPTER, (i Cor. xv. 20.)
NOW is Christ risen from the
dead, the first-fruits of them
that sleep ; for since by man came
death, by man came also the res
urrection of the dead. For as in
Adam all die, even so in Christ
shall all be made alive.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
Short Responsory.
The Lord is risen indeed, Alleluia,
Alleluia.
Answer. The Lord is risen in
deed, Alleluia.
Verse. And hath appeared to
Simon.
Answer. Alleluia, Alleluia.
Verse. Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost.
Answer. The Lord is risen in
deed, Alleluia, Alleluia.
Verse. 3 The disciples were glad,
Alleluia.
Answer. When they saw the
Lord, Alleluia.
After the Short Responsory, if the
Preces have been said at Lauds all kneel
down and the following are said, but if
the Preces have been omitted at Lauds
then these are also omitted, down to the
mark *.
Kyrie eleison.
Answer. Christe eleison.
Kyrie eleison.
OUR Father (inaudibly), Who art
in heaven, Hallowed be Thy
Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy
will be done on earth, as it is in
heaven. Give us this day our daily
bread. And forgive us our tres
passes, as we forgive them that tres
pass against us. (Aloud.}
Verse. And lead us not into
temptation.
Answer. But deliver us from
evil.
Verse. Turn us again, O Lord
God of hosts !
Answer. And cause Thy face to
shine, and we shall be saved.
Verse. Arise, O Christ, and help
us.
Answer. And deliver us for Thy
Name s sake.
Here the Office is continued when the
above has been omitted.
* Verse.
Lord.
Hear my prayer, O
1 Ps. xxi. 22.
2 Ps. xxv. 9.
John xx. 20.
SEXT, OR THE SIXTH HOUR.
Answer. And let my cry come
unto Thee.
Let us pray.
Here is said the Prayer for the day,
after which :
Verse. Hear my prayer, O Lord.
Answer. And let my cry come
unto Thee.
Verse. Bless we the Lord.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
If the Little Office of the Blessed Vir
gin Mary is to follow immediately, it
is begun here, and what follows is not
said. Otherwise the Office ends thus :
Verse (said in a somewhat lower
tone}. May the souls of the Faithful,
through the mercy of God, rest in
peace.
Answer. Amen.
Lastly, unless None follow, the Lord s
Prayer is said inaudibly.
OUR Father, Who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Thy Name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be
done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses, as we
forgive them that trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation ;
but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Note. When Office is said in Choir
the Service is ended with the Antiphon
of the Blessed Virgin Mary every time
the Choir is left. Otherwise it is only
said as given in this book, at the end of
Lauds (or the aggregation of which
Lauds forms a part} and Compline.
Feasts. The above Office, appointed
for all Sundays and Week-days through
out the year, is likewise said on all
Feasts.
VOL. IV.
66
NONE, OR THE NINTH HOUR. 1
fflEce for eberg fcag in tfje
A t the beginning of None the Lord^s
Prayer and the Angelic Salutation are
said inaudibly.
OUR Father, Who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Thy Name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be
done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses, as we
forgive them that trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation ;
but deliver us from evil. Amen.
As it was in the beginning, is now,
and ever shall be, world without end.
Amen. Alleluia.
From Septuagesima Sunday to
Maundy Thursday instead of "Alle
luia" is said:
Ceaseless praise to Thee be given,
O Eternal King of heaven.
HYMN. 2
OGOD, Unchangeable and True,
Of all the Light and Power,
Dispensing light in silence through
Every successive hour ;
TT AIL, Mary, full of grace ; The
-* * Lord is with thee : blessed
art thou among women, and blessed
is the fruit of thy womb, JESUS.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray
for us sinners, now, and at the hour
of our death. Amen.
Then is said aloud :
Verse. *|* Make haste, O God,
to deliver me.
Answer. Make haste to help me,
O LORD.
Glory be to the Father, and to the
Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
Lord, brighten our declining day,
That it may never wane,
Till death, when all things round decay,
Brings back the morn again.
This grace on Thy redeemed confer,
Father, Co-equal Son,
And Holy Ghost, the Comforter,
Eternal Three in One.
Amen.
The last verse is sometimes said thus,
altered in honour of the Incarnation :
JESU, the Virgin-born, to Thee,
Eternal praise be given,
With Father, Spirit, One and Three,
Here as it is in heaven.
Amen.
1 The proper hour for None is 3 P.M., but in Choirs it varies.
2 Another hymn of the Ambrosian school, with one word altered,
late Card. Newman.
Translation by the
NONE, OR THE NINTH HOUR.
In Paschal time it is said thus, al
tered in honour of the Resurrection :
To Father, Son, and Paraclete,
The slain and risen Son,
Be praise and glory, as is meet,
While endless ages run.
Amen.
// is also occasionally otherwise al
tered, which occasions are marked in
their places.
Then follow six sections of Psalm
CXVIIL They are all said under one
Antiphon, and when Five Antiphons
have been said at Lauds, the Fifth of
these Five is the Antiphon at None.
Otherwise those given here are used.
Ordinary Antiphon for Sundays
and for every day in Paschal time.
Alleluia.
Ordinary Antiphon for Week-days.
Look Thou upon me.
In Advent the Antiphon is the Fifth
Antiphon which has beeri said at Lauds
on Sunday, imless the day have a set of
its
Antiphon for Week-days in Lent.
Let us approve ourselves.
Antiphon for Week-days in Pas-
siontide. Did not they reward me
evil for good ?
Continuation of Psalm CXVIIL
PHY testimonies are wonderful :
* therefore doth my soul keep
them,
The unfolding of Thy words
giveth light : * yea, it giveth under
standing unto the simple.
I opened my mouth and panted :
* for I longed for Thy command
ments.
Look Thou upon me, and be
merciful unto me, * as Thou usest
to do unto those that love Thy
Name.
Order my steps in Thy word : *
and let not any iniquity have do
minion over me.
Deliver me from the oppression
of man : * and I will keep Thy
precepts.
Make Thy face to shine upon
Thy servant : * and teach me Thy
statutes.
Rivers of water run down mine
eyes : * because they keep not Thy
law.
The Doxology, " Glory be to the
Father, &c.," is not said.
T) IGHTEOUS art Thou, O
*^ LORD : * and upright are
Thy judgments.
Thy testimonies that Thou hast
commanded are righteous, * and
very faithful.
My zeal hath consumed me, *
because mine enemies have for
gotten Thy words.
Thy word is tried to the utter
most : * and Thy servant loveth it.
I am small and despised : * yet
do I not forget Thy precepts.
Thy righteousness is an ever
lasting righteousness : * and Thy
law is the truth.
Trouble and anguish have taken
hold upon me : * Thy command
ments are my delight.
The righteousness of Thy testi
monies is everlasting : * give me
understanding, and I shall live.
1 Here begins the letter Pe, represented by P. Ph. F.
2 Here begins the letter Tzade, represented by Tz or Ts.
68
THE PSALTER.
Continuation of the same Psalm.
P 1
T CRIED with my whole heart,
* hear me, O LORD : * I will
keep Thy statutes.
I cried unto Thee, save me : *
and I will keep Thy command
ments.
Before the dawning of the morn
ing, I cried : * for I hoped, in Thy
word.
Mine eyes look up to Thee
early : * that I may meditate in
Thy word.
Hear my voice according unto
Thy loving-kindness, O LORD : *
and quicken me according to Thy
judgment.
They that persecute me draw nigh
to sin : * but are far from Thy
law.
Thou art near, O LORD : * and
all Thy ways are truth.
Concerning Thy testimonies I
have known of old : * that Thou
hast founded them for ever.
The Doxology, " Glory be to the
Father, &c.," is not said.
/CONSIDER mine affliction, and
^-^ deliver me : * for I do not
forget Thy law.
Give judgment concerning me,
and deliver me : * quicken me for
the sake of Thy word.
Salvation is far from the wicked :
* for they seek not Thy statutes.
Great are Thy tender mercies, O
LORD : * quicken me according to
Thy judgments.
Many are my persecutors, and
mine enemies : * yet do I not turn
aside from Thy testimonies.
I beheld the transgressors, and
was grieved : * because they kept
not Thy word.
Consider how I love Thy pre
cepts, O LORD : * quicken me
according to Thy loving-kindness.
Thy word is true from the be
ginning : * and every one of Thy
righteous judgments endureth for
ever.
Continuation of the same Psalm.
PRINCES have persecuted me
without a cause: * but mine
heart standeth in awe of Thy word.
I will rejoice at Thy word, * as
one that findeth great spoil.
I hate and abhor wickedness : *
but Thy law do I love.
Seven times a day do I praise
Thee, * because of Thy righteous
judgments.
Great peace have they that love
Thy law : * and for them there are
no stumbling-blocks.
LORD, I hope for Thy salvation :
* and I love Thy commandments.
My soul hath kept Thy testimonies,
* and loved them exceedingly.
I have kept Thy precepts and
Thy testimonies ; * for all my ways
are before Thee.
The Doxology, " Glory be to the
Father, &c.," is not said.
1 Here begins the letter Koph, generally represented by Ch or Q.
2 Here begins the letter Resh, analogous to R, but concerning the precise sound of
which the learned are not agreed.
3 Here begins the letter Shin, somewhat represented by S and Sh.
NONE, OR THE NINTH HOUR.
LET my cry come near before
Thee, O LORD : * give me
understanding according to Thy
word.
Let my supplication come before
Thee : * deliver me according to
Thy word.
My lips shall utter praise, *
when Thou hast taught me Thy
statutes.
My tongue shall speak of Thy
word : * for all Thy commandments
are righteousness.
Let Thine hand help me : * for I
have chosen Thy precepts.
I have longed for Thy salvation,
LORD : * and Thy law is my de
light.
My soul shall live, and it shall
praise Thee : * and Thy judgments
shall help me.
I have gone astray like a lost
sheep : * seek Thy servant : for
1 do not forget Thy command
ments.
Ordinary Antiphon for Sundays.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
Antiphon for every day in Paschal
time. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Al
leluia.
Ordinary Antiphon for Week-days.
2 Look Thou upon me, O Lord, and
be merciful unto me.
In Advent the Antiphon is the Fifth
Antiphon which has been said at Lands
on Sunday, unless the day have a set of
its own.
Antiphon for Week-days in Lent.
3 Let us approve ourselves in much
patience, by the armour of righteous
ness, by the power of God.
Antiphon for Week-days in Pas-
siontide. 4 Did not they reward me
evil for good ? for they digged a pit
for my soul.
Then follows the Chapter and the
Short Responsory. When they are not
given specially, one of the following is
used. After the Chapter is always an
swered : " Thanks be to God."
On Sundays, from the Third Sunday
after the Epiphany inclusive until Sep-
tuagesima Sunday exclusive, and from
the Third Sunday after Pentecost in
clusive till Advent Sunday exclusive,
are said the following, and the Respon
sory is used moreover till the First
Sunday in Lent exclusive.
CHAPTER, (i Cor. vi. 20.)
ye are bought with a great
price. Glorify God, and bear
Him in your body.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
Short Responsory.
5 1 cried with my whole heart,
hear me, O LORD.
Answer. I cried with my whole
heart, hear me, O LORD.
Verse. I will keep Thy statutes.
Answer. Hear me, O LORD.
Verse. Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost.
Answer. I cried with my whole
heart, hear me, O LORD.
Verse. 6 Cleanse Thou me from
secret faults, O Lord.
Answer. Preserve Thy servant
also from the sins of others.
Here begins the letter Tau, corresponding somewhat to T or Th.
2 Ps. cxviii. 132. 3 2 Cor. vi. 4, 7.
5 Ps. cxviii. 145.
6 Ps. xviii. 13, 14.
4 Jer. xviii. 2O.
THE PSALTER.
On ordinary Week-days throughout
the year are said the following:
. CHAPTER, (i Cor. vi. 20.)
R ye are bought with a great
price. Glorify God, and bear
Him in your body.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
Short Responsory.
1 Redeem me, O Lord, and be
merciful unto me.
Answer. Redeem me, O Lord,
and be merciful unto me.
Verse. For my foot standeth in
uprightness.
Answer. And be merciful unto
me.
Verse. Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost.
Answer. Redeem me, O Lord,
and be merciful unto me.
Verse. Cleanse Thou me from
secret faults, O Lord.
Answer. Preserve Thy servant
also from the sins of others.
In Advent are said the following (but
the Chapter on Week-days only) :
CHAPTER. (Isa. xiv. i.)
TIER time is near to come, and
* * her days shall not be pro
longed. For the LORD will have
mercy on Jacob, and Israel shall be
saved.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
Short Responsory.
2 The LORD shall arise upon thee,
O Jerusalem.
Answer. The LORD shall arise
upon thee, O Jerusalem.
Verse. And His glory shall be
seen upon thee.
Answer. Upon thee, O Jerusalem.
Verse. Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost.
Answer. The LORD shall arise
upon thee, O Jerusalem.
Verse. Come, O Lord, and make
no tarrying.
Answer. Pardon the sins of Thy
people.
In Lent are said the following (but
the Chapter on Week-days only) :
CHAPTER. (Isa. Iviii. 7.)
thy bread to the hungry,
and bring the poor that are
cast out to thine house : when thou
seest the naked, cover him, and
hide not thyself from thine own
flesh.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
Short Responsory.
His truth shall be thy shield.
Answer. His truth shall be thy
shield.
Verse. Thou shalt not be afraid
for the terror by night.
Answer. Thy shield.
Verse. Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost.
Ansiver. His truth shall be thy
shield.
Verse. 3 God hath given His
angels charge over thee.
Answer. To keep thee in all thy
ways.
1 Ps. xxv. ii, 12.
Isa. lx. 2.
Ps. xc. ii.
NONE, OR THE NINTH HOUR.
In Passiontide are said the following
(but the Chapter on Week-days only) :
CHAPTER. (Jer. xviii. 20.)
EMEMBER that I stood before
Thee, to speak good for them,
and to turn away Thy wrath from
them.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
Short Responsory.
1 Make not my soul to perish with
sinners, O God.
Answer. Make not my soul to
perish with sinners, O God.
Verse. Nor my life with bloody
men.
Answer. With sinners, O God.
Make not my soul to perish with
sinners, O God.
Verse. 2 Deliver me, O LORD,
from the evil man.
Ansiver. Preserve me from the
wicked man.
In Paschal time are said the follow
ing (but the Chapter on Week-days only]:
CHAPTER, (i Pet. iii. 18.)
CHRIST hath once suffered for
our sins, the Just for the un
just, that He might bring us to God,
being put to death in the flesh, but
quickened by the Spirit.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
Short Responsory.
3 The disciples were glad. Al
leluia, Alleluia.
Answer. The disciples were glad.
Alleluia, Alleluia.
Verse. When they saw the Lord.
Answer. Alleluia, Alleluia.
Verse. Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost.
Answer. The disciples were glad.
Alleluia, Alleluia.
Verse. 4 Abide with us, Lord.
Alleluia.
Answer. For it is toward even
ing. Alleluia.
After the Short Responsory, if the
Preces have been said at Lauds, all
kneel down, and the following are said.
But if the Preces have been omitted at
Lauds, then these are also omitted down
to the mark *.
Ky rie eleison.
Answer. Christe eleison.
Kyrie eleison.
OUR Father (inaudibly\ Who art
in heaven, Hallowed be Thy
Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy
will be done on earth, as it is in
heaven. Give us this day our daily
bread. And forgive us our tres
passes, as we forgive them that tres
pass against us. (Aloud.)
Verse. And lead us not into
temptation.
Answer. But deliver us from evil.
Verse. Turn us again, O Lord
God of hosts.
Answer. And cause Thy face to
shine, and we shall be saved.
Verse. Arise, O Christ, and help
us.
Ansiver. And deliver us for Thy
Name s sake.
Here the Office is continued when the
above has been omitted.
* Verse. Hear my prayer, O
LORD.
Answer. And let my cry come
unto Thee.
1 Ps.
xxv. 9.
2 Ps. cxxxix. 2.
John xv. 2O.
4 Luke xxiv. 29.
THE PSALTER.
Let us pray.
Here is said the Prayer for the day,
after which :
Verse. Hear my prayer, O LORD.
Answer. And let my cry come
unto Thee.
Verse. Bless we the Lord.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
If the Little Office of the Blessed Vir
gin Mary is to follow immediately, it
is begun here, and what follows is not
said. Otherwise the Office ends thus :
Verse (said in a somewhat lower
voice}. May the souls of the Faithful,
through the mercy of God, rest in
peace.
Answer. Amen.
Lastly, unless Vespers follow, the
Lord s Prayer is said inaudibly.
OUR Father, Who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Thy Name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be
done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses, as we
forgive them that trespass against
us. And lead us not into temp
tation ; but deliver us from evil.
Amen.
Note. When Office is said in Choir,
the service is ended with the Antiphon
of the Blessed Virgin Mary every time
the Choir is left. Otherwise it is only
said as given in this book, after Lauds
(or the aggregation of which Lauds
forms a part} and Compline.
Feasts. The above Office, appointed
for all Sundays and Week-days through
out the year, is likewise said on all
Feasts.
73
at JEattins.
THE SECOND DAY OF THE WEEK.
All as on Sundays, except as other
wise given here.
Invitatory. O come, * let us sing
unto the LORD.
When this Invitatory is used the
Psalm begins with the words, " Let us
make a joyful noise."
Invitatory in Paschal time. Al
leluia, Alleluia, * Alleluia.
On Simple Feasts the Invitatory is
special.
On Simple Feasts the Hymn is special,
but on Week-days kept as such the fol
lowing is said from the Octave of the
Epiphany till the first Monday in Lent,
and from the Octave of Pentecost to Ad
vent. The Hymns for the other seasons
are given in the proper office of the
Seasons.
HYMN. 1
CLEEP has refreshed our limbs, we
*^ spring
From off our bed, and rise ;
Lord, on Thy suppliants while they
sing,
Look with a Father s eyes.
Be Thou the first on every tongue,
The first in every heart ;
That all our doings all day long,
Holiest ! from Thee may start.
1 Another hymn of the Ambrosian school,
late Card. Newman.
VOL. IV.
Cleanse Thou the gloom, and bid the
light
Its healing beams renew ;
The sins, which have crept in with
night,
With night shall vanish too.
Our bosoms, Lord, unburthen Thou,
Let nothing there offend ;
That those who hymn Thy praises now
May hymn them to the end.
Grant this, O Father, Only Son,
And Spirit, God of grace,
To whom all worship shall be done
In every time and place.
Amen.
Only one Nocturn is said.
Antiphon. The LORD is the de
fence.
In Paschal time there is only one
Antiphon to the whole Nocturn, Al
leluia.
Psalm XXVI.
[Intituled "Of David. " The Vulgate and
the LXX. add "before his anointing." See
2 Kings (Sam.) ii. 4. Monday, fifth week
after Pentecost.]
HPHE LORD is my light and my
^ salvation ; * whom shall I
fear?
The LORD is the defence of my
life : * of whom shall I be afraid ?
with two words altered. Translation by the
C 2
74
THE PSALTER.
When the evil-doers come upon
me, * to eat up my flesh,
Mine enemies that trouble me, *
they stumble and fall.
Though an host should encamp
against me, * mine heart shall not
fear.
Though war should rise against
me, * in this will I be confident.
One thing have I desired of the
LORD, that will I seek after, * that
I may dwell in the house of the
LORD all the days of my life,
To behold the beauty of the
LORD, * and to visit His temple.
For He hath hidden me in His
pavilion : * in the secret of His
tabernacle hath He hidden me in
the day of trouble.
He hath set me up upon a rock :
* and now hath He lifted up mine
head above mine enemies.
I will offer in His tabernacle
the sacrifice of joy : * I will sing,
yea, I will sing praises unto the
LORD.
Hear, O LORD, when I cry with
my voice : * have mercy on me and
answer me.
My heart said unto Thee, My
face hath sought Thee : * Thy face,
LORD, will I seek.
Hide not Thy face far from
me : * turn not away in anger from
Thy servant.
Be Thou mine Helper, * neither
leave me, nor forsake me, O God of
my salvation.
When my father and my mother
forsake me, * then the LORD taketh
me up.
Teach me Thy way, O LORD : *
and lead me in a plain path, because
of mine enemies.
Deliver me not over unto the will
of mine enemies : * for false wit
nesses are risen up against me, and
iniquity hath belied itself.
I believe that I shall yet see the
goodness of the LORD * in the land
of the living.
Wait on the LORD, be of good
courage : * and thine heart shall be
strengthened, wait, I say, on the
LORD.
Psalm XXVII.
[Also intituled " Of David."]
UNTO Thee will I cry, O LORD;
my God, be not silent to me :
* lest, if Thou be silent to me, I be
come like them that go down into
the pit.
Hear the voice of my supplica
tion, O Lord, when I cry unto Thee,
* when I lift up mine hands toward
Thine holy temple.
Draw me not away with the wick
ed : * and destroy me not with the
workers of iniquity.
Who speak peace with their
neighbour : * but mischief is in
their hearts.
Give them according to their
deeds, * and according to the wick
edness of their inventions.
Give them after the works of their
hands : * render to them their desert.
Because they regard not the works
of the LORD, or the operation of His
hands, * Thou shalt destroy them,
and not build them up.
Blessed be the LORD : * because
He hath heard the voice of my
supplication.
The LORD is my strength and my
shield : * mine heart trusted in Him
and I am holpen.
And my flesh greatly rejoiceth : *
and with my whole heart I will
praise Him.
MONDAY AT MATTINS.
75
The LORD is the strength of His
people : * and He is the saving
strength of His Anointed.
O Lord, save Thy people, and
bless Thine inheritance : * and gov
ern them, and lift them up for ever.
Antiphon. x The LORD is the de
fence of my life.
Second Antiphon. Worship.
Psalm XXVIII.
[Intituled "A Psalm of David." The
Vulgate and the LXX. add " for the going
forth from the tabernacle, or ending of the
tabernacle," apparently meaning the con
clusion of the Feast of Tabernacles.]
GIVE unto the LORD, O ye sons
of God : * give unto the
Lord young rams.
Give unto the LORD glory and
honour, give unto the LORD the
glory due unto His Name : * wor
ship the LORD in His holy courts.
The voice of the LORD is upon
the waters, the God of glory thun-
dereth : * the LORD is upon many
waters.
The voice of the LORD is power
ful : * the voice of the LORD is full
of majesty.
The voice of the LORD breaketh
the cedars : * yea, the LORD break
eth the cedars of Lebanon.
He srniteth them down as though
it were a calf in Lebanon, * and the
beloved [forest is felled] like a young
wild bull. 2
The voice of the LORD forketh
the flames of fire : * the voice of
the LORD shaketh the wilderness,
yea, the LORD also shaketh the
3 wilderness of Kadesh.
The voice of the LORD maketh
the hinds to calve, and discovereth
the thickets : * and in His temple,
every one uttereth His glory.
The LORD fixeth the flood : * yea,
the LORD sitteth King for ever.
The LORD will give strength unto
His people : * the LORD will bless
His people with peace.
Psalm XXIX.
[Intituled " A song of rejoicing at the
opening of the house of David." The pal
ace, for the inauguration of which this song
was written, is thus mentioned in 2 Kings
(Sam.) v. 9-1 1. "So David dwelt in the
fort" (on Sion) "and called it the city of
David. And David built round about from
Millo and inward. And David went on,
and grew great ; and the LORD God of
Hosts was with him. And Hiram, King of
Tyre, sent messengers to David, and cedar-
trees, and carpenters, and masons ; and they
built David an house."]
T WILL extol Thee, O LORD, for
^ Thou hast lifted me up, * and
hast not made my foes to rejoice
over me.
O LORD my God, I cried unto
Thee, * and Thou hast healed me.
O LORD, Thou hast brought up
my soul from the grave : * Thou
hast saved me from being one of
them that go down into the pit.
Sing unto the LORD, O ye Saints
of His ! * and give thanks to the
memorial of His holiness.
For there is terror in His anger :
* and in His favour is life.
Weeping may endure for a night :
* but joy cometh in the morning.
1 Ps. xxvi. i.
2 The Hebrew is, He also maketh them to skip like a calf, Lebanon and Shiryon "
(oftener called Hermon) "like young wild cattle."
3 That is, the deserts to the south of Palestine, amid which is found the town of
Kadesh- Barnea.
THE PSALTER.
And I, in my prosperity I said :
I shall never be moved.
LORD, in Thy favour, * Thou hast
made my glory to stand so fast.
Thou didst hide Thy face from
me, * and I was troubled.
I cried unto Thee, O LORD : *
and unto my God I made supplica
tion :
What profit is there in my blood,
* when I go down to corruption ?
Shall the dust praise Thee, * or
shall it declare Thy truth?
The LORD heard me, and had
mercy upon me : * the LORD be
came mine Helper.
Thou hast turned for me my
mourning into rejoicing : * Thou
hast put off my sackcloth, and
girded me with gladness.
To the end that my glory may
sing praise unto Thee, and may not
be silent : * O LORD my God, I will
give thanks unto Thee for ever.
Antiphon. l Worship the LORD
in His holy courts.
Third Antiphon. Deliver me.
Psalm XXX.
[Intituled "A Psalm of David" with the
same farther superscription as Pss. xii. xiii.
The Vulgate and the LXX. add "of haste "
or " distraction," meaning apparently that
David wrote it, on recovering from the
mental condition in which he had exclaimed
(v. 23), " I am cut off from before Thine
eyes."]
TN Thee, O LORD, do I put my
A trust, let me never be ashamed :
* deliver me in Thy righteousness.
Bow down Thine ear unto me : *
deliver me speedily.
Be Thou to me a God, a Pre
server, and an house of defence, *
to save me.
For Thou art my strength and
my refuge : * and for Thy Name s
sake Thou wilt lead me and nourish
me.
Thou wilt pull me out of the net,
that they have laid privily for me : *
for Thou art my Preserver.
2 Into Thine hands I commend my
spirit : * Thou hast redeemed me,
LORD God of truth !
I have hated them that regard *
lying vanities.
But I trust in the LORD : * I will
be glad and rejoice in Thy mercy.
For Thou hast considered my
trouble : * Thou hast saved my soul
in adversity ;
And hast not shut me up into the
hand of the enemy : * Thou hast
set my feet in a wide place.
Have mercy upon me, O LORD,
for I am in trouble : * mine eye is
consumed with grief, my soul, and
my belly.
For my life is spent with grief, *
and my years with sighing.
My strength faileth because of
mine affliction, * and my bones are
consumed.
I was a reproach among all mine
enemies, and among my neighbours
specially, * and a fear to mine ac
quaintance.
They that did see me without fled
from me : * I am forgotten as a
dead man out of mind.
I am like a broken vessel : * for
1 have heard the slander of many
on every side :
When they took counsel together
against me, * they devised to take
away my life.
1 Ps. xxviii. 2.
2 This verse was quoted by our Lord on the Cross, Luke xxiii. 46.
MONDAY AT MATTINS.
77
But I trusted in Thee, O LORD :
* I said : Thou art my God, my
lot is in Thine hand.
Deliver me from the hand of
mine enemies, * and from them that
persecute me.
Make Thy face to shine upon Thy
servant, save me in Thy mercy : *
let me not be ashamed, O LORD, for
I have called upon Thee.
Let the wicked be ashamed and
let them go down into the grave : *
let the lying lips be put to silence ;
Which speak grievous things
proudly and contemptuously *
against the righteous.
O how great is Thy goodness,
Lord, * which Thou hast laid up
for them that fear Thee!
Which Thou hast wrought for
them that trust in Thee, * before
the sons of men !
Thou shalt hide them in the
covert of Thy presence * from the
troubling of men.
Thou shalt keep them secretly in
Thy pavilion * from the strife of
tongues.
Blessed be the LORD : * for He
hath showed me His marvellous
kindness in a strong city.
For I said in mine haste : * I
am cut off from before Thine
eyes.
Nevertheless Thou heardest the
voice of my supplication, * when
1 cried unto Thee.
O love the LORD, all ye His
Saints : * for the LORD loveth truth
fulness, and will plentifully reward
the proud doers.
Be of good courage and let your
heart be strengthened, * all ye that
hope in the LORD.
Psalm XXXI.
[Intituled "A didactic (?) poem of David."]
T3LESSED are they whose trans-
*~J gressions are forgiven, * and
whose sins are covered.
Blessed is the man unto whom
the LORD imputeth not iniquity, *
and in whose spirit there is no guile.
Because I kept silence, my bones
waxed old, * while I groaned all the
day long.
For day and night Thine hand was
heavy upon me : * I turned in mine
anguish while the thorn was fastened
in me. 1
I acknowledged my sin unto
Thee : * and mine iniquity I hid
not.
I said : I will confess against
myself my transgression, unto the
LORD : * and Thou forgavest the
iniquity of my sin. 1
For this shall every one that is
godly pray unto Thee, * in a season
able time.
Surely in the floods of great
waters, * they shall not come nigh
unto him.
Thou art mine hiding-place from
the trouble that compasseth me : *
O Thou That art my joy ! deliver
me from them that compass me
round about. 1
I will give thee understanding,
and teach thee in the way which
thou shalt go : * I will keep Mine
eyes upon thee.
Be ye not as the horse and as
the mule, * which have no under
standing.
Whose mouths thou boldest fast
with bit and bridle, * else they will
not come unto thee.
1 SLH.
THE PSALTER.
Many sorrows shall be to the
wicked : * but he that trusteth in
the LORD, mercy shall compass him
about.
Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice,
ye righteous, * and shout for joy,
all ye that are upright in heart.
Antiphon. l Deliver me in Thy
righteousness.
Fourth Antiphon. Praise is comely.
Psalm XXXII.
[The Vulgate and the LXX. ascribe this
psalm "to David."]
1DEJOICE in the LORD, O ye
*V righteous : * praise is comely
for the upright.
Praise the LORD with harp : *
sing unto Him with the psaltery
of ten strings.
Sing unto Him a new song : *
play skilfully unto Him with a loud
noise.
For the word of the LORD is
right : * and all His works are done
in truth.
He loveth mercy and judgment : *
the earth is full of the goodness of
the LORD.
By the word of the LORD were
the heavens made, * and all the
host of them by the breath of His
mouth.
He gathereth the waters of the
sea together as an heap : * He lay-
eth up the depths in storehouses.
Let all the earth fear the LORD :
* let all the inhabitants of the world
stand in awe of Him.
For He spake, and it was done :
* He commanded, and it was made.
The LORD bringeth the counsel
of the heathen to nought : * He
maketh the devices of the people of
none effect, and setteth aside the
counsel of princes.
But the counsel of the LORD
standeth for ever, * the thoughts of
His heart to all generations.
Blessed is the nation whose God
is the LORD, * the people He hath
chosen for His own inheritance.
The LORD looketh from heaven :
* He beholdeth all the sons of men.
From the set place of His habi
tation * He looketh upon all the
inhabitants of the earth.
He fashioneth the heart of every
one of them : * He considereth all
their works.
There is no king saved by the mul
titude of an host: * a mighty man is
not delivered by much strength.
An horse is a vain thing for safety :
* by his great strength he shall not
escape.
Behold, the eyes of the LORD are
upon them that fear Him, * and
upon them that hope in His mercy.
To deliver their soul from death,
* and to feed them in time of famine.
Our soul waiteth for the LORD : *
for He is our help and our shield.
For our heart shall rejoice in Him :
* because we have trusted in His
holy Name.
Let Thy mercy, O LORD, be upon
us, * according as we hope in Thee.
Psalm XXXIII.
[Intituled "Of David, when he changed
his behaviour before Abimelech, who drove
him away and he departed." This incident
is thus described in I Kings (Sam.) xxi. 10.
" And David arose and fled that day for fear
of Saul, and went to Achish" (otherwise
called Abimelech) the King of Gath. And
1 Ps. xxx. 2.
MONDAY AT MATTINS.
79
the servants of Achish said unto him : Is
not this David the King of the land ? Did
they not sing one to another of him in
dances saying, Saul hath slain his thou
sands, and David his ten thousands ? And
David laid up these words in his heart, and
was sore afraid of Achish the King of Gath.
And he changed his behaviour before them,
and feigned himself mad in their hands,
and scrabbled on the doors of the gate, and
let his spittle fall down upon his beard.
Then said Achish to his servants : Lo, ye
see the man is mad ; wherefore have you
brought him to me ? Have I need of mad
men, that ye have brought this fellow to
play the madman in my presence? Shall
this fellow come into mine house ? xxii.
David therefore departed thence, and es
caped to the cave of Adullam." This Psalm
is A B C Darian. ]
I WILL bless the LORD at all
times : * His praise shall con
tinually be in my mouth.
My soul shall make her boast in
the LORD : * the humble shall hear
thereof, and be glad.
magnify the LORD with me : *
and let us exalt His Name together.
1 sought the LORD, and He heard
me, * and delivered me from all my
distress.
Draw near unto Him, and be light
ened, * and your faces shall not be
ashamed.
This poor man cried, and the
LORD heard him, * and saved him
out of all his troubles.
The angel of the LORD encampeth
round about them that fear Him, *
and delivereth them.
O taste and see that the LORD is
good : * blessed is the man that
trusteth in Him.
O fear the LORD, all ye His Saints :
* for there is no want to them that
fear Him.
The mighty lack and suffer hunger :
* but they that seek the LORD shall
not want any good thing.
Come, ye children, hearken unto
me : * I will teach you the fear of
the LORD.
What man is he that desireth life,
* that loveth to see good days ?
Keep thy tongue from evil, * and
thy lips from speaking guile.
Depart from evil and do good : *
seek peace and pursue it. : -"
The eyes of the LORD are upon
the righteous : * and His ears are
open unto their cry.
But the face of the LORD is against
them that do evil, * to cut off the
remembrance of them from the earth.
The righteous cry and the LORD
heareth, * and delivereth them out
of all their troubles.
The LORD is nigh unto them that
are of a broken heart, * and saveth
such as be of a contrite spirit.
Many are the afflictions of the
righteous : * but the LORD will de
liver them out of all.
The Lord keepeth all their bones :
* not one of them shall be broken.
The death of sinners is grievous :
* and they that hate the righteous
shall be guilty.
The LORD redeemeth the souls of
His servants : * and none of them
that trust in Him shall be guilty.
Antiphon. x Praise is comely for
the upright.
Fifth Antiphon. Fight against
them.
Psalm XXXIV.
[Intituled "Of David."]
DO me right, O LORD, against
them that strive with me : *
fight against them that fight against
me.
1 Ps. xxxii. I.
8o
THE PSALTER.
Take hold of arms and buckler : *
and stand up for mine help.
Draw out also the spear, and stop
the way against them that persecute
me : * say unto my soul : I am thy
salvation.
Let them be confounded and put
to shame, * that seek after my soul.
Let them be turned backward and
brought to confusion, * that devise
mine hurt.
Let them be as dust before the
wind : * and let the Angel of the
LORD drive them.
Let their way be dark and slip
pery : * and let the Angel of the
LORD chase them.
For without cause have they hid
den for me the deadly trap of their
net : * without cause have they
digged a pit for my soul.
Let the snare come upon him at
unawares, and let his net, that he
hath hid, catch himself: * and into
that very snare let him fall.
And my soul shall be joyful in
the LORD : * it shall rejoice in His
salvation.
All my bones shall say : * LORD,
who is like unto Thee ?
Who deliverest the poor from
them that are too strong for him, *
the poor and the needy from them
that spoil him ?
False witnesses did rise up, * they
laid to my charge things that I knew
not.
They rewarded me evil for good,
* to put all men far off from me.
But as for me, when they were
sick, * my clothing was sackcloth.
I humbled my soul with fasting :
* and my prayer shall return into
mine own bosom.
I behaved myself as though he
1 (Literally,) "
had been my friend or brother : * I
bowed down as one that mourneth
and is heavy.
But against me they rejoiced and
gathered themselves together : *
slanders were collected against me,
and I knew it not.
They disappeared, yet they ceased
not ; they assailed me, they laughed
me bitterly to scorn : * they gnashed
upon me with their teeth.
Lord, how long wilt Thou look
on ? * Rescue my soul from their
destruction, my darling 1 from the
lions.
I will give Thee thanks in the
great congregation : * I will praise
Thee among much people.
Let not them that are mine ene
mies wrongfully rejoice over me, *
they that hate me without a cause
and wink with the eye.
For they spoke to me peaceably :
* but by their leasing they stirred
up the land to anger against me, yea,
they plotted against me.
Yea, they opened their mouth
wide against me : * they said, Aha,
Aha, our eyes have seen it.
This Thou hast seen, O LORD,
keep not silence : * O Lord, be not
far from me.
Stir up Thyself, and awake to my
judgment, * unto my cause, my God
and my Lord.
Judge me, O LORD my God,
according to Thy righteousness, *
and let them not rejoice over me.
Let them not say in their hearts :
Aha, Aha, so would we have it ; *
neither let them say : We have
swallowed him up.
Let them be ashamed and brought
to confusion together, * that rejoice
at mine hurt,
mine only one."
MONDAY AT MATTINS.
81
Let them be clothed with shame
and dishonour, * that magnify them
selves against me.
Let them shout for joy and be
glad, that favour my righteous cause :
* and let them that have pleasure
in the prosperity of His servant
say continually, Let the LORD be
magnified.
And my tongue shall speak of
Thy righteousness ; * of Thy praise,
all the day long.
Psalm XXXV.
[Intituled " Of David, the servant of the
LORD," and a farther superscription not
now understood.]
wicked saith plainly in his
own heart, that he will go on
still in sin : * there is no fear of
God before his eyes.
For he flattereth himself in his
own eyes, * until his iniquity be
found hateful.
The words of his mouth are ini
quity and deceit : * he willeth not
to understand, that he may do
good.
He deviseth mischief upon his
bed : * he setteth himself in every
way that is not good, but he ab-
horreth not evil.
Thy mercy, O LORD, is in the
heavens : * and Thy faithfulness
reacheth unto the clouds.
Thy righteousness is like the
mountains of God : * Thy judg
ments are a great deep.
O LORD, Thou preserves! man
and beast : * How excellent is Thy
loving-kindness, O God !
And the children of men * shall
put their trust under the shadow of
Thy wings.
They shall be abundantly satisfied
with the fatness of Thine house, * and
Thou shalt make them drink of the
river of Thy pleasures.
For with Thee is the fountain of
life : * and in Thy light shall we see
light.
O continue Thy loving-kindness
unto them that know Thee, * and
Thy righteousness to the upright in
heart.
Let not the foot of pride come
against me : * and let not the hand
of the wicked remove me.
There are the workers of iniquity
fallen : * they are cast out, neither
are they able to stand.
Antiphon. l Fight against them
that fight against me.
Sixth Antiphon. Show.
Psalm XXXVI.
[Intituled "Of David." It is A B C
Darian ; the first, third, and fifth verses, and
so on, begin with the corresponding letters
of the alphabet.]
T^RET not thyself because of the
evil-doers : * neither be thou
envious against the workers of
iniquity.
For they shall soon dry up like
the grass, * and wither quickly as
the green herb.
Trust in the LORD, and do good :
* and dwell in the land, and thou
shalt be fed with the riches thereof.
Delight thyself in the LORD : *
and He shall give thee the desires
of thine heart.
Show thy way unto the LORD,
trust also in Him : * and He shall
bring it to pass.
And He shall bring forth thy
1 Ps. xxxiv. i.
82
THE PSALTER.
righteousness as the light, and thy
judgment as the noon-day : * rest in
the LORD, and make thy prayer unto
Him.
Fret not thyself because of him
that prospereth in his way, * be
cause of the man that bringeth
wicked devices to pass.
Cease from anger and forsake
wrath : * fret not thyself to do evil.
For evil-doers shall be cut off: *
but those that wait upon the LORD,
they shall inherit the earth.
For yet a little while, and the
wicked shall not be : * yea, thou
shalt search for his place, and thou
shalt not find it.
1 But the meek shall inherit the
earth : * and shall delight themselves
in the abundance of peace.
The wicked plotteth against the
just, * and gnasheth upon him with
his teeth.
But the Lord shall laugh at him :
* for He seeth that his day is
coming.
The wicked have drawn out the
sword, * they have bent their bow,
To cast down the poor and the
needy, * to slay such as be upright
of heart.
Their sword shall enter into their
own hearts : * and their bow shall be
broken.
A little that a righteous man hath
* is better than great riches of the
wicked.
For the arms of the wicked shall
be broken ; * but the LORD up-
holdeth the righteous.
The LORD knoweth the days of
the undefiled : * and their inheri
tance shall be for ever.
They shall not be ashamed in the
evil time, and in the days of famine
1 Matth. v. 4 seems
they shall be satisfied : * for the
wicked shall perish.
Yea, the enemies of the LORD,
no sooner than they be honourable
and exalted, * shall pass away, yea,
pass away like smoke.
The wicked borroweth and pay-
eth not again : * but the righteous
showeth mercy and giveth.
For such as bless him shall in
herit the earth : * but they that
curse him shall be cut off.
The steps of a [good] man are
ordered by the LORD : * and He de-
lighteth in his way.
Though he fall, he shall not be
utterly cast down : * for the LORD
upholdeth him with His hand.
I have been young, and now am
old : * yet have I not seen the
righteous forsaken, nor his seed
begging bread.
He is ever merciful and lendeth :
* and his seed shall be blessed.
Depart from evil and do good : *
and dwell for evermore.
For the LORD loveth judgment,
and forsaketh not His saints : * they
shall be preserved for ever.
The unrighteous shall be pun
ished : * and the seed of the wicked
shall be cut off.
But the righteous shall inherit the
land : * and dwell therein for ever.
The mouth of the righteous speak-
eth wisdom, * and his tongue talketh
judgment.
The law of his God is in his
heart, * none of his steps shall
slide.
The wicked watcheth the right
eous, * and seeketh to slay him.
But the LORD will not leave him
in his hands, * nor condemn him
when he is judged.
to be quoted from this.
MONDAY AT MATTINS.
Wait on the LORD and keep His
way, and He shall exalt thee, to in
herit the land : * when the wicked
are cut off thou shalt see it.
I have seen the wicked in great
power, * and exalted like a cedar in
Lebanon.
And I passed by, and, lo, he was
not : * and I sought him, and his
place was not found.
Keep innocency, and look to the
thing that is right : * for the peace
maker shall have a reward here
after.
But the transgressors shall be cut
off together : * the end of the wicked
is destruction.
But the salvation of the righteous
is of the LORD : * and He is their
strength in the time of trouble.
And the LORD shall help them,
and deliver them : * He shall de
liver them from the wicked, and
save them, because they trust in
Him.
Psalm XXXVII.
[Intituled "A Psalm of David." It has
a further superscription of (now) unknown
meaning. The Vulgate and the LXX. con
nect it with the Sabbath.]
LORD, rebuke me not in Thy
wrath, * neither chasten me
in Thine hot displeasure.
For Thine arrows stick fast in
me : * and Thou hast laid Thine
hand heavily upon me.
There is no soundness in my
flesh, because of Thine anger : *
neither is there any rest in my bones
because of my sins.
For mine iniquities are gone over
mine head : * and as an heavy bur
then they are too heavy for me.
My wounds stink and are cor
rupt, * because of my foolishness.
I am troubled and bowed down
exceedingly : * I go mourning all
the day long.
For my loins are filled with a
loathsome disease : * and there is
no soundness in my flesh.
I am feeble and sore broken : *
I groan aloud by reason of the dis-
quietness of mine heart.
Lord, all my desire is before
Thee : * and my groaning is not hid
from Thee.
Mine heart panteth, my strength
faileth me : * as for the light of
mine eyes, it also is gone from
me.
My friends and my neighbours *
draw near, and stand over against
me.
And they that are nearest to me
stand afar off: * they also that
sought after my life have used
violence against me.
And they that seek mine hurt have
spoken mischievous things, * and
imagined falsehoods all the day
long.
But I, as a deaf man, hear not, *
and as a dumb man that openeth
not his mouth.
Thus I was as a man that heareth
not, * and in whose mouth are no
reproofs.
For in Thee, O LORD, do I
hope : * Thou wilt hear me, O Lord
my God !
For I said : Let not mine ene
mies rejoice over me : * when my
feet slip they magnify themselves
against me.
For I am ready for the scourges :
* and my sorrow is continually be
fore me.
For I will declare mine iniquity,
* and think upon my sin.
But mine enemies are lively, and
8 4
THE PSALTER.
they are strengthened against me : *
and they that hate me wrongfully
are many.
They that render evil for good
speak against me, * because I have
followed goodness.
Forsake me not, O LORD my
God : * be not far from me.
Make haste to help me, * O
Lord God of my salvation !
Antiphon. 1 Show thy way unto
the LORD.
Antiphon for Paschal time. Al
leluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
Then is said a Verse and Answer.
In Advent.
Verse. 2 Out of Zion, the Perfec
tion of beauty,
Answer. Our God shall come
manifestly.
During the rest of the year.
Verse. 3 Thy mercy, O LORD, is
in the heavens.
Answer. And thy faithfulness
reacheth unto the clouds.
In Lent.
Verse. 4 He hath delivered me
from the snare of the fowler.
Answer. And from the noisome
pestilence.
In Passion time.
Verse. 5 O God, deliver my soul
from the sword.
Answer. And my darling from
the power of the dog.
In Paschal time.
Verse. The Lord is risen from
the grave, Alleluia.
Answer. Who hung for us upon
the tree, Alleluia.
The rest is the same as the First Noc-
turn of the preceding Sunday, only the
Lessons and sometimes the Responsories
are those of the day.
Simple Feasts. It is to be remem
bered that when a Simple Feast is kept
on Monday, the Invitatory and Hymn
are of the Feast, being taken from the
Common of Saints of the class, unless
specially given. Then the Psalms and
Antiphons of the week -day, as given
above. Then is said a Verse and
Answer as follow :
In the Simple Office for one or many
Martyrs in Paschal time.
Verse. O ye saints and right
eous, rejoice in the Lord, Alleluia.
Answer. 6 God hath chosen you
for His own inheritance. Alleluia.
In the Simple Office for one Martyr
(put of Paschal time).
Verse. 7 Thou hast crowned him
with glory and honour, O Lord.
Answer. And madest him to
have dominion over the works of
Thine hands.
In the Simple Office for many Martyrs
(put of Paschal time).
Verse. 8 Be glad in the LORD,
and rejoice, ye righteous.
Answer. And shout for joy, all
ye that are upright in heart.
In the Simple Office for Confessors
{whether Bishops or not}.
Verse. 9 The Lord loved him and
beautified him.
\In Paschal time, add Alleluia.]
1 Ps. xxxvi. 5.
4 Ps. xc. 3.
7 Ps. viii. 6, 7.
2 Ps. xlix.
5 Ps. xxi.
8 Ps. xxxi,
2, 3.
21.
, II.
3 Ps. xxxv. 6.
6 Ps. xxxii. 12.
9 Ecclus. xlv. 9.
MONDAY AT MATTINS.
Answer. And clothed him with
a robe of glory.
[In Paschal time, add Alleluia.]
In the Simple Office for one Holy
Woman, of any class.
Verse. x In thy comeliness and
thy beauty.
[In Paschal time, add Alleluia.]
Answer. Go forward, fare pros
perously and reign.
[In Paschal time, add Alleluia.]
The others, as well as what follows,
to the end of the service, are taken from
the First Nocturn of the Office Common
to Saints of the class, unless something
special be appointed. The Lessons are
arranged according to the rules in
Chapter xxvi. 4, of the general Rtibrics.
The Hymn, "We praise Thee, O God,"
is said at the end, instead of a third
Responsory. The Responsories are
arranged according to the rules in
Chapter xxvii. 4, of the general Rubrics.
Thus :
The Lord s Prayer is said :
OUR Father (inaudibly], Who art
in heaven, Hallowed be Thy
Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy
will be done on earth, as it is in
heaven. Give us this day our daily
bread. And forgive us our tres
passes, as we forgive them that tres
pass against us. (Aloud.)
Verse. And lead us not into
temptation.
Answer. But deliver us from
evil.
with the Father, and the Holy
Ghost, world without end.
Answer. Amen.
Then the Reader says :
Sir, be pleased to give the bless
ing.
First Blessing, if the Lesson be from
Scripture.
May the Eternal Father bless us
With an everlasting blessing.
Answer. Amen.
First Blessing, if the Lesson be of an
Homily.
May the Gospel s saving Lord
Bless the reading of His Word.
Answer. Amen.
First Blessing on a Simple Feast.
May His blessing be upon us
Who doth live and reign for ever.
Answer. Amen.
Then is read the First Lesson from
Scripture or from the Homily, or on a
Simple Feast either the First from
Scripture, or, if the Saint or Saints
have two Lessons, the whole three from
Scripture read together as one.
Then the First Responsory, unless
otherwise directed. On a week-day kept
as such, this is the First Responsory of
the preceding Sunday. On a Simple
Feast, the first Responsory in the Com
mon Office for the class to which the
Saint belongs.
Then the Reader says :
Sir, be pleased to give the bless
ing.
Then this Absolution :
/GRACIOUSLY hear, O Lord
^-* Jesus Christ, the prayers of
Thy servants, and have mercy
upon us : Who livest and reignest
1 Ps. xliv. 5.
Second Blessing, if the Lesson be of
Scripture.
May the Son the Sole-begotten
In His mercy bless and help us.
Answer. Amen.
86
THE PSALTER.
Second Blessing, if the Lesson be from
an Homily.
God s most mighty strength alway
Be His people s staff and stay.
Answer. Amen.
Second Blessing, for a Simple Feast.
He (or she or they) whose feast-day
we are keeping
Plead for us before the Lord.
Answer. Amen.
Then is read the Second Lesson, either
from Scripture or from an Homily, or
on a Simple Feast either the Second
and Third Lessons from Scripture
read together as one, or if the Saint
or Saints have two Lessons, the first
of these.
Then the Second Responsory, unless
otherwise directed. On a week-day kept
as such, this is the Second Responsory
of the preceding Sunday, but in Paschal
time there is added to it :
Verse. Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost.
And the Answer of the Responsory is
repeated again.
On a Simple Feast the Second Res
ponsory in the Common Office for the
class to which the Saint belongs, with
the addition of "Glory be to the
Father," &&gt;c., and the repetition of
the Answer.
Then the Reader says :
Sir, be pleased to give the bless
ing.
Third Blessing, if the Lesson be of
Scripture.
May the grace of God the Spirit
All our heart and mind enlighten.
Answer. Amen.
Third Blessing, for a Simple Feast, or
if the Lesson be from an Homily.
May He That is the Angels King
To that high realm His people bring.
Answer. Amen.
Then is read the Third Lesson either
from Scripture, or of the Homily, or on
Simple Feasts the Second or only Lesson
of the Saint.
Then, on Simple Feasts and on any
day in Paschal time is said the Hymn,
"We praise Thee, O God." But on
week-days kept as such out of Paschal
time the Third Responsory of the pre
ceding Sunday.
nt
THE SECOND DAY OF THE WEEK.
All as on Sunday, except as other
wise given here.
The Psalms are as follows :
Antiphon. Have mercy.
If this Antiphon be used, the Psalm
begins with the words, " Upon me, O
God."
Psalm L.
[This Psalm has a musical (?) superscrip
tion, and the title then proceeds, "A Psalm
of David, when Nathan the Prophet came
unto him, after he had gone in to Bath-
sheba." The whole history is in 2 Kings
(Sam.) xi. xii. (Saturday, 5th week after
Pentecost, and 6th Sunday.)]
HAVE mercy upon me, O God,
* after Thy great mercy :
And according to the multitude
of Thy tender mercies * blot out my
transgressions.
Wash me thoroughly from mine
iniquity : * and cleanse me from my
sin.
For I acknowledge my trans
gression : * and my sin is ever
before me.
Against Thee, Thee only, have I
sinned, and done evil in Thy sight :
* that Thou mightest be justified
when Thou speakest, and be clear
when Thou art judged.
For behold, I was shapen in in
iquity : * and in sin did my mother
conceive me.
For behold Thou desirest truth :
* the hidden secrets of Thy wisdom
Thou hast made manifest unto me.
Sprinkle me with hyssop, and I
shall be clean : * wash me, and I
shall be whiter than snow.
Make me to hear joy and glad
ness : * that the bones which Thou
hast broken may rejoice.
Hide Thy face from my sins : *
and blot out all mine iniquities.
Create in me a clean heart, O
God : * and renew a right spirit
within me.
Cast me not away from Thy
presence : * and take not Thine
holy Spirit from me.
Restore unto me the joy of Thy
salvation : * and uphold me with
Thy free Spirit.
Then will I teach transgressors
Thy ways : * and sinners shall be
converted unto Thee.
Deliver me from blood-guiltiness,
O God, Thou God of my salvation :
* and my tongue shall sing aloud x
of Thy righteousness.
O LORD, open Thou my lips, *
1 So the Hebrew, the LXX. , and all the versions, including Doway, but the Latin
text has the curious mistake of exidtabit for exaltabit.
88
THE PSALTER.
and my mouth shall show forth Thy
praise.
For Thou desirest not sacrifice,
else would I give it : * Thou de-
lightest not in burnt-offering.
The sacrifice of God is a broken
spirit : * a broken and a contrite
heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise.
Do good in Thy good pleasure
unto Zion : * to build the walls of
Jerusalem.
Then shalt Thou be pleased with
the sacrifices of righteousness, with
burnt-offering and whole burnt-offer
ing : * then shall they offer bullocks
upon Thine altar.
Antiphon. Have mercy upon me,
O God.
Second Antiphon. Consider.
Psalm V.
[Intituled "A Psalm of David," with a
musical (?) superscription.]
GIVE ear unto my words, O
LORD, * consider my suppli
cation.
Hearken unto the voice of my cry,
* my King and my God !
For unto Thee will I pray. * O
LORD, in the morning Thou shalt
hear my voice :
In the morning will I stand before
Thee and look up. * For Thou art
not a God that hath pleasure in
wickedness :
Neither shall the evil dwell with
Thee, * nor the unrighteous stand
in Thy sight :
Thou hatest all workers of iniquity.
* Thou shalt destroy all them that
speak leasing :
The LORD abhorreth the bloody
and deceitful man. * But as for me,
in the multitude of Thy mercy
I will come into Thine house : *
I will worship toward Thine holy
temple in Thy fear.
Lead me, O LORD, in Thy
righteousness, * because of mine
enemies ; make my way straight
before Thy face.
For there is no faithfulness in
their mouth : * their inward part
is very wickedness.
Their throat is an open sepulchre ;
they flatter with their tongue. *
Judge Thou them, O God!
Let them fall by their own coun
sels ; cast them out in the multi
tude of their transgressions, * for
they have rebelled against Thee, O
Lord!
And let all those that put their
trust in Thee, rejoice : * let them
ever shout for joy, because Thou
dwellest in them :
Let them also that love Thy Name
be joyful in Thee. * For Thou wilt
bless the righteous.
O LORD, Thou hast compassed
us * with Thy favour as with a
shield.
Antiphon. Consider my suppli
cation, O Lord.
Third Antiphon. O God, Thou
art my God.
If this Antiphon is used, the Psalm
begins with the words, " Early will I
seek Thee."
Psalms LXIL, LXVI.
O God, Thou art my God, &c.
(P- 23).
Antiphon. O God, Thou art my
God, early will I seek Thee.
Fourth Antiphon. Thine anger
is turned away.
MONDAY AT LAUDS.
THE SONG OF ISAIAH THE PROPHET.
[Isa. xii. i. The description of the res
toration of Israel in Isa. xi. (Second Sun
day in Advent) is continued to the end
of that Chapter, and this Song is then
introduced by the words, "And in that
day thou shalt say : "]
LORD, I will praise Thee,
though Thou wast angry with
me, * Thine anger is turned away,
and Thou comfortest me.
Behold, God is my salvation : *
I will trust and not be afraid :
For the LORD is my strength
and my song : * He also is become
my salvation.
Therefore with joy shall ye draw
water out of the wells of the Saviour :
* and in that day shall ye say :
Praise the LORD and call upon His
Name !
Declare His doings among the
people, * tell them that His Name
is exalted.
Sing unto the LORD, for He hath
done glorious things : * make ye
this known in all the earth.
Cry aloud and shout, thou inhabi
tant of Zion : * for great is the
Holy One of Israel in the midst of
thee !
Antiphon. Thine anger is turned
away, and Thou comfortest me.
Fifth Antiphon. Praise ye.
If this Antiphon be used, the Psalm
begins with the words "the LORD
from the heavens."
Psalms CXLVIII., CXLIX., CL.
Praise ye the LORD from the
heavens, &c. (pp. 25, 26).
Antiphon. Praise ye the LORD
from the heavens.
1 Another hymn of the Ambrosian school,
Card. Newman.
From Advent Sunday till the Octave
of the Epiphany and from the First
Sunday in Lent till the Octave of Pente
cost special Chapters are given. At
other times the following is said on all
week-days observed as such.
CHAPTER. (Rom. xiii. 12.)
night is far spent, the day
is at hand : let us therefore
cast off the works of darkness, and
let us put on the armour of light :
let us walk honestly as in the day.
HYMN. 1
OF the Father Effluence bright,
Out of Light evolving light,
Light from Light, unfailing Ray,
Day creative of the day.
Truest Sun, upon us stream
With Thy calm perpetual beam,
In the Spirit s still sunshine
Making sense and thought divine.
Seek we too the Father s face,
Father of almighty grace,
And of majesty excelling,
Who can purge our tainted dwelling ;
Who can aid us, who can break
Teeth of envious foes, and make
Hours of loss and pain succeed,
Guiding safe each duteous deed.
And, infusing self-control,
Fragrant chastity of soul,
Faith s keen flame to soar on high,
Incorrupt simplicity.
Christ Himself for food be given,
Faith become the cup of heaven,
Out of which the joy is quaff d
Of the Spirit s sobering draught.
With that joy replenished
Morn shall glow with modest red,
Noon with beaming face be bright,
Eve be soft without twilight.
It has dawned : upon our way,
Father, in Thy Word, this day,
In Thy Father, Word Divine,
From Thy cloudy pillar shine.
slightly altered. Translation by the late
THE PSALTER.
To the Father and the Son,
And the Spirit, Three and One,
As of old, and as in heaven,
Now and here be glory given.
Amen.
Verse. l Thou hast satisfied us
early with Thy mercy.
Answer. We rejoice and are
glad.
Antiphonfor the Songof Zacharias.
Blessed * be the Lord God of Israel.
After the repetition of the Antiphon
after the Song of Zacharias, on the
week-days of Advent and Lent, the
Ember Days, and all Vigils which are
fasts except Christmas Eve and the
Eve and Ember Days of Pentecost, all
kneel down, and the following prayers
called the Preces are said:
Kyrie eleison.
Answer. Christe eleison.
Kyrie eleison.
Then the Lord s Prayer is said aloud.
OUR Father, Who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy
kingdom come. Thy will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven. Give
us this day our daily bread. And
forgive us our trespasses, as we for
give them that trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation ;
Answer. But deliver us from evil.
Verse. 2 I said : LORD, be mer
ciful unto me.
Answer. Heal my soul, for I
have sinned against Thee.
Verse. 3 Return, O LORD, how
long?
Answer. And let it repent Thee
concerning Thy servants.
Verse. 4 Let Thy mercy, O LORD,
be upon us.
Answer. According as we hope
in Thee.
Verse. 5 Let Thy priests be
clothed with righteousness.
Answer. And let Thy saints
shout for joy.
Verse. 6 O LORD, save the King.
Answer. And hear us in the day
when we call upon Thee.
Verse. 7 O LORD, save Thy peo
ple, and bless Thine inheritance.
Answer. And govern them, and
lift them up for ever.
Verse. 8 Remember Thy congre
gation.
Answer. Which Thou hast pur
chased of old.
Verse. 9 Peace be within thy
walls.
Answer. And prosperity within
thy palaces.
Verse. Let us pray for the faith
ful departed.
Ansiver. O Lord, grant them
eternal rest, and let the everlasting
light shine upon them !
Verse. May they rest in peace.
Answer. Amen.
Verse. Let us pray for our ab
sent brethren.
Answer. 10 O Thou my God,
save Thy servants that trust in
Thee.
Verse. Let us pray for the sor
rowful and the captives.
Answer. n Redeem them, O God
of Israel, out of all their troubles.
Verse. 12 O Lord, send them help
from the sanctuary.
1 Ps. Ixxxix. 14. 2 Ps. xl. 5. 3 Ps. Ixxxix. 13.
4 Ps. xxxii. 22. 5 Ps. cxxxi. 9.
6 Ps. xix. 10. This verse never varies, whatever the form of government.
7 Ps. xxvii. 9. 8 Ps. Ixxiii. 2. 9 Ps. cxxi. 7.
10 Ps. Ixxxv. 2. n Ps. xxiv. 22. 12 Ps. xix. 3.
MONDAY AT LAUDS.
Answer. And strengthen them
out of Zion.
Verse. Hear my prayer, O LORD.
Answer. And let my cry come
unto Thee.
Psalm CXXIX.
[Intituled "A Song of Degrees." The
meaning of this title is not certain. The
Psalms so called may perhaps, like the
" Graduals " of the Roman Liturgy, be
"step-songs," intended to be sung during
processions, Liturgical or of pilgrims.]
OUT of the depths have I cried
unto Thee, O LORD ! * Lord,
hear my voice.
Let Thine ears be attentive * to
the voice of my supplication.
If Thou, LORD, shouldest mark
iniquities, * O Lord, who shall
stand ?
But there is forgiveness with
Thee : * because of Thy law, I wait
for Thee, O LORD !
My soul waiteth on His word : *
my soul hopeth in the Lord.
From the morning watch even
until night * let Israel hope in the
LORD :
For with the LORD there is mercy,
and with Him is plenteous re
demption.
And He shall redeem Israel, *
from all his iniquities.
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 with
out end. Amen.
Verse. l Turn us again, O LORD
God of hosts !
Answer. And cause Thy face to
shine, and we shall be saved.
Verse. 2 Arise, O Christ, and
help us.
Answer. And deliver us for Thy
Name s sake.
Verse. Hear my prayer, O LORD.
Answer. And let my cry come
unto Thee.
Let us pray.
Then follows the Prayer of the Day.
All proceeds to the end of the service
as on Sunday, except that when Suf
frages are said, the following is said
before the Commemoration of the Blessed
Virgin Mary.
Commemoration of the Cross.
Antiphon. Through Thy Cross s
holy sign, JESUS, guard this soul of
mine, from my ghostly enemy.
Verse. 3 Let all the earth worship
Thee, and sing unto Thee.
Ansiver. Let them sing praises
unto Thy Name, O Lord!
Let us pray.
OLORD, we beseech Thee, keep
us in continual peace, whom
it hath pleased Thee to redeem by
the tree of the Holy Cross.
1 Ps. Ixxix. 20.
2 Ps. xliii. 26.
3 Ps. Ixv. 4.
at Jftattin*.
THE THIRD DAY OF THE WEEK.
All as on Sunday, except as other
wise given here.
Invitatory. Let us make a joyful
noise to * the God of our salvation.
Invitatory in Paschal time. Alle
luia, Alleluia, * Alleluia.
On Simple Feasts the Invitatory is
special.
On Simple Feasts the Hymn is
special, but on Week-days kept as such
the following is said from the Octave
of the Epiphany till the first Tziesday
in Lent, and from the Octave of Pente
cost till Advent. The Hymns for the
other Seasons are given in the proper
Office of the Seasons.
HYMN. 1
OGOD from God, and Light from
Light,
Who art Thyself the Day,
Our chants shall break the clouds of
night ;
Be with us while we pray.
Chase Thou the gloom that haunts the
mind,
The thronging shades of hell,
The sloth and drowsiness that bind
The senses with a spell.
Lord, to their sins indulgent be,
Who, in this hour forlorn,
By faith in what they do not see,
With songs prevent the morn.
Grant this, O Father, Only Son,
And Spirit, God of grace,
To Whom all worship shall be done
In every time and place.
Amen.
Only one Nocturn is said.
Antiphon. That I sin not.
In Paschal time there is only one An
tiphon to the whole Nocturn, Alleluia.
Psalm XXXVIII.
[Intituled "A Psalm of David," with a
farther notice of meaning now uncertain.
It is addressed to Jeduthun, concerning
whom it is said, in I Par. (Chron.) xvi. 42,
that David appointed, along with the Priests
who officiated before the Ark, " Heman
and Jeduthun, and the rest that were chosen,
who are expressed by name, to give thanks
to the LORD, because His mercy endureth
for ever. And with them Heman and
Jeduthun, with trumpets and cymbals, for
those that should make a sound, and with
musical instruments of God." The Targum
says that it was to be used by Jeduthun for
his watch in the Sanctuary.]
T SAID: I will take heed unto
* my ways, * that I sin not with
my tongue.
I kept a watch upon my mouth, *
while the wicked stood up against
me.
I was dumb, and humbled myself,
I held my peace even from good :
Another hymn of the Ambrosian school. Translation by the late Card. Newman.
TUESDAY AT MATTINS.
93
* and my sorrow was stirred up
afresh.
Mine heart was hot within me :
* and while I was musing the fire
kindled.
I spake with my tongue : * LORD,
make me to know mine end ;
And the measure of my days
what it is ; * that I may know how
frail I am.
Behold, Thou hast made my days
as a span : * and mine age is as
nothing before Thee.
Verily every man living * is
altogether vanity. 1
Surely every man flitteth by like
a shade : * he is disquieted also in
vain.
He heapeth up riches, * and
knoweth not who shall gather them.
And now for what wait I ? Is it
not for the Lord ? * and mine hope
is with Thee.
Deliver me from all my transgres
sions : * Thou hast given me for a
reproach unto the foolish.
I was dumb and opened not my
mouth, because Thou didst it : *
remove Thy strokes away from me.
I am consumed by the blow of
Thine hand : * Thou, with rebukes
dost correct man for iniquity.
And Thou makest his beauty to
consume away like a spider s web :
* surely every man is disquieted in
vain. 1
Hear my prayer, O LORD, and my
cry : * give ear unto my tears.
Hold not Thy peace : for I am a
stranger with Thee, and a sojourner,
* as all my fathers were.
O spare me, that I may recover
strength, before I go hence, * and
be no more.
Psalm XXXIX.
[Intituled "A Psalm of David " and with
the same (now) uncertain supeiscription as
Ps. xii.]
T WAITED patiently for the
-* LORD, * and He inclined unto
me,
And heard my cry : * He brought
me up also out of an horrible pit,
and out of the miry clay.
And set my feet upon a rock ; *
and ordered my goings.
And He hath put a new song in
my mouth, * even praise unto our
God.
Many shall see it, and fear, * and
shall trust in the LORD.
Blessed is that man whose trust
is the Name of the LORD : * and
who respecteth not pride and lying
vanities.
Many, O LORD my God, are Thy
wonderful works which Thou hast
done : * and in Thy thoughts there
is none like unto Thee.
If I would declare and speak of
them, * they are more than can be
numbered.
Sacrifice and offering Thou hast
not desired; * but mine ears hast
Thou opened.
Burnt-offering and sin-offering hast
Thou not required : * then said I :
Lo, I come.
In the beginning of the book it is
written of me that I should fulfil
Thy will: * O my God, I delight
to do it, yea, Thy law is within mine
heart.
I have preached Thy righteous
ness in the great congregation : * lo,
I have not refrained my lips : O
LORD, Thou knowest.
1 SLH.
94
THE PSALTER.
I have not hidden Thy righteous
ness within mine heart : * I have
declared Thy faithfulness and Thy
salvation.
I have not concealed Thy loving-
kindness, and Thy truth * from the
great congregation.
Withhold not Thou Thy tender
mercies from me, O LORD : * let
Thy loving-kindness and Thy truth
continually preserve me.
For countless evils have com
passed me about : * mine iniquities
have taken hold upon me, and I am
not able to look up.
They are more in number than
the hairs of mine head : * and mine
heart faileth me.
Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver
me : * O LORD, look upon me to
help me.
Let them be ashamed and con
founded together that seek after my
soul, * to destroy it.
Let them be driven backward,
and put to shame, * that wish me
evil.
Let them quickly bear their
shame, * that say unto me : Aha,
Aha.
Let all those that seek Thee re
joice and be glad in Thee : * and
let such as love Thy salvation say
continually : The LORD be mag
nified.
But I am poor and needy : * the
Lord thinketh upon me.
Thou art mine Helper and my
Deliverer : * make no tarrying, O
God.
Antiphon. l That I sin not with
my tongue.
Second Antiphon. Heal.
Psalm XL.
[Intituled " A Psalm of David," with
some other words, of meaning now un
certain, as in some other Psalms.]
T3LESSED is he that considereth
*-} the poor and needy : * the
LORD will deliver him in time of
trouble.
The LORD preserve him, and
quicken him, and make him to be
blessed upon the earth : * and de
liver him not unto the will of his
enemies !
The LORD strengthen him upon
his bed of suffering ! * Thou hast
made all his bed in his sickness.
As for me, I said : LORD, be
merciful unto me : * heal my soul,
for I have sinned against Thee.
Mine enemies speak evil of me :
* When shall he die, and his name
perish ?
If he came to see me he spake
vanity : * his heart gathereth iniquity
to itself.
He went out, * and told it.
All they that hate me whispered
together against me : * against me
did they devise mine hurt.
They plotted together to do me
evil : * Now that he lieth, surely he
shall rise up no more.
Yea, mine own familiar friend in
whom I trusted, * who did eat of
my bread, hath lifted up his heel
against me. 2
But Thou, O LORD, be merciful
unto me, and raise me up : * and I
will requite them.
By this I know that Thou de-
lightest in me : * because mine
enemy cannot triumph over me.
But as for me, Thou upholdest
Ps. xxxviii. 2.
Quoted by our Lord. John xiii. 18.
TUESDAY AT MATTINS.
95
me, because of mine innocence : *
and settest me before Thy face for
ever.
Blessed be the LORD God of
Israel from everlasting, and to
everlasting. * Amen, Amen. 1
Psalm XLI.
[This Psalm has a superscription, the
meaning of which is not now certain, but
which seems in part to imply that it was a
didactic poem written to be sung by the
choir of the Korahites, a family of Levites
and singers in the time of David.]
AS the hart panteth after the
water -brooks : * so panteth
my soul after Thee, O God!
My soul is athirst for God, for
the mighty God, for the living God :
* when shall I come and appear
before God?
My tears have been my meat day
and night, * while they daily say
unto me : Where is thy God ?
When I remember these things,
I pour out my soul in me : * for
I will go unto the place of the
wondrous Tabernacle, even unto
the house of God.
With the voice of joy and praise,
* the noise of a multitude that keep
holiday.
Why art thou cast down, O my
soul, * and why art thou disquieted
in me?
Hope thou in God, for I shall yet
praise Him, * the Health of my
countenance and my God.
My soul is cast down within me :
* therefore will I remember Thee
from the land of Jordan, and from
the mountains of Hermon, 2 from the
Little Hill. 3
Deep calleth unto deep, * at the
noise of Thy waterspouts.
All Thy waves and Thy billows *
are gone over me.
The LORD hath commanded [the
praise of] His loving- kindness in
the day-time, * and in the night
His song.
Mine shall it be to pray unto the
God of my life. * I will say unto
God : Thou art my refuge.
Why hast Thou forgotten me ? *
and why go I mourning, while the
enemy oppresseth me?
While my bones are broken, *
they that trouble me, even mine
enemies, reproach me ;
While they say daily unto me :
Where is thy God ? * Why art thou
cast down, O my soul, and why art
thou disquieted within me ?
Hope thou in God, for I shall yet
praise Him : * the Health of my
countenance and my God.
Antiphon. 4 Heal my soul, O
Lord, for I have sinned against Thee.
Third Antiphon. Mine heart.
Psalm XLI 1 1.
[This Psalm has the same uncertain
[? musical] superscription as some others,
and the Targum farther ascribes its author
ship to David.]
A 1TE have heard with our ears,
* V O God : * our fathers have
told us,
What work Thou didst in their
days, * and in the times of old.
1 With this Psalm ends the first of the five books into which the Psalter is divided.
a A chain of mountains in the north-east of Palestine, stretching down on the eastern
side of Jordan.
3 Or rather, the hill Mizar (viz. the Little), proper name of a mountain on the eastern
ridge of Lebanon. May it not be that the Korahites were among the Levitical families
which had cities in the north and north-east districts ? 4 Ps. xl. 5.
9 6
THE PSALTER.
Thine hand scattered the heathen,
and planted them : * Thou didst
afflict the people and cast them out.
For they got not the land in pos
session by their own sword : * neither
did their own arm save them.
But Thy right hand, and Thine
arm, and the light of Thy counten
ance : * because Thou hadst a favour
unto them.
Thou art my King and my God :
* Who commandest victories for
Jacob !
Through Thee shall our horn toss
our enemies : * through Thy Name
will we tread them under that rise
up against us.
For I will not trust in my bow : *
neither shall my sword save me.
For Thou hast saved us from them
that afflicted us, * and hast put to
shame them that hated us.
In God will we glory all the day
long, * and will praise Thy Name
for ever. 1
But now Thou hast cast off and
put us to shame : * and Thou, O
God, wilt not go forth with our
armies.
Thou hast turned us back behind
our enemies : * and they that hate
us take spoil for themselves.
Thou hast given us like sheep ap
pointed for meat, * and hast scat
tered us among the heathen.
Thou hast sold Thy people for
nought, * and hast not increased
Thy wealth by their price.
Thou makest us a reproach to our
neighbours, * a scorn and a derision
to them that are round about us.
Thou makest us a by-word among
the heathen, * a shaking of the head
among the peoples.
My confusion is all day long be
fore me, * and the shame of my face
hath covered me,
For the voice of him that reproach-
eth and blasphemeth, * by reason of
the enemy and avenger.
All this is come upon us, yet have
we not forgotten Thee : * neither
have we dealt falsely in Thy covenant.
Our heart also is not turned back :
* neither have our steps strayed
from Thy way ;
Though Thou hast sore broken us
in the place of affliction, * and the
shadow of death hath covered us.
If we have forgotten the Name of
our God, * or stretched out our
hands to a strange god ;
Shall not God search this out ? *
for He knoweth the secrets of the
heart.
Yea, for Thy sake are we killed all
the day long : * we are counted as
sheep for the slaughter.
Awake, why sleepest Thou, O
Lord? * arise, and cast us not off
for ever.
Wherefore hidest Thou Thy face,
* and forgettest our affliction and
our oppression ?
For our soul is bowed down to
the dust : * our belly cleaveth unto
the earth.
Arise, O Lord, help us : * and
redeem us for Thy Name s sake.
Psalm XLIV.
[This Psalm has a long superscription, the
exact meaning of which is not now certain.
It seems to have been a marriage-song writ
ten to be sung by the Korahites. The Tar-
gum ascribes it to the time of Moses, but it
seems rather to belong to that of the Jewish
Monarchy.]
TV /TINE heart is overflowing with
-** a good matter : * I speak of
my works unto the king.
1 SLIL
TUESDAY AT MATTINS.
97
My tongue is the pen * of a ready
writer.
Thou art fairer than the children
of men, grace is poured into thy lips :
* therefore God hath blessed thee
for ever.
Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, *
O most mighty !
In thy comeliness, and thy beauty,
* go forward, fare prosperously, and
reign,
Because of truth, and meekness,
and righteousness : * and thy right
hand shall lead thee wonderfully.
Thine arrows are sharp (the
people shall fall under thee) * into
the heart of the King s enemies.
1 Thy throne, O God, is for ever
and ever : * the sceptre of Thy
kingdom is a right sceptre.
Thou hast loved righteousness,
and hated iniquity : * therefore,
God, thy God, hath anointed thee
with the oil of gladness above thy
fellows.
Thy garments smell of myrrh, and
aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory
palaces, * whereby kings daughters
among thine honourable women have
made thee glad.
Upon thy right hand did stand
the queen in a vesture of gold, *
bedecked with divers colours.
Hearken, O daughter, and con
sider, and incline thine ear : * for
get also thine own people, and thy
father s house :
And the King shall greatly de
sire thy beauty : * for He is the
Lord thy God, 2 and Him shall they
worship.
And the daughters of Tyre shall
entreat thy favour * with gifts, even
all the rich among the people.
The King s daughter is all glo
rious within, * in a vesture of gold,
clad in divers colours.
After her shall virgins be brought
unto the king : * her fellows shall
be brought unto thee.
With gladness and rejoicing shall
they be brought : * they shall enter
into the King s palace.
Instead of thy fathers shall be
thy children : * thou shalt make
them princes over all the earth.
They shall be mindful of thy
name, * unto all generations.
Therefore shall the people praise
thee for ever, * yea, for ever and
ever.
Antiphon. 3 Mine heart is over
flowing with a good matter.
Fourth Antiphon. Our help.
Psalm XLV.
[This Psalm has a superscription of un
certain meaning, but of which part seems
to imply that it was to be sung by treble
voices, from the choir of the Korahite
family. And the Targum ascribes it, but
apparently by a mere guess, to the time when
Korah and his fellow-rebels were destroyed
by an earthquake in the wilderness, but
"the children of Korah died not" (Num.
xxvi. 10, u).]
OD is our refuge and strength,
" * our help in trouble, which
is come upon us exceedingly.
Therefore will we not fear, though
the earth be removed, * and though
the mountains be carried into the
midst of the sea ;
Though the waters thereof roar
1 So are these words translated in Heb. i. 8, 9.
2 The word "God" is not in the Hebrew, and the original meaning, addressed to the
bride, is, "He is thy lord, and bow thou to him." So also St Jerome.
3 Ps. xliv. 2.
VOL. IV.
9 8
THE PSALTER.
and be troubled ; * though the
mountains shake with the swelling
thereof. 1
[There is] a river, the streams
whereof make glad the city of God :
* the Most High hath hallowed His
Tabernacle.
God is in the midst of her, she
shall not be moved : * God shall
help her right early.
The heathen raged, and the king
doms were moved : * He uttered
His voice, the earth melted.
The LORD of hosts is with us : *
the God of Jacob is our refuge. 1
Come and behold the works of
the LORD, what wonders He hath
wrought in the earth ; * He maketh
wars to cease unto the end of the
earth.
He breaketh the bow and cut-
teth the weapons in sunder : * and
burneth the shields in the fire.
Be still, and know that I am
God : * I will be exalted among
the heathen, and I will be exalted
in the earth.
The LORD of hosts is with us : *
the God of Jacob is our refuge. 1
Psalm XLVI.
[Intituled " A Psalm of the sons of
Korah," with another (now uncertain) direc
tion.]
OCLAP your hands, all ye
people : * shout unto God
with the voice of triumph.
For the LORD Most High is ter
rible : * He is a great King over all
the earth.
He hath subdued the people
under us, * and the nations under
our feet.
He hath chosen His own inheri-
1 SLH.
tance for us, * the excellency of
Jacob, whom He loved. 1
God is gone up with a shout, *
and the LORD with the sound of a
trumpet.
Sing praises to our God, sing
praises : * sing praises unto our
King, sing praises.
For God is the King of all the
earth : * sing ye praises with under
standing.
God reigneth over the heathen :
* God sitteth upon the throne of
His holiness.
The princes of the people are
gathered together with the God of
Abraham : * for the mighty ones
of the earth are greatly exalted.
Antiphon. 2 Our help in trouble.
Fifth Antiphon. Great is the
LORD.
If this Antiphon be used the Psalm
begins with the words, " And greatly to
be praised."
Psalm XLVII.
[Intituled "A Song. A Psalm of the
sons of Korah." The Vulgate and the
LXX. assign it to the second day of the
week.]
GREAT is the LORD, and greatly
to be praised * in the city of
our God, in the mountain of His
holiness.
Beautiful for situation, the joy of
the whole earth, is mount Zion, *
on the sides of the north, the city
of the great King.
God is known in her palaces *
for a refuge.
For, lo, the kings were assembled :
* they passed by together.
They saw, and so they marvelled;
2 Ps. xlv. 2.
TUESDAY AT MATTINS.
99
they were troubled, they hasted
away : * fear took*hold upon them
There, pain, as of a woman in
travail. * Thou shalt break the
ships of Tarshish 1 with a mighty
wind.
As we have heard, so have we
seen in the city of the LORD of
hosts, in the city of our God : *
God hath established her for ever. 2
We have received Thy loving-
kindness, O God, * in the midst
of Thy temple.
According to Thy Name, O God,
so is Thy praise unto the ends of
the earth : * Thy right hand is full
of righteousness.
Let mount Zion rejoice, and let
the daughters of Judah be glad, *
because of Thy judgments, O Lord.
Walk about Zion, and go round
about her : * tell the towers thereof.
Mark ye well her bulwarks : *
and consider her palaces ; that
ye may tell it to the generation
following.
For this God is our God for ever
and ever : * He shall be our guide
for ever.
PsalmXLVlII.
[This Psalm has the same title as Ps.
xlvi.]
T T EAR this, all ye people : *
-* -* give ear, all ye inhabitants
of the world ;
Both low and high : * rich and
poor together.
My mouth shall speak of wisdom :
* and the meditation of my heart
shall be of understanding.
I will incline mine ear to a par
able : * I will open my saying
upon the harp.
1 A very flourishing colony and emporium
Wherefore should I fear in the
day of evil ? * The iniquity of them
that dog mine heels shall compass
me about,
They that trust in their own
strength, * and boast themselves
in the multitude of their riches.
Can a man redeem, redeem his
brother ? * He cannot give to God
a ransom for himself
Nor yet a redemption for his own
soul, * if he should work for ever,
and live even unto the end.
Nay, though he should not see
destruction, when he beholdeth
wise men die * likewise the
fool and the brutish person perish,
And leave their wealth to others :
* and their grave shall be their
house for ever
Even their dwelling-place to all
generations : * they called their
lands after their own names.
For man, having been created
in honour, hath had no understand
ing : * he hath made himself like
unto the beasts that understand
not, and is become like unto
them.
This their way is a stumbling-
block for themselves : * yet their
posterity will approve their sayings. 2
Like sheep they are laid in the
grave : * death will pasture them.
And the upright shall have do
minion over them in the morning :
* and the beauty of their strength
shall waste away in the grave.
But God will redeem my soul
from the power of the grave, *
when He shall receive me. 2
Be not thou afraid when one is
made rich, * and when the glory
of his house is increased.
For when he dieth he shall carry
of the Phoenicians in Spain. 2 SLH.
IOO
THE PSALTER.
nothing away, * his glory shall not
descend with him.
Though while he lived he blessed
his soul ; * and praised thee when
thou didst well to him.
He shall go to the generation of
his fathers : * and shall never see
light.
Man, having been created in
honour, hath had no understand
ing : * he hath made himself like
unto the beasts that understand
not, and is become like unto them.
Antiphon. 1 Great is the LORD,
and greatly to be praised.
Sixth Antiphon. The God of
gods.
If this Antiphon be used, the Psalm
begins with the words, " Even the
LORD."
Psalm XLIX.
[Intituled "A Psalm of Asaph." This
Asaph was a Levite, chief of the singers
appointed by David, i Par. (Chron.) xvi.
4. " And he (David) appointed certain of
the Levites to minister before the Ark of
the LORD, and to record, and to thank
and praise the LORD God of Israel. Asaph
the chief, and next to him Zachariah, Jeiel,
Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Mattithiah,
and Eliab, and Benaiah, and Obed-edom ;
and Jeiel with psalteries and with harps ;
but Asaph made a sound with cymbals."]
HTHE God of gods, even the
* LORD, hath spoken, * and
called the earth,
From the rising of the sun unto
the going down thereof. * Out of
Zion, the Perfection of beauty,
God shall come manifestly, *
even our God, and shall not keep
silence.
A fire shall devour before Him :
* and it shall be very tempestuous
round about Him.
1 Ps. xlvii. 2.
He shall call to the heavens from
above, * and (fo the earth, that
He may judge His people.
Gather His saints together unto
Him, " those that have made a
covenant with Him by sacrifice.
And the heavens shall declare
His righteousness : * for God is
Judge Himself. 2
Hear, O My people, and I will
speak ; O Israel, and I will testify
against thee ; * I am God, even
thy God.
I will not reprove thee for thy
sacrifices : * for thy burnt -offerings
are continually before Me.
I will take no bullock out of thine
house, * nor he -goats out of thy
folds.
For every beast of the forest is
Mine, * the cattle and the bulls
upon the mountains.
I know all the birds of the sky :
* and the beauty of the field is
Mine.
If I were hungry, I would not
tell thee : * for the earth is Mine,
and the fulness thereof.
Will I eat the flesh of bulls, *
or drink the blood of goats?
Offer unto God the sacrifice of
praise : * and pay thy vows unto the
Most High :
And call upon Me in the day of
trouble : * I will deliver thee, and
thou shalt glorify Me.
But unto the wicked, God saith :
* What hast thou to do to declare
My statutes, that thou shouldest take
My covenant in thy mouth ?
Seeing thou hatest instruction, *
and castest My words behind thee ?
When thou sawest a thief then
thou tookest pleasure iij him : * and
hast been partaker with adulterers.
2 SLH.
TUESDAY AT MATTINS.
101
Thy mouth aboundeth with evil :
* and thy tongue frameth deceit.
Thou satest and spakest against
thy brother, and slanderedst thine
own mother s son : * these things
hast thou done, and I kept silence.
Thou thoughtest wickedly that I
was such an one as thyself : * I will
reprove thee, and set them in order
before thine eyes.
Consider ye this, ye that forget
God : * lest He tear you in pieces,
and there be none to deliver.
The sacrifice of praise shall honour
Me : * and there is the path where
in I will show unto him the salvation
of God.
Psalm LI.
[After another uncertain superscription,
the title of this Psalm proceeds : " [A
Psalm] of David, when Doeg the Edomite
came and told Saul, and said unto him :
David is come to the house of Ahimelech."
The circumstances may be read in I Kings
(Sam.) xxii. (Saturday, fourth week after
Pentecost). After Doeg told Saul, the
latter sent for Ahimelech and the other
Priests, and ordered them to execution.
" But the servants of the king would not
put forth their hand to fall upon the Priests
of the LORD. And the king said to Doeg :
Turn thou, and fall upon the Priests. And
Doeg the Edomite turned and fell upon the
Priests, and slew on that day four-score and
five persons that did wear a linen ephod. "
The inhabitants of the Priestly city of Nob
were also brutally massacred. One of the
sons of Ahimelech escaped and told David.]
WHY boastest thou thyself in
mischief, * O thou that art
mighty in iniquity ?
Thy tongue deviseth unrighteous
ness all the day long : * like a sharp
razor hast thou wrought treachery.
Thou lovest evil more than good ;
* iniquity rather than to speak of
uprightness. 1
1 SLH.
Thou lovest all deadly words, *
O thou deceitful tongue !
Therefore God shall destroy thee
for ever : * He shall take thee away,
and pluck thee out of thy dwelling-
place, and root thee out of the land
of the living. 1
The righteous shall see it, and
fear, and shall laugh at him, and
say : * Lo, this is the man that
made not God his strength ;
But trusted in the abundance of
his riches : * and hardened himself
in his wickedness.
But I am like a fruitful olive-
tree in the house of God, * I trust
in the mercy of God for ever and
ever.
I will praise Thee for ever, be
cause Thou hast done it : * and I
will wait on Thy name, for it is
good before Thy saints.
Antiphon. 2 The God of gods,
even the LORD, hath spoken.
Antiphon for Paschal time. Al
leluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
Then is said a Verse and Answer.
In Advent.
Verse. Send forth the Lamb, O
Lord, the ruler of the land.
Answer. From the "Rock" of
the wilderness unto the mount of
the daughter of Zion.
During the rest of the year.
Verse. 3 Offer unto God the sac
rifice of praise.
Answer. And pay thy vows un
to the Most High.
/// Lent.
Verse. He shall cover thee with
His wings.
2 Ps. xlix. I. * Ps. xlix. 14.
102
THE PSALTER.
Answer. And under His feath
ers shalt thou trust.
/;/ Passion time.
Verse. O Lord, save me from
the lion s mouth.
Answer. And mine affliction
from the horns of the unicorns.
In Paschal time.
Verse. The Lord is risen in
deed, Alleluia.
Answer. And hath appeared un
to Simon, Alleluia.
The rest is the same as the Second
Nocturn on the preceding Sunday, only
the Lessons, and sometimes the Respon-
sories, are those of the day.
Simple Feasts. It is to be remembered
that when a Simple Feast is kept on
Tuesday, the Invitatory and Hymn are
of the Feast, being taken from the Com
mon of Saints of the class, unless speci
ally given.
Then the Psalms and Antipho?is of
the Week-day, as given above. Then is
said a Verse and Answer as follows :
In the Simple Office for one or many
Martyrs in Paschal time.
Verse. The everlasting light
shall shine upon Thy Saints, O
Lord. Alleluia.
Answer. Even unto everlasting.
Alleluia.
In the Simple Office for one Martyr
(put of Paschal time}.
Verse. 1 Thou hast set a crown,
O Lord, of precious stones.
Answer. Upon his head.
In the Simple Office for many Martyrs
(out of Paschal time}.
Verse. 2 Let the righteous re
joice before God.
1 Ps. xx. 4.
4 Ps. xxxvi. 30.
Ps. Ixvii. 4.
Answer. Yea, let them exceed
ingly rejoice.
In the Simple Office for a Bishop and
Confessor.
Verse. 3 The Lord chose him for
a priest unto Himself.
[In Paschal time, add Alleluia.]
Answer. To offer up unto Him
the sacrifice of praise.
[In Paschal time, add Alleluia.]
In the Simple Office for a Confessor
not a Bishop.
Verse. 4 The mouth of the right
eous shall speak wisdom.
[In Paschal time, add Alleluia.]
Answer. And his tongue talk of
judgment.
[In Paschal time, add Alleluia.]
For one Holy Woman, of whatever kind.
Verse. 5 God shall give her the
help of His countenance.
[In Paschal time, add Alleluia.]
Answer. God is in the midst of
her, she shall not be moved.
[In Paschal time, add Alleluia.]
The others, as well as what follows,
.to the end of the Service, are taken from
the Second Nocturn of the Office common
to Saints of the class, unless something
special be appointed. The Lessons are
arranged according to the rules in Chap
ter xxvi. 4 of the general Rubrics.
The Hymn, " We praise Thee, O God,"
is said at the end, instead of a Third
Responsory. The Respo?isories are ar
ranged according to the rules in Chapter
xxvii. 4 of the general Rubrics. Thus ;
The Lord s Prayer is said :
Father (inaudibly\ Who art
in heaven, Hallowed be Thy
Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy
Cf. Ecclus. xlv. 1 6, 27.
Ps. xlv. 6 (Alexandrian version).
TUESDAY AT MATTINS.
103
will be done on earth, as it is in
heaven. Give us this day our daily
bread. And forgive us our tres
passes, as we forgive them that tres
pass against us. (Aloud*)
Verse. And lead us not into
temptation.
Answer. But deliver us from
evil.
Then this Absolution :
\ /T AY His loving kindness and
*** mercy help us, Who liveth
and reigneth with the Father, and
the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Ansiver. Amen.
Then the Reader says :
Sir, be pleased to give the bless
ing.
First Blessing, if the Lesson be from
Scripture.
God the Father the Almighty
Show on us His grace and mercy.
Answer. Amen.
First Blessing, if the Lesson be of an
Homily.
May the Gospel s saving Lord
Bless the reading of His Word.
Answer. Amen.
First Blessing on a Simple Feast.
May His blessing be upon us,
Who doth live and reign for ever.
Answer. Amen.
Then is read the First Lesson from
Scripture or from the Homily, or, on a
Simple Feast, either the First from
Scripture, or, if the Saint or Saints
have two Lessons, the whole three Scrip
ture Lessons read together as one.
Then the First Responsory, unless
otherwise directed. On a week-day kept
as such, this is the First Responsory of
the Second Nocturn of the preceding
Sunday. On a Simple Feast, it is the
first Responsory in the Common Office
for the class to which the Saint belongs.
Then the Reader says :
Sir, be pleased to give the bless
ing.
Second Blessing, if the Lesson be of
Scripture.
May Christ to all His people give
For ever in His sight to live.
Answer. Amen.
Second Blessing, if the Lesson be from
an Homily.
God s most mighty strength alway
Be His people s staff and stay.
Answer. Amen.
Second Blessing, for a Simple Feast.
He (or She or They) whose feast-day
we are keeping
Plead for us before the Lord.
Answer. Amen.
Then is read the Second Lesson, either
from the Scripture or from an Homily,
or, on a Simple Feast, either the Second
and Third Lessons from Scripture read
together as one, or, If the Saint or Saints
have two Lessons, the first of these.
Then the Second Responsory, unless
otherwise directed. On a week-day kept
as such, this is the Second Responsory
of the preceding Sunday, but in Paschal
time there is added to it :
Verse. Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost.
And the Answer of the Responsory is
repeated again.
On a Simple Feast the Second Re
sponsory in the Common Office for the
class to which the Saint belongs, with the
addition of " Glory be to the Father,"
&*c., and the repetition of the Answer.
104
THE PSALTER.
Then the Reader says :
Sir, be pleased to give the bless
ing.
Third Blessing, if the Lesson be of
Scripture.
May the Spirit s fire divine
In our inmost being shine.
Answer. Amen.
Third Blessing, for a Simple Feast, or
if the Lesson be from an Homily.
May He that is the Angels King
To that high realm His people bring.
Answer. Amen.
Then is read the Third Lesson either
from Scripture, or of the Homily, or,
on Simple Feasts, the Second or only
Lesson of the Saint.
Then, on Simple Feasts and on any
day in Paschal time save Rogation
Monday is said the Hymn, " We praise
Thee, O God." But on week-days kept
as such out of Paschal time the Third
Responsory of the preceding Sunday.
ttt
THE THIRD DAY OF THE WEEK.
All as on Sunday, except as otherwise
given here.
The Psalms are as follows :
Antiphon. O Lord.
Psalm L.
Have mercy upon me, &c. (p.
Antiphon. O Lord, blot out my
transgressions.
Second Antiphon. The health.
PsalmXLII.
{The Vulgate and the LXX. ascribe this
Psalm "to David."]
JUDGE me, O God, and plead
my cause against an ungodly
nation : * O deliver me from the
unjust and deceitful man.
For Thou, O God, art my strength :
* why dost Thou cast me off? and
why go I mourning, because of the
oppression of the enemy ?
O send out Thy light and Thy
truth : * let them lead me and bring
me unto Thine holy hill, and unto
Thy tabernacles!
Then will I go unto the Altar
of God, * unto God, the Gladdener
-of my youth !
VOL. iv.
Upon the harp will I praise
Thee, O God, my God ! * why art
thou cast down, O my soul? and
why dost thou disquiet me ?
Hope thou in God : for I will still
praise Him, * Who is the health of
my countenance, and my God.
Antiphon. The health of
countenance, and my God.
Third Antiphon. Early.
my
O God, Thou art my God, &c.
(/ 23).
Antiphon. Early will I seek Thee,
O God.
Fourth Antiphon. Save us.
THE SONG OF HEZEKIAH, KING OF
JUDAH. (Isa. xxxviii. 10.)
[Intituled "The writing of Hezekiah,
King of Judah, when he had been sick, and
was recovered of his sickness." The his
tory will be found in 4 (2) Kings xx. (nth
Sunday after Pentecost).]
I SAID, In the midst of my days,
* I shall go to the gates of the
grave :
I looked for the rest of my
years. * I said, I shall not see the
D 2
io6
THE PSALTER.
LORD my God l in the land of the
living :
I .shall behold man no more, *
with the dwellers in the land of
rest.
Mine age is departed, and is
rolled up from me, * as a shepherd s
tent:
My life is cut off as by a weaver :
my web was scarce begun when He
cut me off: * from day even to
night wilt Thou make an end of
me.
I thought I might live till morn
ing : * as a lion, so doth He break
all my bones :
From day even to night wilt Thou
make an end of me. * Like a
swallow s fledgling so did I twitter,
I did coo as a dove :
Mine eyes fail, * with looking
upward.
LORD, I am seized, undertake
for me. * What shall I say, or what
will He answer me, seeing that He
Himself hath done it ?
1 will call to remembrance before
Thee all my years * in the bitter
ness of my soul.
O Lord, if by these things men
live, and in such things is the life
of my spirit, so mayest Thou chasten
me, and make me to live. * Be
hold, mine anguish is [turned] into
peace :
But Thou hast delivered my soul
from destruction : * Thou hast cast
all my sins behind Thy back.
For the grave cannot praise Thee,
death cannot celebrate Thee : * they
that go down into the pit cannot
hope for Thy truth.
The living, the living, he shall
praise Thee, as I do this day : *
the father to the children shall make
known Thy truth.
O LORD, save me : * and we will
sing our songs all the days of our
life in the house of the LORD.
Antiphon. Save us all the days of
our life, O Lord.
Fifth Antiphon, Praise ye the
LORD.
Psalms CXLVIII., CXLIX., CL.
Praise ye the LORD from the
heavens, &c. (pp. 25, 26).
Antiphon. Praise ye the LORD
from the heavens, all His Angels.
CHAPTER. (Rom. xiii. 12.)
The night is far spent, &c. (as on
Monday, p. 89).
HYMN. 2
DAY S herald bird
At length is heard,
Telling its morning torch is lit,
And small and still
Christ s accents thrill
Within the heart, rekindling it.
Away, He cries,
With languid eyes,
And sickly slumbers profitless !
I am at hand,
As watchers stand,
In awe, and truth, and holiness.
He will appear,
The hearts to cheer
Of suppliants pale and abstinent ;
Who cannot sleep
Because they weep
With holy grief and violent.
1 " My God" is not in the Hebrew, but the Divine Name is repeated.
2 Author of original, Aurelius Prudentius Clemens: b. 348 A.D., d. after 405 A.D.
Translation by the late Card. Newman.
TUESDAY AT LAUDS.
107
Keep us awake,
The fetters break,
JESU ! which night has forged for us ;
Yea, melt the night
To sinless light,
Till all is bright and glorious.
To Father, Son,
And Spirit, one,
To the Most Holy Trinity,
All praise be given
In earth and heaven,
Now, as of old, and endlessly. Amen.
Verse. 1 Thou hast satisfied us
early with Thy mercy.
Answer. We rejoice and are glad.
Antiphonfor the Songof Zacharias.
The Lord hath raised up * an horn
of salvation for us, in the house of
His servant David.
Commemoration of the Cross before
tJie other gejieral Commemorations, and
Long Preces in Advent and Lent, and
on Fast-days, as on Monday.
1 Ps. Ixxxix. 14.
loS
at Jftattin*.
THE FOURTH DAY OF THE WEEK.
All as on Sunday except as otherwise
given here.
Invitatory. In Thy hand.
Lord, * are the inmost depths
the earth.
HYMN. 1
O
of
A 17 HO madest all and dost control,
* * Lord, with Thy touch divine,
Cast out the slumbers of the soul,
The rest that is not Thine.
Look down, Eternal Holiness,
And wash the sins away
Of those, who, rising to confess,
Outstrip the lingering day.
Our hearts and hands by night, O Lord,
We lift them in our need ;
As holy Psalmists give the word,
And holy Paul the deed.
Each sin to Thee of years gone by,
Each hidden stain lies bare ;
We shrink not from Thine awful eye,
But pray that Thou wouldst spare.
Grant this, O Father, Only Son,
And Spirit, God of grace,
To Whom all worship shall be done
In every time and place. Amen.
Only one Nocturn is said.
Antiphon. God bringeth back.
In Paschal time only one Ajitipkon
is said to the whole Nocttirn. Alleluia.
Psalm LI I.
[Intituled "of David," with a further
superscription, perhaps musical, but of a
(now) uncertain meaning. The Targum
gives it the additional superscription, "to
render praise, for the reward of the impious
who blasphemed the Name of the Lord."
It is a repetition of Ps. xiii.]
THE fool hath said in his heart :
* There is no God.
Corrupt are they and have done
abominable iniquity : * there is
none that doeth good.
God looketh down from heaven
upon the children of men, * to see
if there be any that will understand,
or that will seek God.
Every one of them is gone back,
they are altogether become unprofit
able : * there is none that doeth
good, no, not one.
Have the workers of iniquity no
knowledge, * who eat up my people
as they eat bread ?
They have not called upon God :
there were they in great fear,
where no fear was.
For God hath scattered the bones
of them that work that which is
pleasing in the sight of men : *
they are put to shame, because God
hath despised them.
O that the salvation of Israel
1 Another hymn of the Ambrosian school. Translation by the late Card. Newman,
WEDNESDAY AT MATTINS.
I0 9
were come out of Zion ! * when
God bringeth back the captivity of
His people, Jacob shall rejoice, and
Israel shall be glad.
Psalm LIV.
[This Psalm has a superscription of which
nothing can now be certainly interpreted,
except the ascription of authorship "To
David."]
GIVE ear to my prayer, O God,
and despise not my suppli
cation : * attend unto me and hear
me.
I mourn in my exercise ; * and
am troubled, because of the voice
of the enemy, and because of the
oppression of the wicked.
For they cast iniquity upon me :
* and in wrath they hate me.
My heart is sore pained within
me : * and the terrors of death are
fallen upon me.
Fearfulness and trembling are
come upon me : " and darkness
hath overwhelmed me.
And I said : O that I had wings
like a dove, * for then would I fly
away and be at rest !
Lo, then would I wander far off,
* and remain in the wilderness. 1
I waited for Him Who hath de
livered me * from distress of spirit
and from tempest.
Destroy, O Lord ! divide their
tongues : * for I have seen iniquity
and strife in the city.
Day and night iniquity goeth
round about upon her walls : *
trouble also and unrighteousness are
in the midst of her.
Usury and guile * depart not
from her streets.
For if mine enemy had reproached
me, * then I could have borne it.
If he also that hated me had
magnified himself against me, *
then haply I would have hidden
myself from him.
But it was thou, a man like-
minded, * my guide and mine ac
quaintance :
We took pleasant meats together :
* we walked unto the house of God
in company.
Let death come upon them : *
and let them go down quick into
hell;
For wickedness is in their dwell
ings, * among them.
But as for me I have called upon
God : * and the LORD shall save
me.
Evening, and morning, and at
noon will I complain and cry aloud,
* and He shall hear my voice.
He shall deliver my soul in
peace from them that draw nigh
against me : * for there were many
against me.
God shall hear and afflict them,
* even He That abideth of old. 1
Because they have no changes,
therefore they fear not God. * He
hath stretched forth His hand to
requite them.
They have broken His covenant :
the anger of His countenance hath
put them to flight, * and His wrath
pursueth them.
His words were softer than oil,
* yet were they drawn swords.
Cast thy burden upon the LORD,
and He shall sustain thee : * He
shall never suffer the righteous to
be moved.
But Thou, O God, shalt bring
them down * into the pit of destruc
tion.
Bloody and deceitful men shall
SLH.
110
THE PSALTER.
not live out half their days : * but
I will trust in Thee, O Lord.
Antiphon. l God bringeth back
the captivity of His people.
Second Antiphon. For my soul.
Psalm LV.
[This Psalm has a long and very obscure
superscription. From part of this it seems
that it was written to be sung to a tune
called "The dumb dove among foreigners."
The authorship is ascribed "To David,
when the Philistines took him in Gath."
This may either be the occasion described
in the note on Ps. xxxiii. (p. 78), or that
narrated thus in I Kings (Sam.) xxvii.
" And David said in his heart : I shall now
perish one day by the hand of Saul ; there
is nothing better for me than that I should
speedily escape into the land of the Philis
tines ; and Saul shall despair of me, to
seek me any more in any coast of Israel ;
so shall I escape out of his hand. And
David arose, and he passed over, with the
six hundred men that were with him, unto
Achish, the son of Maoch, king of Gath.
. . . And it was told Saul that David was
fled to Gath, and he sought no more again
for him."]
T3E merciful unto me, O God, for
4-* man treadeth me down : * he
fighteth all the day long, and op-
presseth me.
Mine enemies tread me down all
the day long : * for they be many
that fight against me.
The height of the morning makes
me afraid, * but I will trust in
Thee.
In God I will praise His word,
in God I have put my trust : * I
will not fear what flesh can do unto
me.
All the day long they wrest my
words : * all their thoughts are
against me for evil.
They gather themselves together
and hide themselves : * they mark
my steps.
When they wait for my soul,
for nothing shalt Thou deliver
them : * in Thine anger Thou
shalt cast down the people.
God, I have declared my life
unto Thee, * Thou hast put my
tears in Thy sight,
Even as Thou hast promised. *
Then shall mine enemies turn back,
In whatsoever day I cry unto
Thee : * behold, I know that Thou
art my God.
In God will I praise His word,
in the LORD will I praise His
word : * in God have I put my
trust, I will not be afraid what
man can do unto me.
Thy vows are upon me, O God,
1 will pay them, even praises
unto Thee.
For Thou hast delivered my
soul from death, and my feet from
falling; * that I may walk before
God in the light of the living.
Psalm LVI.
[Another long title of uncertain meaning.
The Psalm seems to have been written for
a tune called "Destroy not," "by David,
when he fled from Saul in the cave" i
Kings (Sam.) xxii. I "David therefore
departed thence" (viz. from Gath) "and
escaped to the cave Adullam." See the
note on Ps. xxxiii., p. 78.]
E merciful unto me, O God,
be merciful unto me : * for
my soul trusteth in Thee.
Yea, in the shadow of Thy wings
will I make my refuge, * until this
iniquity be overpast.
I will cry unto God Most High :
* unto God, That performeth all
things for me.
1 Ps. lii. 7.
WEDNESDAY AT MATTINS.
Ill
He hath sent from heaven, and
saved me : * He hath given for a
reproach them that trod me down. 1
God hath sent forth His mercy
and His truth ; * and delivered my
soul from among the lions whelps ;
I was troubled in my sleep.
As for the sons of men, their
teeth are spears and arrows, * and
their tongue a sharp sword.
Be Thou exalted, O God, above
the heavens : * and let Thy glory
be over all the earth.
They prepared a net for my
steps ; * and bowed down my soul.
They digged a pit before me : *
into the midst whereof they are
fallen themselves. 1
Mine heart is ready, O God,
mine heart is ready : * I will sing,
and give praise.
Awake up, my glory ; awake,
psaltery and harp : * I will awake
early.
I will praise Thee, O Lord, among
the people ; * and sing unto Thee
among the nations.
For Thy mercy is great unto the
heavens, * and Thy truth unto the
clouds.
Be Thou exalted, O God, above
the heavens : * and let Thy glory
be above all the earth.
Antiphon. 2 For my soul trusteth
in Thee.
Third Antiphon. Judge uprightly.
Psalm LVII.
[This Psalm has the same title as the last,
except the historical reference.]
T F ye indeed speak righteousness,
* * judge uprightly, O ye sons of
men.
1 SLH.
Yea, in heart ye work wickedness :
* your hands weigh out violence in
the earth.
The wicked are estranged from
the womb, they go astray from the
belly, * speaking lies.
Their poison is like the poison of
a serpent : * they are like the deaf
adder, that stoppeth her ears ;
That will not hearken to the
voice of charmers, nor of the
sorcerer charming never so wisely.
God shall break their teeth in
their mouth : * the LORD shall
break off the great teeth of the
lions.
They shall melt away as waters
which run down : * He bendeth
His bow until they be shattered.
They shall melt away like melting
wax : * fire taketh hold upon them
and they see not the sun.
As thorns that are plucked up
before ever they be grown into a
bush : * so even in their greenness,
shall He root them up in His
anger.
The righteous shall rejoice when
he seeth the vengeance : * he shall
wash his hands in the blood of the
wicked.
And man shall say : Verily, there
is a reward for the righteous,
verily there is a God That judgeth
the earth.
Psalm LVII I.
[This Psalm has the same title as the two
last, with the addition : " when Saul sent,
and they watched the house, to kill him."
The occasion is thus described in I Kings
(Sam.)xix. n. " Saul also sent messengers
unto David s house, to watch him, to slay
him in the morning ; and Michal, David s
wife, told him, saying : If thou save not thy
2 Ps. Ivi. 2.
112
THE PSALTER.
life to-night, to-morrow thou shalt be slain.
So Michal let David down through a
window, and he went, and fled, and
escaped."]
T^\ELIVER me from mine ene-
-* ^ mies, O my God : * and
defend me from them that rise up
against me.
Deliver me from the workers of
iniquity : * and save me from bloody
men.
For, lo, they lie in wait for my
life : * the mighty have fallen upon
me.
Not for my transgression, not for
my sin, O LORD ; * I ran and
ordered myself without fault.
Awake to meet me, and behold :
* O Thou, the LORD God of hosts,
the God of Israel !
Awake to visit all the heathen :
* be not merciful to any wicked
transgressors. 1
They come at evening and hunger
like dogs ; * and go round about
the city.
Behold, they yelp with their
mouth, and a sword is in their lips :
* for who, say they, doth hear ?
But Thou, O LORD, shalt laugh
at them : * Thou shalt bring all
the heathen to nought.
O my strength, I will wait upon
Thee, for Thou, O God, art my
defence : * the mercy of my God
shall receive me.
God shall let me see all my
desire upon mine enemies : slay
them not ; * lest my people forget.
Scatter them by Thy power : *
and bring them down, O Lord our
shield !
For the sin of their mouth, and
the words of their lips : * let them
even be taken in their pride ;
1 SLH.
And at the end they shall be
spoken of for cursing and lying :
* and in the wrath at the end they
shall perish.
And they shall know that God
ruleth in Jacob, * and unto the
ends of the earth. 1
They shall return at evening,
and hunger like dogs : * and go
round about the city.
They shall wander up and down
for meat ; * and grudge if they be
not satisfied.
But I will sing of Thy power :
* yea, I will sing aloud of Thy
mercy in the morning.
For Thou hast been my defence,
and refuge in the day of my
trouble.
Unto Thee, O my strength, will
I sing, for God is my defence, *
the God of my mercy.
Antiphon. 2 Judge uprightly, O
ye sons of men.
Fourth Antiphon. Give us.
Psalm LIX.
[This Psalm has a superscription, prob
ably musical, but the meaning of which is
now uncertain. It then proceeds : " Of
David, when he strove with Mesopotamia,
and with Western Syria, when Joab re
turned and smote of Edom in the valley
of Salt " (viz. the Jordan valley near the
Dead Sea) "twelve thousand." The oc
casion was some very successful wars which
David carried on against several neighbour
ing kings, and which are described in 2
Kings (Sam.) viii. and I Par. (Chron.)
xviii. The Psalm seems to have been
written under some temporary reverses
during the campaign.]
OGOD, Thou hast cast us off,
and scattered us : * Thou
hast been displeased, and hast had
mercy upon us.
2 Ps. Ivii. 2.
WEDNESDAY AT MATTINS.
Thou hast made the earth to
tremble, and hast broken it : *
heal the breaches thereof, for it
shaketh.
Thou hast showed Thy people
hard things : * Thou hast made
us to drink the wine of astonish
ment.
Thou hast given a warning to
them that fear Thee, * that they
may fly from before the bow. 1
That Thy beloved may be deliv
ered : * save with Thy right hand,
and hear me.
God hath spoken in His holi
ness : * I will rejoice and divide
Shechem, and mete out the valley
of booths. 2
Gilead is mine, and Manasseh
is mine : * Ephraim also is the
strength of mine head. 3
Judah is my King : * Moab is
the vessel [of the triumph] of mine
hope. 4
Over Edom will I cast out my
shoe : * over the " Strangers " 5
have I triumphed.
Who will bring me into the
strong city ? * who will lead me
into Edom ?
Wilt not Thou, O God, Who
hast cast us off? * and wilt not
Thou go out with our armies, O
God?
Give us help from trouble : *
for vain is the help of man.
Through God we shall do vali
antly : * for He it is That shall
tread down our enemies.
Psalm LX.
[Intituled "of David." It has also a
musical (?) superscription now of uncertain
meaning.]
TT EAR my cry, O God : * attend
-*- -* unto my prayer.
From the ends of the earth I
cried unto Thee : * when mine
heart was overwhelmed, Thou didst
lift me up upon a rock.
Thou didst lead me, for Thou
hast been a shelter for me, * a
strong tower from the enemy.
I will abide in Thy tabernacle
for ever : * I will make my
refuge in the covert of Thy
wings. 1
For Thou, O God, hast heard
my vows : * Thou hast given the
heritage to those that fear Thy
name.
Thou wilt prolong the King s
life : * and his years to many
generations.
He shall abide before God for
ever : * who will seek for His
mercy and truth?
So will I sing praise unto Thy
name for ever : * that I may daily
perform my vows.
Antiphon. 6 Give us help from
trouble, O Lord.
Fifth Antiphon. Doth not my
soul.
If this Antiphon be used the Psalm
commences with the words " Wait upon
God."
1 SLH.
2 Shechem, now Nabltis, in the valley between Mounts Ebal and Gerizim, called the
" valley of booths" from those which Jacob erected there for his cattle. Gen. xxxiii. 17.
3 These three form the central district of the Land of Promise.
4 The Hebrew is " Moab is my wash-pot," that is, a receptacle for off-scourings. The
comparison is with the Divinely appointed sovereignty of Judah, respecting whom see
Gen. xlix. 10.
5 That is, the Philistines. 6 Ps. lix. 13.
114
THE PSALTER.
Psalm LXI.
[This Psalm has exactly the same super
scription as Ps. xxxviii.]
T^\OTH not my soul wait upon
4-^ God ? * for from Him com-
eth my salvation.
He only is my God and my
salvation : * He is my defence, I
shall not be greatly moved.
How long will ye run together
against a man? * Do ye slay, all
of you [one that is] as a bowing
wall and as a tottering fence?
Truly they imagined to cast me
down from mine honour, when I
ran in my thirst : * they blessed
with their mouth and cursed in
their heart. 1
But wait thou on God, O my
soul : * for mine expectation is
from Him.
For He only is my God and my
salvation : * He is mine helper, I
shall not be moved.
In God is my salvation and my
glory : * He is the God of my
strength, and my refuge is in God.
Trust in Him, ye congregation
of the people, pour out your heart
before him : * God is our help for
ever. 1
Surely the sons of men are vanity,
the sons of men are a lie in the
balance : * they are a deceit, alto
gether lighter than vanity.
Trust not in iniquity, and desire
not robbery : * if riches increase,
set not your heart upon them.
God hath spoken once, these two
things have I heard ; that power be-
longeth unto God : also unto Thee, O
Lord, belongeth mercy : * for Thou
shalt render to every man according
to his works.
Psalm LXIII.
[Intituled "A Psalm of David " with a
farther superscription of meaning now
uncertain.]
TT EAR my voice, O God, in my
4- * prayer : * preserve my life
from fear of the enemy.
Thou hast hidden me from the
secret counsel of the wicked, * from
the insurrection of the workers of
iniquity.
For they whet their tongue like
a sword : they bend their
bow, even bitter words, that they
may shoot in secret at the per
fect.
Suddenly do they shoot at him
and fear not : they encourage
themselves in evil purpose.
They commune of laying snares
privily : * they say : Who shall see
them ?
They search out iniquities :
they accomplish a diligent search.
Man shall attain to thoughts that
are very deep : but God shall
[still] be exalted.
The arrows of babes have pierced
them : * and their tongues are
weakened against them.
All that saw them were moved :
* and all men feared,
And declared the work of
God, and understood His
doings.
The righteous shall be glad in
the LORD, and shall trust in Him :
* and all the upright in heart shall
glory.
Antiphon. 2 Doth not my soul
wait upon God ?
Sixth Antiphon. O bless our
God.
SLH.
2 Ps. Ixi. 2.
WEDNESDAY AT MATTINS.
Psalm LXV.
[Except the words " Psalm or Song" the
title of this Psalm is not now certainly
understood. The Vulgate and the LXX.
add "for the uprising."]
IV /[" AKE a joyful noise unto God,
4^-*- all ye lands, sing forth the
honour of His name : * make His
praise glorious.
Say unto God : How terrible art
Thou in Thy works, O Lord ! *
through the greatness of Thy power
shall Thine enemies feign to submit
themselves unto Thee.
Let all the earth worship Thee,
and sing unto Thee : * let them
sing praises to Thy Name. 1
Come and see the works of God ;
* He is terrible in His counsels
toward the children of men.
He turned the sea into dry land,
they went through the flood on foot :
* there did we rejoice in Him.
He ruleth by His power for ever,
His eyes behold the nations : * let
not the rebellious exalt themselves. 1
bless our God, ye people : *
and make the voice of His praise to
be heard.
Who holdeth my soul in life :
* and suffereth not my feet to be
moved.
For Thou, O God, hast proved
us : * Thou hast tried us with fire,
as silver is tried.
Thou broughtest us into the net,
Thou laidst affliction upon our
back : * Thou hast caused men to
ride over our heads.
We went through fire and through
water : * and Thou broughtest us
out into a place of refreshment.
1 will go into Thine house with
burnt-offerings : * I will pay Thee
my vows, which my lips have uttered,
And my mouth hath spoken, *
when I was in trouble.
I will offer unto Thee burnt-
sacrifices of fatlings, with the in
cense of rams : * I will offer unto
Thee bullocks with goats. 1
Come, hear, all ye that fear God,
and I will declare * what He hath
done for my soul.
I cried unto Him with my mouth,
* and extolled Him with my tongue.
If I regard iniquity in mine heart,
* the Lord will not hear me.
Therefore God hath heard me,
* and attended to the voice of my
prayer.
Blessed be God, * Who hath not
turned away my prayer, nor His
mercy from me.
Psalm LXVII.
[The meaning of the title of this Psalm,
except the ascription of authorship " To
David," is now uncertain.]
LET God arise, and let His
enemies be scattered : * let
them also that hate Him flee before
Him.
As smoke is driven away, so let
them be driven away : * as wax
melteth before the fire, so let the
wicked perish at the presence of
God.
But let the righteous be glad, and
rejoice before God : * yea, let them
exceedingly rejoice.
Sing unto God, sing praises to
His name : * spread a path before
Him That rideth upon the heavens :
The LORD 2 is His name.
1 SLH.
- "The LORD" is here, as elsewhere, substituted out of profound reverence for the real
name of God, the Unspeakable Word, called the " Tetragrammaton," from its four letters.
THE PSALTER.
Rejoice before Him : * fear shall
go before the face of Him That is
the Father of the fatherless, and the
Judge of the widows :
Even God in His holy habitation :
* God, That maketh men to be of
one mind in an house.
He bringeth out those which are
bound with chains, * but they that
provoke Him dwell among the
graves.
O God, when Thou wentest
forth before Thy people, * when
Thou didst march through the
wilderness l
The earth shook ; the heavens
also dropped at the presence of the
God of Sinai, * at the presence of
the God of Israel.
Thou, O God, didst send a plen
tiful rain 2 upon Thine inheritance :
* Thou didst refresh Thine inheri
tance when it was weary.
Thy flock dwelt therein : * Thou,
O God, didst provide in Thy good
ness for the poor.
The Lord gave the word * to
the great company that published
it.
3 The king of the hosts is [fallen
into the hands] of the Well-beloved :
* and the fair ones that tarried at
home have divided the spoils.
Though ye have lien among the
sheep-folds, 4 yet shall ye be as the
wings of a dove, covered with silver,
* and her tail-feathers with yellow
gold.
When the [God] of heaven had
scattered kings in it, then white as
with snow was Salmon, 5 * that hill
of God, that fruitful hill.
An hill of many peaks, a fruitful
hill : * why look ye enviously upon
the high hills ?
This 6 is the hill which God de-
sireth to dwell in : * yea, the LORD
will dwell in it unto the end.
The chariots of God are many
times ten thousand, even thousands
of the blessed : * the Lord is among
them ; [as] in Sinai, [so] in the
Holy place.
Thou hast ascended on high,
Thou hast led captivity captive : *
Thou hast received gifts among
men,
Even them that believe not *
that the LORD God dwelleth among
them.
Blessed be the Lord daily : * the
God of our salvation maketh our
way prosperous. 7
He That is our God is the God
of salvation : * and unto the LORD,
even the Lord, belong the issues
from death.
But God shall wound the head
of His enemies : * the hairy scalp
of such an one as goeth on still
in his trespasses.
The Lord said : I will bring
1 SLH. 2 Perhaps the manna is meant.
3 It need not be remarked that the sense of this verse is very obscure. In the view of
the Greek translators there seems to be a play upon the name of David, which signifies
" Beloved." 4 Perhaps an allusion to an army camping out in the fields.
5 A mountain in Samaria, near Shechem, where David won great victories over some
neighbouring kings. See Ps. lix., p. 63. Gesenius thinks that "white as with snow" is
to be understood "white with the bleached bones of the slain." But a modern writer,
describing a battle in the Soudan, and the defeat and flight of the Dervishes, says, " they
broke, and fled, leaving the field white with jibbah-clad corpses, like a meadow dotted
with snowdrifts."
6 Namely, perhaps, the group of hills on which Jerusalem stands, as opposed to the
higher and more picturesque mountains at Shechem. 7 SLH.
WEDNESDAY AT MATTINS.
u;
them again from Bashan 1 : * I will
bring them back from the depths
of the sea.
That thy foot may be dipped in
the blood of thine enemies, * the
tongue of thy dogs in the same.
They have seen Thy goings, O
God, * even the goings of my God,
my King, Which dwelleth in the
sanctuary.
The singers went before, the
players on instruments followed
after, * among the damsels playing
with timbrels.
Bless ye God in the congrega
tions, even the Lord, * ye that are
of the fountains of Israel !
There is little Benjamin, * in the
joy of his heart,
The princes of Judah, their
leaders, * the princes of Zabulon,
the princes of Nephthali.
Command it, O God, in Thy
strength : * strengthen, O God, that
which Thou hast wrought for us.
Because of thy temple at Jeru
salem, * shall kings bring presents
unto Thee.
Rebuke the beasts of the reeds, 2
the multitude of the bulls with the
cows of the people, * [who watch]
that they may cut off them that are
tried like silver. 3
Scatter Thou the people that de
light in war : ambassadors shall come
out of Egypt : * Ethiopia shall soon
stretch out her hands unto God.
Sing unto God, ye kingdoms of
the earth : * O sing praises unto
the Lord. 4
O sing praises unto God, even
unto Him that rideth upon the
heaven of heavens * from the day-
spring.
Lo, He shall send out His voice,
and that a mighty voice. Ascribe
ye strength unto God ; * over Israel
is His excellency, and His strength
is in the clouds.
God is wonderful in His holy
places : the God of Israel is He
That shall give strength and power
unto his people : * blessed be God.
Antiphon? O bless our God, ye
people.
Antiphon for Paschal time. Al
leluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
Then is said a Verse and Answer.
In Advent.
Verse. The LORD cometh out of
His holy place.
Answer. He will come and save
His people.
During the rest of the year.
Verse. 6 O God, I have declared
my life unto Thee.
Answer. Thou hast put my tears
in Thy sight.
In Lent.
Verse. His truth shall be thy
shield.
Answer. Thou shalt not be
afraid for the terror by night.
In Passion time.
Verse. Take not away my soul
with sinners, O God.
1 The campaign of David related in 2. Kings (Sam.) viii. and I Par. (Chron.) xviii.
extended to this neighbourhood.
2 Perhaps meaning wild buffaloes. As to the comparison of the enemy to wild cattle,
compare Ps. xxi. 13, " Many bulls have compassed me, strong bulls have beset me round."
3 If the words are to be taken thus, the reference is perhaps to David s veterans, but the
meaning seems more likely to be " those that submissively offer in tribute pieces of silver."
4 SLH, 5 Ps. Ixv. 8. 6 Ps. lv. 9.
THE PSALTER.
Answer. Nor my life with bloody
men.
In Paschal time.
Verse. The disciples were glad,
Alleluia.
Answer. When they saw the Lord,
Alleluia.
The rest is the same as the Third
Nocturn of the preceding Sunday, ex
cept necessary differences. The Lessons
are those of the day. The Responsories
are arranged according to the rules in
Chapter xxvii. 4, 5, of the Ge?ieral
Rubrics.
Simple Feasts. It is to be remem
bered that when a Simple Feast is kept
on Wednesday, the Invitatory and Hymn
are of the Feast, being taken from the
Common of Saints of the class, unless
specially given. Then the Psalms and
Antiphons of the week-day, as given
above. Then is said a Verse and An
swer as follows :
For one or majiy Martyrs in Paschal
time.
upon
Verse. 1 Everlasting joy
their heads, Alleluia.
Answer. They shall obtain joy
and gladness, Alleluia.
For one Martyr, (out of Paschal time.}
Verse. 2 His glory is great in
Thy salvation.
Answer. Honour and great ma
jesty shalt Thou lay upon him.
For many Martyrs, (out of Paschal
time.}
Verse. 3 The righteous shall live
for evermore.
Answer. Their reward also is
with the Lord.
For a Bishop and Confessor.
Verse. 4 Thou art a Priest for
ever.
[In Paschal time, add Alleluia.]
1 Isa. xxxv. 10. 2 Ps. xx. 6. 3 Wisd.
Answer. After the order of Mel-
chisedeck.
[/;/ Paschal time, add Alleluia.]
For a Confessor not a Bishop.
Verse. 5 The law of his God is
in his heart.
[In Paschal time, add Alleluia.]
Answer. And his steps shall not
slide.
[In Paschal time, add Alleluia.]
For one Holy Woman of any kind.
Verse. God hath chosen her, and
fore-chosen her.
[In Paschal time, add Alleluia.]
Answer. He hath made her to
dwell in His tabernacle.
[In Paschal time, add Alleluia.]
The others, as well as what follows,
to the end of the Service, are taken from
the Third Nocturn of the Office Common
to Saints of the class, unless something
special be appointed, except necessary
differences. The Lessons are arranged
according to the rules in Chapter xxvi.
4, of the general Rubrics. The Hymn
" We praise Thee, O God," is said at
the end, instead of a Third Responsory.
The Responsories are arranged accord
ing to the Rules in Chapter xxvii. 4, 5, of
the General Rubrics. Thus :
The Lord s Prayer is said :
OUR Father (inaudibly\ Who art
in heaven, Hallowed be Thy
Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy
will be done on earth, as it is in
heaven. Give us this day our daily
bread. And forgive us our tres
passes, as we forgive them that tres
pass against us. (Aloud.)
Verse. And lead us not into
temptation.
Answer. But deliver us from
evil.
v. 16. 4 Ps. cix. 4. 5 Ps. xxxvi. 31.
WEDNESDAY AT MATTINS.
119
Then this Absolution :
MAY the Almighty and merciful
Lord loose us from the bonds
of our sins.
Answer. Amen.
Then the Reader says :
Sir, be pleased to give the bless
ing.
First Blessing, if the Lesson be from
Scripture.
May His blessing be upon us,
Who doth live and reign for ever.
Ansiver. Amen.
First Blessing, if the Lesson be of an
Homily.
May the Gospel s saving Lord
Bless the reading of His Word.
Answer. Amen.
First Blessing on a Simple Feast.
May His blessing be upon us
Who doth live and reign for ever.
Answer. Amen.
Then is read the First Lesson from
Scripture or from the Homily, or on a
Simple Feast either the First from
Scripture, or, if the Saint or Saints
hcwe two Lessons, the whole three from
Scripture read together as one.
Then the First Responsory, unless
otherwise directed. On a week-day kept
as such, this is the First Responsory of
the preceding Sunday. On a Simple
Feast, the First Responsory in the Com
mon Office for the class to which the
Saint belongs.
Then the Reader says :
Sir, be pleased to give the bless
ing.
Second Blessing, if the Lesson be of
Scripture or from an Homily.
God s most mighty strength alway
Be His people s staff and stay.
Answer. Amen.
Second Blessing, for a Simple Feast.
He (or She or They) whose feast-day
we are keeping
Plead for us before the Lord.
Answer. Amen.
Then is read the Second Lesson, either
from Scripture or from an Homily, or
on a Simple Feast either the Seco?id
and Third Lessons from Scripture
read together as one, or if the Saint
or Saints have two Lessons, the first
of these.
Then the Second Responsory, unless
otherwise directed. On a week-day kept
as stick, this is the Second Responsory
of the preceding Sunday, but in Paschal
time there is added to it :
Verse. Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost.
And the Answer of the Responsory is
repeated again.
On a Simple Feast the Second Re
sponsory in the Common Office for the
class to wJiicJi the Saint belongs, with
the addition of "Glory be to the
Father," &C., and the repetition of
the Answer.
Then the Reader says :
Sir, be pleased to give the bless
ing.
Third Blessing.
May He That is the Angels King
To that high realm His people bring.
Answer. Amen.
Then is read the Third Lesson either
from Scripture, or of the Homily, or 011
Simple Feasts the Seconder only Lesson
of the Saint.
Then, on Simple Feasts and on any
day in Paschal time is said the Hymn,
"We praise Thee, O God." But on
week-days kept as such out of Paschal
time the Third Responsory of the pre
ceding Sunday.
I2O
at
THE FOURTH DAY OF THE WEEK.
All as on Sundays, except as other
wise given here.
The Psalms are as follows :
Antiphon. Wash me.
Psalm L.
Have mercy upon me, &c., (/.
8 7 ).
Antiphon. Wash me throughly
from mine iniquity, O Lord.
Second Antiphon. Praise be-
cometh Thee.
If this Antiphon be used the Psalm
begins with the words, "O God, in
Zion."
Psalm LXIV.
[Intituled "A Psalm. A Song of
David," with a musical (?) superscription.
The Vulgate adds that its use was pre
scribed by Jeremiah and Ezekiel to the
exiles when they began to return from
the Captivity.]
becometh Thee, O God,
in Zion : * and unto Thee
shall the vow be performed in Jeru
salem.
Hear my prayer : * unto Thee
shall all flesh come.
Iniquities prevail against us : *
but as for our transgressions, Thou
shalt purge them away.
Blessed is the man whom Thou
choosest, and causest to come near
unto Thee : * he shall dwell in
Thy courts :
We shall be satisfied with the
goodness of Thine house : * Thy
temple is holy, terrible in right
eousness.
Answer us, O God of our salva
tion : * Thou that art the confidence
of all the ends of the earth, and
of the uttermost parts of the sea !
Thou that by Thy strength settest
fast the mountains, being girded
with power : * Thou that stirrest
up the depth of the sea, and the
noise of his waves !
The heathen shall be troubled.
They that dwell in the uttermost
parts shall be afraid at Thy tokens :
* Thou makest the outgoings of the
morning and evening to rejoice.
Thou visitest the earth and water-
est it : * Thou greatly enrichest it :
The river of God is full of water :
Thou makest ready their corn, * for
Thou hast so prepared it.
Drench her furrows, increase the
fruits thereof : * the springing there
of shall rejoice at her showers.
Thou crownest the year with Thy
goodness : * and Thy fields teem
with fruitfulness.
The green places of the wilder-
WEDNESDAY AT LAUDS.
121
ness wax fruitful : * and the little
hills are girded with joy.
The pastures are clothed with
flocks ; the valleys also overflow
with corn : * they shout for joy,
yea, they sing.
Antiphon. Praise becometh Thee,
O God, in Zion.
Third Antiphon. O my God.
Psalms LXIL, LXVI.
O God, Thou art my God, &c.,
(P. 23).
Antiphon. O my God, my lips
shall praise Thee while I live.
Fourth Antiphon. The LORD
shall judge.
THE SONG OF HANNAH, (i Kings
(Sam.) ii.)
[Composed by her when she brought her
son Samuel and presented him to the LORD.
See i Kings (Sam.) i. ii., (Monday and
Tuesday after Trinity Sunday.)]
A/TINE heart rejoiceth in the
*-* *- LORD, * and mine horn is
exalted in my GOD : l
My mouth is enlarged over mine
enemies : * because I rejoice in Thy
salvation.
There is none holy as the LORD ;
for there is none beside Thee : *
neither is there any mighty like our
God.
Talk no more * so exceeding
proudly.
Let your old arrogancy depart out
of your mouth : for the LORD is a
God of knowledge, * and by Him
thoughts are judged.
The bows of the mighty men are
broken, * and they that stumbled
are girded with strength.
They that were full have hired
out themselves for bread : * and
they that were hungry are filled.
So that the barren hath borne
fruitfully : * and she that had many
children is waxed feeble.
The LORD killeth, and maketh
alive : * He bringeth down to the
grave, and bringeth up.
The LORD maketh poor, and
maketh rich : * He bringeth low,
and lifteth up.
He raiseth up the poor out of the
dust, * and lifteth up the beggar
from the dunghill,
To set them among princes, * and
to make them inherit the throne of
glory :
For the pillars of the earth are
the LORD S, * and He hath set the
world upon them.
He will keep the feet of His
saints, and the wicked shall be silent
in darkness : * for by his strength
shall no man prevail.
The adversaries of the LORD shall
be made to fear Him : * out of
heaven also shall He thunder upon
them.
The LORD shall judge the ends
of the earth : and He shall give
strength unto His King, * and exalt
the horn of His Anointed.
Antiphon. The LORD shall judge
the ends of the earth.
Fifth Antiphon. Praise God.
Psalms CXLVIII., CXLIX., CL.
Praise ye the LORD from the
heavens, &c., (pp. 25, 26).
Antiphon. Praise God, ye heavens
of heavens.
The Divine Name.
122
THE PSALTER.
CHAPTER. (Rom. xiii. 12.)
The night is far spent, &c., (as on
Monday, p. 89).
HYMN. 1
HAUNTING gloom and flitting
shades,
Ghastly shapes, away !
Christ is rising, and pervades
Highest Heaven with day.
He with His bright spear the night
Dazzles and pursues ;
Earth wakes up, and glows with light
Of a thousand hues.
Thee, O Christ, and Thee alone,
With a single mind,
We with chant and plaint would own ;
To thy flock be kind.
Much it needs Thy light divine,
Spot and stain to clean ;
Light of Angels, on us shine
With Thy face serene.
To the Father, and the Son,
And the Holy Ghost,
Here be glory, as is done
By the angelic host. Amen.
Verse. Thou hast satisfied us
early with Thy mercy.
Answer. We rejoice and are glad.
Antiphonfor the Songof Zacharias.
O Lord, save us * from the hand of
all that hate us.
Commemoration of the Cross before the
other Commemorations , and Long Preces
in Advent and Lent, on the Ember
Wednesdays (except that of Pentecost]
and on Fast-days, as on Monday.
1 Hymn founded on hymn in the Cathemerinon of Prudentius ; translation by the late
Card. Newman.
I2 3
at Jftattins.
THE FIFTH DAY OF THE WEEK.
All as on Sunday, except as other
wise given here.
Invitatory. It is the Lord That
hath made us : * O come, let us
worship Him.
HYMN. 1
A LL tender lights, all hues divine,
4^ The night has swept away ;
Shine on us, Lord, and we shall shine
Bright in an inward day.
The spots of guilt, sin s wages base,
Searcher of hearts, we own ;
Wash us and robe us in Thy grace,
Who didst for sins atone.
The sluggard soul, that bears their
mark,
Shrinks in its silent lair,
Or gropes amid its chambers dark
For Thee, Who art not there.
Redeemer ! send Thy piercing rays,
That we may bear to be
Set in the light of Thy pure gaze,
And yet rejoice in Thee.
Grant this, O Father, Only Son,
And Spirit, God of grace,
To whom all worship shall be done
In every time and place.
Amen.
Only one No c turn is said.
Antiphon. Make haste.
In Paschal time only one Antiphon
is said to the whole Nocturn. Alleluia.
PsalmLXVIII.
[Intituled "Of David," with a (now un
certain) musical (?) direction.]
SAVE me, O God; * for the
waters are come in unto my
soul.
I sink in deep mire, * where
there is no standing.
I am come into the depth of the
sea, * and the flood overfloweth me.
I am weary of my crying, my
throat is dried : * mine eyes fail,
while I wait for my God.
They that hate me without a
cause, * are more than the hairs of
mine head.
They that would destroy me,
being mine enemies wrongfully, are
mighty : * then I restored that
which I took not away.
O God, Thou knowest my fool
ishness : * and my faults are not
hid from Thee.
Let not them that wait on Thee,
O Lord, be ashamed for my sake, *
Thou LORD of hosts.
Let not those that seek Thee *
be confounded for my sake, O God
of Israel.
Because for Thy sake I have
borne reproach : * shame hath
covered my face.
1 Ambrosian hymn ; translation by the late Card. Newman.
I2 4
THE PSALTER.
I am become a stranger unto my
brethren, * and an alien unto my
mother s children.
For the zeal of Thine house hath
eaten me up : * and the reproaches
of them that reproached Thee are
fallen upon me.
And I chastened my soul with
fasting : * and that was to my re
proach.
I made sackcloth also my gar
ment, * and I became a proverb to
them.
They that sat in the gate spake
against me, * and I was the song of
the drunkards.
But as for me, my prayer is unto
Thee, O LORD : * in an acceptable
time, O God !
In the multitude of Thy mercy
hear me, * in the truth of Thy
salvation !
Deliver me out of the mire, that
I sink not : * deliver me from them
that hate me, and out of the deep
waters.
Let not the waterflood overflow
me, neither let the deep swallow me
up, * and let not the pit shut her
mouth upon me.
Hear me, O LORD, for Thy
loving - kindness is good : * turn
unto me according to the multitude
of Thy tender mercies.
And hide not Thy face from Thy
servant, * for I am in trouble ; hear
me speedily.
Draw nigh unto my soul, and re
deem it : * deliver me because of
mine enemies.
Thou knowest my reproach, and
my shame, * and my dishonour.
Mine adversaries are all before
Thee : * mine heart hath looked for
reproach and bitterness.
And I looked for some to take
pity on me, and there was none : *
and for comforters, and I found
none.
They gave me also gall for meat :
* and in my thirst they gave me
vinegar to drink.
Let their table be made a snare
before them, * and a recompense,
and a stumbling-block.
Let their eyes be darkened, that
they see not : * and ever bow Thou
down their back.
Pour out Thine indignation upon
them, * and let Thy wrathful anger
take hold of them.
Let their habitation be desolate :
* and let none dwell in their tents.
For they persecute him whom
Thou hast smitten : * and they
embitter the pain of my wounds.
Add iniquity unto their iniquity :
* and let them not come into Thy
righteousness.
Let them be blotted out of the
book of the living : * and not be
written with the righteous.
But I am poor and sorrowful : *
Thy salvation, O God, hath set me
up on high.
I will praise the name of God
with a psalm, * and will magnify
Him with thanksgiving.
And it shall please GOD better
than a young bullock, * that hath
horns and hoofs.
Let the humble see this and be
glad, * seek God, and your soul
shall live.
For the LORD heareth the poor :
* and despiseth not His prisoners.
Let the heaven and earth praise
Him, i the sea, and everything
that moveth therein.
For God will save Zion, * and
the cities of Judah shall be built
up.
THURSDAY AT MATTINS.
125
And they shall dwell there, *
and have it in possession.
The seed also of His servants
shall inherit it, * and they that
love His name shall dwell therein.
Psalm LXIX.
[Intituled "Of David, to bring to re
membrance " with another (now uncertain)
musical (?) superscription. The Vulgate
and the LXX. add to remembrance "how
the Lord had saved him " ; the Targum
associates the Psalm with the offering of
the incense. This Psalm is a repetition
of the last four verses of Ps. xxxix.]
MAKE haste, O God, to de
liver me : * make haste to
help me, O LORD.
Let them be ashamed and con
founded, * that seek after my
soul.
Let them be turned backward
and put to confusion, ** that de
sire mine hurt.
Let them be turned back with
shame, * that say unto me, Aha,
Aha.
Let all those that seek Thee be
joyful and glad in Thee, * and let
such as love Thy salvation say con
tinually : Let the Lord be magnified.
But I am poor and needy : *
help me, O God.
Thou art mine help and my
deliverer : * O LORD, make no
tarrying.
Antiphon. 1 Make haste, O Lord
God, to deliver me.
Second Antiphon. Be Thou my
God.
Psalm LXX.
[The Vulgate and the LXX. give the
heading, "A Psalm of David ; of the Sons
of Jonadab, and the first Captives." The
sons of Jonadab are the descendants of
Jonadab, the son of Rechab, of whose
faithfulness to observe a nomadic life,
and to abstain from wine, it is written
in Jer. xxxv. 19: "Therefore thus saith
the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel :
Jonadab, the son of Rechab, shall not
want a man to stand before me for
ever." They had taken refuge at Jeru
salem to escape the incursions of Nebu
chadnezzar, and the meaning seems to
be that when they and others were carried
away as captives, they made special use
of this Psalm.]
IN Thee, O LORD, have I put
my trust, let me never be put
to confusion : * deliver me in Thy
righteousness, and cause me to es
cape.
Incline Thine ear unto me,
and save me.
Be Thou my God, my Pro
tector, and my strong habitation,
* to save me.
For Thou art my rock, * and
my fortress.
Deliver me, O my God, out of
the hand of the wicked, * and out
of the hand of the unrighteous and
cruel man.
For Thou art mine hope, O Lord :
* O LORD, Thou art my trust from
my youth.
By Thee have I been holden up
from the womb : * Thou art my
defence from my mother s bowels.
My praise shall be continually
of Thee : * I am a wonder unto
many : but Thou art my strong
refuge.
Let my mouth be filled with
Thy praise, that I may sing of
Thy glory, * all the day long of
Thy greatness.
Cast me not off in the time of
old age : * forsake me not when
my strength faileth.
1 Ps. Ixix. i.
126
THE PSALTER.
For mine enemies speak against
me, * and they that lay wait for
my soul take counsel together,
Saying : God hath forsaken him :
persecute and take him, * for there
is none to deliver him.
O God, be not far from me : *
O my God, make haste for mine
help.
Let them be confounded and
consumed that are adversaries to
my soul : * let them be covered
with reproach and dishonour, that
seek mine hurt.
But I will hope continually, *
and will yet praise Thee more and
more.
My mouth shall show forth Thy
righteousness, * Thy salvation all
the day.
And because I know not the tale
thereof, I will go in the strength of
the Lord : * O LORD, I will make
mention of Thy righteousness, even
of Thine only.
God, Thou hast taught me
from my youth : * and hitherto
have I declared Thy wondrous
works.
Now also when I am old and
grey-headed, * O God, forsake me
not,
Until I have showed Thy strength
* unto all generations, that are to
come.
Thy power and Thy righteous
ness, O God, are in the highest,
Who hast done great things : * O
God, who is like unto Thee?
Thou Who hast showed me great
and sore troubles, shalt quicken me
again : * and bring me up again
from the depths of the earth.
Thou hast increased Thy great
ness : * and again comforted me.
1 will also praise Thee on the
psaltery, even Thy truth : * O
God, unto Thee will I sing with
the harp, O Thou Holy One of
Israel !
My lips shall be fain when I sing
unto Thee, * and my soul which
Thou hast redeemed.
My tongue also shall talk of Thy
righteousness all the day long : * for
they are confounded and brought
unto shame that seek mine hurt.
PSALM LXXI.
[Intituled " Of Solomon," that is, written
concerning him.]
the king Thy judgment, O
God, * and Thy righteousness
unto the king s son.
To judge Thy people with right
eousness, * and Thy poor with
judgment.
The mountains shall receive peace
with the people, * and the little hills
righteousness.
He shall judge the poor of the
people, and save the children of the
needy, * and shall break in pieces
the false accuser.
And he shall endure with the sun,
and before the moon, * throughout
all generations.
He shall come down like rain
upon a fleece, * and as showers that
water the earth.
In his days shall righteousness
flourish, and abundance of peace,
* so long as the moon endureth.
He shall have dominion also from
sea to sea : * and from the river
unto the ends of the earth.
The Ethiopians shall fall before
him : * and his enemies shall lick
the dust.
The kings of Tarshish, and of the
isles shall bring presents : * the
THURSDAY AT MATTINS.
127
kings of Arabia and Saba l shall
offer gifts.
Yea, all the kings of the earth
shall fall down before him : all
nations shall serve him.
For he shall deliver the needy
from the strong, * the poor also that
hath no helper.
He shall spare the poor and
needy, * and shall save the souls of
the needy.
He shall redeem their soul from
fraud and violence : * and precious
shall their name be in his sight.
And he shall live, and to him
shall be given of the gold of Arabia ;
prayer also shall be made for him
continually ; * all the day long shall
he be blessed.
And there shall be a staff of
bread in the land, upon the top of
the mountains ; -the fruit thereof
shall be higher than Lebanon : *
and they of the city shall flourish
like grass of the earth.
Blessed be his name for ever : *
his name endureth as long as the sun.
And in him shall all the kindreds
of the earth be blessed : * all nations
shall call him blessed.
Blessed be the LORD God of Is
rael, * Who only doth wondrous
things.
And blessed be His glorious
Name for ever : * and let the whole
earth be filled with his glory : Amen,
Amen. 2
Antiphon. 3 Be Thou my God,
my protector.
Third Antiphon. Thou hast re
deemed the rod.
Psalm LXXII.
[Intituled "A Psalm of Asaph."]
HTRULY God is good to Israel, *
-^ to such as are upright in
heart.
But as for me, my feet were al
most gone : * my steps had well
nigh slipped.
For I was envious at the un
righteous, * when I saw the pros
perity of the wicked.
For they have no thought of
death : * and they are uncon
cerned in trial.
They are not in trouble as other
men, * neither are they plagued like
other men.
Therefore pride compasseth them
about, * violence and ungodliness
cover them as a garment.
Their iniquity ariseth as it were
from fatness : they have more
than heart could wish.
They think and speak wickedness :
* they speak loftily concerning op
pression.
They set their mouth against the
heavens, * and their tongue walketh
through the earth.
Therefore my people turn aside
after them : * and the men of their
day run after them.
And they say : How doth God
know, * and is there knowledge in
the Most High ?
Behold, these are the ungodly,
who prosper in the world, * they
increase in riches.
And I said : Then I have cleansed
mine heart in vain, * and washed
mine hands in innocency.
1 This seems to be Meroe, a province of Ethiopia.
2 After this, there is the following notification, "The prayers of David, the son of
Jesse, are ended, " and this is the end of the second of the five books into which the
Psalter is divided. 3 Ps. Ixx. 3.
128
THE PSALTER.
For all the day long have I been
plagued, * and chastened every
morning.
If I say : I will speak thus : *
behold, I should disown the gener
ation of Thy children.
And I thought to know this, *
it was too hard for me ;
Until I went into the Sanctuary
of God, * and understood their
hereafter.
Surely Thou dost set them in
slippery places : * Thou castest
them down even in their pros
perity.
How are they brought into deso
lation ? In a moment are they
perished, * they are utterly con
sumed because of their wickedness.
As a dream when one awaketh,
Lord, * Thou shalt bring their
image to nought in Thy city.
For mine heart was on fire, and
1 was pricked in my reins ; * and I
was brought to nothing and knew
not :
I became as a beast before Thee :
* nevertheless I am continually with
Thee:
Thou hast holden me by my
right hand, and guided me accord
ing to Thy will, * and received me
to glory.
For what have I in heaven, * and
what is there upon earth that I
desire beside Thee ?
My flesh and mine heart faileth :
* Thou art the God of mine heart,
and God is my portion for ever.
For, lo, they that go far from
Thee shall perish : * Thou hast
destroyed all them that go a whor
ing from Thee.
But it is good for me to draw
near to God : * to put my trust in
the Lord GOD,
That I may declare all Thy
praises, * in the gates of the
daughter of Zion.
Psalm LXXIII.
[Intituled "A didactic (?) Psaim of
Asaph."]
GOD, why hast Thou cast us
off for ever : * why doth
Thine anger smoke against the
sheep of Thy pasture?
Remember Thy congregation, *
which Thou hast purchased of
old.
Thou hast redeemed the rod of
Thine inheritance : * Mount Zion
wherein Thou hast dwelt.
Lift up Thine hands against their
perpetual pride : * even all that
the enemy hath done wickedly in
the sanctuary !
They also that hate Thee roar, *
in the midst of Thy solemn con
gregation.
They set up their ensigns for
trophies * on the pinnacles [of Thy
temple] as though it had been the
gate [of their own city] ; and con
sidered not !
As the fellers in a wood of thick
trees, so did they hew down the
gates thereof: * they have broken
it down with axes and hammers.
They have set on fire Thy Sanc
tuary : * they have defiled the
dwelling-place of Thy name by
casting it down to the ground.
The sort of them said in their
hearts with one consent : * Let us
put away the feast-days of God out
of the land.
We see not our signs, there is no
more any prophet : * and none
knoweth us any more.
O God, how long shall the ad-
THURSDAY AT MATTINS.
I2 9
versary reproach ? * Shall the enemy
blaspheme Thy name for ever ?
Why withdrawest Thou Thine
hand, even Thy right hand, * from
Thy bosom for ever ?
But God is our King of old, *
working salvation in the midst of
the earth.
Thou by Thy strength didst
make the sea to stand on an heap :
* Thou brakest the heads of the
dragons in the waters.
Thou brakest the heads of le
viathan in pieces : * Thou gavest
him to be meat to the people 1 of
Ethiopia.
Thou didst cleave the fountains
and the floods : * Thou driedst up
the rivers of Ethan. 2
The day is Thine, the night also
is Thine : * Thou hast created the
light and the sun.
Thou hast set all the borders of
the earth : * Thou hast made
summer and spring.
Remember this, that the enemy
hath reproached the LORD : * and
that a foolish people have blas
phemed Thy name.
O deliver not unto beasts the
souls of them that praise Thee : *
and forget not the souls of Thy poor
for ever.
Have respect unto Thy cove
nant : * for the dark places of the
earth are full of the habitations of
cruelty.
O let not the oppressed return
ashamed : * let the poor and needy
praise Thy name.
Arise, O God, judge Thine own
cause : * remember how the foolish
man reproacheth Thee daily.
Forget not the voice of Thine
enemies : * the pride of them that
hate Thee ascendeth continually.
Antiphon. 3 Thou hast redeemed
the rod of Thine inheritance.
Fourth Antiphon. And we will
call.
Psalm LXXIV.
[Intituled " A Psalm A Song of Asaph,"
with a superscription of meaning now un
certain, but, in part, indicating the tune
" Destroy not." The Targum says that it
was composed as a thanksgiving at the time
when David said " Destroy not thy people,"
and the occasion meant is probably that of
the plague provoked by David s number
ing of the people, as related in the last
chapter of 2 Kings (Sam.)]
UNTO Thee, O God, will we
give thanks : * we will give
thanks and call upon Thy name.
We will declare Thy wondrous
works : * when I shall take a set
time, I will judge uprightly.
The earth and all the inhabitants
thereof are dissolved : * I bear up
the pillars of it. 4
I said unto the wicked : Deal
not wickedly : * and to the evil
doers : Lift not up your horn on
high.
Lift not up your horn on high :
* speak not wickedness against
God.
For neither from the east, nor
from the west, nor from the desert
mountains : * for God is the judge :
He putteth down one, and setteth
up another : * for in the hand of the
1 People probably referring to the wild beasts, (as in Proverbs xxx. 25, 26, "The ants
are a people not strong the conies are but a feeble folk ") who ate the dead bodies of the
Egyptians (whose power seems meant by the leviathan) washed upon the shores of the
Red Sea.
2 Ethan = continuity "The continuously flowing streams."
3 Ps. Ixxiii. 2. 4 SLH.
VOL. IV. E
130
THE PSALTER.
LORD there is a cup of strong wine
full of mixture. 1
And he turneth it this way and
that : surely the^ dregs thereof are
not wrung out : * all the wicked of
the earth shall drink them.
But I will declare for ever : * I
will sing praises to the God of Jacob.
All the horns of the wicked also
will I break : * and the horns of the
righteous shall be exalted.
Psalm LXXV.
[Intituled " A Psalm A Song of Asaph,"
with a farther superscription similar to the
preceding. The Vulgate and the LXX. add
"against the Assyrians "; the meaning pro
bably is that it was found appropriate as a
Psalm of thanksgiving after the destruction
of the Assyrians (3 (2) Kings xix. 35).]
T N Judah is God known : * His
-^ name is great in Israel.
And His tabernacle is in "Peace," 2
* and His dwelling-place in Zion.
There brake He the arrows of the
bow, * the shield, the sword, and
the battle. 3
When Thou didst make Thy light
to shine forth right wondrously from
the everlasting hills : * all they that
were foolish of heart were troubled :
They have slept their sleep : *
and all the men of riches have found
nothing in their hands.
At Thy rebuke, O God of Jacob,
* they that rode upon horses are
cast into a dead sleep.
Thou art to be feared ; and who
shall withstand Thee, * when once
Thou art angry ?
Thou didst cause judgment to
be heard from heaven : * the earth
trembled and was still,
When God arose to judgment, *
to save all the meek of the earth. 3
For the thoughts of man shall
praise Thee : * the remainder of
his thoughts shall keep holy his days
before Thee.
Vow, and pay unto the LORD
your God : * all ye that are round
about Him bring presents,
Even unto Him That ought to be
feared, and that cutteth off the spirit
of princes, * to Him That is terrible
among the kings of the earth.
Antiphon. 4 And we will call
upon Thy name, O Lord.
Fifth Antiphon. Thou art the
God.
Psalm LXXVI.
[Intituled "A Psalm of Asaph," with a
musical (?) direction, addressed to Jeduthun.]
T CRIED unto the Lord with my
- voice ; * even unto God with
my voice, and He gave ear unto
me.
In the day of my trouble I
sought the Lord ; in the night with
my hands I sought Him * and failed
not.
My soul refused to be comforted :
* I remembered God, and rejoiced,
and pondered, and my spirit was
overwhelmed. 3
Mine eyes anticipated the night
watches : * I was troubled, and
spake not.
I have considered the days of old,
* and had in mind the everlasting
years.
In the night also I commune with
mine own heart : * and I mused,
and searched out mine own spirit.
1 Aromatic herbs, &c., were mixed with wine to make it more intoxicating. See
Smith s Diet, of the Bible, Wine.
2 Peace a translation of "Salem." * SLH. 4 Ps. Ixxiv. 2.
THURSDAY AT MATTINS.
Will God cast off for ever ? * or
will He be favourable no more?
Or will He put away His mercy
for ever, * to generation and genera
tion ?
Or hath God forgotten to be
gracious ? * or will He in His anger
shut up His tender mercies ? 1
And I said : Now have I begun :
* the change cometh of the right
hand of the Most High.
I remembered the works of the
LORD : * surely I will remember
Thy wonders of old.
I will meditate also of all Thy
work : * and talk of Thy doings.
Thy way, O God, is in the sanc
tuary. Who is so great a God as our
God? * Thou art the God That
doest wonders.
Thou hast declared Thy strength
among the people : * Thou hast with
Thine arm redeemed Thy people,
the sons of Jacob and Joseph. 1
The waters saw Thee, O God,
the waters saw Thee : * and they
were afraid, the depths also were
troubled.
There was a noise as of many
waters, the clouds sent out a
sound.
Thine arrows also went abroad :
* the voice of Thy thunder rolled.
Thy lightnings lightened the
world : * the earth trembled and
shook.
Thy way is in the sea, and Thy
paths in the great waters : * and
Thy footsteps are not known.
Thou leddest Thy people like a
ilock, * by the hand of Moses and
Aaron.
Psalm LXXVII.
[Intituled " A didactic (?) poem of
Asaph."]
IVE ear, O my people, to my
law : * incline your ears to
the words of my mouth.
1 will open my mouth in para
bles : * I will utter dark sayings
of old.
Which we have heard and known,
* and our fathers have told us.
They are not hidden from their
children, * in the generation to
come :
Showing the praises of the LORD,
and His mighty acts, * and His
wonderful works that He hath done.
He established also a testimony
in Jacob, * and appointed a law
in Israel.
Which He commanded our fathers
that they should make known to
their children : * that the generation
to come may know them,
Even the children which shall be
born and arise, * and declare them
to their children ;
That they may set their hope in
God, and not forget the works of
God, but keep His command
ments.
And may not be as their fathers,
* a stubborn and rebellious gen
eration,
A generation that set not their
heart aright, r and whose spirit
was not steadfast with God.
2 The children of Ephraim bend
ing and shooting with bows, * turned
back in the day of battle.
They kept not the covenant of
1 SLH.
2 The next few verses perhaps relate to the refusal of the children of Israel to in
vade the Land of Promise when they first reached it, owing to fear of the inhabitants.
.Numb. xiv.
132
THE PSALTER.
God, * and refused to walk in
His law.
And forgot His works, * and
His wonders that He had showed
them.
Marvellous things did He in the
sight of their fathers, in the land of
Egypt, * in the plain of Tanis. 1
He divided the sea, and caused
them to pass through, * and He
made the waters to stand as an
heap.
In the day - time also He led
them with a cloud, * and all the
night with a light of fire.
He clave the rock in the wil
derness, * and gave them drink
as out of the great depth.
He brought water also out of
the rock, * and caused waters to
run down like rivers.
And they sinned yet more against
Him, * and provoked the Most
High in the wilderness.
And they tempted God in their
hearts, * to ask meat for their
lust.
Yea, they spake against God : *
they said : Can God furnish a table
in the wilderness?
Behold, He smote the rock, and
the waters gushed out, * and the
streams overflowed.
Can He give bread also, * or
furnish a table for His people ?
Therefore the LORD heard this,
and was wroth : " so a fire was
kindled against Jacob, and anger
came up against Israel.
Because they believed not in
God, * and trusted not in His
salvation.
And He commanded the clouds
from above, * and opened the
doors of heaven.
And rained down manna upon
them to eat, * and gave them of
the bread of heaven.
Man did eat Angels bread : *
He sent them meat to the full.
He caused an east wind to
blow in the heaven : * and by His
power He brought in the south
wind.
He rained flesh also upon them
as dust, * and feathered fowls like
as the sand of the sea.
And it fell in the midst of their
camp, * round about their habita
tions.
So they did eat, and were well
filled, and He gave them their own
desire : they were not disap
pointed of their lust.
But while their meat was yet in
their mouths : * the wrath of God
came upon them,
And slew the fattest of them, *
and smote down the chosen men
of Israel.
For all this they sinned still, *
and believed not in His wondrous
works.
Therefore their days were con
sumed in vanity, * and their years
in trouble.
When He slew them, they sought
Him : * and they returned, and
enquired early after God.
And they remembered that God
was their strength, * and the High
God their redeemer.
Yet they flattered Him with their
mouth, * and lied unto Him with
their tongue.
For their heart was not right
1 An ancient city (mentioned here and subsequently) in Lower Egypt, called both by
a Shemitic name, Zoan, as well as by its Egyptian name, surrounded by plains, and close to
the natural and constant border of Palestine.
THURSDAY AT MATTINS.
133
with Him, * neither were they
steadfast in His covenant.
But He being full of compassion,
forgave their iniquity, * and de
stroyed them not.
Yea, many a time did He turn
His anger away, * and did not stir
up all His wrath.
He remembered also that they
were but flesh ; * a wind that
passeth away and cometh not
again.
How often did they provoke
Him in the wilderness ? * grieve
Him to anger in the desert?
Yea, they turned again, and
tempted God, * and provoked the
Holy One of Israel.
They remembered not His hand,
* in the day when He delivered
them from the hand of the op
pressor.
How He set His signs in Egypt,
* and His wonders in the plain of
Tanis.
And turned their rivers into
blood : * and their floods, that
they could not drink.
He sent divers sorts of flies
among them, which devoured them :
* and frogs, which destroyed them.
He gave also their increase unto
the caterpillar, * and their labour
unto the locust.
And He destroyed their vines
with hail, * and their sycamore
trees with frost.
He gave up their cattle also to
the hail, * and their flocks to hot
thunderbolts.
He cast upon them the fierceness
of His anger, * indignation, and
wrath, and trouble, by sending evil
Angels among them.
He made a way to His anger ;
He spared not their soul from
death, * and cut off their cattle in
death with them.
He smote also every first-born in
the land of Egypt : * the first-fruits
of all their labour in the tabernacles
of Ham.
And made His own people to go
forth like sheep : * and guided them
in the wilderness like a flock.
And He led them on in hope,
and they feared not : * and He
overwhelmed their enemies in the
sea.
And He brought them to the
mountain of His Sanctuary, * even
the mountain, which His right hand
hath purchased.
He cast out the heathen also
before them, * and allotted the land
among them by line,
And made the tribes of Israel to
dwell * in their tents.
Yet they tempted and provoked
the Most High God, * and kept not
His testimonies.
And turned back, and observed
not His covenant, * like their
fathers ; they were turned aside like
a deceitful bow.
They provoked Him to anger
with their high places, * and moved
Him to jealousy with their graven
images.
God heard it and cast them out :
* and brought Israel utterly to
nought.
He forsook also the tabernacle of
Shiloh, * even His tabernacle, where
He dwelt among men.
And He delivered their strength
into captivity, * and their beauty
into the enemy s hand.
He gave His people over also
unto the sword : * and cast off His
inheritance.
The fire consumed their young
134
THE PSALTER.
men : * and their maidens made no
funeral song.
Their priests fell by the sword :
* and their widows made no lamen
tation.
Then the Lord awaked as one
out of sleep, * like a mighty man
heated with wine.
And He smote His enemies in
the hinder part : * He put them to
a perpetual shame.
Moreover, He refused the taber
nacle of Joseph, * and chose not the
tribe of Ephraim.
But chose the tribe of Judah, *
Mount Zion, which he loved.
And He built His sanctuary like
the horn of an unicorn upon the
earth, * which He hath established
for ever.
He chose David also His servant,
and took him from the sheepfolds :
* from following the ewes great with
young He brought him,
To feed Jacob His servant, * and
Israel His inheritance.
So he fed them according to the
integrity of his heart : * and guided
them by the skilfulness of his hands.
Antiphon. J Thou art the God
That doest wonders.
Sixth Antiphon. Be merciful.
PsalmLXXVIII.
[Intituled " A Psalm of Asaph."]
GOD, the heathen are come
into Thine inheritance, Thine
holy temple have they defiled : *
they have made Jerusalem like an
heap of stones in an orchard.
The dead bodies of Thy servants
have they given to be meat unto
the fowls of the heaven, * the flesh
of Thy saints unto the beasts of the
earth.
Their blood have they shed like
water round about Jerusalem : * and
there was none to bury them.
We are become a reproach to our
neighbours, * a scorn and derision
to them that are round about us.
How long, LORD ? wilt Thou be
angry for ever ? * shall Thy jealousy
burn like fire ?
Pour out Thy wrath upon the
heathen, that have not known Thee,
* and upon the kingdoms that have
not called upon Thy name !
For they have devoured Jacob,
* and laid waste His dwelling-place.
O remember not against us our
former iniquities, let Thy tender
mercies speedily overtake us : * for
we are brought very low.
Help us, O God of our salvation,
and for the glory of Thy name de
liver us, O Lord : * and forgive our
sins, for Thy name s sake.
Lest haply they should say among
the heathen : Where is their God ?
* And make known among the
nations in our sight
The vengeance of the blood of
Thy servants, which is shed : * let
the sighing of the prisoners come
before Thee.
According to the greatness of
Thine arm, * preserve Thou the
children of the slain.
And render unto our neighbours
sevenfold into their bosom : * their
reproach wherewith they have re
proached Thee, O Lord !
But we Thy people, and sheep
of Thy pasture, * will give Thee
thanks for ever :
We will show forth Thy praise *
to all generations.
1 Ps. Ixxvi. 15.
THURSDAY AT MATTINS.
135
Psalm LXXIX.
[Intituled " A Psalm of Asaph," with a
direction, perhaps musical, the meaning
of which is not now certain. The LXX.
adds "concerning the Assyrian," probably
meaning that it was used as a prayer
after the destruction of Jerusalem by
Nebuchadnezzar. ]
GIVE ear, O Shepherd of Israel,
* Thou That leadest Joseph
like a flock.
Thou That sittest upon the Cheru
bim, * shine forth before Ephraim,
Benjamin, and Manasseh.
Stir up Thy strength, and come
* and save us.
Turn us again, O God, * and
cause Thy face to shine, and we
shall be saved.
O LORD God of hosts, * how
long wilt Thou be angry against the
prayer of Thy servant ?
Wilt Thou feed us with the bread
of tears, * and give us tears to drink
in great measure ?
Thou makest us a strife unto our
neighbours : * and our enemies jest
upon us.
Turn us again, O God of hosts :
* and cause Thy face to shine, and
we shall be saved.
Thou hast brought a vine out of
Egypt : * Thou hast cast out the
heathen and planted it.
Thou preparedst room before it :
* Thou didst cause it to take deep
root, and it filled the land.
The hills were covered with the
shadow of it, * and the cedars of
God with the boughs thereof.
She sent out her boughs unto the
sea, * and her branches unto the
river. 1
Why hast Thou broken down her
hedge ? * so that all they which
pass by the way do pluck her?
The boar out of the wood doth
root it up, * and the wild beast of
the field doth devour it.
Return, O God of hosts : * look
down from heaven, and behold, and
visit this vine ;
And protect that Thy right hand
hath planted, * and the son of man
whom Thou madest strong for Thy
self.
It is burnt with fire, and cut
down : * they shall perish at the
rebuke of Thy countenance.
Let Thine hand be upon the man
of Thy right hand, * and upon the
son of man whom Thou madest
strong for Thyself.
So will we not go back from
Thee ; * quicken us, and we will
call upon Thy name.
Turn us again, O LORD God of
hosts : * and cause Thy face to
shine, and we shall be saved.
Antiphon. 2 Be merciful unto our
sins, O Lord.
Antiphon in Paschal time. Al
leluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
Then is said a Verse and Answer.
In Advent.
Verse. Out of Zion, the Per
fection of beauty,
Answer. Our God shall come
manifestly.
Diiring the rest of the year.
Verse. 3 My lips shall be fain
when I sing unto Thee.
Answer. And my soul, which
Thou hast redeemed.
1 That is, the dominion of the Israelites stretched from the Mediterranean to the
Euphrates. 2 Ps. Ixxviii. 9. 3 Ps. Ixx. 23.
136
THE PSALTER.
In Lent.
Verse. He hath delivered me
from the snare of the fowler.
Answer. And from the noisome
pestilence.
In Passion time.
Verse. O God, deliver my soul
from the sword.
Answer. And my darling from
the power of the dog.
In Paschal time.
Verse. The Lord is risen from
the grave, Alleluia.
Answer. Who hung for us upon
the tree, Alleluia.
The rest is the same as the First
Nocturn on the preceding Sunday, only
the Lessons, and sometimes the Respon-
sories, are those of the day.
137
at
THE FIFTH DAY OF THE WEEK.
A II as on Sunday, except as otherwise
given here.
The Psalms are as follows :
Antiphon. Against Thee, Thee
only.
Psalm L.
Have mercy upon me, &c., (p.
8 7 ).
Antiphon. Against Thee, Thee
only, have I sinned, have mercy
upon me, O Lord !
Second Antiphon. Lord.
If this Antiphon be used, the Psalm
begins with the words, "Thou hast
been. ;
Psalm LXXXIX.
[Intituled "A Prayer of Moses the man
of God."]
T ORD, Thou hast been our re-
*- * fuge * in all generations.
Before the mountains were brought
forth, or ever the earth and the
world were formed, * even from
everlasting to everlasting, Thou art
God.
Turn not man to destruction ; *
for Thou sayest, Return, ye children
of men.
For a thousand years in Thy sight
* are but as yesterday when it is past,
And their years shall be reckoned
VOL. IV.
as nothing, * even as a watch in
the night.
In the morning they are like
grass which soon fadeth away : in
the morning it flourisheth, and
then it fadeth away : in the
evening it is cut down, drieth up,
and withereth.
For we are consumed by Thine
anger
and by Thy wrath are-
we troubled.
Thou hast set our iniquities be
fore Thee, * our life in the light
of Thy countenance.
For all our days are passed away,
* and we are consumed by Thine
anger.
The works whereon we toil all
our years are but frail structures
like a spider s web : * the days of
our years are threescore years and
ten:
And if by reason of strength they
be fourscore years, * yet is their
increase but labour and sorrow :
For weakness cometh, * and we
are cut off.
Who knoweth the power of Thine
anger, * or can measure Thy wrath,
that he may fear Thee as Thou
oughtest to be feared?
Show Thou the might of Thy
right hand ; * and apply our hearts
to wisdom.
E 2
138
THE PSALTER.
Return, O LORD, how long? *
and let it intreat Thee concerning
Thy servants.
Thou hast satisfied us early with
Thy mercy, * and we rejoice and
are glad all our days.
We are gladdened for the days
wherein Thou hast afflicted us ; *
for the years wherein we have seen
evil.
Look upon Thy servants, and
upon Thy works, * and establish
their children.
And let the beauty of the LORD
our God be upon us ; and establish
Thou the work of our hands upon
us : * yea, the work of our hands
establish Thou it.
Antiphon. Lord, Thou hast
been our refuge.
Third Antiphon. I meditate.
Psalms LXIL, LXVI.
O God, Thou art my God, &c.,
Antiphon. I meditate upon Thee
in the night watches.
Fourth Antiphon. Let us sing.
If this Antiphon be used the Canticle
begins with the words, " Unto the
LORD."
THE SONG OF MOSES (Exod. xv.)
[On the occasion of the successful escape
of the Israelites through the Red Sea.]
T ET us sing unto the LORD, for
*^* He hath triumphed gloriously :
* the horse and his rider hath He
thrown into the sea.
The LORD is my strength and
my song, * and He is become
my salvation :
1 But in the present Hebrew text,
He is my God, and I will glorify
Him : * my father s God, and I
will exalt Him.
The LORD is like a man of war :
"THE ALMIGHTY" 1 is His name.
* Pharaoh s chariots and his host
hath He cast into the sea.
His chosen captains are drowned
in the Red Sea. * The depths have
covered them : they sank into the
bottom as a stone.
Thy right hand, O LORD, is be
come glorious in power : Thy right
hand, O LORD, hath shattered the
enemy. * And in the greatness
of Thy majesty Thou hast over
thrown them that rose up against
Thee.
Thou sentest forth Thy wrath,
which consumed them as stubble.
* And with the blast of Thy fury
the waters were gathered together,
The floods stood upright, * and
the depths were congealed in the
heart of the sea.
The enemy said : I will pursue
and overtake, * I will divide the
spoil ; my soul shall be sated upon
them :
I will draw my sword, * mine
hand shall destroy them.
Thy wind blew, and the sea
covered them ; * they sank as lead
in the mighty waters.
Who is like unto Thee, O LORD,
among the mighty? * who is like
unto Thee, glorious in holiness,
terrible, and worthy to be praised,
doing wonders?
Thou stretchedst out Thy right
hand, and the earth swallowed them.
Thou in Thy mercy hast led
forth the people which Thou hast
redeemed :
And hast borne them in Thy
here stands again the Divine name.
THURSDAY AT LAUDS.
139
strength, * unto Thine holy habi
tation.
The people came up and were
angry : * sorrow took hold on the
inhabitants of Philistia.
Then the princes of Edom were
amazed, the mighty men of Moab,
trembling took hold upon them : *
all the inhabitants of Chanaan
melted away.
Let fear and dread fall upon
them, * by the greatness of Thine
arm :
Let them be as still as a stone :
till Thy people pass over, O LORD,
* till Thy people pass over, which
Thou hast purchased.
Thou shalt bring them in and
plant them in the mountain of
Thine inheritance, * in Thy most
sure dwelling, which Thou hast
made, O LORD :
In the Sanctuary, O Lord, which
Thine hands have established.
* The LORD shall reign for ever
and ever.
For the horse of Pharaoh went
in with his chariots and with his
horsemen into the sea, * and the
LORD brought again the waters of
the sea upon them :
But the children of Israel went on
-dry land * in the midst of the sea.
Antiphon. Let us sing gloriously
unto the LORD.
Fifth Antiphon. Praise God.
Psalms CXLVIII., CXLIX., CL.
Praise ye the LORD, &c., (pp. 25,
26).
Antiphon. Praise God in His
Sanctuary.
CHAPTER. (Rom. xiii. 12.)
The night is far spent, c., (as
on Monday, p. 89).
HYMN. 1
C* EE, the golden dawn is glowing,
^ While the paly shades are going,
Which have led us far and long,
In a labyrinth of wrong.
May it bring us peace serene ;
May it cleanse, as it is clean ;
Plain and clear our words be spoke,
And our thoughts without a cloak ;
So the day s account shall stand,
Guileless tongue and holy hand,
Steadfast eyes and unbeguiled,
"Flesh as of a little child."
There is One Who from above
Watches how the still hours move
Of our day of service done,
From the dawn to setting sun.
To the Father, and the Son,
And the Spirit, Three and One,
As of old, and as in Heaven,
Now and here be glory given.
Amen.
Verse. Thou hast satisfied us
early with Thy mercy.
Answer. We rejoice and are
glad.
Antiphon for the Song ofZacharias.
Let us serve the Lord * in holiness,
and He will deliver us from our
enemies.
Commemoration of the Cross before
the other Commemorations, and Long
Preces in Advent and Lent, and on
Fast-days, as on Monday.
1 Extracted from hymn by Prudentius ; translation by the late Card. Newman.
140
Jfribap at Jftattins.
THE SIXTH DAY OF THE WEEK.
All as on Sunday , except as otherwise
given here.
Invitatory. Let us worship the
Lord, for * He is our Maker.
HYMN. 1
IV/TAY the dread Three in One, Who
*" sways
All with His sovereign might,
Accept from us this hymn of praise,
His watchers in the night.
For in the night, when all is still,
We spurn our bed and rise,
To find the balm for ghostly ill,
His bounteous hand supplies.
If e er by night our envious foe
With guilt our souls would stain,
May the deep streams of mercy flow,
And make us white again ;
That so with bodies braced and bright,
And hearts awake within,
All fresh and keen may burn our light,
Undimmed, unsoiled by sin.
Shine on Thine own, Redeemer sweet !
Thy radiance increate
Through the long day shall keep our
feet,
In their pure morning state.
Grant this, O Father, Only Son,
And Spirit, God of grace,
To whom all worship shall be done
In every time and place.
Amen.
Only one Nocturn is said.
Antiphon. Sing aloud.
If this Antiphon be used the Psalm
begins with the words, " Unto God our
strength."
In Paschal time only one Antiphon is
said for the whole Nocturn. Alleluia.
Psalm LXXX.
[Intituled "Of Asaph." It has a super
scription of meaning now uncertain, but
part of which perhaps means that it was
a Hymn for the vintage.]
O ING aloud unto God our strength :
^ * make a joyful noise unto the
God of Jacob.
Take a psalm, and bring hither
the timbrel : * the pleasant harp
with the psaltery.
Blow the trumpet in the new
moon, 2 * in the time appointed,
on our solemn feast-day.
1 From a hymn of the Ambrosian school, very slightly altered ; translation by the late
Card. Newman.
2 The ordinance referred to in this and the next verses is found in Numb. x. "And the
LORD spake unto Moses, saying : Make thee two trumpets of silver, of a whole piece shalt
thou make them. . . . And in the day of your gladness, and in your solemn days, and
in the beginnings of your months, ye shall blow with the trumpets over your burnt-offerings,
and over the sacrifices of your peace-offerings ; that they may be to you for a memorial
before God. I am the LORD your God."
FRIDAY AT MATTINS.
For this is a statute for Israel :
* and a law of the God of Jacob.
This He ordained in Joseph for
a testimony, when he went out of
the land of Egypt : * he heard a
language that he understood not.
He removed his shoulder from
the burden, * his hands were done
with slaving over the baskets.
Thou calledst upon Me in trouble,
and I delivered thee : * I answered
thee in the secret place of thunder : I
proved thee at the waters of strife. 1
Hear, O My people, and I will
testify unto thee: * O Israel, if
thou wilt hearken unto Me, there
shall no strange god be in thee,
neither shalt thou worship any
strange god.
For I am the LORD thy God,
Who brought thee out of the land
of Egypt : * open thy mouth wide
and I will fill it.
But My people would not hearken
unto My voice : * and Israel would
not obey Me :
So I gave them up unto their
own hearts lust : * they walked
in their own counsels.
that My people had heark
ened unto Me, * that Israel had
walked in My ways !
1 should quickly have brought
their enemies under them, * and
turned Mine hand against their
adversaries.
The haters of the LORD would
have feigned submission unto Him :
* but their time should have en
dured for ever.
He would have fed them also
with the finest of the wheat : *
and with honey out of the rock
would He have satisfied them.
Psalm LXXXI.
[Intituled "A Psalm of Asaph."]
GOD standeth in the congrega
tion of the mighty : * He
judgeth among the judges.
How long do ye judge unjustly,
* and accept the person of the
wicked ? 2
Defend the poor and fatherless :
* do justice to the afflicted and
needy.
Deliver the poor, * and rid the
needy out of the hand of the wicked.
They know not, neither do they
understand, they walk on in dark
ness : * all the foundations of the
earth are out of course.
3 1 have said : Ye are gods, *
and all of you are children of the
Most High;
But ye shall die like men : *
and fall like one of the princes.
Arise, O God, judge the earth :
* for Thou shalt inherit all na
tions.
Antiphon. 4 Sing aloud unto
God our strength.
Second Antiphon. Thou alone.
Psalm LXXXI I.
[Intituled " A Song. A Psalm of
Asaph."]
OGOD, who shall be likened
unto Thee ? * hold not Thy
peace, and be not still, O God.
For, lo, Thine enemies make a
tumult : * and they that hate Thee
have lifted up the head.
They have taken crafty counsel
against Thy people, * and con
sulted against Thine holy ones.
1 SLH. For "the waters of Meribah" or "strife," see note on Ps. xciv., p. 2.
2 SLH. 3 This verse was quoted by our Lord. John x. 34. 4 Ps. Ixxx. 2.
142
THE PSALTER.
They have said : Come and let
us cut them off from being a na
tion : * that the name of Israel
may be no more in remembrance.
For they have consulted together
with one consent : * they are con
federate against Thee : the taberna
cles of Edom, 1 and the Ishmaelites.
Of Moab, and the Hagarenes ;
Gebal, and Ammon, Amalek, * the
" Strangers " with the inhabitants
of Tyre.
Assur also is joined with them :
* they have holpen the children
of Lot. 2
Do unto them as unto Midian, 3
and Sisera : * as unto Jabin, at
the brook of Kishon.
They perished at Endor : * they
became as dung for the earth.
Make their nobles like Oreb
and like Zeeb ; * as Zebah and
Zalmunna,
All their princes : * who said :
Let us take to ourselves the Sanc
tuary of God in possession.
O my God, make them like a
wheel [of whirling dust] ; * and as
the stubble before the wind !
As the fire that burneth a wood,
* and as the flame that setteth the
mountains on fire.
So pursue them with Thy tem
pest, * and trouble them in Thine
anger.
Fill their faces with shame : * and
they will seek Thy Name, O LORD !
Let them be confounded and
troubled for ever : * yea, let them
be put to shame and perish.
And let men know that Thy
name is the LORD : * Thou alone
art the Most High over all the
earth.
Psalm LXXXIII.
[Intituled "A Psalm of the sons of
Korah." It has the same superscription as
Ps. Ixx., referring possibly to the vintage.
It reads as if it were a pilgrim-song refer
ring to the going up of all the males of
Israel to Jerusalem to observe the Feast of
Tabernacles, when harvest and vintage were
over. ]
HOW lovely are Thy taberna
cles, O LORD of hosts ! *
my soul longeth and fainteth for
the courts of the LORD :
Mine heart and my flesh * rejoice
for the living God.
Yea, the sparrow hath found an
house, * and the dove a nest for
herself, where she may lay her
young,
Even Thine altars, O LORD of
hosts, * my King and my God !
Blessed are they that dwell in
Thine house, O Lord ; * they will
be ever praising Thee. 2
Blessed is the man whose strength
is from Thee ; * who hath settled in
his heart to go up [to thy Sanctu
ary,] through the vale of tears, 4 to
the place which he hath appointed.
He That hath given the Law will
1 Of the list of tribes in the next few verses, the Ishmaelites are the inhabitants of Edom;
Moab, and the Hagarenes, Gebal, Ammon, Amalek, tribes to the south and south-east of
Canaan ; the "Strangers" are the Philistines; Assur is Assyria; the children of Lot are
the Moabites and Ammonites. 2 SLH.
3 The Midianites invaded Israel during the Judgeship of Gideon, who defeated them.
Barak had previously, by a great victory between the Kishon and Endor, delivered his
people from the tyranny of Jabin king of the Canaanites, whose general, Sisera, lost his life
on the occasion. Oreb and Zeeb were two princes, and Zebah and Zalmunna two kings of
the Midianites, whom the Israelites took prisoners and put to death on the second occasion.
See Judges iv.-viii.
4 Hebrew, "of Baca," probably the proper name of a place, but, literally, "weeping."
FRIDAY AT MATTINS.
143
give His blessing ; they shall go
from strength to strength : * they
appear before the God of gods in
Zion.
LORD God of hosts, hear my
prayer : * give ear, O God of Ja
cob ! J
Behold, O God, our shield: *
and look upon the face of Thine
Anointed.
For a day in Thy courts is better
* than a thousand.
1 had rather be a menial in the
house of my God, * than to dwell
in the tents of wickedness.
For God loveth mercy and truth :
the LORD will give grace and
glory.
No good thing will He withhold
from them that walk uprightly. *
O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man
that trusteth in Thee !
Antiphon. 2 Thou alone art the
Most High over all the earth.
Third Antiphon. LORD.
If this Antiphon be used the Psalm
begins with the words " Thou hast been
favourable."
Psalm LXXXIV.
[Intituled "A Psalm of the sons of
Korah," with the usual (now uncertain)
superscription.]
LORD, Thou hast been favour
able unto Thy land : * Thou
hast brought back the captivity of
Jacob.
Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of
Thy people : * Thou hast covered
all their sins. 1
Thou hast taken away all Thy
wrath : * Thou hast turned Thyself
from the fierceness of Thine anger.
Turn us, O God of our salvation,
* and cause Thine anger towards us
to cease.
Wilt Thou be angry with us for
ever? * wilt Thou draw out Thine
anger to all generations ?
God, Thou shalt again quicken
us : * and Thy people shall rejoice
in Thee.
Show us Thy mercy, O LORD ! *
and grant us Thy salvation.
1 will hear what the LORD God
will speak in me : * for He will
speak peace unto His people,
And to His saints, * and unto
them that are changed in heart.
Surely His salvation is nigh them
that fear Him, * that glory may
dwell in our land.
Mercy and truth have met to
gether : * righteousness and peace
have kissed each other.
Truth hath sprung out of the
earth : * and righteousness hath
looked down from heaven.
Yea, the LORD shall give that
which is good : * and our land shall
yield her increase.
Righteousness shall go before
Him : * and shall set His footsteps
in the way.
Psalm LXXXV.
[Intituled "A Prayer of David."]
BOW down Thine ear, O LORD,
and hear me : * for I am poor
and needy.
Preserve my soul, for I am holy :
* O Thou my God, save Thy servant
that trusteth in Thee.
Be merciful unto me, O Lord, for
I cry unto Thee all the day long : *
rejoice the soul of Thy servant, for
SLH.
2 Ps. Ixxxii. 19.
144
THE PSALTER.
unto Thee, O Lord, do I lift up my
soul.
For Thou, Lord, art good and
ready to forgive, * and plenteous
in mercy to all them that call upon
Thee.
Give ear, O LORD, unto my
prayer : * and attend to the voice
of my supplication.
In the day of my trouble I called
upon Thee, * for Thou hast heard
me.
Among the gods there is none like
unto Thee, O Lord : * neither are
there any works like unto Thy works.
All nations whom Thou hast
made shall come and worship be
fore Thee, O Lord: * and shall
glorify Thy name.
For Thou art great and doest won
drous things : * Thou art God alone.
Teach me Thy way, O LORD,
and I will walk in Thy truth : *
let mine heart be glad, that it may
fear Thy name.
I will praise Thee, O Lord my
God, with all mine heart, * and I
will glorify Thy name for evermore.
For great is Thy mercy toward
me : * and Thou hast delivered my
soul from the lowest hell.
O God, the wicked are risen
against me, and the assemblies of
violent men have sought after my
soul, * and have not set Thee before
them.
But Thou, O Lord, art a God full
of compassion and gracious, * long-
suffering, and plenteous in mercy
and truth.
upon me : * give Thy strength unto
Thy servant, and save the son of
Thine handmaid !
Show me a token for good, that
they which hate me may see it and be
ashamed : * because Thou, O LORD,
hast holpen me, and comforted me.
Antiphon. l LORD, Thou hast
been favourable unto Thy land.
Fourth Antiphon. Her foundation.
If this Antiphon be used the Psalm
begins with the words, "Is in the holy
mountains."
Psalm LXXXVI.
[Intituled " A Psalm. A Song of the
sons of Korah." The Targum adds that it
was based upon words of the ancients,
perhaps meaning that the two first verses
before the SLH were an ancient saying to
which the rest was a later addition.]
ER foundation is in the holy
mountains : * the LORD lov-
eth the gates of Zion more than all
the dwellings of Jacob !
Glorious things are spoken of
thee, * O city of God ! 2
I will make mention of Rahab 3
and Babylon * that know me.
Behold the "Strangers," 4 and
Tyre, and the people of Ethiopia, *
these were there
And of Zion shall it not be said :
This and that man was born in her,
* and the Highest Himself hath
established her? 5
The LORD shall make count,
when He writeth up the people [and
the princes,] 6 * of all that are in her. 2
All they that dwell in thee * are
in gladness.
H
O look upon me, and have mercy
1 Ps. Ixxxiv. 2. 2 SLH.
3 That is "the Insolent One," namely, Egypt. 4 I.e., the Philistines.
5 Is the meaning that Jerusalem shall be illustrious as the birth-place of all kinds of
distinguished persons? The Targum, curiously enough, says that the persons meant are
David and Solomon, whereas David is a native of Bethlehem.
8 Displaced from the beginning of the next verse.
FRIDAY AT MATTINS.
145
Psalm LXXXVII.
[This Psalm has a long superscription, in
which its authorship is attributed to Heman
the Ezrahite, one of five brothers, descen
dants of Zarah, the son of Judah. Four of
them were celebrated for wisdom. 3 (l)
Kings iv. 31. This Psalm was written for
the sons of Korah, and intended to be sung
with an accompaniment of pipes and flutes.]
OLORD God of my salvation, *
I have cried day and night
before Thee.
Let my prayer come before Thee ;
:* incline Thine ear unto my cry.
For my soul is full of troubles : *
and my life draweth nigh unto the
grave.
I am counted with them that go
down into the pit : * I am as a
man that hath no strength, lying
nerveless among the dead,
Like the pierced that lie in the
grave, whom Thou rememberest no
more : * and they are cast off from
Thine hand.
They have laid me in the lowest
pit, * in darkness and in the shadow
of death.
Thy wrath lieth hard upon me,
* and Thou hast afflicted me with
all Thy waves. 1
Thou hast put away mine ac
quaintance far from me : * they
have made me an abomination unto
them.
I am shut up, and cannot come
forth : * mine eyes fail by reason
of affliction.
LORD, I have called daily upon
Thee : * I have stretched out my
hands unto Thee !
Wilt Thou show wonders to the
dead ? * or can physicians quicken
them, so that they may praise
Thee? 1
Shall Thy loving - kindness be
1 SLH.
declared in the grave, * and Thy
faithfulness in destruction?
Shall Thy wonders be known in
the dark, * and Thy righteousness
in the land of forgetfulness ?
But unto Thee have I cried, O
LORD: * and in the morning shall
my prayer come before Thee.
LORD, why castest Thou off my
prayer, * why hidest Thou Thy face
from me ?
I am afflicted, and in toil from
my youth up : * and when I was
lifted up, then was I brought down
and troubled :
Thy fierce wrath goeth over me,
* and Thy terrors have troubled me.
They came round about me all
the day like a flood : * they com
passed me about together.
Friend and neighbour hast Thou
put far from me, * mine acquaint
ance also, because of my misery.
Antiphon. 2 Her foundation is
in the holy mountains.
Fifth Antiphon. Blessed.
Psalm LXXXVIII.
[Intituled " A didactic (?) Poem of Ethan
the Ezrahite." This Ethan was a brother
of the author of the last Psalm. ]
T WILL sing of the mercies * of
-* the LORD for ever.
With my mouth will I make
known Thy faithfulness * to all
generations.
For Thou hast said : Mercy shall
be built up for ever in the heavens :
* Thy faithfulness shall be estab
lished in them.
I have made a covenant with My
chosen, I have sworn unto David
My servant : * thy seed will I
establish for ever.
2 Ps, Ixxxvi. I.
146
THE PSALTER.
And build up thy throne * to
all generations. 1
And the heavens shall praise Thy
wonders, O LORD ; * Thy faithful
ness also in the congregation of the
Saints
For who in heaven can be com
pared unto the LORD? * Who
among the sons of God can be
likened unto GOD ?
God, Which is glorious in the
assembly of the saints, * great
and terrible to all them that are
about Him.
O LORD God of hosts, who is
like unto Thee ? * Thou art strong,
O LORD, and Thy faithfulness is
round about Thee !
Thou rulest the raging of the
sea : when the waves thereof
arise Thou stillest them.
Thou hast broken the " Inso
lent " one, 2 as one that is slain :
* Thou hast scattered Thine ene
mies with Thy strong arm.
The heavens are Thine, the
earth also is Thine, as for the
world and the fulness thereof
Thou hast founded them : * the
North and the South Thou hast
created them :
3 Tabor and Hermon shall re
joice in Thy name. * Thou hast
a mighty arm.
Strong is Thine hand, and high
Thy right hand : * justice and
judgment are the foundations of
Thy throne.
Mercy and truth shall go before
Thy face. * Blessed is the people
that know the joyful sound !
They shall walk, O LORD, in
the light of Thy countenance, and
in Thy name shall they rejoice all
the day : * in Thy righteousness
also shall they be exalted.
For thou art the glory of their
strength : * and in Thy favour
our horn shall be exalted.
For of the LORD is our de
fence, * and of the Holy One of
Israel is our King.
Then Thou spakest in vision to
Thine holy ones, and saidst : * I
have laid help upon one that is
mighty, and have exalted one
chosen out of My people.
I have found David My ser
vant : * with Mine holy oil have I
anointed him.
For Mine hand shall help him :
* Mine arm also shall strengthen
him.
The enemy shall prevail nothing
against him : * nor the son of
wickedness afflict him.
And I will beat down his foes
before his face, * and put them
that hate him to flight.
And My truth and My mercy
shall be with him : * and in My
Name shall his horn be exalted.
I will set his hand also in the
sea, * and his right hand in the
rivers. 4
He shall cry unto me : Thou
art my Father, * my God, and
the rock of my salvation.
5 Also I will make him My first
born, * higher than the kings of
the earth.
My mercy will I keep for him
1 SLH. 2 Rahab * .., Egypt.
3 Two prominent mountains in the North of Syria.
4 That is ; " I will make his power to be bounded on the West by the Mediterranean,
and on the East by the Tigris and Euphrates. "
5 The next verses are a sort of quotation of the Divine message given by Nathan to
David. 2. Kings (Sam.) vii. 14-16.
FRIDAY AT MATTINS.
for evermore, * and My covenant
shall stand fast with him.
His seed also will I make to
endure for ever, * and his throne
as the days of heaven.
But if his children forsake My
law, * and walk not in My judg
ments,
If they break My statutes, * and
keep not My commandments,
Then I will visit their trans
gressions with the rod, * and
their iniquity with stripes.
Nevertheless My loving-kindness
will I not utterly take from him,
* nor fail in My truth.
My covenant also will I not break,
* nor make void the thing that is
gone out of My lips.
Once have I sworn by Mine
holiness, that I will not lie unto
David : * his seed shall endure for
ever,
And his throne, as the sun before
Me : * and as the full moon for
ever, and as the faithful witness in
heaven. 1
But Thou hast cast off and de
spised, * Thou hast put away Thine
Anointed.
Thou hast made void the cove
nant of Thy servant : * Thou hast
profaned his crown [by casting] it
to the ground.
Thou hast broken down all his
hedges : * Thou hast brought his
strongholds to ruin.
All that pass by the way spoil
him : * he is a reproach to his
neighbours.
Thou hast set up the right hand
of his adversaries : * Thou hast
made all his enemies to rejoice.
Thou hast turned the edge of his
sword, * and hast not upholden him
in battle.
Thou hast made his brightness to
cease, * and cast his throne down
to the ground.
The days of his youth hast Thou
shortened : * Thou hast covered
him with shame. 2
How long, LORD, wilt Thou hide
Thyself, for ever? * Shall Thy
wrath burn like fire?
Remember how short my time is :
* wherefore hast Thou made all the
sons of men in vain ?
What man is he that liveth, and
shall not see death? * Shall he
deliver his soul from the hand of
the grave? 2
Lord, where are Thy former lov
ing-kindnesses, * which Thou swarest
unto David in Thy truth ?
Remember, Lord, the reproach of
Thy servants, * (that I bear in my
bosom) even the reproach of many
people
Wherewith Thine enemies have
reproached, O LORD * wherewith
they have reproached the woes of
Thine Anointed.
Blessed be the LORD for ever
more ! * Amen, Amen. 3
Psalm XCIII.
[The Vulgate and the LXX. ascribe this
Psalm to David, and assign it to the fourth
day of the week. ]
THE LORD God to Whom ven
geance belongeth, * the God
to Whom vengeance belongeth hath
shown Himself.
Lift up Thyself, Thou judge of
1 SLH. Is the "faithful witness" the rainbow? See Gen. ix. (Thursday after Sexa-
gesima Sunday. ) 2 SLH.
3 Here ends the third of the five books into which the Psalter is divided.
I 4 8
THE PSALTER.
the earth : * render a reward to the
proud.
LORD, how long shall the wicked,
* how long shall the wicked
triumph ?
How long shall they utter and
speak iniquity ? * all the workers of
wickedness boast themselves ?
They crush Thy people, O LORD !
* and afflict Thine heritage.
They slay the widow and the
stranger, * and murder the father
less.
Yet they say : The LORD shall
not see, * neither shall the God of
Jacob understand.
Understand, ye brutish among the
people ! * and ye fools, some time
be wise !
He That planted the ear, shall He
not hear ? * or He That formed the
eye, can He not see ?
He That chastiseth the heathen,
shall not He correct? * He That
teacheth man knowledge?
The LORD knoweth the thoughts
of men, * that they are vanity.
Blessed is the man whom Thou
chastenest, O LORD, * and teachest
out of Thy law.,
That Thou mayest give him rest
from the days of adversity, * until
the pit be digged for the wicked.
For the LORD will not cast off
His people, * neither will He for
sake His inheritance.
Until righteousness return unto
judgment, * and all the upright in
heart follow it.
Who will rise up for me against
the evil-doers ? * or who will stand
up with me against the workers of
iniquity ?
Unless the LORD had been mine
help, * my soul had almost dwelt
in the grave.
When I said : My foot slippeth
* Thy mercy, O LORD, held me
up.
In the multitude of the sorrows
within mine heart, * Thy comforts
delight my soul.
1 Hath the throne of iniquity
fellowship with Thee? * which
frameth mischief by a law?
They that gather themselves
together against the soul of the
righteous, * and condemn the in
nocent blood ?
But the LORD is my refuge, *
and my God is the stay of my
trust.
And He shall bring upon them
their own iniquity, and shall cut
them off in their own wickedness :
* the LORD our God shall cut
them off.
Antiphon. 2 Blessed be the LORD
for evermore.
Sixth Antiphon. Sing.
Psalm XCV.
[In I Par. (Chron. ) xvi. it is stated that
David gave this Psalm to Asaph and his
brethren upon the day that the ark was
brought to Jerusalem. The text is there
given somewhat differently, and the whole
forms the second part of one Psalm, of
which the first part consists of the first
fifteen verses of Ps. civ. The Vulgate and
the LXX. note that it was sung at the
rebuilding of the Temple after the Cap
tivity.]
SING unto the LORD a new
song : * sing unto the LORD,
all the earth.
Sing unto the LORD, and bless
1 This verse is translated according to the sense of the Hebrew, the LXX., Aquila,
Symmachus, Theodotion, and St Jerome, but the Latin has the second, instead of the
third, person singular in the last clause. 2 Ps. Ixxxviii. 53.
FRIDAY AT MATTINS.
149
His Name : * show forth His sal
vation from day to day.
Declare His glory among the
heathen, * His wonders among all
people.
For the LORD is great, and greatly
to be praised : * He is to be feared
above all gods.
For all the gods of the heathen
are devils : * but the LORD made
the heavens.
Praise and beauty are before
Him : * holiness and majesty are
in His sanctuary.
Give unto the LORD, O ye kin
dreds of the people, give unto the
LORD glory and honour : * give
unto the LORD the glory due unto
His name.
Bring sacrifices, and come into
His courts : * O worship the LORD
in His holy temple !
Let all the earth fear before
Him. * Say among the heathen,
The LORD reigneth !
He hath established the world
also, that it shall not be moved :
* He shall judge the people right
eously.
Let the heavens rejoice, and let
the earth be glad, let the sea roar,
and the fulness thereof: * let the
fields be joyful and all that is
therein.
Then shall all the trees of the
wood rejoice before the LORD, for
He cometh, * for He cometh to
judge the earth.
He shall judge the world with
righteousness : * and the people
with His truth. 1
Psalm XCVI.
[The Vulgate and the LXX. have the
superscription "[A Psalm] of David when
his country was re - established " per
haps meaning after the usurpation of Ab-
solom.]
THE LORD reigneth ; let the
earth rejoice : * let the mul
titude of isles be glad thereof.
Clouds and darkness are round
about Him : * righteousness and
judgment are the foundation of
His throne.
A fire shall go before Him, * and
burn up His enemies round about.
His lightnings enlightened the
world : * the earth saw and trem
bled.
The hills melted like wax at
the presence of the LORD, * at
the presence of the Lord of the
whole earth.
The heavens declared His right
eousness, * and all the people
saw His glory.
Confounded be all they that
worship graven images, * and that
boast themselves of idols.
Worship Him, all ye His An
gels ! * Zion heard, and was glad.
And the daughters of Judah
rejoiced, * because of Thy judg
ments, O LORD !
For thou, LORD, art high above
all the earth : * Thou art exalted
far above all gods.
Ye that love the LORD, hate evil :
* the Lord preserveth the souls of
His saints ; He delivereth them out
of the hand of the wicked.
Light is sprung up for the
1 In I Par. (Chron.) xvi. the Psalm continues: "O give thanks unto the LORD, for
He is good : for His mercy endureth for ever. And say ye : Save us, O God of our
salvation, and gather us together, and deliver us from the heathen, that we may give
thanks to Thy holy Name, and glory in Thy praise. Blessed be the LORD God of
Israel for ever and ever. And all the people said : Amen and praised the LORD"
possibly in Ps. cxxxv.
ISO
THE PSALTER.
righteous, * and gladness for the
upright in heart.
Rejoice in the LORD, ye right
eous, * and give thanks to the
memorial of His holiness !
Antiphon. 1 Sing unto the LORD,
and bless His name.
Antiphon for Paschal time. Al
leluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
Then is said a Verse and Answer.
In Advent.
Verse. Send forth the Lamb, O
Lord, the ruler of the land.
Answer. From the " Rock " of
the wilderness unto the mount of
the daughter of Zion.
During the rest of the year.
Verse. 2 Let my prayer come
before Thee, O Lord.
Answer. Incline Thine ear unto
my cry.
In Lent.
Verse. He shall cover thee with
His wings.
Answer. And under His feath
ers shalt thou trust.
In Passion time.
Verse. O Lord, save me from
the lion s mouth.
Answer. And mine affliction
from the horns of the unicorns.
hi Paschal time.
Verse. The Lord is risen in
deed, Alleluia.
Answer. And hath appeared un
to Simon, Alleluia.
The rest is the same as the Second
Nocturn on the preceding Sunday, only
the Lessons, and sometimes the Respon-
sories, are those of the day. [.
1 Ps. xcv. 2. 2 Ps. Ixxxvii. 3.
4 Ps. Ixvii. 3. 5 Ecclus. xlv. 16.
Simple Feasts. It is to be remembered
that when a Simple Feast is kept on
Friday, the Invitatory and Hymn are
of the Feast, being taken from the Com
mon of Saints of the class, unless speci
ally given.
Then the Psalms and Antiphons of
the Week-day, as given above. Then is
said a Verse and Answer as follows :
hi the Simple Office for one or many
Martyrs in Paschal time.
Verse. The everlasting light
shall shine upon Thy Saints, O
Lord. Alleluia.
Answer. Even unto everlasting.
Alleluia.
In the Simple Office for one Martyr,
(out of Paschal time}.
Verse. 3 Thou hast set a crown,
O Lord, of precious stones.
Answer. Upon his head.
hi the Simple Office for many Martyrs,
(put of Paschal ti7ne\
Verse. 4 Let the righteous re
joice before God.
Answer. Yea, let them exceed
ingly rejoice.
In the Simple Office for a Bishop and
Confessor.
Verse. 5 The Lord chose him for
a priest unto Himself.
[fn Paschal time, add Alleluia.]
Ansiver. To offer up unto Him
the sacrifice of praise.
\In Paschal time, add Alleluia.]
In the Simple Office for a Confessor
not a Bishop.
Verse. 6 The mouth of the right
eous shall speak wisdom.
[7n Paschal time, add Alleluia.]
Answer. And his tongue talk of
judgment.
[/ Paschal time, add Alleluia.]
3 Ps. xx. 3.
6 Ps. xxxvi. 30.
FRIDAY AT MATTINS.
For one Holy Woman, of whatever
kind.
Verse. 1 God shall give her the
help of His countenance.
\In Paschal time, add Alleluia.]
Answer. God is in the midst of
her, she shall not be moved.
\In Paschal time, add Alleluia.]
The others, as well as what follows,
to the end of the Service, are taken from
the Second Nocturn of the Office common
to Saints of the class, unless something
special be appointed. The Lessons are
arranged according to the rules in Chap
ter xx vi. 4 of the general Rubrics.
The Hymn, "We praise Thee, O God,"
is said at the end, i?istead of a Third
Responsory. The Responsories are ar
ranged according to the rules in Chapter
xx vi i . 4 of the General Rubrics. Thus :
The Lords Prayer is said:
OUR Father (inaudibly), Who art
in heaven, Hallowed be Thy
Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy
will be done on earth, as it is in
heaven. Give us this day our daily
bread. And forgive us our tres
passes, as we forgive them that tres
pass against us. (Aloud.}
Verse. And lead us not into
temptation.
Answer. But deliver us from
evil.
Then this Absolution :
IV /["AY His loving kindness and
* mercy help us, Who liveth
and reigneth with the Father, and
the Holy Ghost, world without end.
Answer. Amen.
Then the Reader says :
Sir, be pleased to give the bless
ing.
First Blessing, if the Lesson be from
Scripture.
God the Father, the Almighty,
Show on us His grace and mercy.
Answer. Amen.
first Blessing, if the Lesson be of an
Homily.
May the Gospel s saving Lord
Bless the reading of His Word.
Answer. Amen.
First Blessing on a Simple Feast.
May His blessing be upon us,
Who doth live and reign for ever.
Answer. Amen.
Then is read the First Lesson from
Scripture or from the Homily, or, on a
Simple Feast, either the First from
Scripture, or, if the Saint or Saints
have two Lessons, the whole three Scrip
ture Lessons read together as one.
Then the First Responsory, unless
otherwise directed. On a week-day kept
as such, this is the First Responsory of
the preceding Sunday. On a Simple
Feast, it is the First Responsory in the
Common Office for the class to which
the Saint belongs.
Then the Reader says :
Sir, be pleased to give the bless
ing.
Second Blessing, if the Lesson be of
Scripture.
May Christ to all His people give
For ever in His sight to live.
Answer. Amen.
Seco?id Blessing, if the Lesson be from
an Homily.
God s most mighty strength alway
Be His people s staff and stay.
Answer. Amen.
1 Ps. xlv. 5, (Alexandrian version).
152
THE PSALTER.
Second Blessing, for a Simple Feast.
He (or She or They) whose feast-
day we are keeping
Plead for us before the Lord.
Answer. Amen.
Then is read the Second Lesson, either
from the Scripture or from an Homily,
or, on a Simple Feast, either the Second
and Third Lessons from Scripture read
together as one, or, if the Saint or Saints
have two Lessons, the first of these.
Then the Second Responsory, unless
otherwise directed. On a week-day kept
as such, this is the Second Responsory
of the preceding Sunday, but in Paschal
time there is added to it :
Verse. Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost.
And the Answer of the Responsory is
repeated again.
On a Simple Feast the Second Re
sponsory in the Common Office for the
class to which the Saint belongs, with the
addition of " Glory be to the Father,"
&&gt;c., and the repetition of the Answer.
Then the Reader says :
Sir, be pleased to give the bless
ing.
Third Blessing, if the Lesson be of
Scripture.
May the Spirit s fire divine
In our inmost being shine.
Answer. Amen.
Third Blessing, for a Simple Feast, or
if the Lesson be from an Homily.
May He that is the Angels King
To that high realm His people bring.
Answer. Amen.
Then is read the Third Lesson either
from Scripture, or of the Homily, or,
on Simple Feasts, the Second or only
Lesson of the Saint.
Then, on Simple Feasts and on any
day in Paschal time is said the Hymn,
"We praise Thee, O God." But on
week-days kept as such out of Paschal
time the Third Responsory of the pre
ceding Sunday.
153
at |
THE SIXTH DAY OF THE WEEK.
All as on Sunday, except as other
wise given here.
The Psalms are as follows ;
Antiphon. Uphold mine heart.
Psalm L.
Have mercy upon me, &c., (/.
87).
Antiphon. Uphold mine heart
with Thy free spirit, O God.
Second Antiphon. In Thy faith
fulness.
Psalm CXLII.
[Intituled "A Psalm of David," and
the Vulgate and the LXX. add, " when
he was being persecuted by Absolom his
son."]
T T EAR my prayer, O LORD,
-* * give ear to my supplication
in Thy faithfulness : * answer me,
in Thy righteousness.
And enter not into judgment
with Thy servant : * for in Thy
sight shall no man living be jus
tified.
For the enemy hath persecuted
my soul : * he hath smitten my
life down to the ground :
He hath made me to dwell in
darkness, as those that have been
long dead. * Therefore is my
spirit overwhelmed within me : mine
heart within me is troubled.
I remember the days of old :
I meditate on all thy works : *
I muse on the works of Thine
hands.
I stretch forth mine hands unto
Thee : * my soul [thirsteth] after
Thee, as a thirsty land. 1
Hear me speedily, O LORD : *
my spirit faileth :
Hide not Thy face from me, *
lest I be like unto them that go
down into the pit.
Cause me to hear Thy loving-
kindness in the morning : for
in Thee do I trust :
Cause me to know the way
wherein I should walk : * for I
lift up my soul unto Thee.
Deliver me, O LORD, from
mine enemies : I flee unto Thee
to hide me. * Teach me to do
Thy will : for Thou art my God.
Let Thy good Spirit lead me
into the land of uprightness. *
For Thy name s sake, O LORD,
Thou shalt quicken me in Thy
righteousness.
Thou shalt bring my soul out
of trouble : * and of Thy mercy
cut off mine enemies,
1 SLH.
154
THE PSALTER.
And destroy all them that af
flict my soul : * for I am Thy
servant.
Antiphon. In Thy faithfulness,
answer me, O Lord.
Third Antiphon. O Lord.
Psalms LXII., LXVI.
O God, Thou art my God, &c.,
(A
Antiphon. O Lord, cause Thy
face to shine upon us.
Fourth Antiphon. O LORD, I
have heard.
If this Antiphon be used the Can
ticle begins ^vith the words, "Thy
speech."
THE SONG OF HABAKKUK THE
PROPHET. (Hab. iii.)
[Intituled "A prayer of Habakkuk the
Prophet" with a direction, perhaps musi
cal.]
LORD, I have heard tell of
Thee : * and was afraid :
O
O LORD, revive Thy work
in
the midst of the years ;
In the midst of the years shalt
Thou make it known : * in wrath,
Thou wilt remember mercy.
God shall come from " the
South," * and the Holy One
from Mount Paran. 1
His glory covered the heavens,
* and the earth was full of His
praise.
His brightness was as the light :
* He had horns 2 coming out of
His hand :
There was the hiding of His
power.
Before Him went death.
And the destroyer went forth
at His feet. * He stood and mea
sured the earth :
He beheld, and drove asunder
the nations : * and the everlast
ing mountains were crushed :
The everlasting hills did bow : *
because the Eternal passed by. 3
I saw the tents of Ethiopia in
affliction : * the curtains of the
land of Midian did tremble. 4
Wast Thou displeased against
the rivers, O LORD ? * was Thine
anger against the rivers ? Thy
wrath against the sea?
That Thou didst ride upon
Thine horses, * and Thy chariots
were salvation ?
Thou didst seize and draw Thy
bow, * according to the oaths that
Thou utteredst unto the tribes. 5
Thou didst cleave the rivers of
the earth : the mountains saw Thee
and they trembled : * the overflow
ing of the water passed by :
The deep uttered his voice : *
he lifted up his hands on high.
The sun and moon stood still
1 SLH. "The South" is, in the original, "Teman," the name of a country and nation
eastward of Idumea, but used for the south generally. Paran, or Pharan, is an uncultured
and mountainous region, lying between Arabia Petnea, Palestine, and Idumea. The pas
sage is an imitation of the words of Moses when blessing the tribes. Deut. xxxiii. 2. " The
LORD came from Sinai, and rose up from Seir unto them ; He stirred forth from Mount
Paran, and He came with ten thousands of Saints : from His right hand went a fiery law
for them."
2 Gesenius says " Horns is here used of flashes of lightning, just as the Arabian poets
compare the first beams of the rising sun to horns, and call the sun itself a gazelle."
3 The present Hebrew simply is "The ways are everlasting to Him."
4 Proper name of an Arabian nation whose territory lay from the eastern shore of the
/Elanitic Gulf as far as the land of Moab. 5 SLH.
FRIDAY AT LAUDS.
155
in their habitation : * at the light
of Thine arrows they went forth, at
the shining of Thy glittering spear.
Thou didst tread down the
land in indignation : * Thou didst
thresh the heathen in anger.
Thou wentest forth for the sal
vation of Thy people, * even for
salvation with Thine Anointed. 1
Thou didst smite the head of
the house of the wicked : 2 * Thou
didst lay bare the foundation unto
the neck. 3
Thou didst curse his sceptre,
even the head of his fighting men,
* when they came out as a whirl
wind to scatter me :
Their rejoicing was as the re
joicing of him * that devoureth
the poor secretly.
Thou didst make a way in the
sea for Thine horses, * through
the mire of great waters.
I heard, and my belly trembled :
* my lips quivered at the voice :
Let rottenness enter into my
bones, * and corruption swarm
under me :
That I may rest in the day of
trouble : * that I may go up unto
our people that are girded. 4
Although the fig-tree shall not
blossom, * neither shall fruit be
in the vines :
The labour of the olive shall
fail, * and the fields shall yield
no meat :
The flock shall be cut off from
the fold, * and there shall be no
herd in the stalls :
Yet will I rejoice in the LORD :
* I will joy in the God of my
salvation. 5
The LORD God is my strength :
* and He will make my feet like
hinds feet :
And He will lead me forth, to
make me to walk upon mine high
places, * as a conqueror, to sing
praises unto Him. 6
Antiphon. O LORD, I have heard
Thy speech, and was afraid.
Fifth Antiphon. Praise God.
Psalms CXLVIIL, CXLIX., CL.
Praise ye the LORD, from the
heavens, &c., (pp. 25, 26).
Antiphon. Praise God with the
timbrel and dance.
CHAPTER. (Rom. xiii. 12.)
The night is far spent, &c., (as on
Monday, p. 89).
HYMN. 7
GLORY of the eternal Heaven,
Blessed Hope to mortals given,
Of the Almighty Only Son,
And the Virgin s Holy One ;
Raise us, Lord, and we shall rise
In a sober mood,
And a zeal which glorifies
Thee from gratitude.
Now the day-star keenly glancing,
Tells us of the sun s advancing;
While the unhealthy shades decline,
Rise within us, Light Divine !
1 Moses? " Pharaoh?
3 SLH. Some critics read " of the rock " instead of " unto the neck."
4 Accinctum. The Latin translator probably meant "girt," as the dead were girt, cf.
John xi. 44. 5 Jesu Meo. So the Hebrew.
6 This last clause seems to be only a musical direction, which has got confounded with
the text. Some translate it : " Given to the leader of the string band."
7 Hymn of the Ambrosian school, slightly altered ; translation by the late Card. Newman.
156 THE PSALTER.
Rise, and risen, go not hence, Verse. Thou hast satisfied us
Stay and make us bright, i -.1 Th m _ rrv
Streaming through each cleansed Carl J WltJ L h > T merC 7\
sense, Answer. We rejoice and are
On the outward night. glad.
Then the root of faith shall spread Antiphon for the Song of Zach-
In the heart new fashioned ; arias. Through the tender mercy
Gladsome hope shall spring above, of our God * the day-spring from on
And shall bear the fruit of love. high hath visited
To the Father, and the Son,
And the Holy Ghost, Commemoration of the Cross before
Here be glory, as is done, the other Commemorations, and Long
By the Angelic host. Preces in Advent and Lent, and on
Amen. Fast-days, as on Monday.
157
THE SABBATH.
All as on Sunday, except as other
wise given here.
Invitatory. O come, let us wor
ship * the Lord our God.
HYMN. 1
FATHER of mercies infinite,
Ruling all things that be,
Who, shrouded in the depth and height,
Art One, and yet art Three ;
Accept our chants, accept our tears,
A mingled stream we pour ;
Such stream the laden bosom cheers,
To taste Thy sweetness more.
Purge Thou with fire the o ercharged
mind,
Its sores and wounds profound;
And with the watcher s girdle bind
The limbs which sloth has bound.
That they who with their chants by
night
Before Thy presence come,
All may be fill d with strength and light
From their eternal home.
Grant this, O Father, Only Son,
And Spirit, God of grace,
To whom all worship shall be done
In every time and place.
Amen.
Only one Nocturn is said.
Antiphon. For the Lord.
In Paschal time only one Antiphon is
said for the whole Nocturn. Alleluia.
Psalm XC VI I.
[Intituled " A Psalm." The Vulgate and
the LXX. ascribe it to David.]
OSING unto the LORD a new
song : * for He hath done
marvellous things.
His right hand, and His holy arm,
* have gotten Him the victory.
The LORD hath made known His
salvation : * His righteousness hath
He openly showed in the sight of
the heathen.
He hath remembered His mercy,
* and His truth towards the house
of Israel.
All the ends of the earth have
seen * the salvation of our God.
Make a joyful noise unto the
LORD, all the earth, * make a
loud noise and rejoice, and sing
praise.
Sing unto the LORD with the
harp, with the harp and the voice
of a psalm. * With trumpets and
sound of cornet,
Make a joyful noise before the
LORD, the King. * Let the sea
roar, and the fulness thereof, the
world and they that dwell therein.
Let the floods clap their hands,
let the hills be joyful together be-
1 Another hymn of the Ambrosian school, considerably altered ; translation by the late
Card. Newman.
158
THE PSALTER.
fore the LORD. * For He cometh
to judge the earth :
With righteousness shall He judge
the world, * and the people with
equity.
Psalm XCVIII.
[The Vulgate and the LXX. ascribe this
Psalm to David.]
THE LORD reigneth, be the
people never so impatient : *
He sitteth upon the Cherubim, be
the earth never so unquiet.
The LORD is great in Zion : *
and He is high above all people.
Let them praise Thy great and
terrible Name, for it. is holy: *
and the King s majesty loveth judg
ment.
Thou dost establish equity : *
Thou executest judgment and right
eousness in Jacob.
Exalt ye the LORD our God, and
worship at His footstool : * for it
is holy.
Moses and Aaron among His
priests, * and Samuel among them
that call upon His name.
They called upon the LORD, and
He answered them. * He spake
unto them in the cloudy pillar :
They kept His testimonies, *
and the ordinance that He gave
them.
Thou answeredst them, O LORD
our God! * O God, Thou forgav-
est them, though Thou tookest
vengeance of their inventions.
Exalt the LORD our God and
worship at His holy hill : * for the
LORD our God is Holy.
Antiphon. 1 For the Lord hath
done marvellous things.
When the following Psalm, " Make
a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands,"
is to be said at Lauds (as would be the
case, for instance, if Christmas Eve fell
on a Saturday] it is not said here, nor
its Antiphon. But instead is said Psalm
xci., " It is a good thing to give thanks
unto the LORD," from the Saturday
Lauds which are to be displaced, with
the Antiphon, " It is a good thing * to
give thanks unto the LORD," in which
case the Psalm begins with the words
" To give thanks unto the LORD."
Second Antiphon. Make a joyful
noise.
Jf this Antiphon be used, the Psalm
begins with the words, " Unto GOD, all
ye lands."
Psalm XCIX.
[Intituled "A Psalm of thanksgiving."
The Targum has " A Psalm for the Sacrifice
of thanksgiving."]
A/J" AKE a joyful noise unto GOD,
-**-* all ye lands : * serve the
LORD with gladness.
Come before His presence, * with
singing.
Know ye that the LORD, He is
God : * it is He That hath made
us, and not we ourselves :
We are His people, and the
sheep of his pasture. * Enter into
His gates with thanksgiving, and
into His courts with praise : give
thanks unto Him,
Praise His Name. For the LORD
is good, His mercy is everlasting : *
and His truth endureth to all gen
erations.
Psalm C.
[Intituled "A Psalm of David."]
T WILL sing of mercy and judg-
* ment, * unto Thee, O LORD !
I will sing and behave myself
1 Ps. xcvii. i.
SATURDAY AT MATTINS.
159
wisely in a perfect way. * O when
wilt Thou come unto me ?
I walked within mine house, * in
the innocence of mine heart.
I set no wicked thing before mine
eyes : * I hate the work of them
that turn aside.
A froward heart cleaveth not
unto me : * the wicked person that
turned aside from me, I would not
know.
Whoso privily slandered his neigh
bour, * him did I expose.
Him that had an high look and
a proud heart : * with him I will
not eat.
Mine eyes are upon the faithful
of the land, that they may dwell
with me : * he that walked in a
perfect way, he ministered unto
me.
He that doeth proud things shall
not dwell within mine house : * he
that speaketh wickedness was not
upright in my sight.
I will early destroy all the wicked
of the land : * that I may cut off
all wicked doers from the city of the
LORD.
Antiphon. l Make a joyful noise
unto GOD, all ye lands.
Third Antiphon. O God.
Psalm CI.
[Intituled "A Prayer of the afflicted,
when he is overwhelmed, and poureth
out his complaint before the LORD."]
IT EAR my prayer, O LORD, *
^ * and let my cry come unto
Thee.
Hide not Thy face from me : *
in the day when I am in trouble
incline Thine ear unto me.
1 Ps.
In the day when I call upon
Thee, * answer me speedily.
For my days are wasted away like
smoke : * and my bones are con
sumed as a firebrand.
I am smitten like grass, and mine
heart is withered : * for I have
forgotten to eat my bread.
By reason of the voice of my
groaning * my bones cleave to my
flesh.
I am like a pelican of the wil
derness : * I am like an owl in his
hole.
I watch, * and am as a sparrow
alone upon the house-top.
Mine enemies reproached me
all the day : * and they that
praised me are sworn together
against me.
For I have eaten ashes like bread,
* and mingled my drink with weep
ing :
Because of thine indignation and
wrath : * for Thou hast lifted me up
and cast me down.
My days are like a shadow that
declineth : * and I am withered like
grass.
But Thou, O LORD, endurest for
ever, * and Thy remembrance unto
all generations.
Thou shalt arise and have mercy
upon Zion : * for the time to
favour her, yea, the set time, is
come.
For Thy servants take pleasure
in her stones : * and have pity on
her dust.
So the heathen shall fear Thy
name, O LORD, * and all the kings
of the earth Thy glory.
When the LORD shall build up
Zion, He shall appear in His
glory,
xcix. I.
i6o
THE PSALTER.
He hath had regard unto the
prayer of the destitute, * and hath
not despised their supplication.
Let this be written for the gen
eration to come : * and the people
which shall be created shall praise
the LORD.
For He hath looked down from
the height of His sanctuary : *
from heaven did the LORD behold
the earth :
To hear the groaning of the
prisoners, * to loose the children
of the slain.
To declare the name of the
LORD in Zion, * and His praise in
Jerusalem.
When the people are gathered
together, * and the kings, to serve
the LORD.
1 He answered him in the way
of his strength : * Show me the
shortness of my days.
Call me not away in the midst of
my days : * Thy years are unto all
generations.
Thou, Lord, in the beginning,
hast laid the foundation of the
earth : * and the heavens are the
works of Thine hands.
They shall perish, but Thou re-
mainest : * and they all shall wax
old as doth a garment :
And as a vesture shalt Thou
change them, and they shall be
changed : * but Thou art the
Same, and Thy years shall not
fail.
The children of Thy servants shall
continue : * and their seed shall be
established for ever.
Psalm CII.
[Intituled "of David."]
OLESS the LORD, O my soul: *
*-) and all that is within me, bless
His holy name.
Bless the LORD, O my soul, * and
forget not all His benefits.
Who forgiveth all thine iniquities :
* Who healeth all thy diseases.
Who redeemeth thy life from
destruction : * Who crowneth thee
with loving - kindness and tender
mercies.
Who satisfieth thy desire with
good things : * thy youth is re
newed like the eagle s.
The LORD executeth mercy, * and
judgment for all that are oppressed.
He made known His ways unto
Moses, * His will unto the chil
dren of Israel.
The LORD is merciful and gra
cious : * slow to anger, and plen
teous in mercy.
He will not always chide : *
neither will He keep His anger for
ever.
He hath not dealt with us after
our sins : * nor rewarded us accord
ing to our iniquities.
For as the heaven is high above
the earth, * so great is His mercy
toward them that fear Him.
As far as the east is from the
west, * so far hath He removed our
transgressions from us.
Like as a father pitieth his chil
dren, so the LORD pitieth them that
fear Him. * For He knoweth our
frame ;
1 "He" may be taken for the "afflicted man" who has just given utterance to his
hopes of a brighter future. The Hebrew, (as now pointed,) reads : " He afflicted in the
way his (my) strength, he cut short my days." The Alexandrian translators, using an
unpointed text, took the opening word of the clause to mean " he answered " instead
of "he afflicted" as they might easily do, the letters being the same for either word.
The Hebrew text itself is not quite settled.
SATURDAY AT MATTINS.
161
He remembereth that we are
dust : * as for man, his days are as
grass, as a flower of the field so
shall he flourish.
For the wind passeth over it, and
it is gone, * and the place thereof
shall know it no more.
But the mercy of the LORD is
from everlasting * to everlasting
upon them that fear Him,
And His righteousness unto chil
dren s children ; * to such as keep
His covenant,
And to those that remember His
commandments, * to do them.
The LORD hath prepared His
throne in heaven, * and His king
dom shall rule over all.
Bless the LORD, all ye His
Angels, * that excel in strength,
that do His commandments, to
hearken unto the voice of His
word.
Bless ye the LORD, all ye His
hosts : * ye ministers of His that
do His pleasure.
Bless the LORD, all His works :
* in all places of His dominion ;
bless the LORD, O my soul !
Antiphon. l O God, let my cry
come unto Thee.
Fourth Antiphon. Bless the
LORD.
If this Antiphon be used the Psalm
begins with the words, " O my soul."
Psalm CIII.
[The Vulgate and the LXX. ascribe this
Psalm to David.]
13 LESS the LORD, O my soul : *
P O LORD my God, Thou art
very great !
Thou art clothed with honour and
1 Ps. ci. i. 2 So
VOL. iv.
majesty, * covering Thyself with
light as with a garment !
Who stretchest out the heavens
like a curtain, * Who coverest their
upper chambers with the waters !
Who makest the clouds Thy
chariot, * Who walkest upon the
wings of the wind !
Who makest Thine Angels spi
rits : * and Thy ministers a flame
of fire ! 2
Who layest the foundations of the
earth ; * it shall not be removed for
ever !
Thou coveredst it with the deep
as with a garment, * the waters
stood above the mountains.
At Thy rebuke they fled : * at
the voice of Thy thunder they hasted
fearfully away.
The mountains go up, and the
valleys go down, * into the place
which Thou hast founded for them.
Thou hast set a bound, that
they may not pass over : * that
they turn not again to cover the
earth.
Who sendeth springs into the
valleys : * the waters run among
the hills.
All the beasts of the field drink
thereof: * the wild asses seek them
in their thirst.
By them build the fowls of the
heaven their habitation ; * they sing
among the rocks.
He watereth the hills from His
upper chambers : * the earth is
satisfied with the fruit of Thy
works.
He causeth the grass to grow for
the cattle, * and herb for the service
of men :
That Thou mayest bring forth
food out of the earth, * and wine
is this passage translated, Heb. i. 7.
F
1 62
THE PSALTER.
that maketh glad the heart of
man ;
Oil to make his face to shine, *
and bread to strengthen man s
heart.
The trees of the field are filled
[with sap], the cedars of Lebanon
also, which He hath planted :
there the birds make their nests.
The stork s nest is the highest
among them : * the high hills are a
refuge for the wild goats, and the
rocks for the conies.
He hath appointed the moon for
seasons : * the sun knoweth his
going down.
Thou makest darkness, and it is
night : * wherein all the beasts of
the forest do come forth.
The young lions roar after their
prey, * and seek their meat from
God.
The sun ariseth, and they gather
themselves together : * and lay
them down in their dens.
Man goeth forth unto his work,
* and to his labour, until the even
ing.
O LORD, how manifold are Thy
works ! in wisdom hast Thou
made them all : the earth is full of
Thy riches.
So is this great and wide sea :
* wherein are things creeping in
numerable.
Both small and great beasts : *
there go the ships ;
There is that Leviathan whom
Thou hast made to play with him :
* these all wait upon Thee, that
Thou mayest give them their meat
in due season.
That thou givest them, they
gather : * when Thou openest Thine
hand, they are all filled with good.
Thou hidest Thy face, they are
troubled : * Thou takest away their
breath, they die, and return to their
dust.
Thou sendest forth Thy spirit,
and they are created : * and Thou
renewest the face of the earth.
Let the glory of the LORD endure
for ever ! * the LORD shall rejoice in
His works.
He looketh on the earth and
maketh it to tremble : * He touch-
eth the mountains and they smoke.
I will sing unto the LORD as long
as I live : * I will sing praise to my
God while I have my being.
My meditation of Him shall be
sweet : * I will be glad in the
LORD.
Let the sinners be consumed out
of the earth, and let the wicked be
no more : * bless thou the LORD, O
my soul ! 1
Psalm CIV.
[The first fifteen verses of this Psalm
are found in a slightly different edition in
I Par. (Chron.) xvi. as the first part of a
Psalm given by David to Asaph and his
brethren, on the day that the ark was
brought to Jerusalem. The rest is our
present Psalm xcv., which see with the
notes, p. 148. The Vulgate and the LXX.
prefix "Alleluia."]
OGIVE thanks unto the LORD,
and call upon His name : *
make known His deeds among the
heathen.
Sing unto Him, and sing psalms
unto Him : * talk ye of all His
wondrous works.
Glory ye in His holy name : *
let the heart of them rejoice that
seek the LORD.
Seek the LORD, and be strong :
* seek His face evermore.
Alleluia " is here appended in the Hebrew.
SATURDAY AT MATTINS.
I6 3
Remember His marvellous works
that He hath done: * His won
ders and the judgments of his
mouth.
O ye seed of Abraham, His ser
vant, * ye children of Jacob His
chosen !
He is the LORD our God : * His
judgments are in all the earth.
He hath remembered His cove
nant for ever, * the word which
He commanded to a thousand gen
erations
[The covenant] that He made
with Abraham : * and His oath
unto Isaac.
And He confirmed the same
unto Jacob for a law, * and to
Israel for an everlasting covenant.
Saying : Unto thee will I give
the land of Canaan, * the lot of
your inheritance.
When they were but a few men
in number, * very few, and strangers
in it.
And they went from one nation
to another, * and from one king
dom to another people.
He suffered no man to do them
wrong : * yea, He reproved kings
for their sakes.
Touch not Mine anointed, * and
do My prophets no harm. 1
Moreover He called for a famine
upon the land : * and brake the
whole staff of bread.
He sent a man before them : *
Joseph was sold for a servant :
Whose feet they hurt with fetters,
the iron entered into his soul. *
Until his word came,
The word of the LORD tried
him : * the king sent and loosed
him ; even the ruler of the people,
and let him go free.
He made him lord of his house,
* and ruler of all his substance.
To instruct his princes at his
pleasure, * and teach his elders
wisdom.
Israel also came into Egypt, *
and Jacob sojourned in the land
of Ham.
And He increased His people
greatly : * and made them stronger
than their enemies.
He turned their heart to hate
His people, * and to deal subtilly
with his servants.
He sent Moses His servant, *
and Aaron whom He had chosen.
He showed signs among them,
* and wonders in the land of
Ham.
He sent darkness and made it
dark : * He made not His words,
of none effect.
He turned their waters into
blood, * and slew their fish.
Their land brought forth frogs, *
in the chambers of their kings ,
He spake, and there came divers
sorts of flies, * and lice in all their
coasts.
He gave them hail for rain, *
flaming fire in their land.
He smote their vines also and
their fig-trees, * and brake the trees
of their coasts.
He spake, and the locust came,
and the caterpillar, * without
number,
And ate up all the herb in their
land, * and devoured all the fruit
of their ground.
He smote also all the first-born
in their land, * the chief of all
their travail.
He brought them forth also with
silver and gold : * and there was
1 Here ends the portion found in I Par. (Chron.) xvi. 22.
164
THE PSALTER.
not one feeble person among their
tribes.
Egypt was glad when they de
parted : * for the fear of them fell
upon them.
He spread a cloud for a cover
ing, * and fire to give light in the
night.
They asked, and the quail came,
* and He satisfied them with the
bread of heaven.
He opened the rock and the
waters gushed out, * the rivers
ran through the dry places.
For He remembered His holy
promise, * that He made unto
Abraham His servant.
And He brought forth His people
with joy, * and His chosen with
gladness.
And gave them the lands of the
heathen, * and they inherited the
labour of the peoples.
That they might observe His
statutes, * and keep His laws.
[Here the Hebrew adds "Alleluia."]
Antiphon. l Bless the LORD, O
my soul !
Fifth Antiphon. Visit us.
Psalm CV.
[Superscribed "Alleluia."]
OGIVE thanks unto the LORD,
for He is good : * for His
mercy endureth for ever.
Who can utter the mighty acts
of the LORD ? * who can show
forth all His praise ?
Blessed are they that keep judg
ment, * and they that do righteous
ness at all times.
Remember us, O LORD, with
1 Ps.
the favour that Thou showest unto
Thy people : * O visit us with
Thy salvation :
That I may see the good of Thy
chosen, that I may rejoice in the
gladness of Thy people, * that
Thou mayest be praised in Thine
inheritance.
We have sinned with our fathers :
* we have done wickedly, we have
committed iniquity.
Our fathers considered not Thy
wonders in Egypt : * they remem
bered not the multitude of Thy
mercies,
But provoked Him when they
went up unto the sea, * even the
Red Sea.
Nevertheless He saved them for
His name s sake, * that He might
make His mighty power to be
known.
He rebuked the Red Sea also,
and it was dried up : * and He
led them through the depths as
through the wilderness.
And He saved them from the
hand of them that hated them, *
and redeemed them from the hand
of the enemy.
And the waters covered their
enemies : * there was not one of
them left.
And they believed His words :
* and sang His praise.
They soon forgot His works : *
and waited not for His counsel.
And lusted exceedingly in the
wilderness : * and tempted God
in the desert.
And He gave them their request,
* and sent fulness into their soul.
They provoked Moses also in the
camp, * and Aaron, the saint of the
LORD.
cii. I.
SATURDAY AT MATTINS.
I6 5
The earth opened and swallowed
up Dathan, * and covered the com
pany of Abiram. 1
And a fire was kindled in their
assembly, * the flame burned up
the wicked.
2 They made a calf also in
Horeb, * and worshipped the
graven image.
Thus they changed their Glory *
into the similitude of a calf that
eateth grass.
They forgat God their Saviour,
* Who had done great things in
Egypt, wondrous works in the land
of Ham, terrible things by the Red
Sea.
Therefore He said that He would
cut them off, * had not Moses His
chosen stood before Him in the
breach,
To turn away His wrath, lest
He should destroy them : * yea,
they despised the pleasant land ;
They believed not His words :
but murmured in their tents : *
they hearkened not unto the voice
of the LORD.
He also lifted up His hand
against them, * to overthrow them
in the wilderness.
To overthrow their seed also
among the nations, * and to scat
ter them in the lands.
They joined themselves also unto
Baal-peor, 3 * and ate the sacrifices
of the dead.
And they provoked Him to
anger with their inventions : * and
the carcasses lay thick among
them.
Then stood up Phinehas and
made a propitiation : * and the
plague was stayed.
And that was counted unto him
for righteousness, * unto all genera
tions for evermore.
They angered Him also at the
waters of " Provocation," 4 * so
that it went ill with Moses for
their sakes ; because they provoked
his spirit ;
So that he spake unadvisedly with
his lips. 5 * They did not destroy
the nations concerning whom the
LORD commanded them : 6
And they were mingled among
the heathen, and learned their
works, and served their idols : *
and it became a snare to them.
Yea, they sacrificed their sons
* and their daughters unto devils.
1 Numbers xvi. They tried to stir up a rebellion against Moses and Aaron, upon
levelling principles, "and the earth opened her mouth and swallowed them up," while
some of their partizans were consumed by a fire which issued from the sanctuary.
2 For the well-known history of the golden calf, see Exod. xxxii.
3 /.<?., "the Lord of Mount Peor," an idol of the Moabites. The whole history of this
lapse of the Israelites, and how Phinehas stopped the plague by killing one pair of
the transgressors, is in Numbers xxv. "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying:
Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the Priest, hath turned My wrath
away from the children of Israel. . . . Behold, I give unto him My covenant of
peace; and he shall have it, and his seed after him, even the covenant of an everlasting
Priesthood. "
4 Meribah. See note on Ps. xciv., p. 3.
5 Numbers xx. 10. "And Moses . . . said unto them: Hear now, ye rebels, must
we fetch you water out of this rock?" v. 12. "And the LORD spake unto Moses
and Aaron : Because ye believed Me not, to sanctify Me in the eyes of the children
of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have
given them."
6 In Judges i. 21 to the end, is a long list of the districts of idolaters whom they left in
Canaan and among whom they lived.
1 66
THE PSALTER.
And shed innocent blood, * even
the blood of their sons and of their
daughters, whom they sacrificed unto
the idols of Chanaan :
And the land was polluted with
blood. They were defiled also
with their own works, * and went
a whoring with their own inven
tions.
Therefore was the wrath of the
LORD kindled against His people,
* and He abhorred His own in
heritance.
And He gave them into the hand
of the heathen : * and they that
hated them ruled over them.
Their enemies also oppressed
them, and they were brought into
subjection under their hand. *
Many times did He deliver them,
But they provoked Him with
their counsel, * and they were
brought low for their iniquity.
But He regarded their affliction,
* and heard their cry.
And He remembered His cove
nant, * and repented according to
the multitude of His mercies.
He made them also to be pitied
f of all those that carried them
captives.
Save us, O LORD our God, *
and gather us from among the
nations !
To give thanks unto Thy holy
Name, * and to triumph in Thy
praise.
Blessed be the LORD God of
Israel from everlasting to everlast
ing : * and let all the people say :
Amen, Amen.
[The Hebrew adds "Alleluia," which
the Vulgate and the LXX. prefix to
the next Psalm. Here ends the fourth
of the five books into which the Psalter
is divided.]
Psalm CVI.
OGIVE thanks unto the LORD,
for He is good : * for His
mercy endureth for ever.
Let the redeemed of the LORD
say so, whom He hath redeemed
from the hand of the enemy : *
and gathered them out of the
lands,
From the rising of the sun and
from the setting thereof, * from
the north and from the south.
They wandered in the wilderness
in a dry land : * they found no
pathway to a city to dwell in :
Hungry and thirsty, * their soul
fainted in them.
Then they cried unto the LORD
in their trouble; * and He de
livered them out of their distresses.
And He led them forth by the
right way, * that they might go
to a city to dwell in.
O that men would praise the
LORD for His goodness : * and for
His wonderful works to the children
of men !
For He satisfieth the longing
soul : * and filleth the hungry soul
with goodness.
Such as sit in darkness and in
the shadow of death, * being bound
in affliction and iron.
Because they rebelled against the
words of God, * and contemned the
counsel of the Most High.
Therefore their heart was brought
down with labour : * they fell down,
and there was none to help.
Then they cried unto the LORD
in their trouble : * and He de
livered them out of their distresses.
And He brought them out of
darkness and the shadow of death :
* and brake their bands in sunder.
SATURDAY AT MATTINS.
I6 7
O that men would praise the
LORD for His goodness : * and
for His wonderful works to the
children of men !
For He hath broken the gates
of brass, * and cut the bars of iron
in sunder.
He saved them from the way
of their transgression : * for they
were afflicted because of their in
iquities.
Their soul abhorred all manner
of meat : * and they drew near even
unto the gates of death.
Then they cried unto the LORD
in their trouble : * and He de
livered them out of their dis
tresses.
He sent His word and healed
them, * and delivered them from
their straits.
O that men would praise the
LORD for His goodness : * and for
His wonderful works to the children
of men !
Yea, let them sacrifice the sacri
fice of thanksgiving, * and declare
His works with rejoicing.
They that go down to the sea
in ships, * and do business in great
waters ;
These see the works of the LORD,
* and His wonders in the deep.
He commandeth, and the stormy
wind riseth, * and the waves thereof
are lifted up.
They mount up to the heaven,
and go down again to the depths :
* their soul is melted because of
trouble.
They reel to and fro, and stagger
like a drunken man, * and are at
their wits end.
Then they cry unto the LORD
in their trouble, * and He delivereth
them out of their distresses.
And He maketh the storm a
calm, * and the waves thereof are
still.
And they are glad because [the
breakers] be quiet : * so He
bringeth them unto their desired
haven.
O that men would praise the
LORD for His goodness : * and for
His wonderful works to the children
of men !
Let them exalt Him also in the
congregation of the people, * and
praise Him in the assembly of the
elders.
He turneth the rivers into a
wilderness, * and the water-springs
into dry ground ;
A fruitful land into a salt desert,
* for the wickedness of them that
dwell therein.
He turneth the wilderness into a
standing-water, * and dry ground
into water-springs.
And there He maketh the hungry
to abide, * and they prepare a city
to dwell in :
And sow the fields, and plant
vineyards, * and bring forth fruits
of increase.
He blesseth them also, and they
are multiplied greatly : * and He
suffereth not their cattle to decrease.
Again they are minished, * and
brought low, through oppression,
affliction, and sorrow.
He poureth contempt upon prin
ces, * and He causeth them to
wander in the wilderness, and in
the land where there is no way.
Yet helpeth He the poor from
affliction, * and maketh him fami
lies like a flock.
The righteous shall see it and
rejoice : * and all iniquity shall stop
her mouth.
i68
THE PSALTER.
Who is wise, and will observe
these things ? * even he shall un
derstand the loving-kindness of the
LORD.
Antiphon. l Visit us with Thy
salvation, O LORD.
Sixth Antiphon. I will greatly
praise.
Psalm CVII.
[Intituled "A Song. A Psalm of David."
It is a compilation of Ps. Ivi. 8-12, and
Ps. lix. 6-14.]
MINE heart is ready, O God,
mine heart is ready : * I
will sing and give praise, even with
my glory.
Awake up, my glory, awake,
psaltery and harp ! * I will awake
right early.
I will praise Thee, O LORD,
among the people : * and sing unto
Thee among the nations.
For Thy mercy is great above the
heavens : * and Thy truth unto the
clouds.
Be Thou exalted, O God,
above the heavens, and let Thy
glory be above all the earth : *
2 that Thy beloved may be de
livered :
Save with Thy right hand and
hear me. * God hath spoken in
His holiness :
I will rejoice, and divide She-
chem, * and mete out the valley of
booths.
Gilead is mine ; and Manasseh
is mine : * Ephraim also is the
strength of mine head :
Judah is my King : * Moab is
the vessel [of the triumph] of mine
hope.
Over Edom will I cast out my
shoe : * over the " Strangers " have
I triumphed.
Who will bring me into the strong
city? * who will lead me into
Edom ?
Wilt not Thou, O God, Who
hast cast us off? * and wilt not
Thou go forth with our armies,
O God?
Give us help from trouble : * for
vain is the help of man.
Through God we shall do val
iantly : * and He it is That shall
tread down our enemies.
Psalm CVII I.
[Intituled "A Psalm of David," with a
superscription, probably musical, but now
uncertain.]
TTOLD not Thy peace, O God
* of my praise : * for the
mouth of the wicked, and the
mouth of the deceitful are opened
against me :
They have spoken against . me
with a lying tongue : they com
passed me about also with words of
hatred : * and fought against me
without a cause.
In return for my love they were
mine adversaries : * but I gave
myself unto prayer.
And they have rewarded me evil
for good, * and hatred for my love.
Set Thou a wicked man over
him : * and let the devil stand at
his right hand.
When he is judged, let him go
forth condemned : * and let his
prayer become sin.
Let his days be few ; * and let
another take his office.
1 Ps. cv. 4.
2 Here begins the extract from Ps. lix. See that Psalm and notes on it, p. 112.
SATURDAY AT MATTINS.
169
Let his children be fatherless, *
and his wife a widow.
Let his children be continually
vagabonds, and beg : * and let
them be driven out of their dwell
ings.
Let the extortioner catch all that
he hath : * and let the stranger spoil
his labour.
Let there be none to extend
mercy unto him : * and let there
be none to have pity on his little
ones.
Let his posterity be cut off: * in
one generation let their name be
blotted out.
Let the iniquity of his fathers be
remembered before the LORD : *
and let not the sin of his mother be
blotted out.
Let them be before the LORD
continually, and let their memory
be cut off from the earth. * Be
cause that he remembered not to
show mercy,
But persecuted the poor and
needy man, * and the broken in
heart, that he might slay him.
As he loved cursing, so let it
come unto him : * as he delighted
not in blessing, so let it be far
from him :
As he clothed himself with curs
ing, like as with a garment, * so
let it come into his bowels like
water, and like oil into his bones.
Let it be unto him as the gar
ment which covereth him, * and
for a girdle wherewith he may be
girded continually.
Let this be the reward of mine
adversaries from the LORD : * and
of them that speak evil against my
soul.
And do Thou for me, O LORD,
1 Ps.
VOL. IV.
for Thy name s sake, O Lord, *
because Thy mercy is good.
Deliver Thou me, for I am
poor and needy : * and mine heart
is wounded within me.
I am gone like the shadow when
it declineth : * and tossed up and
down as the locust.
My knees are weak through
fasting : * and my flesh faileth
of fatness.
I became also a reproach unto
them : * they looked upon me,
and shaked their heads.
Help me, O LORD my God ! *
O save me according to Thy
mercy.
That they also may know that
this is Thine hand : * and Thou,
LORD, hast done it !
Let them curse, but bless Thou :
* when they arise against me let
them be ashamed : but let Thy
servant rejoice.
Let mine adversaries be clothed
with shame : * and let them be
covered with their own confusion
as with a mantle.
I will greatly praise the LORD
with my mouth : * yea, I will
praise Him among the multitude.
For He standeth at the right
hand of the poor, * to save my
soul from them that persecute me.
Antiphon. l l will greatly praise
the LORD with my mouth.
Antiphon in Paschal time. Al
leluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
Then is said a Verse and Answer.
In Advent.
Verse. The LORD cometh out of
His holy place.
cviii. 30.
F 2
THE PSALTER.
Answer. He will come and save
His people.
During the rest of the year.
Verse. l Hear my prayer, O
LORD.
Answer. And let my cry come
unto Thee.
In Lent.
Verse. .His truth shall be thy
shield.
Answer. Thou shalt not be
afraid for the terror by night.
In Passion time.
Verse. Take not away my soul
with sinners, O God.
Answer. Nor my life with bloody
men.
In Paschal time.
Verse. The disciples were glad,
Alleluia.
Answer. When they saw the Lord,
Alleluia.
The rest is the same as the Third
Nocturn of the preceding Sunday, ex
cept necessary differences. The Lessons
are those of the day. The Responsories
are arranged according to the rules in
Chapter xxvii. 4, 5, of the General
Rubrics.
No Festal Office, can occur, except
that of the Immaculate Conception of
the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Ps. ci. 2.
at
THE SABBATH.
All as on Sunday, except as otherwise
given here.
The Psalms are as follows :
Antiphon. Do good.
Psalm L.
Have mercy upon me, &c., (/.
87).
Antiphon. Do good, O Lord, in
Thy good pleasure.
Second Antiphon. It is a good
thing.
If this Antiphon be used the Psalm
begins with the words, "To give
thanks."
Psalm XCI.
[Intituled "A Psalm. A Song for the
Sabbath Day."]
TT is a good thing to give thanks
-^ unto the LORD, * and to sing
praises unto Thy name, O Most
High!
To show forth Thy loving-kind
ness in the morning, * and Thy
faithfulness in the night;
Upon an instrument of ten
strings : * upon the harp with a
solemn sound.
For Thou, LORD, hast made me
glad through Thy work : * and I
will triumph in the works of Thine
hands.
O LORD, how great are Thy
works ! * Thy thoughts are very
deep.
A brutish man knoweth not : *
neither doth a fool understand this.
When the wicked spring up like
grass : * and when all the workers
of iniquity are seen,
It is that they may be destroyed
for ever : * but Thou, LORD, art
Most High for evermore.
For, lo, Thine enemies, O LORD,
for, lo, Thine enemies shall perish :
* and all the workers of iniquity
shall be scattered.
But mine horn shall be exalted
like the horn of an unicorn : * and
mine old age shall be crowned with
Thy mercy. 1
Mine eye also shall look upon
mine enemies : * and mine ear shall
hear of the wicked that rise up
against me.
The righteous shall flourish like
the palm tree : * he shall grow like
a cedar in Lebanon.
Those that are planted in the
house of the LORD, * in the courts
of the house of our God shall
flourish.
Hebrew : " I am anointed with fresh oil."
172
THE PSALTER.
They shall still bring forth fruit
in old age : * they shall flourish,
to declare :
That the LORD our God is up
right : * and that there is no un
righteousness in Him.
Antiphon. It is a good thing to
give thanks unto the LORD.
Third Antiphon. Let all the
ends.
Psalms LXIL, LXVI.
O God, Thou art my God, &c.,
(A 23).
Antiphon. Let all the ends of
the earth fear the Lord.
Fourth Antiphon. Ascribe ye
greatness.
THE SONG OF MOSES. (Deut. xxxii.)
[Deut. xxxi. 28: "Gather unto me,"
(said Moses) "all the elders of your tribes,
and your officers, that I may speak these
words in their ears, and call heaven and
earth to record against them. For I know
that after my death ye will utterly corrupt
yourselves and turn aside from the way
which I have commanded you ; and evil
will befall you in the latter days ; because
ye will do evil in the sight of the LORD, to
provoke Him to anger through the work of
your hands. And Moses spake in the ears
of all the congregation of Israel the words
of this song, until they were ended : "]
IVE ear, O ye heavens, and I
will speak ; * and hear, O
earth, the words of my mouth.
My teaching shall drop as the
rain, * my speech shall distil as the
dew;
As the small rain upon the
tender herb, and as the showers
upon the grass : * because I will
proclaim the name of the LORD.
Ascribe ye greatness unto our
God. * The works of God are
perfect : and all His ways are judg
ment :
A God of truth, and without
iniquity, just and right is He. *
They have sinned against Him,
and by their defilement they are
not His children :
They are a perverse and crooked
generation. * Do ye thus requite
the LORD, O foolish people and
unwise ?
Is not He thy Father? * That
hath bought thee, and made thee,
and created thee ?
Remember the days of old, *
consider generation after genera
tion :
Ask thy father, and he will show
thee * thine elders, and they will
tell thee.
When the Most High divided
the nations, * when He separated
the sons of Adam,
He set the bounds of the people
* according to the number of the
children of Israel.
For the LORD S portion is His
people : * Jacob is the lot of his
inheritance.
He found him in a desert land,
* in the waste and howling wilder
ness :
He led him about and instructed
him, * and kept him as the apple
of His eye.
As the eagle that stirreth up her
young to fly, * and fluttereth over
them,
So spread He abroad His wings,
and took him, * and bore him on
His pinions ;
The LORD alone did lead him,
* and there was no strange god
with him.
He made him ride upon the
high places of the earth, * that
SATURDAY AT LAUDS.
173
he might eat the increase of the
fields :
And He made him to suck
honey out of the rock, * and oil
out of the flinty rock :
Butter of kine, and milk of
sheep, * with fat of lambs and
rams of the breed of Bashan :
And goats, with the fat of wheat,
* and to drink the pure blood of
the grape.
The "Beloved" 1 waxed fat, and
kicked : * he was waxen fat, he
was grown plump, he was covered
with fatness :
He forsook God That made him,
* and departed from the God of
his salvation.
They provoked Him to jealousy
with strange gods, * and with
abominations provoked they Him
to anger.
They sacrificed unto devils, and
to things that were no gods, * to
gods whom they knew not,
New gods that came newly up,
* whom their fathers feared not.
The God That begat thee hast
thou forsaken, * and hast forgotten
God That formed thee.
When the LORD saw it, He was
roused to anger, * because of the
provoking of His sons and of His
daughters.
And He said : I will hide My
face from them, * and see what
their end shall be :
For they are a very froward
generation, * children in whom is
no faith.
They have moved Me to jealousy
with that which is not God, * and
provoked Me to anger with their
vanities :
And I will move them to jealousy
with those who are not a people,
* and provoke them to anger with
a foolish nation.
A fire is kindled in Mine anger,
* and shall burn unto the lowest
hell,
And shall consume the earth with
her increase, * and set on fire the
foundations of the mountains.
I will heap mischiefs upon them,
* and will spend Mine arrows upon
them.
They shall be wasted with hun
ger, * and the birds of the air
shall prey on them with a very
grievous devouring :
I will send the teeth of beasts
upon them, * with the poison of
serpents creeping in the dust.
The sword without and terror
within shall destroy * both the
young man and the virgin, the
suckling with the man of grey
hairs.
I said : Where are they ? * I
will make the remembrance of
them to cease among men :
But I forbore because of the
wrath of the enemy, * lest their
adversaries should triumph,
And lest they should say : Our
high hand, and not the LORD, *
hath done all this.
They are a nation void of coun
sel, neither is there any under
standing in them. * O that they
were wise, and that they understood
this, and would consider their latter
end!
How should one chase a thou
sand, * and two put ten thousand
to flight !
Except their God had sold them,
1 Jeshurun but that this pet-name of the Israelite people means "Beloved" is not
now reckoned certain.
174
THE PSALTER.
* and the LORD had delivered them
up !
For their gods are not as our
God, * even our enemies them
selves being judges.
Their vine is of the vine of
Sodom, * and of the fields of Go
morrah :
Their grapes are grapes of gall,
* and their clusters are bitter :
Their wine is the poison of
If I whet My glittering sword,
* and Mine hand take hold on
judgment ;
I will render vengeance to Mine
enemies, * and will requite them
that hate Me.
I will make Mine arrows drunk
with blood, * and My sword shall
devour flesh ;
With the blood of the slain * and
of the captives, and of the despoiled
dragons, * and the cruel venom of chief of the enemy.
asps. Rejoice with His people, ye
Is not this laid up in store with nations : * for He will avenge the
Me, * and sealed up among My
treasures ?
To Me belongeth vengeance,
and I will repay in due time, * to
make their foot to slide.
The day of their calamity is at
hand, * and the things that shall
come upon them make haste.
The LORD shall judge His people,
* and take pity on His servants,
When He seeth that their hand
is weakened, * and there is none
shut up and left, and that they heavens, &c.
that remained are consumed.
And He shall say : Where are
their gods, * in whom they trusted ? loud cymbals.
Of whose sacrifices they did eat
the fat, * and drank the wine of
their drink-offerings?
Let them rise up, and help you,
blood of His servants,
And will render vengeance to
their adversaries, * and will be
merciful unto the land of His
people.
Antiphon. Ascribe ye greatness
unto our God.
Fifth Antiphon. Praise God.
Psalms CXLVIIL, CXLIX., CL.
Praise ye the LORD from the
25, 26).
Antiphon. Praise God upon the
CHAPTER. (Rom. xiii. 12.)
The night is far spent, &c., (as
* and be your protection in the on Mond W P- 8 9>-
time of need.
See now that I, even I, am
He, * and there is no god with
Me:
I kill, and I make alive : I wound
and I heal : * neither is there any
that can deliver out of Mine hand.
I will lift up Mine hand to
heaven, and say : * I live for ever.
HYMN. 1
T^HE dawn is sprinkled o er the sky,
The day steals softly on ;
Its darts are scattered far and nigh,
And all that fraudful is, shall fly
Before the brightening sun ;
Spectres of ill, that stalk at will,
And forms of guilt that fright,
And hideous sin, that ventures in
Under the cloak of night.
1 Hymn of the Ambrosian school, considerably altered ; translation by the late Card.
Newman.
SATURDAY AT LAUDS.
175
And of our crimes the tale complete,
Which bows us in Thy sight,
Up to the latest, they shall fleet,
Out-told by our full numbers sweet,
And melted by the light.
To Father, Son, and Spirit, One,
Whom we adore and love,
Be given all praise, now and always,
Here as in Heaven above.
Amen.
Verse. Thou hast satisfied us
early with Thy mercy.
Answer. We rejoice and are glad.
Antiphon for the Song of Zacha-
rias. Give light, O Lord, * unto
them that sit in darkness, and guide
our feet into the way of peace, O
Thou God of Israel !
Commemoration of the Cross before
the others, and Long Preces in Ad
vent and Lent, and on Fast-days,
except the Eves of Christmas and
Pentecost.
1/6
VESPERS, OR EVENSONG. 1
Swtlrag.
THE LORD S DAY.
As it was in the beginning, is now,
and ever shall be, world without end.
Amen. Alleluia.
At the beginning of Vespers the
Lord s Prayer and the Angelic Salu
tation are said inaudibly.
OUR Father, Who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Thy Name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be
done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses, as
we forgive them that trespass against
us. And lead us not into tempta
tion ; but deliver us from evil.
Amen.
TJAIL, Mary, full of grace; The
Lord is with thee : blessed
art thou among women, and blessed
is the fruit of thy womb, JESUS.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray
for us sinners, now, and at the hour
of our death. Amen.
Then is said aloud:
Verse. >| Make haste, O God,
to deliver me.
Answer. Make haste to help
me, O LORD.
Glory be to the Father, and to
the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
From Septuagesima Sunday to
Maundy Thursday i?istead of "Alle
luia" is said:
Ceaseless praise to Thee be given,
O Eternal King of heaven.
Then follow the Psalms. They are
said under Five Antiphons, except in
Paschal time when there is only one,
and when these are not specially given,
those given here are used.
Antiphon. The LORD said.
If this Antiphon be used the Psalm
begins with the words "Unto my
Lord."
Antiphon for Paschal time.
leluia.
Psalm CIX.
Al-
[Intituled "A Psalm of David." The
first verse was quoted by our Lord. Matth.
xxii. 44 ; Mark xii. 36 ; Luke xx. 42.]
THE LORD said unto my Lord :
* Sit Thou at My right hand,
Until I make Thine enemies *
Thy footstool.
The LORD shall send the rod of
Thy strength out of Zion : * rule
Thou in the midst of Thine ene
mies.
1 The proper hour for Vespers is sunset, reckoned to be about 6 P.M. In private
recitation, they ought not usually to be begun before noon.
VESPERS, OR EVENSONG.
177
Thine shall be the dominion in
the day of Thy power, amid the
brightness of the saints : * from the
womb, before the day-star have I
begotten Thee.
The LORD hath sworn, and will
not repent : * Thou art a Priest for
ever after the order of Melchisedek.
The Lord at Thy right hand *
shall strike through kings in the
day of His wrath.
He shall judge among the hea
then, He shall fill the places with
dead bodies : * He shall wound the
heads over many countries.
He shall drink of the brook in
the way : * therefore shall he lift
up his head.
Antiphon. The LORD said unto
my Lord : * Sit Thou at My right
hand.
Second Antiphon. All His com
mandments.
covenant. * He will show His
people the power of His works,
That He may give them the
heritage of the heathen. * The
works of His hands are verity and
judgment :
All His commandments are sure ;
they stand fast for ever and ever, *
being done in truth and uprightness.
He sent redemption unto His
people : He hath commanded His
covenant for ever :
Holy and terrible is His Name.
* The fear of the LORD is the be
ginning of wisdom :
A good understanding have all
they that do His commandments :
* His praise endureth for ever.
Antiphon. X A11 His command
ments are sure ; they stand fast for
ever and ever.
Third Antiphon. In His com
mandments.
Psalm CX.
[The Hebrew prefixes "Alleluia," and
begins, "I will praise the LORD." The
Psalm is A B C Darian.]
T WILL praise Thee, O LORD,
* with my whole heart : * in the
assembly of the upright, and in the
congregation.
The works of the LORD are great,
* meet to serve for the doing of
His will.
His work is honourable and glo
rious, * and His righteousness en
dureth for ever.
He hath made a memorial of
His wonderful works : the LORD
is gracious and full of compassion.
He hath given meat unto them
that fear Him :
He will ever be mindful of His
1 Ps.
Psalm CXI.
[The Hebrew prefixes "Alleluia." The
Vulgate adds to the superscription "on the
return of Haggai and Zechariah [from the
Captivity]." See Thursday, fifth week in
November. The Psalm is A B C Darian.]
BLESSED is the man that fear-
eth the LORD : * that de-
lighteth greatly in His command
ments.
His seed shall be mighty upon
earth ; * the generation of the up
right shall be blessed.
Glory and riches shall be in his
house : * and his righteousness en
dureth for ever.
Unto the upright there ariseth
light in the darkness : he is
gracious, and full of compassion,
and righteous,
ex. 8.
THE PSALTER.
Happy is the man that showeth
favour and lendeth ; he will guide
his words with discretion : * surely
he shall not be moved for ever :
The righteous shall be in ever
lasting remembrance. * He shall
not be afraid of evil tidings :
His heart is ready, trusting in the
LORD. His heart is established, *
he shall not be afraid until he see
his desire upon his enemies.
He hath dispersed, he hath given
to the poor : his righteousness en-
dureth for ever : * his horn shall
be exalted with honour.
The wicked shall see it, and be
grieved; he shall gnash his teeth,
and melt away : * the desire of
the wicked shall perish.
Antiphon. In His command
ments he delighteth greatly.
Fourth Antiphon. Blessed be the
Name.
Psalm CXI I.
[The Hebrew prefixes "Alleluia."]
the LORD, O ye His
servants, * praise the Name
of the LORD.
Blessed be the Name of the
LORD, * from this time forth, and
for evermore !
From the rising of the sun unto
the going down of the same, * the
LORD S Name is to be praised.
The LORD is high above all
nations, * and His glory above the
heavens.
Who is like unto the LORD our
God, Who dwelleth on high, *
and beholdeth what is lowly in
heaven, and in the earth ?
He raiseth up the poor out of
the dust, * and lifteth the needy
out of the dung-hill ;
That He may set him with
princes, * even with the princes
of His people.
He maketh the barren woman
to keep house, * and to be a joy
ful mother of children.
[The Hebrew adds " Alleluia," which
the Vulgate and the LXX. prefix to the
next Psalm.]
Antiphon. Blessed be the Name
of the LORD for evermore.
Fifth Antiphon. We that live.
Psalm CXIII.
V\ rHEN Israel went out of Egypt,
* * * the house of Jacob from
a people of strange language,
Judah was His sanctuary, * and
Israel His dominion.
The sea saw it and fled : * Jor
dan was driven back.
The mountains skipped like rams,
* and the little hills like lambs.
What ailed thee, O thou sea,
that thou fleddest? * and thou
Jordan, that thou wast driven back ?
Ye mountains, that ye skipped
like rams? * and ye little hills,
like lambs?
The earth trembled at the pres
ence of the Lord, * at the presence
of the God of Jacob :
Who turned the rock into a
standing water, * and the flint into
a fountain of waters. 1
Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us :
* but unto Thy Name give glory,
For Thy mercy, and for Thy
truth s sake. * Wherefore should
the heathen say : Where is now
their God ?
1 In the Hebrew here ends Ps. cxiv. and the next words begin cxv.
VESPERS, OR EVENSONG.
179
But our God is in the heavens :
* He hath done whatsoever He
hath pleased.
The idols of the heathen are
silver and gold, * the work of
men s hands.
They have mouths, but they
speak not : * eyes have they, but
they see not.
They have ears, but they hear
not : * noses have they, but they
smell not :
They have hands, but they handle
not : feet have they, but they walk
not : * neither speak they through
their throat.
May they that make them be
like unto them : * even every one
that trusteth in them.
The house of Israel trusteth
in the LORD : * He is their help
and their shield.
The house of Aaron trusteth in
the LORD : * He is their help and
their shield.
They that fear the LORD trust
in the LORD : * He is their help
and their shield.
The LORD hath been mindful of
us, * and blessed us :
He hath blessed the house of Is
rael : * He hath blessed the house
of Aaron.
He hath blessed them that fear
the LORD, * both small and
great.
The LORD increase you more
and more, * you and your chil
dren.
Ye are blessed of the LORD, *
Who made heaven and earth.
The heaven of heavens is the
LORD S : * but the earth hath He
given to the children of men.
The dead shall not praise Thee,
O LORD, * neither all they that go
down into the grave.
But we that live bless the LORD,
* from this time forth for evermore.
[The Hebrew adds "Alleluia."]
Antiphon. We that live bless the
LORD.
Antiphon for Paschal time. Alle
luia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
Here follows the Chapter. When a
special one is not giveti, the following is
used:
CHAPTER. (2 Cor. i. 3.)
BLESSED be God, even the
Father of our Lord JESUS
Christ, the Father of mercies, and
the God of all comfort, Who com-
forteth us in all our tribulation.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
This Answer is always made after
the Chapter.
Then follows the Hymn. When a
special one is not given, the following
is used:
HYMN. 1
P ATHER of Lights, by Whom each
" day
Is kindled out of night,
Who, when the heavens were made,.
didst lay
Their rudiments in light ;
Thou, Who didst bind and blend in one
The glistening morn and evening pale r
Hear Thou our plaint, when light is
gone,
And lawlessness and strife prevail.
Hear, lest the whelming weight of crime
Wreck us with life in view ;
Lest thoughts and schemes of sense
and time
Earn us a sinner s due.
1 Hymn of the Ambrosian school, very slightly altered ; translation by the late Card.
Newman.
i8o
THE PSALTER.
So may we knock at Heaven s door,
And strive the immortal prize to win,
Continually and evermore
Guarded without and pure within.
Grant this, O Father, Only Son,
And Spirit, God of grace,
To Whom all worship shall be done
In every time and place.
Amen.
Then is said a Verse and Answer.
If a special one is not given, the follow
ing is used:
Verse. * Let my prayer, O Lord,
be set forth.
Ansiver. As incense before
Thee.
Then is said the following Canticle
from the Gospel. It has an Antiphon
which is always special, and which is
either begun or said through the first
time before it, according as the Office is
Double or not.
THE SONG OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN
MARY. (Luke i. 46.)
1V/TY soul * doth magnify the
*** Lord :
And my spirit hath rejoiced * in
God my Saviour.
For He hath regarded the low
liness of His handmaiden : * for, be
hold, from henceforth all generations
shall call me blessed.
For He That is Mighty hath done
to me great things : * and holy is His
name.
And His mercy is on them that
fear Him, * from generation to gen
eration.
He hath showed strength with
His arm : * He hath scattered the
proud in the imagination of their
heart
He hath put down the mighty
from their seat, * and exalted them
of low degree.
He hath filled the hungry with
good things, * and the rich He hath
sent empty away.
He hath holpen His servant Is
rael, * in remembrance of His
mercy :
As He spake to our fathers, *
to Abraham, and to his seed for
ever.
The Hymn, " Glory be to the Father,
&c.," is said, and then the Antiphon re
peated.
Then is said:
Verse. Hear my prayer, O LORD.
Answer. And let my cry come
unto Thee.
Let us pray.
Then follows the Prayer for the day,
at the end of which is answered;
Answer. Amen.
Afterwards are made any Commemo
rations necessary, by the Antiphon for
the Song of the Blessed Virgin, the Verse
and Answer after the Hymn, and the
Prayer, (preceded by " Let us pray,")
from the stiperseded Office which is to
be commemorated. After which the fol
lowing Common Commemorations are
made, if required, according to Chapter
xxxv. of the General Rubrics.
When more than two Prayers are to
be said, the last clattse of each (beginning
"Through our Lord, &c.," or "Who
livest, c.") is omitted in all except the
first and the last, nor is " Amen " an
swered except after these two.
(Note that if these Commemorations,
with the exception of those of St Joseph,
and SS. Peter and Paul, be said upon
a week-day, kept as such, out of Paschal
time, they are preceded by the Commem
oration of the Cross, given hereafter at
the end of the Lauds of Monday.}
Ps. cxl. 2.
VESPERS, OR EVENSONG.
181
I. Commemoration of the Blessed
Virgin Mary.
(This Commemoration is omitted if
the Office of the day be of the Blessed
Virgin, or if her Little Office is to be
said.)
Antiphon. O Holy Mary, be thou
an help to the helpless, a strength to
the fearful, a comfort to the sorrow
ful ; pray for the people, plead for
the clergy, make intercession for all
women vowed to God ; may all that
keep thine holy remembrance, feel
the might of thine assistance.
Verse. Pray for us, O holy Mother
of God.
Answer. That we may be made
worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray.
ANT, we beseech Thee, O
Lord God, unto all Thy ser
vants, that they may continually
enjoy soundness both of mind and
body, and by the glorious inter
cession of the Blessed Mary, always
a Virgin, may be delivered from
present sadness, and enter into the
joy of Thine eternal gladness.
From the Octave of the Epiphany to
Candlemas, the Antiphon is the same,
but the rest is as follows :
Verse. After thy delivery thou
still remainest a Virgin undefiled.
Answer. Mother of God, pray
for us.
Let us pray.
GOD, Who, by the fruitful vir-
ginity of the Blessed Mary,
hast given unto mankind the rewards
of everlasting life ; grant, we beseech
Thee, that we may continually feel
the might of her intercession, through
whom we have worthily received the
Author of our life, our Lord JESUS
Christ Thy Son.
II. Commemoration of St Joseph,
Patron of the Universal Church.
(Omitted in the Votive Office of St
Joseph.}
Antiphon. 1 Behold a faithful and
wise servant whom his Lord hath
made ruler over His household.
Verse. 2 Glory and riches shall
be in his house.
Answer. And his righteousness
endureth for ever.
Let us pray.
GOD, Who, in Thine unspeak-
able foreknowledge, didst
choose Thy blessed servant Joseph
to be the husband of Thine Own
most holy Mother; mercifully
grant that now that he is in heaven
with Thee, we who on earth do
reverence him for our defender,
may worthily be holpen by the
succour of his prayers to Thee
on our behalf.
III. Commemoration of the Holy
Apostles, Peter and Paul.
(Omitted in the Votive Office of the
Apostles.)
Antiphon. Peter the Apostle,
and Paul the Teacher of the Gen
tiles, have taught us Thy law, O
Lord.
Verse. 3 Thou shalt make them
princes over all the earth.
Answer. They shall be mindful
of Thy Name, O Lord.
1 Matth. xxiv. 45,
2 Ps. cxi. 3.
3 Ps. xliv. 17, 1 8.
1 82 THE PSALTER.
O
Let us pray. the deep of the sea, when he suf-
GOD, Whose Right Hand fered shipwreck; graciously hear
caught the Blessed Peter us and rant > for the sake of them
when he walked upon the water, both > that we also ma y attam unto
and began to sink, and thrice de- everlasting glory.
livered his fellow-Apostle Paul from
1 In England, by a special rule in this case, is made
Commemoration of St George, Patron of England.
Antiphon. The Saints through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought
righteousness, obtained promises.
Verse. O LORD, Thou hast compassed him.
Answer. With Thy favour as with a shield.
Let us pray.
OGOD, Who dost gladden us through the worthy deeds and prayers
of Thy blessed Martyr George; mercifully grant that all they
which seek Thy favour through him, may effectually obtain the gift of
Thy grace.
(A?id thus it is said within the Octave.}
In the Diocese of Hexham St George is not commemorated, but instead the following
commemoration is made of St Cuthbert :
Antiphon. Holy Cuthbert, our Protector, grace and glory of our father
land, look down upon us from Heaven, and pray God for us, that He grant
us everlasting joy.
Verse. At the prayers of Blessed Cuthbert and for his sake,
Answer. Be merciful unto Thy people, O Lord.
Let us pray.
GOD, Who, through the priceless gift of Thy grace, dost make
Thine holy ones glorious, mercifully grant, that the prayers of Thy
Blessed Confessor and Bishop Cuthbert may help us worthily there to
attain, where are the spirits of just men made perfect.
In the Diocese of Northampton the following commemoration of St Thomas of
Canterbury is made before that of St George :
Antiphon. I am the Good Shepherd, and know My sheep, and am
known of Mine, and I lay down My life for the sheep.
Verse. In your patience
Answer. Possess ye your souls.
Let us pray.
GOD, in defence of Whose Church the glorious Bishop Thomas
fell by the swords of wicked men, grant, we beseech Thee, that all
that ask his help may obtain wholesome fruit of their petition.
VESPERS, OR EVENSONG. 183
For Peace. Let us pray.
Antiphon. Give peace in our r~\ GOD, from Whom all holy
time, O Lord, because there is ^-^ desires, all good counsels,
none other that fighteth for us, and all just works do proceed ;
but only Thou, O our God. give unto Thy servants that peace
Verse. Peace be within thy which the world cannot give, that
walls. both our hearts may be set to
Answer. And prosperity within obey Thy commandments, and also
thy palaces. that by Thee we being defended
In the Diocese of Plymouth the following commemoration of St Boniface of Maintz is
made before that of St George :
Antiphon. Many nations, many thousands of men, did Blessed Boniface
gain for Christ, and forasmuch as he made himself like unto an Apostle
he hath purchased unto himself a great reward in Heaven along with
the Apostles.
Verse. Be strong in the Lord, be strong.
Answer. That ye may live for ever with God.
Let us pray.
GOD, Who wast pleased to make the zeal of Thy Blessed Martyr
and Bishop Boniface the mean whereby Thou didst cause many
peoples to know Thy Name, mercifully grant unto us who honour his
memory to be feelingly holpen by the succour of his protection.
(And so it is said within the Octave?}
In the Diocese of Portsmouth the following commemoration of St Edmund of Canter
bury is made after that of St George :
Antiphon. He loved righteousness and hated . iniquity, and therefore
he died in exile.
Verse. Cast out upon a world of woes,
In exile here we roam.
Answer. O Blessed Edmund, by thy prayers,
Gain us the love of home.
Let us pray.
OGOD, Who in the abundance of Thy goodness toward Thy Church
hast made her bright by the illustrious life of Thy blessed Confessor
and Bishop Edmund, and gladdened her by his glorious and wondrous
works, mercifully grant unto Thy servants that they may be bettered in
following after his ensample, and shielded by his protection from all
things that may rise up against them.
184
THE PSALTER,
from the fear of our enemies, may
pass our time in rest and quiet
ness. Through our Lord JESUS
Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and
reigneth with Thee, in the unity
of the Holy Ghost, one God,
world without end.
Answer. Amen.
From the Monday after Low Sunday
till Rogation Tuesday, instead of the
preceding Commemorations, is said the
following:
Paschal Commemoration of the
Cross.
(Omitted in the Votive Offices of
the Blessed Sacrament, and of the
Passion.)
Antiphon. JESUS, our trium
phant Head,
On the Cross s transom dread
The Hands of power and mercy
spread
That brake the prison of the
dead. Alleluia.
Verse. Say among the heathen
Alleluia.
Answer. That the LORD reign
eth from the tree, 1 Alleluia.
Let us pray.
OGOD, Who didst send Thy
Son to suffer death for us
upon the Cross, that Thou might-
est deliver us from the power of
the enemy ; grant unto us Thy
servants to be made partakers of
His Resurrection. Through the
Same our Lord JESUS Christ Thy
Son, Who liveth and reigneth with
Thee in the unity of the Holy
Ghost, one God, world without end.
Answer. Amen.
After the last Prayer is said:
Verse. Hear my prayer, O LORD.
Answer. And let my cry come
unto Thee.
Verse. Bless we the Lord.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
Then is said hi rather a low voice :
May the souls of the Faithful,
through the mercy of God, rest in
peace.
Answer. Amen.
Then, unless Compline follow, the
Lords Prayer inaudibly :
OUR Father, Who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Thy Name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be
done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses, as we
forgive them that trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation ;
but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Note. When Office is said in Choir,
the service is ended with the Antiphon
of the Blessed Virgin Mary every time
the Choir is left. Otherwise it is only
said as given in this book, after Lauds,
(or the aggregation of which Lauds
forms a part} and Compline. When
ever it is said, except after Compline, it
is preceded by;
Verse. *J* The Lord give us His
peace.
Answer. And life everlasting.
Amen.
Ij the Office of the Dead follow im
mediately, the above prayer for the
Faithful departed, and the " Our Fa
ther," are omitted.
Feasts. The above Office, appointed
for Sunday, is also, speaking in a gen
eral sense, used on all Feasts above the
rank of Simples.
1 Ps. xcv. 10, old version.
VESPERS, OR EVENSONG.
I8 5
JHonfcag.
THE SECOND DAY OF THE WEEK.
All as on Sunday, except as otherwise
given here.
The Psalms are as follows ;
Antiphon. The Lord hath in
clined.
In Paschal time only one Antiphon
is said, Alleluia.
Psalm CXIV.
[The Vulgate and the LXX. prefix "Al
leluia."]
T AM well pleased, because the
-*- LORD hath heard * the voice
of my supplication :
Because He hath inclined His ear
unto me, * therefore will I call upon
Him all my days.
The sorrows of death compassed
me : * and the straits of hell found
me :
Sorrow and trouble did I find.
* Then called I upon the name of
the LORD :
LORD, deliver my soul. * Gra
cious is the LORD, and righteous :
yea, our God is merciful.
The LORD preserveth the simple :
* I was brought low and He helped
me.
Return unto thy rest, O my soul :
* for the LORD hath dealt bountifully
with thee.
For He hath delivered my soul
from death, * mine eyes from tears,
and my feet from falling.
1 will walk before the LORD * in
the land of the living.
Antiphon. x The Lord hath in
clined His ear unto me.
Second Antiphon, I believed.
If this Antiphon be used the Psalm
begins with the words, " Therefore have
I spoken."
Psalm CXV.
[In the Hebrew this Psalm is a continua
tion of the last. The Vulgate and the LXX.
prefix "Alleluia."]
I BELIEVED, therefore have I
spoken : * but I was greatly
afflicted.
I said in my haste : * All men
are liars.
What shall I render unto the
LORD * for all His benefits toward
me?
I will take the cup of salvation,
* and call upon the name of the
LORD.
I will pay my vows unto the LORD
in the presence of all His people.
* Precious in the sight of the LORD
is the death of His Saints.
LORD, truly I am Thy servant :
* I am Thy servant, and the son of
Thine handmaid :
Thou hast loosed my bonds. * I
will offer to Thee the sacrifice of
thanksgiving, and will call upon the
name of the LORD.
1 will pay my vows unto the LORD,
in the presence of all His people : *
in the courts of the LORD S house, in
the midst of thee, O Jerusalem !
[Here the Hebrew appends "Alle
luia," which the Vulgate and the LXX.
prefix to the next Psalm.]
Antiphon. I believed, therefore
have I spoken.
Third Antiphon. O praise.
If this Antiphon be tfsed the Psalm
begins with the words, " The LORD."
Ps. cxiv. 2.
1 86
THE PSALTER.
Psalm CXVI.
PRAISE the LORD, all ye
nations : * praise Him, all
ye people.
For His merciful kindness is great
toward us : * and the truth of the
LORD endureth for ever.
[Here the Hebrew appends " Alle
luia," which the Vulgate and the LXX.
prefix to the next Psalm.]
Antiphon. O praise the LORD,
all ye nations.
Fourth Antiphon. I cried.
Psalm CXIX.
[This is the first of the "Songs of De
grees," or "Gradual Psalms." See note
to Ps. cxxix., p. 91.]
TN my distress I cried unto the
-- LORD, * and He heard me.
Deliver my soul, O LORD, from
lying lips, * and from a deceitful
tongue.
What shall be given unto thee, or
what shall be done unto thee, * thou
false tongue ?
Sharp arrows of the mighty, * with
hot burning coals.
Woe is me ! that my sojourn is
long : I dwell with the dwellers of
Kedar. 1 * My soul hath long dwelt
as an exile
W T ith them that hate peace. I
was peaceable : * when I spoke
unto them, they fought against me
without a cause.
Antiphon. 2 1 cried, and He heard
me.
Fifth Antiphon. From whence
cometh.
Psalm CXX.
[Also a Song of Degrees.]
T WILL lift up mine eyes unto the
* hills, * from whence cometh
mine help.
Mine help cometh from the LORD,
* Who made heaven and earth.
He will not suffer thy feet to be
moved : * He That keepeth thee
will not slumber.
Behold, He That keepeth Israel
shall neither slumber nor sleep.
The LORD is thy keeper : the
LORD is thy shade * upon thy right
hand.
The sun shall not smite thee by
day, * nor the moon by night.
The LORD shall keep thee from
all evil : * the Lord shall keep thy
soul.
The LORD shall keep thy coming
in and thy going out, * from this
time forth and for evermore.
Antiphon. 3 From whence cometh
mine help.
Antiphon in Paschal time. Alle
luia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
HYMN. 4
LORD of unbounded space,
Who, lest the sky and main
Should mix, and heaven should lose its
place,
Didst the rude waters chain ;
Parting the moist and rare,
That rills on earth might flow
To soothe the angry flame, whene er
It ravens from below ;
Pour on us of Thy grace
The everlasting spring,
Lest our frail steps renew the trace
Of the ancient wandering.
1 Properly "Black-skin." This was the name of a son of Ishmael, and of an Arabian
tribe sprung from him. 2 Ps. cxix. I. 3 Ps. cxx. I.
4 Hymn of the Ambrosian school, almost unchanged ; translation by the late Card.
Newman.
VESPERS, OR EVENSONG.
I8 7
May faith in lustre grow,
And rear her star in heaven,
Paling all sparks of earth below
Unquenched by damps of even.
Grant it, O Father, Son,
And Holy Spirit of grace.
To Whom be glory, Three in One,
In every time and place.
Amen.
Antiphonfor the Song of the Blessed
Virgin. My soul doth magnify the
Lord, * for God hath regarded my
lowliness.
After the repetition of the Antiphon
after the Song of the Blessed Virgin, on
the Week-days of Advent and Lent, the
Ember Days, a?id all Vigils which are
Fasts, except Christmas Eve and the
Eve and Ember Days of Pentecost, all
kneel down, and the following prayers,
called the Preces, are said:
Kyrie eleison.
Answer. Christe eleison.
Kyrie eleison.
Then the Lords Prayer is said aloud.
OUR Father, Who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy
kingdom come. Thy will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven. Give
us this day our daily bread. And
forgive us our trespasses, as we
forgive them that trespass against
us. And lead us not into tempta
tion.
Answer. But deliver us from
evil.
Verse. I said : LORD, be merci
ful unto me.
Answer. Heal my soul, for I
have sinned against Thee.
Verse. Return, O LORD, how
long?
Answer. And let it repent Thee
concerning Thy servants.
Verse. Let Thy mercy, O LORD,
be upon us.
Answer. According as we hope
in Thee.
Verse. Let Thy priests be clothed
with righteousness.
Answer. And let Thy Saints
shout for joy.
Verse. O LORD, save the King.
Answer. And hear us in the day
when we call upon Thee.
Verse. O Lord, save Thy people,
and bless Thine inheritance.
Answer. And govern them, and
lift them up for ever.
Verse. Remember Thy congre
gation.
Answer. Which Thou hast pur
chased of old.
Verse. Peace be within thy
walls.
Answer. And prosperity within
thy palaces.
Verse. Let us pray for the Faith
ful departed.
Answer. O Lord, grant them
eternal rest, and let the everlasting
light shine upon them.
Verse. May they rest in peace.
Answer. Amen.
Verse. Let us pray for our absent
brethren.
Answer. O Thou, my God, save
Thy servants that trust in Thee.
Verse. Let us pray for the sorrow
ful and the captive.
Answer. Redeem them, O God
of Israel, out of all their troubles.
Verse. O Lord, send them help
from the sanctuary.
Answer. And strengthen them
out of Zion.
Verse. Hear my prayer, O
LORD.
Answer. And let my cry come
unto Thee.
i88
THE PSALTER.
Psalm L.
Have mercy upon me, O God,
&c, (/. 87).
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.
Verse . Turn us again, O LORD
God of Hosts.
Answer. And cause Thy face to
shine, and we shall be saved.
Verse. Arise, O Christ, and help
us.
Answer. And deliver us for Thy
Name s sake.
Verse. Hear my prayer, O LORD.
Answer. And let my cry come
unto Thee.
Let us pray.
Here follows the Prayer of the Day.
A II proceeds to the end of the service as
on Sunday, except that when Suffrages
are said, the following is said before the
Commemoration of the Blessed Virgin
Mary.
Commemoration of the Cross.
(Omitted in the Offices of the Blessed
Sacrament, and of the Passion.}
Antiphon. Through Thy Cross s
holy sign, JESUS, guard this soul of
mine, from my ghostly enemy.
Verse. Let all the earth worship
Thee, and sing unto Thee.
Answer. Let them sing praises to
Thy name, O Lord.
Thou hast vouchsafed to redeem by
the tree of the Holy Cross.
Simple Feasts. If the Vespers of a
Simple Feast be kept on a Monday, the
Office is of the Feast, from the Chapter
inclusive.
O
Let us pray.
LORD, we beseech Thee, keep
us in continual peace, whom
Eueiefoag*
THE THIRD DAY OF THE WEEK.
All as on Sunday, except as otherwise
given here.
The Psalms are as follows :
Antiphon. Let us go.
In Paschal time only one Antiphon is
said, Alleluia.
Psalm CXXI.
[Intituled "A Song of Degrees, of David."]
T WAS glad when they said unto
1 me : * Let us go into the house
of the LORD.
Our feet have been wont to stand
* within thy gates, O Jerusalem !
Jerusalem is builded as a city *
that is compact together :
Whither the tribes go up, the
tribes of the LORD, * the testimony
of Israel, to give thanks unto the
name of the LORD.
For there are set thrones for judg
ment, * the thrones for the house of
David.
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem :
* they shall prosper that love thee.
Peace be within thy walls, * and
prosperity within thy palaces.
For my brethren and companions
sakes, * I will now say Peace be
within thee !
Because of the house of the LORD
our God, * I will seek thy good.
VESPERS, OR EVENSONG.
189
Antiphon. Let us go with glad
ness into the house of the LORD.
Second Antiphon. O Thou That
dwellest.
Psalm CXXII.
[Intituled "A Song of Degrees."]
UNTO Thee lift I up mine eyes,
* O Thou That dwellest in
the heavens !
Behold, as the eyes of servants *
look unto the hand of their masters,
As the eyes of a maiden unto
the hand of her mistress : * so
our eyes look unto the LORD our
God, until that He have mercy
on us.
Have mercy upon us, O LORD,
have mercy upon us : * for we are
exceedingly filled with contempt.
Our soul is exceedingly filled
* with the scorning of those that
are at ease, and with the con
tempt of the proud.
Antiphon. O Thou That dwell
est in the heavens, have mercy
upon us.
Third Antiphon. Our help.
Psalm CXXII I.
[Intituled "A Song of Degrees," to which
the Hebrew and the Targum add " of
David," but this ascription of authorship
-does not occur in the Vulgate or the LXX.]
TF it had not been the LORD
* Who was on our side now
may Israel say * if it had not
been the LORD Who was on our
side,
When men rose up against us :
* then they had swallowed us up
-quick,
When their wrath was kindled
1 Ps. cxxiii. 8.
against us : * then the waters had
overwhelmed us,
The stream had gone over our
soul : * then the overwhelming-
waters had gone over our soul.
Blessed be the LORD, * Who hath
not given us as a prey to their teeth.
Our soul is escaped as a bird *
out of the snare of the fowlers :
The snare is broken, * and we
are escaped.
Our help is in the name of the
LORD, * Who made heaven and
earth.
Antiphon. 1 Our help is in the
name of the LORD.
Fourth Antiphon. Do good, O
LORD.
Psalm CXXIV.
[Intituled " A Song of Degrees."]
that trust in the LORD
shall be as Mount Zion : *
he that dwelleth in Jerusalem
shall never be moved.
The mountains are round about
Jerusalem : * and the LORD is
round about His people, from
henceforth, and for ever.
For the Lord will not suffer
the rod of the wicked to rest upon
the lot of the righteous : * lest
the righteous put forth their hands
unto iniquity.
Do good, O LORD, to the good,
* and to them that are upright in
their hearts.
As for such as turn aside unto
their crooked ways, the LORD
shall lead them forth with the
workers of iniquity : peace be
upon Israel !
Antiphon. Do good, O LORD,
190
THE PSALTER.
to the good, and to them that are
upright in their hearts.
Fifth Antiphon. We were like.
Psalm CXXV.
[Intituled "A Song of Degrees."]
A XTHEN the LORD turned again
* * the captivity of Zion, * we
were like them that come again
from sickness.
Then was our mouth filled with
laughter, * and our tongue with
singing.
Then said they among the hea
then : * The LORD hath done great
things for them.
The LORD hath done great things
for us : * whereof we are glad.
Turn again our captivity, O
LORD, * as the streams in the
south.
They that sow in tears * shall
reap in joy.
They go forth weeping, * sow
ing their seed ;
They shall doubtless come again
with rejoicing, * bringing their
sheaves with them.
Antiphon, We were like them
that come again from sickness.
Antiphon in Paschal time. Al
leluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
HYMN. 1
LL-BOUNTIFUL Creator, Who,
When Thou didst mould the
A
world, didst drain
The waters from the mass, that so
Earth might immovable remain ;
That its dull clods it might transmute
To golden flowers in vale or wood,
To juice of thirst-allaying fruit,
And grateful herbage spread for food ;
Wash Thou our smarting wounds and
hot,
In the cool freshness of Thy grace ;
Till tears start forth the past to blot,
And cleanse and calm Thy holy place,
Till we obey Thy full behest,
Shun the world s tainted touch and
breath,
Joy in what highest is and best,
And gain a spell to baffle death.
Grant it, O Father, Only Son,
And Holy Spirit, God of grace,
To Whom all glory, Three in One,
Be given in every time and place.
Amen.
Antiphon for the Song of the
Blessed Virgin. Let my spirit re
joice * in God my Saviour.
Commemoration of the Cross before
the other general Commemorations, and
Long Preces at certain times as on
Monday.
Simple Feasts. If the Vespers of a
Simple Feast be kept on a Tuesday, the
Office is of the Feast from the Chapter
inclusive.
THE FOURTH DAY OF THE WEEK.
All as on Sunday, except as otherwise
given here.
The Psalms are as follows :
Antiphon. He shall not be
ashamed.
In Paschal time only one Antiphon
is said, Alleluia.
Psalm CXXVI.
[Intituled "A Song of Degrees, of Solo
mon." The LXX. omits the ascription to
Solomon.]
T7XCEPT the LORD build the
house, * they labour in vain
that build it :
1 Hymn of the Ambrosian school, hardly altered ; translation by the late Card. Newman,
VESPERS, OR EVENSONG.
Except the LORD keep the city,
* the watchman waketh but in
vain.
It is vain for you to rise up
early, * rise up when ye are
rested^ ye that eat the bread of
sorrow :
For He giveth His beloved sleep.
Lo, children are an heritage of the
LORD, * the fruit of the womb is His
reward.
As arrows are in the hand of a
mighty man, * so are the children
of the out-cast.
Happy is the man that hath his
desire satisfied with them : * he shall
not be ashamed when he speaketh
with his enemies in the gate.
Antiphon. He shall not be a-
shamed when he speaketh with his
enemies in the gate.
Second Antiphon. Blessed.
If this Antiphon be used the Psalm
commences with the words , "Is every
one."
Psalm CXXVII.
[Intituled "A Song of Degrees."]
BLESSED is every one that feareth
the LORD, * that walketh in
His ways.
For thou shalt eat the labour of
thine hands : * happy shalt thou be
and it shall be well with thee.
Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine
* on the sides of thine house :
Thy children like olive plants *
round about thy table.
Behold, that thus shall the man
be blessed * that feareth the
LORD.
The LORD bless thee out of
Zion : * and mayest thou see the
good of Jerusalem all the days of
thy life.
Yea, mayest thou see thy chil
dren s children, * and peace upon
Israel.
Antiphon. Blessed is every one
that feareth the LORD.
Third Antiphon. Many a time.
If this Antiphon be used, the Psalm
begins with the words, " Have they
afflicted me."
Psalm CXXVII I.
[Intituled "A Song of Degrees."]
1\ /\ ANY a time have they warred
V against me from my youth
* may Israel now say :
Many a time have they warred
against me from my youth : * yet
they have not prevailed against
me.
1 The ploughers ploughed upon
my back : * they made long their
furrows.
The LORD is righteous, He hath
broken the necks of the wicked. *
Let them all be confounded and
turned back that hate Zion.
Let them be as the grass upon
the house - tops, * which withereth
before it is plucked up :
Wherewith the mower filleth not
his hand, * nor he that bindeth
sheaves his bosom.
Neither do they that go by say :
The blessing of the LORD be upon
you ! * we bless you in the name of
the LORD !
Antiphon. Many a time have they
afflicted me from my youth up.
1 I.e., "They furrowed my back with stripes as the ground is furrowed with the
plough. " Gesenius.
THE PSALTER.
Fourth Antiphon.
depths.
Out of the
If this Antiphon be used, the Psalm
begins with the words, " Have I cried
unto Thee."
Psalm CXXIX.
OUT of the depths have I cried
unto Thee, O LORD ! * Lord,
hear my voice.
Let Thine ears be attentive * to
the voice of my supplication.
If Thou, LORD, shouldest mark
iniquities, * O Lord, who shall
stand ?
But there is forgiveness with Thee :
* because of Thy law, I wait for
Thee, O LORD!
My soul doth wait on His word :
* my soul hopeth in the Lord.
From the morning watch even
until night * let Israel hope in the
LORD :
For with the LORD there is mercy,
* and with Him is plenteous redemp
tion.
And He shall redeem Israel, *
from all his iniquities.
Antiphon. Out of the depths have
I cried unto Thee, O LORD.
Fifth Antiphon. Let Israel hope.
Psalm CXXX.
[Intituled "A Song of Degrees," to which
the Hebrew and the Vulgate, but not the
Targum or the LXX., add "of David."]
T ORD, mine heart is not haughty,
* nor mine eyes lofty :
Neither do I exercise myself in
great matters, * or in wonderful
things that are above me.
If I have not thought lowly of
myself * (but lifted up my soul)
Even as a child that is weaned
from his mother : * so be my soul
rewarded.
Let Israel hope in the LORD, *
from henceforth and for ever.
A?itiphon. Let Israel hope in the
LORD.
Antiphon in Paschal time. Alle
luia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
HYMN. 1
OLORD, Who throned in the holy
height,
Through plains of ether didst diffuse
The dazzling beams of light,
In soft transparent hues ;
Who didst, on the fourth day, in
heaven,
Light the fierce cresset of the sun,
And the meek moon at even,
And stars that wildly run ;
That they might mark and arbitrate
Twixt alternating night and day,
And tend the train sedate
Of months upon their way ;
Clear, Lord, the brooding night within,
And clean these hearts for Thy abode,
Unlock the spell of sin,
Crumble its giant load.
Grant it, O Father, Only Son,
And Holy Spirit, God of grace,
To Whom all praise be done
In every time and place.
Amen.
Antiphon at the Song of the
Blessed Virgin. The Lord hath
regarded * my lowliness, and He
That is mighty hath done in me
great things.
Commemoration of the Cross before
the other general Commemorations, and
1 Hymn of the Ambrosian school, somewhat altered ; translation by the late Card.
Newman.
VESPERS, OR EVENSONG.
193
Long Preces in Advent and Lent, and
on Fast-days, as on Monday.
Simple Feasts. If the Vespers of a
Simple Feast be kept on a Wednesday,
the Office is of the Feast from the Chap
ter inclusive.
THE FIFTH DAY OF THE WEEK.
A II as on Sunday, except as otherwise
give?i here.
The Psalms are as follows :
Antiphon. And all.
In Paschal time only one Antiphon
is said, Alleluia.
Psalm CXXXI.
[Intituled "A Song of Degrees." It
reads like a Processional for some transla
tion of the Sacred Ark, perhaps that de
scribed in 3 (i) Kings vii. (Saturday before
8th Sunday after Pentecost. )]
T ORD, remember David, * and
* all his meekness :
How he sware unto the LORD : *
he vowed a vow unto the God of
Jacob ;
Surely I will not come into the
tabernacle of mine house, * nor go
up into my bed ;
I will not give sleep to mine eyes,
* or slumber to mine eyelids ;
I will not give the temples of
mine head any rest, until I find out
a place for the LORD, * an habita
tion for the God of Jacob.
1 Lo, we heard of it at Ephratah :
* we found it in the fields of " the
Wood."
We will go into His tabernacle :
* we will worship in His footprints.
Arise, O LORD, into Thy rest,
* Thou and the ark of Thine
holiness.
Let Thy priests be clothed with
righteousness, * and let Thy Saints
shout for joy.
For Thy servant David s sake,
* turn not away the face of Thine
Anointed.
The LORD hath sworn in truth
unto David, and He will not turn
from it : * Of the fruit of thy body
will I set upon thy throne.
If thy children will keep My
covenant, * and My testimony
that I shall teach them,
Then their children for ever *
shall sit upon thy throne.
For the LORD hath chosen Zion :
* He hath chosen it for His habita
tion.
This is My rest for ever : * here
will I dwell, for I have chosen it.
I will abundantly bless her
widows : " I will satisfy her poor
with bread.
I will clothe her Priests with
salvation : * and her Saints shall
shout aloud for joy.
There will I make the horn of
David to bud : * I have ordained
a lamp for Mine Anointed.
His enemies will I clothe with
shame : * but upon him shall My
sanctification flourish.
Antiphon. And all his meekness.
Second Antiphon. Behold.
If this Antiphon be used, the Psalm
begins with the words, "How good and
how pleasant."
1 This verse relates to the fetching of the ark from Kirjath-jearim, (literally "The
town-of-the-woods,") which stood at the borders of the territory of Ephraim, here called
Ephratah. See 2 Kings (Sam.) vi. (Thursday, 5th week after Pentecost.)
VOL. IV. G
194
THE PSALTER.
Psalm CXXXII.
[Intituled " A Song of Degrees," to which
the Hebrew and the Vulgate, but not the
Targum or the LXX., add "of David."]
BEHOLD, how good and how
pleasant it is * for brethren
to dwell together in unity.
1 It is like the precious oint
ment upon the head, * that ran
Whatsoever the LORD pleased,
that did He in heaven and in
earth, * in the seas, and all deep
places :
Causing the vapours to ascend
from the ends of the earth : *
He maketh lightnings for the rain ;
He bringeth the wind out of
His treasures. * He smote the
down upon the beard, even Aaron s first-born of Egypt, from man even
beard,
That went down to the skirts
unto beast.
He sent tokens and wonders
of his garments. * As the dew of into the midst of thee, O Egypt,
* upon Pharaoh and upon all his
servants.
He smote great nations, * and
slew mighty kings.
3 Sihon, king of the Amorites,
Antiphon. Behold, how good and Og, king of Bashan, * and
and how pleasant it is for brethren all the kingdoms of Canaan.
Hermon, that descendeth upon
the mountains of Zion ; 2
For there the LORD commanded
the blessing, * even life for evermore.
to dwell together in unity.
Third Antiphon. Whatsoever.
Psalm CXXXIV.
[To this Psalm is prefixed "Alleluia."]
ISE ye the Name of the
LORD, * praise Him, O ye
servants of the LORD !
Ye that stand in the house of
the LORD, * in the courts of the
house of our God :
Praise the LORD, for the LORD
And gave their land for an
heritage, * an heritage unto Israel
His people.
Thy Name, O LORD, endureth for
ever ! * Thy memorial, O LORD,
throughout all generations !
For the LORD will judge His
people, * and will repent Himself
concerning His servants.
The idols of the heathen are
silver and gold, : the work of
men s hands.
A mouth have they, but they
is good : * sing praises unto His speak not : * eyes have they, but
Name, for it is pleasant. they see not.
For the LORD hath chosen Jacob Ears have they, but they hear
Israel for
not : * neither is there any breath
in their mouths.
Let them that make them be
unto Himself, and
His peculiar treasure.
For I know that the LORD is
great, * and that our Lord is above made like unto them, * and every
all gods. one that trusteth in them.
1 The reference is to the unction of Aaron with holy chrism at his consecration,
described in Lev. viii. 12.
2 Probably not the mountain at Jerusalem, but one of the chain of Hermon, which is
once mentioned elsewhere. Deut. iv. 48.
3 Sihon, a king of the Amorites, reigning in Heshbon ; Og, a giant, king of Bashan.
They were both defeated and slain by the Israelites. Num. xxi.
VESPERS, OR EVENSONG.
195
Bless the LORD, O house of
Israel ! * bless the LORD, O house
of Aaron !
Bless the LORD, O house of
Levi ! * ye that fear the LORD,
bless the LORD !
Blessed be the LORD out of
Zion, * Which dwelleth at Jeru
salem !
[The Hebrew adds "Alleluia," which
the Vulgate places at the beginning of
the next Psalm.]
Antiphon. Whatsoever the LORD
pleased, that did He.
Fourth Antiphon. For His
mercy.
Psalm CXXXV.
[It is not improbable that this Psalm was
sung at the Dedication of the Temple, for,
in 2 Par. (Chron.) vii. 3, it is said that when
the congregation on that occasion saw the
fire miraculously descending upon the sac
rifice, " they bowed themselves with their
faces to the ground upon the pavement, and
worshipped, and praised the LORD, for He
is good, for His mercy endureth for ever. "
It looks very like a continuation of the song
given by David to certain singers, I Par.
(Chron.) xvi. 7, especially as it is afterwards
said that some of them were chosen "to give
thanks to the LORD, because His mercy
endureth for ever." Some consider that
the latter verses refer to the return from the
captivity, but these may be an addition.]
OGIVE thanks unto the LORD,
for He is good! * for His
mercy endureth for ever.
O give thanks unto the God of
gods ! for His mercy endureth
for ever.
O give thanks to the Lord of
lords ! * for His mercy endureth
for ever.
To Him Who Alone doeth great
wonders * for His mercy endureth
for ever.
To Him That by wisdom made the
VOL. IV.
heavens * for His mercy endureth
for ever.
To Him That spread out the
earth above the waters * for His
mercy endureth for ever.
To Him That made great lights
* for His mercy endureth for
ever.
The sun to rule by day * for
His mercy endureth for ever.
The moon and stars to rule by
night * for His mercy endureth for
ever.
To Him That smote Egypt in their
first-born * for His mercy endureth
for ever.
To Him That brought out Israel
from among them * for His mercy
endureth for ever.
With a strong hand and with a
stretched out arm * for His mercy
endureth for ever.
To Him That divided the Red
Sea into parts * for His mercy
endureth for ever.
And made Israel to pass through
the midst of it * for His mercy
endureth for ever.
But overthrew Pharaoh and his
host in the Red Sea * for His
mercy endureth for ever.
To Him That led His people
through the wilderness * for His
mercy endureth for ever.
To Him That smote great kings
* for His mercy endureth for
ever.
And slew mighty kings * for His
mercy endureth for ever.
Sihon, king of the Amorites
* for His mercy endureth for
ever.
And Og, the king of Bashan
* for His mercy endureth for
ever.
And gave their land for an heri-
G 2
196
THE PSALTER.
tage * for His mercy endureth for
ever.
Even an heritage unto Israel His
servant * for His mercy endureth
for ever.
Who remembered us in our low
estate * for His mercy endureth
for ever.
And hath redeemed us from our
enemies * for His mercy endureth
for ever.
Who giveth food to all flesh
* for His mercy endureth for ever.
O give thanks unto the God of
heaven ! * for His mercy endureth
for ever.
O give thanks unto the Lord of
lords ! * for His mercy endureth for
ever.
If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, * let
my right hand forget her cunning
Let my tongue cleave to the roof
of my mouth, * if I do not remember
thee,
If I prefer not Jerusalem * above
my chief joy.
Remember, O LORD, the chil
dren of Edom, * in the day of
Jerusalem :
Who said : Rase it, rase it * even
to the foundation thereof.
O daughter of Babylon, doomed
to destruction, * happy shall he be
that rewardeth thee, as thou hast
served us !
Happy shall he be that taketh, *
and dasheth thy little ones against
the rock.
Antiphon. For
dureth for ever.
Fifth Antiphon.
the songs.
His mercy en- Antiphon. Sing us one of the
songs of Zion.
Sing us one of Antiphon in Paschal time. Alle
luia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
Psalm CXXXVI.
[The Vulgate and the LXX. connect this
Psalm with the name of Jeremiah. They
also style it a Psalm of David, the apparent
meaning of which would seem to be that it
was composed in imitation of his poems.]
Y the rivers of Babylon, there we
sat down, yea, we wept, * when
we remembered Zion.
We hung our harps upon the
willows * in the midst thereof.
For there they that carried us
away captive required of us * a
song;
And they that had taken us
said : * Sing us one of the songs
of Zion.
How shall we sing the LORD S
song * in a strange land ?
1 Hymn of the Ambrosian school, slightly
Newman.
HYMN. 1
r\ GOD, Who hast given
^-^ The sea and the sky,
To fish and to bird
For a dwelling to keep,
Both sons of the waters
One low and one high,
Ambitious of heaven,
Or sunk in the deep ;
Save, Lord, Thy servants,
Whom Thou hast new made
In a laver of blood
Lest they trespass and die ;
Lest pride should elate,
Or sin should degrade,
And they stumble on earth
Or be dizzied on high.
To the Father, and Son,
And the Spirit be done,
Now and always,
Glory and Praise. Amen.
altered ; translation by the late Card.
VESPERS, OR EVENSONG.
197
Antiphon at the Song of the Blessed
Virgin. O God, * show strength with
Thine arm : put down the mighty,
and exalt them of low degree.
Commemoration of the Cross before
the other general Commemorations and
Long Preces in Advent and Lent, and
on Fast- days, as on Monday.
THE SIXTH DAY OF THE WEEK.
All as on Sunday, except as otherwise
given here.
The Psalms are as follows :
Antiphon. Behold the Angels.
In Paschal time only one Antiphon is
said, Alleluia.
Psalm CXXXVII.
[Intituled "Of David," to which the
LXX. adds "of Haggai and Zechariah,"
the meaning apparently being that it was
his composition, but that they made some
special regulation as to its use.]
T WILL praise Thee, O Lord, with
* my whole heart : * because
Thou hast heard the words of my
mouth.
Before the Angels will I sing
praise unto Thee. * I will worship
toward Thine holy temple, and
praise Thy Name.
For Thy loving-kindness, and for
Thy truth : * for Thou hast mag
nified Thine holy Name above
every name.
In whatsoever day I call upon
Thee, answer me : * Thou wilt
strengthen my soul exceedingly.
Let all the kings of the earth
praise Thee, O LORD, * for they
have heard all the words of Thy
mouth.
Yea, let them sing of the ways of
the LORD : * that great is the glory
of the LORD.
For the LORD is high, yet hath
He respect unto the lowly : * but
the proud He knoweth from afar.
Though I walk in the midst of
trouble Thou wilt revive me : *
Thou shalt stretch forth Thine hand
against the wrath of mine enemies,
and Thy right hand shall save me.
The LORD will give recompense
on my behalf: * Thy mercy, O
LORD, endureth for ever : forsake
not the works of Thine own hands.
Antiphon. Before the Angels
will I sing praise unto Thee, O
my God.
Second Antiphon. O LORD.
If this Antiphon be used the Psalm
commences with the words, " Thou hast
searched me."
Psalm CXXXVII I.
[Intituled "A Psalm of David," with a
musical (?) direction, the meaning of which
is not now certain.]
LORD, Thou hast searched
me, and known me : * Thou
knowest my down-sitting and mine
up-rising :
Thou understandest my thoughts
afar off. * Thou searchest my path,
and my line,
And art acquainted with all my
ways : * before there is a word on
my tongue.
Lo, O LORD, Thou knowest all
things both new and old : * Thou
hast made me, and laid Thine hand
upon me.
198
THE PSALTER.
Such knowledge is too wonderful
for me : * it is high, and I cannot
attain unto it.
Whither shall I go from Thy
Spirit? * or whither shall I flee
from Thy presence?
If I ascend up into heaven, Thou
are there : * if I go down into hell,
Thou art there.
If I take the wings of the morn
ing, * and dwell in the uttermost
parts of the sea;
Even there shall Thine hand lead
me, * and Thy right hand shall hold
me.
If I say : Surely the darkness
shall cover me : * even the night
shall be light about me in my
pleasures.
For the darkness is not darkness
to Thee : and the night shineth as
the day : * the darkness and the
light to Thee are both alike.
For Thou didst form my reins :
* Thou hast upholden me from
my mother s womb.
I will praise Thee, for Thy great
ness is terrible : * marvellous are
Thy works : and that my soul
knoweth right well.
My bones were not hid from
Thee, when Thou madest me in
secret : * nor my substance in the
lower parts of the earth.
Thine eyes beheld my substance
yet being imperfect : and in Thy
book all were written : * day by day
were they to be fashioned, when as
yet there was none of them.
But to me, O God, Thy friends
are exceeding honourable : * their
power is waxen right strong.
If I should count them, they are
more in number than the sand : * I
arose, and am still with Thee.
Surely Thou wilt slay the wicked,
O God : * depart from me, ye bloody
men.
For ye say in thought : * In
vain shall Thy people take Thy
cities.
Do not I hate them, O LORD,
that hate Thee? * and am not I
grieved at those that rise up against
Thee ?
I hate them with perfect hatred :
* they are to me as enemies.
Search me, O God, and know
mine heart : * try me and know my
thoughts.
And see if there be any wicked
way in me : * and lead me in the
way everlasting.
Antiphon. O LORD, Thou hast
searched me and known me.
Third Antiphon. Preserve me.
Psalm CXXXIX.
[Intituled " A Psalm of David," with the
same musical (?) direction as before.]
T~"\ELIVER me, O LORD, from
*~* the evil man : * preserve me
from the wicked man :
Which imagine mischiefs in their
heart : * continually are they gath
ered together for war.
They have sharpened their tongues
like a serpent : * adders poison is
under their lips. 1
Keep me, O LORD, from the hands
of the wicked : * and preserve me
from the evil man :
Who purpose to overthrow my
goings. The proud have hid a
snare for me :
And spread a net with cords : *
by the way-side have they set a trap
for me. 1
1 SLH.
VESPERS, OR EVENSONG.
199
I said unto the LORD : Thou art
my God : * hear the voice of my
supplication, O LORD !
LORD, my Lord, Thou Strength
of my salvation, * Thou hast covered
mine head in the day of battle !
Give me not up, O LORD, to the
desires of the wicked : * they take
counsel together against me : forsake
me not, lest they exalt themselves. 1
As for the head of those that
compass me about, * let the mis
chief of their own lips cover them.
Let burning coals fall upon them ;
let them be cast into the fire: * when
they are in trouble they will not be
able to stand.
An evil-speaker shall not prosper
in the earth : * evil shall hunt the
wicked man, to overthrow him.
1 know that the LORD will main
tain the cause of the afflicted, * and
will revenge the poor.
Surely the righteous shall give
thanks unto Thy Name ; * and the
upright shall dwell in Thy presence.
Antiphon. Preserve me, O Lord,
from the wicked man.
Fourth Antiphon. LORD.
If this Antiphon be used, the Psalm
begins with the words, " I cry unto
Thee."
Psalm CXL.
[Intituled "A Psalm of David."]
T ORD, I cry unto Thee : hear
*-* me ! * give ear unto my voice
when I cry unto Thee.
1 SLH.
2 The Targum is, "They are torn away from the house of instruction by the strong
hands of their judges." The Syriac, "And their judges are crushed by the strong hand."
Messrs Jennings and Lowe render, "When their judges have been thrown down the sides
of the rock, then they shall hear my words as welcome;" and continue, "When the
usurping rulers have been deposed, and the disappointed rabble has executed its ven
geance on them, it shall bethink it again of David s divinely constituted authority, and
gladly recall him to the throne. This is the only rational interpretation of the verse.
For the mode of punishment mentioned, cf. 2. Chron. xxv. 12, Luke iv. 29."
Let my prayer be set forth as in
cense before Thee : * the lifting-up
of mine hands as the evening sacri
fice.
Set a watch, O LORD, before my
mouth : * keep the door of my lips.
Incline not mine heart to any evil
word, * to excuse myself in my sins,
With men that work wickedness ;
* and let me not eat of their dainties.
Let the righteous smite me in
kindness : and let him reprove me :
* but the oil of the wicked shall not
anoint mine head :
For yet my prayer shall be against
their lusts. * 2 Their judges shall
be left [to their fate beside] in the
hands of the rock :
[And] they [that have wreaked
their vengeance on them] shall hear
my words, that they are mighty. *
Like clods of earth broken by the
ploughman,
So are our bones scattered at the
grave s mouth. * But mine eyes are
unto Thee, O LORD, my Lord : in
Thee is my trust, leave not my life
to destruction.
Keep me from the snare which
they have laid for me, * and the gins
of the workers of iniquity.
The wicked shall fall into their
own net ; * as for me, I dwell alone,
until I depart hence.
Antiphon.
hear me.
Fifth Antiphon.
portion.
LORD, I cry unto Thee,
O Lord, let my
200
THE PSALTER.
Psalm CXLI.
[Intituled " A didactic (?) Psalm of David.
A Prayer when he was in the cave," namely,
on the same occasion as that on which he
wrote Psalm Ivi. See note on that Psalm,
p. 1 10.]
T CRIED unto the LORD with my
* voice : * with my voice unto
the LORD did I make supplication.
I pour out my complaint before
Him : * before Him also I show my
trouble.
When my spirit faileth from me,
* then Thou knewest my path.
In the way wherein I walked *
have they privily laid a snare for me.
I looked on the right hand, and
beheld : * but there was no man
that would know me :
Refuge failed me : * and no man
cared for my soul.
I cried unto Thee, O LORD ! * I
said : Thou art my refuge, and my
portion in the land of the living.
Attend unto my cry, * for I am
brought very low :
Deliver me from my persecutors :
* for they are stronger than I.
Bring my soul out of prison, that
I may praise Thy Name : * the
righteous wait for me, till Thou deal
bountifully with me.
Antiphon. O Lord, let my por
tion be in the land of the living.
Antiphon in Paschal time. Alle
luia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
HYMN. 1
And the huge make
Of wild or gentler animal.
Springing from nothing at Thy call,
To serve in their due time, and all
For sinners sake ;
Shield us from ill !
Come it by passion s sudden stress,
Lurk in our mind s habitual dress,
Or through our actions seek to press
Upon our will.
Vouchsafe the prize
Of sacred joy s perpetual mood,
And service-seeking gratitude,
And love to quell each strife or feud,
If it arise.
Grant it, O Lord !
To Whom, the Father, Only Son,
And Holy Spirit, Three in One,
In heaven and earth all praise be done
With one accord.
Amen.
Antiphon at the Song of the Blessed
Virgin. He hath put down the
mighty, * that persecute His Saints :
and hath exalted them of low degree,
that confess His Christ.
Commemoration of the Cross before
the other general Commemorations , and
Long Preces in Advent and Lent, and
on Fast-days, as on Monday.
Simple Feasts. If the Vespers of a
Simple Feast be kept on a Friday, the
service is of the Feast from the Chapter
inclusive.
SaturlrajL
THE SABBATH.
Thy
height
Badest the dull earth bring to light
All creeping things, and the fierce might
Of beasts of prey ;
n
The Psalms are as follows :
Antiphon. Blessed.
f ^ AmbrOsian school > considerably altered ; translation by the late Card.
VESPERS, OR EVENSONG.
201
If this Antiphon be used, the Psalm
begins with the words, " Be the LORD
my God."
In Paschal time only one Antiphon is
said, Alleluia.
Psalm CXLIII.
[Intituled Of David. " The Vulgate and
the LXX. add "against Goliath."]
T3LESSED be the LORD my God,
LJ Which teacheth mine hands
to war, * and my fingers to fight.
My goodness, and my fortress : *
my strength, and my Deliverer :
My shield, and He in Whom I
trust : * Who subdueth my people
under me.
LORD, what is man, that Thou
takest knowledge of him ? * or the
son of man, that Thou makest ac
count of him ?
Man is like to vanity : * his days
are as a shadow that passeth away.
Bow Thy heavens, O LORD, and
come down : * touch the mountains,
and they shall smoke.
Cast forth the bright lightning,
and scatter them : * send out
Thine arrows, and make them to
quake.
Send Thine hand from above :
rid me, and deliver me out of great
waters, * from the hand of strange
children :
Whose mouth speaketh vanity : *
and their right hand is a right hand
of falsehood.
I will sing a new song unto Thee,
O God ; * upon a psaltery of ten
strings will I sing praises unto
Thee:
Who hast given salvation unto
kings : * Who deliveredst David
Thy servant from the hurtful sword.
Rid me,
And deliver me from the hand
of strange children, whose mouth
speaketh vanity : * and their right
hand is a right hand of falsehood :
Whose sons may be as saplings
grown up * in their youth ;
Their daughters decked out, *
adorned after the similitude of the
temple :
Their garners full, * affording
stores upon store :
Their sheep fruitful in young,
countless in their pastures : * their
oxen fat :
There is no breach in their walls,
nor inroad : * nor wailing in their
streets.
Happy is that people, that is in
such a case : * happy is that people
whose God is the Lord.
Antiphon. Blessed be the LORD
my God.
Second Antiphon. Every day.
Psalm CXLIV.
[Intituled " David s song of praise." It is
ABC Darian.]
T WILL extol Thee, my God, O
A King ! * and I will bless Thy
name for ever and ever.
Every day will I bless Thee; *
and I will praise Thy name for ever
and ever.
Great is the LORD, and greatly to
be praised : * and His greatness is
unsearchable.
One generation shall praise Thy
works to another, * and shall declare
Thy mighty acts.
They shall speak of the glorious
honour of Thy Majesty, * and tell of
Thy wondrous works.
And men shall speak of the might
of Thy terrible acts, * and declare
Thy greatness.
2O2
THE PSALTER.
They shall abundantly utter the
record of Thy great goodness, *
and shall sing of Thy righteous
ness.
The LORD is gracious and full of
compassion : * slow to anger and of
great mercy.
The LORD is good to all, * and
His tender mercies are over all His
works.
May all Thy works praise Thee,
O LORD ! * and let Thy saints bless
Thee!
They shall speak of the glory of
Thy kingdom, * and talk of Thy
power ;
To make known to the sons of
men Thy mighty acts, * and the
glorious majesty of Thy king
dom.
Thy kingdom is an everlasting
kingdom, * and Thy dominion
endureth throughout all genera
tions !
The Lord is faithful in all His
words, * and holy in all His
works.
The LORD upholdeth all that fall,
* and raiseth up all those that be
bowed down.
The eyes of all wait upon Thee,
O Lord ! * and Thou givest them
their meat in due season.
Thou openest Thine hand, * and
fillest all things living with plenteous-
ness.
The LORD is righteous in all
His ways, * and holy in all His
works.
The LORD is nigh unto all them
that call upon Him, * to all that call
upon Him in truth.
He will fulfil the desire of them
that fear Him : * He also will hear
their cry and will save them.
The LORD preserveth all them
that love Him, * but all the wicked
will He destroy.
My mouth shall speak the praise
of the LORD ; * and let all flesh
bless His holy Name for ever and
ever.
Antiphon. Every day will I bless
Thee, O Lord.
Third Antiphon. While I live.
Psalm CXLV.
[To this Psalm is prefixed "Alleluia."
The Vulgate and the LXX. connect it with
the names of Haggai and Zechariah.]
PRAISE the LORD, O my soul;
while I live will I praise the
LORD : * I will sing praises unto my
God while I have being.
Put not your trust in princes, *
in the son of man, in whom is no
help.
His breath goeth forth, and he
returneth to his earth : * in that
very day their thoughts perish.
Happy is he that hath the God
of Jacob for his help, his hope is
in the LORD his God : * Who made
heaven and earth, the sea, and all
that therein is :
Who keepeth truth for ever.
Who executeth judgment for the
oppressed : * Who giveth food to
the hungry.
The LORD looseth the prisoners :
* the LORD openeth the eyes of the
blind :
The LORD raiseth them that are
bowed down : * the LORD loveth
the righteous :
The LORD preserveth the stran
gers ; He defendeth the fatherless
and widow : * but the way of the
wicked He will turn aside.
The LORD shall reign for ever !
VESPERS, OR EVENSONG.
203
even thy God, O Zion, * unto all
generations !
[The Hebrew adds " Alleluia," which
the Vulgate and the LXX. prefix to the
next Psalm.]
Antiphon. While I live will I
praise the LORD.
Fourth Antiphon. Let the praise
of our God.
Psalm CXLVI.
[The Vulgate and the LXX., as stated,
prefix "Alleluia," and the LXX. adds " of
Haggai and Zechariah."]
ye the LORD, for it is
good to sing praises : * the
praise of our God is pleasant and
comely.
The LORD doth build up Jeru
salem : * He gathereth together
the outcasts of Israel.
He healeth the broken in heart, *
and bindeth up their wounds.
He telleth the number of the
stars; * and calleth them all by
their names.
Great is our Lord, and of great
power : * and His understanding is
infinite.
The LORD lifteth up the meek ; *
but He casteth the wicked down to
the ground.
Sing unto the LORD with thanks
giving : * sing praise upon the harp
unto our God.
Who covereth the heaven with
clouds : * and prepareth rain for the
earth,
Who maketh grass to grow upon
the mountains, * and herbs for the
service of men :
He giveth to the beast his food,
* and to the young ravens which cry
unto Him.
He delighteth not in the strength
of an horse ; * neither taketh He
pleasure in the legs of a man.
The LORD taketh pleasure in them
that fear Him, * and in those that
hope in His mercy.
Antiphon. Let the praise of our
God be pleasant.
Fifth Antiphon. Praise the LORD.
If this Antiphon be used the Psalm
begins with the words^ " O Jerusalem."
Psalm CXLVI I.
[In the Hebrew this is the continuation
of the preceding Psalm. The Vulgate and
the LXX. prefix "Alleluia," and the LXX.
adds " of Haggai and Zechariah."]
PRAISE the LORD, O Jerusalem !
* praise thy God, O Zion !
For He hath strengthened the
bars of thy gates : * He hath blessed
thy children within thee :
He maketh peace in thy borders :
* and filleth thee with the finest of
the wheat.
He sendeth forth His command
ment upon earth : * His word run
neth very swiftly.
He giveth snow like wool : * He
scattereth the hoar-frost like ashes.
He casteth forth His ice like
morsels : * who can stand before
His cold?
He sendeth out His word, and
melteth them : * He causeth His
wind to blow, and the waters flow.
He declareth His word unto
Jacob, * His statutes and His
judgments unto Israel.
He hath not dealt so with any
nation : * neither hath He made
known to them His judgments.
[The Hebrew adds "Alleluia," which
the Vulgate and the LXX. prefix to the
next Psalm.]
2O4
THE PSALTER.
Antiphon. Praise the LORD, O
Jerusalem.
Antiphon in Paschal time. Alle
luia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
From Advent Sunday till the Octave
of the Epiphany, and from Septuagesima
Sunday till the Octave of Pentecost spe
cial Chapters are given.
At other times the following is said:
CHAPTER. (Rom. xi. 33.)
OTHE depth of the riches and
wisdom and knowledge of
God : how unsearchable are His
judgments and His ways past find
ing out !
The following Hymn and Verse and
Answer is used during the same seasons
as the above Chapter, and likewise from
Septuagesima to Lent.
HYMN. 1
THE red sun is gone,
Thou Light of the heart,
Blessed Three, Holy One,
To Thy servants a sun
Everlasting impart.
There were Lauds in the morn,
Here are Vespers at even :
Oh, may we adorn
Thy temple new born
With our voices in Heaven.
To the Father be praise,
And praise to the Son,
And the Spirit always,
While the infinite days
Of eternity run.
Amen.
Verse. Let the evening prayer
ascend unto Thee, O Lord.
Answer. And let there descend
upon us Thy mercy.
The following Antiphon is said only
from the Octave of the Epiphany till
Septuagesima.
Antiphon at the Song of the Blessed
Virgin. God hath holpen His ser
vant Israel : * as He spake to
Abraham and to his seed, to exalt
them of low degree for ever and
ever.
Prayer of the succeeding Sunday.
1 Hymn of the Ambrosian school, altered almost beyond recognition ; translation by
the late Card. Newman.
205
COMPLINE. 1
flue for tfjerg tiag in tlje
At the beginning of Compline the
Reader says :
Sir, be pleased to give the bless
ing.
The Blessing.
May the Almighty Lord grant us
a quiet night and a perfect end.
Answer. Amen.
Then is read this Short Lesson.
SHORT LESSON, (i Pet. v. 8.)
"DRETHREN, be sober, be vigil-
J^ ant : because your adversary
the devil as a roaring lion walketh
about, seeking whom he may devour :
whom resist ye, stedfast in the faith.
But Thou, O Lord, have mercy
upon us.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
Verse. >J 2 Our help is in the
Name of the LORD.
Answer. Who made heaven and
earth.
Then the Lord s Prayer is said in-
audibly.
UR Father, Who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy
O
kingdom come. Thy will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven. Give
us this day our daily bread. And
forgive us our trespasses, as we for
give them that trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation ;
but deliver us from evil. Amen.
After this is said the General Confes
sion and Absolution.
T CONFESS to God Almighty, to
** the Blessed Mary, always a
Virgin, to the Blessed Michael the
Archangel, to the Blessed John the
Baptist, to the Holy Apostles Peter
and Paul, and to all the Saints, that
I have sinned exceedingly in thought,
word, and deed, by my fault, by my
fault, by my most grievous fault.
Therefore I beseech the Blessed
Mary, always a Virgin, the Blessed
Michael the Archangel, the Blessed
John the Baptist, the Holy Apostles
Peter and Paul, and all the Saints, to
pray to the Lord our God for me.
The Absolution.
ALMIGHTY God have mercy
^~^ on us, forgive us our sins,
and bring us to life everlasting.
Answer. Amen.
1 Compline (Completorium) is the last office of the Church, and is proper to the end of
the evening before going to bed, reckoned to be about 9 p.m., but it may be said any time
before midnight. It is very frequently recited along with Vespers, thus forming the com
plete Evening Service of the Church, and it is from this aggregation that the "Evening
Prayer " of the Anglican Prayer Book is derived. z Ps. cxxiii. 8.
206
THE PSALTER.
AY the Almighty and mer-
c iful Lord grant us pardon,
absolution, and remission of all our
sins.
Answer. Amen.
Verse. 1 Turn us, O God of our
salvation.
Ansiver. And cause Thine anger
toward us to cease.
Verse. ^ Make haste, O God, to
deliver me.
Answer. Make haste to help me,
O LORD.
Glory be to the Father, and to the
Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now,
and ever shall be, world without end.
Amen. Alleluia.
From the Saturday before Septua-
gesima Sunday to Maundy Thursday
instead of " Alleluia " is said:
Ceaseless praise to Thee be given,
O Eternal King of heaven.
Then follow the Psalms. They are
all said under one Antiphon.
Antiphon. Have mercy.
Antiphon in Paschal time. Alle
luia.
Psalm IV.
[Intituled "A Psalm of David," with a
musical (?) direction of (now) uncertain
meaning.]
^1 \J HEN I called, the God of my
* righteousness heard me : *
Thou hast enlarged me when I was
in distress :
Have mercy upon me, * and hear
my prayer.
O ye sons of men, how long
will ye be dull of heart ? * Why
will ye love vanity, and seek after
leasing ? 2
1 Ps. Ixxxiv. 5.
But know that the LORD hath set
apart for Himself him that is holy :
* the LORD will hear me when I
call unto Him.
Be ye angry and sin not : * what
ye speak in your heart, repent upon
your bed. 2
Offer the sacrifices of righteous
ness, and put your trust in the LORD.
* There be many that say : Who will
show us any good ?
LORD, Thou hast set upon us the
light of Thy countenance. * Thou
hast put gladness in my heart,
More than in the time that
their corn, and wine, and oil *
increased.
I will both lay me down in peace r
* and sleep,
For Thou, LORD, only * makest
me to dwell in safety.
Psalm. XXX.
[The first eight verses of Psalm xxx., p.
7 6.]
IN Thee, O LORD, do I put my
trust, let me never be asham
ed ; * deliver me in Thy righteous
ness.
Bow down Thine ear to me, *
deliver me speedily.
Be Thou to me a God, a Pre
server, and an house of defence, *
to save me.
For Thou art my strength and
my refuge, * and for Thy Name s
sake Thou wilt lead me and nourish
me.
Thou wilt pull me out of the net,
that they have laid privily for me,
* for Thou art my Preserver.
Into Thine hands I commend my
spirit : * Thou hast redeemed me,
O LORD God of truth !
2 SLH.
COMPLINE.
207
Psalm XC.
[The Vulgate and the LXX. give the
heading, "A Psalm of praise of David."]
HE that dwelleth in the help of
the Most High, * shall abide
under the shadow of the God of
heaven.
He will say to the LORD : Thou
art my refuge, and my fortress, *
my God, in Him will I trust.
For He shall deliver me from the
snare of the fowler, * and from the
noisome pestilence.
He shall cover thee with His
wings, * and under His feathers
shalt thou trust :
His truth shall be thy shield. *
Thou shalt not be afraid for the
terror by night ;
For the arrow that flieth by day,
for the pestilence that walketh in
darkness, * for the evil spirit that
wasteth at noon-day.
A thousand shall fall at thy side,
and ten thousand at thy right
hand : * but it shall not come
nigh thee.
Yea, with thine eyes shalt thou
behold : * and see the reward of
the wicked.
Because Thou, O LORD, art my
trust : * thou hast made the Most
High thy refuge.
There shall no evil befall thee, *
neither shall any plague come nigh
thy dwelling.
For He hath given His Angels
charge over thee, * to keep thee in
all thy ways :
They shall bear thee up in their
hands, * lest haply thou dash thy
foot against a stone.
Thou shalt tread upon the adder
and the cockatrice : * the lion also
and the dragon shalt thou trample
under feet.
Because he hath set his trust
upon Me, therefore will I deliver
him : * I will defend him because
he hath known My Name.
He shall call upon Me, and I will
answer him : * I am with him in
trouble : I will deliver him and
glorify him.
With long life will I satisfy him :
* and show him My salvation.
Psalm CXXXIII.
[Intituled " A Song of Degrees."]
BEHOLD now, bless ye the
LORD, * all ye servants of the
LORD.
Which stand in the house of the
LORD, * even in the courts of the
house of our God,
By night. Lift up your hands
toward the sanctuary, * and bless
the LORD.
The LORD That made heaven
and earth, * bless thee out of
Zion!
Antiphon. l Have mercy upon
me, O Lord, and hear my prayer.
Antiphon in Paschal time. Al
leluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
Then is said the following :
HYMN. 2
NOW that the clay-light dies away,
By all Thy grace and love,
Thee, Maker of the world, we pray
To watch our bed above.
1 Ps. iv. 2.
2 Hymn of the Ambrosian school, very slightly altered ; translation by the late Card.
Newman.
208
THE PSALTER.
Let dreams depart and phantoms fly,
The offspring of the night,
Keep us, like shrines, beneath Thine
eye,
Pure in our foes despite.
This grace on Thy redeemed confer,
Father, Co-equal Son,
And Holy Ghost, the Comforter,
Eternal Three in One.
Amen.
The last verse is sometimes said thus,
altered in honour of the Incarnation :
JESU, the Virgin-born, to Thee
Eternal praise be given,
With Father, Spirit, One and Three,
Here as it is in heaven.
Amen.
In Paschal time it is said thus, al
tered in honour of the Resurrection :
To Father, Son, and Paraclete,
The slain and risen Son,
Be praise and glory, as is meet,
While endless ages run.
Amen.
// is also occasionally otherwise al
tered, which occasions are marked in
their places.
Then follows the
CHAPTER. (Jer. xiv. 9.)
VTET Thou, O LORD, art in the
^ midst of us, and Thine holy
Name is called upon us : r leave us
not, O Lord our God.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
Then the Short Responsory.
2 Into Thine hands, O Lord, I
commend my spirit.
Ansiver. Into Thine hands, O
Lord, I commend my spirit.
Verse. Thou hast redeemed us,
O LORD God of truth.
Answer. I commend my spirit.
Verse. Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost.
Answer. Into Thine hands, O
Lord, I commend my spirit.
Verse. 3 Keep us, O Lord, as
the apple of the eye.
Answer. Hide us under the
shadow of Thy wings.
From the Saturday after Easter in
clusive to the Saturday after Pentecost
exclusive, the above is said thus :
Into Thine hands, O Lord, I com
mend my spirit. Alleluia, Alleluia.
Answer. Into Thine hands, O
Lord, I commend my spirit. Al
leluia, Alleluia.
Verse. Thou hast redeemed us,
O LORD God of truth.
Answer. Alleluia, Alleluia.
Verse. Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost.
Answer. Into Thine hands, O
Lord, I commend my spirit. Alle
luia, Alleluia.
Verse. Keep us, O Lord, as the
apple of the eye. Alleluia.
Answer. Hide us under the
shadow of Thy wings. Alleluia.
Then is said the following Canticle
from the Gospel, with its Antiphon.
Antiphon. O Lord, keep us.
1 The allusion seems to be to the invocation of the Name upon Israel by the Priests,
Numb. vi. 22. "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying : Speak unto Aaron, and unto
his sons, saying, On this wise shall ye bless the children of Israel, saying unto them The
LORD bless thee and keep thee ; the LORD make His face shine upon thee, and be gracious
unto thee ; the LORD lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace and they
shall put My Name upon the children of Israel ; and I will bless them."
2 Ps. xxx. 6. 3 Ps _ xvi _ 8>
COMPLINE.
209
THE SONG OF SIMEON. (Luke ii. 29.)
[Uttered by Simeon at the presentation
of our LORD in the Temple. "Then took
he Him up in his arms, and blessed God,
and said : "]
LORD, now lettest Thou Thy
servant depart in peace, *
according to Thy word :
For mine eyes have seen * Thy
Salvation,
Which Thou hast prepared *
before the face of all people ;
A Light to lighten the Gentiles,
* and the glory of Thy people
Israel.
The Doxology, "Glory be to the
Father, &c.," is said.
Antiphon. O Lord, keep us
waking, guard us sleeping : that
we may wake with Christ and rest
in peace.
In Paschal time, "Alleluia."
Then follow these short prayers, called
the Preces. They are omitted on Doubles
and within Octaves. In Advent, Lent,
and the Ember Days they are said
kneeling.
Kyrie eleison.
Ansiver. Christe eleison.
Kyrie eleison.
Father, (inaudibly,} Who
art in heaven, Hallowed be
Thy Name. Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done on earth, as it is
in heaven. Give us this day our
daily bread. And forgive us our
trespasses, as we forgive them that
trespass against us. (Alottd.}
Verse. And lead us not into
temptation.
Answer. But deliver us from
evil.
1 Dan. iii
T BELIEVE (inaudibly) 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 : He
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. I believe in the Holy
Ghost, the Holy Catholic Church,
the Communion of Saints, the For
giveness of sins, (aloud]
Verse. The Resurrection of the
body.
Answer. And the Life ever
lasting. Amen.
Verse. l Blessed art Thou, O
Lord God of our fathers,
Answer. And to be praised and
glorified above all for ever.
Verse. Bless we the Father, and
the Son, and the Holy Ghost.
Answer. Let us praise and exalt
Him above all for ever.
Verse. Blessed art Thou, O
Lord, in the firmament of heaven,
Answer. And to be praised, and
glorified, and exalted above all for
ever.
Verse. May the Lord, the Al
mighty and merciful, bless and
keep us.
Answer. Amen.
Verse. Vouchsafe, O Lord, this
night,
Answer. To keep us without sin.
Verse. Have mercy upon us, O
LORD.
Answer. Have mercy upon us.
52, 56-
2IO
THE PSALTER.
Verse. O LORD, let Thy mercy
lighten upon us.
Answer. As our trust is in Thee.
Here the service is resumed, when
the above has been omitted.
Verse. Hear my prayer, O LORD.
Answer. And let my cry come
unto Thee.
Let us pray.
VISIT, we beseech Thee, O
Lord, this habitation, 1 and
drive far from it all snares of the
enemy : let Thine holy Angels dwell
herein, to keep us in peace, and
may Thy blessing be always upon
us. Through our Lord JESUS Christ,
Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth
with Thee, in the unity of the Holy
Ghost, one God, world without end.
Answer. Amen.
Verse. Hear my prayer, O LORD.
Answer. And let my cry come
unto Thee.
Verse. Bless we the Lord.
Answer. Thanks be to God.
The Blessing.
May the Almighty and Merciful
Lord, *J* the Father, the Son, and
the Holy Ghost, bless and keep us.
Answer. Amen.
Then follows immediately one of
these Four Antiphons of the Blessed
Virgin Mary, according to the season
of the year.
I. From the Vespers of the Saturday
before Advent Sunday till those of
Candlemas, both inclusive.
Antiphon. Maiden ! Mother of
Him Who redeemed us, thou that
abidest
Heaven s open gate, and the Star
of the Sea, come, succour the fallen !
Fallen indeed we are, but fain
would rise by thy succour.
Thou that beyond nature s course
hast borne in time the Eternal ;
Thou that a Virgin before, and
after that childbirth remainest,
From the Archangel s lips the
quickening message receiving,
Mother of JESUS and us, turn
thine eyes of mercy on sinners.
Verse. The Angel of the Lord
announced unto Mary,
Answer. And she conceived of
the Holy Ghost.
Let us pray.
WE beseech Thee, O Lord, pour
Thy grace into our hearts ;
that, as we have known the Incar
nation of Thy Son JESUS Christ by
the message of an Angel, so by His
Passion and Cross we may be
brought unto the glory of His
Resurrection. Through the same
Christ our Lord.
Answer. Amen.
From the First Vespers of Christmas
inclusive, the Verse and Answer and
Prayer are as follows :
Verse. After thy delivery thou
still remainest a Virgin undefiled.
Ansiver. Mother of God, pray
for us.
Let us pray.
GOD, Who, by the fruitful
virginity of the Blessed Mary,
hast given unto mankind the re
wards of everlasting life; grant, we
beseech Thee, that we may con
tinually feel the might of her in-
O
1 This Office was originally the last Prayer before going to rest for the monks of the
Order of St Benedict.
COMPLINE.
211
tercession ; through whom we have
worthily received the Author of
our life, our Lord JESUS Christ
Thy Son.
Answer. Amen.
II. From the Compline of the 2nd
day of February inclusive to
Maundy Thursday exclusive.
Antiphon. Hail, O Mary, Queen
of heaven,
Queen of Angel worlds on high,
Hail, O Rod to Jesse given,
Blessed Portal of the sky,
Hail, O Lady, bright and glorious,
Clad in beauty, pure and true,
Virgin ! o er sin s stain victorious,
Sinners for thy succour sue.
Verse. Holy Virgin, my praise
by thee accepted be.
Answer. Give me strength against
thine enemies.
Let us pray.
TV/TOST merciful God, grant, we
-L A beseech Thee, a succour
unto the frailty of our nature, that
as we keep ever alive the memory
of the holy Mother of God, so by
the help of her intercession we may
be raised up from the bondage of
our sins. Through the same Christ
our Lord.
Answer. Amen.
III. From the First Compline of
Easter inclusive till the First
Vespers of Trinity Sunday ex
clusive.
Antiphon. Rejoice! rejoice! thou
Queen of Heaven, Alleluia,
For He That thee for Son was
given, Alleluia,
As He promised is arisen. Alle
luia.
Mother, pray to Him for us,
Alleluia.
Verse. Be glad and rejoice, O
Virgin Mary, Alleluia,
Answer. For the Lord is risen
indeed. Alleluia.
Let us pray.
GOD, Who dost vouchsafe to
gladden the whole world by
the resurrection of Thy Son our
Lord JESUS Christ ; grant, we be-
scfech Thee, that by the help of
His Mother the Virgin Mary, we
may finally attain unto the glad
ness of life everlasting. Through
the same Christ our Lord.
Answer. Amen.
IV. From the First Vespers of
Trinity Sunday inclusive till the
Vespers of Saturday before Ad
vent Sunday exclusive.
Antiphon. Hail, O Queen, Mo
ther of mercy ! hail, our life, our
sweetness, and our hope. To thee
we cry, the banished sons of Eve.
Toward thee we sigh, weeping and
groaning in this vale of tears. Ah,
then, thou our Advocate, turn on us
those merciful eyes of thine ! And,
after this our exile, show to us JESUS,
the blessed Fruit of thy womb. O
most merciful, O most gracious, O
most sweet Virgin Mary ! *
Verse. Pray for us, holy Mo
ther of God.
Answer. That we may be made
worthy of the promises of Christ.
1 Of these four Antiphons, "Maiden Mother" is ascribed to Hermann the Cripple, a
monk of Reichenau, who died A.D. 1052. The authorship of the second is unknown : it
212
THE PSALTER.
Let us pray.
ALMIGHTY and everlasting
God, Who, by the co-opera
tion of the Holy Ghost, didst make
ready both the body and soul of
the glorious Virgin and Mother
Mary worthily to become a meet
dwelling for Thy Son ; grant that
as we rejoice in her memory, so
by her pitiful intercession we may
be delivered from the evils that
continually hang over us, and finally
from everlasting death. Through
the same Christ our Lord.
Answer. Amen.
After each of these Antiphons is sa$d
this Blessing:
God s most mighty strength alway
Be His people s staff and stay.
Answer. Amen.
Lastly, whether Mat tins be to follow
immediately, or not, the Lord s Prayer,
the Angelic Salutation, and the Apos
tles Creed are said inaudibly.
OUR Father, Who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Thy Name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will
be done on earth, as it is in
heaven. Give us this day our
daily bread. And forgive us our
trespasses, as we forgive them that
trespass against us. And lead us
not into temptation ; but deliver
us from evil. Amen.
HAIL, Mary, full of grace ; the
Lord is with thee : blessed
art thou among women, and blessed
is the fruit of thy womb, JESUS.
Holy Mary, Mother of Gocl, pray
for us sinners, now, and at the
hour of our death. Amen.
T 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 : He descended
into hell : the third day He rose
again from the dead : He ascended
into heaven, and sitteth at the right
hand of God the Father Almighty :
from thence He shall come to
judge both the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost, the
Holy Catholic Church, the Com
munion of Saints, the P orgiveness
of sins, the Resurrection of the
body, and the life everlasting.
Amen.
Thus ends the Office of Compline
throughout the year, in which Office
the words, " May the souls, &c.," are
omitted, and the Verse and Answer,
"The Lord give us, &c.," are not said
before the Antiphon of the Blessed
Virgin.
seems to date from about the eleventh century. The date and authorship of the third are
likewise unknown ; but a legend has become attached to it, to the effect that St Gregory
the Great heard the three first lines uttered by an angel, and himself added the fourth, on
the same occasion on which was instituted the procession upon St Mark s Day. The
authorship of " Hail, O Queen" is disputed. The last clause is usually admitted to be an
exclamation uttered by St Bernard of Clairvaux in the cathedral of Spires. But the
authorship of the rest is disputed, some ascribing it to Hermann the Cripple, others to
one Peter of Monsoro, bishop of Compostella, others to one Adhemar. bishop of Podium
(Puy-en-Velay). It seems to have been well known, at least in Spain, early in the
twelfth century.
proper >fltce of tfje Reason*
SEPTEMBER.
j&un&ag of
The First Lord s Day of September.
MATTINS.
FIRST NOCTURN.
First Lesson.
Here beginneth the Book of Job (i. i.)
HP HE RE was a man in the land of
Uz, whose name was Job, and
that man was perfect, and upright,
and one that feared God and eschewed
evil. And there were born unto him
seven sons and three daughters. His
substance also was seven thousand
sheep, and three thousand camels, and
five hundred yoke of oxen, and five
hundred she-asses, and a very great
household. So that this man was the
greatest of all the men of the East.
First Responsory.
1 What ! shall we receive good at
the hand of God, and shall we not
receive evil ? The LORD gave and the
LORD hath taken away. As the Lord
hath pleased, so hath it befallen.
Blessed be the Name of the LORD.
Verse. Naked came I out of my
mother s womb, and naked shall I
return thither.
Answer. The LORD gave and the
LORD hath taken away. As the Lord
hath pleased, so hath it befallen.
Blessed be the Name of the LORD.
Second Lesson.
AND his sons went and feasted in
*^ their houses, every one his day.
And sent and called for their three
sisters, to eat and to drink with them.
And it was so, when the days of their
feasting were gone about, that Job
sent unto them and sanctified them,
and rose up early in the morning, and
offered burnt - offerings according to
the number of them all. For he said :
It may be that my sons have sinned,
and blessed 2 God in their hearts.
Thus did Job continually.
1 ii. 10 ; i. 21, 22.
2 I.e., invoked Him blasphemously in connection with some wicked thoughts, but it seems
more probable that the expression is here "transferred to curses and impious words against
God" Himself. So Gesenius. Targum : "provoked." (Walton s Polyglott.) . .-.
VOL. IV.
214
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
Second Responsory.
1 My sighing cometh before I eat,
and my roarings are poured out like
the waters, for the thing which I
greatly feared is come upon me, and
that which I was afraid of is come
unto me. Was not I silent ? Held
not I my peace ? Was not I at rest ?
And trouble came.
Verse. Behold, I cannot help my
self, and they that were needful unto
me - have forsaken me.
Answer. And trouble came.
Third Lesson.
IVTOW there was a day when the
sons of God came to present
themselves before the LORD, and
Satan came also among them. And
the LORD said unto him : Whence
comest thou ? And he answered and
said : From going to and fro in the
earth, and from walking up and down
in it. And the LORD said unto him :
Hast thou considered My servant Job,
a perfect, and an upright man, one
that feareth God and escheweth evil ?
Then Satan answered and said : Doth
Job fear God for nought ? Hast Thou
not made an hedge about him, and
about his house, and about all that he
hath, on every side ? [Hast Thou
not] blessed the work of his hands ?
And is not his substance increased in
the land ? But put forth Thine hand
a little, and touch all that he hath, and
he will bless 3 Thee to Thy face.
Third Responsory.
Why do ye argue against the words
of truth ? Do ye imagine words to
reprove me ? and strive to confound
one that is your friend ? Nevertheless,
finish that ye have in mind.
Verse. Judge that which is just, and
ye shall find no iniquity in my tongue.
Answer. Nevertheless, finish that
ye have in mind.
Verse. Glory be to the Father, and
to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
Answer. Nevertheless, finish that
ye have in mind.
SECOND NOCTURN.
Fourth Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book of
Moral [Reflections upon Job] written
by Pope St Gregory [the Great]
(Bk. ii. ch. i.)
HTHE Holy Scripture is put before
the eyes of our mind somewhat
after the fashion of a looking-glass,
that we may see therein the aspect
of our inward man. Therein we see
what are our unsightly, and what our
comely traits ; thereby we judge how
we are growing, and how far yet we
are from fulness of stature. The Holy
Scripture telleth of the doings of the
Saints, and stirreth up the heart of us
weaklings to follow them. While it
maketh memorial of their victorious
deeds, it strengthened our frailty to
strive against sin. And so by the
words of the Scripture it cometh to
pass that the soul trembleth less at
the battle, for that she seeth how
many times the enemies before her
have been beaten by brave men.
Fourth Responsory.
4 My flesh is clothed with worms
and clods of dust. My skin is dry
and drawn together. Remember me,
O Lord, for my life is wind.
Verse. My days are swifter than
a weaver s shuttle, and are spent with
out hope.
1 iii. 24 ; vi. 13. * Latin : necessarii mei.
3 In a bad sense, as before. Abp. Kenrick has " See if he will not bless Thee " apparently
taking it as sarcastic. Targum : "if he will not provoke Thee before the face of Thy Word."
4 vii. 5-7.
FIRST WEEK: OF SEPTEMBER.
215
Answer. Remember me, O Lord,
for my life is wind.
Answer. Before I go to a land of
darkness and of the shadow of death.
Fifth Lesson.
A ND some whiles the Scripture
*r showeth unto us, not only how
the Saints fought bravely, but also
how they fell, that we may see by
the example of the mighty, not only
what weapons we must take, if we
would conquer, but also what snares
we must keep clear of, if we would
avoid falling. For example, here is
Job on the one hand, waxing nobler
under trial, and on the other hand,
David, tried, and failing utterly. 1
And so the glory of the great
strengtheneth our hope, and the back
sliding of the same doth stir us up
to be watchful and lowly the one
cheering us with gladness, and the
other putting us on our guard through
fear, so that the soul of him which
heareth of these things may by the
one gain sure and certain hope, and
by the other fearfulness and watch
fulness, and so neither be rashly puffed
up, nor hopelessly cast down, nor may
faint under the weight of dread, for
asmuch as she is stirred up to trust
fulness by the example of him who
triumphed.
Fifth Responsory.
2 My days are few, and in a short
while they will be ended. Let me
alone, then, O Lord ! that I may be
wail my sorrow a little, before I go
to the land of darkness and of the
shadow of death.
Verse. Thine hands, O Lord ! have
made me, and fashioned me together
round about, and yet dost Thou forth
with destroy me ?
Sixth Lesson. (Bk. i. ch. i.)
""THERE was a man in the land
of Uz, whose name was Job."
We are told where this holy man lived,
that thereby we may gauge the worth
of his bravery. Who knoweth not
that Uz is a place in the countries
of the Gentiles ? 3 The Gentile world
had been so degraded and corrupted
by sin, that they had ceased to know
that they had a Maker. Therefore
is it told us where Job dwelt, that
it may redound to his praise that he
was good in the midst of the wicked.
It is not very praiseworthy to be good
among the good, but to be good
among the bad. For even as it is
more grievous to be bad among the
good, so is it right praiseworthy to
have remained good among the bad.
Sixth Responsory.
4 Hide not Thy face from me, O
Lord ! Withdraw not Thine hand
far from me, let not Thy dread make
me afraid.
Verse. 5 O Lord, correct me but
in mercy ; not in Thine anger, lest
Thou bring me to nothing.
Answer. And let not Thy dread
make me afraid.
Verse. Glory be to the Father, and
to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
Answer. And let not Thy dread
make me afraid.
THIRD NOCTURN.
Seventh Responsory.
6 O that Thou wouldest hide me in
the grave ! that Thou wouldest keep
* I.e., in the case of Bathsheba. 2 x. 20, 21, 8.
Uz lit. "soft and sandy earth," proper name of a region and tribe in the northern part of
the Arabian desert, between Palestine, Idumeea, and the Euphrates. Ges.
5 Jer. x. 24.
xiv. 13 ; x. 5, 6, 7.
2l6
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
me secret, until Thy wrath be past,
even Thine, O Lord, Thou That alone
art God ! That Thou wouldest ap
point me a set time, and remember me !
Verse. Are Thy days as the days
of man, that Thou inquirest after mine
iniquity ? and there is none that can
deliver out of Thine hand.
Answer. That Thou wouldest ap
point me a set time, and remember
me !
Eighth Responsory.
One Seraph cried unto another
Holy, Holy, Holy is the LORD God
of hosts : the whole earth is full of
His glory.
Verse. There are Three That
bear record in heaven, the Father,
the Word, and the Holy Ghost : and
these Three are One.
Answer. Holy, Holy, Holy is the
LORD God of hosts :
Verse. Glory be to the Father, and
to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
Answer. The whole earth is full of
His glory.
(fllonfcap.
Second Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book of
Job(i. 13.)
AND there was a day when his
sons and his daughters were
eating and drinking wine in their
eldest brother s house. And there
came a messenger unto Job and said :
The oxen were ploughing, and the
asses feeding beside them, and the
Sabaeans fell upon them and took
them away ; and they have slain the
servants with the edge of the sword ;
and I only am escaped alone to tell
thee. While he was yet speaking,
1 xxx. 30, 31 ; vii. 16.
there came also another, and said :
The fire of God is fallen from heaven,
and hath burned up the sheep, and
the servants, and consumed them ;
and I only am escaped alone to tell
thee.
First Responsory.
1 My harp is turned to mourning,
and my organ into the voice of them
that weep. Let me alone, O Lord,
for my days are vanity.
Verse. My skin is black upon me,
and my bones are burned with heat.
Answer. Let me alone, O Lord,
for my days are vanity.
Second Lesson.
V\7HILE he was yet speaking there
came also another, and said :
The Chaldasans made out three bands,
and fell upon the camels, and have
carried them away ; and slain the
servants with the edge of the sword ;
and I only am escaped alone to tell
thee. And while he was yet speaking,
behold, there came in also another,
and said : Thy sons and thy daughters
were eating and drinking wine in their
eldest brother s house, and, behold,
there came a great wind from the
wilderness, and smote the four corners
of the house, and it fell upon thy
children ; and they are dead ; and I
only am escaped alone to tell thee.
Second Responsory.
2 O that my sins, whereby I have
deserved wrath, and the calamity
whereunder I suffer, were laid in the
balances together.
Verse. For now it would appear
heavier than the sand of the sea, there
fore also my words are full of sorrow.
Answer. And the calamity, where
under I suffer, were laid in the bal
ances together.
2 vi. 3,
FIRST WEEK OF SEPTEMBER.
Third Lesson.
HP HEN Job arose, and rent his gar
ments, and shaved his head,
and fell down upon the ground, and
worshipped, and said : Naked came I
out of my mother s womb, and naked
shall I return thither. The LORD
gave, and the LORD hath taken away.
As the Lord hath been pleased, so is
it come to pass. Blessed be the Name
of the LORD ! In all these things,
Job sinned not with his lips, nor
charged God with foolishness.
Third Responsory.
Why do ye argue, (p. 214.)
Third Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book of
Job (ii. i.)
A GAIN there was a day when the
** sons of God came to present
themselves before the LORD, and
Satan came also among them to pre
sent himself before the LORD. And
the LORD said unto Satan : Whence
comest thou ? And he answered :
From going to and fro in the earth,
and from walking up and down in it.
And the LORD said unto Satan : Hast
thou considered My servant Job, that
there is none like him in the earth, a
perfect and an upright man, one that
feareth God, and escheweth evil ?
And still, he holdeth fast his integrity,
although thou movedst Me against
him, to afflict him without a cause.
And Satan answered, and said : Skin
for skin ! yea, all that a man hath
will he give for his life. But put
forth Thine hand now, and touch his
bone and his flesh. And thou shalt see
that he will bless * Thee to Thy face !
First Responsory.
My flesh is clothed, &c., (p. 214.)
Second Lesson.
A ND the LORD said unto Satan :
** Behold, he is in thine hand ;
but save his life. So w r ent Satan forth
from the presence of the LORD, and
smote Job with sore boils, from the
sole of his foot unto his crown. And
he took a potsherd to scrape away the
matter, and sat down in a dung-hill.
Then said his wife unto him : Dost
thou still retain thine integrity ? Bless
God, and die ! 2 But he said unto
her : Thou speakest as one of the
foolish women speaketh. Shall we
receive good at the hand of God, and
shall we not receive evil ? In all this
did not Job sin with his lips.
Second Responsory.
My days are few, &c., (p. 215.)
Third Lesson.
TVT OW when Job s three friends heard
of all this evil that was come
upon him, they came every one from
his own place, Eliphaz the Temanite,
and Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar
the Naamathite ; for they had made
an appointment together to come to
visit him and to comfort him. And
when they lifted up their eyes afar
off, and knew him not, they lifted up
their voice and wept, and they rent
their garments, and sprinkled dust
upon their heads toward heaven. So
they sat down with him upon the
1 See note on the Third Lesson on Sunday.
z So also Gesenius, who explains it thus : " However much thou praisest and blessest God,
yet thou art to die thy piety towards God is therefore vain."
218
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
ground seven days and seven nights.
And none spake a word unto him.
For they saw that his grief was very
great.
Third Responsory.
Hide not Thy face, &c., (p. 215.)
Fourth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book of
Job (iii. i.)
A FTER this Job opened his mouth,
and cursed his day, and said :
Perish the day wherein I was born !
and the night in which it was said :
There is a man-child conceived ! Let
that day be darkness ! Let not God
regard it from above ! neither let the
light shine upon it! Let darkness
and the shadow of death stain it !
Let a cloud dwell upon it ! and let
bitterness occupy it !
First Responsory.
O that Thou wouldest hide me, &c.,
(P> 215-)
Second Lesson.
AS for that night, let darkness
seize upon it! Let it not be
joined unto the days of the year ! Let
it not come into the number of the
months ! Let that night be solitary-
let no joyful voice come therein. Let
them curse it that curse the day, who
are ready to raise up Leviathan. 1 Let
the stars be obscured by the darkness
thereof let it look for light but have
none ; neither let it see the uprising of
the breaking day. Because it shut not
up the doors of the womb that bare
me, nor hid sorrow from mine eyes.
Second Responsory.
O that my sins, &c., (p. 216.)
Third Lesson.
V\/"HY died I not from the womb ?
Why did I not give up the
ghost when I came out of the belly ?
Why did the knees receive me ? or
the breasts, that I should suck ? For
now should I have lain still and been
quiet I should have slept then had
I been at rest with kings and coun
sellors of the earth, which build deso
late places for themselves or with
princes that had gold, who filled their
houses with silver or as an hidden
untimely birth I had not been ; as
infants which never saw light. 2
Third Responsory.
Why do ye argue, &c., (p. 214.)
Fifth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book of
Job (iv. i.)
T HEN Eliphaz the Temanite an
swered and said : If we essay
to commune with thee, wilt thou be
grieved ? But who, having begun to
speak, can withhold himself from
speaking ? Behold, thou hast in
structed many, and thou hast strength
ened the weak hands. Thy words
have upholden him that was falling,
and thou hast strengthened the feeble
i Targum: "Let the Prophets curse it who curse the day of vengeance which hath been
prepared, when they are raised up to rehearse their lamentation."
J The description of the grave in the next few verses is so sublime, and so justly famous, that
the reader ought to turn to it in the Bible.
FIRST WEEK OF SEPTEMBER.
2IQ
knees. But now affliction is come
upon thee, and thou faintest ; it hath
touched thee, and thou are troubled.
Where is thy fear, thy confidence, thy
patience, and the uprightness of thy
ways ?
First Responsory.
What ! shall we receive good, &c.,
(A 2I 30
Second Lesson.
ID EMEMBER, I pray thee, who
ever perished, being innocent ?
or when were the righteous cut off?
But rather, I have seen them that
plough iniquity, and sow wickedness,
reap the same. By the blast of God
they perish, and by the breath of His
wrath are they consumed. The roar
ing of the lion, and the voice of the
lioness, and the teeth of the young
lions are broken. The tiger perisheth
for lack of prey, and the lion s whelps
are scattered abroad.
Second Responsory.
My sighing cometh, &c., (p. 214.)
Third Lesson.
~\^ OW a thing was secretly brought
to me, and mine ear caught as
it were privily a faint sound thereof.
In the dread of a vision of the night,
when deep sleep falleth on men, fear
came upon me and trembling, which
made all my bones to shake. Then a
spirit passed before my face. The hair
of my flesh stood up. It stood still ;
but I could not discern the form there
of; an image was before mine eyes,
and I heard a voice like the sighing of
the wind. " Shall mortal man be more
just than God ? Shall a man be more
pure than his Maker? Behold, His
servants were not to be trusted, and in
His angels He found perverseness."
Third Responsory.
Why do ye argue, &c., (p. 214.)
Sixth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book of
Job (vi. i.)
ID UT Job answered and said : O that
my sins, whereby I have deserved
wrath, and the calamity whereunder I
suffer, were laid in the balances to
gether ! For now it would appeal-
heavier than the sand of the sea ;
therefore also my words are full of
sorrow. For the arrows of the Lord
are in me ; the poison thereof drinketh
up my spirit ; and the terrors of the
Lord do set themselves in array against
me !
< i
First Responsory.
1 In the Hebrew "the arrows" are described as
God."
My flesh is clothed, &c., (p. 214.)
Second Lesson.
"IPjOTH the wild ass bray when he
^"^ hath grass ? or loweth the ox
when he standeth before a rack full of
fodder ? Can that which is unsavoury
be eaten without salt ? or will one
taste deadly poison ? The things that
my soul aforetime refused to touch, are
now my needful meat.
Second Responsory.
My days are few, &c., (p. 215.)
Third Lesson.
r\ THAT I might have my request,
^^ and that God would grant me
the thing that I long for ! Even that
of the Almighty," and "the terrors" "of
22O
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
He That Jiath begun, would destroy
me ; that He would let loose His hand,
and cut me off! And then would I
have comfort, even if He That afflicteth
me would not spare me. Yea, I would
not speak against the sentence of the
Holy One. What is my strength, that
I should hope ? And what is mine
end, that I should now bear patiently ?
My strength is not the strength of
stones, nor is my flesh of brass. Be
hold, I have no help in me, and they
that are needful to me l are gone far
from me.
Third Responsory.
Hide not Thy face, &c., (p. 215.)
The Sabbath,
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book of
Job (vii. i.)
n^HE life of man upon earth is a
warfare, and his days are like
the days of an hireling. As a servant
earnestly desireth the shadow, and as
an hireling looketh to the reward of his
work, so have I had months of vanity,
and have counted the wearisome nights.
When I lie down, I say : When shall
I arise ? And again, I long for the
evening, and am fretted looking for
the darkness.
First Responsory.
O that Thou wouldest hide me, &c.,
(p. 215.)
Second Lesson.
IV/r Y flesh is clothed with rottenness,
and my skin is dried up and
drawn with clods of dust. My days
are passed quicker than as when a
weaver cutteth off the shuttle, and are
spent without hope. O remember that
my life is wind, and that mine eye
shall no more see good. The eye of
him that hath seen me shall see me no
more : Thine eyes are upon me, and I
am not.
Second Responsory.
O that my sins, &c., (p. 216.)
Third Lesson.
A S the cloud is consumed and van-
"^ isheth away, so he that goeth
down to the grave shall come up no
more. He shall return no more to his
house, neither shall his place know
him any more. Therefore I will not
refrain my mouth ; I will speak in the
anguish of my spirit ; I will complain
in the bitterness of my soul. Am I a
sea, or a whale, 2 that Thou settest a
watch over me ?
Third Responsory.
Why do ye argue, &c., (p. 214.)
VESPERS.
Antiphon at the Song of the Blessed
Virgin. In all these things Job sinned
not * with his lips, nor charged God
with foolishness.
Prayer of the ensuing Sunday.
1 Latin : necessarii mei.
2 "Am I a sea, or a sea-monster, that" i.e., am I untamed like the sea? It may be con
jectured that this word (Yam = Sea) properly denotes the boiling, foaming of the sea.
Gesenius.
SECOND WEEK OF SEPTEMBER.
221
Suntrag of
The Second Lord s Day of September.
MATTINS.
FIRST NOCTURN.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book of
Job (ix. i.)
/ T*HEN Job answered and said : I
know it is so of a truth, and
that a man cannot be justified be
fore God. If He will contend with
him, he cannot answer Him one of a
thousand. He is wise in heart and
mighty in strength ; who hath hardened
himself against Him and hath pros
pered ? Which removeth the moun
tains or ever they whom He overturneth
in His anger know it
First Responsory.
What ! shall we receive, &c., (p.
2I3-)
Second Lesson.
shaketh the earth out of
her place, and the pillars there
of tremble Which commandeth the
sun and it riseth not, and sealeth up
the stars Which alone spreadeth out
the heavens, and treadeth upon the
waves of the sea Which maketh
Arcturus, and Orion, and the Hyades,
and the Chambers of the South l
Which doeth great things past finding
out, yea, and wonders without number.
Second Responsory.
My sighing cometh, c., (p. 214).
Third Lesson.
T F He come unto me, I see Him
not; if He pass on, I perceive
Him not. If He suddenly maketh in
quiry, who shall answer Him ? or who
can say unto Him : Why doest Thou
thus ? He is God, Whose anger none
can withstand, and under Whom they
that bear up the earth are bowed
down. What then am I, that I should
answer him, or my words, that I should
reason with Him ? I, who though I
were righteous in somewhat, yet would
not answer Him, but would make sup
plication to my Judge. If I had called
and He had answered me, yet would I
not believe that He had hearkened
unto my voice. For He breaketh me
with a tempest, and multiplieth my
wounds without cause.
Third Responsory.
Why do ye argue, &c., (p. 214.)
SECOND NOCTURN.
Fourth Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book of
Moral [Reflections upon Job] written
by Pope St Gregory [the Great.]
(Bk. ix. ch. 2.)
" T KNOW that it is so of a truth,
and that a man cannot be
justified as against God." When God
is put out of the consideration, a man
may be considered to be just, but con
sidered as against God, his righteous
ness vanisheth away. When a man
measureth himself by his relation to
Him, Who is the Author of all good,
he doth thereby acknowledge that of
himself he hath no good in him, but
hath received from God whatsoever he
hath. He that glorifieth himself be-
1 According to Gesenius, the first constellation named is the Great Bear, the second uncertain,
but generally taken to be Orion, the third the Pleiades the "Chambers of the South" the
most remote Southern regions. (Qu. the constellations of more southern skies?)
VOL. IV. H 2
222
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
cause of good which hath been given
him, fig hteth against God with God s
own gifts. It is just therefore rhat the
grounds upon which he ought to have
been humbled, but upon which he
hath puffed himself up, should be used
to humble his vain-glory. But an holy
man, because he perceiveth that the
worth of our own good deeds falleth
short, 1 when he considereth his own
spiritual man, justly saith : " If He
will contend with him, he cannot
answer Him one of a thousand."
Fourth Responsory.
My flesh is clothed, &c., (p. 214.
Fifth Lesson.
T N the Holy Scriptures the numeral
^ a thousand is used to be taken as
signifying a generalization. Thus, the
Psalmist saith : " The word which He
commanded to a thousand generations"
(Ps. civ. 8), whereas it is notorious
that the Evangelist doth not reckon
more then seventy-and-seven genera
tions between the very beginning of
the world and the coming of our
Redeemer. What therefore is to be
understood here by a thousand ? The
general ripeness of the old generation
to bring forth a new offspring. Hence
also it is said by John: "And shall
reign with Him a thousand years "
(Apoc. xx. 6,) because the reign of
the Holy Church will be over all
mankind made perfect.
Fifth Responsory.
My days are few, &c., (p. 21 5.)
Sixth Lesson.
TEN times one is ten, and ten times
* ten is an hundred, and ten times
an hundred is a thousand. Observing
therefore this connection between one
and a thousand, what are we to under
stand by the one [in the text, connected
as it is with the thousand whereby we
understand perfection]? Is it not the
beginning of a good life, even as
the thousand represented perfection?
The contending with God [which is
spoken of in the text] is the non-
acknowledgment of that which is owed
to Him, and the vain-glorying instead
in our own strength. But an holy
man should see, that even if one had
received the gifts of perfection, and
were to make them the grounds of
self-glorifying, such an one would
thereby lose all that he had received.
Sixth Responsory.
Hide not Thy face, &c., (p. 21 5.)
THIRD NOCTURN.
Seventh Responsory.
O that Thou wouldest hide me, &c.,
Eighth Responsory.
One seraph cried, &c., (p. 216.)
Second Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book of
Job (xxvii. i.) 2
1 Omne virtu tis nostrse meritum esse vitium.
2 The intermediate chapters are filled with the discussion of Job and his friends upon the
difficulty of reconciling God s dealings with His justice. Their arguments had been that Job
must have committed some horrible sin, which pride prevented his confessing, or else, God
neither could nor would have so punished him.
SECOND WEEK OF SEPTEMBER.
22 3
JV/TOREOVER, Job continued his
parable and said : As God liveth,
Who hath taken away my judgment,
and the Almighty, Who hath vexed
my soul, all the while my breath is
in me, and the spirit of God is in
my nostrils, my lips shall not speak
wickedness, nor my tongue utter
deceit. God forbid that I should
acknowledge you to be right. Till
I die I will not draw back from
[asserting] mine integrity.
First Responsory.
My harp is turned, &c., (p. 216.)
Second Lesson.
JV/T Y righteousness I hold fast, and
will not let it go, for mine heart
doth not reprove me for anything in
mine whole life. Let mine enemy be
as the wicked, and he that riseth up
against me as the unrighteous. For
what is the hope of the hypocrite,
though he hath gained, but God hold
not his soul guiltless ? Will God hear
his cry when trouble cometh upon
him ? Or can he delight himself in
the Almighty, and call alway upon
God?
Second Responsory.
O that my sins, &c., (p. 216.)
Third Lesson.
T WILL teach you by the hand of God
that which is with the Almighty,
and will not conceal it. Behold all ye
yourselves know it ; why, then, do ye
talk such groundless folly? This is
the portion of a wicked man with God,
and the heritage of the oppressors,
which they shall receive of the Al
mighty. If his children be multiplied,
it is for the sword and his offspring-
shall not be satisfied with bread.
Those that remain of him shall be
buried in destruction ; and his widows
shall not weep.
Third Responsory.
Why do ye argue, &c., (p. 214.)
Third Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book of
Job (xxviii. 12.)
1 ADHERE shall wisdom be found ?
And where is the place of
understanding ? Man knoweth not
the price thereof, neither is it found
in the land of the easy-living. The
depth saith : It is not in me ; and
the sea saith : It is not in me. It
cannot be gotten for the purest gold,
neither shall silver be weighed for
the price thereof. It cannot be
valued with the dyes of India, with
the most precious sardonyx stone, or
the sapphire.
First Responsory.
My flesh is clothed, &c., (p. 214.)
Second Lesson.
n^HE gold and the crystal cannot
equal it, and the exchange of
it shall not be for jewels of fine
gold. Things noble and esteemed
shall not be spoken of beside it,
for wisdom is drawn from the secret
places. The topaz of Ethiopia shall
not equal it, neither shall it be valued
with the purest colour. Whence
then cometh wisdom ? And where
Job still speaking.
22 4
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
is the place of understanding ? It
is hid from the eyes of all living,
and lieth unseen by the birds of the
air. Destruction and death say :
We have heard the fame thereof
with our ears.
Second Responsory.
My days are few, &c., (p. 215.)
Third Lesson.
/"""OB understandeth the way there-
^^ of, and He knoweth the place
thereof. For He looketh to the ends
of the earth, and seeth under the
whole heaven even He Who maketh
the weight for the winds, and weigheth
the waters by measure. When He
made a decree for the rain, and a
way for the thunderstorms, then did
He see it, and declare it, and pre
pare it, and search it out ; and unto
man He said : Behold, the fear of
the LORD, that is wisdom ; and to
depart from evil is understanding.
Third Responsory.
Hide not Thy face, &c., (p. 215.)
Fourth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
to the wicked ? and to be set afar
off unto the workers of iniquity ?
Doth not He see my ways, and
count all my steps ? If I have
walked with vanity, or if my foot
hath hasted to deceit, let Him weigh
me in an even balance, and let God
know mine integrity.
First Responsory.
O that Thou wouldest hide me,
&c., (p. 215.)
Second Lesson.
T F my step hath turned out of the
way, and mine heart walked
after mine eyes, and if any blot
hath cleaved to mine hands, then
let me sow, and let another eat,
and let mine offspring be rooted
out. If mine heart have been de
ceived by a woman, or if I have
laid wait at my neighbour s door,
then let my wife be harlot unto
another, and let others bow down
upon her. For this is an heinous
crime, and a most abominable wicked
ness. It is a fire that consumeth to
destruction, and would root out all
increase.
Second Responsory.
O that my sins, &c., (p. 216.
Third Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book J F l did des pise the cause of my
I
of Job (xxxi. i.) 1
MADE a covenant with mine
man - servant, or of my maid
servant, when they contended with
me what then shall I do when
eyes, not so much as to think God riseth up to judge me ? And
upon a maid. For what portion when He demandeth of me, what
would God have in me from above ?
and what inheritance the Almighty
from on high ? Is not destruction
shall I answer Him ? Did not He
That made me in the womb make
him ? And did not One fashion us
] Job still speaking.
SECOND WEEK OF SEPTEMBER.
225
in the womb ? If I have withheld
their desire from the poor, or have
caused the eyes of the widow to
wait if I have eaten my morsel
myself alone, and the fatherless hath
not eaten thereof (but compassion
grew with me from my childhood, and
came out with me from my
mother s womb) [if I have seen
any perish for want of clothing,
or any poor without covering, if
his loins have not blessed me, and
if he were not warmed with the
fleece of my sheep, if I have lifted
up my hand against the fatherless,
when I saw my help in the gate,
then let mine arm fall from my
shoulder-blade, and mine arm be
broken from the bone.]
Third Responsory.
Why do ye argue, &c., (p. 214.)
Fifth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book
of Job (xxxviii. I.) 1
r*HEN the LORD answered Job
out of the whirl - wind, and
said : Who is this that darkeneth
counsel by words without knowledge ?
Gird up thy loins like a man, for
I will demand of thee, and answer
thou Me. Where wast thou when
I laid the foundations of the earth ?
Declare if thou hast understanding.
Who hath laid the measures thereof,
if thou knowest ? or who hath
stretched the line upon it ? Where
upon are the foundations thereof
fastened ? or who laid the corner
stone thereof, when the morning stars
sang My praise together, and all the
sons of God shouted for joy ?
First Responsory.
What ! shall we receive, &c., (p.
2130
Second Lesson.
O shut up the sea with doors,
when it brake forth, as if it
had issued out of the womb, when
I made the cloud the garment
thereof, and thick darkness a swad-
dling-band for it ? I set it within
such bounds as I would, and set
bars and doors, and said : Hitherto
shalt thou come and no farther ;
and here shall thy proud waves be
stayed. Hast thou commanded the
morning since thy days, and caused
the dayspring to know his place ?
Yea, hast thou taken hold of the
uttermost parts of the earth and
made them to quiver, and shaken
the wicked out of it ? 2
Second Responsory.
My sighing cometh, &c., (p. 214.)
Third Lesson.
3 T^HE seal shall be restored as
clay, and shall stand as a
garment. From the wicked their
1 The discourse of Job continues to the end of ch. xxx. With ch. xxxii. it is announced that
the original disputants now became silent, but " Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite," incensed
at their lame and impotent conclusion, begins to address them. His discourse lasts to the end
of ch. xxxvii., and xxxviii. begins abruptly as above.
2 Abp. Kenrick says that De Rossi "refers this to" [God s action by means of] "the morn
ing, which seems to take the earth at both extremities, and to shake from its surface evil-doers,
who have abused the darkness for the perpetration of crime."
3 The description of morning is continued. " As clay receives an impression from a seal,
so the earth receives new form and appearance from the light of morning" and "the light
becomes as a garment for the earth." (Abp. Kenrick.) Compare also the Revised Version.
226
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
light shall be withholden, and the
high arm shall be broken. Hast
thou entered into the springs of the
sea ? or hast thou walked in the
search of the depth? Have the
gates of death been opened unto
thee ? or hast thou seen the doors
of the shadow [of death] ? Hast
thou perceived the breadth of the
earth ? Declare, if thou knowest it
all where the way is where light
dwelleth, and where is the place of
darkness, that thou canst trace every
thing to its beginning, and knowest
the paths to the house thereof.
Third Responsory.
Why do ye argue, &c., (p. 214.)
Sixth Day.
MATTINS-
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book of
Job (xl. i.)
"THEN answered 1 the LORD unto
Job out of the whirl-wind, and
said : Gird up thy loins like a man ;
I will demand of thee, and declare
thou unto Me. Wilt thou disannul
My judgment ? Wilt thou condemn
Me, that thou mayest justify thyself?
Hast thou an arm like God ? or
canst thou thunder with a voice like
Him ? Deck thyself now with maj
esty and excellency, and array thyself
with glory and beauty !
First Responsory.
My flesh is clothed, c., (p. 214.)
Second Lesson.
CCATTER the haughty in thy rage,
^ and behold every one that is
proud, and abase him. Look on
every one that is proud, and bring
him low, and tread down the wicked
in their place. Hide them in the
dust together, and plunge their faces
into the pit. Then will I also con
fess unto thee that thine own right
hand can save thee.
Behold, the behemoth, 2 which I
made with thee. He eateth grass
as an ox. His strength is in his
loins, and his force in the navel of
his belly.
Second Responsory.
My days are few, &c., (p. 215.)
Third Lesson, (xlii. i.)
"THEN Job answered the LORD,
and said: I know that Thou
canst do everything, and that no
thought can be withholden from
Thee. " Who is he that hideth
counsel without knowledge ?" 3 There
fore have I spoken foolishly, and con
cerning things which are utterly be
yond the reach of my knowledge.
"Hear, and I will speak; I will
demand of thee, and answer thou
Me." 3 I have heard of Thee by
the hearing of the ear, but now mine
eye seeth Thee. Wherefore I abhor
myself, and repent in dust and ashes.
1 At the end of ch. xxxix. Job cries out that he is silenced, and cannot say any more.
2 The behemoth is described till the end of the chapter, and theologians, naturalists, &c., are
not agreed as to what animal is meant, though the common opinion is that it is the hippo
potamus. Similar doubts exist about the leviathan in this and the next chapter (generally
believed to be the crocodile), but all naturalists will read with delight this appeal of the
Creator, in which He cites His works as the living evidence of His being, power, wisdom,
and goodness. The description of an horse (xxxix. 19-25) is particularly celebrated.
3 Quotations, of which he acknowledges the justice.
SECOND WEEK OF SEPTEMBER.
227
Third Responsory.
Hide not Thy face, &c., (p. 215.)
The Sabbath.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book of
Job (xlii. 70
A ND after the LORD had spoken
** these words unto Job, He l said
to Eliphaz the Temanite : My wrath
is kindled against thee, and against
thy two friends, for ye have not
spoken the thing that is right in
My sight, as My servant Job hath.
Therefore take unto you now seven
bullocks and seven rams, and go to
My servant Job, and offer up for
yourselves a burnt-offering. And My
.servant Job shall pray for you for
him will I accept that your folly
may not be imputed unto you ; in
that ye have not spoken of Me the
thing that is right, like My servant
Job.
First Responsory.
O that Thou wouldest, &c., (p. 215.)
Second Lesson.
CO Eliphaz the Temanite, and Bil-
*? dad the Shuhite, and Zophar the
Naamathite went, and did according
as the LORD commanded them ; the
LORD also accepted Job. The LORD
also gave ear unto the supplication
of Job, when he prayed for his
friends. And the LORD gave Job
twice as much as he had before.
Then came there unto him all his
brethren, and all his sisters, and all
they that had been of his acquaint
ance before, and did eat bread with
him in his house ; and they bemoaned
him, and comforted him over all the
evil that the LORD had brought upon
him ; every man also gave him one
sheep, and one ring 2 of gold.
Second Responsory.
O that my sins, &c., (p. 216.)
Third Lesson.
A ND the LORD blessed the latter
^^ days of Job more than his be
ginning. For he had fourteen thou
sand sheep, and six thousand camels,
and a thousand yoke of oxen, and a
thousand she - asses. He had also
seven sons and three daughters. And
he called the name of the first " Day,"
and the name of the second " Cassia,"
and the name of the third " Horn-of-
paint," and in all the land were no
women found so fair as the daughters
of Job ; and their father gave them
inheritance among their brethren.
After this lived Job an hundred and
forty years, and saw his sons, and
his son s sons, even four generations ;
and he died, old and full of days.
Third Responsory.
Why do ye argue, &c., (p. 214.)
Vespers are of the Feast of the Seven
Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin, unless
they be supplanted by that of her holy
Name, or that of the Octave of her
Birth, or that of the Apostle St
1 The Hebrew repeats the Divine Name.
2 A " sheep" is understood to mean here a particular piece of money which bore the imag
of a sheep, somewhat as big dog and little dog are names among the common people of Spain
for a penny and a halfpenny ; a "ring " perhaps denotes pierced money, like that still usec
the Chinese, but anciently elsewhere also.
228
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
Matthew in which case the Feast
of her Sorrows is moved on to the
next Sunday which is not occupied
by a Double of the First or Second
Class. In any case, no more of the
Office of this Third Sunday is said
than the Antiphon forming part of
the Commemoration of the Sunday at
Vespers on Saturday evening, which
is as follows :
Antiphon. Remember not, Lord,
mine offences, nor the offences of my
forefathers, neither take Thou venge
ance of my sins. (Tob. iii. 3.)
Verse. Let the evening prayer as
cend unto Thee, O Lord.
Answer. And let there descend
upon us Thy mercy.
Prayer of the Sunday.
Cfjtrlr Suntmg of September.
The Third Lord s Day of September.
This day is always occupied by a
festival.
Second Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
Here beginneth the Book of Tobias
(i. i.)
T^OBIAS, of the tribe and state of
Nephtali, (which is in the upper
parts of Galilee above Naasson, after
the way that leadeth unto the West,
having the city of Saphed upon the
left,) the same was taken a prisoner
in the days of Salmanasar King of
the Assyrians, but albeit he was in
captivity yet he swerved not out of the
way of truth. All things whatsoever
that he had, he shared them, day by
day, with his brethren of the captivity
that were of his own lineage. And
being the youngest of all the tribe
of Nephtali, yet behaved he himself in
nowise as a child.
First Responsory.
1 I entreat Thee, O Lord, that Thou
vvouldest loose me from this reproach,
or that Thou wouldest take me away
from the earth. Remember not mine
offences nor the offences of my fore
fathers, neither take Thou vengeance
of my sins ; for Thou, O Lord, art a
Redeemer unto all that hope in Thee.
Verse. For all Thy judgments are
just, and all Thy ways are mercy and
truth. And now, O Lord, remember
me.
Answer. Remember not mine
offences nor the offences of my fore
fathers, neither take Thou vengeance
of my sins ; for Thou, O Lord, art a
Redeemer unto all that hope in Thee.
Second Lesson.
TV/T OREOVER, when all men sought
after the golden calves which
Jeroboam King of Israel had made,
this man alone separated himself from
the company of all of them ; and went
unto Jerusalem unto the Temple of the
Lord, and worshipped there the Lord
God of Israel, and offered faithfully
his first-fruits and his tithes, and every
third year he gave a tithe unto the
proselytes and strangers. These things
and the like did he, according to the
law of God, when he was a child.
Furthermore, when he was come to
the age of a man, he married Anna
of his own kindred, and of her he
1 Tob. iii. 15, 3, 2.
THIRD WEEK OF SEPTEMBER.
22 9
begat a son, unto whom he gave his
own name, and trained him up from
a child to fear God, and to abhor all
evil. (Third Lesson for Sunday.}
Therefore, when he was carried away
captive to Ninive, with his wife and
his son, and all his tribe, and they
all did eat of the bread of the Gen
tiles, he kept his own soul clean,
and never defiled himself with their
meat. And because he remembered
the Lord with all his heart, God
gave him grace before Salmanasar
the King, and he gave him power
to go wheresoever he would, and
freedom to do whatsoever he pleased.
He went therefore unto all that were
of the captivity, and exhorted them
with wholesome words.
Second Responsory.
1 In all seasons bless God, and ask
of Him to order thy goings, and in
all seasons let thy counsels be stead
fastly in Him.
Verse. Seek faithfully and with
all thy strength to do such things
as please Him.
Answer. And in all seasons let
thy counsels be steadfastly in Him.
Third Lesson. (First Lesson of Mon
day.} (ii. i.)
A ND after these things, when
^^ there was a Feast of the Lord,
and there was a good dinner pre
pared in the house of Tobias, he
said unto his son : Go and bring
some out of our brethren that fear
God, that they may dine with us.
But after that he was gone out, he
came again, and said unto him, that
one of the children of Israel had
been slain, and was lying in the
market-place. Then straightway he
started up, and left his dinner, and
went fasting unto the dead body,
and took it up, and carried it to his
own house secretly, that he might
bury it cautiously after the going-
down of the sun. (Second Lesson of
Monday.} But all his neighbours
chided him, and said : Already thou
hast been condemned to death for
this matter, and hardly didst thou
escape from the power of the grave :
and dost thou bury the dead again ?
But Tobias feared God more than
the King, and took away the bodies
of them that were slain, and hid
them in his house, and buried them
in the midst of the night. So it
came to pass that on a certain day
he returned weary from the burial,
and came into his own house, and
lay down by the wall and slept, and
as he was asleep there fell upon
his eyes warm dung out of a swal
low s nest, and he became blind.
This trial did the Lord allow to
befall him, that his patience, like
the patience of holy Job, might be
an ensample to them that come after
him. (Third Lesson of Monday.}
For from a child he had alway
feared God, and kept His command
ments, and therefore, when the afflic
tion of blindness came upon him,
he was not angered against God,
but remained unshaken in the fear
of God, giving God thanks all the
days of his life. For even as kings
mocked at blessed Job, so did his
kinsmen and his cousins mock at
his life, saying : Where now is thine
hope, for the which thou didst give
alms and bury the dead ? But
Tobias rebuked them, saying : Speak
not thus, seeing that we are the
children of the Saints, and that we
look for that life which God will
give unto them that deal never
falsely in His covenant.
1 iv. 20 ; xiv. 10.
230
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
Third Responsory.
1 My son, remember that we have
but a frail life. If thou fear God
thou shalt have great goods.
Verse. Be mindful of Him, and
beware lest ever thou transgress His
commandments.
Answer. If thou fear God thou
shalt have great goods.
Verse. Glory be to the Father, and
to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
Answer. If thou fear God thou
shalt have great goods.
Third Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book
of Tobias (ii. n.)
|sj" OW Anna his wife went to do
women s work every day, and
she brought home such living as she
could obtain by the work of her
hands. And so it came to pass that
she received a kid of the goats, and
brought it home. And when her
husband heard it cry, he said : See
that haply it be not stolen ; render
it to the owners ; for it is not law
ful to eat nor to touch anything
that is stolen.
First Respo?isory.
2 Our poverty was enough for us,
that it might have been accounted
riches. O that the money had never
been, for which thou hast sent away
our son, the staff of our old age !
Verse. Alas ! my son, wherefore
have we sent thee wandering, even
thee, the light of our eyes !
Answer. The staff of our old age !
Second Lesson.
HEREUPON his wife was en-
raged against him, and said :
It is manifest that thine hope is
disappointed, and that thine alms
come not back unto thee again.
And with these and the like words
did she revile him. (iii.) Then Tobias
groaned and began to weep, and
prayed, and said : O Lord, Thou
art just, and all Thy judgments are
just, and all Thy ways are mercy,
and truth, and judgment. And now,
O Lord, remember me, and take not
vengeance of my sins, neither remem
ber mine offences, nor the offences
of my forefathers.
Second Responsory.
3 Bless the God of heaven, and
confess Him before all living, for
He hath had mercy upon you.
Verse. Bless Him, and sing
praises unto Him, and tell of all
His marvellous works.
Answer. For He hath had mercy
upon you.
Third Lesson.
T7OR we obeyed not Thy command
ments, wherefore Thou hast de
livered us for a spoil, and unto cap
tivity, and unto death, and for a
proverb, and a reproach to all the
nations among whom we are dis
persed. And now, O Lord, great
are Thy judgments ; because we
have not kept Thy commandments,
neither have walked in truth before
Thee. And now, O Lord, deal with
me as seemeth best unto Thee, and
command my spirit to be taken from
me in peace, for it is profitable for
me to die rather than to live.
f. 23, 6.
2 V. 25, 24, 23.
3 xii, 6, 18, 20.
THIRD WEEK OF SEPTEMBER.
231
Third Responsory.
1 It is time for me to return unto
Him That sent me, but bless ye
God, and tell of all His marvellous
works.
Verse. Confess Him before all
living, for He hath had mercy upon
you.
Answer. But bless ye God, and
tell of all His marvellous works.
Verse. Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost.
Answer. But bless ye God, and
tell of all His marvellous works.
Fourth Day in the September Week of
Quarter- Tense.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Holy
Gospel according to Mark (ix. 16.)
A T that time : One of the multi-
^^ tude answered and said unto
JESUS : Master, I have brought unto
Thee my son, which hath a dumb
spirit. And so on.
Homily by the Venerable Bede,
Priest [at Jarrow.] (Bk. iii. ch. 38,
on Mark ix.)
Concerning this possessed person
whom the Lord healed, after that
He was come down from the mount,
Mark saith that he was deaf and
dumb, and Matthew (xvii. 15) that
he was lunatic. 2 He was a figure
of them of whom it is said : " A
fool changeth as the moon," (Ecclus.
xxvii. 12.) These are they who
continue never in one stay, but
change now to one sin, and now to
another, waxing and waning dumb,
in that they confess not the faith ;
deaf, in that they have no ears for
the word of truth. They foam at
the mouth also, and pine away with
folly. For it is the way with idiots,
and swooners, and stupified, to foam
their spittle out at their mouths.
They gnash their teeth when they
are inflamed with the heat of passion.
They wither up in the paralysis of
sloth : and live nerveless lives un
braced by any strong exercise.
First Responsory.
We have heard of the tribulation of
those cities, which they have suffered,
and we have fainted. Fear and con
fusion of mind are fallen upon us.
Even the mountains will not give us
a refuge. Lord, have mercy.
Verse. 3 We have sinned like our
forefathers, we have done unjustly,
and wrought iniquity.
Answer. Lord, have mercy.
Second Lesson.
HTHE father saith: "And I spake
to Thy disciples, that they
should cast him out, and they could
not." Here he maketh a sort of
accusation against the Apostles. But
that cures cannot be wrought is some
times owing, not to the powerlessness
of them that would heal, but to the
want of faith in them that are to be
healed as saith the Lord: "Accord
ing to your faith be it unto you."
(Matth. ix. 29.) He answereth him,
and saith : " O faithless generation,
how long shall I be with you ? " The
meek and lowly One, Who, as a lamb
before his shearers, is dumb, so opened
not His Mouth, was not wearied out
of patience, nor did He break out into
words of passion, but He spake as a
1 xii. 6, 18, 20.
2 I.e., moon-struck.
3 Judith vii. 19.
232
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
physician might speak, who saw that
the sick man did contrary to his com
mands. "Wherefore should I come
unto thine house ? How long am I
to throw away the exercise of my skill,
while I order one thing and thou dost
another ? "
Second Responsory.
In all seasons, &c., (p. 229.)
Third Lesson.
" A ND He said unto them : This
*"* kind can come forth by
nothing but by prayer and fasting."
While He teacheth the Apostles how
the very worst kind of devil must be
driven out, He giveth unto all of us
an instruction unto life, that we may
know that the most grievous trials,
either from unclean spirits, or from
men, are to be overcome by fasting
and prayer. The wrath of the Lord
also, when it is kindled to take
vengeance of our sins, can be turned
away by this remedy only. To fast,
in a general sense, is not only to ab
stain from meats, but to restrain one
self from all the inticements of the
flesh, and from all evil passions. So
also, to pray, is not only to call in
words for the mercy of God, but also,
in all things which we do, in earnest
ness of faith to worship our Maker.
Third Responsory.
My son, remember, &c., (p. 230.)
LAUDS.
Antiphon at the Song of Zacharias.
This kind of devils * can come forth
by nothing but by prayer and fasting.
Long Preces.
Prayer.
pray Thee, O Lord, that the
healing power of Thy mercy
may give strength to our weakness,
that those things which do pass away
by their own frailty, may be renewed
again by Thy clemency. Through
our Lord JESUS Christ Thy Son, Who
liveth and reigneth with Thee, in the
unity of the Holy Ghost, one God,
world without end. Amen.
Long Preces at Prime.
Prayer at Terce, Sext, and None as
at Lauds, and Preces.
At Vespers, Preces, but Prayer of
last Sunday.
Fifth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book of
Tobias (xii. i.) 1
"THEN Tobias called his son unto
him, and said unto him : What
can we give to that holy man that is
come with thee ? And Tobias an
swered and said unto his father :
Father, what wages shall we give
unto him ? or what can be a sufficient
reward for all the kindness that he
hath done ? He hath led me, and
brought me again in safety, and him
self received the money from Gabel,
and made me to have my wife, and
driven away from her the devil [that
troubled her], and made her parents
to rejoice, and delivered me myself
from being swallowed up by the fish.
Thee also he hath made to see the
1 The intermediate chapters contain an account of the adventures of Tobias the younger,
when, accompanied by a mysterious stranger, he made a journey to recover some money for
his father.
THIRD WEEK OF SEPTEMBER.
233
light of heaven, and by him are we
filled with all good things. For these
things what sufficient reward shall we
give him ? But, I pray thee, my
father, ask him if haply it please him
to take half of all that hath been
brought.
First Responsory.
I entreat Thee, O Lord, &c., (/.
228.)
Second Lesson.
CO the father and the son called
him, and took him apart, and
began to ask him if it would please
him to take half of all that had been
brought. Then he said unto them
secretly : Bless the God of Heaven,
and confess Him before all living, for
He hath had mercy upon you. Verily
it is a good thing to keep the king s
secret, but to show forth and to ac
knowledge the works of God is hon
ourable. Prayer is good with fasting,
and to lay up alms rather than to lay
up stores of gold. For alms doth
deliver from death, and the same it is
which purgeth away sin, and causeth
to find mercy and everlasting life.
But they that work sin and iniquity
are enemies of their own soul.
Second Responsory.
In all seasons, &c., (p. 229.)
Third Lesson.
^THEREFORE I show you the
truth, and will not keep an
hidden matter back from you. When
thou didst pray with tears, and bury
the dead, and leave thy dinner, and
hide the dead in thine house by day,
and bury them by night, I did bring
up thy prayer before the Lord. And
because thou wast accepted with God,
it was needs that temptation should
try thee. And now the Lord sent me
to heal thee, and to deliver Sara thy
son s wife from a devil. For I am
the Angel Raphael, one of the seven,
which stand before the Lord. And
when they heard it, they were troubled,
and quaked, and fell upon their faces
on the ground. And the angel said
unto them : Peace be unto you ; fear
not.
Third Responsory.
My son, remember, &c., (p. 230.)
Sixth Day in the September Week of
Quarter-Tense.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Holy
Gospel according to Luke (vii. 36.)
A T that time : One of the Pharisees
*""* desired JESUS that He would eat
with him. And He went into the
Pharisee s house, and sat down to
meat. And so on.
Homily by Pope St Gregory [the
Great.] (^^rd on the Gospels. ,)
Of what is the Pharisee that was
exalted by self-righteousness a type,
but of the Jewish people ? And of
what the woman which was a sinner
and came and wept at the Lord s feet,
but of the conversion of the Gentiles ?
She " brought an alabaster box of oint
ment, and stood at His feet behind
Him weeping, and began to wash His
Feet with tears, and did wipe them
with the hairs of her head, and kissed
His Feet, and anointed them with the
ointment." Of us, therefore, even of
us, was that woman a type, if after
our sins we turn unto the Lord with
all our heart, and imitate the example
234
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
of her repentant grief. And of what
is the ointment a type, but of the
sweet savour of a good reputation ?
Whence also Paul saith : "[God
maketh manifest the savour of His
knowledge by us] in every place ; [for]
we are unto God a sweet savour of
Christ." (2 Cor. ii. 15.)
First Responsory.
Our poverty was enough, &c., (p.
230.)
Second Lesson.
T F therefore we do good works,
whereby we gain for the Church
the savour of good reputation, what
do we but pour ointment upon the
body of the Lord ? But the woman
stood at the Feet of JESUS, behind
Him : we stood opposite to the Feet
of the Lord, what time we were in sin,
and went contrary unto His ways.
But when we turn again, and truly
repent us of our sins, we stand behind
His Feet, for we follow His footsteps
against Whom we once contended.
The woman washed His Feet with her
tears ; and we do in very deed the
same when we show the tenderness
of sympathy to any of His humbler
members, when we feel with His
Saints in their tribulations, when we
make their woes our own.
of our compassion. He washeth the
Feet of the Redeemer, but wipeth them
not with his hair, who feeleth for the
sufferings of his neighbours, but never
theless, relieveth them not, even out
of such things as he himself hath no
need for. He weepeth, but wipeth not,
who offereth words of tenderness, but
sootheth not sorrow by giving such
things as be lacking. The woman
kissed the Feet ; and we do fully the
same, if we warmly love those whom
out of bounty we support, so that the
neediness of our neighbour is not
grievous unto us, nor the penury which
we relieve a weariness to us, nor, when
the hand is giving what is needful, the
heart is untouched by compassion.
Third Responsory.
It is time for me, &c., (p. 231.)
LAUDS.
Antiphon at the Song of Zacharias.
A woman in the city which was a
sinner stood at the Lord s Feet behind
Him, * and began to wash His Feet
with tears, and did wipe them with
the hairs of her head, and kissed His
Feet, and anointed them with the
ointment.
Lonsc Preces.
Second Responsory.
Bless the God of heaven, &c., (p.
230.)
Third Lesson.
wipe the Lord s Feet with our
hair when we give charity, even
out of such things as we have ourselves
no need of, to His holy ones, with
whom we feel in their trials, in as far
as our heart so sympathizeth, that the
bounty of our hand showeth the truth
Prayer.
Q^RANT, we beseech Thee, O Al
mighty God, that we who every
year do earnestly renew the sacred
observance of this Fast, may please
Thee both in body and in soul.
Through our Lord JESUS Christ Thy
Son, Who liveth and reigneth with
Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost,
one God, world without end. Amen.
Long Preces at Prime.
THIRD WEEK OF SEPTEMBER.
235
Prayer at Terce, Sext, and None as
at Latids, and Preces.
At Vespers, Preces, but Prayer of
last Sunday.
Sabbath in the September Week of
Quarter- Tense.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Holy
Gospel according to Luke (xiii. 6.)
A T that time : JESUS spake unto the
^~^ multitudes this parable : A cer
tain man had a fig-tree planted in his
vineyard, and he came and sought
fruit thereon, and found none. And
so on.
Homily by Pope St Gregory [the
Great.] ($ist on the Gospels.)
Our Lord and Redeemer speaketh
unto us sometimes by words, and
sometimes by deeds, sometimes one
thing by words, and another by deeds,
and sometimes the same thing both
by word and deed. In the portion
of the Gospel which hath this day
been read, ye have heard, my brethren,
two things, the parable of the fig-tree
and the history of the woman which
was bowed together. In both is a
manifestation of the Lord s mercy, but
in the one by a parable, in the other
by an example. But the barren fig-
tree signifieth the same thing as doth
the woman bowed together, and the
patience shown to the fig-tree the same
thing as doth the healing of the woman
bowed together.
First Responsory.
We have heard of the tribulation,
&c., (p. 231.)
Second Lesson.
/""\F what is the fig-tree a type, but
^^ of mankind ? Of what is the
woman bowed together by a spirit of
infirmity a type, but of the same man
kind ? Man was originally placed in
a garden like the fig-tree, and created
upright like the woman, but man fell
away by his own wilful fault ; like the
fig-tree he brought forth no fruit ;
like the woman he ceased to stand
straight. When he wilfully went into
sin, because he would not bring forth
the fruit of obedience, he lost his up
rightness. The nature which had
been created in the image of God,
continued not in honour, but cast aside
the state wherein it had been placed
and made. The lord of the vineyard
came thrice to the fig-tree, for God
hath come in hope, and in warning,
seeking fruit from mankind under
three successive dispensations, that is
to say, before the law, under the law,
and under grace.
Second Responsory.
In all seasons, &c., (p. 229.)
Third Lesson.
T_T E came before the law, in that by
natural understanding, He let
all know by example of Himself, what
and how they should do toward their
neighbour. In the law He came
teaching. After the law He came by
grace, opening, manifesting His merci
ful Presence. But after all these three
years He yet hath to complain that
He findeth no fruit upon the fig-tree,
for there are still some degraded minds
which the inborn voice of the natural
law doth not control, which the com
mandments do not teach, and which
the wonders of the Incarnation itself
do not convert. Of what is the dresser
of the vineyard a type, but of the
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
Episcopacy ? For these are they who
have the government in the Church,
and are therefore truly called the
dressers of the Lord s vineyard.
Third Responsory.
My son, remember, &c., (p. 230.)
LAUDS.
Antiphon at the Song of Zacharias.
Give light, O Lord, to them that sit in
darkness, * and guide our feet into
the way of peace, O Thou the God of
Israel.
Long Preces.
Prayer.
r\ ALMIGHTY and everlasting
V^ God, Who hast chosen healthy
fasting, as a mean to do good both to
bodies and to souls, we humbly implore
Thy Majesty, that the godly prayer of
such as be fasting this day may turn
away Thy wrath, and may be effectual
to gain for us Thy blessing in time
and in eternity. Through our Lord
JESUS Christ Thy Son, Who liveth and
reigneth with Thee, in the unity of the
Holy Ghost, one God, world without
end. Amen.
Long Preces at Prime.
Prayer at Terce, Sext, and None as
at Lauds, and Preces.
VESPERS.
Antiphon at the Song of the Blessed
Virgin. l O AdonaT, O Lord God, *
Thou art great and glorious, Who hast
given salvation into the hand of a
woman ; graciously hear the prayers
of Thy servants.
No Preces, and Prayer of the ensuing
Sunday.
JFourtfj Suntrag of September.
The Fourth Lord^s Day of September.
MATTINS.
FIRST NOCTURN.
First Lesson.
Here beginneth the Book of Judith
(i- 50
XJ OW Arphaxad, King of the Medes,
had brought down many nations
under his dominion, and he built a
strong city, and called it Ecbatane, of
stones squared and hewn. He made
the height of the wall thereof seventy
cubits, and the breadth thirty cubits,
and set up the towers thereof an hun
dred cubits high. And the towers
were twenty feet every way, four
square ; and he made the gates thereof
as high as the tower ; and he made
his boast, like a mighty man, in the
strength of his army and in the fame
of his chariots.
First Responsory.
O Adona i, O Lord God, Thou art
great and glorious, Who hast given
salvation into the hand of a woman ;
graciously hear the prayers of Thy
servants.
Verse. Blessed art Thou, O Lord,
Who failest none that put their trust
in Thee, and humblest such as boast
themselves in their own strength.
Answer. Graciously hear the pray
ers of Thy servants.
Second Lesson.
^"THEREFORE in the twelfth year
of his reign, Nebuchadnezzar
King of the Assyrians, which reigned
in the great city Nineveh, fought
against Arphaxad and took him in
Judith xvi. 16.
FOURTH WEEK OF SEPTEMBER.
237
the great plain which is called Ragan,
which bordereth upon Euphrates, and
Tigris, and Jadason, in the field of
Erioch, King of the Elicians. Then
was the kingdom of Nebuchadnezzar
exalted, and his heart was lifted up ;
and he sent messengers unto all the
dwellers in Cilicia, and in Damascus,
and in Lebanon, and unto the tribes
that are in Carmel and Cedar, and
unto them that dwelt in Galilee in
the great plain of Esdraelon, and
unto all that were in Samaria, and
beyond Jordan even unto Jerusalem,
and all the land of Jesse, until thou
comest unto the borders of ^Ethiopia.
Third Responsory.
1 The Lord bless thee by His
power, Who hath brought our ene
mies to nought through thee. And
may the praise of thee never fail
from the mouth of men.
Verse. Blessed be the Lord, Who
hath created the heaven and the
earth, because that He hath so glori
fied thy name this day.
Answer. And may the praise of thee
never fail from the mouth of men.
Verse. Glory be to the Father, and
to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
Answer. And may the praise of thee
never fail from the mouth of men.
Second Responsory.
We have heard of the tribulation,
&c., (p. 231.)
Third Lesson.
TJNTO all these did Nebuchad-
nezzar King of the Assyrians
send messengers, but they all with
one consent gainsaid his messengers,
and sent them away empty, and cast
them out without honour. Then was
the wrath of King Nebuchadnezzar
kindled against all that land, and
he swore by his throne and by his
kingdom that he would avenge him-
-self on all those countries. In the
thirteenth year of King Nebuchad
nezzar, on the two-and-twentieth day
of the first month, there was talk in
the house of Nebuchadnezzar King
of the Assyrians, that he should
avenge himself. So he called unto
him all his elders, and his captains,
and his fighting men, and made
known unto them his secret counsel,
and declared his thought to bring
the whole earth into subjection unto
his kingdom.
1 xiii. 22, 24, 25.
SECOND NOCTURN.
Fourth Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book
upon Elijah and Fasting, written
by St Ambrose, Bishop [of Milan.]
(ck. 9.)
" T T is not for kings to drink wine,
nor for princes strong drink,
lest they drink and forget the law."
(Prov. xxxi. 5.) The rulers drank
wine even unto drunkenness, who
planned to deliver themselves into
the hand of Holofernes, captain of
the host of the King of the Assyrians ;
but the woman Judith drank not, who
fasted all the days of her widowhood,
saving the solemn Feast-days. She
went forth in the harness of this
abstinence, and over - reached the
whole army of the Assyrians. By the
clear thought of her soberness she took
away the head of Holofernes, kept her
chastity, and carried off the victory.
Fourth Responsory.
2 We know no strange God before
the Lord. In Him we trust. He
2 Cf. viii. 19, 17, 16.
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
despiseth us not, neither putteth He
away His salvation from our nation.
Verse. His mercy let us seek with
tears, and humble our souls before
Him.
Answer. He despiseth us not,
neither putteth He away His salva
tion from our nation.
Fifth Lesson.
/^IRDED with fasting, she entered
^ J the camp of the strangers ; he
lay soaked in wine, so that he could
not feel the blow that slew him.
And thus the fast of one woman
overthrew the countless armies of
the Assyrians. Esther also became
fairer by fasting ; for the Lord gave
favour unto her for her soberness.
She delivered all her nation, that is,
the whole people of the Jews, from
the fierceness of persecution, so that
she brought down the King himself
under her will.
Fifth Responsory.
1 O Lord, Ruler of the heavens and
of the earth, Maker of the waters, King
of every creature, graciously hear the
prayer of Thy servants.
Verse. Thou, O Lord, unto Whom
the supplications of the humble and
meek are alway well-pleasing
Answer. Graciously hear the prayer
of Thy servants.
Sixth Lesson.
"THUS also [Esther] who fasted
three days, and washed her
body with water, found greater fav
our, and obtained vengeance, whereas
Haman, who boasted himself at the
King s table, paid the penalty of
his drunkenness, even while yet he
was in his cups. Fasting, therefore,
is a sacrifice of reconciliation, a
means of strength, whereby in the
might of grace, women wax manful.
Fasting knoweth not usury, nor the
gain of the usurer ; the faster s table
smelleth not of usury, but the fast
itself giveth favour to them that sit
at meat. A banquet is all the
pleasanter after hunger, whereas by
constant use it becometh unattrac
tive, and when it is long carried
on cometh to be lightly esteemed.
Fasting is a good sauce for meat.
The keener the appetite, the more
toothsome the food.
Sixth Responsory.
O Lord God, That breakest the
battles from of old, lift up Thine
arm against the Gentiles, that de
vise evil against Thy servants. And
let Thy right hand be glorified in us.
Verse. Throw down their strength
in Thy power, and bring down their
force in Thy wrath.
Answer. And let Thy right hand
be glorified in us.
Verse. Glory be to the Father, and
to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
Answer. And let Thy right hand
be glorified in us.
THIRD NOCTURN.
Seventh Responsory.
Strengthen me, O King, Who reign-
est over the holy ones. Put Thou in
my mouth clear and well - sounding
words.
Verse. O Lord, King of all forces,
turn back their device upon them
selves.
Answer. Put Thou in my mouth
clear and well-sounding words.
Eighth Responsory.
One seraph cried, &c., (p. 216.)
Cf. ix. 17, 16.
FOURTH WEEK OF SEPTEMBER.
239
Second Day
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book of
Judith (iv. i.)
TSJOW the children of Israel, that
dwelt in Judea, were exceed
ingly afraid of Holofernes. 1 Trouble
and consternation took hold upon
them, lest he should do unto Jeru
salem and unto the Temple of the
Lord as he had done unto the other
cities, and unto their temples. There
fore they sent into all the coasts of
Samaria, even unto Jericho, and pos
sessed themselves beforehand of all
the tops of the high mountains, and
fortified their villages, and laid up
victuals for the provision of war.
First Responsory.
O Adonai, &c., (First Responsory
on Sunday.}
Second Lesson.
A LSO Eliakim the Priest wrote to
^^ all them that dwelt over against
Esdraelon, toward the open country,
near to Dothain, and unto all them
through whose country the way [of
the Assyrians] might lie, to take pos
session of the steep places of the hills,
whereby they might essay to go up
toward Jerusalem, and to hold the
passages wheresover the way was
narrow between the mountains. And
the children of Israel did as Eliakim,
the Priest of the Lord, had com
manded them. Then all the people
cried unto the Lord with great fer
vency, and humbled their souls in
fastings and in prayers, both they
and their wives.
Second Responsory.
We have heard of the tribulation,
&c., (p. 231.)
Third Lesson.
AND the Priests clothed themselves
" in sackcloth, and the little child
ren cast themselves down before the
Temple of the Lord ; and they put
sackcloth about the Altar of the Lord,
and cried to the Lord God of Israel
all with one consent that their children
might not be given for a prey, and their
wives for a spoil, and their cities to
destruction, and their holy things to
profanation, and for a reproach for the
Gentiles to rejoice at. Then Eliakim,
the High Priest of the Lord, went
about through all Israel, and spake
unto them, saying : Know ye of a
surety that the Lord will hear your
prayers, if ye continue in fastings and
in supplications before the Lord.
Third Responsory.
The Lord bless thee, &c., (p. 237.)
Third Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book of
Judith (viii. i.) 2
A ND it came to pass, when Judith
^"^ the widow heard thereof, (which
was the daughter of Merari, the son
1 Captain of the Assyrian host.
2 The intermediate chapters describe the progress of the Assyrians, and how they beleaguered
the city of Bethulia, the inhabitants of which prepared to surrender, unless relieved by a certain
day.
240
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
of Idox, the son of Joseph, the son of
Oziah, the son of Elai, the son of
Jamnor, the son of Gideon, the son of
Raphaim, the son of Achitob, the son
of Melkiah, the son of Enan, the son
of Nathaniah, the son of Salathiel, the
son of Simeon, the son of Reuben.)
And her husband had been Manasseh,
who died in the days of the barley
harvest ; for, as he stood overseeing
them that bound sheaves in the field,
the heat came upon his head ; and he
died in Bethulia, his own city, and
there was buried with his fathers. And
so Judith was left a widow three years
and six months.
First Responsory.
We know no strange God, &c.,
(Fourth Responsory on Sunday, p.
2370
Second Lesson.
A ND she made her a closet upon
the top of her house, to shut
herself up therein with her maids and
dwell there ; and put on sackcloth
upon her loins, and fasted all her days,
save the Sabbaths, and the New
Moons, and the Feasts of the house
of Israel. She was also very beautiful
to behold ; and her husband had left
her much wealth, and many servants,
and lands full of cattle and flocks of
sheep. And with all this she was
most honourable, for she feared the
Lord greatly, and there was none that
gave her an ill word.
Second Responsory.
O Lord, Ruler, &c., (p. 238.)
Third Lesson.
then she had heard that
Ozias had promised to deliver
up the city after five days, she sent
unto the elders Chabri and Charmi.
And they came unto her. And she
said unto them : What is this, where-
unto Ozias hath bound himself, to
deliver the city unto the Assyrians,
unless within five days there come
help unto you ? And who be ye, that
ye should tempt the Lord ?
Third Responsory.
O Lord God, That breakest, &c.,
(P. 238.)
Fourth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book of
Judith (x. i.)
A ND it came to pass, after that she
had ceased to cry unto the Lord,
she rose up from the place where she
had cast herself down before the Lord.
And she called her maid, and went
down into her house, and pulled off
the sackcloth which she had on, and
put off the garments of her widow
hood, and washed her body, and
anointed herself with precious oint
ment, and parted the hair of her head,
and put on a tire upon her head, and
put on her the garments of her glad
ness, and she put sandals upon her
feet, and put about her her bracelets,
and her lilies, and her ear-rings, and
her rings, and decked herself bravely
with all her ornaments. And the Lord
also made her to seem more comely.
First Responsory.
Strengthen me, O King, &c., (p.
238.)
FOURTH WEEK OF SEPTEMBER.
2 4 I
Second Lesson.
A ND it came to pass, as she went
^^ down the mountain, that, about
the dawning of the day, the first watch
of the Assyrians met her, and took
her, and asked her, saying : Whence
comest thou ? and whither goest thou ?
And she answered : I. am a daughter
of the Hebrews, and have fled from
them, because I know that they shall
be given you to be consumed, for that
they set you at nought, and are no
more willing to deliver themselves up,
that they may find mercy in your
sight.
Second Responsory.
We have heard of the tribulation,
&c., (p. 231.)
Third Lesson.
A ND they brought her to the tent
^~^ of Holofernes, and shewed him
of her. And when Judith was come
before him, Holofernes was straight
way taken with her eyes. And his
servants said unto him : Who shall
despise the Hebrews, that have among
them such fair women, that it is
enough to fight against them for these
alone ? And when Judith saw Holo
fernes sitting under a canopy woven
with purple, and gold, and emerald,
and precious stones, she fell down
upon her face upon the ground, and
did reverence unto him.
Third Responsory.
The Lord bless thee, &c., (p. 237.)
day are those of the Sunday, Monday,
and Tuesday of the Fifth Week, with
the Responsories of the Monday, Tues
day, and Wednesday. But if Septem
ber have five -weeks, the following are
read.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book of
Judith (xii. 10.)
A ND it came to pass that in the
fourth day Holofernes made a
feast to his own servants, and said to
Bagoas his eunuch : Go now, and
persuade this Hebrew woman to come
of her own accord, and dwell with me.
For it is a shame among the Assyrians,
if a woman laugh a man to scorn, so
that she come away from him scathe
less. Then came Bagoas unto Judith,
and said : Let not this fair damsel
fear to come to my lord, and to be
honoured in his presence, to eat with
him, and to drink wine in merriment.
Then said Judith unto him : Who am
I now, that I should gainsay my lord ?
First Responsory.
O Adonai, &c., (p. 236.)
Second Lesson.
Fifth Day.
Note. If this be the last week of
September, the Scripture Lessons read
on this Thursday, Friday, and Satur
"M" OW when the evening was come,
his servants made haste unto
their own lodgings, and Bagoas shut
his tent without, and departed. And
they were all Overcome with wine ; and
Judith was left alone in the tent. And
Holofernes was lying along on his bed,
for he was filled with wine. And Judith
commanded her maid to stand without
the chamber, and to watch. And
Judith stood before the bed, and
prayed with tears, her lips moving
silently, saying : Strengthen me, O
Lord God of Israel, and look at this
242
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
present upon the works of mine hands,
that Thou mayest exalt Jerusalem,
Thine own city, even as Thou hast
promised ; and that I may finish that
which I have believed that I could do
by Thine help.
Second Responsory.
We have heard, c., (p. 231.)
Third Lesson.
AND when she had so spoken, she
came to the pillar which was at
the head of his bed, and took down his
fauchion that was hanging thereon.
And she drew it, and took hold of the
hair of his head, and said : Strengthen
me, O Lord God, in this hour. And
she smote him twice upon his neck,
and cut off his head from him, and
pulled down the canopy from the
pillars, and tumbled his body down.
And anon she went forth, and gave
Holofernes his head to her maid, and
bade her to put it into her bag.
Third Responsory.
The Lord bless thee, &c., (p. 237.)
Sixth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book of
Judith (xv. i.)
AND when all the army heard how
J -*- that Holofernes was beheaded,
their mind and their wit departed from
them, and being driven only of fear
and trembling, they fled for safety, so
that no man spake unto his neighbour ;
but bowed his head, and left all, and
made haste to escape from the
Hebrews, (of whom they heard that
they were coming harnessed upon
them,) flying by the way of the plains,
and the path-ways in the hills. And
when the children of Israel saw that
they fled, they followed after them.
And they went down after them, with
blowing of trumpets and shouting.
First Responsory.
We know no strange God, &c., (p.
238.)
Second Lesson.
HTHEN sent Ozias messengers
throughout all the cities and
coasts of Israel. And every coast
and every city sent out their young
men after them, harnessed, and followed
after them with the edge of the sword,
even unto the uttermost parts of their
coasts. And the residue that dwelt
at Bethulia fell upon the camp of the
Assyrians, and took away the prey
which the Assyrians had left behind
them when they fled, and were greatly
enriched.
Second Responsory.
O Lord, Ruler, c., (p. 238.)
Third Lesson.
*T* HEN Joachim the high priest came
from Jerusalem to Bethulia, with
all his Priests, to see Judith. And
when she was come out unto him, they
all blessed her with one voice, saying :
Thou art the glory of Jerusalem, thou
art the great rejoicing of Israel, thou
art the exaltation of our people, be
cause thou hast done manfully, and
because thine heart was strengthened,
by the mean that thou hast loved con-
tinency, and, since thine husband, thou
hast not known a man ; therefore also
the hand of the Lord hath strengthened
thee, and therefore thou shalt be
blessed for ever. And all the people
said : So be it, So be it.
FIFTH WEEK OF SEPTEMBER.
243
Third Responsory.
O Lord God, That breakest, &c.,
(A 238.)
The Sabbath.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book of
Judith (xvi. 22.)
AND it came to pass after these
^^ things, that all the people came
unto Jerusalem after the victory to
worship the Lord : and as soon as
they were purified, they all offered
burnt-offerings, and free-offerings, and
the gifts which they have vowed.
Judith also dedicated for an everlasting
remembrance all the stuff of war of
Holofernes, which the people had given
unto her, and the canopy which she
had taken out of his bed-chamber.
First Responsory.
Strengthen me, O King, &c., (p.
238.)
Second Lesson.
CO the people continued feasting be-
fore the sanctuary, and rejoicing
with Judith for three months because
of this victory. And after this time
every one returned to his own house ;
and Judith became honourable in
Bethulia, and famous in all the land
of Israel. And she was strong also
in her continency, so that she knew
not a man all the days of her life,
after that Manasses her husband was
dead. And on the festival-days she
appeared with great honour.
Second Responsory.
We have heard, &c., (p. 231.)
Third Lesson.
AND she remained in her husband s
"^^ house an hundred and five
years, and made her maid free ; and
she died ; and was buried with her
husband, in Bethulia. And all the
people lamented her seven days. And
there was none that made the children
of Israel any more afraid in all the
life-time of Judith, nor a long time
after her death. And the day of the
rejoicing for this victory is taken by
the Hebrews into the number of the
holidays, and it is observed of the
Jews, from that time, even unto this
day.
Third Responsory.
The Lord bless thee, &c., (p. 237.)
VESPERS.
Antiphon at the Song of the Blessed
Virgin. O my Lord the King Al
mighty ! * all things are in Thy
power, and there is no man that can
gainsay Thy will.
Prayer of the ensuing Sunday.
Suntrag of September.
The Fifth Lord s Day of September.
MATTINS.
FIRST NOCTURN.
First Lesson.
Here beginneth the Book of Esther
(i. i.)
"VT OW it came to pass in the days
of Ahasuerus, which reigned from
India even unto /Ethiopia, over an
hundred and seven and twenty pro
vinces, that when he sat upon the
244
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
throne of his kingdom, the city of
Shushan was the capital of his king
dom. And in the third year of his
reign he made a great feast unto all
his princes and his servants, the
mightiest men of Persia, and the
famous men of India, and them that
were set over the provinces under
him, to show the riches of his glorious
kingdom, and the greatness and ex
cellency of his power, many days,
even an hundred and four score days.
First Responsory.
1 O my Lord, the King Almighty !
All things are in Thy power, and there
is no man that can gainsay Thy will !
Deliver us for Thy Name s sake.
Verse. Hear our prayer, and turn
our sorrow into joy.
Answer. Deliver us for Thy Name s
sake.
Second Lesson.
AND when the days of the feast
*"* were fulfilled, he bade all the
people that were present in Shushan,
both great and small, and commanded
to make a feast seven days, in the
outer court of the garden, and of the
grove, which had been planted by the
king s care and his hand. And there
were hung round about on all sides
hangings of sky colour, and of green,
and of purple, upon cords of fine white
linen, and purple, drawn through rings
of ivory, and fastened up upon marble
pillars. Seats also of gold and of
silver were set upon the pavement,
which was paved with stones like
emeralds and white marble. And all
of it was wondrously ornamented with
pictures of divers colours.
Second Responsory.
Strengthen me, &c., (p. 238.)
Third Lesson.
A ND they that were bidden, drank
"^^ in vessels of gold, and the meats
were brought in vessels diverse one
from the other. The wine also, as
was meet for the greatness of the
kingdom, was set forth in abundance,
and of the best quality. Neither was
there any to compel them to drink
that would not, but even as the King
had commanded, when he set one of
his princes at every table, that every
man should take according to his own
pleasure. Also Vashti the Queen
made a feast for the women in the
royal house where King Ahasuerus
was used to dwell.
Third Responsory.
I have had no hope in any other
but in Thee, O God of Israel, Who
art angry, and wilt again show
mercy, and forgivest all the sins of
men when they are in affliction.
Verse. O Lord God! Maker of
heaven and earth ! look upon our
low estate !
A?iswer. Thou that forgivest all the
sins of men when they are in affliction.
Verse. Glory be to the Father, and
to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
Answer, Thou that forgivest all
the sins of men when they are in
affliction.
SECOND NOCTURN.
Fourth Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book
"On Duties" written by St Am
brose, Bishop [of Milan.] (Bk. iii.
ch. 15.)
did Queen Esther? Did
she not, to save her people
from danger (a beautiful and noble
object) put herself in jeopardy of
xm. 9, 17.
FIFTH WEEK OF SEPTEMBER.
245
death, and face the anger of the
cruel King ? The King of the Per
sians, cruel and violent as he was,
nevertheless, thought it seemly to
show grace unto him that told him
of the plot that was made against
him, to free the people from bond
age, and to deliver them from death,
but not to spare him that had per
suaded such iniquity. In the end
he gaire up to the gallows him, whom
he had held second only to himself,
and chiefest among all his friends,
because he found himself dishonoured
through his false counsels.
Fourth Responsory.
Remember me for good, O Lord
God, and put not away my works
of mercy, which I have wrought in
the house of my God, and in the
times of His solemn rites.
Verse. Remember me, O Lord
my God !
Answer. And put not away my
works of mercy, which I have wrought
in the house of my God, and in the
times of His solemn rites.
Fifth Lesson.
^HAT true friendship, which careth
for honour, careth less for riches,
or dignities, or power than for itself,
but for honour before itself. Such
was the friendship of Jonathan, which
caused him to risk the anger of his
father, and danger to himself. Such
was the friendship of Achimelech,
who chose to earn death for himself
by giving relief to David, rather than
to betray the outlaw. But before
honour nothing is to be put, and
friendship must not be allowed to
outrun it, even as we are warned by
the Scriptures.
Fifth Responsory.
We have heard, &c., (p. 231.)
VOL. IV.
Sixth Lesson.
/ T* HE Philosophers have started divers
questions whether friendship
can, or cannot justify disloyalty to a
man s own country- whether friend
ship can, or cannot justify serving a
friend at the cost of breach of faith.
Scripture indeed saith : " A man that
beareth false witness against his
neighbour, is a maul, and a sword,
and a sharp arrow." (Prov. xxv.
1 8.) But mark that what is here
condemned is not witness by itself,
but false witness. How if a man be
compelled to give such witness, for
the sake of God ? or for the sake
of his country ? Ought friendship to
outweigh religion ? Is not to say
this as much as to say that a sinful
weakness is to outweigh a duty ?
Sixth Responsory.
The Lord bless thee, &c., (p. 237.)
THIRD NOCTURN.
Seventh Responsory.
We know no strange god, c., (p.
2370
Eighth Responsory.
One seraph cried, &c., (p. 216.)
Second Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book
of Esther (ii. 5.)
T N the city of Shushan there was
a certain Jew, whose name was
Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son
of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Ben-
I
246
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
jamite, who had been carried away
from Jerusalem at that time when
Nebuchadnezzar the King of Babylon
had carried away Jeconiah King of
Judah. And he brought up Hadas-
sah (who by another name was called
Esther) his brother s daughter : and
she had lost both father and mother ;
and the maid was very fair and
beautiful. And when her father and
mother were dead, Mordecai took
her for his own daughter.
First Responsory.
O my Lord, the King Almighty,
&c., (p. 244.)
Second Lesson.
AND when the King s command
ment was heard, and when
many fair maidens were gathered
together unto Shushan according to
his decree, and were given into the
custody of Hegai the eunuch, Esther
also was given into his custody
among the other damsels, to be kept
in the number of the women. And
she pleased him, and found grace
in his sight. And he commanded
a eunuch to give her speedily her
things for purification, and to give
her her portions, and seven of the
most comely maidens of the King s
house, and to adorn her and wait
upon her, both her and her fellows.
She would not show unto him her
people or her kindred ; for Mordecai
had charged her that as to that
matter she should be silent alto
gether. And [Mordecai] walked
every day before the outer court
of the house, wherein the chosen
maidens were kept, to know how
Esther did.
Second Respo?isory.
Strengthen me, &c., (p. 238.)
Third Lesson. (15.)
NJ OW the turn of Esther, the
daughter of Abihail, the brother
of Mordecai, whom he had taken
for his daughter, came, to go in
unto the King. And she sought not
to bedizen herself after the manner
of women, but whatsoever Hegai the
eunuch, the keeper of the women,
was pleased, that he gave h^r to
adorn herself withal. For she was
exceedingly comely, and of beauty
that cannot be believed, and to every
eye that saw her she was full of
grace and loveliness. So she was
taken unto King Ahasuerus his bed
chamber, in the tenth month, which
is the month Tebeth, in the seventh
year of his reign. And the King
loved Esther above all the women,
and she obtained grace and favour
in his sight more than all the women,
so that he set the royal crown upon
her head, and made her Queen in
stead of Vashti.
Third Responsory.
I have had no hope, &c., (p. 244.)
Third Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book
of Esther (iii. i.)
these things did King
Ahasuerus promote Haman,
the son of Hammedatha, who was
of the stock of Agag, and set his
seat above all the princes that were
with him. And all the King s ser
vants that were used to be about
the gate of the Palace, bowed the
knee and did reverence to Haman :
FIFTH WEEK OF SEPTEMBER.
247
for the King had so commanded
them. Only Mordecai bowed not
the knee, nor did him reverence.
Then the King s servants which had
the ordinance of the gate of the
Palace said unto him : Why trans-
gressest thou the King s command
ment ?
First Responsory.
Remember me for good, c., (p.
245.)
Second Lesson.
A ND when they spake thus unto
^^ him again and again, and he
would not hearken unto them, they
told Haman ; to see whether [Morde
cai] would still persist ; for he had told
them that he was a Jew. And when
Haman heard it, and saw that Mor
decai bowed not the knee before him,
nor did him reverence, he was filled
with wrath ; and he thought scorn
to lay hands on Mordecai alone.
Second Responsory.
We have heard, &c., (p. 231.)
Third Lesson.
T^OR he had heard that he was of
the people of Judea ; wherefore,
he sought rather to destroy all the
nation of the Jews that were in the
kingdom of Ahasuerus. In the first
month (that is it which is called Nisan),
in the twelfth year of King Ahasuerus,
they cast lots (which are called in the
Hebrew tongue "purim ")* in a vessel,
before Haman, to see what day and
what month the Jews should be slain :
and the lot fell on the twelfth month,
which is called Adar. 2
Third Responsory.
The Lord bless thee, &c., (p. 237.)
Fourth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book of
Esther (iv. i.)
AND when Mordecai had heard it,
^^i he rent his clothes, and put on
sackcloth, and put ashes upon his
head, and went out into the midst of
the city, and cried with a loud cry, to
show the bitterness of his soul, and so
crying came even before the gate of
the Palace. For none might enter
into the King s court clothed with sack
cloth. And in every province, and
town, and place, whithersoever had
come the King s cruel commandment,
there was great mourning among the
Jews, and fasting, and wailing, and
weeping ; and many lay in sackcloth
and ashes. And Esther s maids and
her eunuchs came and told it her.
And, when she heard it, she was
appalled ; and she sent raiment to
clothe [Mordecai] withal, and to take
away his sackcloth from him : but he
would not receive it. Then called she
for Hatach, an eunuch, whom the King
had given her to attend upon her, and
gave him commandment to go to
Mordecai and learn from him where
fore he did thus.
First Responsory.
We know no strange god, &c., (p.
2370
1 Hebrew "they cast Pur (that is, the lot)." Pur is not a Hebrew, but a Persian or
Assyrian word.
2 And accordingly Haman obtained a Royal decree for a general massacre of all the Jews
upon the 13111 Adar.
248
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
Second Lesson.
CO Hatach went forth to Mordecai,
^ as he stood in the open place of
the city, which was before the gate of
the Palace. And [Mordecai] told him
of all that had happened, and of the
sum of the money that Haman had
promised to pay to the King s treas
uries for the Jews, to destroy them.
Also he gave him the copy of the
writing of the decree that was hung
up at Shushan, to show it unto the
Queen, and to charge her that she
should go in unto the King, to make
supplication unto him for her people.
And Hatach came in again, and told
Esther all the words of Mordecai.
And she spake again unto him and
bade him tell Mordecai, saying : All
the King s servants, and all the pro
vinces which are under his kingdom
do know, that whosoever, whether
man or woman, shall come into the
King s inner court, who is not called,
shall forthwith be put to death, except
such to whom the King shall hold out
the golden sceptre, for a sign of mercy,
that he may live. How then shall I
be able to enter in before the King,
even I, who have not been called unto
him these thirty days ?
Second Responsory.
Strengthen me, &c., (p. 238.)
Third Lesson.
A ND when Mordecai had heard it,
^^ he commanded to answer Esther,
saying: Think not that thou shalt save
thine own life in the King s house,
more than all the Jews ; for if thou
altogether holdest thy peace at this
time, then shall there deliverance arise
to the Jews from another place ; but
thou, and thy father s house shall be
destroyed. And who knoweth whether
thou art come to the kingdom, that
thou mightest be ready against such a
time as this? Then Esther bade
them return Mordecai this answer :
Go and gather together all the Jews
that thou shalt find in Shushan, and
pray for me. Neither eat, nor drink
for three days and three nights ; I
also, and my maids, will fast likewise,
and so will I go in unto the King
which is not according to the law
without having a call, and will give
myself over unto death and danger.
So Mordecai went his way, and did
according to all that Esther had com
manded him.
Third Responsory.
I have had no hope, &c., (p. 244.)
Fifth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book of
Esther (v. I.)
AND on the third day, Esther put
^^ on her royal apparel, and stood
in the inner court of the King s house,
over against the King s Hall ; l and he
sat upon his throne in the chief place
of the palace, over against the gate of
the house. And when he saw Esther
the Queen standing, she obtained
favour in his sight, and he held out to
her the golden sceptre that he had in
his hand. And she drew near, and
kissed the top of his sceptre. Then
said the King unto her : What wilt
thou, Queen Esther ? What is thy
request ? It shall be even given thee
to the half of the kingdom. And she
answered : If it seem good unto the
1 Basilica.
FIFTH WEEK OF SEPTEMBER.
249
King, I pray that thou wouldest come
unto me this day, and Haman with
thee, unto the banquet that I have
prepared. Then the King said
straightway : Cause Haman to make
haste, that he may do as Esther hath
said.
First Responsory.
O my Lord, the King, &c., (p. 244.)
Second Lesson. ( 9 . )
T^HEN went Haman forth that day
joyful and with a glad heart.
And when he saw Mordecai sitting
before the gates of the Palace, and
that he stood not up, nor moved for
him, he was full of indignation ; but
he restrained his anger, and, when he
came home, he called for his friends,
and Zeresh his wife ; and he told them
of the glory of his riches, and the
multitude of his children, and all the
things wherein the King had advanced
him above all the princes and servants
of the King. And he said moreover :
Yea, Esther the Queen did bid no man
to come in with the King unto the
banquet [that she had prepared,] but
myself; and to-morrow am I to dine
with her also with the King. Yet all
this availeth me nothing, so long as I
see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the
King s gate.
Second Responsory.
Strengthen me, &c., (p. 238.)
quet. The thing pleased Haman ; and
he caused the lofty gallows to be
made.
Third Responsory.
I have had no hope, &c., (p. 244.)
Sixth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book of
Esther (vi. i.)
C\& that night the King could not
^- sleep, and he commanded to
bring the histories and the chronicles
of times past. And, when they were
read before him, they came to the
place wherein it was written how
Mordecai had told of the plot of
Bigthana and Teresh the eunuchs,
who sought to slay the King Ahas-
uerus. And when the King heard it,
he said : What honour and reward
hath been done to Mordecai for this
faithfulness ? And his bondsmen and
servants said unto him : He hath had
no reward. And the King said : Who
is in the court ? Now Haman was
come into the inner court of the King s
house, to speak unto the King to hang
Mordecai on the gallows that he had
prepared for him. And the servants
answered [the King :] Haman standeth
in the court. And the King said : Let
him come in.
Third Lesson.
"THEN answered Zeresh his wife,
and the others his friends : Let
a gallows be made of fifty cubits high,
and to-morrow speak thou unto the
King, that Mordecai may be hanged
thereon ; and so shalt thou go in
merrily with the King unto the ban-
First Responsory.
Remember me, c., (p. 245.)
Second Lesson.
AND when he was come in, the
^ King said unto him : What
shall be done unto the man whom the
250
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
King delighteth to honour ? Now,
Haman thought in his heart that there
could be none other unto whom the
King could delight to do honour,
more than to himself ; and he an
swered : For the man whom the
King delighteth to honour, let him be
clad in the joyal apparel, and be set
upon the horse that the King rideth
on, and let him have the crown royal
upon his head, and let the noblest of
the King s princes and lords lead his
horse, and, as they go through the
street of the city, let him proclaim
aloud and say : Thus shall the man
be honoured whom the King is pleased
to honour.
Second Responsory.
We have heard, c., (p. 231.)
Third Lesson.
AND the King said unto him :
** Make haste, and take the
apparel and the horse, and do, even
as thou hast said, to Mordecai the
Jew, that sitteth at the gate of the
Palace. See lest anything fail of all
that thou hast spoken. Then took
Haman the apparel and the horse,
and arrayed Mordecai, and set him
on the horse, and went before him
through the street of the city, and
proclaimed : Of this honour is he
worthy whom the King is pleased to
honour. And Mordecai came again
to the gate of the Palace, and Haman
hasted to his house, mourning and
having his head covered ; and he told
Zeresh his wife, and his friends, every
thing that had befallen him.
Third Responsory.
The Lord bless thee, &c., (p.
2370
The Sabbath.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book
of Esther (vii. I.)
CO the King and Haman came in
^ to drink with the Queen. And
the King again said unto Esther, on
the second day, after that he was
heated with wine : What is thy pe
tition, Esther, that it may be granted
thee ? and what wiliest thou ? Even
if thou ask the half of my kingdom,
thou shalt have it. And she an
swered him, and said : If I have
found favour in thy sight, O King !
and if it please thee give me my life
at my petition, and my people at my
request. For we are given over, I
and my people, to be destroyed, to
be slain, and to perish. And would
that we had been sold for bondmen
and bondwomen ; the evil might have
been borne, and I had groaned and
held my tongue ; but now he is our
enemy whose cruelty doth reflect upon
the King.
First Responsory.
We know no strange god, &c., (p.
2370
Second Lesson.
/ T*HEN the King Ahasuerus an
swered and said : Who is he,
and of what power is he, that durst
presume to do so ? And Esther said :
Our worst adversary and enemy is
this Haman. And when he heard it,
he was confounded, and could not
bear to sit before the King and the
Queen. And the King rose in wrath,
and went out of the place of the ban
quet into a garden planted with trees.
FIRST WEEK OF OCTOBER.
251
And Haman stood up, to make re
quest for his life to Esther the Queen ;
for he saw that there was evil deter
mined against him by the King.
Second Responsory.
Strengthen me, &c., (p. 238.)
Third Lesson.
V\mEN the King returned out of
* * the garden planted with trees,
and entered into the place of the ban
quet, he found Haman fallen upon the
bed whereon Esther was ; and he
said : Will he force the Queen also,
before me, in mine own house ? As
the word went out of the King s mouth,
they covered [Haman s] face. And
Harbonah, one of the eunuchs that
stood to wait upon the King, said :
Behold the gallows, fifty cubits high,
which [Haman] had made for Mor-
decai, who had spoken good for the
King, standeth in the house of Haman.
And the King said unto him : Hang
him thereon. So Haman was hanged
upon the gallows that he had prepared
for Mordecai, and the King s wrath
was pacified.
Third Responsory.
I have had no hope, &c., (p. 244).
Jirst Suntiag of ctoier.
The First Lord s Day of October.
MATTINS.
FIRST NOCTURN.
First Lesson.
Here beginneth the l First Book of
Maccabees (i. I.)
A ND it happened after that Alex-
^"^ ander, son of Philip, the Mace
donian, who was the first that reigned
over Greece, came out of the land of
Chettim, and had smitten Darius,
King of the Persians and Medes,
that he made many wars, and won
all men s strong-holds, and slew the
kings of the earth. And he went
through to the ends of the earth,
and took spoils of many nations ;
and the earth was quiet before him.
And he gathered a great power and
a mighty strong host ; and his heart
was exalted and lifted up ; and he
ruled over countries and kings ; and
they became tributaries unto him.
And after these things, he fell sick
upon his bed, and perceived that he
should die. And he called unto him
his honourable servants, who had
been brought up with him from his
youth, and parted his kingdom among
them while he was yet alive.
VESPERS.
Antiphon at the Song of the Blessed
Virgin. The Lord open your hearts
in His law and commandments, and
may the Lord our God send peace.
(2 Maccab. i. 4.)
First Responsory.
2 The Lord open your hearts in His
law and commandments, and send
peace in your days. May He grant
you salvation and redeem you out of
all evil.
i Abp. Kenrick says of these two books : " The authors are unknown, one of whom wrote in
Hebrew the other in Greek." The name of Maccabees has been given from the ce e-
brated heroes of the Asmonean family known by this title, the origin of which is not fully
ascertained. . . . It was given not only to the Asmoneans, but to others generally who e
lated their zeal for the Jewish institutions and laws, under the Syrian monarchy,
of the period between the fall of Jerusalem and that at which these books commence
contained in Ezra and Nehemiah. " K 4> 5- 3-
252
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
Verse. The Lord hear your pray
ers, and be at one with you, and never
forsake you in the time of trouble.
Answer. May He grant you salva
tion and redeem you out of all evil.
Second Lesson.
OO Alexander reigned twelve years,
and then died. And his ser
vants bare rule, every one in his
place. And after his death, they all
put crowns upon themselves ; so did
their sons after them many years ;
and evils were multiplied in the earth.
And there came out of them a wicked
root, Antiochus the Illustrious, 1 son
of Antiochus the King, who had been
an hostage at Rome : and he reigned
in the hundred-and-thirty-seventh year
of the kingdom of the Greeks. 2
Second Responsory.
3 The Lord hear your prayers, and
be at one with you, and never forsake
you in the time of trouble, even He,
the Lord our God.
Verse. Give you all an heart to
serve Him, and to do His will.
Answer. Even He, the Lord our
God.
Third Lesson.
T N those days there went out of
Israel wicked men, and per
suaded many, saying : Let us go
and make a covenant with the
heathen that are round about us ;
for since we departed from them,
we have had much sorrow. So this
device pleased them well. And cer
tain of the people determined to do
this, and went to the King ; who
gave them licence to do after the
ordinances of the heathen. Where
upon they built a place of exercise 4
at Jerusalem, according to the cus
toms of the heathen : and made them
selves uncircumcised : 5 and forsook
the holy covenant : and joined them
selves to the heathen, and were sold 6
to do mischief.
Third Responsory.
Our enemies are gathered together,
and make their boast of their own
strength. O Lord, break their power,
and scatter them ; that they may
know that there is none other that
fighteth for us, but only Thou, O our
God!
Verse. Scatter them in Thy
strength, and destroy them, O Lord
our Shield !
Answer. That they may know
that there is none other that fighteth
for us, but only Thou, O our God !
Verse. Glory be to the Father, and
to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
Answer. That they may know
that there is none other that fighteth
for us, but only Thou, O our God !
SECOND NOCTURN.
Fourth Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book
upon Duties written by St Ambrose,
Bishop [of Milan]. (Bk. i. ch. 40.)
^P
may perchance be some
who are so blinded by the glory
of war as to think there is no valour
1 Epiphanes. The Jews used to pun it into " Epimanes," " the Maniac."
2 I.e., of the era of the Seieucidae, B.C. 175.
II.i- 4. 5. 3- 4 A gymnasium, like those of the Greeks.
5 In illo tempore non valebat circumcidendi modus, quo actualiter utuntur Judsei, dirumpentes
radices prasputii et retro convertentes. Praeputium simpliciter concidebatur. Fieri ero-o poterat
ut circumcisus, cute super penem arte chirurgica reducta, incircumcisus videretur. Ad hoc in
future vitandum, modus hodie acceptus a theologis inventus est. Abp. Kenrick says "The
process is described by Celsus, 7, 25, and alluded to by St Paul, i Cor. vii. 18."
6 I.e., given over.
FIRST WEEK OF OCTOBER.
253
but warlike valour, and that the
reason why I have taken up other
subjects is that among us there is no
warlike valour whereof to speak. But
what was the valour of Josue the son
of Nun, when in one battle he laid
low five nations, and took prisoners
their kings ; when he was fighting
against the Gibeonites, and feared lest
the closing in of night should cut
short his victory, he cried aloud in the
greatness of his mind and of his faith,
" And he said, in the sight of Israel :
Sun stand thou still over against Gib-
eon, and thou Moon over against the
valley of Ajalon ; and the sun stood
still, and the moon stayed, until the
people had avenged themselves upon
their enemies" (Josue x. 12, 13).
Gideon, with three hundred men,
won the victory over the vast people,
and the savage enemy. The lad
Jonathan waxed valiant in fight.
Fourth Responsory.
1 Be ye not afraid of the assault of
the enemy ; remember how our fathers
were delivered. Now, therefore, let
us cry unto heaven, and our God will
have mercy upon us.
Verse. 2 Remember His marvel
lous works that He hath done unto
Pharaoh and his host in the Red Sea.
Answer. Now, therefore, let us
cry unto heaven, and our God will
have mercy upon us.
Fifth Lesson.
C HALL I speak of the Maccabees ?
But before I speak of them, I
will speak of their fathers, even of
them who, when they were ready to
fight for the Temple of God and for
their own rights, were assailed by
a trick of their enemies upon the
Sabbath day, and were willing rather
to offer their bodies naked to the
sword than to strike back again and
break the Sabbath, and so they gave
themselves up gladly to death ; but
when the Maccabees bethought them
that the whole nation might thus
perish, avenged the innocent blood
of their brethren even upon the
Sabbath day when they were pro
voked to battle, and afterward, when
King Antiochus had been stirred up
to make war on them by his generals,
even Lysias and Nicanor and Gor-
gias, he and his Eastern and As
syrian forces were so crushed that
forty and eight thousand were laid
low on the field by three thousand.
Fifth Responsory.
3 The heathen are assembled to
gether to fight against us, and we
know not what we should do. 4 Our
eyes look unto Thee, O Lord our God,
that we should not perish.
Verse. What things they imagine
against us, Thou knowest. How shall
we be able to stand against them,
except Thou be our help ?
Answer. Our eyes look unto Thee,
O Lord our God, that we should not
perish.
Sixth Lesson.
was the valour of Judas
the Maccabean leader we may
judge by the type of one of his men.
When Eleazar saw an elephant big
ger than the rest, and adorned with
the King s harness, he thought that
the King was riding thereon, and
he threw himself into the midst of
the enemy, and cast away his shield
and slew on either hand until he
was come to the beast, and ran
underneath it, and killed it with his
sword, and so the beast fell upon
Eleazar and crushed him, and he
1. iv. 8.
VOL. IV.
2 Ps. civ. 5 ; cxxxv. 15.
3 I. iii. 52, 53.
4 Cf. Ps. cxxii. 3.
I 2
254
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
died. What valour was here ! To
begin with, he feared not to die,
and when the enemy surrounded
him he cast himself into the midst
of their ranks, pierced their column,
and becoming all the fiercer through
his mockery of death, he threw
away his shield and upheld with
both hands the huge bulk of the
wounded monster beneath which he
had gone the better to spite it, so
that when he died with it he might
well have been said not so much to
be crushed as to be swallowed up
in victory.
Sixth Responsory.
1 Thine, O Lord, is the power,
Thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and
Thou art exalted above all the heathen.
Give peace in our time, O Lord.
Verse. 2 O Lord God, Creator of all
things, Who art fearful and strong,
righteous and merciful.
Answer. Give peace in our time,
O Lord.
Verse. Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost
Answer. Give peace in our time,
O Lord.
THIRD NOCTURN.
Seventh Responsory.
3 The sun shone upon the shields of
gold, and the mountains glistered
therewith, and the army of the heathens
was spread abroad.
Verse. For the army was very great
and mighty : then Judas and his host
drew near and entered into battle.
Answer. And the army of the
heathens was spread abroad.
Eighth Responsory.
One seraph cried, &c., (p. 216.)
Second Day.
MATTINS.
First Less 012.
The Lesson is taken from the First
Book of Maccabees (i. i7.) 4
TVT OW when the kingdom was estab-
lished before Antiochus, he
thought to reign over Egypt, that
he might have the dominion of two
realms. Wherefore he entered into
Egypt with a great multitude, with
chariots, and elephants, and horse
men, and a great navy, and made
war against Ptolemy, King of Egypt ;
but Ptolemy was afraid of him, and
fled ; and many were wounded to
death. Thus he got the strong cities
in the land of Egypt, and took the
spoils of the land of Egypt.
First Responsory.
5 Judas said unto Simon his brother :
Choose thee out men, and go, and
deliver thy brethren that are in Gali
lee : and I, and Jonathan thy brother,
will go into the country of Galaad.
6 As the Will is in heaven, so let it
be.
Verse. Arm yourselves, ye valiant
men, and be in readiness : for it is
better for us to die in battle, than
to behold the calamities of our people,
and our sanctuary.
Answer. As the Will is in heaven,
so let it be.
1 Cf. i Par. (Chron.) xxix. u. 2 It. i. 24. 3 I. vi. 39, 40, 41, 42.
* Should the first Sunday of October be the first Sunday within the month, the office is that
of the Rosary, and the beginning of the First Book of Maccabees is therefore transferred to
Monday. It will be found a convenient arrangement to read the two first Lessons of Sunday
together as the First Lesson ; the Third of Sunday as the Second ; and the whole three of
Monday together as the Third. 5 I. v. 17. e i. ijj. go, ^9, 58.
FIRST WEEK OF OCTOBER.
255
Second Lesson.
AND, after that Antiochus had
smitten Egypt, he returned
again in the hundred-and-forty-and-
third year, and went up to Jerusalem
with a great multitude. And he
entered proudly into the Sanctuary,
and took away the golden Altar, and
the candlestick of light, and all the
vessels thereof, and the table of the
shew-bread, and the pouring vessels,
and the vials, and the spoons of
gold, and the crowns, and the golden
ornament that was before the Temple,
and brake them all up.
Second Responsory.
1 They decked the fore-front of the
Temple with crowns of gold, and dedi
cated the Altar unto the Lord. And
there was very great gladness among
the people.
Verse. They praised the Lord with
Psalms and thanksgiving.
Answer. And there was very great
gladness among the people.
Third Lesson.
TUT E took also the silver and the gold,
and the precious vessels : also
he took the hidden treasures which he
found, and, when he had taken all
away, he went into his own land. He
made, moreover, a great massacre of
men, and spake very proudly. There
fore there was great mourning in Israel,
and in every place where they 2 were :
and the princes and elders mourned,
the virgins and young men were made
feeble, and the beauty of women was
changed. Every bridegroom took up
lamentation ; and she that sat in the
marriage chamber was in heavi
ness. The land also was moved for
the inhabitants thereof, and all the
house of Jacob was covered with con
fusion.
Third Responsory.
3 They praised the Lord with psalms
and thanksgiving ; Who had done so
great things in Israel, and given them
the victory the Lord Almighty.
Verse. They decked the fore-front
of the Temple with crowns of gold, and
dedicated the Altar unto the Lord.
Answer. Who had done so great
things for Israel, and given them the
victory the Lord Almighty.
Verse. Glory be to the Father, and
to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
Answer. Who had done so great
things for Israel, and given them the
victory the Lord Almighty.
Third Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the
Book of Maccabees (ii. I.)
First
T N those days arose Mattathias, the
son of John, the son of Simeon, a
Priest of the sons of Joarib from
Jerusalem, and dwelt in Mount Modin.
And he had five sons John, called
Gaddis ; Simon, called Thasi ; Judas,
who was called Maccabee ; Eleazar,
called Abaron ; and Jonathan, whose
surname was Apphus. These saw
the blasphemies, which were com
mitted in the people of Judah, and
in Jerusalem.
First Responsory.
4 This is a lover of the brethren,
and of the people of Israel : this is
i I. iv. 57, 58. 2 Israelites.
4 The ghost of the Prophet Jeremiah, II. xv. 14.
3 II. x. 38.
2 5 6
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
one who prayeth much for the people,
and for all the Holy City, Jerusalem.
Verse. l There appeared a man
most gentle toward all his people.
Answer. This is one who prayeth
much for the people, and for all the
Holy City, Jerusalem.
Seco?id Lesson.
AND Mattathias said : Woe is me !
^^ Wherefore was I born, to see
this misery of my people, and the
misery of the Holy City, and to dwell
there, when it is delivered into the
hand of the enemy ? The Sanctuary
is come into the hand of strangers
her temple is become as a man with
out glory. Her glorious vessels are
carried away into captivity, her elders
are slain in the streets, and her young
men have fallen by the sword of the
enemy. What nation hath not had
a part in her kingdom, and gotten
of her spoils ?
Second Responsory.
2 Thou, O Lord of all things, Who
hast need of nothing, wast pleased that
the Temple of Thine habitation should
be among us. Therefore now, O Lord,
keep this house ever undefiled !
Verse. 3 Thou, O Lord, didst choose
this house, that Thy Name should be
called on therein, and to be an house
of prayer and petition for Thy people.
Answer. Therefore now, O Lord,
keep this house ever undefiled.
Third Lesson. (14.)
HP HEN Mattathias and his sons rent
their clothes, and put on sack
cloth, and mourned very sore. And
there came men sent from the King
Antiochus, to make them that had fled
unto the city of Modin to sacrifice,
and to burn incense, and to forsake
the law of God. And many of the
people of Israel consented, and came
unto them : but Mattathias and his
sons stood firm.
Third Responsory.
Open Thine eyes, O Lord, and be
hold our affliction : for the heathen are
come round about us to punish us.
But Thou, O Lord, stretch forth Thine
arm, and deliver our souls.
Verse. Punish them that oppress
us and with pride do us wrong , and
keep Thine own portion.
Answer. But Thou, O Lord, stretch
forth Thine arm, and deliver our souls.
Verse. Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost.
Answer. But Thou, O Lord, stretch
forth Thine arm, and deliver our souls.
Fourth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the First
Book of Maccabees (ii. 19.)
HPHEN Mattathias answered and
spake with a loud voice : Though
all nations should obey King Antiochus,
and fall away every one from the re
ligion of their fathers, and give con
sent to his commandments, yet will
I, and my sons, and my brethren walk
according to the law of our fathers ;
it is not good for us to forsake the
law and the ordinances of God : we
will not hearken unto the words of
King Antiochus, neither will we offer
The ghost of the High Priest Onias.
2 II. xiv. 35, 36.
FIRST WEEK OF OCTOBER.
257
sacrifice, to transgress against the
commandments of our law, to go by
another way.
First Responsory.
The sun shone, &c., (p. 254.)
Second Lesson.
IV" OW when he had left speaking
these words, there came one of
the Jews, in the sight of all, to sacrifice
unto idols on the altar, which was
in the city of Modin, according to the
King s commandment. Which thing
when Mattathias saw, he was inflamed
with zeal ; and his reins trembled, and
his fury was kindled according as the
Law hath judged ; wherefore he ran
and slew him upon the altar : also the
man whom King Antiochus had sent,
who compelled men to sacrifice, he
killed at that time, and the altar he
pulled down ; thus dealt he zealously
for the law, like as Phinehas did unto
Zambri the son of Salom.
Second Responsory.
They decked the fore-front, &c., (/.
2550
Third Lesson.
AND Mattathias cried throughout
** the city with a loud voice, say
ing : Whosoever is zealous of the Law,
and maintaineth the covenant, let him
follow me. So he and his sons fled
into the mountains, and left all that
ever they had in the city. Then many
that sought after judgment and justice
went down into the wilderness, to dwell
there, both they, and their children,
and their wives, and their cattle : be
cause afflictions increased sore upon
them.
Third Responsory.
They praised the Lord, &c., (p. 255.)
Fifth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the First
Book of Maccabees (ii. 49.)
TVT OW the time drew near that
Mattathias should die, and he
said unto his sons : Now hath pride
and rebuke gotten strength, and the
time of destruction, and the wrath of
indignation. Now therefore, my sons,
be ye zealous for the Law, and give
your lives for the covenant of your
fathers ; and call to remembrance
what acts our fathers did in their time ;
and so shall ye receive great honour,
and an everlasting name. Was not
Abraham found faithful in temptation,
and it was imputed unto him for
righteousness ? Joseph, in the time
of his distress, kept the commandment,
and was made lord of Egypt ; Phinehas
our father, in being zealous with God s
zeal, obtained the covenant of an ever
lasting Priesthood.
First Responsory.
The Lord open your hearts, &c.,
(P. 251.)
Second Lesson.
T ESUS, by fulfilling the word, was
J made a leader in Israel. Caleb,
for bearing witness before the congre
gation, received heritage. David, for
being merciful, possessed the throne
of an everlasting kingdom. Elias, for
being zealous with zeal for the law,
was taken up into heaven. Ananias,
Azarias, and Mishael, by believing,
were saved out of the flame. Daniel,
for his innocency, was delivered from
the mouth of lions. And thus con
sider ye, that, from generation to gen-
2 5 8
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
eration, none that put their trust in
Him have been overcome. Fear not
then the words of the sinful man, for
his glory shall be dung and worms ;
to-day he shall be lifted up, and to
morrow he shall not be found, because
he is returned into his dust, and his
thought is come to nothing.
Second Responsory.
The Lord hear your prayers, &c.,
(P. 252.)
Third Lesson.
^WHEREFORE, ye, my sons, be
valiant, and show yourselves
men in the behalf of the Law ; for by
it shall ye obtain glory. And, behold,
I know that your brother Simon is a
man of counsel ; give ear unto him
alway, and he shall be a father unto
you. As for Judas Maccabeus, he
hath been mighty and strong, even
from his youth up ; let him be your
captain, and fight the battle of the
people. Take also unto you all those
that observe the Law, and avenge ye
the wrong of your people. Recom
pense fully the heathen, and take heed
to the commandments of the Law. So
he blessed them, and was gathered
to his fathers.
Third Responsory.
Our enemies are gathered together,
&c., (p. 252.)
Sixth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the First
Book of Maccabeus (ii. 70.)
IX/TATTATHIAS died in the hun-
dred- and -forty -and -sixth year,
and his sons buried him in the sep
ulchres of his fathers at Modin, and
all Israel made great lamentation for
him. (iii.) Then his son Judas, called
Maccabeus, rose up in his stead ; and
all his brethren helped him, and so
did all they that held with his father,
and they fought with cheerfulness the
battle of Israel. So he gat his people
great honour. He pursued the wicked,
and sought them out ; and burnt up
those that vexed his people : where
fore his enemies shrunk for fear of
him, and all the workers of iniquity
were troubled : and salvation pros
pered in his hand.
First Responsory.
Be ye not afraid, &c., (p. 253.)
Secofid Lesson.
T T E grieved also many kings, and
made Jacob glad with his acts,
and his memorial is blessed for ever.
Moreover he went through the cities
of Judah, and destroyed the ungodly
out of them, and turned away wrath
from Israel. So that he was re
nowned unto the uttermost part of the
earth ; and he received unto him such
as were ready to perish. Then Apol-
lonius gathered the Gentiles together,
and an exceeding great host out of
Samaria, to fight against Israel. Which
thing when Judas perceived, he went
forth to meet him, and smote him, and
slew him. Many also fell down slain,
and the rest fled ; and Judas took their
spoils, and Apollonius his sword also,
and therewith he fought all his lifelong.
Second Responsory.
The heathen are assembled, &c.,
(P- 2530
FIRST WEEK OF OCTOBER.
259
Third Lesson.
A ND the fear of Judas and his
"^^ brethren, and exceeding great
dread, fell upon all the nations round
about them, insomuch as his fame
came unto the King Antiochus, and
all nations talked of the battles of
Judas. Now when King Antiochus
heard these things, he was full of in
dignation, and sent, and gathered to
gether a force out of all his realm,
even a very strong army : he opened
also his treasury, and gave them pay
for a year, commanding them to be
ready whensoever he should need
them.
Third Responsory.
Thine, O Lord, &c., (p. 254.)
The Sabbath.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the First
Book of Maccabees (iii. 42.)
"M" OW when Judas and his brethren
saw that miseries were multi
plied, and that forces did encamp
themselves in their borders ; and when
they knew how the King had given
commandment to destroy the people,
and utterly abolish them, they said
one to another : Let us restore the
decayed estate of our people, and let
us fight for our people and our holy
things. Then was the congregation
gathered together, that they might be
ready for battle, and that they might
pray, and ask mercy and compassion.
Now Jerusalem lay void, as a wilder
ness ; there was none of her children
that went in or out ; the sanctuary also
was trodden down ; and aliens kept
the strong-hold, where the heathen
had their habitation ; and joy was
taken from Jacob, and the pipe with
the harp ceased.
First Responsory.
The sun shone, &c., {p. 254.)
. Second Lesson.
A ND [the Israelites] assembled to-
^^ gether, and came to Mizpeh,
over against Jerusalem for in Mizpeh
was the place where they prayed be-
foretime in Israel. And they fasted
that day, and put on sackcloth, and
cast ashes upon their heads, and
rent their clothes, and laid open the
book of the Law, wherefrom the
heathen sought the likeness of their
images ; they brought also the Priests
garments, and the first-fruits, and the
tithes ; and the Nazarites they stirred
up, who had accomplished their days ;
and they cried with a loud voice
toward heaven, saying : What shall
we do with these ? And whither
shall we carry them away ? Thy
sanctuary is trodden down and pro
faned ! and Thy Priests are in heavi
ness and brought low ! And, be
hold, the heathen are assembled to
gether against us, to destroy us.
What things they imagine against
us, Thou knowest. How shall we
be able to stand against them, ex
cept Thou, O God, be our help.
Second Responsory.
They decked the fore-front, &c., (p.
2550
Third Lesson.
^PHEN they sounded with trumpets,
and cried with a loud voice
And after this Judas ordained cap-
26o
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
tains over the people, even captains
over thousands, and over hundreds,
and over fifties, and over tens. But
as for such as were building houses,
or marrying wives, or planting vine
yards, or were fearful, these he com
manded that they should return, every
man to his own house, according to
the Law. So the camp removed,
and pitched upon the south side of
Emmaus. And Judas said : Arm
yourselves, and be valiant men, and
see that ye be in readiness against
the morning, that ye may fight with
these heathen, that are assembled
together against us, to destroy us
and our holy things, for it is better
for us to die in battle than to be
hold the calamities of our people
and of our holy things. Neverthe
less, as the Will is in heaven, so
let it be done.
Third Responsory.
They praised the Lord, c., (p.
2550
The following Sunday is always
occupied by a festival, usually that
of the Rosary or of the Motherhood
of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and no
more of its office is used than the
following, forming part of the Com
memoration of the Sunday, at Vespers
on Saturday evening.
Antiphon. The sun shone upon
the shields of gold, and the mountains
glistened therewith, and the army of
the heathens was spread abroad.
Verse. Let the evening prayer
ascend unto Thee, O Lord.
Answer. And let there descend
upon us Thy mercy.
Prayer of the Sitnday.
Second SiwtJag of ctober.
The Second Lord^s Day of October.
Second Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the First
Book of Maccabees (iv. 52.)
f~\ N the five-and-twentieth day of the
ninth month (which is called the
month Casleu), in the hundred-forty-
and-eighth year, they rose up betimes
in the morning, and offered sacrifice
according to the Law, upon the new
altar of burnt-offerings which they had
made. At what time and what day
the heathen hath profaned it, even in
that was it dedicated anew, with songs,
and citherns, and harps, and cymbals.
And all the people fell upon their
faces, worshipping and blessing even
unto heaven, Him Who had given
them good success.
First Responsory.
Judas said, &c., (p. 254.)
Second Lesson.
A ND they kept the Dedication of
^^ the Altar eight days, and offered
burnt-offerings with gladness, and sac
rificed the sacrifice of deliverance and
praise. They decked also the fore
front of the Temple with crowns of
gold, and with shields, and the gates
and the chambers they renewed, and
hanged doors upon them. Thus was
there very great gladness among the
people, and the reproach of the heathen
was put away. And Judas and his
brethren, with the whole congregation
SECOND WEEK OF OCTOBER.
261
of Israel, ordained that the days of
the Dedication of the Altar should be
kept in their season, from year to
year, by the space of eight days, from
the five-and-twentieth day of the month
Casleu, with mirth and gladness.
Second Responsory.
They decked the fore-front, &c., (p.
2550
Third Lesson.
A T that time also they builded up
the Mount Zion, with high walls
and strong towers round about, lest
the Gentiles should come and tread it
down, as they had done before. And
he set there a garrison to keep it, and
fortified it to preserve Beth-sura, that
the people might have a defence
against Idumea.
Third Responsory.
They praised the Lord, &c., (p. 255.)
Third Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the First
Book of Maccabees (v. i.)
AND it came to pass, when the
nations round about heard that
the Altar was built, and the Sanctuary
renewed as before, they were very
much displeased, and thought to
destroy the generation of Jacob that
was among them, and began to slay
some of the people, and to persecute
them. And Judah fought against the
children of Esau in Idumea, and them
that were in Acrabathane, because
they besieged the Israelites, and gave
them a great overthrow. Also he
remembered the injury of the children
of Bean, who had been a snare and an
offence unto the people, in that they
lay in wait for them in the way. And
he shut them up in the towers ; and
encamped against them, and made
them a curse, and burned their towers
with fire, with all that were in them.
First Responsory.
This is a lover, &c., (p. 255.)
Second Lesson.
A ND he passed over to the children
^^ of Ammon, and found a mighty
power, and much people, and Timothy
their Captain, and fought many battles
with them ; and they were discomfited
before them, and he smote them, and
took the city of Gazer, and the towns
belonging thereto, and returned into
Judea. Then the heathen that were
in Galaad assembled themselves to
gether against the Israelites that were
in their quarters, to destroy them ; but
they fled to the fortress at Dathema.
Second Responsory.
Thou, O Lord of all, &c., (p. 256.)
Third Lesson.
AND they sent letters unto Judas
^^ and his brethren, saying : The
heathen that are round about us are
assembled together against us, to
destroy us, and they are preparing to
come and take the fortress whereunto
we are fled, Timothy being the Captain
of their host. Come, now, therefore,
and deliver us from their hands, for
many of us are slain, yea, all our
brethren that were in the places of
Tubin are put to death ; their wives
and their children also they have
carried away captives, and [have borne
away] their stuff, and they have de
stroyed there about a thousand men.
262
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
Third Responsory.
Open Thine eyes, &c., (p. 256.)
Fourth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the First
Book of Maccabees (v. 55.)
time as Judas and Jonathan
were in the land of Galaad, and
Simon his brother in Galilee before
Ptolema is, Joseph the son of Zacharias,
and Azarias, Captain of the garrison,
heard of the valiant acts and warlike
deeds which they had done ; and they
said : Let us also get us a name, and
go fight against the heathen that are
round about us. So, when they had
given charge unto the garrison that
was with them, they went toward
Jamnia.
First Responsory.
The sun shone, &c., (p. 254.)
Second Lesson.
T
HEN came Gorgias and his men
out of the city, to fight against
them, and so it was that Joseph and
Azarias were put to flight [and pur
sued] unto the borders of Judea. And
there were slain that day of the people
of Israel about two thousand men, and
there was a great rout among the
people, because they were not obed
ient unto Judas and his brethren, but
thought to do some valiant act.
Moreover, these men came not of the
seed of those by whose hand deliver
ance was given unto Israel.
Second Responsory.
They decked the fore-front, c., (p.
2550
Third Lesson.
TTOWBEIT the men of Judas were
greatly renowned in the sight of
all Israel, and of all nations, whereso
ever their name was heard of, and the
people assembled unto them with joyful
acclamations. And Judas and his bre
thren went forth, and fought against
the children of Esau, in the land
toward the South, and he smote
Hebron and the towns thereof; and
burnt the walls and towers thereof
with fire. Then he removed to go
into the land of the strangers, and
passed through Samaria. At that
time certain Priests, desirous to show
their valour, were slain in battle,
for that they went out to fight un
advisedly.
Third Responsory.
They praised the Lord, &c., (p. 255.)
Fifth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the First
Book of Maccabees (vi. I.)
A ND as King Antiochus was travel-
7"*" ling through the high countries,
he heard say that the city of Elymais
in Persia was a right noble city, and
rich in silver and gold, and that there
was in it a very rich temple, wherein
were coverings of gold, both breast
plates and shields, which Alexander
the son of Philip, the Macedonian
King, who reigned first among the
SECOND WEEK OF OCTOBER.
263
Grecians, had left there. Wherefore
he came and sought to take the city,
and to spoil it ; but he was not able,
because they of the city, having had
warning thereof, rose up against him
in battle ; so he fled, and departed
thence with great heaviness, and re
turned to Babylon. Moreover, there
came one who brought him tidings in
Persia, that the armies which went
against the land of Judea were put to
flight, and that Lysias, who went forth
first with a great power, was put to
flight of the Jews.
First Responsory.
The Lord open your hearts, &c., (p.
251.
Second Lesson.
A ND that [the Jews] were made
^^ strong by the armour, and
power, and store of spoils, which
they had gotten of the armies which
they had destroyed : also that they
had pulled down the abomination
which he had set up upon the Altar
in Jerusalem, and that they had
compassed about the Sanctuary with
high walls as before, and his city
Beth -sura. And it came to pass,
when the King heard these words,
he was astonished and sore moved,
and fell down upon his bed, and
fell sick for grief, because it had
not befallen him as he looked for.
And there he continued many days,
for his grief was ever more and
more, and he made account that
he should die.
Second Responsory.
The Lord hear your prayers, &c.,
(P. 252.)
Third Lesson.
/\ ND he called for all his friends,
*"* and said unto them : The sleep
is gone from mine eyes, and I am
fallen down, and my heart faileth
for very care ; and I have said in
my heart : Into what tribulation am
I come, and how great a flood of
misery is it, wherein now I am, who
have been merry and beloved in my
power ! But now I remember the
evils that I did at Jerusalem, and
that I took all the vessels of gold
and silver that were therein, and
sent to make away with the in
habitants of Judea without a cause.
I perceive therefore that for this
cause these troubles are come upon
me, and, behold, I perish through
great grief in a strange land.
Third Responsory.
Our enemies are gathered, &c., (p.
252.)
Sixth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the First
Book of Maccabees (vii. i.)
T N the hundred-and-one-and-fiftieth
year, Demetrius the son of Seleu-
cus departed from Rome, and came
up with a few men unto a city of the
sea-coast, and reigned there. Now
when Demetrius was set upon the
throne of his kingdom, there came
unto him wicked and ungodly men
of Israel, having Alcimus, who was
desirous to be High Priest, for
their captain. And they accused the
people to the King, saying : Judas
and his brethren have slain all thy
friends, and driven us out of our
own land. Now, therefore, send some
man whom thou trustest, and let him
go and see what havock he hath made
264
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
among us, and in the King s land, and
let him punish all his friends, and all
them that aid him.
First Responsory.
Be ye not afraid, &c., (p. 253.)
Second Lesson.
"THEN the King chose Bacchides,
a friend of his, who ruled in the
kingdom beyond the Great River, and
was faithful to the King. And him
he sent to see what havock Judas had
made. And that wicked Alcimus he
made High Priest, and commanded
that he should take vengeance of the
children of Israel. So they departed,
and came with a great power into
the land of Judea, where they sent
messengers to Judas and his brethren
with peaceable words deceitfully. But
they gave no heed to their words ; for
they saw that they were come with a
great power.
Second Responsory.
The heathen are assembled, &c., (p.
2530
Third Lesson.
HP HEN did there assemble unto Al
cimus and Bacchides a company
of Scribes, to require justice. Now
the Assidaeans were the first among
the children of Israel that sought
peace of them ; for they said : One
that is a Priest of the seed of Aaron
is come, and he will do us no
wrong. So he spake unto them
peaceably, and sware unto them, say
ing : We will procure the harm neither
of you nor of your friends. And they
believed him. And he took of them
three-score men, and slew them in
one day, according to the word that
is written : The flesh of Thy Saints
[have they given to be meat unto
the beasts of the earth,] and their
blood have they shed [like water]
round about Jerusalem ; and there was
none to bury them. 1
Third Responsory.
Thine, O Lord, &c., (p. 254.)
The Sabbath.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the First
Book of Maccabees (viii. i.)
1VT OW Judas had heard of the fame
of the Romans, that they are
mighty and valiant men, and such
as lovingly accept all that betake
themselves unto them, and make a
league of amity with all that come
unto them, and that they are mighty
and valiant men. And they heard
also of their wars, and noble acts
which they had done among the
Galatians, and how they had con
quered them, and brought them under
tribute ; and what they had done in
the country of Spain, and won the
mines of silver and gold which are
there ; and that by their policy and
patience they had conquered all the
place, though it were very far from
them ; and the kings also that came
against them from the uttermost parts
of the earth, they have discomfited
them, and smitten them with a great
overthrow ; so that the rest do give
them tribute every year.
i Ps. hcxviii. 2, 3, "The Flesh of Thy Saints" might be rendered "The flesh of Thine
Assideans," the Greek " Assidaios " being merely an attempt to represent the Hebrew " Kasid,"
or Saint, the official title of these unfortunate persons, (much as we now call some people
"Most Reverend," "Venerable," and the like.)
THIRD WEEK OF OCTOBER.
265
First Responsory.
The sun shone, &c., (p. 254.)
Second Lesson.
AND Judas chose Eupolemus, the
^^ son of John, the son of Jacob,
and Jason, the son of Eleazar, and
sent them to Rome, to make a league
of amity and confederacy with them,
and [to entreat them] that they would
take away the yoke of the Greeks
from off them, for they saw that
they did oppress the kingdom of
Israel even unto bondage. They
went therefore to Rome, which was
a very great journey, and came
into the senate, and said : Judas
Maccabeus, and his brethren, and the
people of the Jews, have sent us
unto you, to make a confederacy
and peace with you, and that we
might be registered your confederates
and friends. And the saying was good
in their sight. And this is the epistle
which they wrote back again in tables
of brass, and sent to Jerusalem, that
there they might have by them a
memorial of peace and confederacy.
Second Responsory.
They decked the fore-front, &c., (p.
2550
Third Lesson.
success be to the Romans,
^-^ and to the people of the Jews,
by sea and by land, for ever ; the
sword also and enemy be far from
them ! If there come first any war
upon the Romans, or any of their
confederates throughout all their do
minion, the people of the Jews shall
help them, as the time shall require,
with all their heart ; neither shall they
give anything unto them that make
war upon them, or aid them with
corn, weapons, money, or ships, as it
hath seemed good unto the Romans ;
but they shall keep their commands,
without taking anything therefrom. In
like manner also, if war come first
upon the nation of the Jews, the
Romans shall help them with all
their heart, according as the time
shall enable them.
Third Responsory.
They praised the Lord, &c., (p. 255.)
The following Sunday is always
occupied by a festival, usually that of
the Motherhood or of the Purity of the
Blessed Virgin. In any case, no more
of the Sunday office is used than the
following, forming part of the com
memoration of the Sunday, at Vespers
on Saturday evening.
Antiphon. Moreover, all Israel
made great lamentation for Judas,
saying : How art thou fallen, thou
valiant man of war, that didst deliver
the Lord s people !
Verse. Let the evening prayer
ascend unto Thee, O Lord.
Answer. And let there descend
upon us Thy mercy.
Prayer of the Sunday.
2Cfjtrti Sunfcag of cto&er.
The Third Lord^s Day of October.
Second Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the First
Book of Maccabees (ix. 28.)
A ND all Judas friends came to-
^ gether, and said unto Jonathan :
Since thy brother Judas died, we have
266
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
no man like him to go forth against
our enemies, against Bacchides, and
against them of our nation that are
adversaries to us. Now, therefore,
we have chosen thee this day, to be
our Prince and Captain in his stead,
that thou mayest fight our battles.
Upon this Jonathan took the govern
ment upon him at that time, and rose
up instead of his brother Judas. And
Bacchides gat knowledge thereof,
and sought for to slay him.
First Respo?2sory.
Judas said, &c., (p. 254.)
went up, and hid themselves under
the covert of the mountain. And
they lifted up their eyes, and looked ;
and, behold, there was much ado,
and great carriage ; and the bride
groom came forth, and his friends
and brethren, to meet them, with
drums, and instruments of music,
and many weapons. Then [Jonathan
and they that were with him] rose
up against 1 them from the place
where they lay in ambush, and
made a slaughter of them, in such
sort as many fell smitten, and the
remnant fled into the mountains :
and they took all their spoils.
Second Lesson.
AND Jonathan, and Simon his
*"* brother, and all that were with
him, heard of it, and fled into the
wilderness of Tekoa, and pitched their
tents by the water of the pool Asphar.
And Bacchides knew it, and came
across Jordan with all his host upon
the Sabbath day. And Jonathan sent
his brother John, a captain of the
people, to pray his friends the Nabath-
ites, that they might leave with them
their equipage which was much. But
the children of Jambri came out of
Medaba, and took John, and all that
he had, and went their way with it.
Second Responsory.
They decked the fore-front, &c., (p.
2550
Third Lesson.
A FTER this came word to Jonathan
^^ and Simon his brother, that the
children of Jambri made a great mar
riage, and were bringing the bride from
Madaba, being the daughter of one of
the great princes of Canaan, with a
great train. And they remembered
the blood of John their brother, and
Third Responsory.
They praised the Lord, &c., (p.
2550
Third Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the First
Book of Maccabees (xii. I.)
~MT OW, when Jonathan saw that the
time served him, he chose cer
tain men, and sent them to Rome,
for to confirm and renew the friend
ship that they had with them. He
sent letters also to the Spartans, and
to other places, after the same man
ner. So they went unto Rome, and
entered into the Senate, and said :
Jonathan the High Priest and the
people of the Jews have sent us
unto you, to the end we should re
new the friendship and league as in
former time. And [the Romans] gave
them letters unto the Governors of every
place, that they should bring them into
the land of Judea peaceably.
THIRD WEEK OF OCTOBER.
26 7
First Responsory.
This is a lover, &c., (p. 255.)
Second Lesson.
AND this is the copy of the letters
*"* which Jonathan wrote to the
Spartans. Jonathan the High Priest,
and the elders of the nation, and the
Priests, and the other people of the
Jews, unto the Spartans their breth
ren send greeting. There were letters
sent in times past unto Onias the
High Priest from Arius, who reigned
then among you, to signify that ye
are our brethren ; as the copy here
underwritten doth specify. And Onias
entreated the ambassador, that was
sent, honourably, and received the
letters, wherein declaration was made
of the league and friendship.
Second Responsory.
Thou, O Lord of all, &c., (/. 256.)
Third Lesson.
"\X 7"E, albeit we need none of these
things, for that we have the
holy books in our hands to comfort
us, have been fain to send unto you
for the renewing of brotherhood and
friendship, lest we should become
strangers unto you altogether ; for
there is a long time past since ye
sent unto us. We therefore at all
times without ceasing, both in our
Feasts and other convenient days,
do remember you in the sacrifices
which we offer, and in our prayers,
as reason is, and as it becometh us
to think upon our brethren.
Third Responsory.
Open Thine eyes, &c., (p. 256.)
Fourth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the First
Book of Maccabees (xii. 39.)
1VT OW Tryphon had in his thoughts
to get the kingdom of Asia, and
to take the crown, and to stretch forth
his hand against Antiochus the King.
Howbeit, he was afraid that Jonathan
would not suffer him, but that he would
fight against him ; wherefore he sought
a way how to take Jonathan, that he
might kill him. So he arose and came
to Bethshan. Now when Tryphon saw
that Jonathan came with so great a
force, he durst not stretch his hand
against him, and was afraid. So he
received him honourably, and com
mended him unto all his friends,
and gave him gifts, and commanded
his host to be as obedient unto him
as to himself.
First Responsory.
The sun shone, &c., (p. 254.)
Second Lesson.
T T NTO Jonathan also he said : Why
^ hast thou put all the people to
so great trouble, seeing there is no
war betwixt us ? Therefore send them
now home again, and choose a few
men to wait on thee, and come now
with me to Ptolemais, and I will
give it thee, and the rest of the
strongholds, and forces, and all that
have any charge ; as for me, I will
return and depart for this is the
cause of my coming. And [Jonathan]
believed him and did as he bade him,
and sent away his host, who went
into the land of Judah. And with
268
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
himself he retained three thousand
men, of whom he sent two thousand
into Galilee ; and one thousand went
with him.
Second Responsory.
They decked the fore-front, &c., (p.
2550
Third Lesson.
TOUT as soon as Jonathan entered
into Ptolemais, they of Ptolemais
shut the gates of the city, and took
him, and all that came with him
they slew with the sword. And
Tryphon sent an host [of footmen]
and horsemen into Galilee, and into
the Great Plain, to destroy all Jon
athan s company. But when they
knew that Jonathan, and they that
were with him, were taken and slain,
they encouraged one another, and
went forth prepared to fight. They,
therefore, that followed upon them,
perceiving that they were ready to
fight for their lives, turned back
again ; whereupon they all came into
the land of Judah peaceably. And
they bewailed Jonathan and them
that were with him, with great
lamentation.
Third Responsory.
They praised the Lord, &c., (p.
2550
Fifth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the First
Book of Maccabees (xiii. i.)
AND Simon heard that Tryphon
"^^ had gathered together a great
host, to invade the land of Judah
and destroy it. And when he saw
that the people was in trembling
and fear, he went up to Jerusalem,
and gathered the people together,
and gave them exhortation, saying :
Ye yourselves know what great battles
I, and my brethren, and my father s
house, have made for the laws, and
the sanctuary ; and the troubles which
we have seen ; by reason whereof all
my brethren are slain for Israel s sake,
and I am left alone. Now, there
fore, be it far from me that I should
spare mine own life in any time of
trouble, for I am no better than my
brethren. Yea, I will avenge my
nation, and the sanctuary, and our
children, and our wives ; for all the
heathen are gathered to destroy us
of very malice.
First Responsory.
The Lord open, &c., (p. 251.)
Second Lesson.
A ND as soon as the people heard
^^ these words, their spirit was
kindled, and they answered with a
loud voice, saying : Thou shalt be
our leader instead of Judas and
Jonathan thy brother. Fight thou
our battle, and whatsoever thou com-
mandest us, that will we do. So
then he gathered together all the
men of war, and made haste to finish
the walls of Jerusalem ; and he forti
fied it round about. And he sent
Jonathan the son of Absalom, and
with him a new host, to Joppa, who,
casting out them that were therein,
remained there himself. And Try
phon removed from Ptolemais with
a great power, to invade the land
of Judah ; and Jonathan was with
him, in ward. But Simon pitched
his tents at Addus, over against the
plain.
THIRD WEEK OF OCTOBER.
269
Second Responsory.
The Lord hear, &c., (p. 252.)
Third Lesson.
A ND when Tryphon knew that
*^^ Simon was risen up instead of
his brother Jonathan, and that he
meant to join battle with him, he sent
messengers unto him, saying : For the
money that he owed unto the King s
treasure, concerning the business that
was committed unto him, we have
Jonathan thy brother in hold. Where
fore, now, send an hundred talents of
silver, and two of his sons for hostages,
that, when he is at liberty, he may not
revolt from us and we will let him
go. Now Simon perceived that they
spake deceitfully unto him ; yet sent
he the money and the children, lest he
should procure to himself great hatred
of the people, who might have said :
Because he sent him not the money
and the children, therefore did he
perish. So he sent them the children
and the hundred talents. Howbeit
[Tryphon] dissembled, neither did he
let Jonathan go. 1
Third Responsory.
Our enemies are gathered, &c., (p.
252.)
Sixth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the
Book of Maccabees (xiv. 16.)
A ND it was heard at Rome, and as
^^ far as Sparta, that Jonathan was
dead, and they were very sorry. But
First
as soon as they heard that his brother
Simon was made High Priest in his
stead, and ruled all the country and
the cities therein, they wrote unto him
in tables of brass to renew the friend
ship and league which they had made
with Judas and Jonathan his brethren.
Which writings were read before the
congregation at Jerusalem. And this
is the copy of the letters that the
Spartans sent.
First Responsory.
Be ye not afraid, &c., (p. 253.)
Second Lesson.
"THE Rulers of the Spartans, and
their cities, unto Simon the High
Priest, and the Elders and Priests, and
residue of the people of the Jews, our
brethren, send greeting. The ambas
sadors that were sent unto our people
certified us of your glory, and honour,
and happiness, and we were glad at
their coming. And we did register
the things that they spake in the
council of the people in this manner :
Numenius son of Antiochus, and Anti-
pater son of Jason, the Jews ambas
sadors, came unto us to renew the
former friendship they had with us.
And it pleased the people to entertain
the men honourably, and to put the
copy of their ambassage in public
records, to the end the people of
the Spartans might have a me
morial thereof. Furthermore, we have
written a copy thereof unto Simon
the High Priest.
Second Responsory.
The heathen are assembled, &c.,
(p. 2530
1 He soon afterwards killed him.
2/0
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
Third Lesson.
A FTER this Simon sent Numenius
^^ to Rome, with a great shield of
gold of a thousand pound weight, to
confirm the league with them. And
when the Roman people heard these
things, they said : What thanks shall
we give to Simon and his sons ? For
he hath established his brethren, and
chased away in fight the enemies of
Israel from them ? So then they
wrote it in tables of brass, which they
set upon pillars in mount Zion.
Third Responsory.
Thine, O Lord, &c., (p. 254.)
The Sabbath.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the First
Book of Maccabees (xvi. 14.)
"1VT OW Simon was visiting the cities
that were in the country of
Judea, and taking care for the good
ordering of them, at which time he
came down himself to Jericho, with
his sons Mattathias and Judas, in the
hundred - threescore - and - seventeenth
year, in the eleventh month, which is
the month Shebat. And the son of
Abodus received them deceitfully into
a little hold, called Doch, which he
had built ; and he made them a great
banquet. Howbeit, he had hid men
there. And when Simon and his sons
were drunk with wine, Ptolemy and
his men rose up, and took their
weapons, and came into the banqueting
place, and slew [Simon], and his two
sons, and certain of his servants. In
which he committed a great treachery
in Israel, and recompensed evil for
good.
First Responsory.
The sun shone, &c., (p. 254.)
Second Lesson.
A ND Ptolemy wrote those things,
and sent to the King, that he
should send him an host to aid him,
and he would deliver him the country,
and the cities, and the tribute. He
sent others also to Gazara to kill
John ; and unto the tribunes he sent
letters to come unto him, that he
might give them silver, and gold, and
rewards. And others he sent to take
Jerusalem, and the mountain of the
Temple. But one ran afore to Gazara,
and told John that his father and
brethren were slain, and that "he hath
sent to slay thee also."
Second Responsory.
They decked the fore-front, &c., (p.
2550
Third Lesson.
TT ERE OF when he heard, he was
sore astonished ; and he laid
hands on them that were come to
destroy him, and slew them ; for he
knew that they sought to make him
away. And as concerning the rest of
the acts of John, and his wars, and
worthy deeds of valour which he did,
and the building of the walls which he
made, and his doings, behold, these
are written in the Chronicles of his
Priesthood, from the time he was made
High Priest after his father.
Third Responsory.
They praised the Lord, &c. , (A 2 5 5 )
The following Sunday is always
occupied by a festival, usually that of
the Purity or of the Patronage of the
Blessed Virgin. In any case, no part
FOURTH WEEK OF OCTOBER.
271
of this Stinday office is used, except the
Lessons of the First Nocturn, which
being the beginning of the book of
Scripture, are transferred to Monday,
and the following, which forms part of
the commemoration of the Sunday, at
Vespers on Saturday evening.
Antiphon. The Lord, even the
Lord our God, hear your prayers, and
be at one with you, and never forsake
you in time of trouble.
Verse. Let the evening prayer
ascend unto Thee, O Lord.
Answer. And let there descend
upon us Thy mercy.
Prayer of the Sunday.
Jourtfj Suntiag of ctofar.
The Fourth Lord s Day in October.
Second Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson (of Sunday}.
Here beginneth the Second Book x of
the Maccabees (i. i.)
2 HTHE brethren, the Jews that be at
Jerusalem, and in the land of
Judea, wish unto the brethren, the
Jews that are throughout Egypt, health
and good peace. God be gracious
unto you, and remember His covenant
that He made with Abraham, Isaac,
and Jacob, His faithful servants ; and
give you all an heart to serve Him,
and to do His will, with a good
courage and a willing mind. May He
open your heart in His Law and com
mandments, and send you peace. May
He hear your prayers, and be at one
with you, and never forsake you in
time of trouble. And now we be here
praying for you.
First Responso?y.
Judas said, &c., (p. 254.)
Second Lesson (of Sunday. 18).
HPHEREFORE, whereas we are now
purposed to keep the Purification
of the Temple upon the five-and-twen-
tieth day of the month Casleu, we have
thought it necessary to certify you
thereof, that ye also may keep it, as
the Feast of the tabernacles, and as
the feast of the fire which was given
when Nehemiah offered sacrifice, after
that he had builded the Temple and
the Altar. For when our fathers were
led into Persia, the Priests that were
then devout toward God took the fire
of the Altar privily, and hid it in the
valley, where was a pit deep and dry,
where they kept it sure, so that the
place was unknown to all men. ( Jliird
Lesson of Sitnday.} But after many
years, when it pleased God that Nehe
miah should be sent from the King
of Persia, he sent of the posterity of
those Priests that had hijl it, to search
for the fire ; but they told us they
found no fire, but thick water. Then
commanded he them to draw it up
and to bring it unto him ; and, when
the sacrifices were laid on, Nehemiah
the Priest commanded to sprinkle the
wood and the things laid thereon, with
the water. When this was done, and
the time came that the sun shone,
which afore was hid in a cloud, there
was a great fire kindled, so that every
1 "This," says Archbishop Kenrick, "is an abridgment of a diffuse history, comprised in
seven books, written by Jason or Josue, an inhabitant of Cyrene in Africa."
2 " Two letters, written by the Jews of Jerusalem to their brethren in Egypt, are placed by
the author in the commencement of his work."
2/2
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
man marvelled. (First Lesson of Mon
day, ii. i.) It is also found in the
records of Jeremiah the Prophet, that
he commanded them that were carried
away to take of the fire, as it hath
been signified, and that he so com
manded them that had been carried
away. He gave them also the Law,
lest they should forget the command
ments of the Lord, and that they
should not err in their minds, when
they should see images of silver and
gold, with their ornaments. And with
other such speeches exhorted he them,
that they should not let the Law depart
from their hearts.
Second Rfsponsory.
They decked the fore-front, &c., (p.
2550
Third Lesson. ( Second Lesson of
Monday. )
T T was also contained, in the same
writing, that the Prophet, being
warned of God, commanded the taber
nacle and the Ark to go with him, as
he went forth into the mountain where
Moses climbed up and saw the heri
tage of God. And when Jeremiah
came thither, he found an hollow cave ;
wherein he laid the tabernacle, and
the Ark, and the Altar of incense ;
and so stopped the door. And some
of those that followed him came to
mark the way, but they could not find
it. (Third Lesson of Monday.} And
when Jeremiah perceived it, he blamed
them, saying : As for that place, it
shall be unknown, until the time that
God gather His people again together,
and receive them unto mercy : then
shall the Lord show them these things,
and the glory of the Lord shall appear,
and the cloud also, as it was shown
with Moses, and as He showed these
things when Solomon desired that the
place might be sanctified unto the
great God. For he treated nobly of
wisdom ; and, being wise, he offered
the sacrifice of Dedication and of the
Finishing of the Temple.
Third Responsory.
They praised the Lord, &c., (p.
2550
Third Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Second
Book of Maccabees (iii. i.)
1\T OW when the Holy City was
inhabited with all peace, and
the laws were kept very well, because
of the godliness of Onias the High
Priest, and hatred of wickedness, it
came to pass that even the Kings and
Princes did highly honour the place,
and magnify the Temple with their
best gifts ; insomuch that Seleucus,
King of Asia, of his own revenues,
bare all the costs belonging to the
service of the sacrifices. But one
Simon, of the tribe of Benjamin, who
was made Governor of the Temple,
fell out with the High Priest, seeking
to bring about disorder in the City.
First Responsory.
This is a lover, &c., (p. 255.)
Second Lesson.
A ND when he could not overcome
Onias, he gat him to Apollonius,
the son of Thrases, who then was
Governor of Ccelesyria and Phoenicia,
and told him that the treasury in
Jerusalem was full of infinite sums of
FOURTH WEEK OF OCTOBER.
273
money, so that the multitude of their
riches which did not pertain to the
account of the sacrifices was im
measurable ; and that it was possible
to bring all into the King s hand.
Now, when Apollonius had showed
him of the money whereof he was
told, the King chose out Heliodorus,
who was over his business, and sent
him with a commandment to bring
him the foresaid money. So forth
with Heliodorus took his journey,
under colour of visiting the cities of
Coelesyria and Phoenicia, but, in deed,
to fulfil the King s purpose.
Second Responsory.
Thou, O Lord of all, &c., (p. 256.)
Third Lesson.
A ND when he was come to Jeru-
"^^ salem, and had been courteously
received of the High Priest in the city,
he told him what intelligence was
given of the money, and declared
wherefore he came ; and asked if these
things were so indeed. Then the
High Priest told him that there was
such money laid up, for the relief of
widows and fatherless children ; and
that some of it belonged to Hyrcanus,
son of Tobias, a man of great dignity,
in that whereof that wicked Simon
had given information, but that the
sum of it in all was four hundred
talents of silver, and two hundred of
gold. And that it was altogether
impossible that such wrong should be
done unto them that had committed it
to the [holiness of the] place and to
the Temple, whose Majesty and
Sanctity are honoured over all the
world.
Third Responsory.
Open Thine eyes, &c., (p. 256.)
Fourth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Second
Book of Maccabees (iii. 23.)
XT EVERTHELESS, Heliodorus exe
cuted that which was decreed,
now as he was then present himself,
with his guard, about the treasury.
But the Spirit of the God of all power
caused a great apparition, so that all
that presumed to obey his commands
were astonished at the power of God,
and fainted, and were sore afraid.
For there appeared unto them an
horse, with a terrible rider upon him,
and adorned with a very fair covering ;
and he ran fiercely and smote at
Heliodorus with his fore -feet. And
it seemed that he that sat upon the
horse had complete harness of gold.
First Responsory.
The sun shone, &c., (p. 254.)
Second Lesson.
TV/I" OREOVER, two other young men
appeared before him, notable in
strength, excellent in beauty, and
comely in apparel, who stood by him
[Heliodorus] on either side, and
scourged him continually, and gave
him many sore stripes. And Helio
dorus fell suddenly unto the ground,
and was compassed with great dark
ness ; but they that were with him
took him up, and put him into a litter,
and took him away. Thus he that
lately came with many footmen and
guards into the said treasury, was
carried out unable to help himself;
274
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
and the power of God was manifestly
acknowledged. And he by the power
of God lay speechless, without any
hope or health.
Second Responsory.
They decked the fore-front, &c., (p.
2550
Third Lesson.
CO the High Priest, suspecting that
*^ the King should misconceive that
some treachery had been done to
Heliodorus by the Jews, offered a
sacrifice for the health of the man.
And as the High Priest was praying,
the same young men, in the same
clothing, stood by the side of Helio
dorus, and said : Give Onias the
Priest thanks ; insomuch as for his
sake the Lord hath granted thee life.
But, seeing that thou hast been
scourged from God, declare unto all
men the mighty works of God and
His power. And, when they had
spoken these words, they appeared
no more.
Fifth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Second
Book of Maccabees (iv. i.)
HP HIS Simon now, of whom we spake
afore, having been a bewrayer of
the money and of his country, slandered
Onias, as if he had pushed on Helio
dorus to this, and been the worker of
these evils ; thus was he bold to call
him a traitor, that had deserved well of
the city, and tendered his own nation,
and was so zealous of the laws. But
when this hatred went so far that by
some of Simon s faction murders were
committed, Onias, seeing the danger
of this contention, (and that Apollonius,
as being the Governor of Ccelesyria
and Phoenicia, did rage, and increase
Simon s malice,) he went to the King
not to be an accuser of his countrymen,
but seeking the good of all with whom
he had to do.
Third Responsory.
They praised the Lord, &c., (p.
2550
Should there be only four weeks in
October, and the next Sunday be conse
quently the First Sunday of November,
upon which the Book of Ezekiel is
begun, upon the Thursday, Friday, and
Saturday, hereafter immediately follow
ing, are read the Lessons from Second
Maccabees assigned for the Sunday,
Monday, and Tuesday of the Fifth
Week of October, instead of the Lessons
immediately hereafter given. Where,
however, the reading of these Lessons
is prevented (e.g., by the Feast of SS.
Simon and Jude] they are for that year
simply omitted.
First Responsory.
The Lord open, &c., (p. 251.)
Second Lesson.
1C* OR he saw that it was impossible
that the State should continue
quiet, and Simon leave his folly, unless
the King did look thereunto. But
after the death of Seleucus, when
Antiochus, called "the Illustrious,"
took the kingdom, Jason, the brother
of Onias, laboured underhand to be
High Priest, promising unto the King
by intercession three hundred and
three - score talents of silver, and of
other revenues eighty talents ; beside
this he promised to assign an hundred
and fifty more, if he might have licence
FOURTH WEEK OF OCTOBER.
275
to set him up a place for exercise and
for the training up of youth, and to
write them of Jerusalem by the name
of " Antiochians."
Second Responsory.
The Lord hear, &c., (p. 252.)
Third Lesson.
ICH w hen the King had
granted, and he had gotten
into his hand the rule, he forthwith
began to bring his own nation to the
Greekish fashion. And the Royal
privileges, granted by special favour,
to the Jews, by the means of John, the
father of Eupolemus, who went ambas
sador to Rome for amity and aid, he
took away, and, putting down the
governments which were according
to the Law, he brought up perverse
customs.
Third Responsory.
Our enemies, &c., (/. 252.)
Sixth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Second
Book of Maccabees (v. i.)
A BOUT the same time, Antiochus
^^ prepared his second voyage into
Egypt. And then it happened that
through all the city of Jerusalem, for
the space of forty days, there were seen
horsemen running in the air, in cloth
of gold, and armed with lances, like a
band of soldiers, and troops of horses
in array, encountering and running
one against another, with shaking of
shields, and multitude of men in
helmets with drawn swords, and cast
ing of darts, and glittering of golden
ornaments, and harness of all sorts.
Wherefore every man prayed that that
apparition might turn to good.
First Responsory.
Be ye not afraid, &c., (p. 253.)
Second Lesson.
1DUT when there was gone forth a
false rumour, as though Anti
ochus had been dead, Jason took at
the least a thousand men, and sud
denly made an assault upon the city.
And they that were upon the walls
being put back, and the city at length
taken, Menelaus fled into the Castle.
But Jason slew his own citizens with
out mercy ; not considering that to
get the day of them of his own na
tion would be a most unhappy day for
him, but thinking they had been his
enemies, and not his countrymen,
whom he conquered. Howbeit, for
all this he obtained not the princi
pality, but at the last received shame
for the reward of his treason, and fled
again into the country of the Am
monites.
Second Responsory.
The heathen are assembled, c.,
(P. 2530
Third Lesson.
T N the end therefore, he had an un
happy return, being accused be
fore Aretas, the King of the Arab
ians, fleeing from city to city, detested
of all men, hated as a forsaker of the
laws, and being had in abomination
as an open enemy of his country and
countrymen, he was cast out into
Egypt : thus he that had driven many
out of their country perished in a
strange land, retiring to the Lacede
monians, and thinking there to find
2 7 6
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
succour by reason of his kindred : and
he that had cast out many unburied
had none to mourn for him, and was
cast out unburied, and had neither
funeral in a strange land, nor share
in the sepulchre of his fathers.
Third Responsory.
Thine, O Lord, &c., (p. 254.)
The Sabbath.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Second
Book of Maccabees (vi. i.)
T3UT not long after this, King
Antiochus sent an old man of
Antioch to compel the Jews to depart
from the laws of their fathers and of
their God ; and to pollute also the
temple in Jerusalem, and to call it the
temple of Jupiter Olympius ; and the
[temple] in Gerizim, 1 [the temple] of
Jupiter the Defender of strangers, as
they did desire that dwelt in the place.
The coming-in of this mischief was
sore and grievous to all : for the
temple was rilled with levvdness and
revelling by the Gentiles, and dalliers
with harlots ; who had to do with
women within the circuit of the holy
places, and brought in things that
were not lawful.
First Responsory.
The sun shone, &c., (p. 254.)
Second Lesson.
^PHE altar also was rilled with pro
fane things, which were for
bidden by the Law. Neither were
Sabbath-Days kept, nor the ancient
Feasts observed, nor did any man
plainly profess himself to be a Jew.
And in the day of the King s birth
they were brought by bitter constraint
to the sacrifices ; and when the feast
of Bacchus was kept, they were com
pelled to go in procession to Bacchus,
crowned with ivy. Moreover, there
went out a decree to the neighbour
cities of the heathen, by the sug
gestion of the Ptolemies, that they
should observe the same fashions
against the Jews, that they might
sacrifice : and whoso would not con
form themselves to the manners of the
Gentiles, they should put to death.
Then might a man have seen misery.
Second Responsory.
They decked the fore-front, &c.,
(P- 2550
Third Lesson.
T7OR there were two women brought
who had circumcised their child
ren : whom when they had openly led
round about the city, the babes hang
ing at their breasts, they cast them
down headlong from the wall. And
others that had run together into
caves near by, to keep the Sabbath-
Day secretly, being discovered by
Philip, were all burnt together, be
cause they made a conscience to help
themselves, for the honour of the
sacred day. Now I beseech those
that read this book that they be not
discouraged for these calamities, but
that they judge these punishments
not to be for destruction, but for a
chastening of our nation.
They
2550
Third Responsory.
praised the Lord, &c., (p.
1 I.e. , the heretical temple of the Samaritans.
FIFTH WEEK OF OCTOBER.
277
VESPERS,
Antipkon at the Song of the Blessed
Virgin. Thine, O Lord, is the power ;
* the kingdom is Thine. Thou art
high above all the heathen ; grant
peace in our time, O Lord.
Prayer of the ensuing Sunday.
Suntiag of ctofcer.
The Fifth Lord^s Day of October.
MATTINS.
FIRST NOCTURN.
Note. The Lessons here assigned
for Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday,
are to be preferred to those assigned
for Wednesday, Thursday, Friday,
and Saturday. They are therefore to
be read, one after another, upon the
first three days of this week upon
which the Lessons are according to the
Season, the others being omitted, if
necessary.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Second
Book of Maccabees (vi. 18.)
THEREFORE Eleazar, one of the
principal scribes, an aged man
and of a well-favoured countenance,
was constrained to open his mouth
and to eat swine s flesh. But he,
choosing rather to die gloriously than
to live abominably, came of his own
accord to the torment. And when he
saw how that it behoved to come,
bearing all things patiently, he was
resolved not to taste, for the love of
life, such things as are unlawful. But
they that stood by, moved with cruel
compassion, for the sake of the old
friendship that they had with the man,
took him aside and besought him that
flesh might be brought such as was
lawful for him to use, and to make as
if he did eat of the flesh of the sacri
fice commanded by the King, that in
so doing he mig ht be delivered from
death. So because of the old friend
ship that they had with the man, they
did him this kindness.
First Responsory.
The Lord open, &c., (p. 251.)
Second Lesson.
T3UT he began to consider the ex
cellency that became his age
and his ancient years, and the honour
wherein from his birth he had con
tinued even unto grey hairs, and the
honesty of his conversation from a
child, and he answered straightway
according to the commandments of
the holy Law given by God, that he
willed rather to be sent to the grave.
For it becometh not our age, said he,
to dissemble, whereby many young
persons might think that Eleazar,
being fourscore years old and ten,
were now gone to a strange religion ;
and so they, through mine hypocrisy
and [desire to live] in this corruptible
life a little longer, should be deceived,
and I get a stain to mine old age and
make it abominable. For though for
the present time I should be delivered
from the punishment of men, yet
should I not escape the hand of the
Almighty, neither alive nor dead.
Wherefore now, manfully changing
this life, I will show myself such an
one as mine age requireth ; and leave
a notable example to such as be
young, by willingly and courageously
dying a seemly death for the most
honourable and holy laws. And when
he had said these words, immediately
he was haled to death. 1
He was lashed to death.
VOL. IV.
2 7 8
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
Second Responsory.
The Lord hear, &c., (p. 252.)
Third Lesson, (vii.)
T T came to pass also that seven
brethren with their mother were
taken, and compelled by the King
against the Law to taste swine s flesh,
and were tormented with scourges and
whips. But one of them, who was
the first, said thus : What wouldest
thou ask or learn of us ? We are
ready to die, rather than to transgress
the laws which God gave unto our
fathers. Then the King, being in a
rage, commanded pans and caldrons
of brass to be made hot ; which
forthwith being heated he commanded
to cut out the tongue of him that
spake first, and to tear off the skin
of his head, and to cut off the ends
of his hands and feet, the rest of his
brethren and his mother looking on.
Now, when he was thus maimed in
all his members, he commanded him,
being yet alive, to be brought to the fire
and to be fried in the pan, and while
he was a long while suffering therein,
the remainder exhorted one another,
with the mother, to die manfully.
J^hird Responsory.
Our enemies, &c., (p. 252.)
SECOND NOCTURN.
Fourth Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Ser
mons of St Gregory of Nazianzus,
[Patriarch of Constantinople.] (2oth.
On the Maccabees.}
T7LEAZAR was the first-fruits of
those who suffered before the
coining of Christ, even as Stephen
was the first-fruits of those who
suffered after that coming. He was
a Priest and an Elder, grey in years,
and grey also in wisdom. Once he
had sacrificed and prayed for the
people, but now the time came when
he offered himself to God as a burnt
sacrifice without blemish, a peace-
offering for all the people, a blessed
beginning in that struggle whereunto
his words and his silence were alike
their exhortation. He presented
likewise the bodies of seven children,
the offspring of his teaching, "a
living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto
God," (Rom. xii. I,) an oblation more
glorious and more pure than any legal
offering ; for to give the father credit
of his children is most meet and right.
Fourth Responsory.
Be ye not afraid, &c., (p. 253.)
Fifth Lesson.
HTHERE stood the noble and high-
minded lads, the gallant sons
of a noble mother, the glorious cham
pions of the truth, men to whom the
epoch of Antiochus was an anachron
ism, true disciples of the Law of
Moses, straitest of the observers of
the rites of their forefathers, in that
seven-fold number which the Hebrews
bless, and which is hallowed and
worshipful through the reckoning of
Sabbath, there they stood, with one
longing, and one aim, looking to one
road to life, even to receive death for
God s sake, there they stood, bre
thren in soul not less than in body,
only covetous one of the other s death.
O what a mystery ! They snatched
at agony as at treasure, and perilled
themselves for the teaching of the
Law, with no more fear for what
was before than regret for what was
behind. Their dread was but one,
even lest any should go uncrowned,
lest brother should be unwillingly
parted from brother, and be saved
from the torment of the conflict to
gain a disastrous victory.
FIFTH WEEK OF OCTOBER.
279
Fifth Responsory.
The heathen are assembled, &c.,
(A 253.)
Sixth Lesson.
HP HERE stood the brave and noble
mother, burning with love of
her children and of God, with her
heart rent as few human hearts are
riven. Her agony was not so much
on account of the tortures which her
children suffered, as from fear lest
they should shrink therefrom. She
yearned not more over those who
left this life than she prayed that
they who were left might join them ;
her anxiety was for the living rather
than for the dead. The living were
still contending, the dead had safely
left the field ; concerning the living-
she was straitened in not knowing
how God would receive them, the
dead she knew that God had joined
unto Himself.
Sixth Responsory.
Thine, O Lord, &c., (p. 254.)
THIRD NOCTURN.
Seventh Responsory.
The sun shone, &c., (p. 254.)
Eighth Responsory.
One seraph cried, &c., (p. 216.)
Second Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Second
Book of Maccabees (v i. 7.)
CO when the first was dead after
>r this manner, they brought the
second to make him a mocking-stock ;
and when they had pulled off the skin
of his head with the hair, they asked
him if he would eat before he were
punished throughout every member
of his body. But he answered in
the language of his fathers, and said :
No. Wherefore he also received the
next torment in order, as the former
did ; and when he was at the last
gasp, he said : Thou indeed, thou
devil, takest us out of this present
life, but the King of the world shall
raise us up, who have died for His
laws, in the resurrection unto life
everlasting. After him was the third
made a mocking-stock, and when he
was required he put out his tongue,
(and that right soon,) and held forth
his hands manfully, and said courage
ously : These I had from heaven, but
for the sake of God s laws I despise
them, from Whom I wait to receive
them again. Insomuch that the King,
and they that were with him, mar
velled at the young man s courage,
for that he nothing regarded the
pains.
First Responsory.
Judas said, &c., (p. 254.)
Second Lesson.
TVTOW, when this man was dead
r^ also, they tormented and
mangled the fourth in like manner.
So, when he was ready to die, he
said thus : It is good, being put to
death by men, to look for hope from
God, to be raised up again by Him ;
as for thee, thou shalt have no re
surrection to life. Afterward, they
brought the fifth also and mangled
him. Then looked he unto [the King]
and said : Corruptible as thou art,
thou hast power over men, and dost
280
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
what thou wilt ; yet think not that
our nation is forsaken of God. But
abide awhile, and thou shalt behold
His great power, how He will tor
ment thee and thy seed. After him
also they brought the sixth ; who,
being ready to die, said : Be not
deceived without cause ; for we suffer
these things of ourselves, having
sinned against our God, therefore
marvellous things are done unto us ;
but think not, thou that takest in
hand to strive against God, that thou
shalt escape unpunished
Second Responsory,
They decked the fore-front, c.,
(P- 2550
Third Lesson.
"DUT the mother was marvellous
above all, and worthy of honour
able memory, for, when she saw her
seven sons slain within the space of
one day, she bare it with a good
courage, because of the hope that
she had in God ; yea, she exhorted
every one of them in the language
of her fathers, filled with wisdom,
and stirring up her womanish thoughts
with a manly spirit, she said unto
them : I cannot tell how ye came
into my womb, for I neither gave
you breath nor soul nor life, neither
was it I that formed the members
of any one of you ; but doubtless the
Creator of the world, Who formed
the generation of man, and found
out the beginning of all things, will
also of His own mercy give you
breath and life again, as ye now
regard not your own souls for His
laws sake.
Third Responsory.
They praised the Lord, &c., (/.
2550
Third Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Second
Book of Maccabees (vii. 24.)
1VTOW Antiochus, thinking himself
to be despised, and suspecting
it to be a reproachful speech, whilst
the youngest was yet alive, did not
only exhort him by words, but also
assured him with an oath, that he
would make him both a rich and a
happy man, and that also he would
take him for his friend, and trust him
with affairs, if he would turn from the
laws of his fathers. But when the
young man would in no case hearken
unto him, the King called his mother,
and exhorted her that she would
counsel the young man to save his
life. And when he had exhorted her
with many words, she promised him
that she would counsel her son. But
she, bowing herself toward him, laugh
ing the cruel tyrant to scorn, said in
the language of her fathers : O my
son, have pity upon me, that bare
thee nine months in my womb, and
gave thee suck three years, and
nourished thee, and brought thee up
unto this age.
First Responsory.
This is a lover, &c., (p. 255.)
Second Lesson.
T BESEECH thee, my son, look
upon the heaven and the earth,
and all that is therein, and consider
that God made them of things that
were not, and so was mankind made
likewise : so may it come that thou
shalt fear not this tormentor, but be
worthy of thy brethren ; take thy death,
FIFTH WEEK OF OCTOBER.
28l
that I may receive thee again in mercy
with thy brethren. Whilst she was
yet speaking these words, the young-
man said : Whom wait ye for ? I
will not obey the King s command
ment, but I will obey the command
ment of the Law, that was given unto
us by Moses. And thou, that hast
been the author of all mischief against
the Hebrews, shalt not escape the
hand of God. For we suffer because
of our sins. And though the Lord
our God be angry with us a little
while for our chastening and cor
rection, yet shall He be at one again
with His servants.
Second Responsory.
Thou, O Lord of all, &c., (p. 256.)
Third Lesson.
T3UT thou, O godless man, and of
all others most wicked, be not
lifted up with vain hopes, lifting up
thine head against His servants. For
thou hast not yet escaped the judg
ment of Almighty God, Who seeth all
things. For my brethren, who have
suffered a short pain, are dead under
the covenant of everlasting life ; but
thou, through the judgment of God,
shalt receive a just punishment for thy
pride. But I, as my brethren, offer
up my life and body for the laws of
our fathers, beseeching God that He
would speedily be merciful unto our
nation, and that thou by torments and
plagues mayest confess that He alone
is God ; and that in me and my
brethren the wrath of the Almighty,
which is justly brought upon all our
nation, may cease. Then the King,
being in a rage, handled him worse
than all the rest, taking it grievously
that he was mocked. So this man
died undefiled, and put his whole trust
in the Lord. Last of all, after her
sons, the mother was put to death.
Third Responsory.
Open Thine eyes, &c., (p. 256.)
Fourth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Second
Book of Maccabees (viii. 10.)
OO Nicanor undertook to make so
much money of the captive Jews,
as should defray the tribute of two
thousand talents, which the King was
to pay to the Romans ; wherefore im
mediately he sent to the cities upon
the sea-coast, proclaiming a sale of
the captive Jews, and promising that
they should have four score and ten
bodies for one talent ; not expecting
the vengeance that was to follow upon
him from the Almighty. Now, when
word was brought unto Judas, he im
parted unto those Jews that were with
him, that Nicanor was coming. And
some of them were fearful, and dis
trusted the justice of God, and fled ;
others sold all that they had left, and
withal besought the Lord to deliver
them from the wicked Nicanor.
First Respo?isory.
The sun shone, &c., (p. 254.)
Second Lesson.
OO Maccabasus called his men toge-
*? ther, unto the number of seven
thousand, that were with him, and ex
horted them not to yield to the enemy,
nor to fear the great multitude of the
enemy that came wrongfully against
them, but to contend bravely, setting
before their eyes the injury that these
men had unjustly done to the holy
282
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
place, and the cruel handling of the
city, whereof they made a mockery,
and also the taking away of the govern
ment of their forefathers. "For they,"
said he, "trust in their arms and bold
ness ; but our confidence is in the
Almighty Lord, Who, at a beck, can
cast down both them that come against
us, and also all the world." More
over, he recounted unto them what
helps from God had been given unto
their fore-fathers, and how under
Sennacherib an hundred four score
and five thousand perished.
Second Responsory.
They decked the fore- front, &c., (p.
2550
Third Lesson.
HTHUS when he had made them
bold with these words, and ready
to die for their laws and their country,
he divided his army into four parts,
and appointed his brethren leaders of
each band, to wit, Simon, and Joseph,
and Jonathan, giving each one fifteen
hundred men. Thereunto also, Esdras
read unto them the holy book, and
there was given unto them the watch
word of "The help of God," and then,
himself, leading the first band, joined
battle with Nicanor. And by the
help of the Almighty, they slew above
nine thousand men, and wounded and
maimed the most part of Nicanor s
host, and so put them to flight. So
they took the money of them that
came to buy them, and pursued them
on all hands ; but, lacking time,
they returned ; for it was the day be
fore the Sabbath, and therefore they
would no longer pursue them. So
when they had gathered their armour
and spoils together, they occupied
themselves about the Sabbath, yielding
praise to the Lord, Who had delivered
them that day, causing mercy to be
gin to distil upon them. And after
the Sabbath, they gave part of the
spoils to the maimed, and orphans,
and widows, and divided the residue
among themselves and their servants.
Third Responsory.
They praised the Lord, &c., (p.
2550
Fifth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Second
Book of Maccabees (ix. i.)
A BOUT that time came Antiochus
with dishonour out of the country
of Persia. For he had entered the
city called Persepolis, and went about
to rob the temple, and oppress the
city ; whereupon the multitude running
to arms, they were put to flight ; and
so it happened that Antiochus, being
put to flight, returned with shame.
Now, when he came to Ecbatane, he
heard news of what had happened to
Nicanor and Timothy. Then swell
ing with anger, he thought to avenge
upon the Jews the disgrace done unto
him by those that made him flee ;
therefore commanded he that his
chariot should be driven without ceas
ing, to despatch the journey, the judg
ment from heaven now following him ;
for he had spoken proudly in this sort
"that he would come to Jerusalem,
and make it a common burying place
of the Jews."
First Responsory.
The Lord open, &c., (p. 251.)
FIFTH WEEK OF OCTOBER.
283
Second Lesson.
T)UT the Lord God of Israel, Who
^ seeth all, smote him with an in
curable and invisible plague. For, as
soon as he had spoken these words, a
fearful pain of the bowels came upon
him, and sore torments of the inner
parts and that most justly, for he
had tormented other men s bowels with
many and strange torments. Howbeit,
he nothing at all ceased from his spite.
But still filled with pride, breathing-
out fire in his rage against the Jews,
and commanding to hasten the matter,
it came to pass that he fell down from
his chariot, carried violently, so that,
having a sore fall, all the members of
his body were much pained.
Second Responsory.
The Lord hear, c., (p. 252.)
Third Lesson.
AND thus, he that, a little afore,
" thought that he might command
the waves of the sea, (so proud was
he beyond the condition of men,) and
weigh the high mountains in a bal
ance, was now cast on the ground,
and carried in a litter, showing forth
in his own person the manifest power
of God ; so that the worms rose up
out of the body of this wicked man,
and, whiles he lived in torments, his
flesh fell away, and the filthiness of
his smell was noisome to all the
army ; and the man that thought, a
little afore, he could reach to the stars
of heaven, no man could endure to
carry, for his intolerable stink.
Third Responsory.
Our enemies are gathered, &c., (p.
252.)
Sixth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Second
Book of Maccabees (x. i.)
TVT OW Maccabaeus and his company,
~$ the Lord keeping them, re
covered the Temple and the city ;
and the altars which the heathen
had built in the open street, and
also the chapels, he pulled down.
And having cleansed the Temple,
they made another Altar, and, strik
ing stones, they took fire out of
them, and offered sacrifices after two
years, and set forth incense, and lights,
and shew-bread. When that was done,
they fell flat down upon the earth,
and besought the Lord that they
might come no more into such
troubles ; but, if they sinned any
more against Him, that He Himself
would chasten them with mercy, and
that they might not be delivered
unto the barbarous and blasphemous
nations. Now upon the same day
that the strangers profaned the Tem
ple, on the very same day it was
cleansed again, even the five - and-
twentieth day of the month which
is called Casleu.
First Responsory.
Be ye not afraid, &c., (p. 253.)
N
Second Lesson. (24.)
OW Timothy, whom the Jews had
overcome before, when he had
gathered a great multitude of foreign
forces, and collected horsemen out of
Asia, came as though he would take
Jewry by force of arms. But when
284
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
he drew near, Maccabreus and they
that were with him prayed unto the
Lord, and sprinkled earth upon their
heads, and girded their loins with
sack-cloth, and fell down at the foot
of the Altar, and besought Him to
be merciful to them, and to be an
Enemy to their enemies, and an
Adversary to their adversaries, as
the Law declareth. So, after the
prayer, they took their weapons, and
went on farther from the city ; and
when they drew near to their enemies,
they stopped.
Second Respo?isory.
The heathen are assembled, &c.,
(P- 2530
Third Lesson.
N
OW, the sun being newly risen,
they joined both together, the
one part having, together with their
valour, their refuge also unto the
Lord, for a pledge of their success
and victory, the other side making
their rage leader of their battle. But
when the battle waxed strong, there
appeared unto the enemies, from
heaven, five comely men upon horses,
with bridles of gold, leading the
Jews ; and two of them took Macca-
basus betwixt them, and covered him
on every side with their weapons,
and kept him safe, but shot arrows
and lightnings against the enemies,
so that, being confounded with blind
ness, and full of trouble, they were
killed. And there were slain of foot
men twenty thousand and five hun
dred, and six hundred horsemen. As
for Timothy himself, he fled into a
very strong hold, called Gazara, where
Chereas was Governor.
Third Responsory.
Thine, O Lord, &c., (p. 254.)
The Sabbath.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Second
Book of Maccabees (xv. 7.)
"DUT Maccabaeus had ever sure con
fidence that God would help him.
Wherefore he exhorted his people not
to fear the coming of the heathen
against them, but to remember the
help which in former times they had
received from heaven, and now to
expect the victory which should come
unto them from the Almighty. And
so comforting them out of the Law
and the Prophets, and withal putting
them in mind of the battles that
they won afore, he made them
more cheerful ; and when he had
stirred up their minds, he showed
them the falsehood of the heathen,
and their breach of oaths. Thus he
armed every one of them, not so
much with defence of shields and
spears, as with good and comfortable
words, and, [beside that,] he told them
a dream worthy to be believed, where
by he rejoiced all of them.
First Responsory.
The sun shone, &c., (p. 254.)
Second Lesson.
/V ND this was his vision : That
Onias, who had been High
Priest, a virtuous and a good man,
reverend in guise, gentle in conver
sation, well - spoken also, and exer
cised from a child in all points of
virtue, holding up his hands, prayed
for the whole body of the Jews.
This done, in like manner there
appeared an aged man and exceed
ing glorious, and of a wonderful and
excellent majesty about him. Then
FIRST WEEK OF NOVEMBER.
285
Onias answered, saying : This is a
lover of the brethren, and of the
people of Israel ; this is one who
prayeth much for the people, and
for all the Holy City, to wit, Jere
miah the Prophet of God. Where
upon Jeremiah held forth his right
hand and gave to Judas a sword of
gold, and said : Take this holy sword,
a gift from God, with the which
thou shalt fell the adversaries of
my people Israel.
Second Responsory.
They decked the fore-front, &c., (p.
2550
Third Lesson.
"THUS being well comforted by the
words of Judas, which were
very good, and able to stir them
up to valour, and to encourage the
hearts of the young men, they de
termined to set upon them, and
manfully to try the matter by con
flict, because the Holy City and the
Temple were in danger. For the
care they took for their wives and
their children, their brethren and kins
folks, was in least account with them,
but the greatest and principal fear
was for the holy Temple. Also,
they that were in the city took not
little care for them that were gone
to the conflict.
Third Responsory.
They praised the Lord, c., (p.
2550
NOVEMBER.
Jtrist Suntiag of
The First Lord s Day of November.
Antiphon at the Song of the Blessed
Virgin, on the preceding Sattirday
evening. I saw the Lord sitting upon
a throne high and lifted up, * and the
whole earth was full of His glory, and
His train filled the Temple.
Prayer of the ensuing Sunday.
MATTINS.
FIRST NOCTURN.
First Lesson.
Here beginneth the Book of the
Prophet Ezekiel 1 (i. I.)
A ND it came to pass in the thirtieth
^^ year, in the fourth month, 2 in the
fifth day of the month, as I was among
1 He was, says St Jerome, a Priest who was carried captive to Babylon along with King
Jehoiachim, and prophesied in Chaldsea at the same time that Jeremiah was prophesying in
Judaea. The Martyrology (April 10) says that "he was slain at Babylon by the Judge of the
Israelite people, because he rebuked him for idolatry, and was buried in the sepulchre of Sheni
and Arphaxad, the forefathers of Abraham, whither many use to resort to pray."
2 The year is supposed by Abp. Kenrick to be reckoned from the beginning of the reign of
Nabopolassar, father of Nebuchadnezzar, but he mentions that St Jerome thinks the thirtieth
year of the Prophet s life is meant. See also Lesson VI. this day. " It is believed to be the
year 595 B.C." If the Jewish civil year is meant, January is about the date ; if the ecclesiastical,
June. But if the year be of the Prophet s life, why not the month also? The Targum, how
ever, is quite different, and very curious: "And it came to pass thirty years after that Hilkiah
the High Priest had found the Book of the Law in the house of the sanctuary, in the court,
under the porch, in the middle of the night, after the setting of the moon, in the days of Josiah
the son of Amon, King of the tribe of the house of Judah, in the month of Tammuz, upon the
fifth day of the month, the Prophet said : As I was among the captives by the river of Chebar,
the heavens were opened, and I saw in a vision of prophecy which rested upon me, a vision of
the glory of the majesty of the Eternal : in the fifth day of the month, which was the fifth year
of King Jehoiachim s captivity : the word of prophecy from the presence of the Eternal came
upon Ezekiel, the son of Buzi, the Priest, in the land of Israel. Again a second time spake He
with him in a province of the land of the Chaldees, by the river Chebar, and the spirit -of
prophecy from the presence of the Eternal rested there upon him. And I looked, and behold,
&c. &c." ( Walton s Polyglott.)
VOL. IV. K 2
286
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
the captives by the river of Chebar, 1
that the heavens were opened, and I
saw visions of God. In the fifth day
of the month, which was the fifth
year of King Jehoiachim s captivity,
the word of the LORD came unto
Ezekiel, the son of Buzi, the Priest,
in the land of the Chaldeans, by the
river Chebar, and the hand of the
LORD was there upon him. And I
looked, and, behold, a whirlwind
came out of the North, a great
cloud, and a fire infolding itself, and
a brightness was about it, and out
of the midst thereof, (that is, out of
the midst of the fire,) as the colour
of amber. 2
First Responsory.
3 I saw the Lord sitting upon a
throne high and lifted up, and the
whole earth was full of His glory, and
His train filled the Temple.
Verse. Above it stood the Sera
phim : each one had six wings.
Answer. And His train filled the
Temple.
Second Lesson.
A LSO in the midst thereof the like-
^~~*~ ness of four living creatures ;
and this was their appearance, they
had the likeness of a man. And every
one had four faces, and every one had
four wings. Their feet were straight
feet, and the sole of their feet was like
the sole of a calfs foot, and they
sparkled like the colour of glowing
brass. And they had the hands of a
man under their wings on their four
sides, and they had faces and wings on
four sides. And the wings of one were
joined to the wings of another ; they
turned not when they went ; they went
every one straight forward.
Second Responsory.
Look down, O Lord, from the dwell
ing-place of Thine holiness, and take
thought for us. 4 O my God, incline
Thine ear, and hear. Open Thine eyes,
and behold our desolation.
Verse. 5 Give ear, O Shepherd of
Israel, Thou That leadest Joseph like
a flock.
Answer. Open Thine eyes, and
behold our desolation.
Third Lesson.
A S for the likeness of their faces,
"^^ they four had the face of a man
and the face of a lion on the right
side, and they four had the face of an
ox on the left side, and they four had
the face of an eagle above. Thus were
their faces, and their wings were
stretched upward, two wings of every
one were joined one to another, and
two covered their bodies ; and they
went every one straight forward.
Whither the spirit was to go, they
went, and they turned not when they
went.
Third Responsory.
6 Consider, O Lord, how that the
city sitteth solitary that was full of
riches ; how is she become as a
widow, she that was g reat among the
nations ; she hath none to comfort her,
save Thee, O our God !
Verse. She weepeth sore in the
night, and her tears are on her
cheeks.
Answer. She hath none to comfort
her, save Thee, O our God !
Verse. Glory be to the Father, and
to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
Answer. She hath none to comfort
her, save Thee, O our God !
1 "The Chaboras .... empties into the Euphrates a little above Thapsacus."
2 So Abp. Kenrick, who adds, "Some take it to mean golden ore." LXX. and Vulgate,
electrum, by which Gesenius understands them to mean, as he also understands the Hebrew,
a polished metal. Cf. Apoc. i. 15.
3 Isa. vi. i, 2. 4 Dan. ix. 18. 5 Ps. Ixxix. 2. 6 Lam. i. i, 2.
FIRST WEEK OF NOVEMBER.
28 7
SECOND NOCTURN.
Fourth Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Exposi
tion of the Prophet Ezekiel written
by Pope St Gregory [the Great.]
(Bk. i. Horn. 2.)
T T is the use of the Prophetic writers
first to give name, date, and place,
and then to begin to unfold the mys
teries of the prophecy ; thus, to give
certainty of trustworthiness, a founda
tion is laid before, and afterward the
fruits of the Spirit are set forth by
signs and in figures. Thus Ezekiel
saith concerning the date: "And it
came to pass in the thirtieth year, in
the fourth month, in the fifth day of
the month." And to show the place,
he addeth further : "As I was among
the captives by the river of Chebar,
the heavens were opened, and I saw
visions of God." Then he defineth the
time even more exactly, saying : " In
the fifth day of the month, which was
the fifth year of King Jehoiachim s
captivity." And he who had thus
clearly indicated his individuality, goeth
on farther to state his kin, saying :
"The word of the LORD came unto
Ezekiel, the son of Buzi, the Priest."
Fourth Responsory.
1 I have set watchmen upon thy
walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never
hold their peace day nor night, to praise
the name of the Lord.
Verse. They shall proclaim My
might unto the nations, and declare
My glory unto the Gentiles.
Answer. Which shall never hold
their peace day nor night, to praise the
name of the Lord.
Fifth Lesson.
TI) UT the first question which meeteth
us is, Wherefore doth the Prophet,
having hitherto said nothing, begin
i Isa. Ixii. 6.
with the words : " And\\. came to pass
in the thirtieth year ? " Now, this
word "And" is a conjunction, and we
know that it is so called because it
conjoineth that which cometh after it
with that which goeth before it.
Wherefore, then, doth he who hath
hitherto been silent, commence by
" And" when there is nothing going
before for the conjunction to join to that
which cometh after ? To explain this,
we must consider that our senses per
ceive only things bodily, while those of
Prophets perceive also things ghostly,
and to them things exist which to our
ignorance seem not to do so. Hence
it cometh that in the mind of a
Prophet, things outer and things inner
are so joined that he seeth both
together, and the word which he
heareth within him and that which he
uttereth come together.
Fifth Responsory.
Hedge us about with Thy wall that
cannot be broken down, O Lord, and
shield us continually with the arms of
Thy might. O Lord God of Israel,
deliver them that cry unto Thee.
Verse. 2 Deliver us also according
to Thy marvellous works, and give
glory to Thy Name.
Answer. O Lord God of Israel,
deliver them that cry unto Thee.
Sixth Lesson.
T T appeareth plainly, therefore, that
he which had hitherto been silent,
beginneth by the words, "And it
came to pass in the thirtieth year,"
because his first utterance was but the
continuation of something to which he
had already been listening in his own
mind. The words which he spoke
were merely a continuation of the
vision already going on within, and
therefore the first are, "And it came
2 Dan. iii. 43.
288
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
to pass." His language is framed as
though his inner revelation had been an
open one. That it was in the thirtieth
year l that the word of the Lord came
unto Ezekiel, causeth us to remark that
in the ordinary use of human under
standing, men receive not a call to
teach until they be of full age. Hence
also even the Lord Himself, when He
sat in the Temple in the midst of the
doctors, in the twelfth year of His age,
was pleased to be found, not teaching,
but hearing them and asking them
questions. (Luke ii. 46.)
Sixth Responsory.
2 We looked for peace, and it came
not ; we asked for good, and behold
trouble. We acknowledge, O LORD,
our wickedness. 3 Forget us not for
ever.
Verse. 4 O Lord [our God] we have
sinned, we have done ungodly, we
have dealt unrighteously in all Thine
ordinances.
Answer. Forget us not for ever.
Verse. Glory be to the Father, and
to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
Answer. Forget us not for ever.
THIRD NOCTURN.
Seventh Responsory.
Blessed is the people whom the
Lord of hosts hath blessed, saying : O
Israel ! thou art the work of Mine own
hands, thou art Mine own inheritance.
Verse. 5 Blessed is the nation whose
God is the LORD, and the people whom
He hath chosen for His own inherit
ance.
Answer. Whom the Lord of hosts
hath blessed, saying : O Israel ! thou
art the work of Mine own hands, thou
art Mine own inheritance.
Eighth Responsory.
One Seraph cried, &c., (p. 216.)
Second Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book of
the Prophet Ezekiel (ii. 2.)
A ND I heard Him That spake unto
^ me. And He said unto me :
Son of man, I send thee to the child
ren of Israel, to a rebellious nation,
that hath rebelled against Me. They
and their fathers have broken My
covenant even unto this very day.
And they are impudent children, and
stiff-hearted, unto whom I do send
thee, and thou shalt say unto them :
Thus saith the Lord GOD : 6 and they,
whether they will hear, or whether
they will forbear, (for they are a
rebellious house,) yet shall know that
there hath been a Prophet among
them.
First Responsory.
7 He hath redeemed His people, and
ransomed them ; therefore they shall
come and sing in the height of Zion,
and shall rejoice in the goodness of the
LORD, for wheat, and for wine, and for
oil ; 8 and they shall hunger no more.
Verse. And their soul shall be as a
watered garden.
Answer. And they shall hunger no
more.
Second Lesson.
AND thou, son of man, be not
^ afraid of them, neither be afraid
of their words, though unbelievers and
1 St Gregory apparently takes for granted that the thirtieth year of the Prophet s life is mean-t.
- Jer. viii. 15. 3 Cf. Lam. v. 20. 4 Baruch ii. 12. 5 Ps. xxxii. 12.
6 The Name. 7 Jer. xxxi. n, 12.
8 Apoc. vii. 16.
FIRST WEEK OF NOVEMBER.
289
rebels be with thee, and thou dost
dwell among scorpions. Be not afraid
of their words, nor be dismayed at
their looks, for it is a rebellious house.
And thou shalt speak My words unto
them, whether they will hear or
whether they will forbear ; for they
are most rebellious.
Second Responsory.
1 I am straitened on every side, and
know not what to choose. It is better
for me to fall into the hands of men,
than to sin against the law of my God.
Verse. For if I do this thing, it is
death unto me : and if I do it not, I
cannot escape your hands.
Answer. It is better for me to fall
into the hands of men, than to sin
against the law of my God.
Third Lesson.
T)UT thou, son of man, hear what I
say unto thee, and be not thou
rebellious, like that rebellious house ;
open thy mouth, and eat that I give
thee. And I looked, and, behold, an
hand was sent unto me, and therein
was a roll of a book ; and he spread
it before me. And it was written
within and without, and there was
written therein lamentations, and
mourning, and woe.
Third Responsory.
2 |The Lord hath sent His angel, and
hath shut the lions mouths, that they
have not hurt me ; forasmuch as before
Him innocency was found in me.
Verse. 3 God hath sent forth His
mercy and His truth, [and delivered]
my soul from among the lions whelps.
Answer. They have not hurt me ;
forasmuch as before Him innocency
was found in me.
Verse. Glory be to the Father, and
to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
Answer. They have not hurt me ;
forasmuch as before Him innocency
was found in me.
Third Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book of
the Prophet Ezekiel (iii. i.)
TV/T OREOVER, He said unto me :
^* Son of man, eat that thou find-
est ; eat this roll, and go speak unto
the children of Israel. So I opened
my mouth, and He caused me to eat
that roll. And He said unto me : Son
of man, let thy belly eat, and thy
bowels be filled with this roll that I
give thee. Then did I eat it ; and it
was in my mouth as honey, for sweet
ness. And He said unto me : Son of
man, get thee unto the house of Israel,
and speak with My words unto them.
First Responsory.
Before the face of Thine anger, O
God, the whole earth is troubled ; but
Thou, O Lord, have mercy, and make
not an end utterly.
Verse. 4 O LORD our Ruler, how
excellent is Thy Name in all the
earth !
Answer. But Thou, O Lord, have
mercy, and make not an end utterly.
Second Lesson.
17 OR thou art not sent to a people
-*- of an hard speech and of a
strange language, but to the house of
Israel ; not to many people of an hard
1 Dan. xiii. 22, 23.
- Dan. vi. 22.
3 Ps. Ivi. 4, 5.
4 Ps. viii. 2.
290
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
speech and of a strange language,
whose words thou canst not under
stand : surely, if thou hadst been sent
unto them, they would have hearkened
unto thee. But the house of Israel
will not hearken unto thee, for they
will not hearken unto Me. For all
the house of Israel are impudent and
hard-hearted. Behold, I have made
thy face strong against their faces, and
thy forehead strong against their
foreheads. As an adamant, and as a
flint have I made thy countenance ;
fear them not, neither be dismayed
at their looks, for they are a rebellious
house.
Second Responsory.
Fence Thou this city, O Lord, and
let Thine angels keep the walls thereof.
Lord, hearken unto Thy people with
mercy.
Verse. O Lord, let Thine anger
be turned away from Thy people, and
from Thine holy city.
Answer. O Lord, hearken unto
Thy people with mercy.
Third Lesson.
TV/TOREOVER, He said unto me:
Son of man, all my words that
1 shall speak unto thee, receive in
thine heart and hear with thine ears.
And, go get thee to them of the
captivity, unto the children of thy
people, and speak unto them, and tell
them : Thus saith the Lord GOD : l
whether they will hear, or whether
they will forbear. Then the spirit
took me up, and I heard behind me
the voice of great rushing, [saying :]
Blessed be the glory of the LORD from
His place ! also the noise of the wings
of the living creatures that touched
one another, and the noise of the
wheels following the living creatures,
and the noise of a great rushing.
Third Responsory.
O Lord God! have mercy upon 2 the
sinful nation, upon the people laden
with iniquity.
Verse. Let it repent Thee concern
ing the transgression of Thy people.
Answer. The people laden with
iniquity.
Verse. Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost.
Answer. The people laden with
iniquity.
Fourth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book of
the Prophet Ezekiel (vii. i.)
TV/rOREOVER, the word of the
^ LORD came unto me, saying :
Also thou, son of man, thus saith the
Lord GOD l unto the land of Israel :
An end, the end, is come upon the
four quarters of the land. Now is the
end come upon thee, and I will send
Mine anger upon thee, and will judge
thee according to thy ways, and will
bring upon thee all thine abom
inations. And Mine eye shall not
spare thee, neither will I have pity ;
but I will bring thy ways upon
thee, and thine abominations shall be
in the midst of thee ; and ye shall
know that I am the LORD.
First Responsory.
3 I will show thee, O man, what is
good, and what doth the LORD re
quire of thee, but to do justice and
judgment, and to walk humbly with
thy God?
The Name.
2 Cf. Isa. i. 4.
3 Micah vi. 8.
FIRST WEEK OF NOVEMBER.
291
Verse. l Trust in the LORD, and
do good, and dwell in the land.
Answer. Do justice and judgment,
and walk humbly with thy God.
Second Lesson.
pHUS saith the Lord GOD : 2 An
evil, an only evil, behold, is
come. An end is come, the end is
come. It awaketh against thee. Be
hold, it is come. The ruin is come
unto thee, O thou that dwellest in the
land ! The time is come, the day of
slaughter is near, and not the joyful
songs of the mountains. 3 Now will I
shortly pour forth My fury upon thee,
and accomplish Mine anger upon
thee ; and I will judge thee accord
ing to thy ways, and will recompense
thee for all thine abominations. And
Mine eye shall not spare, neither
will I have pity, but I will judge
thee according to thy ways, and thine
abominations shall be in the midst of
thee. And ye shall know that I am
the LORD, That smiteth.
Second Responsory.
I am straitened, &c., (p. 289.)
Third Lesson.
"DEHOLD, the day, behold, it is
come ! The ruin is gone forth.
The rod hath blossomed. Pride hath
budded. Violence is risen up into a
rod of wickedness. None of them
shall remain ; none of their people ;
not a sound of them ; and there shall
be no rest for them. The time is
come ; the day draweth near. Let
not the buyer rejoice, nor the seller
mourn ; for wrath is upon all the mul
titude thereof. For the seller shall
not return to that which he hath sold,
although they were yet alive.
Third Responsory.
The Lord hath sent, &c., (p. 289.)
Fifth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book
of the Prophet Ezekiel (xiii. I.)
AND the word of the LORD came
"^7" unto me, saying : Son of man,
prophesy against the prophets of Is
rael, that prophesy ; and say thou unto
them that prophesy out of their own
hearts : Hear ye the word of the
LORD : thus saith the Lord GOD : 2
Woe unto the foolish prophets, that
follow their own spirit, and have seen
nothing. O Israel ! thy prophets are
like the foxes in the deserts. Ye
have not gone up into the breach, 4
neither made up the wall for the house
of Israel, to stand in the battle in the
day of the LORD. They see vanity,
and they divine lies, saying : The LORD
saith : when the LORD hath not sent
them : and they [have made others to]
hope that they would confirm the
word.
First Responsory.
I saw the Lord, &c., (p. 286.)
Second Lesson.
T T AVE ye not seen a vain vision ?
And have ye not spoken a
lying divination ? Whereas ye say :
1 Ps. xxxvi. 3. 2 The Name.
3 I.e., a very different state of things to the mountains ringing with joyful songs of the
vintage, &c.
4 So the Hebrew. Lat. lit., "gone up to face" i.e., the besiegers.
292
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
The LORD saith it : albeit I have
not spoken. Therefore, thus saith
the Lord GOD : l Because ye have
spoken vanity, and seen lies, there
fore, behold, I am against you, saith
the Lord Goo. 1 And Mine hand
shall be upon the prophets that see
vanity, and that divine lies ; they
shall not be in the assembly of My
people, neither shall they be written
in the writing of the house of Israel,
neither shall they enter into the land
of Israel. And ye shall know that I
am the Lord GOD. 1 Even because
they have seduced My people, saying :
Peace : and there was no peace
and one built up a wall, and,
lo, others daubed it with untempered
mortar
Second Responsory.
Look down, O Lord, c., (p. 286.)
Third Lesson.
CAY unto them which daub it with
untempered mortar, that it shall
fall. There shall be an overflowing
shower, and I will cause great hail
stones to fall, and a stormy wind to
rend it. Lo, when the wall is fallen,
shall it not be said unto you, Where
is the daubing wherewith ye daubed
it ? Therefore thus saith the Lord
GOD : l I will even rend it with a
stormy wind in My fury, and there
shall be an overflowing shower in
Mine anger, and great hailstones in
My wrath, to consume it. So will I
break down the wall that ye have
daubed with untempered mortar.
Third Responsory.
Consider, O Lord, &c., (p. 286.)
Sixth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book
of the Prophet Ezekiel (xv. i.)
AND the word of the LORD came
unto me, saying : Son of man,
what is the vine-tree more than any
other tree of the wood, which is
among the trees of the forest ? Shall
wood be taken thereof, to do any
work ? Or will men take a pin of it,
to hang any vessel thereon ? Behold,
it is cast into the fire for fuel ; the fire
devoureth both the ends of it, and the
midst of it is burned into ashes. Is it
meet for any work? Behold, when
it was whole, it was meet for no work
how much less shall it be meet yet
for any work, when the fire hath de
voured and burnt it up ?
First Responsory.
I have set watchmen, &c., (p. 287.)
Second Lesson.
THEREFORE, thus saith the Lord
GOD : l As the vine-tree among
the trees of the forest, which I have
given to the fire for fuel, so will I give
the inhabitants of Jerusalem. And I
will set My face against them : they
shall go out from one fire, and another
fire shall devour them. And ye shall
know that I am the LORD, when I set
My face against them, and I will
make the land pathless and desolate,
because they have still gone on stub
bornly in their transgression, saith the
Lord GOD. 1
1 The Name.
FIRST WEEK OF NOVEMBER.
293
Second Responsory.
Hedge us about, &c., (p. 287.)
Third Lesson, (xvi. )
A GAIN the word of the LORD came
unto me saying : Son of man,
cause Jerusalem to know her abom
inations, and say : Thus saith the
Lord GOD l unto Jerusalem : Thy root,
and thine up-growing are of the land
of Canaan ; thy father was an Amor-
ite, and thy mother an Hittite. And,
as for thy nativity, in the day thou
wast born thy navel was not cut,
neither wast thou washed in water to
better thee, nor salted at all, nor
swaddled at all. None eye pitied
thee, to do any of these unto thee, to
have compassion upon thee ; but thou
was cast out in the open field, to the
loathing of thy person, in the day that
thou wast born.
Third Responsory.
We looked for peace, &c., (p. 288.)
The Sabbath.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book
of the Prophet Ezekiel (xix. i.)
JYJOREOVER, take thou up a
lamentation for the princes of
Israel, and say: Why did thy mother
the lioness 2 lie down among lions,
and nourish her whelps among young-
lions ? And she brought up one of
her whelps ; 3 and it became a lion ;
and it learnt to catch the prey, and
to devour men. The nations also
heard of him, and took him, at the
cost of their own wounding, and
brought him with chains into the
land of Egypt. And when she saw
that she was waxen feeble, and that
her hope was lost, then she took
another of her whelps, 4 and made
him a lion. And he went up and
down among the lions, and he be
came a lion, and learned to catch
the prey, and to devour men ; he
learnt how to make widows, and to
lay w r aste their cities ; and the land
was desolate, and the fulness thereof,
by the noise of his roaring.
First Responsory.
Blessed is the people, &c., (p.
288.)
Second Lesson.
"PHEN the nations set against him
on every side from the provinces,
and spread their net over him, and
with their wounding he was taken.
And they put him into a cage, and
brought him in chains to the King
of Babylon ; and they cast him into
an hold, that his voice should no
more be heard upon the mountains
of Israel.
Thy mother was like a vine in thy
blood, 5 planted by the waters ; she
was fruitful and full of branches by
reason of many waters. And she
had strong rods, for the sceptres of
1 The Name.
2 Jerusalem, giving birth to her Royal Princes, in the midst of the neighbouring princes.
(Abp. Kenrick.)
3 Jehoahaz. (Third Lesson. Wednesday in Eleventh Week after Pentecost, see vol. iii.
P- 33 1 -)
4 "Jehoahaz dying in Egypt, the hope of maintaining the kingdom seemed to vanish. . . .
Jehoiakim, when twenty-five years of age, was put upon the throne." (Thursday, Eleventh
Week after Pentecost, see vol. iii. p. 331.)
5 " The juice of the vine is thought to be meant."
294
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
them that bare rule, and her stature
was exalted among the thick branches,
and she appeared in her height, with
the multitude of her branches.
Second Responsory.
I am straitened, &c., (p. 289.)
Third Lesson.
"DUT she was plucked up in fury,
she was cast down to the
ground, and the hot wind dried up
her fruit ; her strong rods were
broken and withered ; the fire con
sumed her. And now she is planted
in the wilderness, in a pathless and
thirsty land. And fire is gone out
of a rod 1 of her branches, which
hath devoured her fruit ; so that she
hath no strong rod, to be a sceptre
to rule. This is a lamentation and
shall be for a lamentation.
Third Responsory.
The Lord hath sent, &c., (p. 289.)
If November have only four weeks,
then the following Week is the one
omitted, the Third, Fourth, and Fifth
taking the place of the Second, Third,
and Fourth. In this case, therefore,
the Antiphon at the Song of the
Blessed Virgin on the Saturday even
ing before the Third Sunday would be
"Hedge us about, &c.," (p. 287.)
of riches ; she doth sit sorrowful that
was great among the nations ; she
hath none to comfort her, save Thee,
O our God !
Prayer of the ensuing Sunday.
MATTINS.
FIRST NOCTURN.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book
of the Prophet Ezekiel (xxi. i.)
A ND the word of the LORD came
^^ unto me, saying : Son of man,
set thy face toward Jerusalem, and
drop thy word toward the Holy
Places, and prophesy against the
land of Israel. And say to the land
of Israel : Thus saith the LORD :
Behold, I am against thee, and will
draw forth My sword out of his
sheath, and will cut off from thee
the righteous and the wicked. See
ing then that I cut off from thee
the righteous and the wicked, there
fore shall My sword go forth out of
his sheath against all flesh, from
the South to the North, that all
flesh may know that I, the LORD,
have drawn forth My sword out of
his sheath, not to return any more.
First Responsory.
I saw the Lord, &c., (p. 286.)
Seconti SuntJag of
The Second Lord s Day of November.
Antiphon at the Song of the Blessed
Virgin on the preceding Saturday.
Consider, O Lord, how that the city
is become desolate * that was full
Second Lesson.
CIGH therefore, thou son of man,
^ with the breaking of thy loins, 2
and with bitterness sigh before their
eyes. And it shall be, when they
say unto thee, Wherefore sighest
thou ? that thou shalt answer : For
1 "The faithlessness of Zedekiah provoked the entire overthrow of the Royal power.
2 As with the agony of a woman in child-bed. So Abp. Kenrick.
SECOND WEEK OF NOVEMBER.
295
the tidings ; because it conieth, and
every heart shall melt, and all hands
shall be feeble, and every spirit shall
faint, and all knees shall be weak as
water Behold, it cometh, and shall
be brought to pass, saith the Lord
Goo. 1 Again, the word of the LORD
came unto me, saying : Son of man,
prophesy and say : Thus saith the
LORD God : Say A sword, a sword
is sharpened, and furbished. It is
sharpened, to slaughter the victims ;
it is furbished, that it may glitter.
Thou, that removest the sceptre of
My son, hast cut down every tree. 2
And I have given it 3 to be furbished,
that it may be handled. This sword
is sharpened, and it is furbished, to
give it into the hand of the slayer.
/ Second Responsory.
Look down, O Lord, &c., (p. 286.)
Third Lesson.
/^RY and howl, son of man, for it 3
^ shall be upon My people, it
shall be upon all the Princes of
Israel, that are fled. They are de
livered up to the sword, with My
people : smite therefore upon thy
thigh. For it is tried, even to the
overthrowing of the sceptre, so that
it shall be no more, 4 saith the Lord
Goo. 1 Thou, therefore, son of man,
prophesy, and smite thine hands to
gether, and let the sword be doubled,
and let the sword of the slain be
tripled. This is the sword of the
great slaughter, that maketh them
stand amazed, and faint in heart,
and that multiplieth ruins.
Third Responsory.
Consider, O Lord, &c., (p. 286.)
SECOND NOCTURN.
Fourth Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Exposi
tion of the Prophet Ezekiel, written
by St Jerome, Priest [at Bethlehem.]
(Bk. vii. on Ez. xxi.)
T N the foregoing chapter it is written :
" Son of man, set thy face to
ward the way of Theman, and drop
thy word toward Darom, and prophesy
against the forest of the field of Nageb. 5
And say to the forest of Nageb : Hear
the word of the LORD : Thus saith the
Lord GOD : Behold, I will kindle a
fire in thee, and it shall devour every
green tree in thee, and every dry
tree : the flaming flame shall not be
quenched, and all faces from Negab
to Tsaphon shall be burned therein.
And all flesh shall see that I the LORD
have kindled it : it shall not be
quenched. Then said I : Ah, Lord
GOD ! they say of me, Doth he not
1 The Name.
2 St Jerome : "Thou, O sword, that removest the sceptre," &c. Targum : " It is drawn out
of the scabbard to make a bloody slaughter, it is sharpened to take revenge, for this, that the
tribes of the house of Judah and of Benjamin were glad at the tribes of Israel, when they were
removed for having served idols ; and they themselves have gone back to stray after wooden
dolls." LXX. "Sword! sword! be sharp and angry, to slaughter a slaughter; be sharp to
glitter, ready to destroy ; slaughter ! ruin ! cut down every tree ! " (Walton s Polyglott.)
3 The sword.
4 The sense of the Latin seems to be that the sword has been tried upon Judah as an instru
ment of chastisement and possible reformation, with a sternness which spared not even to
destroy her Royal dignity for ever.
5 The three foregoing Hebrew names are preserved by St Jerome in the text. In his version
of Ezekiel he translates them respectively, "the south," "the south-wind," and the "south
field." So also the Vulgate. In the above translation the quotation is amplified, to clear the
sense, which, as the actual text of the Breviary stands, is excessively obscure. Tsaphon means
the north.
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
speak parables?" (xx. 46-49.) But
now, as the people asked for some
thing clearer, the Lord doth speak
more openly that which He had
uttered in what is diversely called
metaphor, parable, or proverb : He
showeth how that the forest of the
field of Nageb, and Darom, and
Theman, are figures of Jerusalem, and
the Temple, and the Holy-of-Holies,
and of all the land of Judah, and
that by the flaming fire which should
devour the forest, was to be understood
that sword, which should be drawn
out of the sheath, and should cut off
from the land of Israel the righteous
and the wicked. The righteous and
the wicked are figured by the green
tree and the dry tree. Whence also
the Lord saith : " If they do these
things in a green tree, what shall be
done in a dry?" (Luke xxiii. 31.)
Fourth Responsory.
I have set watchmen, c., (p. 287.)
Fifth Lesson.
"THE first time He had said: "Set
thy face toward the South, and
drop thy word toward the South wind,
and prophesy against the forest of the
South." But forasmuch as this seemed
dark, and the people knew not what
the Prophet said, it is a second time
stated more clearly that the forest of
the South is Jerusalem ; and all its
unfruitful trees, unto whose roots the
axe is being laid, are to be understood
as figures of her inhabitants ; and the
fire to be kindled in it, to be inter
preted the sword. A third time 1 is
the Prophet commanded that when
they should hold their peace, nor ask
wherefore he prophesied thus, he
should do that by which he should
be questioned, and should answer that
which the Lord had spoken.
Fifth Responsory.
Hedge us about, &c., (p. 287.)
Sixth Lesson.
" C IGH thou," He saith, " cry aloud,
not softly nor only half sorrow
fully, but with the breaking of thy
loins, that thy groaning may come
from the depth of thy bowels and from
the bitterness of thy soul. And this
shalt thou do before them. And when
they shall ask thee wherefore thou art
afflicted with such lamentation, and
what evil hath befallen thee that thou
groanest thus, thou shalt answer them
with My w r ord, saying : I lament, and
am not able to hide the grief of mine
heart, because that that which hath
ever sounded in mine ears will indeed
be fulfilled, and cometh, even the host
of the wrathful Babylonians which
threateneth you ; and when it shall
have come, and shall have made
trenches all round about Jerusalem,
then every heart shall melt, and all
hands shall be feeble, and horror shall
take hold of the minds of men, and
none shall dare to withstand."
Sixth Responsory.
We looked for peace, &c., (p. 288.)
THIRD NOCTURN.
Seventh Responsory.
Blessed is the people, &c., (p. 288.)
Eighth Responsory.
One Seraph cried, c, (p. 216.)
1 Allusion perhaps to xxxvii. 15 et seq.
SECOND WEEK OF NOVEMBER.
297
Second Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book of
the Prophet Ezekiel (xxxiii. I.)
A GAIN, the word of the LORD came
unto me, saying : Son of man,
speak to the children of thy people,
and say unto them : When I bring the
sword upon a land, if the people of
the land take a man of their coasts,
and set him for their watchman, if,
when he seeth the sword come upon
the land, he blow the trumpet and
warn the people, then, whosoever
heareth the sound of the trumpet, and
taketh not warning, if the sword come
and take him away, his blood shall be
upon his own head. He heard the
sound of the trumpet, and took not
warning ; his blood shall be upon him.
But he that taketh warning shall de
liver his soul.
First Responsory.
He hath redeemed, c., (p. 288.)
Second Lesson.
T)UT if the watchman see the sword
come, and blow not the trumpet,
and the people be not warned if the
sword come, and take any person from
among them, he is taken away in his
iniquity, but his blood will I require
at the watchman s hand. So, thou, O
son of man, I have set thee a watch
man unto the house of Israel ; there
fore thou shalt hear the word at My
mouth, and warn them from Me.
When I say unto the wicked : O
wicked man, thou shalt surely die !
if thou dost not speak to warn the
wicked from his way, that wicked man
shall die in his iniquity, but his blood
will I require at thine hand.
Second Responsory.
I am straitened, &c., (p. 289.)
Third Lesson.
TVJEVERTHELESS, if thou warn
the wicked from his way, to turn
from it, if he do not turn from his
way, he shall die in his iniquity, but
thou hast delivered thy soul. There
fore, O thou son of man, speak unto
the house of Israel : Thus ye speak,
saying : If our transgressions and our
sins be upon us, and we pine away in
them, how should we then live ? Say
unto them : As I live, saith the Lord
GOD, 1 I have no pleasure in the death
of the wicked, but that the wicked
turn from his way and live. Turn ye,
turn ye from your evil ways ! for why
will ye die, O house of Israel ?
Third Responsory.
The Lord hath sent, c., (p. 289.)
Third Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book of
the Prophet Ezekiel (xxxiv. i.)
A ND the word of the LORD came
^^ unto me, saying : Son of man,
prophesy against the shepherds of
Israel, prophesy, and say unto the
shepherds : Thus saith the Lord GOD : l
Woe be to the shepherds of Israel,
that do feed themselves ; should not
the shepherds feed the flocks ? Ye
The Name.
298
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
eat the milk, and ye clothe you with
the wool, ye kill them that are fat,
but ye feed not the flock. The
diseased have ye not strengthened,
neither have ye healed that which was
sick, neither have ye bound up that
which was broken, neither have ye
brought again that which was driven
away, neither have ye sought that
which was lost, but with force and
with cruelty have ye ruled them.
First Responsory.
Before the face, &c., (p. 289.)
their hand, and cause them to cease
from feeding the flock, neither shall
the shepherds feed themselves any
more ; and I will deliver My flock
from their mouth, that they may not
be meat for them any more. For
thus saith the Lord GOD : l Behold,
I, even I, will both search My sheep,
and seek them out. As a shepherd
seeketh out his flock, in the day that
he is among his sheep that are
scattered, so will I seek out My
sheep, and will deliver them out of all
places, where they have been scattered
in the cloudy and dark day.
Second Lesson.
A ND My sheep were scattered, be-
^^ cause there was no shepherd,
and they became meat to all the
beasts of the field, when they were
scattered. My sheep wandered
through all the mountains, and upon
every high hill ; yea, My flock was
scattered upon all the face of the
earth, and none did search, none, I
say, did search after them. There
fore, ye shepherds, hear the word of
the LORD : As I live, saith the Lord
GOD, 1 surely because My flock became
a prey, and My sheep meat to every
beast of the field, because there was
no shepherd, neither did My shepherds
search for My flock, but the shepherds
fed themselves, and fed not My flock
therefore, ye shepherds, hear the
word of the LORD :
Second Responsory.
Fence thou this city, &c., {p. 290.)
Third Lesson.
HPHUS saith the Lord GOD : l Be
hold, I am against the shep
herds, and I will require My flock at
i The Name.
Third Responsory.
O Lord God ! have mercy, &c., (p.
290.)
Fourth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book of
the Prophet Ezekiel (xl. i.)
T N the five-and-twentieth year of our
captivity, in the beginning of the
year, in the tenth day of the month,
in the fourteenth year after that the
City 2 was smitten, in the self-same
day, the hand of the LORD was upon
me, and brought me thither. In
the visions of God brought He me
into the land of Israel, and set me
upon a very high mountain, whereon
was as the frame of a city turned
toward the south ; and He brought
me thither.
First Responsory.
I will show thee, &c., (p. 290.)
2 Jerusalem.
SECOND WEEK OF NOVEMBER.
299
Second Lesson,
A ND, behold, there was a man,
whose appearance was like the
appearance of brass, with a line of
flax in his hand, and a measuring-
reed hi his hand ; and he stood in the
gate. And this man said unto me :
Son of man, behold with thine eyes,
and hear with thine ears, and set
thine heart upon all the things that I
shall show thee, for to the intent that
they may be shown unto thee, thou art
brought hither ; declare all that thou
seest, to the house of Israel.
Second Responsory.
I am straitened, &c., (p. 289.)
Third Lesson.
A ND, behold, the wall on the out
side of the house round about,
and in the man s hand a measuring-
reed of six cubits long, and an hand-
breadth. So he measured the breadth
of the building, one reed ; and the
height, one reed. Then came he unto
the gate which looketh toward the
east, and went up the stairs thereof,
and measured the threshold of the
gate, which was one reed broad, that
is, one threshold was one reed broad.
Third Responsory.
The Lord hath sent, &c., (p. 289.)
Fifth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book of
the Prophet Ezekiel (xli. I.)
AFTERWARD, he brought me to
the Temple, and measured the
posts, six cubits broad on the one side,
and six cubits broad on the other side,
which was the breadth of the Taber
nacle. And the breadth of the door
was ten cubits ; and the sides of the
door were five cubits on the one side,
and five cubits on the other side ; and
he measured the length thereof, forty
cubits, and the breadth, twenty cubits.
Then went he inward, and measured
the post of the door, two cubits, and
the door, six cubits, and the breadth of
the door, seven cubits.
First Responsory.
I saw the Lord, &c., (p. 286.)
Second Lesson.
CO he measured the length thereof,
*-* twenty cubits, and the breadth,
twenty cubits, before the Temple ; and
he said unto me : This is the Holy of
Holies. After, he measured the wall
of the house, six cubits, and the
breadth of the side, four cubits, round
about the house on every side. And
the sides, side to side, were twice
thirty and three, and they projected
above, entering- by the wall of the
house, in the sides round about, that
they might have hold, and yet not
touch the wall of the Temple.
Second Responsory.
Look down, O Lord, &c., (p. 286.)
Third Lesson.
AND there was a broad passage
round about, going up by wind
ing-stairs ; and it led into the upper
loft of the Temple all round. There
fore was the Temple broader in the
higher parts, and so increased from
the lowest chamber to the highest by
the midst. I saw also the height of
the house round about, the foundations
of the side chambers were a full reed,
300
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
six great cubits ; and the thickness of
the wall for the side chamber without
was five cubits, and the inner house
was inside the side-chambers of the
house.
Third Responsory.
Consider, O Lord, &c., (p. 286.)
Sixth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book of
the Prophet Ezekiel (xliii. i.)
A FTERWARD, he brought me to
^^ the gate that looketh toward the
East. And, behold, the glory of the
God of Israel came from the way of
the East ; and His voice was like the
voice of many waters, and the earth
shined with His glory. And I saw
the vision, according to the appearance
which I saw, when He came to destroy
the city ; and the appearance was like
the vision that I saw by the river
Chebar. And I fell upon my face.
And the glory of the LORD came into
the house by the way of the gate
whose prospect is toward the East.
And the spirit took me up, and brought
me into the inner court ; and, behold,
the house was filled with the glory of
the LORD.
First Responsory.
I have set watchmen, c., (p. 287.)
Second Lesson.
A ND I heard Him speaking unto
"^^ me out of the house, and the
man that stood by me said unto me :
Son of man, the place of My throne,
and the place of the soles of My feet,
where I dwell in the midst of the
children of Israel for ever, and My
Holy Name, shall the house of Israel
no more defile, neither they nor their
kings, by their whoredom, nor by the
carcasses of their kings, nor by their
high places. They set their threshold
by My threshold, and their posts by
My posts, and the wall between Me
and them ; and they have defiled
My Holy Name by their abomina
tions that they have committed ;
wherefore, I have consumed them
in Mine anger.
Second Responsory.
Hedge us about, &c., (p. 287.)
Third Lesson.
1VT OW, therefore, let them put away
their whoredom, and the car
casses of their kings, far from Me ;
and I will dwell in the midst of
them for ever. And thou, son of
man, show the house to the house
of Israel, and let them be ashamed
of their iniquities ; and let them
measure the pattern, and be ashamed
of all that they have done. Show
them the form of the house, and
the finishings of the building thereof,
the goings-out thereof, and the com-
ings-in thereof, and all the forms
thereof, and all the ordinances
thereof, and all the order thereof, and
all the laws thereof; and write it in
their sight, that they may keep the
whole form thereof, and all the ordi
nances thereof, and do them.
Third Responsory.
We looked for peace, &c., (p.
288.)
THIRD WEEK OF NOVEMBER.
301
The Sabbath.
MATTINS.
First Less o?2.
The Lesson is taken from the Book of
the Prophet Ezekiel (xlvii. i.)
AFTERWARD, he brought me
^^ again unto the door of the
house ; and, behold, waters issued out
from under the threshold of the house,
Eastward. For the fore-front of the
house stood toward the East ; and the
waters came down from under, by the
right side of the house, to the south
side of the Altar. Then brought he
me out by the way of the gate North
ward, and led me about the way with
out unto the outer gate, by the way
that looketh Eastward ; and, behold,
there ran out waters on the right side.
First Responsory.
Blessed is the people, &c., (p. 288.)
Second Lesson.
AND when the man that had the
"^^ line in his hand went forth East
ward, he measured a thousand cubits,
and he brought me through the waters,
[the waters were] to the ancles.
Again, he measured a thousand, and
brought me through the waters, [the
waters were] to the knees. Again, he
measured a thousand, and brought me
through the waters, [the waters were]
to the loins. Afterward, he measured
a thousand ; and it was a river that I
could not pass over, for the waters
were risen, a deep, quick river, that
cannot be forded.
Second Responsory.
1 am straitened, c., (p. 289.)
Third Lesson.
A ND he said to me : Son of man,
"*** hast thou seen this ? Then he
brought me, and caused me to return
to the brink of the river. Now when
I had returned, behold, at the bank of
the river were very many trees, on the
one side, and on the other. And he
said unto me : These waters which
issue out toward the sand-hills of the
East, and go down into the flat country
of the desert, shall go into the sea, and
when they go forth into the sea, the
waters shall be healed. And every
thing that liveth which moveth,
whithersoever the river shall come,
shall live ; and there shall be a very
great multitude of fish, after that these
waters shall come thither, and that
they shall be healed. And everything
shall live whither the river cometh.
Third Responsory.
The Lord hath sent, c., (p. 289.)
SunUas of
The Third Lord^s day of November.
Antiphon at the Song of the Blessed
Virgin on the preceding evening.
Hedge us about with Thy wall that
cannot be broken down, O Lord, and
shield us continually with the arms of
Thy might.
Prayer of the ensiling Sunday.
MATTINS.
FIRST NOCTURN.
First Lesson.
Here beginneth the Book of the Prophet
Daniel (i. i.)
T N the third year of the reign of
A Jehoiakim, King of Judah, came
Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon,
3O2
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
unto Jerusalem, and besieged it. And
the Lord gave Jehoiakim, King of
Judah, into his hand, with part of the
vessels of the house of God ; which he
carried into the land of Shinar, to
the house of his god ; and he brought
the vessels into the treasure-house of
his god. And the King spake unto
Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs,
that he should bring certain of the
children of Israel, and of the King s
seed, and of the princes, children in
whom was no blemish, but well-
favoured, and skilful in all wisdom,
and cunning in knowledge, and under
standing science, and such as had
ability in them to stand in the King s
Palace, whom they might teach the
learning and the tongue of the
Chaldeans.
First Responsory.
I saw the Lord, &c., (p. 286.)
Second Lesson.
AND the King appointed them a
T"T daily provision of his own meat,
and of the wine which he drank, so
nourishing them three years, that, at
the end thereof, they might stand
before the King. Now, among these,
were the children of Judah, Daniel,
Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, unto
whom the Prince of the eunuchs gave
names ; unto Daniel, the name of
Belteshazzar ; unto Hananiah, of
Shadrach ; unto Mishael, of Meshach ;
and to Azariah, of Abed-nego. But
Daniel purposed in his heart that he
would not defile himself with the por
tion of the King s meat, nor with the
wine which he drank ; therefore he
requested of the Prince of the eunuchs
that he might not defile himself. And
God gave Daniel favour and kindness
in the sight of the Prince of the
eunuchs.
Second Responsory.
Look down, O Lord, &c., (p. 286.)
Third Lesson.
AND the Prince of the eunuchs said
** unto Daniel : I fear my lord the
King, who hath appointed your meat
and your drink ; for if he see your
faces worse - liking than the other
children which are of your sort, then
shall ye make me endanger my head
to the King. Then said Daniel to
Melzar, whom the Prince of the
eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah,
Mishael, and Azariah : Prove thy ser
vants, I beseech thee, ten days, and
let them give us pulse to eat, and
water to drink ; then let our coun
tenances be looked upon before thee,
and the countenances of the children
that eat of the portion of the King s
meat and, as thou seest, deal with
thy servants. So he consented to
them in this matter, and proved them
ten days. And at the end of ten
days, their countenances appeared
fairer and fatter in flesh than all
the children, which did eat the
portion of the King s meat.
Third Responsory.
Consider, O Lord, &c., (p. 286.)
SECOND NOCTURN.
Fourth Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book
addressed "To Virgins" by St
Athanasius, Pope [of Alexandria.]
(Bk. ii.)
T F any should come and say unto
thee, " Fast not so often, lest thou
injure thine health," believe them not,
THIRD WEEK OF NOVEMBER.
303
neither listen to them. They are but
the tools of the great enemy to suggest
such a thing unto thee. Remember
how it is written that when the three
children, and Daniel, and the other
lads, were led captives by Nebuchad
nezzar King of Babylon, and it was
commanded them to eat of his Royal
table, and to drink of his wine, Daniel
and those three children would not
defile themselves with the King s table,
but said unto the eunuch into whose
keeping they had been given, " Give
us of the fruits of the earth, and we
will eat." And the eunuch answered
them, " I fear my lord the King, who
hath appointed your meat and your
drink, lest perchance your faces should
appear unto the King worse -liking
than the other children, who are fed
from his Royal table, and he should
punish me."
Fourth Respo7isory.
I have set watchmen, &c., (p. 287.)
Fifth Lesson.
HP HEN they said unto him : " Prove
thy servants ten days, and give
us herbs." And he gave them pulse
to eat and water to drink ; and, when
he brought them in before the King,
their countenances appeared fairer
than all the children which did eat the
portion of the King s meat. Seest
thou what fasting doth? It healeth
diseases, it drieth up the humours of
the body, it scareth away devils, it
purgeth forth unclean thoughts, it
maketh the intellect clearer, it
purifieth the heart, it sanctifieth the
body, and in the end it leadeth
a man unto the throne of God.
Think not that this is rash talking.
Thou hast the testimony of this in
the Gospels under the sanction of the
Saviour Himself. His disciples asked
Him why they could not cast out
an evil spirit, "and He said unto
them : This kind can come forth by
nothing but by prayer and fasting."
(Mark ix. 28.)
Fifth Responsory.
Hedge us about, &c., (p. 287.)
Sixth Lesson.
T F any man therefore be troubled
with an unclean spirit, if he
bethink him of this, and have re
course to this remedy, namely, fast
ing, the evil spirit will be forthwith
compelled to leave him from dread
of the power of fasting. Devils take
great delight in fulness, and drunken
ness, and bodily comfort. There is
great power in fasting, and great and
glorious things are wrought thereby.
How cometh it that men work such
wonders, and that signs are done by
them, and that God through them
giveth health to the sick, unless it
be from their ghostly exercises, and
the meekness of their souls, and their
godly conversation ? To fast is to
banquet with Angels, and he that
fasteth is to be reckoned, so far,
among the Angelic host.
Sixth Responsory.
We looked for peace, &c., (p. 288.)
THIRD NOCTURN.
Seventh Responsory.
Blessed is the people, &c., (p. 288.)
Eighth Responsory.
One Seraph cried, &c., (p. 216.)
304
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
Second Day,
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book of
the Prophet Daniel (ii. si.) 1
"THOU, O King, sawest, and, be
hold, a great image. This great
image, whose height was exalted,
stood before thee ; and the form
thereof was terrible. This image s
head was of fine gold, his breast
and his arms of silver, and his
belly and his thighs of brass ; and
his legs of iron, and his feet part
of iron and part of clay. Thou
sawest till that a stone was cut out
of a mountain without hands, which
smote the image upon his feet, that
were of iron and clay, and brake
them to pieces. Then was the iron,
the clay, the brass, the silver, and
the gold broken to pieces together,
and became like the chaff of a sum
mer threshing-floor, which the wind
hath carried away, and no place hath
been found for them. And the stone
that smote the image became a great
mountain, and filled the whole earth.
First Responsory.
He hath redeemed, &c., (p. 288.)
Second Lesson.
" PHIS is the dream ; and we will
tell the interpretation thereof
before thee, O King. Thou art a
King of kings, and the God of
heaven hath given thee a kingdom,
power, and strength, and glory, and,
wheresoever the children of men dwell,
the beasts of the field, and the fowls
of the heaven, hath He given into
thine hand, and hath made thee
ruler over them all. Thou therefore
art this head of gold. And after
thee shall arise another kingdom in
ferior to thee, of silver ; and another
third kingdom, of brass ; which shall
bear rule over all the earth. And
the fourth kingdom shall be strong
as iron. Even as iron breaketh in
pieces and subdueth all things, so
shall it break in pieces and bruise all
things.
Second Responsory.
I am straitened, &c., (p. 289.)
Third Lesson.
HE RE AS thou sawest the feet
and toes part of potter s clay
and part of iron, the kingdom
shall be divided, but there shall be
in it of the strength of the iron,
forasmuch as thou sawest the iron
mixed with miry clay. And as the
toes of the feet were part of iron
and part of clay, so the kingdom
shall be partly strong and partly
broken. And whereas thou sawest
iron mixed with miry clay, they shall
mingle themselves with the seed of
men, but they shall not cleave one
to another, even as iron is not
mixed with clay. And in the days
of these kingdoms shall the God of
heaven set up a kingdom, which
shall never be destroyed, and the
kingdom thereof shall not be left
to other people but it shall break
in pieces and consume all these king
doms, and it shall stand for ever.
Third Responsory.
The Lord hath sent, &c., (/. 289.)
1 These Lessons contain Daniel s interpretation of a dream of King Nebuchadnezzar. Dr
Pusey understands the four kingdoms to be the Assyrian, Persian, Grecian, and Roman
Empires, and the final and enduring one, the Kingdom of Christ. (Lectures on Daniel the
Prophet, ii.)
THIRD WEEK OF NOVEMBER.
305
Third Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book of
the Prophet Daniel (iii. 14.)
1 AND Nebuchadnezzar spake, and
^^ said unto them : Is it true, O
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego ?
Do not ye serve my gods, nor worship
the golden image which I have set
up ? Now, therefore, if ye be ready,
at what time ye hear the sound of the
cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery,
bag-pipes, and all kinds of music, fall
down and worship the image which
I have made. But if ye worship not,
ye shall be cast the same hour into
a burning fiery furnace and who is
that god that shall deliver you out
of my hand ?
First Responsory.
Before the face of Thine anger, c.,
(p. 289.)
Second Lesson.
CHADRACH, Meshach, and Abed-
*^ nego answered and said to King
Nebuchadnezzar : We are not careful
to answer thee in this matter. For,
behold, our God, Whom we serve, is
able to deliver us from the burning
fiery furnace, and to free us out of
thy hand, O King ! But if not, be
it known unto thee, O King, that we
will not serve thy gods, nor worship
the golden image which thou hast
set up. Then was Nebuchadnezzar
full of fury, and the form of his
visage was changed against Shadrach,
Meshach, and Abed-nego. And he
commanded that they should heat the
furnace seven times more than it was
wont to be heated.
Second Responsory.
Fence Thou this city, &c., (p. 290.)
Third Lesson. (21.)
HP HEN these men were bound, in
their breeches, their hats and
their shoes, 2 and their other garments,
and were cast into the midst of the
burning fiery furnace ; for the King s
commandment was urgent, and the
furnace exceeding hot. And the flame
of the fire slew those men that cast in
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego.
But these three men, (that is to say,
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego,)
fell down, bound, into the midst of
the burning fiery furnace and they
walked in the midst of the fire, prais
ing God and blessing the Lord.
Third Responsory.
O Lord God ! have mercy, &c., (p.
290.)
Fourth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book of
the Prophet Daniel (iv. 19.)
T)ELTESHAZZAR 3 answered, and
said : My lord, the dream be to
them that hate thee, and the interpre
tation thereof to thine enemies. The
tree that thou sawest, which grew and
was strong, whose height reached unto
1 This was on the occasion of the dedication of a golden statue, sixty cubits high and six
cubits broad, which Nebuchadnezzar had set up in the plain of Dura.
2 Rather, according to Gesenius, "their trousers, their tunics, and their cloaks."
3 I.e., Daniel, called by his heathen name, called in to interpret another dream of Nebu
chadnezzar.
306
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
the heaven, and the sight thereof to
all the earth, whose branches were
very fair, and the fruit thereof much,
and in it was meat for all, under
which the beasts of the field dwelt,
and upon whose branches the fowls
of the heaven had their habitat on,
it is thou, O King, that art grown
and become strong, for thy great
ness is grown, and reacheth unto
heaven, and thy dominion unto the
end of the earth.
First Responsory.
I will show thee, &c., (p. 290.)
Second Lesson.
AND whereas the King saw a
^^ Watcher and an holy one coming
down from heaven, and saying : Hew
the tree down and destroy it, yet
leave the stump of the roots thereof
in the earth, even with a band of
iron and brass in the tender grass
of the field, and let it be wet with
the dew of heaven, and let his por
tion be with the beasts of the field,
till seven times pass over him ; this
is the interpretation, O King, and this
is the decree of the Most High, which
is come upon my lord the King ;
That they shall drive thee from men,
and thy dwelling shall be with the
beasts of the field, and thou shalt
eat grass as an ox, and thou shalt
be wet with the dew of heaven.
Second Responsory.
I am straitened, &c., (p. 289.)
Third Lesson.
AND seven times shall pass over
7* 1 thee, till thou know that the
Most High ruleth in the kingdom
of men, and giveth it to whomsoever
He will. And whereas He com
manded to leave the stump of his
roots, (that is, of the tree s) thy
kingdom shall be sure unto thee,
after that thou shalt have known
that the heavens do rule. Where
fore, O King, let my counsel be
acceptable unto thee, and redeem
thy sins by alms-giving, and thine
iniquities by showing mercy to the
poor haply, He may not remem
ber any more thy trangressions.
All this came upon King Nebu
chadnezzar. 1
Third Responsory.
The Lord hath sent, &c., (p. 289.)
Fifth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book
of the Prophet Daniel (v. i.)
"DELSHAZZAR 2 the King made a
great feast to a thousand of
his lords, and they drank every one
of them according to his age. And
when he began to be full, he com
manded to bring the golden and
silver vessels, which his father Ne
buchadnezzar had taken out of the
temple which was in Jerusalem, that
the King, and his princes, and his
wives, and his concubines, might
drink therein. Then were brought
the golden and silver vessels that
were taken out of the temple which
was at Jerusalem ; and the King, and
his princes, and his wives, and his
concubines, drank in them. They
drank wine, and praised their gods
1 I.e., he was afflicted for a time with insanity.
2 The last of the Chaldean Kings, believed to have been a grandson of Nebuchadnezzar.
THIRD WEEK OF NOVEMBER.
307
of gold and of silver, of brass, of iron,
of wood, and of stone. In the same
hour came forth fingers, as of a man s
hand, and wrote over against the
candlestick upon the plaster of the
wall of the King s palace ; and the
King saw the part of the hand that
wrote. Then the King s counte
nance was changed, and his thoughts
troubled him.
First Responsory.
I saw the Lord, c., (p. 286.)
Second Lesson. (13.)
*T^HEN was Daniel brought in before
the King. And the King spake,
and said unto Daniel : Art thou that
Daniel, which art of the children of
the captivity of Judah, whom the King
my father brought out of Jewry ? I
have heard of thee, that the spirit
of the gods is in thee, and that
knowledge, and understanding, and
wisdom are found excellently in thee.
And now the wise men, the magi
cians, have been brought in before
me, that they should read this writ
ing, and make known unto me the
interpretation thereof; but they could
not show the interpretation of the
thing. And I have heard of thee,
that thou canst make interpretations,
and dissolve doubts. Now, if thou
canst read the writing, and make
known to me the interpretation
thereof, thou shalt be clothed with
scarlet, and have a chain of gold
about thy neck, and be the third
ruler in my kingdom. Then Daniel
answered, and said before the King :
Let thy gifts be to thyself, and give
thy rewards to another ! Yet I will
read the writing unto thee, O King,
and make known to thee the inter
pretation thereof.
Second Responsory.
Look down, O Lord, &c, (p. 286.)
Third Lesson. (25.)
AND this is the writing that
-^ was written : M NE T KEL
PHARSIN. And this is the inter
pretation of the thing. "M NE"
God hath "numbered" thy kingdom ;
and finished it. "T KEL" thou
art " weighed " in the balances ; and
found wanting. "PHARSIN" thy
kingdom is " divided " ; and given
to the Medes and Persians. 1 Then
commanded the King, and they
clothed Daniel with scarlet, and put
a chain of gold about his neck, and
made a proclamation concerning him,
that he should be the third ruler in
the kingdom.
In that night was Belshazzar, the
King of the Chaldeans, slain. And
Darius the Median took the kingdom,
being about threescore-and-two years
old.
Third Responsory.
Consider, O Lord, &c., (p. 286.)
Sixth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book
of the Prophet Daniel (vi. n.)
A1THEN, then, these men made
careful search, they found
Daniel praying and making suppli
cation before his God. Then they
came near, and spake unto the King
concerning his decree : O King, hast
thou not signed a decree that every
man that shall ask a petition of any god
or man within thirty days, (save of
Probably a further play upon " Paras" a " Persian."
308
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
thee, O King,) shall be cast into
the den of lions ? The King an
swered them, and said : The thing
is true, according to the law of the
Medes and Persians, which altereth
not. Then answered they, and said
before the King : That Daniel, which
is of the children of the captivity of
Judah, regardeth not thy law, nor
the decree that thou hast signed, but
maketh his petition three times a
day. Then the King, when he heard
these words, was sore displeased with
himself, and set his heart on Daniel,
to deliver him, and he laboured till
the going-down of the sun to deliver
him. But when these men under
stood [how it was with] the King,
they said unto him : Know, O King,
that the law of the Medes and Per
sians is, that no decree which the
King established! may be changed.
First Responsory.
I have set watchmen, c., (p. 287.)
Second Lesson.
T V HEN the King commanded, and
they brought Daniel, and cast
him into the den of lions. And the
King said unto Daniel : Thy God, whom
thou servest continually, He will de
liver thee. And a stone was brought
and laid upon the mouth of the den ;
and the King sealed it with his own
signet, and with the signet of his
lords, lest anything should be done
against Daniel. Then the King went
to his palace, and passed the night
fasting ; meats were not brought be
fore him, and sleep went from him.
And the King rose very early in the
morning, and went in haste unto the
den of lions. And when he came
to the den, he cried with a lament
able voice unto Daniel, and said to
him : O Daniel, servant of the living
God, hath thy God, Whom thou
servest continually, been able to de
liver thee from the lions ?
Second Responsory.
Hedge us about, &c., (p. 287.)
Third Lesson.
A ND Daniel answered the King,
and said : O King, live for
ever ! my God hath sent His Angel,
and hath shut the lions mouths, that
they have not hurt me, forasmuch
as before Him innocency was found
in me ; and also before thee, O King,
have I done no hurt. Then was the
King exceeding glad for him, and
commanded that they should take
Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel
was taken up out of the den, and no
manner of hurt was found upon him,
because he believed in his God.
And the King commanded, and they
brought those men which had accused
Daniel, and they were cast into the
den of lions, they, their children, and
their wives, and the lions had the
mastery of them, and brake all their
bones in pieces, or ever they came
at the bottom of the den.
Third Responsory.
We looked for peace, c., (p. 288.)
The Sabbath.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book of
the Prophet Daniel (ix. i.)
T N the first year of Darius, the son
of Ahasuerus, of the seed of the
Medes, who was king over the realm
THIRD WEEK OF NOVEMBER.
309
of the Chaldeans, in the first year of
his reign, I, Daniel, understood by
books 1 the number of the years,
whereof the word of the LORD came
to Jeremiah the Prophet, that He would
accomplish seventy years in the deso
lations of Jerusalem. And I set my
face unto the Lord God, to seek by
prayer and supplications, with fasting,
and sackcloth, and ashes. And I
prayed unto the LORD my God, and
made my confession, and said : O
Lord, the Great and Dreadful God,
keeping the covenant and mercy to
them that love Thee, and to them that
keep Thy commandments : we have
sinned, we have committed iniquity,
we have done wickedly, and have
rebelled, and have departed from Thy
precepts and from Thy judgments.
First Responsory.
Blessed is the people, &c., (p. 288.)
Second Lesson. (21.)
V\fHILES I was speaking in prayer,
behold, the man Gabriel, whom
I had seen in the vision at the begin
ning, being caused to fly swiftly,
touched me about the time of the
evening oblation. And he informed
me, and talked with me, and said : O
Daniel, I am now come forth to give
thee skill and understanding. At the
beginning of thy supplications the
commandment came forth ; and I am
come to show thee, for thou art
greatly beloved ; therefore understand
the matter, and consider the vision.
Seventy weeks are determined upon
thy people, and upon thine holy city,
to finish the transgression, and to
make an end of sins, and to make
reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring
in everlasting righteousness, and to
seal up the vision and prophecy, and
to anoint the Most Holy.
Second Responsory.
I am straitened, &c., (p. 289.)
Third Lesson.
I/" NOW therefore, and understand,
*^ that, from the going forth of the
commandment to build up again Jeru
salem, unto the Prince, the Anointed,
shall be seven weeks, and three-score-
and-two weeks. The street shall be
built again, and the walls, even in
troublous times. And after three-
score-and-two weeks shall Christ be
cut off and they shall not be His
own people that shall deny Him. 2
And a people, with a Prince that shall
come, shall destroy the city and the
sanctuary ; and the end thereof shall be
desolation, and after the end of the
war desolation is appointed. But he
shall confirm the covenant with many
for one week ; and in the midst of the
week the sacrifice and the oblation
shall cease ; and in the temple shall
be the abomination of desolation ; and
even until the consummation and the
end shall endure the desolation. 3
Third Responsory.
The Lord hath sent, &c., (p. 289.)
1 The scriptures seem to be meant, and Dr Pusey so translates. The places quoted are
Jer. xxv. n, 12, xxix. 10-12.
2 I.e., by denying Him they shall alienate themselves from Him.
3 Dr Pusey s explanation of the numbers is as follows, the weeks being, of course, year-
weeks, consisting of seven years each. First, from the commission to Ezra in the seventh
year of Artaxerxes Longimanus, B.C. 457, to the completion of the work of restoration by
Nehemiah at his second visit to Jerusalem, 7 weeks = 49 years ; second, thence to the Baptism
of our Lord, "when the descent of the Holy Ghost upon Him manifested Him to be the
Anointed with the Holy Ghost, the Christ," A.D. 27, (since the Nativity was four years earlier
VOL. IV. L
3 io
THE .PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
JFourtfj j^untiag of
The Fourth Lord s Day of November.
Antiphon at the Song of the Blessed
Virgin on the preceding Saturday. O
Lord, the King of kings, That contain-
est the circuit of the heavens and be-
holdest the depths, That weighest the
mountains, and holdest the earth in
Thine hand, * hear us, O Lord, when
we cry unto Thee.
Prayer of the ensuing Sunday.
MATTINS.
FIRST NOCTURN.
First Lesson.
Here beginneth the Book of the Pro
phet Hosea 1 (i. i.)
HTHE word of the LORD that came
unto Hosea, the son of Beeri, in
the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and
Hezekiah, Kings of Judah, and in the
days of Jeroboam, the son of Joash,
King of Israel. 2 The beginning of
the word of the LORD by Hosea.
And the LORD said to Hosea : Go,
take unto thee a wife of whoredom,
and get thee children of whoredom ;
for the land hath committed great
whoredom, departing from the LORD.
So he went, and took Gomer, the
daughter of Diblaim, which conceived,
and bare him a son.
First Responsory.
I saw the Lord, &c., (p. 286.)
Second Lesson.
AND the LORD said unto him : Call
"^^ his name Jezreel, for yet a little
while, and I will avenge the blood of
Jezreel upon the house of Jehu, 3 and
will cause to cease the kingdom of the
house of Israel. And it shall come to
pass at that day, that I will break the
bow of Israel in the valley of Jezreel.
And she conceived again, and bare a
daughter : And He said unto him :
Call her name No-mercy, for I will no
more have mercy upon the house of
Israel, but I will utterly forget them.
But I will have mercy upon the house
of Judah, and will save them by the
LORD their God ; and will not save
them by bow, nor by sword, nor by
battle, nor by horses, nor by horsemen.
Second Responsory.
Look down, O Lord, &c., (p. 286.)
Third Lesson.
A ND she weaned No-mercy. Again,
she conceived and bare a son.
And He said : Call his name Not-My-
people, for ye are not My people, and
I will not be your [God.] And the
number of the children of Israel shall
be as the sand of the sea, which cannot
be measured nor numbered. And it
shall come to pass that in the place
where it shall be said unto them, Ye
are not My people, there it shall be
said unto them, Ye are the sons of the
living God. Then shall the children
than our era,) 62 weeks = 434 years ; third, the one week of seven years wherein, by His
ministry, He "confirmed the covenant with many," but in the midst of which, (i.e., after three
years,) He was "cut off out of the land of the living," and, by His all-sufficing Oblation of
Himself, superseded for ever the legal sacrifices. During the rest of the week He continued to
confirm the covenant by Himself or His Apostles, before the preaching to the Samaritans
showed that the special privileges of the Jews were at an end. (IVth Lecture on Daniel.)
1 Latin, "Osee," following the LXX. in the imperfect transliteration, of which alone the
Greek alphabet is capable. The name signifies "Salvation," and is from the same root as
is found in " JESUS."
2 He prophesied therefore for some sixty years, and was contemporary with Isaiah.
3 Abp. Kenrick says "The blood of King Joramj who was slain by Jehu in the valley
of Jezreel."
FOURTH WEEK OF NOVEMBER.
of Judah and the children of Israel be
gathered together, and appoint them
selves one head, and they shall come
up out of the land : for great shall be
the day of Jezreel.
Third Responsory.
Consider, O Lord, &c., (/. 286.)
SECOND NOCTURN.
Fourth Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book
" Upon the City of God," written by
St Austin, Bishop [of Hippo.] (Bk.
xviii. ch. 28.)
AS to the Prophet Hosea, the
deeper his meaning, the harder
to pierce. But somewhat may be
gotten out of him, and, as I promised,
I will give it here. He saith : "And
it shall come to pass that, in the place
where it shall be said unto them, Ye
are not My people, there it shall be
said unto them : Ye are the sons of
the living God." This was understood
even by the Apostles as a Prophetic
witness to the call of the Gentiles, who
erst had not been God s people. (Rom.
ix. 24-26.)
Fourth Responsory.
I have set watchmen, c., (p. 287.)
Fifth Lesson.
A ND since the converted Gentiles
are the spiritual children of
Abraham, and are therefore rightly
called Israelites, therefore he goeth on,
and saith: "Then shall the children
of Judah and the children of Israel
be gathered together, and appoint
themselves one head, and they shall
come up out of the land." If we went
on expounding this, we should water
down the flavour of the prophetic
draught. Let there be remembered,
however, that Corner Stone, and let
there be acknowledged those twain
walls, [which It bindeth in one,] the
Jews and the Gentiles, one called the
children of Judah and the other the
children of Israel, bound together
under One Head, and coming up out
of the land.
Fifth Responsory.
Hedge us about, &c., (p. 287.)
Sixth Lesson.
CONCERNING them that are now
Israelites according to the flesh,
that will not now believe in Christ, but
shall believe hereafter, (that is, their
children shall believe, for these shall
die, and go to their own place,) this
same Prophet giveth witness, where
he saith : " The children of Israel
shall abide many days without a King,
and without a Prince, and without a
sacrifice, and without an Altar, and
without a Priest, and without oracles."
(iii. 4.) To whom is it not manifest
that such is the state of the Jews now ?
Sixth Responsory.
We looked for peace, &c., (p. 288.)
THIRD NOCTURN.
Seventh Responsory.
Blessed is the people, &c., (p. 288.)
Eighth Responsory.
One Seraph cried, &c., (p. 216.)
312
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
Second Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book of
the Prophet Hosea (iv. i.)
T_T EAR the word of the LORD, ye
children of Israel ; for the
LORD hath a controversy with the
inhabitants of the land, because there
is no truth, nor mercy, nor know
ledge of God in the land. By curs
ing, and lying, and man-killing, and
stealing, and committing adultery,
they break out, and blood toucheth
blood. 1 Therefore shall the land
mourn, and every one that dwelleth
therein shall languish, with the beasts
of the field, and with the fowls of
heaven, yea, the fishes of the sea
also shall be taken away.
First Responsory.
He hath redeemed, &c., (p. 288.)
Second Lesson.
"WET let no man judge nor reprove
another, for thy people are as
they that strive with the Priest. There
fore shalt thou fall this day, and the
Prophet shall fall with thee ; in the
night have I silenced thy mother. 2
My people are speechless for lack of
knowledge. Because thou hast re
jected knowledge, I will also reject
thee, that thou shalt be no Priest to
Me ; seeing thou hast forgotten the
Law of thy God, I also will forget
thy children.
Second Responsory.
I am straitened, &c., (p. 289.)
Third Lesson.
A S tne y were increased, so they
** sinned against Me ; therefore
have I changed their glory into shame.
They eat up the sin of My people,
and they set their heart upon their
iniquity. And there shall be, like
people, like Priest ; and I will punish
them for their ways, and reward them
for their doings. And they shall eat,
and not have enough ; they shall
commit whoredom, and shall not in
crease ; because they have left off to
take heed to the LORD.
Third Responsory,
The Lord hath sent, &c., (p. 289.)
Third Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
Here beginneth the Book of the Pro
phet Joel (i. i.)
"THE word of the LORD that came
to Joel, the son of Pethuel. 3
Hear this, ye old men, and give ear,
all ye inhabitants of the land ! Hath
this been in your days, or even in the
days of your fathers ? Tell ye your
children of it, and let your children
tell their children, and their children
another generation. That which the
palmer-worm hath left, hath the locust
eaten ; and that which the locust hath
left, hath the canker-worm eaten ; and
1 Incest, or the frequency of murder. - I.e., the nation, or mother-country.
3 Abp. Kenrick says that "the author of this book is not known to us otherwise than by his
name being prefixed to his prophecy, together with the name of his father. He is thought to
have been a contemporary of Amos, and to have prophesied in Judea."
FOURTH WEEK OF NOVEMBER.
313
that which the canker-worm hath left,
hath the caterpillar eaten. 1
First Responsory.
Before the face, &c., (p. 289.)
Second Lesson.
A WAKE, ye drunkards, and weep,
"^^ and howl, all ye drinkers of new
wine [in his sweetness,] for it is cut
off from your mouth. For a nation 2
is come up upon My land, strong and
without number, whose teeth are the
teeth of a lion, and the cheek-teeth
as of a young lion. He hath laid
My vine waste, and barked My fig-
tree he hath made it clean bare, and
cast it away ; the branches thereof are
made white.
Second Responsory.
Fence Thou this city, &c., (p. 290.)
Third Lesson.
T AMENT like a virgin girded with
"^ sack-cloth for the husband of
her youth. The meat-offering and the
drink-offering is cut off from the house
of the LORD ; 3 the Priests, the LORD S
ministers, mourn. The field is wasted,
the land mourneth, for the corn is
wasted, the new wine is dried up,
the oil languisheth. The husbandmen
are confounded, the vine-dressers howl,
for the wheat and for the barley, be
cause the harvest of the field is
perished.
Third Responsory.
O Lord God ! have mercy, &c.,
(p. 290.)
Fourth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Book of
the Prophet Joel (iii. i.)
T N those days and in that time, when
I shall have brought again the
captivity of Judah and Jerusalem, I
will also gather all nations, and will
bring them down into the valley of
Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them
there, for My people and for Mine
heritage Israel, whom they have
scattered among the nations, and
parted My land. And they have cast
lots for My people, and they have
given a boy for a harlot, and sold a
girl for wine, that they might drink.
First Responsory.
I will show thee, &c., (p. 290.)
Second Lesson.
"WEA, and what have ye to do with
Me, O Tyre and Sidon, and all
the coasts of Palestine ? Will ye
render Me vengeance ? And if ye
recompense Me, swiftly and speedily
will I return your recompense upon
your own head. Because ye have
taken My silver and My gold, and
have carried into your temples My
goodly and My pleasant things. The
children also of Judah and the children
of Jerusalem have ye sold unto the
children of the Grecians, that ye might
remove them far from their border.
Behold I will raise them out of the
1 Abp. Kenrick says "it is impossible to determine the force of each of the terms" descrip
tive of insects. " Some take them to mark the locust in its various stages of formation."
2 I.e., the swarm of locusts.
3 I.e. , the offerings of flour and wine, the harvest and vintage not availing to furnish them.
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
place whither ye have sold them, and
will return your recompense upon your
own head.
Second Responsory.
I am straitened, c., (p. 289.)
Third Lesson.
A ND I will sell your sons and your
fir daughters into the hand of the
children of Judah, and they shall sell
them to the Sabasans, to a people far
off; for the LORD hath spoken it.
Proclaim ye this among the Gentiles,
prepare a war, wake up the mighty
men ; let all the men of war draw
near, let them come up. Beat your
plough-shares into swords, and your
pruning-hooks into spears. Let the
weak say : I am strong. Assemble
yourselves, and come, all ye heathen
round about, and gather yourselves
together : there shall the LORD cause
thy mighty ones to come down. Let
the nations be wakened, and come up
to the valley of Jehoshaphat, for there
will I sit to judge all the nations round
about.
Third Responsory.
The Lord hath sent, c., (p. 289.)
Fifth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
Here beginneth the Book of the Pro
phet Amos (i. i.)
n^HE words of Amos, who was
among the herdmen of Tekoah,
which he saw concerning Israel, in
the days of Uzziah, King of Judah,
and in the days of Jeroboam, son of
Joash, King of Israel, two years before
the earthquake. And he said : The
LORD will roar from Zion, and utter
His voice from Jerusalem : and the
habitations of the shepherds shall
mourn, and the top of Carmel shall
wither.
First Responsory.
I saw the Lord, &c., (p. 286.)
Second Lesson.
HTHUS saith the LORD: For three
transgressions of Damascus, and
for four, I will not turn away the
punishment thereof,, because they have
threshed Gilead with threshing-instru
ments of iron. But I will send a fire
into the house of Hazael, which shall
devour the palaces of Ben-Hadad. I
will break also the bar of Damascus,
and cut off the inhabitant from the
plain "of the idol," and him that
holdeth the sceptre from the house of
"Pleasure," 1 and the people of Syria
shall go into captivity unto Cyrene,
saith the LORD.
Second Responsory.
Look down, O Lord, &c., (p. 286.)
Third Lesson.
saith the LORD: For three
transgressions of Gaza, and for
four, I will not turn away the punish
ment thereof, because they carried
away captive the whole captivity, to
deliver them up to Edom. But I will
send a fire on the wall of Gaza, which
shall devour the palaces thereof. And
1 According to Gesenius, the two places above named are respectively "some valley near the
city of Damascus " and "a Royal city of Syria on Mount Lebanon, called by the Greeks Para-
deisos. " According to Abp. Kenrick, the valley between Libanus and Anti-Libanus, and a
region of Libanus descending towards the valleys of Ccelesyria.
FOURTH WEEK OF NOVEMBER.
315
I will cut off the inhabitant from
Ashdod, and him that holdeth the
sceptre from Ashcalon. And I will
turn Mine hand against Ekron, and
the remnant of the Philistines shall
perish, saith the Lord GOD. 1
Third Responsory.
Consider, O Lord, &c., (/. 286.)
Sixth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
Here beginneth the Book of the Pro
phet Obadiah (i. I.)
^HE vision of Obadiah. 2 Thus
saith the Lord GOD 1 concerning
Edom : We have heard a rumour from
the LORD, and an ambassador hath
He sent among the heathen : Arise
ye, and let us rise up against him in
battle. Behold, I have made thee
small among the nations ; thou art
greatly despised. The pride of thine
heart hath deceived thee, thou that
dwellest in the clefts of the rock,
whose habitation is high, that sayest
in thine heart, Who shall bring me
down to the ground ? Though thou
exalt thyself as the eagle, and though
thou set thy nest among the stars,
thence will I bring thee down, saith
the LORD.
Second Lesson.
T F thieves came to thee, if robbers
by night, how wouldst thou have
held thy peace ? Would they not
have stolen till they had enough ? If
the grape -gatherers came to thee,
would they not have left thee at the
least a cluster ? How are the things
of Esau searched out, how are his
hidden things sought up ? All the
men of thy confederacy have brought
thee even to the border, and then
have deceived thee ; the men that
were at peace with thee have prevailed
against thee ; they that eat thy bread
have laid a snare under thee. There
is none understanding in him.
Second Responsory.
Hedge us about, &c., (p. 287.)
Third Lesson.
CHALL I not in that day, saith the
^ LORD, even destroy the wise men
out of Edom, and understanding out
of the mount of Esau ? And thy
mighty men from the South shall be
dismayed, to the end that every one of
the mount of Esau may be cut off.
For the slaughter, and for thine
iniquity against thy brother Jacob,
shame shall cover thee, and thou shalt
be cut off for ever. In the day that
thou stoodest on the other side against
him, when the strangers carried away
his forces, and foreigners entered into
his gates, and cast lots upon Jerusalem,
even thou wast as one of them.
First Responsory.
I have set watchmen, c., (p. 287.)
Third Responsory.
We looked for peace, &c., (p. 288.)
1 The Name.
2 Latin, Abdias. "St Jerome," says Abp. Kenrick, "on the authority of the Hebrews,
identifies the Prophet Abdiah with the Governor of the house of Achab, King of Israel, (3
Kings xviii. 3,) but he does not appear to have placed entire confidence in their judgment,
which is generally disregarded at the present day. Nothing is known regarding Abdiah,
unless what is gathered from his prophecy, which seems to have been made after the taking
of Jerusalem, by the Babylonians."
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
The Sabbath.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
Here beginneth the Book of the Pro
phet Jonah (i. i.)
TVT OW, the word of the LORD came
unto Jonah, 1 the son of Amittai,
saying : Arise, and go to Nineveh,
that great city, and cry against it, for
their wickedness is come up before
Me. But Jonah rose up, to flee unto
Tarshish from the presence of the
LORD ; and went down to Joppa ; and
he found a ship going to Tarshish.
So he paid the fare thereof, and went
down into it, to go with them unto
Tarshish from the presence of the
LORD. But the LORD sent out a
great wind into the sea, and there was
a mighty tempest in the sea, so that
the ship was like to be broken.
First Responsory.
Blessed is the people, c., (p. 288.)
Second Lesson.
"THEN the mariners were afraid,
and cried every man unto his
god, and cast forth the wares that
were in the ship into the sea, to
lighten it of them. But Jonah was
gone down into the lower part of the
ship, and he lay fast asleep. So the
ship-master came to him, and said
unto him : Why sleepest thou thus
heavily ? Arise, call upon thy God,
if so be that God will think upon us,
that we perish not. And they said
every one to his fellow : Come, and
let us cast lots, that we may know for
whose cause this evil is upon us. So
they cast lots ; and the lot fell upon
Jonah.
Second Responsory.
I am straitened, &c., (p. 289.)
Third Lesson.
HP HEN said they unto him: Tell
us, we pray thee, for whose
cause this evil is upon us ? What is
thine occupation ? What is thy
country ? And whither goest thou ?
Or of what people art thou ? And he
said unto them : I am an Hebrew; and
I fear the LORD, the God of heaven,
which hath made the sea and the dry
land. Then were the men exceedingly
afraid, and said unto him : Why hast
thou done this? (For the men knew
that he fled from the presence of the
LORD, because he had told them.)
Then said they unto him : What shall
we do unto thee, that the sea may be
calm unto us ? For the sea wrought
and was tempestuous. And he said
unto them : Take me up, and cast me
forth into the sea, so shall the sea be
calm unto you, for I know that for my
sake this great tempest is upon you.
Third Responsory.
The Lord hath sent, &c., (p. 289.)
JHfrtj Suntiag of November.
The Fifth Lord^s Day of November.
Aniiphon at the Song of the Blessed
Virgin on the preceding Saturday even
ing. I have set watchmen upon thy
walls, O Jerusalem, * which shall
1 This Prophet, whose history, not included in the Breviary, is too well known to need
relating, flourished in the days of Jeroboam II., King of Israel. (3 Kings xiv. 25.)
FIFTH WEEK OF NOVEMBER.
317
never hold their peace day nor night,
praising the Name of the Lord.
Prayer of the ensiling Sunday.
MATTINS.
FIRST NOCTURN.
First Lesson.
Here beginneth the Book of the
Prophet Micah (i. i.)
T HE word of the LORD that came
to Micah the Morasthite, in
the days of Jotham, Ahaz, and Heze-
kiah, Kings of Judah, which he saw
concerning Samaria and Jerusalem.
Hear, all ye people ! Let the earth
hearken, and all that therein is !
And let the Lord GOD J be witness
against you the LORD, from His
holy Temple. For, behold, the LORD
cometh forth out of His place, and
will come down, and tread upon the
high places of the earth.
First Responsory.
I saw the Lord, &c., (p. 286.)
Second Lesson.
AND the mountains shall be molten
^^ under Him, and the valleys shall
be cleft, as wax before the fire, and
as the waters that are poured down
a steep place. For the transgression
of Jacob is all this, and for the sins
of the house of Israel. What is the
transgression of Jacob ? Is it not
Samaria ? And what are the high
places of Judah ? Are they not
Jerusalem ? Therefore I will make
Samaria as an heap of stones in the
field, when as a vineyard is planted ;
and I will pour down the stones
thereof into the valley, and I will
discover the foundations thereof.
The Name.
VOL. IV.
Second Responsory.
Look down, O Lord, &c., (p. 286.)
Third Lesson.
AND all the graven images thereof
^^ shall be beaten to pieces, and
all the hires thereof shall be burnt
with fire, and all the idols thereof
will I lay desolate ; for she gathered
it of the hire of an harlot, and they
shall return to the hire of an harlot.
Therefore I will wail and howl ; I
will go stripped and naked ; I will
make a wailing like the jackals, 2
and mourning as [the chickens of]
the ostrich ; for her wound is incur
able, for it is come unto Judah, it
is come unto the gate of my people,
even to Jerusalem.
Third Responsory.
Consider, O Lord, &c., (/. 286.)
SECOND NOCTURN.
Fottrth Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Sermon
of St Basil the Great, [Archbishop
of Caesarea-in-Pontus,] upon the
Thirty-third Psalm.
VfyTHENEVER the desire to sin
cometh over thee, I would
that thou couldest think of the awful
and overwhelming judgment-seat of
Christ. There the Judge shall sit
upon a throne high and lifted up.
Every creature shall stand before
Him, quaking" because of the glory
of His presence. There are we
to be led up, one by one, to give
account for those things which we
have done in life. Presently there
will be found, by the sides of those
who have in life wrought much evil,
2 Dracones. Heb. Tanim.
L 2
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
dreadful and hideous angels with
faces of fire, and burning breath, ap
pointed thereto, and showing their
evil will, in appearance like the
night, in their despair and hatred of
mankind.
FonrtJi Responsory.
I have set watchmen, &c., (p. 287.)
Fifth Lesson.
n^HINK again of the bottomless
pit, the impenetrable darkness,
the lightless fire, burning, but not
glowing ; the poisonous mass of
worms, preying upon the flesh, ever
feeding, and never filled, causing by
their gnawing unbearable agony ;
lastly, the greatest punishment of
all, shame and confusion for ever.
Have a dread of these things, and
let that dread correct thee, and be
as a curb to thy mind to hold it in
from the hankering after sin.
Fifth Responsory.
Hedge us about, &c., (p. 287.)
Sixth Lesson.
"THIS fear of the Lord the Prophet
hath promised to teach. But
he hath not promised to teach it to
all, but only to such as will hear
him ; not to such as have fallen far
away, but to such as run to him,
hungry for salvation, not to such as
have no part in the promises, but
to such as by baptism are born
children of adoption, set at peace
and oneness with the Word. "Come,
ye children," saith he, that is to say,
Draw nigh unto me by good works,
all ye who by the new birth have
become the worthy children of light,
"hearken unto me," all ye who
have the ears of your heart opened,
" I will teach you the fear of the
LORD," even the fear of that Being
of Whom we have just been speaking.
Sixth Responsory.
We looked for peace, &c., (p. 288.)
THIRD NOCTURN.
Seventh Responsory.
Blessed is the people, c., (p. 288.)
Eighth Responsory.
One Seraph cried, c., (p. 216.)
Second Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
Here beginneth the Book of the
Prophet Nahum 1 (i. I.)
^THE burden of Nineveh. The
Book of the vision of Nahum
the Elkoshite. God is jealous, and
the LORD revengeth. The LORD re-
vengeth Him upon His enemies, and
is furious upon His adversaries. The
LORD is slow to anger, and great
in power, and will not at all acquit
the wicked. The LORD hath His
way in the whirlwind and in the
storm, and the clouds are the dust
of His feet. He rebuketh the sea,
and maketh it dry, and drieth up
all the rivers.
First Responsory.
He hath redeemed, &c., (p. 288.)
* " Already," says St Jerome, (quoted by Abp. Kenrick,) " the ten tribes had been led into
captivity whilst Hezekiah was King of Juda ; in whose reign the vision concerning Nineveh,
which is here recorded, was seen, for the consolation of the people in exile."
FIFTH WEEK OF NOVEMBER.
319
Second Lesson.
"DAS HAN languisheth, and Carmel,
and the flower of Lebanon.
The mountains quake at Him, and
the hills melt, and the earth trem-
bleth at His presence, yea, the world,
and all that dwell therein. Who can
stand before His indignation? and
who can abide in the fierceness of
His anger ? His fury is poured out
like fire, and the rocks are thrown
down by Him.
Second Responsory.
I am straitened, &c., (p. 289.)
Third Lesson.
H^HE LORD is good, a strong-hold
in the day of trouble, and He
knoweth them that trust in Him.
But with an over-running flood He
will make an utter end of the place
thereof, 1 and darkness shall pursue
His enemies. What do ye imagine
against the LORD ? He will make
an utter end ; affliction shall not rise
up a second time. For while they
be folden together as thorns, they
are drunken as drunkards ; they
shall be devoured as stubble fully
dry.
Third Responsory.
The Lord hath sent, c., (p. 289.)
"THE burden which Habakkuk the
Prophet did see. O LORD,
how long shall I cry, and Thou wilt
not hear ? Even cry out unto Thee,
of violence, and Thou wilt not save ?
Why dost Thou show me iniquity
and grievance, and cause me to be
hold before me spoiling and violence?
And there is strife, and perverseness
hath the better part. Therefore the
law is broken, and justice doth never
attain unto execution ; for the wicked
doth compass about the righteous,
therefore wrong judgment proceedeth.
First Responsory.
Before the face, &c., (p. 289.)
Second Lesson.
"DEHOLD ye among the heathen,
and regard, and wonder mar
vellously. For a work is worked in
your days, which no man will be
lieve when it be told him. For, lo,
I raise up the Chaldeans, that bitter
and hasty nation, which shall march
through the breadth of the land, to
possess the dwellings that are not
theirs. They are terrible and dreadful.
Their judgment and decree shall pro
ceed of themselves.
Second Responsory.
Fence Thou this city, &c., (p. 290.)
Third Lesson.
"THEIR horses are swifter than the
leopards, and are more fierce
than the evening wolves, and their
horsemen shall spread themselves.
For their horsemen shall come from
Here beginneth the Book of the afar ; they shall fly as the eagle that
Third Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
Prophet Habakkuk 2 (i. I.
hasteth to eat. They shall come all
1 I.e. , of Nineveh.
2 Abp. Kenrick says that Habakkuk "appears to have begun to prophesy in the rdgn of
Jehoiakim, King of Juda ... he continued to prophesy under Jehoiachin and Zedeldah."
3 20
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
to spoil ; their faces shall sup up as
the east wind ; and they shall gather
the captivity as the sand. And they
shall scoff at the Kings, and the
Princes shall be a scorn unto them ;
they shall deride every strong-hold, for
they shall cast a mound, and take it.
Third Responsory.
O Lord God ! have mercy, &c., (/.
290.)
Fourth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
Here beginneth the Book of the Pro
phet Zephaniah l (i. i.)
HP HE word of the LORD which came
unto Zephaniah, the son of Cushi,
the son of Gedaliah, the son of
Amariah, the son of Hizkiah, in the
days of Josiah, the son of Amon, King
of Judah. I will utterly consume all
things from off the land, saith the
LORD, I will consume man and beast
I will consume the fowls of the
heaven, and the fishes of the sea.
And the wicked shall come to ruin.
And I will cut off man from off the
land, saith the LORD.
First Responsory.
I will show thee, &c., (p. 290.)
keepers and priests, and them that
worship the host of heaven upon the
house-tops, and them that worship and
that swear by the LORD, and that
swear by Malcom. 2 And them that
are turned back from the LORD, and
those that have not sought the LORD,
nor enquired for Him.
Second Responsory.
I am straitened, &c., (p. 289.)
Third Lesson.
TT OLD your peace at the presence
of the Lord Goo, 3 for the day
of the LORD is at hand ; for the LORD
hath prepared a sacrifice, He hath
hallowed His guests. And it shall
come to pass, in the day of the LORD S
sacrifice, that I will visit the Princes
and the King s children, and all such
as are clothed with strange apparel ;
in the same day also will I visit all
those that enter insolently on the
threshold which fill the house of the
Lord their God with violence and
deceit.
Third Responsory.
The Lord hath sent, &c., (p. 289.)
Fifth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
Second Lesson.
T WILL also stretch out Mine hand
Here beginneth the Book of the Pro
phet Haggai 4 (i. i.)
upon Judah, and upon all the in- T N the second year of Darius the
habitants of Jerusalem ; and I will King, in the sixth month, in the
cut off the remnant of Baal from this first day of the month, came the word
place, and the name of the temple- of the LORD, by the hand of Haggai
1 Latin, Sophonias.
2 Probably the same as the beastly idol more commonly called Moloch.
3 The Name.
4 This Prophet and Zechariah both prophesied after the return from the captivity, to encour
age the Jews in the re-building of the Temple.
FIFTH WEEK OF NOVEMBER.
321
the Prophet, unto Zerubbabel, the son
of Sheltiel, Governor of Judah, and to
Joshua, the son of Josedech, the High
Priest, saying : Thus speaketh the
LORD of hosts, saying : This people
say, The time is not come that the
LORD S house should be built.
First Responsory.
I saw the Lord, &c., (p. 286.)
Second Lesson.
"FHEN came the word of the LORD
by the hand of Haggai the Pro
phet, saying : Is it time for you to
dwell in ceiled houses, and this house
lie waste ? Now, therefore, thus saith
the LORD of hosts : Consider your
ways. Ye have sown much, and
brought in little ; ye have eaten, but
have not enough ; ye have drunk, but
ye are not drunken ; ye have clothed
you, but ye are not warm ; and he
that hath earned wages hath put them
into a bag with holes.
Second Responsory.
Look down, O Lord, &c., (p. 286.)
Third Lesson.
n^HUS saith the LORD of hosts:
Consider your ways ; go up to
the mountain, and bring wood, and
build the house ; and I will take
pleasure in it, and I will be glorified,
saith the LORD. Ye looked for much,
and, lo, it came to little ; and ye did
bring it home, and I blew it away ;
why, saith the LORD of hosts ? Be
cause of Mine house that is waste, and
ye run every man unto his own house.
Therefore the heaven over you is
stayed from dew, and the earth is
stayed from her fruit.
Third Responsory.
Consider, O Lord &c., (p. 286.)
Sixth Day.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
Here beginneth the Book of the Pro
phet Zechariah (i. i.)
T N the eighth month, in the second
year of Darius the King, came the
word of the LORD unto Zechariah, the
son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo, the
Prophet, saying : The LORD hath
been sore displeased with your fathers.
And thou shalt say unto them : Thus
saith the LORD of hosts : Turn ye
unto Me, saith the LORD of hosts ;
and I will turn unto you, saith the
LORD of hosts.
First Responsory.
I have set watchmen, &c., (p. 287.)
Second Lesson.
IDE ye not as your fathers, unto
*"* whom the former Prophets cried,
saying : Thus saith the LORD of hosts :
Turn ye from your evil ways, and from
your vile thoughts ; but they did not
hear, nor hearken unto Me, saith the
LORD. Your fathers where are they ?
And the Prophets shall they live for
ever
Second Responsory.
Hedge us about, &c., (p. 287.)
Third Lesson.
"OUT My words, and My statutes,
*-* which I commanded My servants
the Prophets, did they not take hold
of your fathers ? And they returned,
and said : Like as the LORD of hosts
thought to do unto us according to our
ways, and according to our inventions,
so hath He dealt with us.
J22
THE PROPER OFFICE OF THE SEASON.
Third Responsory.
We looked for peace, &c., (p. 2
The Sabbath.
MATTINS.
First Lesson.
Here beginneth the Book of the Pro
phet Malachi l (i. i.)
HTHE burden of the word of the
LORD to Israel by the hand of
Malachi. I have loved you, saith the
LORD, and ye say : Wherein hast
Thou loved us ? Was not Esau
Jacob s brother, saith the LORD, yet
I loved Jacob, and I hated Esau, and
laid his mountains waste, and gave his
heritage unto the savage beasts of the
\yilderness ? Whereas Edom saith :
We are impoverished, but we will
return and build the desolate places
thus saith the LORD of hosts : They
shall build, but I will throw down ;
and they shall be called the borders
of wickedness, and the people against
whom the LORD hath indignation for
ever.
r First Responsory.
Blessed is the people, &c., (p. 288.)
Second Lesson.
A ND your eyes shall see, and ye
*"*" shall say : Let the LORD be
magnified upon the border of Israel.
A son honoureth his father, and a
servant his master ; if then I be a
Father, where is Mine honour ? And
if I be a Master, where is Mfy fear ?
Saith the LORD of hosts unto you, O
Priests that despise My Name, and
that say : Wherein have we despised
Thy Name ? Ye offer polluted bread
upon Mine Altar, and ye say: Wherein
have we polluted Thee ? In that
ye say : The table of the LORD is
contemptible.
Second Responsory.
I am straitened, &c., (p. 289.)
Third Lesson.
T F you offer the blind for sacrifice,
is it not evil ? And if ye offer
the lame and sick, is it not evil ? Offer
it now unto thy governor ; will he be
pleased with thee, or accept thy
person ? saith the LORD of hosts.
And now beseech the face of God,
that He will be gracious unto you,
(for this hath been by your means,)
if so be He will anywise accept your
persons, saith the LORD of hosts.
Who is there among you that would
shut the doors for nought, or kindle
fire on Mine Altar for nought ? I
have no pleasure in you, saith the
LORD of hosts, neither will I accept
an offering at your hand. For from
the rising of the sun even unto the
going down of the same, My Name
shall be great among the Gentiles ;
and in every place incense and a pure
offering shall be offered unto My
Name, for My Name shall be great
among the heathen, saith the LORD of
hosts.
Third Responsory.
The Lord hath sent, &c., (/. 289.)
With Vespers begins Advent.
1 " This book," says Abp. Kenrick, " was composed after the erection of the second Temple
.... it is assigned to a time subsequent to [Nehemiah s] second return from Persia to Canaan,
namely, after the 32nd year of Artaxerxes Longimanus." The writer appears as the last of the
Prophets, and whether Malachi i.e., " Messenger of the LORD" is really a proper name or a
title, seems uncertain.
323
, $omtlte$, antr osptl
jFor Suntiaus,
///* Eleventh to the Twenty-third after Pentecost, both inclusive, and
for the Sunday next before Advent.
ISlebenti) lor* * 5iag after
Prayer.
A LMIGHTY and everlasting God,
" Who art always more ready to
hear than we to pray, and art wont to
give more than either we desire or
deserve, pour down upon us the abund
ance of Thy mercy, forgiving us
those things whereof our conscience is
afraid, and giving us those good things
which we are not worthy to ask.
Through our Lord JESUS Christ Thy
Son, Who liveth and reigneth with
Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost,
one God, world without end. Amen.
Lessons for the Third Nocturn.
Seventh Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Holy
Gospel according to Mark (vii. 31.)
A T that time : JESUS, departing
^ from the coasts of Tyre and
Sidon, came unto the sea of Galilee,
through the midst of the coasts of
Decapolis. And so on.
Homily by Pope St Gregory [the
Great.] (Horn. x. Bk. i. on Ezekiel.}
What signifieth it that when God,
the Maker of all, would heal a deaf
and dumb man, "He put His Fin
gers into his ears, and He spit, and
touched his tongue ? " What is figured
by the Fingers of the Redeemer but
the gifts of the Holy Ghost ? Hence
it is written in another place (Luke
xi. 20) that after He had cast out an
evil spirit, He said : " If I with the
finger of God cast out devils, no
doubt the kingdom of God is come
upon you " which words are thus
given by another Evangelist (Matth.
xii. 28) : " If I cast out devils by
the Spirit of God, then the kingdom
of God is come unto you." By set
ting these two passages together we
see that the Spirit is called the
Finger. For our Lord, then, to
put His Fingers into the deaf man s
ears was by the gift of the Holy
Spirit to enlighten his dark mind
unto obedience.
Eighth Lesson.
WHAT signifieth it also that "He
spit and touched his tongue " ?
We receive spittle out of the Re
deemer s mouth upon our tongues
when we receive wisdom to speak
God s truth. Spittle is a secretion
324
PRAYERS, HOMILIES, AND
of the head which floweth into the
mouth. And so, that wisdom, which
is Himself, the great Head of His
Church, as soon as it hath touched
our tongue, doth straightway take
the form of preaching. "And look
ing up to heaven, He sighed," not
that He had any need to sigh, Who
gave whatsoever He asked, but that
He was fain to teach us to look up
and sigh toward Him Whose throne
is in heaven, confessing our need,
that our ears should be opened by
the gift of the Holy Spirit, and our
tongue loosed by the spittle of our
Saviour s Mouth, that is, by know
ledge of His Divine Word, before
we can use it to preach to others.
Ninth Lesson.
Stfoelftlj ILortr g
Pentecost.
Prayer.
after
unt
phatha that is : Be opened.
And straightway his ears were opened,
and the string of his tongue was
loosed." Herein we must remark
the command, "Be opened" was
addressed to the deaf ears, but the
tongue also was immediately loosed.
Just so, when the ears of a man s
heart have been opened to learn the
obedience of faith, the string of his
tongue also is thereupon loosed, that
he may exhort others to do the good
things which himself doth. It is
well added: "And he spake plain."
He only doth well preach obedience
to others who hath first learnt him
self to obey.
Antiphon at the Song of Zacharias.
When the Lord had departed from
the coasts of Tyre, * He made both
the deaf to hear and the dumb to
speak.
Antiphon at the Song of the Blessed
Virgin. He hath done all things
well, * He maketh both the deaf to
hear and the dumb to speak.
ALMIGHTY and merciful God, of
Whose only gift it cometh that
Thy faithful people do unto Thee
true and laudable service, grant, we
beseech Thee, that we may so faith
fully serve Thee in this life, that we
fail not finally to attain Thy heavenly
promises. Through our Lord JESUS
Christ Thy Son, Who liveth and
reigneth with Thee, in the unity of
the Holy Ghost, one God, world
without end. Amen.
Lessons for the Third Nocturn.
Seventh Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Holy
Gospel according to Luke (x. 23.)
AT that time : JESUS said unto
His disciples : Blessed are the
eyes which see the things that ye
see. For I tell you that many pro
phets and kings have desired to see
those things which ye see, and have
not seen them. And so on.
Homily by the Venerable Bede,
Priest [at Jarrow.] (Bk. iii. ch. 43
on Luke x. )
Blessed were the eyes not of
Scribes and Pharisees, which saw
but the Body of the Lord, but those
eyes, eyes blessed indeed, which
were able to see those things whereof
it is written : " Thou hast hid these
things from the wise and prudent,
and hast revealed them unto babes."
Blessed are the eyes of those little
ones unto whom it seemeth good in
the eyes of the Son to reveal Him
self and the Father also. Abraham
rejoiced to see the day of Christ ;
GOSPEL ANTIPHONS FOR SUNDAYS.
325
and he saw it, and was glad. (John
viii. 56.) Isaiah, and Micah, and
many among the Prophets, saw the
glory of the Lord, wherefore also
they be called Seers, but all they
beheld it and hailed it afar off, see
ing but as through a glass, darkly,
(i Cor. xiii. 12.)
Eighth Lesson.
QTHERWISE were the Apostles,
^-^ who saw the Lord face to Face,
eating with Him, and learning from
Him by asking whatsoever they listed.
For them there was no need to be
taught by Angels, or the shifting
fabric of visions. They whom Luke
doth call Prophets and kings, Mat
thew nameth as "Prophets and
righteous men " (xiii. 17.) Righteous
men are indeed mighty kings, who
know how to lord it over their own
rebellious temptations, instead of fall
ing under them to become their
slaves.
Ninth Less o?i.
" AND, behold, a certain lawyer
** stood up, and tempted Him,
saying : Master, what shall I do to
inherit eternal life ? " This lawyer,
who stood up to ask the Lord a
tempting question touching eternal
life, took the subject of his asking,
as I think, from the words which the
Lord had just uttered, when He said :
" Rejoice, because your names are
written in heaven" (20.) But his
attempt was a proof of the truth of
that which the Lord immediately
added : " I thank Thee, O Father,
Lord of heaven and earth, that Thou
hast hid these things from the wise
and prudent, and hast revealed them
unto babes ! "
Antiphon at the Song of Zacharias.
Master, what shall I do * to inherit
eternal life ? He said unto him :
What is written in the law ? How
readest thou ? And he, answering,
said : Thou shalt love the Lord thy
God with all thy heart. Alleluia.
Antiphon at the Song of the Blessed
Virgin. A certain man went down
from Jerusalem * to Jericho, and fell
among thieves, which stripped him
of his raiment, and wounded him,
and departed, leaving him half dead.
ILortT* Jiag aftrr
Prayer.
A LMIGHTY and everlasting God,
^~*~ give unto us the increase of
faith, hope, and charity, and that we
may worthily obtain that which Thou
dost promise, make us to love that
which Thou dost command. Through
our Lord JESUS Christ Thy Son, Who
liveth and reigneth with Thee, in the
unity of the Holy Ghost, one God,
world without end. Amen.
Lessons for the Third Nocturn.
Seventh Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Holy
Gospel according to Luke (xvii. 1 1.)
TT came to pass, as JESUS went to
Jerusalem, that He passed through
the midst of Samaria and Galilee.
And, as He entered into a certain
village, there met Him ten men that
were lepers. And so on.
Homily by St Austin, Bishop [of
Hippo.] (Bk. ii. Gospel Questions, ch.
40.)
The ten lepers "lifted up their
voices and said : JESUS, Master, have
mercy on us. And when He saw
326
PRAYERS, HOMILIES, AND
them, He said unto them : Go, show
yourselves unto the Priests. And it
came to pass that, as they went, they
were cleansed." Question : why did
the Lord send them unto the Priests,
that, as they went, they might be
cleansed ? Lepers were the only
class among those upon whose bodies
He worked mercy, whom we find that
He sent unto the Priests. It is writ
ten in another place that He said to
a leper whom He had cleansed :
"Go, and show thyself to the Priest,
and offer for thy cleansing according
as Moses commanded, for a testimony
unto them" (Luke v. 14, Lev. xiv.
i et seq.} We ask then, of what
leprosy was a type, whereof they that
were ridded were called, not "healed,"
but " cleansed." It is a disease which
doth first appear in the skin, but de-
stroyeth not immediately the strength,
nor the use of feeling and the limbs.
Eighth Lesson.
~DY lepers, therefore, we may not
absurdly suppose such to be
figured as have not the knowledge of
the true faith, but do show forth divers
parti-coloured teachings of error.
They hide not their witlessness, but do
use all such wit as they have to make
it manifest, and proclaim it in high-
sounding phrases. There is no false
doctrine but hath some truth mixed
up with it. A man s discourse then,
with some truths in it unequally
mingled with falsehoods, and all con
founded in one mass, is like to the
body of one that is stricken with
leprosy, whereon all manner of foul
colours do appear in this and that
place along with the true colour of
skin.
Ninth Lesson.
CUCH men as these are banished
out of the walls of the Church, to
the end that haply when they stand
afar off they may lift up their voices
and cry to Christ for pardon, just as
those ten men that were lepers, which
stood afar off, outside the village,
lifted up their voices and said :
" JESUS, Master, have mercy on us."
That they styled Him Master, by
which title I know not if any besought
the Lord for bodily healing, I think
doth sufficiently show that leprosy
signifieth false doctrine, whereof the
Good Master doth cleanse us.
Antiphon at the Song of Zacharias.
As JESUS passed through * a certain
village, there met Him ten men that
were lepers, which stood afar off; and
they lifted up their voices, and said :
" JESUS, Master, have mercy on us."
Antiphon at the Song of the Blessed
Virgin. And one of them, * when he
saw that he was healed, turned back,
and with a loud voice glorified God.
Alleluia.
Joiirteentfj ILorfc s Bag after
Prayer.
T7" EEP, we beseech Thee, O Lord,
Thy Church with Thy perpetual
mercy, and because the frailty of man
without Thee cannot but fall, keep us
ever by Thy help from all things hurt
ful, and lead us to all things pro
fitable to our salvation. Through our
Lord JESUS Christ Thy Son, Who
liveth and reigneth with Thee, in the
unity of the Holy Ghost, one God,
world without end. Amen.
Lessons for the Third Nocturn.
Seventh Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Holy
Gospel according to Matthew (vi.
240
GOSPEL ANTIPHONS FOR SUNDAYS.
327
A T that time : JESUS said unto His
~T disciples : No man can serve
two masters. And so on.
Homily by St Austin, Bishop [of
Hippo.] (Bk. ii. on the Lord s Sermon
on the Mount, ch. xiv. )
" No man can serve two masters,"
and this is further explained " for
either he will hate the one, and love
the other ; or else he will hold to the
one, and despise the other." These
words we ought carefully to weigh, for
the Lord showeth straightway who be
the two masters whom we have choice
of: "Ye cannot serve God and Mam
mon." Mammon is a term which the
Hebrews are said to use for riches.
It is also a Carthaginian word ; for
the Punic for "gain" is "mammon."
Eighth Lesson.
TT E which serveth mammon, serveth
that evil one who hath per
versely chosen to be lord of these
earthly things, and is called by the
Lord "the prince of this world."
(John xiv. 30.) Of these two masters,
either a man will hate the one and
love the other, that is God or he will
hold to the one and despise the other.
He which serveth mammon holdeth
to an hard and destroying master, for
he is led captive by his lust, and sold
a slave to the devil, and him loveth
no man is there any man that loveth
the devil ? And yet there be that
hold to him.
Ninth Lesson.
"^THEREFORE, I say unto you,
*- Take no thought for your life,
what ye shall eat, or what ye shall
drink ; nor yet for your body, what ye
shall put on " lest, albeit such things
are not idle, but needful to be sought
after, yet the seeking for things even
needful should divide the heart ; and
our intention should be corrupted when
we do something as it were mercifully ;
that is, lest, when we would seem to
be seeking another s good, it should
be profit to ourselves, rather than
benefit to him, that we seek ; and
therefore we seem not to ourselves to
sin, because we would seek things not
idle, but needful.
AntipJion at the Song of Zacharias.
Take no thought, saying : What shall
we eat ? * or, What shall we drink ?
For your Father knoweth what things
ye have need of. Alleluia.
Antiphon at the Song of the Blessed
Virgin. Seek ye first the kingdom of
God * and His righteousness, and all
these things shall be added unto you.
Alleluia.
JFiftemtfj ILorlf* Bag after
pentecost.
Prayer.
C\ LORD, we beseech Thee, let Thy
^-^ continual pity cleanse and de
fend Thy Church, and because it can
not continue in safety without Thy
succour, preserve it evermore by Thy
help and goodness. Through our
Lord JESUS Christ Thy Son, Who
liveth and reigneth with Thee, in the
unity of the Holy Ghost, one God,
world without end. Amen.
Lessons for the Third Nocturn.
Seventh Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Holy
Gospel according to Luke (vii. 1 1.)
AT that time: JESUS went into a
city called Nain ; and His dis
ciples went with Him, and much people.
And so on.
PRAYERS, HOMILIES, AND
Homily by St Austin, Bishop [of
Hippo.] (44//z Discourse on the Words
of the Lord.}
That her son was called again to
life was the joy of that widowed
mother ; that souls of men are every
day called to life is the joy of our
Mother the Church. He was dead in
body ; they have been dead in mind.
His death was outward, and was out
wardly bewailed ; their inward death
hath been neither mourned for nor
seen. But He hath sought for them,
Who hath seen that they are dead,
and He only hath seen that they
are dead, Who hath been able to
make them alive. If He had not
come to raise the dead, the Apostle
had not said: "Awake, thou that
sleepest, and arise from the dead,
and Christ shall give thee light."
(Eph. v. 14.)
Eighth Lesson.
find written how the Lord raised
from the dead three persons
visibly, but thousands invisibly. But
how many they may have been whom
He raised visibly, who knoweth ? For
all the things which He did are not
written. John saith thus : " There are
also many other things which JESUS
did, the which, if they should be
written every one, I suppose that even
the world itself could not contain the
books that should be written." (xxi.
25.) There were then, doubtless,
many more raised to life, but it is not
meaningless that three are recorded.
For our Lord JESUS Christ hath willed
that those things which He did carnally,
we should understand also spiritually.
He worked not miracles only for the
sake of working wonders, but that His
works might be at once wonderful to
them that beheld, and true to them
that understand them.
Ninth Lesson.
T7VEN as one that looketh upon a
scroll right fairly written, and
knoweth not how to read therein,
praiseth the hand of the old scribe
when he seeth the beauty of the points,
but what it saith, what those points
mean, he knoweth not, and praiseth
by the eye, without understanding by
the mind, and as, on the other hand,
he that can not only gaze on it, as can
all men, but also can read it, praiseth
the penmanship, and catcheth the
sense likewise, which the unlearned
cannot do : even so, there were some
that saw the miracles which Christ
did, and understood not what they
meant, nor what they, as it were,
hinted to such as did understand them,
and these only marvelled to see them
wrought. And other some there were
which saw the works, and marvelled,
and understood them, and profited by
them. And it is as these last that we
ought to be in the school of Christ.
Antiphon at the Song of Zacharias.
JESUS went into a city called Nain ; *
and, behold, there was a dead man
carried out, the only son of his mother.
Antiphon at the Song of the Blessed
Virgin. A great prophet is risen up
among us ; * and God hath visited
His people.
Horn s liag after
Pentecost.
Prayer.
T ORD, we pray Thee that Thy grace
may always prevent and follow
us, and make us continually to be
given to all good works. Through
our Lord JESUS Christ Thy Son, Who
liveth and reigneth with Thee, in the
unity of the Holy Ghost, one God,
world without end. Amen.
GOSPEL ANTIPHONS FOR SUNDAYS.
329
Lessons for the Third Nocturn,
Seventh Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Holy
Gospel according to Luke (xiv. i.)
A T that time : As JESUS went into
^^ the house of one of the chief
Pharisees, to eat bread on the
Sabbath-day, they watched Him.
And, behold, there was a certain man
before Him, which had the dropsy.
And so on.
Homily by St Ambrose, Bishop [of
Milan.] (Bk. vii. on Luke xiv.)
Now is healed this man sick of the
dropsy, in whom too much watery
matter had well-nigh drowned the
functions of life, and quenched the
fire of understanding. Anon, a lesson
is given in lowly-mindedness, when it
is forbidden to the guests at a mar
riage feast to go and sit down unasked
in the highest room, albeit the Lord
spake gently, that the teaching of
courtesy might forestall a harsh rebuke,
reason prevail by dint of persuasion,
and the desires be bent to follow the
instruction. And upon this, as next-
door neighbour, cometh courtesy, which
is so called by the Lord, when it is
shown to the poor and weak, since to
show it to them from whom we are to
receive aught, is but a movement of
self-interest.
Eighth Lesson.
T ASTLY, as to a soldier that hath
served his full time, is appor
tioned a reward for esteeming lightly
of riches : so he only can inherit the
kingdom of God, whose soul is not
given to seek after lower ends, and
who purchaseth not to himself earthly
possessions ; whereas the Lord saith :
" Sell that thou hast, and follow Me."
(Matth. xix. 21.) Neither can he
gain it that buyeth oxen, which beasts
Elisha slew and gave unto the people.
(3 Kings xix. 21.) Neither can he
win it which hath married a wife and
therefore cannot come, for "he that is
unmarried careth for the things that
belong to the Lord, how he may
please the Lord ; but he that is
married careth for the things that are
of the world, how he may please his
wife." (i Cor. vii. 32, 33.) Not that
this is to be taken for blame of
marriage, but only that virginity is the
more honourable way, since " the un
married woman " and the widow
"careth for the things of the Lord,
that she may be holy both in body
and in spirit." (34.)
Ninth Lesson.
TDUT in all fairness, having thus
spoken concerning widows, let
us betake ourselves again among the
married, and join with them in enter
taining the opinion which is held by
so many, that there are only three
classes of men who are shut out from
the great supper named in the gospel,
which three classes are Heathens,
Jews, and Heretics. And therefore it
is that the Apostle warneth us that we
"walk not as other Gentiles walk," in
malice and bitterness, and uncleanness,
and covetousness, and so have no
entry into the kingdom of Christ, since
"no unclean person, nor covetous man,
who is an idolater, hath any inherit
ance in the kingdom of Christ and of
God." (Eph. iv. 17, v. 5.)
Antiphon at the Song of Zacharias.
As JESUS went into the house * of one
of the chief Pharisees, to eat bread on
the Sabbath Day, behold, there was a
certain man before Him which had the
dropsy ; and He took him, and healed
him, and let him go.
Antiphon at the Song of the Blessed
Virgin. When thou art bidden * of
330
PRAYERS, HOMILIES, AND
any man to a wedding, go and sit
down in the lowest room, that he that
bade thee may say : Friend, go up
higher, then shalt thou have worship
in the presence of them that sit at
meat with thee. Alleluia.
Sebenteentlj EorlTs JBag after
Pentecost
Prayer.
T ORD, we beseech Thee, grant Thy
people grace to withstand the
temptations of the devil, and with
pure hearts to follow Thee the only
God. Through our Lord JESUS Christ
Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth
with Thee, in the unity of the Holy
Ghost, one God, world without end.
Amen.
Lessons for the Third Nocturn.
Seventh Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Holy
Gospel according to Matthew (xxii.
35-)
A T that time : the Pharisees came
unto JESUS, and one of them,
which was a lawyer, asked Him a
question, tempting Him, saying :
Master, which is the great command
ment in the Law ? And so on.
Homily by St John Chrysostom,
Patriarch [of Constantinople.] (jzjid
on Matthew.}
When the Pharisees had heard that
Christ had put the Sadducees to silence,
they gathered themselves together for
a fresh attack ; just when it behoved
them to be quiet, they willed to con
tend ; and so they put forward one of
themselves who professed skill in the
law, not wishing to learn, but to lay
a snare. This person therefore pro
posed the question: "Which is the
great commandment in the law ? "
The first and great commandment is :
"Thou shalt love the LORD thy God,"
but they expected that He would make
some exception or addition to this in
His Own case, since He made Himself
God. (John x. 33.) With this ex
pectation they asked Him the quest
ion ; but what said Christ ? To show
that they had adopted this course,
because they were loveless, and sick
with envy, He answered : "Thou shalt
love the Lord thy God with all thy
heart, and with all thy soul, and with
all thy mind. This is the first and
great commandment. And the second
is like unto it : Thou shalt love thy
neighbour as thyself."
Eighth Lesson.
Y is this second commandment
like unto the first ? Because
the first is the second s source and
sanction. " For every one that doeth
evil hateth the light, neither cometh to
the light." (John iii. 20.) And
again : " The fool hath said in his
heart : There is no God " and there
folio weth : " They are corrupt, and
become abominable in their works."
(Ps. xiii. i.) And yet again: "The
love of money is the root of all evil ;
which while some coveted after, they
have erred from the faith." (i Tim.
vi. 10.) And yet once more: " If ye
love Me, keep My commandments,"
(John xiv. 15,) of which command
ments the head and root is : " Thou
shalt love the Lord thy God ; and thy
neighbour as thyself."
Ninth Lesson.
T F, therefore, to love God is to love
our neighbour also, (as it appear-
eth where it is written : " Simon, son
GOSPEL ANTIPHONS FOR SUNDAYS.
331
of Jonas, lovest thou Me ? And he
said unto Him : Lord, Thou knowest
all things ; Thou knowest that I love
Thee. JESUS saith unto him : Feed
My sheep," John xxi. 17,) and if
" love is the fulfilling of the law,"
(Rom. xiii. 10,) justly doth the Lord
say that " on these two command
ments hang all the law and the
Prophets." And even as when, before
this, (23-32,) being interrogated about
the Resurrection, He answered them
more than they asked, so, now, being
interrogated concerning the first and
great commandment, He answereth
them, of His own accord, touching
that second one also, which is little
lower than the first, for " the second
is like unto it." Herein He would
have them understand that it was
hatred stirred them up to question
Him. For "Charity," saith the
Apostle, " envieth not." ( i Cor.
xiii. 4.)
Antiphon at the Song of Zacharias.
Master, which is the great command
ment * in the law? JESUS said unto
him : Thou shalt love the Lord thy
God with all thy heart. Alleluia.
Antiphon at the Song of the Blessed
Virgin. What think ye of Christ ?
Whose Son is He ? * They say all
unto Him : The Son of David. JESUS
saith unto them : How then doth David
in spirit call Him Lord, saying, The
Lord said unto my Lord, Sit Thou at
My right hand ?
SLorfc g JBag after
much as without Thee we are not
able to please Thee. Through our
Lord JESUS Christ Thy Son, Who
liveth and reigneth with Thee, in the
unity of the Holy Ghost, one God,
world without end. Amen.
Lessons for the Third No c turn.
Seventh Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Holy
Gospel according to Matthew (ix. i.)
A T that time : JESUS entered into a
^^ ship, and passed over, and came
into His own city. And so on.
Homily by St Peter Chrysologus,
Archbishop [of Ravenna.] {Sermon
50.)
This day s reading hath shown us
an instance of how Christ, in those
things which He did as Man, worked
deep works of God, and by things
which were seen wrought things which
were not seen. The Evangelist saith :
JESUS " entered into a ship, and passed
over, and came into His Own city."
Was not This He Who had once
parted the waves hither and thither,
and made the dry ground appear at
the bottom of the sea, so that His
people Israel passed dry-shod between
masses of water standing still, as
through an hollow glen in a moun
tain ? Was not This He Who made
the depths of the sea solid under the
feet of Peter, so that the watery path
offered a firm way for human footsteps ?
Eighth Lesson.
Prayer.
TVTERCIFULLY grant, O Lord, that
Thine effectual goodness may
in all things direct our hearts, foras
then denied He
unto Himself a like service from
the sea, but crossed over that narrow
lake at the cost of a voyage on ship
board ? " He entered into a ship, and
passed over." What wonder, my
332
PRAYERS, HOMILIES, AND
brethren ? Christ came to take our
weakness upon Him, that He might
make us partakers of His strength ;
to seek the things of men, that He
might give to men the things of God ;
to receive insults, that He might
bestow honours ; to bear weariness,
that He might grant rest ; for the
physician that is himself beset by no
frailties, knoweth not how to treat the
frailties of others, nor he that is not
weak with the weak, how to make the
weak strong.
Ninth Lesson.
"THEREFORE, if Christ had abode
still in His strength, He had in
no wise been a fellow of men ; if in
Him Flesh had not run the way of
flesh, then had it been idle for Him
to have taken Flesh at all. " He
entered into a ship, and passed over,
and came into His Own city." The
Lord, the Maker of the world, and of
all things that are therein, having been
pleased for our sakes to prison Him
self in our flesh, began to have an
human home, and to be a citizen of
a Jewish city ; Himself the Father
of all, to have parents ; and all, that
His love might invite, His charity
draw, His tenderness bind, His gentle
ness persuade them whom His King
ship had scared, His awfulness scat
tered, and His power terrified out of
His dominion.
Antiphon at the Song of Zacharias.
The Lord said unto the sick * of the
palsy : Son, be of good cheer ; thy sins
be forgiven thee.
Antiphon at the Song of the Blessed
Virgin. And immediately, he that
had been sick of the palsy arose, * and
took up his bed whereon he lay, glorify
ing God ; and all the people, when
they saw it, gave praise to God.
Nineteenth ILorli s Bag after
Prayer.
C\ ALMIGHTY and most merciful
^^^ God, of Thy bountiful goodness
keep us, we beseech Thee, from all
things that may hurt us ; that we, be
ing ready both in body and soul, may
cheerfully accomplish those things that
Thou wouldest have done. Through
our Lord JESUS Christ Thy Son, Who
liveth and reigneth with Thee, in the
unity of the Holy Ghost, one God,
world without end. Amen.
Lessons for the Third Nocturn.
Seventh Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Holy
Gospel according to Matthew (xxii.
i.)
A T that time : JESUS spake by
^^ parables unto the chief priests
and Pharisees, and said : The king
dom of heaven is like unto a certain
king, which made a marriage for his
son. And so on.
Homily by Pope St Gregory [the
Great.] (38^ on the Gospels.}
I remember that I have often said
that, in the Holy Gospel, the Church
as she now is, is called the kingdom
of heaven, for the kingdom of heaven
is indeed the assembly of the righteous.
The Lord hath said by the mouth of
His Prophet: "The heaven is My
throne." (Isa. Ixvi. i.) Solomon saith :
"The throne of wisdom is the soul
of the righteous." 1 And Paul saith
that Christ is " the power of God and
the wisdom of God." (i Cor. i. 24.)
From these passages we may clearly
1 No such passage exists in the present edition of the Sapiential books.
GOSPEL ANTIPHONS FOR SUNDAYS.
333
gather that if wisdom be God, and
wisdom s throne be the soul of the
righteous, and God s throne be the
heaven, then the soul of the righteous
is heaven. Hence also the Psalmist
saith, speaking of holy preachers :
"The heavens declare the glory of
God." (xviii. 2.)
Eighth Less 011.
"PHE kingdom of heaven, therefore,
is the Church of the righteous,
even of them whose hearts seek not
for anything upon earth, but who sigh
so continually after the things which are
above, that God doth already reign in
them as He doth in heaven. Let it
then be said, " The kingdom of heaven
is like unto a certain king, which
made a marriage for his son. Ye
already understand, my loving friends, 1
who is that Royal Father of a Royal
Son. It is indeed no other than He
to Whom the Psalmist saith : " Give
the King Thy judgments, O God, and
Thy righteousness unto the King s
son." (Ixxi. 2.) "Which made a
marriage for his son." God the Father
made a marriage for God the Son,
when He wedded Him to the man
hood in the womb of the Virgin, when
He willed that He Who is God before
all ages, should in the end of the ages
become Man.
Ninth Lesson.
T^HE marriage union is the union of
two persons, but God forbid that
we should imagine that the One Per
son of our Redeemer JESUS Christ,
Who is both God and Man, is formed
by a union of an human person with
a Divine Person. We profess con
cerning Him that He is of, and in
two natures, but we shrink from the
1 Intelligit charitas vestra.
blasphemy of saying that He is com
pounded of two persons. It will
therefore be clearer and safer to say
that the marriage which the Father
made for His Royal Son was the
wedding Him, through the mystery of
the Incarnation, to His mystic Bride
the Holy Church. The womb of the
Maiden Mother was the marriage-
chamber in which this union took
place. Hence it is that the Psalmist
saith : " In the sun hath He set His
tabernacle, Who is as a bridegroom
coming out of his chamber." (xviii.
6.2)
Antiphon at the Song of Zacharias.
Tell them which are bidden : * Be
hold, I have prepared my dinner ;
Come unto the marriage. Alleluia.
Antiphon at the Song of the Blessed
Virgin. And the King came in * to
see the guests ; and he saw there a
man which had not on a wedding
garment. And he saith unto him :
Friend, how earnest thou in hither, not
having a wedding garment ?
3Lorfc s Hag after
Prayer.
/^RANT, we beseech Thee, O Lord,
^ to Thy faithful people pardon
and peace, that they may be cleansed
from all their sins, and serve Thee
with a quiet mind. Through our Lord
JESUS Christ Thy Son, Who liveth
and reigneth with Thee, in the unity
of the Holy Ghost, one God, world
without end. Amen.
2 Alexandrian version.
334
PRAYERS, HOMILIES, AND
Lessons for the Third Nocturn.
Seventh Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Holy
Gospel according to John (iv. 46.)
A T that time : There was a certain
nobleman, whose son was sick
at Capernaum. And so on.
Homily by Pope St Gregory [the
Great.] (2%th on the Gospels.}
"JY/T Y brethren ; the passage from the
Holy Gospel, which ye have
just now heard, standeth in need of
no explanation. But lest I should
seem to pass the same by in idle
silence, I will say somewhat thereon,
but that rather by way of exhortation
than of explanation. Indeed, there
seemeth to me to be but one point
which calleth for explanation, and that
point is this : Wherefore was it that
when the nobleman went unto the
Lord, and besought Him that He
would come down and heal his son,
" JESUS said unto him: Except ye
see signs and wonders, ye will not
believe " ? The very fact that he had
come to beseech Christ to heal his
son, putteth it beyond all doubt that
this nobleman believed ; if he had not
believed Him to be a Saviour, he
would not have asked Him to save his
son. Wherefore then "said JESUS
unto him : Except ye see signs and
wonders, ye will not believe " since
he was one who had not seen, and yet
had believed ?
everywhere. He believed not there
fore enough in Christ, for he thought
that He could not heal unless He were
bodily present. Had his faith been
perfect, he would doubtless have known
that God is everywhere.
Ninth Lesson.
IT IS was therefore a grievously im
perfect faith, in attributing the
virtue not to Christ s Majesty, but to
His bodily presence. Thus it was
that his faith was still unsound, even
while he was asking for his son s
health. For, though he believed con
cerning Him unto Whom he came
that He was mighty to save, yet he
thought also that at that moment He
was absent from his dying child. But
the Lord, being asked to go, showed
that, wherever He is called on, He is
there, and being He Who, by a simple
act of will, brought all things into
being, gave health by a simple
command.
Antiphon at the Song of Zacharias.
There was a certain nobleman whose
son was sick * at Capernaum. W T hen
he heard that JESUS was come into
Galilee, he besought Him that He
would heal his son.
Antiphon at the So?ig of the Blessed
Virgin. So the father knew * that it
was at the same hour in the which
JESUS said : Thy son liveth. And him
self believed, and his whole house.
Eighth Lesson.
"DUT bethink you what was his
prayer, and then shall ye under
stand clearly wherein his faith was
shaky. He "besought Him that He
would come down and heal his son."
He asked for the bodily presence of
Him Who is spiritually always present
ILorlTs
Pentecost.
Prayer.
after
[" ORD, we beseech Thee to keep
Thine household in continual
godliness, that, through Thy protec-
GOSPEL ANTIPHONS FOR SUNDAYS.
335
tion, it may be free from all adversities,
and devoutly given to serve Thee in
good works, to the glory of Thy Name.
Through our Lord JESUS Christ Thy
Son, Who liveth and reigneth with
Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost,
one God, world without end. Amen.
Lessons for the Third Nocturn.
Seventh Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Holy
Gospel according to Matthew (xviii.
230
A T that time : JESUS spake unto
*""* His disciples this parable : The
kingdom of heaven is likened unto a
certain king, which would take account
of his servants. And so on.
Homily by St Jerome, Priest [at
Bethlehem.] (Bk. iii. Comment, on
Matth. xviii.)
It is a way much in use with the
Syrians, and especially with the inhab
itants of Palestine, to illustrate their
discourse with parables, that what their
hearers may not be able to catch so
easily when spoken plainly, they may
lay hold on by dint of comparisons and
examples. Thus it was that the Lord,
by an allegory about a Royal master
and a servant who owed him ten thou
sand talents, and who obtained by en
treaty forgiveness of the debt, taught
Peter how it was his duty to forgive
his fellow-servants their comparatively
trifling offences. For if that Royal
master so readily forgave his servant
his debt of ten thousand talents, should
not his servants much more forgive
lesser debts unto their fellows ?
Eighth Lesson.
"TO put this more clearly, let us take
a case. If one of us were to
commit adultery, or murder, or sacri
lege, our sin, great like a debt of ten
thousand talents, would be forgiven us
in answer to prayer, if we also from
our heart forgive our brethren their
trespasses against us. But if we refuse
to forgive a slight, and keep up un
ceasing enmity because of an unkind
word, how just doth it appear that we
should be cast into prison, and entail
on ourselves, by the example of our
own deeds, that our great debt should
not be forgiven unto us.
Ninth Lesson.
"CO likewise shall My heavenly
Father do also unto you, if ye
from your hearts forgive not every one
his brother their trespasses." God s
awful purpose can be turned and
changed ; but if we will not forgive
unto our brethren small things, God
will not forgive us great things. And
if we forgive them, it must be from
our hearts. Any one can say: I have
nothing against such-an-one ; he know-
eth what he hath done, and God will
judge him for it ; I do not care what
he doeth ; I have forgiven him. But
the Lord maketh His sentence clear,
and destroyeth such a mockery of
peace as this, where He saith : "So
likewise shall My heavenly Father do
also unto you, if ye from your hearts
forgive not every one his brother their
trespasses."
AntipJion at the Song of Zacharias.
The lord said unto his servant : Pay
me * that thou owest. But the servant
fell down and besought him, saying :
Have patience with me, and I will pay
thee all.
Antiphon at the Song of the Blessed
Virgin. O thou wicked servant, I
forgave thee all * that debt, because
thou desiredst me. Shouldest not thou
also have had compassion on thy
fellow-servant, even as I had pity on
thee ? Alleluia.
336
PRAYERS, HOMILIES, AND
STtoentg^eeonti
after Pentecost.
Prayer.
S~\ GOD, our Refuge and Strength,
^ Who art the author of all godli
ness, be ready, we beseech Thee, to
hear the devout prayers of Thy Church,
and grant that those things which we
ask faithfully, we may obtain effectual
ly. Through our Lord JESUS Christ,
Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with
Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost,
one God, world without end. Amen.
Lessons for the Third Nocturn.
Seventh Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Holy
Gospel according to Matthew (xxii.
150
A T that time : The Pharisees went
^ and took counsel how they might
entangle JESUS in His talk. And so
on.
Homily by St Hilary, Bishop [of
Poitiers.] (Comm. on Matth. Can.
23-)
The Pharisees had oftentimes been
put to confusion, and were not able to
find any ground to accuse Him out of
anything that He had hitherto said or
done. His words and works are, of
necessity, faultless, but still, from
spite, they set themselves to seek in
every direction for some cause to ac
cuse Him. He was calling all to
turn away from the corruptions of the
world, and the superstitious practices
of devotion invented by men, and to
fix their hopes upon the kingdom of
heaven. They therefore arranged a
question calculated to entrap Him into
an offence against civil government,
namely : " Is it lawful to give tribute
unto Caesar or not ? "
Eighth Lesson.
" TI)UT JESUS perceived their wicked-
ness," for in sooth there is
nothing hidden in the heart of man,
but what God seeth it, " and said :
Why tempt ye Me, ye hypocrites ?
Show Me the tribute-money. And they
brought unto Him a penny. And
He saith unto them : Whose is this
image and superscription ? They say
unto Him : Caesar s. Then saith He
unto them : Render therefore unto
Caesar the things which are Caesar s,
and unto God the things that are
God s." How wonderful is this an
swer ! How perfect the fulfilment of
the Divine Law herein prescribed !
So beautifully doth He here strike
the balance between caring not for
the things of the world, on the one
hand, and the offence of injuring
Caesar, on the other, that He proveth
the perfect freedom of minds, how
ever devoted to God, to discharge
all human cares and duties, by com
manding them to render unto Caesar
the things which are Caesar s.
Ninth Lesson.
T F we have nothing which is Caesar s,
then we have nothing which we
are bound to render unto him. But
if we are concerned with the things
which are his, if we are entrusted by
him with the use of delegated power,
if we are subject to him as paid ser
vants to take care of property which
is not our own, there can be no di-
pute but that it is our duty to render
unto Caesar the things which are
Caesar s. But unto God all of us
are bound always to render the things
that are God s, that is to say, our
body, soul, and will. These are
GOSPEL ANTIPHONS FOR SUNDAYS.
337
things which we hold from Him,
and whereof He is the Author and
Maker. It is therefore simply just
that they, who acknowledge that they
owe to Him their being and creation,
should render to Him all that they
are.
Antiphon at the Song of Zacharias.
Master, we know that Thou art true, *
and teachest the way of God in truth.
Alleluia.
Antiphon at the Song of the Blessed
Virgin. Render therefore unto Caesar
the things which are Caesar s, * and
unto God the things that are God s.
Alleluia.
Note. If there should be only
twenty-three Sundays after Pentecost,
then the following Office will be used
on the Saturday before the Twenty-
third, or if the Saturday be occupied
by an Office of Nine Lessons, then on
the nearest preceding day not so occu
pied; but, failing any such day in the
week beginning on the Twenty-second
Sunday, the displaced Office will be
commemorated on the Saturday. See
the Pye, ch. iv. section 4.
after Pentecost.
Prayer.
r\ LORD, we beseech Thee, absolve
^^ Thy people from their offences,
that through Thy bountiful goodness
we may all be delivered from the
bands of those sins, which by our
frailty we have committed. Through
our Lord JESUS Christ Thy Son, Who
liveth and reigneth with Thee, in the
unity of the Holy Ghost, one God,
world without end. Amen.
Lessons for the Third Nocturn.
Seventh Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Holy
Gospel according to Matthew (ix.
18.)
A T that time : While JESUS spake
" these things unto the multitudes,
behold, there came a certain ruler,
and worshipped Him, saying : Lord,
my daughter is even now dead. And
so on.
Homily by St Jerome, Priest [at
Bethlehem.] (Bk. i. Comment, on
Matth. ix.)
The eighth miracle took place upon
the occasion when a certain ruler, de
siring not to be kept out of the mys
tery of the true circumcision, besought
Christ to recall his daughter to life.
But a woman, which was diseased
with an issue of blood, thrust herself
in, and her cure occupieth the eighth
place, so that the resurrection of the
ruler s daughter is postponed and
made the ninth in enumeration
even as it is written in the Psalms :
"^Ethiopia shall soon stretch forth
her hands unto God." (Ixvii. 32.)
And again : " Blindness in part is
happened to Israel, until the fulness
of the Gentiles is come in ; and so
all Israel shall be saved." (Rom. xi.
25, 26.)
Eighth Lesson.
" AND, behold, a woman, which
TT was diseased with an issue
of blood, twelve years, came behind
Him, and touched the hem of His
garment." In the Gospel according
to Luke (viii. 42) it is written that
the ruler s daughter was about twelve
years of age. Note therefore that
this woman, who typifies the Gentiles,
had been diseased for the same time
that the Jewish nation, typified by
333
PRAYERS, HOMILIES, AND
the ruler s daughter, had been living
in faith. We see not clearly the
hideousness of evil, until we compare
it with good.
Ninth Lesson.
T HIS woman with the issue of
blood came not to the Lord
in an house or in a city, for such as
she were by the Law banished out
of cities, (Lev. xv. 25,) but in the
way, as He walked ; so that the Lord
healed one, even while He was on
the road to heal another. Whence
also the Apostles said : It was neces
sary that the word of God should
first have been spoken to you : but,
seeing ye put it from you, and judge
yourselves unworthy of everlasting life,
lo, we turn to the Gentiles." (Acts
xiii. 46.)
Antiphon at the Song of Zacharias.
For she said within herself: * If I
may but touch the hem of His gar
ment, I shall be whole.
Antiphon at the Song of the Blessed
Virgin. But JESUS turned Him about,
* and when He saw her, He said :
Daughter, be of good comfort ; thy
faith hath made thee whole. Alleluia.
Note. The next Office is invari
ably used tipon the Sunday next be
fore Advent. If therefore there be
more than 24 Sundays after Pente
cost, the super-abundant Simdays are
furnished with Offices taken from the
Sundays omitted after the Epiphany,
thus: If there be 25 Sundays after
Pentecost, the Office of the 2^th will
be taken from the 6th Sunday after
the Epiphany; if 26, the 2^th will
be taken from the 6th, and the 2t\th
from the $th; 2/27, the 26th from
the 6th, the 2$t/i from the ^th, and
the 2^th from the ^th ; if 28, the
27 th from the 6th, the 26th from the
%th, the 2^th from the ^th, and the
2 ^th from the ^rd.
Horn s 5Ba next firfore
Prayer.
CTIR up, we beseech Thee, O
Lord, the wills of Thy faithful
people, that they, plenteously bring
ing forth the fruit of good works,
may of Thee be plenteously rewarded.
Through our Lord JESUS Christ Thy
Son, Who liveth and reigneth with
Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost,
one God, world without end. Amen.
Lessons for the Third Nocttirn.
Seventh Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Holy
Gospel according to Matthew (xxiv.
150
A T that time : JESUS said unto His
^^ disciples : When ye shall see
the abomination of desolation, spoken
of by Daniel the Prophet, stand in
the Holy Place, (whoso readeth, let
him understand,) And so on.
Homily by St Jerome, Priest [at
Bethlehem.] (Bk. iv. Comm. on
Matth. xxiv.)
This injunction to whoso readeth,
to understand, showeth that there
is here something mysterious. In
Daniel we read as followeth : " And
in the midst of the week the sacrifice
and the oblations shall be taken away ;
and in the temple there shall be the
abomination of desolation, even until
the consummation of the time ; and
a consummation shall be given to the
GOSPEL ANTIPHONS FOR SUNDAYS.
339
desolation." 1 (ix. 27.) It is of this
same thing that the Apostle speaketh,
when he saith 2 that a man of iniquity,
even an adversary, shall be exalted
against whatsoever is called God, or
is worshipped : so that he shall even
dare to stand in the temple of God,
and to show himself as God ; whose
coming shall, according to the working
of Satan, destroy and 3 banish away
from God all who shall receive him.
Eighth Lesson.
n^HIS prophecy may be understood
either (first) simply of Antichrist,
(secondly) of the statue of Caesar,
which Pilate set up in the Temple, or
(thirdly) of the statue of Hadrian on
horse-back, 4 which hath stood, even
until our own day, upon the site of the
Holy of Holies. In the Scriptures of
the Old Testament "abomination" is
a word very often used for an idol, and
the farther title " of desolation " is
added to identify an idol erected upon
the site of the desolate and ruined
temple.
Ninth Lesson.
T) UT we may also understand by the
abomination of desolation, any
bad doctrine ; and when we see such
a thing get a standing in the Holy
Place, that is, in the Church, and
showing itself that it is God, that is,
pretending that it is His revealed
truth, then will be the time when it
will be our duty to flee from Judea
into the mountains, that is to say, to
leave the letter, which passeth away,
and all guise of Jewish superstition,
and to hie us unto the everlasting
hills, from whence God doth right
wondrously cause His light to shine
forth. . (Ps. Ixxv. 5.) Then will it be
our duty to find ourselves under a roof
and in an house, wherethrough the
fiery darts of the wicked one can
never pierce to smite us, and not to
come down to take anything out of the
house of our old conversation, or to
have regard unto those things which
are behind ; but rather to sow in the
field of the spiritual Scriptures, that
we may reap thereof a bountiful har
vest ; neither to have two coats, that
thing forbidden to Apostles. (Matth.
x. 10.)
Antiphon at the Song of Zacharias.
When ye shall see the abomination of
desolation, * spoken of by Daniel the
Prophet, stand in the Holy Place,
(whoso readeth, let him understand)
Antiphon at the Song of the Blessed
Virgin. Amen I say unto you, this
generation shall not pass till all these
things be fulfilled : * heaven and earth
shall pass away, but My words shall
not pass away, saith the Lord.
after
Praer.
A LMIGHTY and everlasting God,
*^^ mercifully look upon our infirm
ities, and in all our dangers and neces
sities stretch forth the right hand of
1 This quotation does not accord with the present authorised Latin Bible, where the passage
runs thus: "And in the midst of the week victim and sacrifice shall fail ; and in the temple
there shall be the abomination of desolation ; and the desolation shall last until the consum
mation and the end."
2 The rest of this Lesson is a sort of allusion to, rather than even a loose quotation from,
2 Thess. ii., with which however it does not quite agree even in sense.
3 Ad Dei solitudinem redigat. There is no such phrase in St Paul.
4 But St Jerome himself mentions (Com. on Isa. ii. 8) that Hadrian set up on the desolated
site of the Temple an idol of Jupiter Capitolinus, and to this it would seem more natural to
apply the text than to the mere historical statue of the Emperor. The idol was removed under
Constantine.
340
PRAYERS, HOMILIES, AND
Thy Majesty to help and defend us.
Through our Lord JESUS Christ Thy
Son, Who liveth and reigneth with
Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost,
One God, world without end. Amen.
Lessons for the Third Nocturn.
Seventh Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Holy
Gospel according to Matthew
(viii. i.)
A T that time : When JESUS was
*"* come down from the mountain,
great multitudes followed Him : and,
behold, there came a leper and wor
shipped Him. And so on.
Homily by St Jerome, Priest [at
Bethlehem.] (Bk. i. Comm. on Matth.
viii.)
When the Lord was come down
from the mountain, great multitudes
followed Him. They were not able
to follow Him when He went up.
And first there came a leper. This
poor creature s disease had prevented
him from hearing the Saviour s long
sermon on the Mount. Let it be
noted that he is the first person
specially named as being healed.
The second was the Centurion s ser
vant ; the third was Peter s wife s
mother, who was sick of a fever at
Capernaum ; the fourth were they
who were brought unto Christ as
being troubled with evil spirits, from
whom He, by His word, cast out the
evil spirits, at the same time that
He healed all that were sick.
Eighth Lesson.
" A ND, behold, there came a leper,
^^ and worshipped Him, say
ing : Properly after preaching
and doctrine cometh occasion for a
sign, that the power of the miracle
might confirm in the hearers the truth
of the teaching that had gone before.
" Lord, if Thou wilt, Thou canst
make me clean." He that prayeth
the Lord to have the will, doubteth
not but that He hath the power.
"And JESUS put forth His Hand,
and touched him, saying : I will ; be
thou clean." As soon as the Lord
put forth His Hand the leprosy de
parted. Let us remark how lowly and
unbragging is the Lord s language.
The leper had said, " If Thou wilt ; "
the Lord answereth, " I will." The
leper, "Thou canst make me clean,"
the Lord, "Be thou clean." Most
Latin readers, misled by the identity
of form in that language between the
Present Infinitive Active and the
Second Person Singular Present Im
perative Passive of the Verb, read
Christ s answer as if it were, " I will
to make thee clean." This is wrong.
The sentences are separate. First
cometh the expression of volition, " I
will," then the command, "Be thou
clean."
Ninth Lesson.
" AND JESUS saith unto him: See
^ thou tell no man." What
need was there to tell what his body
showed ?
" But go thy way, show thyself to
the Priest." There were divers reasons
why Christ should send him to the
Priest. First, for humility s sake, that
He might show reverence to God s
Priest. Then there was a command
in the law, that they that were cleansed
of leprosy, should make an offering to
the Priests. Moreover, that, when the
Priests saw the leper cleansed, they
might either believe in the Saviour, or
refuse to believe ; if they believed, that
they might be saved, and, if they
believed not, that they might have no
excuse. Lastly, that He might give
no ground for the accusation, that was
GOSPEL ANTIPHONS FOR SUNDAYS.
341
so often brought against Him, that He
was unobservant of the law.
Antiphon at the Song of Zacharias.
When JESUS was come down from the
mountain, * behold, there came a leper,
and worshipped Him, saying : Lord, if
Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean.
And JESUS put forth His Hand, and
touched him, saying : I will ; be thou
clean.
Antiphon at the Song of the Blessed
Virgin. Lord, if Thou wilt, * Thou
canst make me clean : and JESUS saith
to him : I will ; be thou clean.
by the waves : but He was asleep.
And so on.
Homily by St Jerome, Priest [at
Bethlehem.] (Bk. i. Comin. on Matth*
Prayer.
C\ GOD, Who knowest us to be set
in the midst of so many and
great dangers, that, by reason of the
frailty of our nature, we cannot always
stand upright ; grant to us such health
of mind and body, that by Thy
strength and protection we may over
come all evils, whereby for our sins
we are justly afflicted. Through our
Lord JESUS Christ Thy Son, Who
liveth and reigneth with Thee, in the
unity of the Holy Ghost, One God,
world without end. Amen.
Lessons for the Third No c turn.
Seventh Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Holy
Gospel according to Matthew (viii.
23-)
AT that time : When JESUS was en
tered into a ship. His disciples
followed Him ; and, behold, there
arose a great tempest in the sea,
insomuch that the ship was covered
VOL. IV.
The fifth sign that He did was
when He took ship at Capernaum, and
commanded the winds and the sea :
the sixth, when, in the country of the
Gergesenes, He suffered the devils to
enter into the swine : the seventh,
when, as He came into His own city,
He cured the man sick of the palsy
lying on a bed. The first man sick
of the palsy that He cured was the
centurion s servant.
Eighth Lesson.
" "DUT He was asleep ; and His
disciples came to Him, and
awoke Him, saying : Lord, save us."
There is a type of this in the history
of Jonah, who, when the storm arose,
was lying fast asleep, and whom the
sailors woke to help them ; who also
saved the sailors, by commanding"
them to throw him into the sea,
the said casting of him into the sea
being, as we know, a figure of Christ s
Passion.
" Then He arose and rebuked the
winds and the sea." From these
words we understand that all things,
which have been made, are sentient
to their Maker. All things which He
rebuketh or commandeth, hear His
voice. This is not the error of the
heretics who will have it that every
thing is quick, but part of the majesty
of the Creator, Who maketh to feel
Him things, which we cannot make
to feel us.
Ninth Lesson.
" T)UT the men marvelled saying :
What manner of man is this,
that even the winds and the sea obey
M
342
PRAYERS, HOMILIES, AND
Him ? " It was not His disciples that
marvelled, but the sailors, and the
others that were in the ship. If, how
ever, any one willeth to withstand this
our interpretation, and to maintain
that it was the disciples who marvelled,
we are ready to answer them, that
they who knew not before the power
of the Saviour, deserved to be stripped
of the title of disciples, and to be called
simply "the men."
Antiphon at the Song of Zacharias.
When JESUS was entered into a ship,
* there arose a great tempest in the
sea : and His disciples awoke Him,
saying : Lord, save us : we perish.
Antiphon at the Song of the Blessed
Virgin. Lord, save us : * we perish :
give the word, O God, and let there
be a great calm !
after
Prayer.
f~\ LORD, we beseech Thee to keep
^^^ Thy family continually in godli
ness, that they who do lean only upon
the hope of Thine heavenly grace, may
evermore be defended by Thy mighty
power. Through our Lord JESUS
Christ Thy Son, Who liveth and
reigneth with Thee, in the unity of
the Holy Ghost, one God, world with
out end. Amen.
Lessons for the Third Nocturn.
Seventh Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Holy
Gospel according to Matthew (xiii.
24.)
A T that time : JESUS put forth un-
^^ to the multitudes this parable :
The Kingdom of heaven is likened
unto a man which sowed good seed
in his field. And so on.
Homily by St Austin, Bishop [of
Hippo.] (Qucest. Evan. Matth. xi.,
Bk. 4.)
When the Shepherds of the Church
wax careless, and since the Apostles
sleep the sleep of death, cometh the
devil, and soweth them whom the
Lord calleth " a seed of evil-doers."
Now, are these " seed of evil-doers "
the heretics, or Catholics of bad lives ?
It is possible to call even the heretics
a " seed of evil-doers," because they
have sprung up from the seed of the
Gospel, and been begotten in the
Name of Christ, though afterwards,
they have turned after crooked ways,
and lying doctrines.
Eighth Lesson.
T)UT whereas it is written that they
were sown in the midst of the
wheat, we ought haply to understand
that they are of one communion with
the righteous. Nevertheless, foras
much as the Lord saith, "The field
is the world," (and not, the Church,)
we may well understand that the " seed
of evil-doers " are the heretics, since
in this world they are mingled together
with the good, not in one common
Communion, but only under one
common name of Christian. But they
which are of one faith with the good
seed, and yet are themselves worthless,
may more fitly be likened to straw
than to tares, since the straw springeth
from one soil and one root with the
good ear.
Ninth Lesson
TTOWEVER, as touching the net
cast into the sea, and enclosing
a great multitude of fishes, both bad
and good, we may well understand
that by the bad are meant Catholics
GOSPEL ANTIPHONS FOR SUNDAYS.
343
of bad lives. For the sea is one thing,
whereby we may understand to be
signified the world ; and the net
another, which seemeth to signify our
faith, or the Communion of one Church.
Between heretics and sinful Catholics
there is this difference, that heretics
believe a lie, and sinful Catholics be
lieve the truth, but live not as they
believe.
AntipJion at the Song of Zacharias.
Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in
thy field ? * From whence then hath
it tares ? And he saith unto them :
An enemy hath done this.
Antiphon at the Song of the Blessed
Virgin, The master saith : Gather ye
together first the tares, * and bind
them in bundles to burn them ; but
gather the wheat into my barn.
after f
Prayer.
us, we beseech Thee, O
^~^ Almighty God, ever to think
such things as be reasonable, and in
every word and work of ours, to do
always that is well pleasing in Thy
sight. Through our Lord JESUS
Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and
reigneth with Thee, in the unity of
the Holy Ghost, One God, world with
out end. A)iien.
Lessons for the Third Nocturn.
Seventh Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Holy
Gospel according to Matthew (xiii.
3I-)
A T that time : JESUS spake this
^^ parable unto the multitude : The
kingdom of heaven is like to a grain
of mustard-seed, which a man took
and sowed in his field. And so on.
Homily by St Jerome, Priest [at
Bethlehem.] (Book ii. Comment, on
Matth. xiii.)
The kingdom of heaven is the pro
clamation of the Gospel, and that
knowledge of the Scriptures, which
leadeth unto life, and whereof it is
said to the Jews, " The kingdom of
God shall be taken from you, and
given to a nation bringing forth the
fruits thereof." (Matth. xxi. 43.) There
fore is this kingdom like to a grain of
mustard-seed, which a man took and
sowed in his field. By the man that
sowed it in his field, many understand
to be meant the Saviour, because He
is the Sower That soweth in the souls
of believers ; others understand every
man that soweth good seed in his own
field, that is, in himself and in his
own heart.
Eighth Lesson.
\ \J HO is he that soweth, but our
own mind and soul, which take
the grain from preaching , and by
nourishing it in the soil, cause it to
sprout in the field of our own breast ?
The preaching of the Gospel is the
least of all doctrines. He that
preacheth, for his first lesson, God
made man, Christ dead, and the
stumbling-block of the Cross, receiveth
at first but little credit. Compare
such teaching as this with the doctrines
of the Philosophers, with their books,
their magnificent eloquence, and their
rounded sentences, and thou shalt
see how the grain of the Gospel, when
it is sown, is the humblest of all seeds.
Ninth Lesson.
T} UT when the doctrines of men
grow up, there is therein nothing
piercing, nothing healthy, nothing life-
344
PRAYERS, HOMILIES, ETC., FOR SUNDAYS.
giving. The plant is drooping, and
delicate, and soft. There are herbs
and grass whereof it may truly be said
that " the grass withereth and the
flower fadeth." (Isa. xl. 8.) But the
grain of Gospel seed, though, when
it was sown, it seemed to be the least
of all seeds, when once it is rooted
in the soul of man, or in the whole
world, groweth not into an herb, but
becometh a tree : so that the birds of
the air (whereby we may understand,
either the souls of believers, or the
[angelic] powers bound to the service
of God,) come and lodge in the
branches thereof. I consider that the
branches of the Gospel tree, which
groweth from the grain of mustard-
seed, are the divers developments of
doctrine, on which the birds above
mentioned find resting-places.
Antiphon at the Song of Zacharias.
The kingdom of heaven * is like to a
grain of mustard-seed, which is the
least of all seeds, but, when it is
grown, it is the greatest among herbs.
Antiphon at the Song of the Blessed
Virgin. The kingdom of heaven * is
like unto leaven, which a woman took
and hid in three measures of meal till
the whole was leavened.
Common of >aints
OFFICES FOR THE FEASTS OF THE SAINTS, ACCORDING TO THE
CLASS TO WHICH EACH SAINT BELONGS, AND COMMON TO
ALL THE SAINTS OF EACH CLASS RESPECTIVELY.
The Office is of the Week-day, begins
at Mattins, and ends at None. What
is not of the Week-day and what is
not specially given in its own place
is as follows.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Holy
Gospel according to John (xv. 12.)
A T that time : JESUS said to His
^~*- disciples : This is My com
mandment, That ye love one an
other, as I have loved you. And
so on.
Homily by Pope St Gregory [the
Great.] (27/72 on the Gospels.}
All the holy words of the Lord
are full of His commandments.
Why, then, speaketh the Lord of
the commandment to love one an
other as if He gave no other com
mandment? "This,"saith He, "is
My commandment, That ye love
one another." Is it not because love
VOL. IV.
is the one object of all His com
mandments, and all His command
ments are one ? For, even as a tree,
having but one root, bringeth forth
many branches, so, if the root be
love, many virtues do spring there
from. Neither is the branch of
good works green, if it abide not
in the root of love.
Second Lesson.
"T^HEREFORE the command-
* ments of the Lord are mani
fold, and yet one. Manifold, indeed,
by the diversity of working, but one,
as concerning the root of love. And
how it behoveth us to keep fast hold
on that root of love, we know from
Him, Who in sundry places of His
holy Scripture, moveth us to love
our friends in Him, and our ene
mies for Him. He truly abideth
in love, who loveth his friend in
God, and his enemy for God. For
there are some who love their neigh
bour indeed, but by an affection
N
346
THE COMMON OF SAINTS.
engendered of kinship and of the
flesh : such love the Scripture for-
biddeth not : but it is one thing to
love our neighbour with that love
whereto nature doth freely move us,
and another thing to love him with
that love whereto we are obliged, if
we would do whatsoever the Lord
commandeth us.
Third Lesson.
HE, then, that loveth his neigh
bour naturally, loveth him in
deed, but attaineth not unto that
great reward of love, for he loveth
him, not after the spirit, but after the
flesh. Therefore, when the Lord
saith : " This is My commandment,
That ye love one another," He saith
also, "as I have loved you," even
as though He said openly, "Love
ye one another, with that aim where
with I have loved you." And in
this matter, dearly beloved brethren,
it behoveth us to watch ; for he that
hateth us of old time, even while he
draweth our mind to love the things
which are seen and temporal, rouseth
up against us our neighbour who is
weaker than we are, to take from us
that which we love.
Prayer at Lauds and during the day.
GRANT, we beseech Thee, O Al
mighty God, that the worship
ful Feast of Thy blessed Apostle,
\here insert the name of the Saint,]
on the eve whereof we now stand,
may avail us to the increase both of
godliness toward Thee, and of health
to our own souls. Through our
Lord JESUS Christ Thy Son, Who
liveth and reigneth with Thee, in
the unity of the Holy Ghost, one
God, world without end. Amen.
On the eve of St Matthew (Sept. 20)
is said," Thy blessed Apostle and Evan
gelist Matthew." The Long Preces are
said at Lauds and Prime, and the
corresponding short ones at Terce, Se.rt,
and None, kneeling.
. dFor
Everything as on Sundays except
what is otherwise given here.
FIRST VESPERS.
Antiphons, Chapter, and Hymn from
Lauds.
The Prayer is always Proper.
Last Psalm.
O praise the LORD, &c., (Ps. cxvi.,
/. 186.)
Verse. l Their sound is gone out
through all the earth.
1 Ps. xviii. 5.
anft
Answer. And their words to the
ends of the world.
Antiphon at the Song of the Blessed
Virgin. 2 For they will deliver you
up to the councils, and they will
scourge you in their synagogues,
and ye shall be brought before kings
and governors for My sake, for a
testimony against them and the
Gentiles.
MATTINS.
Invitatory. The Lord, He is the
King of the Apostles. * O come, let
us worship Him !
2 Matth. x. 17, 18.
FOR APOSTLES AND EVANGELISTS.
347
Hymn. 1
^PHE Lord s eternal gifts,
*- The Apostles mighty praise,
Their victories, and high reward,
Sing we in joyful lays.
Lords of the Churches they;
Triumphant Chiefs of war ;
Brave Soldiers of the Heavenly Camp
True Lights for evermore.
Theirs was the Saint s high faith ;
And quenchless hope s pure glow ;
And perfect charity, which laid
The world s fell tyrant low.
In them the Father shone ;
In them the Son o ercame :
In them the Holy Spirit wrought,
And filled their hearts with flame.
Praise to the Father, Son,
And Spirit, One and Three ;
As evermore hath been before,
And shall for ever be. Amen.
FIRST NOCTURN.
Only three Psalms are said.
First Antiphon, Their sound is
gone out through all the earth, and
their words to the ends of the world.
Psalm XVIII.
[Intituled "A Psalm of David," with the
same further obscure superscription, as in
Pss. xii. and xiii.]
heavens declare the glory
of God, * and the firmament
showeth His handy-work.
Day unto day uttereth speech,
* and night unto night showeth
knowledge.
There is no speech nor language,
* where their voice is not heard.
Their sound is gone out through
all the earth : * and their words to
the ends of the world.
He hath set His tabernacle in the
sun : 2 * which is as a bridegroom
coming out of his chamber.
He rejoiceth as a strong man to
run a race : * his going forth is from
the end of the heaven.
And his circuit unto the ends of
it : * and there is nothing hid from
the heat thereof.
The law of the LORD is perfect,
converting the soul : * the testimony
of the LORD is sure, making wise the
simple.
The statutes of the LORD are
right, rejoicing the heart : * the
commandment of the LORD is clear,
giving light unto the eyes.
The fear of the LORD is holy,
enduring for ever and ever : * the
judgments of the LORD are true,
righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than
gold and store of precious stones,
* sweeter also than honey and the
honeycomb.
Verily, Thy servant keepeth them :
* in keeping of them there is great
reward.
Who can understand his errors?
Cleanse Thou me from secret faults :
1 Part of an hymn by St Ambrose, or by one of the Ambrosian school; slightly altered;
translation by the Rev. E. Caswall.
2 So the LXX., as well as the Vulgate. Cf. Ps. cii. 19 ; ciii. 2, 3. The sense seems to
be that the physical source of the light and life of this system is represented as a kind of
celestial counterpart of the tabernacle, which was the centre of the Divine authority as re
vealed upon earth. The Hebrew, however, which is supported by St Jerome, reads, "In
them (i.e., the starry heavens) hath He set a tabernacle for the sun," and this reading seems
to commend itself to Archbishop Kenrick, who suggests that the " tabernacle " may signify
the region below the horizon, into which the sun retires nightly, as into a tent, to sleep, and
from which he issues in renewed glory every morning. Targum : "In them hath He set
splendour as a tabernacle for the sun."
348
THE COMMON OF SATNTS.
* preserve Thy servant also from
the sins of others.
If they get not dominion over me,
then shall I be undefiled : * and
I shall be cleansed from the great
transgression.
Let the words of my mouth, and
the meditation of mine heart, * be
acceptable in Thy sight for ever,
O LORD mine Helper, * and my
Redeemer !
Second Antiphon. The righteous
cry, and the LORD heareth.
Psalm XXXIII.
[Intituled "Of David, when he changed
his behaviour before Abimelech, who drove
him away and he departed." This incident
is thus described in i Kings (Sam.) xxi. 10.
" And David arose and fled that day for fear
of Saul, and went to Achish " (otherwise
called Abimelech) the King of Gath. And
the servants of Achish said unto him : Is
not this David the King of the land? Did
they not sing one to another of him in
dances saying, Saul hath slain his thou
sands, and David his ten thousands ? And
David laid up these words in his heart, and
was sore afraid of Achish the King of Gath.
And he changed his behaviour before them,
and feigned himself mad in their hands,
and scrabbled on the doors of the gate, and
let his spittle fall down upon his beard.
Then said Achish to his servants: Lo, ye
see the man is mad ; wherefore have you
brought him to me? Have I need of mad
men, that ye have brought this fellow to
play the madman in my presence? Shall
this fellow come into mine house? xxii.
David therefore departed thence, and es
caped to the cave of Adullam." This Psalm
is A B C Darian.]
I WILL bless the LORD at all
times : * His praise shall con
tinually be in my mouth.
My soul shall make her boast in
the LORD : * the humble shall hear
thereof, and be glad.
magnify the LORD with me : *
and let us exalt His Name together.
1 sought the LORD, and He heard
me, * and delivered me from all my
distress.
Draw near unto Him, and be light
ened, * and your faces shall not be
ashamed.
This poor man cried, and the
LORD heard him, * and saved him
out of all his troubles.
The angel of the LORD encampeth
round about them that fear Him, *
and delivereth them.
O taste and see that the LORD is
good : * blessed is the man that
trusteth in Him.
O fear the LORD, all ye His Saints :
* for there is no want to them that
fear Him.
The mighty lack and suffer hunger :
* but they that seek the LORD shall
not want any good thing.
Come, ye children, hearken unto
me : * I will teach you the fear of
the LORD.
What man is he that desireth life,
* that loveth to see good days ?
Keep thy tongue from evil, * and
thy lips from speaking guile.
Depart from evil and do good : *
seek peace and pursue it.
The eyes of the LORD are upon
the righteous : * and His ears are
open unto their cry.
But the face of the LORD is against
them that do evil, * to cut off the re
membrance of them from the earth.
The righteous cry and the LORD
heareth, * and delivereth them out
of all their troubles.
The LORD is nigh unto them that
are of a broken heart, * and saveth
such as be of a contrite spirit.
Many are the afflictions of the
righteous : * but the LORD will de
liver them out of all.
The Lord keepeth all their bones :
* not one of them shall be broken.
FOR APOSTLES AND EVANGELISTS.
349
The death of sinners is grievous :
* and they that hate the righteous
shall be guilty.
The LORD redeemeth the souls of
His servants : * and none of them
that trust in Him shall be guilty.
Third Antiphon. Thou shalt
make them princes over all the
earth : they shall be mindful of
Thy Name, O Lord.
Psalm XLIV.
[This Psalm has a long superscription, the
exact meaning of which is not now certain.
It seems to have* been a marriage-song writ
ten to be sung by the Korahites. The Tar-
gum ascribes it to the time of Moses, but it
seems rather to belong to that of the Jewish
Monarchy.]
TV /TINE heart is overflowing with
V a good matter : * I speak of
my works unto the king.
My tongue is the pen * of a ready
writer.
Thou art fairer than the children
of men, grace is poured into thy lips :
* therefore God hath blessed thee
for ever.
Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, *
O most mighty !
In thy comeliness, and thy beauty,
* go forward, fare prosperously, and
reign,
Because of truth, and meekness,
and righteousness : * and thy right
hand shall lead thee wonderfully.
Thine arrows are sharp (the
people shall fall under thee) * into
the heart of the King s enemies.
1 Thy throne, O God, is for ever
and ever : * the sceptre of Thy
kingdom is a right sceptre.
Thou hast loved righteousness,
and hated iniquity : * therefore, God,
thy God, hath anointed thee with the
oil of gladness above thy fellows.
Thy garments smell of myrrh, and
aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory
palaces, * whereby kings daughters
among thine honourable women have
made thee glad.
Upon thy right hand did stand
the queen in a vesture of gold, *
bedecked with divers colours.
Hearken, O daughter, and con
sider, and incline thine ear : * for
get also thine own people, and thy
father s house :
And the King shall greatly de
sire thy beauty : * for He is the
Lord thy God, 2 and Him shall they
worship.
And the daughters of Tyre shall
entreat thy favour * with gifts, even
all the rich among the people.
The King s daughter is all glo
rious within, * in a vesture of gold,
clad in divers colours.
After her shall virgins be brought
unto the King : * her fellows shall
be brought unto thee.
With gladness and rejoicing shall
they be brought : * they shall enter
into the King s palace.
Instead of thy fathers shall be
thy children : * thou shalt make
them princes over all the earth.
They shall be mindful of thy
name, * unto all generations.
Therefore shall the people praise
thee for ever, * yea, for ever and ever.
Verse. Their sound is gone out
through all the earth.
Answer. And their words to the
ends of the world.
1 So are these words translated in Heb. i. 8, 9.
2 The word "God" is not in the Hebrew, and the original meaning, addressed to the
bride, is, " He is thy lord, and bow thou to him." So also St Jerome.
350
THE COMMON OF SAINTS.
The following Lessons are not read if
Proper Lessons are assigned instead.
First Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the First
Epistle of the Blessed Apostle
Paul to the Corinthians (iv. i.)
T ET a man so account of us as of
*-f the ministers of Christ, and
stewards of the mysteries of God. It
is required of stewards here, that a
man be found faithful. But with
me it is a very small thing that I
should be judged of you, or of man s
judgment : yea, I judge not mine
own self. For I know nothing
against myself: yet am I not here
by justified : but He that judgeth
me is the Lord. Therefore judge
nothing before the time, until the
Lord come : Who both will bring
to light the hidden things of dark
ness, and will make manifest the
counsels of the hearts : and then
shall every man have praise of God.
First Responsory.
1 Behold, I send you forth as
sheep in the midst of wolves, saith
the Lord ; be ye therefore wise as
serpents, and harmless as doves.
Verse. 2 While ye have light, be
lieve in the light, that ye may be the
children of light.
Answer. Be ye therefore wise as
serpents, and harmless as doves.
Second Lesson.
A ND these things, brethren, I
^~*- have in a figure transferred
to myself and to Apollos for your
sakes, that ye might learn in us not
to think of men above that which is
written, that no one of you be puffed
up for one against another. For
who maketh thee to differ from an
other? And what hast thou that
thou didst not receive? Now, if
thou didst receive it, why dost thou
glory, as if thou hadst not received
it? Now ye are full, now ye are
rich : ye have reigned as kings with
out us : and I would to God ye did
reign, that we also might reign with
you. For I think that God hath set
forth us the Apostles last, as it were
appointed to death : for we are made
a spectacle unto the world, and to
Angels, and to men.
Second Responsory.
3 Take My yoke upon you, saith
the Lord, and learn of Me, for I am
meek and lowly in heart ; for My
yoke is easy, and My burden is
light.
Verse. And ye shall find rest
unto your souls.
Answer. For My yoke is easy,
and My burden is light.
Third Lesson.
\ \ TE are fools for Christ s sake,
* * but ye are wise in Christ :
we are weak, but ye are strong : ye
are honourable, but we are despised.
Even unto this present hour we both
hunger, and thirst, and are naked,
and are buffeted, and have no cer
tain dwelling - place, and labour,
working with our own hands : being
reviled, we bless : being persecuted,
we suffer it : being defamed, we en
treat : we are made as the filth of
the earth, and are the off-scouring of
all things unto this day. I write not
these things to shame you, but as
1 Matth. x. 16.
John xii. 36.
3 Matth. xi. 29.
FOR APOSTLES AND EVANGELISTS.
351
my beloved sons, I warn you. For
though ye have ten thousand in
structors in Christ ; yet have ye not
many fathers. For in Christ JESUS
I have begotten you through the
Gospel.
Third Responsory.
1 When ye stand before kings and
governors, take no thought how or
what ye shall speak ; for it shall be
given you in that same hour, what
ye shall speak.
Verse. For it is not ye that
speak, but the Spirit of your Father,
Which speaketh in you.
Answer. For it shall be given
you in that same hour, what ye
shall speak.
Verse. Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost.
Answer. For it shall be given
you in that same hour, what ye
shall speak.
SECOND NOCTURN.
First Antiphon. The princes of
the people are gathered together
with the God of Abraham.
Psalm XLVI.
[Intituled "A Psalm of the sons of
Korah," with another (now uncertain) direc
tion.]
OCLAP your hands, all ye
people : * shout unto God
with the voice of triumph.
For the LORD Most High is ter
rible : * He is a great King over all
the earth.
He hath subdued the people
under us, * and the nations under
our feet.
He hath chosen His own inheri
tance for us, * the excellency of
Jacob, whom He loved. 2
God is gone up with a shout, *
and the LORD with the sound of a
trumpet.
Sing praises to our God, sing
praises : * sing praises unto our
King, sing praises.
For God is the King of all the
earth : * sing ye praises with under
standing.
God reigneth over the heathen :
* God sitteth upon the throne of
His holiness.
The princes of the people are
gathered together with the God of
Abraham : * for the mighty ones
of the earth are greatly exalted.
Second Antiphon. Thou hast
given the heritage to those that
fear Thy Name, O Lord.
Psalm LX.
[Intituled "of David." It has also a
musical (?) superscription now of uncertain
meaning.]
TT EAR my cry, O God : * attend
- unto my prayer.
From the ends of the earth I
cried unto Thee : * when mine
heart was overwhelmed, Thou didst
lift me up upon a rock.
Thou didst lead me, for Thou
hast been a shelter for me, " a
strong tower from the enemy.
I will abide in Thy tabernacle
for ever : * I will make my refuge
in the covert of Thy wings. 2
For Thou, O God, hast heard
my vows : * Thou hast given the
heritage to those that fear Thy
name.
Thou wilt prolong the King s
1 Matth. x. 18-20.
SLH.
352
THE COMMON OF SAINTS.
life : * and his years to many
generations.
He shall abide before God for
ever :
who will seek for His
mercy and truth ?
So will I sing praise unto Thy
name for ever : * that I may daily
perform my vows.
Third Antiphon. They declared
the work of God. and understood His
doings.
Psalm LXIII.
[Intituled "A Psalm of David" with a
farther superscription of meaning now
uncertain.]
T TEAR my voice, O God, in my
-*- prayer : * preserve my life
from fear of the enemy.
Thou hast hidden me from the
secret counsel of the wicked, * from
the insurrection of the workers of
iniquity.
For they whet their tongue like
a sword : * they bend their bow,
even bitter words, that they may
shoot in secret at the perfect.
Suddenly do they shoot at him
and fear not : * they encourage
themselves in evil purpose.
They commune of laying snares
privily : * they say : Who shall see
them ?
They search out iniquities : *
they accomplish a diligent search.
Man shall attain to thoughts that
are very deep : * but God shall
[still] be exalted.
The arrows of babes have pierced
them : * and their tongues are
weakened against them.
All that saw them were moved :
* and all men feared,
And declared the work of God, *
and understood His doings.
The righteous shall be glad in
the LORD, and shall trust in Him :
* and all the upright in heart shall
glory.
Verse. l Thou shalt make them
princes over all the earth.
Answer. They shall be mindful
of Thy Name, O Lord.
Fourth Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Ser
mons of Pope St Gregory [the
Great.] (30^ on the Gospels.)
T T is written : " By His Spirit the
- Lord hath garnished the
heavens." (Job xxvi. 13.) Now
the garniture of the heavens are the
godly powers of preachers, and this
garniture, what it is, Paul teacheth
us thus : " To one is given by the
Spirit the word of wisdom, to
another the word of knowledge by
the same Spirit ; to another faith
by the same Spirit ; to another the
gifts of healing by the same Spirit,
to another the working of miracles,
to another prophecy, to another
discerning of spirits, to another
divers kinds of tongues, to another
the interpretation of tongues. But
all these worketh that one and the
self-same Spirit, dividing to every
man severally as He will, (i Cor.
xii. 8.)
Fourth Responsory.
2 1 saw men standing together,
clad in shining raiment, and the
Angel of the Lord spake unto me,
1 Ps. xliv. 17, 18.
2 This Responsory reads like a quotation, but neither the translator nor any whom he
has consulted have succeeded in discovering its source. It is not in Scripture.
FOR APOSTLES AND EVANGELISTS.
353
saying : These men are holy, for
they are the friends of God.
Verse. 1 1 saw a strong Angel of
God fly into the midst of heaven,
saying with a loud voice
Answer. These men are holy,
for they are the friends of God.
Fifth Lesson.
SO much power then as have
preachers, so much garniture
have the heavens. Wherefore again
it is written : " By the word of the
LORD were the heavens made."
(Ps. xxxii. 6.) For the Word of
the Lord is the Son of the Father.
But, to the end that all the Holy
Trinity may be made manifest as
the Maker of the heavens, (that is,
of the Apostles,) it is straightway
added touching God the Holy
Ghost: "and all the host of them
by the Breath of His mouth."
Therefore the might of the same
heavens is the might of the Spirit,
for they had not braved the powers
of this world, unless the strength of
the Holy Ghost had comforted
them. For we know what manner
of men the Teachers of the Holy
Church were before the coming of
this Spirit : and since He came we
see in Whose strength they are
made strong.
Fifth Responsory.
2 Blessed are ye when men shall
revile you, and persecute you, and
shall say all manner of evil against
you falsely, for My sake; rejoice,
and be exceeding glad, for great is
your reward in heaven.
Verse. 3 When men shall hate
you, and when they shall separate
you from their company, and shall
reproach you, and cast out your name
as evil, for the Son of Man s sake.
Answer. Rejoice, and be ex
ceeding glad, for great is your re
ward in heaven.
Sixth Lesson*
\ TERILY, if we ask of the dam-
V sel that kept the door, she
will tell us what was the measure
of weakness and of strength in that
Shepherd 4 of the Church nigh to
whose most holy body we are now
sitting, before that the Spirit came.
He was so stricken by the words of
one woman, that for fear of death,
he denied Life. And we may well
remember that Peter denied in cap
tivity Him, Whom the thief con
fessed, even when He was lifted up
upon the Cross. But let us hear
what that craven was after that the
Spirit came. When the rulers and
elders were gathered together, the
Apostles were beaten, and com
manded not to speak at all nor
teach in the name of JESUS. And
Peter answered with great boldness,
" We ought to obey God rather
than men." (Acts v. 42.)
Sixth Responsory.
These are they which have con
quered, and are become the friends
of God, who recked not of the
commandments of princes, and
earned the everlasting reward. And
now have they crowns on their
heads, and palms in their hands.
1 Cf. Apoc. viii. 13. 2 Matth. v. n, 12. 8 Luke vi. 22.
4 St Peter, buried in the Vatican Basilica, where this sermon seems to have been
preached.
VOL. IV. N 2
354
THE COMMON OF SAINTS.
Verse. l These are they which
came out of great tribulation, and
have washed their robes in the
blood of the Lamb.
Answer. And now have they
crowns . on their heads, and palms
in their hands.
Verse. Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost.
Answer. And now have they
crowns on their heads, and palms
in their hands.
THIRD NOCTURN.
first Antiphon. The horns of
the righteous shall be exalted.
Alleluia.
Psalm LXXIV.
[Intituled " A Psalm A Song of Asaph,"
with a superscription of meaning now un
certain, but, in part, indicating the tune
" Destroy not. " The Targum says that it
was composed as a thanksgiving at the time
when David said " Destroy not thy people,"
and the occasion meant is probably that of
the plague provoked by David s number
ing of the people, as related in the last
chapter of 2 Kings (Sam.)]
UNTO Thee, O God, will we
give thanks : * we will give
thanks and call upon Thy name.
We will declare Thy wondrous
works : * when I shall take a set
time, I will judge uprightly.
The earth and all the inhabitants
thereof are dissolved : * I bear up
the pillars of it. 2
I said unto the wicked : Deal not
wickedly : * and to the evil-doers :
Lift not up your horn on high.
Lift not up your horn on high :
* speak not wickedness against
God.
For neither from the east, nor
from the west, nor from the desert
mountains : * for God is the judge :
He putteth down one, and setteth
up another : * for in the hand of the
LORD there is a cup of strong wine
full of mixture. 3
And he turneth it this way and
that : surely the dregs thereof are
not wrung out : * all the wicked of
the earth shall drink them.
But I will declare for ever : * I
will sing praises to the God of
Jacob.
All the horns of the wicked also
will I break : * and the horns of the
righteous shall be exalted.
Second Antiphon. Light is sprung
up for the righteous. Alleluia : and
gladness for the upright in heart.
Alleluia.
Psalm XCVI.
[The Vulgate and the LXX. have the
superscription "[A Psalm] of David when
his country was re - established " per
haps meaning after the usurpation of Ab-
solom.]
LORD reigneth ; let the
earth rejoice : * let the mul
titude of isles be glad thereof.
Clouds and darkness are round
about Him : * righteousness and
judgment are the foundation of
His throne.
A fire shall go before Him, * and
burn up His enemies round about.
His lightnings enlightened the
world : * the earth saw and trembled.
The hills melted like wax at
the presence of the LORD, * at
1 Apoc. vii. 14, cf. 9. 2 SLH.
3 Aromatic herbs, &c., were mixed with wine to make it more intoxicating.
See
Smith s Diet, of the Bible, Wine.
FOR APOSTLES AND EVANGELISTS.
355
the presence of the Lord of the
whole earth.
The heavens declared His right
eousness, * and all the people
saw His glory.
Confounded be all they that
worship graven images, * and that
boast themselves of idols.
Worship Him, all ye His An
gels ! * Zion heard, and was glad.
And the daughters of Judah
rejoiced, * because of Thy judg
ments, O LORD !
For thou, LORD, art high above
all the earth : * Thou art exalted
far above all gods.
Ye that love the LORD, hate evil :
* the Lord preserveth the souls of
His saints ; He delivereth them out
of the hand of the wicked.
Light is sprung up for the
righteous, * and gladness for the
upright in heart.
Rejoice in the LORD, ye right
eous, * and give thanks to the
memorial of His holiness !
Third Antiphon. They kept His
testimonies, and the ordinance that
He gave them. Alleluia.
Psalm XCVIII.
[The Vulgate and the LXX. ascribe this
Psalm to David.]
THE LORD reigneth, be the
people never so impatient : *
He sitteth upon the Cherubim, be
the earth never so unquiet.
The LORD is great in Zion :
and He is high above all people.
Let them praise Thy great and
terrible Name, for it is holy : * and
the King s majesty loveth judgment.
Thou dost establish equity : *
Thou executest judgment and right
eousness in Jacob.
Exalt ye the LORD our God, and
worship at His footstool : * for it
is holy.
Moses and Aaron among His
priests, * and Samuel among them
that call upon His name.
They called upon the LORD, and
He answered them. * He spake
unto them in the cloudy pillar :
They kept His testimonies, * and
the ordinance that He gave them.
Thou answeredst them, O LORD
our God! * O God, Thou forgav-
est them, though Thou tookest
vengeance of their inventions.
Exalt the LORD our God and
worship at His holy hill : * for the
LORD our God is holy.
Verse. l O God, Thy friends are
exceeding honourable.
Answer. Their power is waxen
right strong.
Seventh Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Holy
Gospel according to Matthew
(xix. 27.)
AT that time : Peter said unto
JESUS : Behold, we have for
saken all, and followed Thee : what
shall we have therefore? And so
on.
Homily by St Jerome, Priest [at
Bethlehem.] (Bk. iii. on Matth. xix.)
Peter was a fisherman, he was not
rich, he earned his bread by his
hand and skill, and nevertheless he
is thus bold, and saith confidently :
"We have forsaken all." And be
cause it sufiiceth not to forsake only,
1 Ps. cxxxviii. 17.
356
THE COMMON OF SAINTS.
he addeth that which to do is to
be perfect: "and followed Thee."
"We have done that which Thou
hast commanded us, what reward
therefore wilt Thou give us ? "
" And JESUS said unto them : Amen
I say unto you, that ye which have
followed Me, in the regeneration,
when the Son of Man shall sit in
the throne of His glory, ye also
shall sit upon twelve thrones, judg
ing the twelve tribes of Israel." He
said not, "Ye which have forsaken
all," for this did even Crates the
philosopher, 1 and they which have
set nothing by riches are many, but,
" Ye which have followed Me."
This did the Apostles, and this
do believers do.
Seventh Responsory.
These are they who while yet
they lived in the flesh, planted the
Church in their own blood; 2 they
drank of the Lord s cup, and became
the friends of God.
Verse. Their sound is gone out
through all the earth, and their
words to the ends of the world.
Answer. They drank of the
Lord s cup, and became the friends
of God.
Eighth Blessing.
He (or they) whose feast-day we
are keeping,
Be our Advocate (or Advocates)
with God.
Eighth Lesson.
" T N the regeneration, when the
-* Son of Man shall sit in the
throne of His glory, and when the
dead shall rise again from corruption
incorruptible, (i Cor. xv. 53,) ye also
shall sit upon twelve thrones of judg
ment, condemning the twelve tribes
of Israel, because, when ye believed
in Me, they would not. (John iii.
1 8.) And every one that hath for
saken houses, or brethren, or sisters,
or father, or mother, or wife, or chil
dren, or lands, for My Name s sake,
shall receive an hundredfold, and
shall inherit everlasting life." This
place agreeth well with that other
where the Saviour saith : " I came
not to send peace, but a sword.
For I am come to set a man at
variance against his father, and the
daughter against her mother, and the
daughter-in-law against her mother-
in-law ; and a man s foes shall be
they of his own household."
(Matth. x. 34.) Every one, there
fore, that hath set no store by
affection, and riches, and the pleas
ures of the world, for Christ s faith s
sake, and the preaching of the Gos
pel, shall receive an hundred-fold,
and shall inherit everlasting life.
Eighth Responsory.
These men are saints, whom the
Lord hath chosen in love unfeigned,
and hath given them glory everlast
ing. These are they by the light of
whose teaching the Church is glori
fied, even as the moon is glorified
by the light of the sun.
Verse. 3 The saints through faith
subdued kingdoms, wrought right
eousness.
Answer. By the light of whose
teaching the Church is glorified,
even as the moon is glorified by
the light of the sun.
1 A Greek cynic, remarkable for his self-denial, who flourished at Athens about B.C. 300.
2 Cf. Matth. xx. 22, 23. 3 Heb. xi. 33.
FOR APOSTLES AND EVANGELISTS.
357
Verse. Glory be to the Father, and
to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
Answer. By the light of whose
teaching the Church is glorified,
even as the moon is glorified by
the light of the sun.
Ninth Lesson.
BY reason of these words, " an
hundredfold," some will have
it that there shall be a thousand
years after the resurrection, wherein
they that have forsaken all things
shall receive an hundredfold of
those things which they have for
saken, and shall inherit everlasting
life. Such men consider not that
though in other things this were
worthy, as touching wives it is un
seemly : for it becometh us not to
think that he that hath forsaken one
wife in this world, shall receive an
hundred wives in that which is to
come. But the meaning is this,
that every one that for the Saviour s
sake hath forsaken earthly things,
shall receive spiritual things : which
things, being rightly weighed against
earthly things, are as though an hun
dredfold were weighed against one.
The Hymn, "We praise Thee, O
God, &c.," is said.
LAUDS.
First Antiphon. l This is My
commandment, * That ye love one
another, as I have loved you.
Second Antiphon. l Greater love
hath no man than this, * that a man
lay down his life for his friends.
Third Antiphon. l Ye are My
friends, * if ye do whatsoever I
command you, saith the Lord.
Fourth Antiphon. 2 Blessed are
the peace- makers, blessed are the
pure in heart, for they shall see
God.
Fifth Antiphon. 3 In your pa
tience * possess ye your souls.
Chapter. (Eph. ii. 19.)
T3RETHREN, now ye are no
4-^ more strangers and foreigners,
but fellow-citizens with the Saints,
and of the household of God : and
are built upon the foundation of
the Apostles and Prophets, JESUS
Christ Himself being the chief
corner-stone.
NOW let the earth with joy resound,
And Heaven the chant re-echo
round ;
Nor Heaven nor earth too high can
raise
The great Apostles glorious praise.
O ye who, throned in glory dread,
Shall judge the living and the dead !
Lights of the world for evermore !
To you the suppliant prayer we pour.
Ye close the sacred gates on high ;
At your command apart they fly :
O loose for us the guilty chain
We strive to break, and strive in vain.
Sickness and health your voice obey ;
At your command they go or stay :
From sin s disease our souls restore ;
In good confirm us more and more.
So when the world is at its end,
And Christ to judgment shall descend,
May we be called those joys to see,
Prepared from all eternity.
Praise to the Father, with the Son,
And Holy Spirit, Three in One ;
As ever was in ages past,
And so shall be while ages last.
Amen.
1 John xv. 12-14. 2 Matth. v. 9, 8. 3 Luke xxi. 19.
4 Of tenth to fifteenth century ; author unknown ; translation by the Rev. E. Caswall.
358
THE COMMON OF SAINTS.
Verse. l They declared the work
of God.
Answer. And understood His
doings.
Antiphon at the Song of Zacharias.
2 Ye which have forsaken all, and
have followed Me, shall receive an
hundredfold, and shall inherit ever
lasting life.
The Prayer throughout the Office is
always special.
PRIME.
Antiphon. This is My com
mandment, &c., (First Antiphon at
Lauds.)
Chapter at the end. (Acts v. 41.)
r I ^HE Apostles departed from the
* presence of the council, re
joicing that they were counted
worthy to surfer shame for the sake
of the name of JESUS.
TERCE.
Antiphon. Greater love, &c.,
(Second Antiphon at Lauds.)
Chapter from Lauds.
Short Responsory.
Their sound is gone out through
all the earth.
Answer. Their sound is gone
out through all the earth.
Verse. And their words to the
ends of the world.
Answer. Through all the earth.
Verse. Glory be to the Father, and
to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
Answer. Their sound is gone
out through all the earth.
1 Ps. Ixiii. 10.
Verse. Thou shalt make them
princes over all the earth.
Answer. They shall be mindful
of Thy Name, O Lord.
SEXT.
Antiphon. Ye are My friends,
&c., (Third Antiphon at Lauds.}
Chapter. (Acts v. 12.)
A ND by the hands of the Apos-
^~** ties were many signs and
wonders wrought among the people.
Short Responsory.
Thou shalt make them princes
over all the earth.
Answer. Thou shalt make them
princes over all the earth.
Verse. They shall be mindful of
Thy Name, O Lord.
Answer. Over all the earth.
Verse. Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost.
Answer. Thou shalt make them
princes over all the earth.
Verse. O God, Thy friends are
exceeding honourable.
Answer. Their power is waxen
right strong.
NONE.
Antiphon. In your patience, &c.,
(Fifth Antiphon at Lauds)
Chapter as at the end of Prime.
Short Responsory.
O God, Thy friends are exceeding
honourable.
Answer. O God, Thy friends are
exceeding honourable.
2 Matth. xix. 27-29.
FOR APOSTLES AND EVANGELISTS.
359
Verse. Their power is waxen
right strong.
Answer. Exceeding honourable.
Verse. Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost.
Answer. O God, Thy friends are
exceeding honourable.
Verse. They declared the work
of God.
Ansiver. And understood His
doings.
SECOND VESPERS.
First Antiphon. The LORD hath
sworn, and will not repent : Thou
art a Priest for ever.
Ps. cix. The LORD said, &c., (p.
176.)
Second Antiphon. That the Lord
may set him with the princes of His
people.
Ps. cxii. Praise the LORD, O ye
His servants, &c., (/. 178.)
Third Antiphon. O Lord, Thou
hast loosed my bonds : I will offer
to Thee the sacrifice of thanks
giving.
Psalm CXV.
[In the Hebrew this Psalm is a continua
tion of the last. The Vulgate and the LXX.
prefix "Alleluia."]
I BELIEVED, therefore have I
spoken : * but I was greatly
afflicted.
I said in my haste : * All men
are liars.
What shall I render unto the
LORD * for all His benefits toward
me?
I will take the cup of salvation,
* and call upon the name of the
LORD.
I will pay my vows unto the
LORD in the presence of all His
people. * Precious in the sight
of the LORD is the death of His
Saints.
LORD, truly I am Thy servant :
* I am Thy servant, and the son of
Thine handmaid :
Thou hast loosed my bonds. * I
will offer to Thee the sacrifice of
thanksgiving, and will call upon the
name of the LORD.
1 will pay my vows unto the
LORD, in the presence of all His
people : * in the courts of the
LORD S house, in the midst of thee,
O Jerusalem !
[Here the Hebrew appends "Alle
luia," which the Vulgate and the LXX.
prefix to the next Psalm.]
Fourth Antiphon. They went
forth weeping, sowing their seed.
Psalm CXXV.
[Intituled " A Song of Degrees."]
WHEN the LORD turned again
the captivity of Zion, * we
were like them that come again
from sickness.
Then was our mouth filled with
laughter, * and our tongue with
singing.
Then said they among the hea
then : * The LORD hath done great
things for them.
The LORD hath done great things
for us : * whereof we are glad.
Turn again our captivity, O
LORD, * as the streams in the
south.
They that sow in tears * shall
reap in joy.
They go forth weeping, * sow
ing their seed ;
THE COMMON OF SAINTS.
They shall doubtless come again
with rejoicing, * bringing their
sheaves with them.
Fifth Antiphon. O God, Thy
friends are honourable ; their power
is waxen right strong.
Psalm CXXXVI II.
[Intituled "A Psalm of David," with a
musical (?) direction, the meaning of which
is not now certain.]
LORD, Thou hast searched
me, and known me : * Thou
knowest my down-sitting and mine
up-rising :
Thou understandest my thoughts
afar off. * Thou searchest my path,
and my line,
And art acquainted with all my
ways : * before there is a word on
my tongue.
Lo, O LORD, Thou knowest all
things both new and old : * Thou
hast made me, and laid Thine hand
upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful
for me : * it is high, and I cannot
attain unto it.
Whither shall I go from Thy
Spirit? * or whither shall I flee
from Thy presence?
If I ascend up into heaven, Thou
are there : * if I go down into hell,
Thou art there.
If I take the wings of the morn
ing, * and dwell in the uttermost
parts of the sea;
Even there shall Thine hand lead
me, * and Thy right hand shall hold
me.
If I say : Surely the darkness
shall cover me : * even the night
shall be light about me in my
pleasures
For the darkness is not darkness
to Thee : and the night shineth as
the day : * the darkness and the
light to Thee are both alike.
For Thou didst form my reins :
Thou hast upholden me from
my mother s womb.
I will praise Thee, for Thy great
ness is terrible : * marvellous are
Thy works : and that my soul
knoweth right well.
My bones were not hid from
Thee, when Thou madest me in
secret : * nor my substance in the
lower parts of the earth.
Thine eyes beheld my substance
yet being imperfect : and in Thy
book all were written : * day by day
were they to be fashioned, when as
yet there was none of them.
But to me, O God, Thy friends
are exceeding honourable : * their
power is waxen right strong.
If I should count them, they are
more in number than the sand : * I
arose, and am still with Thee.
Surely Thou wilt slay the wicked,
O God : * depart from me, ye bloody
men.
For ye say in thought : * In
vain shall Thy people take Thy
cities.
Do not I hate them, O LORD,
that hate Thee? * and am not I
grieved at those that rise up against
Thee?
I hate them with perfect hatred :
* they are to me as enemies.
Search me, O God, and know
mine heart : * try me and know my
thoughts.
And see if there be any wicked
way in me : * and lead me in the
way everlasting.
Chapter, Hymn, a?td Verse and An
swer from Lauds.
FOR APOSTLES AND EVANGELISTS.
361
Antiphon at the Song of the nification of this number, Twelve.
Blessed Virgin. Wax valiant in "Ye shall sit," saith the Lord,
fight, and strive against the old "upon twelve thrones, judging the
serpent : and ye shall receive an twelve tribes of Israel."
everlasting kingdom. Alleluia.
Fifth Lesson.
IF then there be set there twelve
thrones of judgment, (Ps. cxxi.
5,) Paul, in that he is the thir
teenth Apostle, hath not where to
sit, nor wherein to judge. Never
theless, he hath said of himself
that he will judge not men only,
but angels. "Know ye not," saith
he, "that we shall judge angels?"
(i Cor. vi. 3,) that is, the fallen
angels. Then might they have
answered him : " Wherefore boastest
thou thyself to be a judge? For
where is thy seat ? The Lord hath
said that for the twelve Apostles
there shall be twelve thrones : one
of the twelve, even Judas, is in
deed fallen, but holy Matthias is
chosen into his place ; for the twelve
thrones there are still twelve to sit
thereon : first find whereon thou
shalt sit, and afterward give thyself
out for a judge." Let us see, then,
what is the meaning of these twelve
thrones. By them is signified in
a mystery the whole world, since
the Church shall be through all
the earth, whence this building is
called to be built up together in
Christ.
Sixth Lesson.
said that
tfjer Wessons for tije JJtasts
of tfje Apostles.
SECOND NOCTURN.
Fourth Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Ex
position of the Eighty-sixth Psalm
by St Austin, Bishop [of Hippo.]
" TTER foundation is in the holy
**- mountains : the LORD lov-
eth the gates of Zion." Where
fore hath the city twelve founda
tions, and in them the names of
the Prophets and of the Apostles
of the Lamb? 1 Because their
authority is the foundation where
on our weakness resteth. Where
fore are they the gates ? 2 Because
through them we enter in unto the
kingdom of God, since they have
preached the same unto us, and
when we enter in through their
preaching, we enter in by Christ,
Who is Himself The Door. (John
x. 7.) And, whereas it is written
that the city hath twelve gates, and,
again, that Christ is the one Door,
Christ is all the twelve, for He is
in all the twelve : and therefore
were twelve Apostles chosen. There
lieth a great mystery in the sig-
THEREFORE is it
there shall be twelve thrones,
because from all quarters shall there
come men to be judged ; even as it is
but there the Prophets are
1 A sort of quotation from or allusion to Apoc. xxi. 14,
not mentioned.
2 Apoc. xxi. 12, says that on the gates were written the names of the twelve tribes
of Israel.
3 62
THE COMMON OF SAINTS.
said that the city hath twelve gates,
because from all quarters shall the
nations of them which are saved,
enter into it. So, not the twelve
only, and the Apostle Paul, but all,
as many as shall judge, have part
in these twelve thrones, this signi
fying, that they shall judge all men ;
even as all that enter into the
city, have part in her twelve gates.
For there are four quarters of the
world, the East, and the West, and
the North, and the South : of which
four quarters is mention often made
in the Scriptures. From the four
winds shall the elect be gathered
together, as saith the Lord in the
Gospel: "And He shall send His
Angels with a great sound of a
trumpet ; and they shall gather to
gether His elect from the four winds,
from one end of heaven to the
other." (Matth. xxiv. 31.) From
the four winds, therefore, is the
Church called together ; and how
are they called? Everywhere are
they called in the Trinity ; for they
are called no otherwise than by
baptizing them in the Name of the
Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Ghost. (Matth. xxvii. 19.)
Now four being multiplied by three
is twelve.
THIRD NOCTURN.
Seventh Lesson.
The Lesson is taken from the Holy
Gospel according to Matthew
(xix. 27.)
AT that time : Peter said unto
JESUS : Behold, we have for
saken all, and followed Thee : what
shall we have therefore ? And so on.
Homily by the Venerable Bede,
Priest [at Jarrow and Doctor of the
Church.] (Homily for St Benedict s
Birth-day.}
" If thou wilt be perfect," saith
Christ, " go and sell that thou hast,
and give to the poor, and come
and follow Me : and thou shalt
have treasure in heaven." (Matth.
xix. 21.) Yea, treasure that passeth
not away ! Unto such saith JESUS,
at the questioning of Peter : " Amen
I say unto you, that ye which have
followed Me, in the regeneration,
when the Son of Man shall sit in
the throne of His glory, ye also
shall sit upon twelve thrones, judg
ing the twelve tribes of Israel." He
taught them, which work for His
Name s sake in this life, to look
for their reward in another life :
that is, in the regeneration. " In
the regeneration ! " when we who
have been born dying creatures
into a dying life, shall in the re
surrection be born again into an
undying life.
Eighth Lesson.
A ND soothly, it is a just retri-
^* bution, that they, who, while
they were yet here, have for Christ s
sake set no store by being great
among men, should there by Christ
be singularly glorified to be the
assessors of His judgment-seat, even
they whom nothing here could turn
aside from being the followers of
His footsteps. Nevertheless, let
there be no man that believeth
that the twelve Apostles only, among
whom Matthias holdeth that place
from which Judas by transgression
fell, (Acts i. 25,) that they only
FOR APOSTLES AND EVANGELISTS.
363
shall judge, even as the twelve
tribes of Israel shall not alone be
judged : for then were the tribe of
Levi, which is the thirteenth, un-
judged.
Ninth Lesson.
TV/T OREOVER, then, were Paul,
* who is the thirteenth Apostle,
deprived of all part in the judg
ment ; whereas he saith of him
self: "Know ye not that we shall
judge angels ? How 
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